BOOK REVIEW: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Midnight in Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Publication: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: Romance
Pages: 288

SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)

Charlotte Kinder is in need of true escape when she heads from Ohio to Pembrook Park, a Jane Austen-themed retreat in the British countryside. But as it turns out, this vacation is no time to relax. Hearts are racing and stomachs fluttering in a tangle of intrigues-real and pretend, sinister and romantic-increasingly tough to sort out. It’s midnight in Austenland, and Charlotte is about to prove herself a heroine worthy of Austen herself.

REVIEW:

I recently watched a movie called Austenland.  I absolutely loved the movie.  Then I discovered that it was a book as well.  I promptly bought that book and read it.  I loved the book as well.  I discovered that there was a second book in the series and I made a mental note to eventually read it.   Humorously enough, my parents bought it for me for Christmas so I was able to read it.  I couldn’t wait to start it!

Charlotte’s world has crashed around her.  Her husband has been cheating on her and they got a divorce.  She decides to take a trip.  The travel agent suggested a trip to Austenland.  A Regency Era dress up vacation place in England.    Charlotte decides to do that and the events that occur after she gets there change her completely.   This book was pretty good.  I really enjoyed the mystery that was in the book as well.  I have already told my Mom that she needs to read this book as well.   I did give it 4 stars because it did feel like the exact same story from the first book just with a slight twist.  However, it wasn’t enough for me to completely hate the book.  I was glad to see that many of the same characters from the first book once again in the second book.  The author also expanded on some of their backstories which was wonderful.

I really liked the murder mystery twist.  It was a surprise twist for me.  I thought it would be like the first book.  I enjoyed watching Charlotte come out of her shell and realize that her life really wasn’t over.  I cheered her on as she found love once again.  I giggled when she hired a PI to follow her daughter’s boyfriend to see what he was doing.  I cheered her on as she finally put her foot down at the end of the book against her ex-husband.  That was a long time coming and I am so glad that she finally took a stand.  I really hope that they make this book into a movie, I can see most of the actors coming back to play their characters again.  I will certainly be checking out more books by this author.  I see she has a few more out.  

STAR RATING: 4/5

Pick up your copy of Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or check your local bookstore. Also make sure to add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author when you are finished. Check out more from author Shannon Hale on her website HERE.

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