The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay Thomas Nelson--FICTION

When Mary Davies is offered the chance to go to a luxurious Jane Austen escape in a manor house near Bath by her best friend Isabel, she is reluctant to leave.  However, her father persuades her and she is having problems at work and with the man to whom she is attracted, so she seizes the opportunity after all.

Although the manor is beautiful and they like the other people, the 'sharp edges' of their friendship start to get in the way. Isabel's troubled childhood led Mary's parents to help her, and Mary has often felt jealous.  She also envies Isabel's attraction for men. Isabel even reminds her of the vain, sly and amoral Isabella in Northanger Abbey - not an ideal person to have for a friend! During the holiday, she discovers even more about the real Isabel, leading her to re-examine her life, her values, and what is truly important.

This is a moving and charming love story, but although I loved the way that Katherine Reay cleverly references Jane Austen stories and uses Jane Austen quotes in the novel, I didn't like it as much as some of her other books.  I am not sure whether I would read it again.

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.