Jane Eyre is my absolute favorite classic novel, and I was inspired to read it after loving another modern retelling of Charlotte Bronte's fantastic story called Jane. So when I received A Breath of Eyre in the mail, I couldn't wait to dive right in. And I wasn't disappointed. Everybody has a novel they wish they could literally escape into--a novel they wish their life was like, a character they wish was their boyfriend, and so on. But when it happens to Emma Townsend, she's completely caught off guard. Her life at home wasn't too great, so being Jane was a nice break.

Character development was pretty much amazing, especially when you consider that Emma had two different roles throughout the novel; Jane and herself. The death of her mother had left Emma feeling empty and alone. Her personal growth during the book is an important aspect of it, as she discovers new things about her family, her friends, and the kind of person she wants to be. Gray Newman was also developed thoroughly, and I have to admit I fell a little in love with him right along with Emma.

Eve Marie Mont balanced the two "realities" of the novel surprisingly well: Jane's world and Emma's world. And I think that, if I had never read Jane Eyre, I would have been inspired to read it. Which is, of course, a goal you must hope to achieve when writing a novel like this one. I can't wait to see what adventures Emma takes on in the upcoming sequels.

A Breath of Eyre is scheduled for release on March 27th from Kensington.

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