Customer Reviews

The Rebellious Twin

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
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Clarinda and Clarissa are Identical in looks, but that is where the similarities end. One twin loves adventure, book learning and riding horses without a saddle (astride no less!such shocking behavior!) thus making her the "bad twin" in her proper parents eyes. The other is inclined towards more lady like endeavors such as embroidery, music and water colors not to mention gossip, clothes and preening in front of her mirror thus making her the "good twin" When the handsome and very wealthy Robert, Lord Stormont takes over the neighboring estate he is immediately smitten with "the bad twin" the problem? both girls like him too; and one (the question is which one?) will stop at nothing to get her man. Who shall be the lucky twin? read this book and find out, it is a treat and an exciting ride from begining to end with a bit of intrigue and mystery thrown in.

I am not a fan of Regency books. However, a few years ago a friend gave me a copy of Shirley Kennedy's first book "Lady Semple's Secret." I reluctantly read it only to find myself totally immersed in the story. When I finished, I was so impressed I bought several copies as gifts to relatives and friends. Then I bought her second book "The London Belle" and loved it too. Shirley's books are keepers. Yesterday I finished reading "The Rebellious Twin." This is my favorite of the three. I love "two dogs and a bone" stories and Rebellious Twin is just that, with a lot of jealously and other conflict building treats thrown into the mix. This is a terrific read with a real surprise twist at the end. I'm pleased to log on here and put it in writing. A true fan.

I had never read any of Ms. Kennedy's books before this. Naturally when I read the back cover I was intrigued because it was about sibling rivalry (namely, twin rivalry) as topic that always promises great things. Now, the story was cute but the writing was as elementary as some of the Sweet Valley Twins books middle schoolers read. The plot revolves around two beautiful twins, Clarinda who is supposedly the bad twin and Clarissa who is the perfectly good twin. In truth it is Clarissa who is the manipulative, nasty twin while Clarinda is good-hearted but a little silly when it comes to not getting in trouble. Clarinda has had a past love experience with a milk-sop, who died a hero in war, that Clarissa stole away from her but Clarinda still hangs onto her 'love' for him. Clarinda meets Lord Stormont who has won the estate next to theirs in a card game. They go through the motions of Stormont being undeniably attracted to Clarinda and her hating him then loving him. Then there is Clarissa who decides that she wants Lord Stormont. She tries to steal him from Clarinda and tries to get Clarinda sent away from home. The plot was interesting but a little ridiculous. How could their parents not see how evil Clarissa was?Why didn't they ever believe a word Clarinda said? Why did Clarinda still hold onto her love for the war hero even though he preferred Clarissa? Both twins are rather flat characters as is Lord Stormont. The style is very easy to follow though.

With a writing style that is both humorous and provocative, Shirley Kennedy has set a new standard for Regency Romance. Her heroine is smart and saucy. . . with a sense of humor which sets her above and apart. The hero is strong, yet vulnerable, and unquestionably sexy! The clever twists and turns throughout the story were fun, refreshing, and kept me riveted to page after page. The only disappointment was that the story had to come to an end. I look forward eagerly to Ms. Kennedy's next novel.

Clarinda and Clarissa Capelle are identical twins. No one, not even their parents, can tell them apart, a fact which always surprises Clarinda because she and her sister are complete opposites in personality. Clarinda loves riding her horse astride at breakneck speed and caring for the horses on a neighboring estate with her best friend Sara Sophia, a girl of unknown heritage. Clarissa, on the other hand, is content to be identical to her sister and eager for them to marry a set of identical twins and live together for the rest of their lives. When Clarinda's parents discover her secret horse-related activities, they furiously threaten to sell her horse and send her to her grandfather's estate in north Wales if she doesn't behave and marry Lord Sufton, a bland, unintelligent man Clarinda despises. Clarinda would rather die than do any of those things but is willing to consider her options before making a decision. Meanwhile, Robert, Lord Stormont, Earl of Marsett wins Hollyridge Manor, the estate next to that of Lord Capelle's, in a lucky card game. As the elderly former owner returns home, he suffers a fatal heart attack, but not before blurting out to Clarissa (whom he thinks is Clarinda) that Sara Sophia has a secret past which will bring her untold riches and happiness. Providing Clarissa with a clue and a set of old keys, the old man dies without realizing he was speaking to the wrong twin. Selfish Clarissa decides to keep the secret to herself and solve the mystery and perhaps use it to her advantage. Clarinda, upset with her parents' decree, gallops out on her horse just as Robert and his dog are inspecting the estate. Robert's dog causes an accident which brings Clarinda and Robert together and the confirmed bachelor is instantly smitten and wants to help Clarinda. The lady is not so willing at first but can not ignore the strong chemistry between them. Her twin also can not ignore her sister's new feelings and sets out on a plot to destroy her sister and win the handsome Lord for herself. The plot is fairly predictable and almost Cinderellaesque. I found this book utterly painful to read because of the incredibly obvious foreshadowing. I stuck with it and still didn't like it. I find it hard to believe that parents would not be able to tell their twins apart and would treat their children in such a way. The Capelle family is utterly horrid and I wanted to rip Rissa's hair out. Clarinda isn't all together likable either. She meekly accepts her sister's torments without telling anyone, yet her sister routinely tattles on her. I like that Clarinda at least can hold her own with the odious overbearing Robert. Their romance is unbelievable and I do not believe he really loves her because if he did, he would not have reacted the way he did while Rissa was interfering. Sara Sophia's love story is more charming and interesting though she's too self-sacrificing for me to really be fond of her. This book has some subtle sensuality thrown in which makes the characters behave improperly and is entirely unnecessary and unbelievable at the moments the scenes occur. I would recommend skipping this one unless you have a desire to read EVERY book in the genre.