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The Traveling Matchmaker #1
Emily Goes to Exeter
Miss Hannah Pym 45 retires from housekeeping to ride the 1800 stagecoach, first to Exeter. Spoiled beauty Emily flees marriage to older Lord Ranger Harley 33. Widow Lizzie Bisley regrets engagement to bully Captain Seaton, when others are more respectful, especially shy lawyer Fletcher. When snow strands them in an inn, Hannah organizes chores and romances.
186 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1990
170 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
149 books763 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
September 18, 2023
A Regency Romance and Mystery
Miss Hannah Pym was once a housekeeper for Thornton Hall . When the owner and master of the Hall dies, he leaves Hannah money in his will.
Hannah decides that she will use some of the money to travel on the stagecoach. She is hoping for an adventure and adventure is what she gets.
She meets exciting characters along the way and becomes friends with some of them. For Miss Hannah Pym, it’s a dream come true.
Highly addictive and highly recommended.
Five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
Miss Hannah Pym was once a housekeeper for Thornton Hall . When the owner and master of the Hall dies, he leaves Hannah money in his will.
Hannah decides that she will use some of the money to travel on the stagecoach. She is hoping for an adventure and adventure is what she gets.
She meets exciting characters along the way and becomes friends with some of them. For Miss Hannah Pym, it’s a dream come true.
Highly addictive and highly recommended.
Five fabulous stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
December 8, 2018
Rating: 5 stars
This book had all the wit, charm and sly humor to fulfill my inner English snob. Miss Hannah Pym is an entertaining, very likable, capable and kind character who is at peace with her faults and makes ready use of her most important skill: Managing people.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the audio version of this quick-paced, historically accurate, intelligent , character rich work. The description and setting details make this a thrill to listen to! Although I unraveled a few plot threads effortlessly before the Big Reveal, I was never bored or less delighted. At this this point, I can't wait to see what new adventures Miss Pym will charge into because there is so much more the explore and to come with this fascinating spinster.
This book had all the wit, charm and sly humor to fulfill my inner English snob. Miss Hannah Pym is an entertaining, very likable, capable and kind character who is at peace with her faults and makes ready use of her most important skill: Managing people.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the audio version of this quick-paced, historically accurate, intelligent , character rich work. The description and setting details make this a thrill to listen to! Although I unraveled a few plot threads effortlessly before the Big Reveal, I was never bored or less delighted. At this this point, I can't wait to see what new adventures Miss Pym will charge into because there is so much more the explore and to come with this fascinating spinster.
February 7, 2014
(This story is set in 1800, so not quite the Regency)
For nearly her whole life, Miss Hannah Pym has faithfully served the same employer. She has achieved her life long dream of becoming a housekeeper, however, she longs for something more - an adventure on one of the new fangled "flying machines" (stage coaches). When her employer dies and leaves her a legacy, his brother takes an interest in Hannah and encourages her to fulfill her dream. Hannah sets off on the stage and meets several eccentric characters along the way. Hannah and the other travelers become stranded at an inn during a snowstorm and most of the adventure takes place there. Hannah takes charge running the inn as well as playing matchmaker to some of her fellow passengers. This story is one of Chesney's better ones. The romance develops plausibly and nicely. I really like Miss Pym and can't wait to read more of her matchmaking adventures!
For nearly her whole life, Miss Hannah Pym has faithfully served the same employer. She has achieved her life long dream of becoming a housekeeper, however, she longs for something more - an adventure on one of the new fangled "flying machines" (stage coaches). When her employer dies and leaves her a legacy, his brother takes an interest in Hannah and encourages her to fulfill her dream. Hannah sets off on the stage and meets several eccentric characters along the way. Hannah and the other travelers become stranded at an inn during a snowstorm and most of the adventure takes place there. Hannah takes charge running the inn as well as playing matchmaker to some of her fellow passengers. This story is one of Chesney's better ones. The romance develops plausibly and nicely. I really like Miss Pym and can't wait to read more of her matchmaking adventures!
October 16, 2018
A very fun story about a housekeeper turned lady who decides to use her newly acquired independence to travel. But of course, travel alone will not sake her thirst for adventure, she must cause chaos for those around her by matchmaking!
