THE DECEPTION

Marion Chesney, a Jane Austen wannabe, has created a series of Regency novels tracing the romantic exploits of the Beverly sisters. This tale, exploring the romantic aspirations of the twins, is sprightly, albeit silly, and has its share of the usual stock romance situations: a vicious lecher, virginal misses, misunderstandings, near ruin, and the pat happy ending. All this might be a bit tiresome but for the elegant, refined narration by Jill Tanner. Her polished reading encourages the listener to stay with the story and to care whether the beautiful young Abigail Beverly makes a good match. This is lightweight entertainment at best, but Jill Tanner gives us style, even without substance. D.L.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]