First Impressions

This novel is a MUST READ for all Jane Austen fans! I just loved it, I had to force myself to put it down to celebrate Christmas :-).

So, this is one of those fun stories that jumps back-and-forth in time. We have the modern-day story of Sophie Collingwood, bibliophile and Janeite, as she is pursued by two suitors while searching for a mysterious second edition of an 18th century book of allegories by a Reverend Richard Mansfield. In alternating chapters we have the 18th century story of Jane Austen's friendship with the same Reverend Mansfield, with whom she discusses her novel writing and budding literary career.

The author, Charlie Lovett, does a great job of taking us back to the world of a young Jane, but he does an equally great job of making Sophie into a sort of modern-day Elizabeth Bennet. The action and the mystery had me right until the end, and as a book-lover I adored Sophie's relationship with her Uncle Bertram as well as with her books.

Even if you haven't read a word of Jane Austen, you'll still enjoy the mystery that Sophie is hoping - and dreading - she'll solve. This is just a great book!

First Impressions