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Poor Relation #3
Mrs. Budley Falls from Grace
The loveable characters from the Poor Relation Hotel return in this sparkling and adventurous Regency romance from Marion Chesney. Eliza Budley is a beautiful widow whose husband gambled away his fortune. Lady Fortescue reminds the others that, to be fair, Mrs. Budley has no relatives on whom she can call. Gentle Mrs. Budley thinks she has escaped her fate until Sir Philip comes up with a plan. He has heard that the elderly Marquess of Peterhouse is senile, a widower, extremely rich, and unlikely to remember whether Mrs. Budley is a relative or not. So off Mrs. Budley goes to the bleak castle, where the marquess turns out to be not so old, hardly senile, and, in fact, quite handsome.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
185 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
139 books751 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 - 29 of 222 reviews
September 12, 2024
Third book in the series written in 1993 that I rate 4.5*. The poor relations are thieves, and this is the thread the binds all the books. Once you get past that, the story is rather sweet and just a story of finding love and working through difficulties. A lot of the book is fun and funny.
July 19, 2023
Another Marriage.
The Poor Relations is the name of the hotel that is run by women and men who were poor and living off of their relatives.
They are also from good families who treat them badly because they are poor. They are horrified when their poor relatives would rather go into “trade” rather than starve to death.
In this episode, Mrs. Budley, one of the owners of the hotel, who rarely waits on the guests, is placed in an embarrassing dilemma when she is expected to serve as a caterer at a formal dinner party for a rich family.
A young lord, who is a friend of hers is invited there and is furious to see her being a servant. Of course, he already knows that she is in trade, but this is too much.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Poor Relations is the name of the hotel that is run by women and men who were poor and living off of their relatives.
They are also from good families who treat them badly because they are poor. They are horrified when their poor relatives would rather go into “trade” rather than starve to death.
In this episode, Mrs. Budley, one of the owners of the hotel, who rarely waits on the guests, is placed in an embarrassing dilemma when she is expected to serve as a caterer at a formal dinner party for a rich family.
A young lord, who is a friend of hers is invited there and is furious to see her being a servant. Of course, he already knows that she is in trade, but this is too much.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 13, 2021
MRS BUDLEY FALLS FROM GRACE
a poor relation book #3
This is an old one, but it was just super cute! I have not read any of Ms. Chesney's books and now that the poor dear is no longer with us, I seemed to have stumbled onto her Poor Relations series and started on book 3!
That said, I didn't have any issue in catching up to this pack of ragtag fallen from grace and money group. The whole pack of them present such a mess that it is a wonder they have never found themselves in London's tower. The high jinx are a flying in this book as they send out the lamb of the group to do her part and return with a bobble that is worth something.... but she fools them all and returns with her mark's heart.
The story is simple, animately written, and full of amazing characters, both young and old. I smiled the whole way and sometimes laughed aloud. That is a group that could become your friends.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
a poor relation book #3
This is an old one, but it was just super cute! I have not read any of Ms. Chesney's books and now that the poor dear is no longer with us, I seemed to have stumbled onto her Poor Relations series and started on book 3!
That said, I didn't have any issue in catching up to this pack of ragtag fallen from grace and money group. The whole pack of them present such a mess that it is a wonder they have never found themselves in London's tower. The high jinx are a flying in this book as they send out the lamb of the group to do her part and return with a bobble that is worth something.... but she fools them all and returns with her mark's heart.
The story is simple, animately written, and full of amazing characters, both young and old. I smiled the whole way and sometimes laughed aloud. That is a group that could become your friends.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
May 26, 2015
I am still loving this series!! Mrs. Budley's adventure was a ton of fun!
Marion Chesney is a wonderful author, who writes delightful characters, and gives them plenty of entertaining situations to navigate. This book was, I think, my favourite of the series so far.
The everyday challenges the Poor Relations face in running a hotel for the ton are enough excitement for anyone. But in this book, there are some additional hurdles for the group to manage.
