I don't know why I am so delighted when I hear of a man who reads and enjoys Jane Austen, but it seems to always catch me by surprise. The author of FIRST IMPRESSIONS, Charlie Lovett, is obviously one of those men. In fact, when reading his books, both this one and The Bookman's Tale, I get the distinct impression that here is a true bibliophile.

This love of books permeates the entire novel. The story takes place in two settings: Jane Austen's time right before she becomes a published author; and present day England with a woman, Sophie Collingwood, who has recently been hired at an antiquarian bookshop. When she receives two requests for the same printing of the same obscure book, the mystery begins. Mr. Lovett weaves a mystery that left me guessing until the very end.

And if the mystery story isn't enough, there is a love story, a lovely reimagining of Jane Austen's life, and even some tidbits about bookselling, book collecting, and the history of book printing. This seems like a lot to pack into one book, but Mr. Lovett does it with ease. Having two time periods switching back and forth can be cumbersome, but the two stories are engrossing and I can't pick which one I like best. They do have a common thread and eventually converge into one story at the end. And like Jane Austen's books, FIRST IMPRESSIONS has a very satisfying ending indeed.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS affected me in many ways. One way was that I was compelled to purchase a hardcover copy in addition to the ebook for my library. FIRST IMPRESSIONS, (which, as Jane Austen enthusiasts know, is the original title of Pride and Prejudice) made it into the ranks of my special book friends, so I had to have it on my actual bookshelves. Another effect this book had was to entice me to read all of Jane Austen's books yet again. FIRST IMPRESSIONS is a lovely tribute to Jane Austen and her body of work. I look forward to other offerings by Charlie Lovett--perhaps about other beloved authors?