Georgette Heyer is a master of historical romance. Frederica is one of her most popular works. Most romance novels are told from the point of view of the heroine, Frederica is not. We meet the Marquis of Alverstoke a self- centered pompous fool who avoids his family as much as he can. He is a dandy, more concerned with the folds in his cravat than his portfolio or properties. When he is confronted by his distant cousins from the country lead by Frederica he is made to feel inadequate to their needs. Frederica manages him nicely and the Marquis is left feeling off kilter. He has never met anyone like her. He figures he can hurry them along and get back to his pampered life. Poor man. It is charming watching the change come over Alverstoke, he becomes a man of substance thanks to Frederica and her family.

Heyer is a genius!

Frederica is an old maid. She's been "on the shelf" for years and at this point in her life is mainly concerned with making sure her much lovelier younger sister finds the right man. She has no such ambitions for herself, as she knows her eligibility has long since come and gone. But she's fine with her lot in life! She's been mistress of her household for quite a while, and is quite used to holding the reins and looking after her younger sister and two younger brothers as only a devoted mother could. Frederica is destined for a life full of family, but a life that is essentially devoid of any romantic love. Our poor heroine may be a stolid, capped matron, but she remains spry and quick-witted despite her advanced years. Frederica is 24 years old.

Vernon is the Marquis of Alverstoke. He's been an eligible bachelor for well over a decade and would prefer to go to his grave as such. Far from a loving sibling, he has a vague affection for one sister, thinks nothing at all about a second, and is actively indifferent towards a third. They all know him to be a selfish rake and lover of married ladies easily cast aside when bored. Boredom is perhaps the chief cross that the Marquis bears. If someone begins to bore him, it's over. If he suspects someone could bore him, it won't even begin. Boring people also include individuals like debutantes, commoners, his boring heir, and all of his boring nieces and nephews - most whose names he's never bothered to learn. Vernon is the hero of the novel.

Georgette Heyer wrote a book that I knew would be a delicious treat within pages. Every sentence elegantly in place, the comedy both subtle and broad, the characters charming or outrageous or sometimes both. This is a master of the form, writing in a relaxed style, always making sure period detail is front and center without overwhelming the plot, always making certain her story's various parts are kept carefully moving along while not feeling rushed. It is like she wrote this smiling; I certainly smiled more times than I can count. Frederica herself reminded me of another of her heroines: the fabulous Venetia, although she is her own unique individual. She has a certain attractive gravity that is unlike Venetia's effervescence. Lord Alverstoke reminded me of another of her heroes: the Duke of Avon, although he is also his own unique individual. His apathy and especially his quick ability to be utterly bored by boring people charmed me (perhaps because that latter trait reminded me of myself). There were many times I sat back, amused, that this was actually the novel's central character.

This was all set to be a happy 4 star book, until the accident, and the farm, and the showing of true, hidden colors by Lord Alverstoke. Hidden from himself as well! That sequence was incredibly moving, and deepened the novel in a way that I did not expect. Maybe a couple manly tears were even shed. And then the story moved back into light, fizzy comedy - and did not suffer for it. The richness of the book is admirable.

Georgette Heyer is underrated, and this novel is no exception to her long list of fantastic reads. Exceptional attention to historic detail and fantastic banter.

A winner through and through! This republish of a classic includes a foreword by Eloisa James, and I thought her take on the story was an interesting perspective. It's true that really, this isn't a book about Frederica, it's about Alverstoke and how he changes. We LOVE the unwilling reformation of a bachelor, especially when it's not really reformation, it's motivation.

Throughout the novel, we see Frederica and two of her siblings grab hold of Alverstoke without artifice and make him care about something other than himself. Despite all his annoyance with it and his irritation that his boring, comfortable life has been interrupted, it's a delight to see him change and (grudgingly at first) lend his support and care. With each misadventure, he's drawn even closer into their orbit, and finds himself unwittingly becoming their hero by simple, kind acts. This can feel like a dense read at times, but even with all the old-fashioned language and long sentences, this is a cozy, smart read.

