Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Monday, June 29, 2020

The Jane Austen Society Blog Tour ~ My Review

Hello, friend! I was thrilled to have a chance to read The Jane Austen Society and to be part of the Blog Tour! 


I loved the setting and the idea of a group of people brought together by their love of Jane Austen.


The Jane Austen Society
by Natalie Jenner

Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 320
Received: I received a paperback from the publisher for my honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars.


Book Description:

Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable. 

One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England's finest novelists. Now it's home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen's legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen's home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.

My Review


The Jane Austen Society is a charming yet bittersweet story about a group of people who come together to preserve Jane Austen’s legacy.

This group of unlikely people are all suffering through their own personal tragedies and loneliness. Coming together, they form wonderful bonds of friendship and romance. Secrets are revealed, and hearts are healed.

Some of my favorite parts of the story are when the characters would discuss Austen’s work. They would also spend time thinking about, say Darcy or Elizabeth, and comparing themselves to those amazing characters. There is always something to learn from Jane’s work. And I loved all the quotes throughout the book!

There was so much to like about the characters in The Jane Austen Society. I always pictured Spencer Tracy as Dr. Gray. I loved Adam. He was a quiet man and a deep thinker. When he spoke, they realized there was much more to Adam than they knew. Evie was also a favorite of mine! And there were many times I wanted to shake Frances Knight. Lol. I’ve only named a few, but really, they are all dear characters.

I have to admit I had a hard time getting into the story. Maybe it was because I have been in a major reading slump. There was also a lot of sadness at the beginning of the story, and I just wasn’t in the mood for that. The second half was much better as they all came together to save as much of Jane's legacy as possible. 

I think The Jane Austen Society would make a fabulous movie as well! 

FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the story from the publisher for my honest review.

Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


About the Author

Natalie Jenner is the debut author of THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY, a fictional telling of the start of the society in the 1940s in the village of Chawton, where Austen wrote or revised her major works. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie graduated from the University of Toronto with degrees in English Literature and Law and has worked for decades in the legal industry. She recently founded the independent bookstore Archetype Books in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs.

Connect with Natalie Jenner



Join the virtual online book tour of THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY, Natalie Jenner’s highly acclaimed debut novel May 25 through June 30, 2020. Seventy-five popular blogs and websites specializing in historical fiction, historical romance, women’s fiction, and Austenesque fiction will feature interviews and reviews of this post-WWII novel set in Chawton, England. 



BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

May 26 Frolic Media 
June 01 AustenBlog 
June 04 Laura's Reviews 
June 05 Bookish Rantings 
June 07 Rachel Dodge 
June 10 Drunk Austen 
June 12 Nurse Bookie
June 13 Calico Critic
June 15 Stuck in a Book 
June 22 Reading the Past 
June 25 Bookfoolery
June 26 Lit and Life 
June 26 Vesper's Place 
June 30 BookNAround


Many, many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress for organizing and including me on this tour, and to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of the book!  

So, friends, what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

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Monday, May 11, 2020

Taken by Mary Anne Mushatt ~ My Review

Hello, my friends! I hope you are doing well! Below is my review for Taken!
Taken
by Mary Anne Mushatt

 Publication Date: April 13th, 2020
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Pages: 476 (Kindle)
Received: I received Taken from the publisher for my honest review.
Rating: 2.5 stars

 About the book: 

 Taken from her home as a young child, Elisabeth Bennet’s sense of self is shaken when the mystery behind her true identity is unraveled.  Discovering her place as the daughter of a duke, she confronts reclaimed memories of her brutal abduction, while tackling the alien world of Regency England’s high society.  Facing the ton is the least of her concerns as her kidnappers remain determined to keep her from Fitzwilliam Darcy – the man who showed his love by first proposing she become his mistress.  Humbled by her refusal, he returns to win her love and respect. 

 Together with her reunited family, Elisabeth faces her greatest challenges to both her life and her heart — reclaiming herself and finding her happiness.

My Review

 Taken is a Pride and Prejudice Variation. Although, I would call it a retelling because it is not close to canon. It is its own story containing most, if not all, of the wonderful characters from Pride and Prejudice. 

