Review: Austensibly Ordinary by Alyssa Goodnight (review)

Austensibly Ordinary
written by Alyssa Goodnight
published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

find it here: Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Book Depository, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I loved Ms. Goodnight’s first book, Austentatious (see my review here), and I couldn’t wait to read this one.

Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book, not quite as much as Austentatious,  but I did enjoy it. I read it every free chance I had.

The characters in Austensibly Ordinary are wonderful. My favorite was Ethan. I loved him. He was funny and smart yet mysterious. Cate was nice but a bit off for me. I didn’t love her. I wish she had just accepted some things instead of constantly pushing for answers, especially with Ethan. I loved how he revealed some information to her though. Totally him and totally great! Her alter-ego was fun and daring but the turnout of those events kind of sucked for her. She made me laugh. Cate’s mom was a trip. I loved the scene on the picnic table. Total LOL moment.

The ending surprised me. At first I didn’t see where the overall story line – the diary and how the main character finds it – was going to play out. I originally thought this was  a continuation of Austentatious, but I was wrong. It is almost like a prequel. I’m anxious to read the next book in this series. At least, I hope there are more books in this series.

Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book, especially if you have read Austentatious.

Will I read it again: I probably won’t. But you never know!

About the book – from Goodreads: Steamy, funky, and thoroughly modern, Austin, Texas isn’t much like the gardened country estates of Jane Austen’s work. But there might be a few similarities in its inhabitants…

Cate Kendall is no stranger to daydreams of brooding men and fancy parties—after all, she teaches one of her beloved Jane Austen novels in her English classes every year. But as for romance or adventure in her own life, the highlight of most weeks is Scrabble with her cute coworker, Ethan, and he draws the line at witty banter. But Cate is ready for a change. When she finds a mysterious journal that seems to have a link to the soul of the great Jane Austen herself, she knows it’s her chance. And she grabs on with both hands…

Before she knows it, Cate has invented an alter ego with an attitude, attended some seriously chic soirees, and gotten tangled up with a delicious mystery man. And she’s uncovered enough unexpected secrets about Ethan that her Scrabble partner has taken to brooding looks and unfathomable silences. It’s a positively Austenite predicament, and Cate is sure she’ll land in hot water and heartbreak—but maybe not with Jane herself to guide her…

Happy reading wherever you are and whenever you get a free chance!!!