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Jane of Austin
“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience - or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.”―Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.
But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.
While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.
In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.
Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.
But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.
While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.
In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2017
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3650 people want to read
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August 3, 2021
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐!
A light-hearted, moving and clever re-telling with a sunny ☀️ twist in the manner of Texas scenery 🇨🇱, massive-loads of delicious baking 👩🍳, and a love for artistic tea-making and tea plants 🍵!
Join the three sisters - Jane, Celia, Margot - as they are coerced to turn their backs on their past life in San Francisco and relocate to Austin in a desperate attempt to keep their tea salon business running, and protect eachother once more from the darkness of the shadows cast by their long-forsaken father's reputation. Will their strong bond be enough to get them through heartbreak and a resurfacing sense of defeat❓What will come of them and their leap of faith in the absence of promising rental opportunities in Austin❓
***
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge enjoys the status of a novel in its own right, rendered particularly distinctive and endearing by its modernised framework and bold storytelling: elements like the sporadic recipes, the hand-picked quotes related to tea and Austin, the alternating first-person narration of Jane and Callum with in-depth insight into their most intimate thoughts and emotions all make for a finely executed novel that lovingly, respectfully and delicately takes inspiration from a beloved world-renowned classic.
Needless to say that fans of Jane Austen will relish the flourishing allusions to Sense and Sensibility, in particular the modernised likeness of characters: the most prominent being the 'Woodward' sisters (incidentally reminding readers also of Emma Woodhouse) - accepting and sensible Celia (Elinor), passionate and outspoken Jane (Marianne), the younger sister Margot who 'tags along' (Margaret); and of course, Sean Willis (Willoughby) who comes to the sisters' rescue and proves to be as helpful and charming as he is false and deceitful; as opposed to the wise, introverted Captain Callum Beckett (Colonel Brandon). Then there is Nina, who could probably give Mrs Jenkins a run for her money - and isn't that saying something?; Ian Vandermeide whose tenacious hospitality and excessively good-nature is reminiscent of Sir John Middleton, the perfidious and hurtful Lyndsay Stahl (Lucy Steel) who ends up with the richest of the Foster brothers (Rob); the timid Teddy (Edward Ferrars), eternally torn between leading the church life he aspired for and following his family's expectations to the letter.
Parallelisms such as these abound to the extent that one does marvel at how remarkable it is for the storyline to still prove itself fresh and original in its own way. Though characters can fairly easily be retraced to their predecessors, the re-telling does not come across as being superficial or flat. Indeed, the storyline is immersed in the world of Jane Austen, allusions meticulously wrought-out to the tiniest of details, scattered in preciously surreptitious hints. A perfect example of this is the double-ended theme of "rescue" within the novel: the sisters' truck breaking down in the incipit and the near-drowning, when our protagonist is assisted and saved by the good man in more ways than one, when it truly matters the most, and with the true intention of being there until forevermore. Impossible to miss is also the reference to when Elizabeth spots Mr Darcy exiting the lake with a white shirt (the Pride and Prejudice 1995 BBC adaption), as well as the structurally restored contentedness and happy ending typical of Jane Austen. Other literary and cultural references are made in passing, such as 'Mordor' from Lord of the Rings or the allusion to the sheer slowness of Terrence Malick films.
Overall, a round of applause for the author's success in the arduous and daunting task of reimagining Austen: impressively done on all accounts 👏 The reader will sense the lurking analogies, and yet the latter will quite simply refrain from taking over the carefully thought-out and assembled pleasures of a novel endowed with feeling and richness of details...as well as flavours!
***
Favourite Quote 🌹:
“I don’t think it’s ever wrong,” I decided, “to love what you have more than what you had.” ♥️
A light-hearted, moving and clever re-telling with a sunny ☀️ twist in the manner of Texas scenery 🇨🇱, massive-loads of delicious baking 👩🍳, and a love for artistic tea-making and tea plants 🍵!
Join the three sisters - Jane, Celia, Margot - as they are coerced to turn their backs on their past life in San Francisco and relocate to Austin in a desperate attempt to keep their tea salon business running, and protect eachother once more from the darkness of the shadows cast by their long-forsaken father's reputation. Will their strong bond be enough to get them through heartbreak and a resurfacing sense of defeat❓What will come of them and their leap of faith in the absence of promising rental opportunities in Austin❓
***
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge enjoys the status of a novel in its own right, rendered particularly distinctive and endearing by its modernised framework and bold storytelling: elements like the sporadic recipes, the hand-picked quotes related to tea and Austin, the alternating first-person narration of Jane and Callum with in-depth insight into their most intimate thoughts and emotions all make for a finely executed novel that lovingly, respectfully and delicately takes inspiration from a beloved world-renowned classic.
Needless to say that fans of Jane Austen will relish the flourishing allusions to Sense and Sensibility, in particular the modernised likeness of characters: the most prominent being the 'Woodward' sisters (incidentally reminding readers also of Emma Woodhouse) - accepting and sensible Celia (Elinor), passionate and outspoken Jane (Marianne), the younger sister Margot who 'tags along' (Margaret); and of course, Sean Willis (Willoughby) who comes to the sisters' rescue and proves to be as helpful and charming as he is false and deceitful; as opposed to the wise, introverted Captain Callum Beckett (Colonel Brandon). Then there is Nina, who could probably give Mrs Jenkins a run for her money - and isn't that saying something?; Ian Vandermeide whose tenacious hospitality and excessively good-nature is reminiscent of Sir John Middleton, the perfidious and hurtful Lyndsay Stahl (Lucy Steel) who ends up with the richest of the Foster brothers (Rob); the timid Teddy (Edward Ferrars), eternally torn between leading the church life he aspired for and following his family's expectations to the letter.
Parallelisms such as these abound to the extent that one does marvel at how remarkable it is for the storyline to still prove itself fresh and original in its own way. Though characters can fairly easily be retraced to their predecessors, the re-telling does not come across as being superficial or flat. Indeed, the storyline is immersed in the world of Jane Austen, allusions meticulously wrought-out to the tiniest of details, scattered in preciously surreptitious hints. A perfect example of this is the double-ended theme of "rescue" within the novel: the sisters' truck breaking down in the incipit and the near-drowning, when our protagonist is assisted and saved by the good man in more ways than one, when it truly matters the most, and with the true intention of being there until forevermore. Impossible to miss is also the reference to when Elizabeth spots Mr Darcy exiting the lake with a white shirt (the Pride and Prejudice 1995 BBC adaption), as well as the structurally restored contentedness and happy ending typical of Jane Austen. Other literary and cultural references are made in passing, such as 'Mordor' from Lord of the Rings or the allusion to the sheer slowness of Terrence Malick films.
Overall, a round of applause for the author's success in the arduous and daunting task of reimagining Austen: impressively done on all accounts 👏 The reader will sense the lurking analogies, and yet the latter will quite simply refrain from taking over the carefully thought-out and assembled pleasures of a novel endowed with feeling and richness of details...as well as flavours!
***
Favourite Quote 🌹:
“I don’t think it’s ever wrong,” I decided, “to love what you have more than what you had.” ♥️
June 17, 2020
IMPOSSIBLY SWEET AND DELICIOUS JANE AUSTEN RETELLING
I absolutely adored this Sense and Sensibility retelling. I loved everything from the modern spin to the characters and the other Austen Easter Eggs 💜
💜 WHAT I LOVED 💜
Retelling: I always love a good retelling, especially one that stays true to the original (in this case Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility) but still puts its own teist on it. Lodge did just that masterfully with this book - I always felt the rightness of the original but was still surprised by some of the turns in the road.