 Elisabeth is taken from her home at the age of four. She was beaten and left on the side of the road to die. Fortunately, she was found by the Bennet’s, not Thomas and Frances, but Thomas’s brother, Edwin. When Edwin’s wife dies, he and his two little girls (Jane and Elisabeth) move to Longbourn to live with Thomas, Frances, and their girls, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. After Edwin dies, Frances has no qualms about disparaging Elisabeth - telling her she will never amount to anything, and no one will ever marry a foundling. 

 The story begins when Jane is set to marry Mr. Bingley, and Elisabeth will then move to London to live with her Aunt and Uncle (not the Gardiners). She meets Darcy for the first time at Jane and Bingley’s wedding. 

 I didn’t like Darcy at the beginning of this story. He was influenced too much by his Matlock family. He had only met Elisabeth three or four times before he felt he must have her (much too soon, in my opinion). He, of course, makes a huge blunter and insults Elisabeth. But like Elisabeth, he does become a much better man and earns my trust. 

 At 476 pages, it’s a long story and has too many plot-lines. The main storyline is good, and I felt like it wrapped up nicely about halfway through the book. The second half of the story had too much going on. The author could have written a separate book for Jillian (Elizabeth’s biological brother) or Caroline Bingley with a happier ending for her. I know we love to hate her, but she could be redeemed.

 I did like what happened to Caroline! It was pretty funny, and she got her just rewards. I would have liked to see her grow into a sympathetic person on her grand adventure. (I’m not saying more because...spoilers)

 I was sad that Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were not close friends. And I could do without Anne de Bourgh’s storyline altogether. 

 I did like Mary Bennet. She was very kind to Elisabeth. She and Jane would often protect Elisabeth from Mrs. Bennet. 

 If you like a story that just keeps on going, Taken might be the story for you! Sadly, this story wasn’t for me. I hope if you read it, you will like it much more than I did.  

 2.5 stars.

 FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the story from the publisher for my honest review.

 Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!
About the Author

 Mary Anne Mushatt, a life-long writer, relocated to New Orleans last century, where she earned an MFA and created a documentary of oral histories in the African-American and Native American communities along Louisiana’s River Road.  When the levees failed, exiling her family from their home, she discovered the community of Jane Austen acolytes and began writing novels placing Pride and Prejudice’s beloved characters in innovative situations.  Taken is her second published novel.  As a result of one of her earlier novels, she works with a multi-disciplinary team aiding victims of human trafficking to become survivors.

 She lives in New Orleans with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Connect with Author at Twitter.


 Many thanks to Quills and Quartos Publishing for the opportunity to read Taken. 

 Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!
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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Lakeshire Park Blog Tour ~ My Review

Hello, my friends! It's my pleasure to be part of the Lakeshire Park Blog Tour! 

My Review

 Lakeshire Park is a sweet Regency romance. This fun, low angst story is perfect for the current trying times! 

 Set in 1820, Amelia Moor and her sister Clare will soon be on their own. When their step-father, Lord Gray, dies, he obligation to them ends. With no family, money or inheritance, they will be destitute. Lord Gray gave them one season to find husbands, but the girls returned home with no attachments. 

 When an invitation comes to attend a house party, it’s Amelia's hope to secure a match between Clara and Sir Ronald. Because time is running out. Lord Gray is deathly ill.

 It’s not going to be as easy as Amelia hopes! They find Georgiana Woods and her brother Peter are at the party also, and Georgiana wants Sir Ronald for herself. Peter is there to help Georgiana get want ever she wants. Amelia finds Peter one of the most infuriating man she’s ever met. Still, she strikes a bargain with him to stop interfering. He agrees to leave Georgiana and Clara to their own devices if Amelia agrees to spend every afternoon with him. 

 I loved Peter and found him very amusing. He likes to irritate and tease Amelia. And because of a disagreeable first impression, Amelia looks for every reason not to like him. 

 Amelia is a practical person. She doesn’t believe in love. Not romantic love, but making sure Clara is happy is essential to her.  And she’s willing to do anything to make sure Clara’s future is secure. But could spending so much time with Peter change her belief in love? 
I delighted in reading Lakeshire Park! It was fun, sweet, and a lovely getaway!

  
Lakeshire Park
by Megan Walker

 Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Pages: 256
Received: From the publisher for my honest review.
Rating: 4 stars

 BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

 Brighton, England 1820  

 Amelia Moore wants only one thing--to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather's looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own--without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of. 

 Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter--and eventually playing by his rules--makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.

Buy:  Amazon* • Barnes & Noble • Book Depository • Indiebound • Audible*
Add to Goodreads.

*FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!
About the Author

 Megan Walker was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn't leave her alone, so she picked up a pen and wrote her first novella, A Beautiful Love: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling which was published in 2019. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. Lakeshire Park is her debut novel. 
Connect with Megan Walker



LAKESHIRE PARK BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

April 06      The Silver Petticoat Review (Guest Blog)
April 06      Katie's Clean Book Collection (Review)
April 06      The Readathon (Review)
April 06      Getting Your Read On (Review)
April 07      Heidi Reads (Review) 
April 07      Romance Junkies (Guest Blog)
April 08      The Calico Critic (Spotlight)
April 08      Timeless Novels (Review)
April 09      Gwendalyn's Books (Review)
April 09      From Pemberley to Milton (Excerpt) 
April 10      Courtney Reads Romance (Review) 
April 11      Clean Wholesome Romance (Spotlight)
April 12      The Christian Fiction Girl (Review)
April 12      English Historical Fiction Authors (Guest Blog)
April 14      Joy of Reading (Review) 
April 15      The Book Diva’s Reads (Review)
April 15      Katie's Clean Book Collection (Interview)
April 16      Frolic Media (Excerpt)
April 17      The Lit Bitch (Review)
April 18      Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)
April 19      Robin Loves Reading (Review)
April 19      My Jane Austen Book Club (Guest Blog)
April 20      Bringing Up Books (Review)
April 20      Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)
April 21      Lu Reviews Books (Review)
April 22      Bookworm Lisa (Excerpt)
April 22      Austenesque Reviews (Review)
April 23      So Little Time…So Much to Read (Review)
April 24      Half Agony, Half Hope (Review)
April 25      Relz Reviewz (Review)
April 26      Bookish Rantings (Review) 
April 27      Probably at the Library (Review) 
April 27      Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review) 
April 28      Laura's Reviews (Review) 
April 28      Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review) 
April 29      Heidi Reads (Interview)
April 29      Bookfoolery (Review)
April 29      From Pemberley to Milton (Review) 
April 30      The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Excerpt)
April 30      A Bookish Way of Life (Review)
May 01      Bookworm Lisa (Review) 
May 01      Impressions in Ink (Review)



Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me a copy of Lakeshire Park!

A big THANKS goes to Laurel Ann at Austenprose for organizing and including me in this blog tour!

Friends, I hope you get a chance to read Lakeshire Park! Please, feel free to leave a comment below! 
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Monday, February 24, 2020

Sanditon by Jane Austen & Kate Riordan ~ My Review

Hello, my friends! Are you watching the Sanditon series on Masterpiece PBS?! Are you enjoying it? I've watched a few episodes, but I wanted to get my review of the book posted first.


Sanditon
Based on Andrew Davis' TV adaptation of Jane Austen's unfinished novel.
by Jane Austen & Kate Riordan

 Publication Date: December 10, 2019
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 400
Received: From the publisher.
Rating: 4 stars.

 In the vein of Downton Abbey, Jane Austen's beloved but unfinished masterpiece-often considered her most modern and exciting novel-gets a spectacular second act in this tie-in to a major new limited television series. 

 Written only months before Austen's death in 1817, Sanditon tells the story of the joyously impulsive, spirited and unconventional Charlotte Heywood and her spiky relationship with the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker. When a chance accident transports her from her rural hometown of Willingden to the would-be coastal resort of the eponymous title, it exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make, and the characters whose fortunes depend on its commercial success. The twists and turns of the plot, which takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London, exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself... and ultimately find love.


My Review

 Jane Austen started writing Sanditon shortly before her death, and the story was never completed. Andrew Davies wrote an adaptation for British television, and Kate Riodan wrote this book, Sanditon, based on Andrew Davies' version.

 Having read Austen's work, I had formed my own thoughts on what would happen in the story. (Jane only got as far as to introduce the town and the characters.) And this story was going along differently than the way I thought Jane’s would go. Sure, I thought the people in Sanditon were full of self-interest, but they didn’t seem as outwardly cruel. So I was having a bit of a hard time at first, but once I let that go, the story started moving for me, and I began to enjoy it!

 And there is much to enjoy! There is an assortment of characters - some are charming, some are deceitful scoundrels, and some are downright cruel. There’s scandal, near financial ruin, and outlandish behavior. Sanditon has it all!

 Of course, I loved Charlotte! She seemed to be the only one with a good head on her shoulders. Sidney started out very self-absorbed, but his hardshell started to crack with the help of Charlotte.  Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parker are charming! And I thought the hypochondriacs, Diana and Arthur Parker (brother and sister) were very amusing! 

 My thoughts on the ending… I wasn’t satisfied with it. I would assume they have plans on continuing the series. But I have not heard anything for sure. But if they wanted to hook you into watching the second season, or reading the next book, then they did an excellent job with the ending! 

 Altogether, Sanditon was an entertaining read! I enjoyed it, and I hope to see it continued!  - 4 stars

 Buy: Amazon • B&N • Book Depository • Indiebound
Add to Goodreads

 FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

About the Author

 Kate Riordan is a writer and journalist from England. Her first job was as an editorial assistant at the Guardian newspaper, followed by a stint as deputy editor for the lifestyle section of London bible, Time Out magazine. There she had assignments that saw her racing reindeers in Lapland, going undercover in London's premier department store and gleaning writing tips (none-too-subtly) during interviews with some of her favorite authors. After becoming a freelancer, she left London behind and moved to the beautiful Cotswolds in order to write her first novel.

 To read more reviews for Sanditon, check out the schedule below!
SANDITON REVIEW ROUNDUP SCHEDULE:

January 14 History Lizzie
January 20 Living Read Girl
February 03 The Lit Bitch
February 10 Unabridged Chick
February 10 Laura’s Reviews
February 13 Bookfoolery
February 18 Impressions in Ink
February 24 So Little Time…  You're here! 
February 24 Vesper’s Place
February 26 Austenesque Reviews


Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose for organizing this Review Roundup Blog Tour and for having me along!

Also a huge thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my paperback copy of Sanditon and for the beautiful copy of The World of Sanditon! Wow! Thank you!!





So, friends, what do you think? Have you read the book or watching the series? Let me know in the comments! 
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Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin ~ My Review

Happy Release Day! Congratulations to Hannah Capin on the publication of Foul is Fair! 


Foul is Fair
by Hannah Capin

 Publication Date: February 18th, 2020
Publisher:  Wednesday Books
Pages: 336 - Kindle Edition
Received: From the publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 stars
Hannah Capin’s Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

 Jade and her friends Jenny, Mads, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Jade’s sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Jade as their next target.

 They picked the wrong girl.

 Sworn to vengeance, Jade transfers to St. Andrew’s Prep. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She’ll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school’s hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

My Review

 Foul is Fair is a modern retelling of Macbeth with a Mean Girls vibe going on - popular girls and boys with their King, Queen, and court, ruling the school. It’s dark and gritty, and the writing has a poetic and magical feel at times. But mainly, it’s a story about REVENGE. 

 Elle and her friends, Jenny, Summer, and Mads (her coven), go to a party on Ellie’s 16th birthday. This is not their regular hang out. No, they crash a party hosted by the captain of the Lacrosse team from St. Andrews Prep Academy. There, Elle is drugged and raped. But instead of falling apart, Elle wants revenge. 

 She changes her name to Jade, and transfers to St. Andrews.

 Thankfully, Foul is Fair is not graphic. You don’t experience the rape. Only the fuzzy traces Jade remembers - the color of the room, who was there, bits of what was said. There are other sensitive topics, such as suicide and murder. The murder scenes can be a little bloody.

 I loved Jade. She is strong, bold, and brazen. Taking on the popular kids, never flinching. All the while, Jade and her coven were stellar - plotting their revenge. You couldn’t have better friends. 

 What I wasn’t too fond of was the writing style. It was choppy and repetitive at times. 

 Overall, after I stopped feeling sorry for Mack, I enjoyed the story! Although, I wish I had had a better understanding of Macbeth before I read Foul is Fair.  - 3.5 stars
Buy: Amazon • B&N 
Add to Goodreads

 FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

About the Author

Hannah Capin is the author of Foul is Fair and The Dead Queens Club, a feminist retelling of the wives of Henry VIII. When she isn’t writing, she can be found singing, sailing, or pulling marathon gossip sessions with her girl squad. She lives in Tidewater, Virginia.
Connect with Hannah on Twitter and Instagram!




Many thanks to Wednesday Books for giving me an e-copy of Fair is Foul!  

 You can read the excerpt I posted as part of the Foul is Fair Blog Tour here.
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