The Ex-Debutante

By: Linda Francis Lee

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

When Carlisle Wainwright Cushing left her native Texas to start a new life in Boston, she had no regrets. The former Texas debutante, who never felt at home in her Southern skin, had found liberation--or so she thought. Until the day she gets an urgent call from her mother, reporting that: One, the Symphony Association Debutante Ball, which Carlisle's family has sponsored for years, is about to be called off; Two, her mother's divorce has the whole town talking; And three, the family's good name is at stake and Carlisle is the only one who can fix it all.

So Carlisle takes a leave of absence from her law firm and goes to Texas to help. Her fiance, who has no idea she's an heiress, can't know that she's organizing the ball, handling the dramas of the girls involved, settling her mother's suit--and coming face to face with the true love of her life, whom she ran out on when she left Texas. Her trip home challenges Carlisle's sense of herself and brings the pieces of her past togther, so that when she finally re-meets the man of her dreams, she's in a perfect place to tempt fate.

©2008 Linda Francis Lee (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“An engaging audiobook read by Susan Bennett, Lee's witty book is sure to have readers cheering for Carlisle as she searches to find herself, real love and her place in the family.” —Southern Seasons magazine

pretty good!

The female was a strong character with a well developed history and interesting relationships. The narrator did a great job. The author seamlessly transitioned into flashbacks and the relationship conflicts were grounded enough to balance the fluffy chick lit-ness.

Give it a minute

It took a while to get used to the narrator, however, one I got used to her voice it was better .

Loved it!

What a wonderful, refreshing book! I truly enjoyed this book - and the performance of Susan Bennett was 100% perfect (A+++). If you enjoy light-hearted books - you'll certainly enjoy this one!!!

The miles flew by...

Would you listen to The Ex-Debutante again? Why?

Yes. I needed something easy to listen to as I drove and this book fit the bill perfectly. I have several audio books I go to for long drives and will add this one to the list.

What other book might you compare The Ex-Debutante to and why?

The Devil in the Junior League. Written by the same author and with the same style.

What does Susan Bennett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think the book is better as an audio book. Not sure I'd have liked it as well if I'd read it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed often. I really enjoyed the book.

Funny, entertaining but predictable!

I needed some light listening while I was doing other things and this book fit the bill. Entertaining and amusing characters. Confirms that Texas is a foreign country to this Midwestern girl, but amusing and worth the listen.

Absolutely wonderful!

This book was so much fun. The main characters are so appealing and you just can't help pulling for them.

What a superb narrator.

Funny, poignant

Loved it! Southern women at their funniest and finest! I highly recommend to all ages.

A Go-To Enjoyable Read/Listen

I live in the heart of the South, so I always enjoy listening to this book of Southern Debutants every 6 months or so. It’s very well written and a fun listen.

Warm hearted and enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this story and the references back to Willow Creek, Hildebrand Square, and “guest appearances” from a few characters in The Devil in the Junior League (if you haven’t read / listened to that RUN and download that now!). It is written well and light / heart warming story, that you look forward to listening to. It doesn’t drag out, great vacation or beach read.

Slow start! Don't give up!

The story moves slowly at first. But then it comes together and suddenly you need to find out what happens! There is nice weaving of story lines just as real life is. Fun and has some funny stuff! Almost quit but I'm glad I stuck it out.