this was just such a fun and delightful read! i really liked this and it was so much fun!! if you're into this type of book, you should definitely check this one out!!!!

If you like Lost in Austen or AustenLand try this one!

Dear Reader,

I have just finished this delightful book as Advance Read and I would love to share my thoughts on it with you. If you love a book that brings the ideas of a Jane Austen book to life in our world and plays with the way we think of her and her book and the Georgian / Regency Era. That contrast between the world we want to believe in and the world we have always lived in creates such powerful comic moments for me. Movies like AustenLand or a TV Series like Lost in Austen are my rainy day and I feel blue, go tos and now I would add this book to that same list. This book is so grounded in our current moment that the popular culture references really speak with comic timing to those which reflect back on Jane’s world. This was a fun, relaxing, totally relatable rom com that is perfect for a weekend read.

When a romance and advice columnist who has her head and heart firmly set in the Regency Era, and uses Jane Austen as her life experience guru is fired from her job, she discovers that she has inherited a crumbling country estate from an eccentric cousin and moves there to make ends meet while she figures out “What Would Jane Do?”. But when, Maggie discovers that she has also inherited a tenant in the form of a very grumpy writer who is the embodiment of modern, visceral, crime writer she finds that she is playing Lizzie Bennet to Cameron’s Mr. Darcy. As you can guess, there are some wonderful grump v sunshine vibes, opposites attract, enemies to lovers in what I found to be a wonderful odd couple-esque romantic comedy that really marries the Now with the Then. Throw in some wonderful English Countryside Villagers along with a ton of Austen references and innuendos, and I was laughing into my tea cup as Maggie and Cameron learned about themselves and each other as they found a way to live and work under the same roof. Well written, with in-jokes to today’s world, a symphony of Jane Austen tropes and references, not to mention City Girl in the Country vibes, this is a book I can easily find myself re-reading next year.

If you are looking for a great feel good comedy, with romance, wit, snark & sarcasm, along with a little real world conflict thrown in then you have a winner here.

Best Regards and HAPPY READING

I enjoyed the love story and the buildup to the fetival but felt all the Jane Austen references were just tacked on and added little to the overall story. It would have worked well without them. A likeable heroine. A hero whose reasons for his behaviour and actions were not always clear or entirely believable. The various revelations fell a bit flat for me too. A nice read but not a book I fell in love with I'm afraid.

Maddie learns of the death of her black sheep of the family cousin and learns he's left his house to her. There is a catch however but having just lost her job, maybe this is a new start. She soon finds herself embroiled in village klife and the annual literary festival that she is now hosting. Maybe this is her new future.

Aww this was such a cute story and a fun quick read. Its a perfect lazing in the garden book. The plot is interesting and a must for any Jane Austen fan. I loved all the quotes at the start of each chapter. The ending was perfect for the book and i love how her story came together. The mystery of Nigel was an interesting addition to the story. Maddie is very likeable but of course she was outshone by Buster who was adorable. A brilliant read.

Clashing with a morose mystery writer on a Valentine’s Day podcast and losing her job as the Dear Jane advice columnist at a London publication is the start for Maddy’s life to get turned upside down. A curious requirement in her late Cousin Nigel’s will brings city girl, Maddy, to a darling old house and a personal journey driven by quest to know Nigel’s past and learn even more about herself. If there is a bit of romance sparking along the way, her inner Jane Austen voice is ready with the advice.



How could I pass up a book with a title like that? I enjoyed spotting the apropos Austen quotes at the beginning of each new chapter and I was immediately sympathetic with Maddy when she has her column quashed and puts on a stiff upper lip to carry on with the podcast interview where she first encounters dour Cameron Massey. A bad first impression had me eager for the next encounter between the dashing grumpy crime fiction writer and the die-hard romance lover.



I enjoyed the slow burn romance build as Maddy and Luke, who had a writer name for his mysteries, went from prickly to friends and slowly more as he trusts her with his real self and she shared something of her needs, too. Like with most enemies to lover romances of this softer nature, it was easy to see they started with a good dose of misunderstanding and needed close proximity to get past all that. I love it when authors really make the reader see a relationship build and grow as the characters grow.



Along with the romance, there is Maddy’s determination to learn more about her benefactor. She wasn’t in the village or that house long before she realized that what she’d always heard in the family was not even close to the man that was shown here. Nigel was something of a mystery and she put her journalism skills to work to get at the truth. Meanwhile, Luke is working on a new book and the Literary Festival committee keeps Maddy hopping.



In the end, I was well satisfied with this sweet, heartwarming and sometimes funny read. Booklovers will delight in all the book and author love going on as well as a light, soft English village romcom.

This book revolves around Maddy Shaw, a Jane Austen fan and journalist, who inherits a countryside home from her cousin Nigel. To keep the inheritance, she must chair the village literary festival committee and contend with her cynical neighbour, bestselling crime author Cameron Massey. Their clash of personalities and a challenge to write romantic fiction lead to sparks both on and off the page. The book captures the charm of a small village, its literary festival, and the intricate relationships within the community, offering a heartwarming tale of love and storytelling.

Happy Austen August! I’ve had a lot of fun reading Jane Austen’s novels and any that are inspired by or adaptations of her novels every August since 2020 with my friend Victoria. When I had the chance to take part in a blog tour this month for Linda Corbett’s new novel, What Would Jane Austen Do?, well, it felt like I had no choice but to jump at it! This novel was an absolute delight and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Here’s the book’s description:
It's a truth often acknowledged that when a journalist and Jane Austen fan girl ends up living next door to a cynical but handsome crime writer, romantic sparks will fly!
When Maddy Shaw is told 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 an idyllic country home by the black sheep of the family, long-not-so-lost Cousin Nigel.
But of course, there’s 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 neighbor.
When Maddy challenges Cameron to write romantic fiction, which he claims is so easy to do, sparks fly both on and off the page…
There’s an argument to be made that Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was one of the first novels to employ the enemies to lovers trope. You may know it’s not a trope I love as I can’t always understand how the couple ends up being attracted to each other. Elizabeth and Darcy aren’t so much enemies as…two prejudiced individuals who don’t take the time to really get to know the other before forming a less than flattering opinion of them. Corbett has her characters acting in quite the same manner. Maddy and Cameron don’t really know each other so there’s no hate but they each assume things about the other based only on a short interaction. But the fun is in reading as they realize their misconceptions and work to actually get to know each other. And, surprise, fall in love!

The premise of this rom com was just bonkers enough to allow for drama and intrigue but not so far-fetched to have me rolling my eyes at the coincidence of it all. Or maybe I was extra indulgent because I read the book while on vacation. *shrugs* Whatever the reason, it was much fun to read as Maddy realized she had suddenly inherited a house - and a literary festival - from a cousin she had never met before.

I liked that Maddy was given a solid BFF in Alice, even though the pair spend the majority of the novel apart. It allowed the reader to know that Maddy had someone in her corner, rooting for her unconditionally, while also allowing her to get to know the folks in her new town. It’s a small thing but, thinking back, it was impactful. Having a best friend (or two) makes a world of difference in a girl’s life!

Speaking of Maddy’s new friends, the townsfolk of Cotlington were TOO FUN. They were a perfect mix of kind and quirky, each managing to steal the show during their scenes but without taking over the whole story. They, and the town, provided a wonderful burst of colour (sometimes literally with Sam and her love of pink) as Maddy worked to figure out what her life was going to look like.

I have a few minor quibbles with the book - mostly to do with how things were wrapped up, or not. There’s a storyline with a celebrity ghost hunter that I feel was fun and helped with the story but I’m left with a ton of questions. What happened with the payment and the deductions? Was Randall really going to just expose Cameron and then move on and present at the festival like nothing had happened? And what about Sam’s feelings for him and someone else’s feelings for Sam? I also wasn’t totally sold on Maddy’s journalistic leanings and how the story she did about Cameron was published. No journalist is going to allow the subject (or their agent) the chance to read the article before it is published. Or maybe they would with famous people. But the average journalist absolutely does not and I didn’t love that implication.

While this novel is not at all a retelling of any of Jane Austen’s novels, I liked that Corbett sprinkled the book with references to Austen’s books, including quotes at the start of each chapter. I loved Maddy’s love for the author - and definitely wish I had a few of her Austen-esque shirts!

What Would Jane Austen Do? was so incredibly fun to read. Linda Corbett’s novel is a must read for those who like sweet romances with a dash of Jane Austen, a sprinkling of small town charm, and a pinch of bookish adventures.

About the Author
Linda Corbett lives in Surrey with her husband Andrew and three permanently hungry guinea pigs. As well as being an author, Linda is treasurer and fundraiser for Shine Surrey – a volunteer-led charity that supports individuals and families living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For many years she also wrote a regular column for Link, a disability magazine, illustrating the humorous aspects of life with a complex disability and she is a passionate advocate of disability representation in fiction. Love You From A-Z was her first published novel.

Connect with the Author
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram * Goodreads

*A copy of this novel was provided by Austenprose via NetGalley for the purpose of a review as part of a blog tour. All opinions are honest and my own.*

This book was provided to me by NetGalley as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Jane Austen spin-offs or books inspired by her. So naturally I really like this book. The character had great chemistry and loads of development. Especially for the side character’s like Myra. Even though my absolute favourite character was Buster :). I really enjoyed the magical feel of the novel, with the classic English countryside.

There was a few things that I thought were kind of lacking. And it was the end. I felt like the whole book had a pace and then suddenly it started to rush when the ending neared. There was also a conflict with one character that I felt needed to be tied up more in the end. But all in all it was a really enjoyable book with all the cute and fluffy moments and a deep relationship at the same time.

I loved the marriage between contemporary and regency type, Jane Austen quotes. The story was just so delightful. It brought so many fun things together to present this great story! I feel for Maddy. I loved her story of a little lost, not sure what to do. But when a house is left to her, she has to keep it for a year, per the will. Out of a job, she jumps in and embraces it. When she meets and clashes with her new neighbor, they immediately hate each other. And my theory that Enemies to Lovers is really just so much romantic tension and not hate at all! They just don’t see what is right in front of them. And this story is beautifully told!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that many of the best love stories begin with two people who can’t stand each other. In What Would Jane Austen Do?, Linda Corbett gives us an addition to the genre of romance between a spirited heroine and a grumpy man who hate each other but end up falling in love. Not only does it have many of the best romance tropes – only one bed! a man who seemingly only loves his dog! forced proximity! – but our female main character is a huge Jane Austen fan, which makes it an even better read for fellow Austen fanatics.

Our heroine Maddy is an agony aunt, writing a “Dear Jane” column for a magazine in which people can address their queries to Jane Austen herself. She loves her job and her life in London, living in a flat with her best friend, until she’s suddenly fired. Luckily for her, she soon receives word that a relation she never knew, cousin Nigel, has passed away and left her his large house in the countryside.

She’s thrilled with her new inheritance but less thrilled to discover that, in the terms and conditions, she must live in the house for one year before she can sell it. However, it seems like good timing, thanks to her recently having been laid off. She’s in for yet another surprise – she has also inherited the title of chair of the literary festival of the small town, that her cousin Nigel used to run. Along with that comes an eclectic group of festival planners, none of whom seem to know how to throw the sort of festival that London-based Maddy expected.

And there’s one last wrench in all her plans. She ends up with a lodger in the house who needs a place to stay while his house is being renovated. It’s crime novelist Cameron Massey (real name: Luke), with whom she had a spat during a radio interview just before leaving London, over whether or not Jane Austen is still relevant and if romance novels are worthy literature. The pair are forced into close quarters, along with Luke’s adorable dog Buster, and must try to come to some sort of understanding between them.

Throw in a celebrity ghost hunter, a mistaken proposal, and Maddy’s growing love for village life, and you’ve got a very engaging romance read. I loved seeing Luke and Maddy come to understand each other better and especially enjoyed Maddy’s fervent defense of romance novels. The plot is perhaps somewhat predictable, as Maddy begins to reconsider whether she wants to sell the house at the end of the year and her and Luke slowly fall in love, but it’s a very enjoyable read.

The book gets its name from the fact that Maddy is a major Jane Austen fan and defender; she often wonders how Jane or one of her heroines would react to the situations in which she finds herself. Maddy and Luke’s romance also has faint elements of the beloved Elizabeth and Darcy love story, including her essentially telling him that he’s the last man in the world she could ever be prevailed upon to marry. It’s great fun for Austen fans to read, especially because each chapter starts with a quote from one of Jane’s books.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is an easy read, thanks to Corbett’s smooth writing. Despite utilizing many tropes of romance novels, she makes it all feel fresh and engaging – I really struggled to put this book down! I highly recommend the book to all fellow Jane Austen fans, and anyone who’s dreamed of suddenly inheriting a grand house in the English countryside.

such a cute story, I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for this review copy.

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