A Rollickingly Amusing Way to Spend a Dull Saturday!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
THE PREMISE: While Jane is finishing her convalescence at Netherfield everyone decides to escape the boredom of a dreary rainy day by donning costumes and putting on a home theatrical. But the play decided upon proves to be a little scandalous and has some unique parallels, ribald humor, and surprising romantic entanglements…
MY THOUGHTS: How Perfect! Quite by chance, I enjoyed this excessively diverting novella on a rainy and dreary weekend as well, and the amusing and outlandish developments in this tale were the best way to chase away any cares or rainy day blues.
The characters are what I loved most in this story. The readers sees events from Mr. Darcy’s perspective and are fortunate to spend a lot of time in his lovely head. I loved hearing all his internal thoughts, his comedic asides, and seeing how head-over-heels-besotted he was with Elizabeth! He was an excellent sport to take part in this theatrical and act ridiculous! And it was such great fun to see him be flustered by his emotions and incapable of repressing himself. I also adored Elizabeth’s arch playfulness in this story (she is such a fun sport), Charles’s eager enthusiasm and slyness (he is a man of unexpected sense and humor), and – surprise of all surprises – Mrs. Phillips (she knows what’s up and is not shy about it!)
And the other element I enjoyed in this tale was witnessing Ms. Croft’s brilliant and clever play with words. Having adored her previous works – Love at First Slight, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, and short stories in various anthologies – I was prepared for (and eagerly expecting) her playful puns and witty wordplay. And she delivered them in abundance! But aside from the sporting and spoofing, it was lovely to see the sincere and honest moments these characters shared together. There were some wonderfully heartwarming and tender scenes amidst all the humor and hijinks.
Filled with playful performances and precipitous passions, Play with Fire is just the story to brighten your mood. Thank you, Ms. Croft, for as always bringing such spirited joviality and delightful merriment to these characters!
I just read this book and found myself chortling quite enthusiastically. I really loved Charles’ pronunciation of any words with an “s” in them. “I fay, Lord Haughterton! Unhand Mifs Bell this inftant…” Charles was quite the character!
Right?! It would be great to listen to this one in audiobook format I’d imagine!
I read this story a little over a year ago and enjoyed it. Lovely review, Meredith.
Thank you, Sheila! I appreciate it!
Thank you for this wonderful review, Meredith! Congratulations, J. Marie! 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by to check it out, Kelly!
Thanks for the great review, Meredith! Having read in your November agenda that this was coming, I can get off these tenterhooks now. Your kind words certainly brightened my day, and I’m delighted the novella did the same for you. Perhaps I should frame this write-up and refer to it whenever I become discouraged. Your opinion is important to me. And, as always, alliteration in your analysis is appreciated. 🙂
Lol! I’m glad it was just a couple of days that I inadvertently placed you there. 😉 Aww, you are so kind to say that. I’m very happy that we both shared some brightness with each other! LOL! I can’t resist the chance to be alliterative if I can!
Oh yes Meredith, this was most definitely a winner for me as well! I truly enjoy stories with a touch of humour and this had more than a touch! It was ages ago when I read it so with this reminder I really must read it again.
It is definitely chock full of wit and hilarity! I hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
Thanks for the lovely review, Meredith! I loved this story. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading it. My fur babies would look at me like I had lost it! LOL I too thoroughly enjoyed Charles’s deliberate mispronunciations of “s” words or any word with an “s”! Joanne was quite clever with all of it, but then, isn’t she always! 🙂 I’m happy you enjoyed this novella as much as I did!
Lol! I bet you did! And I bet they did! Thanks so much for sharing your enjoyment of this novella with us!
Sounds very entertaining. I shall check it out. 🙂
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I decided after reading this review to get it and it’s my entertainment while the family is watching football (not my favorite thing to watch) I’m excited!
Oh brilliant! I would do the same if I were in your shoes! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Thanks so much for your suggestion.
Hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
I get a kick out of Croft’s writing, such cleverness and humor. Isn’t she fun!?
Yes! There is so much of both in store in each story she writes!
It sounds great, and I (too) dearly love to laugh 😀
Well then, you will be delighted by all the “follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies!”