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pinkydink70's review against another edition
5.0
I rate simply: 5 = liked it, 3 = meh, and 1 = didn't like it.
emmabeckman's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC through my work with no agreement re: reviews.
I really wanted to absolutely love this one but it fell a bit flat for me. I could tell what the author was going for, but it doesn't live up to the quality of the novels it appears she was trying to emulate. I think too much of the characters' relationships were built before the novel began, and the writing didn't do enough to show the readers what those relationships really amounted to. Additionally, the author didn't really seem to commit to anyone's relationship, as in no one ever really showed strong emotion toward each other? It's hard to describe what I mean. I guess I mean that it was really obvious from the outset which couples were going to end up together (for the most part) but not because there was ever any written depth into anyone's thoughts or emotions. I don't want to give spoilers since the book isn't out yet.
I guess overall, the writing was too much tell and not enough show. And the dialogue didn't seem real. But I enjoyed the reading process in terms of it being a very simple, quick story. It's a cute plot but don't expect to be moved by any of the characters or situations--they are not fleshed out and dived into enough to make a real impact. I would recommend it if you're a fan of Jane Austen (but not a superfan) or if you like stories set in the quaint English countryside.
I really wanted to absolutely love this one but it fell a bit flat for me. I could tell what the author was going for, but it doesn't live up to the quality of the novels it appears she was trying to emulate. I think too much of the characters' relationships were built before the novel began, and the writing didn't do enough to show the readers what those relationships really amounted to. Additionally, the author didn't really seem to commit to anyone's relationship, as in no one ever really showed strong emotion toward each other? It's hard to describe what I mean. I guess I mean that it was really obvious from the outset which couples were going to end up together (for the most part) but not because there was ever any written depth into anyone's thoughts or emotions. I don't want to give spoilers since the book isn't out yet.
I guess overall, the writing was too much tell and not enough show. And the dialogue didn't seem real. But I enjoyed the reading process in terms of it being a very simple, quick story. It's a cute plot but don't expect to be moved by any of the characters or situations--they are not fleshed out and dived into enough to make a real impact. I would recommend it if you're a fan of Jane Austen (but not a superfan) or if you like stories set in the quaint English countryside.
sofi0518's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This book kind of reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. A group of people, with nothing obvious in common, coming together for a singular goal - in this case, to preserve and promote the life and work of Jane Austen.
The beginning was slow going (as most books are) while we got to know the inhabitants of Chawton, Hampshire, England. Soon enough, it became clear where the book was going with a couple of surprises thrown in. The book was delightful if a bit more somber than I had expected.
I could see this as a great Netflix movie.
This book kind of reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. A group of people, with nothing obvious in common, coming together for a singular goal - in this case, to preserve and promote the life and work of Jane Austen.
The beginning was slow going (as most books are) while we got to know the inhabitants of Chawton, Hampshire, England. Soon enough, it became clear where the book was going with a couple of surprises thrown in. The book was delightful if a bit more somber than I had expected.
I could see this as a great Netflix movie.
melibooks's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
winemakerssister's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely tale of Jane Austen aficionados working together to save Austen-related artifacts.
ebac622's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lis_allenwalker's review against another edition
4.0
A great character study. Not too heavy, I wish there had been more levity given to some of the horrors that the characters go through - they all have some pretty deep traumas that unfortunately, for me, remained at surface level, perhaps because of the sheer number of characters and perspectives. It would make a great movie though.
Audio was great - I always love when Richard Armitage narrates.
3.5 stars.
Audio was great - I always love when Richard Armitage narrates.
3.5 stars.
serinde4books's review against another edition
4.0
So I admit it took me a while to get to this one, but I finally have. I am not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. The characters were compelling and the setting was fascinating. Now I admit I cannot read Jane Austen, I have read her, but it is always a slog for me and I can't seem to retain the story lines in my head. But I also know she is beloved. And I loved this book. It is fiction, but there is a real Jane Austen Society in Chasten, which this loosely based on I am sure. It was throughly enjoyable read, and I wish I had not waited so long to read it.
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
serinde4books's review against another edition
4.0
So I admit it took me a while to get to this one, but I finally have. I am not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. The characters were compelling and the setting was fascinating. Now I admit I cannot read Jane Austen, I have read her, but it is always a slog for me and I can't seem to retain the story lines in my head. But I also know she is beloved. And I loved this book. It is fiction, but there is a real Jane Austen Society in Chasten, which this loosely based on I am sure. It was throughly enjoyable read, and I wish I had not waited so long to read it.