Lola at Last

by J. C. Peterson

Overview

Move over, Elizabeth Bennet. The most infamous Bennet sister is here to tell her story.

Join Lola Barnes, a.k.a. a modern Lydia Bennet, at the beginning of a summer gone truly wrong: where a boat party-turned-fiery-fiasco ends with the ship, Lola’s summer plans, and her reputation truly sunk.

(The boat was barely on fire, for the record—and all the partygoers were just fine.)

Luckily, this disaster of a summer has another thing in store for her: a path of self-discovery she never saw coming.

Given an ultimatum—jail time, or spending the summer with the nonprofit Hike Like a Girl—she laces up her hiking boots and takes to the wilderness. Along the way, she’ll encounter unexpected friends, a sweet romance, strength she didn’t know she had—and herself, Lola, at last.

This Pride and Prejudice–inspired tale, a companion to J. C. Peterson’s Being Mary Bennet, spins a modern Lydia Bennet’s life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and a romance worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth themselves. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063060180
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/28/2023
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.50(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

J.C. Peterson lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two small sons, and one enormous tabby. She earned her degree in journalism from Michigan State University and worked as an award-winning journalist and editor at an alt-newsweekly before becoming a freelance writer and mom. When not dreaming up funny contemporary stories or herding children, she loves to eat and shop local, explore the Colorado mountains, and plan new adventures. Being Mary Bennet is her first novel, and you can find her at jcpetersonwrites.com.

Editorial Reviews

01/09/2023

Upcoming high school senior Lola Barnes is forced to reckon with the consequences of a public scandal in this witty Pride and Prejudice–inspired jaunt by Peterson (Being Mary Bennet). Californian Lola is a stereotypical party girl who’s willing to do anything to keep herself in the spotlight. But when she accidentally sets fire to her brother-in-law Will’s brand-new yacht, her quest for attention leaves her with limited choices. Lola must attend Will’s sister’s rigorous all-girl hiking boot camp, where Lola is expected to learn “self-reliance, confidence, and cooperation,” or he’ll press criminal charges for the incident. Though Lola despises hiking, she agrees to attend, and immediately butts heads with the other teens and their no-nonsense camp leader. Lola realizes she’ll have to adjust her attitude to avoid expulsion from the program, but even as she reexamines her past behavior and self-destructive tendencies, she fears she’ll never be able to truly change. The insight and self-reflection Lola gains into herself and her peers while learning to manage her impulsivity is worthwhile, and her gradual embracing of her natural surroundings, highlighted by evocative scenes of wilderness beauty, is artfully portrayed through a series of comical triumphs and missteps. Ages 13–up. Agent: Amy Elizabeth Bishop, Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Being Mary Bennet: “Full of voice and charm, Being Mary Bennet is an exceptional debut that tackles coming of age with humor, care, and emotional depth. Peterson creates a cast of complex characters and relationships you’ll instantly adore and root for while also embracing their flaws and shortcomings. A delightful, memorable story.”  —  Kelsey Rodkey, author of Last Chance Books

An engaging read for anyone who’s used to being underestimated—by others as well as themselves. — Kirkus Reviews

[A] witty Pride and Prejudice–inspired jaunt.  — Publishers Weekly

"A witty, creative retelling packed with charming characters and hilarious antics. Being Mary Bennet filled my Austen-loving heart with so much joy!" — Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today, Tonight, Tomorrow

"Hilarious and heartfelt, this debut proves that everyone deserves to be the main character in their own story. Jane Austen fans, prepare to fall in love!" — Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend

"Hilarious and smart, Being Mary Bennet is a soulful, swoonworthy coming of age story that reminds us that everyone deserves to be the main character in their own life. I’m sure Jane Austen would agree!" — Monica Gomez-Hira, author of Once Upon a Quinceañera 

“The perfect novel for any reader who wishes they were a heroine but secretly identifies more with background characters… An utterly authentic, captivating story.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Literary references, friendship, family drama, adorable dogs—this book has it all! Fans of Jane Austen will eat up this playful contemporary homage to Pride and Prejudice.” — School Library Journal

“While [Marnie’s] self-deprecating humor is part of the story’s appeal, there’s also something endearing about watching this earnest character do what has to be done, even if she risks making a fool of herself in the process. A promising first novel.” — Booklist

From the Publisher

2022-12-14
A modern-day Lydia Bennet learns to love the outdoors and her own company.

Lola Barnes comes alive when she’s the center of attention, even though the attention isn’t entirely positive. Which is how she ends up accidentally setting off a flare gun on a boat at a party where her former best friends have snubbed her. The boat, which belongs to her sister and brother-in-law, is seriously damaged, and Lola is presented with a choice: participate in Hike Like a Girl, the summer wilderness program her brother-in-law sits on the board of, or face criminal charges. Meanwhile, Kat, Lola’s twin sister, is distant, and Ezra Reuben, Lola’s old lab partner, seems to pull back every time Lola tries to get close. Over the course of the summer, Lola must deal with blisters, a poop shovel, and her own culpability in her damaged relationships, but she also finds new friends, new love, spectacular vistas, and the peace that comes with being comfortable in her own skin. Austen fans will appreciate the parallels with Pride and Prejudice, but familiarity with the novel is not required to enjoy this tale of a selfish party girl growing into someone who is still exuberant but more generous and responsible. Central characters are White.

An engaging read for anyone who’s used to being underestimated—by others as well as themselves. (Fiction. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews