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Vintage Jane Austen #5
Presumption and Partiality
Among the cotton fields and farmland of Gilbert, Arizona in the early years of the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey live a simple, but happy life with their five daughters on a cotton farm. When the wealthy Richard Buchanan moves to town, bringing his family, a friend, and a desire to learn about cotton, Matilda Bailey is convinced that he is the perfect candidate to marry her eldest daughter, Alice.
Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.
When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.
Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.
When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Jones
16 books226 followersRebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories.
Rebekah is an old soul in a young body (she’s not 12 —honest!) While her exact age is classified, her interests are not. Among them are reading a variety of books, singing, playing, and composing music, studying all manner of subjects, nannying an adventurous group of youngsters, and, of course, writing her books, poems, articles, and short stories. She writes a wide range of books from gentle children’s adventures to family sagas to murder mysteries.
Rebekah is an old soul in a young body (she’s not 12 —honest!) While her exact age is classified, her interests are not. Among them are reading a variety of books, singing, playing, and composing music, studying all manner of subjects, nannying an adventurous group of youngsters, and, of course, writing her books, poems, articles, and short stories. She writes a wide range of books from gentle children’s adventures to family sagas to murder mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 24, 2018
One could argue that the reason I loved this book was simply because it’s a familiar story. Who doesn’t love Pride & Prejudice? Elizabeth, who goes by Eloise in this book, Darcy (Sidney), and the gang all appear, and you easily recognize every one of them.
But that’s not why I loved it. I loved the book because every single one of those people stayed true to their original characters while, at the same time, were original as shown by Miss Jones. The behavior and the attitudes remained the same for most characters. Motivations, however, shifted. We learn compassion for characters we’ve delighted to hate—even as they still annoy us.
Working with another author’s characters can be a difficult prospect. Miss Jones attacked that and managed to make this story completely her own. We enter the Depression-era desert with its harsh, dusty landscape and everything changes while remaining the same.
Deviations?
I’m sure there are those who will criticize the author for how and where she deviated from the original, but honestly, it’s unjust to do it. Why? Because you cannot take the exact same characters, the exact plot, drop them into a different era… a different country, and not have slight deviations. The story would have been ridiculous had she not.
Not to mention… really? How boring! I’ve READ the original. If I want P&P exactly as Austen wrote it, I’ll read Austen!
Now, I should confess that I did worry about two things. First, I have an unholy horror of preachiness in fiction, and with the themes in the story, I knew it would be tempting for Miss Jones to sermonize. But she didn’t. Perhaps if the setting had been today, a few places might have been a tad over the line, but for the time and setting, I thought she balanced spiritual discussions in a very natural way.
And I was concerned about anachronisms.
They bother me (and many of my readers), so I wondered how many I’d find. Let’s face it. No matter how careful you are to look up everything you can possibly imagine being too modern, it’s easy to miss something. Slang? She nailed it. The common ones and at least one that I’ve only seen in lists when looking up stuff for my own writing. Diction? Also pretty much bang-on. I do recall something minor once, but since I can’t remember what that was, I suspect it was minor.
The only thing I found that I’m not confident on was the missing inhaler. While there were inhalers created before 1955, they were more like nebulizers and much bulkier than our modern inhalers. To leave one just “lying around” and it be lost… not as likely. Still, really? That’s it? If I recall correctly, yes. That’s it. And technically it is possible.
For the picky, there are a dozen or so minor typos, but I suspect she’ll have those corrected in no time if they haven’t already been. After all, I purchased this on launch day a few months ago. I suspect those are gone now.
So, do I really think it’s a great book?
Actually, yeah. I do. I bought it the day it came out and I’ve been hoarding it for a while. Miss Jones made me love her take on the characters in Presumption and Partiality. I find myself thinking about the clever ways she brought in parts of a world I know!
Gilbert, Arizona isn’t that far from Phoenix, Mesa, and Apache Junction. I lived there as a girl. Williams isn’t that far from Flagstaff where I spent a lot of time as well. My grandparents were cotton farmers during the depression (although in Oklahoma, rather than Arizona). I know this world she wrote in. And I felt like I was there.
But beyond the familiar, what I think I love most is the rich depth she brought to her characters, the spiritual lessons she taught me, and the eagerness she’s created in me to read the others in the Vintage Austen Series. I think Emmeline will be next…
But that’s not why I loved it. I loved the book because every single one of those people stayed true to their original characters while, at the same time, were original as shown by Miss Jones. The behavior and the attitudes remained the same for most characters. Motivations, however, shifted. We learn compassion for characters we’ve delighted to hate—even as they still annoy us.
Working with another author’s characters can be a difficult prospect. Miss Jones attacked that and managed to make this story completely her own. We enter the Depression-era desert with its harsh, dusty landscape and everything changes while remaining the same.
Deviations?
I’m sure there are those who will criticize the author for how and where she deviated from the original, but honestly, it’s unjust to do it. Why? Because you cannot take the exact same characters, the exact plot, drop them into a different era… a different country, and not have slight deviations. The story would have been ridiculous had she not.
Not to mention… really? How boring! I’ve READ the original. If I want P&P exactly as Austen wrote it, I’ll read Austen!
Now, I should confess that I did worry about two things. First, I have an unholy horror of preachiness in fiction, and with the themes in the story, I knew it would be tempting for Miss Jones to sermonize. But she didn’t. Perhaps if the setting had been today, a few places might have been a tad over the line, but for the time and setting, I thought she balanced spiritual discussions in a very natural way.
And I was concerned about anachronisms.
They bother me (and many of my readers), so I wondered how many I’d find. Let’s face it. No matter how careful you are to look up everything you can possibly imagine being too modern, it’s easy to miss something. Slang? She nailed it. The common ones and at least one that I’ve only seen in lists when looking up stuff for my own writing. Diction? Also pretty much bang-on. I do recall something minor once, but since I can’t remember what that was, I suspect it was minor.
The only thing I found that I’m not confident on was the missing inhaler. While there were inhalers created before 1955, they were more like nebulizers and much bulkier than our modern inhalers. To leave one just “lying around” and it be lost… not as likely. Still, really? That’s it? If I recall correctly, yes. That’s it. And technically it is possible.
For the picky, there are a dozen or so minor typos, but I suspect she’ll have those corrected in no time if they haven’t already been. After all, I purchased this on launch day a few months ago. I suspect those are gone now.
So, do I really think it’s a great book?
Actually, yeah. I do. I bought it the day it came out and I’ve been hoarding it for a while. Miss Jones made me love her take on the characters in Presumption and Partiality. I find myself thinking about the clever ways she brought in parts of a world I know!
Gilbert, Arizona isn’t that far from Phoenix, Mesa, and Apache Junction. I lived there as a girl. Williams isn’t that far from Flagstaff where I spent a lot of time as well. My grandparents were cotton farmers during the depression (although in Oklahoma, rather than Arizona). I know this world she wrote in. And I felt like I was there.
But beyond the familiar, what I think I love most is the rich depth she brought to her characters, the spiritual lessons she taught me, and the eagerness she’s created in me to read the others in the Vintage Austen Series. I think Emmeline will be next…
March 22, 2018
This makes the fourth book of the Vintage Jane Austen series. “Pride and Prejudice” is probably the Jane Austen with which I am most familiar. I have watched various movies (repeatedly) and have read the book. I was very interested not only in seeing how Rebekah Jones retold it, but also in reading my first book by this author.
As a Christian book, I liked it. Alice (“Jane”) especially, stood out to me as a strong Christian who was striving to live by the Bible. She was very cautious to guard her heart and to live by the Scriptures. Eloise (“Lizzie”), however, though she quoted Scripture, there didn’t seem to be much actual daily devotion in her life—her thoughts didn’t tend toward the Lord much. I think she was supposed to be a character who was growing in her faith, but it was a small growth, not much.
I did really like the addition of Alice and Eloise's work with the poor, and the many discussions that induced.
There were a few surprises, but overall, it felt like I was reading “Pride and Prejudice” in a different era. I knew what was coming up next and I could almost quote the phrase that was coming (though the dialogue was not verbatim, so much of it was very close to P&P original). As I’ve already indicated in my retelling reviews, I like a retelling to surprise me. If I want to read “Pride and Prejudice,” then I’m going to read “Pride and Prejudice.” It’s just my preference. So, as far as a retelling goes, I was a little disappointed with a lack of originality.
I had a hard time feeling the era. There were facts about cotton and hot weather, but I just had a hard time getting sucked into it. Part of that may also be because I have spent several summers working at a Navajo/Ute camp, so the Native American aspect did not at all feel real to me. It’s a completely different culture, even if you have Christian Native Americans. I tried to read it objectively, but I had to constantly remind myself that Sydney was Navajo. He didn’t seem like one.
It is, though, quite clean. The “Lydia” (Junie) instant went a little more into the penalties and consequences of her flippant choice, and I did like the way that this thread resolved. Still, because of it (her running away with a guy), I would say maybe girls 16+ should read it?
*I received this book from Celebrate Lit for my honest review, which I happily provided*
As a Christian book, I liked it. Alice (“Jane”) especially, stood out to me as a strong Christian who was striving to live by the Bible. She was very cautious to guard her heart and to live by the Scriptures. Eloise (“Lizzie”), however, though she quoted Scripture, there didn’t seem to be much actual daily devotion in her life—her thoughts didn’t tend toward the Lord much. I think she was supposed to be a character who was growing in her faith, but it was a small growth, not much.
I did really like the addition of Alice and Eloise's work with the poor, and the many discussions that induced.
There were a few surprises, but overall, it felt like I was reading “Pride and Prejudice” in a different era. I knew what was coming up next and I could almost quote the phrase that was coming (though the dialogue was not verbatim, so much of it was very close to P&P original). As I’ve already indicated in my retelling reviews, I like a retelling to surprise me. If I want to read “Pride and Prejudice,” then I’m going to read “Pride and Prejudice.” It’s just my preference. So, as far as a retelling goes, I was a little disappointed with a lack of originality.
I had a hard time feeling the era. There were facts about cotton and hot weather, but I just had a hard time getting sucked into it. Part of that may also be because I have spent several summers working at a Navajo/Ute camp, so the Native American aspect did not at all feel real to me. It’s a completely different culture, even if you have Christian Native Americans. I tried to read it objectively, but I had to constantly remind myself that Sydney was Navajo. He didn’t seem like one.
It is, though, quite clean. The “Lydia” (Junie) instant went a little more into the penalties and consequences of her flippant choice, and I did like the way that this thread resolved. Still, because of it (her running away with a guy), I would say maybe girls 16+ should read it?
*I received this book from Celebrate Lit for my honest review, which I happily provided*
December 6, 2017
I knew the Pride and Prejudice retelling for the Vintage Jane Austen series was in capable hands, but Partiality and Presumption actually exceeded my high expectations (which is saying a lot, because I know what a fine writer Rebekah Jones is!).
The faith element in this book is strong. I appreciated how many Biblical principles are woven seamlessly into the story. I love what Ms. Jones does with the characters—the story is told from many different perspectives, mainly those of Eloise (Elizabeth) and Alice Bailey (Jane), Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy), and Richard Buchanan (Mr. Bingley). Every aspect of each character, major or minor, is well portrayed, from their spiritual growth to their little quirks. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) made me laugh out loud numerous times, but what was even nicer was that Mr. Bailey was unfailingly kind and loving to his wife instead of always being dismissive of her. I confess that Mr. Darcy is not one of my favorite Jane Austen heroes, but his equivalent, Sidney Dennison, has certainly become one of my favorite book heroes: he’s the strong, silent type with real spiritual depth, a rancher of Navajo heritage, and a perfect shot with a gun!
Arizona is a unique place for a story setting, especially during the Great Depression; Ms. Jones captures it very well. The continual mention of the weather creates a strong atmosphere. Also, as farmers, the characters would constantly be watching the weather, so it puts us into their minds. I’m glad the VJA series has a book that represents how rural people lived during the Depression, down to the iffiness of the phone lines (if a house even had one).
The story follows Pride and Prejudice pretty faithfully, with a few ingenious, unexpected twists that I think, in some ways, improve on the story line of Pride and Prejudice by tying everything together a little more neatly and logically. You’ll have to read this book for yourself to see if you agree.
If you love solid Christian historical romance with heroes and heroines who are devoted followers of Christ, this book may very well be one of your next favorite reads.
The faith element in this book is strong. I appreciated how many Biblical principles are woven seamlessly into the story. I love what Ms. Jones does with the characters—the story is told from many different perspectives, mainly those of Eloise (Elizabeth) and Alice Bailey (Jane), Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy), and Richard Buchanan (Mr. Bingley). Every aspect of each character, major or minor, is well portrayed, from their spiritual growth to their little quirks. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) made me laugh out loud numerous times, but what was even nicer was that Mr. Bailey was unfailingly kind and loving to his wife instead of always being dismissive of her. I confess that Mr. Darcy is not one of my favorite Jane Austen heroes, but his equivalent, Sidney Dennison, has certainly become one of my favorite book heroes: he’s the strong, silent type with real spiritual depth, a rancher of Navajo heritage, and a perfect shot with a gun!
Arizona is a unique place for a story setting, especially during the Great Depression; Ms. Jones captures it very well. The continual mention of the weather creates a strong atmosphere. Also, as farmers, the characters would constantly be watching the weather, so it puts us into their minds. I’m glad the VJA series has a book that represents how rural people lived during the Depression, down to the iffiness of the phone lines (if a house even had one).
The story follows Pride and Prejudice pretty faithfully, with a few ingenious, unexpected twists that I think, in some ways, improve on the story line of Pride and Prejudice by tying everything together a little more neatly and logically. You’ll have to read this book for yourself to see if you agree.
If you love solid Christian historical romance with heroes and heroines who are devoted followers of Christ, this book may very well be one of your next favorite reads.
January 1, 2018
With this book, this series is drawn to a close. That would be sad, but it is hard to be sad when the final book is so amazing. I think that those who might worry that the final book might not live up to their expectations can stop worrying because this was amazing.
Jones did an amazing job waving Jane Austen's original stories into farm life in Arizona. I think out of the whole series; this had to be the most creative setting. The farm life, fit the story so well and gave it so much depth.
I was blown away with some of the faith and moral elements that were seamlessly woven into the story without ever feeling preachy. I especially loved how Alica (Jane) had feelings for Richard (Mr. Bingley), but still worked to guard her heart. So many books make either it all about feelings or make it sound like you shouldn't have feelings at all. I appreciated that Alice had feelings, but didn't let them get out of hand.
Eloise was a wonderful leading lady with just the right balance of faith, spunk, and lady-likeness. I loved her and felt a kinship with her, as I suspect many girls will. She makes some rash judgments but learns from her mistakes. Above all, she goes to God for help.
Sidney Dennison (Darcy) was also very well done. At first, I wasn't sure about having him as an Indian was going to work well, but in the end, I couldn't have thought of anything better. I like the depth of character and his faith.
Two major changes were made from the original story. The first was the interaction of the parents While Mrs. Bailey is given to headaches, complaining, and matchmaking, her husband is loving and her daughters respectful. This was a beautiful change that was inspiring. The second was how the story ended. While the stories actual ending didn't change all that dramatically it was just...so much more satisfying. I can say anymore because I don't want to give it away.
Overall, this was a beautiful retelling and a fitting end to the series. I highly recommend it to those who have loved the other books in the series, enjoy Jane Austen retellings, or those who love books with strong faith messages.
Jones did an amazing job waving Jane Austen's original stories into farm life in Arizona. I think out of the whole series; this had to be the most creative setting. The farm life, fit the story so well and gave it so much depth.
I was blown away with some of the faith and moral elements that were seamlessly woven into the story without ever feeling preachy. I especially loved how Alica (Jane) had feelings for Richard (Mr. Bingley), but still worked to guard her heart. So many books make either it all about feelings or make it sound like you shouldn't have feelings at all. I appreciated that Alice had feelings, but didn't let them get out of hand.
Eloise was a wonderful leading lady with just the right balance of faith, spunk, and lady-likeness. I loved her and felt a kinship with her, as I suspect many girls will. She makes some rash judgments but learns from her mistakes. Above all, she goes to God for help.
Sidney Dennison (Darcy) was also very well done. At first, I wasn't sure about having him as an Indian was going to work well, but in the end, I couldn't have thought of anything better. I like the depth of character and his faith.
Two major changes were made from the original story. The first was the interaction of the parents While Mrs. Bailey is given to headaches, complaining, and matchmaking, her husband is loving and her daughters respectful. This was a beautiful change that was inspiring. The second was how the story ended. While the stories actual ending didn't change all that dramatically it was just...so much more satisfying. I can say anymore because I don't want to give it away.
Overall, this was a beautiful retelling and a fitting end to the series. I highly recommend it to those who have loved the other books in the series, enjoy Jane Austen retellings, or those who love books with strong faith messages.
May 8, 2018
“It is better to never presume upon another’s secret thoughts.”
While I do love Pride and Prejudice, I actually find I love the retellings even more. Mostly because I love seeing how an author takes such a beloved story and adds their own flavor – in a variety of other settings and time periods. In Presumption and Partiality, Rebekah Jones takes Elizabeth and Darcy and the whole slew of vivid characters from Austen’s original story and transplants them into Depression-era Arizona – while making them distinctly her own. This setting is vastly different from Regency England and, as such, the social nuances are necessarily unique. In this, too, Jones excels in keeping the characters recognizable in personality and behavior while subtly shifting the reasons for their actions to motives that make sense for the Depression period.
Eloise Bailey sees Sidney Dennison as arrogant and aloof, and given the fact that he does seem detached from every conversation you can’t really blame her. Yet the more we the readers get to know him – thanks to the occasional hopping into his head – the more we see him as a highly observant man with a good heart, a man who loves God and is falling hard for Eloise. This is something else I enjoyed about Jones’ retelling – getting to see the story from different perspectives instead of just Eloise (Elizabeth). We get further insight into Richard (Bingley), Sidney (Darcy), Raymond (Wickham) and Jane (Alice) by getting inside their heads from time to time as well. And while there was the occasional confusion as we head-hopped without much warning, I thought this style choice worked well for the most post.
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, you’ll want to check out Jones’ delightful retelling in Presumption and Partiality. Her writing style (the vocabulary choices, the cadence, the feel, etc.) reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill and in fact I enjoyed seeing that author’s name crop up on a few occasions in this story (including my favorite Hill novel, Kerry). There are some ‘preachy’ moments but in this case they work for the setting and for the characters. And while it lags a bit in the middle, this is definitely a book to add to your collection of retellings, as well as to enjoy it as its own delightful story!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
While I do love Pride and Prejudice, I actually find I love the retellings even more. Mostly because I love seeing how an author takes such a beloved story and adds their own flavor – in a variety of other settings and time periods. In Presumption and Partiality, Rebekah Jones takes Elizabeth and Darcy and the whole slew of vivid characters from Austen’s original story and transplants them into Depression-era Arizona – while making them distinctly her own. This setting is vastly different from Regency England and, as such, the social nuances are necessarily unique. In this, too, Jones excels in keeping the characters recognizable in personality and behavior while subtly shifting the reasons for their actions to motives that make sense for the Depression period.
Eloise Bailey sees Sidney Dennison as arrogant and aloof, and given the fact that he does seem detached from every conversation you can’t really blame her. Yet the more we the readers get to know him – thanks to the occasional hopping into his head – the more we see him as a highly observant man with a good heart, a man who loves God and is falling hard for Eloise. This is something else I enjoyed about Jones’ retelling – getting to see the story from different perspectives instead of just Eloise (Elizabeth). We get further insight into Richard (Bingley), Sidney (Darcy), Raymond (Wickham) and Jane (Alice) by getting inside their heads from time to time as well. And while there was the occasional confusion as we head-hopped without much warning, I thought this style choice worked well for the most post.
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, you’ll want to check out Jones’ delightful retelling in Presumption and Partiality. Her writing style (the vocabulary choices, the cadence, the feel, etc.) reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill and in fact I enjoyed seeing that author’s name crop up on a few occasions in this story (including my favorite Hill novel, Kerry). There are some ‘preachy’ moments but in this case they work for the setting and for the characters. And while it lags a bit in the middle, this is definitely a book to add to your collection of retellings, as well as to enjoy it as its own delightful story!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 23, 2018
For some, rereading a story over and over is unheard of. For the most part, I read books only once but there are some exceptions. The biggest: Jane Austen. I love reading the classic Jane Austen stories but I also enjoy adaptations, modernizations, re-imaginings, or even Austen-adjacent reads. So of course, I was more than happy to pick up Rebekah Jone’s attempt at Pride and Prejudice.
Set in the 1930s, there are some social differences between the original and this one, yet Jones handles the nuances well. I also liked that readers got a few more perspectives (especially those of Alice and Richard who are Jane and Bingley’s counterparts and Sidney aka Darcy) as it gave a better overall picture.
Another wonderful twist of this Vintage Jane Austen read is the emphasis on scripture, the faith of the characters, and the acknowledgment of the responsibility of caring for the less fortunate in anyway the characters could. There’s even some redemption for George Wickham’s character in the end.
Fans of Jane Austen, Christian fiction, historical, or just good stories should enjoy this one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.
Set in the 1930s, there are some social differences between the original and this one, yet Jones handles the nuances well. I also liked that readers got a few more perspectives (especially those of Alice and Richard who are Jane and Bingley’s counterparts and Sidney aka Darcy) as it gave a better overall picture.
Another wonderful twist of this Vintage Jane Austen read is the emphasis on scripture, the faith of the characters, and the acknowledgment of the responsibility of caring for the less fortunate in anyway the characters could. There’s even some redemption for George Wickham’s character in the end.
Fans of Jane Austen, Christian fiction, historical, or just good stories should enjoy this one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.
May 3, 2018
Given my love for Jane Austen and retellings it should come as no surprise that I’ll be reviewing a “Pride and Prejudice” retelling today. The book in question is called “Presumption and Partiality” by Rebekah Jones. I can’t wait to share about this book!
Ms. Jones has a great writing style and I appreciate how she incorporates Austen-like wit into her story. She does a great job with the setting as well, incorporating many historical details to transport the reader into the early years of the Great Depression. She totally changes the setting and time period from Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” yet still follows the original storyline very closely. This is more of an exact retelling of the story, which is fun for a diehard Austenite who would become hysterical if the plot was changed. Others prefer their retellings to have the same characters, but have the plot be completely different from the original story – if this is you, you may want to pass on “Presumption and Partiality.” The story is told from many points of view. On one hand, I enjoyed seeing the thoughts of other characters, but sometimes I felt it was a little too many points of view.
I love how big a part the Christian faith plays in this story. This story is packed with faith content, ranging from hymns, to prayers, to Scripture. I like that Alice, one of our main characters, talks about God’s provision, asks the Lord to guard her thoughts regarding a man and that she recalls scripture and prays. She makes sure that the man she is interested in is a Christian before getting any more invested with him. There are so many other great examples of faith in this story.
Ms. Jones did a great job with staying true to the original “Pride and Prejudice” story while taking the reader to a different time and place. I really enjoyed this faith filled retelling. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Christian fiction, historical fiction or Jane Austen.
Content: This is a clean read. I give it a PG rating for some minor content. Some examples of the content are: a mention of gambling and alcohol; a girl runs away with a man she is not married to; someone becomes pregnant out of wedlock.
Rating: I give this book 3.5 stars
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical fiction; Retellings
I want to thank Celebrate Lit and Rebekah Jones for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
Ms. Jones has a great writing style and I appreciate how she incorporates Austen-like wit into her story. She does a great job with the setting as well, incorporating many historical details to transport the reader into the early years of the Great Depression. She totally changes the setting and time period from Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” yet still follows the original storyline very closely. This is more of an exact retelling of the story, which is fun for a diehard Austenite who would become hysterical if the plot was changed. Others prefer their retellings to have the same characters, but have the plot be completely different from the original story – if this is you, you may want to pass on “Presumption and Partiality.” The story is told from many points of view. On one hand, I enjoyed seeing the thoughts of other characters, but sometimes I felt it was a little too many points of view.
I love how big a part the Christian faith plays in this story. This story is packed with faith content, ranging from hymns, to prayers, to Scripture. I like that Alice, one of our main characters, talks about God’s provision, asks the Lord to guard her thoughts regarding a man and that she recalls scripture and prays. She makes sure that the man she is interested in is a Christian before getting any more invested with him. There are so many other great examples of faith in this story.
Ms. Jones did a great job with staying true to the original “Pride and Prejudice” story while taking the reader to a different time and place. I really enjoyed this faith filled retelling. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Christian fiction, historical fiction or Jane Austen.
Content: This is a clean read. I give it a PG rating for some minor content. Some examples of the content are: a mention of gambling and alcohol; a girl runs away with a man she is not married to; someone becomes pregnant out of wedlock.
Rating: I give this book 3.5 stars
Genre: Christian fiction; Historical fiction; Retellings
I want to thank Celebrate Lit and Rebekah Jones for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
March 8, 2018
Great retelling of a classic. Definitely captures the feel of dusty Arizona. Great worldview as well. Don’t worry about this being sappy, or insipid; it’s not.
January 22, 2019
The problem with a multi-author series ... is that each book is written by a different author. Thus the tone and charm of one book won't necessarily carry over from one to the next.
I read and adored Suit and Suitability by Kelsey Bryant last year, and so when I saw that the author of P&P was offering signed copies for sale via Facebook, I snatched up a copy of my own.
Don't get me wrong - Presumption and Partiality was not a bad interpretation of Pride and Prejudice - it wasn't even a bad book. I simply wasn't wowed by it in the same way that I was by Kelsey's S&S, and that might largely be because I didn't have the same love for the original S&S as I do for the original P&P. However, another large factor would be the difference between the authors' styles.
Presumption and Partiality, again, wasn't a bad interpretation of Jane Austen's classic - I just didn't feel that it brought a lot new to the table, and in some ways it actually muted the charm of the original.
I don't think anyone would argue that the heart of P&P was the dysfunction of the family. However, The Vintage Jane Austen series not only shifts the classic novels' setting, but they also add a strong Christian element (which also casts a sad light on the spiritual state of Austen's era, when you consider that her own father was a minister). While this worked out very well for Bryant's novel, for Jones' take on P&P ... it didn't mesh well with the Bennet/Bailey dysfunction. However, it did add a few layers that I *did* appreciate.
The other thing issue that detracted from the book's charm was the sheer number of POV's, and the speed with which they could be swapped between. Now, my comfort genre is Fantasy, and if there's one thing that fantasy is known for, it's the sheer number of characters that books can have, and by extension, the sheer number of POV's. So, I'm used to reading books with this number of perspectives. However, Presumption and Partiality's POV switches were often dizzyingly frequent, and several felt unnecessary or left me confused as to what was going on - despite the fact that I've read the original and watched several TV adaptations, and KNEW the plot of the book.
However, I did appreciate the layers that the added POV's could give - especially as it gave Sidney/Darcy an arc beyond being a prize for Eloise once she stopped being an idiot. And the Christian element made for a lovely character arc for both Richard/Bingley AND Raymond/Wickam.
It also was really fun to read Josiah Cox's lines with Ricky Collin's (of Lizzy Bennet Diary fame) voice. That was on point.
So, if you love P&P retellings, this isn't one that you should pass by, but just be prepared for some dizzying POV changes.
I read and adored Suit and Suitability by Kelsey Bryant last year, and so when I saw that the author of P&P was offering signed copies for sale via Facebook, I snatched up a copy of my own.
Don't get me wrong - Presumption and Partiality was not a bad interpretation of Pride and Prejudice - it wasn't even a bad book. I simply wasn't wowed by it in the same way that I was by Kelsey's S&S, and that might largely be because I didn't have the same love for the original S&S as I do for the original P&P. However, another large factor would be the difference between the authors' styles.
Presumption and Partiality, again, wasn't a bad interpretation of Jane Austen's classic - I just didn't feel that it brought a lot new to the table, and in some ways it actually muted the charm of the original.
I don't think anyone would argue that the heart of P&P was the dysfunction of the family. However, The Vintage Jane Austen series not only shifts the classic novels' setting, but they also add a strong Christian element (which also casts a sad light on the spiritual state of Austen's era, when you consider that her own father was a minister). While this worked out very well for Bryant's novel, for Jones' take on P&P ... it didn't mesh well with the Bennet/Bailey dysfunction. However, it did add a few layers that I *did* appreciate.
The other thing issue that detracted from the book's charm was the sheer number of POV's, and the speed with which they could be swapped between. Now, my comfort genre is Fantasy, and if there's one thing that fantasy is known for, it's the sheer number of characters that books can have, and by extension, the sheer number of POV's. So, I'm used to reading books with this number of perspectives. However, Presumption and Partiality's POV switches were often dizzyingly frequent, and several felt unnecessary or left me confused as to what was going on - despite the fact that I've read the original and watched several TV adaptations, and KNEW the plot of the book.
