Yours Faithfully, Amanda

March 27, 2017 Dear Jane, In case you are not familiar with the story of "Beauty & the Beast," allow me to give you a short summary before I begin my above-mentioned review of this classic, tale as old as time, "boy meets girl" story... Summary: It is a truth universally acknowledged...just kidding! Please, read on, my friend. Enchantress curses cruel, unfeeling Prince, transforming him into Man-Beast and his servants into household objects that retain the ability to speak. Girl is bookish outsider living in small town and has a Pompous Suitor. Girl's father gets lost and stumbles upon Man-Beast's Castle. Girl goes in search of Father. Girl saves Father and meets/is imprisoned by Man-Beast. Man-Beast learns to love Girl. Girl cares for Man-Beast but is eventually released from castle. Girl accidentally incites angry mob of villagers led by Pompous Suitor to attack Man-Beast's Cast...

March 23, 2017 Dear Jane, I thought I might share with you a poem I wrote about a year ago and it just so happens that it was inspired by the beloved heroines of your treasured novels. Since it is Women's History Month and the world celebrated World Poetry Day this past Tuesday, it seemed fitting to share a poem about my favorite authoress and her divine leading ladies.  Now before I share my poem, I find myself remembering a humorous and lively conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice :  These two love birds can't fool us.     "And so ended his affection," said Elizabeth impatiently. "There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!"    "I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love," said Darcy.    "Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Ev...