Title: A Jane Austen Devotional
Published by : Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian non-fiction
About this book:
This book has contains around two hundred devotions based on Jane Austen's book.
On one page there is a section of from one of Jane Austen's book.
On the page opposite of it is a page telling what can be learned from the other page and scripture pertaining to that topic.
What I liked about this book:
This was a really well thought out devotional.
I loved how the person who wrote each devotional brought out Biblical truths from Jane Austen's books without seeming over analyized or cliche'.
Each section was short, but very through. Since it takes only five mintues or less to read this is a great devotional to use if you only have a few minutes or to add to your current study of the Bible.
What I didn't like about this book:
This isn't a real problem, but there are two or three sections in this book on how to be a Godly wife and mother. Since I am single and these sections don't apply to me (personally) I just skipped them.
My rating: 4
Title: For Darkness Shows the Stars
Author: Diana Peterfruend
Genre: Teen Science Fiction
Plot: Years after the Reduction, a failed science experiment that left a majority of the population unable to take of themselves, Elliot North is trying to keep her family's farm going. Elliot is Luddite, which means her family wasn't a part of the Reduciton experiment.
Her father and Tatiana, are selfish and cruel at times, making Elliot feel alone.
As society starts to change Elliot begins to have hope for the future. But can that change last?
What I like about this book: This book was inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, my favorite book by Jane Austen. It has similarities to Persuasion, but it still feels like it has it own story line.
Like Anne Elliot, Elliot North is a selfless and caring person. Elliot was my favorite character, but all the other characters were interesting too.
I have read very little sci- fi, and most of the time I didn't really like it. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
What I didn't like about this book: There was one use of d**n, but no other language.
The ending was a little abrupt for my tastes.
My rating: 3.5
Title: Northanger Abbey
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Historical fiction
Plot: Catherine Moorland has lived a simple life with her parents and siblings in Fullerton, England.
When Catherine is seventeen she is invited by the Allens' to join them in Bath. Once in bath Catherine discovers a world of dancing, fashion, and haughty people.
Catherine soon becomes friends with Isabella Thorpe and Eleanor Tilney- two very different people. Who is her true friend? The flirtatious Isabella or the quiet Eleanor?
What I liked about this book: This is by far the least serious of Jane Austen's books. There are some funny quotes and conversations throughout this book.
There are many different characters with different personalities.
I first thought that Catherine was a bit silly, but I soon found my self relating to her.
What I didn't like about this book: There are many references and conversations about very old books that I haven't read, which could be confusing at times. Thankfully the copy I read had footnotes that helped to explain those references.
My rating: 3
Title: Jane and the unpleasantness of Scargrave manor
Series: Jane Austen Mystery book one
Author: Stepahie Barron
Genre: Historical Mystery
Pages: 289
Plot: Jane Austen is visiting her newly married friend Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave, after Jane refuses a marriage proposal.
At first Jane believes Isobel to be happily married, that is until Lord Scargrave dies suddenly. At first everyone believes Lord Scargrave died naturally, but soon it is pronounced that he was murdered.
Jane's wit may just help her find out who the murderer is.
What I liked about this book: This is one of the most complex mysteries I have ever read!!! Chances are, like me, you won't know who the murderer is until the end of the book.
What I didn't like about this book: The is a gory book, if you are squeamish you probably wouldn't enjoy it.
There is also a lot of talk of adultery, mistresses, and out of wedlock pregnancies.
Would I recommend this? Yes, to those who love a thrilling mystery.
Title: Prom and Prejudice
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 231
Plot: Lizzy Bennet is a student at the exclusive, all girls, Longbourn Academy. Lizzy is a music scholarship student, though, which means she has few friends among the rich and elite.
At a social event Lizzy meets Will Darcy who goes to school at Pemberley, an all boys school across the street from Longbourn.
Unlike the other Pemberly boys, Will seems different to Lizzy, until Will finds out Lizzy is a scholarship student. Will's pompous attitude makes Lizzy believe she will never find common ground with the rich. Can Prom change that?
What I liked about this book: It was a fun modern take on Pride and Prejudice.
What I didn't like about it: There is some innuendo. A guy tries to take advantage of two girls, but is stopped ( it doesn't go into much detail about it). There is one use of the word h*ll.
Would I recommend it? Yes. I already have recommended it to one of my friends.
Title: Persuasion
Author: Jane Austen
Series: None
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 288
Plot: Anne Elliot was engaged to Frederick Wentworth, but because her family and friends disapproved him, Anne breaks her engagement. Now years later Anne hasn't forgotten Frederick, but she wonders if he has forgotten her. When Frederick shows up in Anne's life again, her life is changed.
What I like about this book: This is my favorite Jane Austen book. It's very well written.
What I didn't like about this book: It is a serious book until the ending.
Would I recommend this? Yes, highly.
