BOOK: Midnight in Austenland (Shannon Hale)

Midnight in Austenland
by Shannon Hale

I read the author's Austenland years ago and enjoyed it, giggling through it and finding it mostly silly and predictable.  But still, very fun.  I expected much of the same from this book but was surprised, and not in a bad way.  Though the premise is still the same (single woman, Jane Austen fan, struggling with love life spends time at a fantasy Austen-theme park) the story takes a turn into a bit of mystery and suspense.  

There may have been some mild language, but if there was I don't remember any.  And because this a "Austenland" everything is very proper.... translation:  no sex scenes. 

Recommended for:  Women 16 and up

BOOK: The Shoemaker's Wife

The Shoemaker's Wife
by Adriana Trigiani

I thoroughly enjoyed this marvelous novel based on the lives of the author's grandparents.  I don't really know how to describe this book without giving a summary of the story, but I don't believe in summarizing.  So, I will just say that it's a wonderful story about people who live, love, struggle, survive, and thrive.  They endure change (and sometimes embrace it) and find the beauty in hard work.  They know what really matters and they make sacrifices for it.

The book is well-written, though sometimes the descriptions go on a little long.  Most of the time it was charming, but occasionally I just wanted the story to move forward faster.  There is a bit of language and a few scenes of mature subject matter but nothing truly offensive.

Recommended for:  Adults

BOOK: Friday's Child

Friday's Child
by Georgette Heyer

Every time I read one of Heyer's extremely enjoyable novels I can't help but think, "Why on earth has this book not been made into a film?  BBC, where are you?  This is perfect material for your audience!"  This book is particularly suited for film... I can well imagine it as a delightful and extremely popular "Masterpiece" mini-series.

I don't know how she managed to do it, but though every one of her novels is set in similar circumstances and setting, they are all quite unique in plot and character development.  As in the other Heyer novels I have read, I found myself frequently sighing, grinning, or laughing out loud.  Even though I knew all would end well, I found myself on the edge of seat, eager to find out what would happen next, never quite sure who would end up with whom, or how the author could possibly bring it all around to the inevitable "happily ever after."  What can I say?  It's just pure fun!

None of Georgette Heyer's books contain anything offense other than an occasional mild swear word or reference to a dishonorable man who has taken advantage of some naive damsel. 

Recommended for.... anyone who loves to read and be entertained!

BOOK: The Persian Pickle Club

The Persian Pickle Club
by Sandra Dallas

This was a book club read that I thoroughly enjoyed.... a charming story about a diverse group of women who meet on a regular basis to quilt and visit.  There are plenty of interesting characters, a little mystery, lots of drama, and a few shocking plot twists and turns.... along with some shocking language and a little violence; nothing too serious, just be warned. 

BOOK: Glamorous Illusions

Glamorous Illusions ("Grand Tour" series)
by Lisa Tawn Bergen

This novel is an enjoyable romance/adventure mixed with a tiny bit of faith and spirituality.  It's clean and fun, plus there is some actual depth to the characters who have good values and morals.  This is the first in a series so the story is not really resolved; in fact, the reader is left hanging just a bit....enough to entice you to read the next book, which unfortunately won't be available for a while.  No matter; I'm sure I will find PLENTY to read in the meantime.

Recommended for age Adults and Teens (14 and up)

BOOK: Edenbrooke

Edenbrooke
by Julianne Donaldson

I'm always a little apprehensive when reading an author's first novel.  And because I'm a fan of Jane Austen and Regency Romance as a genre, I get nervous when I read one written by a contemporary author, novice or not.  Therefore, I read the book with low expectations, and literally no background information on the author or the book.

I was pleasantly surprised.  The romance is cute and fun, the story is action-packed and fast-paced, the author did a good job or remaining true to the time period and language, and there was nothing offensive.  I'm not saying the novel is without flaws, just that they are minimal and easy to overlook.  And I really enjoyed it!

This is not fiction aimed at young adults in particular, but I think teenage girls would enjoy it (my 16 and 17 year old nieces certainly did), and their parents don't need to have any hesitation in letting their daughter read it!

Recommended for ages 14 through adult

BOOK: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders
by Georgette Heyer

I had taken a break from Georgette Heyer for a while, so it was time for another one.  Oh, yes, I was seriously overdue.  I realized again how much I truly enjoy her books!  It's true, not everyone can enjoy these books... only those who don't mind challenging language, as in archaic and old-fashioned.  And yes, it's true, I find I sometimes have to re-read passages to make sure I understood what was just said.

But the books are wonderfully witty and fun, and the characters are delightful and varied.  This one is filled with drama, adventure, humor, romance, and even a little mystery.  It kept me guessing, giggling, and grinning.  And I couldn't put it down.  I think it might possibly find a spot in my top-ten favorite books!

Recommended for:  Jane Austen lovers, and those who enjoy great wit

BOOK: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
by Anne Bronte

This short novel has a few interesting plot twists and drama, but is seriously lacking in several areas.  The love story develops for seemingly no reason at all and between two characters the reader never really gets to know.  These problems are likely the result of the format of the novel, which takes the form of a letter, and which includes long passages from a diary and other letters.  It was interesting enough to finish, but just so-so.

