I LOVED this book! The characters were easy to fall in love with, sympathize with and cheer for. The romance between Vanessa and Alexander was both tender and passionate. Their love for one another was so evident even though it was supposed to be a make-believe courtship. I cried more than once while reading this story. I couldn't put this book down. In fact, after finishing it I picked it up the next day and read it all over again.
A Fabulous Debut by a Bright New Star
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Despite the fact that I work long hours as a lawyer, I found myself staying up against my better judgment until almost 2:00 a.m. to finish this wonderful new novel by Kate Huntington. The plot, involving an impoverished Yorkshire girl who is dragged to London by her vulgar but ambitious mother to catch a rich and titled husband and who enters into a sham engagement with the handsome heir to an earldom has been done many times before. However, in Ms. Huntington's talented hands, it seems fresh and new. I can't remember the last time I read a book of this genre and found the dialogue to be so real that the characters practically leapt off of the page. Not only were the main characters well developed and richly drawn, but all of the secondary characters came to life for me as well. The storyline developed logically and realistically, without any contrived scenes. Although the book ended happily, the story seemed so true that the love affair between Vanessa and Alexander could easily have turned out much differently. In short, I heartily recommend this book to all lovers of the regency novel who are sticklers for accurate period detail, witty and fresh dialogue, and a well-crafted plot. My only advice would be not to start reading this book after dinner on a work night when you have to get up early the next day, because you won't be able to put it down before dawn!
WARM, WITTY, WONDERFUL!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
The CAPTAIN'S COURTSHIP is everything a Regency should be, and more. Kate Huntington has such a wonderful, wonderful voice! I loved this book!
An engaging flirtation, cover to cover!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I don't read a lot of Regencies, so I was delighted that THE CAPTAIN'S COURTSHIP was written with style and humor, without so much of the era's slang and mannerisms that I couldn't follow the action. Ms. Huntington kept the suspense high as I turned the pages, creating wonderful conflicts and a heroine well worth rooting for!
Excellent new regency!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This is a new regency by a new regency writer, and I thought it was FABULOUS. Even taking into account that I typically enjoy the "false engagement" plot, I think that this one is outstanding. The heroine, Vanessa Whittaker, is a fortune hunter of necessity--eldest daughter of a widow with several more and no funds. Her character and her situation (often snubbed and of necessity dealing with elderly, rich suitors chosen by her mother) are very well handled. Also the hero, who wants to return to the war but is rejected because of his father's influence, has real character, and the development of his affection for Vanessa is wonderful. He persuades her to play the role of fiancee when he realizes that his father will be willing to send him back to his company if he thinks that his son is going to marry this card-carrying fortune hunter with and improvident family. Vanessa is a gem, the Captain is charming and interesting, and the plot seemed fresh to me, despite the number of false betrothal novels I have read. Oh, and there is a rich array of minor characters, most of whom are also full characters rather than carciatures. I recommend this book very highly!
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