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Jane Austen Takes The South #2
Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili-Slaw Dogs
Caroline Ashley is a journalist on the rise at the Washington Post until the sudden death of her father brings her back to Thorny Hollow to care for her mentally fragile mother. The only respite from the eternal rotation of bridge club meetings and garden parties is her longtime friend, Brooks Elliott. A professor of journalism, Brooks is the voice of sanity and reason in the land of pink lemonade and triple layer coconut cakes. But when she meets a fascinating, charismatic young man on the cusp of a brand new industry, she ignores Brooks’ misgivings and throws herself into the project.
Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it… until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back?
Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it… until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back?
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2013
95 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jane Hathaway
27 books187 followersAbout the Author: Mary Jane Hathaway is the pen name of an award-nominated writer who spends the majority of her literary energy on subjects un-related to Jane Austen. A homeschooling mother of six young children who rarely wear shoes, she’s madly in love with a man who has never read Pride and Prejudice. She holds degrees in Religious Studies and Theoretical Linguistics, and has a Jane Austen quote on the back of her van. She can be reached on facebook at 'Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits' or her regular author page of Virginia Carmichael (which is another pen name, because she’s just that cool).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 29, 2013
I got this book after the reading the bad review on Amazon. That reviewer sounded totally crazy, like it was erotica and Christian at the same time. I had to see for myself. I thought it was really cute. A bit rushed at the end, like she ran out of time, but the Brooks guy was SO AMAZING and I loved Caroline!!
The Civil War stuff was really interesting, since I'm not Southern.
And I totally saw this story happening, like it was a movie. This would make a great movie, maybe with somebody cute like Amanda Syfreid.
Anyway, there was no sex and no swearing and just one kiss before he proposed. So, I thought it was pretty good, but it could definitely have been hotter. You can tell he's really affected by being in her presence, but it doesn't get graphic, just talks about the way his face gets tight. I saw a typo but it didn't bug me alot.
The Civil War stuff was really interesting, since I'm not Southern.
And I totally saw this story happening, like it was a movie. This would make a great movie, maybe with somebody cute like Amanda Syfreid.
Anyway, there was no sex and no swearing and just one kiss before he proposed. So, I thought it was pretty good, but it could definitely have been hotter. You can tell he's really affected by being in her presence, but it doesn't get graphic, just talks about the way his face gets tight. I saw a typo but it didn't bug me alot.
July 19, 2020
This was a fun read. It held pretty true to the original Austen version of Emma with just enough fresh details to keep it interesting. I think it would actually make for a cute movie. The only reason for my three stars is due to the actual writing. I think the characters were developed well, but the writing felt like it needed to be tightened up a bit; perhaps written with a little more dialogue to keep the reader better engaged.
January 18, 2015
This story is an update of Jane Austen's Emma with far fewer characters. Caroline Ashley gave up a career with the Washington Post to come home and stay with her mother after the death of her father. Three years later, Caroline's mother still isn't well enough to be on her own and Caroline has settled in comfortably, aside from her mother's Bridge parties, pink lemonade and failed chocolate triple-layer cakes. Her best friend, Brooks Elliott (Mr. Knightley) lives next door with his widowed father. Brooks comes by every day to offer comfort, chilie-slaw dogs and advice. Caroline is content until she meets Lexi Martinez, a budding artist from a working class family who is about to go off to college to sudy accounting. Caroline also meets Franklin Keene, an up and coming publisher of manga who wants to offer her a job. Suddenly, Brooks begins acting strangely around Frank and giving Caroline advice she hasn't asked for. He couldn't be in love with Caroline, could he? Not little Caroline who has always been like a kid sister to him. If he is in love with him, she would never see him as anything other than her big brother. Franklin's sworn enemy, Lauren Fairfield, returns to her grandmother's native Thorny Hollow to photograph the antebellum mansions for a coffee table book. Caroline begins to feel jealous of the time Lauren gets to spend with Brook at his family home. Brooks still visits almost every day when he can so why should she be jealous?
This is a fabulous update of Emma. I liked it much more than Hathaway's Pride and Prejudice update. This one is less Christian. The characters go to church on Sunday and believe in God and there's a brief mention by a secondary character about God's plan for us but that's the extent of the Christian content. The story flows smoothly until the big misunderstanding, which I didn't think worked as well as it does in the original. Jane Austen's characters are limited by the conventions of their time which limit their actions. Modern Caroline and Brooks are not constrained. They should be able to have an open conversation about things. That was the only part of the story I didn't really like.
This is more of a direct adaptation than Pride Prejudice and Cheese Grits and like the previous book, most of the references are to the BBC mini series. I found that one well acted and visually stunning but it used little of Jane Austen's amazing writing. I especially liked the Regency dance scene but the ladies should have been wearing 4 layers too. There's no mention of undergarments under their dresses, which were made to fit them.
The characters in this novel are wonderful. I really liked Caroline and could relate to her being stuck in a comfortable place. I felt for her that her mother wouldn't let her out of sight easily and longed for her to find herself. She's not as annoying as Emma. She intrferes with a young woman's life but I agreed with her to a certain extent. I also agreed with Brooks. Caroline is more willing to admit her mistakes and accept them. The thing I did not like about her is that she is an educated woman who worked at the Washington Post and she can not read a Jane Austen novel? That sounds a little far fetched. Brooks is a swoony sort of hero. I never liked Mr. Knightley because he was always telling Emma what to do. Brooks listens and sometimes offers advice and sometimes teases. He's always there for Caroline when she needs him. Plus he's always accompanied by his dog.
Frank and Lauren are stereotypical characters. Those who know the story can easily see who Frank is supposed to be. Even his name is basically the same. I didn't like him from the first. Lauren annoyed me with her superior attitude and slinky clothing. She was a more complicated character to figure out and I was surprised at her story a bit. Blanche is the best secondary character. She may be Brooks' grandmother but she's not a typical Granny. Unlike the other ladies of Thorny Hollow, Blanche spends her days on a singles cruise! She's a hoot. I also loved Abasalom, the Golden Retriever. He's very sweet though he doesn't have a lot to do. I felt bad for Debbie Mae. My best friend can sort of relate. Shelby and Ransom make a brief cameo appearance and are mentioned a few times.
The local color stuff is still here but less annoying than in the first book. The antebellum mansions are the most prominent southern feature, crazy women who sound like they're from The Help appear briefly and there's some Confederate reenactment but no one is Yankee bashing in this book.
I highly recommend this book to Mr. Knightley's biggest fans. It's very sweet.
This is a fabulous update of Emma. I liked it much more than Hathaway's Pride and Prejudice update. This one is less Christian. The characters go to church on Sunday and believe in God and there's a brief mention by a secondary character about God's plan for us but that's the extent of the Christian content. The story flows smoothly until the big misunderstanding, which I didn't think worked as well as it does in the original. Jane Austen's characters are limited by the conventions of their time which limit their actions. Modern Caroline and Brooks are not constrained. They should be able to have an open conversation about things. That was the only part of the story I didn't really like.
This is more of a direct adaptation than Pride Prejudice and Cheese Grits and like the previous book, most of the references are to the BBC mini series. I found that one well acted and visually stunning but it used little of Jane Austen's amazing writing. I especially liked the Regency dance scene but the ladies should have been wearing 4 layers too. There's no mention of undergarments under their dresses, which were made to fit them.
The characters in this novel are wonderful. I really liked Caroline and could relate to her being stuck in a comfortable place. I felt for her that her mother wouldn't let her out of sight easily and longed for her to find herself. She's not as annoying as Emma. She intrferes with a young woman's life but I agreed with her to a certain extent. I also agreed with Brooks. Caroline is more willing to admit her mistakes and accept them. The thing I did not like about her is that she is an educated woman who worked at the Washington Post and she can not read a Jane Austen novel? That sounds a little far fetched. Brooks is a swoony sort of hero. I never liked Mr. Knightley because he was always telling Emma what to do. Brooks listens and sometimes offers advice and sometimes teases. He's always there for Caroline when she needs him. Plus he's always accompanied by his dog.
Frank and Lauren are stereotypical characters. Those who know the story can easily see who Frank is supposed to be. Even his name is basically the same. I didn't like him from the first. Lauren annoyed me with her superior attitude and slinky clothing. She was a more complicated character to figure out and I was surprised at her story a bit. Blanche is the best secondary character. She may be Brooks' grandmother but she's not a typical Granny. Unlike the other ladies of Thorny Hollow, Blanche spends her days on a singles cruise! She's a hoot. I also loved Abasalom, the Golden Retriever. He's very sweet though he doesn't have a lot to do. I felt bad for Debbie Mae. My best friend can sort of relate. Shelby and Ransom make a brief cameo appearance and are mentioned a few times.
The local color stuff is still here but less annoying than in the first book. The antebellum mansions are the most prominent southern feature, crazy women who sound like they're from The Help appear briefly and there's some Confederate reenactment but no one is Yankee bashing in this book.
I highly recommend this book to Mr. Knightley's biggest fans. It's very sweet.
June 29, 2013
I usually just hit the stars and don't bother to write something, but the weird review makes me want to say... I didn't see anything bad in this. There was one great kiss, but no swearing or sex. I LOVED the story and gave it five stars on Amazon.
March 21, 2015
I read the first book in this series, loved it, and am sure I will buy and read the next one.
However, I do agree with some of the other reviews that there are some missing elements here. Our Emma/Caroline character didn't quite come up to snuff. She did have a lot of very good qualities but came across as unfulfilled, which could have been handled more completely at the end. The job with Frank's Manga publication was a weak step back into employment. The job offer from her previous employer, The Washington Post, was much more acceptable but came at the very end and we heard little of her experiences and/or success in that field. In having Caroline hand out advice on a career I "get" the connection to canon. Yet this modern Emma (Caroline) really should have had more intelligence in that she did pursue an education and had a successful career vs. JA's Emma who couldn't even finish a reading list she made up for herself.
Brooks and his dog were endearing. The parents of both main characters did not give either Brooks or Caroline much hope for happiness in marriage as Brooks' parents had a bitter relationship and Caroline's mother was so devastated by her husband's death that her life was full of depression, alcohol and withdrawal. I was very unhappy with the antique dealer who convinced her that part of her problem was with being surrounded by "old and worthless" stuff that her husband had treasured. I could so identify with Manning, Brooks' brother, and Debbie Mae, cousin and best friend to Caroline in their fertility/pregnancy problems. That they kept it all to themselves seemed a little unreal. I know I turned to family and close friends for support during that type of tiring times. Yes, God is there but he gave us supports on earth.
Talk about the hot and humid weather, the love of their old mansions and even the Civil war made me think of all the times I spent visiting with relatives in both Mississippi and Alabama. I can understand Manning's love of hush puppies although I never liked them many have to have them with certain other foods, especially catfish. The Regency Dance, the costumes and the setting was very interesting and added a setting for romance - that was lovely. BUT I never heard of Chili-Slaw Dogs until this book.
The angst with both Caroline and Brooks realizing their feelings towards each other but completely misunderstanding what the other was feeling added the needed spice to this story. But at the end I could have borne a little more development of that relationship, a little more chemistry.
I am hoping that, as the ending was abrupt and left some strings not quite tied up, the third book will give us some closure.
I won this book through a raffle on Meredith's blog. No strings attached.
However, I do agree with some of the other reviews that there are some missing elements here. Our Emma/Caroline character didn't quite come up to snuff. She did have a lot of very good qualities but came across as unfulfilled, which could have been handled more completely at the end. The job with Frank's Manga publication was a weak step back into employment. The job offer from her previous employer, The Washington Post, was much more acceptable but came at the very end and we heard little of her experiences and/or success in that field. In having Caroline hand out advice on a career I "get" the connection to canon. Yet this modern Emma (Caroline) really should have had more intelligence in that she did pursue an education and had a successful career vs. JA's Emma who couldn't even finish a reading list she made up for herself.
Brooks and his dog were endearing. The parents of both main characters did not give either Brooks or Caroline much hope for happiness in marriage as Brooks' parents had a bitter relationship and Caroline's mother was so devastated by her husband's death that her life was full of depression, alcohol and withdrawal. I was very unhappy with the antique dealer who convinced her that part of her problem was with being surrounded by "old and worthless" stuff that her husband had treasured. I could so identify with Manning, Brooks' brother, and Debbie Mae, cousin and best friend to Caroline in their fertility/pregnancy problems. That they kept it all to themselves seemed a little unreal. I know I turned to family and close friends for support during that type of tiring times. Yes, God is there but he gave us supports on earth.
Talk about the hot and humid weather, the love of their old mansions and even the Civil war made me think of all the times I spent visiting with relatives in both Mississippi and Alabama. I can understand Manning's love of hush puppies although I never liked them many have to have them with certain other foods, especially catfish. The Regency Dance, the costumes and the setting was very interesting and added a setting for romance - that was lovely. BUT I never heard of Chili-Slaw Dogs until this book.
The angst with both Caroline and Brooks realizing their feelings towards each other but completely misunderstanding what the other was feeling added the needed spice to this story. But at the end I could have borne a little more development of that relationship, a little more chemistry.
I am hoping that, as the ending was abrupt and left some strings not quite tied up, the third book will give us some closure.
I won this book through a raffle on Meredith's blog. No strings attached.
November 20, 2018
A slow Southern charmer flavored strongly by Jane Austen's Emma. I delighted in this friends to lovers grow right under the lovers very noses as misunderstanding and miscommunication foil them again and again.
Caroline once had a solid career as a journalist with the Washington Post when she came back to her childhood home and her small town to help her mother. Her life has stifled under her mother's dependency and her own sense of treading water. The only bright points are occasional visits from Brooks. He grew up nearby and her cousin married his brother. She's known him forever and relied on having him around when he comes home from his professor of history job and even when he goes on and on about his Civil War reinactments.
Things get interesting for both of them when some new players arrive in town. A glimpse of Frank's charming smile has Caroline ready to get out of her routine, but it is a look at the put together and fashionable Lauren and imagining her with Brooks that really wakes her up.
The story's characters and some plot elements are easily recognizable to Emma fans. In fact, the author includes a dress-up party with Jane Austen's Emma as the theme. That said, this is not an exact retelling. There is plenty of original characters and storyline. It all meshed together well. Like in the original, Caroline had some growing and understanding to do. She tries to steer a young girl to her way of thinking blithely unaware that their lives are not the same so what is best for each could not be the same. She manages to see Brook's jealousy about Frank, but is well off the beam figuring out why. Brooks was a wonderful man. He is whimsical and I enjoyed when he rescued Caroline's cake disaster and brought her a chil-slaw dog (which I would totally eat) and pretty flowers. At this point, I couldn't believe the woman didn't catch on or get what the man was jealous about.
The southern charm, summer parties, and the Civil War reinactment were all fun elements. I was rooting for this pair to figure out their feelings and figure each other out. My only niggle was that I wanted a bit of something more there in the end. Oh, everything was tied up neatly, but I guess I wanted some extra swoony stuff.
My copy of the book came with a couple recipes and a group read reader's guide which was nice.
All in all, I was well pleased with this gently-paced sweet story. Those who enjoy contemporary Austenesque retellings or merely light, heartwarming sweet romances are the target group.
Caroline once had a solid career as a journalist with the Washington Post when she came back to her childhood home and her small town to help her mother. Her life has stifled under her mother's dependency and her own sense of treading water. The only bright points are occasional visits from Brooks. He grew up nearby and her cousin married his brother. She's known him forever and relied on having him around when he comes home from his professor of history job and even when he goes on and on about his Civil War reinactments.
Things get interesting for both of them when some new players arrive in town. A glimpse of Frank's charming smile has Caroline ready to get out of her routine, but it is a look at the put together and fashionable Lauren and imagining her with Brooks that really wakes her up.
The story's characters and some plot elements are easily recognizable to Emma fans. In fact, the author includes a dress-up party with Jane Austen's Emma as the theme. That said, this is not an exact retelling. There is plenty of original characters and storyline. It all meshed together well. Like in the original, Caroline had some growing and understanding to do. She tries to steer a young girl to her way of thinking blithely unaware that their lives are not the same so what is best for each could not be the same. She manages to see Brook's jealousy about Frank, but is well off the beam figuring out why. Brooks was a wonderful man. He is whimsical and I enjoyed when he rescued Caroline's cake disaster and brought her a chil-slaw dog (which I would totally eat) and pretty flowers. At this point, I couldn't believe the woman didn't catch on or get what the man was jealous about.
The southern charm, summer parties, and the Civil War reinactment were all fun elements. I was rooting for this pair to figure out their feelings and figure each other out. My only niggle was that I wanted a bit of something more there in the end. Oh, everything was tied up neatly, but I guess I wanted some extra swoony stuff.
My copy of the book came with a couple recipes and a group read reader's guide which was nice.
All in all, I was well pleased with this gently-paced sweet story. Those who enjoy contemporary Austenesque retellings or merely light, heartwarming sweet romances are the target group.
April 6, 2019
Sigh, what do I think GoodReads? I think you should've saved my review when my computer accidentally shut down.
But, overall, this is closer to the Emma retelling I want. It didn't stick closely to the original--"Emma's" living parent is her mother, no "badly done" scene, "Knightley's" brother is married to her cousin--but ugh, too many references to the actual Emma. I did like the love story, but I didn't really buy the misunderstandings. I understood why Emma thought Knightley was in love with someone else, but Caroline's reasons for thinking Brooks was in love with Lauren didn't make sense.
The Harriet story wasn't about romance, YAY!!! But it also didn't quite work for me. Lexi is from a poor background, about to be the first person in her family to go to college, and a talented artist. "Emma" tries to convince her to completely ditch college to follow her artistic dreams (it's not clear if Lexi really does want to pursue art as a career). This is very poor advice! But "Knightley's" attitude also came off as "college is as good as it's going to get for Lexi," which is still not a great viewpoint!
So . . . three stars.
But, overall, this is closer to the Emma retelling I want. It didn't stick closely to the original--"Emma's" living parent is her mother, no "badly done" scene, "Knightley's" brother is married to her cousin--but ugh, too many references to the actual Emma. I did like the love story, but I didn't really buy the misunderstandings. I understood why Emma thought Knightley was in love with someone else, but Caroline's reasons for thinking Brooks was in love with Lauren didn't make sense.
The Harriet story wasn't about romance, YAY!!! But it also didn't quite work for me. Lexi is from a poor background, about to be the first person in her family to go to college, and a talented artist. "Emma" tries to convince her to completely ditch college to follow her artistic dreams (it's not clear if Lexi really does want to pursue art as a career). This is very poor advice! But "Knightley's" attitude also came off as "college is as good as it's going to get for Lexi," which is still not a great viewpoint!
So . . . three stars.
March 8, 2015
After reading any thoroughly delighting in Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits, the first book in the Jane Austen Takes the South series by Mary Jane Hathaway, I knew her inspired retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma would combine elements of Jane Austen, southern cooking and living, and an inspiring, faith-filled message. As a transplant from New York, I dearly love seeing Jane Austen’s world and characters melded with the beauties and traditions of the south, the two worlds certainly do have a lot in common! In this inspired retelling we see the story of two dear friends, who against their will fall in love with each other, but because of fear, misapprehension, and misconstrued feelings hesitate to pursue a deeper relationship with each other.
Similar to Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits, this contemporary romance draws from the characters and events in Jane Austen’s, Emma. It isn’t a carbon-copy that updates each character and translates each event to our modern world. While there are characters similar to Emma, Knightley, Harriet, Jane Fairfax, Frank Churchill, and Mr. Woodhouse, readers will find some of the other beloved inhabitants of Highbury to be missing. In addition, some story-lines travel distinctly different paths.
Without a doubt, Brooks Elliott (Mr. Knightley) was what I loved most about this story. Talk about your southern gentlemen! Brooks is the epitome of a southern gentleman – well-mannered, considerate, protective, and principled. I loved how much time we spent with Brooks! He is a man who feels things deeply, and seeing him suppress his feelings for Caroline (Emma) and suffer pain because he believes her affections lie elsewhere made my heart melt again and again. Moreover, I loved that he was a journalist professor, dog-lover, and Civil War reenactor. Add to the fact that he has hang-ups about relationships and is scarred by his parent’s bitterly unhappy marriage, made him a well-rounded, developed, and interesting character. *sigh* (The cravat tying scene and their dance…you are forewarned readers!)
While I felt all admiration and affection for Brooks, I’m sad to say I can’t say the same for Caroline (and it is not for the reason you think!) I know Emma (Caroline) is supposed to be a heroine that readers don’t “much like.” But I’ve always liked her, she is one of Jane Austen’s most flawed heroines, but goes through one of the biggest transformations. In this story, Caroline isn’t so flawed, she has some misguided notions formed from her own narrow and ignorant perspective of the world, but nothing equal to the flaws of Emma Woodhouse. And while having less flaws may be a good thing, it left Caroline, as a character, feeling a little bit flat. I know she left her job and moved back home to take care of her mother (who seemed to keep to herself all day long) and it may be a little unfair to say this, but she felt like a character of very little action and drive.
Nonetheless, I still found much to enjoy in this tale…did I mention Brooks? (Oh yes…I did.) Other lovely aspects of the story include southern garden parties, Civil War reenactments, and of all surprises, a Jane Austen inspired Regency ball! The side story-lines of grieving and depressed spouses and a scheming antique dealer were interesting additions, but could have used a bit more page time, especially at the end. If you are fond of southern gentleman and enjoy stories about friends falling in love, I recommend you give Emma, Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs a try! Also, check out the other books in the Jane Austen Takes the South Series – Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits and Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin’ Cornbread!
Similar to Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits, this contemporary romance draws from the characters and events in Jane Austen’s, Emma. It isn’t a carbon-copy that updates each character and translates each event to our modern world. While there are characters similar to Emma, Knightley, Harriet, Jane Fairfax, Frank Churchill, and Mr. Woodhouse, readers will find some of the other beloved inhabitants of Highbury to be missing. In addition, some story-lines travel distinctly different paths.
Without a doubt, Brooks Elliott (Mr. Knightley) was what I loved most about this story. Talk about your southern gentlemen! Brooks is the epitome of a southern gentleman – well-mannered, considerate, protective, and principled. I loved how much time we spent with Brooks! He is a man who feels things deeply, and seeing him suppress his feelings for Caroline (Emma) and suffer pain because he believes her affections lie elsewhere made my heart melt again and again. Moreover, I loved that he was a journalist professor, dog-lover, and Civil War reenactor. Add to the fact that he has hang-ups about relationships and is scarred by his parent’s bitterly unhappy marriage, made him a well-rounded, developed, and interesting character. *sigh* (The cravat tying scene and their dance…you are forewarned readers!)
While I felt all admiration and affection for Brooks, I’m sad to say I can’t say the same for Caroline (and it is not for the reason you think!) I know Emma (Caroline) is supposed to be a heroine that readers don’t “much like.” But I’ve always liked her, she is one of Jane Austen’s most flawed heroines, but goes through one of the biggest transformations. In this story, Caroline isn’t so flawed, she has some misguided notions formed from her own narrow and ignorant perspective of the world, but nothing equal to the flaws of Emma Woodhouse. And while having less flaws may be a good thing, it left Caroline, as a character, feeling a little bit flat. I know she left her job and moved back home to take care of her mother (who seemed to keep to herself all day long) and it may be a little unfair to say this, but she felt like a character of very little action and drive.
Nonetheless, I still found much to enjoy in this tale…did I mention Brooks? (Oh yes…I did.) Other lovely aspects of the story include southern garden parties, Civil War reenactments, and of all surprises, a Jane Austen inspired Regency ball! The side story-lines of grieving and depressed spouses and a scheming antique dealer were interesting additions, but could have used a bit more page time, especially at the end. If you are fond of southern gentleman and enjoy stories about friends falling in love, I recommend you give Emma, Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs a try! Also, check out the other books in the Jane Austen Takes the South Series – Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits and Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin’ Cornbread!
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June 27, 2013I was enjoying it, despite a few things here and there I don't agree with like the modesty of some of the women, or the way the author chose to include moments of characters taking too much pleasure in the nice way someone smelled or looked (and that's saying it nicely), but there were some things that just will not get my good opinion on.
As far as the remaking of Emma, it was fun and sweet, a nice modern twist. Though I didn't find it needed the civil war buff stuff from the characters, it did add a kind-of-fun appeal, as I used to do that sort of reenacting myself and it brought back a lot of fun memories. But it wasn't necessary and kind of seemed like a rookie thing to do from an author who just "liked" the idea...it didn't really seem to fit the characters or the story much.
However, there's some immorality, and for a book that is labelled under "Christian" I have a high disdain for this book. The author says on amazon that it's not really a strong Christian book and I'd agree, but she makes a mockery out of God when the Emma character suggests to the Harriet character that *God* wants her to go against her parents wishes for a steady college degree to go to art school instead and "follow her dreams", even though she is a very poor girl and the steady accounting job would better pay the bills than art would probably do. That is pretty much the only mention of God or anything remotely close to anything "Christian" in the entire book.
Then, I was 86% through the book and she threw in a PG-13/R rated scene I had to skip over a few pages on my kindle to get my eyes away from it! Disgusting! And that should not be in anything under "Christian" in my opinion. I did *not* finish this book after that. It's so exasperating to come this far in a story, only to have an unexpected scene like that thrown in. I do not recommend that anyone read this.
Plus, simply the quality of the writing...sometimes juvenile mistakes like dozens of typos and extra words (or missing words) in sentences that make you wonder if the author even had someone look at it to edit it at all for her. :/
As far as the remaking of Emma, it was fun and sweet, a nice modern twist. Though I didn't find it needed the civil war buff stuff from the characters, it did add a kind-of-fun appeal, as I used to do that sort of reenacting myself and it brought back a lot of fun memories. But it wasn't necessary and kind of seemed like a rookie thing to do from an author who just "liked" the idea...it didn't really seem to fit the characters or the story much.
However, there's some immorality, and for a book that is labelled under "Christian" I have a high disdain for this book. The author says on amazon that it's not really a strong Christian book and I'd agree, but she makes a mockery out of God when the Emma character suggests to the Harriet character that *God* wants her to go against her parents wishes for a steady college degree to go to art school instead and "follow her dreams", even though she is a very poor girl and the steady accounting job would better pay the bills than art would probably do. That is pretty much the only mention of God or anything remotely close to anything "Christian" in the entire book.
Then, I was 86% through the book and she threw in a PG-13/R rated scene I had to skip over a few pages on my kindle to get my eyes away from it! Disgusting! And that should not be in anything under "Christian" in my opinion. I did *not* finish this book after that. It's so exasperating to come this far in a story, only to have an unexpected scene like that thrown in. I do not recommend that anyone read this.
Plus, simply the quality of the writing...sometimes juvenile mistakes like dozens of typos and extra words (or missing words) in sentences that make you wonder if the author even had someone look at it to edit it at all for her. :/
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November 3, 2017A fun modern-day retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma set in a southern town where people take their garden parties and Civil War reenactments seriously. The novel centers on old friends, Caroline, a journalist who leaves her job to care for her ailing mother, and Brooks, a journalism professor dealing with his own family issues, who must contend with their changing feelings for one another amidst all their disagreements. It was fun to pick out all the allusions to Austen’s novel, and there are recipes, too!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
March 29, 2016
SUMMARY: Caroline Ashley is a journalist on the rise at The Washington Post until the sudden death of her father brings her back to Thorny Hollow to care for her mentally fragile mother and their aging antebellum home. The only respite from the eternal rotation of bridge club meetings and garden parties is her longtime friend, Brooks Elliott. A professor of journalism, Brooks is the voice of sanity and reason in the land of pink lemonade and triple layer coconut cakes. But when she meets a fascinating, charismatic young man on the cusp of a brand new industry, she ignores Brooks’s misgivings and throws herself into the project.
Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it… until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back?
REVIEW: First, I must say this e-read had much better proofing than the first in this series. The story continues with the same characters, but this time the focus in on Caroline and Brooks. I much preferred this story over the first one. Both the story and characters seemed better developed and flowed more smoothly. The southern charm and humor again found their way throughout the story. Both Caroline and Brooks have their flaws, and Caroline depicted the true "Emma" in that there were times she was definitely unlikeable. There were a couple of subplots that didn't seem to be concluded, so I am hoping that they will find their way into the next book as I would like to see how the wrongs are righted. Overall a nice combination of southern charm, antebellum houses and antiques, and civil war reenactment to make it an enjoyable read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A friend would never stand in the way of another's happiness."
"The answer was creeping in at the edges of his heart but he pushed it away."
Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it… until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back?
REVIEW: First, I must say this e-read had much better proofing than the first in this series. The story continues with the same characters, but this time the focus in on Caroline and Brooks. I much preferred this story over the first one. Both the story and characters seemed better developed and flowed more smoothly. The southern charm and humor again found their way throughout the story. Both Caroline and Brooks have their flaws, and Caroline depicted the true "Emma" in that there were times she was definitely unlikeable. There were a couple of subplots that didn't seem to be concluded, so I am hoping that they will find their way into the next book as I would like to see how the wrongs are righted. Overall a nice combination of southern charm, antebellum houses and antiques, and civil war reenactment to make it an enjoyable read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A friend would never stand in the way of another's happiness."
"The answer was creeping in at the edges of his heart but he pushed it away."
December 10, 2015
I grabbed this at the library during the CFD retellings challenge and just now got around to finishing it. For the most part I really enjoyed it, once I got past the first few chapters, and near the end I liked how the author gave such a subtle and appropriate scene of how the heroine walked into the room and the hero was so overcome by loving her that he dropped a book, and she just thought he was clumsy. But, the same night, the heroine accidentally got spiked punch...and not just kissed the hero, but made out with him on the sofa, pulling him down on top of her and liking the feel of his weight on her body and only getting stopped by her mother coming downstairs looking for her.
That's just totally inappropriate. Drunk or not. And the hero certainly wasn't drunk.
I liked the writing and I liked the characters. My copy was well edited and I had a hard time putting it down once I got into the story. But I may or may not read more of this author because of that scene. The book is a four-star, but I'm taking off two stars because of having a make-out session that was considered just fine in a Christian book. One star for the making out, one star for not even feeling the need to excuse it or be embarrassed by it.
That's just totally inappropriate. Drunk or not. And the hero certainly wasn't drunk.
I liked the writing and I liked the characters. My copy was well edited and I had a hard time putting it down once I got into the story. But I may or may not read more of this author because of that scene. The book is a four-star, but I'm taking off two stars because of having a make-out session that was considered just fine in a Christian book. One star for the making out, one star for not even feeling the need to excuse it or be embarrassed by it.
June 9, 2013
Loved this! Clean sweet and romantic. A little graphic. The blend of Austen's story with the modern day Southern culture are perfect. The romance is great!
June 22, 2013
So cute. I really liked this one. I love these Austen stories set in the south.
May 4, 2017
Reread
July 11, 2014
You had me at chili…and Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley eating chili? Sorry, what was I writing about, oh yes, this engaging restructuring of Jane Austen’s Emma by Mary Jane Hathaway.
Sometimes I like adaptations of Jane Austen, sometimes I don’t. This one is lovely.
Modern day.
Southern United States.
Caroline and Brooks have been friends since childhood.
Caroline has returned home to care for her mother. Brooks listens to her, cares about her, he’s hot, kind, chivalrous, smart, funny, rich, and brings her chili-slaw dogs to brighten her terrible day…why can’t she stop friendzoning him?
This is just one in the Jane Austen Takes The South series, but it made me want to read more.
Here’s the yummy part, the author borrowed from Ms. Austen, but then added her own touches to spice things up.
I don’t eat hot dogs anymore, but I still love chili so here’s my version of Chili-Slaw Dogs.
Roast or fry zucchini sticks, peppers & onion w/olive oil & balsamic vinegar...instead of a hot dog.
Top w/ vegetarian chili or chili.
If using meat, please make sure it’s cooked before you add the rest of the chili ingredients.
Here’s a basic chili recipe - spice to taste.
Add the diced veggies, spices, olive oil to frying pan or large pot. Cook on medium heat, about 5 mins.
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 onions, fried.
3-5 Celery stalks or veg purée
2 carrots
Chilis or chilli powder
Italian herbs and spices (to taste)
3 cloves Garlic
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. pepper
Add diced veggies, spices, olive oil to frying pan or large pot. Cook on medium heat, about 5 mins.
Add 2 cups crushed or diced tomatoes, 3 cups beans. Bring to a boil, then turn to simmer for 1-3 hrs.
Ideas for beans: Kidney, black, navy, brown beans, Lentils...fava beans? Or a combo.
Make a double or half batch; whatever works for you.
To slaw or not to slaw.
Half a cabbage,
shredded carrots,
¾ cup of mayonnaise,
1 tsp cider vinegar,
1 tbsp honey,
½ tsp salt
Lower calories without losing taste, cut mayonnaise in ½ - add plain or Greek yogurt.
Have fun, experiment.
Guess what I had for supper last night?
Bun is optional; toast it first so it doesn’t get soggy.
Top the chili w/ cheese. Then slaw, or not.
A cool margarita or mint julep (with or without the alcohol) to beat the heat?
If you’re looking for refreshing romantic #Summerreading check this out…
I’m off to find the other books in this series.
I borrowed this book from Netgalley; for bloggers out there, this is an amazing place to get great digital editions free. Check it out https://www.netgalley.com/
“You must be the best judge of your own happiness.” ~Jane Austen, Emma
http://yadadarcyada.com
Sometimes I like adaptations of Jane Austen, sometimes I don’t. This one is lovely.
Modern day.
Southern United States.
Caroline and Brooks have been friends since childhood.
Caroline has returned home to care for her mother. Brooks listens to her, cares about her, he’s hot, kind, chivalrous, smart, funny, rich, and brings her chili-slaw dogs to brighten her terrible day…why can’t she stop friendzoning him?
This is just one in the Jane Austen Takes The South series, but it made me want to read more.
Here’s the yummy part, the author borrowed from Ms. Austen, but then added her own touches to spice things up.
I don’t eat hot dogs anymore, but I still love chili so here’s my version of Chili-Slaw Dogs.
Roast or fry zucchini sticks, peppers & onion w/olive oil & balsamic vinegar...instead of a hot dog.
Top w/ vegetarian chili or chili.
If using meat, please make sure it’s cooked before you add the rest of the chili ingredients.
Here’s a basic chili recipe - spice to taste.
Add the diced veggies, spices, olive oil to frying pan or large pot. Cook on medium heat, about 5 mins.
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 onions, fried.
3-5 Celery stalks or veg purée
2 carrots
Chilis or chilli powder
Italian herbs and spices (to taste)
3 cloves Garlic
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. pepper
Add diced veggies, spices, olive oil to frying pan or large pot. Cook on medium heat, about 5 mins.
Add 2 cups crushed or diced tomatoes, 3 cups beans. Bring to a boil, then turn to simmer for 1-3 hrs.
Ideas for beans: Kidney, black, navy, brown beans, Lentils...fava beans? Or a combo.
Make a double or half batch; whatever works for you.
To slaw or not to slaw.
Half a cabbage,
shredded carrots,
¾ cup of mayonnaise,
1 tsp cider vinegar,
1 tbsp honey,
½ tsp salt
Lower calories without losing taste, cut mayonnaise in ½ - add plain or Greek yogurt.
Have fun, experiment.
Guess what I had for supper last night?
Bun is optional; toast it first so it doesn’t get soggy.
Top the chili w/ cheese. Then slaw, or not.
A cool margarita or mint julep (with or without the alcohol) to beat the heat?
If you’re looking for refreshing romantic #Summerreading check this out…
I’m off to find the other books in this series.
I borrowed this book from Netgalley; for bloggers out there, this is an amazing place to get great digital editions free. Check it out https://www.netgalley.com/
“You must be the best judge of your own happiness.” ~Jane Austen, Emma
http://yadadarcyada.com
March 15, 2015
Emma, Mr. Knightley, and chili-slaw dogs è un retelling in chiave moderna di Emma di Jane Austen, ambientato nel sud degli Stati Uniti. Credo che questa scelta sia stata particolarmente azzeccata, in quanto la storia ha potuto giovarsi di grandi, antiche tenute non presenti in altre parti degli States.
La trama non segue pedissequamente quella del romanzo originale, con alcuni personaggi non presenti (Mr Elton e sua moglie Augusta, ad esempio), od altri non proprio rilevanti (come il corrispettivo di Harriet, "orfana" del suo Mr Martin), ma ne rispetta lo spirito e lo rende comunque riconoscibile (richiamandolo chiaramente, addirittura, quando viene organizzato un ballo in stile Regency ispirato proprio ad Emma).
Il personaggio di Caroline (Emma), è purtroppo leggermente piatto, la sua "caratteristica" di matchmaker è quasi del tutto assente, mentre è rilevabile un lieve egocentrismo ed il fatto che, cresciuta tra gli agi, sia in un certo senso fuori dal mondo e non riesca a comprendere le esigenze di chi non è nella sua stessa condizione.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo invece Brooks, il corrispettivo di Mr Knightley. Molto più che nel romanzo originale veniamo messi a parte dei suoi sentimenti e delle sue sensazioni, dal momento in cui vede Caroline per la prima volta come una donna, piuttosto che come la sua amica dall'infanzia, a quando diventa geloso di Frank, a quando soffre terribilmente perché crede che lei lo consideri solo un amico -o peggio, un fratello maggiore- e sia innamorata di un altro.
Ci sono alcune scene molto carine in cui lui è quasi del tutto ottenebrato dalla vicinanza di Caroline, che lo abbraccia o gli fa il nodo alla cravatta, ma non può seguire i suoi sentimenti per il timore di perderla come amica. Sicuramente i capitoli dedicati a Brooks, la gran parte, in realtà, sono quelli più piacevoli ed emozionanti.
Anche Frank è costruito bene, un mix di fascino, bugie e disonestà che rende molto bene il personaggio. Mi spiace invece la piega che prende quello di Lauren, ovvero il corrispettivo di Jane Fairfax, che nel romanzo originale mi piace molto. Non solo la donna mente riguardo alla sua relazione con Frank, ma anche su qualcosa di parecchio più grave, ed inoltre si comporta in modo molto sgradevole con Caroline, arrivando perfino a definirla, anche se non proprio chiaramente, "vecchia zitella".
Il finale mi è sembrato un po' affrettato, ma nel complesso il romanzo è stato piuttosto gradevole, ed è riuscito a tenermi sveglia di notte per sapere come sarebbe stato raccontato l'evolversi del rapporto tra i due protagonisti.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
La trama non segue pedissequamente quella del romanzo originale, con alcuni personaggi non presenti (Mr Elton e sua moglie Augusta, ad esempio), od altri non proprio rilevanti (come il corrispettivo di Harriet, "orfana" del suo Mr Martin), ma ne rispetta lo spirito e lo rende comunque riconoscibile (richiamandolo chiaramente, addirittura, quando viene organizzato un ballo in stile Regency ispirato proprio ad Emma).
Il personaggio di Caroline (Emma), è purtroppo leggermente piatto, la sua "caratteristica" di matchmaker è quasi del tutto assente, mentre è rilevabile un lieve egocentrismo ed il fatto che, cresciuta tra gli agi, sia in un certo senso fuori dal mondo e non riesca a comprendere le esigenze di chi non è nella sua stessa condizione.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo invece Brooks, il corrispettivo di Mr Knightley. Molto più che nel romanzo originale veniamo messi a parte dei suoi sentimenti e delle sue sensazioni, dal momento in cui vede Caroline per la prima volta come una donna, piuttosto che come la sua amica dall'infanzia, a quando diventa geloso di Frank, a quando soffre terribilmente perché crede che lei lo consideri solo un amico -o peggio, un fratello maggiore- e sia innamorata di un altro.
Ci sono alcune scene molto carine in cui lui è quasi del tutto ottenebrato dalla vicinanza di Caroline, che lo abbraccia o gli fa il nodo alla cravatta, ma non può seguire i suoi sentimenti per il timore di perderla come amica. Sicuramente i capitoli dedicati a Brooks, la gran parte, in realtà, sono quelli più piacevoli ed emozionanti.
Anche Frank è costruito bene, un mix di fascino, bugie e disonestà che rende molto bene il personaggio. Mi spiace invece la piega che prende quello di Lauren, ovvero il corrispettivo di Jane Fairfax, che nel romanzo originale mi piace molto. Non solo la donna mente riguardo alla sua relazione con Frank, ma anche su qualcosa di parecchio più grave, ed inoltre si comporta in modo molto sgradevole con Caroline, arrivando perfino a definirla, anche se non proprio chiaramente, "vecchia zitella".
Il finale mi è sembrato un po' affrettato, ma nel complesso il romanzo è stato piuttosto gradevole, ed è riuscito a tenermi sveglia di notte per sapere come sarebbe stato raccontato l'evolversi del rapporto tra i due protagonisti.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
July 30, 2013
Emma is my favorite Jane Austen novel. I'm re-reading it now in fact. I first discovered her when I was 19 -- just about the age of the title character in Austen's book. I related to her sharp tongue and slightly caustic wit all too well. I softened with age; I'm sure Emma would have, too. So, because I love Emma the book and Emma the character, I approached Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs with the same mix of interest and trepidation that I approached the Emma movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Neither disappointed.
Every time I review a "romantic novel", I feel the need to point out that I, in general, do not like romantic novels. In truth, I'm starting to think it is not the genre I dislike on the whole, as much as I really do not the bad writing that permeates the majority of the genre. I like well-written books. Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs is a well-written book.
Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs is the second in the Austen Takes the South series. I liked it even more than I liked the first book -- the writing felt tighter and I could see the interconnectivity of the characters. Just as in the first book, Hathaway doesn't try to re-tell an Austen story. Instead, she uses the Austen story as a springboard for her own story. There are shades of Austen throughout the book, and obvious nods, and a tone that is similar, but that's where the Austen influence ends. If all that is Jane Austen were to be removed from this book, this book would still stand. Somehow, I think Jane Austen would very much approve.
I've told you nothing about the story in this review. Nor do I intend to. This book is a perfect summer read. It's still summer...
Every time I review a "romantic novel", I feel the need to point out that I, in general, do not like romantic novels. In truth, I'm starting to think it is not the genre I dislike on the whole, as much as I really do not the bad writing that permeates the majority of the genre. I like well-written books. Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs is a well-written book.
Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili Slaw Dogs is the second in the Austen Takes the South series. I liked it even more than I liked the first book -- the writing felt tighter and I could see the interconnectivity of the characters. Just as in the first book, Hathaway doesn't try to re-tell an Austen story. Instead, she uses the Austen story as a springboard for her own story. There are shades of Austen throughout the book, and obvious nods, and a tone that is similar, but that's where the Austen influence ends. If all that is Jane Austen were to be removed from this book, this book would still stand. Somehow, I think Jane Austen would very much approve.
I've told you nothing about the story in this review. Nor do I intend to. This book is a perfect summer read. It's still summer...
February 26, 2019
This book was so great! I decided I really love the friends-to-lovers trope. I have had the fun of observing close friends fall in love and this book really portrays the romantic tension very well.
I would have given it five stars but for two things: one, the ending was very abrupt. I think it could have used a couple chapters prior to the final one, and then another chapter afterward. I felt like a lot of issues were just jumped over and circumvented to bring about a quick ending. And then, with all the build-up, I felt a little cheated that we couldn't enjoy the ending a little longer, with at least an epilogue.
The second thing was that I wasn't quite sure the author completely captured the essence of Emma's character. Given that it's supposed to be its own story, merely inspired by Emma and not a canonical retelling, I can understand that, but I do think Emma as a person and personality should be largely preserved. Especially since she's the title character.
I would have given it five stars but for two things: one, the ending was very abrupt. I think it could have used a couple chapters prior to the final one, and then another chapter afterward. I felt like a lot of issues were just jumped over and circumvented to bring about a quick ending. And then, with all the build-up, I felt a little cheated that we couldn't enjoy the ending a little longer, with at least an epilogue.
The second thing was that I wasn't quite sure the author completely captured the essence of Emma's character. Given that it's supposed to be its own story, merely inspired by Emma and not a canonical retelling, I can understand that, but I do think Emma as a person and personality should be largely preserved. Especially since she's the title character.
August 15, 2013
I read this one after I got pride, prejudice and cheese grits for free a few months ago. I thought I couldn't love anything more than the first one, but I do. This story is so sweet and there are so many small hints at his love for her that I was sighing all the way to the end. Loved it! Wondering when the next one will be out?
October 4, 2024
It is truly lovely to read a story written by someone with such respect for Jane Austen. The storyline not only mirrors Emma’s, but Austen and her works are mentioned. When you love Austens characters and plots, it can be hard to be ok with how another author treats them, but these books are a delight. Easy to read, light and fun. I’m not from the US, let alone the south, but the setting works for the way the author writes. This is the second I’ve read and I’ll devour any more to come.
March 8, 2022
Delightful retelling of my favorite Austen novel. I know it’s hard to write an homage to the south without stepping on some modern toes, but I believe this one treats the sticky subjects respectfully, allowing pride of heritage to not outweigh acknowledgement of change.
Caroline is a great modern heroine and Brooks is Mr Knightly reincarnated. The parallels with the original are intentional but not overdone. Overall enchanting and entertaining.
Caroline is a great modern heroine and Brooks is Mr Knightly reincarnated. The parallels with the original are intentional but not overdone. Overall enchanting and entertaining.
June 22, 2014
This is not my typical kind of book. I don't mind a little romance, but when the basic plot is "when and where will they become a couple", I pass it by. But! Emma is my favorite Jane Austen book, so I had to try this one out. I was very pleasantly surprised, I even stayed up late to finish it. The plot was very similar to Emma, but with a modern update that really flowed well and wasn't forced. I also thought the dialogue and relationship between Brooks and Caroline was very natural and flowed well. The romantic parts were not overly done like in most romance novels. I also very much enjoyed how Brooks' personality was so similar to Mr. Knightley's and that we got to see "his side" of the relationship, since in Emma everything is from her perspective. The author also put in names that were either the same or reminded you of names in Austen's Emma.
The ONLY thing that really bothered me about this book were the errors. There were a ton of grammatical errors, common homophones, and sentences that were missing words. There were also several inconsistencies in the storyline. For instance, when Caroline and Debbie Mae first discuss having a Regency Era party, Caroline suggests having it at Christmas or New Year's Eve so that it isn't just another weekend party, but then suddenly it's spring/summer and the party is set for sometime at the beginning of summer.
Also, when Brooks is justifying in his mind why he is attracted to Caroline he blames it on the busy semester and says when the Fall semester is over he'll be able to get better control of his feelings, but then several chapters later suddenly it's almost summer and he is planning on staying home all summer.
It seems to me like there were some changes for the story's sake (the story goes better in the summer than winter) so the author changes the scenario, but somehow the beginning did not get changed. Or, because it was a free Kindle download on Amazon, the final editing did not get translated to the e-version of the book. That's why these mistakes did not change my rating of the book as a whole.
Regardless of those inconsistencies and annoying grammatical mistakes I still immensely enjoyed the story and the writing. It wasn't deep, and it didn't challenge me mentally (except trying to remember every detail of Emma to compare it to) but it still was very entertaining.
The ONLY thing that really bothered me about this book were the errors. There were a ton of grammatical errors, common homophones, and sentences that were missing words. There were also several inconsistencies in the storyline. For instance, when Caroline and Debbie Mae first discuss having a Regency Era party, Caroline suggests having it at Christmas or New Year's Eve so that it isn't just another weekend party, but then suddenly it's spring/summer and the party is set for sometime at the beginning of summer.
Also, when Brooks is justifying in his mind why he is attracted to Caroline he blames it on the busy semester and says when the Fall semester is over he'll be able to get better control of his feelings, but then several chapters later suddenly it's almost summer and he is planning on staying home all summer.
It seems to me like there were some changes for the story's sake (the story goes better in the summer than winter) so the author changes the scenario, but somehow the beginning did not get changed. Or, because it was a free Kindle download on Amazon, the final editing did not get translated to the e-version of the book. That's why these mistakes did not change my rating of the book as a whole.
Regardless of those inconsistencies and annoying grammatical mistakes I still immensely enjoyed the story and the writing. It wasn't deep, and it didn't challenge me mentally (except trying to remember every detail of Emma to compare it to) but it still was very entertaining.
June 4, 2015
Dans le cadre des 200 ans d'Emma, je me suis penchée sur les austeneries existantes. Celle-ci m'a attirée par son titre complètement absurde, je vous l'accorde, sa sublime couverture et ses bonnes critiques. De plus, il s'agit d'une réécriture moderne, mon type d'austenerie favori!
Caroline Ashley était journaliste au Washington Post, mais au décès de son père elle décide de rentrer chez elle pour aider sa mère à surmonter cette épreuve. Mais cela fait maintenant plusieurs années et elle a complètement laissé sa vie de côté, comme le lui fait remarquer son ami d'enfance, Brooke.
J'ai beaucoup aimé cette réécriture. Elle est facile et agréable à lire, même en anglais, elle possède assez d'éléments austeniens pour nous ravir, tout en sachant faire preuve d'originalité. La petite communauté du Sud dans laquelle se déroule l'action, avec ses traditions conservatrices, permet un parallèle plus réaliste que si ça se passait à New-York par exemple. C'est d'ailleurs une ambiance que j'ai particulièrement apprécié, l'histoire de ses vieilles maisons familiales et les valeurs mises en avant vous installent dans un cocon très agréable.
Pour ce qui est de la fidélité à l'oeuvre, j'ai d'abord été un peu dérouté par le fait que les personnages n'est pas les mêmes noms que dans l'original mais l'intrigue qui tourne ensuite complètement autour d'un bal austenien justifie parfaitement cette mise à distance. Le point fort de l'auteur est incontestablement son humour, que le titre reflète, et qui émaille la lecture parmi un beau panel d'autres sentiments.
J'ai apprécié ou détesté les personnages à souhait mais j'ai trouvé un petit peu dommage que l'on sache dès le départ que Brooke est amoureux de Caroline, ce qui laisse assez peu de place au suspense, même si je sais bien que ce n'est pas ce qui nous étouffe dans ce genre de livre! Il m'a manqué l'étincelle qui en aurait fait un coup de coeur mais s'est incontestablement une bonne austenerie et à la prochaine occasion où je n'arriverai plus à rester raisonnable, j'ai bien l'intention de commander les deux autres réécritures déjà paru: Pride & Prejudice & Cheese Grits et Persuasion, Captain Wentorth & Cracklin' Cornbread!
http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...
Caroline Ashley était journaliste au Washington Post, mais au décès de son père elle décide de rentrer chez elle pour aider sa mère à surmonter cette épreuve. Mais cela fait maintenant plusieurs années et elle a complètement laissé sa vie de côté, comme le lui fait remarquer son ami d'enfance, Brooke.
J'ai beaucoup aimé cette réécriture. Elle est facile et agréable à lire, même en anglais, elle possède assez d'éléments austeniens pour nous ravir, tout en sachant faire preuve d'originalité. La petite communauté du Sud dans laquelle se déroule l'action, avec ses traditions conservatrices, permet un parallèle plus réaliste que si ça se passait à New-York par exemple. C'est d'ailleurs une ambiance que j'ai particulièrement apprécié, l'histoire de ses vieilles maisons familiales et les valeurs mises en avant vous installent dans un cocon très agréable.
Pour ce qui est de la fidélité à l'oeuvre, j'ai d'abord été un peu dérouté par le fait que les personnages n'est pas les mêmes noms que dans l'original mais l'intrigue qui tourne ensuite complètement autour d'un bal austenien justifie parfaitement cette mise à distance. Le point fort de l'auteur est incontestablement son humour, que le titre reflète, et qui émaille la lecture parmi un beau panel d'autres sentiments.
J'ai apprécié ou détesté les personnages à souhait mais j'ai trouvé un petit peu dommage que l'on sache dès le départ que Brooke est amoureux de Caroline, ce qui laisse assez peu de place au suspense, même si je sais bien que ce n'est pas ce qui nous étouffe dans ce genre de livre! Il m'a manqué l'étincelle qui en aurait fait un coup de coeur mais s'est incontestablement une bonne austenerie et à la prochaine occasion où je n'arriverai plus à rester raisonnable, j'ai bien l'intention de commander les deux autres réécritures déjà paru: Pride & Prejudice & Cheese Grits et Persuasion, Captain Wentorth & Cracklin' Cornbread!
http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...
July 12, 2014
I know that I have been reviewing a lot of books this summer and giving them pretty high ratings, but the fact is that they deserve it! This summer has just been full of really awesome books that deserve to be read and talked about. This book also deserves the five cupcake rating that it received. The second book in the Jane Austen Takes The South series is just as good, if not better, than the first which I read and reviewed just last month. The second installment is reminiscent of Jane’s Emma, but with its own twists added along the way. And of course, with a huge part of the South thrown in as well. The Southern Belle inside of me greatly approves of these books and cannot wait for the next to be released in November!
Do not mistake this series for an actual retelling of Jane’s books. I see this as a good thing, however, because Hathaway takes parts of Jane’s stories and writes obvious nods to them, but her books tell her stories too. There is an obvious influence of Jane Austen and I am not trying to discredit the fact that they are in fact looked at as retellings, but I enjoyed them more because they tell a different story, one that is new and fresh while still nodding to the literary classic that so many of us love and treasure.
Jane Austen would love these books! The characters are classic and have so many virtuous traits; they felt like friends. I could see this story playing out before me as I read the pages, almost as if I were watching a movie instead of reading a book. Everything felt so alive and real; the writing was better in this book than in the first one. Things felt more appropriately paced and only the ending felt a little rushed. Romance is not the first genre that I usually pick up, but if I were given more authors like Hathaway I certainly would!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Howard Books in exchange for my honest review***
Do not mistake this series for an actual retelling of Jane’s books. I see this as a good thing, however, because Hathaway takes parts of Jane’s stories and writes obvious nods to them, but her books tell her stories too. There is an obvious influence of Jane Austen and I am not trying to discredit the fact that they are in fact looked at as retellings, but I enjoyed them more because they tell a different story, one that is new and fresh while still nodding to the literary classic that so many of us love and treasure.
Jane Austen would love these books! The characters are classic and have so many virtuous traits; they felt like friends. I could see this story playing out before me as I read the pages, almost as if I were watching a movie instead of reading a book. Everything felt so alive and real; the writing was better in this book than in the first one. Things felt more appropriately paced and only the ending felt a little rushed. Romance is not the first genre that I usually pick up, but if I were given more authors like Hathaway I certainly would!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Howard Books in exchange for my honest review***
July 17, 2014
Emma is not my favorite Austen book. That said, I like the treatment that it is given in this book. Caroline has come home to Thorny Hollow to temporarily care for her emotionally needy mother. Her best friend, the handsome and intelligent Brooks, is also dealing with a grieving parent. As time progresses, the two start to realize that their feelings may go beyond friendship but a good looking, but smarmy man and a haughty, beautiful woman cause some roadblocks on the path to romance. It is fun to watch the two struggle with their growing attraction and how they try to rationalize their feelings of jealousy.
I loved the characters in this book and how Ms. Hathaway was able to update and southernize(?) the elements of the original story. Austen era problems become modern ones like infertility issues or college vs aspirations. There is even a conniving antiques dealer to round out the villains. This was a enjoyable read, so much so that I bought the first book in the series. Now that I see Ms. Hathaway's third book is centered on Persuasion, my favorite Austen novel, I am a happy camper!
I loved the characters in this book and how Ms. Hathaway was able to update and southernize(?) the elements of the original story. Austen era problems become modern ones like infertility issues or college vs aspirations. There is even a conniving antiques dealer to round out the villains. This was a enjoyable read, so much so that I bought the first book in the series. Now that I see Ms. Hathaway's third book is centered on Persuasion, my favorite Austen novel, I am a happy camper!
July 10, 2013
After completely loving Ms. Hathaway's first Austenesc book I was happy to learn she had written another one, based on my favorite Jane Austen book "Emma". The thing I loved about her first book was that she'd created a story based on Austen's Pride & Prejudice, but it wasn't Pride & Prejudice in a different era. This one, I felt was definitely more like a retelling of Emma, and I spent more time trying to figure out how the characters matched up to the original story, than enjoying the story itself. I did like how she spun Caroline's meddling to something more modern day, than match making, but didn't get the whole Civil War reenactment thing. I felt like it took up a lot of time, that really didn't add to the story. I also felt like the ending was way rushed. Its been long drawn out and they don't talk for weeks and bam! Happily Ever After.
September 2, 2014
Classic story of friends who realize they love each other.
I loved reading about Brooks and Caroline. Wonderfully written story that kept my attention. I did notice a few editing glitches that need to be caught, but the story was so engaging, I didn't mind, and simply read past the editing errors. This book is clean...free of bad words, heaving bosoms, and other tasteless, unnecessary filth. Thank you Ms. Hathaway! There are parts of this book that are laugh out loud funny, and other parts that are poignant. Very well written.
As a girl from the South and an Austen fan, I love this book, and the author's other "Austen Takes the South" book. I heard from the author that books 3 and 4 are forthcoming, based on "Persuasion" and "Sense & Sensibility". Can't wait!!! I will be purchasing both books.
I loved reading about Brooks and Caroline. Wonderfully written story that kept my attention. I did notice a few editing glitches that need to be caught, but the story was so engaging, I didn't mind, and simply read past the editing errors. This book is clean...free of bad words, heaving bosoms, and other tasteless, unnecessary filth. Thank you Ms. Hathaway! There are parts of this book that are laugh out loud funny, and other parts that are poignant. Very well written.
As a girl from the South and an Austen fan, I love this book, and the author's other "Austen Takes the South" book. I heard from the author that books 3 and 4 are forthcoming, based on "Persuasion" and "Sense & Sensibility". Can't wait!!! I will be purchasing both books.
July 7, 2014
'Cheese Grits' is a fun, quick read that will delight. It's the second book set in the South where men are gentlemen and the woman wear pearls and attend garden parties. I fell in love with the setting right away. I also appreciated that the characters were life-long childhood friends so no insta-love (thank goodness!). The only thing I didn't understand is WHY Caroline never caught on to Brooks' feelings. If I had a tall, hot guy best friend, I am sure I'd eventually have the hots for him. The angst and the 'will they? won't they?' almost drove me crazy. Brooks trying to stay in 'Friend Mode' while Caroline was oblivious to his feelings. I almost couldn't move past how completely blind she was. Thankfully, she comes to her senses! The setting makes up for the lack of romance however, making this the perfect summer read.
September 21, 2013
After reading Pride, Prejudice and cheese grits i was looking forward to reading this. I was willing to overlook the need for an editor because i liked the first book so much. I highlighted the obvious errors in this book. 16
The main characters are supposed to be best friends. Yet they can't tell when the other is interested in someone else? Just because Caroline talks to Frank she is in love with him? Wow if it were only so easy. Same oddity with Brooks and Lauren, do they even talk? Are our main characters so insecure and innocent they make up relationships in their heads?
Spoiler
Finally the ending is incomplete. What happens to Frank? What happens to Lauren? What happens to the thief? Do we get the antiques back?
The main characters are supposed to be best friends. Yet they can't tell when the other is interested in someone else? Just because Caroline talks to Frank she is in love with him? Wow if it were only so easy. Same oddity with Brooks and Lauren, do they even talk? Are our main characters so insecure and innocent they make up relationships in their heads?
Spoiler
Finally the ending is incomplete. What happens to Frank? What happens to Lauren? What happens to the thief? Do we get the antiques back?
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