|
Reviews
Courting Constance
I am excited to share that I finally, FINALLY, (after so many tries)
have my first overseas review for Courting Constance:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Courting-Constance-Teryl-Cartwright/dp/0981989691/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1297622996&sr=8-1
4.0 out of 5 stars Regency Romance, 10 Feb 2011
By
Damaskcat (UK) -
See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 50 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Courting Constance (Paperback)
Constance travels to Bath with her friend Harriet usually known as
Harry and Harriet's mother with the intention of helping Harry find
a husband. Harry is quiet and withdrawn and her mother fears she
will never attract the attention of an eligible suitor. Constance
wants to try and win back her estranged fiancé, Sir Geoffrey
Thornhill because she still loves him.
But the visit does not start off well when the coach is held up by a
highwayman who steals a pendant belonging to Constance which is her
only memento of her broken engagement. Fortunately Lord Robert
Fenway comes to their rescue and the highwayman disappears.
This is the Bath of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen and there are
balls and outings a-plenty to keep the girls and their chaperone
occupied. Constance sets about winning Geoffrey back but little does
she know that Geoffrey has his own agenda. The ways in which
Constance attempts to woo Geoffrey are amusing and ingenious though
misguided at times.
The relationship between Constance and Harry is well done with the
contrast between their two different characters. I also liked the
way the characters of the two girls developed alongside those of
Geoffrey himself and Robert Fenway who is his closest friend. There
is a Christian theme to the story but this is does not overwhelm the
story. Constance battles with the way she wants to behave and the
way polite society dictates she should behave.
All the characters grow and develop as the story progresses through
misunderstanding after misunderstanding. I thought Geoffrey a little
childish at first but he matures aided by Robert who seems to have
more common sense and knowledge of human nature. This is an
interesting a satisfying read and a welcome addition to the ranks of
Regency novels.
Courting Constance by Teryl Cartwright
Full Reviews (in order of publication date)
A very special thank you to the wonderful
people who took the time to review my book—you are great and I
deeply appreciate your work and your help.
1.
Fresh Fiction review by Viki Ferrell
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=26302
The Season in Bath is for young men and women to find a husband or
wife. Many travel from the countryside to this town each year to
court one another. Constance Alford and her best friend, Harriet
Guyer, are in Bath for just that purpose. They are appropriately
accompanied by Harriet's mother so as never to be found in an
inappropriate situation.
Sir Geoffrey Thornhill has just broken off his engagement to
Constance, so she has come to Bath to court him specifically and
make him love her again. She's a very unconventional girl and goes
about her courting in somewhat romantic, but very unconventional
ways. When her secret courting gets misinterpreted and is thought to
be for Geoffrey's best friend, Lord Robert Fenway, a tangled mess
unfolds. Harriet has her eyes set on Lord Fenway and is infuriated
by the whole situation.
Sir Geoffrey enjoys the courting, saying there is an element of
surprise and danger in the chase. Does he ever get a surprise -- and
finds danger, as well. The chase seems more like a battle than a
courtship, and no one is sure who will end up with whom in the end.
This inspirational novel shows that true love can conquer all and
that people can change their thought processes and, in turn, their
lives. A perfect blend of humor, romance and a little conspiracy
make this a charming story, indeed.
1.
Romance Junkies review by Audrey
Johnson,
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/historical/Courting_Constance.shtml
Beautiful
and smart, Constance has never worked hard to attract male
attention. After becoming engaged to Sir Geoffrey this fact did not
change, and since Sir Geoffrey seemed more interested in having won
her rather than loving her, Constance did not hesitate to flirt with
other men. What she did not count on, though, was Sir Geoffrey’s
anger at her behavior and the ending of their engagement.
Too late, Constance realizes and understands her love for Sir
Geoffrey, and dedicates herself to winning him back no matter the
cost. Just as he wooed her, old-fashioned courting seems the best
way to catch his interest once again. After arriving in Bath where
she knows Sir Geoffrey is currently visiting, Constance begins a
series of tasks aimed to prove her love. His response, though, is
not what she expected: the more she pushes her love towards him, the
more he backs away.
