Under A Lucky Star [Large Print] [Library Binding]

Diane Farr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2005

Cynthia, daughter of the Earl of Ballymere, is as cold as she is lovely. But Derrick Whittaker is different from the suitors she has turned away-he has already held her in his arms and felt the passion between them. He knows that true wealth lies in love-and he was rich beyond his wildest dreams for that one fleeting moment...

But sometimes the heavens grant lost love a second chance...and even the coldest hearts can thaw beneath the warm light of a lucky star.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bolstered by vivid historical details and rich characterizations, this simple yet magical Regency from Farr (Under the Wishing Star) is best suited for those who prefer their romances sweet rather than spicy. Known in polite society as Frost Fair, Lady Cynthia Fitzwilliam is said to be as cold as she is lovely, but Derek Whittaker, the second son of an aristocratic family, knows differently. He and Cynthia met one night in the corridors of an opera house, where they shared a passionate embrace. When they meet again three years later, it's obvious that their attraction is still strong, but it may not be enough to overcome their biggest obstacle-Cynthia's managing mother. As Derek soon learns, Cynthia's mother intends to marry her daughter off to someone extremely wealthy. Unfortunately, Derek doesn't fit that description. Farr's sure-footed prose falters when she tiptoes into the erotic realm (Derek to Cynthia: "I will try not to rush you. I will try to rein myself in for your sweet sake"), but these scenes are fortunately few and far between. Although tamer, more traditional romances like this one haven't enjoyed the popularity of their more sensual sisters in recent years, this book will remind readers why sweet is sometimes better.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Derek Whittaker, a charming young man, is the secretary to Lord Stokesdown and, as such, attends quite a few society events. Existing on the fringes does not bother him, nor does the fact that but for a twist of fate his fortunes would be much different. One night at the opera, he explores the theater and spies a vision descending the stairs, a beauty obviously afraid and running from someone. Once he realizes that the apparition is for real, he helps her hide and they share a kiss. What he doesn't know is that she is Cynthia, daughter of an earl and known to all as Frost Fair for her icy manner. Sure enough, when they meet again she rebuffs him. Three years later, older and wiser, she is still being shopped around by her mother for a husband. Derek still isn't rich enough, but this time he's determined to win her in this delightful, heartwarming story of lovers fated to be together. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 336 pages
• Publisher: Center Point Pub (May 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585475572
• ISBN-13: 978-1585475575
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,460,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diane Farr was first published at the age of eight when the local newspaper printed one of her poems. She has spent most of her life with her nose in a book -- sometimes reading, sometimes writing. Eventually she produced eight historical romances that were all published by Signet Books. Her latest adventure, WICKED COOL, is Book I in a teen paranormal series: The Spellspinners. All her books either are, or soon will be, available on Kindle!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a Keeper for me, September 16, 2004

By 

Avid Reader "Avid Reader" (Telmar) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under a Lucky Star (Star Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

I loved this book. So far I've liked everything by Farr but this one really hit all the right chords. Memorable characters, lovely prose, poignant story, great fantasy. Including the comeuppance for the "villain" of the piece toward the end which I thought was perfect. Very satisfying on many levels. What I think this author does best is she leaves you smiling at the end of every book, but she does it a different way every time. I can't understand why some people who post reviews admit in the reviews that they haven't even read the book. Lots of us have Farr on our auto-buy list. I guess I'm just a fan, but I read a lot of romance and I think this author is something special. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a really good read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this Author!, September 16, 2004

By 

Barb - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under a Lucky Star (Star Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

Once again Diane Farr has created a wonderful and entertaining story. Farr's storytelling ability is exceptional as she has the ability to keep the reader's attention with her witty and humorous dialog. I have read all of her books and found each one to be entertaining, but not repetitious. I look forward to more works from this delightful author.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a gem of a read, April 8, 2004

By 

tregatt (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under a Lucky Star (Star Trilogy) (Mass Market Paperback)

The lovely Lady Cynthia Fitzwilliam (also known as 'Frost Fair' because of her excessive icy reserve) was only seventeen when her parents launched her on London society, with the stern admonishment that she reserve all her charms for her excessive rich suitors. In fact, Lady Cynthia's mother, Lady Ballymere, has already set upon the repulsive, but rich, Sir James Filey as a potential husband for Lady Cynthia. But one magical night, Lady Cynthia meets Derek Whittaker at the opera. Handsome, honourable and kind, Derek is everything that Sir James is not, and fits Lady Cynthia's notion of what the ideal husband should be. But Derek is also poor, and knowing full well that her parents will never countenance Derek as a potential suitor, the dutiful Lady Cynthia deliberately cuts him out of her life even though the deed costs her a lot of pain and anguish. Now, three years later, Derek and Lady Cynthia meet again at Oldham Park, the Duke of Oldham's family estate. Derek is visiting his heavily pregnant sister, Natalie (Natalie's married to Lord Malcolm, the duke's younger son), while Lady Cynthia and her mother are guests of Lady Hannah (the duke's granddaughter & Lord Malcolm's niece). And while Lady Cynthia feels quite overwrought about meeting Derek again, esp after their painful parting, she's nevertheless quite surprised to find that the feelings he aroused in her is still there and as strong as ever. But her mother wants her to snare yet another rich young man. Suddenly the dutiful Lady Cynthia is filled with rebellious thoughts about fulfilling her own needs and desires. Can a young lady who has spent years bending towards her mother's will suddenly rebel? And does Derek still care for her, or has she destroyed whatever tender feelings he ever had for her? For a meek young lady used to doing whatever her mother has told her to do, Lady Cynthia is going to have to do some hard thinking about her future, and whether or not Derek and love will have any part in it...

"Under a Lucky Star" is a follow-up to "Under a Wishing Star;" and again Diane Farr has penned another quiet little gem of a Regency-era romance novel. While the story is a very simple one with very few frills and fancies, Ms Farr's vivid portrayal of the love and attraction that bounds Lady Cynthia and Derek together is affecting and is what makes this novel an engrossing read. Will the Lady Cynthia and Derek be successful in their quest for a happily ever-after ending or will Lady Ballymere thwart them at the very end? Even though this is a romance novel and we know that a happily ever-after ending is ensured, there were a few suspenseful moments when I really did wonder about how this sought after ending would be achieved! Another thing that made this novel a fresh and compelling read was Ms Farr's wonderful portrayal of Lady Cynthia. Lady Cynthia as a heroine may not be everyone's cup of tea. She's almost too passive and gives in to her mother's demands at almost every turn. On the other hand the authour's portrayal of the heroine is very accurate and in keeping with what she's was trying to convey: the anguish an obedient and dutiful child would have to face as she tries to balance her own needs and desires with the needs and wants of her parents. And Lady Cynthia's moments of rebellion, when they came, were most welcome.

While not everyone may appreciate this quiet little gem, readers who enjoy character driven novels that are smoothly paced and intelligently executed will indeed enjoy "Under a Lucky Star."