What Jane Austen Taught Me About Love and Romance

Smith, the bestselling author of the Jane Austen series (contemporary faith fiction novels based on Austen's books) works hard to show how Austen's themes parallel scriptural imperatives about love, particularly 1 Corinthians 13:4–8. The result is a compilation of recapped scenes from Austen novels with Smith drawing strong moral lessons for the reader. "Love is patient" is shown by George Knightley's patience for Emma Woodhouse in Emma ; "Love is kind" through Fanny Price's treatment of others in Mansfield Park . Plenty of excerpts from Smith's own series and victorious triumphs from her personal life also help illustrate her points. Smith becomes almost gushy at times ("I adore the movie rendition of this scene") and the writing tends to ramble, including a three-page anecdote about her family's trip to Mt. Rushmore. Some of the comparisons are forced: "Fanny is merciful, just as her heavenly Father is merciful"; "Just as Lynda drew boundaries with Dora, we need to learn that living Christ is a gutsy undertaking." This book may appeal to conservative Christian women who appreciate a strong moral lesson, are already Jane Austen fans and have read Smith's own modern Austen series. (Jan.)