We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any products, and/or visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books: My Dearest Miss Fairfax & Heaven on the Hudson
Today we are recommending My Dearest Miss Fairfax by Jeanette Watts. If you like a book that gives a different view of a familiar story, you will really enjoy this one especially if you are a fan of Jane Austen. This reimaging of Austen's Emma is told from the point of view of Jane Fairfax and tells the story of exactly how she came to be engaged to Frank Churchill, the man whom Emma had picked out for her friend Harriet. Even, if you never read Emma and/or you are not familiar with that book at all, you can still enjoy this sweet romantic tale of star-crossed lovers and a secret engagement.
Today we are talking about Heaven on the Hudson by Stephanie Azzarone. This book provides a very detailed look at the Riverside Park area of Manhattan. It includes the history of the location, and of the famous people who lived in that area as well as very detailed descriptions of the architecture both then and now. Accordingly, if you are a particular fan of history, especially the history of New York City you will probably enjoy it. If you are a particular fan of architecture, you will love it. If you are not that knowledgeable about architecture, your eyes may glaze over a bit at times, and you will wish that there were more photos as even the helpful glossary of architectural terms included in the book may not be enough to completely help you form a picture of what is being described.
Still, the book is extremely thorough and the author shows a clear love and appreciation for her subject. She has, in fact, lived in the area herself for many years. Bits of her own history are sprinkled throughout which serve to make the book more personal and more relatable. It would be an easier read if the book were more a mix of that and the factual data. However, it's still an interesting read.
And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
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