There was a time when throwing back to Jane Austen was all the rage... both in terms of niche genre lit and fantasy escapism. Fiction ran the gamut from Lost in Austen to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies with varying results. But in Rachael Lippincott's latest outing, sci-fi and romance have an equal footing.

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh focuses on Audrey, a hopeful teen artist at a crossroads in her life. She's just been through a breakup that's left her questioning her path forward to art school. Working at her family's store in her hometown is secure, but still not exactly what she's looking for. Then Mr. Montgomery, a cranky but loyal shop regular, throws a quarter at her and she wakes up in Regency England.

It's equal parts Life on Mars and Somewhere in Time, though Audrey at least gets to keep use of her cell phone for a bit. She's first discovered by Lucy Sinclair, a young lady who's having a pretty bad time of her own. Her widower father is gunning for her to earn an engagement to one Mr. Caldwell, an eligible bachelor who will give her (and thus her father) a comfortable life. But Lucy doesn't feel that "spark" with Mr. Caldwell, and is dreading an end to her life of freedom.

Fortunately for her, she has Audrey to distract her. The two work out that Audrey's magic quarter is counting down her days in 1812. Based on some cryptic words from Mr. Montgomery, the two figure out that she needs to have some sort of experience before the number on Audrey's quarter reaches zero. Probably finding love. Luckily, Radcliffe and the surrounding estates are absolutely crawling with eligible bachelors. But between fancy balls, late-night dance parties, and (of course) unexpected dips in nearby lakes with handsome men in gauzy shirts, Lucy and Audrey find themselves falling for each other.


Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh is aware of its source material in just the right way: versed enough in it both to hat-tip it and subvert it. All the earmarks of an Austen work are there—both the straightforward references and the thematic elements. Rather than seeking to overthrow the source material, though, it creates a romance that works surprisingly well within it. So often, we see older fiction reapproached through a modern lens in a way that thoroughly shreds the original, marking it as misguided and problematic with the new take being the superior, enlightened one. Here, though, classic and modern work in harmony. Instead of damning Regency literature for having no space for Audrey and Lucy's romance, it both acknowledges a place for it and demonstrates how suited to the genre their burgeoning love actually is.

If there is a shortcoming with the book, it's the last-minute nature of Mr. Montgomery's whole deal being explained. While it's entertaining—and in the end really just a means to an end—I would love to have seen this addressed a tiny bit more. There's so much in those little moments that adds another compelling layer to Audrey's story, including how she found herself in this particular time with this particular person. But a lot of it is lost in the rush to the climactic finale. That's such a small gripe compared to the larger positives of the book, though.

Funny, sweet, compelling, and head-over-heels in love with the books that came before it, Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh is a sweet read for anyone who's ever been at a crossroads in life or in love.

*****5 Stars!

“Because sometimes, when you want something bad enough, the risk is worth it.”

First I would like to thank Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this wonderful book! I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give it an honest review.

Audrey Cameron has lost her spark. But after getting dumped by her first love and waitlisted at her dream art school all in one week, she has no intention of putting her heart on the line again to get it back. So when local curmudgeon Mr. Montgomery walks into her family’s Pittsburgh convenience store saying he can help her, Audrey doesn’t know what she’s expecting…but it’s definitely not that she’ll be transported back to 1812 to become a Regency romance heroine.

Lucy Sinclair isn’t expecting to find an oddly dressed girl claiming to be from two hundred years in the future on her family’s estate. But she has to admit it’s a welcome distraction from being courted by a man her father expects her to marry—who offers a future she couldn’t be less interested in. Not that anyone has cared about what or who she’s interested in since her mother died, taking Lucy’s spark with her.

While the two girls try to understand what’s happening and how to send Audrey home, their sparks make a comeback in a most unexpected way. Because as they both try over and over to fall for their suitors and the happily-ever-afters everyone expects of them, they find instead they don’t have to try at all to fall for each other.

Words cannot express how much I adored this book! From the moment I first saw the title I knew I just had to give it a read. Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh was everything that I wanted and so much more! I could hardly put this book down from the moment I started reading it, it always seemed to have me on the edge of my seat, eager to see where the characters ended up next! This was such a unique and interesting plot and had the ability to easily pull me into the story. The wording was very descriptive, making me feel as if I was there.

Audrey and Lucy were such loveable characters that were so easy to connect with. I really enjoyed the romantic tension between them and the obstacle of society being in the way of their feelings for one another; it was such an interesting situation for these characters to find themselves in, especially considering the difference in cultures and eras. I adored how they both brought out the good in each other and helped each other turn into the person that they truly wanted to be. Their relationship was so beautiful in that way, and I enjoyed watching them grow not only in their relationship but their personalities as well.

I enjoyed the overall lesson in the story; that love is always worth the risk and to always have hope that life will take you exactly where you need to be. Another aspect I liked very much was that the story was in dual POVs, it really allowed you to get to know each character on a very personal and emotional level which made it much easier to step into their shoes.

This book was such a beautiful and fun read and I loved every second of it! I cannot wait to read what this author comes up with next! If you’re looking for a fun and adorable time-travel/regency rom-com then this is a book I would highly recommend!

Audrey’s life was basically on hold working in her parents store. She wanted to pursue art but circumstances and one particular ex boyfriend persuaded her otherwise. Her routine was the same day in and day out. However, one day an unusual and very unexpected set of circumstances occurred with the simple toss of a coin; it tossed her into the world of 1812…a world that offered her the possibilities of finding renewed inspiration but also that of a forbidden love.

I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other especially with the obvious differences of the past and present. It was also interesting to note society’s norms of 1812 and what was expected-and demanded-of young women.

The story was told in alternating chapters between the two protagonists which allowed us to get to know these characters on an deeper emotional level. I also enjoyed the humor Interspersed throughout the story. I think the title was a perfect representation of the story.

I read other books by this author and always find her stories to be entertaining and engaging. This book was the same.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE & PITTSBURGH by rachael lippincott is an unforgettable marvel.

told through two perspectives & set in the 19th century, it’s the story of outgrowing the expectations of others, discovering your sexuality, and falling in love with someone who makes you feel known. ♡