Read Together

Time for another Read Together feature, this time spotlighting books that are all retellings of the classic musical "My Fair Lady." (Which, if you don't know, was originally a George Bernard Shaw play entitled Pygmalion. I've never read the play, but I am a big fan of the movie.)

When thinking about retellings, I tend to think first about Jane Austen novels - or fairy tales. But when I recently picked up a second book in a row that was a remix of "My Fair Lady," I realized there are several others out there as well. Thus: the need for a Read Together posting!

Note: If I have read the books mentioned, I'll give a star rating/quick mini review. If I have not, then I'll include a publisher synopsis.

My Fine Fellow (Jennieke Cohen) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one is so good - it was my featured title at Book Bites! It's a gender-bent retelling (meaning "Eliza Dolittle" was actually Elijah Little), set in an alternate historical England. Featuring a compelling societal structure and set in the world of culinarians/exquisite chefs-in-training, this one was so much fun to read, even though it made me hungry!

Made in Manhattan (Lauren Layne) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another gender-bent retelling, this time set in contemporary NYC, where a Manhattan socialite is tasked with preparing (aka transforming) a newly discovered Bayou-born grandson to take the reins of his family's global corporation. The chemistry is sizzling and this one had a nice twist to it in that Violet (our "Prof Higgins" character) has her own transformation journey.

My Fair Gentleman (Nancy Campbell Allen)

In this Regency (and gender-bent) twist, Jack would rather be at sea than fixing the mistakes of his grandfather. Instead, he finds that inheriting his grandfather's wealth and title - and securing the welfare of his sister and mother - means joining the ranks of high society and living with the aristocracy. Luckily, Ivy Carlisle, the granddaughter of a dear friend of Jack's late grandmother, is willing to teach him etiquette and properly introduce him into society. Jack soon learns that his challenge isn't surviving his new lifestyle but surviving the conspiracies against him - as well as keeping himself from falling madly in love with his new tutor.

My Unfair Lady (Kathryne Kennedy) ⭐⭐⭐

"My Fair Lady" meets the Wild West meets the Gilded Age ... this was a wild romp through Proper Society and The Rules, with American heiress Summer Wine Lee (what a name!) paying a disenfranchised Duke to help her become a real lady. Of course nothing works out as it should - there are some nice quirks and hilarious antics. It's not meant to be a serious read, although there are some heavy moments - and hard truths - tucked inside.

Note: This one does have some steamy/"open door" romantic scenes.