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Summer Hill #1
The Girl from Summer Hill
New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s breathtaking new series set in Summer Hill, a small town where love takes center stage against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Enter Elizabeth Bennet. Chef Casey Reddick has had it up to here with men. When she arrives in the charming town of Summer Hill, Virginia, she leaves behind a demanding boss at a famous D.C. restaurant and a breakup with a boyfriend jealous of her success. Some peace and quiet on the picturesque Tattwell plantation are just what she needs to start fresh. But the tranquility is broken one misty morning when she sees a gorgeous naked man on the porch of her cottage.
Enter Mr. Darcy. What Tate Landers, Hollywood heartthrob and owner of Tattwell, doesn’t need on a bittersweet trip to his anecstral home is a woman spying on him from his guest cottage. Mistaking Casey for a reporter, Tate tries to run her out of her own house. His anger, which looks so good on the screen, makes a very bad first impression on Casey. Hollywood he may be, but he’s no sweetheart to Casey—and she lets him know it!
The plot thickens. Sparks fly—literally—when Casey is recruited to play Elizabeth Bennet opposite Tate’s Mr. Darcy in a stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Just brushing past Tate makes Casey’s whole body hum. As they spar on and off stage, she begins to think she’s been too quick to judge. Tate’s more down-to-earth than Casey expected, and she finds herself melting under his smoldering gaze. But then, Tate’s handsome ex-brother-in-law, Devlin Haines, who is playing Wickham, tells Casey some horrifying stories about Tate. She is upset and confused as she tries to figure out who and what to believe. As she finds herself falling for Tate, Casey needs to Is the intense, undeniable chemistry between them real or is this just a performance that ends when the curtain falls?
Praise for Jude Deveraux
“A new Jude Deveraux novel means a very late night turning the pages straight through to the delicious end.”—Susan Elizabeth Phillips
True Love
“Evokes everything that makes Nantucket so special—the history, the atmosphere, the secrets, and the magic.”—Susan Wiggs
“Destined to be an instant romance classic . . . will haunt you long after you read it.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
For All Time
“Captures your imagination from the start and keeps hold till the very last page.” —Fresh Fiction
“A beautifully written story with a refreshing old-romance feel.” —RT Book Reviews
Ever After
“Thoroughly enjoyable.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Filled with family, friends, ghosts and the magic of love.”—BookPage
From the Hardcover edition.
Enter Elizabeth Bennet. Chef Casey Reddick has had it up to here with men. When she arrives in the charming town of Summer Hill, Virginia, she leaves behind a demanding boss at a famous D.C. restaurant and a breakup with a boyfriend jealous of her success. Some peace and quiet on the picturesque Tattwell plantation are just what she needs to start fresh. But the tranquility is broken one misty morning when she sees a gorgeous naked man on the porch of her cottage.
Enter Mr. Darcy. What Tate Landers, Hollywood heartthrob and owner of Tattwell, doesn’t need on a bittersweet trip to his anecstral home is a woman spying on him from his guest cottage. Mistaking Casey for a reporter, Tate tries to run her out of her own house. His anger, which looks so good on the screen, makes a very bad first impression on Casey. Hollywood he may be, but he’s no sweetheart to Casey—and she lets him know it!
The plot thickens. Sparks fly—literally—when Casey is recruited to play Elizabeth Bennet opposite Tate’s Mr. Darcy in a stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Just brushing past Tate makes Casey’s whole body hum. As they spar on and off stage, she begins to think she’s been too quick to judge. Tate’s more down-to-earth than Casey expected, and she finds herself melting under his smoldering gaze. But then, Tate’s handsome ex-brother-in-law, Devlin Haines, who is playing Wickham, tells Casey some horrifying stories about Tate. She is upset and confused as she tries to figure out who and what to believe. As she finds herself falling for Tate, Casey needs to Is the intense, undeniable chemistry between them real or is this just a performance that ends when the curtain falls?
Praise for Jude Deveraux
“A new Jude Deveraux novel means a very late night turning the pages straight through to the delicious end.”—Susan Elizabeth Phillips
True Love
“Evokes everything that makes Nantucket so special—the history, the atmosphere, the secrets, and the magic.”—Susan Wiggs
“Destined to be an instant romance classic . . . will haunt you long after you read it.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
For All Time
“Captures your imagination from the start and keeps hold till the very last page.” —Fresh Fiction
“A beautifully written story with a refreshing old-romance feel.” —RT Book Reviews
Ever After
“Thoroughly enjoyable.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Filled with family, friends, ghosts and the magic of love.”—BookPage
From the Hardcover edition.
384 pages, ebook
First published May 3, 2016
1408 people are currently reading
3348 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
199 books7,040 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 860 reviews
April 18, 2021
I picked this up despite knowing I would probably regret it. Indeed, I skipped it to read the second in the series a year and some ago. But it was available so I took a chance. Sadly, it tanked for exactly the reason I suspected it would.
The problem is that it's a Pride & Prejudice retelling, and that's going to be a challenge anyway. I mean, it's going to suffer for the comparison no matter what the author does, so the best you can hope for is an interesting take or some other way the author makes it their own. And I have to admit that casting the characters in a Pride & Prejudice play in the story is bold. Even more so when you explicitly give them the roles they're cast in. So the Bingley analog is cast as Bingley. And the Jane is cast as Jane. And that means that the Wickham character is cast as Wickham. Which doesn't work, even a tiny, little bit.
And let me admit right up front that it's the Wickham character that makes it so I don't just reread P&P over and over again one after another. I hate that guy. And not because he's unrealistic. Quite the opposite. I know several people, some in my immediate family, who are that kind of self-serving liar for whom everyone else is merely a resource for their own exploitation. The thing is, that makes it very uncomfortable to me for all those times that Elizabeth is deceived; and I hate the wedge that this puts between two people who are good people as well as being good for each other.
So having the guy who plays Wickham obviously mirror the role without Casey even suspecting, just a little bit, the obvious lies he's telling? Yeah, not working for me. I'm sorry, but the pattern is right in front of her nose. And that nobody is aware is a bit of odd I was prepared to go along with. For a while, at any rate. But at this point it's too obvious for otherwise intelligent people not to start wondering if, hey, maybe I should take a cue from the story and look a bit deeper into the awful things this guy is telling me.
And yeah, that may be entirely unreasonable. People are prone to believing what they want to and disregarding even the strong patterns that suggest otherwise. But it's too much for me to see the bad guy getting away with calumny without any effort or risk just because he's the right character for the story Deveraux chose to mirror.
I'm going to rate this with one star because it failed miserably in delivering it's goal (a Pride & Prejudice retelling). I'll add the caveat that I'm pretty demanding of this kind of story so it had a high bar with me anyway. If you aren't as exacting in a P&P retelling, you may find it a delight...
The problem is that it's a Pride & Prejudice retelling, and that's going to be a challenge anyway. I mean, it's going to suffer for the comparison no matter what the author does, so the best you can hope for is an interesting take or some other way the author makes it their own. And I have to admit that casting the characters in a Pride & Prejudice play in the story is bold. Even more so when you explicitly give them the roles they're cast in. So the Bingley analog is cast as Bingley. And the Jane is cast as Jane. And that means that the Wickham character is cast as Wickham. Which doesn't work, even a tiny, little bit.
And let me admit right up front that it's the Wickham character that makes it so I don't just reread P&P over and over again one after another. I hate that guy. And not because he's unrealistic. Quite the opposite. I know several people, some in my immediate family, who are that kind of self-serving liar for whom everyone else is merely a resource for their own exploitation. The thing is, that makes it very uncomfortable to me for all those times that Elizabeth is deceived; and I hate the wedge that this puts between two people who are good people as well as being good for each other.
So having the guy who plays Wickham obviously mirror the role without Casey even suspecting, just a little bit, the obvious lies he's telling? Yeah, not working for me. I'm sorry, but the pattern is right in front of her nose. And that nobody is aware is a bit of odd I was prepared to go along with. For a while, at any rate. But at this point it's too obvious for otherwise intelligent people not to start wondering if, hey, maybe I should take a cue from the story and look a bit deeper into the awful things this guy is telling me.
And yeah, that may be entirely unreasonable. People are prone to believing what they want to and disregarding even the strong patterns that suggest otherwise. But it's too much for me to see the bad guy getting away with calumny without any effort or risk just because he's the right character for the story Deveraux chose to mirror.
I'm going to rate this with one star because it failed miserably in delivering it's goal (a Pride & Prejudice retelling). I'll add the caveat that I'm pretty demanding of this kind of story so it had a high bar with me anyway. If you aren't as exacting in a P&P retelling, you may find it a delight...
Read
April 30, 2016DNF.
I am not going to rate this one as I don’t think in this case it would be fair.
This is a classic case of reader not getting along with the authors writing style. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I just found it all pretty overwhelming, 4 different POVs within the first 15%, more character introductions than I can count on two hands, and no real background to any of them.
This is the start of a series, but I think it would have been better to bring in everyone at a slightly slower pace. It almost feels as if the author left half of the background in her head and forgot to transfer it onto the page.
Jude Devereaux, is a prolific writer, I will be in the minority with my thoughts, but this felt like reading something someone had jotted down in a hurry, and forgot to go back and fill in the blanks.
