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the_naptime_reader's review
2.0
Patillo found a formal and in this book wore it down to a nub. All enthusiasm I may have had for the first two dwindled away as I raced to read this book almost to get it over with. The characters were flat and stereotypical. The romance was cheesy and forced. Things got a little better in parts, but it was mostly predictable, especially if you have any knowledge of Sense and Sensibility. 1.5 stars.
azanta_rezwana's review
3.0
I am very, very disappointed at the author. She had such an amazing plot to begin with, but decided to turn the book into a third rate thriller-cum-romance. When you have Jane Austen and Cassandra Austen's diaries in your hand, who cares about stupid romance between star-crossed lovers? Just like the second book, this could have been so much more than just a chick-lit contemporary romance.
The endings always seem rushed in the books. Why is that? You found Jane Austen's diary and all the reader is supposed to care about is who Mrs. Parrot is? Ridiculous!
The endings always seem rushed in the books. Why is that? You found Jane Austen's diary and all the reader is supposed to care about is who Mrs. Parrot is? Ridiculous!
christythelibrarian's review
2.0
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All is about two very different sisters whose mother – an Austen aficionado – bequeaths her estate to them in her will on the condition that they both take an Austen tour in England together. I appreciated that the sisters were not Austen fans themselves. Also, I could tell that the author did her research on the places, which was both good for Austen tidbits of knowledge and bad because sometimes the book sounded exactly like an author’s research notes. The characters were slightly slavish echoes of the Dashwood sisters of Sense and Sensibility. I wished that they had felt more like real people. I found the Austen diary mystery subplot to be silly. So, in the end, the book wasn’t my cup of tea.
kapphill's review
2.0
This was my first Austen inspired book so I had high expectations...but my thoughts are a bit mixed. Of course, it's fun to relive a beloved story; yet, the retelling is a bit too similar to the original for me. Obviously, set in the modern times gives it a new edge but I knew exactly what was going to happen the entire time I was reading - no fun! Ellen = Elinor, Mimi = Marianne, Colonel Tom = Colonel Brandon, Ethan = Willoughby, Daniel = Edward...and this is not at all a spoiler because the author blatantly models the modern characters after the originals - is this what all Austen-inspired books are like? Also, Austen's masterful romantic tension is absent in this novel...the relationships just didn't have as much depth.
If you don't mind basically rereading a contemporary Sense and Sensibility with a few tweaks, then I'm sure you'll really enjoy this novel. However, if you want the author to take a bit more creative license with the original story, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed with the book.
3/5 stars
If you don't mind basically rereading a contemporary Sense and Sensibility with a few tweaks, then I'm sure you'll really enjoy this novel. However, if you want the author to take a bit more creative license with the original story, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed with the book.
3/5 stars
mstaker's review
4.0
Another good story by Beth Pattillo. I really liked this updated twist on Sense and Sensibility. Two sisters, Ellen and Mimi, are sent on a Jane Austen tour at the request of their Mother's dying wishes. A tale of romance, mystery, life changes, and rebuilding of family ties. Wonderfully clean read. I really like how the author throws in tidbits about Jane Austen's life. If you like Jane Austen you will enjoy Beth Pattillo's books.
piepieb's review
4.0
It has been a very long time since I read the first two books in this trilogy, but I really think it's okay to almost read them as standalone fashion. This book was short and simple, but I loved "walking" along with Ellen and Mimi in Jane Austen country as they discover more about Jane and Cassandra; the fictional Elinor and Marianne from Sense & Sensibility; and themselves. My favorite part was the kiss between Tom and Mimi!
littlecornerreads's review
2.0
Rating: 2.5-3 stars
What you see is what you get. Just read the summary, and you'll know exactly what to expect. The title says it all; it's "a modern day novel of Jane Austen." Take it for what it is, and you might be pleasantly surprised (or not.) But if you take it too seriously, you're definitely in for a disappointment, so don't set your standards too high. It's not going to be the next great piece of literature. It's light. It's fluffy. It's essentially published fanfiction. If you're looking for some lighthearted fun, go for it. If you're looking for something more substantial, might I suggest a lovely little book called Sense and Sensibility?
(I do have to admit, though, the whole diary nonsense took the story to a whole new level of unrealistic.)
What you see is what you get. Just read the summary, and you'll know exactly what to expect. The title says it all; it's "a modern day novel of Jane Austen." Take it for what it is, and you might be pleasantly surprised (or not.) But if you take it too seriously, you're definitely in for a disappointment, so don't set your standards too high. It's not going to be the next great piece of literature. It's light. It's fluffy. It's essentially published fanfiction. If you're looking for some lighthearted fun, go for it. If you're looking for something more substantial, might I suggest a lovely little book called Sense and Sensibility?
(I do have to admit, though, the whole diary nonsense took the story to a whole new level of unrealistic.)
netherfield72's review
3.0
Of the 3 in this series this one was my favorite. This story is about 2 sisters who go on a Jane Austen tour that their mother had set up before she died. Kind of a modern day Sense and Sensibility. Yes it was predictable but enjoyable.