By Shannon Hale
Pages288
Recommended by Me
First sentence No one who knew Charlotte Constance Kinder since her youth would suppose her born to be a heroine.
Synopsis
When Charlotte's husband leaves her for another woman she decides to take a break. And what better place than a estate in England that offers a full on Austen-esque experience.
What it has going for it
I adore Shannon Hale's writing. She's so witty and clever and I'm always smiling as I read her books. This one was no exception and I loved getting to know Charlotte and watch her journey. What girl wouldn't want to go to Pembrook Park and be wooed by handsome gentlemen in austen-esque style? I love the idea of a place like this and it's one of my favorites to read about. This one wasn't just a rehashing of the first book, as I was worried it might be, but had a completely different MC that was just as endearing and fun to read about. With a fun mystery and dashing gentlemen I had a lot of fun.
What's lacking
I can't say what specifically bothered me without giving things away so I won't but "it" kinda weirded me out. The ending was a little too neat and tidy and I had a hard time getting into the mystery.
Yea or Nay?
Yes, especially to fans of the first book...or, of course, anything Austen.
Hey, that was a great review! :) And I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like the mystery.
DeleteI'm definitely in for this one. I love Shannon Hale too. I'm particularly interested to see if the mystery works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if you'll like it too.
DeleteI haven't read any of Shannon Hale's other books but I'll try anything related to Jane Austen. Am curious to see what bugged you though :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to read the first one first to see what bugged me but you should probably read the first one, anyway, it's my favorite.
DeleteI love anything Austen. ;)
ReplyDeleteMe too. How could you not?
DeleteYou have piqued my curiousity about what "weirded" you out, lol. Guess I'll just have to read the book to find out!
ReplyDeleteYou'd have to read the first one as well to see.
DeleteThis is a new author for me. Maybe I'll give her a go. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou should try her out. Especially this one and its predecessor, Austenland, it's my favorite.
DeleteI really appreciate your review because most of the ones I've read so far are from diehard Hale fans. I haven't read the first one yet so I need to read it first. But, I figure I should probably read P&P first too.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm not a die hard fan but I do like this one and the first one.
DeleteI've been so reluctant to read Shannon Hale's adult stuff after Actor & The Housewife didn't work for me. I do like Jane Austen, though, so maybe I'll like this series more.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read The Actor and the Housewife yet but I've heard you either hate it or love it. Still, I think you should read this one and Austenland.
DeleteThat's funny I just bought Austenland and started reading it a couple of days ago. Things have gotten in the way so I haven't gotten very far into it but I'm looking forward to it now.
ReplyDeleteWell, enjoy it. I liked it as a light fluffy read! I liked it better than this one but this one was good too.
DeleteI love Shannon Hale but I couldn't get into Austenland. I wonder if I'll like this one. . .
ReplyDeleteMan I am DYING to read this book! I'm not sure how I'll feel about it because I loved Austenland so much...but Shannon Hale has yet to disappoint me so I'm sure I'll enjoy it overall! Thanks for not giving away any spoilers. Now I'm especially curious to see what you found so weird about it!!
ReplyDelete