Category: Austenesque

Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy New Year Dear Readers!

2022 proved to be a fabulous year in the historical book arena. Of the 51 books that were reviewed here last year by our dedicated staff, several were outstanding and will remain favorites. Here is a list of our highest-rated and most cherished of 2022. Follow each link to read the full review.

Many thanks to my fabulous review staff: Katie Patchell, Tracy Hickman, Sophia Rose, Katie Jackson, and guest reviewer Theresa Smith for their dedication to the historical genre and their passion for reading. Continue reading “Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022” →

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Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family, by Gill Hornby — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:  

When tempting this Austen lover with a new book, one merely need mention that it is based on real life figures in Jane Austen’s life, and I am hooked. By making it a governess’ tale with a mysterious past, I am well-nigh bewitched. I settled in eager for Godmersham Park, anticipating Gill Hornby’s thoughtfully considered development of characters, setting, historical context, and engaging plot.

Opening line: Continue reading “Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family, by Gill Hornby — A Review” →

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An Exclusive Interview with Katherine Cowley, Author of The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy Monday Dear Readers!

Summer is blazing here in my neck of the woods. It is time for raspberry lemonade, enjoying hydrangea blooms, and sitting in the shade with new books!

I am pleased to have a special guest with us today. Author Katherine Cowley has a new historical mystery novel arriving in September that immediately caught my eye, The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Katherine Cowley, Author of The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception” →

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My Top Ten Favorite Retellings & Spinoff Novels Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Anne and Captain Wentworth at Lyme, by Marsha Laurence at Etsy

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

The new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion aired on Netflix on Friday, July 15, 2022. It takes a creative approach to the Regency-era second chance love story, adding contemporary language, an American actress Dakota Johnson in the key role of heroine Anne Elliot, and breaking the fourth wall by having her speak directly to the audience while looking at the camera. The tried-and-true Janeites were all Continue reading “My Top Ten Favorite Retellings & Spinoff Novels Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion” →

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The Murder of Mr. Wickham, by Claudia Gray — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

‘Murder’ and ‘Wickham’ in the same title makes any Jane Austen lover worth their salt sit up and take notice. Now, add that with an author name long associated with young adult sci-fi and fantasy, and that makes Claudia Gray’s The Murder of Mr. Wickham well-nigh irresistible.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham is both a historical mystery and pays homage as a sequel to not one, but all Continue reading “The Murder of Mr. Wickham, by Claudia Gray — A Review” →

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The True Confessions of a London Spy: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 2), by Katherine Cowley — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Few who have read Pride and Prejudice can forget Mary Bennet. The middle sister among five daughters, she is a minor character in Jane Austen’s classic with only a few scenes, and fewer lines of dialogue. Her unaccomplished pianoforte playing and singing at the Netherfield ball were an unwelcome embarrassment to her older sisters Jane and Elizabeth. She is plain and preachy and pedantic—a comedic Continue reading “The True Confessions of a London Spy: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 2), by Katherine Cowley — A Review” →

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The 12 Best New Historical Novels to Welcome Back Spring 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

My tulips are sprouting! Spring is on its way here in the Pacific Northwest along with a great selection of new historical novels.

Here is a curated list of my favorites for March, April, and May. The range of stories and settings are diverse: Georgian, Regency, WWII, and post war England to Gilded Age Newport and 1930s Hollywood. Continue reading “The 12 Best New Historical Novels to Welcome Back Spring 2022” →

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The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 1), by Katherine Cowley — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

A journey from unattractive and least wanted sister to unlikely heroine is the basis for many a classic suspenseful adventure. Relatable and easily cheered on, Pride & Prejudice’s Mary Bennet gets her time to shine in Katherine Cowley’s first in a series of historical mysteries launching as a sequel to Jane Austen’s classic.

First Line Continue reading “The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 1), by Katherine Cowley — A Review” →

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Jane and the Year Without a Summer: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Book 14), by Stephanie Barron — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Jane Austen—that lauded, shrewd observer and chronicler of humanity—was also a skillful sleuth. Or so readers are thoroughly convinced in the fourteenth book of acclaimed historical mystery author Stephanie Barron’s Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, Jane and the Year Without a Summer.

Off to the Less-Celebrated Watering Hole

It is 1816, and Jane Austen is facing ill health of unknown cause. In an attempt to treat her ailments, she travels with her sister Cassandra to drink allegedly restorative mineral waters, attracted to the remedy Continue reading “Jane and the Year Without a Summer: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Book 14), by Stephanie Barron — A Review” →

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The Best Pride and Prejudice Inspired Novels to Add to Your Historical TBR List

Mr. Darcy, by Rocketsky at Deviant Art

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Today is Pride and Prejudice’s 209th birthday. Many happy returns of the day to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Jane Austen’s second novel was published in a three-volume set by Thomas Egerton, Whitehall, London in 1813. She sold the copyright for £110. Ouch! One can only imagine how much the novel has made for its numerous publishers over the centuries. Continue reading “The Best Pride and Prejudice Inspired Novels to Add to Your Historical TBR List” →

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12 Highly Anticipated Historical Novels to Ring in the New Year, 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

Happy news for historical book lovers. The selection of new novels available in the next two months is so exciting. From forgotten events in history, to deep dives into the social machinations of Gilded Age New York, to feisty heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, the selection is deep and broad and satisfying for those who enjoy being emersed in another era.

Here is my curated list of my favorites to entice you.

Best, Laurel Ann Continue reading “12 Highly Anticipated Historical Novels to Ring in the New Year, 2022” →

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Austenprose’s Best Austenesque & Historical Novels of 2021

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

Happy New Year’s Eve dear readers!

2021 proved to be a fabulous year in the historical book arena. From creative Austenesque variations, to Regency romances upending tropes, to reimagined gender-switched classics, to compelling historical fiction and mystery, we have been duly entertained and enchanted. A big thank you goes out to all of the authors and their publishers for keeping us supplied with so many stories to binge during these challenging times. Continue reading “Austenprose’s Best Austenesque & Historical Novels of 2021” →

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