Jane Austen's First Love: A Novel by Syrie James

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

In the summer of 1791, fifteen-year-old Miss Jane Austen is determined to accomplish three things: to do something useful, write something worthy, and fall madly in love. While visiting at Goodnestone Park in Kent for a month of festivities in honor of her brother's engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bridges, Jane meets the boy-next-door—the wealthy, worldly, and devilishly handsome Edward Taylor, heir to Bifrons Park, and hopefully her heart! Like many of Jane’s future heroes and heroines, she soon realizes that there are obstacles—social, financial, and otherwise—blocking her path to love and marriage, one of them personified by her beautiful and sweet tempered rival, Charlotte Payler.

Unsure of her own budding romance, but confident in her powers of observation, Jane distracts herself by attempting to maneuver the affections of three other young couples. But when her well-intentioned matchmaking efforts turn into blundering misalliance, Jane must choose between following her own happily-ever-after, or repairing those relationships which, based on erroneous first impressions, she has misaligned.
my thoughts:

As a fan of Jane Austen, I've always been interested in books that depict her life and share a part of the history in which she lived and even created.  I especially enjoy fictitious versions of Austen as they tend to portray her in such a delightful and fun manner - smart, spunky, and resourceful (all of the things I'm sure she was, but magnified).  So, when I was offered the chance to read Syrie James' novel, Jane Austen's First Love, I eagerly accepted. Especially, since I had just finished Charlie Lovett's book, First Impressions, and was in the mood for more Austen inspired stories - the James book fell into my lap at the perfect time!

Syrie James' novel, Jane Austen's First Love, is the epitome of a mash-up between historical fiction and romance.
It has first love, matchmaking schemes, and courtship to make the romantics swoon over; along with the Georgian era as the time frame and backdrop to build the story lines around for the history buffs.   Plus, the creation of Jane Austen's first love at fifteen is the fiction that propels the story forward in a terrifically spellbinding manner.  I absolutely loved getting to know Austen through Jame's writing - she was as passionate about her writing as I would have expected her to be.  And reading about Jane struggling to stay true to her self, her heart, and her family was exciting.  James has written a refreshing and imaginative Austen-inspired story that truly seems to capture the essence of the Georgian era and Jane Austen herself.  I found the story to be a fun and delightful read.  The writing was engaging and showed what a creative mind James possesses.  And the characters were lively and very relatable - making it easy to befriend them.  I really enjoyed reading Jane Austen's First Love by Syrie James and would happily recommend it to fans of Syrie James and fans of Jane Austen - you will LOVE this book!!

Check out the link to Syrie Jame's website, along with the book tour schedule for: Jane Austen's First Love
And check out the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY being held by Syrie James over at her website: Syrie James

Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!