BOOK: These Old Shades (Georgette Heyer)

These Old Shades
by Georgette Heyer

OK, one more Heyer book and then I'm taking a break from "Regency Romance" for a while.  But I had to write about this one because it's quite different from the other books of this genre I have read by the author.   Actually, that's not completely true... each one has been surprisingly different from the others, even though they are all "similar" over all.

This one was different in, well, different ways.  First of all, the story takes place mostly in France, rather than England, so many of the characters are French... that's enough difference right there.  (Stereotypically French rather than stately English.)  Secondly, the hero is more the center of the story rather than the heroine, and it's told more frequently from a male point of view, and in quite a different voice.  (Besides, I hated the hero at first.... until I got to know him.)  Lastly, although there is a romance, the.... "Intrigue" is more central to the story.  Yes, that's just the word for it... intrigue. 

Because of these marked differences it took me a while to "get into" this book.  But once I did I was hooked... yet again.

Other good words to describe this book:  clever, witty, and shocking.

BOOK: The Nonesuch (Georgette Heyer)

The Nonesuch
by Georgette Heyer

I know, I know; I'm sort of obsessed with Georgette Heyer right now, but I just can't help myself.  I had some fairly major surgery last week and I'm required to "take it easy" for a while.  This kind of book is perfect for saving me from boredom... the characters are interesting, the story is entertaining, and it's quite funny and witty too.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker, and I get sucked in.

A word of warning:  Heyer's "Regency Romances" are of a distinct genre and style, and they certainly don't suit everyone.  If you aren't used to the language you might perhaps be utterly bored and confused, but if you persevere you just might find yourself enchanted and supremely entertained.  (Now read that again, out loud, in your best British accent.)

BOOKS by Georgette Heyer

Well, I have been reading a lot lately, but they have all been books by Georgette Heyer.  I'm totally loving them!  Since I already posted about one of her books recently, I'm just combining several into one post.  They all fit into the same category anyway.

Here are a few I have read in the last month (I guess I'm sort of obsessed):

Black Sheep:  Fun and interesting characters and plenty of humor.

Sylvester:  Good story and characters, change-of-heart themes a la Pride & Prejudice

The Grand Sophy:  Great heroine, hilarious antics, perfect ending

Arabella:  Lots of humor, fun romance, and even a moral... always be truthful!

Thankfully there are plenty more out there for me to enjoy.


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BOOK: Cotillion

Cotillion
by Georgette Heyer

My sister only recently introduced me to Georgette Heyer.  What a find!  This is a very fun, clever and witty story, well-told and utterly delightful.  (It would make a great film/mini-series.... BBC, are you listening?)

The period slang is a little difficult at times, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.  Jane Austen fans, grab a Georgette Heyer novel and enjoy.  If you are not an Austen fan, best steer clear. 

Apparently Heyer was quite prolific, publishing two books a year on average.  Many were "Georgian" and "Regency" as this one is (a la Jane Austen), but she also wrote thrillers, historical novels, contemporary novels, and short stories.  I'm looking forward to reading more!

BOOK: The Help

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

I'm glad my book club chose this so I would read it before the movie comes out.  Well, I'm also glad because I really enjoyed the book.  I feel like I was the last person on earth to read it.  It seems everyone I know had been raving about it, and it deserves the praise.  It's well-written (another first time novelist.... I'm impressed), entertaining, funny and touching.  There is some PG-13 language, mostly the s-word, and adult themes, so I wouldn't recommend this for anyone under 18. 

BOOK: The Making of a Marchioness

The Making of a Marchioness
by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I am shocked that I had never heard of this book until just a few weeks ago.  (Thank you Aunt Gayle!)  What a delightful read!  Previously I had only read the author's books for children, and, like many people, I didn't even know about her novels for adults until now. 

The book was originally published in two parts:  the first is a "Cinderella Story" of sorts, and the second is a drama/suspense/romance.  It's filled with interesting characters, and moments that will make you smile and/or sigh, bite your nails, and keep you turning pages.  And, like most books of the time, there is nothing offensive.  Hallelujah!

Actually, I'm quite surprised that BBC hasn't made this into a mini-series.  It's perfectly suited to it!

If you plan to read it, make sure you get the version containing both parts.

BOOK: Austenland

Austenland
by Shannon Hale

Dear "Pride and Prejudice" Fan,

Yes, you. You know who you are.  And I'm not talking about the book. 

If you love the BBC mini-series (or even if you like the 2005 film with Kiera Knightley which is utterly inferior, but for some reason people like it) and you haven't read Shannon Hale's "Austenland" then you are in for a treat. I read it in practically one sitting, which isn't a tremendous feat considering it's less than 200 pages long, and is a delightful and easy read.   I absolutely giggled my way through the book. If you are a Jane Austen fan, you won't be disappointed.... how could you not love a book that begins with a dedication reading, "For Colin Firth: You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends."

However, if you are an Austen-purist, you should probably stay away.  This book is pure silly fun.

[Shannon Hale is an excellent writer.  Her youth and young adult books are wonderful.  This was her first adult novel and the first one I read.  Since I was pleased with it I eagerly read "The Actor and the Housewife."  Ugh!  I'm not going to waste my time telling you all the things wrong with it.  It was disturbing on so many levels.]