Quick Take

Adam Deveril, is one of the Duke of Wellington's captains, and a hero at Salamanca. When his father, a crony of the Prince Regent, is killed in the hunting field, Adam became the 6th Viscount Lynton of Fontley Priory, Lincolnshire. But he retuns from the Peninsula War to find his magnificent home in disrepair and his family on the brink of ruin and the broad acres of his ancestral home mortgaged to the hilt. He is madly in love with the beautiful Julia Oversley, but he soon realises that the drastic measure of a marriage of convenience is the only answer. It is Lord Oversley, father of Adam's first love, who tactfully introduces him to Mr Jonathan Chaleigh, a City man of apparently unlimited wealth with no social ambitions for himself, but with his eyes firmly fixed on a suitable match for his one and only daughter, the quiet and decidedly plain Jenny Chawleigh.Although Jenny Chawleigh was bright, well-mannered, and an heiress, she was no match for beautiful Julia Oversley, the love of handsome Adam Deveril's life. But Adam desperately needed money to keep his fatherless family together, and a marriage to Jenny would solve all his problems. And Jenny's father, a man of great wealth and ambition for his daughter, was only too happy to arrange a suitable match with a title for her. Adam chafes under Mr. Chawleigh's generosity, and Julia's jealous behavior upon hearing of the betrothal nearly brings them all into a scandal. But Adam didn't reckon with the Jenny nobody knew, or the unknown quality that lay hidden behind her demure and plain facade, who bring him comfort and eventually more....

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: A Civil Contract

Introduction

"A Civil Contract" by Georgette Heyer is a historical romance novel set during the Regency era. The book follows the story of Adam Deveril, a young man who returns from the Peninsular Wars to find his family's estate in disrepair and his family on the brink of ruin. To save his family, Adam agrees to a marriage of convenience with Jenny Chawleigh, a wealthy heiress. However, their marriage is not without its challenges, as Adam's heart remains with his first love, Julia Oversley.

About Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. She began writing in 1921 and released her first novel, "The Black Moth," in 1925. Heyer continued to write one romance novel and one thriller each year until her death in 1974. She was known for her detailed and meticulous research, which allowed her to create realistic and believable historical settings for her stories. Heyer's works often explored themes of love, duty, and social class, and her writing style was praised for its wit and humor.

Analysis of Views

Unconventional Romance: Readers who have read other works by Georgette Heyer may find "A Civil Contract" to be a departure from her usual style. The romance between the hero and heroine is not as conventional as expected, as there is no passionate love at first sight or grand declarations of love. Instead, the story focuses on the development of a practical and comfortable relationship between Adam and Jenny.
Realistic Portrayal of Marriage: Heyer's portrayal of marriage in "A Civil Contract" is considered realistic and grounded in the social norms of the Regency era. The book explores the challenges and responsibilities that come with marriage, including financial obligations and social expectations. The characters must navigate these challenges while also dealing with their own personal feelings and desires.
Lack of Instant Chemistry: Some readers have noted that there is a lack of instant chemistry between the hero and heroine in "A Civil Contract." While Adam and Jenny do not initially have a strong romantic connection, their relationship develops over time as they come to understand and appreciate each other. This realistic portrayal of a relationship that grows over time may appeal to readers who prefer more nuanced and gradual romantic developments.
Complex Characters: Heyer's characters in "A Civil Contract" are complex and multi-dimensional. Adam, the hero, is portrayed as a young man who is initially selfish and ungrateful, but eventually grows into a more mature and responsible person. Jenny, the heroine, is not the typical romantic heroine, as she is plain, unassuming, and focused on making Adam comfortable. These complex characters add depth and interest to the story.
Historical Accuracy: As with all of Georgette Heyer's works, "A Civil Contract" is known for its historical accuracy. The book provides a detailed portrayal of life during the Regency era, including the social customs, fashion, and political climate of the time. Readers who appreciate historical accuracy may find this aspect of the book particularly appealing.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unconventional Romance: Readers who enjoy unconventional romances that deviate from traditional tropes may find "A Civil Contract" to be a refreshing departure from typical romance novels. The lack of instant chemistry between the hero and heroine adds depth to the story and allows for a more realistic portrayal of a relationship that develops over time.
Realistic Portrayal of Marriage: Heyer's portrayal of marriage in "A Civil Contract" resonates with readers who appreciate realistic depictions of relationships. The challenges and responsibilities that come with marriage are explored in a way that feels authentic to the Regency era.
Complex Characters: The complex characters in "A Civil Contract" add depth and interest to the story. Readers who enjoy exploring the inner lives of their fictional protagonists may find Adam and Jenny's character development compelling.
Historical Accuracy: Heyer's attention to historical accuracy makes "A Civil Contract" an appealing read for those who appreciate accurate depictions of historical settings. The book provides a detailed portrayal of life during the Regency era that adds depth to the story.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Instant Chemistry: Some readers may find the lack of instant chemistry between Adam and Jenny to be a drawback in "A Civil Contract." While this realistic portrayal may appeal to some readers, others may prefer more traditional romantic tropes where love at first sight plays a significant role in the story.
Slower Pace: The slower pace of "A Civil Contract" may not appeal to readers who prefer fast-paced stories with high levels of action or excitement. The focus on character development and exploration of social norms may result in a more introspective reading experience for some readers.
Historical Setting: While Heyer's attention to historical accuracy is commendable, it may also be a drawback for readers who prefer more modern or contemporary settings in their romances. The Regency-era setting may not appeal to readers who are not familiar with or interested in historical settings.

Conclusion

"A Civil Contract" by Georgette Heyer is a historical romance novel that explores themes of love, duty, and social class during the Regency era. While some readers may find it unconventional due to its lack of instant chemistry between the hero and heroine, others appreciate its realistic portrayal of marriage and complex characters. Heyer's attention to historical accuracy adds depth to the story, making it an appealing read for those interested in accurate depictions of historical settings. Overall, "A Civil Contract" offers a unique reading experience for fans of historical romance novels seeking something different from traditional tropes.