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She had dared to turn a cold shoulder on London’s prize catch. She was a precocious American upstart who thought beauty, brains, and bravery were enough to conquer London society. Well, he’d show her! Nobody publicly (or privately!) spurned Lord David Manley, the most eligible bachelor in town. He was determined that soon she’d be trembling in his arms, desperately in love with the man she had dared to mock. David Manley always got his way, and Miss Molly Maguire presented a challenge he couldn’t resist! But Lord David had never met anyone quite like this headstrong heiress who fought like the devil, looked like an angel, and had all of London society dangling on a string… ABOUT THE SERIES In this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are at once bewitching, beguiling and determined to have their say and make their mark on both their world and the world at large, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. With their arms wide open, these women are absolutely original and unforgettable as are the tales in which they are featured. Here is life in all of its folly and foibles in a dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made. ABOUT THE AUTHOR From 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom.
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 1980
23 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Tremaine
16 books35 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Gibbons (née Chesney) was a Scottish writer of romance and mystery novels. Marion wrote her historical romances under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, as well as several pseudonyms ( Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward). Using the pseudonym M.C. Beaton she also wrote many popular mystery novels, most notably the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Both of these book series have been adapted for TV. Because of her great success with mystery novels her publishers both in the U.S. and abroad began using the M.C. Beaton pseudonym for all of her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 6, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
It would seem in this series, there is a universal truth. The more amazing and outstanding the h, the more annoying and less stellar the H. Molly & Lucy were both admirable but their love-interests were lame losers. While Henrietta was a door-mat, and her man was larger than life. Perhaps this is a deliberate character structuring? Who knows-
Anywhoo-
Molly is a plucky New Yorker through and through. She is tough, resourceful and courageous which is why I could not see her with a guy like Lord David who deserved Lady Cynthia. He truly did. In reality, he would have married her. Molly and her sister would have married better men. These girls were too smart --and yes, above--the young lords in their HEA. Molly was too cool for school. She could use a gun, rattle out NY slang, and beat down despised bullies. Molly really had it all, including a heart of gold. Her downfall was her stupid as sin parents. The narrator, Charlotte Anne Dore, bring's Molly's American spirit and voice to life.
Entertaining. Hilarious. Enlightening.
It would seem in this series, there is a universal truth. The more amazing and outstanding the h, the more annoying and less stellar the H. Molly & Lucy were both admirable but their love-interests were lame losers. While Henrietta was a door-mat, and her man was larger than life. Perhaps this is a deliberate character structuring? Who knows-
Anywhoo-
Molly is a plucky New Yorker through and through. She is tough, resourceful and courageous which is why I could not see her with a guy like Lord David who deserved Lady Cynthia. He truly did. In reality, he would have married her. Molly and her sister would have married better men. These girls were too smart --and yes, above--the young lords in their HEA. Molly was too cool for school. She could use a gun, rattle out NY slang, and beat down despised bullies. Molly really had it all, including a heart of gold. Her downfall was her stupid as sin parents. The narrator, Charlotte Anne Dore, bring's Molly's American spirit and voice to life.
Entertaining. Hilarious. Enlightening.
May 1, 2019
What fun! A marvelous gem.
The story was in a convention of witty Regency romance but took place somewhere at the beginning of XX century. Moreover, there was a lot of direct and indirect connections to Regency novels. As a fan of the genre I was thrilled.
It's not all. Then, there were shown a few classical differences between British and American culture (in a bit mocking but also smart way).
It was a kind of charming satire, that really was good because Mrs. Chesney is an author of many Regency romances - some of them are wonderful. So, she knew what she was doing.
It would have been even better if it had been a longer book but as we know Mrs. Chesney likes them short. (I felt a few times frustrated that some events didn't have the form of 'normal scenes' but fortunately I have a bit of imagination so I imagined them in my mind. ;-) )
The story was in a convention of witty Regency romance but took place somewhere at the beginning of XX century. Moreover, there was a lot of direct and indirect connections to Regency novels. As a fan of the genre I was thrilled.
It's not all. Then, there were shown a few classical differences between British and American culture (in a bit mocking but also smart way).
