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Poor Relation #6
Back in Society
The Poor Relation hotel is the toast of London, its guests are paying hard cash, and its owners are preparing to sell up and return to a life of quality. But one last romantic adventure awaits them.
Lady Fortescue and her friends, newly attired in silk and lace, must rescue yet another poor relation. Driven into hiding at the hotel by a tyrannous father, a monstrous governess, and a rich but wizened suitor, Lady Jane Fremney attempts to end her life. The hoteliers are determined to improve this downcast young beauty's prospects by bringing her out for the Season, as a country miss.
The young bucks call on Jane in droves, among them the handsome but racy Comte de Mornay, an exile from Napoleon's France who has broken many a heart and so far eluded matrimony. Jane is certain she prefers safe, stolid, worthy Mr. Clarence Farley. But the more she disprizes the highly unsuitable comte, the more she feels it her duty --- when his life is threatened by an assassin's pistol --- to help him escape from danger, and into l'amour.
Lady Fortescue and her friends, newly attired in silk and lace, must rescue yet another poor relation. Driven into hiding at the hotel by a tyrannous father, a monstrous governess, and a rich but wizened suitor, Lady Jane Fremney attempts to end her life. The hoteliers are determined to improve this downcast young beauty's prospects by bringing her out for the Season, as a country miss.
The young bucks call on Jane in droves, among them the handsome but racy Comte de Mornay, an exile from Napoleon's France who has broken many a heart and so far eluded matrimony. Jane is certain she prefers safe, stolid, worthy Mr. Clarence Farley. But the more she disprizes the highly unsuitable comte, the more she feels it her duty --- when his life is threatened by an assassin's pistol --- to help him escape from danger, and into l'amour.
152 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1994
122 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
145 books740 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 206 reviews
September 10, 2015
The best thing happened to me the other day!
I stumbled upon a book with a fun, original cover, which screamed 'Regency' and had a fascinating description. In addition to this, the book was in a clearance pile in a second-hand bookstore, so I grabbed it without a second thought, knowing nothing about the author and never having heard of it before. When I got home I opened to read a page, just to see if I liked the writing style.
And, that's it. I'm in love.
This particular book is a standalone, but part of 'The Poor Relation' Series. Here is the description:
The Poor Relation hotel is the toast of London and its owners are preparing to sell up and retire - but one last romantic adventure awaits them! Driven into hiding at the hotel by a tyrannous father and a rich but wizened suitor, Lady Jane Fremney attempts to end her life. The poor relations save the young lady and determine to improve her lot in life by bringing her out for the Season. All the young bucks call on Jane, among them the handsome but racy Comte de Mornay, an exile from Napoleon's France who has broken many a heart and so far eluded matrimony. Jane is quite adamant he is unsuitable for her - but when his life is threatened by an assassin's pistol, it is up to her to help him escape from danger... and into l'amour!
So, right off the bat, I was hooked. A wealthy lady, running away, almost committed suicide, plus a hotel founded by a bunch of ex-poor relations... Sounds yummy, right?
Well, it wasn't all fun and laughs. There was an unexpected depth to the story, dealing with issues of depression, loneliness and despair. It was about family, not necessarily one's birth family, but the one that is formed from ties with people who care and help one another. It just warmed my heart.
There is of course the scoundel who ends up reformed -or does he? I'm telling you one thing, and those who follow my blog and reviews know that I NEVER say this lightly, but the wit and humour of this book (particularly of one character) can only be compared to Georgette Heyer's style! I didn't think it would be possible to find another hero with the dashing style and cutting lines of a Mr. Beaummaris (from Arabella), or Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon (from These Old Shades). But I'm telling you, I DID!
The gentle, sad heroine has some transforming to do from an ugly duckling to a swan, and it takes a lot of bravery on her side and a lot of love on the part of the hotel owners -who, by the way, are the most endearing and colorful bunch of characters you've ever met in a book- but she does it by the end, and gets her own happily ever after without any need of rescue from anyone else. I was cheering her on like crazy. There are a few side stories taking place, a hilarious deception from a girl who is in love with a gent who in turn is in love with a married woman. Also there's middle-aged Miss Tonks, who is looking for a man of her own, in love with a dashing actor who is sending her mixed signals.
