Two years ago I met Heidi Ashworth in person for the first time. She was exhausted after a long day visiting friends and promoting her book Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind, but she was hilarious – with this droll sense of humour that cracked me up no end, plus she had Krispy Kreme doughnuts to share. Naturally, I was instantly smitten.
She gave me a free copy of her book (because I, being the absentminded twit that I am, completely forgot to bring my wallet), and during the long plane ride home I DEVOURED it. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I earned no small number of odd looks on the plane and while sitting at the gate. I could not stop giggling. Heidi’s droll sense of humour was woven into her work, and Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind was an absolute delight. I read it twice over the course of that day and night, because I just didn’t want it to be over.
Thankfully, it wasn’t. Not really. The sequel is out and when I got my Advanced Reader Copy I did a happy dance —> also not an exaggeration. There were flapping arms and hula-hooping hips involved. It was NOT a pretty sight. I devoured the sequel as quickly as life would allow me to, at one point ending up in a very cold bubble bath because I didn’t want to put it down (bubble bath reading can be injurious to one’s health for this reason).
Miss Delacourt Has Her Day had the same delightful blend of wit, humour, absurdity, and intelligence that I’d enjoyed in the first book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, uplifting read. Some say that regency romances are highly specialized and not for everyone, but I disagree. Perhaps the soppy, sentimental ones are. But when written with the wit and intelligence that imbues all of Heidi Ashworth’s work, I truly believe that anyone would enjoy this captivating tale of a happy ending hanging in the balance. Why, with boxing matches, carriage races, and a hot air balloon ascension, even male readers may find a book they can enjoy.
Although they might want to read it in a brown paper cover, of course. Just look at that cover photo. Too pretty for words!
Comment on this post to be entered to win your very own copy, or click here if you don’t trust chance. The winner will be randomly selected at noon on Friday.
Love this review. I remember meeting Heidi that night. I love that she was still cracking me up even though she was so very tired.
Wahoo!
Eowyn recently posted..Writerly Stuff
I was droll that night? Really? I WAS so darn tired but SO glad that you and DD came and that I got to meet you both and hug you. Thanks so much for this! How did I get such great people on my side?
yes please!! I never pass up a change to read a good book. ;)
I’ve been wanting to read one of her books for a long time. She posted a comment on my blog about my nephew (the one with leukemia) and it really touched me. Also, I’ve never read a Regency and I actually think I would like it. If I don’t win, I’m hoping there are copies of both of her books at the writer’s conference. How lucky that you know her! (She is my FB friend. Maybe I’ll get to meet her too and be a friend as well.)
susan recently posted..The Men in My Llife
I would love it… especially since it’s been recommended by you! I’ll have to get the first one first though. I’ve never read it, and now desperately want to.
Mommyj recently posted..My name is Jenny And Im ADDICTED to this Baby
I’ve heard of these books, around the ‘nets, but somehow I’ve never picked one up. As the book I’m reading right now is a Regency, I’m positive I’d love it. :) And I’m also positive I’d try it anyway, if you recommended it. :)
Sarah recently posted..I Made a Yummy or Orange Chicken Made Easy
sign me up for a chance to win,though i almost hope i don’t, because i’ve not yet read ‘. . . speaks her mind’ . . . *hangs head in shame*
Kate recently posted..Good-Bad-Hopeful News
I’m in love with Heidi’s books! Wonderful review, Kim. I get to review it on the eleventh, and I can’t wait! The humor and wit in these books makes me giggle or laugh out loud!
Rebecca recently posted..Its an Obsession- Nuh-Nuh
Excellent review, Kim! It’s truly a good book when the bath water gets cold. And in Canada, I bet it gets VERY cold! =D
L.T. Elliot recently posted..Stitches
this sounds like exactly my kind of book, the kind where i ‘just one more chapter’ myself through it till dawn and then spend the next day groggy but satiated.
nic recently posted..today and a sneak peek
How fun! When I read my copy my kids kept asking what was so funny because I kept giggling. Don’t enter me in the drawing, because I’m lucky enough to already own a copy. I’d hate to take from a needy reader. :)
Oh, I would love to see someone with a brown paper bag over their head with a copy of this in their hands. :)
Love the story of your meeting and the reading of the two books. I’m sure reading the second one at home made it a little trickier than while flying (without kids, right?)
LisAway recently posted..Built-in Girlfriend
Okay, I’m in. And I promise if I win this one, I’ll buy the first one and read it first. :)
Stephanie recently posted..The wisdom of an immature mind
Oh how I would love to win this book … so many good books out there right now to read!
An Ordinary Mom recently posted..Patience
Oh me please. :D Would love to read this book. Sounds great!
Ok – what Stephanie said! Have never heard of this author, or the … genre? … of regency, but I just joined a book club and maybe this is one they would also enjoy exploring!
Debbie S. recently posted..Some Enchanted Evening
I think you are funny! I’d love to read a book that would make me giggle!
Count me in!
Jo recently posted..ARGH! Can I just get a straight answer please TFSA
Oh how I would love to win this book, always enjoy a good read. Enjoyed your review!
In love a great story, especially one with wit!! It is hard to find new great authors and after those comments I am hooked and would love to read it. Thanks for doing this!
I think you’re right… The cover may be too pretty for me. Plus I might get funny looks if I start giggling while reading it! :S
Sounds like a great read!
Can’t wait to read this–’Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind’ was a favorite and I am looking forward to seeing what Ginny is up to lately.