Miss Tibbles' Folly (Signet Regency Romance) [Paperback]

April Kihlstrom (Author)

Book Description

Series: Signet Regency Romance | Publication Date: September 1, 1998

Though not a dragon, the governess was formidable in spirit. A lady in reduced circumstances, she had ushered dozens of young women to the altar without the slightest scandal. But that was before a dashing colonel who served with her long-departed fiancee took an interest in her. Soon, in defiance of the ton, his relatives, and the governess's former charges, the colonel makes a headlong charge to capture her heart. But just as their passion consumes them, a dark secret from the woman's past threatens everything they have hoped for!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In a fitting conclusion to her Earl of Westcott's Daughters' series, Kihlstrom neatly ties up the loose ends and provides the formidible governess, Miss Marian Tibbles, with her very own hero, Col. Andrew Merriweather, retired. A holiday in Bath and a chance meeting make life much more interesting?and ultimately more romantic?for both protagonists as Miss Tibbles struggles with her long-held notions of propriety and her diminished social standing and the colonel calmly sets out to plan his matrimonial strategy, despite society's rigid conventions on equality and suitable matches. Nicely paced and thoroughly grounded in the period, this charming story elicits tears as well as smiles. Although it should especially delight readers of the Westcott series, it should also please Regency fans in general. Kihlstrom (An Outrageous Proposal, Signet, 1998) is a veteran Regency romance writer and lives in New Jersey.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Signet (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451195760
• ISBN-13: 978-0451195760
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #567,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Now that my children are grown, I live in Texas with my dog Sophy. Having a son on the east coast and a daughter on the west coast gives me a good excuse to travel.

I love writing about men and women who try to live their lives with honor and courage and concern for those around them. I've had challenges in my own life and yet I still believe in happy endings and the ability of each of us to rise above the past and find or make some kind of good come out of every challenge.

I hope my books inspire readers to see the possibilities in their own lives.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! An older, mature Regency heroine finds romance., September 7, 1998

By 

B. S. Andrews "barbiesa" (Toledo, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Miss Tibbles' Folly (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)

Since nearly all Regency heroines are very young girls (21-year-olds are considered "on the shelf"), it is sometimes difficult for older readers to identify with them. There are times when I want to scream at the silliness of some heroines. . . until I recall my own immaturity at that age. Then I begin to doubt the veracity of the heroines who behave sensibly at such a young age!

Nevertheless, it is heartening to find a Regency novel portraying the romance of an "older" heroine (at 38, she's quite definitely on the shelf). Why should romance be limited to the young, who are usually too young and silly to truly appreciate it? And. . . another pet peeve of mine. . . why should romance be limited only to the upper class? Is falling in love with a governess (especially one who was gently born) such a terrible crime?

Fortunately, Miss Tibbles is too sensible to allow such prejudices to destroy her romance with the man who was with her fiance as he died on the battlefield 20 years ago. Even the malicious rumors that he was somehow responsible for his first wife's death do not phase her. Her experiences dealing with recalcitrant young debs and fighting off lustful employers have made her an excellent judge of character.

Heartfelt congratulations to the author for this wonderful, one-of-a-kind Regency! Now, when can we expect to see a hero who is not an earl or a marquis? Surely butlers, grooms, and estate managers are just as good hero material as the pampered noblemen!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Regency times & customs with outstanding characters!, September 14, 1998

By 

Suzanne Coleburn (Berlin, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Miss Tibbles' Folly (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)

At last all the fans of Ms. Kihlstrom have the pleasure of savoring the story of Miss Tibbles, the formidable governess who helped all five of Lord and Lady Wescott's daughters secure five wonderful husbands. Now Miss Tibbles is free at last. Her employers find that as much as they admire Miss Tibbles, she is not the easiest person to have around as she is daunting and not at all the most comfortable person to be with. Lord and Lady Wescott send her to Bath for a well deserved vacation.

Once settled, Miss Tibbles takes a walk and crashes head long into Colonel Merriweather, a retired army officer who had served with Miss Tibbles' fiance, before he died in battle. Before long they are taking walks and becoming friends. It seems Cupid's arrows are upsetting the Colonel and Miss Tibbles for she is changing her hair style, buying a rose colored dress, dancing with the Colonel and even receives his kiss in public no less! Heaven forbid, but the two lovers have set Bath on its ear.

I love how outspoken everyone is in telling the two lovebirds what to do and how to do it. This will have you laughing your head off as the two respond in like for a rollicking good time at seeing how everyone is sparring at one another. Miss Tibbles' charges get into the act along with their husbands and Bow Street runners. There are all kinds of secrets to uncover to make this book jolly good fun. Ms. Kihlstrom has a wonderful way with words and does an excellent job of bringing Regency England to your doorstep.