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The Traveling Matchmaker #5
Deborah Goes to Dover
The fifth book in M.C. Beaton's charming Travelling Matchmaker series.
The engaging Miss Hannah Pym delights all as she resumes her matchmaking adventures aboard the English stage - when lonely hearts chance across her intrepid path they're sure to find themselves en route for romance!
Destined for Dover, Miss Pym has her matchmaking work cut out for her when she encounters the pretty but hoydenish Lady Deborah Western! Encouraged by an unruly twin brother, the spirited, golden-haired Deborah seems set on dressing and acting the tomboy, much to the dismay of her handsome neighbor, the Earl of Ashton...
To Deb, the earl is a dull stick, always lecturing on the behavior of a proper lady. But her desire to fish, hunt, and ride astride is quickly replaced with more romantic notions when the tall, green-eyed earl challenges her to a horse race and wins himself an unforgettable kiss.
Miss Pym can't resist the opportunity to match-make, and with the help of her clever maneuverings, Lady Deborah will soon be well and truly matched - perhaps even to the earl himself!
'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist
'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus Reviews
The engaging Miss Hannah Pym delights all as she resumes her matchmaking adventures aboard the English stage - when lonely hearts chance across her intrepid path they're sure to find themselves en route for romance!
Destined for Dover, Miss Pym has her matchmaking work cut out for her when she encounters the pretty but hoydenish Lady Deborah Western! Encouraged by an unruly twin brother, the spirited, golden-haired Deborah seems set on dressing and acting the tomboy, much to the dismay of her handsome neighbor, the Earl of Ashton...
To Deb, the earl is a dull stick, always lecturing on the behavior of a proper lady. But her desire to fish, hunt, and ride astride is quickly replaced with more romantic notions when the tall, green-eyed earl challenges her to a horse race and wins himself an unforgettable kiss.
Miss Pym can't resist the opportunity to match-make, and with the help of her clever maneuverings, Lady Deborah will soon be well and truly matched - perhaps even to the earl himself!
'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist
'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus Reviews
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1992
83 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
139 books752 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 81 reviews
May 17, 2022
The best of the series (so far, perhaps the last part is even better). It was hilarious. Some scenes were gushing with wit. Hannah and Benjamin were marvelous.
Of course, there were also wise points, for example, the capture of the time when the bond between grown-up twins lessen (so sad for them, but unavoidable).
I am repeating myself, but I adore Chesney's books. She is very specific, and I love it. In a way, she showed (through humour) how awful and unjust were times around the beginning of the XIX.
Of course, there were also wise points, for example, the capture of the time when the bond between grown-up twins lessen (so sad for them, but unavoidable).
I am repeating myself, but I adore Chesney's books. She is very specific, and I love it. In a way, she showed (through humour) how awful and unjust were times around the beginning of the XIX.
September 9, 2020
England 1800. This had wit, and some mystery, but I
preferred book #4.
The Earl of Ashton saw Lady Deborah in a new light
after her surrendering her: men's clothing and hunting
& fishing with her twin brother William & her choosing
to become familiar w/ her feminine side. The father
of the twins was an earl+ a diplomat, assigned overseas.
He would/ should have assigned a female relative to
supervise the twins, though they were 19. A widowed
army captain also found love on this road trip.
Hannah, former housekeeper, now w/ a fortune, continued
as the matchmaker. And the glue of the story. Hannah,
a plain spinster in her 40s pined for a retired diplomat, Sir
George, in his 50s. Her witty & loyal footman Ben, in his 30s,
became a prizefighter, 1x, to erase a gambling debt.
I read that this author passed away. I liked how she made
her characters come alive, especially Hannah and Ben.
preferred book #4.
The Earl of Ashton saw Lady Deborah in a new light
after her surrendering her: men's clothing and hunting
& fishing with her twin brother William & her choosing
to become familiar w/ her feminine side. The father
of the twins was an earl+ a diplomat, assigned overseas.
He would/ should have assigned a female relative to
supervise the twins, though they were 19. A widowed
army captain also found love on this road trip.
Hannah, former housekeeper, now w/ a fortune, continued
as the matchmaker. And the glue of the story. Hannah,
a plain spinster in her 40s pined for a retired diplomat, Sir
George, in his 50s. Her witty & loyal footman Ben, in his 30s,
became a prizefighter, 1x, to erase a gambling debt.
I read that this author passed away. I liked how she made
her characters come alive, especially Hannah and Ben.
December 21, 2017
The penultimate book in the Hannah Pym series - we see progress on many fronts. Hannah and Sir George proceed with their romance, going on a second trip to Gunters; Deborah as a tomboy meets her match with an older, stuffy Earl; Benjamin acquires new livery, a cane, and a reputation as a top boxer; and a plain girl gets her Captain and puts one over on her pushy sister and grasping mother. The evil Lady Carsey and her foppish nephew get their comeuppance in the form of a poisoning and a haunting. Terrific good fun, and not as much darkness as in the previous book.
August 6, 2023
Once again Hannah and her adorably loyal footman, Benjamin, steal the show.
This is the fifth book in a wonderfully entertaining, comedic Regency series. Its uncontested star is spinster and former housekeeper, 45-year-old Miss Hannah Pym. It is ideal to read all six of the books in this series sequentially, in order to experience the complete arc of Hannah's delightfully engaging adventures. In particular, the progression of her G-rated, “slow burn” romance with the sweet but stuffy aristocrat, Sir George, which stretches across all six books.
The main romantic plot in this book involves Lady Deborah Western, the 19-year-old daughter of an Earl. She and her twin brother, William, have been boon companions since birth. Deborah dresses in men’s clothing when she rides, hunts and shoots with William, and she frequently walks and talks like a cocky boy as well.
The handsome, athletically lean, and extremely elegant, 32-year-old Earl of Ashton has known the twins since they were 10 years old when he bought the estate that marches alongside theirs. He has been away in the army fighting in the Napoleonic Wars for many years and has recently sold out. He is determined to settle down and do his duty by marrying and producing an heir, but he certainly does not consider Deborah suitable to be his Countess. Yes, she is beautiful, and her aristocratic rank is exactly equal to his, but as far as he can see, she is the same little hoyden she was as a child.
Miss Pym encounters the twins and Lord Ashton soon after she sets off on her latest trip on the stagecoach, heading to Dover, due to an astoundingly unexpected misadventure of her faithful footman, Benjamin. Miss Pym has warned him time and time again that his amazing luck at gambling is bound to run out at some point, and that disastrous moment has finally arrived. Benjamin has incurred a gambling debt so huge, he decides the only way he can possibly repay it is to challenge a brute of a boxer at least twice his size in a local prize fight which will award a huge purse to the winner.
Deborah is at the fight with William, dressed as a boy, when Lord Ashton recognizes her in the carriage right next to his and thoughtlessly exposes her charade to the whole crowd of rowdy men when he angrily scolds her for daring to present herself in a crude, masculine crowd. The indomitable Miss Pym, who is also at the fight in order to save Benjamin from what she assumes will be his inevitable doom, comes to the rescue of the humiliated Deborah as well.
And thus begins a string of comical adventures in which Miss Pym looks out for Benjamin’s welfare, acts as the “travelling matchmaker” for both Deborah and Lord Ashton and two other passengers on the Dover stagecoach, and meets up with Sir George several times, the man for whom she has, or so she believes, a hopeless “tendre.”
This book, originally published in 1992, is one of the best Regency comedies that MC ever wrote. And, in my opinion, it's definitely the best novel of this six-book series. There are some absolutely hilarious moments, especially Benjamin’s boxing scenes. This novel consistently maintains the light, amusing tone that any book with pretensions to being labeled a comedy ideally has. Unfortunately, far too often in her Regency “comedies,” MC has a habit of sliding off into extremely dark, and often downright macabre, melodrama. In that regard, in this book, though we encounter again a recurring character who is an evil, female villain (a favorite trope with MC), who appears in several previous books in this series, when she is finally served her just deserts, it is achieved in an utterly whacky way that's very much in keeping with the riotous hijinks of the rest of this book.
In both the main romance and the secondary romance in this novel, as the “travelling matchmaker,” Hannah saves the day and acts as the deus ex machina, which is the overarching theme of this series, who works hard to bring together the two reluctant pairs of potential lovers.
In terms of Hannah’s own romance with Sir George, there is an unexpected and painful appearance of a woman of dubious character who seems to have succeeded in stealing away Sir George. In this case, it is Benjamin who does a fabulous job of acting as matchmaker in his own quirky way as he pulls out all the stops while protecting the romantic interests of his adored Miss Pym.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook. The narrator, Helen Lisanti, does a quite good job acting out all the parts, both male and female, young and old, and different regional accents.
I rate this book as follows:
Main Heroine (Miss Pym): 5 stars
Romantic Heroine (Deborah): 4 stars
Romantic Hero (Lord Ashton): 4 stars
Subcharacter (Benjamin): 5 stars
Subcharacters (Stagecoach passengers): 4 stars
Villains: 5 stars
Romance Plot 1 (Deborah and Ashton): 5 stars
Romance Plot 2 (Stagecoach couple): 5 stars
Romance Plot 3 (Hannah and Sir George): 5 stars
Benjamin’s Boxing Plot: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook Narration: 4 stars
Overall: 5 stars
8/4/23 Reread: I enjoyed this novel just as much today as I have in the past.