ARC provided in exchange for the above honest review.
I am not going to rate this one as I don’t think in this case it would be fair.
This is a classic case of reader not getting along with the authors writing style. I haven’t read anything by this author before, and I just found it all pretty overwhelming, 4 different POVs within the first 15%, more character introductions than I can count on two hands, and no real background to any of them.
This is the start of a series, but I think it would have been better to bring in everyone at a slightly slower pace. It almost feels as if the author left half of the background in her head and forgot to transfer it onto the page.
Jude Devereaux, is a prolific writer, I will be in the minority with my thoughts, but this felt like reading something someone had jotted down in a hurry, and forgot to go back and fill in the blanks.
ARC provided in exchange for the above honest review.
August 28, 2016
3 - audiobook
Fun contemporary take on Pride and Prejudice. I liked the way the story tied in so well with the P & P original story while they were doing the play. I wished it had more build up on the "love" part but for a quick romance it hit the spot.
Fun contemporary take on Pride and Prejudice. I liked the way the story tied in so well with the P & P original story while they were doing the play. I wished it had more build up on the "love" part but for a quick romance it hit the spot.
October 15, 2025
The Girl from Summer Hill is a modern day twist on Pride and Prejudice. I have to admit Jude completely nails it and still manages to add some very unique twists that I found utterly enjoyable.
Tate and Casey are the classic Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Tate an actor on holiday to an ancestral family home gets pulled in as an actor in the hometown theater's play for charity. Elizabeth is a chef who gets connived into participating in the play as well.
Tate comes across as arrogant and aloof but you quickly discover that brooding, swoon worthy character inside.
But in my opinion Casey takes the show, she is spunky, fresh and smart with a straight forward attitude that sometimes get her into self-made trouble. She is someone without verbal filters, causing some very funny and awkward situations.
Highly enjoyable, fresh and modern take on a romantic classic, The Girl from Summer Hill will delight and enthrall even the most meticulous Pride and Prejudice fan.
I received this ARC copy of The Girl from Summer Hill from Random House - Ballantine Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 3, 2016.
Series: Summer Hill
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Random House Large Print; Lrg edition
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
ISBN-10: 039956683X
ISBN-13: 978-0399566837
Genre: Romance
Tate and Casey are the classic Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Tate an actor on holiday to an ancestral family home gets pulled in as an actor in the hometown theater's play for charity. Elizabeth is a chef who gets connived into participating in the play as well.
Tate comes across as arrogant and aloof but you quickly discover that brooding, swoon worthy character inside.
But in my opinion Casey takes the show, she is spunky, fresh and smart with a straight forward attitude that sometimes get her into self-made trouble. She is someone without verbal filters, causing some very funny and awkward situations.
Highly enjoyable, fresh and modern take on a romantic classic, The Girl from Summer Hill will delight and enthrall even the most meticulous Pride and Prejudice fan.
I received this ARC copy of The Girl from Summer Hill from Random House - Ballantine Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 3, 2016.
Series: Summer Hill
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Random House Large Print; Lrg edition
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
ISBN-10: 039956683X
ISBN-13: 978-0399566837
Genre: Romance
October 23, 2016
En realidad le doy 4.5 estrellas.
Casey Reddick es una espléndida chef que vive volcada en su trabajo en Virginia, allí es donde conocerá a su nuevo vecino, Tate Landers, famoso actor al que ella no le encuentra el atractivo por el que suspiran tantas mujeres.
Yo creo que todavía no había leído nada de Jude Deveraux pero mi impresión ha sido buena. Me gusta su forma de narrar sin muchos artificios y algo que me sorprendió por así decirlo es porque va al grano, es decir, que sus personajes no dan rodeos y más rodeos a las cosas, no le dan mil vueltas a un tema y lo dejan pendiente para otro momento, se resuelve con inmediatez. Si bien esto no lo suelo encontrar en las novelas que leo en esta choca pero no es algo que me moleste sino lo comento porque es raro encontrarlo.
La novela me pareció fresca por esa manera de presentar la historia, entrelazando la conocida novela de Jane Austen “Orgullo y prejuicio” con “La chica de Summer Hill”. Hay paralelismos con los personajes de una y otra novela, no es que sean exactamente iguales pero sí cierto reflejo también por supuesto son épocas diferentes. Creo que ha estado bien hilada, no es fácil interrelacionarlas y la autora lo ha logrado. La manera de presentar los capítulos también es original y sabes por dónde irán los tiros.
Quizás lo único fue el embrollo que tuve con los personajes, porque tenemos bastantes y eso sin mencionar la particular familia de Casey (me hice un lío al principio con eso). Si bien Casey y Tate son los principales tenemos otras relaciones como la de Jack/Gizzy; Kit/Olivia; Nina/Devlin y completan aún más la historia.
Casey y Tate equivalen a Elizabeth y Darcy, coinciden en lo fundamental, lógicamente en el orgullo y el prejuicio. El prejuicio de Casey con Tate que piensa que es un mujeriego, arrogante, déspota…y el orgullo de Tate por no demostrarle muchas veces que está equivocada.
En resumen, la novela está interesante aunque me faltó algo, quizás el final es muy rápido, me deja con ganas de más, eso sí, todas las historias se resuelven, si este es el primero de una serie no sé con qué personajes continuará.
Pd: El principio os va a impactar, jajaja.
Casey Reddick es una espléndida chef que vive volcada en su trabajo en Virginia, allí es donde conocerá a su nuevo vecino, Tate Landers, famoso actor al que ella no le encuentra el atractivo por el que suspiran tantas mujeres.
Yo creo que todavía no había leído nada de Jude Deveraux pero mi impresión ha sido buena. Me gusta su forma de narrar sin muchos artificios y algo que me sorprendió por así decirlo es porque va al grano, es decir, que sus personajes no dan rodeos y más rodeos a las cosas, no le dan mil vueltas a un tema y lo dejan pendiente para otro momento, se resuelve con inmediatez. Si bien esto no lo suelo encontrar en las novelas que leo en esta choca pero no es algo que me moleste sino lo comento porque es raro encontrarlo.
La novela me pareció fresca por esa manera de presentar la historia, entrelazando la conocida novela de Jane Austen “Orgullo y prejuicio” con “La chica de Summer Hill”. Hay paralelismos con los personajes de una y otra novela, no es que sean exactamente iguales pero sí cierto reflejo también por supuesto son épocas diferentes. Creo que ha estado bien hilada, no es fácil interrelacionarlas y la autora lo ha logrado. La manera de presentar los capítulos también es original y sabes por dónde irán los tiros.
Quizás lo único fue el embrollo que tuve con los personajes, porque tenemos bastantes y eso sin mencionar la particular familia de Casey (me hice un lío al principio con eso). Si bien Casey y Tate son los principales tenemos otras relaciones como la de Jack/Gizzy; Kit/Olivia; Nina/Devlin y completan aún más la historia.
Casey y Tate equivalen a Elizabeth y Darcy, coinciden en lo fundamental, lógicamente en el orgullo y el prejuicio. El prejuicio de Casey con Tate que piensa que es un mujeriego, arrogante, déspota…y el orgullo de Tate por no demostrarle muchas veces que está equivocada.
En resumen, la novela está interesante aunque me faltó algo, quizás el final es muy rápido, me deja con ganas de más, eso sí, todas las historias se resuelven, si este es el primero de una serie no sé con qué personajes continuará.
Pd: El principio os va a impactar, jajaja.
May 4, 2016
It's LIVE!
With this book Jude Deveraux gives us her own take on classic Pride & Prejudice. I thought that Jude Deveraux did an excellent job in modernizing this classic and figuring out how to make the things that occurred in that story relatable to our modern times. In her acknowledgement she even recognized that it was very difficult to attempt that feat and I think she succeeded. I also applaud her for not directly telling us who was who based on the Jane Austen book. Now, other people might think that I am crazy but I have to say that Devlin was my favorite character even though he was crazy. I think that all of his antics added another dimension to the story and you have to at least appreciate all the great lengths he took to achieve what he wanted.
Sadly, I did have a few issues with the story and the characters. I felt no connection whatsoever to Casey and Tate, I didn’t think that as characters they were very relatable. Especially Casey, I felt like she wanted to know everyone’s story and I felt she needed to participate in the billion different things that were going out (she had some serious FOMO). Tate wasn’t so bad but his dialogue was so over the top, sometimes I wondered to myself if people actually spoke in the manner that he did. Then as a couple I just didn’t see it, I thought there was zero chemistry between the two and it was kind of a bit like insta-love.
If there is one thing that I truly loved was the opening scene. It was a great opening piece and it grabbed my complete attention. All the other side characters were cute and I enjoyed reading about them as well even though sometimes they added too much drama. Overall, it was an okay read but not my favorite by Jude Deveraux
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
With this book Jude Deveraux gives us her own take on classic Pride & Prejudice. I thought that Jude Deveraux did an excellent job in modernizing this classic and figuring out how to make the things that occurred in that story relatable to our modern times. In her acknowledgement she even recognized that it was very difficult to attempt that feat and I think she succeeded. I also applaud her for not directly telling us who was who based on the Jane Austen book. Now, other people might think that I am crazy but I have to say that Devlin was my favorite character even though he was crazy. I think that all of his antics added another dimension to the story and you have to at least appreciate all the great lengths he took to achieve what he wanted.
Sadly, I did have a few issues with the story and the characters. I felt no connection whatsoever to Casey and Tate, I didn’t think that as characters they were very relatable. Especially Casey, I felt like she wanted to know everyone’s story and I felt she needed to participate in the billion different things that were going out (she had some serious FOMO). Tate wasn’t so bad but his dialogue was so over the top, sometimes I wondered to myself if people actually spoke in the manner that he did. Then as a couple I just didn’t see it, I thought there was zero chemistry between the two and it was kind of a bit like insta-love.
If there is one thing that I truly loved was the opening scene. It was a great opening piece and it grabbed my complete attention. All the other side characters were cute and I enjoyed reading about them as well even though sometimes they added too much drama. Overall, it was an okay read but not my favorite by Jude Deveraux
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2016
-If you’re familiar with Jane Austen’s P&P, then you’ll be able to follow the plot easily enough and each chapter has a header with the general P&P storyline point, which is a cute touch.
-Ms. Devereaux has been on my list of authors for many, many years and this has the feel of a Devereaux historical
-Unfortunately, it takes place in modern day Summer Hill, Viriginia, so occasionally the dialogue felt better suited to a historical than a contemporary.
-Tate and Casey, the Darcy and Elizabeth of this story, are cute, but never quite feel authentic, because of the dialogue and to some extent, because there’s so much going on with all the little subplots.
-It has the rhythm and cadence of a play, little vignettes strung together with their links to P&P. It wasn’t bad, but I always felt at a distance to it all, like an audience member at a local play.
I liked this sweet small town AMerica take on Pride and Prejudice, even if felt more like a play than a romance. If you love Jane Austen’s story and want it any way you can get it, you may enjoy this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
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November 20, 2016
Versión moderna del gran clásico de orgullo y prejuicio ( si Jane Austen viviera ahora , se forraba jejeje), sin más pretensiones que pasar una tarde agradable de lectura...
Lo único memorable es la primera escena jajaja
Lo único memorable es la primera escena jajaja
August 7, 2016
3.5 Stars
February 28, 2019
A Small Town Play Production with Big Movie Stars!
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern-day Pride and Prejudice
SETTING: Summer Hill, Virginia
SYNOPSIS: When big-time Hollywood heartthrobs Tate Landers and Jack Worth come to the quiet country hamlet of Summer Hill for a month’s respite, it stirs some excitement. Especially when both actors decide to take part in a play production of Pride and Prejudice that is being put on for charity! With one of the town’s wealthiest members, Kit Montgomery directing the play, it seems everyone is getting involved. Including chef Casey Reddick, who recently left her stressful job of running a high-profile restaurant in Washington D.C. Although, Casey thought she would only be providing food for the cast and crew. Now it looks like she has a role in the play itself! And guess who she is starring against….the obnoxiously rude celebrity actor who had the audacity to insult her, break into her home, and eat one of her pies!
WHAT I LOVED:
- Pride and Prejudice within Pride and Prejudice: As with Melissa Nathan’s Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field, this story is about a group of characters putting on a theatrical, and it is amusing to see the parallels with Jane Austen’s masterpiece appear in the play and in real life! I especially enjoyed the new directions the director took with his production – like when he tells Darcy to reveal his longing and emotions to the audience with his expressions when Elizabeth isn’t looking, and the surprise alterations and improvisations that happened on opening night! And how the audience reacted to these changes. 🙂
- Charming Setting: I love the idea of a small town named Summer Hill. And it was just as enchanting as it sounds with a large plantation home, guest cottages, blackberry patches that hide well houses, and memories of people visiting and spending summers here long ago.
- Multiple Romances: Just like with Jane Austen’s novel, there are several couples that are spotlighted in this story. But only a few of them are the same! (Sorry no Collins/Charlotte relationship here.) I really enjoyed the unique twists to some of these relationships – the new obstacles some couples need to overcome (Jane and Bingley), the surprising alterations (Wickham/Georgiana/Lydia), and the past intrigue (Mrs. Bennet). I loved the inventive and refreshing developments Ms. Deveraux implemented with her story. Instead of feeling predictable, it kept me guessing!
- Compelling and Absorbing: This book is definitely a page-turner! With its inviting setting and delicious chemistry between characters The Girl From Summer Hill was hard to put down! I loved the fast-paced action, captivating drama, and intriguing reveals!
- Part of a Saga: It is stated that this book is the beginning of a series that doesn’t have any other books yet (this story is stand alone). However, it looks like some of the characters from this story (Olivia and Kit) are featured in another book – As You Wish. It would be awesome if the next book in the Summer Hill series had some Jane Austen ties too – with some nods to Persuasion? 😉
WHAT I WAS AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- Tate Landers (Darcy): There was a lot I loved about this Darcy – his sense of humor, his playfulness with his niece, and how he does so much for those he loves. But at the same time there were some things that I wasn’t too fond of – like his come ons to Casey (that just doesn’t feel like Darcy) and his quoting romantic passages from his movies (sorry, that is more lazy than it is romantic). But perhaps the author was trying to illustrate how unfamiliar/unpracticed Tate is with pursuing women since he is always the one being pursued?
WHAT I WASN’T FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: Just a few little things that bothered me a little, like: how sometimes the dialogue felt a little unnatural, Devlin Haines’ (Wickham) farfetched scheme, and Tate’s farfetched responding ploy to apprehend Haines – especially when he started to feel remorse/pity towards Devlin (really, after all he has done?)
Note: Due to a few brief romantic scenes, I’d recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
CONCLUSION:
As I have never read a novel by Jude Deveraux before, the main draw for me to read this story was its ties to Pride and Prejudice. But after reading The Girl from Summer Hill and enjoying the multi-layered storyline, intertwining family relationships, detailed histories, and charming eventfulness of small-town life I am definitely inclined to read more novels by Jude Deveraux! Hopefully she will write more installments for this series soon!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern-day Pride and Prejudice
SETTING: Summer Hill, Virginia
SYNOPSIS: When big-time Hollywood heartthrobs Tate Landers and Jack Worth come to the quiet country hamlet of Summer Hill for a month’s respite, it stirs some excitement. Especially when both actors decide to take part in a play production of Pride and Prejudice that is being put on for charity! With one of the town’s wealthiest members, Kit Montgomery directing the play, it seems everyone is getting involved. Including chef Casey Reddick, who recently left her stressful job of running a high-profile restaurant in Washington D.C. Although, Casey thought she would only be providing food for the cast and crew. Now it looks like she has a role in the play itself! And guess who she is starring against….the obnoxiously rude celebrity actor who had the audacity to insult her, break into her home, and eat one of her pies!
WHAT I LOVED:
- Pride and Prejudice within Pride and Prejudice: As with Melissa Nathan’s Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field, this story is about a group of characters putting on a theatrical, and it is amusing to see the parallels with Jane Austen’s masterpiece appear in the play and in real life! I especially enjoyed the new directions the director took with his production – like when he tells Darcy to reveal his longing and emotions to the audience with his expressions when Elizabeth isn’t looking, and the surprise alterations and improvisations that happened on opening night! And how the audience reacted to these changes. 🙂
- Charming Setting: I love the idea of a small town named Summer Hill. And it was just as enchanting as it sounds with a large plantation home, guest cottages, blackberry patches that hide well houses, and memories of people visiting and spending summers here long ago.
- Multiple Romances: Just like with Jane Austen’s novel, there are several couples that are spotlighted in this story. But only a few of them are the same! (Sorry no Collins/Charlotte relationship here.) I really enjoyed the unique twists to some of these relationships – the new obstacles some couples need to overcome (Jane and Bingley), the surprising alterations (Wickham/Georgiana/Lydia), and the past intrigue (Mrs. Bennet). I loved the inventive and refreshing developments Ms. Deveraux implemented with her story. Instead of feeling predictable, it kept me guessing!
- Compelling and Absorbing: This book is definitely a page-turner! With its inviting setting and delicious chemistry between characters The Girl From Summer Hill was hard to put down! I loved the fast-paced action, captivating drama, and intriguing reveals!
- Part of a Saga: It is stated that this book is the beginning of a series that doesn’t have any other books yet (this story is stand alone). However, it looks like some of the characters from this story (Olivia and Kit) are featured in another book – As You Wish. It would be awesome if the next book in the Summer Hill series had some Jane Austen ties too – with some nods to Persuasion? 😉
WHAT I WAS AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- Tate Landers (Darcy): There was a lot I loved about this Darcy – his sense of humor, his playfulness with his niece, and how he does so much for those he loves. But at the same time there were some things that I wasn’t too fond of – like his come ons to Casey (that just doesn’t feel like Darcy) and his quoting romantic passages from his movies (sorry, that is more lazy than it is romantic). But perhaps the author was trying to illustrate how unfamiliar/unpracticed Tate is with pursuing women since he is always the one being pursued?
WHAT I WASN’T FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: Just a few little things that bothered me a little, like: how sometimes the dialogue felt a little unnatural, Devlin Haines’ (Wickham) farfetched scheme, and Tate’s farfetched responding ploy to apprehend Haines – especially when he started to feel remorse/pity towards Devlin (really, after all he has done?)
Note: Due to a few brief romantic scenes, I’d recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
CONCLUSION:
As I have never read a novel by Jude Deveraux before, the main draw for me to read this story was its ties to Pride and Prejudice. But after reading The Girl from Summer Hill and enjoying the multi-layered storyline, intertwining family relationships, detailed histories, and charming eventfulness of small-town life I am definitely inclined to read more novels by Jude Deveraux! Hopefully she will write more installments for this series soon!
Austenesque Reviews
May 3, 2016
I enjoyed this overall. Casey and Tate were both fun, enjoyable characters who were fun to get to know. The Pride and Prejudice angle was also fun, the way the story not only played out on stage but in real life. I felt the connection between Casey and Tate from the beginning, and it was also easy to understand why she would be hesitant to pursue anything between them. Their initial meeting was hilarious, both of their reactions believable...and the peacock. I loved that guy.
I also thought there were a few too many supporting players, and at times, the number of other people you get to know in the story somewhat diluted the romance with Casey and Tate. This was my main criticism of the book. But at the same time, this also enriched the small town and made it more of a supporting player...the more I think on this, while I still think there may have been too many supporting players, it worked in a way.
The writing was strong, the dialog was excellent and the characters were consistent. It's worth the read.
***ARC received through the publisher and NetGalley***
I also thought there were a few too many supporting players, and at times, the number of other people you get to know in the story somewhat diluted the romance with Casey and Tate. This was my main criticism of the book. But at the same time, this also enriched the small town and made it more of a supporting player...the more I think on this, while I still think there may have been too many supporting players, it worked in a way.
The writing was strong, the dialog was excellent and the characters were consistent. It's worth the read.
***ARC received through the publisher and NetGalley***
May 3, 2016
Head chef Casey Reddick is looking forward to her summer in the small town of Summer Hill, Virginia, and staying in what she believes to be Christopher “Kit” Montgomery’s guest house at Tattwell. She’s going to do all the cooking for cast and crew as Kit puts on a local production of Pride and Prejudice. In the middle of the night from her kitchen window, she sees a man strip down and begin to use the outdoor shower on the porch of the little house. She must be dreaming. She’s not dreaming. She should call the cops. She should not make a cup of tea. She should not then sit down and sip her tea as the glorious muscled man soaps up his perfect golden body. She should stop staring. Why can’t she stop staring? The ring of her cellphone breaks her trance.
When actor Tate Landers, the actual owner of Tattwell, hears a cell phone ringing from his guesthouse just as he finishes his shower, he freezes. The damn paparazzi again. Can’t a guy get a few days off without them lurking around every corner? Will they never grant him any peace?? And how did they ever find him here? He just arrived in town. This is private property and Tate is fed up. He puts his fist through the screened door, unfastens the hook, and confronts… the curvy redhead who stands wide-eyed in– are those cow-jumping-over-the-moon pajamas??
And that, my reading friends, is just the first few pages. After a failed attempt at apology, it’s dislike at first sight and a misunderstanding of ginormous proportions that rival the size of Tate’s… biceps ;)
Casey can’t wait for the actor to go back to wherever actors go. She’ll just stay out of his way, and he’d better stay out of hers. Easy peasy. Then Kit manages to talk both Tate Landers and his actor friend Jack Worth into sticking around Summer Hill to star in his play, with the proceeds going to charity. When they agree to play Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley respectively, the town goes wild and the females vie for the roles of Elizabeth and Jane. But when Kit demands Casey play Elizabeth because she’s the only female for miles who doesn’t fawn over the handsome actor and the only one who can actually pull of Elizabeth’s irritation with Darcy, she soon has her hands full with the actor she thought she despised. Turns out that first impression was way off the mark. Can these two overcome Tate’s pride and Casey’s prejudice?
Instead of chapters we have acts and scenes, and fans of Ms. Deveraux will love the cast of characters old and new alike – not to mention all the nods to Pride and Prejudice both onstage and off. Heroes and heroines, villains and villainesses, foes to friends and friends to lovers – this story kept me entertained page after page. The Girl from Summer Hill is a fun, flirty, perfect summer read.
Review originally published at A Belle's Tales.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When actor Tate Landers, the actual owner of Tattwell, hears a cell phone ringing from his guesthouse just as he finishes his shower, he freezes. The damn paparazzi again. Can’t a guy get a few days off without them lurking around every corner? Will they never grant him any peace?? And how did they ever find him here? He just arrived in town. This is private property and Tate is fed up. He puts his fist through the screened door, unfastens the hook, and confronts… the curvy redhead who stands wide-eyed in– are those cow-jumping-over-the-moon pajamas??
And that, my reading friends, is just the first few pages. After a failed attempt at apology, it’s dislike at first sight and a misunderstanding of ginormous proportions that rival the size of Tate’s… biceps ;)
Casey can’t wait for the actor to go back to wherever actors go. She’ll just stay out of his way, and he’d better stay out of hers. Easy peasy. Then Kit manages to talk both Tate Landers and his actor friend Jack Worth into sticking around Summer Hill to star in his play, with the proceeds going to charity. When they agree to play Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley respectively, the town goes wild and the females vie for the roles of Elizabeth and Jane. But when Kit demands Casey play Elizabeth because she’s the only female for miles who doesn’t fawn over the handsome actor and the only one who can actually pull of Elizabeth’s irritation with Darcy, she soon has her hands full with the actor she thought she despised. Turns out that first impression was way off the mark. Can these two overcome Tate’s pride and Casey’s prejudice?
Instead of chapters we have acts and scenes, and fans of Ms. Deveraux will love the cast of characters old and new alike – not to mention all the nods to Pride and Prejudice both onstage and off. Heroes and heroines, villains and villainesses, foes to friends and friends to lovers – this story kept me entertained page after page. The Girl from Summer Hill is a fun, flirty, perfect summer read.
Review originally published at A Belle's Tales.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2016
Much to my chagrin, I've never read Pride and Prejudice so any correlation between this story and the classic was lost on me. However, it's I still followed along without any confusion.
The characters kept my attention but I couldn't help but notice how easily every conflict was resolved. Light read... enjoyable...
The characters kept my attention but I couldn't help but notice how easily every conflict was resolved. Light read... enjoyable...
February 7, 2017
3,75 (?) Casi casi 4 la verdad. Pero no pude ponerle 4 por algunos detallitos. Quisquillosa siempre jaja.
Es una historia fresca, entretenida.. un romance new adult que puede caer en clichés pero que tiene la novedad de ser al mismo tiempo un "retelling" o reversión de un clásico como Orgullo y Prejuicio.
Bueno. Tal vez no es tan novedoso pero yo no había leído nunca (que ahora recuerde) un libro que lleve a la actualidad OyP.
Summer Hill es un pueblo pequeño y están armando una obra de teatro del famoso clásico. Nuestra protagonista es la cocinera (era chef en una gran ciudad pero decidió cambiar de aires e irse al pueblo natal de su padre para entablar relación con él y sus múltiples hermanastros) y no esperaba actuar en la obra. Peeero un día aparece nuestro querido Darcy transformado en un actor de Hollywood engreído y arrogante.. que la hará ponerse rabiosa de inmediato.
Muchos personajes de OyP se verán reflejados en esta novela pero tendrán toques modernos que le darán un aire fresco a la historia que todos conocemos.
Me hizo reír, la primera escena fue divertida (ya empieza hard jajaja) y me cayeron bien los personajes. Es una lectura ágil e ideal para leer ahora en verano.
Mi gran PERO es que tiene mucho insta love por parte de las parejitas. Mucho mucho. No sé cuanto tiempo transcurre en el libro pero es muy rápido todo y no me lo creo(? También le faltó un poco de desarrollo en otras cuestiones o que fueron solo nombradas como "ah mira vos".
Sacando eso me gustó bastante. Estuvo bueno que no dieran tantas vueltas en el drama y malos entendidos.
Un libro ligero y que si suelen disfrutar estos romances no los va a decepcionar.
Reseña completa en el blog: próximamente.
Es una historia fresca, entretenida.. un romance new adult que puede caer en clichés pero que tiene la novedad de ser al mismo tiempo un "retelling" o reversión de un clásico como Orgullo y Prejuicio.
Bueno. Tal vez no es tan novedoso pero yo no había leído nunca (que ahora recuerde) un libro que lleve a la actualidad OyP.
Summer Hill es un pueblo pequeño y están armando una obra de teatro del famoso clásico. Nuestra protagonista es la cocinera (era chef en una gran ciudad pero decidió cambiar de aires e irse al pueblo natal de su padre para entablar relación con él y sus múltiples hermanastros) y no esperaba actuar en la obra. Peeero un día aparece nuestro querido Darcy transformado en un actor de Hollywood engreído y arrogante.. que la hará ponerse rabiosa de inmediato.
Muchos personajes de OyP se verán reflejados en esta novela pero tendrán toques modernos que le darán un aire fresco a la historia que todos conocemos.
Me hizo reír, la primera escena fue divertida (ya empieza hard jajaja) y me cayeron bien los personajes. Es una lectura ágil e ideal para leer ahora en verano.
Mi gran PERO es que tiene mucho insta love por parte de las parejitas. Mucho mucho. No sé cuanto tiempo transcurre en el libro pero es muy rápido todo y no me lo creo(? También le faltó un poco de desarrollo en otras cuestiones o que fueron solo nombradas como "ah mira vos".
Sacando eso me gustó bastante. Estuvo bueno que no dieran tantas vueltas en el drama y malos entendidos.
Un libro ligero y que si suelen disfrutar estos romances no los va a decepcionar.
Reseña completa en el blog: próximamente.
January 16, 2019
I thought this was a funny audio book. I think this is the first Jude Deveraux book I've read. I thought the scene where Casey believes it was Tate, the movie star, that rummaged through her room was funny, but it was actually a peacock he was chasing. It was so hilarious when she was wondering why he went through her room, made a mess, and left a peacock feather under the bed! :P
October 31, 2020
Uz šo sižeta līniju man ir rozā brilles no oriģināla pirmās izlasīšanas reizes, tāpēc arī tās lietas, kas citos romānos man krīt uz nerviem, šeit netraucē.
March 24, 2016
I am a HUGE Pride and Prejudice fan, so I knew I had to pick up this book since it was inspired by Pride and Prejudice . After reading this book, it is safe to say that Jude nailed it with a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice . This book had a lot of the same basic storylines of Pride and Prejudice , but there were unique twists. Jude's take on the classic romance was fresh and adorable.
The first chapter of this book was hilarious yet cringe worthy. I felt a little uncomfortable with the situation, and I wanted to smack some sense into Casey! Casey eventually came to her senses, and I was grateful for that. Then I was able to sit back and enjoy the rest of the book.
The romance between Tate and Casey in this book was very similar to the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. The romance made my heart flutter with joy. Tate was extremely swoon worthy once we got to know him. I loved getting to see behind his cold exterior. He did some dumb things, but I was able to forgive him. He was quite a dream boat.
Casey was a really funny main character. I really liked how spunky and outspoken she was. She was extremely straight forward, which made me uncomfortable at times. However, I admired that she spoke her mind, even if it was awkward. Casey would jump to her own conclusions a lot, which bothered me. She wouldn't listen to what Tate had to say, but Tate wasn't great at listening either. I just wanted them to hear each other out!
The cast of side characters were a great addition to this book. It took me a little bit to remember who was who, but I eventually grew to care for each character. I would love to see a book about every character from this book! It would be even better if their stories were inspired by other books by Jane Austen!
Some parts of the book felt a little slow or drawn out. I wanted to skip some chapters so I could get back to the exciting parts. However, as whole, I would say that this book was a page turner. I really enjoyed myself while reading this book.
Overall, this was a fun and romantic read. I would recommend this book to people who are in the mood for a light and funny romance.
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The first chapter of this book was hilarious yet cringe worthy. I felt a little uncomfortable with the situation, and I wanted to smack some sense into Casey! Casey eventually came to her senses, and I was grateful for that. Then I was able to sit back and enjoy the rest of the book.
The romance between Tate and Casey in this book was very similar to the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. The romance made my heart flutter with joy. Tate was extremely swoon worthy once we got to know him. I loved getting to see behind his cold exterior. He did some dumb things, but I was able to forgive him. He was quite a dream boat.
Casey was a really funny main character. I really liked how spunky and outspoken she was. She was extremely straight forward, which made me uncomfortable at times. However, I admired that she spoke her mind, even if it was awkward. Casey would jump to her own conclusions a lot, which bothered me. She wouldn't listen to what Tate had to say, but Tate wasn't great at listening either. I just wanted them to hear each other out!
The cast of side characters were a great addition to this book. It took me a little bit to remember who was who, but I eventually grew to care for each character. I would love to see a book about every character from this book! It would be even better if their stories were inspired by other books by Jane Austen!
Some parts of the book felt a little slow or drawn out. I wanted to skip some chapters so I could get back to the exciting parts. However, as whole, I would say that this book was a page turner. I really enjoyed myself while reading this book.
Overall, this was a fun and romantic read. I would recommend this book to people who are in the mood for a light and funny romance.
4 / 5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
May 3, 2016
The Girl from Summer Hill was such an unexpected delight - so readable and ridiculously funny, with a romance that had me swooning all afternoon! This book is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon (and will be an excellent beach read in another month or two!) I'm extremely excited that this is the first in a new series - I cannot wait to get back to these characters! I have a feeling I know who the sequel will focus on and if I'm right, I kind of need that book now.
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
May 10, 2016
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/05/review-...
Favorite Quote: “Why do women always fall for bad boys, then get angry when they turn out to be bad boys?”
Casey Reddick, a celebrated chef, never expected to wake up to a sexy naked man showering on her front porch but she’s not one to complain. That is until he sees her watching him and accuses her invading his privacy and spying on him.
Tate Landers, a famous movie star, has spent most of his life dealing with someone always wanting something from him. When he sees a gorgeous woman peeking at him out at him from his gate house, he automatically assumes she is yet another fan looking for a payout.
Casey thinks Tate’s an unbearable snob and goes out her way to avoid him. His ex-brother in law, Devlin, only reinforces her dislike of Tate as he regaled her with stories of Tate’s wrongdoings. When Casey is co-opted to play Elizabeth Bennett in a summer stock version of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, she is dismayed to find her Darcy will be none other than Tate. As Casey gets to know Tate better, she realizes there is more to him than his cold, rough exterior, but she unsure who is the real Tate and who is the actor. And if he’s acting…what happens when the curtain comes down for the final time?
The first in a trilogy, fans of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice will enjoy Devereux’s comedic interpretation as she modernizes this classic and centers it around a chef who’s afraid of being hurt again and a movie star who just wants someone who loves him for himself and not his bank account. Deveraux keeps the outline of Pride and Prejudice intact and fills it laughter, romance, eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and some outrageous scenes. Rambunctious right off the bat, this story speeds along like a freight train, whipping down the track while rocking frantically from side to side. Casey and Tate are Mr. Darcy and Ms. Elizabeth Bennett. Their first meeting sets the tone of their relationship as Tate’s haughty attitude puts Casey on the defense. From there, the relationship commences to go downhill as a series of misunderstandings and incriminating, unsubstantiated rumors only serves to make Tate look like the villain in the tale.
“She hates me.”
“Females don’t hate you.”
“She does. I, uh, well, I ate one of her pies she made to bring here.”
“Some berry custard thing? With a top crust like a flower? Everybody’s been saying it was missing. You didn’t steal a pie, did you? I mean, really?”
“Yeah, I stole that pie. And, yes, I ate the whole thing. With a spoon. A big spoon.”
Strongly character driven, Deveraux introduces us to a wide array of personable, well-developed characters whose lives mirror the play taking place. Deveraux takes some liberties as she re-imagines these people and their relationships; allowing it to play out on stage. Deveraux also brings in characters from another series that helps to tie the Montgomery/Taggert world to this one. There are also references to her book A Knight In Shining Armor that only serves to solidify this merging.
Casey’s backstory reminded me a little bit of Katy Long from Deveraux’s Legend. Like Katy, Casey is also a celebrated chef who takes a struggling restaurant and makes it a 4-star winner at the expense of her own happiness. An absent mother completes Casey’s feelings of abandonment and loneliness. The similarities end there. Casey decides to take a break from cooking when she realizes that she has been so busy with her restaurant, she misses the fact her ex-boyfriend has moved out of their apartment and is dating someone else. A family friend, Kit (Christopher) Montgomery, offers her a place to stay in Summer Falls, VA to regroup and also help cater the play he is putting on. Strong, intelligent, and witty, Casey’s need to be not caught unawares again causes more than a few problems along the way but she is smart enough to admit when she’s wrong. And boy, is she wrong a lot. At times I found Casey’s attitude towards Tate annoying, especially when it basically comes down to her own prejudices and rumors rather than any real substantiated facts.
Tate, our hero, is simply delicious. Witty, charming, and sexy, Tate is the ultimate caretaker. He tries so hard to make everything perfect for everyone but often it gets taken wrong because of his almost fanatical need to guard his and his family’s privacy. He is in Summer Falls to take a look at the restoration of his family’s estate-Tattwell Plantation. Though it was sold out of his family years ago, he bought it back for his mother who has since passed. Like Casey, he has no problems admitting when he’s misjudged someone though he is much quicker to give someone the benefit of the doubt and forgiveness.
Tate and Casey’s chemistry is explosive from page one even though the relationship starts out on a decidedly antagonistic note. I enjoyed that Deveraux doesn’t make their journey easy and offers readers a whole world to explore while watching this couple. The story reads fast and furious with it’s multiple characters and off the wall subplots weaving in and out. Strong writing and amusing dialogue and scenes hooks you instantly. It does has a messy feel to it that some may find daunting to try to sort through though the overall effect is decidedly charming. Even with the sheer almost overwhelming amount of external noise, the protagonists’ romance maintains a firm hold on the story and offers much entertainment to the town as they work through their issues (both internal and external) along their path to happily ever after.
“Don’t you guys have something else to do?
“Not anything as exciting as this. And could somebody get us some water? Drinking out of the hose has lost it’s country appeal.”
The Girl from Summer Hill is a boisterous romance that gives readers a small town contemporary overflowing with the laughter and heat that always seems to follow Deveraux’s characters. Fans of Deveraux’s and Austin’s are sure to enjoy. I look forward to book two in this series.
Grade: B
Favorite Quote: “Why do women always fall for bad boys, then get angry when they turn out to be bad boys?”
Casey Reddick, a celebrated chef, never expected to wake up to a sexy naked man showering on her front porch but she’s not one to complain. That is until he sees her watching him and accuses her invading his privacy and spying on him.
Tate Landers, a famous movie star, has spent most of his life dealing with someone always wanting something from him. When he sees a gorgeous woman peeking at him out at him from his gate house, he automatically assumes she is yet another fan looking for a payout.
Casey thinks Tate’s an unbearable snob and goes out her way to avoid him. His ex-brother in law, Devlin, only reinforces her dislike of Tate as he regaled her with stories of Tate’s wrongdoings. When Casey is co-opted to play Elizabeth Bennett in a summer stock version of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, she is dismayed to find her Darcy will be none other than Tate. As Casey gets to know Tate better, she realizes there is more to him than his cold, rough exterior, but she unsure who is the real Tate and who is the actor. And if he’s acting…what happens when the curtain comes down for the final time?
The first in a trilogy, fans of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice will enjoy Devereux’s comedic interpretation as she modernizes this classic and centers it around a chef who’s afraid of being hurt again and a movie star who just wants someone who loves him for himself and not his bank account. Deveraux keeps the outline of Pride and Prejudice intact and fills it laughter, romance, eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and some outrageous scenes. Rambunctious right off the bat, this story speeds along like a freight train, whipping down the track while rocking frantically from side to side. Casey and Tate are Mr. Darcy and Ms. Elizabeth Bennett. Their first meeting sets the tone of their relationship as Tate’s haughty attitude puts Casey on the defense. From there, the relationship commences to go downhill as a series of misunderstandings and incriminating, unsubstantiated rumors only serves to make Tate look like the villain in the tale.
“She hates me.”
“Females don’t hate you.”
“She does. I, uh, well, I ate one of her pies she made to bring here.”
“Some berry custard thing? With a top crust like a flower? Everybody’s been saying it was missing. You didn’t steal a pie, did you? I mean, really?”
“Yeah, I stole that pie. And, yes, I ate the whole thing. With a spoon. A big spoon.”
Strongly character driven, Deveraux introduces us to a wide array of personable, well-developed characters whose lives mirror the play taking place. Deveraux takes some liberties as she re-imagines these people and their relationships; allowing it to play out on stage. Deveraux also brings in characters from another series that helps to tie the Montgomery/Taggert world to this one. There are also references to her book A Knight In Shining Armor that only serves to solidify this merging.
Casey’s backstory reminded me a little bit of Katy Long from Deveraux’s Legend. Like Katy, Casey is also a celebrated chef who takes a struggling restaurant and makes it a 4-star winner at the expense of her own happiness. An absent mother completes Casey’s feelings of abandonment and loneliness. The similarities end there. Casey decides to take a break from cooking when she realizes that she has been so busy with her restaurant, she misses the fact her ex-boyfriend has moved out of their apartment and is dating someone else. A family friend, Kit (Christopher) Montgomery, offers her a place to stay in Summer Falls, VA to regroup and also help cater the play he is putting on. Strong, intelligent, and witty, Casey’s need to be not caught unawares again causes more than a few problems along the way but she is smart enough to admit when she’s wrong. And boy, is she wrong a lot. At times I found Casey’s attitude towards Tate annoying, especially when it basically comes down to her own prejudices and rumors rather than any real substantiated facts.
Tate, our hero, is simply delicious. Witty, charming, and sexy, Tate is the ultimate caretaker. He tries so hard to make everything perfect for everyone but often it gets taken wrong because of his almost fanatical need to guard his and his family’s privacy. He is in Summer Falls to take a look at the restoration of his family’s estate-Tattwell Plantation. Though it was sold out of his family years ago, he bought it back for his mother who has since passed. Like Casey, he has no problems admitting when he’s misjudged someone though he is much quicker to give someone the benefit of the doubt and forgiveness.
Tate and Casey’s chemistry is explosive from page one even though the relationship starts out on a decidedly antagonistic note. I enjoyed that Deveraux doesn’t make their journey easy and offers readers a whole world to explore while watching this couple. The story reads fast and furious with it’s multiple characters and off the wall subplots weaving in and out. Strong writing and amusing dialogue and scenes hooks you instantly. It does has a messy feel to it that some may find daunting to try to sort through though the overall effect is decidedly charming. Even with the sheer almost overwhelming amount of external noise, the protagonists’ romance maintains a firm hold on the story and offers much entertainment to the town as they work through their issues (both internal and external) along their path to happily ever after.
“Don’t you guys have something else to do?
“Not anything as exciting as this. And could somebody get us some water? Drinking out of the hose has lost it’s country appeal.”
The Girl from Summer Hill is a boisterous romance that gives readers a small town contemporary overflowing with the laughter and heat that always seems to follow Deveraux’s characters. Fans of Deveraux’s and Austin’s are sure to enjoy. I look forward to book two in this series.
Grade: B
April 11, 2017
Nunca había leído nada de Jude Deveraux y no me decepcionó para nada, es más ya estoy con ganas de leer otro libro de ella.
La chica de Summer Hill es una historia super fresca y divertida, la protagonista es muy ocurrente y el protagonista es un hombre comprensivo y para nada violento como se está poniendo de moda en la lectura romántica.
La trama nos cuenta la historia de un grupo de gente del típico pueblito de Estados Unidos, donde todos se conocen y de un día para el otro gracias a una obra de teatro que se va a representar en el pueblo, este mismo se revoluciona con la llegada de una mega estrella de Hollywood.
Se los recomiendo muchísimo, si les gustan los romances y las historias divertidas este libros le va a encantar, yo lo disfruté muchísimo.
La chica de Summer Hill es una historia super fresca y divertida, la protagonista es muy ocurrente y el protagonista es un hombre comprensivo y para nada violento como se está poniendo de moda en la lectura romántica.
La trama nos cuenta la historia de un grupo de gente del típico pueblito de Estados Unidos, donde todos se conocen y de un día para el otro gracias a una obra de teatro que se va a representar en el pueblo, este mismo se revoluciona con la llegada de una mega estrella de Hollywood.
Se los recomiendo muchísimo, si les gustan los romances y las historias divertidas este libros le va a encantar, yo lo disfruté muchísimo.
October 19, 2019
Meh, I feel totally bombarded by multiple persons point of views. And I lost the story line somehow, and it is so predictable that I struggled to finish this.
I know that this is a happy ending story, but the storyline falters, especially with the stupid reasons of the villain in this book.
And sometimes the author described a scene in too much details - example: when the hero tries to battle a bird with his niece watching, that I dreaded and feel it is such a long drama and one dedicated chapter for this.
I know that this is a happy ending story, but the storyline falters, especially with the stupid reasons of the villain in this book.
And sometimes the author described a scene in too much details - example: when the hero tries to battle a bird with his niece watching, that I dreaded and feel it is such a long drama and one dedicated chapter for this.
May 14, 2016
Review originally guest posted at
The Girl With The Happily Ever Afters: 3.5 STARS
What a fun book!! The Girl from Summer Hill is a Pride and Prejudice retelling that is set within a story in which the characters are putting on Pride and Prejudice as a play so kind of a retelling in a retelling! This one definitely worked for me and here's why:
The Players
1. The role of Lizzy is played by Casey, a chef that recently quit her job after a break-up and on the verge of burn-out. She's come for a break but she discovers a lot more than she bargained for. Casey was so cool -- very Lizzy like and I loved reading about all the marvelous things she cooked and baked!
2.The role of Darcy is played by Tate, a heartthrob actor that has a serious weak spot for his sister and niece. He's recently purchased a huge house that his mother spent her childhood summers in but has only recently gathered the courage to visit the house and relive those memories. Tate is super swoony -- maybe a little less pride than we typically expect of Darcy but definitely book boyfriend worthy!
3. The role of Jane is played by Casey's half sister Giselle, who is kind of a daredevil and totally fearless. She is so sweet and so good -- definitely a Jane!!
4. The role of Bingley is played by Tate's best friend, Jack, who is also an actor who is primarily in action movies and does his own stunts. He falls for Giselle quickly and I really liked how the author portrayed cannon between he and Giselle.
Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
I've only read a few of Jude Deveraux's books but they all feel a bit the same to me in terms of pacing and that they feel old fashioned even when set in contemporary times. This isn't a bad thing -- she does a really good job of adding levity and comedy to her books and to her characters. I liked that this retelling didn't try to take itself too seriously as though it were actually Jane Austen. Instead, we got a fun and contemporary spin on P&P.
Fun Setting
This is set in rural Virginia and, as I iterated above, take place during the summer where the town is putting on Pride and Prejudice as a play. The setting definitely felt like summer and was described well -- I wanted to visit Summer Hill!
This book is also the first in a trilogy -- no word on whether the other books will also be retellings but I definitely can't wait to read more about this family and this town! There were so many good secondary characters that I could see the other books going so many different ways, all of which intrigue me.
What a fun book!! The Girl from Summer Hill is a Pride and Prejudice retelling that is set within a story in which the characters are putting on Pride and Prejudice as a play so kind of a retelling in a retelling! This one definitely worked for me and here's why:
The Players
1. The role of Lizzy is played by Casey, a chef that recently quit her job after a break-up and on the verge of burn-out. She's come for a break but she discovers a lot more than she bargained for. Casey was so cool -- very Lizzy like and I loved reading about all the marvelous things she cooked and baked!
2.The role of Darcy is played by Tate, a heartthrob actor that has a serious weak spot for his sister and niece. He's recently purchased a huge house that his mother spent her childhood summers in but has only recently gathered the courage to visit the house and relive those memories. Tate is super swoony -- maybe a little less pride than we typically expect of Darcy but definitely book boyfriend worthy!
3. The role of Jane is played by Casey's half sister Giselle, who is kind of a daredevil and totally fearless. She is so sweet and so good -- definitely a Jane!!
4. The role of Bingley is played by Tate's best friend, Jack, who is also an actor who is primarily in action movies and does his own stunts. He falls for Giselle quickly and I really liked how the author portrayed cannon between he and Giselle.
Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
I've only read a few of Jude Deveraux's books but they all feel a bit the same to me in terms of pacing and that they feel old fashioned even when set in contemporary times. This isn't a bad thing -- she does a really good job of adding levity and comedy to her books and to her characters. I liked that this retelling didn't try to take itself too seriously as though it were actually Jane Austen. Instead, we got a fun and contemporary spin on P&P.
Fun Setting
This is set in rural Virginia and, as I iterated above, take place during the summer where the town is putting on Pride and Prejudice as a play. The setting definitely felt like summer and was described well -- I wanted to visit Summer Hill!
This book is also the first in a trilogy -- no word on whether the other books will also be retellings but I definitely can't wait to read more about this family and this town! There were so many good secondary characters that I could see the other books going so many different ways, all of which intrigue me.
Acacia, I like you very much. I like the way you see through the outside of me to what's underneath. I like that I can be myself with you, that you have no preconceived ideas of what I should be. I like your enthusiasm for life. I especially love our bodies together.
August 25, 2016
To see review with Firth gifs click a href="https://howdyyal.wordpress.com/2016/0....
The Girl From Summer Hill is a book that I’m not sure would’ve been published if its author wouldn’t had already been a very successful romance novelist—the book’s by Jude Devereaux. To be fair, the book isn’t a bad book per say, but it’s yet another Pride and Prejudice retelling and not a very clever one.
Full disclosure, I’ve only read a few Devereaux books before, The Summer House and one of them that involved reincarnation—not the knight one that she’s famous for, but another one (can’t remember what it was). They weren’t bad, but the style was a little stilted for my taste. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I really like to get to know the characters I’m reading about. I feel with Devereaux books you only really see the superficial traits of the leads. And yeah, sometimes plot can make up for it but when you’re doing a Pride and Prejudice retelling you sort of have to nail your Lizzy and Darcy.
The set up, guys, wasn’t there. Oh, the opening scene was interesting. Casey (Lizzy) a successful chef spies Tate taking a bath outside naked. That can get the reader, reading it just—I don’t know—faltered after that. I was hoping we’d get to know these characters. Because the barebones of them seemed interesting. The world of gourmet cooking isn’t an easy career, especially for a woman chef so I thought it could be interesting seeing how Casey dealt with the sexism that comes with such a career path.
However, other than listing the various jams, chutneys, and honestly banal sounding pies in the house that she’s staying out….we never hear anything about her apparently messed up work situation.
Same with Tate, he’s a movie star. But other than this so obviously giving him the part of Darcy at a community theater production of all things?!?!?!?!?!?
Community theater.
That’s right, I said community theater because a big movie star is going to want to star in a Podunk-ville production of Pride and Prejudice with green actors—not to mention that said big shot chef is going to be like the perfect person for Lizzy with no acting experience and…well, you can see where I lost it.
Yes, I know believability is something you don’t often see with these books but sometimes there needs to be a bit of a reality check and having the chef world versus the Hollywood world in my opinion would’ve been enough.
It would’ve also helped if the plot wasn’t as slow as molasses and I think that’s why I DNF’d it. Which is a shame because I have a signed copy of the book—Books a Million was selling them.
Anyway, if you’re a die hard Pride and Prejudice or Devereaux fan, you might like this better than me. But I’m just going to skip ahead to the next read.
The Girl From Summer Hill is a book that I’m not sure would’ve been published if its author wouldn’t had already been a very successful romance novelist—the book’s by Jude Devereaux. To be fair, the book isn’t a bad book per say, but it’s yet another Pride and Prejudice retelling and not a very clever one.
Full disclosure, I’ve only read a few Devereaux books before, The Summer House and one of them that involved reincarnation—not the knight one that she’s famous for, but another one (can’t remember what it was). They weren’t bad, but the style was a little stilted for my taste. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I really like to get to know the characters I’m reading about. I feel with Devereaux books you only really see the superficial traits of the leads. And yeah, sometimes plot can make up for it but when you’re doing a Pride and Prejudice retelling you sort of have to nail your Lizzy and Darcy.
The set up, guys, wasn’t there. Oh, the opening scene was interesting. Casey (Lizzy) a successful chef spies Tate taking a bath outside naked. That can get the reader, reading it just—I don’t know—faltered after that. I was hoping we’d get to know these characters. Because the barebones of them seemed interesting. The world of gourmet cooking isn’t an easy career, especially for a woman chef so I thought it could be interesting seeing how Casey dealt with the sexism that comes with such a career path.
However, other than listing the various jams, chutneys, and honestly banal sounding pies in the house that she’s staying out….we never hear anything about her apparently messed up work situation.
Same with Tate, he’s a movie star. But other than this so obviously giving him the part of Darcy at a community theater production of all things?!?!?!?!?!?
Community theater.
That’s right, I said community theater because a big movie star is going to want to star in a Podunk-ville production of Pride and Prejudice with green actors—not to mention that said big shot chef is going to be like the perfect person for Lizzy with no acting experience and…well, you can see where I lost it.
Yes, I know believability is something you don’t often see with these books but sometimes there needs to be a bit of a reality check and having the chef world versus the Hollywood world in my opinion would’ve been enough.
It would’ve also helped if the plot wasn’t as slow as molasses and I think that’s why I DNF’d it. Which is a shame because I have a signed copy of the book—Books a Million was selling them.
Anyway, if you’re a die hard Pride and Prejudice or Devereaux fan, you might like this better than me. But I’m just going to skip ahead to the next read.
May 3, 2016
The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux is the first book in her new Summer Hill series. This was a sweet romance story, but different in that it also was sort of a modern day version of Pride and Prejudice. Casey Reddick, who is our heroine, has just moved into a house for the summer, and to her shock, she sees a naked man while sipping tea . Tate Landers, is our hero, who is a famous actor in town to help a friend perform the role of Darcy, in the town’s theatre. When Tate spots Casey watching him dry off outside, he gets angry thinking she is a reporter trying to take pictures. Needless to say, this was a bad start, and Casey,even if he is a gorgeous movie star, thought he was downright rude.
Casey is a chef, and will be providing the food to the actors in the play. Tate tries to make amends with his anger when they first met, but Casey has no interest in him. This is helped by the false information she gets from another member of the theater crew, who just happens to be Tate’s ex brother in law.
In the fashion of Pride & Prejudice, Casey believes what she is told by Devlin, who is truly the villain in this story. When they need someone to help perform some roles, Casey steps into the part of Lizzy, and her anger at the man playing Darcy, makes her so believable, she is offered the part in the play.
This was a slow build romance that was beautifully done. Tate does his best to win her over, as he begins to have feelings for Casey, but her believing what she was told about Tate keeps her at a distance. It will take a family member to show her how wrong she is. In time, Casey opens her eyes to see the real Tate, and how much he truly does care for her. Devereaux does a wonderful job building up this relationship, as well as creating some great secondary characters. I suspect we will revisit some of those characters in future book of Summer Hill.
What follows is a wonderful fun sweet & hot romance between Casey and Tate. The story is similar to Pride and Prejudice, with some suspense, and a villain who fooled many. But the key to this was the great characters besides Casey and Tate; we enjoyed Jack, Gizzy, Olivia, and many of the others who made this an enjoyable and charming read. If you loved Pride and Prejudice, then you will love Jude Deveraux’s modern day take on that story.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Casey is a chef, and will be providing the food to the actors in the play. Tate tries to make amends with his anger when they first met, but Casey has no interest in him. This is helped by the false information she gets from another member of the theater crew, who just happens to be Tate’s ex brother in law.
In the fashion of Pride & Prejudice, Casey believes what she is told by Devlin, who is truly the villain in this story. When they need someone to help perform some roles, Casey steps into the part of Lizzy, and her anger at the man playing Darcy, makes her so believable, she is offered the part in the play.
This was a slow build romance that was beautifully done. Tate does his best to win her over, as he begins to have feelings for Casey, but her believing what she was told about Tate keeps her at a distance. It will take a family member to show her how wrong she is. In time, Casey opens her eyes to see the real Tate, and how much he truly does care for her. Devereaux does a wonderful job building up this relationship, as well as creating some great secondary characters. I suspect we will revisit some of those characters in future book of Summer Hill.
