• About

Pick Well

~ Just another WordPress.com site

Pick Well

Tag Archives: Hillary Manton Lodge

Fantastic Retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

01 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Best Fiction of 2017, Best reads of 2017, Hillary Manton Lodge, Jane Austen, Jane of Austin

Jane of Austen

 

This my friends is a Jane Austen retelling done well! One of my all time favorite Jane Austen novels is Sense and Sensibility.   Jane of Austin is a funny, interesting, and lovely rewrite by author Hillary Manton Lodge. Lodge does a masterful job weaving in the original story to her current day rendition. It is was so fun to catch all the moments that were from the original.  I think the best thing about this book, is that while it echoes the Jane Austen original, it has its own authentic wonderfulness.

I think sometimes when authors attempt to do a retelling, it goes south fast because they either missed what was great in the original, or they fail to make it their own in fear of butchering a classic.   Jane of Austin is none of the above. Author Hillary Manton Lodge tells the story of three sisters who lose everything and must leave their family home in San Francisco. Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward move to Austin when a kind but exuberant relative offers them housing and a chance to start over.  In Austin, Jane meets the oh so handsome Sean Willis (see John Willoughby) who whisks her off her feet. We all know where relationships with a John Willoughby will take you. Even though I knew what was coming, I read late into the night just to be certain.

I really do hope that this novel makes its way into becoming a movie. I loved it and I can’t wait to pass my copy to a fellow Jane Austen enthusiast. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.

About the Author

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.

Book Review: Reservations for Two

08 Friday May 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Food, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bloggingforbooks, Book Review, Hillary Manton Lodge, Reservations for Two

Reservations for 2

About the Book

Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up.

Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?

As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?

My Review

Reservations for Two is an interesting read that moves slowly but deliberately through the life of Juliette D’Alisa who has a lot on her plate. As Juliette travels, we get to know her love interest, Neil, and her extended family. Author Hillary Manton Lodge also includes some amazing recipes to coincide with delicious dishes mentioned throughout the story. This was perhaps my favorite aspect of this novel! I can’t wait to try the Home-Style Tiramisu. I loved the interesting details that are included with each recipe like tiramisu translated is “pick-me up.”

Beyond the recipes, I did feel a little lost in the first few chapters. This title is book 2 in Lodge’s Two Blue Doors series, and I am wondering if reading the first book is a must. There were so many characters right out of the gate and I felt a bit topsy-turvy trying to keep them straight. Neil was problematic for me as well, mostly because I did not feel chemistry between him and Juliette. Lodge had plans for that, but they had so much page time…I kept waiting for more between them.

Overall, this book will not make my must read list for 2015, but it was decent in its own right. Lodge writes well and has a knack for details. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
  • National Parks and Historical Fiction
  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
  • Something New from Jocelyn Green

A Dog Named Dolly Parton Backyard Garden Books I LOVE Cleaning House Family Favorites Food Food for thought homeschool Out West Trip Recently Read Reviewed Books Saving Money Travel Uncategorized Virginia

Twitter Updates

  • RT @BethMooreLPM: I keep thinking how often we on this whirling orb of thorn, dust, wind and thistle live out the reality of “hurry up & wa… 2 months ago
  • This! All of it. #HeisstillLord twitter.com/BethMooreLPM/s… 2 months ago
  • RT @PatsyClairmont: Today may we not be weighed down by our weaknesses but may we be lifted and amazed by Christ’s grace. 3 months ago
  • RT @bobgoff: Hope doesn’t go to sleep just because it’s dark outside; it lights a candle and stays up waiting for the rest of the story. 3 months ago
  • RT @ImmanuelNash: To all who are weary and need rest... @rayortlund https://t.co/MiTpssmN8Y 4 months ago
Follow @jenpickwell

Archives

  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • February 2012
  • January 2011
  • October 2010

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 112 other followers

Follow Pick Well on WordPress.com

Goodreads

NetGalley

Blogging for Books

NetGalley

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy