Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley is a loose retelling of Pride and Prejudice featuring an Asian American family.

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, complicated family drama, sisters, Asian American, own voices, retelling, San Francisco Bay area of California

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My Summary of Pride and Preston Lin:

Thanks #NetGalley @ThirdStateBooks (and @AustenProsePR) for a complimentary e ARC of #PrideAndPrestonLin upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Lissie is the middle of two sisters. Lissie and her older sister work in the Cheng family restaurant while they pursue educational and career goals. Lissie accidentally serves food containing shellfish to an allergic customer and the wealthy Lin family threatens to sue. The Lin’s handsome son, Preston, is a star swimmer. Lissie’s younger sister is also a swimmer, allowing Preston’s and Lissie’s paths to cross occasionally. Lissie thinks Preston is arrogant and she hates him for the negative publicity he brought to the restaurant. In this story loosely inspired by Pride and Prejudice, the author entertains us with an enemies-to-lovers trope.

My Thoughts:

Enemies-to-Lovers

Enemies-to-lovers is always a fun romance trope with opportunities galore for great banter and entertaining situations. This romance is sweet and slow-burn. Personalities shine here!

Diverse Read

In addition to the trope, I appreciate a look into a culture that is not my own. The Asian-American twist to this classic created an interesting read. Family dynamics and delicious cuisine enhance the story.

Retelling

Although I prefer original stories, I enjoy an occasional modern reimagining of a classic. As with most retellings, this one stands fine on its own. Preston and Lissie provide a generous serving of witty and entertaining banter and a complicated set of circumstances brings them together in unexpected ways. We are even treated to a ballroom scene!

Content Consideration: some language, adultry

Recommending Pride and Preston Lin

I can recommend Pride and Preston Lin for fans of retellings, (mostly) light-hearted stories, sweet romance, complicated family drama, and Asian American literature. Readers who enjoy the competitive sport of swimming will find lots to relate to in this fast-paced and multilayered story. Book clubs might enjoy the discussion possibilities.

I am not an “own voices” reader or reviewer. If you are, please add your thoughts or links to your review in the comments.

My Rating:  4  Stars

Meet the Author of Pride and Preston Lin, Christina Hwang Dudley

Christina Dudley‘s books have been called “enchanting,” “sparkling” and “swoon-worthy” by reviewers like Austenprose and Austenesque Reviews. She’s authored two award-winning Regency series: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and The Ellsworth Assortment, as well as PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN, a contemporary riff on Austen’s classic which was chosen as a February 2024 Editor’s Pick by Kirkus Reviews Magazine and received starred reviews from both them and Booklist.

To join her mailing list and receive a FREE copy of a Hapgoods of Bramleigh novella, visit her namesake website.

She and her family live in Bellevue, Washington.

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QOTD:

Is this retelling on your TBR or have you read it?

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