Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson
Instead of being shuffled off by an impoverished family, Finley Price is living with her godparents after her famous actor father died in a car crash and her mother took her disappointment out on Fin under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The Bertrams have been kind to her, and her old brother Liam, but she is understandably damaged and never wants to take their kindness for granted. She continually pushes aside her own goals and wishes for the sake of others. Like the application for Mansfield Theater’s summer program that’s been sitting on her desk forever, which she keeps putting off completely filling out because she lacks confidence in her own skills and is afraid to ask her Uncle Thomas if she can apply. It seems like too much to ask of him when he’s already done so much for her. Oliver thinks differently. Oliver is the middle Bertram child and her best friend. Oliver wishes Fin would stick up for herself more and realize her potential. But Fin doesn’t let many see her real self. She’s too insecure and damaged. Fin is most herself when with Oliver or Liam. She’s also comfortable with Mrs Bertram, and Fin often cares for her when her fibromyalgia flares up. Ok, she’s also comfortable with Oliver’s older brother, Tate, a sarcastic flirt who is supposed to be part of the family law firm but is only just keeping his gambling and partying out of his dad’s notice, but he’s hardly ever around. The youngest Bertram, Juliette, barely acknowledges Fin. Juliette is dating the son of Senator Rushworth, baseball star Raleigh Rushworth, and Finley isn’t sure if it’s just for the popularity or if Juliette actually cares somewhat for Raleigh. The Bertrams’ lives are forever changed when famous movie stars Harlan and Emma Crawford arrive to stay with their Aunt and Uncle Grant next door. Fin is convinced Harlan is a shallow, selfish jerk, but then he starts to surprise her. Oliver falls for Emma despite himself, and possibly to make himself not think about Finley romantically. The Crawfords arrival certainly shakes up all of the Bertrams’ lives. The summer starts to take shape in ways different from what anyone envisioned. But there’s nothing like a series of crises to help everyone see each other and their relationships more clearly.
Why you should go snatch up a copy of this when it comes out May 16:
- Of all Austen's works Mansfield Park has probably had some of the worst rewrites (especially in movie form), but this one was fantastic. A great homage to Austen's original work.
- In fact – dare I say it – I think Watson maybe improved on Austen’s original tale. (No wait, I like the original too! No offense to Austen at all!) It's just that Fanny's insecurities are more relatable with the background Watson gives her, Mrs. Bertram is more likable as a fibromyalgia sufferer instead of laudanum fogged ditz, Uncle Thomas' business issues are more palatable, and even the Crawfords may be a bit more likable (though they still have their definite issues).
- Watson worked the play part of the plot in a little differently, but still just as poignantly to the plot, and in a way the theater crowd will enjoy. (Lots of theater stuff, drama debates, movie quotes/facts, etc.)
- Even though I knew how the original love story played out and how this one was likely to play out, Watson still managed to make me feel highs and lows with Finley and Oliver. It was artfully done, and a great homage to Austen.
- Fun, clean, cute contemporary romance.
- Great pick for Austen fans, theater buffs, and contemporary romance fans.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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