I have yet to read Jane Austen so when i saw the title and description of this book I was intrigued and requested. This is a good book, and you get to know more about Jane Austen's novels and her up bringing, little bit about her religious relations, her lifestyle, Last chapters include later part of her life (which i found to be most fascinating). After reading this I am inspired to read her novels.

I thought the title was little misleading, because there were more things packed other than her spirituality.

This book is a combination biography and critical analysis of Austen's writings, all done from the viewpoint of looking at how her Christian beliefs came out in her work.

If we're familiar with her work, we know about the "odious Mr. Collins," a man who is not a good example of the Christian life. But do we think about Edward Farrows who wants to be a priest to "do a bit of good." It's far too easy to think Mr.Collins is what Austen thinks, but, looking at her life, Farrows is closer to the truth.

Clergymen abound in Austen's family, including her father and two brothers. She grew up in a loving family. She was devout herself and her books all have strong moral messages. Nor does she hesitate to skewer people like Mr. Collins who join the church for the wrong reasons.

I loved how this book joined Austen's life to the themes and plots in her books. I loved that it showed the strong Christian character behind them that is, I think, one of the reasons they remain so popular.

Nor does Hollingsworth ignore the recent Austen revival. In her last chapter she looks at Austen's legacy and comes to grips with many of the modern adaptations and retellings of her books. While she does not cover them all, she does not back away from criticism of books that do great disservice to Austen.

I loved that this book brought out characteristics in Austen I recognized but hadn't identified. Now I'm ready to spend my spring rereading the ones I haven't read in awhile.

A nice introduction to Austen scholarship for someone just starting out and would like to dip their toes in the water. For those more experienced, this book is too light on research and it's conclusions about Austen's work are very general (wherein basic Anglican religious principles stand in for a deeper look into spirituality) and not terribly new.

This book focused on the little known topic about Jane Austen's life. It was very readable. However, it was dry in some parts. Nevertheless, this book will appeal to Jane Austen fans.