Book Review: The Generous Earl

Author: Catherine Coulter
Title: The Generous Earl
Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: July 1981
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: An English duke to become a Scottish noble! The very idea was scandalous! That this odious man should also be her new guardian was completely intolerable to spirited young Brandy Robertson. But at least she wouldn't have to meet Ian Carmichael, the new Earl of Penderleigh, for surely he wouldn't trouble himself to come to Scotland.

Yet, to her amazement, Ian did indeed visit Penderleigh Castle, and he proved as much a surprise to Brandy as his independent, outspoken ward did to him. Handsome, charming, generous, Ian was everything she could desire. But when he persisted in treating her like an innocent child and seemed determined to wed a lady with whom he obviously didn't suit, Brandy decided to take matters into her own hands and show this insufferably obstinate lord just how much of a woman she truly was....

Review: This was a wonderfully modern regency that really was a fun read. There were so many colorful characters; Brandy, her sisters Constance and Fiona, Grandma Adella, Ian, Felicity and so many more. Its one of Catherine's first books too, and it really shows you how talented she was from the start.

The only gripe I have is that the blurb doesn't quite suit the story. Brandy didn't really try to change her appearance until the very end of the story. Most of the time she kept herself looking dowdy because she was afraid that her blossoming figure was repulsive. That innocence really makes some of Brandy's dealings with her cousin Percy more colorful, because he's quite crude in his assessment of her figure and she seems to not know what he's about. It is a little hard to believe she doesn't have a clue, even in regency England, but it works. Plus her innocence makes her growing love for Ian so much sweeter.

Felicity Tammerley, the Duke's fiancee could very well be voted the character that you would most like to choke. She is the epitome of "bitch." It really makes you wonder how Ian, who is very down to earth and kind managed to propose to her. I think she was really the catalyst for Brandy to wake up to herself. Here she was a beautiful London Lady who was betrothed to the Duke and there she was just a Scottish girl.

I could go on and on about the characters but if you are familiar with Coutler's work you'll know she's no slouch in character development. This is definitely a book that you must read if you can find a copy. It is fantastic to know that Catherine was a fabulous writer from the start.