Sir Geoffrey has had more than enough of Constance. In his mind,
she is the most inconsistent of individuals. It is incomprehensible
to him to forgive her for flirting with other gentlemen, and he has
no plans on reconciliation. Furthermore, every time he sets out to
gauge her love, she seems intent on pushing him away. Despite their
frequent encounters in Bath, Sir Geoffrey cannot help but feel that
in every one Constance rudely intends to push him away.
COURTING CONSTANCE is a wonderful tale of learning what it truly
means to love someone, even if it requires letting them go. Through
humorous and entertaining debacles, Cartwright takes her readers on
a fun but instructive tale about the many demands true love places
upon individuals. The reader feels Constance’s longing for Sir
Geoffrey and her frustration when her actions only seem to result in
pushing him further away. COURTING CONSTANCE is a calming, amusing
read that portrays the important lesson that you can’t force love
upon someone and that what’s meant to be will be, despite what you
may wish.”
2.
Long and Short Romance
Reviews/Review by Tiger Lily
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/courting-constance-by-teryl-cartwright.html
What happens when the love of your life doesn't want you? What if
you were the one who pushed him away? You have a handful of choices.
You can fight to get him back, or you can live and let live. What
would you do?
If you're Constance, you fight in the only way you know how--cunning
and sweetness. Oh, and a helping of slightly pushy with a side of
nosy never was this cute.
First I have to say I read this book in one sitting. It was that
good. The characters arrested me in the space of one page. I had to
know what would happen next. Constance is so inventive--I loved her
pluck.
I've found with many historical, the reading can sometimes be dry.
Not so with this book. I felt
like I was there with Constance and Geoffrey fumbling to come to
terms with what had happened to their relationship. The writing is
tight and bounced the story along.
As I said, I loved Constance's resolve. When she decided to go for
Geoffrey, she put her whole heart into it. Unlike many women in
historical, she's feisty and resourceful. Circumstances reminded me
of her time in history near the end, but it fit and worked well with
the plot.
The one who took some time to grow on me was Geoffrey. In the
beginning of the book, he's not the most pleasant character because
he's filled with rage. But, I liked how he grew as a person and
embraced his faith. It was nice to see him realize what really
resided in his heart.
If you want a story that's fast-paced and very sweet, then you need
to read Courting Constance. I give this story 4 books.
1.
Review by Leslie from Storey
Book Reviews
http://storeybookreviews.com
Courting Constance is a
historical romance novel. Constance was engaged to Geoffrey but he
called off the engagement after seeing her flirt with another man
just weeks before the wedding. Constance decides that she wants him
back and follows him to Bath in order to court him secretly. She
isn’t going to do it with flowers and candy as most men would do to
court women, instead she decides to use music and food. What
follows can be described as a comedy of errors or as the author
shared the tagline with me – If you had to win a guy in 10 days in
Regency England, how would you do it?
I will admit that I’m not usually a
huge historical romance fan but Courting Constance had me
chuckling from the first chapter. Between her antics in trying to
court Geoffrey and Geoffrey trying to get revenge on Constance for
the flirting had me in stitches. Constance is definitely a “modern”
woman for her time and isn’t afraid to go for what she wants in
life. And what makes the story more comical is when society thinks
that she is courting Geoffrey’s best friend (and next door neighbor)
Lord Robert Fenway…who wants to help Geoffrey but has also taken a
liking to Harriet.
Oh what a tangled web Constance weaves
in the name of love! But along the way she realizes that sometimes
you have to let love go so that others can be happy. However, even
this realization causes problems for headstrong Constance. In the
end she learns to open her ears and close her mouth and listen.
I definitely recommend this book and
give it 4 stars. Next time you are in the mood for a little
historical romance, pick up this book, you won’t be disappointed.
2.
From Randomartco “period film aficionado” on Amazon.com
Courting
Constance is the delightful tale of Constance Alford & Sir Geoffrey
Thornhill - when Constance loses her fiance, Sir Geoffrey, after he
breaks off their engagement when finding her embracing another man,
she is determined to get him back at all costs. But Sir Geoffrey has
plans of his own, that include a little thing called revenge - when
these two start to act outside the boundaries of their strict
Regency society, things in Bath really get interesting...will Sir
Geoffrey ultimately get his revenge or will Constance win him back &
become more like her name?!
