Mini Reviews: Beach Reads with Memorable Settings

 

There's nothing like a beach read with a setting that is beautiful, glamorous, and, of course, memorable. That's immediately what I thought when I read that The May House is set on Coronado Island, set across from the bay from downtown San Diego. Who wouldn't want to spend a glorious week there? And then, of course, there's Nantucket, the setting of Worse Than Strangers. It's where everyone's favorite beach read always seems to take place.

 

The May House by Jillian Cantor

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Fiction/Beach Read

Publisher: Atria

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "No matter what’s going on in the May sisters’ lives, the one thing they can rely upon is seeing each other for one week each year, while staying at their grandmother’s beachside home in gorgeous Coronado. As adults, Julia, Emily, and Nora aren’t particularly close, spread out across the country and busy with careers, relationships, and the minutia of life, but their promise to Grandma Vera keeps them anchored together, if only for one week every May.

One year Julia, the oldest and most dependable sister, doesn’t show. And suddenly Nora and Emily start to question how much they truly know about their sister’s life. Told in alternating points of view, spanning from their time together with Grandma Vera as kids into their adult lives, The May House explores how a decades-long family secret has unknowingly shaped each sister and, ultimately, how it brings them closer together.

Funny, poignant, and brimming with heart, The May House is an irresistible story about the special bond between sisters and figuring out what matters most in life, in all its ups and downs.

 

The May sisters have inherited a beach house from their Grandmother on beautiful Coronado Island. They have been going there for a week in May ever since they were little, and they always promised their grandmother they would return every year. Now the sisters are adults and dealing with real-world issues, finding it hard to carve out time to come back. However, despite their obstacles, all three sisters have met each year for a week of bonding by the sea. Except this year, Julia, the eldest sister, doesn't come and is nowhere to be found. This leaves Emily and Nora confused, as their older sister has always been dependable. How well do they know her? The May House by Jillian Cantor is a solid beach read with a gorgeous California setting, perfect for fans of stories involving sisterhood and family drama.
 
The three May sisters don't have much in common except for their beach house, as they don't actively participate in each other's adult lives. Their bond is rooted in their Grandmother Vera, who has helped care for them since their mother's death. The story unfolds through the various points of view of the sisters, along with flashbacks to past summers, providing readers with deeper insights into the May sisters' backstories. A common thread among the sisters is their next-door neighbor, Nate, who is Julia's former boyfriend and Nora's long-time crush. There is also a secret box of letters that Grandma Vera keeps hidden, which threatens to reveal some family secrets. The May House offers a charming beach read, and having just visited Coronado made the experience even more enjoyable.
 

 

 

 

 

Worse Than Strangers by Kyleigh Leddy 

Pages: 320

Genre: Romance/Beach Read

Pub. Date: June 23, 2026

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A debut novel for fans of Jane Austen, Elin Hilderbrand, and Gilmore Girls, Worse Than Strangers is a Nantucket-set retelling of Austen’s Persuasion about finding romance, second chances, and a new path in life.

Rose and Lily are best friends first, mother-daughter second, which is good because right now, Lily could really use a friend. Recently fired from her NYC magazine job and heartbroken, Lily has fled to the family cottage in Siasconset. She is shocked when she stumbles across her first love at the grocery store holding hands with his new fiancé—a fiancé he never mentioned on their many, many late-night phone calls.

Rose has secrets, too. A therapist about to start her own private practice, Rose’s world is rocked by the handsome renter staying in their guest cottage, Thomas Wentworth: the one person she thought she would never see again and the man who has always (unfortunately) held her heart.

A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion set against a backdrop of blue and purple hydrangeas, swollen brick sidewalks, tall sea grass, and uniform, shingled houses, Lily and Rose Gardner’s summer journey of second chances, healing, and hope begs the question: Can you repeat the past, and is it ever too late to try again?"

 

Rose and Lily are a mother-daughter duo similar to The Gilmore Girls. Rose is a beautiful single mother and therapist, and Lily is making her way in the world in NYC, but they are still as close as ever. Unfortunately, Lily gets fired from her job in NYC and returns home with her tail between her legs to her mother's cottage on Nantucket. This cottage holds a special place in her heart as it was her beloved great-aunt's cottage and she spent many summers there. Upon her arrival on the small island, she runs into her first love and former boyfriend, Henry, at the grocery store holding hands with his new fiancée. This shocks Lily as they had just spoken not too long ago and he never mentioned her. Lily and Henry never really had a clean break, so this hits her hard. She is set for a summer of rebuilding her life when her mother rents out the other cottage next door and finds out it's been rented to Thomas Wentworth, a man who played an important role in Rose's life. This is proving to be a complicated summer for Rose and Lily, filled with second chances and finding their way. Kyleigh Leddy's Worse Than Strangers is a wonderful retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion and makes for a delightful beach read.
 
