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Title: The Glitter and the Gold

Subtitle: The Endearing Young Charms, Book 7

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Two lovebirds learn that there's more to life than money in this historical romance by best-selling author Marion Chesney.

Fanny and her groom had been tricked! Parents on both sides, all impoverished, had decided to recoup their families' losses by marrying their children to the progeny of a wealthier neighbor. The joke was on them, however, when it was outed that neither family had a penny to its name.

Charles was not the dark rogue of Fanny's girlish fantasies, but he was chivalrously determined that she should meet someone more appropriate for her than he. And for her part, Fanny was determined that Charles find a woman of greater means who would, perhaps, be the answer to his prayers. Yet as each lover set out to find someone for the other, each was left with the nagging notion that true love might have nothing to do with riches.

Members Reviews:

Particularly Delightful

This is a comedy of errors, starting with the marriage of Sir Charles to Fanny Price sight unseen. This event was manipulated by both sets of parents who were in financial trouble and thought the other family wealthy. The now impoverished couple are furious with the trick and decide to keep their marriage a secret when they go to London. This is only the beginning of numerous twists and turns until I couldn't see how there could be a HEA. Well, Beaton really pulls this ending out of a hat. It's totally great. One my favorite Beaton romances.

Five Stars

A very nice read.

Another gem from Marion Chesney

Fanny Page and Sir Charles Deveney are bamboozled into marriage by their scheming parents, each side believing they are getting one over on the other side. Both families are up the River Tick but manage to convince each other that they have money. Then both sets of parents rent out their homes and head for parts unknown.

That leaves Fanny and Charles married, penniless, with nowhere to rest their heads. They land on the doorstep of Charles's Aunt Martha who, after hearing their story, lets them stay with her.

A plan is hatched whereby both Fanny and Charles pretend to be cousins, pretend to be rich, and begin looking for better prospects. If they can find a better deal, they will have their unconsummated marriage annulled.

I never seem to tire of reading Ms. Chesney's books. Each one is a gift waiting to be opened.

Nice main characters

I read this free on KU. I was torn between giving this 3 or 4 stars. While I really liked the main characters, who were very different from most of this authors main characters, I didn't much like the parts where they were both chasing other partners. I realise if they hadn't, then the book would only have been a few short chapters. The h and H are tricked into marriage by their scheming parents. Both sets of parents haven't a feather to fly with but both lots believe that the other parents are very wealthy. As I said both main characters are nice people and they go ahead with the marriage. After the wedding the H goes back to find out what the story was with the false portraits they both saw of each other before the wedding. He discovers that both sets of parents have fled and he then feels sorry for the h missing a season and perhaps the chance of meeting the man of her dreams. He proposes that they pose as cousins and enjoy the season in London. There is a secondary romance between the H's friend and his aunt.

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Title: Lucy

Subtitle: The Daring Debutantes Series, Book 4

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their marks on the world.

She was a lady's maid who longed to be a lady. How else could Lucy Balfour hope to win the favor of Andrew, Viscount Harvey, the toast of the town, who seemed ready to take a bride at last? There was only one way to do it, and that was to command his attention. It seemed an impossible dream; first she had to become the peer of her own mistress, the coldly beautiful Lady Angela, who was determined to claim Andrew as her own. But there was Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, who promised to make Lucy's dream come true. With Lucy's unaccountable good luck at baccarat, they could win a fortune. With his cunning, they would conquer London society as "father" and "daughter" and meet the king himself! Having served the rich, he knew how they operated, and Hamish was determined to beat them at their own game. And having met Andrew Harvey, Lucy determined she would never be a servant again.

Members Reviews:

A modest h, working her way to becoming the H's one and only

I'm plodding my way through this series on KU and have to say that this was one of the better stories, so far. Here the h is brought up quite well educated, despite her parents being servants to an Earl and his Countess. She is thrown together with the butler because of her luck with cards and they both strive to find a better life together. The butler becomes the h's de facto father and the h, in turn, pretends to be his daughter. All along the h has had her eye on the H, an Earl but he's way out of the h's league. I really enjoyed reading to see how this would all work out and the author didn't make it easy for them to be together. An enjoyable read.

I like this book

Fun and more fun I laughed out loud several times, this is a keeper. This is one of those books I can read again and again, Lucy the maid and the butler was outstanding , the supporting staff was also very good especially her mother, French teacher and the ladies maid. I throughly enjoyed this book.

Lucy

Lucy Balfour has been appointed to a coveted job as a lady's maid but she soon finds out that while the job may have a certain prestige amongst servants it is pretty well all work and no leisure. The butler at the house where she is working discovers Lucy has a talent for winning at cards and tempts her to run away and make both their fortunes at the casinos.

I was a little disappointed by this story and found it didn't hold my attention as much as other books in this series. I enjoyed the way Edwardian society is portrayed and the story of Lucy and her skill at cards ought to have been entertaining but somehow it didn't do it for me. Others may enjoy it and I shall still continue to read this author's Edwardian romances.

Slow story line

This seemed to me a very slow story line. I normally love M.C. Beaton but I couldn't wait to finish it, not because it I was rivited to the story, I just wanted to move on to the next book.

Wonderful author

Great author. "The School for Manners," "House for a Season," "Six Sisters," and "Traveling Matchmaker" series are my favorites.

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Title: Pretty Polly

Subtitle: The Dukes and Desires Series, Book 3

Author: M. C. Beaton writing as Marion Chesney

Narrator: Mia Chiaromonte

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their marks on the world.

Blessed with beauty, Mrs. Manners never bothered with the lesser skills of grammar and spelling. So, in order to entrap a second husband, namely the dashing duke of Denbigh, she needed Miss Verity Bascombe. Surely the modest chit would be honored to write her love letters. Poor Verity! Her old schoolmate was as selfish as ever. The lovely girl's gilded pen soon had the duke most intrigued by the poetic Mrs. Manners! But alas, what began as a tiny deception became troublesome indeed - for Verity soon found herself enamored by the handsome duke!

Members Reviews:

Worth Prozac and sleeping tablets

The Regency books written by MC Beaton under various names make my sleepness nights less unbearable and on the whole help me cope with The Black Dog and I am grateful to her from the bottom of my heart. This is not my favourite narrator. I can't say it's great literature but it has helped me stay alive and this author, as well as Audible are priceless for all the support they have brought me throughout these difficult months.. This is actually a good make you feel good story. Thank you, Mrs Beaton and Audible.

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Title: Those Endearing Young Charms

Subtitle: The Endearing Young Charms, Book 3

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Lucy Rayner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

"I have my pride. I have sworn to marry the girl, and marry her I will."

After 10 long years, the earl of Devenham has returned to wed Mary Anstey, only to find that their feelings for each other have cooled off considerably. Nevertheless, they both put on bright faces for the benefit of family and friends. But Mary's younger sister, Emily, sees through their masquerade and would sacrifice anything rather than see her retiring sister married to the now-haughty earl. Desperate measures are called for: a sleeping draught in Mary's wedding-morning chocolate, and Emily could don the veil and then force an annulment once the trick is discovered. It iss the kind of plot that could - and would - get young Emily into trouble.

Members Reviews:

Fun Short Read

Frivolous, silly and pure Regency romance with a handsome, sophisticated, arrogant leading man and a beautiful, blonde handful of a leading lady as well as the usual collection of mean-spirited villains. It's a fun, short read.

Chesney 4

Old stories written by dead authors, new stories written by authors still alive, can be just as good to read today as they were when written. Reading about Regency England is my favorite time period to enjoy. I picked this story because the author's style of storytelling matches my reading interest level. An easy story for an easy read.

Cheating "H"

I read this free on KU. I really disliked this book and in fact I haven't enjoyed this series very much. Here the h steps in to "save" her sister from marrying her childhood sweetheart, who is now and Earl. The sister waited for him because her parents wouldn't allow them to marry when he was a lowly Captain. The sister never marries because she loves him but when he returns after 10 years, her parents now agree to the marriage because he's an Earl. The h is aware that her sister in now in love with the local vicar but she's too timid to break the engagement. The Earl, who is the H, comes to marry the sister but the h drugs her on the wedding day and takes her place. Her plan is to use her sister's name in the wedding vows but the vicar uses her names. They decide to make the best of the marriage but it's a disaster from the start and the H leaves her and goes back to his mistress in London and is seen everywhere with her, even over Christmas. I hated the cheating and I hated that this theme lasted for most of the book. It's a pet phobia of mine and the author was not able to redeem him in my eyes. The h was no picnic either because she's young and often TSTL.

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Title: Quadrille

Subtitle: The Love and Temptation Series, Book 5

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Love and jealousy abound in this playful romance, set during the British Regency.

Everyone in the bon ton knew that Lord Hubert Challenge had married country mouse Mary Tyre for her dowry, but no one had yet guessed that Mary had actually fallen in love with her husband! And she was willing to try anything - sumptuous clothes, a saucy manner, even flirting with another man - to get her handsome husband's attention...until she learned that two could play at that particular game.

Members Reviews:

Very amusing and enjoyable romantic romp in 19th century England.

Very amusing and enjoyable romantic romp in 19th century England. Unpredictable and predictable plot twists, powerful heroes and penniless heroines turn the manners and mores of gentry and nobility on its scandalized ears..

One Star

Pass over... barely held my attention.

wow, terrible

I don't go in for writing reviews much, but after reading a number of this author's books and mostly enjoying them, I've got to say this one was really ghastly. Either the author was at the bottom of her game or someone else wrote it. Spanking spoiled young wives - REALLY?

Wow...just, wow....

I'm not even sure how to begin with this one. I leave very few reviews, mostly I just comment on other reviews, but I had to leave a review here....Yeah, it was that bad. I actually borrowed this from our local e-library. There wasn't a single character I liked in this book. Everyone was either spoiled, or obnoxious, or trying to cheat or make a spouse jealous.

Spoiler Alert:

The two main characters were as unlikeable as any I've ever encountered. At first, I thought the heroine was growing a backbone, but she just got to be a real witch. I can't really blame her, I guess. Her husband was a first class JERK. His inner dialogue indicated he knew he was a jerk, but if he ever apologized, I don't remember. So, it must not have been memorable. Not even when he SLAPPED her across the face because she told him she really didn't care where he went. Yeah, she was mad. He had treated her completely like crap up to this point. And what kind of husband insists on seeing another couple socially, where the woman is his former mistress (who desperately wants him back) and the man has just tried to violently rape your wife? Can you say DYSFUNCTION? And this was just the two main characters. There were 3 other couples equally as bad. This was my first M.C Beaton novel, and it hasn't inspired me to try more. If I'm reading a romance, I want romance. I don't want couples who snipe and carp at each other, then fall into bed, then snipe and carp and fall into bed. It's not even conflict with witty banter. Ughhh....just pass on this one.

save your money

I have dozens and dozens of M.C. Beaton books. Even the early ones are generally worth a read, although the Agatha Raisin and Hamish MacBeth ones are much better. I think of the early books as Beaton learning her craft.

But this book, Quadrille, is a complete waste of the reader's time. I stopped reading in the middle, as it became more and more clear what an unredeemable jerk the male lead is. He thinks of women as having the intellectual capacity of maybe dogs. He parades his (ex?) mistress in front of his wife and requires the latter to mix with the mistress, a nasty piece of work, socially.

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Title: Poppy

Subtitle: The Ladies in Love Series, Book 7

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their marks on the world.

She was the flower of an East End slum who rose to become a star. But Poppy Duveen quit the stage to marry Freddie Plummett, the only real gentleman she had ever known - the bounder who died. When Freddie died, Poppy was left the castle, but she was also left in the clutches of Freddie's formidable uncle, Hugo, the dazzling duke of Guildham. How could she admit, even to herself, this dangerous attraction? Instead Poppy tried to turn her back on it - but it was no use. Clearly Hugo thought her a mere waif, a common poor relation. Well, she'd show him and his snobbish family. She'd return to the stage as Poppy Plummett, conquer London, and make fools of them all!

Members Reviews:

Fun Read

A lot of Regency romance stories are fun reads but are frivolous with pretty light story lines. In spite of Poppy's simple title, her story has a richer storyline, but it's also pure Regency romance a la Ms. Beaton - very entertaining.

Fan of M.C. Beaton novels

M.C. Beaton the great story teller. Page turner novels, rom\ance, suspense, humor and social standards of that period, vivid descriptions. Just wonderful

Five Stars

Very nice book. Very pleased. A++++++++++Very good service.

Good twist on typical romance

Nice book, loved the main characters.

a little different

An engaging heroine, a typical duke, and a rags to riches story make for an enjoyable read. Classic Chesney romance set in the Edwardian era.

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Title: Penelope

Subtitle: The Daring Debutantes Series, Book 3

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Mia Chiaromonte

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their marks on the world.

Penelope - golden haired, azure eyed, fresh from the country - has stolen the heart of the most-desirable earl of Hestleton. Rich and startlingly handsome, he is the most eligible lord in the realm. He had planned to toy with her affections and then toss her aside, but when the earl discovers that he is a pawn in her aunt's social-climbing scheme, he begins to doubt Penelope's true love. Can the belle keep her beau, or will Aunt Augusta's ambitious plans force Penelope to flee?

Members Reviews:

Another Excellent Beaton Regency

I really enjoyed this regency romance novel. It is the 3rd or 4th regency novel by M. C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney) that I have read, and so far it is my least favorite. All the previous novels were, IMO, 5 star reads. This one, however, is only deserving of 4 or maybe 4 1/2 stars. While the book is quite on par with Ms. Beatons others in that it is beautifully written, with an interesting plot, and fully developed characters, there is a part of the story that marred my enjoyment. The heroine, Penelope, is an 18 year old orphan, who works for peanuts as a music teacher at a school for young ladies. Penelope is quite alone in the world as her father's family disowned him when he married Penelope's mother, a woman of a lesser social standing. Penelope's only other relation, her Aunt Augusta, is a mushroom of the first order (not only by birth, but also in behavior!) Aunt Augusta is quite a character, and some of her social gaffs had me laughing out loud (like when she farted out loud at a ball! LOL) Augusta has inherited a fortune through some questionable means. Her greatest desire is to become a society matron. To that end, she decides to finance Penelope's come out into society with the hope that the beautiful, well bred, Penelope will attract an aristocratic husband, which will raise Augusta's social standing. Augusta cares nothing for Penelope. She is an unfeeling, self-serving creature, who is capable of extreme cruelty. Augusta has her eye on the hero, Roger, Earl of Hestleton as a possible groom for Penelope. Through nefarious means, Augusta is able to secure an introduction to the Earl, and an invitation to his home, for herself and Penelope. From there the story develops. At first, Penelope thinks the Earl is a bit too high in the instep and finds his autocratic manner overbearing. The story that unfolds is an unusual one in my experience for this genre. The plot had a few unexpected twists and turns, but ultimately Roger and Penelope do get their HEA. To add a bit of intrigue to the plot there is treason, blackmail, and a death. I really liked Roger and Penelope, however at one point Roger engaged in behavior that I did not like. After that my feels towards him cooled a bit and, although I was happy that he finally got his HEA, I felt like he hadn't suffered quite enough and that Penelope should have called him on his conduct before finally agreeing to marry him. But, that's just me.

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Title: Henrietta

Subtitle: The Daring Debutantes Series, Book 1

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the whirlwind Regency Love series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their marks on the world.

Even the inhabitants of secluded Nethercote looked pityingly upon young Henrietta, the vicar's sister; her plain features seemed to almost guarantee her a solitary future. And yet she has a determined spirit and magnificent hazel eyes. So when her great-aunt Hester left her unexpected wealth, Henrietta set out to conquer London's glittering high society and confound them all. But the fashionable elite was less than warm in its reception, especially when the newcomer, this bold minx, made clear her intention of winning the heart of one of society's most treasured gems: the irresistible, extravagant, heart-stopping Lord Beau Reckford, a prize wildly beyond her humble origins.

Members Reviews:

Cardboard characters and silly plot but has its moments.

This is the first or among the first of Chesney's published novels and borders on amateurish. The main character bounces from mood to mood, from idiotic to sensible with breathtaking rapidity. The plot is ridiculously melodramatic, too crowded, and horribly rushed. But Chesney does better than most Heyer imitators in capturing the milieu (even if she does appear to have done her research entirely within the covers of Heyer's fiction). And she has something that other Heyer imitators usually lackâa sense of humor. I suspect most of her other early work is similarly flawed. But I'll give it a try to see whether she improves.

