I’ve been posting mini reviews to Instagram Stories {and saving to the Summer of Jane highlight}, but wanted to do an official wrap-up post here on the blog. In spite of my ambitions, I got off to a slow start and wasn’t quite able to reach Elizabeth Bennet status. Once my library holds got a bit more manageable, I was able to finish stronger, reading the most books in August.

Summer of Jane results: I read 5 books, and actually expanded my collection. Oops? Of course I procured a copy of The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and when a group of Austenesque Authors had a JAFF-freebie bonanza the end of June, I took full advantage and added 12 ebooks to my Kindle Library. And because “Jane Season” cannot be limited, I’ve got my eyes on several upcoming Austenesque books {which I may or may not have already added and/or preordered}, so go ahead and mark your reading calendar for another Summer of Jane next year.

Emma of 83rd Street | Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding | Gallery | 2023
Contemporary retelling of “Emma” that keeps the heart of the original in a very modern context. Loved the art history element, and the updates to some of the characters/portrayals. Some mature elements*, but done well. Love the obvious set up for future books, and cannot wait to read them!
*Drinking, Language, Open Door Romantic Scenes

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh | Claudia Gray | Vintage | 2024
I love this series. I love that Gray is so obviously a Janeite, and gives us exactly what we didn’t know to wish for. I love these characters. This installment is a little slower than previous books, and after cherishing such fond hopes I’m perturbed to still be waiting for a Jonathan + Juliet pairing. However it was grand fun to read, and Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are so deliciously spot-on. Eagerly waiting to find out who we kill off next!

Murder in Highbury | Vanessa Kelly | Kensington | 2024
If you read my Upcoming Releases post, you know this was one of my highly-anticipated reads. The author graciously sent me an early copy of the book via NetGalley, and y’all. Yes. Definitely add this one to your TBR and be watching for the October release. {I’m already ready for Book 2!}
The tone and feel are true to Austen’s original, and it was so lovely to be back in Highbury and with old friends again. I loved seeing Emma and Knightley as a married couple, and deeply appreciated that while we are informed they’re very much enjoying married life, particulars are left to our imagination. {I don’t mind spice, but in this case it works so beautifully to not be told. Knightley would not approve of a sexy scene being shared, hehe}. The murder and subsequent investigation are twisty and convoluted and of course our dear Emma is going to be involved.

Pride | Ibi Zoboi | HarperAudio | 2018
Listening to this on audio was the right choice: the narrator (an author in her own right) was exceptional, especially with the poetry portions.
As a Pride and Prejudice update/retelling it does a decent job modernizing the story – although some aspects felt a bit of a stretch. As a story of its own, it’s very well done. The conclusion feels a bit rushed, but that sometimes happens when you’re trying to fit P&P into a different context.

Elizabeth of East Hampton | Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding | Gallery | 2024
Another highly anticipated new release I had to purchase and read immediately. I technically finished reading this one in September, but since the official wrap-up post wasn’t ready yet, it counts for Summer of Jane 2024.
A delightful summer-spanning remix of P&P, where the Bennets own a bakery and Jane+Charlie are uber nerds. I loved the update for all the sisters, and that Mrs B is into self-created MLM schemes. Will Darcy as an only child does change the narrative a bit, but it works (big fan of found family, and loved seeing names in the friend group that I’m sure will be in future stories). It’s fun, it’s breezy, it’s the perfect amount of wacky, and I actually very much appreciated the lack of Collins.
*This one also contains Open Door Romantic Scenes.

If I’m honest with myself, I knew Elizabeth Bennet status reading would be a stretch – there were too many other books {and things} taking my attention. However, I am very pleased with the 5 books I did read, and made progress cleaning up my TBR a little. Diving back into Austenesque reading, as well as the two Jane Austen-y Hallmark movies I’ve watched in the last two weeks, reignited the Janeite fires. While I’m already planning for another official reading campaign next summer, I’m also hoping/planning to keep reading my Jane books into the cozy season. I even have some that count for My Christmas is Booked, which will be extra fun.

Did you read any Austenesque books this summer?