| Title | : | Having the Builders in (Dame Constance de Clair, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0755333063 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780755333066 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published November 6, 2006 |
Quite apart from the fact that Constance's builders seem more intent on demolishing the existing castle than building the extension; her son's wife-to-be is determined to dislodge her as Lady of the Castle; her son appears more interested in going hunting than getting married; the French are threatening to invade; and to top it all off, there appears to be thievery afoot.
Something is going to have to be done before the estate begins to crumble (quite literally, at this rate) but the question is what...?
Having the Builders in (Dame Constance de Clair, #1) Reviews
-
Another great book. hard to categorise - sort of a 14th century chick-lit, but without the shopping for handbags. But also a really nice study of castle life without being dull or lecturing.
-
I had rather hoped this would be an amusing tale of castle renovation in the Middle Ages. It is much more than that - a coming of age story, a murder mystery, a theft mystery, and a story of family dynamics. The renovation gets a bit lost in all of this. It's a side story and not the main event. Which is frustrating.
On the other hand, the awkward relationship between the current lady of the house -who is sharp as a tack and thoroughly in control - and her son's 15 year old fiancé, who is naive, ambitious and not as bright - is beautifully and amusingly written.
Plus, the history is absolutely on target. How I loathe romance novels where they get historic daily life entirely wrong! This book is a total relief in that regard.
It's just not the book I was expecting, hence the moderate stars. -
I have been waiting for some months to read this book (and its companion - Having the Decorators In) and finally both books appeared on the library shelves.
The words on the front of the book say
"a delicious novel of medieval rivalry, chivalry and masonry".
The lead character is really Dame Constance de Claire, who wants to transfer her castle, Vine Regis by adding an extension.
That;s when her troubles start, with the builders.
Add to that her eldest son Gervase's wife-to-be Susanne, who arrives at the castle thinking that she will be in charge - plus there is thievery.
All rolled into an enjoyable tale. -
I made it about halfway through. I was barely coping with the pedestrian prose and the lacklustre characters, and Dame Constance was increasingly reminding me of some of the less pleasant managers I've encountered, and then there was this weird insistence on Susanna's cleavage leading - obviously - to the desire of every male in the castle to have his brutish way with her. Yes, we are in Historical Times, but if this is supposed to be chick-lit, I don't see why we couldn't have a bit of feminist enlightenment too.
-
Not for sticklers for historical accuracy,great character development, or subtle plots but it does not take itself too seriously.
Though I have just noticed the same author has written a book about the history of cannibalism which might be a bit more interesting.. -
Vaguely enjoyable...great historical detail!
-
Cute chick-lit set in medieval times. A great summer read to just sit back and enjoy.
-
Christmas gift from Kieran