First and foremost, Persuasion is my favorite of Austen's novels, so I couldn't wait to dive into a modern retelling. I enjoyed every aspect of this novel, especially how each chapter was presented from the perspectives of Lily and Rose, along with a few chapters from their beloved aunt, Lottie. Leddy also did a fantastic job of bringing Nantucket to life; she truly conveyed a strong sense of place. It was clear that she spent a lot of time there, and I appreciated the vivid details about the gardens, restaurants, beaches, and more. While Leddy addressed some difficult topics, such as cancer and addiction, she managed to keep the narrative light, ensuring it never felt overly heavy. The arrival of extra family members at the cottage added humor to the story while maintaining a strong focus on rebuilding their lives and mending past relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed the debut novel Worse Than Strangers and can't wait to see what Leddy writes next.
 
Have you read either The May House or Worse Than Strangers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Holiday Romances

 

Who can resist a holiday romance? Today, I’m sharing two books that deliver everything you could want in a love story—complete with unforgettable settings that make the season even more magical.

 

 

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk 

Pages: 384

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Christmas Wish 

and On a Night Like This 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Laura and Callum have met exactly three times – once at a mutual friend’s wedding (Laura doesn’t remember), once at a baby shower (Callum doesn’t remember) and once right now – when Laura lets herself into his flat to find him exiting the shower completely naked (they both remember).

When Callum's parents walk in and mistake Laura for his mystery girlfriend, Laura has no choice but to play along, accepting their invitation to spend Christmas at home in the Scottish Highlands.

But then Laura's best friends show up pretending to be her family, and Callum's ex is invited, and as Laura gets closer to Callum, she can't tell if the increasingly sizzling chemistry between them is real or just a very convincing part of the act."

 

Laura, a doctor, doesn't have plans for Christmas, which kind of sounds thoroughly depressing. When a stranger's parents mistake her for the stranger's girlfriend, an adventure ensues. The stranger is Callum, a Scottish pastry chef, who is in a bind with his parents and his plans for the holidays. His parents want him to return home to Scotland with his girlfriend, Caroline, whom they mistakenly take for Laura. So, Laura goes with it initially, and to help Callum out, because a Scottish Christmas doesn't sound too bad, does it? The more time Callum and Laura spend together, the more their fake dating is pushed to the brink. Is Laura having real feelings for Callum, or is it just the idyllic Scottish Christmas complete with sleeper trains, cozy pubs, warming whiskey drinks by the fire, the highlands, castles, and more? Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk is an enjoyable holiday rom-com. While many parts of the story felt far-fetched, I suspended my disbelief, because that's what the holidays are all about, right?
 
I love all things Scotland, so I knew the setting would be a win for me in Christmas Fling. Plus, Lindsey Kelk always delivers a laugh-out-loud holiday rom-com, and that is what readers can expect with this one. Callum was giving Jamie Fraser vibes, so I really loved their slow-burning romantic moments as well as the fake dating that always leads to something more. There's a lot of miscommunication going on in Christmas Fling, but other than that, I thought it was a delightful holiday novel. I didn't love it as much as The Christmas Wish, but overall, it was charming with just the right amount of holiday spice.

 

 

 

Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

Pages: 336

Pub. Date: October 28, 2025

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books by Author: Elizabeth of East Hampton

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out when the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment in is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again."

 

 

Anne Elliot broke up with Freddie Wentworth years ago when he took a new job overseas, and it still haunts her to this day. She is living a pretty normal life in New York City until Freddie enters the picture again. Anne's father mishandled their money and, in turn, has to sell their sprawling apartment in New York City. Now Anne has a whole new set of problems; plus, the buyer is none other than Freddie himself! Anne is at a crossroads in both her work and personally. Freddie, who just sold his company, is also at a crossroads. The more time they spend together as they both live in the same building, the more they realize that the sparks are still there. Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is a wonderful retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion - perfect for fans of second-chance romances. 
 
As the story continues, readers will delight in Freddie and Anne's second chance at love and in figuring out what went wrong the first time around. Also, readers will appreciate the personal journeys that both Anne and Freddie are on in Anne of Avenue A. Anne's life was all planned out, but it has taken an unexpected turn at work, and she must deal with the ramifications, all while navigating Freddie's return to her life. One of the best parts of the book was the New York City setting during the holidays. This definitely added to the charm of the book. Fans of Bellezza and Harding's For the Love of Austen series won't be disappointed by this heartwarming retelling. Persuasion is one of my favorite of Austen's novels, and I think they captured the spirit very well.
 
 
 

Have you read Christmas Fling or Anne of Avenue A yet? Let 'em know in the comments. Also, Christmas Fling is on sale for under a dollar as an e-book, which you can't beat, so pick up your copy today for the holiday season.  

 

 

 

Audiobook Review: Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

 

Genre: Romance/Audiobook

Pub. Date: August 6, 2024

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "This fresh and whip-smart modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice transports you to summer in the Hamptons, where classes clash, rumors run wild, and love has a frustrating habit of popping up where you least expect it.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged—well, by Elizabeth Bennet anyway—that there’s nothing worse than summer in the Hamptons. She should she’s lived out there her whole life. Every June, her hometown on the edge of Long Island is inundated with rich Manhattanites who party until dawn and then disappear by September. And after twenty-five years, Lizzy wants to leave, too.

But after putting her own dreams on hold to help save her family’s failing bakery, she’s still surfing the same beach every morning and waiting for something, anything, to change. She’s not holding her breath though, not even when her sister starts flirting with the hot new bachelor in town, Charlie Pierce, and he introduces Lizzy to his even hotter friend.

Will Darcy is everything Lizzy Bennet is not. Aloof, arrogant…and rich. Of course, he’s never cared about money. In fact, it’s number one on his long list of things that irk him. Number two? His friend Charlie’s insistence on setting him up with his new girlfriend’s sharp-tongued sister. Lizzy Bennet is all wrong for him, from her money-hungry family to her uncanny ability to speak to him as bluntly as he does everyone else. But then maybe that’s why he can’t stop thinking about her.

Lizzy is sure Will hates everybody. He thinks she willfully misunderstands them. Yet, just as they strike an uneasy truce, mistakes threaten Charlie and Annabelle’s romance, with Will and Lizzy caught in the undertow. Between a hurricane and a hypocritical stepmother, a drunken voicemail and a deceptive property developer, the two must sift through the gossip and lies to protect the happiness of everyone they love—even if it means sacrificing their own. But when the truth also forces them to see each other in an entirely new light, they must swallow their pride to learn that love is a lot like sometimes the only way to survive is to let yourself fall."

 

Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennett has big dreams. She wants to escape East Hampton and her family's bakery to pursue a career in journalism. Unfortunately, her plans take a turn when her father suffers a stroke, leaving her to help support her parents and keep the family business afloat. On top of that, she has to navigate her mother’s outrageous get-rich schemes and manage her various sisters. Things take an interesting turn when wealthy Will Darcy and Charlie visit the bakery. When Charlie starts dating Lizzy's sister, Jane, they decide to try to set Will and Lizzy up together. Despite their differences, Will and Lizzy develop a connection, but they face numerous obstacles ahead: a hurricane, meddling family members, property developers, miscommunication, and more. Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is a delightful blend of a Jane Austen retelling with elements of a beach read and romantic comedy. 

 

As a fan of all things Pride and Prejudice, I made sure to carve out time for this book this summer, and I'm so glad I did. The mix of a classic story set in a coastal environment resonated with me. I appreciated the nods to the original while enjoying how the authors modernized the tale. Lizzy, portrayed as a budding journalist and surfer, truly captured my interest, along with her comical mother and the diverse personalities of her sisters. The authors also brought Will to life very well; yes, he is still arrogant, but lovable deep down.

 

I haven't read the first book in this series, Emma of 83rd Street, so you don't need to be familiar with it to enjoy Elizabeth of East Hampton. However, I did notice several references to the first story. Despite this, I found it to be the perfect summer audiobook escape, especially for those who enjoy a touch of Austen.

The audiobook was delightful, narrated by Teddy Hamilton (whom you might recognize from the Fourth Wing audiobook series) and Brittany Pressley. Both did an excellent job of capturing the beloved characters and modernizing the narrative.

In the comments below, let me know if you've read Elizabeth of East Hampton and if you like Jane Austen re-tellings.

 

 

Book Review: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: February 27, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."

 

Anne Elliott runs the theater company in the idyllic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. She has taken it over after her mother's death and all was going well until the new owners of the winery want to partner with her. This sounds like a great opportunity, but upon further inspection she realizes that the newcomers have appointed Ben Wentworth, their nephew, to broker the deal. Cue the drama! Ben Wentworth is Anne's long-lost college boyfriend, essentially the one who got away. Can Anne get past their misunderstandings and make this professional relationship work or will all the old feelings come back? Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

 

Anne Elliott is my favorite of Austen's heroines and Edwards captures her very well without making it feel old-fashioned. Anne has more than the theater to worry about, she also has to deal with her demanding sister and unhinged father, so just like Persuasion, this retelling also captures themes of family expectation and the pressure that Anne feels to do for others, even over her own needs at times. 

 

I also thought the romance between Ben and Anne was done very well and if you like a story about the one who got away, you'll appreciate Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. Also, my absolute favorite part of the novel was the gorgeous Canadian setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Edwards did a wonderful job bringing it to life with all of its autumnal details that made me want to plan a trip there immediately. It reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow in the best way possible as it's also a small town filled with quirky characters. In fact, Once Persuaded, Twice Shy felt a lot like a small-town rom-com.

 

If you have a fondness for Austen retellings and charming small-town romances, then Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a book that you shouldn't miss. Please share with me in the comments if you have already read it or intend to do so and I am eager to hear if you are a fan of Austen inspired novels.

 

 

Blog Tour: Once Persuaded, Twice Shy

I love all things Jane Austen and my favorite of her novels is Persuasion, so when I heard that Melodie Edwards was writing a modern retelling, I knew I had to read it. Today I'm part of Berkley's blog tour featuring Once Persuaded, Twice Shy, which comes out today and like Persuasion, it features a young woman’s whose "carefully crafted life unravels the moment an old flame comes back home." 

Learn More About the Novel:

Goodreads says, "When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful career: filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her. So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all."

 

 

You can learn more about Melodie Edwards by visiting her website and connecting with her on Instagram and Twitter. You can also purchase your own copy of Once Persuaded, Twice Shy at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. 

Is Once Persuaded, Twice Shy on your winter TBR list? Are you a fan of Austen re-tellings? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

20 Books to Read If You Enjoy Jane Austen

There's something timeless about Jane Austen's stories. I've been reading Jane and Austen inspired novels for years, ever since I first cracked open Pride and Prejudice in high school and studied Persuasion (my favorite!) in college. Visiting Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, England was one of my favorite days. You can check out my post here. I guess you could say I am a Janeite!

Can you believe it's been seven years since I updated my Jane Austen read-alikes list? There's so many new books to add; the titles are linked to my review when possible. Let me know what you think!

 

20 Books To Read If You Enjoy Jane Austen:

 

1.  The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner - I adored this story about a group of people from Chawton, England and how their love of Austen brought them together.

2.  Sanditon by Kate Riordan - It's based on Austen's unfinished novel and a must read, especially if you enjoy the show on PBS.  

3.  Jane and the Year Without Summer by Stephanie Barrow - Jane Austen as a detective! Yes, please! Really this entire series shouldn't be missed if you enjoy Austen and a good mystery. 

4.  Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson - A modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility.

 

5.  Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld - An outstanding modern take on Pride and Prejudice and one of my favorites.

6.  Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain - An Austenesque tale for fans of the Regency period.

 

 

7.  The One That Got Away by Melissa Pimentel - A modern retelling of Persuasion. 

8.  A Dangerous Alliance by Jennifer Cohen - A YA historical tale that has some major Austen vibes.

 

9.  Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz - A YA holiday tale based on Pride and Prejudice.

10. Jane Austen's First Love by Syrie James - This is an adorable glimpse into young Jane Austen's teenage years.

11. Ross Poldark by Winston Graham - Although this has a lot more adventure than some of Austen's novels, it was very reminiscent of Austen. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel and loved the PBS show based on it.

12. The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen - This book reads like a Jane Austen novel. It's quiet, slow in all the right areas, and the romance is sweet. 

13. Austenland by Shannon Hale - This book had me laughing out loud. A Jane Austen fan goes to an Austen-themed resort with the hopes of finding a Mr. Darcy. You have to see the movie, too!

14. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - I read this one many years ago (before I had this blog) and I loved the concept of falling into another time period, such as Regency England. 

15. Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - This is a continuation of the above story...very entertaining!

 

16. The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler - A book club solely dedicated to Jane Austen? Sign me up.  It examines how Austen's themes are timeless.

17. Jane Austen in Scarsdale: Or Love, Death and the SATs by Paula Marantz Cohen - This book deals with a high school counselor and an old love reentering her life.  It is inspired by Persuasion.

18. Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg - An adorable YA modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. 

 

19. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison - This is one of my favorite Austen inspired young adult novels.

20. The Jane Austen Handbook by Margaret Sullivan  - This is the perfect companion to Jane Austen's novels. It's chock full of interesting tidbits.

 

 

On My TBR List:

 

My Jane Austen Summer by Cindy Jones

Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence

Jane Austen Made Me Do It (stories by various authors) edited by Laurel Ann Nattress

The Clergyman's Wife by Molly Greeley

Longbourn by Jo Baker

Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudio Gray

 

So, what do you think? Have you read any of these book? Do you have any Austen read-alikes to recommend to me? Let me know in the comments below. 

Book Review: Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron

 

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: February 8, 2022
Publisher: Soho Crime

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: That Churchill Woman

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "May 1816: Jane Austen is feeling unwell, with an uneasy stomach, constant fatigue, rashes, fevers and aches. She attributes her poor condition to the stress of family burdens, which even the drafting of her latest manuscript--about a baronet's daughter nursing a broken heart for a daring naval captain--cannot alleviate. Her apothecary recommends a trial of the curative waters at Cheltenham Spa, in Gloucestershire. Jane decides to use some of the profits earned from her last novel, Emma, and treat herself to a period of rest and reflection at the spa, in the company of her sister, Cassandra.  Cheltenham Spa hardly turns out to be the relaxing sojourn Jane and Cassandra envisaged, however. It is immediately obvious that other boarders at the guest house where the Misses Austen are staying have come to Cheltenham with stresses of their own--some of them deadly. But perhaps with Jane's interference a terrible crime might be prevented. Set during the Year without a Summer, when the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific caused a volcanic winter that shrouded the entire planet for sixteen months, this fourteenth installment in Stephanie Barron's critically acclaimed series brings a forgotten moment of Regency history to life."

 

Jane isn't feeling well, so she and her sister, Cassandra, escape to Cheltenham Spa.  This will be the relaxing time that they most desperately need. Jane has been under extra stress lately thanks to her family.  Her brother, Charles, lost his ship and now has to deal with Admiralty Board; the financial burdens are piling up.  She did make some money with the release of Emma, so going to the spa is just what her apothecary ordered.  However once she is there, it proves to be just as stressful as her everyday life.  Most of the other people visiting the spa are just down right disagreeable and a nuisance, especially Miss Garthwaite and her brother, Robert.  Things take a major turn for the worse once a crime (a murder!) is committed during a costume ball and Jane fancies herself an amateur sleuth.  Can Jane figure out who the killer is before it's too late?  Stephanie Barron's Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a compelling mystery for Janeites.  

It was an absolute delight to imagine Jane as an amateur detective.  While at the Cheltenham Spa, Barron conjures up an interesting group of visitors, some sinister and some just downright strange.  Of course, there is a possible love interest at the spa, but the recent turn of events takes Jane down a different path.  Once the crime is committed, it was fun to re-imagine Jane as a sleuth.  In fact, it isn't a far off stretch as Barron truly brought Jane to life. Her writing style is very reminiscent of Austen's, so it was a delight to visit this mysterious world and put myself in Austen's place.  When I was reading, there were times I forgot that Jane and the Year Without a Summer wasn't written by Jane Austen herself; that is how convincing Barron's voice was!

The time period of 1816 was also truly interesting in Jane and the Year Without a Summer. Of course, Janeites are familiar with the early 1800s; however, Barron puts us in the "year without summer" when an Indonesian volcano erupted causing quite literally a volcanic winter.  This definitely added to the gloom and mystery that enveloped the conflict in the story.

While Jane and the Year Without a Summer is part of the well-developed Jane Austen Mysteries series, readers don't have to be familiar with the previous books to enjoy this one.  I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Barron's re-imagined world complete with Jane as a detective; this book was the wintertime escape I most desperately needed.  Fans of Jane Austen won't be disappointed.

Have you read Jane and the Year Without a Summer or any of the other Jane Austen Mysteries? Are you a fan of Stephanie Barron? Let me know in the comments below.