Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits - (Jane Austen Takes the South) by Mary Jane Hathaway (Paperback)

About the Book

"This hilarious Southern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice tells the story of two hard-headed Civil war historians who find that first impressions can be deceiving. Shelby Roswell, a Civil War historian and professor, is on the fast track to tenure--that is, until her new book is roasted by the famous historian Ransom Fielding in a national review. With her career stalled by a man she's never met, Shelby struggles to maintain her composure when she discovers that Fielding has taken a visiting professorship at her small Southern college. Ransom Fielding is still struggling with his role in his wife's accidental death six years ago and is hoping that a year at Shelby's small college near his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, will be a respite from the pressures of Ivy League academia. He never bargained for falling in love with the one woman whose career--and pride--he injured, and who would do anything to make him leave. When these two hot-headed southerners find themselves fighting over the centuries-old history of local battles and antebellum mansions, their small college is about to become a battlefield of Civil War proportions. With familiar and relatable characters and wit to spare, Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits shows you that love can conquer all...especially when pride, prejudice, love, and cheese grits are involved!"--

Book Synopsis

This hilarious Southern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice tells the story of two hard-headed Civil war historians who find that first impressions can be deceiving.

Shelby Roswell, a Civil War historian and professor, is on the fast track to tenure--that is, until her new book is roasted by the famous historian Ransom Fielding in a national review. With her career stalled by a man she's never met, Shelby struggles to maintain her composure when she discovers that Fielding has taken a visiting professorship at her small Southern college.

Ransom Fielding is still struggling with his role in his wife's accidental death six years ago and is hoping that a year at Shelby's small college near his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, will be a respite from the pressures of Ivy League academia. He never bargained for falling in love with the one woman whose career--and pride--he injured, and who would do anything to make him leave.

When these two hot-headed southerners find themselves fighting over the centuries-old history of local battles and antebellum mansions, their small college is about to become a battlefield of Civil War proportions.

With familiar and relatable characters and wit to spare, Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits shows you that love can conquer all...especially when pride, prejudice, love, and cheese grits are involved!

Review Quotes

"Hathaway's take on Pride and Prejudice is fresh, fun, and funny -- a comfort read complete with a couple of comfort-food recipes at the end."-- "Diary of an Eccentric"

"I went into this series with a high level of excitement and expectations - (it couldn't be helped, this book was on my wish-list for over a year!) I'm thrilled to say that Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits was an extremely absorbing and entertaining read that definitely exceeded my expectations. It has a perfect balance of southern charm, sweet romance, and clever nods to our dear Jane!"-- "Austenesque"

"I'm in love. Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits is an absolute pleasure to read. The characters were phenomenal and the spin on Austen's classic is another classic in the making."-- "The Canon"

"If you love Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy or even if you haven't a clue as to who he is but want a light funny romance pick this book up! It's the perfect complement to a tall glass of sweet iced tea on your front porch swing."-- "Rambles of a SAHM"

"Mary Jane Hathaway crafts a sweetly Southern-fried homage to our beloved Elizabeth and her Mr. Darcy. You'll root for the earnest heroine and fall prey to a Darcy who retains his edge. For readers who like their Austen variations as comforting as a deep-dish peach pie."--Beth Pattillo, author of Jane Austen Ruined My Life

"As a history fan, Austen fan, and general fan of all things warm and fuzzy (except wool sweaters -- those are itchy), this book satisfied the yen for a light-hearted contemporary romance."-- "Black and Gold Girl's Book Spot"

"First things first, this book is ADORABLE. Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits definitely delivered in the romance department. The Austenian vibe, Southern charm and great characters were the perfect balance. Not too saccharin sweet, but just enough to give me goosebumps!"-- "Magical Musings"

"Hathaway references Dante, Wabi-Sabi, and Civil War history just as naturally as she praises the effect of a perfectly paired cocktail dress and bejeweled sandal. While ever keeping the romance at the forefront, conversations between the characters are just as likely to be lively repartee about the value of historic preservation or the changing expectations of women in society, as they are about the best shape of an engagement ring. For readers who love a heart-pounding romance but are tired of floozy characters with nothing to say, Hathaway acknowledges a world of substance and depth."-- "CatholicFiction.Net"

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. It had a quick start, great pace, and an upbeat storyline. There were well-developed and likable main characters, faith themes, and a multifaceted plot, plus a bonus recipe for cheese grits! This is a great read for lovers of romantic comedies!"-- "Radiantlit.com"

"Mary Jane Hathaway has done outstanding justice to the resurrection of the sparky antics between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy through her creation of modern day characters: Shelby Roswell and Ransom Fielding in her latest novel, Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits." -- "Feathered Quill Book Reviews"

"Mary Jane Hathaway has struck the perfect balance of southern charm and Austenesque respect in her novel Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits."-- "The Calico Critic"

"Several scenes were laugh out loud funny and the dialogue between the characters was mellifluous. Hathaway does a fantastic job of weaving the themes of Pride and Prejudice into her narrative, and whether you are a fan of Jane Austen or not, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND CHEESE GRITS is a fantastic summer read."-- "The Book Binder's Daughter"

"Shelby and Ransom were the perfect dueling duo and the dialogue is hilarious. I found many well-done Pride and Prejudice allusions and no, I never got sick of them! Shelby's mother and sisters are so shallow and snarky, it would be as satisfying as a slice of pecan pie to pop them all in the mouth."-- "Bubble Bath Books"

"The story is comedic, heartwarming and inspiring as the chapters open with classic dialogue from the classic novel of Pride and Prejudice from Jane Austen. You can't help but feel you have fallen right into the middle of something fantastic that will keep you glued to the novel until you see how it all plays out. It truly rates up there with some of the best romantic comedies I watched and read and can only hope that some movie company will pick this up and bring it to the big screen."-- "Reviews From the Heart"

"This book was full of southern charm, and for a southern belle like me this was the icing on top of the cake."-- "Charming Chelsey's Book Reviews"