From the beginning, the picture Heyer presents is light-hearted, witty, and actually laugh-out-loud hilarious. Somehow, a huge cast of characters still has each and every person with unique traits and characteristics, and it's not hard to follow. I haven't yet found a book of hers I didn't like, and I doubt I ever will. Frederica deserves this republishing and for more people to enjoy this warm, comfortable story. Prepare to settle in with this one awhile, and prepare to enjoy every minute of it.

I am so happy that Heyer's books are being republished, so another generation can be introduced to her books.This new edition has an introduction by Eloisa James which is excellent. She points out that the first two chapters are about Alverstoke and how the book is basically about how he changes under her influence. Another favorite of mine (which seems to happen with every Heyer reread) Alverstoke, our hero is bored, everything bores him until one day Frederica appears on his doorstep claiming to be a cousin who needs his help launching her sister Charis on the ton. He means to say no, then he sees the beautiful Charis and realizes he can make his sister angry, one of his reasons for living apparently. The plot continues with Frederica's brothers winning his heart and ours. No longer bored, he slowly falls deeply in love with Frederica, who is seemingly oblivious.
Just a wonderful, witty, surprising story, at parts laugh out loud funny. There is a dog, who causes the to my mind the funniest scene in the book. I never tire of Heyer. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy for me to once again enjoy, review and share with my friends

I can almost hear the generations of proper romance readers blurting out a collective “Uh-duh!” as I read my first Georgette Heyer and go “I get it now!”. All the ravingly superlative adjectives cannot convey how charming and clever and absolute swoony fun this book is.

I came in mostly intrigued for my first read by this renowned author, but then the foreword mentions how we had the hero’s comeuppance to look forward to, and then I got really excited. Also soon discovered both the title and covers of this book tend to be misleading: though Frederica is a lovely, solid mama bear/elder sister heroine, it’s all about her confounding influence over the seemingly irreformable marquis. So then I’m rubbing hands because I love a lean on an unlikeable main character and a set-up for a great arc. Enter Lord Alverstoke, shamelessly selfish and obnoxiously insipid, to the point of endearing, much like a very well groomed, icier Jean-Ralphio with a quizzing glass and a snuff box, for my fellow Parks and Rec fans.

I was a little rusty with reading an omniscient narrator, and the writing requires more undivided attention, in case you’re a newbie like me. But we have a resplendent opposites attract when the fashionable, haughty, rakish aristocrat is shaken out of his complacent boredom by a no-nonsense, managing yet unassuming, country lady, and Self-less-to-a-fault meets Self-indulgent-as-they-come. The acerbic wit and master of the cutting set-down lets actions speak louder than words long before he himself realizes what he’s “saying”. This is very much the “hate-everyone-but-you” trope, and he loses none of his snark, even when firmly head over heels throwing around that acts of service love language.

When unknown distant cousin Frederica appeals to Lord Alverstoke precisely for what his own family has been dogging him about, assistance in presenting young ladies into society, her odds are not good. And yet, after meeting her, all refreshingly without pretense, direct and matter of fact- he’s intrigued. Artlessly confident Frederica considers herself past her season expiration date and is laser-focused on securing her sister’s future. In the span of their first visit the effect that the Merrivilles and their shaggy dog have on Alverstoke is a marvel. 10/10 on the side characters. If you love a great cast of siblings, you must meet them. It’s no wonder he was won over. The scrapes she directly and indirectly gets into, and he can’t help but champion her. Such absolute fun! The promised comuppance delivered, the arc progression wonderful to see and such a lovely, well-deserved, happily ever after. You can say it: Uh-duh!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this newer edition (originally published in 1965).

Frederica is an easy-going romance that follows the story of two headstrong people who have absolutely no notion of love. Or, so they think because everything they do is an act of love for one another or their family and friends. Along the story, you get to meet these atypical characters closely and learn about all the different meanings of love.
The Marquis of Alverstoke is as smooth as an eel, he can talk himself out of anything. Maybe out of too much because it made him very vain. Frederica Merriville completely neglects herself for her family. She wants what is best for her family even if her family does not agree that it is the best. You can only imagine how these two will butt heads along the way while their family and friends are waiting patiently, or not that patiently, for them to realise it themselves.

