A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court [Mass Market Paperback]

There is a fine line between Chick Lit and Romance, and a lot of authors toe the line delicately. I would definitely say that although "A Connecticut Fashionista in King Authur's Court" by Marianne Mancusi is supposed to be Chick Lit, it fits more comfortably (in my opinion) into the Romance category.

Katherine (Kat) Jones is the heroine of this novel. She is a bright, outspoken woman in her late twenties trying to get the latest scoop for her fashion columnist job, which just happened to be about Medieval garb. Traipsing around at the local King Authur Faire isn't helping her disposition much, and when she agrees to get a palm reading by a gnarled gypsy woman, she scoffs so much that the gypsy threatens to put a curse on her. (A curse to send her into another "time"). Kat waves her off in what I soon learned to be her trademark airy, carefree way.

But after getting hit over the head with a flying lance a little while later, she awakes and finds herself in a strange place filled with strange people. After much confusion, a couple of horseback rides (one with the famous Lancelot), and a conversation with Queen Guenevere, she realizes the gypsy woman had made good on her promise: Kat has somehow ended up in Camelot... back in King Authur's day. And with the handsome Lancelot always trying to rescue her, she might soon find herself in over her head.

This book was an extremely light read filled with hilarious dialogue, romance, and fashion. Kat is a tough, sometimes brash, but often spunky heroine that I liked. Being a modern girl used to the 21st century's amenities, comfort and fashion, she handles things with aplomb. She was a character that I wouldn't mind reading another book about.

My main disappointment with this book was that I had been expecting a chick lit novel, with more of a developed and fleshed out story line, characters and resolution. Instead it turned out to be a mostly contemporary (time-travel) romance, complete with bodice-ripping type love scenes and a love-centered story. But the extremely far-fetched plot held together well for the most part of the novel and had an unexpected (and funny) ending.

This was a very light read - if you are looking for substance, you will not find much of it here. But if you are looking for a madcap, hilarious contemporary time-travel romance, you will love this book. I enjoyed it and recommend it especially to King Authur fans, as it also gives a new interesting twist to some of the old legends.

This book is a lot of fun to read from page one. Kat Jones is a snarky, feisty, funny heroine who will keep you laughing until the end of the book. Great twist on taking a classic tale and making it fresh and new in a chick lit voice. The first person really allowed the reader to know Kat and walk alongside her through her adventure...and oh, what an adventure! This book is a fast-paced, fun read that'll have you cracking up. Kudos to the author for making it an adventurous ride. Definitely pick it up for summer beach reading.

Ms. Mancusi has taken the concept of time-travel, the legend of King Arthur, and the sub genre Chick-lit and created a story that is entertaining. This read offers plenty of laugh out loud and tender moments that readers will enjoy.

Kat Jones finds herself transported back in time to King Arthur with the dubious task of saving Camelot. Yes, that's what I said 21 century gal sent to change history. The result of this bit of time travel is Kat finds love for the first time with the Knight Lancelot, and becomes good friends with Queen Guenevere. She also brings a little of the 21st century back in time...and the world will never be the same again...in anytime period. In fact the ending is very clever and leaves open the possiblity for a sequal.

For those that do not care for the first person POV be aware that this story is written from that point of view but done so in such a way that it's not obnoxious. Kat although a bit much at some points in the story is still a fun character, and Lancelot is one yummy hero. Trust me this is not your typical "King Arthur" legend and the developing relationship between Kat and "Lance" is darn right romantic. This was a fun read and I look forward to reading Ms. Mancusi again in the future.

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