I have to admit, I requested this one on a whim because it sounds cute and I'm a sucker for retelling (even if I haven't read the real books). I don't really have any expectations other than I just want to enjoy it. But this book turns to be pretty good, despite the love triangles, and I end up devour it in less than a day.

Why I Like Seeking Mansfield

+It's a retelling! Okay, I know I already mentioned it, but I just want to say it again. Seeking Mansfield is a retelling of Mansfield Park, based on what I read on wikipedia, it's pretty similar with the original. Finley is obviously Fanny, Oliver is Edmund, and Harlan and Emma Crawford is Henry and Mary Crawford.
+The characters' development. At the beginning, Finley suffers from PTSD due to traumatic past caused by her mother. Which is why she kept telling herself that she's not good enough and let people (in this case, Nora aka Aunt Norris) judge and mock her. She believe she deserves it. But throughout the book, she gradually try to speak up more, and try to overcome her past. I'm not saying she's completely 'healed' by the end of the book because I don't think she is, but I do think she's better.
+The feels. This one is a little vague, but what I mean with feels is not a romance feels, but rather, the feels I got while I'm reading this book, especially in Finley's POV. I don't have PTSD, but I could relate with Finley when she thinks she's not good enough, because sometimes I feel that way too. Not gonna lie, some of her thoughts almost made me cry because it's just that deep and voice what I sometimes feels.
+Dual POVs. This book is told from Finley and Oliver POVs. It's pretty rare for a contemporary books to have dual POVs, which is why I like it. Even if Oliver's POV is kinda bland, but I love knowing his thoughts.
+The theater aspects. It's not the main focus here, but I love reading about it. I've never watch an actual theater in real life (as far as I know, there's none here), but it's on my bucket-list!

Why I (kinda) Dislike Seeking Mansfield

+The love-triangles thingy. Okay, this is actually more like a "me" problem. If you know me, I'm easily swayed when it comes to shipping people. Which is why I dislike love triangles since I usually ship back and forth between love interest A and love interest B and end up shipping no one because I'm tired with both. Same with this book. At first, I obviously ship Finley and Ollie because it's best-friend to romance and because we all know she's gonna end up with him (it's a retelling, after all). But then Harlan comes, and despite being a class-A jerk, I think he genuinely likes her that I couldn't help but ship them. Even if I know it won't end well. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy both of romantic scenes here, but it's making me torn since I still feel like shipping both ships, and I dislike being torn.

Overall, I would recommend Seeking Mansfield, especially if you're a retelling fan! Mansfield Park retelling is pretty rare (this is the first that I read), and it's pretty good and addictive. I'll still read the next book.

Finley rubbed one of the small circular scars branded into her right shoulder. She was on her computer with Mansfield Theater Youth application pulled up. She felt she was stupid to even submit the application then Oliver her godparent’s son knocked on her door then Oliver started filling out the rest of her application Then his sister Juliette and her boyfriend Raleigh came in Finley’s room. Finley father had been an actor and was dead. Finley lived with her godparents and was grateful for all they had done for her. Oliver’s aunt Nora was forever reminding Finley how much she owed her godparents and what Finley would be doing to pay them back. Almost as if belittling and hurting Finley. Then for the last month Nora had left Finley alone. She didn’t know why unless her Godparents had said something. But for whatever the reason Finley was grateful.
I couldn’t really get into this story it just didn’t keep my attention

http://fkrants.blogspot.com/2017/05/may-ng-fails.html

The first time I saw this book on NetGalley I was really excited about it. First of all, I love Jane Austen novels. Mansfield Park is far from being my favorite (Persuasion is the winner) but it's not the worst either (because nothing will ever be as bad as Emma... sorry not sorry). I was still really excited especially after seeing the great reviews this book was getting... Cátia, you really need to learn you can't trust Goodreads ratings -_-'. Here's the thing, I didn't hate this book, I quite enjoyed part of it, but don't tell me these characters are amazing because they are not.

The characters were my main problem in this book. I only really liked one of them, Oliver... he was great (at least most of the times). But let's talk about these characters. First we have Finley, the main girl in Seeking Mansfield. Finley hasn't had an easy life. She lost her dad, her mom had a lot of problems and she ended up living with her godparents. Finley is a great girl and he really cares about her "family" and puts them first but she's such a weak character. She spends most of the book not being able to stood for herself. People would always talk for her, she keeps being treated like a punching bag and what does she do?? Nothing! It takes the whole book for her to finally do something for her. Oliver was a great guy. He wouldn't always do the right thing but I really liked him and I understand why he did some of the things he did because he was thinking about Finley and what would be better for her. These were the only characters I liked because all the other characters were terrible. First we have Harlan and Emma. I hated them, I never trusted them and I can't understand how Finley and Oliver ended up dating them. I especially can't understand how Finley dated Harlan and ended up loving him when she knew who he really was... the guy had to be a really good actor. Harlan and Emma were so fake. I hated them and I hated how they used people to get what they wanted. But I especially hated Finley's relationship with Harlan. First of all, he tried to control her and shape her to be what he wanted her to be. He then proceeded to blame her for his shitty decisions (because it was obviously her fault he cheated on her -_-'). I just couldn't understand that relationship and why Finley was dating him.

However, this wasn't the only thing I didn't like. I really didn't like how Finley was treated by some of the characters and how they couldn't see the way they were treating was wrong. If you want to know what I'm talking you can see Cristina's review since she talked about that aspect in the story. I have to say that one of my favorite relationships was Finley and Oliver's friendship. Once I started reading this book I got really excited about that to then get disappointed... want to know why?? Because while I was expecting to see a lot of Finley/Oliver cuteness what I got was them barely interacting since he was too busy "ignoring" her and dating Emma and she was too busy dating Harlan.

What I did love about this book was the writing. I think Kate Watson has a beautiful writing style and because of that I might read her next book. I also really enjoyed that she included both Finley and Oliver's POV because that's something that is always missing in young adult books.

Overall, I didn't like this book as much as I wanted but I still liked a few things about it. To be honest, I think I'm really growing out of young adult because I got disappointed with my past few young adult reads when I was expecting a lot from those. I do know a lot of people who loved this book so if you think this is something you might like go give it a try.

This was a delightful take on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Kate Watson translated Regency England to modern-day America with skill and grace. Teens and adults alike will love this novel.

You know when you are reading something with the most amazing reviews, and all you can think is “WTF? Did they read the same thing as me?!”. That’s how I felt about this book. I was excited to read it because it had some amazing reviews on goodreads, also, it’s a Jane Austen retelling, so what could go wrong, right? Well, for me, almost everything.

The redeeming quality of this book was the great writing. I have to say that Kate Watson sure has her way with words and she made the writing great on this one. However, the story and the characters just didn’t live up to it.

I have to admit that Mansfield Park is probably my least favorite of Austen’s stories, though I haven’t read the book yet, only saw the adaptation on the TV. But while the story works in that setting, I didn’t think it worked at all in the modern world.

The characters were all flawed, and I could have been on board with it, but they weren’t at all likable. I felt some sympathy for Finley and Oliver, and that was it. I HATED everyone else.

Finley felt like such a weak character, and I while I understand that she was broken from her past experiences, she still subjected herself to way too much abuse. She had no voice, and she allowed people to speak for her, in all areas of her life. I mean, by 90% of this book, she was still allowing herself to be stepped on by people who she supposedly loved and loved her back. And while I appreciate that she grew a lot and took charge of her life throughout this book, it still happened more because of other’s people’s influences, than her own will.

Oliver was my favorite character of the bunch, and I felt like he truly wanted Fin to find her own way, instead of constantly fighting her battles for her. But the thing is, he still fought her battles way too many times, and he neglected her big time when he got a girlfriend. And while I understood his reasoning behind being with Emma, I still thought it could have been dialed down a bit.



I hated Emma and Harlan, and yet, their feelings were sincere and they were super important to make Finley come out of her shell. They were still pretty horrible human beings, and the fact that Finley and Oliver were in relationships with these two characters, made me a bit sick.

I’m gonna drop some situations in the book that didn’t make any sense to me and that I honestly hated, ok? So, a bit of SPOILERS ahead…

Finley sees Harlan and Juliette kissing. Juliette had a boyfriend at that point, which was not Harlan. And yet, after this Finley gives him a chance and FALLS IN LOVE with him. HOW? Their relationship felt way too physical for me. She hated that he smothered her opinions. And yet, she loves him?!