This book is primarily a "rom com" with the middle aged matchmaker tying together her couples. However, it also throws in a mystery so it kind of has that going for it.
I liked Miss Pym a great deal more than the Tribble sisters. Despite some shoe-horned 'ah, I'm a servant and not equal!' psychology, she is overall much more competent and less prone to stupid decisions.
Overall, though, this book melts like cotton candy. It tastes sweet and makes you smile but in the end has little else going for it. The mystery was...bad. Maybe I'm being overly harsh. I do like that the author added another element. It just seemed more than a little far fetched. Further, the main couple's relationship was.....ehhhh. I'm starting to recognize it as a pattern with Marion Chesney books. Cosseted young lady barely out of the school room meets charming older man who is perfectly kind to old spinsters but holds her in contempt. Young lady feels miffed. Older man feels desire. Wallah, romance. There is a lot about the formula I find uncomfortable. But for something fluffy to listen to while going about the day, this was pleasant. I'll definitely hunt up the sequel.
This book is primarily a "rom com" with the middle aged matchmaker tying together her couples. However, it also throws in a mystery so it kind of has that going for it.
I liked Miss Pym a great deal more than the Tribble sisters. Despite some shoe-horned 'ah, I'm a servant and not equal!' psychology, she is overall much more competent and less prone to stupid decisions.
Overall, though, this book melts like cotton candy. It tastes sweet and makes you smile but in the end has little else going for it. The mystery was...bad. Maybe I'm being overly harsh. I do like that the author added another element. It just seemed more than a little far fetched. Further, the main couple's relationship was.....ehhhh. I'm starting to recognize it as a pattern with Marion Chesney books. Cosseted young lady barely out of the school room meets charming older man who is perfectly kind to old spinsters but holds her in contempt. Young lady feels miffed. Older man feels desire. Wallah, romance. There is a lot about the formula I find uncomfortable. But for something fluffy to listen to while going about the day, this was pleasant. I'll definitely hunt up the sequel.
October 30, 2021
England 1800.
Late author Marion Chesney also wrote as M.C. Beaton.
I previously read #4, then #5 of this series. And now #1.
This author made all her characters come alive, those with
an inside seat and outside seat of a stagecoach. Heading
toward Exeter. She added an attempted murder and 2
romances. Lord Harley + spoiled beauty, Emily, though
considered engaged by both sets of parents, had never
even met before. No official engagement. Em ran away &
ended on the same coach as the hero. She was 18 & he 33,
but somehow they worked as a couple. She learned a little
humility on their adventure.
Hannah Pym, former housekeeper, inherited a hefty sum
from her late employer. She decided to travel & still remain
thrifty. She helped fellow passengers sort out problems &
became a 'traveling matchmaker.' Hannah had humor, heart
and smarts. While others reviewed options, Hannah already
had a plan in place.
Late author Marion Chesney also wrote as M.C. Beaton.
I previously read #4, then #5 of this series. And now #1.
This author made all her characters come alive, those with
an inside seat and outside seat of a stagecoach. Heading
toward Exeter. She added an attempted murder and 2
romances. Lord Harley + spoiled beauty, Emily, though
considered engaged by both sets of parents, had never
even met before. No official engagement. Em ran away &
ended on the same coach as the hero. She was 18 & he 33,
but somehow they worked as a couple. She learned a little
humility on their adventure.
Hannah Pym, former housekeeper, inherited a hefty sum
from her late employer. She decided to travel & still remain
thrifty. She helped fellow passengers sort out problems &
became a 'traveling matchmaker.' Hannah had humor, heart
and smarts. While others reviewed options, Hannah already
had a plan in place.
February 1, 2015
Amusing first book in 'The Matchmaker' series. Loved the adventurous Miss Pym and her thirst to experience more of life.
April 17, 2017
Quaint, charming, clean, late Georgian/almost Regency romance where the main character is a retired housekeeper who has decided to take a stagecoach journey just for the fun of it. She's also an inveterate gossip and a busybody, so she turns to matchmaking when their coach is stuck for several days as a tiny inn because of a blizzard.
Not a lot of character development, and at times it felt like a farce, or an amateur theatrical, as characters shifted partners like they were at a dance.
Light and fluffy, and while sometimes that's what I like and want, this left me wanting, probably because Emily, the romantic heroine, is such a spoiled ninny that I couldn't believe that she grew up in just the few days of the story. I mean, the potential for her to be a lovely person is there, but marrying based on potential is such a huge risk.
Not a lot of character development, and at times it felt like a farce, or an amateur theatrical, as characters shifted partners like they were at a dance.
Light and fluffy, and while sometimes that's what I like and want, this left me wanting, probably because Emily, the romantic heroine, is such a spoiled ninny that I couldn't believe that she grew up in just the few days of the story. I mean, the potential for her to be a lovely person is there, but marrying based on potential is such a huge risk.
March 8, 2022
I picked this up because it was giving off Georgette Heyer vibes, and I was not disappointed!
Miss Pym, faithful housekeeper of many years, receives a significant bequest allowing her to become independent. And what will Miss Pym do with her time as a lady of leisure? Go traveling on the stagecoach, of course—and perhaps do a little matchmaking on the side! Hijinks ensue when the coach is stranded at an inn with no servants. Miss Pym is endearing, and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Content: I was a little wary because this book was marketed as a romance (and I was listening to the audiobook aloud with my kids nearby!), but I needn't have worried. There are a couple of eyeroll-inducing mentions of legs and tension, and some kissing, but there's no sex.
Miss Pym, faithful housekeeper of many years, receives a significant bequest allowing her to become independent. And what will Miss Pym do with her time as a lady of leisure? Go traveling on the stagecoach, of course—and perhaps do a little matchmaking on the side! Hijinks ensue when the coach is stranded at an inn with no servants. Miss Pym is endearing, and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Content: I was a little wary because this book was marketed as a romance (and I was listening to the audiobook aloud with my kids nearby!), but I needn't have worried. There are a couple of eyeroll-inducing mentions of legs and tension, and some kissing, but there's no sex.
July 19, 2019
Sevimli, hoş, okuması kolay bir kitaptı.
December 8, 2020
Not terrible but really, extremely predictable. The romance has no suspense at all, and though we are blissfully saved from lust at first sight, the feelings come swiftly and are unrealistic. There is an attempted-murder-mystery, too, but unless you are brain dead you can guess whodunnit it pretty much immediately. All problems are set up and resolved within five pages. I finished it, which must count for something, but altogether I was disappointed. It did not make me laugh, sigh or cheer. I am pretty sure there were some historical inaccuracies too, but that was certainly a minor problem in comparison with what I said above. Some of the dialogue is stilted.
October 11, 2022
Not bad.
July 21, 2023
Újabb Beaton-sorozattal próbálkoztam, és határozottan nem fogtam mellé! Valóban nagyon fekszik a szerzőnek a regency korszak, igazán hangulatos és vicces történetet kerekített Miss Pym első kalandjáról. Nekem a legjobban a fogadóbeli jelenetek tetszettek, ahol személyzet hiányában összefogásra kényszerültek a különböző néposztályok tagjai. Jók a karakterek, nem csöpögős a romantika, és még egy kis izgalmat is kapunk egy nem várt krimiszállal. Könnyed, bájos és szórakoztató! Biztosan folytatom a sorozatot.
April 2, 2024
What a superb novel this was, I don’t remember when I last laughed so much while reading a book, miss pym is now one of my favourite characters and I would love to have her as my friend and confidant. Hannah pym is such a loveable caring and when needed authoritative lady that you can’t go wrong with her. I happened to find this book by chance but I am so happy to have discovered this series which has 5 more books
This book had so many interesting components that I could not stop until I finished reading it. There was love,humour, a villain, a murder attempt, and miss pym at her matchmaking best.
I would recommend this book to one and all and will assure you you won’t be disappointed
5/5
This book had so many interesting components that I could not stop until I finished reading it. There was love,humour, a villain, a murder attempt, and miss pym at her matchmaking best.
