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My Plain Jane
(The Lady Janies #2)
by
You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)
Or does she?
Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions ...more
Or does she?
Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions ...more
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Hardcover, 447 pages
Published
June 26th 2018
by HarperTeen
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Jodi Meadows
They are completely separate books!
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Start your review of My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies, #2)

This was everything I had wanted and so much more. I’ll be devastated if this series doesn’t go on forever because the Lady Janies truly belong together! I loved “My Lady Jane” SO much that when I got an ARC of this I knew I had to read it asap! I’m so excited for you all to read it in June when it comes out. It’s a long wait, but believe me it’s worth it! I’m just sad I now have to wait until 2020 for the next one!

I really wanted to love this. So badly. My Lady Jane was so so much fun when I read it last year, but I just felt like both the humour and the story were pretty bland in this book. I felt like the previous book was a hilarious historical comedy; this one was a meh Jane Eyre retelling.
I don't think it worked as well when the authors switched from a funny retelling of history to a not-so-funny retelling of a well-known book. Jane Eyre is easily one of my favourite books of all time and My Plain Ja ...more
I don't think it worked as well when the authors switched from a funny retelling of history to a not-so-funny retelling of a well-known book. Jane Eyre is easily one of my favourite books of all time and My Plain Ja ...more

Very fun book! The authors took elements of the story of Jane Eyre and managed to turn it into a ghost hunting mystery adventure. It very much felt like a mix between a classic romance novel and Ghostbusters, and it was just a lot of fun to read. And I can safely say that even if you have never read Jane Eyre (as I haven’t), you can still wholeheartedly enjoy this book. Oddly enough, I think my favourite character was actually Charlotte (Charlotte Brontë), but the entire book is filled with a gr
...more

Some notes:
1. You don't have to read MY LADY JANE first in order to enjoy this one. The books are connected only by the authors and the first and last words in the titles. And the look of the cover. And the amount of fun we had writing the books. And the amount of chocolate we ate. But other than that, totally different books!
2. You also don't need to have read JANE EYRE to enjoy this book. As with MLJ and knowing Jane Grey's history, we've got you covered in the prologue.
3. That said, I certai ...more
1. You don't have to read MY LADY JANE first in order to enjoy this one. The books are connected only by the authors and the first and last words in the titles. And the look of the cover. And the amount of fun we had writing the books. And the amount of chocolate we ate. But other than that, totally different books!
2. You also don't need to have read JANE EYRE to enjoy this book. As with MLJ and knowing Jane Grey's history, we've got you covered in the prologue.
3. That said, I certai ...more

Oh boy, this is going to be awkward.
➸ Disclaimer: I loved My Lady Jane. Every time I think of this marvel of a book a huge grin takes over my face. And, partially, that's the reason I may be too harsh on My Plain Jane (well this and my slow but steady transformation to a judgy old lady that is too difficult to please). I really wanted to love it. I expected to love it. I'm afraid, though, that My Plain Jane was exactly what the title promised. Plain.

➸ Disclaimer: I loved My Lady Jane. Every time I think of this marvel of a book a huge grin takes over my face. And, partially, that's the reason I may be too harsh on My Plain Jane (well this and my slow but steady transformation to a judgy old lady that is too difficult to please). I really wanted to love it. I expected to love it. I'm afraid, though, that My Plain Jane was exactly what the title promised. Plain.

“Northern England, 1834, and the afore...more

A rollicking adventure and a spirited good time!
((pun fully intended))

My Plain Jane is the second novel released by The Lady Janies; Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows.
As with their first collaboration, this book is full of good humor and fantastical storytelling replete with pop culture references.

Dubbed as Jane Eyre meets Ghostbusters, My Plain Jane provides a wacky and fun retelling of the classic tale with lots of supernatural twists.
I felt strong Scooby-Doo vibes from this and I ...more
((pun fully intended))

My Plain Jane is the second novel released by The Lady Janies; Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows.
As with their first collaboration, this book is full of good humor and fantastical storytelling replete with pop culture references.

Dubbed as Jane Eyre meets Ghostbusters, My Plain Jane provides a wacky and fun retelling of the classic tale with lots of supernatural twists.
I felt strong Scooby-Doo vibes from this and I ...more

“She took a shuddering breath. Crying, she told herself sternly, does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.”
4.5 bloody amazing stars.
I loved the first book and I loved this one.
“And if you find another suitable position, and leave me, you will pull it out. And I will bleed.”
“What do you mean?” Jane said.
“It sounds rather obvious, and slightly disgusting,” Helen said. “He’ll bleed.”
💫if you like the ...more

Dec 29, 2017
Nenia ✨️ Socially Awkward Trash Panda ✨️ Campbell
marked it as wishlist
I'VE BEEN WAITING TO USE THIS MEME IN CONTEXT FOR YEARS

...Wat? Tell me I'm not the only one who hoards weird memes and gifs and waits for proper context... ...more

...Wat? Tell me I'm not the only one who hoards weird memes and gifs and waits for proper context... ...more

I don't like Jane Eyre.
No. Really. I just dislike everything about the story.

So, my first thought was that maybe a retelling would make me like these characters better.
BUT.
I got bored when I tried to read the ebook. I think it may have had less to do with the writing and more to do with my dislike of the original characters, though.
So I tried the audio version.
Much better. <--Fiona Hardingham did a fantastic job as the narrator!

So this is an alternate reality where ghosts exist and there is a ...more
No. Really. I just dislike everything about the story.

So, my first thought was that maybe a retelling would make me like these characters better.
BUT.
I got bored when I tried to read the ebook. I think it may have had less to do with the writing and more to do with my dislike of the original characters, though.
So I tried the audio version.
Much better. <--Fiona Hardingham did a fantastic job as the narrator!

So this is an alternate reality where ghosts exist and there is a ...more

Few things: I got behind on my reading schedule due to a family thing and some unplanned buddy reads. I am LIVING FOR THIS BOOK, but it is taking me a while due to reading a little more than six books at a time and some with other people. So, therefore, know that I am so sad that it is taking me so long to read this book but also really happy I get to read it at a slower pace and stretch it out and enjoy it more. I am really getting My Lady Jane vibes with the humor and the paranormal part of ii
...more

Jul 07, 2018
April (Aprilius Maximus)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2018
1.) My Lady Jane ★★★★
2.) My Plain Jane ★★★★.5
--------------------------------------------------
MY JANE EYRE LOVING HEART IS SINGING
2.) My Plain Jane ★★★★.5
--------------------------------------------------
MY JANE EYRE LOVING HEART IS SINGING

For this and more of my reviews, as well as my friend Petrik's reviews, check out my new blog, Novel Notions.
I loved this book so much.
Seriously. So. MUCH.
There aren’t enough comedic novels out there that don’t edge irritatingly into silly. This book, and the preceding book, are two of the funniest things I’ve ever read. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but the humor doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Both have made me laugh out loud with their pop culture references and plethora of awkward m ...more
I loved this book so much.
Seriously. So. MUCH.
There aren’t enough comedic novels out there that don’t edge irritatingly into silly. This book, and the preceding book, are two of the funniest things I’ve ever read. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but the humor doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Both have made me laugh out loud with their pop culture references and plethora of awkward m ...more

What I do not like: My Lady Jane.
What I do like: Jane Eyre.
What I am doing: adding a My Lady Jane sequel retelling of Jane Eyre to my to-read list.
In other words:
...more
What I do like: Jane Eyre.
What I am doing: adding a My Lady Jane sequel retelling of Jane Eyre to my to-read list.
In other words:


“This brings us to the real start of our story: northern England, 1834, and the aforementioned penniless, orphaned girl. And a writer. And a boy with a vendetta.
Let’s start with the girl.
Her name was Jane.”

I'm currently doing an MPhil in English Literature and Jane Eyre is one of the books I'm examining. What this means is I know every freaking inch of the novel. I know what scholars have said, I know the dirty racist and imperialist undertones, I know critical interpretations of barely t ...more

Aug 08, 2016
Wendy Darling
marked it as to-read
Yesssssssssssss. *hisses enthusiastically*
A favorite classic, a favorite heroine, and a favorite YA author in Cynthia Hand. I'm going to aggressively hug this book when I get my hands on it. ...more
A favorite classic, a favorite heroine, and a favorite YA author in Cynthia Hand. I'm going to aggressively hug this book when I get my hands on it. ...more

HEY YOU
YEAH YOU
whoever is reading this review is automatically required to buy me this book. If you don't do this then you will have 63 years of bad luck.
For shipping details, feel free to contact me 😊😊😊 ...more
YEAH YOU
whoever is reading this review is automatically required to buy me this book. If you don't do this then you will have 63 years of bad luck.
For shipping details, feel free to contact me 😊😊😊 ...more

2.75 stars!!!
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harpercollins!
Arc #3
I read My Lady Jane back in January and I absolutely loved it. I gave that book a 4.75 rating. I fell in love with the story and characters, but this book really gave me a hard time. I considered giving this book 2 stars but something (or should I say someone) stopped me.
First of, I'm going to pinpoint the things I liked about this book.
• The freaking cove ...more
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Harpercollins!
Arc #3
I read My Lady Jane back in January and I absolutely loved it. I gave that book a 4.75 rating. I fell in love with the story and characters, but this book really gave me a hard time. I considered giving this book 2 stars but something (or should I say someone) stopped me.
First of, I'm going to pinpoint the things I liked about this book.
• The freaking cove ...more

i should probably not expose myself like this but.... I had an ARC and forgot all about it, and still haven't read the book.
and then I ask myself why my edelweiss requests are never accepted lmaoooooo
...more
and then I ask myself why my edelweiss requests are never accepted lmaoooooo
...more

DNF 54% | 08/03/19 | 1.5 stars
So here we are. I am dnfing one of my most anticipated books.
I wanted to keep going and force myself but I realized it's not really worth it anymore. I am more than halfway through and nothing has happened yet. I can describe the plot so far in one sentence: Alexander Blackwood, part of the WSR society, keeps trying to recruit Jane Eyre because she sees ghosts, but she doesn't want to work for them. That's it.
I'm still extremely excited about My Calamity Jane, I fee ...more
So here we are. I am dnfing one of my most anticipated books.
I wanted to keep going and force myself but I realized it's not really worth it anymore. I am more than halfway through and nothing has happened yet. I can describe the plot so far in one sentence: Alexander Blackwood, part of the WSR society, keeps trying to recruit Jane Eyre because she sees ghosts, but she doesn't want to work for them. That's it.
I'm still extremely excited about My Calamity Jane, I fee ...more

2.5
“This brings us to the real start of our story: northern England, 1834, and the aforementioned penniless, orphaned girl. And a writer. And a boy with a vendetta.
Let’s start with the girl.
Her name was Jane.”
...
Reader, I wanted to love this book. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I absolutely loved My Lady Jane, and Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, so I had no doubt I'd love this.
Sadly, I was mistaken.
One of my favorite things about the Lady Janies' previous bo ...more
“This brings us to the real start of our story: northern England, 1834, and the aforementioned penniless, orphaned girl. And a writer. And a boy with a vendetta.
Let’s start with the girl.
Her name was Jane.”
...
Reader, I wanted to love this book. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I absolutely loved My Lady Jane, and Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, so I had no doubt I'd love this.
Sadly, I was mistaken.
One of my favorite things about the Lady Janies' previous bo ...more

I received an ARC of this book for free as part of BookSparks’ YA Summer Reading Challenge.
I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.
I was so excited to read this book, but it ended up being not quite what I was expecting. I love Jane Eyre (it’s one of my favorite classics) and I expected a fun retelling. I kind of got that, but at the same time kind of didn’t.
Also I just want to throw it out there that I have never read My Lady Jane, so I can’t say how it compares to that book.
I enjoyed ...more
I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.
I was so excited to read this book, but it ended up being not quite what I was expecting. I love Jane Eyre (it’s one of my favorite classics) and I expected a fun retelling. I kind of got that, but at the same time kind of didn’t.
Also I just want to throw it out there that I have never read My Lady Jane, so I can’t say how it compares to that book.
I enjoyed ...more

'My Plain Jane' is a funny, entertaining parody of norms of 19th century English society and writing, and especially of Jane Eyre. It's full of surprises, quirky comments and intriguing ghosts - I liked it, but it wasn't as good as My Lady Jane.

