First Impressions

I purchased the first two books in the Jane Austen Series: "First Impressions" and "Reason and Romance" and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Number One in this new series is based on the Jane Austen novel, "Pride and Prejudice", and the second book is based on "Sense and Sensibility". One of my favorite books is "Pride and Prejudice", so I was excited to read a book with the same theme, yet written in a contemporary setting. "First Impressions" is a humorous and refreshing book that teaches the same lessons as "Pride and Prejudice", yet readers can learn so much more from the depth of character and portrayal of characters from Ms. Smith's book. But most importantly this book is Christian, you do not have to worry about bad language, or graphic descriptions of sin. Ms. Smith honors the Lord with her writing, and I hope she writes more in this series! May you be as blessed by this book as I was.

When Eddi and Dave first meet, it is instant dislike between the two. Both rub each other wrong and despite a minor attraction for the other, both will do their best to keep their distance. However, circumstances throw them together when Eddi and Dave volunteer for an reenactment of the play `Pride and Prejudice' their town is putting on. Because of their mutual stubbornness preventing either from withdrawing, they find themselves having to work together as Eddi is given the part Elizabeth and Dave the part of Mr. Darcy. First Impressions, a modern retelling of Jane Austin's classic novel 'Pride and Prejudice', is the first book in The Austin Series by Debra White Smith. While I love them all so far, this one is absolute favorite. She captured exactly how I imagine the story would have gone if it truly had been written in this period of history instead.

This book was so hard for me to put down. I enjoyed it so much. It is my favorite Pride and Prejudice modern adaption, better than Vanity and Vexation and Bridge Jones's Diary. I will issue a copule of warnings for those of you, who might not enjoy this book to the extent I did. I could rant and rave about it all day, but I figured this might be more helpful! 1. Not in Jane Austen's style of writing 2. The story is very close to the book, but not exact 3. There are three Bennet sisters (Jane, Elizabeth and Lydia) 4. The names of the characters are different but similar to their originals (i.e. Elizabeth Bennet and Eddi Boswick) 5. A lot of religious undertones 6. The events that happen in the original P & P are slightly altered becuase the time periods are different. (i.e. Mr. Darcy uses email instead of writing letters and Lydia doesn't go to Brighton she goes to Hawaii) Now if you can get past all that, you will enjoy the book and not be able to put it down. Eddi Boswick (Lizzy) is such a strong character, there is so much to love and admire about her. She is a laywer. The verbal sparing that goes on between her and Dave (Darcy) is so amusing. You will feel the heat, the passion, the hatred, and the attraction. The Scenario: In a small town called London, TX lives a single lawyer(Eddi) who decides to particapte in a re-enactment of one of her favorite novels, Pride and Prejudice. She doesn't care to much for her co-star, yet she finds him so attractive. She spends half the time trying to figure him out and the other half insulting him, avoiding him, and despising him. Little does she know he is struggling too, he tries not to think about her yet he does. He misses her when she is gone, yet he enjoys prvoking her. Eddi's sister, Lydia gets into some trouble and you will be suprised by who got her in trouble and who will get her out of trouble. Such exciting twists and turns!

I have just begun to explore Jane Austen's work and Debra White Smith's new book First Impressions held my attention, I couldn't put it down! The author develops each character with parallel plots set in modern day time. Just a great read! Can't wait for the next in the series!

I am a fan of Debra White Smith and thought this book was awesome. I've read Jane Austin's books -- I'm a fan of her writing but I found this modern version of Debra Smiths to be a refreshing look at a classic. I think she is a wonderful author and just because someone wants to pick on petty things does change what I think about her. She has a God given talent and I think she's putting it to great work! Keep writing like you are Debra -- there are a lot of people praying for you and backing your ministry! God Bless!!