Monday, August 9, 2010

Annell's Pick for September


Synopsis:
Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her life. No real man can complare.

When a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined.

8 comments:

Lauri said...

I was not excited about reading this book since I hate Jane Austen and her books. However, Annell always reads books I like so I decided to give it a fair shot.
I did like it. It was entertaining with a good ending both of which I like in a book. And best of all you don't have to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy the book. It was a fun read.

Favorite quote:
The dedication: "For Colin Firth
You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends."

Page 124 "Smartness had always attracted Jane, that and hands and jawline and butt. And eyes. Also integrity of character - she wasn't shallow."

Candy said...

My favorite quote:
"He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, every day of my life" (19).
Yes, I have one like that, too.

Annell said...

I really enjoy this book. It cracks me up every time I read it. It's funny, quirky and clean.

Favorite Quotes:
"That must be Aunt Saffronia and Miss Charming. Make Haste," Jane added, just because she'd always wanted to say that. pg. 94

"I believe," said Mrs. Nobley, "that I have never been witness to a young lady about to play without her excusing her skill beforehand, only to perform perfectly thereafter. The excuse is no doubt intended as a prelude that sets up the song for deeper enjoyment."

"Then I pray I do not disappoint."

She smiled expressly at Captain East, who sat forward, forearms resting on knees, eager. With professional suavity, Jane arrange her skirt, spread out the music, poised her fingers, and then with one hand played the black keys, singing along with the notes, "Peter, Peter, pumpkin-eater, had a wife and couldn't keep her, put her in a pumpkin shell, and there he kept her very well." pg. 111

The whole scene was rather Hester Prynne, and Jane imagined herself on a scaffold with a scarlet C for "cell phone" on her chest. pg. 113

Candy said...

Two more quotes I thought were funny:

"The way his tone slid over his words gave him a delightful, roguish appeal that made Jane want to kiss him on the spot. Or the lips, whichever was closer" (39).

Of course, Jane thought, one man of each type for the buffet. Don’t mind if I do (39).

Lucinda said...

"Um, did I just say, YA?"

"You just said 'Ya'," he confirmed. "If I am not mistaken, it was battle cry, warning that you were about to attack me."

"I, uh..." She stopped to laugh. "I wasn't aware until this precise and awkward moment that when startled in a strange place, my instinct would have me pretend to be a ninja." Page 81

and my two other favorites were mentioned before... but that won't stop me!

"The way his tone slid over his words gave him a delightful, roguish appeal that made Jane want to kiss him on the spot. Or the lips, whichever was closer" (39).

Of course, Jane thought, one man of each type for the buffet. Don’t mind if I do (39).

Anonymous said...

I also am not a Jane Austen fan, except for Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, but I'm not sure if that is really considered Jane Austen. Whatever. Anyway, I did like this book. It was cute and had a great little love story. I'm with Lauri, I liked the dedication too. ;)

"The music had started, the couples had begun a promenade, but Mr. Nobley paused to hold Jane's arm and whisper, 'Jane Erstwhile, if I never had to speak with another human being but you, I would die a happy man. I would that these people, the music, the food and foolishness all disappeared and left us alone. I would never tire of looking at you or listening to you.' He took a breath. 'There. That compliment was on purpose. I swear I will never idly compliment you again.'
Jane's mouth was dry. All she could think to say was, 'But....but surely you wouldn't banish all the food.'"
pg. 160

Pam said...

Really not an Austin fan, but did quite enjoy the book. Fun and flirty, love all the quotes that have been mentioned. It was a good read that kept me coming back to it every chance that I had to sit down.

Hope the author writes a few more books!

Stephanie :) said...

I actually read this book and finished before book club! Yea! I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It was a fun read, but I have no patience for the weirdos women who act as if their three weeks of fantasy is real. Miss Charming had me puking!