Wild, Beautiful and Free: a poorly executed retelling of Jane Eyre

Wild, Beautiful and Free by Sophfronia Scott is the story of one woman’s journey. Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bebinn, is raised with her white half sister. When her father suddenly dies, she finds herself on her own at twelve years old. She is denied her inheritance by his vindictive wife and sold into slavery. All on her own, away from everything and everyone she knows. Jeannette faces injustices due to her mixed race. Escaping from enslavement, she travels, going from place to place, searching for purpose, love and a place in a country recovering from the Civil War. In a world which tells her that she doesn’t belong, Jeannette must decide whether she will bend to the expectations of the world or embrace her true self. 

With its beautiful cover and intriguing premise, I looked forward to reading this story. However, from the opening prologue to the closing chapter, I struggled to get into Wild, Beautiful and Free. It felt so flat. There were so many deep themes of death, freedom, identity, purpose and yet the only time Jeannette shows any real emotions is when she falls in love? I really, really wanted to like this book. It is beautifully written with great descriptions and settings and yet, I couldn’t connect with Jeannette. I was shocked to learn this story was supposed to be a retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. As Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classic novels, I did not see that connection at all! Unfortunately, I do not recommend Wild, Beautiful and Free. 

Wild, Beautiful and Free is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Paper Heart: one summer and a life changing decisions

My Paper Heart by Magan Vernon is the first book in the My Paper Heart series. Libby Gentry has done everything she was supposed to. Getting into her top choice sorority? Check. Dating a hot guy from the biggest fraternity? Check. However, it all goes wrong when she fails out of college and her parents force her to work for her great aunt in rural Louisiana. The tiny town of Elsbury has nothing for her and she stands out like a sore thumb until she meets Blaine Crabtree, the small town charmer. As the two grow closer, Libby is faced with a seemingly impossible choice. A new opportunity arises in Chicago, she must decide to wait for Blaine or move on. 

I really wanted to like this story. Right off the bat, Libby is unlikable, shallow and vain. She tried to use her past as justification for her current behaviors and I just don’t buy it. And Blaine? Oh Blaine! His introduction in the story is not in the greatest light. And his reputation around town isn’t the greatest either. At one point, someone tells Libby that he is a playboy and will “sleep with any woman under 30.” WHAT?!?!?! By the end of the story, I was over their antics and back and forth that I didn’t care if they had any growth at all. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I do not recommend My Paper Heart. 

My Paper Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook