The Debutante

Having previously read the Perfume Collector I thought I would give this book a go; also, if I'm honest, I was expecting something similar to Kate Morton's book. Instead I found it boring with two main characters who I just couldn't warm to. I gave it a good go - got about one-third of the way through the book - but nothing had really happened, no story was developing, so I gave up on the basis that life is too short to read a book you're really not enjoying! Sorry, others clearly enjoyed it but it wasn't for me.My real bugbear with Kindle books is that a number of them seem to be full of typing and formatting errors - and this was no exception, having several of the latter. There would be the first few words of a sentence on a line, then there would be a huge gap and the sentence would continue on the next line; it might be pedantic but I find it really annoying because it breaks up the flow of the writing. Just because I've chosen to read something in a Kindle format doesn't mean I want something sub-standard - that kind of sloppiness wouldn't be acceptable in a 'physical book' so why should it be okay for a Kindle?

The Debutante by Kathleen Tessaro, is a book which I enjoyed. It was a lovely relaxing read with the perfect ending for all the romantics in this world. It was mainly the story of Cate Albion and Jack Coates, both people have been hurt very badly and are finding it hard to get back to living again after their individual heartaches. They have been brought together by Cate's Aunt Rachel Deveraux who also has a sad story to tell. Through Cate and Jack going to Endsleigh House to value and catalogue all what was left inside the house before the new owners took over, we meet Irene Blythe and her sister Diana. I enjoyed the way the author Kathleen Tessaro introduces Irene and Diana through a series of letters throughout the book where each girl's personalty clearly shone through. Irene was the serious one and Diana who was better known as 'Baby', was the girl who was out for fun!! and she clearly had a good time but was being constantly always being controlled by her stepfather.Through the letters the reader will come to know the personalty of each of the girls. We find out the real history of the girls when Cate finds a shoebox with a few items inside. As Cate researches each of the items we find out the main history of Irene and Diana. Her mother was married to their father first of all in Dublin who was a bit of a waster but had a lot of plans. After her first husband's death their mother decided she was tired of being poor and goes to England to look for a rich husband which she found and not just an ordinary rich man this man came with a title. The girls are then brought to England from Dublin and introduced to a world they could only dream about in Dublin. They were turned into ladies, and therefore introduced to this new world of money and class and were made proper Debutantes.The reason to be introduced to the public as a debutante was mainly to find a rich husband and an even bigger prize was a husband with a title. Both girls enjoyed the social life, especially Baby but Irene was like her mother she knew this life had to be lived properly and a certain standard must be kept up. Therefore if they wanted to be treated like ladies they must live like ladies. This was fine for Irene but Baby who was more like her father just lived for the moment, and just wanted to have fun. While Irene found a rich husband who was a politician, was concerned how Diana lived her life would look bad for her husband's career. Of course Diana met and fell in love with a very handsome man, this love could not be blessed with marriage.The story of Diana I found to be heartbreaking but very interesting and the author used actual true stories to base the actual reason why Diana disappeared. This was eye opening for me and helped me understand how those that had money and titles could hide their loved ones so that they could keep up their own outlook on life and what their friends thought of them. A certain standard must be kept up. It was always how they looked to the public was more important rather than the happiness of their own loved ones.The author brings together everything very nicely at the end. This I enjoyed as with some books I have read they have left me looking more and being disappointed with the ending. With this book, I found the ending just right for everyone, even Diana but with a hint of sadness for her.The author not only told the background of the main characters, she told the background for those that were all involved in the story even those characters that had small parts to play which I found good to know. As all my questions were answered why things turned out the way they did.In some ways I did find the book a bit Mills And Boon, but I enjoyed reading this book and found the contents very interesting.

Engaging story of two sets of characters from different eras. Full of intrigue, this novel weaves its spell from both eras around you while you hope that all parties find the resolutions that you desire for them - and even that comes with last minute unexpected surprises. I have enjoyed all books written by this accomplished author and this one doesn't disappoint.

I have read all of Kathleen Tessaro's books after fallling completely in love with Elegance. This one does not disappoint, the writing is excellent and the plot delicately woven and intriguing. The only thing I felt lacking for me were the characters, whilst they all had their reasons and their back stories I don't find myself caring about any of them. This may have just been how I saw it, and it certainly doesn't detract from the story, but it left me feeling a little disconnected at the resolution.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book and the storyline. I wasn't so keen on the style. No chapters, just parts, which meant not many natural places to pause.

THIS IS A NEW AUTHOR TO ME .......The cover drew me in to try the book and I must say it was rather delicious....loved the plot very captivating........The characters were very real I could identify with each and everyone of them. I will be reading more of her books in the future and I totally recommend that you give this little gem a try.........

I absolutely love this book, my favourite by this author. The story is split over two time periods, one story unfolding in a series of letters, in the 1920's/30's, the other story in the present day. Beautifully written and touching, definitely recommend this book!

I chose this book because of the Author. Recently read one of her books and was impressed with her style of writing, and the depth of the of the characters personalities she creates. This book maintains that quality of writing and yet portrays a story within a very different setting. Would choose this Author again.