About the Book
Hattie Tilney isn't a believer. Yes, she's a senior at America's most (allegedly) haunted high school, Northanger Abbey. But ever since her paranormal-loving dad passed away, she's hung up her Ghostbusters suit, put away the EMF detectors, and moved on. She has enough to worry about in the land of the living: taking care of her younger brother, Liam, while their older sister spirals out and their mother, Northanger's formidable headmistress, buries herself in her work. If Hattie just works hard enough, keeps that overachiever mask on tight through graduation, maybe her mom will finally see her.
But the mask starts slipping when Hattie's assigned to be an ambassador to Kit Morland, a golden retriever of a boy who's transferred to Northanger on-what else-a ghost-hunting scholarship. The two are partnered up for an investigative project on the school's paranormal activity, and Hattie quickly strikes a deal: Kit will present whatever ghostly evidence he can find to prove that campus is haunted, and Hattie will prove that it's not. But as they explore the abandoned tunnels and foggy graveyards of Northanger, Hattie realizes Kit might be the kind of person that makes her want to believe in something-and someone-for the first time.
With her signature wit and slow burn romance, Amanda Quain turns another Austen classic on its head in this sparkling retelling that proves sometimes the ghosts are just a metaphor after all.
About the Author :
AMANDA QUAIN is a writer, indie bookseller, and general life enthusiast. When she's not shouting about her favorite new books, she loves theatre, baking, rock climbing, marching band, and the overall pursuit of adventure. If forced to choose, Amanda's favorite Austen hero is Edward Ferrars, though she'll always have a soft spot for Mr. Bingley. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and their cat. She is the author of Accomplished and Ghosted.
Review :
"Quick-witted humor, banter, and a slow-burn romance evoke familiar Austenian relationship fare, making this cozy read a satisfyingly modern take on a classic." -Publishers Weekly
"Quain draws a realistic portrait of a young person struggling with loss, social pressures, and familial expectations...Fresh and compelling." -Kirkus Reviews
"Teen fans of Austen will see the parallels and enjoy this modern twist on the story. Others unfamiliar with the original story will still enjoy the fun of a haunted-school romance." -Booklist
Praise for Accomplished:
"In Quain's witty debut...hard-earned character development and dynamic relationships are keenly explored. Quain uses the source material's infrastructure to establish the narrative's stakes and emotional gravity while skillfully setting it apart from its Austenian roots." --Publishers Weekly
"[Georgie's] reckoning with her own racial and class privilege is refreshing, and her complicated but loving relationship with her brother is a shining point...for fans of boarding school dramas and rom-coms, this fits the bill." --School Library Journal
"Move over, Lizzie Bennet--Georgiana Darcy's about to steal your heart!" --Ashley Poston, bestselling author of Geekerella
"An incredible debut and hilariously heartwarming addition to the Pride & Prejudice canon." --Jennifer Dugan, author of Hot Dog Girl
"A heroine in possession of her own side of the story must be in want of an iconic, fresh and funny retelling...Accomplished has bewitched us." --Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of If I'm Being Honest
"Accomplished is what I imagine it would look like if all my favorite Austen heroines united together and raised some hell in 2022." --Erin Hahn, author of Never Saw You Coming
"Sharp, funny, and full of heart...I officially have a new favorite Darcy." --Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos
"A masterpiece of a debut. I was hooked from the first line and laughed all the way to the happily-ever-after. You've never read Austen like this!" --Tiffany Schmidt, author of the Bookish Boyfriends series and I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas
"Hilarious and poignant, readers will come for the clever wit and romance of an Austen retelling and stay for a timeless and utterly relatable coming-of-age story." -Jennifer Iacopelli, author of Break the Fall
"[A] clever and heartfelt spin on Pride & Prejudice, which gives Georgie Darcy a chance to shine and have a happily ever after in her own right!" -Kristina Forest, author of I Wanna Be Where You Are
"A delightful gem of a book...In between all the winks to P&P, Accomplished also offers a smart rumination on privilege; a nod to fanfics and author life; and, a swoony slow burn romance. Highly recommended for P&P fans looking for a fresh (hilarious) take on the original and for YA contemporary readers who want to romp in a world that feels both familiar and original all at once." --Jamie Pacton, Author of Lucky Girl and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly
"Move over Fitzwilliam, there's a new Darcy in town! Wholly original, fiercely feminist, and with a romance that's totally fic-worthy, Accomplished is the Pride & Prejudice retelling you've been waiting for. Georgie Darcy has something to say -- and you'll hang on her every word." --Stephanie Kate Strohm, author of Love a la Mode and Prince in Disguise
"Georgie is a character you can root for. She's smart, funny and real. Quain's writing is perfect for fans of the OG Jane Austen, but also Emery Lord, Sarah Dessen, and Emma Mills...Highly recommend." --Rachel Simon, youth services librarian, Newton Free Library (Newton, MA)
