The Jane Austen Society far exceeded my expectations as a period piece that takes readers into Jane Austen's world. Set in the forties, the story follows individuals from a small town in England along with several outsiders who are all drawn together by their love for Jane Austen's work. They eventually form a society for the preservation of all things Austen.

What I love most about this book is the ordinariness of the characters. In some ways, this resembles Austen's work, which focuses on the daily lives and ordinary (yet witty) conversations between the individuals. The conversations often revolved around Austen's writing, but just as frequently were about life. The writing was vivid and so delightful, making readers feel at home in 1945 England. Relationships developed at an ordinary pace, but there were still plenty of surprises.

There were a lot of major characters, but fairly easy to keep track of since they were all so different from each other. Adeline, the former too-progressive school teacher, and Dr. Gray, the doctor, were my favorites. I didn't love the movie star's backstory, but she was still a wonderful character and it was fun to see the impact of adding an American to the otherwise all-English-cast. I did love that a teenager was thrown into the mix. The characters had depth and changed as the story progressed. Two of the subplots were clearly the stories of Emma and Persuasion. I think there may be more of Austen's stories embedded in this book, but that will require a closer reading of both Austen's novels and Jenner's. Challenge accepted.

The pacing was good. The first few chapters were interesting but felt disconnected, jumping forward rapidly and then going backwards again. After the initial confusion, everything became linear and started moving forward at a steady pace. At that point, it became nearly impossible for me to put the book down -
I just couldn't wait to see what happened next and how things would turn out for each person.

Natalie's writing was beautiful and I already want to reread the book, although I think I'll wait to let it settle a bit before I do. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Jane Austen and historical fiction and good storytelling. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner is out today! This book is lovely. It is set in a small English village where Jane Austen lived the last few years of her life. An eclectic group of characters, who all love Jane Austen, come together to form a society in her name. The writing is great, the characters, endearing and the story, charming. There were even a few twists I didn’t see coming. I felt transported to the little village and it was a delight! Now, I’m off to re-read Emma! #thejaneaustensociety #netgalley

I loved all the Jane Austen references in this book and how a group of people banded together to save her legacy. If you are a huge Jane Austen buff you will enjoy all the references to Jane’s life and how she lived while writing her master pieces.

This book was just slow for me - I think it had to do with the fact not one character stood out for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Libro.fm for an advanced copy to provide my sassy review.

This is historical fiction and a good read that Jane Austen fans should enjoy. In addition to bringing together a rather disparate group of people seeking to establish a Jane Austen museum in a cottage she once lived in, it delves into some of Austen's characters and stories themselves. I found it interesting how, and why, the characters in this novel had different interpretations of Austen's works. I enjoyed the gentle English village setting, the characters, and how their stories came together -- well worth a read if this is your cup of tea. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a lovely little book that fictionalizes the creation of JAS. Different characters appear and reappear, all becoming woven together to create something special. This was just the relaxing, low-stakes kind of read I needed. It wasn't too heavy and was easy to keep my attention on. A must for fans of Jane Austen!

I was a little hesitant when I started The Jane Austen Society, as I quickly realized that there would be a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle references to Jane Austen’s work. I know, I know, her name is literally in the title, so obviously there is going to be reference, but I underestimated the extent of it. Regardless, I really, really liked this one!

We follow the residents of Chawton, as they form the Jane Austen Society in an attempt preserve and honour her legacy. The best part is that Society is comprised of a group of people who would otherwise not come together. Their love and respect for one another is beautiful, as they help one another through tough times. The ending really felt as though everything is as it should be, which made my heart very happy!

I definitely plan on coming back to this one and re-reading it once I’ve read some more of Jane Austen’s work!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE IT! It is a combination of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Jane Austen Book Club. The characters are cozy book nerds with quirks and human vulnerability. I think this is going to be a big one for the summer.

The author uses the characters and plots of Jane Austen to underscore what is happening. It asks questions about what is worth preserving, how people come through crisis in their lives and how do we find our communities. All of the characters are at crossroads in their lives and they come together to work on the common goal of how to preserve the legacy of Jane Austen's home in Chawton.

There is one reveal towards the end that seemed a little on the nose considering that it didn't really end up impacting the plot, but it did provide a surprise and it helps to reveal more about the characters. I also wished that I hadn't read the historical note at the end because it took me right out of the happy glow I was in from the book, but I was curious about what really happened.

this came HIGHLY recommended by my book bestie, Heather. it was compared to Guernsey several times as well, by several people. Unfortunately, Guernsey is one of my all time faves and I had just re-read it, so it was super fresh in my mind. They aren't really similar story wise, but I feel like the vibe of them is similar. I tried really hard not to compare them, but it happened automatically and unfortunately this one fell a bit short at times. Not fair of me, I know! but it happened.

Like a lot of people, I adore Jane Austen and her books. Except Mansfield Park, sorry not sorry. And though I love Jane and all her characters, there were a few times in the book where I thought it was a bit much, like the dissecting of the books or the quoting of them... ah, I don't know how to explain it. Like, I get it? These characters love Jane and it's in the bloody title, so it should be expected, but maybe because I *am* such a big fan I felt like it was unnecessary or could have been culled a bit? But, maybe non Jane fans would appreciate it because they don't know all about the books? Or maybe they'll get sick of it.... but then they probably wouldn't pick up a book with Jane Austen in the title. Who knows. I wasn't mad about it or anything, it just felt like another character almost. But maybe that was on purpose.

Moving on.

It took me a bit to get into because there are a lot of characters and a lot going on. Once I got everyone sorted and understood everything, I was super invested and fell in love with them all, it's just a lot at first. There were some super hard parts to read about and it deals with a lot of heavy subjects. I think some of them were kind of glossed over or could have been delved into a bit more, but there's already a lot going on and it's not a long book, so it's probably for the best. These characters go through some really tough stuff and I do love how they found solace and hope in Jane Austen's books, as well as each other.

It wasn't a fast book, it moved quite slowly and quietly. I think it all worked out in the end and it left me with happy feelings, but there were a few times that I wanted to put it down and had to push through. It was a sweet book and though it dealt with heavier subjects, it has a light feel to it. I feel like it was missing something for me, but I can't put my finger on what. I really did like alllll the characters and how they all support one another and grow together. I loved the little romantic subplots, naturally.

I almost waited for the audiobook because Richard Armitage narrates it (gah) but I decided I couldn't wait and read the ARC. I do feel like the ARC was a teeny bit unpolished, and I'm curious to see if it feels a bit tidier/tighter in the published version, so I might still give the audiobook a go.

Anyway, it sounds like I disliked it, not at all. It just had a few flaws that stuck out to me, and those stopped it from being a 5 star for me, personally. But overall, I really enjoyed the characters, the town, the story. I would have liked it to be a bit quicker, maybe fewer POVs or more time with each person so I could get more invested.

Bottom line, I think it was beautiful and I really do think I'll read the published version just to see. I think this would make a wonderful movie or tv series, too. It really was quite delightful and I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of historical fiction and especially if you're a fan of Jane Austen.

The Jane Austen Society was a sweet, simple historical fiction novel that follows the lives of 8 individuals who are drawn together for their love of Austen (which seems to be mostly inherit if you were born in Chawton).

I liked the characters, but didn't really love any of them. I probably felt most attached to Adeline and Adam. It probably would have helped if I were more of an Austen fan (I've only read Pride & Prejudice, didn't care for it. Although I have read a book based off of Persuasion and that was okay I guess). But even without reading much Austen, this was an enjoyable enough read about a seemingly idealistic little town in England and its quaint inhabitants and their shared bond over Jane Austen.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a nice treat to read, especially when you are snuggled up in bed and a cup of tea. In a time where we have to be social distancing, The Jane Austen Society transported me to another time and place, something we all need when the real world is not making sense at the moment. The courage, kindness and perseverance in the wake of grief and loss is just the inspirational narrative we need to read more often. This book isn’t just for Austen fans, however, the passionate fans will find great enjoyment in this book, and as they do with Austen’s novels, they will return to it more and more, to make sure to savour its goodness and serenity for years to come.

I’m a librarian and I know that literature has the power to heal. While I’ve never been the fervent Jane Austen fan, I was fascinated by the group of such different people brought together to save part of Austen’s heritage. I loved discussion of the characters and how different people related to different Austen books. This is one of those gentle books, there are problems, the ending is slightly different than what I had hoped for but it was a satisfying book. What the book does best is show how two hundred years after her death, Austen’s writing still speaks to readers.

I must admit that I came into this novel blind, as in, I have never read any of Jane Austen’s novels. Weird for an English Major and a bookworm, but true. I know I need to remedy the situation, and I will. That being said, this was an interesting read from the standpoint of someone who knows very little about the author, her works, and her life. I liked the way the author developed the characters and fit them together. As a life-long reader, I can also see how a group of people, especially those in the author’s home, would come together to preserve a legacy.
Not knowing the books leaves me at a disadvantage when it comes to discussing how they were handled here, but I do know that my lack of experience didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the novel. If you are a Jane Austen fan this is a book for you… if you don’t have any experience with Austen, but like a good story about a group of people who fit together over their love of reading, this book is also for you. THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY by Natalie Jenner is a good read with relatable characters that kept me entertained throughout.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#TheJaneAustenSociety #NatalieJenner #StMartinsPress

• ModernMrsDarcy.com 2020 Summer Reading Guide
• ModernMrsDarcy.com #MMD pick for August 2020
• Advance Reading Copy disclosure:
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Fun book about a group of unlikely partners seeking to build a tribute to Jane Austen. They plan on turning Chawton, the final resident of Austen with her 2000+ book library of leather-bound, first editions, into a kind of museum. Can you imagine?

A magical little book that transports you to a lovely time and place!

I loved this book and its peaceful little village so much, it is hard to explain! It was like the quaint little village in the BBC series Father Brown... but without all the murder. It's like Downton Abbey... on a smaller scale. It's like Austen... 100 years later. It was fun and literary and lovely!

This book is a fictionalized account of the Jane Austen Society. A historical society that set about putting together a museum for Jane Austen in one of the houses she lived in. They gave all of us Austen fans a place to dream of visiting!

This book really made me realize how much her books can mean to people and how they can bring us together. In history, she really was an important figure and how great of those involved to help preserve her legacy.

Heart-warming and sweet. This book was just what I needed right now.

Story: 5
Characters: 5
Overall: 5 Stars!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Follow me & see more reviews @ mamaneedsabook.blogspot.com

Mary Anne Harrison, now known as Mimi, has a deep love for all things Jane Austen – so much so that she traveled from America to Chawton, England, in order to visit the small town where Jane Austen spent time at her brother’s estate. After WWII, Mimi returns to Chawton and meets up with several local residents who share her love of Austen. They band together to transform a small cottage on the Knight estate, where Jane Austen lived, into a museum to honor her life and memory.

Not having read Jane Austen, I was at a definite disadvantage with references to particular characters and their specific characteristics. Because of this, I was never really able to get fully engrossed in this book. Austen fans will most likely have a field day, but this one just wasn’t for me.

"The Jane Austen Society" tells the story of a group of seemingly unrelated and quite different people, who come together with a common interest in the infamous Ms. Austen. Their literary interests bind them together, along with a desire to preserve as much as possible of Jane Austen's life and objects related thereunto. Each person has his or her own "demons" and scars. Their common goal helps each of them to conquer and to heal.

The characters are realistic and engaging. The story starts out a bit slowly, as the author describes each character's backstory. However, readers will quickly start to see how the threads of their lives interweave and will become engaged with the characters and the story line. All is nicely wrapped up at the end, with some surprising twists ("I should have see it coming, but. . ."). "Janeites" will surely enjoy this novel. Personally, I did not want it to end. The author achieved her goal of making me want to dive back into Jane's books and re-read them all.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Perhaps good for the Austen-obsessed. I am not the right audience for this book and was bored silly by it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you Netgalley and At Martin's Press for an ebook of this in exchange for an honest review.

This book read very much like a Jane Austen Novel. If that was the Authors intention or not I don't know. In terms of actual "Plot" not a lot happens but I didn't find myself bored at any point as the lyrical writing and prose was so well done. I fell like if I was more of a Jane Austin fan or had read more of her novels I would have gotten a lot more references and enjoyed it more. It was however a nice light read and the characters were likeable.

Thank you also to Libro.fm for an advanced listener copy

If I was to judge this book on narrator alone it would have score much higher and I do feel that this was why I found it so easy to read and so enjoyable. The narrator's voice was excellent and truly did sound exactly like I expected the Dr to sound.

This book was an instant yes for me when it came across my desk for review. It looked so incredible and Jane Austen—need I say more?

It was also marketed to fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which was a huge favorite of mine last year and I was eager to read something in the same vein.

When I started reading this one, it was with the expectation that it would be charming and heart warming just as one of Jane Austen’s novels.

Summary
Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.

One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.

Review
Where to begin with this one? I mean, on one hand I liked it but on the other, it wasn’t quite the uplifting book that I expected it to be—at least for the first half of the book. The unlikely group of people who come together because of their love of Jane Austen was charming and very much like the Potato Peel Pie book, but it was also just kind of depressing to start with.

Dr Gray had lost his wife, don’t even get me started on Adeline’s situation, Adam just seemed like this sad lonely farmer, and Mimi—-well all I can say is #MeToo. Everyone just seemed so broken and in desperate need of something positive—-enter their Jane Austen Society.

While the Jane Austen Society gives them all a much needed purpose but for me it came a little too late. This book is told from multiple POVs and while each POV was executed well, I just never felt overly invested in any of the character’s stories. I also felt that the Society just came too late, the Society comes in to play about 45% of the way through which just came too late for me. The second half of the book was much more positive but the beginning just felt more sad to me than it needed to be. I know that others weren’t bothered by this and felt that it was an uplifting book—-so perhaps I am in the minority in this perspective.

This book is clearly written for Austen fans and I would recommend if for any Austen fan as it is a good story, but for me I just had a different feeling from the beginning of the book. If you love Jane Austen you should definitely give this one a go because there are tons of Austen tidbits and discussions about her works between the characters that more than make up for some of the sad character storylines.

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Expected publication: May 26th 2020 by St. Martin’s Press
ASIN B07WQPPXFW
Free review copy provided by publisher, St Martin’s Press in partnership with Austen Prose blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 3 stars
Genre: historical fiction

Perfect! It's a pageturner for those that love a village setting, smart characters and a wonderful historical fiction plot. This is one of the best books I've read in years! And I read a lot of books. I'll be suggesting this book to as many people as I can. Jane Austen would love this story. If you love Jane Austen then you might love Jane Austen Society.