POV: Where the original story is told from the POV of the eldest sister, Elinor, I really enjoyed that we here got the 'Marianne' story, told by the middle sister, Jane. I have always wondered what went on in Marianne's head when she went for Willoughby and now, through Jane, I have my answer.
Easter Eggs: This book is basically on big homage to the works of Jane Austen. All throughout the book, Austen Easter Eggs are hidden in names, places or references. For any Austen fan, this scavenger hunt is both fun and satisfying!
Callum: Callum was the perfect Colonel Brandon! He was sweet, considerate, careful, respectful. gentlemanly and reserved. Callum is a war hero who lost a leg saving the lives of his comrades. But he doesn't see himself as a hero, which makes him even more endearing to me. He was just the perfect Austen hero.
Jane: Jane was wonderful! A true Marianne but still her own character! She was a sweet, determined woman who cared deeply for her family. I also loved her devotion to tea (that was a nice British spin on this American story) as well as her belief in true love.
Recipes: All throughout this book you can find great recipes for all the foods cooked or eaten in the story and I am definitely going to try multiple of them!
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I absolutely adored this Sense and Sensibility retelling. I loved everything from the modern spin to the characters and the other Austen Easter Eggs 💜
"Every woman swoons over a man walking out of a lake in a white shirt. It's a universal truth."
- Lila
💜 WHAT I LOVED 💜
Retelling: I always love a good retelling, especially one that stays true to the original (in this case Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility) but still puts its own teist on it. Lodge did just that masterfully with this book - I always felt the rightness of the original but was still surprised by some of the turns in the road.
POV: Where the original story is told from the POV of the eldest sister, Elinor, I really enjoyed that we here got the 'Marianne' story, told by the middle sister, Jane. I have always wondered what went on in Marianne's head when she went for Willoughby and now, through Jane, I have my answer.
Easter Eggs: This book is basically on big homage to the works of Jane Austen. All throughout the book, Austen Easter Eggs are hidden in names, places or references. For any Austen fan, this scavenger hunt is both fun and satisfying!
Callum: Callum was the perfect Colonel Brandon! He was sweet, considerate, careful, respectful. gentlemanly and reserved. Callum is a war hero who lost a leg saving the lives of his comrades. But he doesn't see himself as a hero, which makes him even more endearing to me. He was just the perfect Austen hero.
"His voice sounded like full-leaf Assam tea tasted."
- Jane about Callum
Jane: Jane was wonderful! A true Marianne but still her own character! She was a sweet, determined woman who cared deeply for her family. I also loved her devotion to tea (that was a nice British spin on this American story) as well as her belief in true love.
Recipes: All throughout this book you can find great recipes for all the foods cooked or eaten in the story and I am definitely going to try multiple of them!
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June 12, 2017
2.5 stars
I read the first chapter online and expected to love it. I'm nuts about hot teas, and loved the whole tea-shop aspect. However, in the end, it fell flat. It's published by a Christian publisher, but not billed as such in the summary; thus, the sole reference to faith is that one character wishes to go to seminary and start a church plant; the MC, Jane, doesn't even ask if the dashing man who comes to their rescue is a believer or not, which obviously should be one of the first things a Christian girl should ask a man who asks her out.
I liked the sister parts, though after the fun of the trip, the plot itself seemed to lose focus. I expected it to be more concerned with the tea shop part, but it wasn't. The recipes were also a fun part, though the tip about "not using boiling water" doesn't apply to black tea...for teas like Assam, you want to bring it just to the boil and then use the water. Also, her "tea farm" of tea plants was unrealistic; she has enough plants to fill the back of a pickup truck bed, which might be enough to supply one tea drinker's moderate habit, but definitely nowhere near enough to support an online business or a tea shop.
What dropped it below three stars for me was two instances of potty humor and one gay reference ("their clientele in CA was women and gay men")...as a gal in a tea-shop-attending family with regular guys, it's quite insulting to think that the only guys who use tea rooms are gay. I actually know a young military man who takes his buddies to tea shop outings because they discovered the best sweets are there. I don't know if I was more offended by a gay reference by a Christian writer, or by the stereotype about men.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for my free review copy.
I read the first chapter online and expected to love it. I'm nuts about hot teas, and loved the whole tea-shop aspect. However, in the end, it fell flat. It's published by a Christian publisher, but not billed as such in the summary; thus, the sole reference to faith is that one character wishes to go to seminary and start a church plant; the MC, Jane, doesn't even ask if the dashing man who comes to their rescue is a believer or not, which obviously should be one of the first things a Christian girl should ask a man who asks her out.
I liked the sister parts, though after the fun of the trip, the plot itself seemed to lose focus. I expected it to be more concerned with the tea shop part, but it wasn't. The recipes were also a fun part, though the tip about "not using boiling water" doesn't apply to black tea...for teas like Assam, you want to bring it just to the boil and then use the water. Also, her "tea farm" of tea plants was unrealistic; she has enough plants to fill the back of a pickup truck bed, which might be enough to supply one tea drinker's moderate habit, but definitely nowhere near enough to support an online business or a tea shop.
What dropped it below three stars for me was two instances of potty humor and one gay reference ("their clientele in CA was women and gay men")...as a gal in a tea-shop-attending family with regular guys, it's quite insulting to think that the only guys who use tea rooms are gay. I actually know a young military man who takes his buddies to tea shop outings because they discovered the best sweets are there. I don't know if I was more offended by a gay reference by a Christian writer, or by the stereotype about men.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for my free review copy.
July 2, 2017
When their father embezzles and has to leave the country, three sisters determine to move on with their life enduring the bad reputation he left them, the loss of their tea shop's home in San Francisco, a move to Austin, Texas, and life's disappointments. But they have each other and that's what counts.
I adored this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's classic Sense & Sensibility that tells the story of the love and losses of three sisters. It grasps the spirit and essentials of the classic while telling a modern story about a large colorful and engaging cast of characters. Jane of Austin splits its narrative with Jane and Callum taking turns telling their separate stories and how the two stories merged. The focus is also split between the story of family and romance.
Jane is the middle sister. Between past losses of a mother's early death, a dad's desertion, and her own strong nature, eccentric love for tea and music, she is not good with people, but against the odds she believes and gives love a chance. She spends much of this book growing because she is faced with love and loss, struggles with change, and struggles to understand even those she loves the most. I cheered her on as she came into her own.
Callum is a little older and a war-weary veteran Marine with survivor's guilt. He was something of a lone wolf because his dad favored his older brother and his older brother shut him out while betraying Callum's first love. He is just such a beautiful generous, quiet hero-type as he picks up the pieces of his life and attempts to carry on learning that family is not always the one you are born into. He falls for Jane and unselfishly bows out because he sees her interest in someone else, but he protects her and the others anyway. And his Great Dane, just ahhhh, loved seeing this retired service dog find a home, too.
The emphasis on the sisters' relationships as they figure out life was a nice extra layer to the contemporary romance. Celia breaks up with a boyfriend and quietly struggles even while working to reset her life in Austin, Margot is a senior in high school and must adjust from the move from San Francisco to Austin, and then Jane who wonders if they will ever find home and keep their sisterly closeness.
