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Book Review By Linda
Finessing Clarissa by Marion Chesney

The Honorable Clarissa Vevian is a tall woman, whose tiny and delicate mother has intimidated and forced her to appear even more clumsy and foolish by dressing her in fashions which are unflattering and too-small shoes. Despite these efforts on her mother's behalf, she failed to procure a husband in Bath and is sent to London for refinement and chaperonage by the Tribble sisters.

Along the way to London, her coach is held up by a young gentleman looking for diversion, and Clarissa accidentally foils the robbery and renders the highwayman unconscious. It transpires that the highwayman is a family member of the Earl of Graystone, and Clarissa meets the Earl and stays at his family seat after the aborted robbery and subsequent ruin of Clarissa's coach.

Upon reaching London and the Tribbles' residence, Clarissa meets the Earl again. He is investigating the theft of important government papers, which incidentally were hidden in Clarissa's jewelry box by a spy during Clarissa's journey to London. The Earl and Clarissa become close during the London season, and with the encouragement of the Tribble sisters develop a romantic relationship.


Plot & Themes
Time/era of story
Action/suspense subplot? Yes
Action:
If one lover chases another... - they alternate

Main Male Character
Profession/status:
Age/status: - 20's-30's

Main Female Character - a teen
Profession/status:
Unusual characteristics:

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK
Misc setting - Fancy Mansion

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
What % of story is romance related? - 80%
Focus of story - equally on him and her
How much dialog - significantly more descript than dialog
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