I was quite engrossed in this tale of Constance & Sir Geoffrey - the
plot is interesting, the characters likeable, and I truly wanted to
know what was going to happen, and was rooting for things to work
out for certain people. From the very first line, the author pulls
you into the intricate world of Regency courtship - I very much
enjoyed this read! The cover photo is not period correct (her hair
would be up and the color natural, both their clothes are incorrect
for the period, she would be in an empire-waisted dress, stays, etc.
- I dress in Regency & attend historical events, so I research the
fashion), but I still very much loved the story - I would absolutely
recommend this book, a great read!
1.
Review by
Michelle
Griep on
http://novelreviews.blogspot.com/
“I will make him love me again.”
With this vow, Constance Alford, realizing she may have lost the
only love of her
life, pursues her former fiancé relentlessly. She isn’t surprised to
discover Sir Geoffrey isn’t at all interested in his not so ‘secret’
admirer. And when her creative attempts to win him back fail,
Constance begins to think that her best, most daring plan of all
still won’t be enough.
Still suffering from the sting of Constance’s earlier rejection, Sir
Geoffrey also
has a plan for the resourceful Miss Alford, although his ideas
revolve more around
revenge. She would pay for trifling with the love he once offered
her. He would make her truly love him and then walk away from her,
finally and forever. But his heart gets in the way of his ideas, and
he soon finds himself at the mercy of his own plans.
What I liked most about Courting Constance is the setting. Author
Teryl
Cartwright takes the reader on a lovely visit to Bath, England. Her
attention to detail has you tasting the awful medicinal waters and
biting on a Sally Lunn bun right along with the characters.
If you’re looking for a sweet read on a rainy day, this is the book
for you.
2.
This is from Emily at the
website
http://singletitles.com/?p=5139
"Courting Constance is a delightful tale with an interesting twist
to courtship."
Constance Alford
once hurt the man who had captured her heart, realizing later that
her mistakes need to be rectified. Sir Geoffrey is still scorned
from the broken engagement from Constance,
when Constance begins pursuing him with a vengeance he is not
quite as willing to be trapped in her web, instead plotting his own
type of revenge that will leave her reeling. Will his plan work or
will he find himself falling for her all over again.
Courting Constance is a delightful tale with an interesting twist
to courtship. I really enjoyed Sir Geoffrey, his feelings were raw
and translated beautifully in the story. Teryl Cartwright touches
on the fact that marriage was more of a contract at this time, and
marrying for love was not always in the best interest of those
involved. I always find this a fascinating aspect to stories set
back in history.
 Like
Unlike
|
|
|
|
Sensuality Rating:
Sweet
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars |
1.
This is from Inspirational
Author Michelle Sutton who has gracious posted this review on
Amazon, BN and many other blogs:
For a book not labeled as a Christian romance, this regency novel
was pretty sweet and even Christian sounding. The heroine reflects
on the Bible and even has a change of heart that strengthens her
faith. I wasn't expecting that. And for a romance it was more funny
than romancy because of some of the crazy things that Constance did.
While this book could be read as a stand alone, I got the impression
their was a previous story when I was about halfway through this
book. That didn't hurt the story at all. I just thought I'd mention
it.
As far as entertainment value goes, I read this book quickly. There
were a few places where the spiritual journey seemed to pop out of
nowhere, like the inciting incident that should take place prior to
the reaction was delayed or missing. But it was a minor issue.
Overall I found this story delightful and amusing. The antics made
the story cute. I particularly loved the mix up at the end and
Constance's scheme involving a gun. I won't say what it was (or it
would spoil the fun for the reader) but I will say it was hilarious!
In fact, that was probably my favorite part of the book. I also
enjoyed all of the crazy bantering and small talk that people did
when socializing in those days. If you like a clean romance with
witty banter and funny incidents, you will enjoy this Regency.
Courting Constance was published by Vintage Romance
Publishing and was released in July 2010. The author sent me the
book to review. I was not compensated in any way for my opinion.
A Sensible
Match
Thank
you, Lisa from the Romance Junkies website for the following Blue
Ribbon Review found at
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/historical/A_Sensible_Match.shtml
Abby Alford is a quiet young woman, the oldest
daughter of a good, but not wealthy family and the perfect wife for
a vicar. At least her mother thinks so. Edwin Chappell is a second
son. His older brother is titled, but he has little to offer a
future bride. It’s of small consequence to him. He wants to be a
vicar and hopes to find a suitable wife content to be a vicar’s
wife. Unfortunately, his mother has promised him to her friend’s
eldest daughter.
