This was a very timely read as it is set shortly after the end of the Civil War and focuses on the early stages of the Women's Rights movement. It was a harsh reminder of what the 'good old days' really meant to many women and the rights we didn't have that we take for granted today.

The story is all plotted around two American sisters who befriend the last remaining sibling of Jane Austen who are given the chance to visit him in England at the same time as two brothers from America. Along the way they meet up with Louisa May Alcott, the writer of Little Women and there is also much discourse in the book about Charles Dickens.

If you enjoyed these authors (and others are mentioned) from the 1800s then you will definitely delight in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I was a big fan of Natalie Jenner’s debut novel The Jane Austen Society. Her next two enjoyable books followed the characters from that novel, but Austen at Sea returns to the theme of her first novel: the story of people who love Jane Austen’s books and want to preserve her legacy.

At the end of the Civil War, American sisters Harriet and Charlotte, daughters of a prominent Massachusetts judge, write to Austen’s only surviving sibling, Francis.

Along with their father, they are readers of Jane Austen. Their father and the other judges gather to discuss Austen’s nearly forgotten books, long before they were taught at Harvard. They consider Mansfield Park as a “treatise on power” and discuss what makes Elizabeth Bennet and Emma attractive.

At the same time, Philadelphia brothers and bookstore owners Nicholas and Haslett write Francis about a first American edition of Emma. Francis invites them both pair of siblings to visit him.

At ninety-five, the retired admiral lives in his large house with an unmarried daughter. They are at cross purposes about what to do with the letters written by Jane which he inherited from Cassandra. Francis wanted them properly preserved, while his daughter believes that Jane wanted them to be burned. Francis hopes the American Austenites will help him determine what to do.

Francis’s matchmaking plans for the siblings is right out of Emma. But, on board the ship with the sisters are two men in love with them. Also, a woman in love with one of the brothers has followed him on board. Among the passengers is also Lu–Louisa May Alcott, still recovering from the illness contracted while serving as a nurse to wounded soldiers.

Nods to Austen’s novels abound, including a shipboard theater presentation organized by Lu.

The siblings meet with Francis. He takes them to Chawton where Jane wrote most of her novels. Francis gifts one of the sisters, Harriet, with a handmade telescope with a secret compartment.

But the law took time–and justice even more so. from Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner

Harriet had married her British newspaperman admirer while at sea, which leads to the legal complications which are central to the climax of the story. With marriage, is she under British law where she and everything she owns is now under her husband’s control? Or Massachusetts law, which recently allowed women to control property given to her?

It was interesting to learn how transitional a time in history it was for women’s rights. Men made the laws, and women were at their mercy. “We women are handed either everything or nothing, based on how much we entice you,” a sister proclaims. But early legal changes addressed the rising demands for women’s rights.

After many twists, losses, and sorrows, the characters are blessed with happy endings. Austen lovers will delight in Austen at Sea.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.

Austen at Sea had the same feel for those who have read her other books, The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls. I enjoyed this book, but it took a bit before I was into it. It seemed to start a little slow, but once the characters were established it became more interesting. Two sisters, Henrietta and Charlotte, live with their father who is a widowed supreme court judge in Boston, Massachusetts. Their love for reading Austen's books prompted them to contact Austen's older brother ninety-one-year-old retired admiral Sir Francis Austen who lives in Portsmouth. In the meantime, two brothers who own a bookstore and are also collectors, have also contacted Francis Austen. As he is getting older, Francis invites both sets of siblings to visit (hoping to be a matchmaker for fun). All of them board the SS China for an adventure to meet him. The sisters do without the blessing of their father, but a fellow justice and friend of their father makes it on board to be the girls chaperone. The brothers also make it on board and off they all go to meet Jane Austen's only living sibling. They meet many people on board, there is a marriage, and much happens as they walk in the path of Austen and meet her brother. This story teaches a lot about women's rights at that time and the property they lose as soon as marriage takes place! That is what I learned the most about! Jenner does a great job of Historical Fiction during this time period. I do recommend, especially if you have read the others!

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner is a great story. I enjoyed following the characters mon the adventures they had. I’m a self confessed book nerd, so I love a good story with literary associations and in this case a bit of American history thrown in for good measure. Highly recommend.

If you're looking for a captivating literary journey, "Austen At Sea" by Natalie Jenner is a must-read that might surprise you, just as it did me! Oh, what I would give for a ticket on the S.S. China!

This enchanting novel follows sisters Henrietta and Charlotte Stevenson, daughters of a widowed Massachusetts Supreme Court judge, who are eager to break free from the constraints of society that bind unmarried young women. In their quest for independence, they begin corresponding with Jane Austen's aging brother, Admiral Sir Francis Austen, and ultimately secure passage on the S.S. China headed for Portsmouth to meet him in person.

Onboard, the sisters are joined by an eclectic mix of Americans, including a hesitant chaperone, rare book dealers, a glamorous socialite, and none other than Louisa May Alcott! Alcott’s initiative to organize a charity performance unfolds into a series of delightful and humorous escapades. However, upon arrival, the sisters uncover Sir Francis's true intentions, igniting a gripping conflict centered on a controversial aspect of Austen's legacy, resulting in thrilling transatlantic court battles.

Set against the backdrop of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, this novel brilliantly celebrates the power of literature and the extraordinary lengths we go to protect what we cherish.

Although I typically read quickly, I slowed down to savor "Austen At Sea," appreciating its rich details and intricate layers. It inspired me to revisit Jane Austen's works, which I haven't touched since my youth. I can confidently say that I'll be adding her books to my TBR list for future enjoyment.

A heartfelt thank you to @NatalieJenner, @StMartinsPress, and @NetGalley for providing the ARC that made this delightful reading experience possible. Don't miss out on the chance to embark on this unforgettable adventure!

And this is when Netgalley really needs the ability to rate between 4 and 5 stars. I loved this book! I would definitely encourage Austen fans to read. It's a beautiful story. I loved Francis 'Fly' Austen, the relationship between the sisters, and how Chawton came to life.

I had two small things that kept it from being a perfect 5 star read for me. And both of these are very subjective. Maybe it's because Northanger Abbey is often a love it or hate it Austen, (personally I love it) it's barely mentioned. When it is, some characters are disparaging.

2nd, The Epilogue I don't have that level of forgiveness in me. I'll say no more because I don't want to Spoil. To quote Darcy "My good opinion once lost is lost forever."

Wonderful treat for Austen fans. 4.75 stars for me.

This book was another sweet installment of Natalie Jenner’s Jane Austen books. I loved the two strong Stevenson sisters from Boston, and the kind spirit of the elderly “Fly” Frank Austen! Bringing in Louisa May Alcott as her formidable, moody self was the icing on the cake of this book for me!

This was a five-star read for me, and I highly recommend it, with a couple of observations. Being a huge Jane Austen fan myself and having read her six novels several times, I understood the frequent discussions that the characters had about her work, but this will not be the case for every reader. Also, the emphasis on British versus American law, with particular respect to women’s rights, at times dominated the plot, rendering the novel more intellectual than emotional in parts. This could have been a simple love story but the author chose to frame that within a deeper societal issue in history, and that’s what I found so interesting. There’s definitely food for thought between these covers. Thank you to NetGalley for an Advance Reading Copy.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner

Author Natalie Jenner has interwoven a host of beloved authors and their works including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Walt Whitman and Louise May Alcott to create an emotional and thrilling addition to her works which feature Jane Austen and her classic novels.

Austen at Sea revolves around the Stevenson family of Boston; father, William, is Chief Justice of he Massachusetts Supreme Court and his two young adult daughters, Henrietta (Harry) and Charlotte (Charlie).

Interestingly, the novel opens with the justices in great debate, not over a political issue but rather which of Jane Austen's novels is the greatest. It is charming to think of a group of men in 1865 arguing over Jane Austen!

The various subplots in Austen at Sea will keep the reader totally immersed. Louise May Alcott directs Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities while aboard a transatlantic sea voyage, a court case involving a married woman's right to hold on to her own property will be examined and the role of family in protecting their own will prevail.

Natalie Jenner has hit every note in this newest installment featuring aspects of Jane Austen's life and family while sharing the spotlight with both real and fictional characters.

This novel gave me everything I hoped for in a historical fiction story. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the siblings and how it fit within the world Jenner created. The plot came together nicely, and the overall atmosphere kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters had the charm I was looking for, and I found myself genuinely invested in their journey. Natalie Jenner did a fantastic job with this one, and I’m excited to see what she’ll write next.

Full confession: I’m an Austen fan. If you are as well, you’ll likely enjoy this book as much as I do. It’s steeped in Austen themes and details from her life, even if its fictional events take place many decades after that author’s death. It’s a reminder of how Austen’s themes continue to resonate, whether in post-Civil War America or current days. And, it's a fun story on its own merits.

The characters are well drawn and familiar, echoing to counterparts in Austen works even as they discuss her themes. I particularly enjoy Jane Austen’s brother James as a character, and the occasional Austen discussions among the learned members of the Massachusetts Supreme Court. (That bit has a semi-historical basis according to the author's notes.)

I had some difficulty getting into this book; I still think the pacing was a bit slow. However, I am glad I persevered. It was a heartwarming read that paid homage to Austen without being overly trite or tiresome.

What a jewel this book is! If you are a Jane Austen fan you will love the insights and real life facts contained here. The story, set in 1865, includes other famous characters of the time including Jane's brother Sir Francis Austen, Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott. There are numerous subplots to keep the pages turning: women's suffrage, marriage property law in both England and the United States and love interests which buck the norms of the era. The prose is gorgeous and the characters finely drawn. 5 enthusiastic stars!

The Civil War has ended. Four young Americans, two brothers from Philadelphia who collect books and two sisters from Boston who love books set sail to England to meet Francis Austen, last surviving sibling of the author. The five have exchanged letters and are equally excited at the prospect of getting together to discuss their beloved Jane. The voyage is significant; the sisters after defying their father’s wishes must make decisions on their own. The brothers watch the female passengers with amazement. The rest of the passengers grow close and forever friendships are forged. Sir Francis, similar to Jane’s characters, is a romantic matchmaker and hopes love will bloom for these young literature lovers. He has a secret never shared with family members that he yearns to share with his new friends. This is my fourth Natalie Jenner novel; the quality I love most about this work is how it mirrors Austen’s themes and characters. The importance of family, the need for trust and the rights of women are demonstrated throughout.

**spoiler warning

4.25★

I had such an enjoyable time reading this. I loved all of the characters and the plot was so intriguing. I mostly loved when Charlotte and Henrietta were on the ship making friends and just having fun putting on a show for the passengers on board.

I know this was not a romance but it was really fun trying to figure out who was going to end up with who. I didn’t expect Charlotte and Nash to be my favorite couple but they were.
And I was definitely not expecting the whole conflict with Henrietta and Denham and for them to continue on with their relationship after everything. Not going to lie, I was high key rooting for Henrietta and Nick even if it happened in the epilogue, but alas, it just wasn’t in the cards for them.

One of my favorite parts of this were the arguments/discussions the characters would have regarding Austen’s works. As a huge fan of Jane Austen, this was such a delightful premise. I know if this were to ever become a movie, it would be an immediate comfort film for me.

I do think that if you are not familiar with majority of Austen’s works, then some of the discussions that were held would probably be boring or just go over your head though.

Lastly, I loved the edition of Louisa May Alcott as a character on board. She was so lively, and while she was obviously fictional, I’d like to think that the real life author was similar.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

While it's not necessary to be a Jane Austen fan or have read all her books to enjoy this story, it certainly brings more meaning and connection to story. The book starts in Boston immediately at the end of the American Civil War and focuses on sisters Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Judge. They desire more inclusion and influence in an era where expectations of women are more severely limited. When their letters seeking additional connection with their favorite authors yields a return from Jane Austen's last living sibling, they find themselves charging forward into a trans-Atlantic adventure to meet him. On board the ship they magically find themselves in a tight friendship with other travelers including Louisia May Alcott and two bookseller brothers from Philadelphia, Nicholas and Haslett Nelson. Surprise, they are also Jane Austen fans who've received a letter of their own from her brother. The book turns from Boston, to the Ship, to an unlikely but interesting adventure with Sir Francis Austen - who takes them to the family home - before a flurry of legal activity at the Massacusetts Supreme Court.

What she does well - weaves a story with interesting characters, dialogue, plot, and settings, at a fast pace. In hindsight, the object of the book - the court case about women's property after she marries - should not have been a surprise considering the foreshadowing. However, the hasty secret shipboard marriage, the subsequent court case, and the ending felt forced. Aside from that, I enjoyed the multiple characters, the interactions between them all in both Boston and England. As I'm not well-versed in Austen's personal life, I found the scenes with Sir Francis Austin and his daughter surprising, sometimes confusing, and was quite shocked by the bonfire. I was so focused on this part of the storyline that when it shifted to the courts I was disappointed.

Still, this is a solid read by Natalie Jenner and I recommend it and will read whatever she produces next!

This is truly Jane Austen fan fiction. I enjoyed the references to Austen, various family members, and other famous people including Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens. The action occurs back and forth between England and Boston, many years after Jane Austen's death. There is lots of Austen like romance. Easy to read and fun story.
Also some interesting history in terms of women's rights and the struggle for more freedom for women.
My only complaint is a few instances of what I thought was behavior between couples that was not appropriate for the time period (1865). It felt too modern to me a few times, but only briefly and not that difficult to overlook.

I enjoyed Austen at Sea and the adventures of the Stevenson Sisters. I loved Sir Francis Austen’s machinations as he romantically plots ro pair the sisters with two brothers of similar natures and tastes. However my favorites parts of the book were the Justices Literary Society discussions of Austen’s books.

As much as I enjoyed the author's writing, I was disappointed in the ending with "they all lived happily ever after" leap. I adored the inclusion of the MA supreme court members and their "off-season" literary/book group. Would that was/is a reality of our jurists. Predicting how it would end did not deter from my thoroughly enjoying this read.

Natalie Jenner’s Austen at Sea is a masterful tribute to Jane Austen, brimming with depth, emotion, and literary finesse. Divided into four sections—Boston, The Sea, Hampshire, and The Court—the novel is a vivid exploration of society, relationships, and legacies, all woven seamlessly into Austen’s world.

The story follows two Boston sisters, Henrietta and Charlotte, who long for freedom beyond the constraints of their era. Their bold decision to embark on a transatlantic journey aboard the S.S. China leads them to Portsmouth and a meeting with retired Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen’s brother. When the Admiral bequeaths a controversial legacy to Henrietta, a transatlantic legal battle ensues, testing relationships and principles. Henrietta’s climactic courtroom speech is a standout moment, showcasing her brilliance and courage.

Jenner’s legal background enriches the novel, especially in the court scenes, which are intricately detailed and engaging. The narrative also features a colorful cast, including rare book dealers, a senator’s daughter, and Louisa May Alcott, whose witty and wise presence adds charm.

Themes of women’s independence, familial bonds, and romantic exploration are at the heart of this novel, making it a poignant and exhilarating read. Jenner’s exceptional storytelling and profound homage to Austen will captivate devoted fans and new readers alike.

5 stars. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the review copy.