Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it when I was in high school after I saw it on sale at Barnes & Noble for only $2.99. I thought I'd simply add it to my collection without actually reading it since it was so cheap. I went home and sat down to read the first page or two thinking it would probably bore me to death since it was my first classic. Boy was I wrong.

As soon as I read the first line, I simply could not stop reading.

Jane being maltreated as an orphan, Jane being sent to Lowood school, her trials and tribulations there, and of course, Jane's life as a governess in Thornfield, the mystery surrounding that house, and the brooding, mysterious and absolutely irresistible Mr. Rochester.

I loved all of it. But most especially, I loved reading about her relationship with her employer. In every scene they had together, their chemistry was burning. I found myself holding my breath every time they had an encounter, especially their talks by the fireplace. I could just picture Mr. Rochester eyes examining her through his dark locks. I could hear his deep, baritone voice. I felt Jane's nervousness, uncertainty, insecurity, heartbreak, excitement, elation... and I too fell in love with Mr. Rochester.

5 stars *****