This is the fifth book in a wonderfully entertaining, comedic Regency series. Its uncontested star is spinster and former housekeeper, 45-year-old Miss Hannah Pym. It is ideal to read all six of the books in this series sequentially, in order to experience the complete arc of Hannah's delightfully engaging adventures. In particular, the progression of her G-rated, “slow burn” romance with the sweet but stuffy aristocrat, Sir George, which stretches across all six books.
The main romantic plot in this book involves Lady Deborah Western, the 19-year-old daughter of an Earl. She and her twin brother, William, have been boon companions since birth. Deborah dresses in men’s clothing when she rides, hunts and shoots with William, and she frequently walks and talks like a cocky boy as well.
The handsome, athletically lean, and extremely elegant, 32-year-old Earl of Ashton has known the twins since they were 10 years old when he bought the estate that marches alongside theirs. He has been away in the army fighting in the Napoleonic Wars for many years and has recently sold out. He is determined to settle down and do his duty by marrying and producing an heir, but he certainly does not consider Deborah suitable to be his Countess. Yes, she is beautiful, and her aristocratic rank is exactly equal to his, but as far as he can see, she is the same little hoyden she was as a child.
Miss Pym encounters the twins and Lord Ashton soon after she sets off on her latest trip on the stagecoach, heading to Dover, due to an astoundingly unexpected misadventure of her faithful footman, Benjamin. Miss Pym has warned him time and time again that his amazing luck at gambling is bound to run out at some point, and that disastrous moment has finally arrived. Benjamin has incurred a gambling debt so huge, he decides the only way he can possibly repay it is to challenge a brute of a boxer at least twice his size in a local prize fight which will award a huge purse to the winner.
Deborah is at the fight with William, dressed as a boy, when Lord Ashton recognizes her in the carriage right next to his and thoughtlessly exposes her charade to the whole crowd of rowdy men when he angrily scolds her for daring to present herself in a crude, masculine crowd. The indomitable Miss Pym, who is also at the fight in order to save Benjamin from what she assumes will be his inevitable doom, comes to the rescue of the humiliated Deborah as well.
And thus begins a string of comical adventures in which Miss Pym looks out for Benjamin’s welfare, acts as the “travelling matchmaker” for both Deborah and Lord Ashton and two other passengers on the Dover stagecoach, and meets up with Sir George several times, the man for whom she has, or so she believes, a hopeless “tendre.”
This book, originally published in 1992, is one of the best Regency comedies that MC ever wrote. And, in my opinion, it's definitely the best novel of this six-book series. There are some absolutely hilarious moments, especially Benjamin’s boxing scenes. This novel consistently maintains the light, amusing tone that any book with pretensions to being labeled a comedy ideally has. Unfortunately, far too often in her Regency “comedies,” MC has a habit of sliding off into extremely dark, and often downright macabre, melodrama. In that regard, in this book, though we encounter again a recurring character who is an evil, female villain (a favorite trope with MC), who appears in several previous books in this series, when she is finally served her just deserts, it is achieved in an utterly whacky way that's very much in keeping with the riotous hijinks of the rest of this book.
In both the main romance and the secondary romance in this novel, as the “travelling matchmaker,” Hannah saves the day and acts as the deus ex machina, which is the overarching theme of this series, who works hard to bring together the two reluctant pairs of potential lovers.
In terms of Hannah’s own romance with Sir George, there is an unexpected and painful appearance of a woman of dubious character who seems to have succeeded in stealing away Sir George. In this case, it is Benjamin who does a fabulous job of acting as matchmaker in his own quirky way as he pulls out all the stops while protecting the romantic interests of his adored Miss Pym.
I experienced this novel as an audiobook. The narrator, Helen Lisanti, does a quite good job acting out all the parts, both male and female, young and old, and different regional accents.
I rate this book as follows:
Main Heroine (Miss Pym): 5 stars
Romantic Heroine (Deborah): 4 stars
Romantic Hero (Lord Ashton): 4 stars
Subcharacter (Benjamin): 5 stars
Subcharacters (Stagecoach passengers): 4 stars
Villains: 5 stars
Romance Plot 1 (Deborah and Ashton): 5 stars
Romance Plot 2 (Stagecoach couple): 5 stars
Romance Plot 3 (Hannah and Sir George): 5 stars
Benjamin’s Boxing Plot: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook Narration: 4 stars
Overall: 5 stars
8/4/23 Reread: I enjoyed this novel just as much today as I have in the past.
August 8, 2021
4.5/5
This series is one of my all time favourites, I am simply in love with this series. It never stops amusing me, it’s so much fun reading these books, Miss Hannah pym is the most dearest character I have ever read, you simply cannot stop liking her. She has no life of her own, she has no family or relatives to speak off yet it doesn’t stop her from matchmaking or resolving issues between 2 people or uniting lovers. With each stage coach journey we see her own life growing from a housekeeper to a lady who is admired wherever she goes and Benjamin her footman is another great character, though he is in service recently he is very loyal to miss pym and never stops amazing her with his tactics.
This Is a stress I have highly enjoyed reading with one last book to go. I am looking forward to it and also going to re read this series soon as it’s quits enjoyable with a mixture of romance humour and lots of wittty dialogues and scenes
This series is one of my all time favourites, I am simply in love with this series. It never stops amusing me, it’s so much fun reading these books, Miss Hannah pym is the most dearest character I have ever read, you simply cannot stop liking her. She has no life of her own, she has no family or relatives to speak off yet it doesn’t stop her from matchmaking or resolving issues between 2 people or uniting lovers. With each stage coach journey we see her own life growing from a housekeeper to a lady who is admired wherever she goes and Benjamin her footman is another great character, though he is in service recently he is very loyal to miss pym and never stops amazing her with his tactics.
This Is a stress I have highly enjoyed reading with one last book to go. I am looking forward to it and also going to re read this series soon as it’s quits enjoyable with a mixture of romance humour and lots of wittty dialogues and scenes
July 17, 2015
Review - I really loved Deborah, possibly my favourite heroine in this series. You don't often hear of tom-boys in the Regency (not in actual history anyway) but they must have existed so it's nice to read about one. I did wonder how Beaton/Chesney would carry this series off. I mean, there are only so many ways that people can get together on the stagecoaches, but it's quite clever the way she uses the stops on the way and the final destination.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Deborah Weston / William Weston / Hannah Pym / Earl of Ashton / Abigail Conningham / Captain Beltravers
Setting? - Dover & Rochester (England)
Series? - Travelling Matchmaker #5
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 16/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Deborah Weston / William Weston / Hannah Pym / Earl of Ashton / Abigail Conningham / Captain Beltravers
Setting? - Dover & Rochester (England)
Series? - Travelling Matchmaker #5
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 16/20
October 14, 2019
This is hilariously funny with the delightful Miss Pym working hard as the travelling match-maker. I adore Benjamin her footman and his gambling and fighting and his desire to protect Miss Pym. Good to see Lady Carsey get her just deserves. She's horrid with her rouged nipples.
January 23, 2022
2021. bk 4. Miss Pym is off again on another adventure. Heading to Dover, Miss Pym and Benjamin again encounter their nemesis, do a bit of matchmaking, and enjoy life on the road.
February 7, 2014
Miss Hannah Pym is off on another adventure, lovesick herself and not noticing the other passengers, she is soon involved in an adventure when her footman enters a prize fight in order to pay his gambling debts. Hannah makes the acquaintance of Lord Ashton and his nineteen year old twin neighbors, mischievous William and Deborah, a tomboy who prefers dressing in men's clothes. Hannah's matchmaking instincts flare again with hopes of influencing Lady Deborah to act more ladylike and find her a suitable husband. Lord Ashton challenges Lady Deborah to a horse race in order to teach her a lesson. The wager, 10 guineas if she wins, a kiss if she loses, changes Deborah's feelings about her sex and her neighbor! Hannah and Benjamin's old enemy Lady Carsey seeks revenge, Lord Ashton tries to protect them and Hannah plays matchmaker once again for two fellow coach passengers. William takes notice of his sister's changes and jealously tries to prevent his sister from leaving him by embroiling her adventures that will hopefully save Hannah and Benjamin and keep Lady Deborah a tomboy and Hannah must undo the mischief. Hannah returns home with a broken heart, thinking Sir George will never see her as anything other than a friend because of their differences in class. Reckless Benjamin, hating to see his employer so down, takes matters into his own hands! This story didn't follow the usual model: the romance was believable and there were a lot of really funny moments. This was by far the best of the series, so far.
April 29, 2014
Well, I think you would call this Regency. There were lots of interesting facts from the time period. I liked those. But I don't think I'll be reading any of the others in this series. Maybe Regency just doesn't appeal to me. I like the author, but just not this particular series. I had heard so much about the humor of it - but really it didn't seem all that humorous to me. I think I'll stick to Wodehouse for humor.
June 5, 2019
This is a "clean" Regency romance of adventure and a bit of intrigue.
Miss Hannah Pym likes travelling by stage coach - this time to Dover. She is, of course, a travelling matchmaker. An entertaining and enjoyable story.
I did like reading this series.
I also like her Marion Chesney books too, which first started me on the road to reading Regency romance. Check out my favourite MC series - The Six Sisters series!
I will be forever grateful for her gift of writing.
4☆
Miss Hannah Pym likes travelling by stage coach - this time to Dover. She is, of course, a travelling matchmaker. An entertaining and enjoyable story.
I did like reading this series.
I also like her Marion Chesney books too, which first started me on the road to reading Regency romance. Check out my favourite MC series - The Six Sisters series!
I will be forever grateful for her gift of writing.
4☆
November 30, 2013
Quickie Read - Deborah was not quite as selfish as she appears on first inspection. That leads me to looking deeper at the character. On the other hand, her brother is a first class dweeb. The Marques finds much more than spoiled twins awaiting he inspection. Hannah has another grand adventure and she learns a lot of new things about her recently acquired friend.
October 15, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: Nearly 4 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS!; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
This is the 5th of 6 books in MC Beaton’s Regency Matchmaker series and I am beginning to enjoy the farces, romps and light adventures. (I read DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER last - jumping ahead to read the last book early - and believe I enjoyed the last 2 books, DOVER and YORK, the best).
1800, England ~
Miss Hannah Pym, 45, is the former housekeeper of a wealthy but reclusive man in Kenningston. When her employer dies, Hannah is bequeathed with a generous gift of 5000 pounds in appreciation of her 33yrs of service. Considering her sudden financial gain, Hannah decides to indulge a little. For a time, she will travel throughout England by stagecoach and finally experience what life has to offer through the sights and the people she meets.
In DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER Miss Hannah Pym sets upon her 5th adventure traveling to Dover. The stagecoach heading to Dover includes a mixed group of passengers - a withdrawn Army Captain, a minister and his meek wife, a severe woman and her plain but marriageable daughter and Miss Pym and her footman, Benjamin. This journey contains surprises in weather and traveling difficulties, enemies from the past, a fight for honor, and 2 possibilities for matchmaking. And as always, upon her return to London Miss Pym looks forward to sharing her adventures with her former employer’s brother, Sir George, whose kindness and friendship she holds so dear.
Comments ~
1) DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER can be read as a Standalone story or read out of order (as I did) but there is a small overreaching story arc that concludes in book 6.
2) I am always surprised when certain antics of Benjamin or proper Miss Pym cause me to snort or laugh out loud. Their antics can be quite amusing.
3) Young Abigail is the proper young, downtrodden Miss so I rather enjoyed Deborah’s spunk. I cannot imagine the frustrations and dangers brought upon by the restrictions and difficulties of this period for women in general and especially for the urban lower classes.
4) DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER further develops the relationship between Missy Pym and Benjamin and continues to explore both characters’ motivations.
5) The final chapter when Miss Pym meets with Sir George is always one of my favorite parts of these books. I’m glad Sir George has a larger role in the last/next book.
6) Helen Lisanti is wonderful with the various voices, male and female, as well as the accents. Her choice of voice for Miss Hannah threw me in the first book, but now I can see that it was the perfect selection for her. Excellent work!
7) Now that I have completed this series, I can see myself listening again for the sheer fun. This is light adventure romance, quick and easy listening while gardening, commuting or completing chores. I plan on listening to the last book once again, now that Miss Pym has grown on me.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Miss Pym’s Footman Benjamin has a salty tongue and occasional oaths, slang and strong language is used. I didn’t find it excessive.
VIOLENCE - PG. Fisticuffs.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Not really. Very brief description of a loosely dressed woman.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS!; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
This is the 5th of 6 books in MC Beaton’s Regency Matchmaker series and I am beginning to enjoy the farces, romps and light adventures. (I read DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER last - jumping ahead to read the last book early - and believe I enjoyed the last 2 books, DOVER and YORK, the best).
1800, England ~
Miss Hannah Pym, 45, is the former housekeeper of a wealthy but reclusive man in Kenningston. When her employer dies, Hannah is bequeathed with a generous gift of 5000 pounds in appreciation of her 33yrs of service. Considering her sudden financial gain, Hannah decides to indulge a little. For a time, she will travel throughout England by stagecoach and finally experience what life has to offer through the sights and the people she meets.
In DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER Miss Hannah Pym sets upon her 5th adventure traveling to Dover. The stagecoach heading to Dover includes a mixed group of passengers - a withdrawn Army Captain, a minister and his meek wife, a severe woman and her plain but marriageable daughter and Miss Pym and her footman, Benjamin. This journey contains surprises in weather and traveling difficulties, enemies from the past, a fight for honor, and 2 possibilities for matchmaking. And as always, upon her return to London Miss Pym looks forward to sharing her adventures with her former employer’s brother, Sir George, whose kindness and friendship she holds so dear.
Comments ~
1) DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER can be read as a Standalone story or read out of order (as I did) but there is a small overreaching story arc that concludes in book 6.
2) I am always surprised when certain antics of Benjamin or proper Miss Pym cause me to snort or laugh out loud. Their antics can be quite amusing.
3) Young Abigail is the proper young, downtrodden Miss so I rather enjoyed Deborah’s spunk. I cannot imagine the frustrations and dangers brought upon by the restrictions and difficulties of this period for women in general and especially for the urban lower classes.
4) DEBORAH GOES TO DOVER further develops the relationship between Missy Pym and Benjamin and continues to explore both characters’ motivations.
5) The final chapter when Miss Pym meets with Sir George is always one of my favorite parts of these books. I’m glad Sir George has a larger role in the last/next book.
6) Helen Lisanti is wonderful with the various voices, male and female, as well as the accents. Her choice of voice for Miss Hannah threw me in the first book, but now I can see that it was the perfect selection for her. Excellent work!
7) Now that I have completed this series, I can see myself listening again for the sheer fun. This is light adventure romance, quick and easy listening while gardening, commuting or completing chores. I plan on listening to the last book once again, now that Miss Pym has grown on me.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Miss Pym’s Footman Benjamin has a salty tongue and occasional oaths, slang and strong language is used. I didn’t find it excessive.
VIOLENCE - PG. Fisticuffs.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Not really. Very brief description of a loosely dressed woman.
February 10, 2021
Adorable regency romp
Hannah Pam is off on one of her adventures again. This time she’s headed toward Dover and as before her mind immediately turns to matchmaking. At first she decides to do something about the plane depressed girl on her way to Dover to marry a man more than twice her age, Abigail. But when her coach runs into trouble, she turns her hand to match making between the tomboyish Deborah and the very stiff and stayed Earl of Ashton. Matters are further complicated when her footman’s, Benjamin, propensity For gambling land him in serious debt and the only way he can get out of it is to win a fight against London’s supreme pugilist. Just what is a servant turned lady of leisure going to do. And what is this about someone from Hannah’s most recent adventures resurfacing...
There is a whole lot going on in this book, But somehow Marion Chesney manages to leave seven or eight different stories including three romances together deftly. As in some of the previous books the titular character Deborah has a romance that is less flushed out then some of the other characters but unlike previous books I’m not sure she needed the help of Miss Pym anyway.
There is a stronger romance between two of the coach passengers the aforementioned Abigail and a captain returning from the Napoleonic wars.
Honestly this book is fun it’s a sweet regency romance with all sorts of shenanigans and fun times that’s appropriate for pretty much all ages.
Five stars
Hannah Pam is off on one of her adventures again. This time she’s headed toward Dover and as before her mind immediately turns to matchmaking. At first she decides to do something about the plane depressed girl on her way to Dover to marry a man more than twice her age, Abigail. But when her coach runs into trouble, she turns her hand to match making between the tomboyish Deborah and the very stiff and stayed Earl of Ashton. Matters are further complicated when her footman’s, Benjamin, propensity For gambling land him in serious debt and the only way he can get out of it is to win a fight against London’s supreme pugilist. Just what is a servant turned lady of leisure going to do. And what is this about someone from Hannah’s most recent adventures resurfacing...
There is a whole lot going on in this book, But somehow Marion Chesney manages to leave seven or eight different stories including three romances together deftly. As in some of the previous books the titular character Deborah has a romance that is less flushed out then some of the other characters but unlike previous books I’m not sure she needed the help of Miss Pym anyway.
There is a stronger romance between two of the coach passengers the aforementioned Abigail and a captain returning from the Napoleonic wars.
Honestly this book is fun it’s a sweet regency romance with all sorts of shenanigans and fun times that’s appropriate for pretty much all ages.
Five stars
February 22, 2023
Miss Pym set out to Dover with a heavy heart. She would made one last stage-coach trip just so she could return to London with more tales of adventures for her silver hair, piercing blue eyes Sir George. Actually, she's half running away from a star-crossed love.
As usual, the coach found itself in a ditch and needed repairing, which gave the coach party a few days to linger together, ample of time to cross path with an earl, a pair of mischievous twins lordlings, and an old enemy of Miss Pym from book 3 (Penelope Goes to Portsmouth). The plot was constructed very cleverly to bring in the aristocrats group who were not passengers on the coach. And this time it seems to me Miss Pym did very little in match-making. The girl-found-an-earl plot, and the stage-couple plot almost happened on their own makings. Of course Miss Pym orchestrated a few maneuvers to bring about a happy ending or two. But it's not much of a romance for the book.
Most of the book was mischief and fun for the golden, curly hair twins, until it's not fun anymore when one of them fell in love and grew into womanhood.
One more book to finish the series. It's been a reading marathon. Sadly there's still not much developments with Sir George. I started to get anxious about Miss Pym's HEA now.
As usual, the coach found itself in a ditch and needed repairing, which gave the coach party a few days to linger together, ample of time to cross path with an earl, a pair of mischievous twins lordlings, and an old enemy of Miss Pym from book 3 (Penelope Goes to Portsmouth). The plot was constructed very cleverly to bring in the aristocrats group who were not passengers on the coach. And this time it seems to me Miss Pym did very little in match-making. The girl-found-an-earl plot, and the stage-couple plot almost happened on their own makings. Of course Miss Pym orchestrated a few maneuvers to bring about a happy ending or two. But it's not much of a romance for the book.
Most of the book was mischief and fun for the golden, curly hair twins, until it's not fun anymore when one of them fell in love and grew into womanhood.
One more book to finish the series. It's been a reading marathon. Sadly there's still not much developments with Sir George. I started to get anxious about Miss Pym's HEA now.
October 6, 2022
My mum is a big fan of Agatha Raisin & Hamish Macbeth and was taken aback by this series which is far more rom com than crime. Knowing I love Austen she passed this on to me and I have to say I was charmed with it.
Rather than the usual regency romances this is more comedy of manners with multiple pairings centred around a well meaning matchmaker Hannah Pym who while successfully matching the supporting cast doesn't get her man in this volume, although with her unconventional footman Benjamin's intervention, I'm hoping she finds happiness in the next book.
What I particularly like about this is the mix of class - our heroine was a housekeeper who has come into money so this doesn't just deal with the aristocracy. The sory is told with warmth and charm and its a nice light piece of escapism that's a lot of fun. It doesn't have the satirical bite of Austen or the wit and laugh out loud moments of Restoration comedy, falling somewhere in between, but that's fine with me. I wish there was more out there like this instead of the endless parade of bodice ripping Dukes and Earls.....
Rather than the usual regency romances this is more comedy of manners with multiple pairings centred around a well meaning matchmaker Hannah Pym who while successfully matching the supporting cast doesn't get her man in this volume, although with her unconventional footman Benjamin's intervention, I'm hoping she finds happiness in the next book.
What I particularly like about this is the mix of class - our heroine was a housekeeper who has come into money so this doesn't just deal with the aristocracy. The sory is told with warmth and charm and its a nice light piece of escapism that's a lot of fun. It doesn't have the satirical bite of Austen or the wit and laugh out loud moments of Restoration comedy, falling somewhere in between, but that's fine with me. I wish there was more out there like this instead of the endless parade of bodice ripping Dukes and Earls.....
June 10, 2018
Matchmaking Miss Hannah Pym has decided to see the sea again by traveling to Dover. She meets up with a great group of characters after her footman gets himself involved in a prize fight to pay off a gambling debt.
Deborah and her twin brother Will are amongst the crowd watching the fight. They meet Miss Pym after she tries to stop it with her trusty umbrella. This part had me laughing out loud. The Earl of Ashton convinced her she had to leave them fight. She ends up making friends with him, the twins, and the other stagecoach passengers.
There were, of course, other shenanigans and adventures throughout this book that had me laughing quite a bit! Especially over Benjamin’s ex employer, Lady Carsey, who tried again to seek revenge on Hannah and Benjamin.
Deborah and her twin brother Will are amongst the crowd watching the fight. They meet Miss Pym after she tries to stop it with her trusty umbrella. This part had me laughing out loud. The Earl of Ashton convinced her she had to leave them fight. She ends up making friends with him, the twins, and the other stagecoach passengers.
There were, of course, other shenanigans and adventures throughout this book that had me laughing quite a bit! Especially over Benjamin’s ex employer, Lady Carsey, who tried again to seek revenge on Hannah and Benjamin.
December 1, 2023
Miss Pym was somewhat disappointed by love in the last book. But she is going to continue her travels. And this particular trip is going to lead her to a fight. One that her footman, Benjamin, is taking part in. But it is this fight that introduces her to Lady Deborah Western. Deborah has grown up with her twin brother and she is more comfortable in pants than in a dress. But her time acting as a man may be coming to an end as she is now nineteen and other people, including their neighbor the Earl of Ashton, are starting to take notice of her as a woman.
An old enemy pops up in this book but is summarily taken care of.
An okay addition to the series but I (and I think Chesney) are ready for that last book in the series.
An old enemy pops up in this book but is summarily taken care of.
An okay addition to the series but I (and I think Chesney) are ready for that last book in the series.
