TIMESLIP
RUDE AWAKENINGS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT

Regency romance intertwines with modern chick lit in this highly anticipated sequel to Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Previously, modern-day free spirit Courtney Stone awoke into the social confines of the Jane Austen era. Now, Rude Awakenings continues the story, but with Jane Mansfield, an English country lass from 1813, who inexplicably awakens in 2009 Los Angeles. Jane has no opportunity to ponder how this transfer could have occurred, as she must quickly learn to interact with the people of this technological world. Strange noises, fewer clothes, and living on her own are just a few things Jane must strive to understand. The one thing she finds in common with Courtney is their mutual passion for Jane Austen, and Jane is thrilled to discover that she can watch tiny figures act out the scenes of her favorite stories inside a small container in her new living quarters.

As Jane begins to relish the privacy and independence, she remains bewildered by memories that are not her own. Even more confusing are the attentions of a friend named Wes. Jane wonders if she can ever truly fit in and begins to miss home, where at least the rules were clear.

Flung into the future, Jane learns the importance of living in the present. Blending humor, love, and exploration of identity and destiny, Rude Awakenings is a colorful look at this genre. The ultimate question is answered: can a 19th-century girl survive in a morally confused world? This bubbly take on literary time travel will appeal to Jane Austen and chick lit fans alike. It will be interesting to see what Rigler comes up with next.

–Rebecca Roberts