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The Winners Rally Round
“So, where are you headed?” Maggie asked her fellow traveler. “Upstate to a resort in the Catskill mountains,” the young woman responded. “I won a contest and got invited to this Regency-era theme resort for the summer, all expenses paid and ...” “Camp Jane??” Maggie exclaimed. “You’re going to Camp Jane, too?” “You too? You’re an Austen contest winner?” “Most ardently, yes!” The two women laughed and hugged like old friends.What if you could spend a summer as the Austen character you most resemble in a lush resort setting surrounded by the other quirky characters from Jane’s novels? Maggie Argyle has just that prospect ahead of her at the whimsically named "Camp Jane" resort. Join a cast of Austen favorites for a hilarious romp as the winners rally round for laughter, romance, camaraderie and intrigue, a summer of pure Jane fun."In a bold and brilliant move, Susan Andrews takes a cue from Austenland to deliver an Austen fan’s ultimate a real-world destination where Janeites can live out their fantasies as if they had been transported to Jane Austen’s world."-- Amanda Kai, Author of The Other Paths Series
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2021
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andrews
2 books7 followersSusan Andrews is a lover of classic humor including Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse and The Dick Van Dyke Show. After thirty years in Oklahoma as an educator for a child/teen psychiatric hospital, she, perhaps understandably, moved to an island in the Caribbean after retirement. She lives in Roatan, Honduras with her husband Mike, also a writer and a super picky book editor, who inexplicably, but in this case fortuitously, finds joy in weeding comma splices out of perfectly good copy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 10, 2021
All right, all right. The author is my wife, so I'm biased. But if you want to imagine what it would be like to relive your favorite Austen book as your favorite character, this is the book for you. It is an easy and engaging read and won't insult your intelligence.
July 22, 2021
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Camp Jane is every Janeite’s dream. Susan Andrews imagined the perfect resort for the perfect holidays and penned an entire novel around it. I only wish someone could actually read this book and build everything the author imagined.
Camp Jane takes place on a property bought by Benny Pelletucci in the Catskill mountains during the 50’s, and turned into a Regency Resort by his daughter Edith. While growing up, Edith always wondered why she felt such a close connection to Austen, until she discovered that when her father built the resort, he built it based on a Jane Austen illustrated anthology, so every building in the property resembles Pemberley, Longbourn, Highbury etc. As an Austen fan herself, she decided to make this resort into a full Austen experience by hiring actors, and offering essay winners the opportunity to spend the summer at her resort, as long as they played the role of an Austen character. During the summer season, customers book their holidays at the resort and may take part in all major scenes of Austen’s novels. Can you imagine attending the Netherfield ball and witnessing Elizabeth dance with Mr. Darcy? Or interacting with Caroline Bingley and telling her exactly what she needs to hear? Better yet, can you imagine a resort where you have a recreation of London and Bath, and where you can shop or take a walk on the streets surrounded by people playing your favorite characters? I am telling you, this resort would be the perfect holiday destination!
The story itself starts at the LaGuardia airport where a few of the essay winners meet and discover they are all heading to what they call Camp Jane. The story then progresses throughout their first week at the resort, where they are assigned a character, get to know the property, take regency classes, develop friendships, and even help solving a mystery. The mystery in this book is exactly what I would expect in this type of story and it did not disappoint. I only wish I had started getting glimpses of it sooner. Even if there are a few tips added earlier in the story, I didn’t connect all the dots until the very end.
For obvious reasons, one of the aspects I loved the most in this book was the setting. It was a dream for everyone who loves Austen. I loved getting to know the locations the staff worked on, the app they used, and the classes they had to take to be ready for the summer season. I felt transported into a dreamy place and I kept imagining what it would be like to be a customer of this resort.
Diversity in Austen’s world has been much talked of lately, and to be honest, I do not enjoy books where I feel this topic is forced upon the reader or politicized. In Camp Jane diversity is approached in such a natural manner that I didn’t think about the origins of any character while I was reading it, I was completely focused on the characters themselves, their personalities and their actions. I loved the fact that the main character isn’t white and that it was approached in such a natural manner. Well done Susan Andrews!
The story itself is not very complex, the reader learns along with the characters the rules of the resort, gets to know the staff of the resort, and we only start seeing some developments in the plot when the mystery starts gaining its place in the narrative. The book focuses on describing the staff’s initial week at camp, and I would have liked to actually see the story progressing until the guests started arriving. I kept waiting for that to happen but it never did, so maybe that means we will have a sequel, or maybe this can even become a series! I can well imagine this book having several volumes, each one taking place in a different season with different Lizzies, different Darcy’s and different stories to follow 🙂 I wonder if the author accepts requests 😉
Summing up, Camp Jane is an interesting story penned with a very unique writing style which captivated me from the first pages, and I certainly recommend this book to my fellow janeites, I am sure you will like it as much as I did!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Camp Jane is every Janeite’s dream. Susan Andrews imagined the perfect resort for the perfect holidays and penned an entire novel around it. I only wish someone could actually read this book and build everything the author imagined.
Camp Jane takes place on a property bought by Benny Pelletucci in the Catskill mountains during the 50’s, and turned into a Regency Resort by his daughter Edith. While growing up, Edith always wondered why she felt such a close connection to Austen, until she discovered that when her father built the resort, he built it based on a Jane Austen illustrated anthology, so every building in the property resembles Pemberley, Longbourn, Highbury etc. As an Austen fan herself, she decided to make this resort into a full Austen experience by hiring actors, and offering essay winners the opportunity to spend the summer at her resort, as long as they played the role of an Austen character. During the summer season, customers book their holidays at the resort and may take part in all major scenes of Austen’s novels. Can you imagine attending the Netherfield ball and witnessing Elizabeth dance with Mr. Darcy? Or interacting with Caroline Bingley and telling her exactly what she needs to hear? Better yet, can you imagine a resort where you have a recreation of London and Bath, and where you can shop or take a walk on the streets surrounded by people playing your favorite characters? I am telling you, this resort would be the perfect holiday destination!
The story itself starts at the LaGuardia airport where a few of the essay winners meet and discover they are all heading to what they call Camp Jane. The story then progresses throughout their first week at the resort, where they are assigned a character, get to know the property, take regency classes, develop friendships, and even help solving a mystery. The mystery in this book is exactly what I would expect in this type of story and it did not disappoint. I only wish I had started getting glimpses of it sooner. Even if there are a few tips added earlier in the story, I didn’t connect all the dots until the very end.
For obvious reasons, one of the aspects I loved the most in this book was the setting. It was a dream for everyone who loves Austen. I loved getting to know the locations the staff worked on, the app they used, and the classes they had to take to be ready for the summer season. I felt transported into a dreamy place and I kept imagining what it would be like to be a customer of this resort.
Diversity in Austen’s world has been much talked of lately, and to be honest, I do not enjoy books where I feel this topic is forced upon the reader or politicized. In Camp Jane diversity is approached in such a natural manner that I didn’t think about the origins of any character while I was reading it, I was completely focused on the characters themselves, their personalities and their actions. I loved the fact that the main character isn’t white and that it was approached in such a natural manner. Well done Susan Andrews!
The story itself is not very complex, the reader learns along with the characters the rules of the resort, gets to know the staff of the resort, and we only start seeing some developments in the plot when the mystery starts gaining its place in the narrative. The book focuses on describing the staff’s initial week at camp, and I would have liked to actually see the story progressing until the guests started arriving. I kept waiting for that to happen but it never did, so maybe that means we will have a sequel, or maybe this can even become a series! I can well imagine this book having several volumes, each one taking place in a different season with different Lizzies, different Darcy’s and different stories to follow 🙂 I wonder if the author accepts requests 😉
Summing up, Camp Jane is an interesting story penned with a very unique writing style which captivated me from the first pages, and I certainly recommend this book to my fellow janeites, I am sure you will like it as much as I did!
May 23, 2021
Camp Jane: a place where fantasy meets reality. In a bold and brilliant move, Susan Andrews takes a cue from Austenland to deliver an Austen fan’s ultimate dream: a real-world destination where Janeites can live out their fantasies as if they had been transported to Jane Austen’s world. The Regency Resort, lovingly dubbed "Camp Jane" by its visitors, offers its guests an immersive experience into the stories, which are reenacted by essay winners chosen specifically for the roles based on their real-life similarities to the characters.
This story centers around the cast of Summer 2021, from the time they first arrive and are assigned their roles, through their first week of Regency “boot camp” before the guests arrive.
I loved the role of main character Maggie, who plays Lizzy. She is fun and spirited, and easily makes friends with the rest of the cast members.
This was a fun adventure with great comedy, a little bit of mystery, and a whole lot of Austen pop-culture references. A story about Janeites, written for Janeites. If you enjoyed Austenland, you'll love Camp Jane.
I hope that Ms. Andrews will chronicle Maggie and the gang's adventures over the rest of their summer at Camp Jane. I would love to see this book become a series!
This story centers around the cast of Summer 2021, from the time they first arrive and are assigned their roles, through their first week of Regency “boot camp” before the guests arrive.
I loved the role of main character Maggie, who plays Lizzy. She is fun and spirited, and easily makes friends with the rest of the cast members.
This was a fun adventure with great comedy, a little bit of mystery, and a whole lot of Austen pop-culture references. A story about Janeites, written for Janeites. If you enjoyed Austenland, you'll love Camp Jane.
I hope that Ms. Andrews will chronicle Maggie and the gang's adventures over the rest of their summer at Camp Jane. I would love to see this book become a series!
May 24, 2021
Delightful! When I began this novel, the modern setting, and hints that this might be a romance novel, caused me to think I would not enjoy this much. That changed as I continued reading. Camp Jane sounds like a delightful place to spend the summer. The characters entertain us. As the author's husband wrote: "It is an easy and enjoyable read and won't insult your intelligence." A good book for relaxing!
September 28, 2023
Funny, sweet, and every Janeite’s dream, this book is well worth the read. It’s even got a pop of mystery. If you’ve ever wanted to don Regency clothing, shove some crab rangoons in your pocket, and get into shenanigans with other Austen lovers, this is the book for you.
June 3, 2021
4.5-4.75
May 30, 2022
Me opening this book was kind of accidental, since I was missing something to read and remembered I had one book waiting - and that started me on the Camp Jane journey at close to midnight. Near dawn, I was still reading and laughing my head off into my pillow at the many hilarious and utterly engaging conversations between the characters. Susan was clever and gave us a chart of the characters, who they are in real life and who they play at Camp Jane.
The opening scene takes place at LaGuardia Airport, during quite a downpour, where Maggie, our lead, meets several characters who will become her best friends during the magical summer ahead of her. Here most females will likely agree with me that men are a bit helpless, or well these particular men are, hehe!
"Camp Jane" answered all my fondest dreams for a book about a Jane Austen camp and made me want to go or wish for a Camp Jane in real life! The conversations were hilarious and very relatable. The characters were also spot on and made me feel like I was with friends! The fight with the giggles was deeply needed and highly appreciated!
Several characters surprised me, including a hilarious Henry Tilney, who quickly became a favourite as a best friend/buddy for our lead Maggie. The experience as a reader felt like I was part of the plot and just waiting to take my place within the LaGGards. I will admit to wanting to take my place with Maggie (Lizzie), Jerri (Jane), Henry (Henry Tilney), Will (Darcy) and Casey (Bingley). They just seemed like the kind of people I would befriend personally.
We follow the group of friends quite closely during their first week at Camp Jane and how they learn etiquette, dance and the other Regency accomplishments. I found it quite amusing that Maggie had trouble with how to address titled persons and her way of getting it right.
It was delightful to follow our LaGGard group around Pemberley, Longbourn, Highbury, London and Bath. I fell in love with lovely though shy Anne Elliot, dreamy Captain Wentworth and hilarious Henry Tilney. It felt like I was with my best friend throughout the book, and it was an absolute hoot! I felt like I was part of the plot, and I had a party reading the book, though it made me miss my friends abroad and yet made me look forward to the festival in Bath.
There was quite a bit of drama, surprise and a growing fondness for the many characters, and I will admit to "being quite put out" when the book ended. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. Congratulations, Susan!
The opening scene takes place at LaGuardia Airport, during quite a downpour, where Maggie, our lead, meets several characters who will become her best friends during the magical summer ahead of her. Here most females will likely agree with me that men are a bit helpless, or well these particular men are, hehe!
"Camp Jane" answered all my fondest dreams for a book about a Jane Austen camp and made me want to go or wish for a Camp Jane in real life! The conversations were hilarious and very relatable. The characters were also spot on and made me feel like I was with friends! The fight with the giggles was deeply needed and highly appreciated!
Several characters surprised me, including a hilarious Henry Tilney, who quickly became a favourite as a best friend/buddy for our lead Maggie. The experience as a reader felt like I was part of the plot and just waiting to take my place within the LaGGards. I will admit to wanting to take my place with Maggie (Lizzie), Jerri (Jane), Henry (Henry Tilney), Will (Darcy) and Casey (Bingley). They just seemed like the kind of people I would befriend personally.
We follow the group of friends quite closely during their first week at Camp Jane and how they learn etiquette, dance and the other Regency accomplishments. I found it quite amusing that Maggie had trouble with how to address titled persons and her way of getting it right.
It was delightful to follow our LaGGard group around Pemberley, Longbourn, Highbury, London and Bath. I fell in love with lovely though shy Anne Elliot, dreamy Captain Wentworth and hilarious Henry Tilney. It felt like I was with my best friend throughout the book, and it was an absolute hoot! I felt like I was part of the plot, and I had a party reading the book, though it made me miss my friends abroad and yet made me look forward to the festival in Bath.
There was quite a bit of drama, surprise and a growing fondness for the many characters, and I will admit to "being quite put out" when the book ended. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. Congratulations, Susan!
June 4, 2021
Just buy it, you know you want to
Well-written and clever without overdoing it. Nicely edited.. Lighthearted and enjoyable with several lol moments. I look forward to the next installment!
Well-written and clever without overdoing it. Nicely edited.. Lighthearted and enjoyable with several lol moments. I look forward to the next installment!
February 11, 2023
First 15 Chapters Will Bore You, Disappointing Book.
I really wanted to like this book. It got great reviews and the book summary presented a fun sounding concept, but I have to be honest, I thought the first 15 chapters of the book were boring. For 15 chapters, there were lots and lots of detailed explanations of people, places, locations and procedures of how Camp Jane was run as the author set-up this complicated world ... but very little action. The story doesn't really even begin until after we have been thoroughly made aware of all the minute details up front. I lost track of who some of the characters were, especially in their lives outside of Camp Jane, and what Austen inspired area was located where. I would've had to start taking notes, but I wasn't going to take notes for a book I was trying to relax with!
So chapters 16 through 30 (+ Epilogue) are basically a short story that is fun and engaging but very, very short. I have to say that going through 15 chapters of exposition in order to read the actual story was very disappointing for me. The idea was great; I feel that it was just executed very poorly. A really good editor was needed to help cut back & condense the exposition, expand the actual storyline and develop the one dimensional characters further ...disappointing at 3 stars.
I really wanted to like this book. It got great reviews and the book summary presented a fun sounding concept, but I have to be honest, I thought the first 15 chapters of the book were boring. For 15 chapters, there were lots and lots of detailed explanations of people, places, locations and procedures of how Camp Jane was run as the author set-up this complicated world ... but very little action. The story doesn't really even begin until after we have been thoroughly made aware of all the minute details up front. I lost track of who some of the characters were, especially in their lives outside of Camp Jane, and what Austen inspired area was located where. I would've had to start taking notes, but I wasn't going to take notes for a book I was trying to relax with!
So chapters 16 through 30 (+ Epilogue) are basically a short story that is fun and engaging but very, very short. I have to say that going through 15 chapters of exposition in order to read the actual story was very disappointing for me. The idea was great; I feel that it was just executed very poorly. A really good editor was needed to help cut back & condense the exposition, expand the actual storyline and develop the one dimensional characters further ...disappointing at 3 stars.
June 17, 2021
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!~
Remember when you read your favorite series, whether that be Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, or Anne of Green Gables, and thought "I wish I could go to that land/world." or something similar? Well, here's that place for Austen fans! And yes, I admit, I haven't yet read any of Austen's works, but after reading this book I'll be giving her books another try. We totally need camps like this in real life! (And not just one for Janeites!)
I loved the humor, the characters, and everything about this book. And plus, there was a little mystery at the end XD
Whether or not you're a Jane Austen fan, this book is for you!
~Full Review To Come~
Remember when you read your favorite series, whether that be Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, or Anne of Green Gables, and thought "I wish I could go to that land/world." or something similar? Well, here's that place for Austen fans! And yes, I admit, I haven't yet read any of Austen's works, but after reading this book I'll be giving her books another try. We totally need camps like this in real life! (And not just one for Janeites!)
I loved the humor, the characters, and everything about this book. And plus, there was a little mystery at the end XD
Whether or not you're a Jane Austen fan, this book is for you!
~Full Review To Come~
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed this book but even though the authors says her husband is a tough editor I question this.
It started when the Hursts were identified as the Lucases in the beginning. There was a point where Maggie mentioned 5 exclamation points in a text when the reader could count 4!
At another point Maggie was quoted saying something that HAD to be Edith saying it.
Finally a complimentary/complimentary error near the end.
How can I complain this much and still give 4 stars? Because the humor and imaginative description and history of ‘Camp Jane’ was wonderful. The characters were well drawn, if a little stereotypical.
Also, in whatever year this is a $20 bill will not get you two or three sandwiches at a New Jersey deli.
It started when the Hursts were identified as the Lucases in the beginning. There was a point where Maggie mentioned 5 exclamation points in a text when the reader could count 4!
At another point Maggie was quoted saying something that HAD to be Edith saying it.
Finally a complimentary/complimentary error near the end.
How can I complain this much and still give 4 stars? Because the humor and imaginative description and history of ‘Camp Jane’ was wonderful. The characters were well drawn, if a little stereotypical.
Also, in whatever year this is a $20 bill will not get you two or three sandwiches at a New Jersey deli.
February 6, 2022
This book is genius in its ingenuity, has more hilarity than Austenland, and is fun from the go. I would give a great deal to find myself at that camp, even as one of the aunts, just to watch the events described. Susan's book was well worth the read, and I am so glad I added it to my 2022 book challenge.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews