A fan of Jane Austen? Looking for a romantic comedy that will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone? Then What Would Jane Austen Do? is just the book you need. Written by Linda Corbett, this delightful read centres around a journalist and Jane Austen fan girl, Maddy Shaw, who finds herself in a small English village far from London. But what makes it an interesting read? Let's dive deeper into the world of What Would Jane Austen Do?.

The book is set in an English village, where Maddy moves into a house bequeathed to her by her cousin Nigel, who has long been the family's black sheep. Maddy is left to contend with Cameron Massey, a bestselling crime author known for his cynicism about romance, when she is made chair of the village's annual literary festival committee. The book takes on a humorous, witty tone as Maddy challenges Cameron to write a romantic novel of his own. A fun rivalry ensues, leading to more romance than either of them could have ever anticipated.

One of the great things about this book is that it really captures the essence of Jane Austen's novels. Corbett draws on Austen's wit, humour, and love of romance, giving the book a distinct Austenian feel. Jane Austen fans will find plenty to love about the book, and those who are less familiar with her works will still enjoy the humour and romance of the story.

In terms of characters, Maddy and Cameron make a fantastic duo. Their differing views on romance make for some great banter, and their chemistry is undeniable. The supporting characters are also well-written, adding depth to the book's small village setting. From the eccentric committee members to the charming locals, the village feels like a real place, with real people living in it.

What Would Jane Austen Do? is also a great reminder that sometimes we must step outside our comfort zones and try new things. Maddy finds herself in a job she never expected to have, in a village she never expected to live in, and with a romantic challenge, she never could have imagined. But it's these unexpected challenges that lead to some of the best moments in the book. Corbett's message is clear: take chances, be fearless, and embrace the unexpected.

If you're looking for a fun, heartwarming read that will transport you to an English village and make you believe in love, then What Would Jane Austen Do? is the book for you. Linda Corbett captures the wit, humour, and romance of Jane Austen's novels, adding her unique twist to the story. The characters are well-crafted, the setting is charming, and the message is clear: embrace the unexpected and see where it takes you. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of What Would Jane Austen Do? and fall in love all over again.

A really enjoyable story that kept you guessing for a lot of it as to which way it would go.

Easy to read. Would recommend.

A fun lighthearted read, perfect for fans of Jane Austen and romance novels. I really enjoyed this one. It's a great read for the summer months.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this book.

“What WOULD Jane Austen do after reading this book?”
I can honestly say I loved everything about this book. I think Jane Austen would say the same. The story had a bit of everything going on which totally had me engaged from the first few pages I read.
Cozy romance
Fun, quirky characters
Humorous aspects
Mystery
Jane Austen quotes
Family secret
A cute, loveable dog
All in all, a satisfying, light hearted read that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

📖My Thoughts📖

Where do I begin? I’ve always admired Jane Austen for her beautiful writing. While this book obviously wasn’t written by her and it’s not about her, she is woven into each and every chapter, giving it a unique twist. At the start of every chapter, there is a quote that in some way, shape or form is linked to her, along with frequent mention of her throughout the book. The storyline; I thoroughly enjoyed it and how it all came together. It was very intriguing and fun to watch relationships develop amongst the characters as well as watching them grow and interact with one another. I loved the strong chemistry between the two main characters which was portrayed very well by the author. There is honestly just so much to love about this book. It was lighthearted, entertaining and very well written. I highly recommend this book to anyone that’s a Jane Austen fan that loves a good romantic comedy!
Thank you Netgalley, One More Chapter and Linda Corbett for the opportunity to read and review this beauty! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Unceremoniously – and rather unexpectedly – dumped from her regular job as an agony aunt, her column “Dear Jane” drawing on the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen, inheriting a country pile from distant cousin Nigel might be something of a life-saver for Maddy. Hoping to put it straight on the market, she’s rather horrified to find that a condition of the inheritance is that she must live in the house – in the quintessentially English village of Cotlington – for a year. It’s ok though, Nigel’s left some money for running costs – but nothing like enough, and that means she’ll really need to get a lodger.

And that’s how crime writer Cameron Massey (real name Luke) – escaping building work at his own house in the village – ends up staying in one of her many spare rooms and struggling with his latest book in her library. Their paths have crossed before – a clash over the merits of romantic fiction (Maddy’s passion) while recording a podcast, and a particularly grumpy encounter over his escapologist dog Buster. And as if his constant presence isn’t bad enough – and it might just be that there’s a ghostly presence too – it seems Nigel was a leading light in organising the annual village literary festival, held in the house’s garden, and that Maddy is expected to step in and take his place.

Light and lovely, this book was an absolute delight. At first, Maddy’s not a particularly sympathetic character, but I soon began to feel for her through her trials and tribulations – and the enemies to lovers storyline that develops between her and Luke, helped by Buster’s interventions and with obstacles from the past along the way, was so beautifully handled. There’s an unfolding – and very intriguing – mystery about Nigel’s past, and how the black sheep of the family managed to afford his home in the country and become such a well-loved benefactor to the village community. And that community really is simply wonderful – full of characters who wouldn’t be out-of-place in Austen’s Regency world (with more than a nod too, I thought, to the Vicar of Dibley), with plenty of laughs (the night of ghost-hunting was just wonderful) and a few touches of real poignancy along the way.

Each chapter starts with a Jane Austen quotation, appropriate to its content – and, should you be a fan, you’ll spot a lot more rather familiar character traits and subtle references along the way, really cleverly done. I also liked very much the whole premise of the clash between the dismissive crime writer without a romantic bone in his body and the staunch defender of romantic fiction – lots to identify with there for the reader. And I really must mention just once more the fantastic Buster – such a character, his every appearance just adding to the joy and laughter to be found within the book’s pages.

I really enjoyed this one – sheer fun from beginning to end, beautifully written, and with a real touch of originality. Very much recommended by me!

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Who can resist a book with Jane Austen in the title? Not me!

This is a light-hearted, fun, contemporary romance that is quite easy to read and is the type of book to relax with. It is a bit of a slow burn type of romance and the setting is great as well as the cute dog that i a part of this story.

A quick, easy read that gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling. Fun, witty and romantic. 3 1/2 stars from me.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

An amusing rom com that pits a Jane Austin fan and advice columnist against a popular crime writer over the topic of romance. Witty banter, ample angst, a mystery to solve and a decision to be made all while trying to keep an old home standing and a literary festival alive makes for a delightful read that will have you smiling your way through. Add in a charming pup and your heartstrings will be singing for more! Definitely a fun read that was a sweet romance and clean cut enough to be a good read for anyone who likes a good rom com!

Maddy is a single woman living in London, who works for a magazine as a correspondent and the writer of a weekly "Dear Jane" column where she offers advice. She's terminated from her job on February 14th. On that same day, she does a podcast where she meets a crime writer - Cameron Massey. On the podcast, they discuss his books and how he feels about romance which is the opposite of Maddy's point of view. After the podcast, she receives a phone call from her Dad and he has news. One of his cousins, Nigel who was the black sheep of the family, has left Maddy his home as an inheritance. The house is in the country and Maddy must live in the house for a year before she can sell it. It's a small manor and much too big for one person alone but Maddy decides to move in. The story then is about the people Maddy meets in town, discovering who Nigel was, and finding love, of course. 3 1/2 stars.

Maddy wrote a column Dear Jane, but it was just cancelled and she is out of a job. Then she unexpectedly gets an inheritance from a long-lost cousin. In order to get the house and be able to eventually sell it, she has to live in it for a year. It is a hard transition from big city to small-town life, but Maddy soon finds her footing. She slowly cleans the house, researches the family history and gets involved in the town's life.

She could use a lodger. The new tenant is no other than the famous crime writer Cameron Massey. They are not exactly friendly. But with time and close proximity, sparks start to fly.

I like the romance, it has all of my favourite elements, forced proximity, small town, grump and sunshine, opposite attract. The only thing I wish for is more Jane Austen vibes.

A cosy romance with lovely quotes dotted in from Jane Austen books. An enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

A fun read, the story of Maddy and Cameron/Luke They clash from the moment they meet, and then meet again when not expecting it. Looking forward to more books from this author.

Well this was just delightful. A little heavy on the Austin references with no context but fun! Much enjoyed.

3.5 Stars

This book was a fast paced easy read set in a small village in the English countryside. Maddy inherits her long lost uncles house and is thrust into organising the local literary festival, whilst sharing the house with her enemy, a famous writer.

I really enjoyed the side plots in this book. Maddys relationships with the village residents and the mystery around her uncles past were such an interesting addition to this book. I wish that the mystery element had been introduced a bit sooner though.

For a romance book there was a significant lack of a build up with the romance. They randomly kissed one day and then suddenly were sharing a bed? I wanted more build up and feelings explored to make me root for Maddy and Luke as a couple.


*SPOILERS*
Also, the third act breakup was so random. Luke suddenly got annoyed at Maddy and left, even though she did nothing wrong. Maddy then completely forgave Luke for treating her like this. I wish she’d made Luke grovel a bit more.

What Would Jane Austen Do? By Linda Corbett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is your typical enemies (that aren't really enemies) to lovers mixed with English banter. Theres the usual person who hates romance in forced proximity to someone who loves romance and this book explores their relationship. The MC Maddy faces a massive change in her life and this is where her new neighbour comes in. It's definitely a feel good laugh out loud book for a warm summers day.

Madeline (Maddy) Shaw has just been fired on Valentine’s Day from her job as the love and relationship correspondent for UpClose magazine, and her weekly column, Dear Jane. Swallowing her disappointment, she heads to do a podcast on Jane Austen with best-selling author of crime fiction, Cameron Massey. Their debate on romance vs crime novels becomes heated leaving him rather angry.

Soon, she learns from her father that an obscure cousin, Nigel Shaw, has passed away and Maddy is a beneficiary of his will. He left her his large home called Meadowside with a codicil stating she must live in the home for 12 months before she can sell it. So, she agrees. She finds a lot of dust and outdated interior but is intent on doing all she can to fix it up.

The little town is very welcoming and they want Maddy to follow in Nigel’s path and take over running the annual literary festival. With no idea where to start, she vows to dig right in.

Since the house is so large, she lets it be known that she will take in a lodger to help make money to pay for repairs. The man who shows up is none other than Cameron Massey, whose real name is Luke. He lives close by and is having work done on his house and needs quiet to work on his writing. His publisher is pushing him to write another novel about his signature character but he wants to branch out and do something else. So, Maddy challenges him to write a romance novel.

The plot is good here and the characters are real but I felt that there were some side stories that could have been edited out. I liked Buster, the dog and the love that both Maddy and Luke showed him. An OK read, but sadly, not a favorite.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Maddy has lost her job and can no longer afford her current place. But she finds out that she has been left her Cousin Nigel's country home. But, there is a stipulation. She has to live there for one year. There are also a few other challenges along the way, including putting up with a cranky crime author who ends up living with her.

This book had such a quaint little country town with such a wonderful, if not eccentric, group of people! I love all of the Jane Austin references and how Maddy finds herself within this community. She finds that Nigel was not as her family thought he was and does everything that she can to honor him. This book was filled with delightful banter between Maddy and Cameron, the author. There was a lot to him that Maddy had to push through but it was definitely worth it in the end!

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a fabulous book by Linda. Well written with excellent characters, especially the loveable dog. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I thought this book was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

Yes yes a hundred times yes! It’s so worth it, read it and we can agree this is one of the best retellings.
All opinions expressed are my own, I was gifted this book through NetGallery.