Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The description of this book captured my attention as it described the Stevenson sisters sneaking away without a chaperone to sail to England to see some rare artifacts of their favourite author, Jane Austen. Sadly, I was disappointed as once the girls were sailing away, the story was all over the place and I found it very hard to follow along. I honestly cannot tell you want this book is about. I hope you have better luck with it than I did.....Enjoy!!

Did Not Finish @30%

I tried y'all. I really, really tried.

Look, I love this author. I read The Jane Austen Society because I absolutely L O V E D the cover [the covers of ALL her books, including this one have been so swoony and fantastic] and then, by chapter 2 I was completely hooked and I waited and then read each new book with the glee that only those who love books [and series books at that] can understand. So when this new book came up, I immediately requested it [and this is MY BAD; I really need to read even a general description of the book, even for authors I love] and jumped for joy when I got the ARC, and then the audiobook ARC [with the narration being done by an British actor that I absolutely adore].

And then, I started it. Sigh. Almost immediately I knew there was going to be issues because HOW many characters are there to keep track of? That was a bit disheartening. Then, the book really gets started and I went....what? Did I miss something? I went back and listened to the beginning and realized that no, I didn't miss anything, and that this was going to be a difficult read.

Y'all, this just didn't work for me. Besides the issue with the characters, the whole story was such a jumble; I mean, I read 30% and I had NO IDEA what was going on [beyond the basics] and then the sisters got on the ship and WE GOT MORE CHARACTERS [including for some odd reason, Louisa May Alcott] and I just shook my head and made the very tough choice to stop reading. I was not enjoying it, there was so little Austen in this I am confused over the title [and WHY when they are on the boat they are going to act out a DICKENS book and not a J A N E A U S T E N book; the title just flummoxed me], and I found, I just didn't care about ANY of the 2700 characters that were roaming through this book. I have been disappointed by books before as any reader has inevitably has, but this one particularly hurts. I wanted to L O V E this book, as I have her previous books, but it was just not going to happen, and I am, days later [its taken me awhile to figure out how to write this], still deeply disappointed. It is always tough when a book doesn't work for you [and I am cheering all the readers that this book DID work for], and even more so when its an author you have previously loved.

And now we come to the audiobook...
I adore Rupert Graves. I have since I first became aware of him in the show "Sherlock", and literally shrieked out loud when I saw he was the narrator for this book.
Unfortunately [sigh], he also didn't work for me for this book. He has such a lovely voice, but I struggled to figure out as to why they picked him for a book filled with women, why they picked someone who was British, as almost everyone is from New England [and his "Boston" was...interesting...], and why he didn't, in my opinion, just read the story and leave the accents and "voices" at home, so to speak. While I can recommend the book [because some people have better working brains than I do LOL], I am hesitant to recommend the audiobook, but again, some people are not nearly as particular [or sensitive] as I am; to each their own right?

Thank you to NetGalley, Natalie Jenner, Rupert Graves - Narrator, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

I've read all of Natalie Jenner's previous books and have enjoyed seeing how she developed new storylines for several of the characters from her first book, "The Jane Austen Society," into her subsequent novels, "Bloomsbury Girls" and "Every Time We Say Goodbye." Her latest, "Austen at Sea," is a departure for Jenner in that it situates a fresh cast of characters into a completely new time period and setting: America and England in 1865. The premise of the story is intriguing: the two well-educated and progressive daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice have struck up an unexpected correspondence with Jane Austen's only surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen, who is now in his 90s and retired from the sea. He, in turn, has been corresponding with two bookselling brothers from Philadelphia, and invites them all to sail to his home in England for a visit that he hopes will lead to happily ever after for the four of them. His plan is complicated, however, by several potential suitors and rivals who also turn up on board the ship--and mayhem ensues.

Unfortunately, however, this one didn't work for me. It is obviously well-researched, but that is part of the problem--there's so much crammed into the book that some storylines get way too much development (the meetings of Jane Austen book club founded by the Massachusetts Supreme Court Justices, for example) and others (the Austen-esque romantic entanglements) are shortchanged, with much of the action occurring "offstage" and only presented to the reader afterwards. Because we don't see these storylines play out in the narrative, the plot keeps whipsawing in unpredictable (and often unbelievable) turns that prevented me from getting invested in the action. And while the inclusion of plotlines involving historical characters such as Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens was fun (the shipboard passengers, which include Alcott, stage a production of "Tale of Two Cities" during their Atlantic passage, reminiscent of the ill-fated play in "Mansfield Park") it ultimately prevented Jenner from having the time to fully flesh out her main story--which itself takes another unpredictable turn in the book's final act. There was still much to enjoy in "Austen at Sea" but ultimately I wished Jenner had resisted the temptation to load everything into this one book and instead took her cue from her earlier novels and developed these characters over a series of books. (Note: I listened to the audiobook of this title and thought the narrator did a great job, but questioned the choice of a male narrator for this particular story.)

Thank you to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner is great historical fiction that includes Jane Austen’s family and discussions of her novels. Charlotte and Henrietta are sisters whose passion for literature, and particularly Jane Austen, lead them on a transatlantic journey with a host of other interesting characters including Louisa May Alcott. The audiobook narration is wonderful.
I highly recommend Austen at Sea to readers who enjoy a touch of history in their fiction and Jane Austen. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I was excited for the premise and loved The Jane Austen Society, but this one fell a little flat. The post–Civil War setting and women's rights themes were compelling, and the Supreme Court Justices' Austen book club was definitely the highlight! Sadly, the slow start and scattered pacing made it tough to stay hooked. Worth a read if you're curious, but it didn’t quite meet expectations.

I loved this book so much. You follow 2 sisters journey and just the ups and downs that women us to face

This was such a fun. story to listen to since it had so many real life characters in it (including my gal Louisa May!). It's what I call a "gentle story" and I often would listen to it during my commute if I had had a stressful day. I loved the sisters and all the wonderful aspects of life in the 1800s. The narration was melodious and aptly done.
Thank you for my copy to listen to.

I absolutely adored this book! I spent many cozy afternoons slowly savoring it, knitting while Rupert Graves read to me, 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.

Rich in charm and literary homage, "The Austen at Sea" is a delightful historical novel that brings together two pairs of Austen-adoring siblings on a transformative journey to England in 1865. When an aging Sir Francis Austen invites them with the lure of rare Austen artifacts, Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson and Nicholas and Haslett Nelson—along with a colorful cast of fellow travelers—embark on a voyage brimming with wit, romance, and the power of literature. With nods to Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, this spirited adventure captures the enduring magic of Jane Austen and the life-changing bonds forged through her legacy.

Set in 1865, Austen at Sea follows two pairs of literature-loving siblings whose lives are forever changed after a transatlantic voyage to meet Sir Francis Austen—Jane Austen’s last surviving brother and keeper of her hidden legacy. With nods to Austen’s novels and themes of women’s rights, social roles, and literary passion, the story is a love letter to classic literature.

While beautifully written and rich in historical context, I found the pacing a bit slow and the number of characters made it hard to connect deeply with anyone. Still, the author’s reverence for Austen shines throughout, especially during the characters’ visit to Chawton. And having Louisa May Alcott on board? A clever and charming touch.

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.

If you are an audiobook fan then this one is for you, especially if you like historical fiction & Jane Austen! What a combination!

In the audiobook "Austen at Sea," by @authornataliejenner & narrated by English actor Rupert Graves, known for portraying Mr. Weston in the 2020 film Emma, you have the blending of great storytelling. The story unfolds in Boston in 1865, post-Civil War. Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, chafe against the limitations placed on women. Inspired by Jane Austen's works, they engage in a secret correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, who invites them to England, igniting their adventurous journey.

Meanwhile, bachelor brothers Nicholas & Haslett Nelson, Civil War veterans & rare book dealers, are also drawn to England by the promise of a rare Austen artifact. The intertwining paths of the sisters & the Nelsons create a rich narrative of ambition & discovery.

This audiobook is a delightful treat for all Anglophiles & Jane Austen enthusiasts! I thoroughly enjoyed the seamless integration of historical figures, such as Austen's brother & Louisa May Alcott, who were brought to life with a captivating narration. The depiction of the post-Civil War era was also handled with finesse. Jane Austen’s influence truly drives the narrative forward. Rupert Graves does a fabulous job portraying the characters, but I wonder why a female narrator wasn't chosen, considering the main characters are two sisters. Graves narration does not detract. The audiobook beautifully captures the essence of hope & inspiration drawn from Austen's legacy.

Thanks extended to NetGalley for ARC of the audiobook.

Here's to New Adventures in our Reading & Journaling Journey!
@thewritingwhisperer &
@shh_imreading Continue to Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, & the Power of the Written Word!✒📖

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This is a must read for fans of Jane Austen. It not only sheds literary light on each of her novels in a most interesting way, but it also gives a glance into her family and the kinds of decisions they would have had to make after her death. It's a delightful read for all who love reading books about classic literature as Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens are also featured. All of this literary goodness is held within a plot that centers around the lives of a group of young people who find themselves traveling, for a variety of reasons, from America to England. Decisions made during that voyage will change lives for years to come. There is also commentary, through our characters, on the advancements of women's rights and the lengths it still needs to go during this time period. While this book is packed with references to classic literature, political changes, and more historical nuggets; it is still very much a story about love and finding one's place in the world. It's a layered read that will draw you in and have you routing for good outcomes and happy endings for all its characters. Worth the read, especially for Austen fans, but it might be a good introduction to her for those who aren't as familiar as well.

Historical fiction taking place in 1865, America and England.. The Austen family is prominent in this novel. This will be best enjoyed by lovers of Jane Austen.

Natalie Jenner is masterful in "Austen at Sea". If you haven't read a Jane Austen book yet, this is the one to start your next reading adventure.

Bold and believable characters revolve around the story of Jane Austen's life and family members. It really is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to get to know Jane Austen in a hurry.

Historical romance fiction that stretches between Massachusetts to Austen's England adds to the dimensions and depth of the settings and characters. I'm definitely going to be going back and reading The Jane Austen Society books. This book gets my full and hearty recommendation for anyone who wants to know why Jane Austen is such a perennial favorite.

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner was an audiobook I listened to narrated by Rupert Graves, and I really enjoyed his narration! I really want to see the physical books because there were so many bookish references and thoughts about Austen that I would like to capture! I really enjoyed listening to this story, but for me, I would have liked a physical version nearby.
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This story was about a set of sisters who wrote to Jane Austen’s youngest surviving brother at the end of his life and went to England to meet him and obtain some Austen items. Meanwhile a set of brothers also write him about a first edition American edition of Emma and they also end up going to meet the brother. From there the story unfurls with a cameo by Louisa May Alcott and a great many literary references.
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I questioned whether or not the end was a little anachronistic but it wasn’t enough to take me out of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Historial Fiction or Austen lovers.
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Thank you @NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for the ALC I received in exchange for my unbiased

Wow, what a fantastic voyage! This was an incredible excursion I adored. I found it fun and intriguing to see a judge and a few friends at a book club as they were reading and discussing Jane Austen books. I was getting to know more about Jane Austen, her work, and her family. I knew very little about Jane Austen and the era in which she lived.

I appreciated the way this author approached the struggle of women's rights in a way I hadn't experienced before. It was fascinating. I appreciated how the author separated the book into sections so that the reader could see the story from several perspectives. I enjoyed hanging out with this unexpected group of shipmates as they embarked on a compelling trip I won't soon forget.

I listened to this novel thanks to the NetGalley review copy I enjoyed it. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this remarkable tale. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

I fully understand what I was supposed to find charming about this. Yet. Those charms were not for me, alas.

TY to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC/ALC. I am drawn in automatically to a title Jane Austen adjacent and I've loved this author's previous titles, so I was very excited about this one. I found the story weighed down by too many characters and too many plot lines. I liked but really didn't love this one.

"There was no effort to fix the world around women and its dangers particular to them—how convenient for the men who ruled and enjoyed its spoils."

“After all, isn’t the search for love at the heart of most stories?”

You don't have to be a Jane Austen fan to adore the lovely ode to her, Austen At Sea, by the meticulous researcher, and the creative force, that is historical fiction author, Natalie Jenner.

In 1865, sisters Charlotte and Henrietta discovered Jane Austen's books through their father, Supreme Court Justice Stevenson. It seems he and the other judges spend many a session deciphering Austen's work. The sisters write to Sir Francis Austen, Jane's last surviving sibling, letting him know how much his sister is admired in America.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, brothers Nicholas and Haslett Nelson, rare book dealers, are corresponding with Sir Austen regarding a rare Austen artifact.

In remembrance of his sister's love of romance, he plays matchmaker inviting both sets of siblings to set sail and visit him in England. What's a better love story than a shipboard romance? But just like her books, love isn't always what we expect it to be; just ask Mr. Darcy.

Award winning actor Rupert Graves, brings this writer's tribute to Jane Austen to life with his disarming charm.

There's an intense legal battle regarding a gift Sir Francis gives Henrietta that at its heart is about a woman's freedom.

Reading and listening to Austen At Sea, with historical cameos like Louisa May Alcott, was a delight. Though, I disagree with Henrietta's forgiveness at the end. I believe Jane Austen would've had that rogue thrown overboard. After all, she had her Pride and Prejudice when it came to the opposite sex.

I received free copies of this book/audiobook from MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.