The Ex-Debutante

THE EX-DEBUTANTE LINDA FRANCIS LEE Contemporary Women's Fiction St. Martin's Press ISBN# 978-0312354961 352 Pages $24.95 Hardcover--Available Now Rating: 4.5 Enchantments Returning home, Carlisle Wainright Cushing suddenly finds herself not only representing her mother in her divorce case but also heading the debutante ball, an unbelievable feat in itself and then there's Jack, her ex-boyfriend who adds an unexpected complication in the mix as he's her step-father's divorce attorney. Ms. Lee pens an entertaining read with THE EX-DEBUTANTE. Carlisle is an intriguing and yet relatable character, having to deal with being back home in Texas and finding herself playing straight into her mother's hands, first as her divorce attorney and then taking over the duties as chair of the debutante ball. And that's not the only thing poor Carlisle finds herself dealing with her. Her family is really truly anything but normal. Her older sister Savannah wants desperately to have a baby, while her brother and his wife have an entire brood--and have suddenly appeared, all because their oldest daughter needs a change of scene. One of my favorite scenes in THE EX-DEBUTANTE takes place early in the book. Going to the tearoom with her proper older sister Savannah, and their mother, Carlisle can feel the stares of everyone in the tearoom as they arrive. But its not till she goes into the ladies room to take a breather from the unexpected letter from her grandmother that she finds out the truth when two of the biggest gossips come in, unaware she's there. From there, Carlisle realizes what she has to do and pushes herself to fulfill her grandmother's wishes and try and save her family in the process. Linda Francis Lee is a former Texas Junior Leaguer, who once served on a very real JL New Project committee. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a B.A. in advertising, she is also a former Texas Debutante, who once competed for the Maid of Cotton crown. (It seemed like a good idea at the time). Linda is the daughter of a former two-term Texas mayor. She now lives with her husband in New York City, where she has learned it's not such a good idea to say things like "Aren't you sweet" to people on the subway. You can visit her online at her website, http://www.lindafrancislee.com/content/index.asp Lisa Enchanting Reviews July 2008

Refreshing. This is a good word to describe The Ex-Debutante by Linda Francis Lee, for refreshing it is. I have never before read a book by Ms.Lee, but you can be sure that I will be looking for her backstock very quickly. Carlisle Wainwright Cushing (the name alone is different---perfect!) goes home to Texas to deal with her mother's 4th divorce. The fact that she ran away from all things Texas years before only to be dragged back now is one of the best plotlines in the book. The secondary plot of the debutante ball is easily as important as the divorce, but ties all aspects of the other characters into the story so well, that it almost isn't a secondary plotline, but like a tie for first. And I haven't even mentioned the 501 Levi wearing Jack Blair---attorney-at-law. Mmmmmm, Jack. Yum. Sorry, it was the jeans reference.....back on topic now. Do you think there are Jack Blair's in Texas right now? Reason enough to take a "field trip" there to find out----I'm just saying. Okay, so if you haven't figured it out by now, I liked the book. The characters all ring true (even the ones you want to slap upside the head) and had me struggling to put the book down for such menial reasons as to take care of my family. Whatever. For books like this, sacrifices have to be made. Take out was ordered. Family was fine. Book was finished. Alls well that ends well. Enjoy.

I love this author and I loved this book. I could not put it down and finished it over the weekend. I have read both of Linda Francis Lee's books and I can not wait for the next one! I loved the heroine,Carlisle, and I loved her Texas family! Do not miss this author.

Carlisle Wainright Cushing has successfully reinvented herself. She's living in Boston, is engaged to Phillip and enjoys her career as a divorce lawyer. Nobody would guess that Carlisle is a member of THE Wainrights of Willow Creek, Texas. What made her flee? The reasons include a botched attempt at the Texas Dip during her Debutante Ball and falling in love with Jack Blair. However, when Carlisle receives the phone call, she knows it time to go home. For Carlisle, going home is like having a supporting role on a soap opera: Her mother, Ridgely, is getting a divorce (for the fourth time). Her older brother Henry and his family have relocated back to Willow Creek after their oldest daughter was expelled from numerous schools. Her older sister, Savannah, is desperate to become pregnant. When Carlisle becomes her mother's attorney, she must face Jack Blair, who is representing her stepfather. Carlisle's stay coincides with the Hundredth Annual Willow Creek Symphony Association Debutante Ball where eight young ladies from the best families are presented to society. A Wainright has always chaired the ball, and Carlisle is asked to do her part for the family. Unfortunately last year's ball was a disaster and no one wants to be a part of this year's ball. Rejected by respected families, Carlisle finds herself with a motley group of candidates: party girls, rebels and misfits. Even though it seems like a complete fiasco, could returning to Willow Creek be the best thing for Carlisle? Humorous and heartwarming, this tale of family and love is hard to put down! It provided a juicy look into the world of Junior Leagues and Debutante Balls. Carlisle is a wonderful main character: she's smart, sassy and has a big heart (which she tries to hide). Her family is also wonderfully kooky: pedigreed, at times neurotic, but also loving. This family dynamic works-like Carlisle, I found myself caring about these people and wanting to help them. I highly recommend the Ex-Debutante! Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful, juicy story with lots of heart. Two thumbs up.

I started this book yesterday afternoon and was up until 1:00 am until I finished. My 8 year old son's spelling homework didn't get done, my 4 year old son tried to drown me while he was taking a bath by kicking all the water out of the tub onto my reading figure hudddled by the vanity, the kids didn't get into bed until after 9, my husband kept trying to pick a fight with me but I kept ignoring him and reading, and the dog kept sneaking into the den and trying to get onto the recliner with me since I wasn't paying attention to him. That's how much I loved this book. I was oblivious to my life going on around me. ~sigh~ I was sorry when it ended but what a great read! It's a great book and I totally loved it! Hurray for Linda Francis Lee!