THE FAIR MISS FORTUNE

Narrator Patience Tomlinson's presentation of this 1937 jewel is best described as innocently charming—perfect for today's somewhat jaded views of love and romance. Miss Jane Fortune moves to Dingleton and buys an old house, planning to open a tea shop. To complicate matters, her twin sister flees there to hide and avoid unwanted advances from a Frenchman, who has a zesty accent. Tomlinson shines as the mischievous duo keeps villagers confused. Are there one or two of them? When one of their suitors tackles the Frenchman, Tomlinson robustly presents Stevenson's best line: When he's told, you can't hit a man when he's down, he replies, "No, but I can kick him." This delightful story will have listeners laughing out loud. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2014]