Her godfather, Oliver’s dad, opens his eyes by the end, and makes sure that Fin is happy and has everything she needs. And yet, for 2 years she was treated horribly. She only had hand-me-down clothes, she didn’t have a proper phone, she sacrificed all her time to do whatever they wanted. And this might have not been so bad, if not for the fact that they were filthy rich, and he made sure he told her how “lucky” she was for what they gave her.

Tate, Oliver’s older brother, technically likes and treats Finley like family. But has no problems waking her up drunk at 4 am, so she can pack for him. Or almost kiss her at some point. Those things are not addressed, especially the fact that he was always hitting on her and making his moves.

By the end of the book, I still wasn’t sure if Harlan was just that stupid, or if the author didn’t know the difference between Portuguese and Spanish…

Harlan blames the fact that he cheated on Finley on… FINLEY! Yep, his excuse was that it was her fault because she wasn’t there. Her thoughts?! “He might have a point”… WTF?!

I had a tough time buying the whole thing about Finley’s past. Liam, her older brother, was almost 18 by the time their dad passed away, and I found it kind of unbelievable that he would let their mom abuse her like that and not say something before. The whole story would have made much more sense to me if she was an only child.

Oliver offers the spot of someone working hard and proving themselves to go on a mission with him, to his girlfriend Emma, who had no interest in the work whatsoever. That felt so cheap and wrong for me.


Overall I really disliked this book. The writing was great though, and it was the only reason I kept reading it. That and the fact that Cátia wasn’t allowing me to give up on it. So, it was not my thing at all, and I honestly don’t understand all the raving reviews, but hey, to each its own…

I enjoyed this book much more than Mansfield Park, does that make sense? I guess it's because this book was shorter and more modern.

This book was an awesome retelling of Austen's novel. I cared a lot more about the characters, Finley isn't a bland heroine, she actually has character! Not only Finley is improved but also Oliver. I think turning the Crawfords into celebrities was a good choice. Furthermore, I only disliked the characters I ought to which I really appreciated unlike in Mansfield Park where I found it difficult to empathize with any of the characters.

This was a great adaptation of Mansfield Park into modern times. Moreover, for theatre fanatics this is a very enjoyable book, either.

Ok I know this is a coming of age but the characters were just too condescending for me. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it just felt flap and annoying.

I love Jane Austen, and while Mansfield Park isn't my favorite of her books, I was still really excited to see a retelling of it. Some things worked for me, some things didn't. I liked the way in which it was modernized - there are certain things in Mansfield Park that definitely wouldn't work with a more direct adaptation, and I thought the added background details really worked. I liked the representation of Finley's PTSD - I'm not the person to say whether it was well done or not, but I can't think of another YA book I've read with that kind of representation. I didn't really like Harlan and Finley's relationship. I know the point is that it's not supposed to be good, and that you're not always supposed to be able to tell what's real with him and what isn't, but that meant that certain developments just felt like they were coming out of the blue. I also didn't especially like how Finley's character arc was done. I liked the direction it was going, but everything just seemed so sudden at the end that she was almost a different person. Character arcs can make characters totally different, but you're supposed to be able to see that change happening. I didn't.

Reviews shared on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and V's Reads: https://vsreads.com/2017/05/17/updating-the-classics-seeking-mansfield-a-review/

4.5 Stars for this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s MANSFIELD PARK.
Finley Price is sixteen and living with her godparents, the Bertram’s, now that her famous actor father has died and her abusive alcoholic mother is in jail. The Bertram’s have three kids, Tate, Juliette and Oliver—who is Finley’s best friend—even though he has a giant crush on Finley. Juliette is mean and petty, and their aunt is spiteful and awful, pretty much telling Finley she ought to behave like a servant in the Bertram household.

Finley is a theater aficionado, and been working stage crews for years. Her deepest desire is to be a part of the Mansfield Theater Program, but she lacks the confidence to apply—and to ask for help. Oliver wants to send the application in for Finley, but listens to his father’s advice on the subject. Oliver just wants what’s best for Finley—and for her to seek it for herself. New neighbors, Emma and Harlan Crawford arrive, and their status as teen movie stars is exciting to everyone but Finley. She’s used to blending into the background, and is afraid Harlan will make things difficult. He once starred in a movie with her father.

New friendships and relationships develop, with power-brokering happening too. Emma is sweet on Oliver, but she recognizes that Finley needs to be a priority in his life. For me, it seems manipulative, and the blurb gets it right that Harlan pursues Finley mostly out of boredom and the desire for a challenge. That said, Finley isn’t easily won over, and there are lots of peaks and valleys in the myriad love stories that are taking place. It's kind of a love-square (as opposed to a triangle) situation and I know that's not cool for all readers. For me, the love angles can be summed up thusly: if you can’t be with the one you love…(honey)…love the one you’re with.

I really liked Finley, and those who’ve read Mansfield Park all agree that she’s a far more interesting and strong heroine than her model (Fanny Price). Finley’s survived a lot of challenges, and she faces new ones with compassion and strength. For all the love stories in the book, this is a clean read with just kissing on the page. That said, there are allusions to off page sexcapades, which form the base of the final conflict.

As a YA book, it felt accessible and interesting. I think teens will be interested in the theater aspects and celebrity issues, which update the plot for modern readers. The HEA comes on the closing pages, and it seems like there could be more of this story to tell.

I was quite excited for this book. I loved the synopsis and the hint at BFF to more. Sadly I was either bored or annoyed while reading.

Finley is a decent enough character. She has a traumatic past and that definitely plays into her actions. It was nice to see her grow and branch out and find her voice. Oliver definitely had potential, but I was irritated by his inner monologue and how most of his decisions are based on what he thinks Finley means. Harley and Emma and Juliette were clichéd spoiled brats who demanded things constantly go their way or pouting/temper tantrums would ensue.

Plot wise, it was a lot a lot a lot of miscommunication and reading way too much into glances or outfit choices and the like. I struggled to care because it felt like if there would have been just a hint of honesty, some of the drama would have been avoided.

I kept reading because I wanted to see how it all worked out, but i probably should have DNF'd. I doubt I'll be reading the next book.

**Huge thanks to Flux for providing the arc free of charge**

Finley Price is in love with her best friend Oliver, but doesn’t have the self confidence to see that he also loves her. A victim of child abuse, Finley has a tough time speaking up or being the center of attention. She lives on the fringes of life, trying to contribute as much as possible to Olivers family who has taken her in after her father dies and her mother is incapable of raising she and her brother. When two famous teenage actors move in next door, Finley watches Oliver fall under the spell of Emma, and is forced to spend more time with Harlan, Emma’s brother, than she’d like. Added to that teenage friction is the fact that Finley’s father was a famous actor, and that industry is in her blood. Seeking Mansfield uses the situation of teenage love and pain as an engine for Finley to grow within herself, face her fears and go after the life she wants, which is an admission to prestigious Mansfield Theater.

I was totally surprised by the depth in what looked at first glance to be a lighthearted romance. Finley has a lot of inner demons she needs to work through so at times this book was pretty dark. The storyline revolved around alcohol, physical abuse and broken hearts, but the story did balance those dark moments with laughter, a loving brother, and solid friendships. Her relationship with Oliver changed very slowly and I’ll admit that I got a little impatient with how the author used misdirection to make us believe that they had moved on from their feelings. Finley had suffered so much up to the start of this book, that once I found out her back story I just wanted to see her happy. Harlan, as her love him/hate him relationship didn’t ring true, so I had trouble buying into it, but he was a fun character to read, and an integral part to how Finley grew in this book. For that reason I’ll forgive this author the time she spent on that plotline. This novel is the first book in the series, so I can only hope the next one follows Finley on her education at Mansfield Theater, because she was a fascinating character and I want to know more about her!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, and it was honest!

DNF at 20%.

I just can’t do it anymore. I am not against retellings, but I feel like maybe I should stay away from Austen retellings because I don’t think I can appreciate it. While Watson’s story isn’t exactly awful it wasn’t as tantalizing as Mansfield Park. I’m not sure if it is the romanticism that I find in 18th century literature, but having it told as a contemporary has a lack of luster.
From the get go I already disliked Finley (Fanny). The way she acts so indignant about her own actions (in regards to not serving enough) just made the story depressing. The entire time I was reading, at least the small portion I made my way through, made me feel like I was reading a journal of a depressed 14 year old. Oliver (Edmund) is so dear to me, but I am ungrateful or not good enough for this family, oh but I hate to see Oliver flirting, but I can’t do anything. Seriously, someone call the waaaa-mmbulence because Finley can’t stop complaining. Even when she is invited to hang out with everyone she can’t just enjoy the time offered has to scrutinize everything and bail. Granted, knowing the real story I know that the girls are being petty girls, but seriously, why can’t Finley just expect the best of people until proven wrong? I just can't side with a character that thinks so down on herself so much, I get low self-esteem, but this was just a downer for me. I am not sure why I was expecting something different from our updated Fanny...Lets just say I hated Fanny as much as Finley so at least there is some consistency.

I was given this ARC by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I read this book almost two months ago and it took me this long to sit down and write a review. I feel slightly ashamed for that, but this story took me a lot of going back and forth and back and forth (you get the idea) on how to rate and review it. Since this is a retelling of a favourite story of mine, I know it very well and obviously have a very high opinion of anything that tries to resemble it. In addition, I can’t remember ever having read or reviewed a retelling of an original story.
The characters were all very true to the original with, of course, the additions and modifications that are needed for a modern version. I have to say that through the representation of Fanny in this story I was quite baffled with how little I actually liked the character in the retelling as well as in the original. However, the conflict that arises between her weak personality and her situation is something that will keep the reader engaged for the entirety of the story.
The plot is obviously taken from the original by Jane Austen, <i>Mansfield Park</i>, and it remains true to it until the end, excepting some modifications to adjust for the current time.
The writing was smooth, easy flowing and comfortable to read for hours on end. I noticed a few didactic moments that kept being repeated that I thought were not completely necessary, but those did not take away from the overall story.
Overall, the more I think about it the more I have to say that this is a great introduction to the story by Jane Austen, for anyone who would find the original too intimidating. I would also recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good summer beach read.

I would like to preface the review with the fact that I haven't read the original Mansfield Park but I am familiar with the plotline. Now, Seeking Mansfield is a modern retelling of Mansfield Park, and on the whole I was very much impressed with it. It takes the storyline of MP and gives us Finley, a parental abuse survivor who is living with her godparents and throughout the book, learns what it means to stand up for herself and where to allow people to support you. It retains much of the original storyline, and involves a complicated love rhombus or something, and is a good retelling.

Finley's situation with her godparents is such that she feels indebted to them, and always thinks first of their comforts than her own. Now, with the exception of their daughter and the aunt, they are all good to her and protective about her. But the aunt - yeesh! She is a terrible woman, and constantly makes Finley feel like an orphan. The star siblings, Emma and Harlan are snobbish but charming, but kind of controlling, which Oliver and Fin, respectively, take some time to understand. Both of them have feelings for each other but run's into the respective siblings' arms because they think it is a safer choice. In case of Finley, specifically, Harlan brings out a different, more confident side of her, but ultimately she can't take his betrayal. The story delves into relationships and how they change a person, and to what extent leaning on someone is healthy, and when protectiveness becomes suffocating.

The writing is fluid, and shifts well enough between the two perspectives of Finley and Oliver. The author also spends good amount of time building up the relationships and showing how it worked and how it did not. It touches upon PTSD, addiction, and morality in relationships, as well as how intense family can be. Recommended, especially, for contemporary fans and Austenites alike.

A modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. This is such a convoluted plot it is hard to summarize, but here it goes. Instead of being shuffled off by an impoverished family, Finley Price is living with her godparents after her famous actor father died in a car crash and her mother took her disappointment out on Fin under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The Bertrams have been kind to her, and her old brother Liam, but she is understandably damaged and never wants to take their kindness for granted. She continually pushes aside her own goals and wishes for the sake of others. Like the application for Mansfield Theater’s summer program that’s been sitting on her desk forever, which she keeps putting off completely filling out because she lacks confidence in her own skills and is afraid to ask her Uncle Thomas if she can apply. It seems like too much to ask of him when he’s already done so much for her. Oliver thinks differently. Oliver is the middle Bertram child and her best friend. Oliver wishes Fin would stick up for herself more and realize her potential. But Fin doesn’t let many see her real self. She’s too insecure and damaged. Fin is most herself when with Oliver or Liam. She’s also comfortable with Mrs Bertram, and Fin often cares for her when her fibromyalgia flares up. Ok, she’s also comfortable with Oliver’s older brother, Tate, a sarcastic flirt who is supposed to be part of the family law firm but is only just keeping his gambling and partying out of his dad’s notice, but he’s hardly ever around. The youngest Bertram, Juliette, barely acknowledges Fin. Juliette is dating the son of Senator Rushworth, baseball star Raleigh Rushworth, and Finley isn’t sure if it’s just for the popularity or if Juliette actually cares somewhat for Raleigh. The Bertrams’ lives are forever changed when famous movie stars Harlan and Emma Crawford arrive to stay with their Aunt and Uncle Grant next door. Fin is convinced Harlan is a shallow, selfish jerk, but then he starts to surprise her. Oliver falls for Emma despite himself, and possibly to make himself not think about Finley romantically. The Crawfords arrival certainly shakes up all of the Bertrams’ lives. The summer starts to take shape in ways different from what anyone envisioned. But there’s nothing like a series of crises to help everyone see each other and their relationships more clearly.

This was fantastic! Kate Watson did an impeccable job adapting Mansfield Park to a modern day Chicago setting. In fact – dare I say it – I think she maybe improved on Austen’s original tale. No offense to Austen. I really like Mansfield Park. Fanny is a refreshing change from most of Austen’s other heroines. Not everyone is as bold or confident as Emma or Elizabeth, and Fanny provides a sympathetic, shy and insecure heroine many can identify with. We know the strong women are going to win the day, but it's nice to see the shy and less secure rise up and surprise herself and her world by becoming a strong woman in a different way. What perhaps Watson improved on is giving that insecurity an understandable cause for a modern audience. Fanny’s issues had much to do with cultural mores and expectations and an upbringing modern readers can’t as readily imagine. But we can imagine someone being horribly damaged and literally scarred if they had gone through what Finley Price did with her physically abusive, addict mother. It makes Finley not seem as wishy-washy and wimpy as Fanny can come across to a modern audience. Watson also made Mrs Bertram a much more likable character. Suffering from chronic pain and actually caring about your family is much more acceptable than just being in a laudanum-induced haze and showing more affection to your dogs than children. Even Harlan and Emma were a bit more likable than the original Crawfords – though they still had their definite flaws. The problems Uncle Thomas is dealing with are much more palatable for a modern audience in making him a lawyer working on a case. And what may have been the most challenging part of adapting the book to a modern setting – the integral part a play the characters are going to put on for their social circle – was admirably adapted and woven in by giving Finley a believable obsession with theater that goes along with her love for her deceased father, and making Harlan and Emma actors in a theater production at the beginning, and then having Finley and Harlan part of a community production later. There’s the added perk then of having a story that appeals to the oft-neglected theater crowd of teen readers out there. Even though I knew how the original love story played out and how this one was likely to play out, Watson still managed to make me feel highs and lows with Finley and Oliver. It was artfully done, and a great homage to Austen. Overall, a very satisfying, clean and enjoyable contemporary romance that should appeal to young adult contemporary romance fans whether they liked the original or even (perish the thought) if they have no idea who Jane Austen was. Hand it to Austen fans, hand it to theater buffs, hand it to contemporary romance fans, and none of them should be disappointed. Definitely purchasing for our school library.

A cute, modern-day take on Mansfield Park, Jane Austen‘s classic novel of one girl’s struggles in dealing with the rich, who may or may not have her best interests at heart.

————————-
In Seeking Mansfield, Finley Price (the modern-day counterpart of the original Fanny Price) is satisfied with her life. She lives in Chicago with the Bertrams, who had taken her when she was younger, because of some horrible, past experiences. Finley, though, manages to occupy her time by working on whatever may help her attain her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater, and all with the help of her best friend, Oliver Bertram (Edmund).
But then comes the arrival of Emma and Harlan Crawford (Mary and Henry Crawford), famous teen movie stars, and the Bertram’s new next-door neighbors. With their arrival comes the beginnings of new relationships – like that of Oliver and Emma, and Harlan and Juliette Bertram (Maria Bertram).
While this all puts a strain on Finley’s friendship with Oliver, his and Emma’s relationship only seems to be growing for the better.
But then there’s the matter of Harlan and Juliette. It doesn’t take long for his attention to turn to the quiet Finely, who is not at all interested in him, and he decides to challenge himself being having her fall in love with him. Of course, with her continued disinterest in him, he ends up falling in love with her for real, and does manage to eventually win her over.
As time goes on, Finley’s relationship with Harlan reveals part of him that Finley finds herself uncomfortable with, thus leading her to wonder if maybe he’s not the right one for her…no, that person just might be closer to home.
————————-

Though Mansfield Park is not the most popular of Austen’s books, I always held a special place in my heart for Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram, both the bearers of quiet, kind, and caring demeanors.

But when it comes to Finely and Oliver being their modern-day counterparts…I had a bit of a hard time with them.
I liked Finely, since she seemed to play her role as the virtuous, sensible heroine well enough; but when it comes to Oliver…I just couldn’t find myself liking him all that much. Honestly, he is very similarly written to Edmund, that it stands to reason, if I liked Edmund, I’d like Oliver, right?

Nope.

Somehow, Edmund’s traits didn’t seem to translate well in this modern representation of him. While Edmund’s romance seemed so innocent and sweet, Oliver’s romance with Emma just seemed to come across as a lustful teenager, who never really seemed to see Emma and her annoying, shallow nature.

If you hadn’t already figured, I wasn’t a fan of Emma, nor Harlan, and nothing the two did could change my mind.

Actually, I’ll admit that I disliked most of the characters in this book, but that could really just be a testament to to how well Kate Watson has written them, so that they really invoke the mannerisms of a snobbish upper caste. So in that sense, they’re written so well, that I really disliked them.

I’ll say that I did like the idea of Finley’s parentage being written differently than that of Fanny’s, and felt it did give the story some added intensity that did make for a more interesting turn of events when they were drawn upon.

Finally – super late, I know – I figure I should say that if you’ve never read Mansfield Park, then you might really like this book and all of it’s cute, romantic feelings. You’d also be able to look at this with fresh eyes. In my case, I had read the original, so I couldn’t help but do a lot of comparing, which didn’t really work out in this books favor, in my case.

In conclusion, though this wasn’t exactly my favorite book, I won’t not recommend it, because as I’d previously said, this is a cute book, so you just might ending up liking it more than I did.

I love a good Jane Austen re-telling and I haven’t read any based on Mansfield Park, so picking this book up was a no brainer. It’s been such a long time since I read Mansfield Park that I can’t really comment on how faithful it is to the source material. I do know that the basic structure of it is similar and reading this made me really want to go back and re-read Mansfield Park.

I really liked both Finley and Oliver. I loved their friendship and how they always supported each other. I loved the slow burn romance between them, too. We get both of their POVs throughout the story. Normally when we get dual POVs and find out that both characters have feelings for each other that they think are unrequited it drives me crazy. It often takes away a lot of the tension. However, I really enjoyed getting both perspectives here. I think that I could have ended up disliking Oliver a bit without his thought process of how he was justifying his actions. Instead I thought he was pretty adorable, even if he frustrated me at times.

I loved “uncle” Thomas and how the parents in this book were present. There were consequences for bad behavior and guidance when needed. I thought the other side characters – Harlan and Emma Crawford (Hollywood actors and new neighbors) and Tate and Juliette (Oliver’s brother and sister) were all fairly well developed, though I would’ve liked a little more of Oliver’s siblings. From what I remember of the Crawfords from Mansfield Park I thought Harlan and Emma were really well done, though maybe a little more likable here (but don’t worry, not that likable).

I thought the writing was kind of addictive. Even though it was a pretty character-driven plot and the pace was a little on the slow side, I just didn’t want to stop reading it. My only real complaint is that it got a little too teen-angsty for me at times.

Overall, I really enjoying Seeking Mansfield. I liked the characters and the romance and the message of self-worth and standing up for yourself. It was an easy and addicting read. Though I thought the middle of the story dragged a little bit with too much teen angst, it did pick back up and I really enjoyed it. I think fans of Mansfield Park would be happy to read this re-telling, as would YA Contemporary fans.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars