Jane Austen Inspired Books

I love Jane Austen's books.

She had a way of telling a romantic story with grace and wit.

Today I thought I'd share a few books on my Jane Austen inspired reading list.


Captain Wentworth's Diary

Amanda Grange has written a series of books based on Jane's novels through the eyes of the men. I've read 'Mr. Darcy's Diary' and enjoyed Amanda's writing style and perspective on the story, 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Captain Wentworth is from the novel 'Persuasion' which is my second favorite, after 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Hoping this one is just as good. : )

Jane Austen Cover to Cover

When I first saw this book, I was intrigued. It discusses 200 years of Jane Austen covers.

Goodreads says here:  

"Jane Austen Cover to Cover compiles two centuries of design, from elegant Victorian hardcovers and the famed 1894 “Peacock” edition to 1950s pulp, movie tie-in editions, graphic novels, foreign-language translations, and many, many others."  

It also contains historical commentary and Austen trivia.

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen

I actually just discovered this book while looking for images for this post! It sounds like an inventive story based on Jane Austen's life, intermingled with her novel 'Persuasion.' Proposing that she shared her true love story through it's pages.

The back cover says:

"What if the tale Jane Austen told in her last, most poignant novel was actually inspired by momentous events in her own life? Did she in fact intend "Persuasion" to stand forever in homage to her one true love?" 

In the Garden with Jane Austen

“To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.”

One of my favorite Jane Austen quotes!

I'm really excited about having a look at this book! I not only love Jane Austen, but also love to flower garden. And like me, Jane loved it too. This book includes info on gardens Jane visited, as well as her own.

Goodreads says:

"With lush photos, social history, excerpts from the novels, information on her life, and period drawings, this book brings Georgian and Regency gardens and Jane Austen’s world to life."

Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin' Cornbread

There seems to be a bit of a 'Persuasion' theme here. : ) I didn't mean to do that!

Mary Jane Hathaway has a series of books with a Jane Austen theme set in the South. They are each a re-telling of Jane's classic stories. I've heard great things about these books and I'm willing to give them a try even though they aren't set in England. : )

Lizzy and Jane

I've read Katherine Reay's first novel, 'Dear Mr. Knightly' and was pleasantly surprise how much I enjoyed it. It has a modern day setting and had a wonderful depth to it I was not expecting.

I'm hoping to enjoy this one just as much. : )

The Forgotten Sister

This novel is based off of Mary, the middle daughter of 'Pride and Prejudice.' She was socially awkward and never seemed to fit in.

Though I've never been quite as extreme as the character of Mary was, I can relate to having outgoing sisters, while I was quiet, and being social awkward as an introvert.

I'm really looking forward to how this author shares Mary's story, from Mary's point of view.

The Jane Austen Handbook

This one sounds like a really fun and quirky book which shares life during the regency era of Jane Austen. 

It shares things like:

- How to behave at your first ball
- How to ride sidesaddle
- How to decline an unwanted marriage proposal
- How to improve your estate
- How to throw a dinner party

 It's sure to put a smile on my face. : )

Old Friends and New Fancies

Last, but not least, this novel was the first ever Jane Austen inspired sequel. It was published in 1914 and involves the characters from Jane Austen's novels.

 Goodreads describes it here:

"This is the ultimate Jane Austen sequel....Virtually all the characters left standing at the end of the novels-most particularly the unmarried ones-must all meet up... Broken engagements will follow, a few false trails and threatened unacceptable matches must be endured before the Forces of Good prevail." 

Have you read any good clean Jane Austen inspired books lately? Any of these? Let me know in the comments. I love a good recommendation. : )