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

Excellent Book

Great book, funny and light, with wonderful dialog that had me laughing out loud, and very well read. Let's see more from this author!

Very funny, very touching

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I didn't expect to like the main character or her trunk-ful of family drama as much as I did.

This was a very satisfying audiobook, great for a long trip or afternoon on the beach.

Fun and a Delight

This was a fun listen. Not deep, but I smiled and laughed throughout the entire book. If you are a Susan Elizabeth Phillips fan you will love this book. Great narration too.

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!!!

What a Great Listen!

Carlisle left the south and its phoney aristocratic attitudes. She became a successful lawyer, however when her mother needs her she takes a leave of absence and goes home to bail her family out. The fun begins, Carlisle finds out the hard way what it takes to wade thru the bull....that is Southern blue bloods idea of high society. Our girl, wades in and gives it her best shot. What a fun ride, until her mother throws her a real shocker!!

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.

A fun to listen to story

Where does The Ex-Debutante rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 5

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

A devil in the Jr. League is her other book which I loved

Who was the most memorable character of The Ex-Debutante and why?

Always love the accents of the narrator

suprisingly good

I wasn't too sure about this one, I am just not into "southern society," but it was a really funny story, I really enjoyed the whole thing.

Yee-Hah!

I loved this book and most of it might be because of the EXCELLENT Narrator. I mean, it wasn't story of great literary height but it was funny and entertaining. The Narrator made the book. She was great!

Good

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. Good listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ex-Debutante?

Finding out who her mother was with every week at the motel.

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

She brings the characters to life differently than what I would have in my head.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It depends on who played the starring role.