It was a kind of charming satire, that really was good because Mrs. Chesney is an author of many Regency romances - some of them are wonderful. So, she knew what she was doing.
It would have been even better if it had been a longer book but as we know Mrs. Chesney likes them short. (I felt a few times frustrated that some events didn't have the form of 'normal scenes' but fortunately I have a bit of imagination so I imagined them in my mind. ;-) )
September 18, 2023
I have just discovered I read this novel only one year ago. I am in shock that reading it the second time I didn't have any reminding (save for those I always have when reading historical romances).
My review after the first reading is here (I added it for another edition on GR).
This time I agree with myself too ;-) Romances weren't perfect (no place/pages for them), but the satire was wonderful.
[4.5 stars the second time]
My review after the first reading is here (I added it for another edition on GR).
This time I agree with myself too ;-) Romances weren't perfect (no place/pages for them), but the satire was wonderful.
[4.5 stars the second time]
November 21, 2024
Strong, determined, Edwardian heroine
At the start of this novel, which occurs around 1910 in the Edwardian era, 17-year-old Molly Maguire and her 16-year-old sister Mary work the night shift at their parents' general store in Brooklyn. They are quite content with their little corner of the world and have no desire for anything more, until an unexpected stroke of good fortune drastically changes their lives. A wealthy aristocrat and his mistress stop by the store late one night and demand to know if the Maguires carry a cure for a hacking cough. Not wanting to lose their business, Molly excuses herself to the back of the store, taking her sister with her. She looks inside a notebook from their Irish grandmother which contains all kinds of home remedies, including a cough cure. She mixes it up, adding a generous dollop of Irish whiskey, and pours it in a bottle while Mary, who is quite artistic, draws a fancy label. Molly names her cough medicine Maguire's Leprechaun Dew and is amazed when it actually works and their fancy customers spread the good word among the elite in New York City. Soon their store is inundated with customers eager to try the cough medicine, and business is so brisk, eventually a savvy friend of theirs helps them set up a factory deal to manufacture thousands of bottles of the medicine, which is distributed to pharmacies all over the country.
The Maguires eventually become so rich that the Maguire parents go on a world cruise. During their travels, they meet a British aristocrat who claims that, if they send the girls to her, she will polish them up and help them find husbands who are wealthy aristocrats. This novel includes the many adventures of Molly and Mary while they are in England.
Molly is one of my favorite MC historical romance heroines. She is outspoken, determined, inventive and fiercely protective of underdogs. From the moment she meets Lord David Manley, the aristocrat who is her romantic interest, she goes toe to toe with him at every encounter. There are many adventurous and humorous moments throughout this story, and there is an enjoyable secondary romance for sister Mary.
I have experienced this novel twice now, in audiobook format. It is narrated by the talented voice actor, Charlotte Anne Dore. I obtained access to it for free through my Audible membership, and it is also available through Hoopla, which has a complete collection of all of MC's historical romances.
At the start of this novel, which occurs around 1910 in the Edwardian era, 17-year-old Molly Maguire and her 16-year-old sister Mary work the night shift at their parents' general store in Brooklyn. They are quite content with their little corner of the world and have no desire for anything more, until an unexpected stroke of good fortune drastically changes their lives. A wealthy aristocrat and his mistress stop by the store late one night and demand to know if the Maguires carry a cure for a hacking cough. Not wanting to lose their business, Molly excuses herself to the back of the store, taking her sister with her. She looks inside a notebook from their Irish grandmother which contains all kinds of home remedies, including a cough cure. She mixes it up, adding a generous dollop of Irish whiskey, and pours it in a bottle while Mary, who is quite artistic, draws a fancy label. Molly names her cough medicine Maguire's Leprechaun Dew and is amazed when it actually works and their fancy customers spread the good word among the elite in New York City. Soon their store is inundated with customers eager to try the cough medicine, and business is so brisk, eventually a savvy friend of theirs helps them set up a factory deal to manufacture thousands of bottles of the medicine, which is distributed to pharmacies all over the country.