I would recommend this book to one and all and will assure you you won’t be disappointed
5/5
January 18, 2021
I picked this one up because i like Regency and this new-to-me author has written a decent collection with a reputation for being well-liked. It was an enjoyable read and had some unique aspects - i appreciated how the author uses the unique person and circumstances of a Miss Hannah Pym to both narrate and execute the plot. She's a main character who is central to the story, although most of it is not really about her.
However, i felt the dialogue was not as witty and sparkling as i have come to expect from a really good Regency novel, and i found the characters to be flat and one-dimensional.
In the end, i think this is author is a solid option for me when i need a quick, light read.
However, i felt the dialogue was not as witty and sparkling as i have come to expect from a really good Regency novel, and i found the characters to be flat and one-dimensional.
In the end, i think this is author is a solid option for me when i need a quick, light read.
July 18, 2018
An effervescent froth of a novel, with a pleasingly older heroine, a book I should have forgotten about almost as soon as I turned the last page. But over the last day, I've found myself mulling on some character descriptions and a humorous (well - "humorous") scene again and again, and I have to say it: I am so. goddamn. tired. of Fat Person As Comically Disgusting And Embarassing trope. Is this a major part of the novel? Not at all. Has it ruined it for me? Yep.
February 6, 2017
A nice fluffy read. Great for a day when feeling under the weather :)
January 13, 2022
This is basically Jane Austin with a bit of Agatha Christie splashed in.
April 28, 2022
Marion Chesney as I was expecting. Fast-paced, funny, believable, and historically accurate as much as such kind of story allows. In other words, I got what I wanted. [3.5-4]
September 7, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. This was okay/decent and read very quickly.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
A Georgian novel, Winter, 1800.
Miss Hannah Pym, at 45, is the former housekeeper of a wealthy and reclusive man with a home in Kenningston. When her employer dies, Hannah is bequeathed with a generous gift of 5000 pounds in appreciation of her 33yrs of service. Suddenly finding herself a gentlewoman of means, Hannah decides to indulge in a lifelong dream - she will travel and experience England by stagecoach.
In EMILY GOES TO EXETER, Hannah explores her romantic (meddling) nature by attempting to re-match a spoiled young lady of the ton with the wealthy and experienced 33yr old lord her parents had chosen for her but whom the lady had refused. Hannah’s first journey, a stagecoach ride destined for Exeter, is filled with adventures - an attack by highwayman, an overturned coach, a few winter hardships and a possible romance.
Comments ~
I have been reading through Beaton’s Constable Hamish Macbeth Cozy Mystery series and thought I might check out other books written by Beaton currently free through my audiobook subscription service. EMILY GOES TO EXETER, bk1 in Beaton/Marion Chesney’s Traveling Matchmaker series was my first pick. The new-to-me narrator, Helen Lisanti, pulled me into the story and it read very quickly. Her voice was a bit older sounding than I expected but as Hannah is 45, I guess that was fine.
I plan on listening to the next book in the series although my feelings are mostly ambivalent at this point. I would consider EMILY GOES TO EXETER a “Comfortable” novel - Clean & slightly Quirky, a Historical Romance with a bit of Adventure. I thought it a very easy read but not particularly memorable. It might be a good book to use as a light palate cleanser or that quick novel read before heading off to bed (I completed it in under 4hrs).
READER CAUTION ~ None. Suitable for most read.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
A Georgian novel, Winter, 1800.
Miss Hannah Pym, at 45, is the former housekeeper of a wealthy and reclusive man with a home in Kenningston. When her employer dies, Hannah is bequeathed with a generous gift of 5000 pounds in appreciation of her 33yrs of service. Suddenly finding herself a gentlewoman of means, Hannah decides to indulge in a lifelong dream - she will travel and experience England by stagecoach.
In EMILY GOES TO EXETER, Hannah explores her romantic (meddling) nature by attempting to re-match a spoiled young lady of the ton with the wealthy and experienced 33yr old lord her parents had chosen for her but whom the lady had refused. Hannah’s first journey, a stagecoach ride destined for Exeter, is filled with adventures - an attack by highwayman, an overturned coach, a few winter hardships and a possible romance.
