3.5 Stars...This book was really cute. In fact, it went overboard on the cuteness factor. That was the main issue I had with the book. It became so cloyingly sweet that I didn't know what to do. Everything was saturated in pure sugar, and not in a good way. Overall, though, it wasn't bad. Eland is highly talented, as shown by the creation of Polly's highly stylized voice. The plot wasn't the most original concept, but it was less predictable, particularly the ending, than I thought it would be. I guess another major problem I had was the message that everyone needs to be coupled up. This really hits a nerve, because *gets on soapbox* I see it permeating YA and now MG books, and it distresses me. We need to be telling our young girls that they can be complete just by themselves. There's no need for a 12 year-old to be rushing into having a boyfriend. There is no need for anyone to have to define themselves and their value by whether or not they're in a romantic relationship. It concerns me that the next generation will think that this is completely normal. *steps off soapbox*Polly was likeable enough, but every once in a while I had the strongest urge to strangle her. Speaking like a Victorian lady was cute at first, but then got really irritating. It felt completely contrived, although the phrases were lovely. I think that honestly it's just me, but I really don't enjoy that sort of thing. The supporting case was good, nothing great, but not bad either.Overall, the book wasn't bad. It just ended not really being to my taste as far as tone, but that's my issue. I think that there's some promising writing talent in Eland, and I look forward to seeing what else she can do. This could be fun for middle school girls looking for something, light fluffy, and overflowing with cuteness.Book from Publisher Children age 12 are going through a phase of development in which they're working hard to understand others' perspectives. If Polly were younger, or a teen, her self-absorption would have been forgivable, but as written she was just unbelievable. Even more unbelievable were all the other characters except for her sister and friend, who tried to teach the little brat a lesson.Now, I've not yet read Austen, and wasn't terribly taken with Anne Shirley - perhaps if I were a fan, this book would have meant something different to me. As is, I'm thinking I may never bother with Austen after all....
Do You like book Scones And Sensibility (2009)?
It was an average, cutesy, kiddy book. I liked it all right except Polly pissed me off to no end.
—manswag
I thought this book was ok.The language was very old fashioned. I would give it 3 1/2 stars.
—kasparova03
This was so adorable, and fun to read. I was very surprised I enjoyed it so much. :)
—Garima
