Annabelle

Daring Debutantes, Book 5

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Charlotte Anne Dore

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

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 who is taken by another mistress. What a pickle Annabelle had 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 circle 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.

©1980 M. C. Beaton (P)2014 AudioGO

The usual, delightful fare from Beaton

There were no reviews for this, so I am writing one for anyone else who may be wishing they had more info. :)

First of all, this may not be the best of the Beaton/Chesney books, but it’s definitely fun and still worth a listen! I really liked Annabelle’s character. Often in these books the heroine makes such dumb decisions or ridiculous assumptions that make you cringe, or adopts an attitude with which you cannot relate. But I thought the depiction of Annabelle herself was a solid portrait of a young girl just trying to do her best. She speaks up, she has real growing pains and learning experiences, and of course she gets the obvious happy ending. (If you’re looking for intricate plots and twists, these books are not for you.) It’s a pretty predictable formula, but it works.

I do always wish there was a little bit more storyline after the final “understanding” and resolution or coming together of the main characters. Usually these books end so quickly after the happy ending is finally achieved. But again, it works.

As for the narrator: I know a LOT of people hate on Charlotte Anne Dore, and she certainly does have odd cadence and tempo. But after so many Beaton/Chesney books narrated by her, I became accustomed to it long ago. I really don’t think she’s THAT bad, and if you just resign yourself to her style, you’ll find you get used to it— to the point that you will be able to appreciate and even enjoy it!

Happy Listening :)