Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Austenland

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Summary: Jane Hayes, a thirty-something woman who has never found her Mr. Darcy, embarks upon a journey to rid herself of her Austen inspired fantasies forever by taking a three week vacation where she lives the life of an Austen character, complete with actors whose job it is to make her feel like Elizabeth Bennett.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Comments: I loved this book. That should come as no surprise, as I have always been a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. I love Shannon Hale, as she is the perfect example of writing stories adults will love without the language and the sex. So refreshing. I am sad it's over and will probably have a hard time starting something new.

Love Walked In

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Summary: Cornelia, a thirty-something woman who is obsessed with finding a man like Cary Grant, has her life changed when she meets Martin and his estranged daughter, Claire.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Comments: This was a real quick read, told from the point of view of two girls, Cornelia and Claire. I really enjoyed it. I loved Cornelia's wit and constant movie references. Claire, a girl who is struggling with her mother's erratic behavior, is loveable and believeable. Some language, not enough to offend me.

Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Summary: Claire, a married nurse visiting Scotland in the year 1945, is mysteriously transported to the year 1743, where she meets Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior who has a price on his head and is being hunted by the English army.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Comments: I was really enjoying this book, and found myself thinking in a Scottish accent. I really wanted to like it, but then the sex started. As a disclaimer, the two are married, and so the fact that there is sex isn't that big of a deal. BUT there's a lot. And it gets fairly graphic. So I didn't finish reading it. So I probably wouldn't recommend it.