I cannot with this book. The MMC is insufferable and I see no connection between him and the FMC at all. I was really excited after the foreword (fantastically written btw) but I am bored out of my wits and don’t care about his redemption arc at all. I attempted to switch formats and borrowed the unabridged audiobook but that didn’t help either. This just isn’t for me, so I will not force myself to finish it.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for a eARC of their 2023 edition with a foreword from Eloisa James.

Frederica is in my top-5 list of best Heyer books. I've read it several times and I think the forword from Eloisa James helped my pinpoint some of the reasons for that. The Marquis of Alverstokeis the one we most see grow and change in Frederica. He is perfectly content leading a life of leisure with no plans to marry or exert himself on anyone's behalf. Frederica and her three yougest siblings turn up at just the right time. The right time for Alverstoke to use doing Frederica a favour to tweak his sister's nose. The consequences are that Felix (who is delightful) and Jessamy do impose themselves upon Alverstoke - and he allows them to do so.

There is a large cast of chracters between the two extended families and we get to see Frederica and Alverstoke each come to the realization that they do care for each other. We have two other romances developing in the extended cast. There are also a lot of very funny passages throughout.

I'm glad this new edition prompted me to reread Frederica once more.

The adventures and misadventures of Frederica Merriville, her family and her formidable guardian, the marquis of Alverstoke, are at the center of this brillant Regency fictional tapestry full of wry humor, delicious twists and turns and lots of sparkling dialogues.

Ms Heyer was a meticulous artist and she knew how to brilliantly describe all the moods and fads of a British society on the cusp of a fundamental change at the beginning of its greatest century in history.

Highly entertaining and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, this memorable novel deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation! whatsoever!

Many thanks to Sourcebooks/Casablanca and Netgalley for this magnificent ARC!

It was lots of fun rereading this classic novel from the queen of Regency romance! No one can match Georgette Heyer for authentic period detail--there are never annoying anachronisms, which are often so rife in the more recent Regency novels. Frederica is the quintessential Heyer heroine: assertive and opinionated but generous and kind,. Heyer’s effervescent tale of Frederica and her family taking London by storm has fabulous characters, an engaging storyline, and Heyer’s trademark wit and humor. It's the best kind of light read!

This book is being reissued and I was able to get an ARC. My mom loves this author. She told me to buy her everything by this author when I see the books in used book stores. And I have. While this book was very funny the paragraphs are so long and rambling that I would find my mind wandering several times. There is no need for a paragraph to be two kindle pages. It is just not necessary. Also I think the book was too long. There were multiple side stories and I was reading this for the romance that wasn't happening. Literally the last page of an almost 500 page book. I probably will pick up another Georgette Heyer book as I think maybe this one was just a bad choice to start off with. The other books do not look as long. It was funny and that is what kept me reading.

If you're looking for sparkling, witty, chaste historical romance you can't go wrong with Heyer, and Frederica is one of my favorites. The heroine Frederica Merriville considers herself quite on the shelf but she's newly arrived in London with her younger siblings, trying to launch her younger sister Charis into the ton. The Marquis of Alverstoke is a distant relation that she approaches, hoping for some help. He tends to be quickly bored but Frederica is different, and he finds himself inexplicably interested in the fates of her two youngest brothers as well.

There is a foreword by Eloisa James stating that the Marquis has no proper feeling and is never of use to anyone and has to learn how to be a hero. I didn't totally agree as it was largely his most selfish sisters' assessment of him. and I considered them unreliable witnesses. He refused to pander to their wishes so he was an unnatural brother. But servants, friends and family members who are portrayed in a sympathetic manner generally think better of him and expect better things of him from the start than characters who annoy him by trying to benefit from him financially or take advantage of him socially. But Frederica and the two oldest Merriville brothers seem different to him as they do not think that the Marquis would be under any obligation to help them and try to pay him back or refuse his help several times. but he takes on the mantle of helping them quite voluntarily. Except when Felix, the youngest Merriville, who is crazy about all things mechanical, cajoles him into accompanying him to see things that are mostly interesting to Felix.

