The Austen Escape

The Austen Escape

by Katherine Reay

This book was SO. MUCH. FUN. I can’t describe the delight, the bone-deep thrill I experienced as I read this story. First of all, I have literally thought about, dreamed, considered, and wondered what it would be like to live in the world depicted in Jane Austen novels. I have walked through the Biltmore and wished I could eat one meal in that elaborate dining room with footmen lining the walls, and see what it would be like to wear a different outfit for every three hours of the day.

In the Austen Escape, our very modern-day characters embark on a trip of a lifetime, where they will stay in an English Manor, wear fabulous gowns like those described in Pride and Prejudice, and be waited upon by servants whilst playing whist (among other things).

I mean, who wouldn’t want to try it? Well, inside this book you'll find there’s an adventure. There might be a touch of romance, and best of all, there are gowns and dancing and mistaken assumptions and blinded characters who the reader desperately wants to open their eyes. You won't be sorry you tried this one, I promise.

What's your favorite Jane Austen novel?

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 27 years have raised three Southern-ish children quite by accident. Jennifer hosts a book review blog at Shetalksbooks.com and she offers a free story download on her website: https://www.jenniferfromke.com/contact/.

The Love Letter

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The Love Letter
By Rachel Hauck

What a delicious love story! Actually, with this novel, you get two for the price of one. I love the time-slip format for novels, but this one truly integrates an historic story intimately with a contemporary story. Plus, since the story is Christian Fiction, the story goes soul-deep.

It all begins with a very old love letter written by Jesse’s great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather. He writes a screen play about it, and enter Chloe Daschle, actress. I love that the contemporary story takes place in Hollywood and gives us a behind the scenes look at filming a feature film. What I love even more, is when the film acts out the historic story that happened in the fictional past.

The novel takes us back to the Revolutionary War, where we have a love story between a Patriot and the daughter of a Loyalist. If that’s not enough drama, add in war injuries, secret meetings by the willow tree, and a misplaced musket shot.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll say this…unrequited love, frustrations, miscommunications, and lost letters all play critical roles in both love stories, and the ending is so perfectly sweet, you won’t even need to spring for the cheesecake. I’m serious.

Have you ever written a love letter? How about a love note? If you love someone (I mean anyone: kids, friends, spouse, etc…) try writing a love note and see what happens. Then drop me a line and let me know how it turned out!

I listened on Audible and highly recommend—the narrator is excellent.

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where the skies are blue, the tea is sweet (not that she drinks it), and the summers are so hot she writes in the shade of her back porch, literally sweating over each novel she writes. She talks about books ad nauseam and recommends books to everyone she meets, so she started a book review blog for sheer joy: www.shetalksbooks.com.