Have I ever told you guys what my favorite Katherine Reay book is? No? Maybe because it changes all the time...to whatever her newest book is! I'm telling y'all, they are all incredible, and all my favorites! Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of her books that you read. But today I'm going to tell you about her next best-seller (because I'm sure it will be!), The Austen Escape. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a trip back in time to Jane Austen's era? I didn't know it before, but, apparently, if you have enough money to spend, you can travel to England and visit places where you get to live like Elisabeth Bennett! (Anyone want to donate money for me to go??) Since most of us will probably never get a chance to go experience an Austen escape, this is the next-best thing.

Mary Davies has a great job as an engineer, good friends, a wonderful relationship with her dad, and a little crush on a consultant working at her firm. But she's hit a wall in her life. When her childhood friend, Isabel Dwyer, invites her to travel to England to stay at an Austen-inspired manor for two weeks, she balks. She and Isabel have always had a tumultuous relationship, and she's unsure about spending the time together. Mary's dad encourages her to go, so she gives in. The trip takes a turn when Isabel loses her memory and believes she is living in Regency-era Bath. Mary struggles to deal with Isabel's issues, as well as figure out what to do with her own life. When she's faced with what seems to be Isabel's ultimate betrayal, Mary is ready to give up and walk away from this friendship. But this escape has a lot of secrets and surprises in store, and the past may just be the key to unlocking Mary's future.

Like all of Katherine's previous books, I was unable to put this one down. Every part of this novel is captivating, from the characters and scenery, to the plot and dialogue. I could easily picture myself traveling to Bath, England, and experiencing all the things that Jane Austen wrote about in her novels. The costume descriptions alone were swoon-worthy. I could almost feel the soft fabrics in my hands. I loved the parts where Mary toured the rooms that featured so prominently in books like Northanger Abbey. It's hard for someone reading in the modern day to really understand what those rooms looked like, so it's nice to read descriptions of them. And can I just take one minute to gush about that gorgeous cover? If you have ever received a text from me, you know I'm a huge fan of emojis, and this cover would get all the heart eyes!

The Austen Escape is about so much more than a group of people talking and dressing like book characters. There are really deep characters here, and you have to really dig to understand their motives. At first, I hated Isabel. I couldn't understand why Mary would ever want to be friends with her. Honestly, when Isabel lost her memory, I wished Mary would just leave her in England and forget about her! But that would have made for a pretty short and boring book! Instead, she stayed and learned more about Isabel's past, and she began to understand why Isabel acted like she did. Mary remembered the reasons she was friends with Isabel to being with. Mary is a really great main character, and I admired her loyal friendship to someone who wasn't always loyal to her. I appreciate that Katherine writes about women who are strong and capable and smart, but still vulnerable and feminine. I think it's something that is often lost in today's society.

I thought there were a couple of important lessons to be learned in The Austen Escape. First, people aren't always what we think they are. Even if you've know a person for a very long time (most of their lives in Mary and Isabel's case), there are still things you may not know or understand about them. Many times people are dealing with pain in their past, or even in the present, that we don't know or understand. Sometimes we're quick to jump to conclusions before we know their story. I still have to say, though, that the pain Isabel caused for Mary wasn't justified. I have experienced friendships like that in the past, where a person hurts you for no reason other than to make themselves feel better. It's a really hard thing to experience. That brings me to the second lesson you can learn from this book. Sometimes you just have to let it all go before you can move forward. On the surface Mary's life seemed successful and mostly put-together. But underneath she was stuck, and afraid to change. She needed to confront issues in her past before she could get to the future she wanted. I think that's a message many of us can relate to. Who has ever let something in their past keep them from success? {insert raised hand here} For so many of us, like for Mary and Isabel, the way forward is to go back and deal with issues. Although I don't recommend that you go as far back in the past as Isabel did, sometimes we do need to look back and recognize what is holding us back, deal with it and move on.

Y'all know that I like to read a good romance novel. (Not THAT kind! Only the good, clean ones. Get your mind out of the gutter!) But recently I've found myself really liking books that challenge me and make me think. I like to be confronted with issues that make me ask, "How would I respond in this situation?" The Austen Escape definitely fits that bill. And it's great to read a book where I can learn things to apply to my own life. If you're looking for a different kind of book to read, I highly recommend The Austen Escape. It's a great read for fans of Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters, but if you've never read their books in your life, you'll still find something to love here.



I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own and favorable review was not required.

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I love that you never know what you are going to get in a Katherine Reay book as far as storyline. But you do know that you will get good story. I loved this story. I mean, I really did. And it is not just because I am someone that loves Jane Austen. Her way of giving us story while addressing serious life issues without any type of feeling traumatized is a gift. 

For one, I would love to go on one of these excursions. It would be so much fun to be able to embrace that and experience it, but I, like the characters in the book, would need the internet to keep up at work. 

I loved how topics like disassociation, abusive parents, issues with relationships were all part of this novel, but not the focus of the novel. If you did not relate to it, you likely would miss it. Many people would totally not see it at all. But for those that need it, it was there. 

If you are an Austen lover, this has to be on your Christmas gift list. It is available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

I read and enjoyed this author's earlier novel, "Dear Mr. Knightley," an update of Daddy Longlegs. Katherine Reay has created a niche, writing modern takes on classic novels. In "The Austen Escape," Mary and Isabel travel to Bath for a vacation that will give them a chance to enjoy life in Austen's time. Each chooses an Austen character to represent while away. There is also a romance set in a tech/engineering firm and in Bath along with backstories for other guests on the tour. This is a light, escapist read.

Katherine Reay presents another wonderful novel full of twists, long dresses, and Austen references. Mary has a great life, albeit a bit boring, when her friend invites her on a trip of a lifetime to experience the days of Austen’s popular novels. The girls set off for their adventure not expecting what is to come. Mary is a warm, although at times whiny, character who must grow to accept herself and into the woman she desires to be. The Austen Escape is a cute read that takes the reader on a journey of a lifetime.

The Austen Escape is a book for anyone who is a fan of Jane Austen, but it’s also super enjoyable for those of us who aren’t. In The Austen Escape you meet Mary and Isabel, friends since they were eight years old, now as adults they might have grown apart. Mary and Isabel get the opportunity to visit Bath and experience Austen’s world, but while there Mary discovers Isabel might have betrayed her friendship in more ways than one.
This book has a lot of Austen references, but does it in a way in which Jane Austen’s novels are not the main attraction, they complement the main story. What is great about this story is the fact that you don’t have to be an Austen fan to enjoy it. It’s a cute, romantic, interesting story. The female characters are complex and you understand how their relationship connects to the works of Austen and how it can be so complicated.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and was surprised by the conflict resolution of the characters. I think it would be a fun read for many people.

I really enjoyed The Austen Escape, even though I didn't expect to considering I'm not a huge Jane Austen fan. I liked the characters and I didn't expect some of the that happened in the story, so the story definitely held my attention and kept me reading.

I loved the setting and the whole character acting aspect. It made for some humorous moments. ;) The romance was okay -- I didn't particularly love or hate it.

All in all, an enjoyable read and if you've read other Reay books, I think you will like The Austen Escape.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

I do enjoy reading this story. However, if you have not read any of Jane Austen's books - then you should because it's hard to keep up with the story if you do not know the character in Austen's story. Since, the author refers a lot to Austen's characters. Besides that, I found this novel enjoyable! It makes me curious about what's next gonna happened!

Another beautifully crafted story of faith from Reay. Different from her others, but just as wonderful as the rest.

A wonderful book, though I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt.Overall though, I did enjoy the book and highly recommend it!

This story is certainly a bit different; Mary Davies is a talented engineer who is scared of acknowledging her true feelings concerning Nathan who currently acting as a consultant to WATT, the company that she works at. She is persuaded to take up her friend, Isabel Dwyer’s offer to accompany her to a trip of a lifetime. Recreating Jane Austin’s world within a manor house in Bath. They have had problems in their relationship but Mary decides that this trip may help sort them out.

The descriptions of the setting, characters and clothing help set the scene for the drama that unfolds once the friends arrive. I think the message we get from the story is that we get what we think we deserve. It definitely isn’t a simple retelling of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Entertaining read.

I loved, loved, loved this book! Yes, it's another Austen novel, but oh so different! It's deep, and funny, and a great read. Highly recommended.

This was a definite twist and variation on a variation of the Austen reads.

Isabel persuades or rather manipulates her friend Mary to join her in an Austen reinvention stay in England, all expenses paid. Isabel's dissertation is on Austen and to complete this she feels that this stay is necessary. Mary is an engineer, very clear cut in her views and ideas and thinks logically. This is really not her scene but she needs to get away from a unpleasant work scenario and her father too thinks this would be the ideal break. Two weeks is not the end of the world.

Everything goes on smoothly with the Regency clothes, the enactments, the food, the service at the inn. Until Isabel loses her memory, goes into a fugue state and forgets her entire past and actually begins to think that she is living at the time of Austen with the same mores and rules that apply then. Mary is on her own to deal with the situation and deal with it she along with the other participants do.

The complication and distrust set in when Mary half way through discovers betrayal by a friend who has been close to her and her family from the time they were tots and the work scenario becomes very much personal and in Mary's face.

The story was beguiling and interesting and different and totally different to what I've read before on JA variations!

Goodreads review up on 21/7/2017. Review on Amazon not permitted as yet. Review on my blog 9/11/2017. Also linked on my FB page.

I do so hate to write a less than stellar review for a book authored by someone I’m a fan of. But that is where I find myself now, and why I’ve been putting off writing this review since I finished the book about a month ago.

I love Jane Austen. I’ve been a fan of Katherine Reay’s previous books (with the exception of The Bronte Plot). So when I saw she was writing another book with a Jane Austen tie-in, I started stalking NetGalley to request a copy as soon as it was available.

This book just didn’t do anything for me. The romance aspect and its issues were clear from pretty much the beginning. The entire story line was predictable. I can deal with a predictable story line as long as the characters are brilliantly written and engaging. They weren’t.

While the idea of going staying at a Regency area living history “hotel” could be infinitely fascinating, in this story it wasn’t. That part was just confusing as sometimes the characters involved were “living history” and other times they were just normal, modern-day people. Which I think defeats the purpose of paying that kind of money for that specific experience.

I just had issues with the story and the story telling on many levels. And that makes me sad.

I received a free advanced reader copy from Net Galley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit www.mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

I have read every single Katherine Reay book written so I know her style. When the beginning started a little slow, I just sat back and got comfortable, knowing she was setting the stage and aligning her characters in a way that was going to stretch my understanding of human emotional journeys through classic literature. The setting of an "Austen Escape" was fun (one I'd love to experience) but that was only the backdrop...this book is so much more than that. It speaks of friendship, of understanding the unspoken and brokenness within us all, of stepping out of shadows and being brace and vulnerable to truly be oneself. True to life, the characters have messy histories and sometimes make huge mistakes that stem from hurts not healed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insights and reintroduction to beloved Austen characters and books. There were a lot of good quotes, and I wish I'd highlighted them along the way to save.
I'd recommend escaping a few hours in the pages of this book.

I enjoyed the protagonist, a woman going through changes in work, friendships, and her own sense of self in The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay. Mary and a friend head to Bath for a themed holiday Jane Austen style, where the main action takes place. It's a good read and I grew to like the main character, but I wondered where the element of transforming faith would come in. I didn't detect that - which I found surprising as the novel is published by Thomas Nelson, a publisher of so-called Christian books.

It's a nice escape but with so many good books out there, I don't know if it'd be the first one I'd choose.

This was a delightful read. The characters are well developed and likable, or (some) pitiable once you learn more about their history. I liked Mary's character. She faces tough decisions and trials throughout the book. She may not be perfect, but the way she handles each trial is a credit to her character. Her friend Isabel is one of those girls you kind of want to hate, but there's so much pain in her past that you are reminded that everyone needs kindness and love in their lives, and we all need forgiveness. There are other characters in this book that were also so interesting and while they were not main characters I liked that Katherine Reay gave them page time. Many of them had discoveries of their own along the way that made me feel that happy endings weren't just for the main characters. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm avoiding naming all the characters. Nathan, the man that stands between Isabel and Mary is a sweet but strong type. He doesn't come in like a storm and sweep anyone off their feet. He has sweet steadiness is so endearing.
The way the setting is described in this book makes you want to book a stay at this gorgeous manor in England. Is it a real place? If not it should be! From the setting, to the costumes, to the Austen references. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Even if you aren't a die hard Austen (Jane, of course) fan this is a fun, clean romance.

Would I read it again? Yes.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
Clean read? Yes.


I received this book from NetGalley. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

As a fan of Austen I was immediately intrigued by the concept of this book. Modern day engineer Mary is struggling at work and when her old friend Isabel begs her to come to England to spend two weeks living the life of an Austen heroine in an stately home , she decides to take a break from it all and step back in time. Between the failure of her most recent project at work, tensions with a new boss and a completely different type of tension with a handsome consultant in the office, a break is exactly what she needs. However when family drama becomes too much for Isabel causing a break from reality, it reveals a side to their friendship that causes Mary to question how much she can trust her friend, and help with the situation comes from a surprising source.
Witty, light-hearted and immensely fun to read, this is definitely recommended for any fan of Austen and her wonderful world of characters. Have fun with Mary, Isabel and the other guests who all take on the persona of various characters as part of the retreat, and in some cases find those traits seeping through into their real life personalities too.
This was my first experience of Katherine Reay's work , but I look forward to reading more, it is clear that she writes with not only a good knowledge of, but also a great love for her subject matter.

Seeing "Thomas Nelson" as the publisher, I kept waiting for Jesus to be the third character in the romance. However, that was not the case. This was a gentle, but engrossing tale of two people who need to get out of their own way. Recommended for any Austen fans, clearly, but also for any fans of gentle romances.

Mary is having issues at work. Her creativity is being stifled and things are not going well with a new gadget she has created. Isabel has been her best friend for years but their relationship has been filled with strain. When Isabel asks Mary to go on a vacation to Bath and dress in period clothing to help Isabel nail down her thesis Mary is tempted to say no. But with things going downhill at work Mary decides to take Isabel up on her offer. When Mary and Isabel arrive in Bath they embark on a voyage of self-discovery. Both women work through their own hurts and disappointments as well as misconceived ideas about situations and relationships.

Just when I would think, "okay things are going to get better, Mary's figured it out" things would go downhill again. It kind of annoyed me! I did like the romance between Nathan and Mary, but I also got frustrated with that. Isabel was a wounded soul, her father had pretty much ignored and rejected her all of her life. Her behavior made her a rather unlikable character for a while. I enjoyed the setting and the fun of reading about the characters dressing up in their favorite characters from Austen's novels. Even though I did get frustrated with Mary and Isabel's issues I enjoyed the book and was happy when everything turned out in the end.

This review will post on my blog November 7,2017, it will also post on Amazon, Goodreads and my facebook pages.

Toss the word ‘Austen’ in a book’s title and I’ll likely jump on the chance to read it—even better if Katherine Raey wrote the book! I came across Raey last year when I read the luscious Portrait of Emily Price. This book pleases the reader’s palette as well.

Mary___ a young engineer at a creative start-up company, fears that the new CFO wants to fire her. Despite Mary’s stellar on-the-job performance, her latest experiment won’t work, and things look bleak. Nathan, the consultant hired to help the company streamline procedures and processes seems interested in Mary, but she doesn’t believe it—after all, she has grown accustomed to solitude and always coming in second place with her maybe-best-friend Isabel.

When Isabel enlists help from Mary’s dad to convince her to take a two-week vacation in England, Mary caves. The separation from her job and her feelings for Nathan will give her a chance to figure things out. Mary feels leery about spending two weeks in period costumes at an English estate role-playing characters from Jane Austen’s books, though.

Once Isabel and Mary reach the estate, events unfold that can either make them or break them. By the third day, Isabel’s behavior has everyone from stable boys to fellow guests questioning her sanity. Will Mary have what it takes to help her friend? Does she even want to?

This beautiful story sings with quirky characters, heartfelt questions of relationships and how we damage each other without meaning to. If you love Jane Austen, you’ll love the Austen Escape.