Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Berkley
Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three
things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in
love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she
meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor—a fascinating young man who is
truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is
unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race—and he
seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another
seeking his attention
Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?
Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?
“I write because I cannot help it,” said I.
The short stories and plays I had written were
only fluff and nonsense which I composed to amuse myself and my family.
“But, Mamma! I have the whole dialogue in my
head. If I stop now, I will forget! Did Shakespeare’s mother interrupt his efforts with a pen? Did Mozart’s
father oblige him to sew gowns for his
sister?”
“Dancing does not necessarily lead to matrimony.”
This is the story of the most incredible summer
of Jane Austen’s life: the summer of 1971. At the beginning of the novel, Jane
receives a letter that recalls to her mind a very pivotal moment between her
and the person she remembers as her true love. Jane’s family is to journey to
meet her brother Edward’s future wife and her family. Jane is overwhelmed with
joy because she if just so happy to be able to get out of their stuffy house
for a while. Cassandra, Jane’s sister, and Jane herself convince their parents
that they must be allowed to stay here for the summer and Jane is just beside herself
with all the luxuries, riches, and fine young men that lie in her path. Edward
Taylor is the first one she meets on her exciting journey and it is obvious to
see that he is quite smitten with our young Jane Austen.
Austen lovers will NOT be disappointed with this
book. I thought it was all so well-written and very true to what we know of
Jane’s character. I was so impressed with how easily the author was able to
place me in the time period and make me feel like I belonged. I would sit down
right now and read this entire book again; it was that good! Not only did I love
this book but it inspired me to go and pick up one of Austen’s books from my
shelves and begin rereading. I think any book that can do that deserves to be
read over and over again!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me
by the publishers at Berkley in exchange for my honest review***
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