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/.

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.

Dear Mr. Knightley...

If you are a Jane Austen fan, Dear Mr. Knightly is a rare treat. While paying heavy homage to Austen’s characters and stories, this book is not trying to emulate Jane Austen. Rather, the author has managed capture some of the memorable details from Austen novels, as well as other favorite classics, weaving them into a story that actually parallels Emma in some ways. In fact, the book is a transformative take on one of my favorite stories from childhood, Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster.

In this version, an orphan brought up through the system in contemporary Chicago writes letters to a mysterious benefactor who puts her through college. Told exclusively through letters, the epistolary novel gives us a deeply personal view a remarkable young woman. Her emotions run high as she seeks to find a place in the world and people who will care for her…things she’s never truly experienced before. Love, learning, conflict, and family all find their way into the letters, each laden with sparkling personality and vivid emotion.

This story keeps the pages turning - what will our heroine say next? Some days she’s a hot mess and other days, refreshingly honest. The characterization runs deep and is very well done. Even though I was familiar with the story (based on Daddy Long Legs) and how it would end, getting there gave me goosebumps. And upon reading the last lines, I couldn't help but sigh. It kept me reading late into the night: simply un-put-down-able! I’m already planning to re-read this one. Oh! And Ms. Reay has recently released another book: Lizzy and Jane. P&P anyone? That’s on my TBR list, for sure.

Do you love Jane Austen? Have you read contemporary fiction based on the classics? Do you love it or wish they’d leave it alone? (For the record, I LOVE it!) For a chance to win our giveaway this week, leave us a comment.