Never Less Than a Lady

By: Mary Jo Putney

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

RITA Award-winning, New York Times best-selling author Mary Jo Putney is justly celebrated as a master of the Regency romance. Here Alexander Randall is the last heir to the Earl of Daventry and he must find himself a bride. His prayers are answered in the form of distressed midwife Julia Bancroft. But though their union would benefit both parties, Julia is reluctant to surrender her heart.

©2010 Mary Jo Putney, Inc. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“… rich in complex, realistically complicated characters, expertly spiced with intrigue, and infused with a wickedly subtle wit.” ( Booklist)

Such a lovely story, well told by Simon Prebble.

Simon Prebble brought the characters to life. Really enjoyed the poignant story of Alex and Julia

sweet story

Feel-good story to make you happy. Good narration. With a nice ending which was very enjoyable.

This Narrator

I really enjoy Simon Prebble’s narrations MUCH more than any of the female narrators. He doesn’t try and sound female but the females try and sound male and. I just enjoy his reading more. Sorry ladies. I know we are supposed to stick together

Romantic Perfection

I'm going to read this book over and over again. I do wish more men would read it. Randall should be their ideal.

Surviving past trauma/cruelty to forge a good life

One of my favorites in this series. Especially in our modern world, many messages and "truths" seem to be only about generational trauma, as if it's hopeless to try to build a good life anyway. But both Lady Julia and her Major have hung on through horrible past difficulties, and built lives for themselves. More, they each have retained the spirit and humanity to be able to reach out to others in their lives with love and trust!

Worthy of a repeat listen

What made the experience of listening to Never Less Than a Lady the most enjoyable?

The story flowed in such a way I "couldn't put it down"

What other book might you compare Never Less Than a Lady to and why?

This book was a reminder of the older Putney books I enjoyed so much. Might have to buy them again!

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Randall. He was strong without arrogance. Sensitive without weakness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The reaction of Julia's brother to her after years of separation brought tears to my eyes.

Oh my word SO BORING.

I couldn't even finish it, it was so laborious.

Also, Ms Putney needs to research the time period about which she writes. For instance: ladies and gentlemen back then did not go around HUGGING each other in greeting; and if they had, they would've called it "embracing." Just the first example that comes to mind; but Putney's writing is rife with historically cultural inaccuracies. I mean come on, Mary Jo—read some Jane Austen.

Nicely done!

I really enjoyed this performance and this story. I was very leery about trying another romance novel as an audiobook, my first romance audiobook experience didn't end well (in fact, it hasn't ended, I can't bear to finish it).

However, Simon Prebble gave a very enjoyable performance of one of Putney's usually enjoyable Regency romances. His pace and rhythm were entirely appropriate and his voicing of the various characters was very well done, indeed. I particularly liked that he did not try to force his voice to some ridiculously high pitch for the female parts, rather he adopted a softness of tone which he even managed to vary for different female characters.

The story itself is characteristic of Mary Jo Putney, there is a wide cast of characters from related novels, but they manage not to encroach too much on the central characters' development, something I have always appreciated about her "serial" books. Apart from the feeling that the story ended somewhat abruptly, likely because the characters will re-appear in subsequent novels, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular listening experience.

Good Read-good series!

This is the Lost Lord series book 2 by Putney. I like the story and was taken with the characters in this one. Not the typical hero and heroine, but easy to get involved with. Enjoyed their story and enjoyed the way the series winds the characters together. I also like that each book does a little to set the stage for the next one, makes one want to move right into the next story!

it’s a classic

Putney is still one of my favorite authors of historical romance with a dash of suspense.
Spain 1812 Major Randall leaves the military when he is notified he is the new heir to the Earl of Daventry. He wants Julia Bancroft as his wife but talks himself out of acting until she is kidnapped. Their mutual shared history unites them in deciding on marriage, even knowing Daventry will be opposed. They travel to Kirkland’s home in Scotland before facing society in London.
Prebble is an excellent narrator.