My ReviewFlirtation and Folly is a historical novel set in the Regency period (London, 1812). It is the story of Marianne Mowbrey, the responsible but plain sister in a rector's family. Marianne has the opportunity to visit her wealthy aunt in London and have a season. She is excited about London and determined to find a husband in order to change her life.
I wanted to read Flirtation and Folly because I enjoy historical fiction and love the Regency period.
I must say that this book exceeded my expectations! I thought it would be an old fashioned historical romance, but it also was a novel about Marianne's expectations of London and her changing view of herself and her life.
The writing is engaging and the historical details are finely drawn. I like the touches of realism, like Marianne's first introduction to London:
"Here at last, here at last! The carriage rolled to a halt, and Marianne Mowbrey climbed out, avoiding a pile of slush that nearly swallowed up her worn half-boots. She turned in a circle, lips parted in wonder as she took in the figures moving past her. The clop of horse hooves and squeaking of carts from the street drowned out other sounds, allowing only the occasional cry of a hawker to rise up in front of the genteel row of houses in a better part of London. The odour of decaying vegetables from a nearby cart mingled with the grit of coal dust in the air , making every breath an unpleasant sensation" (eBook location 48).
Marianne encounters a number of new people in London - some positive and some not as much (i.e. some of the catty women in society). Over the course of the novel she learns to accept her true self ... as she also finds her happy ending.
I recommend Flirtation and Folly for fans of historical romance, and especially for anyone who enjoys the Regency period.
Book Synopsis
Marianne Mowbrey is a responsible country rector’s daughter who longs
for the novelty and excitement she reads about in novels. When her
crusty Aunt Harriet agrees to give her a Season in London, Marianne vows
to dazzle the world, win a husband, and never go home again. But the
Londoners who determine social success are inclined to pass over plain
Marianne in favor of her beautiful, reckless younger sister.
In a world of ambition, fashion, flattery, and deceit, how can
Marianne stay true to her real self—when she is not even sure what that
real self is?
Author BioAfter acquiring a doctorate in philosophy from the University of
Arkansas, Elizabeth Rasche taught philosophy in the U.S. and co-taught
English in Japan. Now she and her husband live in northwest Arkansas,
the ‘garden of America.’ (At least, she has only ever heard Arkansas
called so.) She dreams of visiting Surrey (if only to look for Mrs.
Elton’s Maple Grove), Bath, and of course, London. When she has a Jane
Austen novel in one hand, a cup of tea in the other, and a cat on her
lap, her day is pretty much perfect.
Elizabeth Rasche is the author of The Birthday Parties of Dragons and
her poetry has appeared in Scifaikuest. Flirtation & Folly is her
first historical fiction novel.
Giveaway
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The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on November 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Flirtation and Folly