However, I did appreciate the layers that the added POV's could give - especially as it gave Sidney/Darcy an arc beyond being a prize for Eloise once she stopped being an idiot. And the Christian element made for a lovely character arc for both Richard/Bingley AND Raymond/Wickam.
It also was really fun to read Josiah Cox's lines with Ricky Collin's (of Lizzy Bennet Diary fame) voice. That was on point.
So, if you love P&P retellings, this isn't one that you should pass by, but just be prepared for some dizzying POV changes.
March 12, 2018
I took advantage of being sick to read this all in one day. It was 100% worth it.
At first I was a little unsure about how Cotton fields of Arizona and Navajos were really going to work in a Pride and Prejudice retelling, but it did. It all worked together perfectly!
I loved the characters, they were all presented perfectly. The author did tone down the Bailey just a bit, but I think it worked to the advantage of the book!
The author did an amazing job of changing enough that it still felt different, but also kept enough of the original that it was easy to follow.
The only thing I was really sad about was that Jane Watson did not appear in this book. I kept looking for her, and was very disappointed when she never showed.
Overall, a very good retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
At first I was a little unsure about how Cotton fields of Arizona and Navajos were really going to work in a Pride and Prejudice retelling, but it did. It all worked together perfectly!
I loved the characters, they were all presented perfectly. The author did tone down the Bailey just a bit, but I think it worked to the advantage of the book!
The author did an amazing job of changing enough that it still felt different, but also kept enough of the original that it was easy to follow.
The only thing I was really sad about was that Jane Watson did not appear in this book. I kept looking for her, and was very disappointed when she never showed.
Overall, a very good retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
April 30, 2018
It’s hard to pass up a Pride & Prejudice retelling, and I loved that this retelling takes place during the Great Depression. While the characters and basic plot will be recognisable to anyone with a passing knowledge of the original, the 1930s setting gives the story a new flavour. For example, the Baileys are cotton farmers, Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy) is a Native American, and the youngest of the five Bailey sisters is obsessed with Hollywood actors rather than militia men (and ecstatic because there’s a movie being shot nearby).
That being said, I found the execution of this story didn’t always live up to its potential. Despite Junie’s (Lydia’s) use of setting-appropriate slang and the references to cotton picking and so on, I still found that the language and manners evoked the Regency era more often than the Great Depression—to the point where I was sometimes surprised by a reminder that we were in 1930s Arizona. Perhaps that is a hazard of sticking so closely to the original story. I’m not sure.
I suspect I may be in the minority in holding this opinion, but I also felt there were too many point-of-view (POV) characters in this retelling. I could understand the addition of Sidney as a POV character (although I’ve never felt the lack of Darcy’s POV in the original), but Richard (Bingley), Alice (Jane), Ruby (Caroline Bingley), and Raymond (Wickham) also feature as POV characters during this retelling, and often in scenes that do little more than show what that character was thinking or feeling at a particular point in time. It took time and focus away from Eloise and Sidney, whose characters were less developed than the original, and many of the scenes were short enough that it felt like head-hopping.
Those who like a strong spiritual thread to their stories will enjoy the addition of a theme of serving others and Alice’s example of calling on the Lord in her time of trial and disappointment. I felt these examples were a little too pointed at times, and there was one event towards the end of the novel (which I won’t specify to avoid spoilers) that I found unconvincing, but I know there are other readers who be of a different opinion.
This one perhaps wasn't for me in the end, but that won't stop me from checking out the other books in this Vintage Jane Austen series.
I received a copy of this novel through Celebrate Lit Book Tours. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
That being said, I found the execution of this story didn’t always live up to its potential. Despite Junie’s (Lydia’s) use of setting-appropriate slang and the references to cotton picking and so on, I still found that the language and manners evoked the Regency era more often than the Great Depression—to the point where I was sometimes surprised by a reminder that we were in 1930s Arizona. Perhaps that is a hazard of sticking so closely to the original story. I’m not sure.
I suspect I may be in the minority in holding this opinion, but I also felt there were too many point-of-view (POV) characters in this retelling. I could understand the addition of Sidney as a POV character (although I’ve never felt the lack of Darcy’s POV in the original), but Richard (Bingley), Alice (Jane), Ruby (Caroline Bingley), and Raymond (Wickham) also feature as POV characters during this retelling, and often in scenes that do little more than show what that character was thinking or feeling at a particular point in time. It took time and focus away from Eloise and Sidney, whose characters were less developed than the original, and many of the scenes were short enough that it felt like head-hopping.
Those who like a strong spiritual thread to their stories will enjoy the addition of a theme of serving others and Alice’s example of calling on the Lord in her time of trial and disappointment. I felt these examples were a little too pointed at times, and there was one event towards the end of the novel (which I won’t specify to avoid spoilers) that I found unconvincing, but I know there are other readers who be of a different opinion.
This one perhaps wasn't for me in the end, but that won't stop me from checking out the other books in this Vintage Jane Austen series.
I received a copy of this novel through Celebrate Lit Book Tours. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 24, 2019
Well, this was definitely like no Pride & Prejudice retelling I've ever imagined! :D
To be honest, at the beginning of the story, I was a bit surprised at how much certain bits deviated from the original--often unimportant pieces, which might be part of why I was surprised--but toward the middle, it began to feel much closer to the original, often scene for scene. There were still some twists I wasn't expecting, but I sometimes had a hard time deciding whether I should be reading it against the original or trying to see it as its own story. I think maybe if it had either stuck a bit closer to the original in places or kept more to its own track in other places, I wouldn't have had such a hard time figuring out how to think of it.
A couple of examples--Sidney's (and certain other characters') Navajo heritage, although it provided some interesting complications, didn't seem to me to fit the traditional role of Darcy, considering the prejudices of the times. And certain decisions and conversations that were consistent with the original seemed a bit out of place with these versions of the characters, such as Mr. Bailey's ignoring Eloise's warnings when he hadn't seemed nearly as dismissive or irresponsible as Mr. Bennett up to that point. And although I liked the way certain characters and relationships were softened, it felt a bit out of place at times with how closely other parts followed the original. Or maybe I'm just too picky. ;)
I did really like the way details of the Depression were brought in, as well as the addition of an explicitly Christian perspective to the different struggles and issues the characters faced. The way the visits to poor families were woven into the story were also a nice touch. <3
Content--mentions of drinking and gambling; mentions of death; an unmarried couple run away together ; a girl is bitten by a rattlesnake
To be honest, at the beginning of the story, I was a bit surprised at how much certain bits deviated from the original--often unimportant pieces, which might be part of why I was surprised--but toward the middle, it began to feel much closer to the original, often scene for scene. There were still some twists I wasn't expecting, but I sometimes had a hard time deciding whether I should be reading it against the original or trying to see it as its own story. I think maybe if it had either stuck a bit closer to the original in places or kept more to its own track in other places, I wouldn't have had such a hard time figuring out how to think of it.
A couple of examples--Sidney's (and certain other characters') Navajo heritage, although it provided some interesting complications, didn't seem to me to fit the traditional role of Darcy, considering the prejudices of the times. And certain decisions and conversations that were consistent with the original seemed a bit out of place with these versions of the characters, such as Mr. Bailey's ignoring Eloise's warnings when he hadn't seemed nearly as dismissive or irresponsible as Mr. Bennett up to that point. And although I liked the way certain characters and relationships were softened, it felt a bit out of place at times with how closely other parts followed the original. Or maybe I'm just too picky. ;)
I did really like the way details of the Depression were brought in, as well as the addition of an explicitly Christian perspective to the different struggles and issues the characters faced. The way the visits to poor families were woven into the story were also a nice touch. <3
Content--mentions of drinking and gambling; mentions of death; an unmarried couple run away together ; a girl is bitten by a rattlesnake
April 15, 2018
*happy sigh* This book was beautiful. Arizona was a very unique setting for a Pride and Prejudice story, especially since I live here. But I liked it. The best part about this book was the characters. I shall always be a Pride and Prejudice fan, and it was great to a new take on the characters (but still loyal to the original book of course). Mr. Darcy (ahem, Dennison) was so much more relatable and even more likable. His faults felt softened quite a bit. At first, I wasn't sure what to think. Mr. Darcy's faults are part of what makes him such a great character... but then I learned to appreciate what Rebekah Jones did with Mr. Dennison. Since Mr. Darcy/Dennison's faults seemed less, I think it actually made Lizzie/Eloise's faults seem more... which just made her character seem to have even more depth. It was also very interesting how she switched some of the character's identities around... especially with Raymond Wolfe/Mr. Wickham. His character arc was quite something. Even Mrs. Bennet/Bailey became more relatable in this take on the story. And speaking of character arcs, Mr. Bingely/Richard also had so much more depth, and I loved how Jane/Alice and his relationship played out. Also, in the original book, we see most of it unfold through Lizzie's eyes solely, but it was fun to see things from the other character's perspectives here in there as well. Finally, I appreciated the faith element that was added to each of the characters and story. I think that Suit and Suitability and Emmeline are still my favorites of this series, but this one was a great conclusion to a fun collection of books.
May 8, 2018
Since I haven't read Pride and Predjudist Im not sure how many retellings this story can go through.
Im not overall find of classic novels but I thought I'd give this one a try.
As I was reading this book I did notice was that there was a lot of deceit and other things that went on in this book that I didn't approve of.
I hate that once a lie or deception is made against the person that it is very hard to prove that you are innocent until proven guilty.
I've had that happen to me and I didn't like it. I felt that it was judgemental and unfair
Generally when that's done, trying to explain yourself or you side of it can be a hard job.
I admired David a lot!! I thought he was being just a little too pushy but maybe with good "reason "
I admired him for trying to right a wrong shall we say?
Eloise was being judgemental. Plus, I thought she was a little snooty at the beginning.
I thought the author has done a pretty good job with these characters.
With the exception of being a little long winded in some places I thought the story line was pretty good!
There were some savy characters or should I say shady characters in the book. But you can't have a story without those now can you?
Im still going to recommend this book to others because someone else may love classic stories like this one.
Im sorry but this wasn't my cup of tea although it may be for someone else
Im not overall find of classic novels but I thought I'd give this one a try.
As I was reading this book I did notice was that there was a lot of deceit and other things that went on in this book that I didn't approve of.
I hate that once a lie or deception is made against the person that it is very hard to prove that you are innocent until proven guilty.
I've had that happen to me and I didn't like it. I felt that it was judgemental and unfair
Generally when that's done, trying to explain yourself or you side of it can be a hard job.
I admired David a lot!! I thought he was being just a little too pushy but maybe with good "reason "
I admired him for trying to right a wrong shall we say?
Eloise was being judgemental. Plus, I thought she was a little snooty at the beginning.
I thought the author has done a pretty good job with these characters.
With the exception of being a little long winded in some places I thought the story line was pretty good!
There were some savy characters or should I say shady characters in the book. But you can't have a story without those now can you?
Im still going to recommend this book to others because someone else may love classic stories like this one.
Im sorry but this wasn't my cup of tea although it may be for someone else
May 5, 2018
What an interesting twist to the well beloved story of Pride and Prejudice. In Presumption and Partiality we have a retelling that takes place in depression era Arizona. I found the locale and the time period to both be an exotic change to this already masterful story. I enjoyed reading this novel and picking out the Austen scenes and characters. The characters do have different names, and for just for a little awhile they threw me off.
My biggest surprise is that she made the Darcy character, Sidney Dennison to be part Native American. That just sealed the deal on my wanting to read this retelling. Christianity plays a big part in this story and faith is played out in the actions of the two older sisters as they help those less fortunate then themselves.
This is the fifth story in the Vintage Jane Austen series, and they are all by different authors. It was nice to revisit some beloved characters even if their times and names have changed. If you like Austen retellings this was a very unique one.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
My biggest surprise is that she made the Darcy character, Sidney Dennison to be part Native American. That just sealed the deal on my wanting to read this retelling. Christianity plays a big part in this story and faith is played out in the actions of the two older sisters as they help those less fortunate then themselves.
This is the fifth story in the Vintage Jane Austen series, and they are all by different authors. It was nice to revisit some beloved characters even if their times and names have changed. If you like Austen retellings this was a very unique one.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
December 31, 2024
This retelling gives us a little more of the Darcy character’s (Sidney) thoughts/feelings in relation to the plot, which I appreciate. This story follows the beats of P&P well and any “extra” scenes were well thought out and respectful to both the original property and the new characterizations.
If you can read the original Pride and Prejudice, you can read this one.
If you can read the original Pride and Prejudice, you can read this one.
May 1, 2018
Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
This story is one where I see how important to trust in the Lord. He has a plan for each one of us. It is difficult at times to do this- to sit back and remain calm- confident it will work out. Prayer was a constant throughout the book. It made me reflect on prayer in my daily life.
Every parent wants what they think is best for their children. Mrs. Bailey was no different. She wanted good husbands to provide and take care of her daughters. Her daughters had other plans. It's difficult to let go of our children and allow them to make their own choices. We want to prevent them from making mistakes like we did. But let go we must in order for them to grow and blossom into the adults they are meant to be.
Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind after reading this book. Mrs. Bailey needed to trust in the Lord. Her daughters also were learning to depend on GOD and trust that he would guide their paths.
I love Jane Austen. This is a modern day tale of Pride and Prejudice. How can you not love it? I loved this book and enjoyed being a part of the Bailey family.
I received this book for free to review.
About the Book
Title: Presumption and Partiality
Author: Rebekah JonesPresumption and partiality
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Among the cotton fields and farmland of Gilbert, Arizona in the early years of the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey live a simple, but happy life with their five daughters on a cotton farm. When the wealthy Richard Buchanan moves to town, bringing his family, a friend, and a desire to learn about cotton, Matilda Bailey is convinced that he is the perfect candidate to marry her eldest daughter, Alice.
Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.
When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author
Rebekah JonesRebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories. Her goal is to write Bible-Centered, Christian Literature; books rich with interesting characters, intricate story lines, and always with the Word of God at the center. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, songwriter, pianist, singer, artist, and history student. She also loves children. She lives with her family in the Southwestern desert.
Guest Post from Rebekah Jones
Why is he a Navajo?
I’ve had more than one person ask me why I chose to make Sidney Dennison, the “Mr. Darcy” of my novel Presumption and Partiality, a Navajo Indian.
When I commenced planning and research for placing a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the 1930’s United States, I found myself drawn to the desert of Arizona rather early on. Specifically, the tiny farm town of Gilbert. I knew, however, that few rich people lived in that area; certainly not enough to create social rifts large enough to recreate the social differences of the original novel.
I experimented in my head with a few different ideas, but the idea of Sidney as a Native American came to me one day and just clicked. I knew that I couldn’t fully pull off a Navajo who lived on the reservations. As much as I researched, I couldn’t quite get the feel. Yet, a man whose ancestry included a white man as a grandfather, who lived outside the reservations, though with relatives who clung to some of the old traditions, I thought I could do.
I used to wish I were an Indian, in part because I wanted to have great tracking skills, live in a tee-pee, possess superb bow and arrow abilities, and I wanted to ride a horse. True, most of that did not enter a 1930’s novel, despite my Navajo cowboy, because the eras are different. Though, Sidney did get a horse. Or technically, several.
Further, something about the silent, good-looking Indian appealed to me, much as I tend to shy away from writing about handsome and beautiful people, since they feel so common in fiction. The minute I began imagining the man with his Navajo ancestry, he just felt perfect.
By the end, Sidney turned out to be one of my favorite characters. (I can’t ever pick just one in my novels.) I think I made a good choice and I hope my readers will agree!
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, April 24
red headed book lady, April 24
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 25
Seasons of Opportunities, April 25
Karen Sue Hadley, April 25
Just the Write Escape, April 26
Remembrancy, April 26
Two Points of Interest, April 27
Views from the Window Friend, April 27
margaret kazmierczak, April 27
Bibliophile Reviews, April 28
Inklings and notions, April 28
History, Mystery & Faith, April 29
Mary Hake, April 29
proud to be an autism mom, April 30
A Greater Yes, April 30
Fiction Aficionado, April 30
Among the Reads, May 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1
Janices book reviews, May 2
Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 2
Carpe Diem, May 3
A Baker’s Perspective, May 3
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, May 4
With a Joyful Noise, May 4
Have A Wonderful Day, May 4
Pause for Tales, May 5
Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Artistic Nobody, May 6 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, May 6
Faery Tales Are Real, May 7
By The Book, May 7
Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 7
Giveaway
a1c38de5-df8f-49f6-8a0b-e6bb722a98b3
To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away a grand prize of the complete set of the Vintage Jane Austen Collection!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8f
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
This story is one where I see how important to trust in the Lord. He has a plan for each one of us. It is difficult at times to do this- to sit back and remain calm- confident it will work out. Prayer was a constant throughout the book. It made me reflect on prayer in my daily life.
Every parent wants what they think is best for their children. Mrs. Bailey was no different. She wanted good husbands to provide and take care of her daughters. Her daughters had other plans. It's difficult to let go of our children and allow them to make their own choices. We want to prevent them from making mistakes like we did. But let go we must in order for them to grow and blossom into the adults they are meant to be.
Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind after reading this book. Mrs. Bailey needed to trust in the Lord. Her daughters also were learning to depend on GOD and trust that he would guide their paths.
I love Jane Austen. This is a modern day tale of Pride and Prejudice. How can you not love it? I loved this book and enjoyed being a part of the Bailey family.
I received this book for free to review.
About the Book
Title: Presumption and Partiality
Author: Rebekah JonesPresumption and partiality
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Among the cotton fields and farmland of Gilbert, Arizona in the early years of the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey live a simple, but happy life with their five daughters on a cotton farm. When the wealthy Richard Buchanan moves to town, bringing his family, a friend, and a desire to learn about cotton, Matilda Bailey is convinced that he is the perfect candidate to marry her eldest daughter, Alice.
Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.
When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author
Rebekah JonesRebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories. Her goal is to write Bible-Centered, Christian Literature; books rich with interesting characters, intricate story lines, and always with the Word of God at the center. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, songwriter, pianist, singer, artist, and history student. She also loves children. She lives with her family in the Southwestern desert.
Guest Post from Rebekah Jones
Why is he a Navajo?
I’ve had more than one person ask me why I chose to make Sidney Dennison, the “Mr. Darcy” of my novel Presumption and Partiality, a Navajo Indian.
When I commenced planning and research for placing a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the 1930’s United States, I found myself drawn to the desert of Arizona rather early on. Specifically, the tiny farm town of Gilbert. I knew, however, that few rich people lived in that area; certainly not enough to create social rifts large enough to recreate the social differences of the original novel.
I experimented in my head with a few different ideas, but the idea of Sidney as a Native American came to me one day and just clicked. I knew that I couldn’t fully pull off a Navajo who lived on the reservations. As much as I researched, I couldn’t quite get the feel. Yet, a man whose ancestry included a white man as a grandfather, who lived outside the reservations, though with relatives who clung to some of the old traditions, I thought I could do.
