bookswithnopictures's review
4.0
I loved the change in pace to a first person narrative and the "how to pick a husband" letter from Ivy's grandmother. It was very amusing particularly when Henry got involved asking other men about the smell of hay fields and leather or his take on Shakespeare's sonnets. I would have liked a little more detail in tone or facial expressions throughout as I wasn't 100% sure if dialogue was sincere or sarcastic at some points. I would definitely recommend this to any proper romance regency fan.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Loved this story by Heather Chapman! Ivy is a headstrong young woman embarking on her first season. When her step-grandfather dies, she learns that the manor that she loves is going to go to a distant relative named Henry, whom she has met a few times and who loved to compete with her in the past. When Henry arrives for the reading of the will, both he and Ivy are surprised to learn of a provision which if met would allow Ivy to inherit her beloved Bridgestone Manor.
Henry is darling and as each item is met on the list, Ivy begins to see that he is more than she first thought him to be. Each is competing against each other and so the provision is a constant strain between them. I won't tell you what the provision is, but it is an ingenious way for both Henry and Ivy to see each other in a new light.
Henry is darling and as each item is met on the list, Ivy begins to see that he is more than she first thought him to be. Each is competing against each other and so the provision is a constant strain between them. I won't tell you what the provision is, but it is an ingenious way for both Henry and Ivy to see each other in a new light.
jenmikesmith's review
5.0
I loved this book. The relationship Ivy has with her grandmother made me smile. It reminded so much of my own grandmother. The letters back and forth to her father were also so much fun to read. So many moments made me laugh while reading. I'm not a huge fan of Shakespeare so a certain scene made my day. Definitely a book I will read again. My daughter is really hoping there is a sequel with Lord Egertons story.
jamiegc's review
4.0
This book was darling!
The provision in the will was actually from a letter found in an old house, which then found its way into the author’s hands via a good friend. She researched the source, but has no idea where the letter came from. This letter is what sparked the idea for the novel. It is a list of what to look for in a husband. ❤️ I think this list stands the test of time.
Seek a man, if possible, who has mountains in his eyes… and be sure his glance can sweep across the plains…
Look for one who laughs in a hearty manner… and has a twist of kindness at the edge of strong and even lips…
His hair should be neat… but not too much so… There must always be one unruly lock that defies the comb and falls like a rebel on a handy forehead… Beware of men who fawn too much in the company of peers. This man is seeking status and, in time, will barter part of his soul—and also yours—for a nod from a well-born knave. Does he clink his coins with relish and with glee? Pass him by. Misers make unholy lovers…
Does he welcome competition with manly zest… and rally to the challenge of a chase? This is good. He will never be a doltish sideline-stander.
Guns he should feel at home with… and he must have a way with dogs… and the sight of a horse with breeded lines should bring a glint of heaven to his eyes…
Does he preen in front of mirrors? Forget him. Harsh is the life of a wife condemned to live her days in the company of a vain peacock….
Does he speak well of his companions? Is he quick to praise their deeds? If this is so, it is to his favor for it indicates he has security of person. Men who deal in petty prattle and deride the feats of others with snide remarks and sneers are unsure in their bones and in time will feed upon the spirit of a faithful wife to bolster a waning ego…
Does he keep his carriage spotless and in good hue? This could be a minus sign… A man who expends much energy and pride on an inanimate possession may in time deploy his wife to second place…
He should like the feel of leather…. and the smell of new hay in a field… and he should look well standing near a tree…
His ears should like the sound of an ocean surf… and let him walk solid, but always with an animal grace…
Look long in search for a man who brings a gift when there is no occasion. Many men celebrate the standard holidays with traditional presents… but a man has true spirit when he gives a woman a pretty bauble just to see her eyes bubble with surprise…
Look for a man who loves his mother… but be cautious of the one who worships her. He, indeed, may turn out to be a chronic son who whimpers all his days at his mother’s knee.
Neatness is a prize in a male, of course… But prissy males make finicky life companions. Nervous is life with a man who makes a fetish seeking dust on high cupboards and complaining about tables in slight disarray.
It is popular for a woman to think of a man as marriage material if he likes young children. But a word of caution here. Many a man can be a pretender when he waves eloquent about a child. Rather, look for a man whom children like instinctively. If he has this secret gift, children will gravitate to him in a crowded room…
A husband, of course, should a kisser be… but he must command a repertoire. A man’s kisses should have fire and passion, yes… but he must have the art of kissing kind and gently too.
If he is quick to anger, look again... but beware of a man who sulks in too much silence. If he has an admiring eye for the passing ladies, this is good. After all, a man who is to love one woman well must love all women in a general way.
These are the qualities to look for in a man. It would be well, also, if he is tall. It is not so much that short men are bad. They are merely inconvenient. A wife must learn to shrink herself when beside him. It is also nice to have a man around the residence who can reach things on high shelves.
The provision in the will was actually from a letter found in an old house, which then found its way into the author’s hands via a good friend. She researched the source, but has no idea where the letter came from. This letter is what sparked the idea for the novel. It is a list of what to look for in a husband. ❤️ I think this list stands the test of time.
Seek a man, if possible, who has mountains in his eyes… and be sure his glance can sweep across the plains…
Look for one who laughs in a hearty manner… and has a twist of kindness at the edge of strong and even lips…
His hair should be neat… but not too much so… There must always be one unruly lock that defies the comb and falls like a rebel on a handy forehead… Beware of men who fawn too much in the company of peers. This man is seeking status and, in time, will barter part of his soul—and also yours—for a nod from a well-born knave. Does he clink his coins with relish and with glee? Pass him by. Misers make unholy lovers…
Does he welcome competition with manly zest… and rally to the challenge of a chase? This is good. He will never be a doltish sideline-stander.
Guns he should feel at home with… and he must have a way with dogs… and the sight of a horse with breeded lines should bring a glint of heaven to his eyes…
Does he preen in front of mirrors? Forget him. Harsh is the life of a wife condemned to live her days in the company of a vain peacock….
Does he speak well of his companions? Is he quick to praise their deeds? If this is so, it is to his favor for it indicates he has security of person. Men who deal in petty prattle and deride the feats of others with snide remarks and sneers are unsure in their bones and in time will feed upon the spirit of a faithful wife to bolster a waning ego…
Does he keep his carriage spotless and in good hue? This could be a minus sign… A man who expends much energy and pride on an inanimate possession may in time deploy his wife to second place…
He should like the feel of leather…. and the smell of new hay in a field… and he should look well standing near a tree…
His ears should like the sound of an ocean surf… and let him walk solid, but always with an animal grace…
Look long in search for a man who brings a gift when there is no occasion. Many men celebrate the standard holidays with traditional presents… but a man has true spirit when he gives a woman a pretty bauble just to see her eyes bubble with surprise…
Look for a man who loves his mother… but be cautious of the one who worships her. He, indeed, may turn out to be a chronic son who whimpers all his days at his mother’s knee.
Neatness is a prize in a male, of course… But prissy males make finicky life companions. Nervous is life with a man who makes a fetish seeking dust on high cupboards and complaining about tables in slight disarray.
It is popular for a woman to think of a man as marriage material if he likes young children. But a word of caution here. Many a man can be a pretender when he waves eloquent about a child. Rather, look for a man whom children like instinctively. If he has this secret gift, children will gravitate to him in a crowded room…
A husband, of course, should a kisser be… but he must command a repertoire. A man’s kisses should have fire and passion, yes… but he must have the art of kissing kind and gently too.
If he is quick to anger, look again... but beware of a man who sulks in too much silence. If he has an admiring eye for the passing ladies, this is good. After all, a man who is to love one woman well must love all women in a general way.
These are the qualities to look for in a man. It would be well, also, if he is tall. It is not so much that short men are bad. They are merely inconvenient. A wife must learn to shrink herself when beside him. It is also nice to have a man around the residence who can reach things on high shelves.
aworldshapedbybooks's review
4.0
A Provision for Love is a really short and cute regency romance. Ivy's step-grandfather was her grandfather in everything but blood. Because she's not his heir, she's set to lose the property where she spent much of her childhood to his grand-nephew. At least she thought, until she learns of a stipulation that would allow her to inherit if she gets married by the end of her first season to a man that meets her grandmother's list of criteria.
It's a really funny list of criteria, and while some of it sounds obviously dated and ridiculously sexist, the gist of it is pretty accurate. I think the whole book has a much deeper message though, about finding someone who fits your own list and not one set for you by someone else. Finding independence and not sticking too strictly to the mandates of society.
It was slightly repetitive in certain ways, as can be expected from a book like this. Overall though I liked it and I'd recommend it for people in this genre.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot.com/
cyndilouwho5's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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