I won't give away any plot points, but suffice it to say not everyone in London finds the Poor Relations hotel charming and fashionable. Dastardly attempts to ruin their happy little enterprise are made, and the group - Sir Philip particularly - must rise to the challenge and use all their ingenuity and cleverness to thwart those bent on their destruction. Fortunately for the reader, they do this with a great deal of glee and a lot of humour.
The humour in this series is one of my favourite parts! Chesney gives these pariahs of society so much irreverance, and refusal to conform to stupid rules that they are all a breath of fresh air in an era when stupid rules abounded and caused harm unecessarily.
Each of the Poor Relations is a unique and individual personality, and all of them have their own stories, quirks and charm.
This series is one of my favourites when I just want a fun, funny, clever story, about clever, determined unorthodox characters having mild adventures and thumbing their noses at those who believe society's rules are more important than other human beings. The Poor Relations teach them, and us, that this is not the case, and they do so in a wonderfully entertaining way!
Marion Chesney is a wonderful author, who writes delightful characters, and gives them plenty of entertaining situations to navigate. This book was, I think, my favourite of the series so far.
The everyday challenges the Poor Relations face in running a hotel for the ton are enough excitement for anyone. But in this book, there are some additional hurdles for the group to manage.
I won't give away any plot points, but suffice it to say not everyone in London finds the Poor Relations hotel charming and fashionable. Dastardly attempts to ruin their happy little enterprise are made, and the group - Sir Philip particularly - must rise to the challenge and use all their ingenuity and cleverness to thwart those bent on their destruction. Fortunately for the reader, they do this with a great deal of glee and a lot of humour.
The humour in this series is one of my favourite parts! Chesney gives these pariahs of society so much irreverance, and refusal to conform to stupid rules that they are all a breath of fresh air in an era when stupid rules abounded and caused harm unecessarily.
Each of the Poor Relations is a unique and individual personality, and all of them have their own stories, quirks and charm.
This series is one of my favourites when I just want a fun, funny, clever story, about clever, determined unorthodox characters having mild adventures and thumbing their noses at those who believe society's rules are more important than other human beings. The Poor Relations teach them, and us, that this is not the case, and they do so in a wonderfully entertaining way!
October 16, 2012
Fluffy romances, but better written than most of the genre. They steer clear of bodice-ripping and are uplifted to semi-historical by Marion Chesney's inclusion of details of Edwardian society. Not great literature, but fun quick reads.
January 11, 2018
Can’t stop. Must listen to the next one.
September 4, 2018
Another enjoyable installment in the Poor Relations series! There's always a romantic bent to these story, but it's not the only focus. I think that's what keeps me engaged. Mrs. Budley finds love and the remaining Poor Relations embark on a more noble existence. As much as I'm intrigued by the Regency Period, I don't think I would have liked to live during that point in history. We've come a long way, and I, for one, am happy with humanity's advancements. Still, Marion Chesney creates an intriguing story with likeable characters and infuses the plot with historical accuracy. I'm glad I'm living during the 21st Century, but I'm enjoying reading about the period through Chesney's eyes.
May 31, 2017
Dang it, I said I wouldn't read another of these because I didn't care much for the first one, but here I am. I picked this up because I needed something light and happy and it delivered all I could have hoped for. It was short and sweet and impractical and interesting. I love Sir Philips's exploits--he's so horrible and unlikeable but darn it, he's clever and shrewd and the Poor Relations gang would be nothing without him. I liked Mrs. Budley's character growth in this book. She was inconsequential in the first book, so it was gratifying to see her develop into a more likeable person to make her a great protagonist for this book. I also really enjoyed the interesting tidbits about Regency-era practices and customs. It was a strange place and I learned a lot of fascinating facts along the way. Even the writing has improved, so that the story is fun and enjoyable rather than stilted and confusing. I enjoyed this story enough that I'll go back and read the second installment before moving on to the fourth. Great job!
February 13, 2018
This was my favorite so far in the Poor Relations series! I loved this story so much! It cheered me and made me laugh a lot!
