The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

Mary Davies finds safety in her ordered and productive life. Working as an engineer, she genuinely enjoys her job and her colleagues – particularly a certain adorable and intelligent consultant. But something is missing. When Mary’s estranged childhood friend, Isabel Dwyer offers her a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in England, she reluctantly agrees in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways.

But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes she lives in Jane Austen’s Bath. While Isabel rests and delights in the leisure of a Regency lady, attended by the other costume-clad guests, Mary uncovers startling truths about their shared past, who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who now stands between them.

Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation, work out their lives and hearts.

Heidi here. I've read several other Katherine Reay novels, but something about The Austen Escape makes it my favorite!

The tension and romance between Mary and Nathan is real-to-life and lengthy, which made the entire read much more of a page-turner. The characters were captivating and well thought-out. The Austen Escape is a sweet romance with a nice plot. Grab your copy today!

Katherine Reay is becoming one of my favorite  authors, love her work and especially The Austen Escape.

Lizzy and Jane

I loved Katherine Reay's debut novel, Dear Mr. Knightley. But her second novel, Lizzy and Jane, is even better. I am sometimes hesitant to try a second novel by an author. I worry I may have read their best one and all the others may leave me unsatisfied. NO NEED TO WORRY with Katherine Reay.

The story deals with some heavy issues including the sister relationship, losing a parent, and breast cancer. But deftly woven in are fascinating details about haute cuisine from one character who is a chef. And the smaller characters absolutely shine.

I love that one sister is single and career oriented, while the other is married with kids. They begin with a distant relationship and as the story progresses, a very realistic process occurs between them. It doesn't turn all hunky-dory right away. I love that the story takes place mostly in Seattle. I love the idea that going home is hard, but going home can also remind you who you are. And I love the idea she brings up about family needing to love AND like each other. And not getting the order mixed up. Reay even manages a romantic thread which is wholly satisfying.

The names of the sisters come from Pride and Prejudice, a favorite of the characters' mom. And there is much to offer any reader who loves Jane Austen sprinkled into the dialogue as well as internal monologue by the main character. But even if you don't love Austen, the story completely stands on its own merits. I hope you'll give this a try - there is much to love in Lizzy and Jane. And while you're at it, try Reay's first novel too. You will not be disappointed.

Do you ever hesitate to try a second novel by an author you've just discovered? Do you "binge read" and try everything one author has to offer before moving on to another? Leave a comment and we'll enter you to win this week's giveaway.