Jane in Love

A Novel

By: Rachel Givney

Narrated by: Billie Fulford Brown

"Artfully written and engaging, Jane in Love is a lively effusion of wit and humor." (Graeme Simsion, New York Times best-selling author of The Rosie Project)

A charming, romantic debut novel in which Jane Austen, heralded author, ends up time-traveling almost 200 years in the future. There she finds the love she's written about and the destiny she's dreamed of...but is it worth her legacy?

Bath, England, 1803. At 28, Jane Austen prefers walking and reading to balls and assemblies; she dreams of someday publishing her carefully crafted stories. Already on the shelf and in grave danger of becoming a spinster, Jane goes searching for a radical solution - and as a result, seemingly by accident, time-travels.

She lands in...Bath, England, present day. The film set of Northanger Abbey. Sofia Wentworth is a Hollywood actress starring in a new period film, an attempt to reinvent her flagging career and, secretly, an attempt to reinvent her failing marriage.

When Sofia meets Jane, she marvels at the young actress who can’t seem to "break character", even off set. And Jane - acquainting herself with the horseless steel carriages and seriously shocking fashion of the 21st century - meets Sofia, a woman unlike anyone she’s ever met before. Then she meets Fred, Sofia’s brother, who has the audacity to be handsome, clever, and kind-hearted.

What happens when Jane, against her better judgement, falls in love with Fred? And when Sofia learns the truth about her new friend Jane? And worst of all, if Jane stays with Fred, will she ever achieve her dream, the one she's now seen come true?

©2020 Rachel Givney (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Loved it!

What a great take on Jane Austen. This book is a version of how one of her characters came to the page. Miss Austen wrote of people she knew; how clever of this author to put that into her own book. This is written with the wit and humor that would make Jane proud. Great story and spot on narration!

A Total Shark Jump but cute enough

It was cute, a bit underwhelming but I’m not mad I read it. Which these days is an accomplishment.

Fun for fans of Austen

As an Austen fan, it was enjoyable to pick up on the references, particularly to Persuasion. The characters, however, are uneven and at times inconsistent. The writing itself could have used a better editor. However, for a light weekend listen, it worked.

Delightful

Clever writing, interesting story, fun dialogue, clean, warm, witty, intriguing, insightful, filled with heart. Characters are deep and likeable.

Best Listen Ever

True love story that shows you how selfless love can be. It was an exciting listen.

Story is terrific, narrator very good

Somewhat predictable but a delightful. Even my husband enjoyed it! Good narration. Recommend it as a delightful car listen.

Not for Austen fans

Sadly, the character of Jane in this book is not written up to the weight if the great author. She is missing all her sly wit and keen observation. And her revalations re 21st century quickly become tedious. This is just an OK time travel romance story.

If romance is a coping tool…

This review is a spoiler, so proceed with caution.

If you read romantic stories to combat anxiety because you know that whatever befalls them it will all end with a happily ever after…

This is not that book. It’s well-written and well-read, but there is not going to be some Deus ex machina that solves all problems in the eleventh hour. Not for any of the characters. It’s a sweet story and I like the friendship that grows between two of the women, but there are a few places where I felt characters acted abnormally just to steer the narrative in the author’s chosen direction.

Jane’s dream

This is a charming time travel story with characters who feel very real. Jane Austen, ( yes, the author we love) finds herself in the year 2020 after visiting a woman who can find Jane a husband by casting a spell. Rachel Givney writes using modern vernacular to a subtle beauty when speaking of love.
The main characters surrounding Jane, are important to the story & to whether or not Jane’s dream is fulfilled. Lesser characters fill in any gaps, as another sub plot is unfolding.
The Audible narrator Billie Fulford Brown, gives a pleasing interpretation of all characters; women & men.
I found myself hurrying back to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it & say if you like Austen or time travel why not see what happens to Jane, as the author makes all the puzzle pieces fit.