3.5 stars
This is my first time reading a Natalie Jenner book, even though I do have her previous ones in my TBR. Austen at Sea releases next month and I was given both the Kindle edition and the audiobook for review.

Taking place in 1865 from a couple different view points. There are the sisters who are two women ahead of their time. They have a on going correspondence with Sir Frances Austen, who just happens to be the brother of Jane Austen. Another is from the Nelson brothers, bookstore owners who also just happen to have a correspondence with Sir Austen. These four meet on a ship bound for England, along with familiar faces in history.

I will confess that I have not read much Jane Austen, actually Pride and Prejudice is my only one, though I am intrigued after reading this book. Austen at Sea is an interesting read, and I much preferred the e-book versus the audio. I found the voices in the audio just a bit distracting.

Austen at Sea is a story of relationships, women ahead of their time, and well, Jane Austen and her legacy. It was atmospheric as it reflected the time. How women were treated and the tension between England and America. I am intrigued enough to head over to my TBR and boost Natalie Jenner‘s books up closer to the top.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillian Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review

We’re only three weeks away from the release of Natalie Jenner‘s fourth novel, Austen at Sea. While this book continues her theme of Austeneque historical fiction, this one goes back farther in time, to 1865, and features people who knew Jane Austen in her lifetime. It follows two sisters who begin corresponding with Sir Francis Austen, brother of the famous author. With promises of a rare artifact, they leave Boston to visit him in England.

What struck me about Austen at Sea is how it’s so devoted to ideas. The myriad characters spend much of their time discussing literature (not just Jane Austen’s novels, but also works by Charles Dickens, the Brontës, and more), women’s place in society, and politics. What makes for a strong literary heroine? How is it fair that women give up their identity upon marrying? Why is it easier for men to seek divorce than women?

And while ideas make for lively discussions among the characters, they also become a major part of the plot. Elopement, ownership, citizenship, divorce… all of it arises throughout the course of this novel. Ultimately it is a book of forward-thinking people—early feminists—as they are united and inspired by literature to make changes in the real world.

Henrietta and Charlotte, the daughters of a Boston judge, love all things relating to Jane Austen. Their wish is to go to England and see the places of importance and inspiration to the author, and if not, at least collect something from the author's personal collection. On a whim, they contact Austen's elderly brother, and this sets into motion an adventure.

At the same time, Philly bookstore owners Nicholas and Haslett are also in correspondence with Austen's brother and they too become a part of the sister's adventure.

The book had a very Austenian feel, especially the parts in England, which I really enjoyed. I also loved how even the men in the book respected the author's work. The book not only takes the reader through an Austen adventure, but also touches topics such as women's rights in the late 19th century/Victorian era.

Overall, I gave this book 3.5 to 4 stars (I have not decided as yet). While I enjoyed much of it, there was one storyline that was a bit tiresome and I did not like the choices a few characters made that were at odds with how they were depicted.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for this eARC, and all opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

According to the author, this book was inspired by two real-life stories. “… An 1848 correspondence between Admiral Sir Francis Austen and two Boston sisters, whose Harvard President father had been introduced to the works of Jane Austen by members of the United States Supreme Court; and the life and work of Abraham and Philip Rosenbach, Philadelphia book collectors and founders of the present-day Rosenbach Museum & Library. ” The book features Louisa May Alcott as a minor character, too. The overall theme is the Jane Austen legacy.

There are many characters and storylines to pay attention to, and some subplots work better than others. What I really liked about this historical fiction homage to Jan Austen was that everyone was a positive character; there were no antagonists or culprits to worry about. Such a breath of fresh air.

The audiobook was performed by Rupert Graves, who was Mr. Weston in 2020’s Emma. It was a bit confounding and confusing as to why a man was chosen to narrate largely young adult women. Graves performed all right but reminds me of how Danielle Steel’s books are almost exclusively narrated by men, even when women are the majority of the characters. Just… weird. He does a really good American accent but also comes across as a rather old man trying to represent young unmarried women.

Jane Austen fans will appreciate the unique take on her legacy with this book. Recommended!

In 1865 Boston, sisters Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson defy societal expectations and set off for England after receiving an invitation—and an original letter—from Sir Francis Austen, brother of Jane Austen. Meanwhile, rare book dealers and Civil War veterans Nicholas and Haslett Nelson are drawn to England by the promise of a rare Austen artifact. Their shared voyage sparks a journey that will change all their lives through the enduring power of literature and love.

This one left me a little conflicted. Parts of the story, I really enjoyed. Sir Francis was a delight. I sympathised with the (fictional?) desire for him to make sure his sister was known and respected, despite the family’s wishes to keep Jane Austen’s life private. I really wanted more parts of the book about him.

However, the majority of the book bounces between the Stevenson sisters, the Nelson brothers, occasional scenes from Louisa May Alcott (and I’m not sure why she was even there), and a judge who is fighting his feels for one of the sisters. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and they are all flawed people. I found it difficult to find one among them that I really liked. All of them made decisions that I found strange.

Overall, it was fine. Narratively, there were times the author would jump ahead to reveal something dramatic, only to then go back to explain how it happened. The ending also felt abrupt. Other than that, it was well written. Not one I would pick up again, but readers who have enjoyed the author’s other works may enjoy it. I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

This story is magical! I felt like I was reading an 1865 version of a Jane Austen book. Wonderful characters brought together by their love of Jane Austen or love of one who loves Jane Austen. Plus a little mischievous matchmaking on the part of Jane's last living brother, Frank. I loved the book club of the Massachusetts state judges in Boston. Their discussions of Jane Austen books are so erudite and surprising. Louisa Mae Alcott is a major character in all ways in this book. Like real life, this story is not all sweetness and light but is fascinating.

Title: Austen at Sea
Author: Natalie Jenner
Narrated by: Rupert Graves
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Length: Approximately 11 hours and 11 minutes
Source: Audiobook from NetGalley and physical book from St. Martin’s Press as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!

If you could meet any author alive or dead, who would you want to meet? I love the adventure of the Stevenson sisters in Austen at Sea to see the brother of a most beloved author. I would love to meet Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louisa May Alcott and so many more.

Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson are the daughters of a Massachusetts State Supreme Court judge. They want more out of this world. They wish they could go to college or have a career, but in 1865, their formal education is complete. Their favorite author is Jane Austen. They write to her only surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen to express their love and to learn more about her. He invites the two sisters to visit England, as well as two brothers who are rare booksellers from Philadelphia. What rare artifact does he want them to see?

Thoughts on this novel:

• I loved the world, great characters, and unique story of this novel. I wish I could visit this world.
• The overarching question of this novel was what are the rights of women? Can a wife own her own property separate from her husband? Can she make her own decisions about her property?
• I loved the sections of the novel where the Massachusetts State Supreme Court judges read Jane Austen’s novels and discuss them. It was entertaining.
• Louisa May Alcott is on the ship with our main characters as they journey to England. She was a fantastic and fully sketched character. I love that she had the ship put on a play of A Tale of Two Cities for entertainment. I would love to see an entirely separate novel on just Louisa’s adventures.
• I loved Sir Francis Austen as a character. He had an interesting life himself and I would love to see him star in his own novel. At this point, he is at the end of his life, and he is thinking about his sister’s legacy. Should he leave her letters or burn them as his daughter wishes?
• About halfway through the novel, the book takes a turn and the story goes in another direction. I was confused at first and it took me a bit to get my bearings.
• I loved Rupert Graves as the narrator. He was an entertaining narrator and I loved his voice.
• I have enjoyed every Natalie Jenner novel I’ve read, but I would rate this one as my favorite with The Jane Austen Society.

Overall, Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner is a beautiful and extraordinary story with unforgettable characters. I loved the look into the lives of Austen fans in the 19th century when Austen’s family is still alive. I also liked the discussion of women’s rights.

I don’t usually read books like this, but I really enjoyed Austen at Sea. It’s the kind of story that just pulls you in without trying too hard. The writing is easy to follow but still really thoughtful, and I liked the way it touched on personal growth and second chances. Even though there are clear nods to Jane Austen, you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate it. It added a nice touch without feeling overdone. The characters felt real, and I found myself caring about what happened to them more than I expected. Overall, this was such a pleasant surprise. It’s not something I would’ve picked up on my own, but I’m glad I did. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, comforting read with a little literary charm, give this one a try.

This book is about two sister who connect with Francis Austen, Jane Austen's brother. He is also corresponding with two young men who he decides to set the sisters up with. All of these people end up on the boat where a lot of the plot happens. I liked the book since I am a fan of Jane Austen. But, the pace was very slow.

Having read The Jane Austen Society, I decided to pick this next book up. I was immersed in the story immediately--I liked the friendship and discussion of Jane Austen's works that the judges have, the sisters' support of each other and desire to break outside the boundaries of women in their era, and the idea of Jane Austen's brother being a character in the story. However, once the sisters were at sea, the story lost direction for me and slowed. A few of the time jumps late in the book were a little confusing (I thought I had just missed something but realized information was withheld to be disclosed later in a flashback). While I appreciated how events in the story mirrored events in each of Jane Austen's novels, the plot of this novel sometimes felt too much in service of the themes in Jane Austen's books.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I have read  two of Jenner's previous books and enjoyed them, so as an anglophile and mild "Janeite", I was looking forward to this one. Jenner does a fabulous job of getting the reader into the time period and setting. Her research shines through in the details, but not in a way that bogs the reading down. In her author's note she states that this is mostly fiction - the historical details come from time period and a few well known people living in post-Civil War Boston. If was especially fun to have Louisa May Alcott as a character in a "Jane Austen" themed book, and frequent mention of Charles Dickens as well. Things I appreciated most were the friendship of the two sisters that spread to others on their sea voyage, their commitment to one another and to their father. I also thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of what it might have been like to be the last living sibling of Jane Austen, as Sir Francis was - and how he might have thought about his part of Jane's legacy for future generations. Overall, a nice escape from the daily news!

This delightful original and beautiful written live story was set in 1865. It was full of a page turning, exciting, and entertaining romance full of drama, action, and interesting and wonderful characters. I enjoyed this engaging sea voyage. I highly recommend reading!

In a nod to Jane Austen’s use of alliteration: Lovers of literature lend me your ear! Austen at Sea is a sublime celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Like classic Victorian novels, Natalie Jenner divides the novel into four books. Set in Boston and London,1865, Jenner’s novel packs a political punch for women. She craftily lends an eavesdropping feel as seven justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Court discuss Jane Austen’s five novels during summer recess. Current male viewpoints on women’s right to vote, owning property, and divorce laws, the backbone of Jenner’s novel, are juxtaposed to the main female characters’ refusal to settle for the low expectations of society, including most of the males around them. Jenner’s law degree shines an infuriating light on history and precedent providing ample fodder for discussion groups, possibly necessitating another conversation and another bottle of wine!
Natalie Jenner creates characters readers would want to spend time with long after the novel ends. Charlotte’s gift for the stage and Henrietta’s quest for research takes readers within a lecture hall and the library of Gore Hall at Harvard. A fabulous scene but also maddening since women weren’t allowed to register nor were they invited to the discussion group after auditing lectures. The sisters’ determination and endurance in overcoming obstacles continues to develop as their journey extends across the Atlantic. Sara-Beth, vivacious and socially ambitious, sly, independent Constance, and lonely, Louisa May Alcott add different age & class dimension to the plot. Readers get a giant dose of “paternal protection” as Justice William Stevenson agonizes over his daughters’ trip across the Atlantic-without a chaperone! Tension and the male point of view is deftly created through the Nelson brothers, Justice Nash, and of course, the reason for the transatlantic crossing, Sir Francis Austen.
The narrative is rife with references to Jane Austen’s characters. Sir Francis Austen, the last living sibling of Jane, takes on the role of Emma Woodhouse, becoming an adorable, giddy, 90-year-old matchmaker, but also keeper of secrets. Actions of Jane’s sister Cassandra and the admiral’s youngest daughter and live-in caretaker, Fanny, add an unsettling thread to a plot already laden with relationship angst and courtroom drama. In true Austen fashion Jenner transports readers from the wharves of Boston, to the decks of the SS China, and the streets of London. Travels include the grounds of Sir Austen’s Portsdown Lodge with views of his “beloved sea”, and the Austen family home and graveyard in Chawton.
Do you fancy letters, manuscripts, antiquarian bookshops, first editions, libraries? Then you know books are a gift. Austen at Sea is a stunning gift for Jane Austen fans from years past and for newfound readers. Thank you, Natalie Jenner, for inspiring another generation of readers through the world’s beloved Jane Austen. Happy 250th Birthday!

I really liked Natalie Jenner's previous works, the Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls so I was thrilled the publisher gave me access to an early copy. Unfortunately this one was a DNF for me, I just couldn't get into it. Perhaps it was me, I tend not to like books set at sea, but I found the beginning slow and kept finding other things to do instead of read.

Austen at Sea was such a beautifully written story. I was absolutely enthralled with this story from start to finish.

Austen at Sea is a historical fiction novel. While the book primarily follows the journey of the Stevenson sisters in the late 1800's America, the story weaves Jane Austen and her legacy throughout.

The Stevenson sisters correspond with Jane Austen’s brother, hoping to gain something of Jane's being ardent Austen fans. Instead, they get an invite to England to visit Jane's brother. Unbeknownst to them at the time, Jane's brother was also corresponding with the Nelson brothers and invites them to visit as well. All four board a boat to England, and joining them are a woman who has an interest in one of the brothers, a man with an interest in one of the sisters, and Louisa May Alcott. They all become fast friends.

What follows is a story of independence, friendship, love, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness.

The literary references throughout this story are fantastic. I especially loved the inclusion of Louisa May Alcott prior to her publishing Little Women in this story. Little Women will forever be my favorite book.

The history in this story was so fascinating. The Civil War in America was ending. The suffrage movement is starting, and laws generally for women are starting to loosen in America. But, not so much in England, which plays an important part in this story.

The ending of this story was I'd say bittersweet. There were happy stories amongst our characters, but not without tribulations. In the end, all that they went through seemed to bring the sisters to a decision on what to do with an important piece of history with regards to Jane Austen, and it really was the perfect ending!

I was disappointed in Natalie Jenner's "Austen at Sea". I had trouble staying connected to the characters and following the plotline. I had high hopes and thought this would be an enjoyable read.

Released May 20th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*SPOILERS*
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc copy.

I was excited but nervous to get an arc of this book. I loved Jenner’s debut, The Jane Austen Society, and enjoyed her sophomore novel, Bloomsbury Girls. Her third novel I didn’t like and didn’t finish. Unfortunately, I only liked parts of her most recent, Austen at Sea.

The first issue I had is with the characters. Jenner jumps around to too many characters, which results in the reader not feeling close to any of them. Because of this too there’s a lot of telling and not showing. There are two main romantic relationships the book focuses on, but not enough time is spent with either relationship for the reader to feel invested in them. Usually, the reader is able to root for a love interest of the main character, but I can honestly say I wasn’t sure which of the love interests I was supposed to be rooting for. If Jenner had showed the start of the romantic relationships, this might have been more successful. Instead, the reader is just supposed to go along with these characters being in love with each other without having any scenes to go off of.

This is also an issue of plot. Jenner wasn’t able to successfully progress the romantic relationships while also telling the story of Jane Austen’s brother and his struggle to understand how to preserve her legacy. I think the plot needed to be majorly reworked. In trying to stay within the sphere of Jane Austen, Jenner limits her story.

My favorite part of the novel was the last portion dealing with the trials. I wish the book’s plot had gone like this: development of Henrietta’s relationship with Denham, marriage, subsequent betrayal over an item of inheritance, the court battles, and redemption. Instead, the plot is all over the place.

I learned a lot about laws of the time and appreciate Jenner’s research; however, this is a novel and not an essay. It felt off for Jenner to directly quote multiple books, plays, and laws throughout the novel.

Anyone interested in reading it should disregard the title. Only a small portion of the book takes place at sea, and this portion doesn’t relate to the Austen part of the novel.

Sadly, this was a miss for me.

I have really enjoyed Natalie Jenner’s past books. Austen at Sea was another gem. Jenner’s fans will especially enjoy the Supreme Court Justice’s Austen book club. The characters are well written and likable.

Thanks to St Martins Press and NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the alc.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I just found it boring and hard to relate to. I am upset because I usually enjoy historical fiction novels, and I am pretty sure that I have read books by Natalie Jenner that I have enjoyed in the past. Oh well.

very fun book about Jane Austen and coming into yourself, as well as societal struggles and other such things. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.