Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Natalie Jenner for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love anything Jane Austen inspired and the fact that the events of this narrative are based on a true story only adds to the excitement. I loved the flair of the daughters of the Supreme Court justice they had a flair that reminded me of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Also there's something about an all male Supreme Court discussing the works of Jane Austen that just hits different. I loved it. I wished that was something I learned about in my undergrad degree.

One star off because there were times I found myself a little bit confused/lost as certain chapters and passages felt a little bit long winded.

Natalie Jenner is a must read for me, and this delivered! I love the humanity she gives to her characters and the stories she weaves.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Natalie Jenner for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Austen at Sea coming out May 6, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I read by this author. I’m obsessed with Jane Austen. I really love books surrounding her and her stories. This wasn’t quite what I was picturing. I thought it was dry. I was expecting something different. But I will check out more books by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Calling all Austen fans! This is the perfect historical fiction for you, and would be a great book club choice.

"Austen at Sea" sets sail slowly, but by the halfway point, it finds its rhythm and becomes an engaging journey through history, literature, and quiet rebellion. Natalie Jenner brings together two pairs of siblings—intellectually curious, Austen-devoted Americans—who are drawn across the Atlantic by the allure of a hidden Austen legacy. At first, I found the pacing sluggish, but once the Stevenson sisters arrive in England, the story gains momentum.

The exploration of women’s history is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. I was especially struck by the nuanced contrasts in property rights and autonomy for women in America versus Britain. Jenner highlights not only the limitations women faced, but also the subtle, meaningful ways they pushed back. The Stevenson sisters’ boldness—sneaking away unchaperoned to England—becomes a quietly radical act that sets the tone for much of the novel.

I was also pulled in by the variety of relationships throughout the story—romantic, platonic, and familial. These connections, too, are shaped by the societal constraints of the time, and it was fascinating to see how the novel’s strong female characters navigated them. The romantic threads are woven with restraint and realism, reflecting the period’s expectations, yet they still offer moments of genuine emotional connection and tension.

Avid fans of Jane Austen will find much to savor here. The references to her work, life, and legacy are lovingly integrated, and the correspondence with her last surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen, adds a clever historical twist.

While the book didn’t fully captivate me at first, its second half made up for the slow beginning. I’d especially recommend Austen at Sea to Austen fans and readers interested in women’s history. It’s a thoughtful, literary voyage with a rewarding destination.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital advanced reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted.

I loved Natalie Jenner’s "The Jane Austen Society" and "Bloomsbury Girls," so I was excited to get an early copy of her latest novel. As a long-time Jane Austen fan, the book’s description had me eager to read this historical fiction inspired by some real-life stories the author had discovered.

This was not an easy read for me. The writing style is similar to Austen’s novels, so it took me a bit of time to settle into. There are many characters to keep track of, and a few of them have more than one name so I often had to stop in the middle of the page and remind myself who was being referred to. Many of the legal aspects of the court case halted the plot’s action. More than once I considered skimming just to get to the end or even not finishing, but I felt I owed it to the author to actually read the book. Plus I hoped it would get better and all come together as it concluded. That was not to be. Overall the story was difficult to follow. Even after I finished the book I didn’t have a sense of satisfaction and actually thought something was missing. I believe other Jane Austen fans will also feel this way.

I thought the novel was too dense. The story unnecessarily went back and forth in time, and the court case was tedious. Most of the characters were not really likeable or credible and several acted rashly and immaturely. Motivation was sometimes heavy handed and other times unrealistic.

I liked the inclusion of real characters in the novel – Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen’s brother Francis, and Charles Dickens, for instance. I liked the themes of literature, women’s rights and feminism. I was surprised at the number of male characters who were supportive of women’s rights. Most unexpected (and hard to believe) was the two sisters’ father, a Massachusetts supreme court justice running a Jane Austen book club with his fellow justices where they debate the characters in each book – and as another reviewer said, “I can’t see a group of 60-year-old men in the 1800s willingly reading one Jane Austin book, let alone all of them.” Plus discussing them and discovering new aspects, symbolism, and meaning – just like a contemporary English literature university class.

You will be more likely to enjoy this novel if you are an Austen fan and have read "Miss Austen" by Gill Hornby (2020).

Set sail on this austenesque adventure following sisters from Boston, brothers from Philadelphia, notables of the era, all on a ship heading for England. 
Charlotte and Henrietta take charge of their own lives, and against their father's wishes, to go to England to meet Sir Frances Austen. On the ship, they meet brothers Nicholas and Haslett, also with an invitation from Sir Francis, plus Louisa May Alcott, a wealthy debutante, an unexpected chaperone, and a reporter.
They find lots of ways to keep busy on the ship, including creating a play to be performed near the end of their voyage. A battle of wills at times, even a romance and secret wedding happen aboard.
Upon their journey to Sir Frances's home, they are given a tour, shown an artifact, and learn of the last surviving manuscript of Jane Austen, locked away in a desk. They also take another trek with him, his last, and vow to honor his wishes. 
A "stolen" artifact causes problems for the newlyweds, a trip back to Boston, a trial, and more have forever changed the lives of those on the adventure.
This Jane Austen-inspired novel is a wonderful read, whether you love Jane Austen, historical fiction, or a mix, it's sure to please. I loved it.

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I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

As someone who loves all things Jane Austen, this was such a delightful twist. It was nothing like I expected. The description gives nothing away and there are fun twists and turns. It just goes to show that Austen is timeless.

I absolutely adored this book! I spent many cozy afternoons slowly savoring it, I was completely immersed in the world Natalie Jenner created.

The story begins in 1865 Boston, a pivotal time in history as the Civil War ends and the push for women’s rights begins. We meet Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of Supreme Justice William Stevenson. Intelligent, curious, and deeply shaped by their father’s love of literature, the sisters long for more than the life expected of them. Their journey takes them on a grand adventure filled with romantic twists, witty moments, and touching challenges that help shape their futures.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll enjoy the thoughtful discussions of her work, plus charming interactions with her younger brother, Sir Francis Austen. You’ll also spot delightful nods to Austen’s fictional characters woven into Natalie’s own cast.

One unique aspect of this novel is its structure—it’s divided into four sections or “books.” At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but as I read on, it made perfect sense. It helped keep track of the different settings and characters—almost like acts in a play.

Natalie’s legal background shines through, adding realism to courtroom scenes and legal debates. And just like Austen herself, Jenner captures the nuances of human behavior, politics, and society through the eyes of Henrietta and Charlotte. Their growth, resilience, and pursuit of happiness made me completely invested in their happily-ever-after!

💙 A beautifully written tale of sisterhood, courage, and carving out your own path.

Jenner did an amazing job providing a story with so many real-life references, such as the presence of Louisa May Alcott, and the main characters' love of Jane Austen. I loved feeling connected to the characters through their love of Austen's literature. Will definitely be recommending!

Austen at Sea is an absolutely beautifully written story of two sisters that set out to meet their idols sibling and learn as much as they can about her. It covers adventure, love, law, and the history of women's rights. Fighting for what should have been basic rights in the 1800s but unfortunately was not. In addition, the works of Austen are discussed throughout the book, which adds an additional layer of greatness and kept me reading. There are so many great references to timeless classics, and authors make this one of the best books I've read in 2025!

I’d like to thank @austenprose @stmartinspress and @authornataliejenner for sending me a #gifted copy of Austen at Sea as part of this book review tour.

Austen at Sea is much more than a historical romance — Natalie Jenner also managed to artfully weave in so much history of post-Civil War America, and about women’s suffrage at the time. Between these historical tidbits and the judges in Boston debating the works of Janet Austen, I found these portions to be the most compelling. I appreciated the musings on feminism between the characters as well. The inclusion of well-known author Louisa May Alcott as a character was a fun bonus.

If you enjoy complex historical fiction that blends history, romance, and legal cases, Austen at Sea may be what floats your boat!

Perhaps the best reader for this book is the Jane Austen fan who will be familiar with the references, the deep plot analysis, and the character's from her work. I'm not that reader. I enjoyed the setting and the conflicts that arose during the period after the Civil War when suffrage for women and the end of slavery were highlighting the struggle for equal rights for mankind (and not just landed white males!)


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved it! Natalie Jenner’s Austen at Sea is a feminist manifesto, Jane Austen style. Filled with fascinating characters and clearly ever so well researched, this book was nothing like I expected in all the best ways. If you love Austen, if you love books focusing on women’s rights, if you love slow burn romances, and if you would like a fascinating portray of Louisa May Alcott, all set in 1865 - just after the tail end of the Civil War - you will likely adore this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

Austen at Sea is a light of a departure from Jenner's other books, set earlier in the 19th century. A group of mostly Americans sail to England, some of whom are Jane Austen fans hoping to meet her surviving brother after her death. Many of Jane's writings have been burned, and they are hoping to find something left over. The boat ride over becomes a theater production, friendships and romances happen. Louisa May Alcott is a character and passenger on the boat, before her literary success. I thought the book got a little caught up in a legal issue, that took over the last half of it. But there are lots of good points about women's rights and abilities in that time period, and mostly it was enjoyable to read.

This book hit several of the right notes for me. I found it to be very intellectually done in part.
Definitely for fans of Austen and Dickens who have read several of their works.
It contained so many interesting connections, I honestly do not know that I could list them all.
Timing wise, this book felt sweet in the fact that a father is having to say an unwanted goodbye to his daughters …and I began it the same day as I dropped my daughter off at the airport for a ten day missions trip to Columbia.
The narrator was amazing.
So many beautiful moments about the power of literature. Interesting tie-ins to “Miss Austen”, a book I finished a few months ago. Cameo appearance of one of my favorite authors, Louisa Mae Alcott. Set during the time immediately following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln…. As I stated previously, just so many loves were present here.
While I did not consider this a perfect novel, I won’t go into what I disliked, because for fans of Austen and Dickens, I just consider it a must read.

The author included two nonfictions books that inspired the novel that I am excited to get my hands on.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to preview this book via digital copy and audio.

I'm just another fan who romanticizes the life and books of Jane Austen. The clothing, the grand travel, the lifestyle. I love it all! So naturally, Austen at Sea was an automatic yes for my tbr.

I adored the bond between sisters, Harriet and Charlotte Stevenson. I loved the bibliophile brothers, Nicholas and Haslett Nelson. And mentions of contemporary authors of the time made my bookish heart explode!

Historical fiction exploring women's rights, men discussing our favorite classic author's works, and love - both old and new, make Natalie Jenner's latest novel the perfect nod to Miss Austen herself!

Courtesy of Netgalley, I received the ARC of Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner. Set in 1865, two Boston sisters initiate correspondence with Jane Austen's last surviving brother in England, who invites them to visit. Austen is a constant presence, as their father meets with his fellow judges for book club discussions of Austen's novels. The comments are so thoughtful and thought provoking! By sneaking off to sail to England, the sisters lives are transformed, beginning with their fellow passengers, including Louisa May Alcott and her fascination with Dickens! These strong women characters evolve throughout the novel, even though they are restricted by the norms of their era. Truly an homage to Jane Austen, I enjoyed this story immensely!

This was very much an ensemble story between fictional characters with their stories intertwined with an exploration of Jane Austen's world - both personal and of the times. It was sometimes engaging and sometimes I found myself skimming along (not because of the writing - Natalie Jenner writes very well - but just because I found there were story lines that didn't quite peak my interest - but YMMV. So I can't take stars off for that reason, just because it didn't quite suit my tastes).

I did not finish this book, in fact I only read about two chapters and gave up. Not as good or nearly as interesting as the first book, I wasn't that interested in people discussing the books. I've read Austen and found her writing more to my liking than the discussion about them. My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to at least read this novel, hoping for the best.