Hits and misses among new books for teens and tweens

A surprising retelling of a classic novel and a couple of excellent historical fiction offerings are among a number of compelling new books for middle and young adult readers.

"JANE," by April Lindner, Poppy, $17.99 (young adult)

Fans of Charlotte Bronte's gothic novel "Jane Eyre" will most likely pick up April Lindner's "Jane" with great anticipation.

The cover is perfect, haunting and lonely. And the idea, a modern retelling of Bronte's classic, intriguing. It's unfortunate, however, that "Jane" does not live up to expectations.

When Jane Moore's parents suddenly die, Jane is forced to drop out of Sarah Lawrence College. Hoping to one day earn enough money to return to school, she takes a nannying job at Thornfield Park.

Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback, is the proprietor of the estate, and it's his daughter, Maddy, who's left in Jane's care.

Jane is practical and plain and vows to remain unaffected by the glamorous and worldly people who now surround her. But even Jane can't resist her brooding employer and soon finds herself drawn to his every word and action.

A romance between the two blossoms only to be ripped apart by an agonizing secret from Nico's past. Faced with life-altering circumstances, Jane must decide who she is and what she wants out of life.

From the first pages, readers will want to like this book, and they probably will — mostly. Lindner captures the ambiance of "Jane Eyre" perfectly. The mood and pacing are spot on.

Jane has the right amount of timidity and Nico (Mr. Rochester to Bronte fans) is arrogant and compelling.

But Lindner's characters are flawed, and this is where the story goes awry.

In Bronte's version, Jane is pure and holds fast to her morals. Her relationship with Mr. Rochester remains chaste. In Lindner's novel, Jane sleeps with Nico before he even proposes. Though tastefully told, there's more to this scene than necessary. The innocence that makes "Jane Eyre" a classic is lost, and that's disappointing.

The language in "Jane" is also jarring. The use of the f-word and other profanity feels out of place and slows the reader, rather than pulling them in.