Swept off Her Feet [Paperback]

Hester Browne (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 8, 2011

The steps of a charmingly complex dance—Scotland’s famous reel—are at the heart of Hester Browne’s enchanting contemporary novel of two very different sisters whose dreams may come true at a romantic Scottish ball.

Evie Nicholson is in love . . . with the past. An antiques appraiser in a London shop, Evie spins fanciful attachments to Victorian picture frames, French champagne glasses, satin evening gloves, and tattered teddy bears—regardless of their monetary value.

Alice Nicholson is in love . . . with Fraser Graham, a dashing Scotsman whom Evie secretly desires. As crisply neat and stylish as Evie is cheerfully cluttered, Alice is a professional organizer determined to pull her sister out of her comfort zone—and who presents her with an irresistible offer.

As a favor to friends of Fraser’s family, Evie jumps at the chance to appraise a Scottish castle full of artifacts and heirlooms. What could be more thrilling than roaming the halls of Kettlesheer and uncovering the McAndrews’ family treasures—and dusty secrets?

But crossing paths with moody heir Robert McAndrew has Evie assessing what she wants the most . . . and at an upcoming candlelight gala, a traditional dance will set her heart reeling.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"SWEPT OFF HER FEET is a delight! If you're looking for a modern day fairy tale with the perfect edge of acerbic Brit wit, you'll be swept off your feet by Hester Browne!" Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author of GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART

"A charming example of British chick lit, with a lovable, self-conscious, hopelessly romantic heroine and a dark and dashing leading man, a Scottish castle full of history and romance, and as much appeal and complexity as a Scottish reel." -- Library Journal

“Hester Browne’s latest is a fun read that most assuredly hits the chick-lit/contemporary romance spot. Satisfying in every aspect.” -- Bookbitch.com

“Browne's clever modern-day Cinderella story balances a sharp eye for the ridiculous with a genuine affection for the foibles of tradition to tell the delightful story of a woman finding passion--and freedom--on the dance floor.” -- Publisher's Weekly

About the Author

Hester Browne is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including The Little Lady Agency in the Big Apple, The Finishing Touches, and Swept Off Her Feet. She lives in London and Herefordshire with her two Basset hounds Violet and Bonham.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (March 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781439168844
• ISBN-13: 978-1439168844
• ASIN: 1439168849
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Title Only Complaint March 10, 2011

By J. Perry

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my Kindle and read the whole thing in 24 hours or less. It was a page-turner!

Then again, I've loved this author ever since reading her Little Lady Agency series (Yeah, Nelson!); she's really the only chick lit author I can stand. Her protagonists are always funny (Evie of this book is my favorite so far), her male leads are always perfect and fairly legit, and the stories have more to them than the typical rom com fluff/arbitrary chick drama (I HATE Sophie Kinsella!). Hester Browne's writing style reminds me, to an extent, of J.K. Rowling, which is why I love her books: there's quirky, there's wistfulness, there's an engaging and non-irritating narrator, there's honest rather than forced comedy. In fact, Browne, with her style of chick comedy, is the only chick lit author to make me LOL for real.

Please read immediately if the corny title and Scottish reeling don't turn you off!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Another fantastic Hester Browne book! May 10, 2011

By A. Williams

Format:Paperback

This book centers around Evie, a late-twenties single Londoner who has an affinity for anything old that has a story (especially old photograph frames - with the photographs, and worn and loved teddy bears). Good thing she works for an antique shop!

So, when Evie's clutter-free sister Alice asks Evie to help a friend of a friend who's drowning in debt in their newly inherited Scottish castle, by going up to the castle and assessing the Scottish antiques, Evie finds herself living a dream. Add to this preparations for a true Scottish ball, complete with kilts and reels and Evie easily daydreams as she wanders the old castle's halls.
(I love that Evie is nearly thirty and still pretending she's descending the stairs at an Austen ball as she walks through the castle!)

Hester Browne is quickly gaining a status of "go-to author-ness" on my book shelf! This is the third book I've read by her and the third that I've totally enjoyed! (The other two being "The Little Lady Agency" and "Finishing Touches"). I love her leading ladies, they are always strong and smart, but still real and warm. They have foibles, but they try to be good people and a better people. I also thoroughly enjoy the leading men in her books, whether they are the best-friend or the boy-friend, I really like them and their relationships with the leading ladies. I love that Browne's books are quite clean and really about love and romance and falling in love.

There is so much more to this book and the characters therein, but half the delight is discovering it yourself.

Definitely Recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent Read November 2, 2011

By Chic

Format:Paperback

I've come to the conclusion that Hester Brown's books are hit or miss. This book was certainly not her best effort, but it was not her worst either. It was moderately entertaining, but I am a fast reader who routinely reads books in very short periods and this one took me three weeks to get through. The setting is somewhat absurd and while the book is portrayed as though about two sisters, the entire book is from Evie's perspective. I think it might have benefitted from having narrations from both sides. The end was entirely predictable, and there was a permeating feeling that the book could have been so much better.