Comments ~
I have been reading through Beaton’s Constable Hamish Macbeth Cozy Mystery series and thought I might check out other books written by Beaton currently free through my audiobook subscription service. EMILY GOES TO EXETER, bk1 in Beaton/Marion Chesney’s Traveling Matchmaker series was my first pick. The new-to-me narrator, Helen Lisanti, pulled me into the story and it read very quickly. Her voice was a bit older sounding than I expected but as Hannah is 45, I guess that was fine.
I plan on listening to the next book in the series although my feelings are mostly ambivalent at this point. I would consider EMILY GOES TO EXETER a “Comfortable” novel - Clean & slightly Quirky, a Historical Romance with a bit of Adventure. I thought it a very easy read but not particularly memorable. It might be a good book to use as a light palate cleanser or that quick novel read before heading off to bed (I completed it in under 4hrs).
READER CAUTION ~ None. Suitable for most read.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
July 30, 2025
I’m shocked this is my first Marion Chesney book, what a wonderful ride! This is exactly right up my alley.
Miss Hannah Pym is a housekeeper who inherits a large sum of money from her employer upon his death and decides to travel the length of England by stagecoach - her lifelong dream. A snow storm has her and her fellow coach travellers stranded at an inn for several days - she takes care of them all and does some matchmaking of her own.
Adored this!! It’s great great fun, there are lots of adventures and a few light mysteries, lots of cooking and housekeeping and rather silly secondary characters, my favourite kind. So happy it’s part of a series!
Miss Hannah Pym is a housekeeper who inherits a large sum of money from her employer upon his death and decides to travel the length of England by stagecoach - her lifelong dream. A snow storm has her and her fellow coach travellers stranded at an inn for several days - she takes care of them all and does some matchmaking of her own.
Adored this!! It’s great great fun, there are lots of adventures and a few light mysteries, lots of cooking and housekeeping and rather silly secondary characters, my favourite kind. So happy it’s part of a series!
October 19, 2021
2021 bk 322 When Miss Pym inherits money, she chooses to spend it on travel. As a servant she had spent almost all of her life working in different positions in one home along the main road out of London. On her journey to Exeter, she encounters runaway lovers, con artists, and a blizzard, more adventures than she ever expected. A fun regency - and after having read the rest of the series from the libraries over the years - I'm glad to have finally found the first one of the series. Now I'll have to track down the others.
February 23, 2026
Cute and entertaining! A bit old so some of the language and vocab was confusing but I understood enough for it to be enjoyable. Just a silly little British love story with a bit of mystery in it.
Perfect for a trip to Exeter 😝
Perfect for a trip to Exeter 😝
June 20, 2017
The traveling matchmaker series is an interesting historical series. I read these number of years ago and was just minded of them. I need to look at this author again.
February 25, 2020
3.5 Light easy read; enjoyable.
March 30, 2020
Reall enjoyed listening to this audiobook. At a glance I didn't think it would have been my thing but I am hooked on the series already! Bring on the next book!
April 3, 2020
Not the farcical madcamp romp that the Poor Relation series was, but entertaining, and Hannah Pym is a great character, so I will be listening on!
June 13, 2021
Delightful.
June 27, 2021
The first physical book I've read in a long time. Fun, fast. Just delightful.
April 20, 2023
"A little housewifery was the way to a man's heart."
Someone more or less dismissed this book as "basically Jane Austen with a dash of Agatha Christie", but it is more akin to the meeting of Georgette Heyer's Regency romance novels and her mystery novels.
The set-up is long, and the resolutions of both the mystery and the romance felt a bit rushed, however this was the perfect light, quick, and enjoyable fare!
Someone more or less dismissed this book as "basically Jane Austen with a dash of Agatha Christie", but it is more akin to the meeting of Georgette Heyer's Regency romance novels and her mystery novels.
The set-up is long, and the resolutions of both the mystery and the romance felt a bit rushed, however this was the perfect light, quick, and enjoyable fare!
June 13, 2024
3.5 stars… fun, romantic period comedy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews