A Debt to Delia

by Barbara Metzger

Book Overview

Major Tyverne has offered to marry lovely Delia Croft. But she can't help wondering if duty-not desire-rules his heart. "One of the genre's wittiest pens." (Romantic Times) This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451205863
• ISBN13: 9780451205865
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Achievement

One of my favourite Regency authors, Barbara Metzger has given us in A Debt to Delia a novel which is a real triumph. Truly bittersweet, this is a story of farce, fear, love, hope and redemption. Metzger has a gift for comedy which is second to none amongst the genre but what other author could write of a young girl dying of grief and a pregnancy gone horribly wrong, a successful (for the times) ceasarian birth, parents who learn from grevious error, a girl rescued from prostitution, death on the battlefield, ardent honour and bravery and still, despite all of this, make it a comedy?At times whilst reading this book I hoped no one was looking over my shoulder because I was almost embarrassed to be so amused despite the utter tragedy that forms the framework for the plot ot this book. In one day there is a marriage, a death and a baptism yet through the tragedy, people are falling in love, planning for the future and reacting with real, human emotions. I still cannot figure out how the author managed it.The H/H are both lovely: he is an over-sized macho military major with a soft heart and divine sense of honour. She is a feisty yet loyally loving girl with maturity beyond those she must look after, all of whom are older but not wiser. And, as always with Metzger's work, there is the usual cast of strange and wierd villains, wonderfully quirky servants, relatives from hell, babies, children and animals that form part of the fabric of the story.Loved it. Absolutely loved it and recommend it most highly. If you want something different, something poignant yet funny peopled with endearing characters and nasty villains, then do read this. You won't be disappointed!

A Wonderful Read!

This is the first of Barbara Metzger's books I've read but it won't be the last. Major Lord Tyverne is not the typical romance hero. He's a little brusque and stiff but he is certainly honorable. And it is his honor that persuades him to seek out Delia to offer marriage. Unfortunately, there are some misunderstandings and confusion. But, he does do the most honorable thing (you'll have to read it for yourself) and I cried. As the story progresses and more characters invade Delia's life I laughed. Ty and Delia are truly likeable and their growing attraction and affection is a treat to watch. This book is hard to put down. It is a keeper!

Excellently entertaining comedy of errors

I can't agree with the reviewer who called this book "boring" -- she must have read a different novel! I thought it was great fun; there is a wonderful contrast between the lighthearted aspects and the serious undertones in the protagonists' situations. I liked both hero and heroine very much. I liked Ty, so determined to do the right and honorable thing but completely clueless as to what it might be. I liked Delia, equally determined in her own way to sort things out without having to sacrifice her own life to a marriage with some yucky guy, or to someone she thinks doesn't love her. Some of the comic moments (Ty's proposal, for instance) had me chuckling out loud. Of all Ms Metzger's books, my favorites are still MISS LOCKHARTE'S LETTERS and A LOYAL COMPANION, but this is right up there close behind.

Another winner by Metzger

Others have given the plot, so I won't repeat. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book from the very witty and talented Barbara Metzger. No other Regency author I am aware of can write the sweet and tender scenes all the while making us laugh like Metzger. Highly recommended as a fun read and one that will touch your heart.

A KEEPER!

Major Lord Tyverne, the next Earl of Stivern, found himself facing death while in the Peninsula behind enemy lines. At the last moment, Lieutenant George Croft arrived on his aptly named steed, Diablo. George died saving Ty's life. His last words were for Ty to live on so that someday he could save the life of another. Ty was given George's belongings. The bad-mannered brute named Diablo now belonged to Ty as well. While going through George's things, in hope of finding relatives to send the belongings to, he found letters. Within them, he read of a sister, Dilly, and an infant in dire circumstances. To repay George, Ty decided to marry the unwed sister, so she and the baby would want for nothing. (I must skip much so nothing vital will be revealed.) Delia Croft was shunned by all, even those who once called themselves her friends. With the news of George's death, her cousin, Clarence, inherited the title. Sir Clarence Croft and his wife, Gwen, held the finances and refused Delia all they legally could. Ty arrived on Diablo, still severely wounded and delirious. Before passing out, he announced he would marry Delia to repay a debt! Needless to say, Delia was furious! She would marry for nothing less than love and no one would ever change her mind! ***** Oh, this is SO good! Barbara Metzger started the book off with a bang and then surprised the reader over and over with pieces of tantalizing tid-bits! This book is one for the "Keeper" shelf! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch.