Review: Fun & sweet story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2013
This is the first book I have read in the Jane Austen Academy series and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I'm With You is a modern-day retelling of the Jane Austen classic "Northanger Abbey". Unfortunately, I haven't yet read Austen's original - though I have read several of her books and consider myself a fan. So, my perspective on this book has absolutely nothing to do with how well it reproduces the original in modern day.Kat is a star-in-the-making. She has had the lead role in the past 5 drama productions at the Jane Austen Academy and has secured the lead for the spring play. Now she believes she has her opportunity for a break into the big screen. Josh Wickham, fellow classmate and movie star, has invited Kat to come down during Christmas break to be his personal assistant on his current movie. On set, Kat has the opportunity to get to know and develop friendships with the other actors including: Henry Trenton, son of movie legend Tom Trenton, and Izzy Engel, female lead and movie starlit. As a PA, not an actor, Kat also forges relationships with the crew as she helps the caterer prepare meals, the wardrobe girls prepare costuming and assist the stylists in the hair & makeup trailer.Kat learns through her experiences on set and during post-production that not everyone in "Hollywood" is who they may present themselves to be. Kat has always struggled with her own identity, as life isn't scripted as her roles in plays always are. Who is Kat Morley when she's not in character? She begins to realize that, more than anything, she wants to be trustworthy.I loved reading this cute, fun book. I stayed up to finish it in one sitting. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as they got to know one another. Kat learned a lot from Josh, Henry, and Izzy. She managed to learn from her mistakes and figure out who was truly trustworthy - even though they all made mistakes along the way. Their personalities were all varied and distinct which added great dynamics to their relationships. I would definitely recommend this book.Source: received copy of the book in exchange for my honest review