I thought Alverstoke's character development was mostly to learn to feel affection, become bonded with people. He had family, friends and flirts but before he met Frederica and her siblings he wasn't really attached to anyone, becoming easily bored. But when people start to matter to him it turns out he is very good in a crisis.



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The classic, and I mean CLASSIC regency historical romance set in the 1800’s. Just enough drama to hold you over until you get to the spice.

All hail the romance queen! Another gem from Georgette Heyer, this book was exactly what I needed. While her historical detail (impressive though it may be) can sometimes overwhelm, she has no match in the romance novel world for witty dialogue. The perfect midway point between Jane Austen and contemporary historical romances.

Anything Georgette Heyer is a must read to me. Lord Alverstoke is a selfish man who doesn’t really care about his family because they only want money from him. He meets Frederica who is a distant cousin of his, who’s trying to bring her sister out into society with his help. Good dialogue, interesting characters.

Rich, titled, and handsome, the Marquis of Alverstoke is the dream of every ambitious mother and the aspiration of every single daughter. To their despair, he has no desire to wed, nor an inclination to go out of his way for anyone but himself and his own amusement. That is, until a distant relative who knows nothing of his ways comes to him for help.

Refreshingly straightforward, Frederica Merriville has arrived in London to find a match for her younger sister, Charis. To his own surprise, Alverstoke not only agrees but wants to help her. Before long, he finds himself doing things he never would have before, including falling in love.

As an avid reader of Regency tales, I had often heard the name Georgette Heyer and was excited to read my first book by her. Sadly, I did not love Frederica. For starters, the story was much too long. Both the narration and characters constantly went off on unrelated tangents that swallowed up paragraphs and pages, as well as my interest.

Frederica was an amusing enough character when she didn’t stray into one of those winded rants, which unfortunately happened all too often. Alverstoke did nothing for me. I don’t care for a hero who is nice to no one except the heroine. By the end, he showed zero growth. Sure he did a few things that were unlike him, but even the story said it was solely because he’d fallen for Frederica. In the romance department, the protagonists had no chemistry. Throughout the entire story, I felt exactly how the author repeatedly describes Alverstoke — bored. I don’t know if all Heyer’s books are like this one, or if I picked the wrong one to start with, but this story didn’t particularly inspire me to want to read more of hers.

The Marquis of Alverstoke, wealthy, vain, and immensely bored, sees no reason why he must put himself to any trouble for anyone at all. But when he agrees to sponsor a beautiful young woman's debut in society, he can't help but become tangled up with her managing older sister.

I read Georgette Heyer's romances sparingly. Not because I dislike them, but indeed the opposite - I adore their sharp humor, hijinks, and immersive historical setting - and I don't want to gorge myself on them. And all of these are shown off to perfect effect in Frederica.

There's lots of laugh out loud moments courtesy of the impossible travails of Felix, Jessamy, and the rest of the Merrivale family, but also plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor poking fun at interpersonal relationships, gender roles, and the social mores at the time. The incident of Lufra the dog and his supposedly noble ancestry cracked me up, and I will never think of restorative pork jelly in the same way again (though admittedly I never did think of it before).

But beyond that, it is also the enjoyable story of a jaded man coming to care about other people at long last. Though Frederica is the titular character, it is Alverstoke who is the protagonist, and who astonishingly and rather reluctantly comes to be interested in other people, to truly love someone who is not himself. To this end, I really loved that the book follows not only his relationship with Frederica but also the way in which he bonds with Felix and Jessamy, leading to some of the more emotional parts of the story.

Delicious as always.

The penultimate comfort read which has survived the decades since I first read it.

Frederica is a romantic comedy tracking the 'becoming of Alverstoke'. We see him from beginning to end and I for one totally enjoy the journey, especially as it is accompanied by such delicacies as 'restorative pork jelly' and delicious characters such as Felix and Jessamy and the Blockhead and Louise and the 'fainting one'.

Heyer's brand of intelligent sarcastic humour completely fits me and my moods and are guaranteed to lift up my spirits when I'm down.

An ARC for this edition gently provided by Sourcebook Casablanca the publishers via Netgalley.

This was absolutely delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were charming and witty. I highly recommend this fun and quick read! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.