What Would Jane Austen Do?: A heartwarming, feel good and witty enemies to lovers romance novel perfect for Pride and Prejudice fans! - Kindle edition by Corbett, Linda. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

As summer draws to a close in my household, I was delighted to have the opportunity for a fun, light read from author Linda Corbett. Her contemporary novel What Would Jane Austen Do? holds a premise that was bursting with potential in my mind. Thankfully, I was not disappointed in this hope, and Corbett’s brisk read was the perfect title to finish out my last days of Summer 2023.Unlike the majority of the works of historical fiction that I review, What Would Jane Austen Do? is firmly set in the present day, with many references to pop culture, social media, modern communications and the like. However, main character Maddy Shaw has a significant portion of her heart set firmly in the 19th century world of Jane Austen. A Janeite of the first order, Maddy styles herself as a sort of modern “Emma”, providing romantic advice and wisdom as a columnist for an English periodical. She quotes Austen often and mentally considers how Jane would handle various situations. Through circumstances beyond her control, she finds herself sacked from the advice column position, living in a crumbling country estate, and planning a literary festival with no experience to do so. Making things even more complicated, life hands her another task. Maddy is saddled with a tenant– a grumpy, Darcy-esque gentleman who seemingly has no interest in romance.What Would Jane Austen Do? is written at a lively pace, holding my attention well but allowing for plot and character development. An air of mystery also hung over the narrative, as Maddy’s deceased relation Nigel had significant secrets which came to light over time. Romantic elements were expected, but as is mentioned by Maggie herself, the journey which characters take is what makes a work of romantic fiction interesting. While the tone of the story felt comfortable and familiar, the key elements never felt predictable, and I was often surprised at turns which occurred. This was especially true in the final few chapters, as questions surrounding the pasts of certain individuals were finally answered.From a content standpoint, Corbett’s writing is thoroughly modern and realistic, but the adult material is not overly graphic. There are a few colorful words on occasion and there is a clear implication of two characters becoming intimate, but the work is decidedly PG-rated in general. Many contemporary romances in the current age are far more colorful and steamy. I applaud Linda Corbett for her ability to write a compelling story in a way that fosters delicious romantic content without being heavy-handed with salacious details. I’m certain our dear Jane Austen would approve.What Would Jane Austen Do? is a fun summer read for those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, even if the reader is unacquainted with Austen’s work. The main characters of Maggie and Cameron were compelling, as they go on a journey in which they learn lessons about themselves, their families and their literary culture. Because of author Linda Corbett’s obvious love of literature, English country life, and relationships, she has brought her audience a delightful work of fiction that any romance reader can enjoy.

What Would Jane Austen Do was a delightful surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page right through the last. I can't tell you how many times I laughed, out loud! This is so well written I could not put it down.Linda Corbett is my new best author - friend. I hope she continues to write her sparling prose, enthralling new readers with her characters wit and charm.

While I do love most things Jane Austen, the Austen references felt a bit forced her. The story was also slow in parts... A litt!e steam would have helped. But, overall it was a fine read.

No wonder that Jane Austen’s legacy looms. In this modern day twist, an Austen devotee discovers the relevancy and perfection of Austen’s wisdom when she receives a gift of a residence from an uncle she had never met. And suddenly in this quaint village, she is guided by Austen.

"Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience - or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope."What can I say... this book was absolutely brilliant in every possible way.Setting 5/5Major part of the story after the beginning, takes place in a british countryside. And you get everything what a small community is like. This is what I truly like in the "small town stories" where you truly can feel it. The place, the people and the story following with it. I've got everything what such a story should have.Plot 5/5From the beginning to the very end the plot was well thought through. The mystery of why Maddy was inheriting the cottage mansion in the countryside from her uncle who passed away and she didn't have ability to get to know him. And yet she heard so much from her family who actually didn't like him. And yet there is so much more to this story, mixed with the small community who actually ended to have entirely different thoughts of her uncle than her family.In my opinion the plot was well balanced, adding some "enemy to lovers" theme which I absolutely am a fan of and in this story it was very well balanced, thought through. And adding Jane Austen? Perfect idea it was, reminding me how much I actually adore her.Engagement 5/5I was engaged from start to finish and couldn't actually put it down. Mostly I actually listened to the audiobook because the narrator was absolutely fabulous in the way she read, telling the story and changing voices depending on the character, creating such a wonderful storytelling.I laughed, I cried and I was even upset and happy eventually. All emotions were going through me during those around 10h of reading/listening.Characters 5/5The main characters Mady and Luke were written soooo perfectly well, just the way the adult people should be! With flaws absolutely but they were just so likeable, even Mr Grumpy. And I cannot forget about the faithful and utterly adorable Buster, the dog.Other people from the community were also well thought and there was absolutely variety of characters and all of them were truly colourful. I really liked to get to know about all of them, not just about the main characters.Style 5/5What can I say, Linda Corbett is becoming one of my favourite authors already and I can't wait to read her other novel she wrote. And I am hopeful to read more of her work because it is clear how much she cares to bring a wonderful story for the reader which was going to grip you till the last pages. I could absolutely feel that British feeling of a small countryside and the style of writing in itself was indicating it. I loved it.