First the story lines: this was a cute romance. I loved the opposites attract style of the story, I loved that 'inheritance' close proximity, the small town vibes, the found family secrets. All of that worked. I do wish the romance was a bit less "closed door fade to black" but it did work for the story.

I do really struggle with the Jane Austen title as well as the very heavy handed links to Jane Austen in each chapter. I get some of it...but honestly this story was strong enough without any of that, and it became tedious before it became useful or plot linking.

Well, this book had me hooked from the opening chapter when our main character Maddy Shaw, who while appearing on a radio program with a best selling crime novelist, gets into a spirited debate on the merits of romance novels. Afterward, he stalks off without another glance at her.

But, her day is going to get more interesting. Maddy finds out that she has inherited a house from a long-lost relative she'd never met, but caveat she has to live in it for 12 months to inherit it. And, along with a house, Maddy also inherits the role of chair of the Cotlington Literary Festival Committee. Oh, and her nemesis from the radio program, Luke Hamilton, aka Cameron Massey, appears to be a neighbor of hers. What are the chances she leaves London for this small country village and ends up being neighbors with her nemesis and then taking him in as a lodger so he can write while he has work done on his home....

What follows is a delightful romance, with some witty banter and comedic moments, as well as a bit of a family mystery.

The romance was frenemies to lovers, definitely closed door. There was a misunderstanding and third act breakup, with a very satisfying resolution.

What I really loved was all of the references to Jane Austen. Woven throughout the novel were quotes from Jane Austen and from her novels. Maddy is a big Austen fan and was a firm believer that her wisdom is just as relevant now as it was back then. Maddy used it to guide her when giving out advice in her advice column before she was unceremoniously fired. Now, rambling around the old house she inherited with no job and very little money, she asks herself what Jane Austen would do.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend for Austen fans who enjoy a good rom com!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. This was a cute enemies to lovers story. I didn’t understand why this referenced Jane Austen but maybe I missed it. A cute story tho.

I must admit that I was first drawn to this novel because I am a huge Jane Austen fan, having read all her novels many many times and also owning multiple editions of her books. And I really enjoyed What Would Jane Austen Do?, an engaging and immersive story with a wonderful heroine who often channels her inner Elizabeth Bennett or Emma Woodhouse to solve situations and a grumpy hero who perfectly reminds of Mr. Darcy. I loved the many Jane Austen references and how each chapter starts with a quote from one of her novels. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance adorned with witty verbal sparring and an only-one-bed situation, the mysteries to solve, and the fantastic supporting cast of villagers that make things quite entertaining.

The story starts on Valentine’s Day, which wouldn’t be so bad for single Madeleine “Maddy” Shaw if she hadn’t first been fired from her job as agony aunt “Dear Jane” at UpClose magazine and then she spent the afternoon arguing live on radio with the handsome but arrogant crime writer Cameron Massey about the importance of romance in novels and Jane Austen. However, things take a turn for the better when she discovers she’s inherited a house from long-lost cousin Nigel, who she never met and considered the black sheep of the family. The only problem is that to claim total ownership of the house she must live in it for the next twelve months, so Maddy packs her things and leaves London to move to the countryside. Maddy is quickly welcomed in the small community of Cotlington with its own newsletter of gossip and its own literary festival of which she is the new chair, having inherited the title from Nigel. Busy as she is ghost hunting in her new huge house, organizing the Cotlington Literary Festival, and finding out more about cousin Nigel’s past, Maddy has certainly no time for romance, except that her new neighbor is none other than the crime writer who doesn’t believe in romance Cameron Massey and their chemistry is undeniable.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is an heart-warming, witty, and well-written novel, perfect for all those who love romance, Jane Austen, enemies-to-lovers and grumpy vs sunshine tropes, and, if that’s not enough, there is an adorable dog called Buster that will keep you quite entertained!

As summer draws to a close in my household, I was delighted to have the opportunity for a fun, light read from author Linda Corbett. Her contemporary novel What Would Jane Austen Do? holds a premise that was bursting with potential in my mind. Thankfully, I was not disappointed in this hope, and Corbett’s brisk read was the perfect title to finish out my last days of Summer 2023.