October 7, 2020
There were purely hilarious scenes, like the duel with knives between Colonel and Sir Philip. And it was nice to see HEA for Mrs Budley.
But I didn't like how harsh all Poor Relations were for Mrs Budley at the beginning. Then there were too many repetitions about previous parts (at least to someone who is reading the whole series one by one, like me). Besides, it looks like a copy of the two other books, just kind of a variation (the theme: 'she is in trade, so I can't marry her').
But I didn't like how harsh all Poor Relations were for Mrs Budley at the beginning. Then there were too many repetitions about previous parts (at least to someone who is reading the whole series one by one, like me). Besides, it looks like a copy of the two other books, just kind of a variation (the theme: 'she is in trade, so I can't marry her').
September 3, 2017
Pretty much have the formula down pat by #3 of this series, and can read this while standing in line at the supermarket, but still another a good clean romp among the poor relations--and the characters are very well done--feel like I know them all and that I would love a dinner at the Poor Relation. --and one wonders who does the laundry.
November 1, 2023
3.5 Simply because I found the heroine to be a charming, if silly and fluffy. Somehow still perfect for the Hero, he could not help falling for her.
August 23, 2024
Lacking the humor of the previous stories, this was just a predictable regency romance. Ho hum.
December 31, 2019
2019 bk 431. Book 3 of the Poor Relations. This time it is up to Mrs. Budley to fill the depleted coffers of the Poor Relations Hotel. Sent to visit an elderly Marquess, she is shocked to discover a young man of about her age in his place, one who knows she is no relationship to the family. Instead of turning her in, he asks for a few days of platonic companionship for which he gives her a check. Back in London, Mrs. Budley realizes that she has fallen in love. This was the first time I had read this title and enjoyed it. Sir Philip has less dialogue, but seems to be mellowing as he helps out the course of love. Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton) has a deft hand with comic dialogue and ruthlessly stabs at the conventions of society, picking it apart piece by piece.
December 10, 2019
Another in the Poor Relations Hotel series. Once again the hotel owners are falling short of cash, so Mrs. Budley, who has no rich relations of her own is sent out to steal from the elderly Marquess of Peterhouse, under the assumption that he is too senile to know that she is no relation. Unfortunately, the old man has died and Mrs. Budley discovers that the new heir in not only not old, but extremely handsome. As is usual in this series, the predictable outcome is determined well in advance of the end of the book. But that doesn't matter because these books are great fun.
April 3, 2018
3.5: while predictable, I enjoyed reading about a Marquis from Regency England who could not understand all of the social constraints that people put upon themselves for no particular reasons. He was horrified that even his servants would not marry for love because they would go down in rank.
Another great addition to this light series that tackles some serious class issues.
Another great addition to this light series that tackles some serious class issues.
March 8, 2019
This might be my favorite one so far. I probably liked the romance of the first two better but we got to see a lot more action with the other residents of the Poor Relation hotel. These books are predictable fun, but they make a great little diversion from the big epics that take forever to read
January 21, 2020
I was surprised to enjoy this series so much! Book #3 is very entertaining.
April 7, 2021
Apparently I'm big fan of fun British romances now. These books are funny and quirky.
June 11, 2022
This whole series is so funny 🤣
January 10, 2026
Another fun read by MC Beaton. I am enjoying this series. It's fun, easy to read, and entertaining.
It's Mrs. Budley's turn, as co-owner of the Poor Relations hotel, to steal something so the hotel can keep going. But, all of Mrs. Budley's rich relations have disowned her completely. Who is she to steal from?
Sir Phillip has a grand idea. He sends Mrs. Budley to the Marquess of Peterhouse who he believes is so old he would not know if Mrs. Budley is a relation of his or not. But, when Mrs. Budley arrives, she meets not an old Marquess, but a young one.
Soon the story goes on. There is always someone who is against the Poor Relations hotel who wishes harm on it and the owners.
4 stars because it was such a cute, fun read.
It's Mrs. Budley's turn, as co-owner of the Poor Relations hotel, to steal something so the hotel can keep going. But, all of Mrs. Budley's rich relations have disowned her completely. Who is she to steal from?
Sir Phillip has a grand idea. He sends Mrs. Budley to the Marquess of Peterhouse who he believes is so old he would not know if Mrs. Budley is a relation of his or not. But, when Mrs. Budley arrives, she meets not an old Marquess, but a young one.
Soon the story goes on. There is always someone who is against the Poor Relations hotel who wishes harm on it and the owners.
4 stars because it was such a cute, fun read.
August 26, 2017
loved it! great book!
January 13, 2026
Mrs. Budley has been sent on a mission to steal something expensive from Marquis to continue funding the Poor Relations. Unfortunately, Mrs. Budley is far from a criminal and discloses everything about everything to said Marquis; who promptly proposes marriage. Huh????
As are the other stories from the Poor Relations, misadventure, revenge, bribery and even a missing chef all ensue as they attempt to make their hotel the greatest that London knows.
As are the other stories from the Poor Relations, misadventure, revenge, bribery and even a missing chef all ensue as they attempt to make their hotel the greatest that London knows.
November 1, 2019
Good, but the end annoyed me, since it was more a set up for the next book. I am glad Lady Stanton got her comeuppance, though.
November 20, 2025
I enjoy how the author pokes fun at habits of the "upper class" and points out the ridiculousness of division of "classes".
November 23, 2025
This isn’t her best series and I’m starting to think none of the characters are likeable which is such a dire premise. Mrs Budley tries to steal from a marquess and ends up securing a proposal, a dinner party leads to a prank in very poor taste Sir Philip and the Colonel are at odds when Lady Forstecue receives an unexpected offer. This wasn’t horrible but lacks the genuine good fun of, say, the Travelling Matchmaker. It’s got a rather mean streak to it. Still looking forward to the next books.
December 6, 2015
Another enjoyable read from The Poor Relation series. Mrs Budley, finding herself in straitened circumstances, is taken under the wing of Sir Philip Sommerville and other owners of the Poor Relation Hotel. As part of the deal, she is sent to visit the Marquess of Peterhouse, claiming he is her relative, so off she goes like a lamb to the slaughter.
This is an enthralling tale, there are the owners of the Poor Relation Hotel, all fascinating characters, not necessarily visually appealing but all quirky and providing some very funny scenes.
This is an uplifting book, its difficult to imagine how it will all end and what will become of Mrs Budley and the other residents of the hotel. Mrs Budley's meeting with the Marquess of Peterhouse doesn't go according to plan, and there are all sorts of adventures and misadventures involving the group, keeping the reader interested from start to finish.
I enjoyed this book, and hope to read more Poor Relation stories. Can highly recommend this for anyone who needs something amusing, uplifting and interesting.
This is an enthralling tale, there are the owners of the Poor Relation Hotel, all fascinating characters, not necessarily visually appealing but all quirky and providing some very funny scenes.
This is an uplifting book, its difficult to imagine how it will all end and what will become of Mrs Budley and the other residents of the hotel. Mrs Budley's meeting with the Marquess of Peterhouse doesn't go according to plan, and there are all sorts of adventures and misadventures involving the group, keeping the reader interested from start to finish.
I enjoyed this book, and hope to read more Poor Relation stories. Can highly recommend this for anyone who needs something amusing, uplifting and interesting.
July 3, 2017
I enjoyed the charming characters and humor in books one and two in the series in spite of veiled references to sexual situations. The petting, ogling and lovemaking in book three were still "clean" by modern standards, but unpleasant enough to keep this from being a cozy read. Also, the story had less charm since many of the characters are bent on revenge of some kind. And it ends unhappily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2021
Not the best of this little series but it was fine. I listened to the audio and find the narration somewhat irritating especially the way the narrator makes the women sound at times. Even though they may only be in their 30s or 40s, they end up sounding like tired old ladies. Probably might want to just read the book(s).
Displaying 1 - 29 of 222 reviews