Review: Austenland By: Shannon Hale

Austenland by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, let me start with the dedication, "For Colin Firth You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends" --- I am now hook, line, and sinker. Is it something in the air, the Autumn sneaking up and my need to curl up with Mr Darcy that has radar choosing such wonderful books and sneaking Bridget Jones on a weeknight.
I am writing with a grin that will stay upon my face for the next few days, Austenland was simply wonderful. Jane Hayes has been given a gift of sorts. When her great aunt Carolyn passes away, Jane is bequeathed the vacation of a lifetime - three weeks in an exclusive resort that lives and breathes the era of Austen complete with wardrobe, actors, and set in the country as Pembrook Park.
Jane has had the fantasy most women have gotten caught up in, of THE Mr Darcy (especially Colin Firth as he exits the water in his wet shirt) but has not been happily set in any relationship, refusing to settle. Her aunt's wisdom of sending her somewhere to immerse her and make her want to run the other way, might just do the trick.
Enter an amazing secondary cast, filled with unforgettable characters, enter a gardener, Martin, and a gentleman, Mr Nobly and let the revelations come. Being at Pembrook is not all it is cracked to be and as Jane tries to enjoy it there is a part that loses herself in the sitting room, the garden walks, the ball and the other part that knows this is not real, a fantasy, and that the people around her are nothing more than actors saying their lines, playing their parts...aren't they?
You will not be disappointed in this book. Now I am waiting for the bookstore to open so I can run in and get another novel written by Ms. Hale

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