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H. A. Ferdinand
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Mrs Tempest's Marriage Bureau Kindle Edition

by H. A. Ferdinand (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

Just when she thought there was nothing left to live for, middle-aged underachiever Phyl is handed £65,000 and told to go out and turn her life around.

Inspired by a 1920s book on relationships by the bewitching Mrs Natalia Tempest, she sets her heart on opening an old-fashioned marriage bureau and bringing together lost souls just like herself.

But the lost souls who come to her door are about to embroil her in the strangest adventure of her life. If it isn’t the sex-obsessed estate agent, then it might be the pretty City boy, or the bovine young woman whose job is to think up book titles. Surely, someone among them can find a partner!

Are there mysterious forces working against Phyl or could it be that she's ended up with the most hopelessly unmarryable clientele imaginable?

Comic, heart-warming and as eccentric as its heroine, Mrs Tempest’s Marriage Bureau is part romantic comedy, part mystery and a big part farce. For fans of PG Wodehouse and Helen Fielding, HA Ferdinand’s books combine sharp wit with a fondness for the oddballs, misfits and cynics of this world.

H. A. Ferdinand is the author of An Evening with the Dymond Sisters, Intelligent People and The Baron. She is a Londoner who also writes under other names and you can follow her blog at www.haferdinand.com.

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  1. Print length
    168 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    10 Jan. 2013
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00B014XGA
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 10 Jan. 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    3.8 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

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H. A. Ferdinand

H. A. Ferdinand

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Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
59 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read with witty humor. One customer mentions it had them laughing out loud.

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5 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read, with one customer describing it as a delightfully diverting story.

"I loved this book - at the same time a delightfully diverting story but also a witty and intelligent commentary on love and marriage in the modern..." Read more

"A great read. A good connection with the character and a potential to be adapted for the stage. It would make a great play." Read more

"A very entertaining light and funny love story. I just wish it went on for longer, can we have some more please?" Read more

"What a little gem! This was a delight to read. It is good old-fashioned comic writing for the intelligent reader." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Humor’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book witty, with one mentioning it had them laughing out loud.

"...this book - at the same time a delightfully diverting story but also a witty and intelligent commentary on love and marriage in the modern world." Read more

"A very clever, witty book which had me laughing out loud. Now looking forward to "An evening with the Dymond sisters"." Read more

"Why is this writer not better known? Finely observed, intelligently funny, a cross between Barbara Pym and David Lodge." Read more

"What a little gem! This was a delight to read. It is good old-fashioned comic writing for the intelligent reader." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sharimila
    5.0 out of 5 stars A plot inside a plot
    Reviewed in India on 6 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Mrs. Tempest's Marriage Bureau" by H. A. Ferdinand is a delightful and engaging novel that stands out for its unique storyline and well-crafted characters. The plot starts the usual way about a mother-daughter conversation, which takes an unexpected turn as Phyl receives a significant sum of money from her inheritance and is not sure about what she could do with that. Then she gets inspired by a 1920s relationship guide and decides to open a marriage bureau.

    The author's writing style is intense, successfully delivering a story that seamlessly blends wit, charm, and humour. The short chapters give a fast-paced reading phase, which made it easy for me to understand and enjoy the book, while the humour and eccentric characters keep them thoroughly entertained. The author introduces a diverse cast of characters, adding a mixture of personalities that contribute to the story's unpredictability and made it interesting for me.

    The exploration of Phyl's journey to find purpose and meaning in her life is both relatable and inspiring. The book successfully captures the joy of discovering new paths in life and finding fulfilment in unexpected places. I also liked the bond she shared with her mom, which was pure love and not for what she inherited.

    In summary, "Mrs. Tempest's Marriage Bureau" is well-crafted and entertaining. With its engaging narrative and memorable characters, the novel delivers a heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable story. I am going to share this with my friend so she can enjoy it as much as I did.
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  • Aditi Bhardwaj
    4.0 out of 5 stars A quick novel that will have you giggling
    Reviewed in India on 6 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    H. A Ferdinand makes a whimsical story of Phyl’s life, an ordinary underachiever who was given £65,00 by her mother to pilot the arrowheads in Mrs. Tempest’s Marriage Bureau.

    As Mrs. Natalia Tempest’s wisdom in her vintage relationship guide inspires Phyl, she wishes to open a traditional marriage bureau to unite like-minded lonely hearts seeking friendship.

    The main plot is developing with Phyl grieving over the loss of her mother and the awareness for her own isolation, composing the basis for a pilgrimage toward discovering herself and possibilities that she could never imagine before.

    The novel cleverly intertwines two parallel narratives: Phyl' personal story and her endeavor to set up Mrs. Tempest's Marriage Bureau. For one to enjoy the ride of Phyl's business challenges is amazingly enough to get a glimpse into the complexity of human relations and emotions.

    Looking up to a manual for partners from the 1920s, the existence of the Marriage Bureau jarred a romantic note and turned back the flow of time. Whether Phyl will achieve in her specific business bid becomes the central concern that propels the plot forward with tension and fun.

    Mrs. Tempest’s Marriage Bureau is an endearing homage to the romantic comedies of PG Wodehouse and Helen Fielding, entertaining its readers with a sweet getaway into a universe filled with humor, love and quirkiness.

    Ferdinand’s quirky cast of characters, witty prose and unexpected plot twists will have readers both chuckling with amusement and bewitched by its charm which makes it a must-read for anyone looking to escape into lighthearted entertainment.

    Ferdinand successfully preserves an ironic and satirical mood, entertaining the reader with a fast-paced storyline filled up situational comedy throughout all his literary work; Phyl’s personality is well established in as much as we see her relatable yet endearing with a mercurial ally.

    If you are looking for a quick novel that will have you giggling from beginning to end, Mrs. Tempest’s Marriage Bureau is worth a glance.
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  • neeti bhatia
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you're in search of a short and light-hearted read, this book is worth considering.
    Reviewed in India on 5 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    🍀 Mrs Tempest’s Marriage Bureau
    🍀 Author - Ferdinand, H.A

    🍀Plot - "Mrs. Tempest Marriage Bureau" is a delightful comedy that offers a glimpse into the complexities of relationships. The story revolves around Phyl, a young protagonist who suddenly comes into a large sum of money, prompting her to seek a way to grow it and secure a steady income. Inspired by a 1920s relationship guide, Phyl decides to open a Marriage Bureau called "Mrs. Tempest Marriage Bureau." The main question now is whether Phyl will be able to successfully run this unique business venture.

    🍀Review-
    In this light-hearted comedy, "Mrs. Tempest Marriage Bureau," readers are taken on a humorous journey where they encounter a variety of characters seeking assistance at the marriage bureau. With each client bringing their own set of queries and demands, the situation becomes unpredictable and comical. Phyl, who initially believes the business will be easy, finds herself caught in the midst of clients with high expectations. The author skillfully maintains a humorous tone with a touch of satire, keeping the reader engaged with the fast-paced storyline and situational comedy. Phyl's character is well-developed, making her relatable to readers. If you're in search of a short and light-hearted read, this book is worth considering.
    Report
  • Anjali Sharma (@reading_for_sanity )
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed it...
    Reviewed in India on 4 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed H. A. Ferdinand's "Mrs Tempest's Marriage Bureau." The narrative takes an unexpected turn as middle-aged protagonist Phyl receives a substantial sum to transform her life.

    Inspired by a 1920s relationship guide, she ventures into opening a marriage bureau, setting the stage for a hilarious and heartwarming journey. The characters that walk through Phyl's door, from a sex-obsessed estate agent to a book title brainstormer, bring an eclectic mix of personalities that make the story engaging and unpredictable.

    The short chapters and fast-paced nature of the book make it easy to devour, while the humor and eccentric characters keep the reader thoroughly entertained. One notable aspect is the refreshing choice of a middle-aged protagonist, breaking away from the conventional young lead.

    "Mrs Tempest's Marriage Bureau" is a delightful read that seamlessly blends wit, oddball charm, and a touch of cynicism.
    Report
  • DJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
    Reviewed in India on 5 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    When Phyl Horton's mother dies leaving her some money she leaves her job and inspired by a book decides to start a Marriage Bureau.

    Interactions between Visitors of bureau and Phyl are entertaining.

    The story flows smoothly even though there are many characters, arrival of each character makes it more interesting.

    I liked how author has given a twist in the end of story. Phyl's eccentric personality along with Miss Smalls sincerity to run the bureau made this book a heart warming read for me.
    Report

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