So I do have something to admit... I may be the only person who has never read any books by Jane Austen. 🙁 I know, I know. So when I got the book, The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner I was wondering if I would be at a disadvantage reading it. The verdict... I wasn't! In fact I think reading this book helped me understand why people love her books so much!! This book is based in the English village of Chawton, after the second world war. Chawton was Jane Austen's final home and in this story you will find some people who love the books by her and are determined to share that love with the world. Each of these people, a doctor, a movie star, a distant relative of Austen's and a laborer have their own issues, some traumatic events in their past and some that have had traumatic events in the present, but their love for Austen's book bring them together to help create The Jane Austen Society. I so enjoyed this book!! Not only was it a wonderful story but it gave me a better perception of Jane Austen and her books! 4⭐


Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Natalie Jenner for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

This book really hit close to home with me. I’ve always loved Jane Austen, with Pride and Prejudice of course being my favorite novel. Fanny Price, as Adelines character also felt, drove me crazy.

All of the time I lived in England I never did think to go visit the remnants of Austen’s home. Perhaps then I was too distracted by my own schoolwork. Will now be tacking it onto my bucket list.

I loved the different POV’s in this book and how Natalie Jenner tells the reader of each of her characters developed love for Austen’s books. How the pieces of each characters lives fall together to allow them to form the Jane Austen Society is as beautiful as it is tragic. The ending leaves you feeling at peace and wishing the book would go on. It is a must read for all Jane Austen lovers.

If you enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and you’re an Austen aficionado, you’ll love this fictional version of the founding of the Jane Austen Society. It was especially meaningful to me because I got my love of Jane Austen from my mother, and we attended JASNA meetings together.

It’s fun to try to figure out which character corresponds to which Jane Austen character (as well as to guess who some of the old Hollywood players might be).

This book will leave you wanting to read (or reread) all of Austen’s novels. And the fact that the audiobook is narrated by Richard Armitage is the icing on the cake.

Finished The Jane Austen Society last night. It is a historical fiction read, which I generally don’t read a lot of. I’ve frequently heard it suggested for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and that seems like a good fit to me too.
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I found this to be a sweet story about an interesting group of people brought together by a love of literature, Jane Austen in particular. I don’t think you have to be a huge fan of Austen to appreciate this book because the characters are lively and the story is well written. If you are an Austen fan, it’s really a bonus.
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This is my first novel I can mark off of the Modern Mrs. Darcy summer reading guide and it was a good one.
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Thanks to @netgalley for the advanced readers copy. It’s out this week and definitely a good summer or quarantine read.

This is a lovely little book. You don't even have to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy it. It's a quietly beautiful story about creating a lasting legacy for a common love and interest. The characters are charming and live and work simply with one another. There's a quiet little English village with quirky inhabitants, each with their own perspective, thoughts, and feelings. Much like Austen's novels themselves, a simply look or touch will make your heart flutter. Much like the life it suggests, the book is a bit slow at times, but not in a boring way - more of a leisurely one. You won't want to rush through this in a day. Take your time, take it in when you can, and you'll be surprised by how invested you'll be by the end - and you'll certainly want to pick up an Austen novel when you're finished.

I was the English major who never read Austen but loved Austen stories. I love all the rewrites. so between this year and last I have read and listened to the originals. I loved this book by Natalie Jenner and it fueled my intrigue of Jane and her stories. Beautiful cover, wonderful characters, beautiful story.

3.5 stars rounded up.

In 1945, in The English village of Chawton, a group of local villagers decide to create a society in honor of Jane Austen. Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, and although these men and women seem to have nothing in common they do in fact all have a love of Jane Austen’s work.

There was a lot more to this story than the creation of the society. The first few chapters were more a background so we got to know the members of the society. Each of them has a tragedy they have survived which brings them together in other ways as well. I really enjoyed all of their stories and how they each overcame their own struggles. The author did a very nice job of intertwining the characters and their lives in this small town.

To be honest, I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by Jane Austen so I’m not sure why I requested this book. I did end up enjoying it though and liked how it all came together in the end. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, I’m sure it would make more sense, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was well written and extremely sweet. I love the idea of a disparate group coming to terms with their own trauma through Austen! I think it's a nice read-along for post-war Britain (Our Hidden Lives is a great compendium of journals of Brits during the austerity years) as well as, of course, for the Austen canon. It suffers a little from debut novel-itis (my chief complaint always) mostly in terms of telegraphing pieces of the ending a little early on. But overall, I think it's a great book to hand to any book lover. And now I'm ready to finally read Persuasion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review!

Thanks to NetGalley & publisher St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I was afraid it wouldn't live up to all I was expecting, but I would happily give it 10 stars! The novel starts out slowly, which is a perfect pace for telling this lovely story that takes place during the 1940's in the small English village of Chawton, where author Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life. Each of the main characters has experienced sadness and heartbreak, and all are brought together by their love of Jane Austen's novels. I was impressed with this debut effort, which was so well-written - the characters were distinct and vibrant, the architecture vividly described, the emotions realistic, and the plot evolved smoothly with all the pieces fitting perfectly. Don't be put off if you aren't familiar with these novels, the story works just as well whether you are an Austen fan or just love novels with a happy ending in a country village.

Jane Austen has just a few relatives left living after WWII. When her old ancestral home is being threatened by poor relatives and bad management, a group of individuals come together to save one of Jane’s legacies.

There are good many characters throughout this story. But, the author does a pretty good job melding them all together. I enjoyed the camaraderie of this diverse group of people as they work together the create the Jane Austen Society.

This is a charming, sweet read. I have not read a lot of Jane Austen (GASP!). I will have to remedy this issue. This book brings out so much information about her life and her history, I want to read more of her works.

If you need a quick, enjoyable read, this is it!

I received this copy from the publisher for a honest review.

The seeds are sown in 1932 for a group of people to come together in Jane Austen's Chawton to help preserve her heritage. It starts with a chance meeting between an American lady, Mary Anne, a fan of Jane Austen and labourer Adam Berwick, which leads him to start reading Pride and Prejudice, and then her other works
By 1945 American actress Miss Mimi (Mary Anne) Harrison, acquires some of Jane Austen jewellery, via an auction at Sotheby where she meets auctioneer Yardley Sinclair. Then at Chawton we learn about Francis Knight, last of the Knights and an agoraphobic, Dr Grey, ex-school teacher Mrs Aveline Grover, Andrew Forrester solicitor and, Evie Stone, servant at the Manor.
A group of diverse people who are brought together because of their love of Jane Austen's books. Can the Society result in helping these wounded people. Will they be able to find what is missing in their lives, and will they at last allow romance to enter their lives.
An enjoyable and interesting story with its diverse characters

... a nostalgic and charming story about a group of people who dare!

Opening in 1932 with the bulk of the story happening between 1945 and 1947 this story, was like savouring a good wine. Its very essence surrounded me. I was struck by its many flavors.
These were provided by a disparate group of people coming together in the village of Chawton, Hampshire, the home of Jane Austen in the last years of her life, to form the Jane Austen Society.
A fascinating group, some joined by their shared life in the village, others who appreciated the history of the place. All are tied together by their love of Austen. Although for many their reading is certainly wider than that as demonstrated by some of their lively conversations. All have something that sets them apart, be it their insights, energy, determination, empathy, loyalty or talents.
Benjamin Gray, the village doctor for many years, now a widower.
Miss Frances Knight, spinster daughter of the Great House (Chawton House) in Hampshire. The cottage where Austen lived forms part of that estate. Fran is the only one in her family interested in the "legacy of Jane Austen in which the Knights had a share."
Adam Berwick, a farmer who years ago was led through a chance encounter to pick up Austen's books. The Berwicks over generations have been intwined in the life of the Knights, working in various capacities on the estate.
Adeline Grover, formerly Adeline Lewis, who had been a dynamic teacher encouraging her students to wider reading, including Austen and Virginia Woolf, much to the disgruntlement of the Village School Board.
Mimi Harrison, an Hollywood Star and Austen devotee.
Evie Stone, a young girl working in the Knight's household. Evie was a star pupil of Adeline's, bright and fiercely intelligent with a scholar's disposition. Fran has given her access to the House's library collection.
Andrew Forrester, the family solicitor for the Knights, and former classmate of Fran and Benjamin.
Yardley Sinclair, Sotheby’s assistant director of estate sales, who has pointed Mimi in the direction of Austen artifacts.
Kudos to Jenner for a cleverly written and engaging plot. A winter into spring sort of story. Uplifting despite, or because of, the many personal challenges not only of the society's members, but of the formation of the society from a small beginning. An intimate and reflective novel that draws you in gently and holds you until the very last page, including the author's notes.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley

This is the definitive historical fiction for all fans of Jane Austen. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is volunteered.

This is so exquisitely written it is a bibliophile's dream to read this book. I loved the proper use of language , the morals of the charcters and the English setting. This is delightful to read in every way.

We are introduced to Chawton England after WWII. The setting is described beautifully by the author.
This was one of the last places that Jane Austen lived.. The characters are: an American actress, a doctor, a lawyer, a teenage girl, a teacher, a shy field worker, and a true descendant of Jane's. With all these various personalities and backgrounds they find they all have a commonality of a great shared love of Austen's work. So they decide to form "The Jane Austen Society." Together they review her work and engulf themselves in her various works. This is a lovely book that is so good you will read it cover to cover. The Austen references are outstanding and throughout the book are several quotations by Jane Austen . I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.

