My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Love Letter to Austen

I really enjoyed this story. It manages to combine some more modern themes and sensibilities with a perfectly executed comedy of manners amidst a profusion of gossip and a splendour of bonnets and bickering. 

The story is set in the fictional county of Wickenshire and revolves mostly around the exploits of a young woman called Amelia Ashpoint. As you would expect from a novel set in this period (late Regency/early Victorian) the more prominent families spend their time worrying about money, future prospects for their sons/daughters and keeping up appearances. 

As the story begins we immediately discover that one of the more desirable bachelors of the neighbourhood is about to marry – and not to one of the local young ladies. Imagine the consternation when it’s discovered that this new lady has not only been previously married (shock, horror, *gasp*) but also has three children. The indignation is real!

Anyway, I’m not going to delve deeper into the plot. Suffice to say that there are enough twists and turns to this one to delight and perplex readers aplenty. 

What I loved about this. Virtually everything to be honest. It’s really entertaining, the writing and pace are excellent, it feels like a period novel without being too fusty and it made me smile and sometimes cringe a little. 

The characters are really well drawn. Amelia gave me Emma vibes with her constant interfering and usually ill conceived plots and statements. I don’t think she came across as nearly as witty as she and everyone else believed but even so I liked and was rooting for her.  There are a collection of characters from Earls to brewery managers, all with their own motivations and the story really brought to life the strict etiquette of the period that was so very restraining whilst at the same time demonstrating how some of these norms were perhaps starting to relax a little. 

I loved the country and Manor House setting, the insertion of many small dramas that kept the place alive with gossip and the constant behind doors attempts at match making. And this is all delivered alongside some much more weighty themes that are inserted with a wonderfully light touch. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of manners. It’s a step away from the fantasy, horror and mystery that I often enjoy and was a lovely change of pace. Highly recommended for Austen lovers. 

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion. 

My rating 4.5 beribboned stars