Austentatious

“In the end the real question is: What would happen if we were to throw away caution and good sense and choose instead to enjoy a moment—albeit a delectable one—in time? Author Alyssa Goodnight co-opts Jane Austen, morphing her into a love-centric Dear Abby and answering this question with an ultra contemporary story—while tossing in a bit of magic to help move the tale along.”

Miss Nicola James has a plan. As a no nonesense, list-making, extremely practical individual she has everything in order to arrive where she wants to be in life—except in the ever dreaded love department.

But even that is okay; she is willing to wait for “Mr. Right” while she focuses on her career, her new home, and managing her 401k. Then a certain journal interferes with her plans, and in steps a mysterious advisor in the love department.

But to begin to really understand Austentatious, one must agree to suspend disbelief. Imagine writing in a newly purchased—but clearly antique journal—only to find out that it magically writes back. And not only does it answer you with succinct tidbits of good advice, it also offers options and alternatives regarding your romantic future—ones you might never have otherwise considered.

At times it might even be foretelling events yet to occur. And who might be dishing out all this love chatter? None other than the all-knowing Jane Austen herself!

So what’s a girl to do? Go for the sensible crush she has been secretly harboring on someone at her office? Or at the advice of Miss Austen, take a chance on the lead singer of a marginally well-known band—one who just happens to kiss like heaven incarnate?

Nicola James would normally not indulge herself in any way—especially with a foray into the dark side of dating or by engaging in irresponsible behavior with a man lacking a five-year plan. But Fairy Godmother Jane might have other plans for her—and Miss Austen almost always gets what she wants.

Janeites and chick lit fans alike will enjoy this wonderful romp into modern day romance with the ideal Miss Matchmaker from the past leading the way.

While saucy and humorous, Austentatious might leave some readers wishing for faster pacing; and Austen lovers may long for a bit more Dear Jane between the pages of Ms. Goodnight’s debut. But overall, Austentatious is good, clean fun.

In the end the real question is: What would happen if we were to throw away caution and good sense and choose instead to enjoy a moment—albeit a delectable one—in time? Author Alyssa Goodnight co-opts Jane Austen, morphing her into a love-centric Dear Abby and answering this question with an ultra contemporary story—while tossing in a bit of magic to help move the tale along.