An Accomplished Woman

by Jude Morgan

Book Overview

A sparkling tale of wit and romance, "An Accomplished Woman" is a delightful comedy of manners written by a latter-day Jane Austen.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312539665
• ISBN13: 9780312539665
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 407 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.2" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A total pleasure and very close to Austen

I found myself laughing so many times during this story at the turns of phrase that Jude Morgan uses in "An Accomplished Woman". Really the dry wit in this story is just too too funny. Not only is there humor in an "An Accomplished Woman", but there is a wonderful story and a number of twists and surprises in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I am out looking for other titles by this author. Lydia Templeton is called upon to be a companion to her godmother's ward, something that Lydia really has no inclination to do. What transpires as Lydia tries to remain impartial to Phoebe Rae's various love interests kept me up reading late into the night. The conclusion is fun and totally suprising. All readers will enjoy this humorous story which is so Austen like as to almost make you think she has returned to write for us now.

At last, a JA follower worth reading!

I picked this book up without much hope, having loathed every other Jane-imitator I've tried, but wow. Jude Morgan has not merely written a passable JA imitation, she has written a book that charms in its own right; it rings with wit, while also providing a story line that Regency fans will enjoy. Some of the characters are strongly reminiscent of JA; I recognized Mrs. Eldon and Lady Catherine DeBourgh, as amusing as ever. The heroine has some of the characteristics of both Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse, but she is very much distinct from them, no mere faded copy. I highly recommend this to anybody who wants a good Austen-like (as opposed to Austen-rip-off) read.

As good as Jane's work, maybe funnier

I don't quite understand why Jude Morgan/Tim Wilson/T.R.Wilson/Hannah March is not more popular. His writing is excellent. The stories themselves are good, but it is the writing that makes his books outstanding. This particular book, written in the style of a Jane Austen novel, is as perfectly executed as any she wrote. Not to mention that Jude Morgan's books have even more laugh-out-loud and tongue-in-cheek moments than Jane's did. Perhaps he needs a better agent or is it that too many people prefer pap like Dan Brown novels and those that want romance prefer a contemporary work by someone like Jennifer Weiner or Crusie?

delightful romantic comedy of errors

Years ago Lydia Templeton caused a scandal when she rejected her neighbor Lewis Durrant's offer of marriage as filled with pride she preferred her studies though she knew prejudicial society scorned a single female choosing learning. She since serves as her widowed father's host and eludes her married brother's efforts to find her a spouse. Now thirty, Lydia's godmother Lady Eastmond asks her to do a favor as her Henry is ailing. She wants Lydia to chaperone her ward Phoebe Rae through the treacherous waters of high society in Bath. Unable to say no to the kind elderly woman, Lydia reluctantly agrees. Mr. Allardyce and Mr. Beck try to court Phoebe Rae, making Lydia's chaperone lifestyle even more unbearably boring as the twit won't choose between the suitors insisting she loves both of them. Worse Durrant is in town seeking a wife while his wastrel nephew Hugh Hanley the heir is also in Bath insuring his patron wealthy uncle does not do something foolish by marrying and begetting an heir. When Lewis and Lydia meet, they make a bet over her chaperone duty and his bridal chase. With obvious homage to Jane Austen, AN ACCOMPLISHED WOMAN is a delightful romantic comedy of errors filled with humor and twists as nothing quite works as expected for seemingly everyone. The cast is solid even tertiary players like the stereotype moms of the suitors. With a wonderful fast-paced story line filled with spins, Jude Morgan provides an amusing nod to Pride and Prejudice as the heroine's time in Bath makes her wonder whether she truly is an unaccomplished woman as nothing goes according to plan. Harriet Klausner

Another Perfect Novel by Jude Morgan

This novel is romantic and reminiscent of Persuasion. It's about a second chance at love as well as the foolish follies of youth. A great addition to ANY library. Read this book!!!!