What follows is a wonderful fun sweet & hot romance between Casey and Tate. The story is similar to Pride and Prejudice, with some suspense, and a villain who fooled many. But the key to this was the great characters besides Casey and Tate; we enjoyed Jack, Gizzy, Olivia, and many of the others who made this an enjoyable and charming read. If you loved Pride and Prejudice, then you will love Jude Deveraux’s modern day take on that story.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 7, 2016
ARC REVIEW
I have a new favorite Jude Deveraux book!
This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the same manner that Kiss Me Kate is a retelling of Taming of the Shrew. If you haven't seen it or heard of it. It's a stage production of the original story but with a case of Life Imitating Art. A small town stage production of Pride and Prejudice, but the actors are put through situations and the events and their attitudes reflect that of the the original story. This is in Deveraux's Montgomery/Taggert universe but can be read apart from the other series and is the start of a new series Summer Hill. I love Jude Deveraux writing style, her writing is always humorous, sweet, romantic, and a bit of heartache. One little thing about the book I enjoyed was that instead of chapters it's Act and Scene, I thought that was neat. There is a lot going on in the book, if you know Pride and Prejudice this is very similar just updated and it's very well done.
Kit Montgomery has written a stage version of Pride and Prejudice. His idea is to get his newly discovered relative to Tate Landers to play Darcy, he just has to trick him into it. Tate's family home is in Summer Hill, his Mother had to sell the place before he was born and for his sister and his adorable niece he bought the place and fixed it up he never planned on staying there. But for his sister he will even if it means getting roped into playing Darcy. Casey Reddick was the head chef at a prestigious D.C. restaurant, but when her boyfriend left her she felt she needed to reevaluate her life, her mother suggested finally meeting her father and all eleven of her half siblings. (funny story that)
When Casey and Tate first meet it is hysterical. Casey, like Elizabeth, has an immediate dislike to the man. Tate is a famous actor and has been typecast as the brooding male role, he is use to woman falling at his feet and is intrigued with Casey who has nothing but disdain for him. Doesn't help matters that Tate's ex-brother-in-law has also been cast in the play as the part of Wickham, who in real like is the embodiment of Wickham and tries to sway Casey from Tate. You also have the side story of Jack and Gizzy aka Jane and Bingley and also that of Kit and Olivia and little Lydia.
Overall, I loved this book it was such a fun and sweet story with naked men and crazy peacocks.
I have a new favorite Jude Deveraux book!
This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the same manner that Kiss Me Kate is a retelling of Taming of the Shrew. If you haven't seen it or heard of it. It's a stage production of the original story but with a case of Life Imitating Art. A small town stage production of Pride and Prejudice, but the actors are put through situations and the events and their attitudes reflect that of the the original story. This is in Deveraux's Montgomery/Taggert universe but can be read apart from the other series and is the start of a new series Summer Hill. I love Jude Deveraux writing style, her writing is always humorous, sweet, romantic, and a bit of heartache. One little thing about the book I enjoyed was that instead of chapters it's Act and Scene, I thought that was neat. There is a lot going on in the book, if you know Pride and Prejudice this is very similar just updated and it's very well done.
Kit Montgomery has written a stage version of Pride and Prejudice. His idea is to get his newly discovered relative to Tate Landers to play Darcy, he just has to trick him into it. Tate's family home is in Summer Hill, his Mother had to sell the place before he was born and for his sister and his adorable niece he bought the place and fixed it up he never planned on staying there. But for his sister he will even if it means getting roped into playing Darcy. Casey Reddick was the head chef at a prestigious D.C. restaurant, but when her boyfriend left her she felt she needed to reevaluate her life, her mother suggested finally meeting her father and all eleven of her half siblings. (funny story that)
When Casey and Tate first meet it is hysterical. Casey, like Elizabeth, has an immediate dislike to the man. Tate is a famous actor and has been typecast as the brooding male role, he is use to woman falling at his feet and is intrigued with Casey who has nothing but disdain for him. Doesn't help matters that Tate's ex-brother-in-law has also been cast in the play as the part of Wickham, who in real like is the embodiment of Wickham and tries to sway Casey from Tate. You also have the side story of Jack and Gizzy aka Jane and Bingley and also that of Kit and Olivia and little Lydia.
Overall, I loved this book it was such a fun and sweet story with naked men and crazy peacocks.
April 4, 2016
The Girl from Summer Hill – Jude Deveraux
4.5* Closer to a five*
Okay so where to start? Actors I guess, because this book is set in a modern rework of Jane Austen’s – Pride & Prejudice, which is no where near my favourite book but whoever Jude is, he/she, did a fantastic job of making it so, so, so, much better. This story follows super star Tate Landers and his love interest Casey through their perfectly woven love story. Seriously, the words – intricately woven – fit this novel to a tee.
It’s a longer book but I never skipped, because if I had I surely would have missed something important, and those kinds of books are my faves.
Half a star came off because the angst that built between them was hot, but their sex scene was briefly written but that was my only nuisance with Summer Hill.
Sub characters are perfectly written and I usually HATE third person point of view, but I was actually thoroughly enthralled by Jude’s writing.
It was like watching it all playing in front of my eyes. LOVE!
Seriously awesome novel with great prose, intricately woven and not only funny but also sexy, kept me on the edge of my seat and gave me my beloved HEA that I die without <3
It’s even #angfriendly
4.5* Closer to a five*
Okay so where to start? Actors I guess, because this book is set in a modern rework of Jane Austen’s – Pride & Prejudice, which is no where near my favourite book but whoever Jude is, he/she, did a fantastic job of making it so, so, so, much better. This story follows super star Tate Landers and his love interest Casey through their perfectly woven love story. Seriously, the words – intricately woven – fit this novel to a tee.
It’s a longer book but I never skipped, because if I had I surely would have missed something important, and those kinds of books are my faves.
Half a star came off because the angst that built between them was hot, but their sex scene was briefly written but that was my only nuisance with Summer Hill.
Sub characters are perfectly written and I usually HATE third person point of view, but I was actually thoroughly enthralled by Jude’s writing.
It was like watching it all playing in front of my eyes. LOVE!
Seriously awesome novel with great prose, intricately woven and not only funny but also sexy, kept me on the edge of my seat and gave me my beloved HEA that I die without <3
It’s even #angfriendly
March 25, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I saw that Jude Deveraux was writing a book that plays on the classic literary work Pride and Prejudice, I was really concerned. Jude Deveraux has always been my all-time favorite author but I feel too many people have used this classic tale as a jumping off point of their own stories. I should have had faith in Deveraux’s writing ability, because she didn’t disappoint me. Once again I was thoroughly engaged with a Deveraux novel and connected with the characters quickly. I love the chemistry between Casey and Tate as well as the personalities of all the supporting characters. Deveraux took a classic novel idea but turned it into something that is truly her own author voice. I recommend this novel for anyone who loves contemporary romance, new adult romance or just a fun quirky read. It will keep you engaged and leave you wanting more.
September 11, 2019
The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux
A contemporary romance with lots of family, friends and town characters. It’s cute. It’s engaging. It’s wonderful.
It follows the Pride and Prejudice cast in a town play. For the most part, you don’t need to know Jane Austin’s story. The last fifty pages, as the played is performed, was a bit confusing for me. Character names are thrown around quickly as they enter and exit the stage either playing their parts or ad-libbing lines to contemporary times. It did add to the story but a few less people would have been ok with me.
Overall I love this author. Always fantastic stories and epic romances. This had the main couple and included several other matches that made the story hopeful and satisfying.
Happily ever after for the town of Summer Hill.
A contemporary romance with lots of family, friends and town characters. It’s cute. It’s engaging. It’s wonderful.
It follows the Pride and Prejudice cast in a town play. For the most part, you don’t need to know Jane Austin’s story. The last fifty pages, as the played is performed, was a bit confusing for me. Character names are thrown around quickly as they enter and exit the stage either playing their parts or ad-libbing lines to contemporary times. It did add to the story but a few less people would have been ok with me.
Overall I love this author. Always fantastic stories and epic romances. This had the main couple and included several other matches that made the story hopeful and satisfying.
Happily ever after for the town of Summer Hill.
May 6, 2017
A fun, quick read! A new book inspired by Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. It's really fun to see how the author used the events in the original book and updated them. (For instance, the first thing the "Darcy" character admires about the "Lizzy" character are her eyes.)
I was a little offput about how they modernize P&P for the play in the book, but it is totally hilarious and works really well.
However, for some reason, the male lead just didn't appeal that much to me. I enjoyed it more for the humor and the P&P references.
I was a little offput about how they modernize P&P for the play in the book, but it is totally hilarious and works really well.
However, for some reason, the male lead just didn't appeal that much to me. I enjoyed it more for the humor and the P&P references.
August 8, 2018
This book was so hilarious and heartwarming which makes me wonder why anyone would rate it lower than 5 stars. There were even moments when I found myself laughing out loud. It's a lighthearted summer read with plenty of romance tossed in from different perspectives. I would most definitely recommend this book to a friend.
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