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Cleanliness: Yuck (No cursing. Topics to consider: sexism, drinking, drugs, religion, implied sex, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, mention of abortion, brief kissing, and death.)

I've never seen a modern Pride and Prejudice retelling that was about the production of a Pride and Prejudice play! This story is based around Eddi Boswick (based on Elizabeth Bennet) and an arrogant, eligible bachelor, Dave Davidson (Mr. Darcy) and their role in a local theater. The tale stayed very true to the characters, yet brought new life to the story! The similarities of the characters' lives to the original story seemed to go unnoticed by the characters (which was a little unrealistic); but it is just fiction and that seemed to be the best way to do the story to me. There was much more emphasis on Linda's (Lydia's) scandalous life than in the original and a fairly strong Christian undertone, but I think those aspects both really helped the storyline progress.

First Impressions had a lot of drama, drama, drama! I was surprised at how intense the beginning was. I found the entire book so interesting and mysterious -- it really held my attention. Some of it was a little too sappy for me, though, like this quote: "he would be dancing with her all night...in his dreams." Gag! Luckily, for the most part it was nicer, cute romance.

I really appreciated the character list in the beginning of the book. The author listed each character, their role, and which Pride and Prejudice character they corresponded to. I found myself using it quite a bit!

I enjoyed First Impressions immensely! I definitely recommend it to all fans of Austen. It brings hope to all fangirls out there that you might just find your own Mr. Darcy. ( )

First Impressions is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Although it loosely follows the storyline of Pride and Prejudice, I think this makes it a wonderful read. It is a modern plot that captured my attention and drew me in. Set in Texas with strong characters that come together in the local theater production of Pride & Prejudice. I enjoyed the lines quoted from Pride & Prejudice and how they were incorporated in the storyline. It was an easy read that I would recommend when you need something light and not to deep. ( )

I received this book for free from the Bethany House Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review.

I had actually just finished reading Pride and Prejudice before starting this book so everything was still fresh in my mind.

As a retelling this was pretty spot on. There was even a list of the cast of characters and their Pride and Prejudice counterparts at the beginning of the book. Personality-Wise, the characters stayed true to their Pride and Prejudice version. Linda (Lydia in P&P) was very flirtatious, Mary Boswick (Mrs. Bennet in P&P) was very silly in her views, etc. For the most part, the storyline followed Pride and Prejudice very closely. Many of the original plot points were included. Overall, the storyline was translated to modern times very well.

I liked how the book showed you multiple points of view (Eddi, Dave and Linda’s). I particularly enjoyed hearing Dave’s thoughts throughout the novel.

I also loved that since the characters in the book were putting on their production of Pride and Prejudice at their community theatre, there were lines from Pride and Prejudice in this book.

This book is Christian fiction, so some of the characters’ viewpoints lean towards that. But I wouldn’t say it was an overwhelmingly Christian book.

All in all, this was a fun retelling of a classic story. ( )

While Pride & Prejudice is a beloved classic, it’s a bit outdated in some of its situations. So, it’s always interesting (and often fun) to read how authors modernize this story.

In the re-release of Debra White Smith’s First Impressions, Eddie (Smith’s version of Lizzie Bennett) and Dave (AKA Darcy) butt heads from the start.

The events in this story happen in a bit of skewed timeline from the original, but it works. And all the important (favorite) encounters are there. Dave’s friend and Eddie’s sister are attracted to each other, unwanted attention from Connor (Mr. Collins’s counterpart), the duplicitous man who reveals his true self by the end. It’s all there.

There are some silly parts. I loved Eddie and her older sister’s relationship. They are able to laugh at themselves which proves good humor in both of them. And the author allows more redemption to everyone at the end of the book.

I did find it odd that neither Eddie nor Dave draw any correlation between their own relationship and that of Lizzie and Darcy since they are playing said roles in a play. But overall, this is an excellent temporary version of one of my favorite classics. Next up for me from this author is Possibilities because Persuasion has always been my number one Austen read!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )