The Austen Escape

The Austen Escape

by Katherine Reay

This book was SO. MUCH. FUN. I can’t describe the delight, the bone-deep thrill I experienced as I read this story. First of all, I have literally thought about, dreamed, considered, and wondered what it would be like to live in the world depicted in Jane Austen novels. I have walked through the Biltmore and wished I could eat one meal in that elaborate dining room with footmen lining the walls, and see what it would be like to wear a different outfit for every three hours of the day.

In the Austen Escape, our very modern-day characters embark on a trip of a lifetime, where they will stay in an English Manor, wear fabulous gowns like those described in Pride and Prejudice, and be waited upon by servants whilst playing whist (among other things).

I mean, who wouldn’t want to try it? Well, inside this book you'll find there’s an adventure. There might be a touch of romance, and best of all, there are gowns and dancing and mistaken assumptions and blinded characters who the reader desperately wants to open their eyes. You won't be sorry you tried this one, I promise.

What's your favorite Jane Austen novel?

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 27 years have raised three Southern-ish children quite by accident. Jennifer hosts a book review blog at Shetalksbooks.com and she offers a free story download on her website: https://www.jenniferfromke.com/contact/.

The Bronte Plot

Katherine Reay has done it again! Drawing on her love for classic literature, she crafts a story that is not necessarily a retelling, but a story that talks about the great literature of the past in a contemporary setting. For the reader, it almost has the effect of hanging out with a bunch of book clubbers and chatting about great books. What makes it even better, is the fact that she has created a good plot unto itself, and a character I care about who incidentally, loves books. Just like me!

In the story, Lucy works for an interior designer and sells rare books alongside the designer’s antiques. She falls in love, and then out of love, and finds herself travelling to England with a client who accidentally digs up bits from Lucy’s past that she never intended to learn.

I love the soul-searching, the classic fiction references, the family drama, and the setting. Oh! The setting is mostly England, and the moors! Lucy is as struck by the moors as I am, having read endless scenes taking place on moors. Can you believe we don’t have moors in America? It’s so unfair.

Reay writes with an easy narrative voice, fun attention to detail, and heart-deep insight. I can recommend any of her three books with confidence. You can find her books here. You can learn more about her on her website.

Have you read the Bronte classics? Which is your favorite? Leave us a comment for a chance to win this week’s giveaway!