Review of First Impressions by Debra White Smith

 

I know it's been a few days, but I started work again last week (I'm a teacher), and so my free time drastically diminished. Plus I finally got around to watching Bridgerton on Netflix. Have you seen that series yet? Wow! You can probably guess where my free time went☺ I read the series by Julia Quinn a year or two ago and really enjoyed it. I thought the Netflix series was beautifully shot and the characters really came to life. It was a perfect escape series. If you enjoy period pieces and romances, check it out! Just don't watch it with any kids around😆

I was really excited to read this "Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice." Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, and I can never seem to get enough versions of her work. However, I just don't think this was a good time for me to read this one. I struggled with getting through it. I just don't think it was the right book for me right now. 

Overall the story is Pride and Prejudice set in a small town in Texas. Elizabeth is a small town lawyer named Eddi, and Darcy is a rich guy named Dave, who created the equivalent of Google. The town that both live in (named London) is putting on the play version of Pride and Prejudice. I think this might have been the part that bothered me the most was that they were practicing for the play, but couldn't see the similarities in their own lives. 

The author, Debra White Smith, really tried to stick to the plot of Pride and Prejudice, just with modern instances and events. Overall she did a nice job, but I had trouble with the Mr. Collins aspect. In this version, he is Collin, Eddi's third cousin. Yep, you read that right. Third Cousin! Apparently, Eddi's mom tries to set her up with her third cousin, which I guess isn't illegal in Texas (This tidbit is mentioned several times in the book). I guess it really gets the ick factor of the character of Mr. Collins across. I know the cousin thing was popular back in the day, but it was just tough seeing it in a modern setting.

The story is cute and comfortable, just like it should be for anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice. The story does have a strong religious focus which I was not expecting. If I would have researched the author, I would have seen that she is a Christian speaker and author. It felt a little too heavy and forced at times to me, but others may not feel that same way. 

This book was not a coffee needed book for me as I had troubles finishing it. Again, I just don't think this was the right book for me at this time. A cute story, but just not one that made me want to keep reading.

My next e-reader book is One by One by Ruth Ware. I have read almost all of her books and loved them, so I expect nothing less from this one. 

Have you read anything good recently? Any books that required lots of cups of coffee the next day? If so, let me know in the comments. I always love discovering new books!