A nice read. Easy, beach type reading. I liked the characters and the story. Coming from near Bath, it did feel a likely bit like the author was quoting Google maps when describing the city, rather than actually having been there. Perhaps not, but there were so many unnecessary street names given.

3.5 stars. I wasn't really sure what I was expecting when I read this. I had read the author's previous novels and enjoyed them so this had to have the same feeling. Right? It didn't have the wow factor and I found myself a bit confused in some parts. An Austen escape. You had me right there. Mary and her somewhat childhood best friend head to Bath, England for the experience of a lifetime. The whole time I thought , "This is exactly what I want to do." Through circumstances Mary finds a lot about herself and the guy she secretly likes. I felt Mary and her love interest just automatically fell in love and the leading up was so fast. Not my favorite but will definitely read more from the author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review.

Fun new book from Katherine Reay who is gifted at crafting prose that makes this speed reader want to slow down and savor. Sweet romance and a brilliant dive into Austen's beloved works.

"I really enjoyed this book and it grabbed me right from the beginning. There were parts of the book that I could completely relate to which is part of the reason I loved it so much yet I know for some people they will not feel the same

I have read many of Katherine Reay's previous titles and they have all been delightful reads. I really enjoyed this glimpse into Mary's life and was thoroughly entertained. This was a fun, light read, full of wit and perfect for a summer afternoon by the pool.

I'm wary of Austen-related books, some of which read to me like cash-ins, without much awareness of what makes Austen so great. Kind of as if the book is trying to connect with the Keira Knightley P&P film, which I pretty much loathe, as it distorts the period and misses all the wit.

I saw that it was set in modern times, then contemporary people going back for an Austen experience, a la Austenland, which I was vastly disappointed with: though I love Shannon Hale's fantasy, the many errors in the period, and the Austen-related material, kept me from enjoying that book. Mileage varies, of course.

But Reay surprised me. First of all, Mary (whose name is Mary Davies, and I wondered if that was a sly salute to Mary Davys, one of the first female novelists, writing potboilers in the early 1700s) is a tech engineer, and no Austen fan, though her mother was. Her mother shared the Austen love with Isabel, Mary's bestie since childhood.

Long-term friendships can go sour before at least one of the friends is aware of it, if not both. Like some marriages, sheer habit can keep them together, or a wish for the golden days of the friendship. Isabel pretty much drags Mary onto this Austen trip, and Mary goes, partly from emotional blackmail, but also to get away from her job, and her antagonistic boss. Also, to get away from the freelancer, Nathan, who is there to evaluate the company--and for whom she has had the secret hots. But of course workplace romances are not comme il faux--and then Mary discovers that Isabel has been dating Nathan without telling Mary. Though Mary has been talking about him for months.

It's that competition and emotional undercutting that drives the book, with all kinds of character grace notes with the rest of the cast to both complement the emotional journey, and contrast with it.

Mary is a go-getter engineer, but emotionally she is curiously passive. Of course there is a reason she doesn't call Isabel on her behavior, as Isabel increasingly is demonstrating some disturbing signs that remind Mary of events in their childhoods. Mary's dad has been a mainstay for both, something Mary needs to come to terms with.

The Austen experience is interesting, the side characters lovely. I loved the elegant, vivid descriptions of the house the event is held in, and its story as it gradually comes clear. I think there was only one weak moment ), but that did not ruin the read for me. The climax is richly satisfying, and the fact that I could be lured into following a protagonist whose interests are pretty much the opposite of mine was testament to the author's skill.

This is a very sweet story! To be honest, I always start an Austen retelling with wariness. But if there is someone I can count to respect the beauty of a classic story and, at the same time, make it genuinely her own, that would be Katherine Reay.

I really liked Mary from the start. She is smart, loyal and dedicated - although she doesn't recognize her potential. She loves her job and has made good friends in it. However, Mary questions herself a lot and, to a certain point, she protects herself too. This is made worse when a new colleague makes Mary feel as if her job is on the line, even though she is one of the first hired employees and is someone her boss trusts a lot.

What seems opposite to Mary's more quiet personality is her boisterous best friend Isabel. From the beginning it is evident that, even though these to claim to be close, there is a certain unspoken tension between them. Isabel has had a tough childhood and has been able to find solace in Mary's closely knit family. Mary seemed to have everything Isabel didn't, and Isabel was happy enough to be included in the Davies's world. Even though they were able to harbor this friendship for years, I think the author gently pointed out how some unhealthy and ignored foundations were laid. Some readers might even complain that in the beginning of the book these two might seem to have no real chemistry.

But, as truth comes out and we get to know the facts surrounding Mary and Isabel's history, we understand Mary's fears and reserved nature, as well as Isabel's hurts and temper. My heart ached for them and rejoiced as well as they found their way back to themselves and to the people around them. When their eyes were opened to the preciousness of each person's individuality, but also the strength that a community can bring.

At first, I thought I would be bothered buy the entire play-dress-up. But it was brilliant! The innocence of make believe will help each character to find the best in themselves and learn to be brave. If you want to find out what I mean, you'll have to read this book!

I will not be publishing a review of this book. Thanks.

In reality, I would give this book 3.5 stars. It was an interesting read with a unique premise. I felt that the characters were a bit disjointed and never really felt the depth of friendship between Isabel and Mary. The romantic aspect was also weak, in my opinion. For a Christian Fiction book, none of the characters had a dynamic relationship with the Lord and their not talked about faith seemed to have no bearing on their lives. That aspect was a major disappointment to me. Overall, I just thought the story could have been deeper and better especially with a greater emphasis on a trust in the Lord and how that could have impacted their whole lives.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At the beginning I was confused by the plot. I wasn't sure what Golightly was and why it meant so much to Mary. I didn't quite understand the whole thing with Nathan either, especially since they seemed to be heading in different directions from the beginning of the story.

I have to say though, that the longer I read, the more I understood. And, of course, the more I enjoyed the story. For those of you who liked Shannon Hale's Austenland, this is a similar book...just without a couple more mature scenes. While this is a cleaner novel, I still would only suggest it to older teens as it does deal with abuse (neglect not physical) and the mental affects stemming from the abuse.

I haven't enjoyed a book like this in quite a while. I loved how the some of the characters spoke about Austen with such familiarity while others were rather clueless. I loved the engineering aspect Mary brought in with how she thought and saw things. I loved the musical aspect with the piano. (Also, Bosendorfers... ) I loved how the characters spent time doing normal every day things together (even though they were pretending to be characters from Austen in Austen's time). I loved how the issues brought up in the story were resolved in the end. All the misunderstandings with Nathan, Isabel, and with Mary herself.

There were a few things that didn't wrap up very well. I was really confused by Mary's reaction to Nathan discussing work with Craig. She's in love with him judging by the way she was acting only 10 minutes before, but the moment she hears him talking to Craig and mentioning her name she concludes she must be getting fired. Why? Not really sure...unless it was just her insecurity about Karen not liking her. But then she refuses to listen to anything Nathan has to say and books a flight home to America without telling him...she doesn't even ask him what the call was about? Doesn't give him time to explain? Quits her job? Albeit, all this confusion and hubbub draws the conclusion out very nicely, but I really questioned the reasons the confusion and hubbub were caused. That's really my "con" though.

This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments here expressed are entirely my own.

I can't get enough of Katherine Reay's books. The worlds she creates are so lush that you feel like you are stepping into them, but I never feel bogged down in descriptions. In this book she manages to take you between a high tech world and Regency England in a way that feels natural. Her characters are well formed - relatable and flawed (which is maybe why they're relatable) - and they changed and grow throughout the book. As with her other books, this book is full of hope without a hint of being cheesy. As a Jane Austen fan, I loved all of the Austen references, but anyone who would enjoy a good character-driven story would enjoy this book whether they've read Austen or not.

I have enjoyed every one of Katherine Reay's books and she continues her amazing style of writing in The Austen Escape.

This book is about Mary, a single lady who works long and hard at her job. She has close friends, a set routine, and a crush on a co-worker that never amounts to anything. An old friends invites her to Bath, England for a two week vacation to live as a regency lady.

This trip becomes an eye opening experience for Mary in many ways. By the end of the book, Mary feels she has finally found herself and happiness.

Katherine Reay has the ability to make the reader feel like she is there in the story. Her characters are rich and likable. I felt real emotion for the troubles Mary and Isabel faced. An all-round great book!

This is a really fun read for anyone well acquainted with Jane Austen's novels. It felt a bit like Austenland by Shannon Hale, but not quite as commical. I actually liked this one better! I thought it was fun how the characters escaped into a regency world and picked characters from the novels to "be". Each ended up identifing as a character with attributes like theirs. I loved seeing each of the novels alluded to through character or events.
Mary was a very interesting character and one that I could never actually pinpoint as Elizabeth, Anne, Eleanor, or Catherine. There were aspects of each in her and at times she exhibits characteristics of each of them. I loved that Nathan picked Henry Tilney, and not only because Mary choose be Catherine. Nathan too could have been Darcy or Wentworth but he picked my personal favorite.

My only wish would have had been to have more of the year Nathan and Mary spent working together before the Austen Escape. I was left wanting to see more and have more filled in. I guess that is a good thing. I was caught up enough in the story to wish for more.

Katherine does it again - spins a tale worthy of Jane Austen. Best friends spend two weeks in Bath, cosplaying and researching the world of Austen. Both women have issues to work through and things come to a head while on vacation. An engaging read for anyone who is a fan of regency-inspired romance.

A well written and fun read. Great storyline.

"When there are serious matters to discuss, Austen women walk. And it has the side benefit of keeping our figures so light and pleasing."


I have to admit I have been getting a little tired of Austen everything. So many updates. So many re-imaginings--- But, if anyone can do Austen, Reay can. Especially because she doesn't just transpose a story into a new setting, she interweaves a new story with new characters, nuances and worlds with the timeless sensibility and humour of Jane Austen. Even while you are not reading ye olde "Austen Update" that merely parallels Austen heroes and heroines in a modern setting, you are being confronted by an invigorated re-visitation of Austen's wisdom. When this strikes you, midway through the book, you recognize that Reay is far smarter than you initially could have thought. This is not just a nod to Austen, this is a thesis ABOUT Austen (specifically her relationship with Bath and her inter-textual connections about love, wisdom and modern relationships) told in prosaic form.

It's not often that fiction is supplanted with such an academic tenet; but that is what makes Reay one of my favourite writers. With all of her Austen and Bronte and Weber infused prose, she makes a statement about the books she pays homage to. It is this added layer that asserts her as one of the finest contemporary voices.

But while I get all stodgily English major-y on you, what makes Reay a must-read is her natural accessibility. While this certainly offers a grand wink and nudge to fans of Austen's work on a deeper level, so it is a keen and sparkly colourful carousel of characters transplanted into a Regency-modern hybrid in present-day Bath.


Mary Davies is a quiet engineer who works for WATT, a startup in Austin, Texas. Constulant Nathan is one of the brightest parts of her day. While she works to gauge disappointment that her latest optical project Golightly ( yes, THAT is Holly Golightly) didn't take off, she assembles wire animals at her desk and works to decipher the extra attentions Nate gives to her. Work complications and a new manager, however, inspire her to accept her life-long friend Isabel's invitation for a vacation at an Austen-themed estate near Bath. Deciding to escape the everyday and clear her head, she follows Isabel into a world of costumes and balls, of traditional manners and eccentric participants who acquire a personage from the books for their stay.

But Isabel is not as balanced as she seems and her domineering friend soon begins to show a remarkable mental instability, actually thinking she is Emma Woodhouse and speaking in the sequences and memories of Austen's canon. While Mary struggles to reach her friend, she discovers Isabel's connection to Nathan, who has sparked her life for so long it has flickered into a kind of unending flame. Hurt and confused---mostly by Nathan's own arrival at the estate--- Mary navigates the map of herself while amidst a fresh and inviting, humorous and whimsical world patronized by " clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation."
Human relations and fallacy, the map of the human mind, the friction between literature and art chafing against science and logic and math: all in a carefully constructed waltz.



I have spent some time in Bath and was happy when the resplendently unique city was drawn to colourful life by Reay's consistent canvas. As Seattle, Chicago, Italy and Ha'worth before, Bath becomes a pulsing throbbing city-- the antidote to the surging Austin heat.

While this book may remind readers of Austenland by Shannon Hale, it takes a step further in immersing the reader not just in a surfacely Austen world of Regency mannerisms and dialect; rather a deeper look at the wisdom of Austen and her prodding and poking into the deepest tenets of human nature. There is a particularly profound moment that finds Mary understanding more about Austen's relationship to Bath beyond the lens of Persuasion and Northanger Abbey that made me shoot up and think.


this book glistens.








What makes The Austen Escape different than all other Austen updates and adaptations is that rather than just making a contemporary parallel of an Austen story and Austen characters, she works a profound and meaningful thesis about Austen into prosaic form. And that is why the Austen Escape is an integral companion to the study of Austen in the 21st Century.


[with thanks to Thomas Nelson for the review copy]



A few quotes:

"As the morning rolled up its sleeves and got ready to welcome its friend afternoon, the sunshine held fast in the clear sky."


"And Nathan fished. The silence was light and lovely until I realized it wasn't silence at all. The stream gurgled, birds chirped, something called in the distance."


"Something had been missing and its absence only felt with its return. Nature abhors a vacuum and will fill it but you must create an opening. Music was that opening. It felt as if the universe was expanding right before me, in a ballroom in Bath,"


"And I was diminishing--as one should before the size and unending grandeur of the universe. It wasn't that I was smaller or less significant; it simply felt like I didn't need to fight for a place within it or for my own protection. "


"I waited too and watched the stars. A few flickered and the sky felt like music. Music required honesty."

I really enjoyed this book. First I'm a sucker for Jane Austen anything. She is my favorite classics author. This book was such a light and easy read, which is one of the reasons why I liked it so much. I felt like I should've known the plot twist was coming but didn't realize it until it happens, which I wasn't too made at meself for.

Received a prepublication copy of this book from NetGalley. An interesting spin on the use of Jane Austen characters in a modern tale. The book moves from an entirely modern setting to a modern day Regency adventure and then back again. The main character and her love interest add the element of romance but the diverse range of minor characters also add greatly to the tale. I suspect this book will be more appealing to those who who are familiar with the Austen novels. A good, light read and I will read more books by the same author in future if the opportunity arises.

I read The Bronte Plot last year and really enjoyed it, so it made sense to give The Austen Escape a try, and it did not disappoint.

Katherine Reay writes novels about American's who love English Literature. As the title may give away, this one is about all things Jane Austen.

Mary is an engineer for a start up company called WATT, she loves her job and she's in love with a colleague Nathan who never seems to look at her that way. On top of that she's beginning to fear that the new hardcore CEO Karen is going to fire her. Unrequited love and fear of losing her job come to a head when her latest project becomes a failure and she snatches up the opportunity to visit Bath, England with her friend Isabel who is writing her dissertation on Austen's novels. Cue adults playing dress up at an old regency style house and many shenanigans going down.

But things take a sinister turn as well and then a very unexpected one. The plot twist is cleverly laid out. One of those that makes you go 'doh!' For not realising it was obvious what was going on all along.

The novel is well written, it's very light and fun, it's not by any means a serious book but that doesn't stop it from being enjoyable. Sometimes light and fun is exactly what a reader needs! I love the play on the historical literature in a modern day setting as well and it's definitely inspired me further to visit Bath! Another lovely read from author Katherine Reay.