This book is such a fascinating premise - what Jane Austen fans wouldn't love the opportunity to meet with her brother and hear about her life? I enjoyed the characters, although sometimes the story felt a bit too divided between all the different perspectives. I really became invested in the story once the characters all met up with Austen's brother in England.

I also loved the historical context of the time - post Civil War turmoil, women's rights movement, Supreme Court decisions... there was a lot going on during this time period!

My favorite part of all is the Supreme Court Justices' Jane Austen book club. Their discussions were so fun to read, and I love that they were arguing to rank her books. It was a delight to read!

I think most Janeites will enjoy this story, especially the descriptions of her family and home.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Natalie Jenner for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Austen fans will love this tale of Austen’s posthumous influence—one which lingers today. The Stevenson sisters—very intelligent daughters of a widowed Massachusetts supreme court justice—want more from life than society will allow them to have. Their father, still mourning their mother’s death several years later, is very cautious about allowing them freedom.

As with The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls (reviewed here: Bloomsbury Girls Review), Jenner has done meticulous research. She also revisits themes of feminism and misogyny that she has touched on in her previous books.

The main plot here touches on the Austen family’s posthumous destruction of Jane’s letters, in order to preserve her reputation, and her uncle’s disposition of one last—not terribly flattering—letter. The fictional characters of the Stevensons and the Nelsons and Sir Francis’ attempt at matchmaking gives Jenner the scope to create a novel about much more than what happened after Jane died.

Bringing in the awkward and delightful Louisa May Alcott further added depth to the story. There’s even a romantic subplot for Justice Stevenson that will put a smile on your face.

An even more important subplot is the legal battle that takes place after Henrietta’s hasty marriage. With a priceless letter bequeathed to her and no legal standing to prevent her husband from selling the letter for personal gain. Henrietta fights for women’s right to their own property. This look into the history of women’s legal standing is fascinating, and is echoed in the lives and conversations of other characters as well.

As a whole, this book is another satisfying look at literature and women.

I do have one small quibble—a scene that takes place in 1880 mentions “thermoses of milky tea.” The vacuum flask trademarked as Thermos was not invented until 1892. Yes, they call me “Picky Vicky” for a reason. Hire me for all your fact-checking and continuity-checking needs!

Possible Objectionable Material:
Parental death. Marital strife. Indirect mention of sex between married people. Mention of feminist ideas.

Who Might Like This Book:
Jane Austen fans, naturally, but also those who enjoy well-researched historical accounts and reading about the journey toward women’s rights.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-good-week-for-readers.html

Although at times it felt a little slow, I really enjoyed this story ! There were some lovely characters, romance , a little intrigue , a lot about Jane Austen’s book and a little about her family

I liked this book enough to want to finish it. I felt like it dragged and was slow for the most part. I feel like there were too many story lines trying to be followed. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it focused on more on the lives of siblings. I feel like the feelings and story were surface level. But I did want to know how the story ended.

I have enjoyed Natalie Jenner's previous books The Jane Austen Society and especially Bloomsbury Girls, so I was expected a well-researched historical novel with a tangle of lovable characters and a deep grounding in books (especially Jane Austen's). That is indeed true with Austen at Sea as well, though I sometimes got distracted by the sheer number of participants in this novel (there's a lot going on: two sisters, their state supreme court justice father, his colleagues, two Civil War veteran brothers who are now running a bookshop, a British journalist, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen's elderly surviving brother Admiral Frank Austen, and quite a few other people. Everyone is reading Jane Austen and debating her legacy, so throw in all of Austen's characters as well. And quite few of Charles Dickens'.). The novel is leisurely paced, and concerned with resolving all sorts of matches (between people but also between people and the remaining pieces of Jane Austen's legacy), and readers who know Austen well will note echoes of many of her stories in both scenes and characters. It's an enjoyable read--just remember to bring your traveling patience and let the novel take you where it (eventually) wants to go.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my free earc in exchange for an honest review.

The year is 1865, two progressive sisters abscond to England to meet with the last remaining sibling of Jane Austen.Leaving Massachusetts on board the SS China unbeknownst to them there are others on the same mission. Shipboard friendships are made with a delightful cast of characters, including the author Louisa May Alcott. At sea and in England there is romance, drama and scandal all very true to this era.
This is what I really loved about this book. The fictional account of actual history- America in 1865 was recovering from Civil War and Lincoln's assassination. This Reconstruction era had turned many women abolitionists into feminists looking for freedom and suffrage. Often they saw Jane Austens writings as an embodiment of their passions. Although while in England it clearly shows the difference between the two countries as England is still quite Victorian. These differences figure heavily in this story although the ending is very satisfying. Happy that Natalie Jenner continues her Austen stories.
Thankful to netgalley and St Martins press for this ARC

I didn't love this book as much as I've loved Jenner's first two books. I love any tale that expounds on the wondrous, unifying power that a love of literature (and Austen in particular) can have. Those were my favorite elements of the books, especially the judges' book club discussions of Austen's novels. The other theme of women's suffrage/feminist law was also inspiring at times, especially these days, but at times both of these elements got lost in the sauce. There was a large cast of characters that were constantly on the move, so I found it more difficult to connect with them than usual.
Overall, a good read, but not my favorite of the three novels so far.

4.25/5 stars

I have read each of Jenner's "Austen" books and have enjoyed each one. This one can be added to that list.

What I enjoyed most about the book? Probably first and foremost, the sisterly bond between Henrietta (Harry) and Charlotte (Charlie) was my favorite takeaway and what will stick out most when I recall the story. While throughout the book we see them in other relationships (with their father, romantic interests, female friends), it was in the love and support for each other that they really shone and became more fully developed characters through this bond.

While there were some moments of disbelief (convenient meetings, characters acting out of their "norm", etc.) and frustration (slow pacing at times), overall, this was a well-written, entertaining story. Jenner does setting/period descriptions especially well, and here she especially captured the need and push toward women's rights, both within the Stevenson's household and the greater world outside. Their father, a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, was enlightened to a point (and we see that grow during the story) and encouraged his daughters' scholarship and open-mindedness. And speaking of their father, another favorite part of the story for me was the "Justices' Book Club" where the entire Jane Austen anthology was read and discussed...some very interesting and lively repartee.

Following the sisters from their fairly insulated home in Boston (1865) to England where they meet Austen's brother (Admiral Francis Austen) and visit Austen's childhood home in Chawton, we watch as the sisters evolve and grow both as a team and individually. They make mistakes, make new friends and ultimately make their own way forward.

I did like that Jenner included an epilogue which gave some insights into how their futures progressed (both hopeful and heartbreaking). We don't often get that, and it is always a fun bonus for me.

Overall, I found this a welcome and well-done addition to Jenner's Austen series and look forward to her next effort.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the free early arc of Austen at Sea for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Two Jane Austen-loving daughters of the Harvard University president have been exchanging letters with the deceased author’s sole surviving sibling, Admiral Francis Austen. Two brothers who have returned to Philadelphia from the Civil War to run their family’s rare bookstore have also written to Admiral Austen to let him know they have an Austen first edition. With an invitation to visit England someday, the two fangirls, Henrietta and Charlotte Stevenson, and the two scholarly brothers, Haslett and Nicholas Nelson, coincidentally meet on a transatlantic voyage. Among their fellow passengers are a British journalist, a Massachusetts Supreme Court justice, and author Louisa May Alcott. Much to the sisters’ dismay, their protective father has sent along a chaperon. Together these characters and their developing relationships form the core of Natalie Jenner’s latest novel, Austen at Sea.

Jenner divides the novel into four multi-chapter parts, named Books: Book One: Boston, Book Two: The Sea, Book Three: Hampshire, and Book Four: The Court. Book One, however, also includes Philadelphia. For added literary fun, each Book contains a chapter or two named for one of Austen’s major novels: “Persuasion,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Mansfield Park,” and “Emma” along with more chapters named for other well-known, non-Austen works such as “O Captain! My Captain!,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” “The Moon and Sixpence,” and “Lost Horizon.”

A former attorney, Jenner combines her legal background with her love of Jane Austen’s novels. Readers will learn about the law’s different treatment of men and women and will be entertained by the author’s decision to insert occasional Jane Austen book club discussions carried on between other Supreme Court Justices.

Written in a style likely to remind many readers of Austen and focused on two sisters as different as any two in Austen’s work, Austen at Sea becomes as much a tribute to the beloved British writer as Jenner’s earlier The Jane Austen Society.
Reader’s should not miss the Author’s Notes explaining historical events that inspired the book and the ways the fictional account diverges from history.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance reader copy of this entertaining new novel from Natalie Jenner.

Shared on GoodReads and Barnes & Noble.

Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson are trying to break out against the restrictions women dealt with in the 1800s. After being inspired by Jane Austen, and writing letters to Jane's brother, the girls find a way to go to England. Like Jenner's earlier books, there is a heavy message of women's empowerment. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the many literary references and the historical insights about women during that time period. It’s very clear that Jenner has extensive knowledge of Austen. What an outstanding tribute to her!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Natalie Jenner for the opportunity to read the wonderful novel, Austen At Sea. It was a joy to go back in time and travel across the pond with some of my favorite literary authors.

The story revolved around two American sisters, Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson who were obsessed with Jane Austen and they wanted to travel to England in order to visit with everyone and everything related to the late great Jane Austen. The only thing stopping them was their father and the fact that two young women were not allowed to travel without an escort in the year 1865. Women still had hardly any rights yet, in America or England, however it was exciting to see how these sisters figured out a way to make the trip happen anyhow.

Two others Nicholas and Haslett Nelson, who happened to be brothers, also were planning a trip to England to meet with Sir Frances Austen, brother to Jane. Both sets of siblings had been corresponding with Sir Frances Austen through letters. He encouraged all of them to visit at the same time.

All four were about to embark on the trip of a lifetime whether they were accepted to travel or not. Aboard the ship they would also meet up with some other prominent socialites such as Louisa May Alcott, eventually the author of Little Women. Their trip was filled with many activities and getting to know one another.

It was fun to read about how all of these people interacted and behaved during a time when women were not yet allowed the same opportunities as men. It was also interesting to see how popular Jane Austen already had become and also to see the perceived lively personality of Louisa M. Alcott.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and enjoyed reading all about these different characters. It was a great mix of fiction and historical events that happened during the 1800's, especially those involving women. I highly recommend anyone who loves Jane Austen and this time period in history to read this novel.

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner is a charming story from the first sentence to the last.
A flawlessly written historical fiction novel. With captivating characters, likable characters, beautiful setting that you can envision while reading.
A delight to read and such a well written and absorbing novel.
A charming read of trauma and tragedy, hope and renewal.
Natalie Jenner sure knows how to write a mesmerizing historical fiction story!

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Austen at Sea is a heartfelt, charming, and beautifully crafted historical novel that celebrates the enduring magic of Jane Austen’s legacy—both the one she wrote and the one she inspired. With strong female leads, a transatlantic literary mystery, and cameo appearances by Louisa May Alcott and Sir Francis Austen himself, Natalie Jenner delivers a love letter to readers and romantics alike.

Fans of clean historical fiction, bookish adventures, and Austen-inspired storytelling will be swept away.

Read the full review at The Joyous Living 🌸📚

Fittingly this is the 20th Anniversary of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, based on Austen's book. My absolute favorite! So I was pleased to be able to read a novel about Austen and her impact on others' lives. The setting is 1865 Boston, Philadelphia and England. Sisters Charlotte and Henrietta are secretly writing with Jane Austen's brother, Sir Francis Austen. Although he is elevated in age, he is eager to share his love of his sister and invites them to England. He also lures brothers from Philadelphia, and thus the sisters and brothers, along with a whole slew of notoriety embark on a journey via ship.

I will admit this took a while to get into. There are numerous characters that are hard to keep up with at times. While there is some romance, there's a little left to be desired with how some story lines are tied up. However, the depth of knowledge of Jane Austen overrode these deficiencies. I was very intrigued to find out more and feel like a personal piece of the story.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

In continued celebration of the 2025 being the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, it is wonderful to see Natalie Jenner pen another winning Austenesque novel. Previously having published, ‘The Jane Austen Society’, Natalie once again pays tribute with ‘Austen at Sea’. Here four young Austen fans residing in America take a sea voyage to visit Jane's oldest surviving sibling in England in 1865.

The characters all love books, especially those of Jane Austen and even Charles Dickens is included. There is commentary on the novels of Austen, as well as her family history. As it takes place at the end of the American Civil War, there is a strong focus on women’s rights. Add in certain love interests and you have a story that is sure to entice Austen fans and historical readers alike.

Austen at Sea features two sisters who travel to England to meet the last living sibling of Jane Austen. They meet a lively Louisa May Alcott on board, along with two brothers also on their way to meet Francis Austen.

But what this book is about is the injustice of women not having the same rights as men, like the Bennett sisters or the Dashwood sisters from Austen or the March sisters from Alcott. However, this story beats you to death with this theme. There is no subtlety at all here. Almost every single conversation in the book revolves around it. While there are some interesting characters and a twist or two, the constant preaching is wearisome.

This did not work for me.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Austen At Sea contains so many Easter eggs for both Austen and Jenner's work, it's a must read for fans. I appreciated how the book kept me guessing who would end up with whom at the end. The middle did drag a little bit, but the last 100 pages had me rushing to the end.

⛴️In Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner, releasing May 6th, 2025, Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Judge, begin a transatlantic correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen's brother. Meanwhile, the Nelson brothers, rare book dealers are also writing to him. These two sibling pairs eventually embark on a journey across the ocean in search of deeper insights into Jane Austen's life and legacy.

Set in the 1800s, a time when women were fighting for many of the rights we now take for granted, the book is inspired by real historical figures. The author weaves fact and fiction into a narrative that is fascinating in parts, though it drags in others. I especially enjoyed the scenes where judges discuss Austen's works and the courtroom moments stood out as highlights.⛴️

📕 Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice holds a very special place in my heart, so I always find joy in reading anything that explores her life or influence. While the pacing is quite slow and requires patience, the book offers a unique look at how Austen’s work transcended time and inspired across continents.📕

Thank you to St Martins Press for this book.

Jane Austen fans - Austen at Sea is for you! Author Natalie Jenner also write the delightful 'The Jane Austen Society' and 'Bloomsbury Girls.'
This novel centers around two young American sisters who are huge fans of Austen, and manage to connect with her surviving brother in 1865. He invites them to visit in England and see where and how their beloved author lived.
The sisters set off by ship and that's where their adventures begin. Among the people they meet - the wild Louisa May Alcott (not yet well known), and various potential romantic interests.
But the true adventure happens when a group travels to Austen's Chawton House and the visitors see where the beloved author lived and wrote.

There's a lot going on in this book, including many romances, but the focus on Austen and her work and her legacy take center stage.
Coincidentally, the PBS series 'Miss Austen' is debuting now.

I give a rousing 4 stars to Austen at Sea. I read an ARC thanks to Net Galley and publisher St. Martin's Press. My review is my own.