I have a confession: I loved this book. As a Jane Austen addict myself, I'm always nervous about books that "add to" or try to "complete” any of Austen's work. This book, however has a story all its own with some Austen references thrown in to make it all the more enjoyable.
Courtney Stone has just been dumped. She decides the best way to console herself is a stiff drink and an evening with one of her favorite Jane Austen novels. When Courtney wakes up, she's in for the shock of her life – she’s in the bed of a woman in England. The England of Jane Austen’s time, that is.
Courtney is sure she must be dreaming, so she plays along at first. However, after a couple of days in her "new" body, she comes to the terrifying conclusion that she truly is stuck in this new – make that old – world.
Courtney has a series of hilarious adventures and combined with her neurotic assessment of her situation, it makes for a unique and highly entertaining story. She must live another woman’s life and fool everyone around her into believing that she is this woman. There is a suitor to deal with, Mr. Edgeworth, friends to convince and parents to put up with.
This Laurie Viera Rigler's first novel and she’s done a wonderful job. Charming characters, matchless plot-lines and a great Austen flavor make this debut a must-read. Fans of Austen will love Rigler’s style and Austen newbies will have no trouble following the story even if they aren’t familiar with all of Austen’s work.
I’ll be on the lookout for Rigler’s next novel. In the meantime, this is a novel I’ll read again.
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