First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen - Hardcover

Lovett, Charlie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0525427244 ISBN 13: 9780525427247

Publisher: Viking Pr, 2014

Synopsis

A thrilling literary mystery costarring Jane Austen from the""New York Times"" bestselling author of""The Bookman s Tale
""Charlie Lovett's newest book"""The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge"""is now available from Viking
Book lover and Austen enthusiast Sophie Collingwood has recently taken a job at an antiquarian bookshop in London when two different customersrequest a copy of the same obscure book: the second edition of"ALittle Book of Allegories"by Richard Mansfield. Their queries draw Sophieinto a mystery that will cast doubt on the true authorship of"Pride and Prejudice" andultimately threatenSophie s life.
In a dual narrative that alternates between Sophie s quest to uncover the truth while choosing between two suitors and a young Jane Austen s touching friendship withthe aging cleric Richard Mansfield, Lovett weaves a romantic, suspenseful, and utterly compelling novel about love in all its forms and the joys of a life lived in books."

About this title

Review:

"[A] thrilling romance."
--"Woman's Day, ""WD Picks"
"Delightful....Part mystery, part love story, "First Impressions" is a 100 percent thumping good read and a loving homage to one of literature's most beloved authors. Lovett takes readers on a rollicking adventure that cleverly weaves in the best elements of Austen's novels, while also giving life to Austen's own personal history in a satisfying and captivating way. It's a giddy novel that celebrates books and the people who love them as much as it entertains, making it the perfect read for bookworms and Janeites alike."
--"Bookpage"
"A completely captivating and charming book....the author's passion for Jane Austen and his knowledge of printing methods and practices of the 1700s truly make this book a standout. The reader gets a nice adventure story, a little bit of romance and mystery, and a real feel for book collecting and for the author's love of Jane Austen. If it's a love you share, you may well find this book irresistible."
--"Mystery Scene"
"[An] ingenious novel....Ardent fans of Jane Austen and lovers of gripping stories will enjoy following Sophie's pursuit of the truth."
--"Publishers Weekly"
"[An] appealing combination of mystery, romance, and bibliophilism....An absolute must for Austen fans, a pleasure for others."
--"Booklist "
"A delightful read that Janeites will love....[Lovett] adds bookish intrigue to the life of another luminary of English literature."
--"Library Journal"
"Lovett's love of books and libraries once again energizes his storytelling."
--"Kirkus Reviews"
"Charlie Lovett's delightful "First Impressions" weaves together two stories: one about a modern young woman who loves books and the other about the friendship between nineteenth-century novelist Jane Austen and a clergyman. The result is an inventive tale with elements of romance and suspense, wrapped around a bookish mystery that will please lovers of old libraries and Austen fans."
--Deborah Harkness, #1 "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Book of Life"
"Jane Austen, true love, great books, and a literary mystery of epic proportions: Charlie Lovett packs all my favorite things into a thoroughly engaging story that keeps us enthralled to the very last page. Austen herself would adore the counter-point heroine, the bright and delightful Sophie Collingwood. A pure gem."
--Katherine Reay, author of "Dear Mr. Knightley"
"Brimming with charm and intrigue, Charlie Lovett's new novel will leave a lasting impression on lovers of books, literary enigmas, and the eternally fascinating Jane Austen. "First Impressions" spans centuries, but time ceases to exist as Lovett's riveting story begins to unfold."
--Erika Robuck, author of "Hemingway's Girl"
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a reader in want of a marvelous mystery and lovely literary fiction must be in want of "First Impressions." With a deep understanding of Jane Austen and a deft hand at mystery, Lovett strikes the perfect chord between literature and a first rate thriller."
--Craig Johnson, "New York Times "bestselling author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries, the basis of A&E's hit series "Longmire"

"A delightful novel."
--"People"
"[A] thrilling romance."
--"Woman's Day, ""WD Picks"
"Part mystery, part love story, "First Impressions" is a 100 percent thumping good read and a loving homage to one of literature's most beloved authors. Lovett takes readers on a rollicking adventure that cleverly weaves in the best elements of Austen's novels, while also giving life to Austen's own personal history in a satisfying and captivating way. It's a giddy novel that celebrates books and the people who love them as much as it entertains, making it the perfect read for bookworms and Janeites alike."
--"Bookpage"
"A completely captivating and charming book....the author's passion for Jane Austen and his knowledge of printing methods and practices of the 1700s truly make this book a standout. The reader gets a nice adventure story, a little bit of romance and mystery, and a real feel for book collecting and for the author's love of Jane Austen. If it's a love you share, you may well find this book irresistible."
--"Mystery Scene"
"[An] ingenious novel....Ardent fans of Jane Austen and lovers of gripping stories will enjoy following Sophie's pursuit of the truth."
--"Publishers Weekly"
"[An] appealing combination of mystery, romance, and bibliophilism....An absolute must for Austen fans, a pleasure for others."
--"Booklist "
"A delightful read that Janeites will love....[Lovett] adds bookish intrigue to the life of another luminary of English literature."
--"Library Journal"
"Lovett's love of books and libraries once again energizes his storytelling."
--"Kirkus Reviews"
"Charlie Lovett's delightful "First Impressions" weaves together two stories: one about a modern young woman who loves books and the other about the friendship between nineteenth-century novelist Jane Austen and a clergyman. The result is an inventive tale with elements of romance and suspense, wrapped around a bookish mystery that will please lovers of old libraries and Austen fans."
--Deborah Harkness, #1 "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Book of Life"
"Jane Austen, true love, great books, and a literary mystery of epic proportions: Charlie Lovett packs all my favorite things into a thoroughly engaging story that keeps us enthralled to the very last page. Austen herself would adore the counter-point heroine, the bright and delightful Sophie Collingwood. A pure gem."
--Katherine Reay, author of "Dear Mr. Knightley"
"Brimming with charm and intrigue, Charlie Lovett's new novel will leave a lasting impression on lovers of books, literary enigmas, and the eternally fascinating Jane Austen. "First Impressions" spans centuries, but time ceases to exist as Lovett's riveting story begins to unfold."
--Erika Robuck, author of "Hemingway's Girl"
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a reader in want of a marvelous mystery and lovely literary fiction must be in want of "First Impressions." With a deep understanding of Jane Austen and a deft hand at mystery, Lovett strikes the perfect chord between literature and a first rate thriller."
--Craig Johnson, "New York Times "bestselling author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries, the basis of A&E's hit series "Longmire"

"A delightful novel."
--"People"
"[Lovett's] story weaves together both past and present, fact and fiction, in pursuit of a secret that -threatens to turn the literary world upside down....This novel is, at its heart, a love letter to fiction -- not just for its writers, but also for its readers."
--"Washington Post"
"[A] thrilling romance."
--"Woman's Day, ""WD Picks"
"A charming story."
--"Christian Science Monitor"
"Part mystery, part love story, "First Impressions" is a 100 percent thumping good read and a loving homage to one of literature's most beloved authors. Lovett takes readers on a rollicking adventure that cleverly weaves in the best elements of Austen's novels, while also giving life to Austen's own personal history in a satisfying and captivating way. It's a giddy novel that celebrates books and the people who love them as much as it entertains, making it the perfect read for bookworms and Janeites alike."
--"Bookpage"
"A completely captivating and charming book....the author's passion for Jane Austen and his knowledge of printing methods and practices of the 1700s truly make this book a standout. The reader gets a nice adventure story, a little bit of romance and mystery, and a real feel for book collecting and for the author's love of Jane Austen. If it's a love you share, you may well find this book irresistible."
--"Mystery Scene"
"This novel is both beautiful and exciting....A must-read, especially for those who love books, writing and reading!"
--"Historical Novels Review"
"A charming, entertaining story, perfect for bibliophiles and Austenphiles alike . . . Lovett's storytelling and humor keep you captivated from the first page to the last."
--"Burlington Times News"
"Fans of Austen will devour the backstory. . . . Lovers of intrigue and romance will relish the presentday journey. . . . Bibliophiles will savor the interconnectedness of both stories. . . . "First Impressions" is an Austen appetizer--leaving the reader eager to explore or revisit works that have touched us for more than two centuries."
"--The Mountain Times"
"A book about books . . . an intriguing story [about] an author whose stories have not lost their romantic appeal in two hundred years."
--"Suspense Magazine"
"[An] ingenious novel....Ardent fans of Jane Austen and lovers of gripping stories will enjoy following Sophie's pursuit of the truth."
--"Publishers Weekly"
"[An] appealing combination of mystery, romance, and bibliophilism....An absolute must for Austen fans, a pleasure for others."
--"Booklist "
"A delightful read that Janeites will love....[Lovett] adds bookish intrigue to the life of another luminary of English literature."
--"Library Journal"
"Lovett's tale is a lovely and entertaining one...that lovers of Austen and antiquarian books will adore."
--"Shelf Awareness"
"Lovett's love of books and libraries once again energizes his storytelling."
--"Kirkus Reviews"
"Charlie Lovett's delightful "First Impressions" weaves together two stories: one about a modern young woman who loves books and the other about the friendship between nineteenth-century novelist Jane Austen and a clergyman. The result is an inventive tale with elements of romance and suspense, wrapped around a bookish mystery that will please lovers of old libraries and Austen fans."
--Deborah Harkness, #1 "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Book of Life"
"Jane Austen, true love, great books, and a literary mystery of epic proportions: Charlie Lovett packs all my favorite things into a thoroughly engaging story that keeps us enthralled to the very last page. Austen herself would adore the counter-point heroine, the bright and delightful Sophie Collingwood. A pure gem."
--Katherine Reay, author of "Dear Mr. Knightley"
"Brimming with charm and intrigue, Charlie Lovett's new novel will leave a lasting impression on lovers of books, literary enigmas, and the eternally fascinating Jane Austen. "First Impressions" spans centuries, but time ceases to exist as Lovett's riveting story begins to unfold."
--Erika Robuck, author of "Hemingway's Girl"
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a reader in want of a marvelous mystery and lovely literary fiction must be in want of "First Impressions." With a deep understanding of Jane Austen and a deft hand at mystery, Lovett strikes the perfect chord between literature and a first rate thriller."
--Craig Johnson, "New York Times "bestselling author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries, the basis of A&E's hit series "Longmire"

"A delightful novel."
--"People"
"[Lovett's] story weaves together both past and present, fact and fiction, in pursuit of a secret that -threatens to turn the literary world upside down....This novel is, at its heart, a love letter to fiction -- not just for its writers, but also for its readers."
--"Washington Post"
"[A] thrilling romance."
--"Woman's Day, ""WD Picks"
"A charming story."
--"Christian Science Monitor"
"Part mystery, part love story, "First Impressions" is a 100 percent thumping good read and a loving homage to one of literature's most beloved authors. Lovett takes readers on a rollicking adventure that cleverly weaves in the best elements of Austen's novels, while also giving life to Austen's own personal history in a satisfying and captivating way. It's a giddy novel that celebrates books and the people who love them as much as it entertains, making it the perfect read for bookworms and Janeites alike."
--"Bookpage"
"A completely captivating and charming book....the author's passion for Jane Austen and his knowledge of printing methods and practices of the 1700s truly make this book a standout. The reader gets a nice adventure story, a little bit of romance and mystery, and a real feel for book collecting and for the author's love of Jane Austen. If it's a love you share, you may well find this book irresistible."
--"Mystery Scene"
"This novel is both beautiful and exciting....A must-read, especially for those who love books, writing and reading!"
--"Historical Novels Review"
"A charming, entertaining story, perfect for bibliophiles and Austenphiles alike . . . Lovett's storytelling and humor keep you captivated from the first page to the last."
--"Burlington Times News"
"Fans of Austen will devour the backstory. . . . Lovers of intrigue and romance will relish the presentday journey. . . . Bibliophiles will savor the interconnectedness of both stories. . . . "First Impressions" is an Austen appetizer--leaving the reader eager to explore or revisit works that have touched us for more than two centuries."
"--The Mountain Times"
"A book about books . . . an intriguing story [about] an author whose stories have not lost their romantic appeal in two hundred years."
--"Suspense Magazine"
"[An] ingenious novel....Ardent fans of Jane Austen and lovers of gripping stories will enjoy following Sophie's pursuit of the truth."
--"Publishers Weekly"
"[An] appealing combination of mystery, romance, and bibliophilism....An absolute must for Austen fans, a pleasure for others."
--"Booklist "
"A delightful read that Janeites will love....[Lovett] adds bookish intrigue to the life of another luminary of English literature."
--"Library Journal"
"Lovett's tale is a lovely and entertaining one...that lovers of Austen and antiquarian books will adore."
--"Shelf Awareness"
"Lovett's love of books and libraries once again energizes his storytelling."
--"Kirkus Reviews"
"Charlie Lovett's delightful "First Impressions" weaves together two stories: one about a modern young woman who loves books and the other about the friendship between nineteenth-century novelist Jane Austen and a clergyman. The result is an inventive tale with elements of romance and suspense, wrapped around a bookish mystery that will please lovers of old libraries and Austen fans."
--Deborah Harkness, #1 "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Book of Life"
"Jane Austen, true love, great books, and a literary mystery of epic proportions: Charlie Lovett packs all my favorite things into a thoroughly engaging story that keeps us enthralled to the very last page. Austen herself would adore the counter-point heroine, the bright and delightful Sophie Collingwood. A pure gem."
--Katherine Reay, author of "Dear Mr. Knightley"
"Brimming with charm and intrigue, Charlie Lovett's new novel will leave a lasting impression on lovers of books, literary enigmas, and the eternally fascinating Jane Austen. "First Impressions" spans centuries, but time ceases to exist as Lovett's riveting story begins to unfold."
--Erika Robuck, author of "Hemingway's Girl"
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a reader in want of a marvelous mystery and lovely literary fiction must be in want of "First Impressions." With a deep understanding of Jane Austen and a deft hand at mystery, Lovett strikes the perfect chord between literature and a first rate thriller."
--Craig Johnson, "New York Times "bestselling author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries, the basis of A&E's hit series "Longmire"

A delightful novel.
"People"
[Lovett s] story weaves together both past and present, ...

About the Author:

Charlie Lovett is a former antiquarian bookseller, an avid book collector, and a member of The Grolier Club, the preeminent club for bibliophiles in North America.He and his wife split their time between Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Kingham, Oxfordshire, in England."

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Pr
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0525427244
• ISBN 13: 9780525427247
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 308