---
title: "Reading Everywhere: Book Review: Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale"
url: https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/02/book-review-midnight-in-austenland-by
description: "Hale, Shannon. Midnight in Austenland . 288 p. Bloomsbury USA. 2012. Hardcover $22.00. ISBN 9781608196258. When I heard that there was ..."
---

# Reading Everywhere: Book Review: Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale

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## Wednesday, February 8, 2012

### Book Review: Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale

Hale, Shannon.

Midnight in Austenland

. 288 p. Bloomsbury USA. 2012. Hardcover $22.00. ISBN 9781608196258.

When I heard that there was going to be a follow-up to

[*Austenland*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P3OMY6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001P3OMY6)

(Bloomsbury, 2007), the first foray into adult-level fiction by Newbery Honor winning author Shannon Hale, I thought, "Yay! Wait... really?" Because that story wrapped up so nicely, you see. Did it

need

a sequel? Maybe, maybe not-- but

[*Midnight in Austenland*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608196259/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1608196259)

is a companion book, not a direct sequel. And it's so much fun!

There's a new main character, Charlotte, a recent divorcée who finds herself drawn to the titular Jane Austen reenactment vacation spot. As Charlotte immerses herself in the Regency-era lifestyle, there's an appealing blend of humor, self-discovery, and romance that fans of the first volume will love. And this time around, a new element is introduced in the form of a clever and engaging mystery. I had a great time reading this book.

I have to say, Shannon Hale is one of my very favorite authors. I read and love anything she writes, whether it's written for young readers or adults. Her writing for adults is markedly different from the books she writes for kids and teens-- it's conversational, quirky, and even a little sassy, rather than lyrical and lush. Reading one of her adult-level books feels kind of like getting a chance to hang out and chat with her.

(Speaking of which, have you listened to our

[Authors are ROCKSTARS! podcast interview with Shannon](http://www.authorsarerockstars.com/2011/10/october-podcast-omg-its-bird-its-plane.html)

? Love her!)

[*Midnight in Austenland*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608196259/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1608196259)

is fresh, fast-paced, and simply an enjoyable read-- the perfect book for a cozy evening in. Brew a pot of tea and get ready for a delightful reading experience.

This book just came out at the end of January from

[Bloomsbury USA](http://www.bloomsburyusa.com/)

. ARC for review provided by the publisher via

[NetGalley](http://netgalley.com/)

.

Posted by

[Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832)

at

[7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/02/book-review-midnight-in-austenland-by.html)

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