The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown

This is a delightful book - a compilation of four linked romance novellas by four very good authors. It is not a new book, having been published some dozen years ago, but it is as fresh as if it were new. Julia Quinn's delightful format of prefacing chapters with excerpts of Lady Whistledown's gossip sheet (delightfully witty and humourous) is maintained across all four books, giving a pleasing continuity. All four stories cover a period approximately three weeks long, and the stories touch base over three events - an evening at the Theatre Royal for a performance of The Merchant of Venice starring Edmund Kean, a skating party on the frozen Thames, and finally Lady Shelbourne's Valentine Day's ball. I liked all four heroes and heroines and wouldn't want to pick any one out above the other. Since they are novellas, there isn't the space to go into complex storylines, but they are all well rounded little tales. At the end of each one, I was reluctant to leave the characters - for me always a sign that I have enjoyed what the authors have put before me. I would most definitely recommend this to anyone who likes Regency romances.

I read this anthology in just 4 hours, it was that good (well, I speed read, unfortunately). I have loved the mysterious Lady Whistledown all through the Bridgerton series. I was so disappointed with the loss of this wittiest of columnists society's foibles when she 'retired'. Then she popped back up to narrate these 4 stories - each with it's own flavor and just enough sensuality. Using Lady Whistledown to introduce chapters of stories by Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins, Mia Ryan and Julia Quinn was genious. Each story is centered around Valentine's Day - the best time of year for romantics. The stories have intriguing characters who appear in each story briefly; their own stories entertwined. Suzanne Enoch has a betrothed-from-birth groom rushing to London to claim his bride when Lady Whistledown's column reports some rather indiscreet behaviour on the lady's part - I can only say that the story was very romantic. Karen Hawkins adds to the humor with her story of a rogue who begins to be disturbed when his life-long friend decides to marry, well, according to Lady Whistledown, someone comfortable. Mia Ryan's heroine kept me laughing with her habit of blurting out really odd observations - obviously says exactly what she is thinking at any given time. And her thoughts are chaotic as it is! But, finally, we have Julia Quinn's story, which can only be the best of the book. I can't spoil the surprise in this one, but it is one of my absolute favorite story lines, done in the way that only Julia Quinn can do to make it new, fresh and funny. This book is a must for your collection of keepers of the observations of Lady Whistledown and the 5* books she has narrated.

I love Julia Quinn's Bridgerton Series, so I HAD to read this. I can tell you that I read the first two stories in one day, they were that interesting and made me interested in reading more books by Suzanne Enoch and Karen Hawkins. Julia's story was just as expected, a true page turner. But, the reason I didn't give it 5 stars is Mia Ryan. I wanted to like her story because I thought it was great that all the four stories were intertwined between the four events of the Worth ball, the Keane play, the Skating party and the Valentine's ball. But, I could not get into Ryan's story. I did skim through it because I wanted to see the interactions, but it didn't grab me. What did grab me was Suzanne's Anne Bishop finding out that the man she was promised to from birth was the man for her. Julia's Susannah finding her true love in the arms of her old love's brother! Karen's Liza and Royce finding out that you can be friends and you can be lovers. What was even better was reading the same scenes from different points of views. Seeing Anne Bishop flee and knock both Royce and Susannah to the ground and then seeing that scene from Royce and Susannah's POV. Would I recommend this book? Yes and it is a MUST for all Julia Quinn fans. I keep wishing that maybe Lady Whistleton could make an appearance in the next Bridgerton Books, maybe Julia could get her to come out of retirement. Let's all hope because Lady Whistleton tells it as it is!

While 3 of the stories were very intriguing to read and easy to relate to, one story was rather long winded and absurd is the only thing keeping the 2 main characters from professing their love to each other was the fear they would not be able to continue their friendship once married, and even more, fear to admit they loved their best friend. Shouldn't one's partner in life and love be considered a best friend and confidant?

Great book. It incorporates other characters from the town that are not in the main plot.