Customer Reviews

The Chester Charade

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Chastity Cummings and her brother Henry continue the family tradition of holding a house party at their estate. Among the guests is a former suitor of Chastity's. Somewhat afraid that he will renew his suit of six years ago, she is nonetheless dismayed when he claims that his love was nothing more than an infatuation and that he would like to offer her a marriage of convenience.

This story is primarily the tale of a house party and all of the responsibilities required of a hostess. From that angle, it is quite interesting. What do you do when one of the guests brings along her three pug dogs who proceed to annoy and destroy wherever they go? A sister-in-law whose demanding requests and thoughtlessness cause trouble for the guests and servants alike? An older gentleman who importunes the housemaids? An aunt who reminds Chastity at every turn that she is nearly past her last prayers? A temperamental chef who threatens to quit if his talents are not properly appreciated?

But alas, what this book is NOT is a romance. At no time does Chastity say or even think that she is love with anyone. The romance at the end seems almost tacked onto the rest of the story as an afterthought. The explanation for Chastity's refusal of Jeffrey's proposals six years ago--that she was young and afraid of his passion--just doesn't ring true. Although I like the portrayal of the hero as a faithful admirer and a well-mannered gentleman (not a rake), he just didn't have the kind of appeal that one expects in a romance. I found myself preferring Chastity's brother, Lord Cummings, over him!

The heroine herself seems a bit cold and reserved for a romance novel. Her feelings toward the hero appear only a tad warmer than those toward another attentive guest, whose presence seems to be primarily for the purpose of making the hero jealous.

Not one of Ms. Buck's best efforts.

Miss Chastity Cummings and her brother Lord Cummings are holding their annual house party at Chester, their family's estate. Neither of them is looking forward to getting married anytime soon, but they nevertheless uphold their late father's tradition. Chastity is somewhat surprised at learning that a former suitor, Jeffrey Halston, will be attending. But it was many years ago that they were an on-dit, and Jeffrey is widowed now, and no doubt much changed.

Ms. Buck does very well at peopling the house party and the novel--the other brother and his catty wife; the widow who is after Lord Cummings; the widow's poor relation; the assorted friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, this is to the detriment of the primary characters. We see much of Chastity, but Mr. Halston doesn't even show up until a quarter of the way into the novel. THE CHESTER CHARADE is not so much a romance as the story of one particular house party. In many ways--the lengthy converstations and gossip, the slow pace, the everyday details--this book reminds me of the works of Jane Austen. However, I do not care for any of the characters (except for the poor relation). Their sniping insults, rudeness, and dislike of each other made me set the volume aside many times, finally for good after Chapter 7. For readers who wish to see the not-so-polite side of Regency society, THE CHESTER CHARADE is a good choice. Other readers, however, might wish to try Ms. Buck's FREDERICKA'S FOLLY or TEMPTING SARAH instead, or one of Signet's other regencies.

Kimberly Borrowdale

A pleasant read, but Ms. Buck has some homework to do. First let me mention her command of English, or lack thereof. At times we know what word she meant, even when she apparently does not. Unexceptional, for example, is not the same as unexceptionable, nor is credible, at all the same as creditable. After a few of these, one begins to wonder what she does mean. Then, dear Ms. Buck, allow me to offer a piece of advice: there is no surer route to tedium than to tell everything. The Chester houseparty went on for weeks, but after a few pages detailing who sat beside whom to no apparant purpose, most readers must be willing to pack up and go home. That said, I ought to allow that there is a credible love story here, a young woman has jilted an unexceptionable young man whom, much to her credit, she now comes to regard with quite exceptional tenderness. What I found exceptinable, was the amount of tedium en route.

If you like some of the slower-paced and more plotted Georgette Heyer,(such as The Toll-Gate or The Quiet Gentleman), you might like this book.

A house-party in the country is supposed to be amusing. However, family members can be the most difficult guests to please, especially when old conflicts come into play.

Miss Charity Cummings is usually up to the challenge, but things become a little more complicated than usual when a former suitor arrives and the house is burgled. Charity is too busy warding off domestic disaster to sort out her complicated feelings. But sometimes, love just sorts itself out.

There's a lot of plot here, so don't expect a fast frothy romance. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for intricate relationships, eccentrics, and even a touch of wartime spying, then sit back and enjoy.