The Mad Herringtons are a large quirky family who do as they please. Their whimsies are the talk of the ton, and nothing they do surprises the gentry. This Regency romance is refreshing because it shows a more human and humorous side of the ‘toffs’.
Aphrodite Herrington is the changeling of the Herringtons. Her whole family seems mad to her. None of them seem to conform to established norms of behavior. She has thirteen or fourteen siblings, and her mother is famous for her fecundity. This itself is embarrassing for the twenty year young Aphrodite. They all have Greek names which are mostly unpronounceable. One brother is off exploring in Egypt. Another does something in America. Her older sister is unmarried but lives alone in London, wearing scandalous clothes and hobnobbing with the literati. Her younger sister goes about kissing the help, and is way too amorous for her age.
Viscount Warwick is handsome and attractive but he snubbed Aphrodite a few years ago. They are both drawn to each other but also weary of one another. Mr. Horne, the son of a trader, is quiet and boring and offers the stability that Aphrodite craves. He proposes to her and asks her father for her hand. It is decided that Aphrodite will visit the Horne estate and meet Mr. Horne’s mother before a formal announcement is made.
Aphrodite arrives at the beautiful Horne estate with her two sisters. The house party consists of the Viscount Warwick and his family, who turn out to be related to the Hornes. Mrs. Horne is a large, odious woman with ugly habits and a loose tongue. Her uncouth behavior shocks Aphrodite who cannot contemplate spending her life living under the thumb of such a tyrant. Mr. Horne is ruled by his mother and is besotted with Athena Herrington. Warwick finds that he has dormant feelings for Aphrodite. Another surprise guest further upsets the Herringtons. What ensues is a mad and hilarious adventure between the whole house party.
The Mad Herringtons does have its romantic moments. After all, it is a love story. Romance lovers and Regency lovers are sure to enjoy reading this book. Is Aphrodite really that different from her family? Or is she as mad as the other Herringtons? Read the book to find out.
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