Ever since Callie's best freind moved away she's basically been by herself. While on a class trip to England she's willing to do anything in order to fit in, so she buys herself some brand name shoes; Prada, to be exact. a klutz and a pair of ridiculously high heels is not a good mix. Within minutes she trips and kons her head, then wakes up in 1815.


The first word that came to my mind when I finished this book was "adorable." This book was just plain cute!

I could definitely relate to Calllie's social status. There have been plenty of times when I've stared at myself in a mirror knowin that I didn't have the looks, clothes, or attitude to be "in ." This had me rooting for her even more.

Watching her antics in 1815 was really amusing. I found out she had more spunk then I originally thought. All she needed was a reason to bring it out. This book made me smile, laugh, and then smile some more. If you're looking for a fun, quick read Prada and Prejudice is definitely for you!

Mandy Hubbard's Website

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: book review, everything austen, Mandy Hubbard, Prada and Prejudice

Darcy and Elizabeth have gone through a lot because of each other. Misunderstandings have caused much pain. Now, they are finally married and set off on a journey that will last a lifetime.

Although I was very excited to read this book, I was also a bit apprehensive. It's clear that this is a happily ever after tale, and sometimes I can be a bit of a cynic. Could Darcy and Elizabeth really be happy? This book won me over completely. When I read this book I was in the perfect mood and found myself quite happily whisked away on this adventure.

The first part of the novel is simply the two newlyweds getting to know each other. This was my favorite part of the book. During this time, the plot moved along at a slow, leisurely pace. Then, things started to pick up a bit. An antagonist is introduced. You get a feeling something big is going to happen, and it does.

Simply put, this book made me smile. It was fun to see Darcy and Elizabeth get to know each other. They are two bright, intelligent people, equals. It's more of a sequel to the 2005 version of the movie than the book. Lathan goes as far to moving the proposal scene to a meadow, and there is another scene reminiscent of the final scene in the movie. The characters, however, remain true. Darcy is very much Darcy, and Elizabeth is still Lizzy. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcyis a great start to the author's Darcy Saga, and I look forward to reading the books that follow.

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: book review, everything austen, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Sharon Lathan, The Darcy Saga

When we meet Ellie, one thing has been constant in her life; Jane Austen. No, not only her books but Jane herself. Simply put, Ellie has Jane living in her head, a constant companion. She has accompanied Ellie through almost twenty years. Giving advice, especially of the romantic kind, and sharing her thoughts, she's seen it all. Ellie has been through a lot, and she doesn't know if she'll ever find her prince charming.

There was just one thing I would have liked to have known while reading this book. How did it happen? This was explained somewhat at the end but not quite enough to satisfy my curiosity. I'm pretty sure that Austen living in some one's head is not an everyday occurrence, and I would have liked to have known how it happened, exactly.

Besides that, this was a very cool novel. Most people have gotten married by the time their thirty but not Ellie. She's still searching for that one perfect guy. She's definitely the "looking for love in all the wrong places" type. Ellie's a very likable character. She, like every other character in the novel, had her flaws, but for the most part they were endearing. It was both fun and a bit painful to go along on her journey for true, lasting love. I was always happy to see her happy. I was also sad to see her sad. Every time she got her heart broken, it made me sigh.

I loved hearing Jane Austen. The voice really sounded authentic, Jane gives her ideas in a rather confident manner, as if she already knows she is right. The idea of Jane Austen living in some one's head is such a fun, quirky idea. According To Jane was a lot of fun and had me smiling.

This book won't be released until October 1st, but it's definitely something to keep an eye out for. Isn't the cover lovely?

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: According to Jane, everything austen, Marilyn Brant

At the age of ten Fanny Price leaves her home at her mother's bidding to live with the Bertrams, her rich relatives. There she spends the next eight years of her life, and when she turns 18 the story really begins. She is happy and mistakenly thinks she will always be so. Her one true friend at Mansfield, her cousin Edmund, is the man that Fanny loves, and although he doesn't love her in a romantic way, he is her best friend. Then Mr. and Miss Crawford come into the community and bring with them enough chaos that could ruin Fanny's happiness forever.

The book that this movie was based on by Jane Austen wasn't one of my favorites by her. It was very good, don't get me wrong, but Fanny was always so fragile in her health and emotions. Although the Fanny in this movie was still very fragile emotionally (She's one of those people who you can look at the wrong way and hurt their feelings.) her health wasn't quite as fragile allowing her to be a lot more vibrant in her actions. I very much enjoyed this aspect.

The only bone of contention I had this book was that it moved along really fast. We were here, then we were there, and then over here. I would have liked it to slow down a little bit and relax. It felt really short.

I really liked all of the character interpretations. Mr. and Miss Crawford were a lot more conniving than what I imagined, and Lady Bertram had a lot more depth than what I perceived in the book. I also learned a little bit. I always thought that "Maria," the name of Lady Bertram's eldest daughter was pronounced with a long "e." However, in the movie it was pronounced with a long "i." I've never thought of pronouncing it like that. Hmm.

Anyway, Mansfield Park was a really cool movie, and I enjoyed it very much. You should definitely check it out.

Posted by Melanie at 7:57 AM View Comments    

Labels: 3.5 stars, everything austen, Mansfield Park, movie review

Frederick is my favorite of the Austen men. He's quite affable to everyone. It was fun to see his personality come to life on-screen. I enjoyed this adaption of Persuasion very much. Anne and Frederick's story is one that I will always remember.

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: everything austen, movie review, Persuasion

Catherine Morland has lived a quiet life with her many brothers and sisters in the country. Only in the books she reads does she experience love, scandal, and excitement. When she is invited to go to Bath with friends of her family she is eager to indulge in all society has to offer. She soon befriends the Tilneys and is invited to their home, Northanger Abbey. There her imaginative mind runs wild and she begins to suspect things of the place and the people that live there that may be true. Or not.

It has been awhile since I've read the book that this movie was based on, and I although I could remember the ending I couldn't remember very many of the particulars. I believe I found myself a bit more intrigued because I was once again being introduced to the story.

The abbey was just as I'd always pictured it. Dark and menacing. I can definitely see why, in such a place, Catherine was afraid when she went to bed at night. The setting throughout the entire book was so fitting.

The actors in this movie did a great job bringing the book to life. Catherine was so eager to make friends and keep them. Henrey Tilney was so interesting. He definitely made me laugh a couple times when he teased his sister and Catherine. I found myself liking the people I was supposed to like and disliking those I was supposed to hate.

The ending was not as I'd always pictured it, but it was still sweet. Overall, it was so cute, and I very much enjoyed it. Northanger Abbey was a delightful movie to watch.

My rating- 4/5 stars

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Labels: everything austen, movie review, Northanger Abbey

Amanda Price had no idea what her love for Pride and Prejudice would do for her or where it would take her. When she trades places with Elizabeth Bennet she does everything she can to keep things on track. But what happens when things start to go horribly wrong? And how is Amanda supposed to survive without electricity or toothpaste?

One word: hilarious. I pretty much laughed my way throughout much of video. I had no idea what to expect, and I loved the amount of suspense throughout the entire show. Amanda knows the story by heart, and it was hilarious watching her trying to desperately keep things going the way they are written. How many times have you found yourself wishing that you had the chance to live in a different time? I know I've had a dream or two about that. Watching Amanda get the chance to do that was almost just as good!

The character's were great. When they get thrown into these really weird situations, it was funny to watch them try to figure everything out. I definitely recommend Lost in Austen to those who are ready for a good laugh and willing to not take anything too seriously. :)

Posted by Melanie at 8:00 AM View Comments    

Labels: 4 stars, everything austen, Lost In Austen

*If you haven't read Pride and Prejudice there are spoilers in this review.*

When Darcy comes to stay with the Bingleys at their newly rented home, he expects to detest the people and manners from the country. What he doesn't expect is to be captivated by a charming lady who wants nothing to do with him, Elizabeth Bennet.

This was such an entertaining book. It wasn't supposed to neccasarily be funny, but I found myself laughing again and again. I knew I was going to love this book within the first couple chapters. The book soon takes us to the ball where Darcy initially sees Elizabeth. Instead of admitting that he may be attracted to her, he is sure she is employing some unknown charm to catch his attention.

At times, I felt sorry for Darcy, at others, I thought he totally deserved what was coming. It never even occured to him that she might not accept his proposal. It was intriguing to see how he took Elizabeth's words to heart after the proposal. I think that may be part of the attraction of Darcy. Because of Elizabeth's words, he changed.

This book follows Pride and Prejudice very well. The only thing that I would have liked to have seen a bit more of in this book is Darcy's time after the proposal. Did he wander the streets aimlessly, Elizabeth's words pounding into his head? It was covered, but I would have liked to have seen just a bit more detail.

The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy flew by for me. The characters were portrayed pretty much as I'd always imagined, and it was a lot of fun to see things from Darcy's point of view.

My rating: 4/5 stars

Posted by Melanie at 9:54 AM View Comments    

Labels: 4 stars, everything austen, Mary Street, review, The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy

In the Everything Austen challenge, hosted by Stephenie's Written Word, those participating are challenged to pick six Austen-themed items to read or watch. This can include Austen's own novels, of course, the numerous sequels to her novels, or one of the movie adaptations. This challenge will run from July 1, 2009 (my birthday!!!) to January 1, 2010. If you sign up for this challenge b July 15th, you'll be entered into a drawing to win Lost in Austen on dvd. I've seen a few clips of the mini-series, and it looks hilarious! You'll also have the chance for more prizes as the challenge moves along. For all the information and to sign up, visit the original Everything Austen Challenge post.

Here's what I plan on watching and reading for this challenge.

Movies:
Persuasion (2008)

Bride and Prejudice
The Jane Austen Book Club

Books:
Persuasion by Jane Austen
An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aiden
Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

Well, that's all that I plan to do for this challenge. Why don't you join in?

Posted by Melanie at 8:49 AM View Comments    

Labels: challenge, everything austen