Wedded Bliss [Paperback]

Barbara Metzger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2004

Robert Rothmore, Earl of Rockford, thinks Alissa Henning is simply delightful-exactly the kind of woman who'd make the perfect mother for his sons. But Alissa swore she'd spend the rest of her life scraping pennies together rather than wed the insufferable earl and become a glorified governess. Still, she couldn't very well let her own children starve-and there was no doubt that Rockford would give them all a good life. So she reluctantly accepts his offer...but there's more to a good life than what's in one's pockets. And Alissa intends to find out what's in her new husband's heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Robert--earl of Rockford, accomplished diplomat, linguist, and official translator for the crown--is a failure as a father, and he doesn't care. But even though he doesn't want to be any more involved in his children's lives than is absolutely necessary, e.g., choosing their ponies, he doesn't want his son to live like a commoner, and he certainly doesn't want him to be called "Willy." But Willy doesn't want to leave Alissa, a widow trying to raise her own children on what little she can earn giving art lessons to the local gentry. And now Alissa's powerful landlord is threatening to evict her. Rockford sees marriage to Alissa as a solution to both of their problems; then, after the wedding, he leaves alone for his elegant London townhouse. But Alissa doesn't believe in marriages of convenience, so she gathers up the kids and follows him. Chaos soon reigns and priceless antiques and curios shatter as Rockford begins his transformation in this Pygmalion in reverse. Metzger has penned another winning Regency tale. Filled with her hallmark humor, distinctive wit, and entertaining style, this is one romance that will not fail to enchant. Shelley Mosley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Funny and touching . . . delicious, delightful. I loved every word. What a joy!"
-- Edith Layton --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Signet; Regular Print/Single Titl edition (March 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451208595
• ISBN-13: 978-0451208590
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,125,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An earl desperately needs a mother for his sons., June 12, 2004

By 

B. S. Andrews "barbiesa" (Toledo, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wedded Bliss (Paperback)

He doesn't need another wife--he's already had two of those--but he needs someone trustworthy to care for his two neglected sons, and the widowed Mrs. Henning is ideal. But the situation is that she has made a powerful enemy, and the only way he can protect her is by making her his wife. In a marriage of convenience. And then he takes off for London to resume his diplomatic career and his demanding German princess of a mistress.

Alissa, however, is no meek miss to be taken for granted. Having been a true wife and mother before, she is determined to force her new husband to face up to his responsibilities. It isn't long before the neglectful earl comes home to find his beautiful London home invaded by four mischievous boys, their mongrel puppies, and an indignant wife who demands to know why their marriage has not been consummated. He got a mother for his children; on her side, she wants a daughter out of the deal.

While not one of the most entertaining stories I've read by Barbara Metzger, the story is full of humorous situations as Alissa and the earl are gradually drawn together in a true marriage that becomes the foundation of a strong family unit. No young miss could have exhibited the kind of determination and backbone that was necessary to accomplish the task. As a penniless widow with two children to provide for, Alissa was ideal for the job.

Nevertheless, it doesn't get five stars from me, because I felt the hero was a little too reluctant, at least in the beginning. And I agree with earlier reviewers that the adultery that is hinted at after their marriage tarnishes his character somewhat, even taking into consideration the status of the marriage at the time. Leaving her to go to London (and his mistress) on their wedding night is not something that can be quickly forgiven, especially when it left the heroine open to malicious gossip about the true nature of the marriage.

Perhaps it's because I'm used to the shorter Regency format, but it seems to me that this book would have been more effective with about 50 fewer pages. As it is, there seem to be too many scenes that don't necessarily advance the plot.

All in all, however, I find the time spent reading this book to be well spent. You won't regret it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great...But Lacked Real Romance, January 9, 2005

By 

Kelsey Bogg "Kelsey Bogg" (Trevor Bay, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wedded Bliss (Paperback)

This story was captivating from word one, no lie, and the characters were simply wonderful, very realistic. But for all its thoroughness, the novel lacked romance. So much detail was given to all aspects of the story line, except for the romantic scenes. They could have been at least a little detailed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Metzger on jolly good form!, July 17, 2004

By 

Susan Smith (A small rural village in the English Midlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wedded Bliss (Paperback)

One of my all time favourite Regency writers, Barbara Metzger has done it again! It's always harder to write comedy than tragedy and Metzger's talent shines through another of her clever farces.

Weddded Bliss is about a twice-widowed earl who needs a mother for his long neglected young sons; indeed the Earl of Rockford thinks they are cuckoos in the nest. Alissa Henning (really Lady William Henning - wife of a deceased disowned son of a Duke) is a loving and devoted mother of two young sons. Well, hey presto - we have the makings of the perfect match and a wonderful story of step families, parenting and an inadvertent and unexpected love.

Amongst the things I particularly admire about Metzger is her sparkling prose - she always has a clever turn of phrase to make you smile to yourself. Although I am not a lover of stories overly dependent on children, her child characters are always well drawn - indeed this lot made me think of the family in Heyer's Frederica. And no one does the family pet as well and this time we get a pack of four mongrel puppies. Added bonuses include an infatuated tutor, a drooling villain and Metzger's usual cast of outrageous servants and eccentric relatives.

All in all, if you like clever comedy, excellent prose and wonderful characterisations, then you will enjoy this. If you are a Metzger fan, don't miss it.