Lady Fortescue Steps Out

The Poor Relation, Book 1

De: M. C. Beaton

Narrado por: Davina Porter

Life is not easy for the poor relations of England’s upper crust, but fate and clever schemes bring them together. Lady Fortescue and Colonel Sandhurst hatch a plan: What if they were to transform her decrepit Bond Street home into a posh hotel, offering their guests the pleasure of being waited upon by nobility? With the help of other down-and-out aristocrats, they do just that, and London’s newest hotel, The Poor Relation, is born.

The establishment is an immediate hit with London’s most illustrious citizens, save the Duke of Rowcester, Lady Fortescue’s nephew. Rowcester believes that his aunt’s entry into the trade will denigrate their family name and is determined to shut the hotel down - until he meets Miss Harriett James, the lovely young woman who accepts Lady Fortescue’s offer to become The Poor Relation’s chef after the death of her parents and the loss of her fortune. Rowcester moves into The Poor Relation for the season - ostensibly to keep an eye on his aunt’s business.

©1992 Marion Chesney (P)2012 AudioGO

A sweet story

Would you listen to Lady Fortescue Steps Out again? Why?

Probably not--once was enough.

What did you like best about this story?

It had a charm to it--and promoted ideas that people who are traditionally unseen in society (the old, the poor, etc) have truly creative ways to make their lives "work" (for one thing), but even beyond that, to "work" in ways that are outside the box, so to speak, because to survive they must think that way. The characters each had very well-drawn out personalities, and each was certainly a part of the whole--the idea that together they would do okay--but individually, they might not have, meant that the author had to be certain that each person was made real enough that the reader could see how they each contributed something that brought them all a new way of being safe and even having dignity in life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

It was charming, my mother and grandmother would have loved it--especially my grandmother who had always loved Dickens--it has a slight hint of that in its story. I liked it, but felt it lacked a little something that all through it I was unable to give a name to. I might listen to another in the series, but I haven't decided yet. I do believe the characters have room to grow and become even more interesting in the future. What I DO believe--and definitely would pay attention to, however, and oddly perhaps--since this is all about books--is that it would make a delightful TV series (possibly a movie). I found myself being quite visually engaged in my mind--seeing a lot of this more than I often do in books.

Very cleverly done

What made the experience of listening to Lady Fortescue Steps Out the most enjoyable?

This is a Regency from an entirely different view. The characters are very well conceived and believable, and the plot is captivating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sir Phillip is a most interesting rascal, and I delighted in all of his nefarious activities.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

I am a great fan of Davina Porter's and will listen to just about anything she reads. She does voices exceptionally well, and brings a smooth flow to all her narratives.

Any additional comments?

can't wait for future books in this series...

A fun little trifle

I found it a pleasant distraction while driving, with droll humor and good narration. Short, a good choice as a "palate cleanser", so to speak, between the longer audio books I usually choose.

Sweet And Simmering Romance Of The Down And Out

Marion Chesney's Poor Relation series is my very favorite of the ones I've read, and my favorite listen with Davina Porter at the helm.
You'll probably like her Traveling Matchmaker series, and her School of Manners (the House for the Season series has wonderful servants but deplorable heroes and heroines, verrrry unlikable).
The poor relations are well-developed characters, likable here, humorously deplorable there, sure to keep the listener delighted. Indeed, this series and this book are quite chucklesome indeed. Though they are constantly in danger of falling back in to genteel poverty--what with the constant cold and hunger, their machinations as they face each challenge are clever and quick-witted. Here they struggle to start their new hotel, trying to keep the Duke of Rowcester away from how they found the funds to begin their project in the first place, just as the beautiful Harriett struggles with her longing to be respectable whilst being somebody debased by circumstance at the same time.
This is a sweet romance with just a few steamy and passionate kisses thrown in, a romance that is witty and intelligent at the same time. Oh so worth the time!

Entertaining fun and common sense solutions!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is fun to read. The characters are a hoot and they become so involved with each other through their needs which they start to solve with some hilarity and common sense.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lady Fortescue Steps Out?

How they meet each other while trying to solve their financial problems.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Davina Porter is my favorite reader. I have bought most of the books she has "read" starting with Victoria Holt books. She really brings life to the characters.

Any additional comments?

This book is a great listen and should be listened to more than once!

first in a series that is not continued on audible

This book was good in its way, but couldn't really satisfy in the end because it seems like the first installment of a series that is not continued in audible. Didn't like it enough to actually read it, so, ok as a filler in between books with a solid beginning and end.

Lady Fortecue steps out By M.C.Beacon

Narrator Davina Porter an excellent reader, I have heard her read other books and she was perfect for this particular story. This is a Nice tale of The aristocratic Society and how resilient people can be when they find themselves thrown into dire circomstances beyond their control. light amusing story, really enjoyed it.

Entertaining!

Just what I was looking for: interesting characters, a bit of mystery and drama, lots of amusement.

an endearing story

loved this story. the narrator did a great job bringing everyone alive. my only complaint is that I wish it had been longer . a great premise well developed.

Very enjoyable book.

This was a very enjoyable book. I loved the quirky characters. The narrator did a great job. I am definitely going to read/listen to the rest of the series.