Doesn't add a huge amount to the story, slight changes but overall very much the story as seen on TV, the cousin in the book is a different kettle of fish from the TV and some of what happens in the TV series wouldn't have happened in the book.

It's not a bad read, adds a little to the women's characters but overall pretty predictable. ( )

Not quite 'published fan fiction', because Jean Marsh also co-created the BBC series, but the same uneven quality of writing, with added smut, improbable backstories and laughable dialogue that most novelisations suffer from. Jack Maddox is still a darling, and Molly the Irish maid is amusing, so I can probably forgive Jean Marsh her fit of watershed-free 'sexing up'. Set in the early 1920s, sisters Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott are left penniless after the death of their father, and must look for work (shock horror!) Bea gets the job of managing handsome and debonair society photographer Jack Maddox - I had a massive crush on him when I was eleven, and I think I still do! - and innocent, impressionable Evie drifts from one romantic calling to the next, including 'dancing partner' and missionary worker. The only real talent the sisters have is in designing and making their own clothes, and soon they have society ladies and 'bright young things' paying them to be daring and creative. Improbable and flimsy as the premise of a television show, ridiculous romance fodder in novel form, but oh so entertaining! No pretty clothes to ogle, of course, but there's still Jack, dear Jack. Top notch! ( )