Customer Reviews

Gallant Waif (Historical Romance)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every now and then one picks up a book by an unfamiliar author and it like coming home - everything fits and is comfortable and all expectations are fulfilled. I had that experience with Carla Kelly's books and now with Anne Gracie. I first read her second book, Tallie's Knight, and was so impressed that I sought out her first book, Gallant Waif. I was enchanted.

The story of Major Jack Carstairs, recently returned from the Peninsular campaign badly wounded in body and spirit, and Kate Farleigh, who is hiding a shameful secret, is exceptionally well told. Anne Gracie writes with excellent knowledge of the period and draws her characters exceedingly well. It is very clear that she has done her research and the quality of her prose is excellent. Some of the peripheral characters in the story (particularly Jack and Kate's friends from the Peninsula) are briefly but memorably portrayed.

This is a story of high emotion, courage and heroism but never slips into sentimentality. There is sexual tension without sex scenes and the growing relationship between Jack and Kate is believable and moving. The scene at the ball near the end of the book is one of the most highly charged, emotional and poignant scenes I have ever read in a book of this type - it moved me to tears.

I hope that Anne Gracie's books are soon available in the USA in paperback for I think she will attract a wide and devoted following if she keeps up the level of her future efforts to the standards she has already achieved. I was delighted to note that she had been nominated for a RITA for Gallant Waif and I am also delighted to write the first review for this book for amazon.com. I look forward to more from her in future.

A fabulous and funny debut novel by Anne Gracie. Its a regency historical - or something like that. Although its set during the Regency this is not a comedy of manners - nor is it an adventuresome historical. Rather it is quite a poignant story set with lively characters and some very clever twists.

Basically the story goes that Kate Farleigh needs to work to support herself - when along comes her deceased mother's supposed Godmother, Lady Cahill. It seems Lady Cahill has designs of her own, although they are not horribly machiavellian. Kate finds herself working in the country with Jack Carstairs, Lady Cahill's grandson. He has been living in quiet and bitter retirement thanks to injuries he received while fighting in the Peninsular War. Together they find common ground and they start to heal one another and Jack finds out some very surprising things about Kate.

This is definitely a must read author (and I'm pleased to see that she is publishing more books).

This is one terrific book. However, as it's from Harlequin, it's slightly mis-labelled, which seems to be normal for them lately. This book, although a bit longer than the usual, is a true Regency romance. It isn't really a Historical Romance, except for the length. There is nothing even remotely resembling a love scene anywhere; just the right amount of sexual tension, an abundance of humor, strong writing and wonderful characters. Add all these in with a sensible plot that does not rely on the Big Misunderstanding in any way, and you'll easily see why I gave it 5 stars. I'd give it more if I could.

Newcomer Anne Gracie of Australia made a smashing debut with this book (which was actually published in the UK before Tallie's Knight, which rather gives the appearance of being first. Not so.) Gallant Waif was a finalist in the RWA RITA competition in 2000 for books first released in 1999. That news will come as no surprise to the reader.

Kate Farleigh was the only daughter, following two sons, of a small-town vicar. Her mother died in childbed, and of course, her father always thereafter resented the child, especially for her likeness to his wife. Until, during the war on the Peninsula, he decided to go visit his sons. There was no other choice than for Kate to go along, as well. It was here that she finally came into her own, and during the final two years of her life with her father they made a sort of peace with each other. Before the war ended, though, all three of the men in Kate's life became casualties. And then, so did Kate, herself, even though her emotional self was undaunted. She returned to England, determined to forge a life for herself as best she could.

Mad Jack Carstairs, on the other hand, came back from the war a somewhat broken man, unable to (as he thought) resume the life he'd always anticipated living. His fiancé cries off at sight of his scars and lame leg, although she blames her defection on his having been almost completely disinherited. There is one property left to him; a run-down, isolated place hardly worth having, however, it does at least get him away from society.

But Jack doesn't reckon on the strong will of his Grandmother--one of those miniature gorgons who rules with a fist of lead. She's a wonderful, full-blooded creature whose god-daughter was Kate's mother. One day, for no good reason, Lady Cahill takes it in her head to find out whatever happened to Maria's only living child. Unable to convince Kate of her sincerity, she simply kidnaps the chit, and the adventure starts.

Kate agrees to be housekeeper for Jack, as his disheveled house is badly in need of one. Eventually, her common sense begins to see past his brusqueness, and she convinces him to accept her help. In secret. But that's certainly better than nothing, and her joy in his triumph is heart-warming.

But the Dowager Countess hasn't given up yet, either. After arranging for Kate's long-lost inheritance, she then arranges for Kate to come to London to have a Season, in spite of Kate's reluctance to do so. If you can read Chapter Seventeen (the main ball in London) without a tear or two, why are you reading a romance novel? This is the essence of a romantic novel, and you'll feel refreshed and renewed by the vicarious experience of this extraordinary book. I'm eagerly awaiting more from Ms. Gracie. But hurry! Please!

Kate Farleigh is on the brink of selling herself into service when Lady Cahill arrives only to kidnap her in an attempt to save her from herself. She claims to be the godmother of Kate's long deceased mother. Not given the chance to question this claim, she finds herself spirited to Leicestershire, which is next on Lady Cahill's itinerary. There, she finds herself being confronted by Jack Carstairs, Lady Cahill's grandson, who has consigned himself to a reclusive existence due to war-related injuries he suffered on the Peninsula. Despite their inauspicious beginning, Jack finds himself frequently surprised by the half-starved urchin who persistently defies him and will not be cowed by his vile temper and black moods. He slowly discovers that Kate is no stranger to war and that her own experiences on the Peninsula have forged an indelible mark that does not allow her to tolerate his constant self-pity.

Anne Gracie has spun a beautiful and poignant story about two people who have been marked by war and how they have learned to deal with it in England where it seems to have had far more tragic repercussions. Kate Farleigh is a spirited and charming heroine despite the negligence of her father and the defection of her betrothed. Despite having been kidnapped and put into an unfamiliar situation, Kate makes the most of her existence. Once a concerned Lady Cahill installs Kate as Jack's housekeeper and to see to his well being, Kate truly does what she can to clean the place and comes to care for Jack despite the fact that he defies her at every turn and argues with her about her unsuitability when it comes to housework. Jack firmly believes that Kate deserves far more than what life has bestowed upon her. As he comes to understand her negligent childhood and to love the challenging girl who does all she can to help him, he begins to wonder whether she can ever love him despite his wounds. Gracie's skillful use of cunning and clever secondary characters only serves to emphasize the appeal of her protagonists as they struggle with their own insecurities and the scorn of society in order to find their happiness.

I'm fast becoming a regency fan, and this book is partially the reason why! :)

"Mad Jack" Carstairs is a bitter, angry man. After returning from the Peninsula Campaign with a scarred face and a pronounced limp, he is jilted by his shallow fiancee because he was ugly and nearly destitute, as his father had left him practically nothing. Jack retreats to the home his father left him, content to drink away his life in the country.

His grandmother, however, is not content to see her grandson waste away his life in such a manner. A feisty older lady, she learns that her godmother's daughter, Kate, is destitute and is nearly about the enter "service" as a maid. She "kidnaps" Kate on the way to visit her grandson, and soon discovers that Kate is able to bring Jack out of his black mood because she has a temper that rivals Jack's! Kate, who is determined to become a housekeeper because she believes she has no prospects of a respectable marriage because of an incident that happened during the war, becomes Jack's housekeeper (although Jack insists that she is NOT his housekeeper).

Jack and Kate are hilarious, especially since they were always at each other's throats and are constantly bickering. There was little substance behind their relationship, however, in my opinion - there was a good deal of lust, and anger, and anger that led to lust, but little else (so if you're looking for a tender romance, you may want to pass on this book). On the other hand, if you enjoy a good laugh, this book is excellent! I could certainly identify with Kate, especially since I have a similar temper problem! :) I also liked the fact that the heroine was not a virgin, although the circumstances surrounding that were a little unrealistic.

The ending of the book was also unrealistic, from what I know of the era (and I must admit, that's not much), it would be highly unlikely for such a course of events to take place. In the end, however, I think this book was a good one, and I especially loved the sparring that occurred among Jack, his grandmother, and Kate. It's going on the keeper shelf!

1812 England

GALLANT WAIF is absolutely delightful!

Dauntless but poised, Kate Farleigh is now all alone in the world wondering where her next meal will come from and where she might seek employment and shelter. Tormented war hero Jack Carstairs wants nothing in his life but to be left alone to wallow in his own despair. Lucky for both Kate and Jack, there is Jack's grandmother, the high and mighty and haughty Lady Cahill. Against Kate and Jack's wishes, Lady Cahill conspires to bring these two forlorn souls together, but will she be successful?

Don't pass up this very enjoyable, quick and easy tale!

I read this book strickly on all the good reviews with the exception of the one that was unfavorable. I tend to agree with the majority and can highly recommend it, as a matter of fact I think this is the second time I've read it (my mind isn't what it used to be). I would however like to comment on the less favorable reviewers comments not to be combative but to show you why I didn't agree, so here goes:

Other reviewers dislikes were numbered mine are lettered:

1. The heroine was simply too AWFUL for words. She annoyed me to no end. This woman was destitude and on the verge of becoming a servant. Out of nowhere an extremely wealthy elderly woman who was acquainted with her deceased mother offers her a home as well as a London Season and what is our heroine's response: ANGER. Our proud and arrogant heroine objects to the old lady's attitude and rejects her offer in no uncertain terms. It was at this point that I began to realize this might not in fact be my type of book since I hate rude and stupid heroines.

A. Yes this woman was destitute however, in reality maybe it's just me but I would be upset to if someone out of no where comes and controls my life going so far as to trick and kidnap me pushing her beliefs in what I should and shouldn't do for a future. Rude she wasn't she accepted her fate shortly after getting into the carriage. As a matter of fact she went out of her way to be kind to the elderly grandmother out of respect much more than I would have done for sure.

2. The heroine and hero spent most of their time together arguing and bickering. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them.

B. Yes, they spend much time arguing and bickering, not unlike many romance novels with two strong personalities especially one male dominant figure that thinks his opinion and only his counts. I gave her cudos for her pluck most other books I read she would cower into the background.

3. The heroine was not a virgin and kept lusting after the hero.

C. Still trying to figure out what is wrong with that. It was actually refreshing to have read a historical romance that the female wasn't pure as the driven snow so to speak.

4. The hero foolishly fell in love with a non too subtle fortune hunter which led to all of his misfortunes. I can forgive quite a bit but not stupidity.

D. Pray tell, how does one sort through a fortune hunter if she is a good actress? Not stupidity just a bit blinded by what he thought was love, a common occurance I believe.

5. The relationship between these two NEVER felt real. There was a lot of lusting and panting after each other but nothing substantial.

E. There was never time for anything substantial with all the interfering of relatives, friends and just everyday natural day to day responsibilities what's not real about that?

6. The heroine miraculously cured the heroes war injuries. Again, this was beyond belief.

F. I will admit it was a quick cure but it's romance fiction not a doctor's reference manual on the why's and how's etc...

7. Too many convenient coincidences that kept the plot moving along.

G. Isn't that what a romance novel is all about, you need things to keep the plot moving along why not some convenient coincidences to move it right along?

8. An unrealistic and unlikely resolution.

H. Ah yes but an all so pleasant resolution it was.

I commented the way I did above because I wanted to make sure no one by passed this book because of the more negative review. I really think you should take a gamble on this one especially if you got it free like I did. Enjoy

Gallant Waif was a charming and sweet romance. It kind of reminded me of the books I used to read back in the beginning of my fascination with romance. It was a very quick, emotionally satisfying, and "tame"(couple do not consummate relationship)...at least not that the reader can tell.

Jack Carstairs has been scarred and lamed from war, has been jilted by his fiance, and disowned and disinherited by his father...things are not going well for him.

Kate Farleigh is starving, broke, reeling from the loss of her family, and has been kidnapped by her godmother....things are not going well for her.

These two wounded (physically and emotionally) characters charge onto the scene and the sparks, and coffee pots, fly. Kate storms into Jack's life and starts cleaning up....his house, his physical pain, his emotional pain...she just starts cleaning up. I really liked her. Jack is so sweet and protective of her...right from the start. These two can fight...but they also challenge each other to become better than what they are by themselves. Now that is romantic!

This book doesn't disappoint.

As one who reads "Only" Historical (Regencies, Medieval) romance, and keeps looking for new authors all the time, I was very happy to discover Anne Gracie's Gallant Waif. I laughed, I cried, and didn't want the story to end! Try it, you'll like it!

This is one of those romances that builds slowly into something quite unexpectedly good. The heroine is unexplainedly living a quiet life when taken on by a managing distant family member. She is partly being taken to look after Lady Cahill's nephew Jack Carstairs who has shut himself away from society.

While some of the original conventions of Regency and historical romances are true at the start, Gracie does a great job of tipping them on their head as the book goes through. We find out the reason which Kate Farleigh shut herself away (and it is both unexpected, original and quite believable). I also found the resolution of the situation - in a memorable ballroom scene - to be incredibly romantic and tear-making.

It is quite a feisty book, the heroine is independent (and with just cause to be) and the story is definitely unusual. I quite liked Kate for her independence and pride. It worked in the story and it wasn't out of the realms of possibility for a woman of her class to be caught in a situation like that, and wish to take some kind of similar response. After all this was the tail end of the loose-moralled Georgian era, before the stifling sensibilities of the Victorian age really took hold.

Gracie manages quite a romantic story but also imbues it with a lot of humour - often the two are combined. The setting is mostly around Jack Carstairs house, where he lives in relative isolation and privacy and that works well for the increasing emotion and dependence which grows up between the two characters. Very convincing and very nice

I really liked this book - definitely a keeper for the shelf and to be re-read again.