I used to wish I were an Indian, in part because I wanted to have great tracking skills, live in a tee-pee, possess superb bow and arrow abilities, and I wanted to ride a horse. True, most of that did not enter a 1930’s novel, despite my Navajo cowboy, because the eras are different. Though, Sidney did get a horse. Or technically, several.
Further, something about the silent, good-looking Indian appealed to me, much as I tend to shy away from writing about handsome and beautiful people, since they feel so common in fiction. The minute I began imagining the man with his Navajo ancestry, he just felt perfect.
By the end, Sidney turned out to be one of my favorite characters. (I can’t ever pick just one in my novels.) I think I made a good choice and I hope my readers will agree!
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, April 24
red headed book lady, April 24
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 25
Seasons of Opportunities, April 25
Karen Sue Hadley, April 25
Just the Write Escape, April 26
Remembrancy, April 26
Two Points of Interest, April 27
Views from the Window Friend, April 27
margaret kazmierczak, April 27
Bibliophile Reviews, April 28
Inklings and notions, April 28
History, Mystery & Faith, April 29
Mary Hake, April 29
proud to be an autism mom, April 30
A Greater Yes, April 30
Fiction Aficionado, April 30
Among the Reads, May 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1
Janices book reviews, May 2
Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 2
Carpe Diem, May 3
A Baker’s Perspective, May 3
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, May 4
With a Joyful Noise, May 4
Have A Wonderful Day, May 4
Pause for Tales, May 5
Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Artistic Nobody, May 6 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, May 6
Faery Tales Are Real, May 7
By The Book, May 7
Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 7
Giveaway
a1c38de5-df8f-49f6-8a0b-e6bb722a98b3
To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away a grand prize of the complete set of the Vintage Jane Austen Collection!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8f
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November 13, 2023Lord, lord, lord.
It’s the second overly religious book I read and that’s too much for me.
It’s the second overly religious book I read and that’s too much for me.
February 5, 2020
With the sheer number of Jane Austen adaptions which have been created over the years, especially of Pride & Prejudice, Miss Jones set up quite a challenge for herself in writing this book. I see such an adaption as having three main challenges to overcome if it is to be successful.
1. It remains true to the nature of an "adaption" while remaining its own story.
Too many book adaptions fall into either one of two very dissatisfying tropes: either they change so much that one wonders why it was even labeled under the category of an adaption, or changes so little that the author really oughtn't to have bothered writing it at all since the original will do just as well. Presumption and Partiality falls into neither category. The characters and story line remain the same, which is, I believe the key element in creating any sort of adaption, while the setting, motivations, and a few personalities morph just enough to give the story a life of its own.
2. The New Time/Place/Setting Must Not Feel Crammed into The Plot, Nor the Other Way Around
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an integral part of of any well written novel, and to uproot a plot from the setting in which it was written can cause multiple problems, not least of which, is that in several instances, the plot of Pride and Prejudice hinges on certain social customs and occurrences of Austen's day. Setting the plot in the depression era Arizona, turning the Bennets into Cotton farmers and Darcy into a rancher of Navajo descent can bring up a whole host of issues, which the author must be prepared to cope with. The danger here is that the plot can feel rather forced in the new setting, or else the struggling author has to keep reminding people that this is a different setting by inserting useless bits of information and excursions within the storyline. Miss Jones escapes both of these pitfalls with laudable ease. For example, balls and card parties would not have been a regular pasttime in 1930s Phoenix but that's okay because Bingley's Character is interested in Cotton and Mr. Bennet's Character is just the man to help him out. And, Bingley's Party joining the Bennet girls on their visiting rounds to the poor is a perfectly logical way for everyone to get acquainted without detracting from the difficult time in which they lived. Miss Jones plot and setting feel so naturally intertwined that anyone who had never heard of Pride and Prejudice wouldn't have an inkling that the story was anything but simply that: a good story.
3. Christianity must be Introduced with neither sermons nor cringes
When creating a Christian adaption of a secular novel, preachyness and Cheesyness crouch on the premises waiting to pounce upon the unsuspecting author if ever the slightest opportunity is presented. Unfortunately so many people cringe when they hear the term "Christian Fiction" not necessarily because they're averse to the religious aspect, but because, alas, too many times authors have used Christianity as an excuse to either deliver a sermon or pass off exceptionally bad writing. Thankfully Miss Jones does neither. Her excellence as both a writer, and understanding of a Christian writer's job in fiction is clearly portrayed by her lack of sermonizing while remaining uncompromising. The story held my attention the whole way through, and I didn't once cringe.
All in all, for any Jane Austen fans out there, this is a great read, I think I got through it in two sittings. If you wanted something unexpected to happen like Elizabeth running off with Mr. Wickham, or Charlotte refusing to marry Mr. Collins, it doesn't happen, but if you want that, why not just read a different story altogether? I did raise an eye-brow or two at first over Sydney Dennison(Mr. Darcy's Character) being a Navajo, he wasn't at all like what I thought a Navajo Indian would be like, but then I realized that living like a Navajo Indian and being of Navajo descent are two very different things. Sydney's ancestors must have adopted more European ways much earlier on indicated by his Grandfather marrying an Englishwoman, and the fact that his ranch was a family one passed down told us that he had obviously been raised quite differently from your average Navajo in the 1930s. The only thing that bugged me slightly about this book was the fact that there were several punctuation and grammar mistakes for which I wholly blame the editor. However, I do not feel that this warrants the loss of a star, and place my hearty recommendation on this book.
1. It remains true to the nature of an "adaption" while remaining its own story.
Too many book adaptions fall into either one of two very dissatisfying tropes: either they change so much that one wonders why it was even labeled under the category of an adaption, or changes so little that the author really oughtn't to have bothered writing it at all since the original will do just as well. Presumption and Partiality falls into neither category. The characters and story line remain the same, which is, I believe the key element in creating any sort of adaption, while the setting, motivations, and a few personalities morph just enough to give the story a life of its own.
2. The New Time/Place/Setting Must Not Feel Crammed into The Plot, Nor the Other Way Around
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an integral part of of any well written novel, and to uproot a plot from the setting in which it was written can cause multiple problems, not least of which, is that in several instances, the plot of Pride and Prejudice hinges on certain social customs and occurrences of Austen's day. Setting the plot in the depression era Arizona, turning the Bennets into Cotton farmers and Darcy into a rancher of Navajo descent can bring up a whole host of issues, which the author must be prepared to cope with. The danger here is that the plot can feel rather forced in the new setting, or else the struggling author has to keep reminding people that this is a different setting by inserting useless bits of information and excursions within the storyline. Miss Jones escapes both of these pitfalls with laudable ease. For example, balls and card parties would not have been a regular pasttime in 1930s Phoenix but that's okay because Bingley's Character is interested in Cotton and Mr. Bennet's Character is just the man to help him out. And, Bingley's Party joining the Bennet girls on their visiting rounds to the poor is a perfectly logical way for everyone to get acquainted without detracting from the difficult time in which they lived. Miss Jones plot and setting feel so naturally intertwined that anyone who had never heard of Pride and Prejudice wouldn't have an inkling that the story was anything but simply that: a good story.
3. Christianity must be Introduced with neither sermons nor cringes
When creating a Christian adaption of a secular novel, preachyness and Cheesyness crouch on the premises waiting to pounce upon the unsuspecting author if ever the slightest opportunity is presented. Unfortunately so many people cringe when they hear the term "Christian Fiction" not necessarily because they're averse to the religious aspect, but because, alas, too many times authors have used Christianity as an excuse to either deliver a sermon or pass off exceptionally bad writing. Thankfully Miss Jones does neither. Her excellence as both a writer, and understanding of a Christian writer's job in fiction is clearly portrayed by her lack of sermonizing while remaining uncompromising. The story held my attention the whole way through, and I didn't once cringe.
All in all, for any Jane Austen fans out there, this is a great read, I think I got through it in two sittings. If you wanted something unexpected to happen like Elizabeth running off with Mr. Wickham, or Charlotte refusing to marry Mr. Collins, it doesn't happen, but if you want that, why not just read a different story altogether? I did raise an eye-brow or two at first over Sydney Dennison(Mr. Darcy's Character) being a Navajo, he wasn't at all like what I thought a Navajo Indian would be like, but then I realized that living like a Navajo Indian and being of Navajo descent are two very different things. Sydney's ancestors must have adopted more European ways much earlier on indicated by his Grandfather marrying an Englishwoman, and the fact that his ranch was a family one passed down told us that he had obviously been raised quite differently from your average Navajo in the 1930s. The only thing that bugged me slightly about this book was the fact that there were several punctuation and grammar mistakes for which I wholly blame the editor. However, I do not feel that this warrants the loss of a star, and place my hearty recommendation on this book.
May 1, 2018
Presumption and Partiality by Rebekah Jones
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single author in possession of a good plot, must be in want of imitators."
Phyllis Helton
Please forgive my silliness in that jumbled quote from the book. It is in no way intended as an insult to those who love to retell Jane Austen’s stories. I have read many retellings of Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite stories of all time. Some are blatant copies where they change the time and place in an attempt to make the story sound just like the original. Some hint at the original story in a way that is so subtle you don’t even realize it is a retelling until you are almost done. Some have been good and some have been awful.
Presumption and Partiality takes this well-loved classic and adds enough of a twist to make it unique while yet sticking fairly closely to the original. The Arizona setting during the Great Depression that the author used for her story was intriguing.
Reading this version brought to mind the occasional visits to Phoenix to visit cousins, and vacations through Northern Arizona my family made when I was growing up. I was fascinated to learn about the cotton growing done in the valley there and to see the beauty of the Northern part of the state through the eyes of the characters.
I loved the way this story focused on Christian character and themes. It added an interesting dimension. The Bailey girls, though they were not rich themselves, had a lifestyle of visiting the sick and those who were poor to fulfill Matthew 25:40. That was very touching.
Placing the story at the beginning of the Depression, making Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy) a Navajo Indian, changing the soldiers to actors, were some very clever creative touches that made for interesting reading.
Authors who attempt to retell a story like this face greater challenges, I think, than when they write a completely original story. Changing enough details to avoid plagiarism, yet not changing things that people who love the classic will be disappointed to miss are just a few that come to mind. In this regard, I would say that the author did a fair job, but not great. In my opinion, the story would have been better if she had not tried to stick as closely to some of the elements of the original, as some scenes are just not quite the same without Jane Austen’s dry wit.
I will most likely read other books by Rebekah Jones. Her deep love for the Lord and the natural way she shares Biblical truths in the narrative, the creative details that shone through in this story and her style of writing are interesting enough that I would like to read more.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single author in possession of a good plot, must be in want of imitators."
Phyllis Helton
Please forgive my silliness in that jumbled quote from the book. It is in no way intended as an insult to those who love to retell Jane Austen’s stories. I have read many retellings of Pride and Prejudice, one of my favorite stories of all time. Some are blatant copies where they change the time and place in an attempt to make the story sound just like the original. Some hint at the original story in a way that is so subtle you don’t even realize it is a retelling until you are almost done. Some have been good and some have been awful.
Presumption and Partiality takes this well-loved classic and adds enough of a twist to make it unique while yet sticking fairly closely to the original. The Arizona setting during the Great Depression that the author used for her story was intriguing.
Reading this version brought to mind the occasional visits to Phoenix to visit cousins, and vacations through Northern Arizona my family made when I was growing up. I was fascinated to learn about the cotton growing done in the valley there and to see the beauty of the Northern part of the state through the eyes of the characters.
I loved the way this story focused on Christian character and themes. It added an interesting dimension. The Bailey girls, though they were not rich themselves, had a lifestyle of visiting the sick and those who were poor to fulfill Matthew 25:40. That was very touching.
Placing the story at the beginning of the Depression, making Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy) a Navajo Indian, changing the soldiers to actors, were some very clever creative touches that made for interesting reading.
Authors who attempt to retell a story like this face greater challenges, I think, than when they write a completely original story. Changing enough details to avoid plagiarism, yet not changing things that people who love the classic will be disappointed to miss are just a few that come to mind. In this regard, I would say that the author did a fair job, but not great. In my opinion, the story would have been better if she had not tried to stick as closely to some of the elements of the original, as some scenes are just not quite the same without Jane Austen’s dry wit.
I will most likely read other books by Rebekah Jones. Her deep love for the Lord and the natural way she shares Biblical truths in the narrative, the creative details that shone through in this story and her style of writing are interesting enough that I would like to read more.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
April 24, 2018
It was very fascinating reading how hard it was for people during the early 1930s. It was hard to rely on cotton and other crops to help keep families fed. Oh how it must have been heart breaking for families to work so hard in the fields hoping their crops would get them hard times. The Bailey's seemed to have a good life and the mother was very interested in getting her daughters married off to wealthy men.
I was a bit upset to hear how unattractive Eloise is. For some in the story looks seems to be very important and I cringed when Eloise was criticized for her looks. I really liked Eloise and found her to be very compassionate. How many of us judge people by their looks? Mrs. Bailey is quite a character. She is such a worrywart but her main focus is getting her daughters married off.
Richard has come from a good background and I liked it when he became aware of the poverty surrounding him. Sometimes we have blinders on when it comes to homeless people and those that are struggling. The bible references in the story are wonderfully placed in places that bring clarity to the characters. The part about forgiveness was definitely a topic that Eloise and Sidney were at a crossroads about. I have come to like Sidney because he is honest and tries to live by scripture. There were a few things I didn't care for and want to mention them. The first was how many times I had to read about Mrs. Bailey's headaches. It was mentioned so many times, I wondered why she didn't have a doctor check her out. The other was the length of the book. I thought that maybe the author could have shortened it a bit and left some things out that wasn't important to the story. As with any review I write, I am honest but fair. Even though there were a few things I didn't care for about the story, doesn't take away the fact that overall it was entertaining.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
" Sometimes , we see what want to see and we miss only what we would rather ignore."
I was a bit upset to hear how unattractive Eloise is. For some in the story looks seems to be very important and I cringed when Eloise was criticized for her looks. I really liked Eloise and found her to be very compassionate. How many of us judge people by their looks? Mrs. Bailey is quite a character. She is such a worrywart but her main focus is getting her daughters married off.
Richard has come from a good background and I liked it when he became aware of the poverty surrounding him. Sometimes we have blinders on when it comes to homeless people and those that are struggling. The bible references in the story are wonderfully placed in places that bring clarity to the characters. The part about forgiveness was definitely a topic that Eloise and Sidney were at a crossroads about. I have come to like Sidney because he is honest and tries to live by scripture. There were a few things I didn't care for and want to mention them. The first was how many times I had to read about Mrs. Bailey's headaches. It was mentioned so many times, I wondered why she didn't have a doctor check her out. The other was the length of the book. I thought that maybe the author could have shortened it a bit and left some things out that wasn't important to the story. As with any review I write, I am honest but fair. Even though there were a few things I didn't care for about the story, doesn't take away the fact that overall it was entertaining.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
" Sometimes , we see what want to see and we miss only what we would rather ignore."
March 9, 2018
J'avoue être partagée par ma lecture.... J'ai beaucoup apprécié la manière dont l'auteure a réinventé l'histoire et les relations entre les personnages ( par exemple faire de Anne et du Colonel des frères et soeurs c'est pas mal) et l'idée du champ de coton qui change vraiment des grandes métropoles des années 30. Le soucis c'est (encore une fois dans cette série vintage) le côté "propagande catholique" dans le sens où oui, je comprends qu'on ait la foi mais Jane Austen (fille de pasteur !) l'avait certainement également et savait distiller ses valeurs de manière légère et subtile dans ses écrits. Ici, les personnages s'affrontent à coup de citations bibliques ( un échange d'anthologie entre Eloïse et Sidney dans cette thématique) et la seule idée qu'ils ont c'est "est-il assez croyant pour me convenir ?" . Les personnages transposés Caroline, Mrs Bennet et Mr Collins sont également largement édulcorés et beaucoup plus sympathiques et attachants que dans l'original, portés par les valeurs chrétiennes : là aussi c'est vraiment dommage car le tout perd de sa saveur !
Ce que j'aime : la manière dont l'auteure réinvente les relations entre les personnages, le contexte de l'histoire, les origines de "Darcy" assez originales mais tout autant réaliste ( la transposition du coup est adaptée à son époque et à son contexte socio politique)
Ce que j'aime moins (voire pas du tout) : le côté catholique omniprésent qui édulcore les personnages et nous force à subir des pages de chants religieux pour montrer à quel point les filles sont confiantes en la parole du Tout Puissant. "Collins" complétement raté tout comme le mariage avec "Charlotte" et une Caroline très fade
En bref : Une excellente idée, originale qui réécrit vraiment le roman mais qui est malheureusement largement desservie par l'omniprésence de la promotion de la religion
Ma note
5/10
Ce que j'aime : la manière dont l'auteure réinvente les relations entre les personnages, le contexte de l'histoire, les origines de "Darcy" assez originales mais tout autant réaliste ( la transposition du coup est adaptée à son époque et à son contexte socio politique)
Ce que j'aime moins (voire pas du tout) : le côté catholique omniprésent qui édulcore les personnages et nous force à subir des pages de chants religieux pour montrer à quel point les filles sont confiantes en la parole du Tout Puissant. "Collins" complétement raté tout comme le mariage avec "Charlotte" et une Caroline très fade
En bref : Une excellente idée, originale qui réécrit vraiment le roman mais qui est malheureusement largement desservie par l'omniprésence de la promotion de la religion
Ma note
5/10
May 3, 2018
A retelling of Pride and Prejudice? Um, yes please! I don't know many people that would pass that up. With such a famous background, you have high expectations going in. I mean, you can't help it really. In a lot of ways, the author met my expectations in this retelling. The characters were alive, vibrant, and fun. The setting was wonderful, and the theme touched my heart. The way Alice and her sisters tried to care for the poor and sick was inspiring to read about. Especially when they went on visits to just talk, sing, or read to the sick. Those were some of my favorite scenes.
Now, let's talk about Sidney, AKA Mr. Darcy. He was my favorite character the entire way, but for a totally different reason then my love for Mr. Darcy. Sidney was his own man. In that I mean that the author made him different from Mr. Darcy so that his own qualities could shine and he could become his own character. I think about a third of the way through the book I stopped comparing these two wonderful characters, and allowed Sidney to be himself. Once I did that, I found myself enjoying his character more. He had strength, courage, and this demeanor to him that I found very **ahem** attractive. It wasn't just his quietness. It was the way he spoke - you knew when words came out of his mouth that it was important and that it would mean something. And to see him subtly change his mannerisms and thoughts towards Eloise was a joy.
I think you'll find this retelling of an old classic a beautiful, captivating, and enjoyable story. You will laugh, cry, sigh, gasp, and feel a dozen more emotions along the way. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now, let's talk about Sidney, AKA Mr. Darcy. He was my favorite character the entire way, but for a totally different reason then my love for Mr. Darcy. Sidney was his own man. In that I mean that the author made him different from Mr. Darcy so that his own qualities could shine and he could become his own character. I think about a third of the way through the book I stopped comparing these two wonderful characters, and allowed Sidney to be himself. Once I did that, I found myself enjoying his character more. He had strength, courage, and this demeanor to him that I found very **ahem** attractive. It wasn't just his quietness. It was the way he spoke - you knew when words came out of his mouth that it was important and that it would mean something. And to see him subtly change his mannerisms and thoughts towards Eloise was a joy.
I think you'll find this retelling of an old classic a beautiful, captivating, and enjoyable story. You will laugh, cry, sigh, gasp, and feel a dozen more emotions along the way. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2018
I enjoy “retelling” books and thought the premise of Presumption and Partiality (love the title) being set during the Great Depression was interesting and unique. The author kept very close to the original Pride and Prejudice plot points, which gave the book credibility, but I was disappointed at some of the execution of the story. In the beginning I struggled to keep up with which character in the retelling was supposed to be which character in the original, but it got easier as the story progressed. The writing style and dialogue felt more like the Georgian/Regency era than the American 1930s, and I had trouble feeling the Depression era. The occasional references to Sidney’s Navajo heritage felt more like an aside than an integral part of the story. I would have liked to have seen this aspect developed more fully. Eloise’s mother was closely aligned with Austen’s original character, but I would have preferred the use of fewer exclamation points in her dialogue. I liked how the Collin’s character was portrayed, and also Eloise’s and Jane’s work with the poor and needy. It gave them extra depth and introduced an opportunity to explore Christian service. The other characters were also true to the original which I liked. The situation with the “Lydia” character had a creative slant to it, and the subject matter handled with sensitivity.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 6, 2018
This is the first book by Rebekah Jones that I have read. It is book #5 in the Vintage Jane Austen books but this is not necessarily a part of a "series" as we usually see it. The series is a collection of books written by different authors that loosely base the plot on different Jane Austen novels. So if you haven't read any other books in the Vintage Jane Austen line, no need to read the previous books since each novel is a stand-alone. The story takes place in mid-1930s in a small town of Gilbert, Arizona. If you enjoy a fun, somewhat more modern rendition of Pride and Prejudice, you will really like this book.
The book is well-written and fun. Sure, you know how the story ends and can sort of predict the personalities of the characters based on Jane Austen's novel but there are some very 1930-esque additions to the storyline like difficulty finding work in the Arizona desert during the Depression, the threat of another war looming in Europe, trials and rewards of cotton farming, and the introduction of the Navajo culture and traditions to the characters and storyline. The strong thread of faith and prayer, of forgiveness, grace and hope really shined through the lives of Alice, Richard, Eloise, Sidney, and Raymond.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and subjective.
The book is well-written and fun. Sure, you know how the story ends and can sort of predict the personalities of the characters based on Jane Austen's novel but there are some very 1930-esque additions to the storyline like difficulty finding work in the Arizona desert during the Depression, the threat of another war looming in Europe, trials and rewards of cotton farming, and the introduction of the Navajo culture and traditions to the characters and storyline. The strong thread of faith and prayer, of forgiveness, grace and hope really shined through the lives of Alice, Richard, Eloise, Sidney, and Raymond.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and subjective.
May 9, 2018
I’ve been seeing the Vintage Jane Austen collection around Goodreads for a while now and was certainly interested to read one when I got the chance, so when CelebrateLit sent in a notification for the opportunity to review it, I gladly signed up!
I have read a fair amount of Jane Austen fan fiction, but this was one of my first re-tellings, and I very much enjoyed it!
I will say first off that the setting was the thing I struggled with the most. Because I’ve seen the movie many times, I just had a really hard time picturing dusty, Arizona, cotton fields in the time period of the early 1900’s. Especially since many of the conversations were so similar to the original, I kept feeling like I was in a British manor house.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and quite liked the unique twists she put into the story, such as the fact that Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy) is of Navajo heritage, and a few others that I won’t mention so as not to give away any spoilers.
I think my favorite thing was the spiritual content. Because the Jane Austen books are not Christian, I really liked getting the re-read this story with characters who have a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
As one friend mentioned, it is very much like reading the original P&P, but given the unique elements the author included, I was very pleased with this book. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars!
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review.
I have read a fair amount of Jane Austen fan fiction, but this was one of my first re-tellings, and I very much enjoyed it!
I will say first off that the setting was the thing I struggled with the most. Because I’ve seen the movie many times, I just had a really hard time picturing dusty, Arizona, cotton fields in the time period of the early 1900’s. Especially since many of the conversations were so similar to the original, I kept feeling like I was in a British manor house.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and quite liked the unique twists she put into the story, such as the fact that Sidney Dennison (Mr. Darcy) is of Navajo heritage, and a few others that I won’t mention so as not to give away any spoilers.
I think my favorite thing was the spiritual content. Because the Jane Austen books are not Christian, I really liked getting the re-read this story with characters who have a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
As one friend mentioned, it is very much like reading the original P&P, but given the unique elements the author included, I was very pleased with this book. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars!
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2018
"Presumption and Partiality" by Rebekah Jones is a retelling of Jane Austen's" Pride and Prejudice" in the 1930s in Arizona. It is also the 5th novel in the (Vintage Jane Austen) series, but it is a stand alone novel.
I really liked this novel and want to read the other four in the series.
This novel has it all, Indians and rich and poor people, children, and jealously among sisters, love and loyalty among friends and family and a matchmaking mother and Hollywood actors and an unplanned pregnancy and rumors and lies and even Biblical truth.
Since I said there was Biblical truth, I want to share my favorite quote from the book, " If we can't put those we love, as well as our thoughts, worries, and wants concerning them into the hands of the Lord, leaving them there in perfect trust, then we have some work to do. We need to pray, repent, and pray some more. Only when we have done so will we know the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding. "
I really liked the surprise twist concerning two of the male characters in the story.
I recommend this book to any Jane Austen's fans and to everyone that isn't a fan of Jane's novels and to anyone that likes clean love stories.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
I really liked this novel and want to read the other four in the series.
This novel has it all, Indians and rich and poor people, children, and jealously among sisters, love and loyalty among friends and family and a matchmaking mother and Hollywood actors and an unplanned pregnancy and rumors and lies and even Biblical truth.
Since I said there was Biblical truth, I want to share my favorite quote from the book, " If we can't put those we love, as well as our thoughts, worries, and wants concerning them into the hands of the Lord, leaving them there in perfect trust, then we have some work to do. We need to pray, repent, and pray some more. Only when we have done so will we know the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding. "
I really liked the surprise twist concerning two of the male characters in the story.
I recommend this book to any Jane Austen's fans and to everyone that isn't a fan of Jane's novels and to anyone that likes clean love stories.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
May 7, 2018
For fans of Jane Austen, particularly Pride And Prejudice, Presumption And Partiality will make a welcome addition to their libraries. This retelling of the beloved Austen classic follows closely to the original story, yet has its own unique twist. The setting is Depression-era Arizona and the Bailey family is the center of the story. As with the original, this novel has all the twists and turns and family meddling in the love lives of Alice (Jane) and Richard (Bingley) and Eloise (Elizabeth) and Sidney (Mr. Darcy). Jones presents her own fresh voice through the addition of historical details, the introduction of the Navajo-angle, and the tweaking of some of the characters. The Wolfe/Wickham character is despicable, but there is some reformation presented. Other secondary characters follow the Austen formula, but are not so over-the-top as in the original. Presumption And Partiality presents a strong faith message — the characters’ lives reflect a dedication to God through prayer, worship, and service to others. This element will appeal to inspirational fiction fans.
Overall, I liked Presumption And Partiality and look forward to reading other volumes in the Vintage Jane Austen collection.
Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Overall, I liked Presumption And Partiality and look forward to reading other volumes in the Vintage Jane Austen collection.
Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
May 1, 2018
It took me a little while to get into this story. While I am familiar with the classic version, I can't say I'm one of those who knows it inside and out. However, once the story took off, I enjoyed reading the book.
The characters were well written and entertaining. I loved the spiritual aspect to the story also, especially how Alice took great care with her thoughts, and her choices, thinking of what honors God. Mrs. Bailey got on my nerves a bit, but I suppose she fit the part. Mr Bailey, was an interesting character and seemed to love to aggravate his wife. The sisters were all interesting in their own way and had some great qualities. I also enjoyed the men who showed up in the story, and could relate them somewhat to the original characters from the classic. All in all, I was pleased with the book and the modern day version of the story. I think the author did a great job!
I received a copy of this book from the authors and celebrate lit. All opinions are my own.
The characters were well written and entertaining. I loved the spiritual aspect to the story also, especially how Alice took great care with her thoughts, and her choices, thinking of what honors God. Mrs. Bailey got on my nerves a bit, but I suppose she fit the part. Mr Bailey, was an interesting character and seemed to love to aggravate his wife. The sisters were all interesting in their own way and had some great qualities. I also enjoyed the men who showed up in the story, and could relate them somewhat to the original characters from the classic. All in all, I was pleased with the book and the modern day version of the story. I think the author did a great job!
I received a copy of this book from the authors and celebrate lit. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2018
Rebekah Jones’ Presumption and Partiality is written in a comfortable style that makes for smooth and engaging reading. This story progressed nicely, included well done but not over the top Christian characters and themes, and was brought to a highly satisfying conclusion.
As this is number 5 in the Vintage Jane Austen series, those familiar with Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice will find much to enjoy in this clever and highly readable version set in 1930s Arizona. There are sufficient plot changes to make it uniquely Jones’ style and story yet she does an admirable job of staying true to Austen’s overall story.
I look forward to enjoying the other titles in this series, and definitely want to read more from this new to me author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
As this is number 5 in the Vintage Jane Austen series, those familiar with Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice will find much to enjoy in this clever and highly readable version set in 1930s Arizona. There are sufficient plot changes to make it uniquely Jones’ style and story yet she does an admirable job of staying true to Austen’s overall story.
I look forward to enjoying the other titles in this series, and definitely want to read more from this new to me author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
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