Are you anxiously awaiting the new season of The Crown? Have you already watch Downton Abbey all the way through multiple times and feel bereft? The Last Dance of the Debutante by Julia Kelly is the perfect book to get you through your Brit Withdrawl., especially the audiobook version with the proper and posh narration performance by Marisa Calin. Julia Kelly, who wrote one of my recent faves in the historical fiction genre The Last Garden in England, takes us into the world of Brits debs circa 1958, the last year these young women in white were presented at Court. That's right, paraded in from of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip before they start a months long round of parties, teas, balls and late nights. Kelley's writing is richly detailed and filled with well drawn characters for old money, new money and barely any money at all but still got a title. The world is white and regimented-- but not at all perfect. The main character Lily Nicholls is a book envying young woman on the brink of adulthood and a new era. We root for Lily and her group of cast-off deb friends called The Imperfects as they make their way through The Season. Narrator Calin does a wonderful job distinguishing these young women and bringing the dialogue to life. An expected twist in the final third makes for a strong finish to this satisfying listen.

I am a big fan of Julia Kelly's. However, The Last Dance of the Debutante missed the mark for me. As I read it, my mind started wandering and I felt the storyline was weak at best.