But most of all, there is an overall feeling of goodness and kindness and good humor.
And hope.
This book was a delight from start to end.
It made me laugh, cry, almost have a panick attack. The FEELS. It's short, too, if that's something you're interested in, no unnecessary ramblings or descriptions, which makes it even more of a masterpiece, in my opinion. Of course I sort of hoped it would go on forever, but after finishing it, I went online and found that M.C. Beaton has written, like, a billion Regencies.
I can honestly say that discovering this book, and this author, was the best kind of gift. If you are like me, and need some more Regency in your life (of the best sort), go grab as many of these as you can. I know I will. ;)
I stumbled upon a book with a fun, original cover, which screamed 'Regency' and had a fascinating description. In addition to this, the book was in a clearance pile in a second-hand bookstore, so I grabbed it without a second thought, knowing nothing about the author and never having heard of it before. When I got home I opened to read a page, just to see if I liked the writing style.
And, that's it. I'm in love.
This particular book is a standalone, but part of 'The Poor Relation' Series. Here is the description:
The Poor Relation hotel is the toast of London and its owners are preparing to sell up and retire - but one last romantic adventure awaits them! Driven into hiding at the hotel by a tyrannous father and a rich but wizened suitor, Lady Jane Fremney attempts to end her life. The poor relations save the young lady and determine to improve her lot in life by bringing her out for the Season. All the young bucks call on Jane, among them the handsome but racy Comte de Mornay, an exile from Napoleon's France who has broken many a heart and so far eluded matrimony. Jane is quite adamant he is unsuitable for her - but when his life is threatened by an assassin's pistol, it is up to her to help him escape from danger... and into l'amour!
So, right off the bat, I was hooked. A wealthy lady, running away, almost committed suicide, plus a hotel founded by a bunch of ex-poor relations... Sounds yummy, right?
Well, it wasn't all fun and laughs. There was an unexpected depth to the story, dealing with issues of depression, loneliness and despair. It was about family, not necessarily one's birth family, but the one that is formed from ties with people who care and help one another. It just warmed my heart.
There is of course the scoundel who ends up reformed -or does he? I'm telling you one thing, and those who follow my blog and reviews know that I NEVER say this lightly, but the wit and humour of this book (particularly of one character) can only be compared to Georgette Heyer's style! I didn't think it would be possible to find another hero with the dashing style and cutting lines of a Mr. Beaummaris (from Arabella), or Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon (from These Old Shades). But I'm telling you, I DID!
The gentle, sad heroine has some transforming to do from an ugly duckling to a swan, and it takes a lot of bravery on her side and a lot of love on the part of the hotel owners -who, by the way, are the most endearing and colorful bunch of characters you've ever met in a book- but she does it by the end, and gets her own happily ever after without any need of rescue from anyone else. I was cheering her on like crazy. There are a few side stories taking place, a hilarious deception from a girl who is in love with a gent who in turn is in love with a married woman. Also there's middle-aged Miss Tonks, who is looking for a man of her own, in love with a dashing actor who is sending her mixed signals.
But most of all, there is an overall feeling of goodness and kindness and good humor.
And hope.
This book was a delight from start to end.
It made me laugh, cry, almost have a panick attack. The FEELS. It's short, too, if that's something you're interested in, no unnecessary ramblings or descriptions, which makes it even more of a masterpiece, in my opinion. Of course I sort of hoped it would go on forever, but after finishing it, I went online and found that M.C. Beaton has written, like, a billion Regencies.
I can honestly say that discovering this book, and this author, was the best kind of gift. If you are like me, and need some more Regency in your life (of the best sort), go grab as many of these as you can. I know I will. ;)
October 10, 2020
A perfect ending of 'Poor Relation'.
The best romance of all in the series (yes, I am a weak weak woman when I meet a character like Comte de Mornay ;-) )
The whole series is begging for BBC TV series. It would be such an enjoyable comedy.
[Marion Chesney wasn't Georgette Heyer. Chesney's novels are faster and shorter, without those wonderful dialogues, so characteristic for GH. Nonetheless, I know what to pick when I need a magical pill, that I can swallow fast and feel better. Heyer is for longer and deeper savouring.]
The best romance of all in the series (yes, I am a weak weak woman when I meet a character like Comte de Mornay ;-) )
The whole series is begging for BBC TV series. It would be such an enjoyable comedy.
[Marion Chesney wasn't Georgette Heyer. Chesney's novels are faster and shorter, without those wonderful dialogues, so characteristic for GH. Nonetheless, I know what to pick when I need a magical pill, that I can swallow fast and feel better. Heyer is for longer and deeper savouring.]
February 2, 2018
I loved this series, and I'm so sad to see it end! Cute, charming, romantic, funny and full of crazy antics. The audiobooks are narrated by the amazingly talented Davinia Porter who completely brought the characters to life, her skill with voices is just amazing (and when she was doing the Scottish brogue in this book, it took me right back to Outlander!). I really wish this had been a 20 book series, but I guess the poor relations deserve to enjoy their success and wealth (especially the elder poor relations).
February 9, 2014
The last of the "Poor Relations" series this neatly ties up the lives of the characters and is the end of the Poor Relation Hotel. Although, accused of being formulaic, I think the author keeps within the boundaries of light, entertaining, and enjoyable storytelling while adding interesting, different characters and new insights to the time period. Reading any of the author's Regency series is like a mini-history lesson of fashion, manners and customs of the time. The Poor Relation series ends with quite a bang--literally--with Napoleonic plots, spies, murder attempts and, of course, the required happy ending.
February 7, 2014
The Poor Relation has finally achieved success and the hoteliers notoriety, however all might be undone if Lady Jane Fremny has her way. Lady Jane has run away from home to escape a brutal father, a nasty governess/companion and an arranged marriage. Jane has plans to take her own life in the hotel. Fortunately for everyone, the poor relations thwart Jane's plans and offer to help her by introducing her to their former partner, Harriet, the Duchess of Rowcester who will give Jane a Season under an alias. Jane befriends Frances Haggard, a determined young lady and they become entangled in romantic adventures with an exiled French Comte and his charming friend, James Ferguson. Soon the entanglement involves danger and adventure as well. After they settle Jane's affairs, the poor relations must decide their futures, either together or apart. All ends happily and predictably, just as it should. I felt the affair of the necklace was way too easily resolved and I hated all the secrecy and dishonesty involving it. I wasn't crazy about Jane, who was rather a wet blanket, but I enjoyed her friend and wish Frances were the heroine instead. I liked the choices the poor relations made and was happy that my favorite, Miss Tonks, got what she always wanted. This was a good end to the series. Overall, though, I did not find this series as amusing or charming as School for Manners.
February 20, 2018
What a happy ending to the Poor Relation series!
I really enjoyed the growth and change in Miss Tonks' character throughout the series-- she was my favorite.
They are all such wonderful and unique characters- I will probably return to this series or at least certain books in it from time to time when I need to be distracted or cheered up!
I really enjoyed the growth and change in Miss Tonks' character throughout the series-- she was my favorite.
They are all such wonderful and unique characters- I will probably return to this series or at least certain books in it from time to time when I need to be distracted or cheered up!
March 16, 2019
Sad to see this series end, but it does end on a great one. We get action, old friends returning, a few weddings and everything is all nice and tied up. Which is exactly what you want from a series as wonderfully frivolous as this one is.
June 6, 2019
A really sweet ending to the series. I wasn't sure how I'd enjoy this one, seeing as Lady Jane was a little uninteresting at first. She grew on me though, and her friendship with Frances was really cute as it developed. I also really enjoyed how the relationship developed in this story. With Lady Jane and the Comte both approaching it slowly and warily, I felt like this short story really gave them time and space to come to terms with their interest in each other.
If I were to complain about anything in this story, it would be that there wasn't enough of the poor relations themselves. I love how they come in at the end, not to mention how they are the first call in any emergency. The way their stories wrap up though is heartwarming and charming. I'm going to miss them.
If I were to complain about anything in this story, it would be that there wasn't enough of the poor relations themselves. I love how they come in at the end, not to mention how they are the first call in any emergency. The way their stories wrap up though is heartwarming and charming. I'm going to miss them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2018
2.5*
This Regency romance series, of which this book is the last, is mildly entertaining but it isn't nearly as good as Georgette Heyer's books. This one included a French emigré & a plot to free Napoleon.
This Regency romance series, of which this book is the last, is mildly entertaining but it isn't nearly as good as Georgette Heyer's books. This one included a French emigré & a plot to free Napoleon.
March 28, 2020
This 5 star rating is for this series of audiobooks overall. Davina Porter's voice narrating these books has been my companion on my walks for the last week and a half, the only time I get out of the house during social distancing. These are just the kind of addictive fluff I have needed and I could happily spend time with Lady Fortescue and the gang for a dozen more books. The romances in each book run together a bit, but each one is unique with fresh madcap happenings and devious plots. Love love love! Will definitely be checking out more Marion Chesney series, though I'm sad that Davina Porter doesn't read any of the others.
June 19, 2017
The heroine was a sad disappointment. You pity her but cannot really like her. She has no actual character or redeeming qualities. She is mopey, moody, unintelligent, boring and really pathetic. She has no pluck. Her looks are all she has going for her.
But this book does bring closure, contentment and HEA for The rest of the Poor Relations. So the end somewhat redeems the book.
But this book does bring closure, contentment and HEA for The rest of the Poor Relations. So the end somewhat redeems the book.
July 6, 2023
3.5 charming ending to the poor relations series.
Miss Tonks finally gets her own HEA.
Miss Tonks finally gets her own HEA.
July 29, 2017
And they all lived happily ever after.
January 17, 2018
A worthy last installment to the series. I enjoyed it very much, and am left with a happy glow.
May 5, 2018
Sadly, this is the last book in the series. I have really enjoyed these characters and will miss their shenanigans.
Lady Jane Fremney has just run away from home because her father was forcing her to marry an elderly friend of his. She had an awful childhood with a mean governess and a tyrannical father. The servants were not allowed to be kind to her. When she arrived at the Poor Relations Hotel, she was very depressed and contemplating suicide. Luckily she was saved by the hoteliers. They decide the best way to help Lady Jane is to enlist the help of their old cook, the current Duchess Harriet of Rowcester to bring Lady Jane out for the season.
Comte de Mornay has decided to learn more about Lady Jane after he sees her for the first time. Of course he is handsome and rich, which makes a nice path for a blooming romance.
Lady Jane Fremney has just run away from home because her father was forcing her to marry an elderly friend of his. She had an awful childhood with a mean governess and a tyrannical father. The servants were not allowed to be kind to her. When she arrived at the Poor Relations Hotel, she was very depressed and contemplating suicide. Luckily she was saved by the hoteliers. They decide the best way to help Lady Jane is to enlist the help of their old cook, the current Duchess Harriet of Rowcester to bring Lady Jane out for the season.
Comte de Mornay has decided to learn more about Lady Jane after he sees her for the first time. Of course he is handsome and rich, which makes a nice path for a blooming romance.
February 3, 2019
So sad to see this series end. It was such a fun read.
October 10, 2019
Not the most engaging of heroines, but the poor relations more than make up for that!
My Full Review
My Full Review
January 3, 2020
The owners of the Poor Relations Hotel have one final round of silly escapades before they all cash out and go into retirement. Exceedingly silly, but a lot of fun.
October 16, 2022
A great ending to a great series
December 29, 2023
I like how the series was wrapped up and I’ll miss being able to read about the MCs antics.
July 5, 2021
Entertaining and exciting, I will absolutely be reading more in this series!
July 31, 2023
This series is great fun - romance, history, and embellishments from real literary and historical figures make it even more fun. I love the people, and the brutally honest bite at social mores is rich. Oscar Wilde collides with Hallmark romance, the dashing and brave Scarlet Pimpernel and more. Delicious and happy.
Read
April 12, 2013I remember reading a slew of Marion Chesney novels when my children were very young. They were just the right kind of light, mindless entertainment that I needed at the time. I had to read things that were very put-downable … books that would not consume me. My free time to read was very limited.
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
Basically, all of the books in any given Marion Chesney series were the same book. She had a formula, and stuck to it. She changed names, places and circumstances, but the basic plots remained identical. They were all set during the Regency (a period in history that I still adore to this day), and they were all usually under 200 pages each. The writing was simplistic, and really gave you nothing to ponder. These books fit the bill for me perfectly at the time.
