Book Review-
Description:
“Young Analise Marshell has always felt like she straddles two worlds, like Jane Austen’s Fanny Price. Yet, near Thanksgiving, she faces the fact she might soon not belong anywhere at all.
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park.
Originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving novella collection.”
Personal Thoughts:
This book is a dear old friend. I found it several years ago and then binge read through several of the author’s series, but this book is my favorite. I used to reread it every few months, but as I have read more books, I must admit that I forgot about this one until I started planning my Fall TBR and Recommended Reading lists. I reread it last night, so that I could do this review, and it was like I never stopped rereading it. I can’t put into words how much this book means to me.
It is sort of a Mansfield Park retelling, and super clean. Analise’s greatest struggle is getting her words and her feelings of not belonging.
It is part of a standalone series, all of which are on kindle unlimited.
The characters are so well written. I have always related with Analise’s personality a bit and struggle to get her words out. The author is great at showing differnt personalities, and using Mansflied Park as a guide.
Christianity- This is a Christian book. There is not a large amount of faith content, but she talks about God, prays to Him, reads the Bible, and listens to a Christan podcast, and God is a huge part of her life.
Profanity- No profanity. This makes me so happy, because I have noticed lately that even in clean books (I am talking to you, fantasy) that while they don’t cuss, it is written that they do. (example; he cursed). Written, not said. I just don’t think it is necessary. I didn’t realize how much that has been weighing on me lately, until I reread this and it is so refreshing.
Romance- There is light romance, very clean. No kissing, hugging, hand holding, etc.
A character suggests that Analise might set a cap for a boy, and be a “temptation” for two brothers, and the mom replies that they have always known and followed the ground rules. Analise does like one of them (Isaiah), but doesn’t want to cause problems.
Spoiler–
In the end, Isaiah, one of the brothers, admits that he likes her, and they agree to wait to date until he finishes college.
***
Violence- There is some violence. Analise’s parents fight and that affects her perspective about herself and the world in a lot of ways.
Positive messages- Depending on God and not others. Standing up for yourself.
I recommend this for 14+.
My personal rating is 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