Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits

by Mary Jane Hathaway

What happens when you mix Jane Austen, the Civil War, and academia? You get the first novel in a series: Jane Austen Takes the South.

Briefly: Shelby Roswell is a Civil War historian with tenure on her mind. She's young and ambitious and just encountered her first obstacle--a bad review of her new book.

The famous historian who panned Shelby's book is none other than Ransom Fielding, the historian headed to Shelby's college for his sabbatical. Will he find peace when Shelby's still hoppin' mad about that book review?

A series of misunderstandings and the usual elements of pride and prejudice ensue.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. The basic premise is fine; the execution is not. I didn't realize it at the time, but it appears that I chose a Christian fiction book to read. The author's "Christian" elements are awkward and unnecessary. The story would be just fine without them.

It was a quick read and a different twist on Austen, but I just kept wishing that the writing had been better.

11/20/14