Flirtations and Folly is a well-written Austenesque historical fiction novel that I enjoyed immensely.
Book Details:Book Title: Flirtation and Folly by Elizabeth Rasche
Category: Adult Fiction, 328 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Clean Romance
Publisher: Quills and Quartos Publishing
Release date: November 10, 2020
Content Rating: G
Book Description: Marianne Mowbrey is a responsible country rector’s daughter who longs for the novelty and excitement she reads about in novels. When her crusty Aunt Harriet agrees to give her a Season in London, Marianne vows to dazzle the world, win a husband, and never go home again. But the Londoners who determine social success are inclined to pass over plain Marianne in favor of her beautiful, reckless younger sister.
In a world of ambition, fashion, flattery, and deceit, how can Marianne stay true to her real self—when she is not even sure what that real self is?
My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
Flirtations and Folly is a well-written Austenesque historical fiction novel that I enjoyed immensely. The book cover does not do it justice, making it seem like this is a fluffy romance when, in fact, it's not. I wish the publishers had kept the former cover which was better suited to the writing style and plot.
This novel is more of a coming-of-age story. Marianne Mowbrey is the eldest daughter in a family of ten. She longs to escape the drudgery of the rectory, where she lives in the country, and go to London where she will wear beautiful dresses and win herself a husband, just like the heroines do in the romance novels she has been reading. In truth, Marianne is a dreamer. She is creative, optimistic and naïve. She is considered unremarkable, described as "neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, neither beautiful nor ugly". In short, she is a flawed character that most of us dreamers can relate to.
Marianne grows as a character, learning to appreciate who she is and being true to herself. She finds a friend in Mr. Hearn and they have a few encounters but nothing that can be considered romantic. This is a character-driven plot, and the author succeeds very well in creating a great cast of characters. That's what made this book so enjoyable so if you're expecting the typical historical romance, this one follows more the classical romance novels. I must admit though, I found Marianne's eventual love interest emotionally unstable, making some bad decisions that should have made Marianne question his reliability as a future husband.
It's hard to believe this is Rasche's first historical fiction novel. She has captured the writing style, wit, dialogue and atmosphere of the Regency era so well, I felt like I was reading a classic novel. If you like the works of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and Louisa May Alcott, then you will enjoy Rasche's writing style, intelligent but easy to read. I'm now a fan, and I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
Disclosure: Thanks to HFVBT for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
Buy the Book:
About the Author:
After acquiring a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Arkansas, Elizabeth Rasche taught philosophy in the U.S. and co-taught English in Japan. Now she and her husband live in northwest Arkansas, the ‘garden of America.’ (At least, she has only ever heard Arkansas called so.) She dreams of visiting Surrey (if only to look for Mrs. Elton’s Maple Grove), Bath, and of course, London. When she has a Jane Austen novel in one hand, a cup of tea in the other, and a cat on her lap, her day is pretty much perfect.
Elizabeth Rasche is the author of The Birthday Parties of Dragons and her poetry has appeared in Scifaikuest. Flirtation & Folly is her first historical fiction novel.
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Nov 24, 2020
Flirtation and Folly
i love when an author's debut novel is so amazing. makes me eager to see what she will do in the future
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I agree! She truly has a writing talent.
DeleteThank you so much, Sherry! I have been so delighted and amazed with how the community supports new authors. Thank you for all your encouragement!
DeleteWhat a great review! I am so happy that you loved it! Thank you for being on the tour :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it. :-)
DeleteIt's a huge thrill for me. Thank you! :)
Deletesounds like elizabeth is one of those author's to watch. thanks for sharing you wonderful review
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Thank you again, Sherry! My smile is so big right now. :)
Delete