Pleased & Entertained

It felt a lot like the Georgetta Heyer novels that I read in my youth and it was exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed the characters she created and was disappointed when the book came to an end as I enjoyed spending time with them. I will look for more of this author's work.

Very good

As most of M C Beaton's novels, this one was a lot of fun. It's light reading recommended for just about any age. There is romance, mystery, misunderstandings, and a cast of characters you would want to meet.

Four Stars

I enjoyed this story

Great regency romance

I love Marion Chesney and have read all of her books at least once, some of them twice. She is fun and funny.

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Title: Annabelle

Subtitle: The Daring Debutantes Series, Book 5

Author: Marion Chesney - M. C. Beaton

Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-11-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's a maiden's miracle! Annabelle Quennell, daughter of a poor country parson, gets a chance at a London season to snare a wealthy husband. But before she sets off, Mad Meg the gypsy predicts trouble ahead, and it is nothing but woe that Annabelle finds. Godmother Lady Emmeline sponsors Annabelle's spree - and demands she wed the oafish Captain MacDonald. But things get worse when Annabelle fears she is losing her heart to Lord Varleigh - elegant, well pursed, but taken by another mistress. What a pickle Annabelle has gotten into, and it only gets worse by the moment!

In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are bewitching, beguiling, and determined to make their mark on the world, be it within their social circles or extending beyond. Here is life in all its folly, set out for us as we watch on this dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made.

Members Reviews:

Was just lacking something.

This is my second novel by M. C. Beaton and I found it to be entertaining, but lacking a bit of something.

Annabelle has been told by her mother that she must go and stay with her godmother Emmaline and make herself a good match. Everything rides on Annabelle finding a rich husband so she can make sure her younger sisters make good matches. Annabelle arrives in London to find that her godmother has already secured her a match, Captain Jimmy MacDonald.

Capt. MacDonald is horrid and the first time she meets him he is drunk but all the ladies just think he is great. Annabelle doesn't like him at all and really doesn't want to go through with the engagement, but her godmother won't giver her any money if she doesn't. Annabelle takes a liking to Lord Varleigh, but he is always seen with his mistress, Lady Jane.

While Annabelle tries to figure out what she is going to do, it seems someone is trying to kill Lady Emmaline. There are several attempts on her life before Annabelle puts two and two together.

Annabelle is a rector's daughter so she is really naive to the ways of the town and she is always surprised by how they act. She can't stand the oafish Capt. who is always doing stupid things in public and drunk but everyone else swoons over him. Although Annabelle is naive she has a lot of spirit and it helps her survive her time among the ton. Annabelle is a likable character.

Capt. MacDonald is a wretched characther and I am like Annabelle as I couldn't understand why anyone would like him. He had his moments but then he would do something stupid and remind you why you didn't like him.

Lord Varleigh, was to me jut a mediocre character. He was nice to Annabelle but they really never spent that much time together so I couldn't really understand how she comes to fall in love with him. He was always with his mistress, but was also nice to Annabelle.

Overall, it was an okay read and I am beginning to see that M. C. Beaton's books are not like those of today. Maybe because they were first written in the 80's they lack that bit of risque seen in romance books of today. If you prefer some steam in your romances it won't be found here but if you like them clean then from what I have read of this author so far you would like them.

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Title: At the Sign of the Golden Pineapple

Subtitle: The Love and Temptation Series, Book 2

Author: M. C. Beaton - Marion Chesney

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-11-16

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genres: Romance, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

"I do not think I want to be married at all. I want to be rich. Very rich...."

When Henrietta Bascombe opens a confectionary shop in order to turn her pittance of an inheritance into a fortune, her friends are shocked to hear of such a well-bred lady going into trade. The earl of Carrisdown is both drawn to and repelled by her shopgirl status. Undaunted, Henrietta proceeds to hang out the traditional confectioners' sign of a golden pineapple and soon finds a set of beautiful women in her employ, drawing the attention of the earl of Carrisdown's younger brother and best friend. Distressed by the situation, the earl makes it his mission to put Henrietta out of business. But he looks forward to tangling with the fiery sweetshop owner more than he's willing to admit.