Unlike the majority of the works of historical fiction that I review, What Would Jane Austen Do? is firmly set in the present day, with many references to pop culture, social media, modern communications and the like. However, main character Maddy Shaw has a significant portion of her heart set firmly in the 19th century world of Jane Austen. A Janeite of the first order, Maddy styles herself as a sort of modern “Emma”, providing romantic advice and wisdom as a columnist for an English periodical. She quotes Austen often and mentally considers how Jane would handle various situations. Through circumstances beyond her control, she finds herself sacked from the advice column position, living in a crumbling country estate, and planning a literary festival with no experience to do so. Making things even more complicated, life hands her another task. Maddy is saddled with a tenant– a grumpy, Darcy-esque gentleman who seemingly has no interest in romance.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is written at a lively pace, holding my attention well but allowing for plot and character development. An air of mystery also hung over the narrative, as Maddy’s deceased relation Nigel had significant secrets which came to light over time. Romantic elements were expected, but as is mentioned by Maggie herself, the journey which characters take is what makes a work of romantic fiction interesting. While the tone of the story felt comfortable and familiar, the key elements never felt predictable, and I was often surprised at turns which occurred. This was especially true in the final few chapters, as questions surrounding the pasts of certain individuals were finally answered.

From a content standpoint, Corbett’s writing is thoroughly modern and realistic, but the adult material is not overly graphic. There are a few colorful words on occasion and there is a clear implication of two characters becoming intimate, but the work is decidedly PG-rated in general. Many contemporary romances in the current age are far more colorful and steamy. I applaud Linda Corbett for her ability to write a compelling story in a way that fosters delicious romantic content without being heavy-handed with salacious details. I’m certain our dear Jane Austen would approve.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a fun summer read for those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, even if the reader is unacquainted with Austen’s work. The main characters of Maggie and Cameron were compelling, as they go on a journey in which they learn lessons about themselves, their families and their literary culture. Because of author Linda Corbett’s obvious love of literature, English country life, and relationships, she has brought her audience a delightful work of fiction that any romance reader can enjoy.

⅗

When Maddy Shaw is told that her Dear Jane column has been cancelled she has no choice but to look outside of London's rental market. That is until she's left with a country home by the black sheep of the family and long-not-so-lost cousin Nigel.
There is a stipulation… and not only is Maddy made chair of the committee for the annual village literary festival, she also has to put up with bestselling crime author and romance sceptic Cameron Massey as her new neighbour.

This was cute. I wouldn’t say this is a Jane Austin retelling… because it isn't, even though the title of the book might lead you (lol me) to think it was. BUT at the start of each chapter there are quotes that have been selected.
Like I said the book was cute… it didnt amaze me and at times I felt like the two main characters didn't really have much chemistry.

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, one more chapter, and the author for this ARC.

WHAT WOULD JANE AUSTIN DO? By Linda Corbett is a sweet and entertaining contemporary romance and rom-com mash-up featuring an unemployed journalist and lover of all things Jane Austin and romance and an argumentative crime writer in need of inspiration for a new book and temporary lodging. This is a new to me author who kept me turning the pages and enjoying this English small-town enemies-to-lovers romance.

Maddy Shaw inherits a country manor from the black sheep of her Shaw family, and it could not have come at a better time. She has been let go from her magazine Dear Jane column and needs this windfall, but it has stipulations. Besides having to live in the home, she also must run the annual village literary festival.

Cameron Massey (pen name) is a famous crime writer who is having extensive work done on his home and needs a quiet place to write his next book. Cameron, whose real name is Luke, moves in with Maddy, who is looking for someone to help with the bills and the sparks fly.

This is a cozy romance with plenty of humor and wonderful and quirky small-town characters. Maddy’s love of Jane Austin and romance leads to many spirited debates with a man who does not believe in romance. Her research into her cousin who left her his home was an interesting sub-plot. Ms. Corbett did a great job of moving Cameron’s character from being a grump and only likable for his looks to having a background that wounded him and you slowly begin to see the real caring man underneath the gruff. Buster, Luke’s dog, is endearing and a good buffer as Maddy and Luke open up to each other.

I recommend curling up on the couch and enjoying this heartfelt contemporary romance and rom-com mash-up.

Eeeck this book was soooo swoonie! Adorbale read for bay Jane Austen fan!

Thank you to NETGALLEY for an advance reader copy for an unbiased reveiw

A gentle and heartwarming romance, it to me is the romantic version of a cosy crime story. It is softer and obviously set in the english countryside but it gets its point across and is enjoyable.
I kind of enjoyed the mystery that Maddy worked on to discover more about Nigel and with all the village supporting cast you could almost feel like you were in the middle of a miss marple investigation (just without the murder)!
Luke and Maddy are NOT friends when they first meet and then forced into close proximity and he is certainly the grumpy to her sunshine with even a night of one bed to share (I mean they didn't HAVE to). this romance covers all the classically romantic tropes and sometimes forgets and bring in that cosy crime mystery feel whilst always remaining pleasant.

I received this book as a free ARC in exchange from NetGalley for an honest review

I received What Would Jane Austen Do? as a part of a book tour, and I was very pleasantly surprised by it! I think Linda Corbett hit the perfect balance of drawing inspiration from and including references to Jane Austen's works, while still writing her own unique story. This is a really hard balance to strike and I applaud her for managing to do it. I was expecting this to be much more predictable than it was - while there were a few plot elements that I saw coming very early in the story, where were also quite a few twists that took me by surprise!

I really liked both Maddy and Luke. Their journey from adversaries to friends to lovers made sense - no insta-love here, thank you! I'm not usually crazy about pets in stories, but Buster was a fun addition to the plot, and he did capture my heart by the end of the book. I also loved the whole group of friends from Cotlington. This was a great cast of characters and I enjoyed getting to know them!

Overall, this was a fun, well developed story. Although it was an homage to Austen, it stands well on its own and doesn't rely too heavily on nostalgia. I think readers will be pleased with the result!

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that two hundred year old Jane Austen quotes and advice is timeless and no less relevant today. This is an adorable contemporary romantic comedy about love, community, and finding lost family history. Maddy Shaw is a Jane Austen fan and journalist that wrote a column called Dear Jane dispensing advice with a Jane Austen spin. She was unceremoniously fired by email and left with no job and no way to pay rent on her London flatshare.

Imagine her surprise when she's contacted by a lawyer telling her that she's inherited a huge house in the country by a cousin that was scorned and used as a cautionary tale by her family. With stars in her eyes she visits the house and plans to immediately sell it and go back to London. But, her plans are dashed when she's told she has to live in the house for one year before she can sell. Before she knows it, she's the chair of the local book festival and she's got a hot, grumpy best-seller crime novelist and his adorable dog living as a lodger. What could possibly go wrong?

I loved Maddie's character. She's a realist and despite the bumps in the road still keeps her spirit up and lives the Jane Austen sayings she quotes. Using equal amounts of patience and persistence, she breaks through his gruff exterior to find a hurt man frustrated with his career and struggling to write his next book. They make a cute couple and the teasing banter is fun to read. This is a closed door romance so no steam here, but the story is so cute you don't miss it. Of course, there is the obligatory third act miscommunication breakup, which I despise, but the way the duo get back together is swoony and I can forgive the trope. If you're Jane Austen fan, this cute book is for you.

I received a complimentary ecopy from Austenprose PR and One More Chapter. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, Partner @harpercollinsuk @onemorechapterhc @austenprose

MY REVIEW:
Maddy Shaw receives a surprise inheritance of a grand house in an English country village at just the right time--she just lost her job and needs a change. The only thing she has to do to get it is to live in the house for a year before she can sell it and use the money to jump-start the rest of her life. But she soon learns that even the best surprises have unexpected downsides, and this one his no exception. Not only has she also inherited her distant relative's annual village literary festival, but her neighbor is a handsome (and grumpy) author with whom she doesn't get along. Of course there's a dog, and a mystery, and all kinds of quirky village friends.

I found this one to be sweet and cozy, like a Hallmark movie--but a Hallmark movie with lots of Jane Austen references. I liked that Maddy slowly learned that her recently-deceased relative wasn't really like what the rest of the family had always told her. And not only him, but other villagers turn out to be multi-dimensional and surprise her in many ways. This was a journey of self-discovery for Maddy personally as well as romantically, and very sweet.

What authors do you look to for inspiration? Like Maddy, the main character of What Would Jane Austen Do?, Austen is an author I look to for inspiration.

Maddy Shaw has just found out two life changing items. The first is that her “Dear Jane” advice column has been cancelled and she is now out of a job. The second is that her long lost cousin Nigel has left her an estate. Before she can make plans to sell it, she finds out that the will stipulates that she live there for a year and it also provides her a small housekeeping allowance. She is also now the chair of the local literary festival. After discovering that a famous author, Cameron Massey (aka real name Luke), that she had an awkward interview with previously lives in this village, will she be able to get over her past prejudice to get to know him? Why did Cousin Nigel move to America and then back to the UK without telling his family? Where did he get all of his money? Why does Cameron’s first best seller match the plot of a news article that Maddy has found amongst Cousin Nigel’s things?

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a lovely romantic comedy novel that kept me entertained. I loved Maddy’s fish out of water story as she settles into the village and gets to know her new house and all of the people in the village. I also loved the little mysteries that she needed to figure out and I wanted to know the answers too! I loved the chemistry between Maddy and Cameron (Luke) with its enemies to lovers vibe. This was a closed-door romance, which I appreciated.

It's no secret that I love Jane Austen. I greatly enjoyed how each chapter of this book started with a wonderful (and related to the story) Jane Austen quote. I also loved how Maddy would often think about her literary heroine, Jane Austen, as she made decisions about her life.

Overall, this is a delightful cozy novel that is a perfect summer (or any time of year) read.

Book Source: Review Copy from author Linda Corbett, HarperCollinsUK, and NetGalley. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Despondent, Newly Fired Agony Aunt, Maddy Shaw vs. Grumpy, Crime Fiction Author, Cameron Massey
Maddy Shaw, love and relationship correspondent, admits in an interview with best-selling crime author, Cameron Massey, that “it’s not the guaranteed happy ending that readers enjoy most, “It’s the journey the couple go on.” Corbett’s journey, like a layered tea tray, is laced with family mystery, romantic suspense, and plenty of “Austenesque” advice. Corbett’s musing, witty, sometimes soul-searching dialogue between the cracking characters on the festival committee is endearing as she deftly reveals failings, flaws, and family histories.
From the Jane Austen quotes opening each chapter to the myriad Austen character references, this present-day romantic journey is set amidst the hectic planning of the Cotlington Literary Festival 2022. Readers will have definitive responses to What Would Jane Austen Do?
As in the quintessentially British tradition of high tea-Linda Corbett’s What Would Jan Austen Do? suits a variety of readers, those looking for “four-star luxury with champagne or a simple spread in a local village pub.”
Like high tea-from the first morsel of scone to the last sip of tea-simply delightful.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a cozy, uplit romance with quirky characters and references to classic literature.

Maddy Shaw is a journalist and Jane Austen fan girl living in London. When she loses her job and ponders how she will be able to pay her rent, she is shocked to find out that she has inherited an idyllic country home. Figuring she can sell the home and use the cash to tide her over until she can find new employment, she is shocked to hear that she must live in the home for one year before she can sell it. Although she loves London, she is also practical and decides that one year will go by quickly. Once there, she becomes involved in the community and meets a handsome and mysterious popular crime author.

If you appreciate Jane Austen and her work, you will enjoy all the nods to the author in this contemporary romance! Each chapter begins with a quote from one of her beloved characters.

This was the right cozy read at the right time for me and I enjoyed the enemy to lovers and close proximity tropes, the quaint English village and literary festival, the lovely countryside, the colorful and quirky characters, and the slow-burn (fade-to-black) romance. I can’t forget the adorable dog!

I love a story that references other books and features an author and the writing life. This one also includes a literary festival! Do you love a world that revolves around books and the people who read them?

If you are looking for a cozy, uplit romance with colorful characters and many book references, I can enthusiastically recommend What Would Jane Austen Do? for your tbr. In addition to references to a beloved classic author, it also feels contemporary and relevant. Book clubs looking for lighter reads might enjoy this one.

Thanks #NetGalley @HarperCollinsUK @OneMoreChapter_ @OneMoreChapterHC @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #WhatWouldJaneAustenDo upon my request. All opinions are my own.

This was a feel-good romcom set in a beautiful small town, so you know it's going to be chalk full of interesting characters!
I really liked how every chapter started with a quote from a Jane Austen tale. It really got you in that Austen vibe.
I really enjoy a grumpy/sunshine character trope, so Maddy was the perfect antidote to Cameron/Luke.
Buster provided that much needed cute animal interference.
I'd have liked to find out more about Nigel's past and relationship with the Shaw's, also,, why he chose Maddy. I just think this would have given the story a complete roundness.
It was a really quick read with plenty of heart.

“What would Jane Austen Do?” is a sweet and fun read brimming with emotional depth, lovable characters, and lots of heart written by Linda Corbett. The small town English setting was so enjoyable to read about! It was great to get to know all of the characters in this book including the supporting characters. They all feel three-dimensional and lovable! I really liked seeing the strong sense of community and friendship in this story! The speed of the plot was just right, the author’s writing style is smooth and sparkling with wit and humor, and the enemies-to-lovers element of the story was carried out very well. I really enjoyed reading the quote from Jane Austen’s books at the beginning of each chapter! As well as all of the Austen references. The romance in this book was sweet, swoony, and full of emotional depth. It was fun to see Maddy and “Cameron” start out really disliking each other and over time seeing their feelings evolve. The wit and banter was great! And Buster! I love Buster the dog. “What Would Jane Austen Do?” Is a beautiful and very well-written story. I highly recommend it! A wonderful story and definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen’s work. 5 stars! Thank you very much to Austenprose PR, the author Linda Corbett, One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, and NetGalley for providing me with the wonderful opportunity of being on this book tour and for providing me a digital copy to read and review honestly.

This is a sweet romance between Maddie, who inherits a house in the country from an eccentric cousin, and Cameron, a famous crime writer who ends up as her boarder. Cameron is the typical gruff male who's been burned in the past and doubts Maddie's motives since she's an advice columnist (or was, she got fired earlier in the story). Most of the time is spent in investigating Maddie's cousin who had a bad reputation in her family with glimpses of the villagers who become Maddie's friends.
If you're looking for a fluffy, comfort romance, then this might be for you.

This was such a fun contemporary enemies to lovers romance book! I loved the wonderful nods to the work of Jane Austin. I also loved the side characters and banter between the two main characters.

What Would Jane Austen Do? opens with a remarkable first chapter that avid readers—especially fans of romance—are sure to enjoy. Maddy Shaw, a just-fired agony aunt, is a guest on a radio show along with Cameron Massey, a cynical and famously combative crime writer. The two get into a heated argument about their preferred genres in fiction, with him dismissing romance as formulaic fluff. Don’t worry, dear reader: Maddy made some excellent points and soundly won that argument!

From there, the novel follows Maddy’s next unexpected circumstance: She’s just inherited a house from her dad’s long-lost cousin Nigel. The catch is that she must live in the house for a full year before she’s allowed to sell it. So she does the logical thing and moves in. It’s in a small village called Cotlington, with a tight-knit community and—surprise!—an annual literary festival that Maddy must spearhead this year. In addition to planning a literary festival with only five months’ notice, Maddy also has a new lodger at her house: none other than Luke Hamilton, otherwise known as Cameron Massey, the grumpy crime author. Then there’s the mystery surrounding Cousin Nigel and the American band he was once somehow connected to back in the 1970s.

What Would Jane Austen Do? follows a few main threads, with an eclectic cast of characters causing a bit of mayhem for Maddy. Especially the ghost hunting! I enjoyed the secondary characters, with their distinctive personalities, and was enthralled by both the literary festival and the mystery surrounding Nigel. Bonus points for the rock ’n’ roll connection with the latter. Maddy’s frequent references to Jane Austen, her books, and quotes from those book were also a lot of fun. I can see the similarities between this novel and those classics, even with the updated time setting.

Of course, the romance between Maddy and Luke is also a treat. I do love when characters start off seemingly completely at odds with each other. How can someone as acerbic as Luke be redeemed? How can two such different people find common ground and affection? Will he have an arc similar to that of Mr. Darcy? I especially liked how Maddy put her agony aunt past to good use in helping Luke out of his writer’s block. And his dog Buster is a constant source of joy… and maybe a bit of a matchmaker himself!

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a delightful novel of a woman at a crossroads in her career and living situation. There’s neighborly community, literary references and a festival, a bit of mystery about an estranged relative, and an unlikely romance between total opposites. Kudos to the author for providing an HEA not reliant on marriage or kids. I’ll have to read Linda Corbett’s first novel, Love You From A-Z, as well as whatever she writes next. And until then, I’ll dream about following in Nigel’s footsteps and starting my own literary festival…