Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Janeites beware: this is Mansfield Park, with a twist! In Shepherd’s novel, Fanny Price is a rich heiress with a very disagreeable character. Mary Crawford, on the other hand, is a charming young woman whose monetary situation brings her to stay with her sister in the area’s parsonage. When Fanny is found brutally murdered on Mansfield Park’s grounds, Mary and Charles Maddox, a thief-taker (private investigator, so to speak), work towards discovering the identity of the killer. Could it be Edmund Norris, Fanny’s fiancé and the man Mary adores? Or, could it be Mary’s brother, Henry Crawford, who is hiding some deep, dark secrets? Or, maybe it was one of Fanny’s cousins, sick and tired of Fanny’s attitude. The plot’s twists and turns will keep readers guessing up to the end.
I was not sure what to expect when I first started reading this novel. It seemed appalling that Fanny Price of Jane Austen’s mind could be turned into such a detested person in Shepherd’s novel, whereas Austen’s manipulative Mary Crawford becomes a very intelligent and warm person in this novel. But, this twist on the classic does work. Some Jane Austen fans will not like this: Shepherd takes the liberty of changing the characters’ information and background, besides Fanny and Mary, to fit the novel’s plot line. However, those who do not like Austen’s Fanny Price or Mansfield Park may enjoy this mystery novel just because it is not like the original. Shepherd also mirrors Austen’s writing style, which helps to set the tone of the novel. The mystery plot will appeal to historical mystery enthusiasts or those who enjoy reading mysteries set in the English countryside.
I have read several interpretations and adaptations of Austen novels, and this is one of the better ones.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.
Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.
Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.
Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.
Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.
Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.
Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.
Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.
Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!
Reviewed by Jessica
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Based on Charlotte Bronte's life, this debut novel takes readers back to nineteenth-century England and the Bronte household. Charlotte and her sisters try to publish their works with little success until Charlotte's Jane Eyre becomes the talk of London. The deaths of her brother and sisters keeps her grounded and close to home, where she becomes the only caretaker for her aging father. Mostly resolved to living a spinster's life, Charlotte is surprised by a declaration of love from an unlikely source, someone she doesn't love. To be alone or to live with someone who you don't necessarily love - Charlotte's decision will change her life forever.
Fans of Bronte family's works should check out this novel. While it is a fictional story, much of it is based on fact, thanks to the diaries and letters of Charlotte and her friends. Before starting this novel, I knew a little bit about the Bronte family. Now, I really want to learn more. Gael writes such a wonderful novel; she really brings Charlotte and her family and friends to life. Truly amazing!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Based on Charlotte Bronte's life, this debut novel takes readers back to nineteenth-century England and the Bronte household. Charlotte and her sisters try to publish their works with little success until Charlotte's Jane Eyre becomes the talk of London. The deaths of her brother and sisters keeps her grounded and close to home, where she becomes the only caretaker for her aging father. Mostly resolved to living a spinster's life, Charlotte is surprised by a declaration of love from an unlikely source, someone she doesn't love. To be alone or to live with someone who you don't necessarily love - Charlotte's decision will change her life forever.
Fans of Bronte family's works should check out this novel. While it is a fictional story, much of it is based on fact, thanks to the diaries and letters of Charlotte and her friends. Before starting this novel, I knew a little bit about the Bronte family. Now, I really want to learn more. Gael writes such a wonderful novel; she really brings Charlotte and her family and friends to life. Truly amazing!
Reviewed by Jessica
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