The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718078098
• ISBN-13: 978-0718078096

About the Book:

Falling into the past will change their futures forever.

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

My Thoughts:

"The Austen Escape" is my favorite novel by Katherine Reay.  I've enjoyed all of her books, but this one is an excellent and fun story. 

After reading all of Reay's novel, she's forced my hand.  She's forced me to hunt down all of Jane Austen's books, especially the ones I remember from college. While the originals are classics, nothing can compete with Reay's take on Austen.

More than just a new take on an old classic, the novel deals with issues of relationships, not wanting to leave our comfort zones, and dealing with the unexpected with grace and finesse.  I didn't care for Isabel at first, but as the story progressed, my affection for her matched the pace.

"The Austen Escape" is perfect summer reading, and extra good when shared with a group of friends!  I'm giving Reay's latest novel my "Oh, the feels!" stamp of approval.  My thanks to Thomas Nelson for my advance copy, with no services promised in return.

Until the next page turns,

Deena