Black Sheep

This is one of Georgette Heyer's best stories. However the person who read it was terrible. The Black Sheep sounded dumb and old, The main heroine sounded like an old woman. The person who read this book, she's done others, is really bad in my opinion and keeps me from purchasing other audible Heyer books.

This was an enjoyable read because I came to like the two main characters so well.

MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS

One of Heyer's greatest skills is making you care about a male lead who is not typical hero material. Still, it must be said that Miles Calverleigh unintentionally performs an act of heroism when he "rescues" Abigail Wendover from relatives who not only take her for granted but have never even tried to understand her.

As the story begins, Abigail is returning home to Bath after a long absence, during which the fortune-hunting Stacy Calverleigh has appeared on the scene and ingratiated himself with Abby's sister Selina and niece Fanny. Having been forewarned about Stacy, Abby is prepared to run interference in his scheme to marry Fanny's fortune, but before she can be introduced to him she meets his uncle Miles. Miles's presence in Bath is sheer coincidence; he is only now returning to England from India, where his family had sent him some twenty years before because of his youthful peccadilloes. He is immediately taken with Abby, and although she is frustrated by his unwillingness to intervene with Stacy, she is unexpectedly attracted to him.

Miles Calverleigh is neither handsome nor fashionable and he has careless manners. But the biggest obstacle to his pursuit of Abby is the opposition of her family. In his youth, Miles had tried to elope with Fanny's mother, Celia Morval, after Celia's father had arranged for her to marry Abby's brother Rowland. The elopement failed, with none but the immediate parties and Abby's censorious brother James the wiser. Fanny was the only child of Rowland and Celia and she has been in the care of her two aunts since her parents' deaths many years before.

Abby's family talks of the "odd kick in her gallop" she had in her younger years. She has mellowed since then, probably because she spends as little time as possible around the people who bring out her rebellious streak - her father and Rowland are both dead, and she avoids her prosy brother James whenever she can. Selina is generally more amenable but her notions of "proper" conduct and familial duty are just as constraining and her demands on Abby so blithely selfish that it isn't surprising Abby feels like she has found a friend and kindred spirit in the unconventional Miles. Abby is of age and can do as she pleases but the threat of being cut off completely from her family if she follows her own inclinations is one she cannot take lightly.

Stacy Calverleigh is a nasty piece of work, using his looks and charm to manipulate others and pretending to gentlemanly qualities that are belied by his true nature. He succeeds far too well with people like Selina, who is shocked "to think that a young man with such agreeable manners should turn out to be a monster of duplicity." It is because she is so fixated on the idea that a person's appearance and manners are an accurate reflection of who they really are that Selina never really warms to Miles and has such difficulty accepting the truth about Stacy in the face of the glaring evidence against him.

But there is no pretense to Miles, he is exactly who he presents himself to be. He bears no ill will toward his father for having sent him to India because it was there that he learned he had a head for business and profited from it. He is not a rebel: he conforms to the conventions as long as they suit what he wants to do, and when he does flout them, he accepts the resulting censure without resentment or self-pity. He is completely his own person, with the financial independence to do exactly as he pleases, and it is thoroughly enjoyable to see how, in pursuing his own heart's pleasure, Miles ends up saving the day for Fanny as well as for Abby.

Thought I'd try reading a Georgette Heyer and chose Black Sheep for my first read. Very disappointing. Lackluster writing. Very little happens. Couldn't relate to or didn't care for the characters. Knew how it would end and thought about quitting way before the end.

I love when Heyer writes older heroines. Those books seem to always be her best work when they are not ingenues and are pretty independent. This is one of them. The irreverent hero is one of a kind and hilarious. And the so respectable heroine is a perfect counterfoil to him. There are predictable things to the plot and her very accurate teenage charge (who exasperates you but is definitely a teenager) seems to rule the roost but that doesn't really damage the story so much.

I like that this novel explores the independence of women and how hard won it is. How respectability plays a part. I find that interesting and she does go into some depth with her heroine and her circumstances. How marriage is not everything for her because she would rather not ever get married than ever lose her independence.

The story ended far too soon and I wanted more!

A great book for a rainy weekend; light and entertaining with not too much to think about. After the first few chapters of introduction, the story focuses on 28 year old 'spinster' Abigail Wendover, and the 'older' Miles Calverleigh who has spent the last twenty years in India, banished there by his family over a romantic scandal.

Miles is indeed the 'black sheep' of his family, having run off with someone else's fiancée, but we soon see that most of his deplorable ways have been left in the past. He still sadly lacks society manners and is careless in his mode of dress, but his quick intelligence and ready wit more than make up for it. He is the kind of person whose conversation can't but be enjoyable. A reassurance for parents of teen readers: Miles at times seems worse than he is, but readers will find that things become clearer by the end.

As a typical Heyer romance this one is not based on perfect looks and instant attraction but on a deeper 'connection' between the two people. Yet though many contemporary romances allude to just such a 'connection', they often rush so quickly through to the romance that it may as well have been love at first interaction, if not at first sight. But in Heyer's regency romances this connection is patiently and respectfully explored throughout the novel, which makes it more real and consequential.

A short, entertaining story that after the first few chapters is difficult to put down.

Our lovely heroine, Abigail Wendover (Abby), age 28, considers herself to be somewhat "on the shelf" but enjoys a full social life in the town of Bath where she lives with her older sister and niece Fanny. Problems arise when Fanny falls for what appears to be a young rake and fortune hunter - Mr. Stacey Calverleigh. Fanny is a sweet 17 year old girl who can't see beyond the outer shell of of the persona that makes up Stacey.

When Abby returns home from some weeks spent with family, she becomes very concerned about Fanny's relationship with the young Mr. Calverleigh. Having not yet met Stacey Caverleigh, she suspects the worst and can hardly wait to take him down a peg or two. When she is out and about, she overhears someone being addressed as Caverleigh and assumes that individual is Stacey. It is not. In point of fact, when Abby charges in to address herself to Mr. Caverleigh, he disavows any knowledge of anyone named Fanny. It seems she has run smack dab into the Black Sheep of the Caverleigh family who has returned to England after spending many years in far-off India.

Twenty years previously, Miles Caverleigh made the mistake of running away with a young woman who was on the eve of being married to another man. They were found out and the young woman had to return and marry her intended who was actually Abby's older brother. That woman has since passed away but neither family ever forgot the ugly deed. Miles is a kind of rough, care-not-what-anyone-thinks-about-him type of man. Indeed, how and why would he care when everyone gave up on him long ago. He is, however, absolutely fascinated with the lovely Abby.

Abby wants to enlist his aid in her efforts to rid Fanny of Stacey, who happens to be Miles' nephew. Of course, Miles has no interest in a nephew he doesn't know and in point of fact, doesn't care to interfere in any matter that doesn't interest him and most things don't interest him. Stacey pays Uncle Miles a visit to straighten Uncle Miles out about a few things - Uncle Miles barely gives Stacey the time of day and Stacey leaves with his head turning around on his shoulders not knowing what to think about the Black Sheep of the family. Meanwhile, Stacey is under the hatches and continues to press his suit with Fanny.

Eventually, Miles decides he will take some action because he has found that he does have a weakness and that weakness is Abigail Wendover. It took this reader awhile to figure out exactly what Miles was working behind the scenes. The dialogue between Miles and those he interacts with is absolutely over the top. He is a great character and probably one of Ms. Heyer's best. Having lived his life as an outcast, he decided he would set his own values relative to responsibility toward family and friends. In the end, he realized that his heart was soft enough to become not only interested but malleable enough to become involved with the one woman that mattered.

Georgette Heyer is so good, she ruins one for just about anyone else. I finished this Heyer book ( and as always, I was sad to leave the people! ) Marveling how much she gets in a few pages, also her amazing dialogue , ( she creates words that totally fit) Then I took up a modern historical which got raves reviews. Within ten pages, I went back to another Heyer . She's a great read for those who enjoy the gene and even for those who say romance is not their cup of tea . Head and shoulders above the rest .

A classmate introduced me to Georgette Heyer many years ago, and I was so excited to discover so many of her books still available. "Black Sheep" is a delightful romantic comedy that had me laughing from beginning to end. Stacy Caverleigh is the quintessential villain, his uncle Miles the questionable hero. Abigail the long suffering, put upon heroine, and I couldn't decide whether I wanted to shake Selena till her teeth rattled or smack her.

This book is unfortunately too much like Lady of Quality for me to enjoy it completely - same cool wellborn heroine, same rough diamond hero, same setting, same elopement in the offing, same disapproving brother waiting in the wings.... Very much too much the same. Even the badinage between the romantic leads could transfer easily from one story to the other. But this is still Heyer and if you don't make the mistake of reading the two books too closely together it will be easy to enjoy her keen ear for the foibles, fashions and proprieties of the time. There's nothing like a Georgette Heyer Regency to spoil you for all the poorly-researched, overly- contemporary, pseudo-period romances that litter the shelves of so many booksellers.

I think that in emphasizing the romance, Heyer gets short-changed as a story teller. Not to say that the romance is not enjoyable but that there is a bit more depth to this book than the evolution of a relationship between two people.

The plot of this book revolves around families-- the good, the bad, and the indifferent-- and the demands they make on their members. Abigail and Selena Wendover are the youngest and the eldest daughters of a large family. They have always reminded me a bit of Jane and Cassandra Austen although it is just their circumstances and personalities that remind me of thsoe two, not the story itself.

Abigail is the younger and livelier. At 28 she is one of the older Heyer heroines. Selena is some years Abigail's elder, more staid, a bit hypochondriacal and not as quick witted. Both had been disappointed in youthful love affairs due to the intervention of their father who had thought the young men unsuitable for his daughters. Abigail, while she does not remember her father with any fondness, is willing to admit that he was probably right in scotching her early infatuation. She recognizes that her feelings at 18 were not soundly based. Selena, however, takes comfort in the fact that their mother had prophesied her curate suitor would have gone bald before he was 40.

Between them they are raising a young orphaned niece, a lovely heiress who is turned 17 and preparing for her introduction into polite London society.

Unfortunately, a young man in the person of Stacy Calverleigh has arrived on the scene, intent on making his fortune by marrying into it. Abigail, who is visiting her sister in London, is sent post haste back to Bath by her prudish older brother, James, to try to resolve the situation. Then, in a good mistaken identity scene, Abigail meets Mr. Calverleigh, but it is Mr. Myles Calverleigh, the family black sheep returned from India, that she runs into at York House not Mr. Stacy Calverleigh. Part of the interest is in the reaction of the women of Bath society to the Mr. Calverleighs, contrasting the nephew's polished manners to those of his graceless uncle.

Myles is indifferent to Stacy-- sharply differing with the other uncle/nephew pair in the story. He repeatedly says that he has no interest in his family or for that matter, Abigail's family. However, when things need sorting out, it is Myles who sets actions in motion that lead to a most satisfying resolution.

This is a five star read all the way.

"Black Sheep" is a regency-era historical romance. It's also an extremely funny story once Miles turned up. I usually enjoy how Heyer's main romantic pair are better people for having known each other and how well they work together. This story was different. I could understand the mutual attraction between Miles and Abby, but they don't work together (Abby only needed help with her niece, and Miles refused to get directly involved) and one could make a case that they're actually a bad influence on each other in terms of society standards.

As always, though, the author used her excellent understanding of human nature to craft realistic characters and an enjoyable story. The setting and historical details were woven into the story. It's not a thick book and not much actually happened, but it's still worth reading if you're a Heyer fan.

There was some explicit cuss words and some explicit swearing (with much more swearing that cuss words). There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun novel.

'Black Sheep' is one of Georgette Heyer's later Regency novels and shows all her skills as a writer, including her much-praised historical accuracy for this period. The 'Black Sheep' of the title is Mr Miles Calverleigh, a gentleman who was sent to India twenty years before after shaming his family. Unfortunately for Miss Abigail Wendover, the absent Mr Calverleigh's nephew Stacy is apparently trying to beguile her spirited niece Fanny in order to get his hands on her fortune. Abigail and her sister Serena have stood as parents toward Fanny for many years but Abigail begins to discover that Fanny has grown up enough to want to rely less on her aunt and more on her own heart.

It is into this situation that Miles Calverleigh steps, having finally returned from India. The first scene between him and Abby, a case of mistaken identity, is a wonderful example of Heyer's skill in writing two spirited and interesting characters. Abigail tries to get Miles to help separate his nephew from her niece but she finds herself thwarted by his apparent lack of interest in the cares of others and his apparent wish to thwart her own strict views on being a support to her own sister which may prevent her from following her heart.

There are some similarities between this book and 'Lady of Quality', also written late in Heyer's career, not least in the age of the heroes and heroines who aren't the youngsters of 'Friday's Child' or 'Cotillion' but are mature people who may perhaps feel that the opportunities in life have passed them by. As usual the side characters are excellent in this story, including the very amusing Mrs Clapham and even the straighlaced James Wendover. This book seems to contain less of the cant phrases that can render some characters in other books almost incomprehensible but the overall standard of dialogue is excellent. 'Black Sheep' makes an excellent introduction to Heyer's Regency novels and can be enjoyed again and again.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

It's always good to return to Georgette Heyer once in a while. I hadn't read Black Sheep for several years, and it made a delightful read. As I'm getting a little older myself, I'm coming to appreciate, and much prefer, Heyer's older heroines, such as Abby here and Serena in Bath Tangle.
Abby, supposedly on the shelf at 28, is certainly no stereotypical maiden aunt, despite the fact that she has a niece and is unmarried. Having been brought up in a strict family, she finds that propriety irks her; and yet, ironically, she is faced with having to instil a sense of propriety in her impulsive 17-year-old niece.
For Fanny, the niece, has fallen in love with a man everyone - except Fanny and Abby's older sister Selina - can see is no more than a fortune-hunter. But Fanny simply won't listen to reason, and Abby begins to fear that she'll elope with Mr Stacey Calverleigh. But then, a stranger appears on the scene: Mr *Miles* Calverleigh, Stacey's uncle.
Miles Calverleigh is, apparently, the black sheep of the title; having been guilty of too many indiscretions when young - including that of an abortive elopement with the woman who became Fanny's mother! - was sent to the Indies. There, he worked hard and made his fortune, but on his arrival in Bath he does not appear to have lost any of his disregard for convention. He is utterly careless of propriety, and insists that he feels no sense of obligation to family - therefore he refuses to help Abby in any way by warning off his nephew.
Despite his unhelpfulness, and his habit of teasing her outrageously, Abby finds herself drawn to Miles...
Heyer's inimitable witty style is in evidence, as ever, in this book. There is some hilarious dialogue, as well as very acute observations on human nature. Her secondary characters are, as always, very well drawn, and her cameo characters wonderful caricatures of the type of people we all meet: gossips, pinch-purses, the upright type who disapprove of anything and everything. And who could avoid falling in love with Miles?
A side note - I am appalled that the editorial review above managed to spell the main characters' names incorrectly.

Another story where the h is slightly older when she meets the H. The H has been in India for nearly 2 decades and had been sent away from England in disgrace for his youthful indiscretions. He is rude, blunt and doesn't care a thing for dressing or polite society. The h wants him to help discourage his nephew from chasing after her niece and her fortune. The H isn't interested in helping anyone. Their encounters are entertaining and there was a twist in the story that I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can recommend it.

Update 9/10/17: I listened to the audible version on KU and thoroughly enjoyed this story all over again.

Set in Regency England, Abigail considers herself "on the shelf" at 28. She is asked by family to take care of her somewhat naive niece, who seems to be the target of a fortune hunter, Stacey Caverleigh. When his uncle Miles appears on the scene, Abigail hopes that she can appeal to him to help with the situation. Unfortunately, things are complicated by his "black sheep" status due to the fact that Miles had a relationship with her niece's mother prior to her marriage. Despite his debonair attitude, Miles is intrigued with Abigail and does several things behind the scenes to help resolve the situation and put forth his own cause with Abigail. Despite her frustrations with Miles, Abby can't help her growing feelings towards a man who seems to understand her better than everything else. As with most Regency romances, things do sort themselves out in the end, although perhaps not in the manner that you might expect.

I have read reviews extolling this author and her delightful way of writing. Her humor and delicious, wry ways of showing people flaws, as well as, charming sides made me an instant fan. So glad I finally picked up this book and got a proper introduction to a newest favorite writer.

I enjoyed reading this period piece. I really like the innocents of the romance. Some of the wording was difficult to follow (as an audio book). I think some things may have been lost in translation, especially for an American reader who may not understand certain verbiage. I thought the book had exactly the things it should to make it a nice romantic read. I really like the ending, but felt torn as to if it was the best decision for all parties. It was enjoyable to read the development of the characters.

I enjoyed reading this period piece. I really like the innocents of the romance. Some of the wording was difficult to follow (as an audio book). I think some things may have been lost in translation, especially for an American reader who may not understand certain verbiage. I thought the book had exactly the things it should to make it a nice romantic read. I really like the ending, but felt torn as to if it was the best decision for all parties. It was enjoyable to read the development of the characters.

I love any books written for this era...and Heyer does not disappoint; her characters are perfectly placed and situated at all times (of course). Using an 'older' female in the leading role is different and very refreshing. The story carries well and although one can extrapolate how it moves along, Heyer has just enough twists and turns to keep one on their toes. A delightful read. First time I read anything by Heyer and will be looking for more.

Miles Calverleigh vies with Hugo Darracott (of The Unknown Ajax) for the title of my favorite Heyer hero. The novel takes place in Bath, a spa town. If Regency London is like New York, Bath is like Palm Springs -- lots of retirees of good social standing. The pace is quieter, but hardly rural. So this is hardly the place for a man who snaps his fingers at society's opinions, but that's where Miles winds up. Miss Abigail Wendover is one of the lights of Bath society -- beautiful, well-off and well-bred; her family is very distinguished. She lives with her silly and clinging elder sister and her affectionate niece Fanny. Alas, Fanny has fallen under the spell of a fortune hunter, and Abigail hunts for a way to wean Fanny of the attachment without ruining their good relationship. Meanwhile, Abigail herself is falling under the spell of the fortune hunter's uncle Miles, who appreciates (nay, encourages!) her deplorable tendency to levity. He has no patience with the social restraints that Abigail has accepted, but how can she throw over society's approval without condoning Fanny's determination to do the same?

I love characters who just feel real. This book once again delivers a fun story line, excellent character development and an hilarious (albiet predictable) ending. If you are looking for an easy, clean, fun read....Heyer does it again!

What a fabulous book. I grow very tired of reading romance novels where every second sentence is telling of how the hero or heroine's body parts are reacting to each other. This was such a refreshing change. Just pure romance and no lust. I won't go into the plot because others have. I just want to say that the dialogue in the story is fantastic. The characters are entertaining and the story is always fresh. You can't possibly skim one paragraph because you would miss so many charming details. Just don't read this book when you are tired. The language in the book takes a little bit of mental translation.

This is my first novel by Georgette Heyer. I'm so happy that there are so many more to read by her. If you're a fan of Jane Austen you will love Georgette Heyer.

A Georgette Heyer fan for many years, I believe I have read most of her books - more than once! They are delightful and Black Sheep will not disappoint a lover of Regency Romances. Ms. Heyer has the period dialog down so well, and her characters are well drawn. You know there will be many pages of entertaining content leading to a happy ending.

This is one of my favorites by Georgette Heyer. 28 year old Abigail, who is almost on the verge of becoming an old spinster is falling in love and -against the wishes of her family - swept away in the arms of disreputable Miles.
It's fast paced entertainment, a few hours indulgence in a happy world in which all will end well.

What can one say about Heyer? She was a marvellously talented writer and this was one of her best books. The heroine, Abby, is terribly likeable and has depth and colour and a lovely sense of humour. Miles, our hero, though not in the usual heroic mould, rescues her from the clutches of her clinging and selfish family and helps her to find herself.

Georgette Heyer at her best--interesting plot, almost believable characters, humor, great research. Every Jane and Darcy would-be novelist should reread Heyer to learn hope she builds character, uses dialogue, and humor.

Another very enjoyable read from Miss Heyer. I really enjoy her characterizations and the portrayal of society in the Regency period. What is a little confusing is the slang from the time used in the book, but it is understandable in context.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
I did not like the ending. It ended in the middle of a conversation. He asks her a question, she doesn't answer, and the book is over. We are supposed to know or assume what she will say. I assume it was happy, but I didn't like having to make the assumption. I prefer the author spell things out for me.

I was surprised and very much enjoyed some things that Miles did, which we learn toward the end of the book.

I did not like the narrator at all - Barbara Leigh-Hunt. Her voice sounded like an elderly lady. And therefore all the characters sounded like an elderly lady - even the men. This detracted from the story. I much prefer Cornelius Garrett or Eve Matheson as narrators.

STORY BRIEF:
Abby lives with her sister Selina. They are raising their orphaned niece Fanny age 17. Abby is 28, single, and expects to stay that way.

Twenty years ago Miles ran off with an engaged woman. She returned to her fiancé. The scandal was hushed, and Miles was sent to India. He recently returned and meets Abby. He and Abby smile, laugh a lot, and enjoy each other. Because Miles is a black sheep Abby's family wants her to have nothing to do with him.

Miles' nephew Stacy is a gamester and a fortune hunter. He needs an heiress. Fanny is the only one around, so he convinces her that he loves her and wants to elope. Abby sees Stacy's true nature. Fanny does not. Abby is concerned.

DATA:
Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hours, 41 minutes. Narrator: Barbara Leigh-Hunt. Swearing language: mild. Sexual content: none. Setting: 1816-1817 Bath, England. Book Published: 1966. Genre: regency romance.

This is a fun version of Ms. Heyers tales because it involves so many interesting characters. All of them but one seem to conspire against our pair, and we get to enjoy the misbegotten fruits of their labors.