The Maguires eventually become so rich that the Maguire parents go on a world cruise. During their travels, they meet a British aristocrat who claims that, if they send the girls to her, she will polish them up and help them find husbands who are wealthy aristocrats. This novel includes the many adventures of Molly and Mary while they are in England.
Molly is one of my favorite MC historical romance heroines. She is outspoken, determined, inventive and fiercely protective of underdogs. From the moment she meets Lord David Manley, the aristocrat who is her romantic interest, she goes toe to toe with him at every encounter. There are many adventurous and humorous moments throughout this story, and there is an enjoyable secondary romance for sister Mary.
I have experienced this novel twice now, in audiobook format. It is narrated by the talented voice actor, Charlotte Anne Dore. I obtained access to it for free through my Audible membership, and it is also available through Hoopla, which has a complete collection of all of MC's historical romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
I love a feisty heroine.
September 28, 2017
Different than the others.
These are always fun short reads. This one was very enjoyable, Blending American and British culture, with the usual misunderstandings and falling in love telling the reader into the story. There is no disappointment.
These are always fun short reads. This one was very enjoyable, Blending American and British culture, with the usual misunderstandings and falling in love telling the reader into the story. There is no disappointment.
April 23, 2015
Very light and fluffy with an awesome heroine. I didn't like the hero quite as much and it was a bit slight, but still an enjoyable, quick read.
June 14, 2015
A highly improbable plot with decent characters all doing things you're pretty sure they never would makes for a 'teen' read.
September 28, 2019
Listened to the audio version and found Charlotte Anne Dore's American accent to be almost unbearable.
November 23, 2024
While I'm usually more of a mystery gal, every once in awhile I want something romantic and fluffy and this was that moment.
I love MC Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series and I'd read one other of her "romance" books so this seemed perfect.
Molly and her sister get rich quick when they develop a quack cough syrup that's 140 proof. Their parents ship them off to England to learn to be "proper" young ladies and score a rich husband.
They end up next to the grouchy, yet exceedingly wealthy Lord David. David is appalled when Molly gives him a dressing down and he decides to seek his revenge by making her fall in love with him and then dumping her flat. His attempts at seduction were the funniest parts of the book. It had me giggling out loud.
Molly is delightful in every way. She can't help but stick up for the underdog and runs around town defending those who are being picked on. She does it in such amusing ways. Honestly, Lord David didn't deserve her at all.
Will definitely read more of these easy little romances.
I love MC Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series and I'd read one other of her "romance" books so this seemed perfect.
Molly and her sister get rich quick when they develop a quack cough syrup that's 140 proof. Their parents ship them off to England to learn to be "proper" young ladies and score a rich husband.
They end up next to the grouchy, yet exceedingly wealthy Lord David. David is appalled when Molly gives him a dressing down and he decides to seek his revenge by making her fall in love with him and then dumping her flat. His attempts at seduction were the funniest parts of the book. It had me giggling out loud.
Molly is delightful in every way. She can't help but stick up for the underdog and runs around town defending those who are being picked on. She does it in such amusing ways. Honestly, Lord David didn't deserve her at all.
Will definitely read more of these easy little romances.
April 1, 2018
Lively & Bold!
How absolutely charming Molly and her sister Mary are. The two books I’ve read in the Daring Debs series have been absolutely phenomenal. I love the strong heroine leads full of character and mischief.
Ms. Beaton is on top of her game and weaves a beautiful tale full of characters that jump off the page. The plot keeps you hanging on thirsting for more. There are an endless amount of scrapes our heroines manage to find themselves.
How absolutely charming Molly and her sister Mary are. The two books I’ve read in the Daring Debs series have been absolutely phenomenal. I love the strong heroine leads full of character and mischief.
Ms. Beaton is on top of her game and weaves a beautiful tale full of characters that jump off the page. The plot keeps you hanging on thirsting for more. There are an endless amount of scrapes our heroines manage to find themselves.
January 15, 2022
Molly and her sister Mary who are American new rich arrive in England for the season. The Molly falls in love with Lord David, a wealthy neighbor. Mary falls in love with Roddy, Marquess of Leammouth. Lady Frances and Lord Toby are their hosts. Kind of weird American accent for the girls in the audio version.
April 4, 2018
This book made me laugh. It showcased a lot of the differences between rich Americans and the English aristocracy in the early twentieth century. It had a lot of interesting characters.
May 5, 2019
Not my favorite in the series, but it was fun to have an American heroine!
December 27, 2020
Stupid, made me chuckle twice so I gave it two stars.
July 15, 2022
Audible Catalogue
AUDIOBOOK: Read 14 july 2022
4hrs 50min
Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore is pretty good
Was not one of her best just ok.
AUDIOBOOK: Read 14 july 2022
4hrs 50min
Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore is pretty good
Was not one of her best just ok.
September 7, 2022
I listened to this on audible. The narration was pretty awful. The voices were grating! The first half of the book was enjoyable but the last half was pretty boring.
March 31, 2023
Hmmm...
Want to read
April 6, 2023(Audible, digital)
April 30, 2025
The trans-Atlantic and rags to riches elements in this story give it something extra.
December 10, 2012
Molly and Mary Maguire are travelling to England to be taught how to behave in polite society and hopefully to attract rich and aristocratic husbands. Apart from their American accents and unconventional behaviour they should have no problems as they themselves are rich having invented an effective cough medicine and both are beautiful. Lady Fanny Holden is chaperoning them and an eligible suitor, Lord David Manley lives next door.
What follows is a fast paced romp with both Molly and Mary refusing to bow down to bullies and sorting out a few ongoing problem in the village of Hadsea. They make many friends and not a few enemies but there is much amusement along the way. I liked Molly and Mary and thought they were well drawn as are the other characters. The villains are suitably villainous but not beyond redemption and the heroes turn out to have backbones of steel and a determination to win their sweethearts.
If you want a light hearted read which will make you laugh and cry then try this book. It can be read in an evening and is ideal for winter evenings.
What follows is a fast paced romp with both Molly and Mary refusing to bow down to bullies and sorting out a few ongoing problem in the village of Hadsea. They make many friends and not a few enemies but there is much amusement along the way. I liked Molly and Mary and thought they were well drawn as are the other characters. The villains are suitably villainous but not beyond redemption and the heroes turn out to have backbones of steel and a determination to win their sweethearts.
If you want a light hearted read which will make you laugh and cry then try this book. It can be read in an evening and is ideal for winter evenings.
June 20, 2016
A book I read on the phone so it took awhile. This book was published in 1988, which explains why it is not as good as her more recent ones (yes I mean you Hamish and Agatha!!) The story is incredibly improbable in all ways, with some truly horrible characters, and some ridiculously nice characters. American Molly Mcguire (yes that really is her name) invents a cough syrup that makes a fortune , so her parents ship Molly and her sister Mary off to England to acquire husbands. Many silly misunderstandings later, they return to America, but don't worry, they both end up with the husbands of there choice~!
December 2, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of this story-which I didn't know was part of a series- and only got 37 minutes into it before I returned the book. The description of it sounded like a charming, fun little cross-continent will-they-won't-they story, but the first bit was very boring matched with very, very bad narrating. The accents were all over the place, and as an audiobook listener relying on the narrator to speak for these characters and help me understand what they're like, I was disappointed and super turned off to spending another minute on this story. Womp womp :(
May 19, 2020
Marion Chesney really has an ability to write some of the most tedious, exhausting and obnoxious characters. Usually it's just one or two per book, cause they're meant for comic effect, but this one was just full of them. Everyone was awful.
January 11, 2013
I liked the heroine but found the hero hard to warm to in this book. Still a fun romp though.
February 10, 2016
I liked the heroine Molly, but didn't care for the hero. That seems to be almost always M.C. Beaton's problem.
January 20, 2017
Nevermind. I can't listen to this audiobook. The narrator's American accent is way too distracting.
February 2, 2021
This book is devoid of any resemblance to present day reality.
It was wonderful.
It was wonderful.
March 2, 2021
It’s was so fun!
October 8, 2021
I love a feisty heroine.
Merged review:
I love a feisty heroine.
Merged review:
I love a feisty heroine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews