I received What Would Jane Austen Do? as a part of a book tour, and I was very pleasantly surprised by it! I think Linda Corbett hit the perfect balance of drawing inspiration from and including references to Jane Austen's works, while still writing her own unique story. This is a really hard balance to strike and I applaud her for managing to do it. I was expecting this to be much more predictable than it was - while there were a few plot elements that I saw coming very early in the story, where were also quite a few twists that took me by surprise!

I really liked both Maddy and Luke. Their journey from adversaries to friends to lovers made sense - no insta-love here, thank you! I'm not usually crazy about pets in stories, but Buster was a fun addition to the plot, and he did capture my heart by the end of the book. I also loved the whole group of friends from Cotlington. This was a great cast of characters and I enjoyed getting to know them!

Overall, this was a fun, well developed story. Although it was an homage to Austen, it stands well on its own and doesn't rely too heavily on nostalgia. I think readers will be pleased with the result!

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that two hundred year old Jane Austen quotes and advice is timeless and no less relevant today. This is an adorable contemporary romantic comedy about love, community, and finding lost family history. Maddy Shaw is a Jane Austen fan and journalist that wrote a column called Dear Jane dispensing advice with a Jane Austen spin. She was unceremoniously fired by email and left with no job and no way to pay rent on her London flatshare.

Imagine her surprise when she's contacted by a lawyer telling her that she's inherited a huge house in the country by a cousin that was scorned and used as a cautionary tale by her family. With stars in her eyes she visits the house and plans to immediately sell it and go back to London. But, her plans are dashed when she's told she has to live in the house for one year before she can sell. Before she knows it, she's the chair of the local book festival and she's got a hot, grumpy best-seller crime novelist and his adorable dog living as a lodger. What could possibly go wrong?

I loved Maddie's character. She's a realist and despite the bumps in the road still keeps her spirit up and lives the Jane Austen sayings she quotes. Using equal amounts of patience and persistence, she breaks through his gruff exterior to find a hurt man frustrated with his career and struggling to write his next book. They make a cute couple and the teasing banter is fun to read. This is a closed door romance so no steam here, but the story is so cute you don't miss it. Of course, there is the obligatory third act miscommunication breakup, which I despise, but the way the duo get back together is swoony and I can forgive the trope. If you're Jane Austen fan, this cute book is for you.

I received a complimentary ecopy from Austenprose PR and One More Chapter. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, Partner @harpercollinsuk @onemorechapterhc @austenprose

MY REVIEW:
Maddy Shaw receives a surprise inheritance of a grand house in an English country village at just the right time--she just lost her job and needs a change. The only thing she has to do to get it is to live in the house for a year before she can sell it and use the money to jump-start the rest of her life. But she soon learns that even the best surprises have unexpected downsides, and this one his no exception. Not only has she also inherited her distant relative's annual village literary festival, but her neighbor is a handsome (and grumpy) author with whom she doesn't get along. Of course there's a dog, and a mystery, and all kinds of quirky village friends.

I found this one to be sweet and cozy, like a Hallmark movie--but a Hallmark movie with lots of Jane Austen references. I liked that Maddy slowly learned that her recently-deceased relative wasn't really like what the rest of the family had always told her. And not only him, but other villagers turn out to be multi-dimensional and surprise her in many ways. This was a journey of self-discovery for Maddy personally as well as romantically, and very sweet.

What authors do you look to for inspiration? Like Maddy, the main character of What Would Jane Austen Do?, Austen is an author I look to for inspiration.

Maddy Shaw has just found out two life changing items. The first is that her “Dear Jane” advice column has been cancelled and she is now out of a job. The second is that her long lost cousin Nigel has left her an estate. Before she can make plans to sell it, she finds out that the will stipulates that she live there for a year and it also provides her a small housekeeping allowance. She is also now the chair of the local literary festival. After discovering that a famous author, Cameron Massey (aka real name Luke), that she had an awkward interview with previously lives in this village, will she be able to get over her past prejudice to get to know him? Why did Cousin Nigel move to America and then back to the UK without telling his family? Where did he get all of his money? Why does Cameron’s first best seller match the plot of a news article that Maddy has found amongst Cousin Nigel’s things?

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a lovely romantic comedy novel that kept me entertained. I loved Maddy’s fish out of water story as she settles into the village and gets to know her new house and all of the people in the village. I also loved the little mysteries that she needed to figure out and I wanted to know the answers too! I loved the chemistry between Maddy and Cameron (Luke) with its enemies to lovers vibe. This was a closed-door romance, which I appreciated.

It's no secret that I love Jane Austen. I greatly enjoyed how each chapter of this book started with a wonderful (and related to the story) Jane Austen quote. I also loved how Maddy would often think about her literary heroine, Jane Austen, as she made decisions about her life.

Overall, this is a delightful cozy novel that is a perfect summer (or any time of year) read.

Book Source: Review Copy from author Linda Corbett, HarperCollinsUK, and NetGalley. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Despondent, Newly Fired Agony Aunt, Maddy Shaw vs. Grumpy, Crime Fiction Author, Cameron Massey
Maddy Shaw, love and relationship correspondent, admits in an interview with best-selling crime author, Cameron Massey, that “it’s not the guaranteed happy ending that readers enjoy most, “It’s the journey the couple go on.” Corbett’s journey, like a layered tea tray, is laced with family mystery, romantic suspense, and plenty of “Austenesque” advice. Corbett’s musing, witty, sometimes soul-searching dialogue between the cracking characters on the festival committee is endearing as she deftly reveals failings, flaws, and family histories.
From the Jane Austen quotes opening each chapter to the myriad Austen character references, this present-day romantic journey is set amidst the hectic planning of the Cotlington Literary Festival 2022. Readers will have definitive responses to What Would Jane Austen Do?
As in the quintessentially British tradition of high tea-Linda Corbett’s What Would Jan Austen Do? suits a variety of readers, those looking for “four-star luxury with champagne or a simple spread in a local village pub.”
Like high tea-from the first morsel of scone to the last sip of tea-simply delightful.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a cozy, uplit romance with quirky characters and references to classic literature.

Maddy Shaw is a journalist and Jane Austen fan girl living in London. When she loses her job and ponders how she will be able to pay her rent, she is shocked to find out that she has inherited an idyllic country home. Figuring she can sell the home and use the cash to tide her over until she can find new employment, she is shocked to hear that she must live in the home for one year before she can sell it. Although she loves London, she is also practical and decides that one year will go by quickly. Once there, she becomes involved in the community and meets a handsome and mysterious popular crime author.

If you appreciate Jane Austen and her work, you will enjoy all the nods to the author in this contemporary romance! Each chapter begins with a quote from one of her beloved characters.

This was the right cozy read at the right time for me and I enjoyed the enemy to lovers and close proximity tropes, the quaint English village and literary festival, the lovely countryside, the colorful and quirky characters, and the slow-burn (fade-to-black) romance. I can’t forget the adorable dog!

I love a story that references other books and features an author and the writing life. This one also includes a literary festival! Do you love a world that revolves around books and the people who read them?

If you are looking for a cozy, uplit romance with colorful characters and many book references, I can enthusiastically recommend What Would Jane Austen Do? for your tbr. In addition to references to a beloved classic author, it also feels contemporary and relevant. Book clubs looking for lighter reads might enjoy this one.

Thanks #NetGalley @HarperCollinsUK @OneMoreChapter_ @OneMoreChapterHC @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #WhatWouldJaneAustenDo upon my request. All opinions are my own.

This was a feel-good romcom set in a beautiful small town, so you know it's going to be chalk full of interesting characters!
I really liked how every chapter started with a quote from a Jane Austen tale. It really got you in that Austen vibe.
I really enjoy a grumpy/sunshine character trope, so Maddy was the perfect antidote to Cameron/Luke.
Buster provided that much needed cute animal interference.
I'd have liked to find out more about Nigel's past and relationship with the Shaw's, also,, why he chose Maddy. I just think this would have given the story a complete roundness.
It was a really quick read with plenty of heart.

“What would Jane Austen Do?” is a sweet and fun read brimming with emotional depth, lovable characters, and lots of heart written by Linda Corbett. The small town English setting was so enjoyable to read about! It was great to get to know all of the characters in this book including the supporting characters. They all feel three-dimensional and lovable! I really liked seeing the strong sense of community and friendship in this story! The speed of the plot was just right, the author’s writing style is smooth and sparkling with wit and humor, and the enemies-to-lovers element of the story was carried out very well. I really enjoyed reading the quote from Jane Austen’s books at the beginning of each chapter! As well as all of the Austen references. The romance in this book was sweet, swoony, and full of emotional depth. It was fun to see Maddy and “Cameron” start out really disliking each other and over time seeing their feelings evolve. The wit and banter was great! And Buster! I love Buster the dog. “What Would Jane Austen Do?” Is a beautiful and very well-written story. I highly recommend it! A wonderful story and definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen’s work. 5 stars! Thank you very much to Austenprose PR, the author Linda Corbett, One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, and NetGalley for providing me with the wonderful opportunity of being on this book tour and for providing me a digital copy to read and review honestly.

This is a sweet romance between Maddie, who inherits a house in the country from an eccentric cousin, and Cameron, a famous crime writer who ends up as her boarder. Cameron is the typical gruff male who's been burned in the past and doubts Maddie's motives since she's an advice columnist (or was, she got fired earlier in the story). Most of the time is spent in investigating Maddie's cousin who had a bad reputation in her family with glimpses of the villagers who become Maddie's friends.
If you're looking for a fluffy, comfort romance, then this might be for you.

This was such a fun contemporary enemies to lovers romance book! I loved the wonderful nods to the work of Jane Austin. I also loved the side characters and banter between the two main characters.

What Would Jane Austen Do? opens with a remarkable first chapter that avid readers—especially fans of romance—are sure to enjoy. Maddy Shaw, a just-fired agony aunt, is a guest on a radio show along with Cameron Massey, a cynical and famously combative crime writer. The two get into a heated argument about their preferred genres in fiction, with him dismissing romance as formulaic fluff. Don’t worry, dear reader: Maddy made some excellent points and soundly won that argument!

From there, the novel follows Maddy’s next unexpected circumstance: She’s just inherited a house from her dad’s long-lost cousin Nigel. The catch is that she must live in the house for a full year before she’s allowed to sell it. So she does the logical thing and moves in. It’s in a small village called Cotlington, with a tight-knit community and—surprise!—an annual literary festival that Maddy must spearhead this year. In addition to planning a literary festival with only five months’ notice, Maddy also has a new lodger at her house: none other than Luke Hamilton, otherwise known as Cameron Massey, the grumpy crime author. Then there’s the mystery surrounding Cousin Nigel and the American band he was once somehow connected to back in the 1970s.

What Would Jane Austen Do? follows a few main threads, with an eclectic cast of characters causing a bit of mayhem for Maddy. Especially the ghost hunting! I enjoyed the secondary characters, with their distinctive personalities, and was enthralled by both the literary festival and the mystery surrounding Nigel. Bonus points for the rock ’n’ roll connection with the latter. Maddy’s frequent references to Jane Austen, her books, and quotes from those book were also a lot of fun. I can see the similarities between this novel and those classics, even with the updated time setting.

Of course, the romance between Maddy and Luke is also a treat. I do love when characters start off seemingly completely at odds with each other. How can someone as acerbic as Luke be redeemed? How can two such different people find common ground and affection? Will he have an arc similar to that of Mr. Darcy? I especially liked how Maddy put her agony aunt past to good use in helping Luke out of his writer’s block. And his dog Buster is a constant source of joy… and maybe a bit of a matchmaker himself!

What Would Jane Austen Do? is a delightful novel of a woman at a crossroads in her career and living situation. There’s neighborly community, literary references and a festival, a bit of mystery about an estranged relative, and an unlikely romance between total opposites. Kudos to the author for providing an HEA not reliant on marriage or kids. I’ll have to read Linda Corbett’s first novel, Love You From A-Z, as well as whatever she writes next. And until then, I’ll dream about following in Nigel’s footsteps and starting my own literary festival…

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

First things first, if you love enemies to lovers romance then this book is another to add to your collection. It’s a fun quick read with great characters and is just an enjoyable read.

What Would Jane Austen Do? By Linda Corbett is a pure delight for anyone who loves Jane Austen and/or romantic comedies. Maddy Shaw is a journalist who just lost her job. She is a lover of all things Jane Austen. She does her last interview with grumpy author Cameron Massey on Valentine’s Day. He is far from cordial. She discovers that she has inherited a country home , must stay for a year, and thinks she sees Cameron. Where will this take us?

This was the perfect read for me with lovely banter, Jane Austen quotes opening each chapter, sweet romance, and a touch of mystery and humor. Maddy like all Jane Austen heroines changes and grows throughout the story. Cameron brings in a touch of reality and transforms as well. I loved visiting Cotlington, England and imagined myself taking long walks into town and meeting the residents who were delightful and funny throughout the story. As a huge Jane Austen fan the references and quotes from her stories made this a fabulous story.

This delightful read will amuse you with the Austen references, great banter, and small town English setting. I highly recommend What Would Jane Austen Do by Linda Corbett.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

A witty and enjoyable read. A light romance with some far fetched plots but they actually fit well with the story. Heaps of eccentric and humorous characters with a lovely dynamic, A great lighthearted read.

Maddy, recently fired Agony Aunt, moves into the country manor a distant relative bequeathed her. She initially plans to sell up after the 12 months of obligatory residency are up, but, of course, Maddy falls in love with the small town, the quirky townspeople and her grumpy lodger.

It was all a bit superficial for me, Maddy finds out why she was fired from her job but never followed up on it although she had reason to, for example. I also missed chemistry between the two characters. They acknowledge each other, there's forced proximity and all of a sudden they are all loved up. The transition was too abrupt for me, especially on Luke's side (the lodger). Maybe dual POV might have helped here.

2.5 stars that I am rounding up to 3

Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Unfair work dismissal
• Death of a relative
• Mentions of drugs, and drug overdoses.
Characters
Maddy is an agony aunt columnist for a magazine and loves her job. It allows her to utilise her Jane Austen knowledge while helping people find their own happiness while maintaining her beloved city lifestyle.
Cameron (the pen name for Luke) is a crime fiction novelist and not shy about expressing his opinions. While he enjoys a very private lifestyle, his author self is constantly in the press as an antagonistic character (of which some previous experiences have exacerbated the image of an a-hole).
Storyline
Maddy and Cameron cross words in a live interview before unfortunately running into each other near the home Maddy has recently inherited. Due to the work being done at his home, he’s forced to lodge with Maddy while “working” on his next book. To which Maddy is able to provide some help with while also cleaning out her deceased relatives’ belongings, solving the mystery of his life and organising the local book fair.
Overall Thoughts
First off, I want to say what a great job Linda did acknowledging the fact that dogs can have nose sensitivities. I see dogs mis-represented so much, that although there are still touches of that happening in this book, the major one for this pup was talked about. I hope more and more authors can continue this trend so we can stop romanticising dogs to help dispel some of the incorrect “ideas” and “beliefs” people have about dogs just because of what they read and see in the media.
In terms of the characters and story though!
Both characters had their own real flaws that they were actively working through (even if it took some prodding and encouragement from each other) making them all the more real. Sometimes characters can come across as too perfect, or the flaws they’re given aren’t relatable making it hard to connect with them. But that’s not the case with these two.
The pace of their relationship was also something I enjoyed. It was definitely more of a slow burn in forced proximity thing rather than a quick turnaround in feelings. The whole book actually spans about 6 months with the epilogue being exactly a yr after the first chapter. So again, a really relatable experience while also just being fun to read.

I’m not a huge fan of Jane Austen, however this was super sweet, and a light read after a few heavier reads. What would Jane Austen do has some witty banter, although I didn’t particularly feel the chemistry between Maddie and Cameron overall. I’m

This book is the perfect addition to your beach/pool bag. It's filled with romance, comical situations, family mystery and intrigue, and witty dialogue. I enjoyed reading it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

As someone who loved anything Jane Austen, this book was made for me.
I really enjoyed it. The story was lighthearted and didn’t take itself too seriously.
If you’re into that, read this book!!

What a good question and proposition for the FMC. This book took me on a journey to a small English Village with some fun characters. Leaving open for a series or the stand alone. The long process for the MC’s to find their story had lots of pride involved. Good for fans of JA or just a good romcom.