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

Faaaaabulous!

I stayed up late listening to this book, and didn't want it to end! Susan Bennett did an amazing job portraying the wonderful story written by Linda Francis Lee. It was very entertaining and engaging - didn't lose my interest once. I have listened to other books where the narrator ruined a great book (mostly by mispronunciations or monotone voice). Hands down this was one of the most fun and engaging audio book I have experienced. I felt part of Willow Creek and enjoyed getting to know the characters. The only other book that came close was The Devil in the Jr League, also written by Linda and narrated by Susan. Thank you for a great experience!

Good Southern Fun

I laughed out loud with this book. There were some great twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book!

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!

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!

Texas Ex's!

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

I would recommend this to anyone who has ever been to Texas or is from there. This story was absolutely hysterical! I am an ex-Texas girl myself, and this book brought back so many memories of typical Texas ladies and expectations, etc. The author clearly did her homework.

What did you like best about this story?

Te4xas is one of the only places that has kept their old traditions of debutaunte life. It gave a true rendition of this tradition and added a great romantic back story.

Have you listened to any of Susan Bennett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will now.

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

It made me laugh out loud in some parts, and keep flipping the pages.

Entertaining - easy listening

Nice story line easy to listen to. Read all 3 of Linda Francis Lee's books liked this one the best

More to the story

Great story...touches on real life and our struggles. For all of us, not just the popular pretty ones (wink).

love it@

2 nd book love attention to detail and wonderful word pictures! keeps you guessing until the end.

Fun book, enjoyable story line, well done.

What did you like best about this story?

the journey of mothers and daughters, and our expectations, what we think it should be, and the beauty and peace of embracing it how it is.

Any additional comments?

Susan Bennett did excellent narration!!

Pleasant distraction while cleaning

This was a very lightweight little story. It was a good way to stay occupied while getting ready for Thanksgiving. That isn't a criticism.