That pretty much sums up what society expected from women and vice versa at that time (also, now I know that ...more

'Love trumped everything in a woman's life. More than ambition. Respectability. Common sense. Love, they'd both been taught, conquers all.'
That pretty much sums up what society expected from women and vice versa at that time (also, now I know that ...more

4 stars!
“Never in any Jane Austen novel did the love interest pretend to be a fortune-teller," Helen said, "Why would someone do that?”

^^Just kidding. But in this book she can see ghosts.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a fanciful retelling of Jane Eyre that is so aware of itself and also pokes fun at itself. In My Plain Jane, there are people who can see ghosts and Jane Eyre is one of them. Growing up starving at Lowood school, Jane jumps at the chance to be a governess in a new position. ...more
“Never in any Jane Austen novel did the love interest pretend to be a fortune-teller," Helen said, "Why would someone do that?”

^^Just kidding. But in this book she can see ghosts.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a fanciful retelling of Jane Eyre that is so aware of itself and also pokes fun at itself. In My Plain Jane, there are people who can see ghosts and Jane Eyre is one of them. Growing up starving at Lowood school, Jane jumps at the chance to be a governess in a new position. ...more

Jul 30, 2018
may ❀
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
library,
400-pgs,
fantasy,
decent,
kickass-heroine,
hilarious,
historical,
trilogy,
i-am-trash
ayyyy book #1 done for the booktubeathon ✔️
this was really FUN and ridiculous and slightly silly. i preferred my lady jane over this one but nonetheless a great read.
this was really FUN and ridiculous and slightly silly. i preferred my lady jane over this one but nonetheless a great read.

I think I liked this one more than My Lady Jane which I didn't think was possible. But it is. This book was perfection. I wouldn't change a single thing about it, and I want to read it again already, despite finishing it two minutes ago. Do I have a problem? Yes. That problem is that this book ended.
...more

Really enjoyed reading Charlotte's POV.
...more

30 August 2019
4 stars
I really enjoyed this even the second time around. Fiona Hardingham is a great narrator (even though her French is atrocious at times) and the story is great fun.
If you consider reading/listening to this, please bear in mind that My Plain Jane (just as My Lady Jane) is utterly silly and definitely not fit for overanalysing.
***
6 July 2018
4.5 stars
This was the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. It was complete and utter nonsense, and it was glorious.
Actual Footage of mere
...more
4 stars
I really enjoyed this even the second time around. Fiona Hardingham is a great narrator (even though her French is atrocious at times) and the story is great fun.
If you consider reading/listening to this, please bear in mind that My Plain Jane (just as My Lady Jane) is utterly silly and definitely not fit for overanalysing.
***
6 July 2018
4.5 stars
This was the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. It was complete and utter nonsense, and it was glorious.
Actual Footage of me
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Time Out Book Club: July Virtual Meeting | 1 | 2 | Jul 09, 2020 09:50AM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...: My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows and Brodi Ashton - Restarting November 22nd 2018 | 25 | 80 | Dec 09, 2018 07:39PM |
Cynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for teens, including the UNEARTHLY trilogy, THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, MY LADY JANE, MY PLAIN JANE, and MY CALAMITY JANE (with fellow authors Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows), THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE, THE HOW AND THE WHY and the upcoming novels WITH YOU ALL THE WAY and MY CONTRARY MARY (also with Ashton and Meadows). Befo
...more
Other books in the series
The Lady Janies
(3 books)
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Individually, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows are three authors who write fantasy and paranormal novels for young adults. Together,...
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“Words were good. But sometimes they were simply inadequate.”
—
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“If there was something strange in your neighborhood, you could, um, write the Society a letter, and they would promptly send an agent to take care of it.”
—
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