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I think the criticism was due to the fact that the setting of the book was Seattle/Portland area. When I read it there were some things that confused me and then after I looked up the meanings, I thought no one born in Washington, or any where in the US would say that. I was taught in creative writing to stick with what you know so the story is realistic. If the setting were London or Toronto it would have been more realistic. That said the use of British speak was insignificant to those of us who loved the story. In my opinion, the reason the books were so well loved is because the characters were so real and loveable.  These comments were usually from writers who couldn't look past the grammar, typos, setting inconsistencies, etc.