Posts Tagged: jane austen diaries

Book Review- Northanger Alibi

29 Dec, 2011 by in book review, northanger alibi, walnut springs press 4 comments

by Jenni James
Paperback, 254 pages
Expected publication: February 2012
by Walnut Springs/Inkberry Press
ISBN 139780983829317
Series: The Jane Austen Diaries

Book Source: publisher
4 stars

This modern Gothic remake of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, and nod to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series, will leave you in stitches–literally.

Seattle Washington, and the Russo family, are no match for Claire Hart and her savvy knowledge of all things vampire related. Thanks to her obsession with the Twilight series–if there is anyone who would know a vampire when she saw one, it’s Claire. And she’s positive totally hot Tony Russo is a vampire, she just has to prove it! Follow Claire’s hilarious journey on her first summer adventure away from home, where she learns everything isn’t what it seems, and in some instances, reality is way better than anything she’d ever find in a book.

I am adoring the Jane Austen Diaries series as a fun, clean choice for tweens and teens. Book two of the set, Northanger Alibi follows the crazy antics of Clarie Hart, a die hard Twilight fan who is itching to get a glimpse of Washington State. She and her sister Cassidy win the perfect opportunity as friends of the family invite them both to stay with them for the summer in their small town near the center of all things Forks. Both girls have led a pretty sheltered life, so Claire gleans her excitement reading and re-reading Stephenie Meyers series. At 16 she has never been kissed. But that is all about to change!

Once the girls hit Washington they meet the Russo family, rich and perfect with twin brother and sister Claire’s age. Tony likes to ceaselessly tease Claire. At first she is utterly unimpressed. But he also has an air of mysteriousness- doesn’t eat, seems to be able to read her mind…Claire begins to wonder, is he a vampire? All the while her older sister is about to find out what all this crazy nonsense and inability to separate real life from fiction is all about as she picks up the books for the first time and can’t put them down.

Twi hards and those who love them will either be laughing out loud and relating to Claire’s obsessiveness or rolling their eyes at the references to the uber popular books. It adds a fun parallel Austen element, but may also be a turn off for those who are sick of hearing about the paranormal werewolves and vampires. Those who know where there is an Edward (Tony) there must also be a Jacob- or Jaden in this case.
Claire meeting Jaden is my favorite part of the whole book. I’ll just say it involves an Old Navy clothing store, a slushee and will make you laugh! Jenni is genius at writing the first flutters and awkward moments of a teenage crush and her kissing scenes are to die for. She navigates the sometimes quirky, drama laden moments that can happen with a love triangle, but wraps things up with a heart warming conclusion.

I would recommend Northanger Alibi to all readers, and think it will especially appeal to middle grade and younger teens. If you haven’t read the first in the series, Pride and Popularity I would go pick it up, since it was one of my favorite reads of this year. This, book two is a stand alone so you won’t be lost without book one. Thanks once again to Walnut Springs press for introducing me to such a fun series!

Author Bio: I’m married to a totally hot, redheaded Air Force Recruiter, named Mark. Together we have 10 kiddos (7 ours, 3 fostered). We have just moved back to the States after living 9 awesome years in the Azores Islands of Portugal and England! Our kids love the USA!

When I’m not writing up a storm, I enjoy reading, acting, portrait painting, directing plays, cooking, planning elaborate parties and chasing my kids around the house. Oh, and before you ask–I haven’t been to college, YET! But I’ve always been able to write one mean essay when I needed to. *wink*

Learn more about Jenni James on her website/ blog/ Goodreads / Twitter/ YouTube

Book Review- Pride and Popularity

06 Sep, 2011 by in YA book reviews 4 comments

by Jenni James
Perfect Paperback, 240 pages
Published July 13th 2011
by Brigham Distributing
ISBN 0983829306
4.5 stars

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor

With as many young adult books as I read there are very few I would definitely recommend to my daughters and friends as completely worth the time and purchase. But Pride and Popularity is one I can whole heartedly stand behind. Jenni James takes Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice into the 21st century and adapts it to teens. I found myself totally immersed and grinning ear to ear at the end.

Chloe has been burned by the popular crowd at her old school and at age 15 is determined it won’t happen again when she relocates with her family to Farmington. The only problem is that there happens to be an uber popular, stunningly cute and charming boy there. But mark Chloe’s words to her two best friends…Taylor Anderson will NOT win her over. Forget the fact that Taylor has beautiful blue eyes, serves others plus is ever persistent in his attention. (Girls and moms alike will swoon at the fact that Taylor’s middle names is Darcy.)

Pride and Popularity not only won my heart, it also addresses witholding judgement, the risks of online sites for young teens, and the importance of involved parents. The characters are real, the teen perspective spot on. I can not wait to see all of Jenni James re-tellings in her Austen series. She’s a YA author to watch! Thanks so much to Brigham Distributing for sending me such a fun amazing book.

Learn more at author Jenni James blog and enter to win your own copy on Goodreads.