So one very good side affect of morning sickness that lasts all day is I’ve been reading more. After dinner, I head upstairs to a nice bubble bath, and my sweet family takes care of the tidying. It’s been so nice to pick up books again and just treat myself to some reading time.
I was sent this book by Family Christian Stores. I absolutely love everything Jane Austen, so I was a little curious to read a book that admitted, right there in the title, that it was using Persuasion as inspiration.
The book drew my in right away. The author, Mary Jane Hathaway, made the connection for us right away, explaining how this story really was going to be like Persuasion. I think the fact that she owned it right from the beginning made me very comfortable with the similarities. They didn’t feel forced and I didn’t have to search for them. She just unapologetically stated the fact that sometimes life reflects the beautiful stories we’ve read, even if we don’t always see it.
Lucy, the main character, has a deep passion for Civil War history. I immediately smiled and related. When I was in high school, I bought a book of love poems at a battlefield gift shop, somewhere in the south, and I thought Lucy would probably have bought the exact same book of poems. I should explain. It didn’t matter if we were headed to Colorado or Disney World, my father would drive us by every single battlefield within 200 miles of the route. I always enjoyed it. The battlefields were always beautiful, and quiet, and full of history you could feel. Lucy spends her life making sure others remember this history.
When her high school sweetheart, Jem, re-enters her life, she is immediately taken back ten years to the love that she lost. The story takes you through beautiful history, complicated family dynamics, and Lucy’s ever loyal heart. Mary Jane Hathaway layers the story with delicious recipes and friendships born out of just having things in common. I think Jane Austen with a southern twist might just be my new favorite genre, y’all!
I’ve added this to my “Books I Adore” list and I’ve given it a 5 star rating. {My very unofficial rating system – 5 Stars – I will loan it to you, but I’d really like it back, ok? 4 Stars – I will loan it to you, and it’s cool if you keep it or pass it on. 3 Stars – You can have it. It was just ok.}
Be sure and enter to win your very own copy!
Jane Austen and Cracklin’ Cornbread? You had me at the title! 😉 It sounds like a book I’d like to read.
I shall try this.
I just discovered your blog and love it. This book certainly sounds like one I will cherish.
I’m always looking for new books to read
Great title, would love to read this.
Looks like a great read!
This is exactly the type of wholescome Cristian book that I can imagine reading curled up in front of the fireplace in our cabin where we are soon headed for a week!
I so want to read this book! Love the cover
Mary Jane Hathaway is an excellent author! Thanks for the giveaway!
It sounds like a fun one!
Persuasion is my absolute favorite Austen boon. Followed by Mansfield Park, Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, … all the to Northanger Abbey!
I love to read in the bath tub too, now a days, it is one of the only times I can!
Thanks for the giveaway, this looks like a real good book!
Looks like a good book/read
would love to read this.
Jane Austen fan and Southern girl here… sounds right up my alley!
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT BOOK!! WOULD LOVE TO READ IT
I love reading but never have time until I “hibernate” for the winter!!!
I would like to read this. I also love to learn about the civil war and anything to do with that time period.
This sounds like an interesting book. I’d like to read it.
This looks like a great read!
lookks interesting
Persuasion is one of my favourite books x
Love this author. Thanks foe the giveaway
Thanks for the chance.
with the cooler days and nights coming it’s time to get the comfy blanket and the perfect book – thanks for hosting.
Looks like something I would love. Thanks for the chance….
Thanks for the giveaway