Title: Lizzy and Jane
Author: Katherine Reay
Major Themes: Family, Food, Friendship, Cancer
Synopsis: Estranged since their mother’s death, Elizabeth and her sister are brought together again with Jane’s cancer diagnosis and Elizabeth’s failing culinary career.
Years ago, I remember seeing reviews for Dear Mr. Knightley, with multiple friends recommending the story. I didn’t have access to that book at the time, but soon afterward, I found Lizzy and Jane and decided to ask for a review copy. To my shame, I never quite managed to get around to actually reading the story, so it sat, languishing, in my Kindle. I had a goal this past year to work through some of my old ARCs, and this book was on my list. I’m so glad I finally took the time to read this story—it’s a gem!
Publisher’s description:
Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named.
Elizabeth left her family’s home in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again.
Known for her absolute command of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all, Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a difference.
As Elizabeth pours her renewed energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s handsome coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to the life she has worked so hard to create?
My thoughts:
One of my favorite things about Katherine Reay’s books is the way she incorporates elements of classic stories while telling a whole new contemporary story. This book is, in a sense, an ode to Jane Austen’s works—but though I guessed from the title, before starting the book, that it would primarily be inspired by Pride and Prejudice, I must say I was thrilled to discover elements of my current Austen favorite, Sense and Sensibility, in the story as well. One scene that particularly stands out is when one character was brought to her knees because of a medical incident, and another character turned to her eventually, and said in effect, “That’s sweet and all, but can we be finished with our Elinor and Marianne moment?” I’d already been thinking how that scene was similar to one from Sense and Sensibility, and the comment made me chuckle. Definitely Reay at her best!
While I’d classify this book as contemporary romance, I loved that this book had more focus on the family relationships in the story than the romance, so in that way, it felt almost more like women’s fiction. The characters here were hurting in many different ways, and watching a fractured family move closer together—despite grief and loss—was one of my favorite things in the world. There’s a lot of deep heart work in this story…and while it’s not overtly Christian most of the time, the threads of redemption, hope, and faith were there, and I came away with a heart full of thanks for the transformation the Lord can work in our lives when we let Him.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the food element of this story! Having not read the back cover synopsis (I mean, why would you, when you can just discover it through the story?), that part caught me by surprise and thoroughly tickled my cooking heart. I’m not a chef, and don’t intend to be, but I loved the way the food in this story was creative, made with love, and used as a way of blessing and drawing people together. I want my home to have this kind of food culture.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read, enjoyable story that has moments of lightheartedness as well as some deeper soul work, I’d highly recommend you check out Lizzy and Jane. I’m kicking myself for not reading it earlier, and I’m hoping to check out some of Reay’s other books before too long. Also, if you haven’t read Austen’s stories before this book, don’t worry—there are little easter eggs for those who know the classics, but your enjoyment of this book will not be lessened if you don’t know the stories.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
WARNING: Characters occasionally drink socially, hold hands, or kiss (never described in detail). Breast cancer, its effects on the body, and treatments are frequently talked about. Chapter 1: Worth a darn. Chapter 2: Lying. Chapter 4: Darn it. Chapter 6: Gee. Chapter 8: Heck. Chapter 25: Sleeping on a man’s chest on his couch at his house, alone (nothing wrong happens). Chapter 28: Brief reference to sex (talking about chemo’s effects on her body). Chapter 36: For goodness’s sake.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Leave a Reply