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Monday, November 24, 2014

Jane Austen's First Love: A Novel by Syrie James

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)
about book:

In the summer of 1791, fifteen-year-old Miss Jane Austen is determined to accomplish three things: to do something useful, write something worthy, and fall madly in love. While visiting at Goodnestone Park in Kent for a month of festivities in honor of her brother's engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bridges, Jane meets the boy-next-door—the wealthy, worldly, and devilishly handsome Edward Taylor, heir to Bifrons Park, and hopefully her heart! Like many of Jane’s future heroes and heroines, she soon realizes that there are obstacles—social, financial, and otherwise—blocking her path to love and marriage, one of them personified by her beautiful and sweet tempered rival, Charlotte Payler.

Unsure of her own budding romance, but confident in her powers of observation, Jane distracts herself by attempting to maneuver the affections of three other young couples. But when her well-intentioned matchmaking efforts turn into blundering misalliance, Jane must choose between following her own happily-ever-after, or repairing those relationships which, based on erroneous first impressions, she has misaligned.
my thoughts:

As a fan of Jane Austen, I've always been interested in books that depict her life and share a part of the history in which she lived and even created.  I especially enjoy fictitious versions of Austen as they tend to portray her in such a delightful and fun manner - smart, spunky, and resourceful (all of the things I'm sure she was, but magnified).  So, when I was offered the chance to read Syrie James' novel, Jane Austen's First Love, I eagerly accepted. Especially, since I had just finished Charlie Lovett's book, First Impressions, and was in the mood for more Austen inspired stories - the James book fell into my lap at the perfect time!

Syrie James' novel, Jane Austen's First Love, is the epitome of a mash-up between historical fiction and romance.
It has first love, matchmaking schemes, and courtship to make the romantics swoon over; along with the Georgian era as the time frame and backdrop to build the story lines around for the history buffs.   Plus, the creation of Jane Austen's first love at fifteen is the fiction that propels the story forward in a terrifically spellbinding manner.  I absolutely loved getting to know Austen through Jame's writing - she was as passionate about her writing as I would have expected her to be.  And reading about Jane struggling to stay true to her self, her heart, and her family was exciting.  James has written a refreshing and imaginative Austen-inspired story that truly seems to capture the essence of the Georgian era and Jane Austen herself.  I found the story to be a fun and delightful read.  The writing was engaging and showed what a creative mind James possesses.  And the characters were lively and very relatable - making it easy to befriend them.  I really enjoyed reading Jane Austen's First Love by Syrie James and would happily recommend it to fans of Syrie James and fans of Jane Austen - you will LOVE this book!!

Check out the link to Syrie Jame's website, along with the book tour schedule for: Jane Austen's First Love
And check out the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY being held by Syrie James over at her website: Syrie James

Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

33 comments:

Caryl Kane said...

Thank you for your review of Jane Austen's First Love. I can't wait to read it. :)

Jo's Daughter said...

This book sounds super fun & I put it on my wishlist top three :)

Vesper said...

I have added it to my wish list - unfortunately to late for my husband to buy me for Christmas - maybe my birthday

schilds said...

Love this book. Having fun reading all the blogs.

Susan Heim said...

Great review! I can't wait to read this book!

Denise said...

This book is a definite must! Great review and thank you for the giveaway.

Sue Malizia said...

Definitely adding Jane Austen's First Love to my Christmas List...or for my stocking. Sounds like a good read....nice review. :-)

Syrie James said...

Thank you so much, Nadia, for your wonderful review of my novel, Jane Austen's First Love. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I love what you wrote so much, I hope you don't mind me quoting from your review!

I also want to thank everyone who commented and include a shout out to those of you who are following the blog tour.

I can't wait to hear back from you all after you've read the novel! Whether you receive it for Christmas or treat yourself to a copy beforehand, I hope you'll contact me on facebook or at my website and say hello. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks again!

bn100 said...

Nice review

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

JeanMP said...

Enjoyed reading the review, looking forward to reading this book
skpetal at hotmail dot com

Nadia said...

Thank you all for stopping by! I'm so glad you are excited about Syrie James' novel, Jane Austen's First Love - you are going to love it!! Good luck with the giveaway!!

Luisa said...

Can't wait to read it!

Deborah Ann said...

I am enjoying this book and having fun reading the different reviews and interviews

Nicole The Reading Rebel said...

I really enjoyed your review and being a love of all things Austen I am going to have to read this.

betta_grl(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sabrina Joy said...

Amazing review! This book is definitely on my TBR!

Angela - Bookaunt said...

I can't wait to read this book, thank you for sharing - griperang at embarqmail dot com

Kimberly Sue said...

Great review! I look forward to reading it! kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

Kimberly V said...

Historical fiction mixed with romance. Sounds wonderful.

Lisa said...

I really liked how James created characters to based on characters from Austen's work that we could imagine were the inspiration!

Sushma P said...

A historical fiction on Jane Austen, going to add this to my TBR list.

Sushma P said...

A historical fiction on Jane Austen, going to add this to my TBR list.

Beth W said...

Thanks for that review & recommendation! I think I will, indeed, love it. :)

Unknown said...

Can't wait to read this book!!

Unknown said...

Your review is promising, I can't wait to make my own opinion about the book but I'm pretty sure I will enjoy it, so far I have alreay read The missing manuscript and The lost memoirs. Also entering the giveway, thank you !

Deborah Ann said...

I forgot to leave my email address on my post on Nov.25. It is skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

Dina said...

learning so much on your tour.

dlsmilad at yahoo dot com

Nadia said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoying the review. You are all going to LOVE James' book - it is fantastic!! I love anything Austen-esque and this was perfect. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)

beth said...

I would love to win this!
dez3b@yahoo.com

Erika Marie said...

Thank you for the awesome review - I couldn't wait to read it before, now I am even more excited!!!

Jessica said...

A new take on a favorite author, I do look forward to reading this. (rickjess@sbcglobal.net)

Nadia said...

I love how excited you all are about this book! I'm so glad I was able to share my thoughts on it with you all. It really is a fun read. I'm definitely a huge fan of these Austen-inspired stories - they are such a fun way to read about Austen. Definitely read this book and enjoy!!

Silvia said...

This book of the young Jane sounds wonderful! I would love to read it sometime :)

Unknown said...

que linda opinion! y que lindo libro