For fans of Jane Austen this is a must read. For those who have never read Austen's works, you will get an enticing exposure to several characters throughout this delightful book. If you love small English villages and the 1940s time frame, you are going to love this!

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
~Jane Austen

1943 England

A small village Chawton has been home to well known Jane Austen. Decades later, at the end of the Second World War, a group of Chawton residents bonded by the love of England's most talented and beloved novelist has gathered together for a very important mission - to preserve and restore Jane Austen's home and continue her legacy.

The task, so simple at the beginning, demanded a lot of attention, resources, and conquest over numerous obstacles. But with the help of Jane Austen's dedicated fans, the mission did not only become accomplished but also created new long-lasting friendships and a few happy endings.

The plot of the novel was great, yet very predictable. I found myself very distracted while reading the story. Nevertheless, I believe this book is a great dedication to a wonderful novelist. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

I’d rate this. 4.2.  What a refreshing and feel good read. If you liked the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as I did, you will like this charming debut novel. The novel is set in post World War II, in the small town of Chawton, England, where a small group of people with varying backgrounds—a widowed teacher, the town physician, a lawyer, an American movie star, a housemaid, a farmer and a Sotheby’s estate Director— together embark on a quest to preserve the home and legacy of Jane Austen. The owner of the estate has, prior to his death, cut out his only child, a reclusive spinster daughter who was his caregiver, from his will to take over the estate, instead leaving it to any living male heir. Austen’s home, a cottage on a larger estate, and the estate is at risk of being sold to a developer who likely will not preserve its legacy. What unites them all is their love of Jane Austen and the hope to preserve her final home. Although each of these characters come with their own inner turmoil, struggles or challenges, it is a triumphant story of how collectively they rise up and work for the collective good. For lovers of Jane Austen’s work, the references to her various novels and quotations only makes this novel more endearing. All characters are very well defined. A very enchanting and witty read.

Honestly, I have never read Jane Austen. I have seen the movies, but never read a book, thinking I may change that now.

I enjoyed this book, the chemistry of all the characters, how they interacted, how they knew what each other needed, and the love between them all. It had me giggling, smiling, gasping, and crying. It was really about accepting all the bad, no matter what it was, but look to the future and go from there. Of course there were a few things that could have been left out, because really they had nothing to do with the story and didn't not impact in the ending (Mimi's almost rape, and her potty mouth).

In all I did enjoy this book greatly and will recommend it to others to read, although I will only recommend to those I know will not be offended by the instances above.

This was a 3.5 to 4 star book. Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Ms. Natalie Jenner for this advanced copy.

I love all things Jane Austen and instantly knew that I wanted to read this book when I saw it. That combined with my love of historical fiction are what made this book for me.

Set in post-war England, on the former estate of Jane Austen, a group of characters - all suffering after the war - came together to preserve Austen's legacy as the last of the inhabitants of the estate dwindle down.

Each character has a connection to Austen and draw inspiration, healing, and even dreams from her works. Some storylines loosely follow fictional Austen but do you have to be a die-hard Austen fan to appreciate this book, no? I would still recommend this book to someone who appreciates good literature who might even turn into another Austen fan after reading this book.

The research, the writing, and the characters were all captivating. This book does move a bit slow at times but I appreciated the slower pace compared to some of today's current books. I read this book in a few days and it was a wonderful escape.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ebook in exchange for my unbiased review and promotion.

My full review will be posted on my blog and I will update the links accordingly.

This was a delightful and charming book about people coming together to preserve the last home of Jane Austen in the village of Chawton in the mid 1940’s. A wonderful debut novel that I recommend for Jane Austen fans and fans of The Chilbury Ladies Choir. I was fortunate to receive an e-galley of the book and think I will buy a hard copy for my personal library.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the review copy.

A Band of Jane Austen Lovers

In the mid 1940’s many great, and not so great families were selling their inherited treasures. The Austen family was no exception. Several of Jane Austen’s belongings including jewelry, a writing desk, and letters were up for sale at a Sotheby’s auction. The items are purchased by a wealthy admirer of the famous actress in the audience and presented to her after the sale. The actress, a lover of Austen’s books, takes the items with her to her home in Clawton, the site of Jane Austen’s home.

Visitors come to Clawton to venerate Austen, but the town itself, has many Austen enthusiasts. A diverse group composed of a farmhand, a doctor, a school teacher, a solicitor, a maid, the famous actress, and an Austen relative comes together to try to save the Austen legacy and to discuss the books.

The book has a great many characters each with his or her own story. It’s the love of Austen’s works that binds the group together. While we learn about their individual lives, I found the most interesting part their discussions of Austen’s works. Sometimes, the characters are even able to see themselves in the books.

The pace of the book is gentle, as befits a book about Austen lovers. I enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend it if you too are an Austen lover.

I received this book from St. Marin’s Press for this review.