Definitely Worth the Wait!Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Ever since I read Mr. Darcy’s Diary in 2008, I have admired Amanda Grange’s Austen Men Retellings. Having read and enjoyed all of Ms. Grange’s previous retellings, I was most anxious to read Henry Tilney’s Diary – after all, he is Jane Austen’s most entertaining and charming hero! The two year period between Ms. Grange’s last novel in this series (Colonel Brandon’s Diary) and Henry Tilney’s Diary was long, but the wait was definitely worth it! Henry Tilney’s Diary is my new favorite in the series, usurping my previous favorite, Colonel Brandon’s Diary.
What do I love so much about Henry Tilney’s Diary and Colonel Brandon’s Diary? Their back-stories. I love that both stories start prior to to Jane Austen’s novel, making these diaries not only a retelling, but also a prequel. Captain Wentworth’s Diary also provides an intriguing back-story. Henry Tilney’s Diary opens in the year 1790 when Henry was at the young age of sixteen. Through these early diary entries readers are able to witness Henry’s relationship with his mother, understand how Frederick became a cold-hearted deviant, and discover where Henry acquired his penchant for fine muslin and Gothic novels. I especially loved seeing Henry’s close relationship with his sister!
Even though these novels are labeled as “diaries” and dates are recorded with each entry, they really are more of a retelling than an actual diary. While he does record his musings, reflections, and daily pursuits, Henry devotes a lot of his diary to recounting full conversations and quoting book excerpts; things you normally don’t find in diaries. At around 270 pages and covering the spans of four months and one year, readers should not expect a very fleshed-out story with a lot of details. The novels by Pamela Aidan, Barbara Cornthwaite, and Susan Kaye provide more character development and detail, but this series is ideal if you are looking for a light and delightful retelling of your favorite Jane Austen novel.
I absolutely loved watching Henry fall in love with Catherine! I know some scholars have questioned whether Henry and Catherine are suitably matched (of course they are!), and evidently Amanda Grange is of the same mind. Ms. Grange beautifully illustrates how Henry, jaded and wary of women who flirt, employ artifice, and play games, becomes enamored with Catherine’s open innocence and honesty. Although there may be differences in intellect and experience between them, Henry finds Catherine refreshingly adorable and endearing. (Henry Tilney is a lot like my husband, they both have a fondness for cuteness in their women!)
*Sigh* I just love Henry Tilney, and I adored Amanda Grange’s portrayal of him! I sincerely hope to see more retellings from Amanda Grange in the future – perhaps she will be inspired to write about Edward Ferrars or Charles Bingley! One can only hope!
GIVEAWAY!!! Berkley Books has kindly donated a brand new paperback copy and of Henry Tilney’s Diary for me to giveaway!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this review. (To save your inbox from unwanted spam, please don’t leave your email address.) Just check back to see if you win! This giveaway is open to residents in the US and Canada. Thank you, Berkley Books!!
This contest will close December 27th. Good luck and thank you for entering!
Oh, I’m so glad it’s good! Henry Tilney is my absolute favorite Austen hero (eat your heart out, Darcy! :D) and I cannot wait to read this book. Here’s hoping I win the giveaway! 😀
I have only read Darcy’s and Wickham’s Diaries so far but fully intend to read them all. I’d love it if she wrote one about Bingley as well.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I have read Darcy, Wentworth, & Brandon’s diaries and cannot wait to read about Tilney! *sigh* and I too would love to read Bingley’s diary!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I have enjoyed all the other diaries I have read and look forward to Tilney. I love Northanger Abbey.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Lol, huge Catherine fan. Henry…well.pw..
Lol, not sure why “pw” appeared after my comment. The ghost of Henry perhaps?
already added to my WishList!! thank you for this giveaway!!!!
I’ve read Darcy’s Diary, and have definitely been interested in reading Henry Tilney’s Diary, ever since I read Northanger Abbey in Oct. He’s so…funny! I love how much of a smart aleck he is, and think it’ll be so fun to see how he tells his story :o)
Also must track down Col. Brandon…I’ve always liked that man.
What I really want to read is Edward Ferrars!!!
Can’t wait to read this book, I am also Team Tilney!
I have been loving all of Amanda Grange’s “diary” series, EVEN Edmund Bertram’s Diary! And since I’ve loved Henry Tilney for…forever, I couldn’t wait to read this one!
Joanna Y.
I was so excited to see your review. I just got this book (please don’t enter me in the giveaway) and have read all the previous ones.
I like that there will be some background ‘entries’ before the Austen story starts.
Thanks for the share!
Wonderful review. I now have another “must read” on my list!
Don’t enter me into the contest– I just recently won this book on another blog. Your review makes me even more excited about winning it!
Laura
Oh, wow, this book sounds fantastic! I am definitely going to be looking into these books!
YYYAAAAAAYYYY!!!
Sooooooo happy! I’ve read every other diary and I can’t wait to read this one too.
So excited.
I have read a few of Amanda’s other books and LOVED them. I would love to win a copy of this book – it sounds terrific! Thanks for the opportunity!
This book sounds great. I’ve read most of the hero diaries and enjoyed them a lot. Thank you for the giveaway.
OH. MY!!!! I am so excited that Henry gets his own “diary”!! Northanger Abbey is my 3rd favorite Austen book, behind, of course, P&P and S&S… LOVE Henry Tilney and Catherine. Sounds like another great book & I’m looking forward to reading it! 🙂
OH. MY!!!! I am so excited that Henry gets his own “diary”!! Northanger Abbey is my 3rd favorite Austen book, behind, of course, P&P and S&S… LOVE Henry Tilney and Catherine. Sounds like another great book & I’m looking forward to reading it! 🙂
I can’t wait to read thisbook. Thanks. For the review!
Sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I’m swooning already! I love the ‘diary’ concept….thanks for hosting! 🙂
A must have to my collection!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’ve been waiting for Henry’s diary to come out. I already requested it from my local library….I’ll have to wait as it is still on order but it’s going to be worth it. 🙂
I have read all Ms Granges diaries…
enjoyed them all greatly. Will add
Henrys to my TBR list…Thanks for
the chance to win a copy…
StephAnnee @lucasaaron_5297*at*yahoo*dot*com
I loved Amanda Grange’s Mr. Darcy’s Diary and cannot wait for this long awaited installment! my personal favorite Austen novel
I’ve listened to Mr. Darcy’s Diary and loved it so would love the chance to win Henry Tilney’s Diary. Thank you.
This review makes me want to run right out and get the whole series! Added to my wishlist!
I have not read any of the books in this series, but your review has inspired me!
I would love to win a copy as one of my fav Jane Austen books is N.A.
My e-mail is kraftyhorselover@hotmail.com
Great review! I can’t wait to read this book! I love Henry Tilney and I don’t get to read about him nearly enough! Thanks for the giveaway!!
this is such an amazing looking book! i would definitely be a happy recipient 😉 i LLUVV Henry and Catherine’s story, so i’m sure his diary will be a total treat!!
Thank you , AManda, for sharing your gifted talents with us JA luvers!
and Berkley for sharing this gift with us !