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Hi, this page is dedicated to Cindy Holbrook one of my favorite authors. She writes mainly Regency Romances, that are very good and of an hilarious turn. The fun that happens along the way is definitely worth it. I have read only six of her books so far, but I have read them each at least four times(if not five, or six...). I have also read at least one short story by her, I'm not certain... I'd like to note that, once I'd read My Lady's Servant I rather gave up on Ms. Holbrook. I'm not certain why. Perhaps it just didn't have the charm of her earlier works. Certainly, I got annoyed at the repetious 'heroine must stop being so wild' meme. Or maybe I was just tired of regencies. Not sure. I do know that I've read two others past MLS, and neither were that wonderful. The Cindy Holbrook's I have read are:
Covington's Folly - Not too bad. Better, certainly, than MLS (though it contains quite a few of the same themes as MLS), with some very silly people in it.
Other CH books I've not read:
Short Stories:
LORD SAYER'S GHOST Here is a summary of the plot: Lord Sayer is dead and left a clause in his will--only the relative who could survive one year at Shadow Hall would inherit the lot. Unfortunately, Lord Sayer is haunting Shadow Hall, and his relatives are an easily frightened bunch. Save for Miss Prudence Campbell and her Aunt Saraphina. When the ghost ruins her first proposal Prudence vows 'twill be war, and begins insulting the dearly departed ghost. The ghost himself decides to teach her a lesson, unfortunately for him she's made of sterner stuff and ends up knocking him down--thus discovering that he is actually still alive! After learning why he was masquerading as a ghost Prudence vows to help him discover who had previously attempted to murder him. Along the way they fall in love, haunt a lot of people and generally have lots of fun. The Characters: The heroine Prudence , is a gem, definitely right for the rafish, though lovable Sinjun St. Claire, Lord Sayer. Aunt Saraphina and all her ghostly friends provide wonderful, imaginative insight into the spirit realms--especially the dear departed Elmore, Saraphina's deceased husband. Mr. Benny Plume, that most notorious of Bow Street Runners, is the perfect balance for the villain. Sinjun's relatives are all quite scary, and his ex-mistress just hates giving up jewelry--and such an actress too. And what book would be complete without the unrequited lovers? Amply provided for with Sinjun's best friend and former fiance, Justin and Delia. The Plot: lot's of fun and it keeps you guessing till the end who the villain is. There are some very excellent scenes, some of the most notable when the 'ghost' is out haunting with his cohort and partner in crime, the upright Miss Prudence! Other great scenes include: the seance, Prudence's retrieval of a pillow, Mr. Plume's solving of the mystery, and Sinjun getting very drunk late one night.
A RAKE'S REFORM
The Characters: Mandalee and Adam Latham, Marquis de Torvelle are lovely together and truly deserve each other. Mandalee's sister Constance and her Stephen, along with Betina Goldstone and Perry Roarke, nicely round out the romantic cast. Adam's ex-mistress, provides some laughs, advice and help. And the girls' grasping, harpy of a mother is nicely balanced by Jenkins, the ex-jockey-butler who works for the low wage she provides.
The Plot: A bit silly, but it does have danger and the fun of Mandalee learning to be bad and being good at it. Wonderful comic timing abounds, with Mandalee and Adam falling for each other and then Mandalee breaking the betrothal--and Adam's heart. The ending is nice, and everyone lives happily ever after. The best scenes are those between Mandalee and Adam, though other favorites are: the lads showing up at a musicale foxed and bruised, the scene telling how they got that way, the duel and the scenes that follow the duel are masterpieces of romantic silliness.
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