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timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
Let's be clear: this is a lightweight piece of fun.
I don't read romances, I really don't. But a Goodreads friend really liked it, so I thought I'd give it a go.
If you liked The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, or E.F. Benson books, you'll probably like this.
It's an interesting look at Regency society, but the poor relations that are the heart of the plot are quite fun as they come to terms with doing what they have to do to get by - which they do mostly by taking advantage of the odd artificialities of the society. You'd call them like scamps or rascals rather than thieves or swindlers, although there is some of the latter.
I'm not sure I'll read the rest of the series, but this was fun. So, romance-hating readers, trust me - the romance is tolerable in this otherwise amusing story.
I don't read romances, I really don't. But a Goodreads friend really liked it, so I thought I'd give it a go.
If you liked The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, or E.F. Benson books, you'll probably like this.
It's an interesting look at Regency society, but the poor relations that are the heart of the plot are quite fun as they come to terms with doing what they have to do to get by - which they do mostly by taking advantage of the odd artificialities of the society. You'd call them like scamps or rascals rather than thieves or swindlers, although there is some of the latter.
I'm not sure I'll read the rest of the series, but this was fun. So, romance-hating readers, trust me - the romance is tolerable in this otherwise amusing story.
priya_amrev's review against another edition
2.0
Childish except for when it suddenly became pg 14 and mildly irritating
casadilla12's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pattyfgd's review against another edition
4.0
How much fun can you have with 5 older people who come together, pool their resources and open a hotel? I cannot tell you how entertaining this story is. My first book by Marian Chesney, I found humor, a little drama and a little romance all packed into this history of how the Poor Relations began. With Lady Fortescue and Colonel Sandhurst at the helm of their plan, there is much to do. There are a lot of happenings with the aristocratic guests that come to stay, many attitudes, and even a masked ball! This is a wonderful introduction to the series. Narrated by the incredible Davina Porter, she will suck you in, give you a different voice for each character and keep you enthralled for the entire book!
beckimoody29's review against another edition
5.0
This is my new favorite series, despite the fact that it is nothing like the books I normally read. Categorized as "Regency Romances , Jane Austen fans might like these novels. Lady Fortescue is a
"poor relation" a society woman without the money and resources to maintain her family name. Expected to live off handouts from wealthier relatives, instead Lady Fortescue pools her meager resources with other poor relations and opens her family home as a hotel. They hope that their relatives will be so embarrassed by their relations being in "trade" that they will buy the hotel, but instead Lady Fortescue realizes that she enjoys the challenge of running a successful business and the poor relations become a new family. There are lots of adventures trying to get enough money to run the hotel (many of which are not quite legal) and romances both within the group and among the hotel visitors. The relations are all interesting characters in their own right, and the guests and situations are fun. Quick reads, I could easily finish one in 2 or 3 hours.
"poor relation" a society woman without the money and resources to maintain her family name. Expected to live off handouts from wealthier relatives, instead Lady Fortescue pools her meager resources with other poor relations and opens her family home as a hotel. They hope that their relatives will be so embarrassed by their relations being in "trade" that they will buy the hotel, but instead Lady Fortescue realizes that she enjoys the challenge of running a successful business and the poor relations become a new family. There are lots of adventures trying to get enough money to run the hotel (many of which are not quite legal) and romances both within the group and among the hotel visitors. The relations are all interesting characters in their own right, and the guests and situations are fun. Quick reads, I could easily finish one in 2 or 3 hours.
showell's review against another edition
3.0
Really just a fun book. Great to read while you're under the weather, as it's not too demanding and not too amusing. Just right for a couple of hours of escapage.
gaylebn's review against another edition
4.0
The first of another MC Beaton series. These characters aren’t as likable as Agatha Raisin and Hamish McBeth, but still a fun read.