Considering the number of books she has cranked out (Wikipedia lists 106 books under her own name and her pseudonyms), I’m not surprised that she does not write “great works of fiction”.
So I figured that since they were really all the same book, the same review would suffice!
July 17, 2015
Review - I loved Lady Jane and her gradual transformation from depressed girl to a mature and sensible woman. It wasn't forced, but appeared quite natural. What let it down for me was the drag over the future of the hoteliers. You could tell what was coming, but it wouldn't resolve itself. A very fitting end to the series, neat and tidy, except for Sir Philip who does get his happy ending in a way. The storyline was a little uneven in places, but the humorous dialogue put Beaton back at her best.
Characters? - Lady Amelia Fortescue / Colonel Sandhurst / Miss Letitia Tonks / Jason Davy / Comte de Mornay / Lady Jane Fremney / Frances Haggard / Jamie Ferguson
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Poor Relation #6
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
Characters? - Lady Amelia Fortescue / Colonel Sandhurst / Miss Letitia Tonks / Jason Davy / Comte de Mornay / Lady Jane Fremney / Frances Haggard / Jamie Ferguson
Setting? - London (England)
Series? - Poor Relation #6
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
August 8, 2018
A group of poor relations of various high society families are invited by Lady Fortescue to help each other maintain their status with society. Out of necessity, they turn Lady Fortescue's home into a hotel. Each book in the series focuses on one of the members of this little group and entertains the readers with wit and charm. It's a bit dated, but I enjoyed it anyway.
This was a sweet and sensible conclusion to this series. It was a pleasure to read.
Each book can stand on its own and delivers an HEA. These are very important attributes in a series for me.
This was a sweet and sensible conclusion to this series. It was a pleasure to read.
Each book can stand on its own and delivers an HEA. These are very important attributes in a series for me.
May 22, 2020
I just finished binging the Poor Relations series, read by Davina Porter, so my review covers all six books. If I had come across these books back in the day, with their cheesy romance covers, I would never have read them. I have always prided myself on NOT reading romance novels. However, I am a huge fan of M.C. Beaton, and having a lot of time on my hands during quarantine, decided to branch out into her other books. I'm so glad I did! I'm a huge fan of Regency era novels in the mystery genre, and I really feel that these books fit that genre, in spite of their humor and tongue in cheek style. The characters are so engaging, the writing so detailed, and the humor so lovely, and the endings so satisfying, I have enjoyed every minute spent with the Poor Relations. I would be sorry to get to the end if it weren't for the immensely satisfying way their futures are all wrapped up.
I must mention the depth of historical detail in these little books. The descriptions of the manners, style, clothing, thinking, and general style of life in that era add so much to the character of the story. I've read many, many authors in this era and never gotten such a great feel for what the time period was like as our beloved author put into these stories. C.S. Harris comes close, being a historian, but these books are so detailed, so beautifully descriptive, it's entirely unexpected. I loved it!
Davina Porter's reading is not to be missed. She even sings! The character voices, the accents, the general good humor of her reading is delightful. I've listened to other series she has read with great pleasure, but she really shines in these little novels. I would listen to her read the phone book, with pleasure. When you read them (I do not say if because you must read them) use the audio book.
I must mention the depth of historical detail in these little books. The descriptions of the manners, style, clothing, thinking, and general style of life in that era add so much to the character of the story. I've read many, many authors in this era and never gotten such a great feel for what the time period was like as our beloved author put into these stories. C.S. Harris comes close, being a historian, but these books are so detailed, so beautifully descriptive, it's entirely unexpected. I loved it!
Davina Porter's reading is not to be missed. She even sings! The character voices, the accents, the general good humor of her reading is delightful. I've listened to other series she has read with great pleasure, but she really shines in these little novels. I would listen to her read the phone book, with pleasure. When you read them (I do not say if because you must read them) use the audio book.
Read
October 22, 2021This is definitely one of the stronger entries in the series, if not the strongest. Early on it shows signs of delving into darker areas than most of the previous books, with a suicidal heroine and a major character dealing with the death of her child. It quickly moves on from those topics into lighter fare, but the romances are more enjoyable than usual. This is partly due to there being two, which provide a counterpoint to one another, but I also felt that the romantic leads were more interesting than usual this time around. At the end there's a reunion of all the couples who have got together at the Poor Relation, and I honestly couldn't remember most of them, despite having listened to all of these audiobooks in fairly quick succession. As I've said in previous write-ups, I tended to find the men pretty indistinguishable from one another, but by this point I'd forgotten most of the women too. In this case, though, I think the couples might linger in my memory a bit longer. Of course, the serialised plotlines were all tied up too. The ending is perhaps slightly rushed, but on the whole it makes a fitting and fairly satisfying end to the series.
December 20, 2021
Perfect ending for a great series
Beaton has a way of letting her characters speak more forthrightly than many newer writers in this genre do, but I prefer it. It eliminates all the internal agonizing and rehashing that just creates annoying drag. Beaton kept the plot moving along at a nice clip in this series and final installment.
This last book was slightly more serious but spoke to me even more as a result. I could relate to Lady Jane's situation, and it was satisfying seeing her outcome being what my own young heart had always longed for: people to step in and offer caring refuge, true love, and lasting friendships. I did finally experience a similar outcome but not until later in life.
Being a somewhat lazy reader, I skimmed the opening quotes at each chapter throughout this whole series as well as the obligatory history lesson Beaton always included. I could see them coming, but I'm sure many readers may find them enjoyable where I did not. I go for the fun and intrigue of Beaton's clever stories, which never disappoint and always provide me with laughs as well as a wonderful feeling that life can be good. Very satisfying.
Beaton has a way of letting her characters speak more forthrightly than many newer writers in this genre do, but I prefer it. It eliminates all the internal agonizing and rehashing that just creates annoying drag. Beaton kept the plot moving along at a nice clip in this series and final installment.
This last book was slightly more serious but spoke to me even more as a result. I could relate to Lady Jane's situation, and it was satisfying seeing her outcome being what my own young heart had always longed for: people to step in and offer caring refuge, true love, and lasting friendships. I did finally experience a similar outcome but not until later in life.
Being a somewhat lazy reader, I skimmed the opening quotes at each chapter throughout this whole series as well as the obligatory history lesson Beaton always included. I could see them coming, but I'm sure many readers may find them enjoyable where I did not. I go for the fun and intrigue of Beaton's clever stories, which never disappoint and always provide me with laughs as well as a wonderful feeling that life can be good. Very satisfying.
October 14, 2024
all good things must come to an end
The last marriage helped by the hoteliers happens when ‘Jane’ escapes the cruelty of her Earl father and checks into the hotel to commit suicide. The hoteliers find out. They hatch a plan. Sir Phillip, in his usual bluntness, starts it off by getting her to snap out of it. Harriet (now a Duchess) is called in to handle ‘Jane’s’ coming out to create the mother of all distractions and turn a sad Regency young lady into a happy one. From there, romance, intrigue, a failed assassination, a successful suicide, a French Comte, a besotted gentleman still in love with his now-married first season’s amor, along with Regency society machinations ensue to a wholly satisfying ending.
Except you wish it wasn’t the end. Not at all.
Now for my testimonial confession. I read the entire series in one weekend. This is not normally my genre, but the core characters and storytelling are so engaging, I kept pushing back my to-do’s to make room for a cozy binge read. If you’re looking for a light historical romance mixed in with some devious human capers that give you some chuckle-out-loud moments, then you’ll be pulled in, too.
The last marriage helped by the hoteliers happens when ‘Jane’ escapes the cruelty of her Earl father and checks into the hotel to commit suicide. The hoteliers find out. They hatch a plan. Sir Phillip, in his usual bluntness, starts it off by getting her to snap out of it. Harriet (now a Duchess) is called in to handle ‘Jane’s’ coming out to create the mother of all distractions and turn a sad Regency young lady into a happy one. From there, romance, intrigue, a failed assassination, a successful suicide, a French Comte, a besotted gentleman still in love with his now-married first season’s amor, along with Regency society machinations ensue to a wholly satisfying ending.
Except you wish it wasn’t the end. Not at all.
Now for my testimonial confession. I read the entire series in one weekend. This is not normally my genre, but the core characters and storytelling are so engaging, I kept pushing back my to-do’s to make room for a cozy binge read. If you’re looking for a light historical romance mixed in with some devious human capers that give you some chuckle-out-loud moments, then you’ll be pulled in, too.
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