The writing was lovely and I enjoyed getting all those song references and the recipes at the end of each chapter. Foodies and tea aficionados will find this book satisfying.
All in all, it was a sumptuous and engaging, gentle and sweet story of love, life and family.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's classic Sense & Sensibility that tells the story of the love and losses of three sisters. It grasps the spirit and essentials of the classic while telling a modern story about a large colorful and engaging cast of characters. Jane of Austin splits its narrative with Jane and Callum taking turns telling their separate stories and how the two stories merged. The focus is also split between the story of family and romance.
Jane is the middle sister. Between past losses of a mother's early death, a dad's desertion, and her own strong nature, eccentric love for tea and music, she is not good with people, but against the odds she believes and gives love a chance. She spends much of this book growing because she is faced with love and loss, struggles with change, and struggles to understand even those she loves the most. I cheered her on as she came into her own.
Callum is a little older and a war-weary veteran Marine with survivor's guilt. He was something of a lone wolf because his dad favored his older brother and his older brother shut him out while betraying Callum's first love. He is just such a beautiful generous, quiet hero-type as he picks up the pieces of his life and attempts to carry on learning that family is not always the one you are born into. He falls for Jane and unselfishly bows out because he sees her interest in someone else, but he protects her and the others anyway. And his Great Dane, just ahhhh, loved seeing this retired service dog find a home, too.
The emphasis on the sisters' relationships as they figure out life was a nice extra layer to the contemporary romance. Celia breaks up with a boyfriend and quietly struggles even while working to reset her life in Austin, Margot is a senior in high school and must adjust from the move from San Francisco to Austin, and then Jane who wonders if they will ever find home and keep their sisterly closeness.
The writing was lovely and I enjoyed getting all those song references and the recipes at the end of each chapter. Foodies and tea aficionados will find this book satisfying.
All in all, it was a sumptuous and engaging, gentle and sweet story of love, life and family.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2019
3,75 stars
Sense & Sensibility & Tea .... (deep) in (the heart of) Texas.
An easygoing & cosy little (clean) romance retelling. A bit onesided though, as it's told only from the POVs of Jane (aka Marianne) & Callum (aka col. Brandon).
Thank You, Ange for bringing this to my attention. :)
More detailed review to come.
Sense & Sensibility & Tea .... (deep) in (the heart of) Texas.
An easygoing & cosy little (clean) romance retelling. A bit onesided though, as it's told only from the POVs of Jane (aka Marianne) & Callum (aka col. Brandon).
Thank You, Ange for bringing this to my attention. :)
More detailed review to come.
June 30, 2017
This book took me a little longer to get into. I wasn't crazy about either of Jane's romantic relationships and I'm not even sure I got her relationship with her sister, Celia. Margot, on the other hand, seemed more realistic. I liked Beckett well enough and Dash was a fun character. And then there was Nina, she was cool. The setting didn't win me over. The plot itself wasn't bad and the book reads easily.
February 13, 2025
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge
3/5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐
Jane of Austin is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, which I have not yet read but know a little about the storyline. The author blended Austen-inspired themes with a contemporary Texas setting. We follow sisters Jane and Celia Woodward as the are trying to rebuild their lives after financial hardship, which forces them to relocate from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX. Lots of tea, food, sister bonds and romantic entanglements are front and center in this book!
For me, the first half to possibly 60% of this book was around 4 stars and really enjoyable. The strength of this book was its atmospheric Texas charm - so many recipes and tea blends - loved that! Also I enjoyed the writing style too! I can see the connections she made to Sense and Sensibility, from what I know of the story anyway.
That said, the romance with Sean was a bit too instalove for me and Jane's character goes a bit off the waysides if you will, because the consistency of her character changed at a certain point. Her actions in response to some things that happened really did not make sense to me for her character. Also, something big that happens felt completely out of nowhere around this point. Additionally, I feel like the ending with Teddy was random too and didn't make sense.
Overall, this was a fun pleasant read for the most part but not particularly groundbreaking. Readers who love Austen, tea and a little quick romance would probably enjoy it, but those looking for a more compelling retelling might find it a little underwhelming.
3/5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐
Jane of Austin is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, which I have not yet read but know a little about the storyline. The author blended Austen-inspired themes with a contemporary Texas setting. We follow sisters Jane and Celia Woodward as the are trying to rebuild their lives after financial hardship, which forces them to relocate from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX. Lots of tea, food, sister bonds and romantic entanglements are front and center in this book!
For me, the first half to possibly 60% of this book was around 4 stars and really enjoyable. The strength of this book was its atmospheric Texas charm - so many recipes and tea blends - loved that! Also I enjoyed the writing style too! I can see the connections she made to Sense and Sensibility, from what I know of the story anyway.
That said, the romance with Sean was a bit too instalove for me and Jane's character goes a bit off the waysides if you will, because the consistency of her character changed at a certain point. Her actions in response to some things that happened really did not make sense to me for her character. Also, something big that happens felt completely out of nowhere around this point. Additionally, I feel like the ending with Teddy was random too and didn't make sense.
Overall, this was a fun pleasant read for the most part but not particularly groundbreaking. Readers who love Austen, tea and a little quick romance would probably enjoy it, but those looking for a more compelling retelling might find it a little underwhelming.
June 23, 2020
In this touching adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, Lodge stays true to Austen's tale, yet freshens it up for the modern audience. Fans will appreciate the homage, and those unfamiliar with the story will also thoroughly enjoy it as well. Likable characters, dastardly villains and fascinating information about tea and recipes, this book is everything Lodge's readers have come to expect from her delightful novels.
Jane Woodward and her sister Celia opened a tea salon in San Francisco in order to continue raising their sister Margot after their father's questionable business practices came to light and he fled the country. Now their building is being sold and they only have a short time to find a new suitable location. Out of options, the sisters choose to move to Austin, Texas, where they have relatives with room for them to live while they get back on their feet. Nothing seems to go as planned, yet Jane does meet a wonderful man right away and begins to fall in love. Then why does she feel such a connection to Ben, their cousin's friend who is home recovering from a war injury? Is Austin all it seems to be or will the sisters have to work harder to find happiness?
Read
July 24, 2017Another entry in Jane Austen-related books, this one a modern version of Sense and Sensibility, with the point of view characters switching between Jane (the middle sister, based on Marianne), and Callum, who is the Colonel Brandon character, which makes it clear that this retelling is more of a romance than social satire with some weddings.
The social satire really isn’t there at all, though there are many other elements to enjoy in this sometimes on-the-nose retelling. Celia, the elder sister, is very much like Elinor, though Jane is not at all like Marianne in that she doesn’t like or trust sentiment, and even when she falls head over heels in love with Sean (the Willoughby character) she still isn’t into hearts and flowers talk.
The author gets rid of the mother altogether, and keeps the father alive but strictly off-scene, living abroad after being caught in financial scams. He pretty much abandoned his daughters, who band together tightly, at first opening a tea shop in San Francisco, and when the owner’s heirs boot them out (these are the Fanny and John Dashwood characters), they move to Austin, Texas, where a cousin has offered them a guest house as they try to recoup to start all over again.
They meet Sean on the road, and he comes to the rescue, settling us into the familiar plot as we get to meet Ian, the genuinely nice cousin who is the Sir John Middleton character, and his prickly, cold wife Mariah, and Nina, Mariah’s warm, friendly mother.
Things I enjoyed: the relationship between the sisters. Even when Celia wasn’t talking to Jane they still stuck by each other, and Margot, the teen, was particularly well done.
My favorite was Callum Beckett, who was recently discharged after a devastating incident in which he lost a leg; he woke up to discover his father had died, and he was now expected to take over the family business.
Sean, the Willoughby character, is a rock star, an interesting choice.
I also really liked the tea shop aspect, as Jane gets into baking sweets and mixing teas.
Things that didn’t work as well: the Steele sisters were conflated into one, Lyndsay, who is introduced promisingly, but pretty much vanishes except to be reported on as the plot needs. Too bad—Lucy Steele’s sharp eyes, and her sister’s ridiculousness, are some of my favorite passages in S&S, and we didn’t get any of the household upset when Nancy Steele admits to the Dashwoods that Lucy is engaged to Edward. Nor do we see the tough position that Lyndsay/Lucy puts Celia/Elinor in with her ‘relationship’ with Teddy/Edward. The scene between the sisters when Celia tells Jane what she’s been hiding has little impact, unlike the similar scene in S&S when Marianne begins to understand that yes, Elinor feels too, she keeps it inside while watching out for everyone else, unlike Marianne, who expects the world to fall in with her emotional excesses.
The Dashwood replacements pretty much disappear, too, except for off-stage mentions that serve the plot.
Teddy is the Edward character, and he’s equally wishy-washy, bringing me to the next observation. The book was published by a Christian house, but I wonder if the story was edited for a mainstream audience. Teddy does opt for seminary at the end, and Ian quietly says grace before meals, but otherwise there isn’t any faith or church-going in sight—nor is there on-stage sex. (There is still the subplot about the unfortunate girl ruined by Willoughby/Sean and rescued by the Colonel/Callum, which was pretty well handled.) So the story doesn’t quite fit either model, but floats somewhere in between, which sometimes make it feel slightly out of focus, though Austen’s plot pulls the events steadily along.
Overall it was an entertaining, fast read, ending with smiles all around.
Copy provided by publisher
The social satire really isn’t there at all, though there are many other elements to enjoy in this sometimes on-the-nose retelling. Celia, the elder sister, is very much like Elinor, though Jane is not at all like Marianne in that she doesn’t like or trust sentiment, and even when she falls head over heels in love with Sean (the Willoughby character) she still isn’t into hearts and flowers talk.
The author gets rid of the mother altogether, and keeps the father alive but strictly off-scene, living abroad after being caught in financial scams. He pretty much abandoned his daughters, who band together tightly, at first opening a tea shop in San Francisco, and when the owner’s heirs boot them out (these are the Fanny and John Dashwood characters), they move to Austin, Texas, where a cousin has offered them a guest house as they try to recoup to start all over again.
They meet Sean on the road, and he comes to the rescue, settling us into the familiar plot as we get to meet Ian, the genuinely nice cousin who is the Sir John Middleton character, and his prickly, cold wife Mariah, and Nina, Mariah’s warm, friendly mother.
Things I enjoyed: the relationship between the sisters. Even when Celia wasn’t talking to Jane they still stuck by each other, and Margot, the teen, was particularly well done.
My favorite was Callum Beckett, who was recently discharged after a devastating incident in which he lost a leg; he woke up to discover his father had died, and he was now expected to take over the family business.
Sean, the Willoughby character, is a rock star, an interesting choice.
I also really liked the tea shop aspect, as Jane gets into baking sweets and mixing teas.
Things that didn’t work as well: the Steele sisters were conflated into one, Lyndsay, who is introduced promisingly, but pretty much vanishes except to be reported on as the plot needs. Too bad—Lucy Steele’s sharp eyes, and her sister’s ridiculousness, are some of my favorite passages in S&S, and we didn’t get any of the household upset when Nancy Steele admits to the Dashwoods that Lucy is engaged to Edward. Nor do we see the tough position that Lyndsay/Lucy puts Celia/Elinor in with her ‘relationship’ with Teddy/Edward. The scene between the sisters when Celia tells Jane what she’s been hiding has little impact, unlike the similar scene in S&S when Marianne begins to understand that yes, Elinor feels too, she keeps it inside while watching out for everyone else, unlike Marianne, who expects the world to fall in with her emotional excesses.
The Dashwood replacements pretty much disappear, too, except for off-stage mentions that serve the plot.
Teddy is the Edward character, and he’s equally wishy-washy, bringing me to the next observation. The book was published by a Christian house, but I wonder if the story was edited for a mainstream audience. Teddy does opt for seminary at the end, and Ian quietly says grace before meals, but otherwise there isn’t any faith or church-going in sight—nor is there on-stage sex. (There is still the subplot about the unfortunate girl ruined by Willoughby/Sean and rescued by the Colonel/Callum, which was pretty well handled.) So the story doesn’t quite fit either model, but floats somewhere in between, which sometimes make it feel slightly out of focus, though Austen’s plot pulls the events steadily along.
Overall it was an entertaining, fast read, ending with smiles all around.
Copy provided by publisher
July 13, 2017
I sort of think that when reading an adaptation of another work, not being totally in love with the original is a good thing. And while I enjoy all of Austen's novels, Sense & Sensibility is not my favorite. It doesn't even make my top three. And I say all of this, because I adored the HELL out of this adaptation of just that book.
It was just so charming! The sister fight felt so real, as did the falling for someone terrible and charming because you're in a new place where you don't know anyone, and Callum!!! Callum is such a great hero. And this book made me hungry and it comes with recipes and it made me want to find a monthly tea subscription box, so really, it achieved all its secondary objectives in addition to just being great.
Really glad I got this. It made me smile a lot.
(Side note: how gorgeous is that cover? Because honestly, that's what drew me to this first when I saw it in someone's feed and I just love it.)
It was just so charming! The sister fight felt so real, as did the falling for someone terrible and charming because you're in a new place where you don't know anyone, and Callum!!! Callum is such a great hero. And this book made me hungry and it comes with recipes and it made me want to find a monthly tea subscription box, so really, it achieved all its secondary objectives in addition to just being great.
Really glad I got this. It made me smile a lot.
(Side note: how gorgeous is that cover? Because honestly, that's what drew me to this first when I saw it in someone's feed and I just love it.)
June 5, 2017
I’m going to admit something that may not be popular here. As a Jane Austen fan, one of her books I like least is a favorite of many. There’s just something about Sense and Sensibility that has always bothered me. Maybe it’s because Marianne Dashwood seems more flighty that heart-on-her sleeve to me, or that Elinor and Edward spend so little time together that I never get the feel for their relationship.
Whatever it is, I’m happy that there have been some adaptation of the original story that I have enjoyed reading. And Hillary Manton Lodge’s contemporary take on this classic tale is delightful and engaging.
The cast of characters in Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility create an ensemble that welcomes you in. Told from the perspective of the middle sister (Jane in this book, Marianne Dashwood in the original) gives readers a fresh perspective. The focus on the dynamics between the sisters adds depth to the novel, and the additional stress of a major move adds to the tension.
Moments of heartache and heartbreak are woven with touches of humor when the reader needs it most. Throw in an elderly in-law who speaks her mind; a rescue dog you can’t help but love; references to popular movies, music, and television, and you have a recipe for success.
Speaking of recipes, there are some yummy ones included in this book for the motivated baker to try.
Through Jane’s and retired army major, Callum Beckett’s eyes, readers get a more in-depth, deeper love story than the original (in my opinion). I think Jane Austen would approve.
This is one of those books that deserves multiple readings. At least it will get more than one from me!
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Whatever it is, I’m happy that there have been some adaptation of the original story that I have enjoyed reading. And Hillary Manton Lodge’s contemporary take on this classic tale is delightful and engaging.
The cast of characters in Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility create an ensemble that welcomes you in. Told from the perspective of the middle sister (Jane in this book, Marianne Dashwood in the original) gives readers a fresh perspective. The focus on the dynamics between the sisters adds depth to the novel, and the additional stress of a major move adds to the tension.
Moments of heartache and heartbreak are woven with touches of humor when the reader needs it most. Throw in an elderly in-law who speaks her mind; a rescue dog you can’t help but love; references to popular movies, music, and television, and you have a recipe for success.
Speaking of recipes, there are some yummy ones included in this book for the motivated baker to try.
Through Jane’s and retired army major, Callum Beckett’s eyes, readers get a more in-depth, deeper love story than the original (in my opinion). I think Jane Austen would approve.
This is one of those books that deserves multiple readings. At least it will get more than one from me!
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 29, 2023
Second reading:
This book is such a joy. It's a retelling of Sense and Sensibility set in the modern world and... please don't throw things at me, but... I like it better than S&S. I do. There are multiple characters in this that I like better than their S&S counterparts. There are plot points and relationship tangles that work better for me here. And this one has the sweetest service dog.
First reading:
This is a refreshing book. It's sweet, salty, full of likable characters and enough problems to keep things interesting. It's also a retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, set in Austin, Texas, in the present day.
I loved it. I really did! It had quite a few surprises to it, not the least being that it's told alternately from the POVs of the Marianne character and the Colonel Brandon character. They're not named that here, but that's who they are. And it's really neat to hear the story from a different angle, because in the original, Elinor is pretty down on Marianne, and because I'm more like Elinor than Marianne, I kind of go with that. But now I think I understand the Mariannes of the world a little better, and that's awesome.
Oh, and this book has a whole bunch of recipes in it that I want to try. Especially the one for Cranberry Vanilla Scones. Nom nom nom.
This book is such a joy. It's a retelling of Sense and Sensibility set in the modern world and... please don't throw things at me, but... I like it better than S&S. I do. There are multiple characters in this that I like better than their S&S counterparts. There are plot points and relationship tangles that work better for me here. And this one has the sweetest service dog.
First reading:
This is a refreshing book. It's sweet, salty, full of likable characters and enough problems to keep things interesting. It's also a retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, set in Austin, Texas, in the present day.
I loved it. I really did! It had quite a few surprises to it, not the least being that it's told alternately from the POVs of the Marianne character and the Colonel Brandon character. They're not named that here, but that's who they are. And it's really neat to hear the story from a different angle, because in the original, Elinor is pretty down on Marianne, and because I'm more like Elinor than Marianne, I kind of go with that. But now I think I understand the Mariannes of the world a little better, and that's awesome.
Oh, and this book has a whole bunch of recipes in it that I want to try. Especially the one for Cranberry Vanilla Scones. Nom nom nom.
December 15, 2017
Having read and fell in love with Hillary’s Two Blue Doors series, I was excited to read what she has next for readers. Her books have become a sweet treat!
This Sense and Sensibility retelling follows sisters Jane, Celia, and Margot when they are forced out of their tea shop and decide to move to Austin, Texas to rebuild their lives in a new city. And while I’ve never read the classic, I found this novel enjoyable as the sisters learn to adjust to life changes and new surroundings. I loved how tea was infused in this novel and was such a natural extension of who the girls were. It wasn’t just a business their lives revolve around, but it holds a special place in their hearts. I mean, Jane carries tea around in her purse, so it is definitely more than a business!
And I wouldn’t mind visiting Texas one day for the big porches, sweet tea, and barbecue. Sounds like my kind of place!
Can I just mention the adorable big dog, Dash? I just loved his presence in this story!
The Two Blue Doors series remains dearest to my heart, but readers of Hillary Manton Lodge will enjoy this novel as well. I love HML’s writing style. Her voice is just lovely, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
*I am on the author’s launch team and was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.*
https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
This Sense and Sensibility retelling follows sisters Jane, Celia, and Margot when they are forced out of their tea shop and decide to move to Austin, Texas to rebuild their lives in a new city. And while I’ve never read the classic, I found this novel enjoyable as the sisters learn to adjust to life changes and new surroundings. I loved how tea was infused in this novel and was such a natural extension of who the girls were. It wasn’t just a business their lives revolve around, but it holds a special place in their hearts. I mean, Jane carries tea around in her purse, so it is definitely more than a business!
And I wouldn’t mind visiting Texas one day for the big porches, sweet tea, and barbecue. Sounds like my kind of place!
Can I just mention the adorable big dog, Dash? I just loved his presence in this story!
The Two Blue Doors series remains dearest to my heart, but readers of Hillary Manton Lodge will enjoy this novel as well. I love HML’s writing style. Her voice is just lovely, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
*I am on the author’s launch team and was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts are my own.*
https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
January 19, 2018
Full review on Faithfully Bookish
This book exceeded my high expectations and was well worth the wait! Front and center in this story is a sisterly trio that won me over from the first page. The relationship Jane shares with her older sister Celia and younger sister Margot is grounded by a rare variety of unconditional and sacrificial love refined and strengthened by hardship and shared grief. I love them!
Through financial uncertainty, new adventures, and heartbreak, these quirky and loveable characters have earned a place among my all-time favorites! I’m so excited to dive into Lodge’s Two Blue Doors series and eagerly anticipate future books as well!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book exceeded my high expectations and was well worth the wait! Front and center in this story is a sisterly trio that won me over from the first page. The relationship Jane shares with her older sister Celia and younger sister Margot is grounded by a rare variety of unconditional and sacrificial love refined and strengthened by hardship and shared grief. I love them!
Through financial uncertainty, new adventures, and heartbreak, these quirky and loveable characters have earned a place among my all-time favorites! I’m so excited to dive into Lodge’s Two Blue Doors series and eagerly anticipate future books as well!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2020
Manā ziņu joslā izleca saraksts ar Ostinas romānu modernajām adaptācijām, ko faniem esot vērts izlasīt, un ši bija viena no divām, kas pieejama manis abonētajā Scribd aplikācijā. Turklāt mans mīļaikais Ostinas romāns kā reiz ir "Prāts un Jūtīgums"! Neteikšu, ka šī bija slikta varinācija par tēmu, bet nez vai to atcerēšos pēc gada un kur nu vēl vēlāk. Modernei tēli tā arī neiegūst pašis savus vaibstus. Un audiogrāmtā nolasītās receptes mani pat kaitināja, jo nezinu jau, kur pārlikt uz priekšu to klausāmpunktu, turklāt vilkt ārā telefonu ejot pa ielu jau arī nemaz tā negribās.
June 19, 2017
This book was utterly fantastic. I’m going to take a few breaths and collect my thoughts before I dive into this review, because I want to do it right. So first I’ll tell you a little on what the story is about.
Three sisters have to deal with the repercussions of their businessman father’s major scandal, but they manage to make the best of the situation by creating a business of their own–a cute tea shop in San Francisco. Years late when their landlord passes away, his nephew forces them out of their beloved shop. Needing a fresh start, Jane, Celia and Margot find themselves staying with a distant cousin from their late mother’s side and starting over…in Austin, Texas. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime for the three girls, one that involves both heartbreak and beautiful love.
A story steeped in romance, sisterly love, and a passion for tea–Jane of Austin had me in tears, sometimes in laughter and other times from all the feels. I want more! There are a million things to love about this book, one of them being the charming and witty characters. Even the side characters were a delight! Jane was quirky and cute and her affinity for baking made her downright lovable. Her relationship with her sisters was incredibly sweet and the communication issues that arose between her and Celia were relatable and raw. Each sister’s separate approaches to moving and life in general was incredibly well done and realistic, which leads me to the writing. This author has quickly become a favorite of mine. Everything from the beautiful writing style to the chapter-ending recipes made me love this story all the more. It was like all of my favorite things in one story! Warning–you will be hungry during and after reading this. Be prepared and make some scones beforehand. 😉 Let’s not forget the delicious romance either. Two words–Callum. Beckett. If there is a more swoon-worthy hero in a contemporary romance novel, I’d like to know, because Callum was downright perfect. The slow relationship that develops between him and Jane had that intangible thing that just tugged at my heartstrings. Can one say the words perfect and love too many times in a book review?! Because I feel like I’m approaching that line.
Jane of Austin is a must-read for both Austen and contemporary romance lovers alike. I hope I did this book justice with my review, because it is one of those reads that’ll stick with me. I’ll say it again, I loved this book. Go read it! It’s perfect for summer, reading along with friends, or bringing on vacation. The ending is similar to sipping your favorite cup of tea, in the way that’ll it leave you with a highly contented sigh. Ahhh.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
http://www.willbakeforbooks.com/2017/...
Three sisters have to deal with the repercussions of their businessman father’s major scandal, but they manage to make the best of the situation by creating a business of their own–a cute tea shop in San Francisco. Years late when their landlord passes away, his nephew forces them out of their beloved shop. Needing a fresh start, Jane, Celia and Margot find themselves staying with a distant cousin from their late mother’s side and starting over…in Austin, Texas. Thus begins an adventure of a lifetime for the three girls, one that involves both heartbreak and beautiful love.
A story steeped in romance, sisterly love, and a passion for tea–Jane of Austin had me in tears, sometimes in laughter and other times from all the feels. I want more! There are a million things to love about this book, one of them being the charming and witty characters. Even the side characters were a delight! Jane was quirky and cute and her affinity for baking made her downright lovable. Her relationship with her sisters was incredibly sweet and the communication issues that arose between her and Celia were relatable and raw. Each sister’s separate approaches to moving and life in general was incredibly well done and realistic, which leads me to the writing. This author has quickly become a favorite of mine. Everything from the beautiful writing style to the chapter-ending recipes made me love this story all the more. It was like all of my favorite things in one story! Warning–you will be hungry during and after reading this. Be prepared and make some scones beforehand. 😉 Let’s not forget the delicious romance either. Two words–Callum. Beckett. If there is a more swoon-worthy hero in a contemporary romance novel, I’d like to know, because Callum was downright perfect. The slow relationship that develops between him and Jane had that intangible thing that just tugged at my heartstrings. Can one say the words perfect and love too many times in a book review?! Because I feel like I’m approaching that line.
Jane of Austin is a must-read for both Austen and contemporary romance lovers alike. I hope I did this book justice with my review, because it is one of those reads that’ll stick with me. I’ll say it again, I loved this book. Go read it! It’s perfect for summer, reading along with friends, or bringing on vacation. The ending is similar to sipping your favorite cup of tea, in the way that’ll it leave you with a highly contented sigh. Ahhh.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
http://www.willbakeforbooks.com/2017/...
May 1, 2020
What fun to find a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility - with just enough new elements to keep it interesting, but enough bookish and Austenesque elements to keep the lover of regency literature engaged. It's set in modern day Texas, with a hint of Austen, and a lot of tea and delicious food. Delightful.
June 13, 2017
Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge was a charming read. Fans of Jane Austen-esque novels, look no further! A retelling of Sense and Sensibility, this book was fun, sweet, bitter, and beautiful.
It's a contemporary, retelling a Regency tale of romance, heartache, and finding true love. I liked the sisters, Celia, Jane, and Margot. And it was fun getting it from Jane's (a.k.a. Marianne's) point of view. Truly, this was such a charming retelling of the beloved, classic tale, I didn't mind that it was set in modern days. It was neat to explore Texas. *smiles* The descriptions were lovely and the book, all around, had an old-fashioned feel. The aspect of teas and tea-making, baking and tea shops? I loved it! So, so fun and unique.
The characters were all great. But Callum was my favorite. I just really, really liked him. A war hero. A gentleman. A good man. Plus, his dog was just the best. This may be the only time I've so loved a dog in a book! ^_^ *hugs Dash*
A couple complaints. Well, it is contemporary ... and that probably means the romance isn't quite to my liking. Yes. Too much kissing, too fast. Way too much "dating without any intentions of marriage anytime soon". There was more intention and marriage-mindedness with Callum, but still the "making out" came way too soon. Save it for marriage, alright, folks?
Also, I thought this book was Christian fiction. There was no talk of faith except for one character's decision to go to seminary school. All in all, it was clean and old-fashioned, (like the Jane Austen movies) even with good morals and lessons, for the most part. So, of course I would have rather had a faith theme, but Jane of Austin was still a lovely read ... like watching a Jane Austen movie!
It was easy to read, interesting, different yet similar to the original Sense and Sensibility, and overall an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of Jane of Austin from BloggingforBooks in exchange for my honest review.
It's a contemporary, retelling a Regency tale of romance, heartache, and finding true love. I liked the sisters, Celia, Jane, and Margot. And it was fun getting it from Jane's (a.k.a. Marianne's) point of view. Truly, this was such a charming retelling of the beloved, classic tale, I didn't mind that it was set in modern days. It was neat to explore Texas. *smiles* The descriptions were lovely and the book, all around, had an old-fashioned feel. The aspect of teas and tea-making, baking and tea shops? I loved it! So, so fun and unique.
The characters were all great. But Callum was my favorite. I just really, really liked him. A war hero. A gentleman. A good man. Plus, his dog was just the best. This may be the only time I've so loved a dog in a book! ^_^ *hugs Dash*
A couple complaints. Well, it is contemporary ... and that probably means the romance isn't quite to my liking. Yes. Too much kissing, too fast. Way too much "dating without any intentions of marriage anytime soon". There was more intention and marriage-mindedness with Callum, but still the "making out" came way too soon. Save it for marriage, alright, folks?
Also, I thought this book was Christian fiction. There was no talk of faith except for one character's decision to go to seminary school. All in all, it was clean and old-fashioned, (like the Jane Austen movies) even with good morals and lessons, for the most part. So, of course I would have rather had a faith theme, but Jane of Austin was still a lovely read ... like watching a Jane Austen movie!
It was easy to read, interesting, different yet similar to the original Sense and Sensibility, and overall an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of Jane of Austin from BloggingforBooks in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2017
Such a sweet romance! Jane was delightful. And Callum...I am at a loss of words for this honorable former soldier. Mixed in with the romance was family drama, dating fiascos, tea making details and a bit of humor. The journey was lovely.
A word about Austin specifics...Amy's Ice Cream is simply delightful and the quirky ice creams names are right on track. While there is a river in Austin, the Colorado River, it is called Lady Bird Lake or Town Lake by locals. The novel mentions driving through Buda on I-35 just before approaching Austin. Coming from Roswell, it's more plausible that the travelers would be coming into the north side of Austin (Buda is south of Austin).
Texas specifics...if you haven't had a fruit kolache or breakfast taco, I highly recommend them both.
A huge thank you to Beth B for sharing this book with me. After becoming friends through Goodreads and Facebook, we met in person for the first time last weekend for lots of book talk. We also had a book exchange and this was one of the ones she shared with me. Thank you dear friend Beth!
I look forward to reading other novels by this author. Jane of Austin was my first, but will not be my last.
A word about Austin specifics...Amy's Ice Cream is simply delightful and the quirky ice creams names are right on track. While there is a river in Austin, the Colorado River, it is called Lady Bird Lake or Town Lake by locals. The novel mentions driving through Buda on I-35 just before approaching Austin. Coming from Roswell, it's more plausible that the travelers would be coming into the north side of Austin (Buda is south of Austin).
Texas specifics...if you haven't had a fruit kolache or breakfast taco, I highly recommend them both.
A huge thank you to Beth B for sharing this book with me. After becoming friends through Goodreads and Facebook, we met in person for the first time last weekend for lots of book talk. We also had a book exchange and this was one of the ones she shared with me. Thank you dear friend Beth!
I look forward to reading other novels by this author. Jane of Austin was my first, but will not be my last.
October 18, 2017
Loved it. I closed the book with such a dopey grin on my face. This was a great modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility and I love the changes and liberties that the author took to make it her own (Tea! All the tea and Texas men). I really enjoyed having this story be told from Jane & Callum POV's, I wasn't expecting that take going into it but I loved it. Made their relationship much more believable in my opinion that the original.
The closeness that the three sisters shared was perfect. Favorite part of this book. Well that, and all the recipes listed after each chapter. Made me want all the scones, side dishes and tea!
The closeness that the three sisters shared was perfect. Favorite part of this book. Well that, and all the recipes listed after each chapter. Made me want all the scones, side dishes and tea!
June 17, 2017
I was pretty excited to get this book in the mail. The cover is stunning and the whole idea of a modern day Sense and Sensibility is simply fun. The first part of the book had my complete attention and I couldn't put it down. I love the Woodward sisters and the family dynamic they create. Celia is probably my favorite sister but it's hard to say as there are fantastic secondary characters as well. LOVED learning about tea and the many recipes included are delightful. Sometimes in books you see a recipe and say "oh maybe someday I'll try it out" but these make your mouth water and I am eager to try them! The romance side of the book is why I give it four stars. It was really difficult for me to totally believe the little romance because it all happens so fast. I loved the little plot twist and the real life experiences but the love story was difficult for me to get into. Callum is a pretty wonderful character, I would say dreamy in a way. I just wish I got to know him better.
All that said I truly enjoyed this book and for a modern day twist you will enjoy!
Four stars.
"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own."
All that said I truly enjoyed this book and for a modern day twist you will enjoy!
Four stars.
"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own."
June 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not sure how much it related to Jane Austen and her life and/or books but it was a well written, character driven story. The best thing in this story were the characters both primary and secondary. Seeing their lives unfold and where they would end up was a pleasure to follow. This story pulls your heart in many ways and is definitely relatable to our current times. I read the book in 24 hours time. :)
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because there were a few nit-picky things that I thought could have been handled better, that were not plot related. Just those little extra tidbits that take a story to perfection with no loose ends left in my mind. Without listing them here, they were minor and like I said nit-picky.
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because there were a few nit-picky things that I thought could have been handled better, that were not plot related. Just those little extra tidbits that take a story to perfection with no loose ends left in my mind. Without listing them here, they were minor and like I said nit-picky.
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Read
April 14, 2019Okay, I have a lot of thoughts. This is a solid modern adaptation of Sense and Sensibility and I thought the plot modernization was great. The characters were likeable and mostly believable. I liked what the author did with Lila's character and thought the Jane/Callum relationship was even a little more believable than Marianne/Brandon. The book was pretty well paced and I also think this would be a delightful movie. I liked this much more than other recent Jane Austen adaptations. Overall I would recommend it for Jane fans who aren't TOO purist.
My biggest issue with the book is that I live in Texas and it is clear that the author has set a book in Texas without spending enough time in the state. She is throwing around Texas references but they are just off enough to be distracting. For example, bluebonnets don't bloom in January. Lots of other Texas references were technically correct but mentioned in such awkward ways that it came off as the author trying too hard to convince me she knew stuff about Texas. It was a bit distracting.
Speaking of distracting, this book will be a lot better if you read it rather than listening to the audio version. The strange pronunciation of MANY words was beyond distracting. The worst was "kolache" with a short A sound. Upsetting.
So, if you're looking for a fun, light, Jane Austen inspired read, pick this up. You'll probably like it better if you're not from Texas and just don't listen to the audio version.
My biggest issue with the book is that I live in Texas and it is clear that the author has set a book in Texas without spending enough time in the state. She is throwing around Texas references but they are just off enough to be distracting. For example, bluebonnets don't bloom in January. Lots of other Texas references were technically correct but mentioned in such awkward ways that it came off as the author trying too hard to convince me she knew stuff about Texas. It was a bit distracting.
Speaking of distracting, this book will be a lot better if you read it rather than listening to the audio version. The strange pronunciation of MANY words was beyond distracting. The worst was "kolache" with a short A sound. Upsetting.
So, if you're looking for a fun, light, Jane Austen inspired read, pick this up. You'll probably like it better if you're not from Texas and just don't listen to the audio version.
April 14, 2017
A fun modern twist on Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen and contemporary romance fans alike will fall in love with this warm, witty and charming story!
March 25, 2026
Contemporary Sense and Sensibility variation.. loved!
Currently reading - lg print HB
Currently reading - lg print HB
March 23, 2018
It was sweet, interesting a good twist on the story we all know and love
April 23, 2018
This was a sweet, warm, beautiful book. It made me want to drink a bunch of tea, even though I hate tea. And Callum was the legit best.
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this unique and original retelling of Sense and Sensibility. Callum!! Oh my heart!!
December 7, 2019
Tea, Texas, and Team Marianne!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Source: Gift from Family
TYPE OF NOVEL: Sense and Sensibility Modern Adaptation
SETTING: Present Day San Fransisco, CA and Austin, TX
SYNOPSIS: Between their mother passing away when they were young and their dad fleeing the country because he was caught embezzling, the Woodward sisters have been through a lot! Now their kind-hearted landlord passed away and his selfish and manipulative son and daughter-in-law are forcing them out of their beloved tea shop and apartment. Finding it hard to stay in San Fransisco (for several reasons), the sisters seize the chance to begin anew in Austin, Texas. But new beginnings aren’t always easy, especially when finding a new location for your tea shop is impossible, your relatives are extra-nosy, and your sister is growing distant…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Surprise! Sense and Sensibility: I must admit…I was first attracted to this book because of the title and cover. I didn’t realize it was a contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility! I was happy to find this retelling to be faithful to Jane Austen’s original novel with believable updates (such as the reason why the sisters need to leave their home and why they are in financial straits), and some creative new twists (with some characters and relationships – Elinor/Edward). I appreciate that the author realized that some aspects of Jane Austen’s story didn’t fit well in our modern times and made some thoughtful and fitting alterations.
- Dual Perspectives: I love when stories are told from two or more point-of-views, and when authors label at the beginning of each chapter who’s perspective we are reading from. It was a wonderful surprise that the central figures and the two perspectives we follow in this story were Jane Woodward (Marianne) and Callum Beckett (Brandon). More often we see Elinor as the main protagonist, and I loved that this retelling was unique in its bigger focus on Marianne and her storyline.
- Jane Woodward: Speaking of, I really enjoyed this portrayal/update of Marianne. Jane was a character that was detail-oriented and passionate about her work, but she wasn’t selfish, overly melodramatic, or rude which some stories depict her to be. I loved that she was friendly towards Callum, a tea and dog lover, more practical in her relationship with Sean (Willoughby), and aware and concerned about her sister’s hidden pain.
- Callum Beckett: A retired marine captain who lost his leg (and some of his team) on a mission in Afghanistan, Callum Beckett is back stateside, adjusting to life as a civilian and cleaning up the mess his father and brother left behind. Callum’s injury and experience in the military added a lot of new depth to his character. I appreciate how the author illustrated his journey coping with the past and adapting to his new future. It was easy to fall in love with Callum and I enjoyed the time we spent in his head and the insight we gained about his character.
- Austin, Tea, and Recipes: I loved seeing Austen in Austin! What a great setting for this story; I loved all the wonderful references to the lifestyle there and local favorites, like Torchy’s! Also, I wish Valencia Tea Company was a real – the teas and amazing pastry concoctions sound heavenly! A lovely bonus treat was the recipes for ten delicious-sounding treats featured in this story – and I want to try them all! Side note, I also really loved how the author incorporated Marianne’s (Jane’s) “passion for dead leaves!” 😉
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Character Development: There were a few times where I thought the character development was a little thin. Part of Jane’s reactions towards Sean didn’t make as much sense to me, especially since she was more level-headed about their relationship and not as taken to romantic flights. In addition, I missed learning if Sean’s feelings for Jane were real or…?
CONCLUSION:
Written with equal parts sense and sensibility and blending together flavors that are familiar and new, Jane of Austin is a delightful and delectable story for all readers to enjoy! This story about surviving the unexpected turns and upheavals life throws in your path is definitely one to savor!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Source: Gift from Family
TYPE OF NOVEL: Sense and Sensibility Modern Adaptation
SETTING: Present Day San Fransisco, CA and Austin, TX
SYNOPSIS: Between their mother passing away when they were young and their dad fleeing the country because he was caught embezzling, the Woodward sisters have been through a lot! Now their kind-hearted landlord passed away and his selfish and manipulative son and daughter-in-law are forcing them out of their beloved tea shop and apartment. Finding it hard to stay in San Fransisco (for several reasons), the sisters seize the chance to begin anew in Austin, Texas. But new beginnings aren’t always easy, especially when finding a new location for your tea shop is impossible, your relatives are extra-nosy, and your sister is growing distant…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Surprise! Sense and Sensibility: I must admit…I was first attracted to this book because of the title and cover. I didn’t realize it was a contemporary retelling of Sense and Sensibility! I was happy to find this retelling to be faithful to Jane Austen’s original novel with believable updates (such as the reason why the sisters need to leave their home and why they are in financial straits), and some creative new twists (with some characters and relationships – Elinor/Edward). I appreciate that the author realized that some aspects of Jane Austen’s story didn’t fit well in our modern times and made some thoughtful and fitting alterations.
- Dual Perspectives: I love when stories are told from two or more point-of-views, and when authors label at the beginning of each chapter who’s perspective we are reading from. It was a wonderful surprise that the central figures and the two perspectives we follow in this story were Jane Woodward (Marianne) and Callum Beckett (Brandon). More often we see Elinor as the main protagonist, and I loved that this retelling was unique in its bigger focus on Marianne and her storyline.
- Jane Woodward: Speaking of, I really enjoyed this portrayal/update of Marianne. Jane was a character that was detail-oriented and passionate about her work, but she wasn’t selfish, overly melodramatic, or rude which some stories depict her to be. I loved that she was friendly towards Callum, a tea and dog lover, more practical in her relationship with Sean (Willoughby), and aware and concerned about her sister’s hidden pain.
- Callum Beckett: A retired marine captain who lost his leg (and some of his team) on a mission in Afghanistan, Callum Beckett is back stateside, adjusting to life as a civilian and cleaning up the mess his father and brother left behind. Callum’s injury and experience in the military added a lot of new depth to his character. I appreciate how the author illustrated his journey coping with the past and adapting to his new future. It was easy to fall in love with Callum and I enjoyed the time we spent in his head and the insight we gained about his character.
- Austin, Tea, and Recipes: I loved seeing Austen in Austin! What a great setting for this story; I loved all the wonderful references to the lifestyle there and local favorites, like Torchy’s! Also, I wish Valencia Tea Company was a real – the teas and amazing pastry concoctions sound heavenly! A lovely bonus treat was the recipes for ten delicious-sounding treats featured in this story – and I want to try them all! Side note, I also really loved how the author incorporated Marianne’s (Jane’s) “passion for dead leaves!” 😉
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Character Development: There were a few times where I thought the character development was a little thin. Part of Jane’s reactions towards Sean didn’t make as much sense to me, especially since she was more level-headed about their relationship and not as taken to romantic flights. In addition, I missed learning if Sean’s feelings for Jane were real or…?
CONCLUSION:
Written with equal parts sense and sensibility and blending together flavors that are familiar and new, Jane of Austin is a delightful and delectable story for all readers to enjoy! This story about surviving the unexpected turns and upheavals life throws in your path is definitely one to savor!
Austenesque Reviews
June 5, 2017
I'm actually not a big fan of Jane Austen. I've never even read Sense and Sensibility (on which this book is apparently based). But I loved Jane of Austin.
Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward have faced a lot of tragedy in their young lives. After their mother dies in a car accident, their father is fired from his position in finance due to some questionable choices - choices that leave him on the run and his daughters on their own. Armed with a trust fund left behind by their mother, the girls start a tea salon in their beloved San Francisco. But when new owners demand more in rent than the girls can pay, they're forced to pack up their tea plants and move. Eventually, they settle with family in Austin, Texas where new adventures await.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I loved the dynamic between the sisters, the love triangle element, and the humorous witticisms sprinkled throughout. The storyline was interesting and moved along well. The end was semi-cheesy, but I like a little cheese now and then. :-)
This was another one of those strange books that I think is probably classified as inspirational fiction, and is very clean, but makes almost no mention of God.
(I received an advance copy of this book via Bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.)
Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward have faced a lot of tragedy in their young lives. After their mother dies in a car accident, their father is fired from his position in finance due to some questionable choices - choices that leave him on the run and his daughters on their own. Armed with a trust fund left behind by their mother, the girls start a tea salon in their beloved San Francisco. But when new owners demand more in rent than the girls can pay, they're forced to pack up their tea plants and move. Eventually, they settle with family in Austin, Texas where new adventures await.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I loved the dynamic between the sisters, the love triangle element, and the humorous witticisms sprinkled throughout. The storyline was interesting and moved along well. The end was semi-cheesy, but I like a little cheese now and then. :-)
This was another one of those strange books that I think is probably classified as inspirational fiction, and is very clean, but makes almost no mention of God.
(I received an advance copy of this book via Bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for an honest review.)
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