Edwin imagines a girl who will make a perfect wife for a vicar will
dull and boring. Abby is quite content as she is. Granted, she’s
called a spinster, but she’d rather marry for love or not at all.
She attempts to seem silly and talkative, but Edwin sees through her
ruse and becomes intrigued but her wit and wisdom. He believes his
mother may not have picked such a bad wife for him after all.
Abby, too, finds Edwin isn’t the pompous young man she at first
thought him to be. They are growing increasingly fond of each other
when Edwin receives word his older brother has been killed, and he
must return home to assume his title. No longer a humble vicar,
Edwin is now Lord Stanway. He has an obligation to his family and
his estate, and Abby isn’t sure he’ll want her as his wife.
A SENSIBLE MATCH is a wonderful love story. Abby and Edwin both face
many challenges, and must rely on God’s guidance. Upon Edwin’s
arrival in her town, she must endure social functions, unwanted
attention, and advice from older parishoners who feel they can
instruct her how to be a proper vicar’s wife. Abby is a lovable
heroine who brings a smile to your face. Edwin believes his life is
set, but the sudden death of his brother leaves him questioning many
things. He is very conflicted but works through this to become a
strong and worthy match for Abby. You really want to see this couple
get together. This is a great story.
By Romance Junkies Reviewer: lisa
Thank you Elise Lyn of
www.ecataromance.com for your December 2007 review of the
Advanced Reader's Copy; I appreciate your comments and permission
you've given me to post your work here.
Teryl Cartwright’s A Sensible Match takes us back to a world of
arranged marriages and uncertain futures. All her life Abigail
Alford has been plagued by a shyness so painful she unable to
respond when a member of the opposite sex talks to her. Despairing
of her daughter ever marrying, Abby’s mother reminds her friend of a
promise made when both their children were young. Lord Edwin
Chappell, her son, as the spare will be taking over the vicarage in
Abby’s village. Abby’s parent know she would make a perfect vicar’s
wife. Abby is not so sure and resents all choice being taken from
her, especially after she overhears him insulting her. Edwin feels
the same way when told who he must marry. Consenting to come and
meet her, Edwin is surprised when she is not at all like she was
portrayed. Abby knows she must convince Edwin she would not be a
sensible match and her anger overcomes her shyness. Edwin finds this
contradictory Abby to be intriguing and he resolves to get to know
her better. But fate steps in and these two must deal with a series
of misunderstandings and plots if they are to be together.
Abby wanted love in her marriage and did not want
to marry Edwin. Edwin felt the same way. Abby’s decision to convince
Edwin they would not suit led to some delightfully witty dialogue
with unintended meanings. These two truly were meant for each other,
but with changes in destiny and interference from family, these two
would need to work hard for the happily ever after. Captivating and
clever, A Sensible Match will keep your interest from beginning to
end. This is my first book by Teryl Cartwright but I will be on the
look out for more of her charming tales.
Kay
James of The Romance Readers at Heart website,
www.romancereaderatheart.com, has
been gracious enough to submit the following review for my Advanced
Reader's Copy of A Sensible Match.
A SENSIBLE MATCH by Teryl
Cartwright is one of those delightful books that brings a smile to
the reader’s face from the very first page. Then, it kept me
entertained so thoroughly that I was saddened to realize the
adventure was nearing an end. Although the story feels a bit
“rambling” in spots, the story is overall wonderfully written,
engaging and through-and-through humorous. Not merely an account of
one couple’s awkward courtship, it is a commentary on relationships.
Those between men and
women, families and their opinions on marriage and the opposite sex.
A SENSIBLE MATCH is a
sensible choice for summertime reading. It is entertaining and
lively, romantic and funny. I loved watching the relationship
between Abby and Edwin evolve. Without giving too much away, I’ll
just say it was great fun to watch them change so drastically. They
are not the same characters at the end of this novel that they were
in the opening pages, and it was entertaining to watch the
transformation.
© Teryl Cartwright
2007
Designed by
Way2Kool Designs |
