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tlsouthard's review against another edition
4.0
A cute and fun ending to a sweet little series of completely unimportant books. Just what I needed. Thoroughly enjoyable as the confections they are. And Miss Tonks FINALLY gets a MRS. in front of her name! Woo hoo!
krisrid's review against another edition
5.0
This was the perfect ending to the Poor Relation series!
I have loved all the books in this series. A wonderful group of misfit characters banding together to thumb their noses at the ridiculous oppressive rules the society of the day imposed on people. Everything about these stories were cheeky, clever, funny and delightful!
Each of the books had the Poor Relation hoteliers resolving some poor unfortunate's situation when they stayed at the hotel. Each of the main characters had their own individual unique personality, each of which turned out to be helpful when called upon in the unusual - by society's standards - circumstances that the group ended up embroiled in.
The humour in these books is simply wonderful! It is uniquely English but cleverly written to make you giggle while shaking your head at what the group gets up to, all while cheering them on at every unorthodox step.
The supporting characters are equally fun and engaging, as are the plots the author dreams up to give the Poor Relation gang dramas to participate in.
This is a fun, light, easy-reading Regency-era group of stories that are perfect for the beach, a holiday, or a daily-commute read. I highly enjoyed each and every one of these books, and am only sorry there are no more to come, but highly recommend them to anyone enjoying this historical period, which is also beautifully captured and showcased in all its ridiculousness in a fun and funny manner.
I have loved all the books in this series. A wonderful group of misfit characters banding together to thumb their noses at the ridiculous oppressive rules the society of the day imposed on people. Everything about these stories were cheeky, clever, funny and delightful!
Each of the books had the Poor Relation hoteliers resolving some poor unfortunate's situation when they stayed at the hotel. Each of the main characters had their own individual unique personality, each of which turned out to be helpful when called upon in the unusual - by society's standards - circumstances that the group ended up embroiled in.
The humour in these books is simply wonderful! It is uniquely English but cleverly written to make you giggle while shaking your head at what the group gets up to, all while cheering them on at every unorthodox step.
The supporting characters are equally fun and engaging, as are the plots the author dreams up to give the Poor Relation gang dramas to participate in.
This is a fun, light, easy-reading Regency-era group of stories that are perfect for the beach, a holiday, or a daily-commute read. I highly enjoyed each and every one of these books, and am only sorry there are no more to come, but highly recommend them to anyone enjoying this historical period, which is also beautifully captured and showcased in all its ridiculousness in a fun and funny manner.
madisonreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a cute series, and this book nicely wrapped up allow the plotlines of the series while also introducing a new romance.
tillybh's review against another edition
3.0
Here, I think, I shall sum up my feelings towards this series as a whole. This is my second Regency series by M.C. Beaton, the first being The Six Sisters, and I definitely preferred the latter.
That's not to say that I disliked The Poor Relation series, not at all. It was amusing and chuckle-worthy and while perhaps (more than) a little farcical (Sir Philip, I'm looking at you) and people seemed to jump to the correct conclusion a lot, somehow, they were enjoyable.
We got to know the main Poor Relations well over the course of the series, which made their happy endings ultimately more worthwhile and satisfying, though of the characters that appear in only one novel, they are more two-dimensional and clear-cut characters, on the whole. The girls who are taken under the wing of the Poor Relations are characterised well enough, though their stories are typically cliché (and reading a Georgette Heyer novel afterwards highlights how much of an inspiration her works are to Ms Beaton). My favourites would have to be Cassandra and Arabella - the stakes are higher in their stories in that they themselves could present a problem to a happy ending, rather than circumstances beyond their control - Cassandra through her forward nature and unconventional looks (though as a heroine I loved her) and Arabella through her shy nature. The heroes all merge into each other a little, unfortunately, though they seem to be the usual cast of Byronic antihero, confirmed rake or untrustworthy foreigner.
Overall, they are very enjoyable - I got a good few hours of pleasure from them, and sometimes they were too short if anything - and while they have their faults, what doesn't? For their genre and style they fit the mark and if you're looking for light-hearted, funny historical romance then these are perfect.
That's not to say that I disliked The Poor Relation series, not at all. It was amusing and chuckle-worthy and while perhaps (more than) a little farcical (Sir Philip, I'm looking at you) and people seemed to jump to the correct conclusion a lot, somehow, they were enjoyable.
We got to know the main Poor Relations well over the course of the series, which made their happy endings ultimately more worthwhile and satisfying, though of the characters that appear in only one novel, they are more two-dimensional and clear-cut characters, on the whole. The girls who are taken under the wing of the Poor Relations are characterised well enough, though their stories are typically cliché (and reading a Georgette Heyer novel afterwards highlights how much of an inspiration her works are to Ms Beaton). My favourites would have to be Cassandra and Arabella - the stakes are higher in their stories in that they themselves could present a problem to a happy ending, rather than circumstances beyond their control - Cassandra through her forward nature and unconventional looks (though as a heroine I loved her) and Arabella through her shy nature. The heroes all merge into each other a little, unfortunately, though they seem to be the usual cast of Byronic antihero, confirmed rake or untrustworthy foreigner.
Overall, they are very enjoyable - I got a good few hours of pleasure from them, and sometimes they were too short if anything - and while they have their faults, what doesn't? For their genre and style they fit the mark and if you're looking for light-hearted, funny historical romance then these are perfect.
wendycherie's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
becca_todaro's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An absolutely adorable regency historical fiction. The characters are all clearly defined and something stands out for each one. I am going to start at the beginning of this series and read them all!
sarah_'s review against another edition
5.0
This 5 star rating is for this series of audiobooks overall. Davina Porter's voice narrating these books has been my companion on my walks for the last week and a half, the only time I get out of the house during social distancing. These are just the kind of addictive fluff I have needed and I could happily spend time with Lady Fortescue and the gang for a dozen more books. The romances in each book run together a bit, but each one is unique with fresh madcap happenings and devious plots. Love love love! Will definitely be checking out more Marion Chesney series, though I'm sad that Davina Porter doesn't read any of the others.