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ellerose95's review
medium-paced
3.0
Interesting concept, the parts about Jane were interesting, but the rest fell a little flat
tchien's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
abbyelizabeth's review
4.0
Another perfect silly read for me in a time where focus can be lacking. I liked how this one ended, though. Not your typical chick-lit happily ever after, but a strong woman deciding to be her own person before chasing Mr. Right.
dusang's review
2.0
This was a strange book -- both incredibly easy and incredibly hard to get through. There were a few warning signs - as other Goodreaders have noted, she confuses the Rushworths for the Bertrams and the back cover (and the GR blurb) named the lead Emma Douglas which is not the character's name, suggesting that no one was paying particular attention to the production of this book (sidenote: I read a Large Print copy from the library and it was probably the ugliest package I have ever seen from an actual publisher -- the cover credit was iStockphoto). There were the glaring plot holes - although I guess not every state has common property I can't believe that any divorce from a wealthy man can leave a woman (who was gainfully employed for the duration of the marriage!) destitute. And (spoiler alert) she has obvious grounds for wrongful dismissal and slander and does nothing about that?
But mostly my problem was that I hated Emma Grant (that is the character's name). Some of her character flaws are clearly embedded just to enable the character development through the plot but she starts at such a low, idiotic place it's hard to care that she grows as a person. She's a 33-year-old woman who honestly is blaming Jane Austen for her failed life choices? It takes her 200-odd pages to realize that's bullshit? Seriously? One redeeming aspect is that the happy ending was not the typical ride off into the sunset but she deserved less and other characters deserved much, much more.
But mostly my problem was that I hated Emma Grant (that is the character's name). Some of her character flaws are clearly embedded just to enable the character development through the plot but she starts at such a low, idiotic place it's hard to care that she grows as a person. She's a 33-year-old woman who honestly is blaming Jane Austen for her failed life choices? It takes her 200-odd pages to realize that's bullshit? Seriously? One redeeming aspect is that the happy ending was not the typical ride off into the sunset but she deserved less and other characters deserved much, much more.
srm401's review
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nicreadsbooks's review
3.0
Any less than this rating would be my expression of disappointment of the protagonist (un)happy ending but a wonderfully happy beginning. However, I know this to be a real and true reality of what life is. Enjoyed the Austen references and history (as any Janeite would have).
I'm thankful that Pattillo did not squander page space on the protagonist, Emma, mooning over her ex-husband. Although there were many references to him, I could feel her travelling and discovering Austen for herself.
Constructed in the typical Austenesque form, it had the usual mistaken intentions and broken hearts. Fair warning, this novel is not about love. Neither is it about friendship. It is about re-discovery of the inner self and how Austen can truly resonate with the inner spirit in you. Sounds sappy but tis absolutely charming read.
I'm thankful that Pattillo did not squander page space on the protagonist, Emma, mooning over her ex-husband. Although there were many references to him, I could feel her travelling and discovering Austen for herself.
Constructed in the typical Austenesque form, it had the usual mistaken intentions and broken hearts. Fair warning, this novel is not about love. Neither is it about friendship. It is about re-discovery of the inner self and how Austen can truly resonate with the inner spirit in you. Sounds sappy but tis absolutely charming read.