August 1, 2021
Deborah Goes to Dover is a return to a more light-hearted comedic Regency. Miss Pym does her matchmaking, her footman Ben comes more into his own, and the usual romances commence. The twist this time is that the main heroine is a tomboy.
While Hannah's major nemesis gets her comeuppance, it happens in such a funny way that I found myself laughing.
While the story of Hannah Pym is best read in order of the books' publication, this can be read as a standalone novel.
I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy traditional Regencies.
While Hannah's major nemesis gets her comeuppance, it happens in such a funny way that I found myself laughing.
While the story of Hannah Pym is best read in order of the books' publication, this can be read as a standalone novel.
I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy traditional Regencies.
September 9, 2022
2022: Another journey on the Flying Machine for Miss Pym and her footman Benjamin. There were boxing matches, a horse race, ghosts and an old adversary.
I loved how the twins Deborah and William grew up into adulthood, even if William needed a bit longer to stew. Isn’t that always the case? The old adversary came back and had had her come-uppance, which was very satisfying. The story of Miss Pym herself was not resolved, but Benjamin is now on the case…
I am now officially afraid of umbrellas by the way!
7/10
I loved how the twins Deborah and William grew up into adulthood, even if William needed a bit longer to stew. Isn’t that always the case? The old adversary came back and had had her come-uppance, which was very satisfying. The story of Miss Pym herself was not resolved, but Benjamin is now on the case…
I am now officially afraid of umbrellas by the way!
7/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
Hannah handles the problems again, with wit, brains, and love! What starts out as a "flying machine" (stage coach) ride ends up as a very funny, serious, full of love, greed, and male ineptitude but Hanah and Benjiman save the day and the people!
It is like a opera in some spots with five or six people all talking, and interacting with others at the same time. It is written so well that you don't "read it" you Live it!!!!
IF you want a lift in your life--I would recommend these books. I am going to read all of this series!
It is like a opera in some spots with five or six people all talking, and interacting with others at the same time. It is written so well that you don't "read it" you Live it!!!!
IF you want a lift in your life--I would recommend these books. I am going to read all of this series!
October 7, 2025
So much fun once again! This series doesn't disappoint at all. Deborah is a tomboy who loves shooting and hunting along with her brother William. When their father asks their neighbour, a devilish Earl, to keep an eye on them while he's away, chaos ensues, especially when Hannah meets them and instantly recognises the signs of a perfect match.
This is set in the middle of the Regency boxing craze, has gamblers, crossdressing, and all the shenanigans. Great stuff.
This is set in the middle of the Regency boxing craze, has gamblers, crossdressing, and all the shenanigans. Great stuff.
December 23, 2019
Miss Pym's travels continue and so do the adventures. Although these quick lighthearted stories follow a similar basic plot line, Miss Pym's experiences are never predictable. I thought I would take a break from The Travelling Matchmaker series only to find that Deborah Goes to Dover had a sneaky "cliffhanger" ending. Yvonne Goes to York is going to be hard to avoid.
September 19, 2021
Like with all of Marion's books, the speech and dialogue of the characters is odd and stilted. The stories, plots and "scenes" are not very thought out and a bit confusing. But, overall, the the stories are cute and they have happy endings. And she doesn't drag out her writing. The last 3 books were actually better than the first ones, her writing seems to have matured.
December 24, 2017
So much excitement I do hope she ends up with Sir George and all those matches she did with Abigail and the captain then will Deborah and the Earl of Ashton. Finally Lady Carsey got what she deserved wicked woman..
October 28, 2018
Dover isn't much featured here (but then, it's usually about the journey and not the destination for our Miss Pym), but it does feature tomboy twin Deborah, falling in love. Lots of recurring characters pop up again, and Benjamin boxes his way out some debt.
September 8, 2021
More ridiculous romance and shenanigans. Did seem a bit different than the others. Hannah is going to have a lot of weddings to attend. It ends rather abruptly so I am glad that I already have the final book on my lending shelf.
December 14, 2021
Amusing
This story moves along nicely. I love Miss Pym's fake footman Benjamin, and he was up to more tricks than ever. Such a wily character! Miss Pym was also up to her usual shenanigans. Overall another good addition to the matchmaker series.
This story moves along nicely. I love Miss Pym's fake footman Benjamin, and he was up to more tricks than ever. Such a wily character! Miss Pym was also up to her usual shenanigans. Overall another good addition to the matchmaker series.
May 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ - this was another fun one, and I appreciated that the Earl still enjoyed Deborah’s more tomboyish personality once he’d lightened up a little as well as showing them discussing estate business.
October 9, 2023
Part of a five of a series. A former housekeeper and now heiress travels on a mail coach to various cities she has always wanted to see. She has adventures which are fun and she comes back to London to entertain her special friend with her adventures.
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