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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated In Good Company (A Class of Their Own, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
In Good Company is a witty romance filled with people that are sure to capture your heart. Embark on this journey and find yourself immersed into the society of Newport, Rhode Island.
The summer season of 1882 is about to begin and Everett Mulberry has found himself without a nanny for his wards, again. Millie Longfellow has once again been dismissed from her position as a nanny. Neither Everett or Millie are thrilled when the employment agency places Millie in Everett's services. But this is the last hope for both of them. Millie's unique behavior as a nanny is frowned upon by many, however her unorthodox ways might be just what these children need. Everett's goal of holding a powerful position among the upper class of society appears to be within reach. But as events begin to unfold regarding the untimely death of the children's parents, he is severely tested. Will he hold on to his position and snobbery? Or will he let the children, and Millie, soften his heart?
"I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon." - Millie Longfellow
Jen Turano is one of the most brilliant authors that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I had to spend this last week in the hospital with my son, and I am so very thankful that I chose to read this book while I was there (He is doing better and we are home now). I laughed out loud so many times. Millie and Everett's story was good for my spirit and my sanity. In Good Company is a beautiful combination of The Sound of Music and Pride and Prejudice, two of my favorite stories. Jen does a wonderful job of depicting the prejudice between the social classes of the time. The prejudice and the snobbery is heartbreaking. But, the story breaks all of those barriers and it is thrilling to witness. Get ready for a grand adventure full of mischief, romance and a few peacocks!
Although this book can stand alone, I highly recommend reading After a Fashion, the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of In Good Company from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The summer season of 1882 is about to begin and Everett Mulberry has found himself without a nanny for his wards, again. Millie Longfellow has once again been dismissed from her position as a nanny. Neither Everett or Millie are thrilled when the employment agency places Millie in Everett's services. But this is the last hope for both of them. Millie's unique behavior as a nanny is frowned upon by many, however her unorthodox ways might be just what these children need. Everett's goal of holding a powerful position among the upper class of society appears to be within reach. But as events begin to unfold regarding the untimely death of the children's parents, he is severely tested. Will he hold on to his position and snobbery? Or will he let the children, and Millie, soften his heart?
"I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon." - Millie Longfellow
Jen Turano is one of the most brilliant authors that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I had to spend this last week in the hospital with my son, and I am so very thankful that I chose to read this book while I was there (He is doing better and we are home now). I laughed out loud so many times. Millie and Everett's story was good for my spirit and my sanity. In Good Company is a beautiful combination of The Sound of Music and Pride and Prejudice, two of my favorite stories. Jen does a wonderful job of depicting the prejudice between the social classes of the time. The prejudice and the snobbery is heartbreaking. But, the story breaks all of those barriers and it is thrilling to witness. Get ready for a grand adventure full of mischief, romance and a few peacocks!
Although this book can stand alone, I highly recommend reading After a Fashion, the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of In Good Company from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Jane Austen's Letters
Book
Jane Austen's letters afford a unique insight into the daily life of the novelist: intimate and...
SC
Satire, Celebrity, and Politics in Jane Austen
Book
In Satire, Celebrity, and Politics in Jane Austen, Jocelyn Harris argues that Jane Austen was a...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) in Movies
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 30, 2020)
Pride and Prejudice. Zombies. That's it pretty much!
The book was released a fair while back now, and it's a shame that a film adaption took so long to materialise - by 2016, countless 'quirky' zombie movies in a similar vain had saturated the market, and what we're presented with is a film that tries reasonably hard to be something 'out there' but ultimately feels uninspired.
The main issue I found with PPZ was the actual zombie side of things! The zombies themselves looked great, the make up used is gruesome and effective, but the scenes of horror are seldom, and just quite boring. The final act sees a massive horde introduced into the narrative, but said horde probably gets less than two minutes screen time.
The actual Pride and Prejudice side of things felt way more fun.
The cast is pretty strong, even if a few of the characters are insufferable. Lily James is a great lead as Elizabeth Bennet. Her and her sisters make for a strong band of kick-ass zombie slayers. Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy took a (really) long time to win me over, but I actually ended up enjoying him as well.
Lena Headey is entertaining as a badass eyepatched version of Lady Catherine, and it's clear in moments like this that PPZ is just a bit of fun horror comedy fluff that shouldn't be taken too seriously.
The undisputed highlight of the cast is Matt Smith though. His comedic timing is on point and got a few genuine laughs out of me.
Another thing I found frustrating is the story that we weren't being told...the film opens with an animated story book style flashback of how the zombie apocalypse came to be, and what happened in the ensuing chaos. Even the soothing tones of Charles Dance can't distract me from the fact that this exposition dump sounds like a far more interesting story!
Couple that with the fact that we only get glimpses in the distance of a zombie infested flaming London completely surrounded by a massive concrete wall, and you can't help but feel that the film is a bit of a missed opportunity.
Oh well - here's hoping we get a Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters adaption somewhere down the line!
The book was released a fair while back now, and it's a shame that a film adaption took so long to materialise - by 2016, countless 'quirky' zombie movies in a similar vain had saturated the market, and what we're presented with is a film that tries reasonably hard to be something 'out there' but ultimately feels uninspired.
The main issue I found with PPZ was the actual zombie side of things! The zombies themselves looked great, the make up used is gruesome and effective, but the scenes of horror are seldom, and just quite boring. The final act sees a massive horde introduced into the narrative, but said horde probably gets less than two minutes screen time.
The actual Pride and Prejudice side of things felt way more fun.
The cast is pretty strong, even if a few of the characters are insufferable. Lily James is a great lead as Elizabeth Bennet. Her and her sisters make for a strong band of kick-ass zombie slayers. Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy took a (really) long time to win me over, but I actually ended up enjoying him as well.
Lena Headey is entertaining as a badass eyepatched version of Lady Catherine, and it's clear in moments like this that PPZ is just a bit of fun horror comedy fluff that shouldn't be taken too seriously.
The undisputed highlight of the cast is Matt Smith though. His comedic timing is on point and got a few genuine laughs out of me.
Another thing I found frustrating is the story that we weren't being told...the film opens with an animated story book style flashback of how the zombie apocalypse came to be, and what happened in the ensuing chaos. Even the soothing tones of Charles Dance can't distract me from the fact that this exposition dump sounds like a far more interesting story!
Couple that with the fact that we only get glimpses in the distance of a zombie infested flaming London completely surrounded by a massive concrete wall, and you can't help but feel that the film is a bit of a missed opportunity.
Oh well - here's hoping we get a Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters adaption somewhere down the line!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Pudge & Prejudice in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Do you like Pride and Prejudice? Well, I have a love/hate relationship with the story as I love Darcy but want to clobber him at the same time! However, this retelling of the story… is extraordinary. From the first chapter, I was fascinated by Elyse and the way Allison Pittman immersed me in her story. Elyse and Billy Fitz (how cool are their names?!) played off each other so well, I loved their conversations, the letter passing in class, and how both cared so much about the people around them. Allison Pittman also did a great job telling interweaving themes that are so prevalent and realistic into the characters’ thoughts and actions, such as body positivity and being careful who your friends are. Elyse’s older sister Jayne, and Billy’s best friend Charlie, plus the other beloved characters’ help make this story truly unique and engaging.
I loved the setting (Northenfield, TX), the 1980s drama, and the emphasis on music. Plus, all the 1980s references throughout the story helped to shape thing into a funny, realistic, and heart touching retelling of the original. Yet, it stands out as one of the most memorable renditions of Jane Austen’s works, that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was also interesting to see how Allison Pittman took the 1800s classic and evolved it into a new classic.
Overall, I think any age group would enjoy this book especially if you enjoyed the original. I know it will be going down as one of my favorite stories this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
IF Y’ALL LOVE ’80S MUSIC BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PLAY LIST THAT JENN FROM<a href="https://thatswhatshesreading.com/2021/02/05/pudge-and-prejudice-book-review/">THAT’S WHAT SHE’S READING</a> PUT TOGETHER!
I loved the setting (Northenfield, TX), the 1980s drama, and the emphasis on music. Plus, all the 1980s references throughout the story helped to shape thing into a funny, realistic, and heart touching retelling of the original. Yet, it stands out as one of the most memorable renditions of Jane Austen’s works, that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was also interesting to see how Allison Pittman took the 1800s classic and evolved it into a new classic.
Overall, I think any age group would enjoy this book especially if you enjoyed the original. I know it will be going down as one of my favorite stories this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
IF Y’ALL LOVE ’80S MUSIC BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PLAY LIST THAT JENN FROM<a href="https://thatswhatshesreading.com/2021/02/05/pudge-and-prejudice-book-review/">THAT’S WHAT SHE’S READING</a> PUT TOGETHER!
Me and Mr. Darcy
6.7
Rate It
Book
Dreams come true in this hilarious, feel-good fairy tale about life, love, and dating literature’s...
Awix (3310 KP) rated The War of the Worlds in TV
Dec 2, 2019
Grisly non-adaptation of the immortal H.G. Wells story retains the same basic premise and the very occasional moment, but essentially scoops out the innards of the actual novel and replaces them with indescribably turgid attempts to (I would guess) update the story and make it relevant to the modern world.
Part of a grim tradition where BBC attempts to adapt SF, fantasy and horror classics operate to different standards than when they are tackling Austen or Dickens. If the team who perpetrated War of the Worlds got their hands on Pride and Prejudice, it would end up being a lesbian romance between the Bennets' maid and one of the minor daughters, performed on ice, with a frame story concerning the Boer war. It's not just that it does the book badly, it genuinely doesn't seem interested in it at all. Someone gets a leaden, clumsy speech articulating the subtext of the novel (how to adapt a great book for the hard-of-thinking) but as to what this version of the story is supposed to be about or why we should care at all... It takes real skill and determination to screw up a classic piece of literature quite this badly.
Part of a grim tradition where BBC attempts to adapt SF, fantasy and horror classics operate to different standards than when they are tackling Austen or Dickens. If the team who perpetrated War of the Worlds got their hands on Pride and Prejudice, it would end up being a lesbian romance between the Bennets' maid and one of the minor daughters, performed on ice, with a frame story concerning the Boer war. It's not just that it does the book badly, it genuinely doesn't seem interested in it at all. Someone gets a leaden, clumsy speech articulating the subtext of the novel (how to adapt a great book for the hard-of-thinking) but as to what this version of the story is supposed to be about or why we should care at all... It takes real skill and determination to screw up a classic piece of literature quite this badly.
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Mr Collins in Love in Books
Aug 1, 2025
MR COLLINS IN LOVE is a genteel story that begins a few months before the better-known story of Pride and Prejudice. In here, we learn more about Mr Collins and his patroness, Lady Catherine. He is not one of the nicest characters in P&P, so I was a little dubious about reading this.
I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!
Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2025
I'm happy to say I was wrong! Lee Welch has written his character in a way that makes you sympathise with him. He is basically cast adrift in a world he doesn't fully understand. The insinuation that he is on the spectrum comes across loud and clear, and trust me, it does make sense!
Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and his childhood friend, Jem, are both there to help him find his way and give him the life he needs. It's not exactly a romance, so don't expect too much. Instead, it shows a deep and tender love that Mr Collins is not even aware of, even though he fears its loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2025
Merissa (13149 KP) rated Pulse and Prejudice (The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
As a long-term lover of the classics, Pride & Prejudice in particular, I wondered what I would get with this book. Would I love it or loathe it? Would it stay true to the original or go completely farcical?
What I got was a book that thrilled me with the story just as much as the original did. The language is true to form, the behaviour, the attitudes, it's all there. Only now add in the spice of an even more haughty and sultry Mr Darcy as he tries to contend with his vampiric nature.
Trust me when I say that this paranormal addition actually added something for me, it certainly didn't take anything away from the story. I devoured this book, only putting it down when I absolutely had to. If you like Paranormal and also the British Classics, then I really can't recommend this highly enough. It combines the two with excellent narrative, skill and aplomb. Highly Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 18, 2015
What I got was a book that thrilled me with the story just as much as the original did. The language is true to form, the behaviour, the attitudes, it's all there. Only now add in the spice of an even more haughty and sultry Mr Darcy as he tries to contend with his vampiric nature.
Trust me when I say that this paranormal addition actually added something for me, it certainly didn't take anything away from the story. I devoured this book, only putting it down when I absolutely had to. If you like Paranormal and also the British Classics, then I really can't recommend this highly enough. It combines the two with excellent narrative, skill and aplomb. Highly Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 18, 2015
The Jane Austen Collection
Joanna Lumley, Jane Austen, Belinda Lang and Anna Massey
Book
Pride and Prejudice - An elegant tableau revolving around the five Bennett daughters, including...