Friday, April 10

Turn the Page Tuesday and a Giveaway

This is a sticky post and will remain at the top until Friday April 10th when the drawing will take place. For recent posts, please scroll down.
Adrienne over at Some of a Kind is hosting Turn the Page...Tuesday, a book review/recommendation on the first Tuesday of the month. I found this at Paula's blog and since I often write book reviews, I thought I'd take part.


I read this book last fall and have been meaning to do a review of it. I enjoy Nancy Moser's books about women of history. The first book I read of hers was Mozart's Sister. When I saw Just Jane on sale at the local pharmacy, I just had to have it.

The name Jane Austen is well known in the literary world. Jane's life has always been the subject of curiosity for those who love her works. Now, author, Nancy Moser, brings Jane alive in her book, Just Jane.

Just Jane is narrated in the first person by Jane herself. Moser had brought Jane to life to tell her story as it has never been told before. The book begins with Jane almost engaged to an Irishman, Tom Lefoy. She has a work in progress titled First Impressions. The world will come to know it as Pride and Prejudice.

Jane spends her time writing, playing the piano, and visiting friends and family throughout their section of England. Other prospects do come along for Jane, but the possibility of marriage is either disrupted or refused. Jane is presented as being strong, stubborn and immature as well as loving, passionate, and rooted. She experiences loss, change in status, and defining moments in her adult life. As Jane ages, her focus shifts from finding a husband to finding a way to publish her books. In this way, her identity slowly develops.

Her narration is journal-like, reflective and descriptive. The story moves along through the letters that Jane writes and receives telling her news and gossip. Even the worst tragedies do not linger with her nor effect her in the long run until the death of her father comes. Then, Jane’s now widowed mother must be supported with help from Jane’s brothers to sustain a modest lifestyle for she and her two spinster daughters, forcing Jane to see that her stubborn refusal to marry has made her a burden in life.

As a writer, Jane does everything a writer is not supposed to do. She writes only when in an ideal mood. She takes rejection personally, and she dwells on the opinions of her readers. However, in managing her writing career her own way, she finds the modest success, personal fulfillment, and financial aid needed to fulfill her purpose in life.

Author Nancy Moser has done her research, using actual letters received and sent by Jane Austen. The book is well written, well researched and one that I throughly enjoyed reading.

Since I am nearing my 600th post, I am going to give my copy of this book to one lucky person. Just leave a comment and your name will be entered into a draw to win. The deadline for the drawing will be Friday April 10th at 8pm EST. I will announce the winner that evening or on Saturday. Be sure to tell others about the giveaway so they can drop by and enter. ~Blessings, Mary~

38 comments:

  1. It sounds like a really good book. I like Jane Austen so this would be interesting. Thanks for doing a give away!

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  2. Love to read about Jane the writer!
    Count me in!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. You are amazing girl friend... I love your review and it makes me want to read the book just because of your review....... Praying that you are well as well as your Mom sweet Hubby and of course the Boys!

    Have a blessed Wednesday.....

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  4. oooh Mary this is a fantastic giveaway, I am a BIG Jane Austen fan, would you post overseas?

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  5. I have been enjoying your blog.

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  6. Sounds like a very interesting book I would love to read..

    Oh yeah, I'd like to know how to do a sticky post? Is it complicated?

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  7. How fascinating it would be to read the life story of Jane Austen! Having read some of her books, I know that she was an excellent author but I've never really known anything about her personally. Hmmmm...maybe one day you'll be a famous writer and I'll be able to say "I knew her personally"!!!! hehe xoxo

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  8. Thanks for the give away. It sounds just like the kind of book I would love to read. You did a wonderful review.

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  9. Hello Mary
    This sounds like a really intersting book - must have a look in my library but possibly its a bit early for that.
    Anyway you say the author has done loads of research so I take it the book is biographical - has there been any embelishment to make it fictional as well?
    Take care
    Cathy

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  10. I'm putting this one on my list...thanks Mary ;D

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  11. I read something like this ... I don't this it was this book but a similar one. It was wonderful!

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  12. I had not heard of that author, thank you. When in grade school I read all the books of that type they had. I liked learning about others lives, now I can do it with a blog. Thank you for sharing with us, hope I win!!

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  13. That sounds like it would be a truly fascinating book to read. Great review, Mary.

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  14. Thank you for introducing me to a new book and writer. I'll be putting this book on my to-read list.

    I found you via the Turn a page Tuesday group. Looks like many of us are interested in historical works.

    I just found a Jan Austen at the Goodwill last week. Always on the lookout....

    Have a blessed Easter. He is risen indeed!

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  15. This does sound like a good book.

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  16. Great review... the book sounds awesome. What fun!

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  17. Sounds wonderful...please count me in....

    Hope your week is going well

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  18. I would love to read this book. Count me in!

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  19. Mimi would love this book. I am forever searching for good books for her to read. When I went to the thrift shop, I found a good hardback for 2.50 and she has really been enjoying it. I read them after she is through. Peace

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  20. I LOVE Jane Austen!Sounds like a great book!Great review!Count me in.Blessings from Oregon~Sharon

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  21. Great book. I hope you have a wonderful Easter Weekend!

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  22. Sounds like a good book....I have in the past been interested in the life of Jane.
    I have seen a movie or two about her life...oh to be able to write like her!

    Hope you are doing well....I will be back soon and it will be nice to be able to catch up.
    Have a great Resurrection Sunday.

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  23. Sounds so good-would love to read it!

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  24. Nice review, sounds like a good book!
    I like the Jane Austin movies.

    Katherine

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  25. I'd love to read this. Thanks!

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  26. Sounds like a great entertaining book! I would love to win!

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  27. This book sounds very interesting!!

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Oh, this looks like a great book--thanks for the chance!

    Emilie
    emvark at gmail dot com

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  29. Mary,
    Wanted to pop by to wish you many Easter blessings! have a wonderful day! Lori

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  30. I loved the reviewed. Wanted to wish you a Blessed Easter...m

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  31. Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for doing this.

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  32. Sounds like a great book!
    Thanks!

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  33. This sounds like a great book! And you have given it such a great review, too! A nice Giveaway, Mary!

    ((( HUGS )))

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  34. Oh..that would be great.. I LOVE to read.. all kinds of stories.

    Love you.Deena

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  35. It's 8:03 EST and THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you to all who participated. The winner will be announced either later tonight or tomorrow.

    Blessings and a very Happy Easter to all. Mary

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  36. Well I missed the deadline by 20 minutes but I did enjoy your review of the book! :o) You have such an interesting way of telling us about these books, makes me want to go right out and buy it!

    Have a wonderful Easter Mary! xoxox

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