The Grand Sophy (by Georgette Heyer)

(Amazon UK link)

I love Georgette Heyer's historical romances.  I have a large collection, and indulge myself with re-reading every so often. 'The Grand Sophy' features one of her triumphs of characterisation: Sophy Stanton-Lacey.

Sophy goes to stay with her aunt and uncle after spending most of her time abroad. She is independent, spirited, argumentative, and totally unlike any other young ladies of the Regency times. Sophy is worried that she might get bored, but quickly discovers that her cousins are not happy. She sees this as a challenge for her ingenuity.

Sophie's cousin Charles is engaged to a tedious women he does not love. His sister Cecilia is in love with a vague and impractical poet.  Then there's Hubert who has worries he will not divulge. Sophy resolves to sort them out, and succeeds in doing so in her inimitable way.

There's light humour, some well-written banter, and brilliantly drawn characters throughout - even if a few of the less likeable one are rather caricatured. At the end, there is one of this author's classic and effective plot devices: an unexpected gathering of most of the important people in the book, where they manage to sort out their misunderstandings.

'The Grand Sophy' is a great light read. It's not one of my absolute favourite Heyer novels, but still very enjoyable.