Member Review

Tess Bright is an actress who just landed her dream role in an Austen adaptation, except she's still reeling from losing her mom to cancer and her life's a total mess. Her co-star isn't making things any easier. Hugh Balfour is a serious British method actor who can't abide by Tess's improvisation and messiness. They're in the middle of a disagreement when sparks literally fly, and the electrocution sends them 200 years in the past, back to Jane Austen’s era. The two reluctant co-stars will have to improv their way through the Regency period if they hope to make it back home.

There's something about modern-day people figuring out a way to blend in after being sent to the past that always works for me. Bell's take on this is a sweet homage to Austen and the adaptations of her works that play a part in many of our lives. Just that part would be enough to make a good story, but including the parts about loss and how it weighs on you before and after your loved one is gone made this story connect at a whole nother level. Both Tess and Hugh are going through some very tough times, and they both have different ways of coping that might make them seem like an odd couple, but they actually make them perfect for each other.

It's an emotional, fun, and romantic story with an Austen-esque feel (complete with a surprise cameo) that kept me turning pages and wanting more time with the characters. An instant entry into my best reads of the year list.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the magically delightful read!