Book Review: Austen in Austin, Volume 1

Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love — Jane Austen style. Volume 1 includes:

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma
A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice.

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice
A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey
A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions.

Gina Welborn writes lighthearted historicals featuring spunky heroines and wild-at-heart heroes.She can be contacted via her website http://www.ginawelborn.com.

Anita Mae Draper’s historical romances are woven under the western skies of the Saskatchewan prairie where her love of research and genealogy yields fascinating truths that layer her stories with rich historical details. Discover more at:
Website – http://www.anitamaedraper.com
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/anitamaedraper/

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcoming historical romances. You can visit her on her website, http://www.susannedietze.com, and sign up for her newsletter for an occasional cheery hello: http://eepurl.com/bieza5

Other than writing light-hearted romances and gritty gothics, Debra E. Marvin has rather normal obsessions such as fabric, peanut butter, vacations, British dramas, and whatever mystery series she’s currently stuck on.

debraemarvin.com
Inkwell Inspirations Blog, Colonial Quills Blog
Pinterest @debraemarvin
Facebook debra e marvin
Instagram Debra E Marvin… you get the drift. She’s not hard to find!

 

My Impressions:

Austen in Austin, volume 1, is a fun take on classic Jane Austen stories with the sass and swagger of Texas in the 1880s. With a definite American twist, the four novellas focus on the love stories that make Austen a favorite with romance fans. All four novellas have the fresh voice of their respective authors, but contain a central thread that unites them. While many characters make repeat appearances, Mrs. Collins, the headmistress of the Jeanette C. Austen Academy for Women located in Austin Abbey, provides a great unifying influence. While the stories use the original novels as a framework, they include fun additions and unique takes. There are cowboys, ranchers, and railroad men, along with the women who add sweetness, elegance, and romance to the hill country town. I love Austen variations, and Austen in Austin is a wonderful addition to my Austen-esque library. The original novels given a remix are Emma, Sense And Sensibility, Pride And Prejudice, and Northanger Abbey. Readers in the know easily see the Austen influence, but each novella presents a new story to enjoy. A big plus in this series is the faith thread that runs throughout the book. The characters’ dependance on God is a welcome addition.  It’s hard to pick a favorite of the four (all are great), but I have to say that Alarmingly Charming was great fun. Northanger Abbey is my least favorite of Austen’s works, but this novella made me want to revisit the tongue-in-cheek gothic.

There’s so much reading fun in Austen in Austin, volume 1, that I am glad there’s a volume 2! I can’t wait to travel back in time to Austin and Austen!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE. It’s currently 99 cents for Kindle!

(Thanks to WhiteFire publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)