Review: Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Austenland

Author: Shannon Hale

Series: Book 1 of the Austenland series

Format: Paperback (paid for myself)

Rating: 3.5/5

Goodreads description: Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man-perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of "Pride and Predjudice." When a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, however, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?

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Favourite quotes: "Jane sat beside Colonel Andrews. He had a dashing smile. It nearly dashed right off his face."

"And here you are. Miss Erstwhile. You are infuriating and irritating, and yet I find myself looking for you."

"I suddenly had to see you again. I know that seems ridiculous, but I look at you, and I feel sure of something."

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My review: Austenland tells the story of Jane, a woman who has had a string of unsuccessful boyfriends which she blames on her love of Mr Darcy and the high expectations he brings with him. Her Aunt sees her unhappiness and leaves Jane a trip to Austenland in her will, a holiday destination in England where you can live like a Jane Austen character for a few weeks, which Jane's Aunt hopes will finally break her Darcy infatuation.

In the past, whenever I have read a book after watching the film adaptation first I have never had any problems with enjoying the book. However, sadly, the same cannot be said for Austenland. I'd seen the 2013 film several times before I decided to pick up the book it was based on. I fell in love with the film's comedy, it's Bridget Jones-esque heroine and its downright silliness. However while the book did share the same basic storyline as the film, it seemed to fall flat in comparison. The characters just weren't as hilarious and full of life as they were in the film - I felt sorry for the book's Miss Charming rather than wanting to laugh along with her like I did whilst watching the film and I even found it hard to warm to the main character, Jane.

However please don't think that my issues with this book come primarily from its comparison to the film. While I do love the general idea of this book, it just wasn't executed how I thought it would be. It had elements of silliness mixed in with serious which didn't work for me and left me cringing slightly at the end instead of swooning. However despite my disappointment, I still did enjoy reading this book. It's packed with many funny lines and was also a very quick and easy read. I especially enjoyed the description of Jane's previous break-ups at the start of each chapter (for example: "Boyfriend #7 Juan Inskeep, age twenty-five. Gay."). And the book definitely gets at least a few points for having the best dedication of all time at the front.

Before I started reading Austenland I was so sure I would be ordering the sequel, Midnight in Austenland, as soon as I'd finished the first book but now I'm not too sure. I think I'll just have to content myself with watching the film again. And again, and again, and again...

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Book cover image from Goodreads

Bookish Hair Bows | Lavender Latte

I came across Lavender Latte while I was browsing on Instagram one day and I fell in love! They have a range of gorgeous hair bows from nautical-themed bows to Star Wars ones but what really caught my eye was their bookish bows! I ordered a Hunger Games-inspired bow straight away but soon after I had to make another order.

They have a great range of book-inspired bows including Harry Potter, TFIOS and A Song of Ice and Fire/GoT ones! And even though they are based in Australia, they are very reasonably priced. Each medium bow is less than £4 each (all the bows pictured here are a medium size) and the shipping is only £3.10 for the first item and 28p for each additional item!

What's more, Etsy are currently running a promotion where if you refer someone to Etsy, they'll give them £5 towards their first purchase! If you're interested please use this link to sign up for an account: http://etsy.me/1tIDFWZ

How amazing are these?! I've already got my eye on a few more bows for my next order...

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P .S. I was in no way sponsored for this post, I just really love this shop and wanted to share their bows with you!

Review: Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie) by Cecelia Ahern

Title: Where Rainbows End

Alternative title: Love, Rosie

Author: Cecelia Ahern

Series: n/a

Format: Paperback (paid for myself)

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads description: Since childhood, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But they're suddenly separated when Alex and his family move from Dublin to America. 

Their magical connection remains but can their friendship survive the years and miles?

Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them apart – until now. But will they gamble everything – including their friendship – on true love? And what twists and surprises does fate have in store for them this time ... ?

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Favourite quotes: "Bethany wants a house in Martha's Vineyard. I've never met Martha and I don't know how she would feel about us moving onto her vineyard all of a sudden." 

"His name is Ted... He's overweight but then again so am I so who cares; we can bounce off each other."

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My review: I picked up this book in anticipation of the upcoming film adaptation, Love, Rosie. Where Rainbows End is a love story of two characters, Rosie and Alex, who have been friends since they were children but events in both of their lives keep getting in the way of them bringing their relationship to the next level. The book is written in an epistolary format of letters, emails, instant messages etc. between Rosie, Alex and their friends and family. I usually avoid books written in this format like the plague but the trailer for the movie looked so funny and sweet so I was curious to give the book a go. When I first started reading it, I did find the format annoying me as instead of directly experiencing the events of the story, you only really hear about them after they've happened (for example an important birthday party is described by a character in a couple of lines rather than 'experienced' and depicted in detail). This really did annoy me at first as it felt like we might be missing out on important information about the story but once I settled into the format, I found it a very easy read.

I kept picking up and putting down the book to begin with as I was reading about four other books at the same time (I really must stop doing that!) but when I picked it up again recently at about 60 pages in, I found myself breezing through the story. All of the chapters merge into each other so well that I would pass through several chapters at once without realising I wasn't on the same chapter I began with. The characters were all so lovable and funny (at least the nice ones anyway!) so it was very easy to become immersed in their lives. I especially loved Rosie as even though she'd been through a lot of hardships, she kept picking herself back up again and carrying on with humour.

The only thing I'd change about this book is that I'd like the ending to be beefed out a little more but otherwise I think I can easily say that this is one of my favourite books that I've read so far in 2014! I'd definitely recommend this book if you're after an easy, light-hearted and funny read.

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Book cover image from Goodreads

August 2014 Book Haul + Green Metropolis Bookstore

The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini [competition prize]
Longbourn by Jo Baker
Isla and the Happily Forever After by Stephanie Perkins
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Where Rainbows End by Cecila Ahern

Oh dear. As you can see, I went a bit book-buying crazy in August! I read and fell in love with the first two books from Stephanie Perkins's Anna series in July so I had to get them along with a copy of her new book, Isla and the Happily Ever After. I think I've won a copy of Isla in a giveaway as well though (eek!) so I'm saving this copy to do my own giveaway on Instagram soon.

I also bought Shadow and Bone as I read it last month and Where Rainbows End with Longbourn to read before their respective films come out (although I fear the Longbourn film might be a long way off yet *sob*). Additionally I'm very excited but also a little petrified about reading The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. There's a quote on the cover from Stephen King that describes it as 'one of the most horrifying things I've read in my entire life'. Definitely one to save for the daylight hours then I think!

I also bought a copy of If I Stay which came from Green Metropolis. I may be preaching to the converted here, but if you live in the UK and you've not heard of Green Metropolis I'd highly recommend you check them out. They're basically like an online charity bookshop where most of their books are priced at just £3.75 with free delivery! How I wish I'd found out about them before! All their books range in condition but you can find some new ones. This copy of If I Stay was listed as new but it didn't state which version of the cover it was, so as you can imagine I was very surprised (and happy!) when the new movie cover turned up. It may take a bit of digging around but there are definitely some good bargains to be had on there. Plus with all this Amazon drama recently, Green Metropolis might be a good alternative to Amazon if you're not too keen on buying books from them anymore.

I was also lucky enough to win a competition on Twitter hosted by My Kinda Book. The prize was a copy of Josephine Angelini's new book, Trial by Fire, and some lovely book swag! I'm very excited to read this book, the story sounds really interesting and all the reviews I have seen so far seem to be raving about it!

What did you buy in August? Have you read any of these books that I bought?

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P.S. This isn't a sponsored post - I just cannot get over how cheap GM are!

August Wrap Up & September To Be Read (2014)

Books I read in August:

The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen

Rating: 3/5

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Rating: 4/5
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Rating: 5/5

Compared to the seven books I read in July this month has been a bit of a poor effort! I only managed to read two of my August TBR books as well, whoops! The first was The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen and the second, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. This is the second Sarah Dessen book I've read (the first being 'That Summer' which I didn't like at all) and I'm sad to report that I still can't understand the hype with her books. I'm still determined to carry on reading them though so if I come across more of her books in a charity shop I'll give them a go. I did however really enjoy A Game of Thrones and I plan to post a review of it soon.

The other book I read this month was If I Stay by Gayle Forman in preparation for the film that has recently come out. Even though it wasn't the kind of book I'd usually enjoy (I usually avoid books with sad topics such as this one like the plague), I found that I did like it. I especially loved Mia and Adam's relationship. I think this book will work very well as a film so I'm looking forward to seeing it soon.

Books I intend to read in September:

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

I'm starting my second year of university in September (at a new university, eek!) so I'm only going to put the bare essentials on my reading list as I don't know if I'll get that much time for reading. As I didn't manage to read my August book jar book, The Host, I've carried it over to this month's TBR. In addition my September book jar read is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I'm really excited to read this one as I've always enjoyed the TV and film adaptations so I'm hoping I'll fall in love with the actual book too. I'd also like to carry on with the A Song of Ice and Fire series by reading the second book, A Clash of Kings.

What did you read in August?

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Book cover images from Goodreads

My Top Ten Austen, Gaskell & Brontë TV and Film Adaptations

When I'm having a bad day my favourite remedy, as well as curling up with a massive bar of chocolate,  is to watch a romantic period drama. My favorites are those that are based on classic romance novels so I thought instead of doing this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic, I'd do my top ten favourite TV and film adaptations of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë's novels. Because I will take literally any excuse to talk about these!

1. North and South (2004 TV miniseries)

"Elizabeth Gaskell's classic explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in site of themselves."

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There are no words to describe my love for this miniseries. I'd not even heard of Elizabeth Gaskell before my Aunt showed us this when we visited her house at Christmas last year but North and South is now a firm favourite of mine. If you're not familiar with the story either I'd say its quite similar to Pride and Prejudice in some aspects, although it has a richer and darker storyline. BUT IT IS SO LOVELY. Especially Richard Armitage. That voice *sigh*.

TRY AND STOP ME.

2. Pride and Prejudice (1995 TV miniseries)

"The romance, drama and humour of Jane Austen's greatest novel are perfectly captured by an all-star cast in this 1995 adaptation by award winning writer Andrew Davies."

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Obviously this one needs no explanation! Although I'm probably more likely to reach for the 2005 film version if I need a Pride and Prejudice fix, this one takes the lead because of its longer storyline. I still watch this from start to finish once or twice a year. It really is a timeless classic!

3. Pride and Prejudice (2005 film)

"Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?"

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This film is so, so beautiful. Just, ugh. I'm struck every time I watch it by how visually stunning it is. The cast is also just as excellent in this adaptation as the famous 1995 TV version above.

4. Austenland

"Obsessed with Pride and Prejudice (1995), a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman."

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This film recently replaced Bridget Jones as my favourite comedy pick-me-up film. The storyline is by no means groundbreaking but if you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice and love a good comedy, I'd definitely recommend looking this up. Plus JJ Field. Nuff' said.

If you haven't seen this film, this GIF should be reason enough for you to run out and hunt down a copy right now!

5. Sense and Sensibility (1995 film)

"Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the titular opposites."

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Fun fact (and completely not related to how brilliant this film is, and it is brilliant!): one of the filming locations for this film is literally up the road from where I live!

This is too adorable for words!

6. Jane Eyre (2006 TV miniseries)

"A young governess falls in love with her brooding and complex master. However, his dark past may destroy their relationship forever."

7. Mansfield Park (2007 TV film)

"In one of Austen's most complex plots, Billie Piper (Doctor Who, The Ruby in the Smoke) stars as Fanny Price, who goes to live with prosperous relatives at Mansfield Park."

8. Becoming Jane (2007 film)

"A biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman."

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This is partly based on a biographical book about Jane Austen's life rather than one of her novels but I had to include it here because it is so lovely.

*swoon*

9. Death Comes to Pemberley

"Elizabeth and Darcy, now six years married, are preparing for their annual ball when festivities are brought to an abrupt halt. An adaptation of PD James's homage to Pride and Prejudice."

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I'm a bit surprised I ranked this one so highly considering I hated it the first time I watched it! While it is a great show and I think the murder mystery element to it is really well done, Elizabeth and Darcy seem completely wrong to me. It's nothing to do with the actors, the whole cast is brilliant but I should imagine it comes from the book or the script. They're just not Austen's Elizabeth and Darcy for me at all but if you can get past that it is actually a pretty good watch.

10. Emma (1996 TV film)

"Emma Woodhouse has a rigid sense of propriety as regards matrimonial alliances. Unfortunately she insists on matchmaking for her less forceful friend, Harriet, and so causes her to come to grief. Through the sharp words of Mr. Knightley, and the example of the opinionated Mrs. Elton, someone not unlike herself, Emma's attitudes begin to soften..."

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There are so many great adaptations of Emma but this one comes out tops for me because of Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong.

Honorable mentions: Emma (1996 film & 2009 TV miniseries), Northanger Abbey (2007 TV film), Jane Eyre (2011 film), The Jane Austen Book Club and Lost In Austen.

Before anyone bats me across the head for not including any Persuasion adaptations, I haven't seen them for years and have forgotten almost everything about them but I'm sure if I could remember them I'd probably include at least one on this list! I also haven't seen any other adaptations of Elizabeth Gaskell's books (e.g. Wives and Daughters and Cranford) so this list might be different after I'd seen those.

Which of these would make your list? Are there any I haven't mentioned that you'd include?

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Film posters/DVD covers from Google Images, GIFs from Tumblr

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Recommended Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by The Broke and the Bookish which each week features a differently-themed list related to reading or books. To learn more about this meme click here and you can view their original post on this week's theme here.

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This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is to list the top ten books that are most recommended to you. Most of my recommendations come from Instagram, but I've also listed a few books the boyfriend has recommended me and some books that I've seen widely hyped in general!

Recommendations from Instagram

1. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen: This one has been recommended a lot to me on Instagram! It's got mixed reviews on Goodreads but I'm definitely going to give it a go when I get the chance.

2. Longbourn by Jo Baker: SO EXCITED TO READ THIS. I've only heard good things about this book. I plan to read this as soon as I've finished my current TBR list!

3. Fallen by Lauren Kate: Another book with mixed reviews but I want to try to read it before the film comes out next year.

4. The Host by Stephenie Meyer: This has been recommended to me both through Instagram and through one of my friends who kindly bought me a copy of this book! The Host is my book jar of the month for August so hopefully soon I'll understand all the hype.

5. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare: I KNOW. The only thing putting me off is the fact that I need to re-read all of the previous books in the series before I start this one and at the moment I've got so many books to read that this will have to wait for a while!

6. Cinder by Marissa Meyer: I've had this on my Kindle for over a year but I've not got round to reading it yet. I see this book constantly recommended on Instagram so I will definitely read it at some point.

Recommendations from the boyfriend

7. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin: I started the first book last month and while it has been taking me forever to read, I've been really enjoying it so far (even if I have had to keep a track of all the characters's names on multiple pieces of paper...)!
8. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien: I read the first book/half of The Fellowship of the Ring about a year ago but I never got round to finishing it. I hope I pick this series up again because The Hobbit is one of my favourite books so it would be nice to complete the story!

General recommendations

9. Sarah Dessen's books: I've seen her books talked about everywhere and although I've read two of her books (That Summer and The Truth about Forever) I didn't get on with them very well but I'm determined to persevere!

10. Rainbow Rowell's books: I read Fangirl for the first time last month and fell in love with it so it's no wonder the rest of Rainbow's book are also highly recommended!

Have you read any of these books?

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Book covers from Goodreads