Watson, Kate
WORK TITLE: Seeking Mansfield
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.katewatsonbooks.com/
CITY:
STATE: AZ
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
| LC control no.: | no2017058579 |
|---|---|
| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/no2017058579 |
| HEADING: | Watson, Kate (Katherine) |
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| 005 | 20170506073623.0 |
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| 010 | __ |a no2017058579 |
| 035 | __ |a (OCoLC)oca10796260 |
| 040 | __ |a ICrlF |b eng |e rda |c ICrlF |
| 100 | 1_ |a Watson, Kate |q (Katherine) |
| 370 | __ |a Stirling (Alta.) |e Phoenix (Ariz.) |2 naf |
| 372 | __ |a Young adult fiction |2 lcsh |
| 374 | __ |a Authors |2 lcsh |
| 375 | __ |a Women |2 lcsh |
| 377 | __ |a eng |
| 378 | __ |q Katherine |
| 400 | 1_ |a White, Kate |q (Katherine) |
| 670 | __ |a Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield, 2017: |b title page (Kate Watson) about the author page (Kate Watson, young adult writer, originally from Canada, holds a BA in philosophy, has lived in Israel, Brazil, Utah, and the American South, calls Arizona home) |
| 670 | __ |a Facebook, May 2, 2017 |b (Kate Watson, YA author, born in Alberta, Canada) (Kate White, YA author as Kate Watson, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, from Stirling, Alberta) |
| 670 | __ |a Email from author, May 5, 2017 |b (My real name is Kate (technically Katherine) White) |
PERSONAL
Born in Alberta, Canada; married; children: two.
EDUCATION:Brigham Young University, B.A.
ADDRESS
- Home - Phoenix. AZ.
CAREER
Young adult writer. Worked previously as a senior director of student services at a private university.
RELIGION: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.WRITINGS
- Seeking Mansfield (novel), North Star Editions (Mendota Heights, MN ), 2017
- Shoot the Moon (novel), North Star Editions (Mendota Heights, MN), 2018
SIDELIGHTS
Kate Watson is an Arizona-based young adult writer. Born in Alberta, Canada, Watson is the tenth of thirteen children. Watson attended Brigham Young University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Following graduation, she worked for several years as a senior director of student services at a private university.
Watson has lived in Israel, Brazil, Utah, and South Carolina. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lives in Arizona with her husband and their two children.
Seeking Mansfield
Seeking Mansfield, Watson’s debut novel, tells the story of Finley Price, a young woman living with her godparents, the Bertrams, in Chicago. Stephanie Bucklin in ForeWord described the novel as “refreshing and sweet,” adding, “Watson delivers a protagonist whose struggles feel both believable and real.”
Finley’s mother is in prison, and she has lived with her godparents since the death of her father. While Finley is best friends with the Bertrams’ son, Oliver, her godmother shames and verbally abuses her, and Juliette, Oliver’s sister, treats her like a housemaid. Finley is quiet and shy, possibly a result of PTSD from a childhood with an abusive mother. Oliver encourages her to come out of her shell and take risks, such applying to the Mansfield Theater program, but Finley resists.
The lives of Finley and the Bertrams takes a turn when the famous Crawfords move across the street. The movie stars quickly become a part of the Bertrams’ lives. Oliver develops a crush on the lovely Emma, while it seems that Emma’s brother, Harlan, might be interested in Finley. The story takes a turn when one of the Bertrams becomes seriously injured, and Finley must finally come out of her shell and take decisive control of her life.
A modern take on Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, the story is updated with ‘teen speak’ and a focus on theater. Kristy Rademacher in Voice of Youth Advocates wrote: “The plot remains quite predictable,” while also adding, “the characters are interesting and the romantic tension between Oliver and Finley is fun. “
Shoot the Moon
Watson’s second novel focuses on Tate Bertram, a handsome, young, privileged nineteen-year-old with one major flaw: he has a gambling addiction. Though he is in denial that he has a problem, his secret comes out when his family confronts him following a traumatic incident in which Tate is nearly killed in a dispute related to gambling debts. Following the intervention, his parents help him pay off his debts and throw him into rehab. Catherine Thureson in ForeWord described the book as “an exciting story with a complex, tightly woven plot.”
Unable to resist the games, Tate begins to run an illegal poker game, though he forgoes actually indulging in his addictive behavior and does not play. When the game is shut down, Tate’s only option is to work as an intern for his aunt Nora, a politician running for state attorney general. Her adversary is Conner Wolf, her brother-in-law and the father of the woman who taught Tate how to play poker. Connor might have connections to the mob, and Tate takes it upon himself to prove it.
Tate begins to dip into his old habits in his quest to uncover Connor’s hidden connection, pursuing the dirty gambling underbelly of the city’s politics. Through his investigations, Tate begins to understand that he truly does have a problem. The book provides an examination into the nature of addiction as well as the psychology of poker players specifically. Anne O’Malley in Booklist wrote that there are “overwrought subplots and overdone gambling scenes,” while also noting, “Tate’s characterization dazzles in this high-action drama.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, December 1, 2017, Anne O’Malley, review of Shoot the Moon, p. 352.
ForeWord, May 9, 2017, Stephanie Bucklin, review of Seeking Mansfield; December 27, 2017, Catherine Thureson, review of Shoot the Moon.
Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2017, review of Seeking Mansfield; November 15, 2017, review of Shoot the Moon.
School Library Journal, April, 2017, Abby Hargreaves, review of Seeking Mansfield; December, 2017, Meaghan Nichols, review of Shoot the Moon, p. 352.
Voice of Youth Advocates, April, 2017, Kristy Rademacher, review of Seeking Mansfield, p. 67.
ONLINE
Happy Ever After, http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com (June 17, 2017), Serena Chase, review of Seeking Mansfield.
Novel Link, https://novelinkblog.com (May 1, 2017), Madalyn, review of Seeking Mansfield.
Tuesday Writers http://www.tuesdaywriters.com (February 13, 2017), Jonathan Rosen, author interview.
We Live and Breathe Books, http://weliveandbreathebooks.blogspot.com (April 27, 2017),
- Kate Watson - http://www.katewatsonbooks.com/p/about-me.html
About
Thanks for stopping by! I'm the tenth of thirteen children, with eight of my nine older siblings being brothers. You can imagine how hard that made dating in high school. Born in a village in Alberta, Canada, I've also lived in Israel, Brazil, Utah, South Carolina, and I now call Arizona home.I have a BA in Philosophy from BYU and worked for several years as a senior director of student services at a private university.
I love travel and good food (and trying gross food in the name of adventure--I've eaten haggis, for heaven's sake). I view speaking in accents as a natural part of life (and, yes, my husband adores me in spite of that. Or because of that, probably, because it's awesome). I believe my soul is composed of the words of Jane Austen and the music of Jack White. I think most people are wonderful, but bookish people are best.
My husband and two children are the absolute loves of my life and my favorite people in the multiverse.
I'm represented by Dawn Frederick of Red Sofa Literary.
My debut novel, SEEKING MANSFIELD, comes out May 16th, 2017, with the companion novel to come in 2018. I'm also a contributor to Eric Smith's WELCOME HOME anthology.
Still interested? Read on!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you really the tenth of thirteen children?
Yes. I'm the seventh of nine biologically and the tenth of thirteen in my blended family. Eight of my siblings are boys, and all eight of those boys are older than me. Yes, this made dating very, very, hard.
Do you have a Canadian accent, eh?
Nope. But I once laid one on really thickly during an interview, just to see what would happen. (One guess how that went.)
Wait, I heard a story about you doing an English accent once for an entire week. Is that true?
It is, and I'm not ashamed. My husband and I went to the UK a few years after we were married, and I've always been a bit of a chameleon with accents. I unconsciously adopt some of the speech patterns of the people I'm around. My husband probably still wishes otherwise, but for the entire eight day trip, I couldn't stop speaking with an English accent. I even got stopped by some Brits and asked for directions. And passed!! (Truly one of the most triumphal moments of my life.)
When you say you're a nerd...
I am an unabashedly huge fan of Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and similar nerdy things. I read books with maps in them (the first time my husband caught me doing this, he said, "Nerd alert!"). I have passing familiarity with a lot of comic books (including every Archie comic that was published up until around the late 90s, thanks to my piano teacher's extensive collection and the fact that five of us took lessons at the same time and had to stay there for the full 2 1/2 hours while my dad ran errands...this is getting long). Um, I also majored in philosophy, love sudoku, and can geek out in Excel for hours on end. Hours.
Which is your favorite Doctor?
Ten. Terribly unoriginal of me, but come on. It's Ten!
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was little, my mom updated a scrapbook, of sorts, for me at the beginning of every school year. In grade two (that's what we call second grade in Canada), I said I wanted to be a writer, an airline stewardess, and an actress. Every year after that, the other two would change, but "writer" never did.
Why do you write young adult instead of another genre?
I fell in love with young adult books in college when a friend gave me ELLA ENCHANTED after a bad breakup. I had never read young adult before--I didn't even know it existed, to be honest. I was raised on classics and fantasy, but once I discovered YA, I was hooked.
I love the honesty that young adult stories require, as well as the intensity of emotion. I also love that they are largely stories of hope, triumph, healing, and/or redemption, qualities that adult books (and reviewers) tend to turn their noses up at. *insert eye roll emoji* Young adults tend to have a brightness of hope that I find beautiful, and there's a resiliency to youth that adults can too often lack. And, yes, teens can also make mistakes that seem obvious when viewed through the rearview mirror of adulthood. I get very rant-y and rage-y when people want young adult books to feature less immaturity and angst, or to have fewer happy/hopeful endings. Those books exist: they're depressing as BLEEP and written for adults. If that's what you're looking for, good on you. But YA probably isn't your thing.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Young adult, obviously, classics, and fantasy.
You went to BYU, which makes me think you're Mormon. But you drink Diet Pepsi and love the Beastie Boys and Coen Brothers movies and... and...
Yes, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and with varying entertainment and political preferences; and I genuinely believe we all want the world to be a better place and for people to be eternally happy. I think the creators of South Park said it... okay, not best, but still:
"Look, maybe us Mormons do believe in crazy stories that make absolutely no sense, and maybe Joseph Smith did make it all up, but I have a great life and a great family and I have the Book of Mormon to thank for that. The truth is, I don’t care if Joseph Smith made it all up, because what the church teaches now is loving your family, being nice, and helping people, and even though people in this town might think that’s stupid, I still choose to believe in it."
Did you really just quote South Park?
Your mom did.
You really are a bona fide sassy pants.
Guilty.
Let's move on, shall we? When do you find time to write?
I have the two greatest kids in the known universe (and I hope all parents everywhere feel the same way about their kids). My daughter has quiet time every day, and my son still naps. I try to fit the majority of my writing into that time. I also try to write after the kids are in bed, or, when I'm feeling ambitious, I'll even get up early to fit a bit of time in. Mornings are when I get my best writing done.
I want to write. Where should I start?
This will one day be a post all on its own, but the first place to start is putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as it were). While there are some who will be a smashing success with the first novel they ever write, the majority of us have put in our 10,000 hours before the debut hits the shelves. If you want to write, start now. Learn the craft, listen when your teacher talks about rising action and conflict and denouement and all that stuff. Read so, so many books. And start writing.
Once the book is done, come back and see me. :)
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Watson, Kate: SHOOT THE MOON
Kirkus Reviews.
(Nov. 15, 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Watson, Kate SHOOT THE MOON Flux (Children's Fiction) $14.99 2, 6 ISBN: 978-1-63583-014-9
Watson's novel may not break the bank, but it's by no means a losing hand.
Tate Bertram's life is complicated to say the least: he is a gambling addict who won't admit to a problem even when he's busted by his brother after nearly dying during a confrontation over gambling debts. Luckily, Tate's wealthy parents paid off his debts--the first time. When Tate gets in trouble again, though, they turn to tough love. Thankfully there's Tate's politician aunt, who's running against her brother-in-law, a man who may have mob connections. Watson's plot will keep readers interested--her narrative twists and turns wildly as Tate lives his life of privilege, matches wits with his fellow intern/housemate/childhood friend/love interest, the Bulgarian-born Alex (adoptive daughter of the political rival, no less!), and uncovers a political mystery--even if the somewhat stilted dialogue throws in the occasional speed bump. Tate and his family are white, but Watson adds hints of diversity in half-Irish, half-Brazilian Finley, another love interest (introduced in Seeking Mansfield, 2017), and a few other secondary characters. The diversity falters, though; like many good-looking white guys, this book is all about Tate. The gambling subplot is handled well and provides Tate with some much-needed flaws as he walks the line between believable and idealized-character-trope territory.
Faults aside, Watson's plot is snappy, and she manages to keep Tate likable through all of his highly unlikable moments. (Fiction. 14-19)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Watson, Kate: SHOOT THE MOON." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Nov. 2017. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A514267751/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=5ad57f12. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
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Shoot the Moon
Catherine Thureson
ForeWord.
(Dec. 27, 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 ForeWord http://www.forewordmagazine.com
Full Text:
Kate Watson; SHOOT THE MOON; Flux (Children's: Young Adult Fiction) 14.99 ISBN: 9781635830149
Byline: Catherine Thureson
Tate Bertram is handsome, smart, and rich -- a golden boy who has lived a privileged life. At just nineteen years old, he is also a gambling addict. After he nearly died while trying to evade a debt collector, his family staged an intervention and put him in rehab. Now he runs an illegal poker game, but resists the urge to play.
When his illegal game is shut down, Tate is forced to take work as an intern for his aunt, who is running for state attorney general. Her opponent, Conner Wolf, is the father of the girl who taught Tate how to play poker. Wolf also might be connected to the mob, and Tate wants to prove it. He starts playing a new and very dangerous game, one that could have a huge payoff or could cost him everything.
Shoot the Moon is an exciting story with a complex, tightly woven plot. It has a little bit of everything: romance, family drama, political intrigue, and a thrilling mystery. The pages fly by. Tate learns to accept his gambling problem, forgive himself and his family, and begins to put his life back together.
The book delves into the psychology of poker players and the probabilities of different hands. Even those with no frame of reference for the game will come away understanding why it holds so much appeal.
Shoot the Moon is complex, intelligent, and quick-moving. It thoughtfully examines addiction, and the difficult task of overcoming it, through its complicated but appealing teenage leads.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Thureson, Catherine. "Shoot the Moon." ForeWord, 27 Dec. 2017. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A520983452/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=53e2a9d4. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A520983452
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Shoot the Moon
Anne O'Malley
Booklist.
114.7 (Dec. 1, 2017): p57. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
Shoot the Moon.
By Kate Watson.
Feb. 2018. 352p. Flux, paper, $14.99 (97816358301491; e-book, $14.99 (9781635830156). Gr. 7-11.
Don't call Tate a gambling addict. The savvy college kid just likes running illegal card rooms because it's so profitable and the rush of being there is such a kick: fingering the deck he keeps in his pocket is soothing, and dashing off to buy scratch-off lottery tickets relieves tension. In this companion novel to Seeking Mansfield (2017), bad boy Tate takes center stage, leading us on a wild journey into the depths of addiction, evoked with such intensity that readers may find themselves short of breath along with him. When not gambling, Tate manages his classes and works on his aunt's campaign for attorney general, an escapade that brings him face-to-face with Chicago's inner circle of corrupt political and business leaders, as well as beautiful Alex Wolf, the candidate's niece on the other side of the family. Despite overwrought subplots and overdone gambling scenes, Tate's characterization dazzles in this high-action drama. The complicated family scenario will be clearer to those who know Watson's earlier title, but this can stand alone.--Anne O'Malley
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
O'Malley, Anne. "Shoot the Moon." Booklist, 1 Dec. 2017, p. 57. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A519036314/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=725ee8eb. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A519036314
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Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield
Kristy Rademacher
Voice of Youth Advocates.
40.1 (Apr. 2017): p67. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC http://www.voya.com
Full Text:
3Q * 3P * J * S
Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield. Flux, 2017. 300p. $14.99 Trade pb. 978-1-63583-002-6.
In this modern retelling of Jane Austens Mansfield Park, Finley Price lives in Chicago with her godparents, the Bertrams, ever since her father died. Her mother is in prison. The Bertrams's son, Oliver, is her best friend, yet Finleys life with the Bertrams is tense; her aunt shames and verbally abuses her every chance she gets, while young Juliette Bertram treats Finley like hired help. When the Crawfords--beautiful, famous, and seemingly vapid Hollywood stars--move in next door, they quickly insert themselves into Finley and Olivers lives. Everyone is pressuring Finley to be more self-assured, as long as she does it in the way they prefer. When the eldest Bertram sibling gets seriously injured, Finley reevaluates her life and discovers how to stand up for what she truly wants.
While the plot remains quite predictable, the characters are interesting and the romantic tension between Oliver and Finley is fun. The dialogue waffles between "teen speak" and old-fashioned, proper phrasing. This can be jolting, making teen characters sound far older and more mature than their years. Finley has survived her mother's violence and appears to suffer from PTSD, but the topic is not fully explored. This is not a novel for fans of Jane Austen's classic. The retelling is cliched and simplistic, but if readers are looking for a light, romantic read with a heaping dose of melodrama, Seeking Mansfield will be perfect.--Kristy Rademacher.
QUALITY
5Q Hard to imagine it being better written.
4Q Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses.
3Q Readable, without serious defects.
2Q Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q.
1Q Hard to understand how it got published, except in relation to its P rating (and not even then sometimes).
POPULARITY
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5P Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday. 4P Broad general or genre YA appeal.
3P Will appeal with pushing.
2P For the YA reader with a special interest in the subject. 1P No YA will read unless forced to for assignments. GRADE LEVEL INTEREST
M Middle School (defined as grades 6-8).
J Junior High (defined as grades 7-9).
S Senior High (defined as grades 10-12).
A/YA Adult-marketed book recommended for YAs. NA New Adult (defined as college-age).
R Reluctant readers (defined as particularly suited for reluctant readers). (a) Highlighted Reviews Graphic Novel Format
(G) Graphic Novel Format
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Rademacher, Kristy. "Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield." Voice of Youth Advocates, Apr. 2017, p.
67. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491949521/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=03180276. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491949521
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Seeking Mansfield
Stephanie Bucklin
ForeWord.
(May 9, 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 ForeWord http://www.forewordmagazine.com
Full Text:
Kate Watson; SEEKING MANSFIELD; Flux (Children's: Young Adult Fiction) 14.99 ISBN: 9781635830026
Byline: Stephanie Bucklin
In this sweet romance, author Kate Watson explores family, obligations, and the weight of the past. Seeking Mansfield is about one young girl's journey to discover her own desires after suppressing them for so long.
Sixteen-year-old Finley Price lives with the Bertrams, a well-off family that took her in after both her father's death and a shocking incident with her mother. Her best friend, and the Bertram's second son, Oliver, is her protector, encouraging Finley to come out of her shell and to finally do things for herself for once -- like apply to the Mansfield Theater program. But when two young movie stars move in across the street, Finley's compass becomes confused once more. Oliver seems taken in by the beautiful Emma, while Emma's brother Harlan might just be pursuing Finley. With new romances and new responsibilities, Finley has to sort through, once and for all, where her obligations end and her own desires begin.
The strength of Seeking Mansfield, which has plot points in common with Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, is its portrayal of Finley's conflicted desires and believable struggle to sort through what she really wants, and what others want for her. Watson's characters have complex and conflicted motivations, which adds to the authenticity of Finley's struggles. For instance, when Harlan is frustrated with Finley about one of her choices, it's unclear whether it's because he misses her, cares about her, or selfishly wants her to accept that his choice for her is best -- perhaps all three. The numerous actors and references to theater and movies add another layer to the book, as all the characters are trying to sort truth from reality, authenticity from affectation.
Though the start of Seeking Mansfield can feel a bit overwhelming with the quick introduction of the main cast of characters, the novel is refreshing and sweet, and Watson delivers a protagonist whose struggles feel both believable and real.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Bucklin, Stephanie. "Seeking Mansfield." ForeWord, 9 May 2017. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A491735469/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=94025c1c. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
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Watson, Kate: SEEKING MANSFIELD
Kirkus Reviews.
(Mar. 15, 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Watson, Kate SEEKING MANSFIELD Flux (Children's Fiction) $16.99 5, 16 ISBN: 978-1-63163-118-4
In a modern spin on Mansfield Park, Watson's debut blends Austen with a dash of Shakespeare, all in contemporary Chicago.Sixteen-year-old Finley Price, "half-Brazilian, half-Irish," has found a sanctuary with her wealthy white godparents and their son, the Bertrams, after escaping her abusive mother. She is hyperaware of her perceived debt to the Bertrams and is determined to avoid being an imposition and to give back as much as she possibly can. Ever protective Oliver Bertram, however, is consistently encouraging her to be bold and embrace life. When white sibling Hollywood teen stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move in with their aunt and uncle next door the homeostasis of the Bertram home is disrupted. Finley must learn to speak up for herself to heal past wounds and move forward to achieve her dreams. The third-person narration shifts focus between Oliver and Finley, giving insight into the motives of each, including their unspoken affection for each other, which simmers throughout the novel. Austen's Regency plot fits well among contemporary teens trying to define their own values and ambitions away from family obligations, expectations, and psychological baggage. Watson avoids the satire of the original, though, as this Finley and indeed all the characters seem to be entirely in earnest. A commendable adaptation of a 200-year-old tale made fresh for a 21st-century audience. (Fiction. 14-18)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Watson, Kate: SEEKING MANSFIELD." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2017. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A485105110/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=2a4c456c. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A485105110
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WATSON, Kate. Shoot the Moon
Meaghan Nichols
School Library Journal.
63.12 (Dec. 2017): p114. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2017 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
WATSON, Kate. Shoot the Moon. 352p. (Seeking Mansfield: Bk. 2). Flux. Feb. 2018. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781635830149.
Gr 9 Up-Tate Bertram is a scoundrel who splits his time between college and running an illegal gambling ring--until he's busted. Tate is also, supposedly, in recovery for gambling addiction. With his secret out, the teen's family cuts him off; except his aunt Nora who offers him an internship with her political campaign. The high-pressure internship and his college course load begin to wear on Tate and he falls back into bad habits. Fans of the Jane Austen-inspired Seeking Mansfield will find this a darker story but still frill of engaging characters and all the ensuing drama. Watson adeptly shows the pull and trap of addiction. The highs and lows of a dependence on gambling, (or any other vice), are eloquently brought to life in the story. This is an excellent choice for teens who like to read character-driven tales with a lot of drama. The intrigue is as rich as the cast of characters. VERDICT A thrill ride full of romance, mystery, and high-stakes gambling. Tate Bertram wouldn't have it any other way. Purchase where the previous book is popular.--Meaghan Nichols, Archaeological Research Associates, Ont.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Nichols, Meaghan. "WATSON, Kate. Shoot the Moon." School Library Journal, Dec. 2017, p.
114. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A516634139/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=7a3908bf. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A516634139
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Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield
Abby Hargreaves
School Library Journal.
63.4 (Apr. 2017): p159. From Book Review Index Plus.
COPYRIGHT 2017 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Full Text:
WATSON, Kate. Seeking Mansfield. 300p. Flux. May 2017. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781635830026.
Gr 8 Up-In this modern retelling of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, Finley Price joins the Bertrams' household following the death of her father and the alcoholic and abusive downward spiral of her mother. She has just begun to adjust when famous siblings Harlan and Emma Crawford move in next door. The daughter of a well-known actor, Finley is no stranger to the world of theater and film, but her history and timid nature prevent her from applying to a prestigious theater program, even with her best friend's encouragement and her further immersion into the world of theater with the Crawfords. The narrative begins with stiff language, perhaps too reminiscent of that of the original Austen work, but eventually settles into a more comfortable style. Similarly, characters' personalities start off caricaturelike before the author grasps deeper layers of each one, fleshing out subtleties and contradictions with finesse. With a classic plot to build on, this title successfully illustrates gray areas of human nature and communicates them in a way readers will see reflected in their own lives. This novel will satisfy fans of the source material and Austen neophytes alike. The book's complex themes will be enjoyed by fans of Estelle Laure's This Raging Light and Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl. VERDICT This debut ultimately weaves an impressive mosaic and is an excellent selection for fans of young adult literature that is heavily thematic or romantic or that revisits the classics.-Abby Hargreaves, Alexandria Public Library, VA
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Hargreaves, Abby. "Watson, Kate. Seeking Mansfield." School Library Journal, Apr. 2017, p.
159. PowerSearch, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A488688301/GPS?u=schlager& sid=GPS&xid=d4728193. Accessed 14 Jan. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A488688301
11 of 11 1/14/18, 10:41 PM
- Happy Ever After
http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2017/05/17/serena-chase-ya-rec-seeking-mansfield-kate-watson/
Word count: 429eeking Mansfield by Kate Watson
What it’s about (from publisher North Star Editions):
Sixteen-year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend and godparents’ son, Oliver Bertram. Since Finley moved in with her godparents after the death of her father, she and Oliver have grown close. If Finley could just take Oliver’s constant encouragement to heart and step out of the shadows, she’d finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater.
When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move across the street from the Bertrams, they shake up Finley and Oliver’s stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Finley realizes that Harlan’s attention is shifting to her. She discovers she might have feelings for him too. Or, is she only interested in Harlan because Oliver is taken? Finley doesn’t want to be won, and she doesn’t want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver’s heart—and keep her own—she’ll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.
Why you should read it: Like Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, Kate Watson’s Seeking Mansfield is a coming-of-age tale that uses a modified version of the Cinderella trope and includes love triangles, actors and plays, a bit of intrigue and a lot of angst to produce a sigh-worthy love story.
With dual points of view, Finley’s and Oliver’s regard for the other is clear, but since the reader knows what the characters do not, the romantic tension is thick and bittersweet.
While it should be noted that one character engages in abusive behaviors that may be triggers for sensitive readers, this is, overall, a fun YA romance with several steamy make-out scenes as well as a few tenderer kisses. Contemporary YA romance fans, theater nerds and movie buffs will enjoy Seeking Mansfield whether they have previous Jane Austen — or Jane Austen-adaptation — experience or not. Recommended!
Serena Chase is the author of the epic Eyes of E’veria fantasy series and of Intermission, a contemporary YA coming-of-age romance. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two teen daughters.
MORE ON HEA: See more of Serena’s romance recs and author interviews
contemporary romance, Jane Austen, YA, Recommended reads, Top stories
- Novel Link
https://novelinkblog.com/seeking-mansfield-kate-watson/
Word count: 1131Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson
Posted May 1, 2017 by Madalyn || 2 Comments
Seeking Mansfield by Kate WatsonSeeking Mansfield (Seeking Mansfield, #1) by Kate Watson
Published by FLUX on May 16th 2017
Pages: 300
Format: e-ARC
Source: NetgalleySixteen-year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend, the Bertram's son Oliver. If she could just take Oliver's constant encouragement to heart and step out of the shadows, she'd finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater.
When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move next door to the Bertram's, they immediately set their sights on Oliver and his cunning sister, Juliette, shaking up Finley and Oliver's stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Harlan finds his attention shifting from Juliette to the quiet, enigmatic, and thoroughly unimpressed Finley. Out of boredom, Harlan decides to make her fall in love with him. Problem is, the harder he seeks to win her, the harder he falls for her.
But Finley doesn't want to be won, and she doesn't want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver's heart—and keep her own—she'll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you know me at all, you probably know about my love for Jane Austen. So, of course, when I saw a YA retelling of one of her novels on Netgalley, I immediately requested it! I’ll admit that Mansfield Park is my least favorite of Austen’s novels, but I thought Watson did well with this retelling. Her modernization of this story– a story (and, especially, a heroine) many people have trouble relating to– was done so cleverly, with nods to the original text sprinkled in here and there.
I’ll go ahead and say this up front: Seeking Mansfield is “angsty” YA at its finest. There is SO MUCH drama, and the relationships between characters comprise pretty much the sole focus of the book. This definitely kept me reading, though! I never mind a little drama (probably because I was an incredibly dramatic teenager, haha). The story is told through two POVs… which, I’ll be honest, I didn’t really care for. Oliver’s POV felt a bit unnecessary. It didn’t detract from the story, but I didn’t feel it added much, either, especially since Finley seemed to have twice the amount of POV chapters as Oliver. Anyway, Seeking Mansfield follows Oliver and Finley’s family, the Bertrams, after famous Hollywood siblings Harlan and Emma Crawford move in next door to them for the summer. Just like in the source material, the Crawfords’ arrival in their neighborhood completely upends life in the Bertram family. The four become fast friends, and relationships begin to develop messily among them.
One of the main critiques of the original Mansfield Park I see time and time again is that the heroine, Fanny Price, is unlikeable and weak. Therefore, I was particularly interested to see how Watson would build the character of Finley in Seeking Mansfield. Finley ends up living with the Bertrams following the death of her famous movie star father and her mother’s subsequent alcoholism and abuse. I will say, I felt hesitant at first, because Finley begins the novel incredibly shy and insecure (she is also dealing with PTSD as a result of her mother’s abuse), but she undergoes tremendous character growth over the course of the book. She finds herself and realizes her potential.
As far as relationships, this book features a rare love triangle that I actually think worked well. Nothing, and I mean nothing, keeps me reading a book or series like a love triangle I’m truly invested in, lol. I think it worked for me because it was about change and growth, rather than about a girl trying to choose between to guys she’s in love with. Even though the author pulled off the love triangle, I will admit I preferred one person over the other. Oliver and Finley’s chemistry felt very stagnant. At the beginning of the book, it held promise, but they rarely interacted on the page once the Bertrams became entangled with the Crawfords. I actually liked Harlan and Finley together, and I felt that Harlan’s character flaws at the end of the novel, though unforgivable, came out of nowhere. I WAS ROOTING FOR HIM. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR HIM.
There are so many characters in this book, y’all. I loooved seeing Finley’s relationships with the Bertrams, especially her Uncle Thomas, evolve over the course of the book. All of the Bertram siblings, as well as Finley’s brother, Liam, had an interesting family dynamic. As for Harlan’s sister, Emma, I never cared for her. She does have her redeemable moments, and she’s a good friend to Finley, but overall, she lacked depth. This is a critique I have of most characters in Seeking Mansfield. Because there were so many different characters, and they were all entangled in some way, the characterization of all of them felt lacking.
One thing I loved about this book was the focus on theater. Harlan and Emma originally move to Chicago to star in a Shakespeare production there. Finley, Liam, and Oliver are all obsessed with theatre and movies, as well. Finley’s dad was a famed actor of stage and screen, and Finley is also in the process of applying to a prestigious theater program and directing a local community theater production. I got the sense that, for all these characters, the theater felt like home for them, and this is a feeling I definitely share.
Overall, though the plot felt a bit clunky and the characterizations felt a bit lacking, I did enjoy Seeking Mansfield. I sped through it. I would recommend it to any Austen fan, anyone who loves the theater, and anyone who enjoys romance-focused contemporaries!
Have you read Seeking Mansfield? If so, what are your thoughts? If not, do you plan to pick it up?
About Latest Posts
Madalyn
Madalyn is a 20-something music student and lifelong lover of reading. When she's not reading or singing, you're likely to find her drinking coffee, traveling, or buying more lipstick than one person could possibly need. - We Live and Breathe Books
http://weliveandbreathebooks.blogspot.com/2017/04/review-seeking-mansfield-kate-watson.html
Word count: 639Review:
Seeking Mansfield - Kate Watson
Seeking Mansfield
Kate Watson
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Retelling
Publisher: Flux
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Reading Challenges: #DebutAuthorChallenge, #ContRom2017Seeking Mansfield is a modern retelling of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. I will admit it right now: I did not read Mansfield Park, but I did see the movie, and therefore, had an idea of the story going in. Watson did a fine job with this tale. There is this spirit of the original story, but it is also a story wholly her own.
Finley and her best friend, Oliver, were passing their time together. They were happy filling their days with homework on the roof, tours in Old Town, and movie marathons of terrible films. Then one day, they have new neighbors, and these new neighbors happen to teen movie stars, Harlen and Emma Crawford, who immediately shake up Oliver and Finley's norm.
The sad stuff first. Finley was taken in by her godfather after her father's death and her mother's inability to properly care for her. I will not reveal more of the details here, because I want you to get the full impact of what happened to Finley. Knowing this background made me really appreciate the growth Finley experienced.
There were so many couplings going on here. Initially, we knew that there were feelings brewing between Finley and Oliver. Once the Crawfords enter the picture, Emma showed an interest in Oliver, and Harlen took a liking to Finley. In-between all this, Juliet, Oliver's sister, attempted to ensnare Harlen even though she was dating Raleigh. Whew! So many romantic entanglements. I loved it!
Our heroine, Finley, has a love for the theatre that runs ocean deep. She had a vast knowledge of the theatre and its inner workings, but kept most of that to herself. Her talents are slowly revealed, and she begins to believe she can earn a place in the prestigious Mansfield Theatre Youth program. Finley was such an easy MC to root for. There was a lot brewing under the surface there. At first glance, I thought she was a little wallflower, who let people take advantage of her. I believe I yelled, "She is not your Cinderella!!!, " at one point. As the story progressed, Finley grew stronger. She began to believe in herself, and she began to rely on herself. As she started to see herself differently, so did others.
Finley, stop!!!
Oliver was quite the swoon worthy hero. He was there for Finley when she was at her lowest point, and he was very dedicated to encouraging her to go after everything her heart desired. He wanted her to realize her full potential and was just such a dedicated friend. I wish I had an Ollie in my life.
Emma and Harley were interesting. I did not immediately like either of them, but they grew on me. I especially grew to love Harlen. He was quite the charmer. There was tons of great banter between Harlen and Finley. She seemed quite a suitable foil for him, and it was fun to watch that relationship blossom.
This was a fine debut from Ms. Watson. Her writing was very pleasant and set an appropriate tone for the story. I easily flew through this story due to the good pacing, great characters, and easy nature of the writing. I look forward to reading more of Watson's work.
Overall: a smile-inducing story of healing and self actualization with a great love triangle and a peek into the world of live theatre.
**I would like to thank NetGalley and Flux for the advanced copy of this book
- Tuesday Writers
http://www.tuesdaywriters.com/?p=2403
Word count: 1624Interview with Kate Watson, Debut Author of Seeking Mansfield!
1 Comment February 13, 2017 Jonathan RosenHello Tuesdays!
Today, I’m pleased to be joined by my fellow Swanky Seventeens member, Kate Watson, whose debut, Seeking Mansfield, is scheduled to come out Spring of 2017 from Jolly Fish Press
Hi, Kate and thanks for joining us today!
JR: Before we begin, can you tell us a little bit about Seeking Mansfield and the impetus behind writing it? Fun title by the way.
KW: Thanks! I’m a huge Jane Austen fan and have read all of her books several times. A few years ago during a reread of Mansfield Park, I kept seeing images of the main character, Fanny, in my head, all in modern settings. Of all of Jane Austen’s works, I think Mansfield Park is the only one that doesn’t translate really well to modern day. The protagonist isn’t a strong, lively, or adventurous young woman, but a scared, nervous, frequently overlooked one. I kept thinking to myself, “What would she look like today? How could this novel translate to a contemporary reader?” I hope Seeking Mansfield is a satisfying answer to those questions.
JR: I read on your site, www.katewatsonbooks.com that you’ve lived all over, including Israel, Brazil, Utah, South Carolina, and now Arizona. A person after my own heart, since I’ve also lived many places, including Israel, Mexico, New York and Florida. How has moving around so much influenced your writing?
KW: I think anytime people have the chance to leave their bubble, their worldview naturally expands, and I am no exception. It’s like if you’ve only ever seen four colors and all of the sudden, you start seeing new colors every place you go. It shapes you, and it gives you a greater appreciation for everything you see. As a writer, that increased vision is imperative.
Every place has a soul; every city and country is distinct and unique, and the people even more so. Yet there are also universal feelings and problems, like family, love and longing, isolation and belonging, despair and redemption. The joys, sorrows, and orders of magnitude will look different in different places, but it all matters. I try to tap into those themes in my writing.
JR: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey getting to this point?
KW: I had written, queried, and shelved a book (or three) when I first started writing seriously. When I wrote Seeking Mansfield, though, something about it felt different. I was just entering Pitch Madness and chatting with a friend about it on Facebook when her friend, a literary agent, said how much she loved the idea and asked if she could see it. I was floored! I sent it to her and expected nothing to happen with it, honestly. By the time Pitch Madness was over, I had several requests for fulls from participating agents when this agent—the immeasurably talented Bree Ogden—offered me representation. It was like a dream, and talking to her and hearing her vision for my book and for me as a client confirmed that she was the right choice.
From there, I went through a round of edits with Bree before we went on submission. My book was taken to the editorial review board with two other houses, who ultimately passed. After about eight or nine months of being on submission, the message came in from Jolly Fish Press that I was being taken to their editorial review board. Again, something about this felt different, and I just knew it was going to work out. When the offer came in, I felt like the stars had finally aligned. I still feel that way.
JR: What’s your writing process like?
KW: I’m a destination writer: when I get a new idea for a story, I have to know how it’s going to end. From there, I can reverse engineer the story to the beginning, like doing a maze backwards. Once I have those bookends, I write a general outline. I may use a beat sheet or Dan Wells’ Seven Point Story Structure, or a similar tool, depending on the project, but it’s never terribly in depth. After I have my outline, I do my research, and I find that a lot of new and better ideas start coming the more research I do. At this point, my Scrivener document is expanding exponentially.
When it’s time to start writing, I don’t fuss about sticking too closely to the outline. I allow myself to explore and the outline to evolve as I go. Interestingly, though, the ending never changes. Just the path that gets there.
JR: What’s your favorite book and who’s your favorite author?
KW: Jane Austen is my favorite author, and I go through periods of each of her works being my favorite (with Pride & Prejudice being the most frequent and Northanger Abbey the least). Also, Jane Eyre, the Harry Potter series, and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. (Sorry, I cheated.)
JR: What’s your favorite movie?
KW: O Brother, Where Art Thou? I’m a sucker for the Coen Brothers.
(I’m also a HUGE Coen Brothers fan!)
JR: Something people would be surprised to learn about you?
KW: I once did an English accent for an entire week…while in England. (And I completely passed, thank you very much. I got asked by Brits TWICE for directions!). I’m a lover of accents and read every book to my children with multiple different voices, but this was my crowning achievement. And it friggin rocked.
Surprisingly, my husband wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as I was.
JR: Do you do a lot of research when you write?
KW: Loads of it. Way more than I will ever practically need. I actually struggle to write anything before I put in many hours of research, because it’s the act of researching that helps me understand the environment and interests that have shaped my characters. For Seeking Mansfield, that meant researching Chicago as thoroughly as possible (I used to go to Chicago often for work and have always loved it), neighborhoods and houses, theater, the Illinois Supreme Court, how legal appeals work, schools in my characters’ area, teen volunteer organizations, and more. I also need to have decent character sketches for all of the main and many of the minor characters before I can get started.
JR: Here at the Tuesdays, a big part of our success and the purpose of this site, has been being involved in a critique group. Are you involved in one and if so, how has it helped you?
KW: I have a critique group I meet with monthly, and other, individual critique partners I’ve met online and at conferences. I also have two fabulous beta readers. They are all invaluable to the process, and they have different worldviews and expertise and are willing to be honest, while being supportive. My work could never see the light of day without them.
JR: What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received and is there any advice you can give to writers looking to break in?
KW: It’s okay to shelve something and move on. Learning that lesson was huge for me, because before Seeking Mansfield, I’d worked for several years on a (to me) delightful, but ill-fated portal fantasy trilogy. Yeah, that’s right, a trilogy. Of the long-dead portal fantasy variety. I was too wed to the idea for too long, so finally closing the book on it, so to speak, was liberating. It freed me up to try new, better things, and I learned a lot along the way.
The best advice I could give is simple: writers write. I’m not going to tell you with what frequency to write or what to write about. But if you want to be a writer, all you have to do is put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Just write. You can worry about the rest later.
JR: What are you working on next?
KW: I’m currently working on the companion novel to Seeking Mansfield. It’s about a teen poker addict and was pitched as Great Expectations meets Rounders. It’s been a wild ride so far!
JR: Is there anything that else you want to share with our readers or perhaps tell them how they can follow you on social media?
KW: Yes! I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or at katewatsonbooks.com.
JR: Before we go, I always like to ask, who’s your favorite member of The Tuesdays? But, before you answer, I just want you to know that when he was a kid, Faran used to pull the wings off of Fairies for kicks.
KW: You already know it’s Faran, don’t you? Of course you do. Don’t be hurt. You’re cool, and all, but come on. It’s Faran.
JR: . . . I guess wingless fairies is not something that bothers you. Sigh. Whatever. Anyway, thanks again for joining us and good luck with Seeking Mansfield!
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