Lola at Last

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. 

What happens when the girl who lives for the spotlight is forced to get lost in the wilderness?

• A Modern P&P Retelling: Lola Barnes, the infamous Lydia Bennet of the 21st century, finally gets to tell her side of the story—and it’s nothing like you expect.
• Fish out of Water: After a boat party disaster, this designer-loving city girl is sentenced to a summer of hiking boots, mosquito bites, and zero cell service.
• Forced Proximity: Stuck in the wilderness with a group of strangers from Hike Like a Girl, Lola has to navigate new friendships and an unexpected—and totally off-limits—attraction.
• Found Family: She might have started the summer with an ultimatum, but Lola just might end it with a crew of unexpected friends who see her for who she truly is.

"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

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

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

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

"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