Two pairs of siblings, devotees of Jane Austen, find their lives transformed by a visit to England and Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother and keeper of a long-suppressed, secret legacy.
In Boston, 1865, Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, have accomplished as much as women are allowed in those days. Chafing against those restrictions and inspired by the works of Jane Austen, they start a secret correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother, now in his nineties. He sends them an original letter from his sister and invites them to come visit him in England.
In Philadelphia, Nicholas & Haslett Nelson—bachelor brothers, veterans of the recent Civil War, and rare book dealers—are also in correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, who lures them, too, to England, with the promise of a never-before-seen, rare Austen artifact to be evaluated.
The Stevenson sisters sneak away without a chaperone to sail to England. On their ship are the Nelson brothers, writer Louisa May Alcott, Sara-Beth Gleason—wealthy daughter of a Pennsylvania state senator with her eye on the Nelsons—and, a would-be last-minute chaperone to the Stevenson sisters, Justice Thomas Nash.
It's a voyage and trip that will dramatically change each of their lives in ways that are unforeseen, with the transformative spirit of the love of literature and that of Jane Austen herself.
Genre: Historical
In Boston, 1865, Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, have accomplished as much as women are allowed in those days. Chafing against those restrictions and inspired by the works of Jane Austen, they start a secret correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother, now in his nineties. He sends them an original letter from his sister and invites them to come visit him in England.
In Philadelphia, Nicholas & Haslett Nelson—bachelor brothers, veterans of the recent Civil War, and rare book dealers—are also in correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, who lures them, too, to England, with the promise of a never-before-seen, rare Austen artifact to be evaluated.
The Stevenson sisters sneak away without a chaperone to sail to England. On their ship are the Nelson brothers, writer Louisa May Alcott, Sara-Beth Gleason—wealthy daughter of a Pennsylvania state senator with her eye on the Nelsons—and, a would-be last-minute chaperone to the Stevenson sisters, Justice Thomas Nash.
It's a voyage and trip that will dramatically change each of their lives in ways that are unforeseen, with the transformative spirit of the love of literature and that of Jane Austen herself.
Genre: Historical
Praise for this book
"Jenner has assembled an eccentric, endearing cast of shipmates who become fast friends-thanks to the legacy of Jane Austen-in this heartwarming story that's sure to delight book lovers. The plot is chock full of romantic yearnings and unexpected twists, while at the same time offering up sly winks to Austen's novels. An absolute winner." - Fiona Davis
"No one writes about the power of literature quite like Natalie Jenner. In Austen at Sea she has returned to her roots, drawing threads of wisdom from Jane Austen's work and with them spinning a wholly original tale of life, loss, and the fight for women's rights. History lovers will appreciate Jenner's meticulous attention to historical detail, while fans of classic literature are sure to be delighted with cameos by Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen's sea-faring brother. But it is Jenner's deft weaving together of the light and comforting with the profound that truly shines in this stirring, thoughtful gem of a novel." - Molly Greeley
"Austen at Sea is an utterly immersive novel set just after the Civil War as a handful of American book-lovers journey to England by sea to meet Jane Austen's last remaining sibling, an aging sea captain now in his 90s who is hoping to preserve his sister's legacy before he passes away. Unexpected friendships form, romance blossoms, and deception lurks in this heartfelt story that Austen herself would certainly have loved... If you've ever found sustenance in a Jane Austen novel-or sought meaning in your own life through the power of books-this is the novel you've been waiting for. Full of heart, hope, and history." - Kristin Harmel
"Step into history with Austen at Sea, a fascinating literary treasure hunt and a transporting ride through one of the most pivotal periods of American and British history. When two daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court justice begin a correspondence with Jane Austen's brother, lives are upended, court cases ensue, and a mystery unfolds. With vivid historical detail and a wild and wonderful cast of characters from Louisa May Alcott to theatre impresarios, suffragists, and fortune tellers...Natalie Jenner does it again, [bringing] us into the life of Jane Austen with a fresh eye and a dazzling story." - Patti Callahan Henry
"Austen at Sea offers a pitch-perfect mix of mystery, travel adventure, and book club fun. Romantic, uplifting, and charming, I loved this smart story that featured several of my favorite historical figures and introduced me to a few new ones." - Elise Hooper
"Austen at Sea is a delightful novel and a brilliant tribute to pioneering writers like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. Jenner's irrepressible heroines stand shoulder to shoulder with Elizabeth Bennet and Jo March, women fighting to find love and meaning in a world that often refuses to acknowledge their humanity." - Elizabeth Gonzalez James
"A poignant and insightful story about two sisters on a transatlantic crossing making a bid for independence and finding love and personal freedom. Jenner brings Louisa May Alcott to vibrant life with her vivid cast of lovers and book lovers caught up in the struggle for women's rights and literary legacy. Alcott and Austen fans, rejoice!" - Virginia Kantra
"I could not love this novel more! From the glorious opening courtroom scene...to the brilliant and intrepid Stevenson sisters whose journeys, both outward and internal, are as bold and original as that of our most renowned fictional heroines, to the wonderfully whimsical cameo appearances of real-life literary legends such as Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens-this is a story so beautifully conceived and so full of lush Victorian ambiance that I found myself stopping every few pages just for the pleasure of reading it out loud. Austen at Sea is more than a charming comfort read for Austen enthusiasts. It is a masterfully crafted literary world and a dazzling commentary on female empowerment which will not only captivate but educate and inspire. Jenner's fourth novel is an absolute triumph!" - Lynda Cohen Loigman
"Save your money on that Jane Austen Festival and buy this book instead! Jenner has crafted the ultimate literary adventure with historic characters and events so artfully rendered that you'll find yourself wondering if this isn't exactly what happened- or should have. Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, navigate turbulent legal waters on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean while simultaneously inspiring the women in their path, including those of us reading their story. A novel of remarkable heart. Jane Austen would be proud!" - Sarah McCoy
"From post-Civil War America, an intrepid group of Jane Austen's ardent admirers traverse the Atlantic to visit Sir Francis Austen, the last surviving sibling of the esteemed authoress. In search of insights into Jane's writing and life, what they discover is much more than the knowledge they sought-meeting heroes and villains, passion and purpose. Jenner again reveals her skill as a master storyteller whose astute observations of human nature rival Austen's own. Readers will be delighted by her charming characters, engaging plot, and sensational denouement." - Laurel Ann Nattress
"Jane Austen fans will adore the spontaneous Stevenson sisters of Boston, Charlotte and Henrietta...With a deep understanding of Jane Austen history and a whip-smart sense of plot and pacing, this is a comedy of manners in the true Austen tradition." - Helen Simonson
"Austen at Sea is a book lover's dream! From Boston to the high seas to rural England to courthouses on both sides of the Atlantic, Jenner takes readers on a delightful bookish adventure that is certain to charm." - Martha Waters
"No one writes about the power of literature quite like Natalie Jenner. In Austen at Sea she has returned to her roots, drawing threads of wisdom from Jane Austen's work and with them spinning a wholly original tale of life, loss, and the fight for women's rights. History lovers will appreciate Jenner's meticulous attention to historical detail, while fans of classic literature are sure to be delighted with cameos by Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen's sea-faring brother. But it is Jenner's deft weaving together of the light and comforting with the profound that truly shines in this stirring, thoughtful gem of a novel." - Molly Greeley
"Austen at Sea is an utterly immersive novel set just after the Civil War as a handful of American book-lovers journey to England by sea to meet Jane Austen's last remaining sibling, an aging sea captain now in his 90s who is hoping to preserve his sister's legacy before he passes away. Unexpected friendships form, romance blossoms, and deception lurks in this heartfelt story that Austen herself would certainly have loved... If you've ever found sustenance in a Jane Austen novel-or sought meaning in your own life through the power of books-this is the novel you've been waiting for. Full of heart, hope, and history." - Kristin Harmel
"Step into history with Austen at Sea, a fascinating literary treasure hunt and a transporting ride through one of the most pivotal periods of American and British history. When two daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court justice begin a correspondence with Jane Austen's brother, lives are upended, court cases ensue, and a mystery unfolds. With vivid historical detail and a wild and wonderful cast of characters from Louisa May Alcott to theatre impresarios, suffragists, and fortune tellers...Natalie Jenner does it again, [bringing] us into the life of Jane Austen with a fresh eye and a dazzling story." - Patti Callahan Henry
"Austen at Sea offers a pitch-perfect mix of mystery, travel adventure, and book club fun. Romantic, uplifting, and charming, I loved this smart story that featured several of my favorite historical figures and introduced me to a few new ones." - Elise Hooper
"Austen at Sea is a delightful novel and a brilliant tribute to pioneering writers like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. Jenner's irrepressible heroines stand shoulder to shoulder with Elizabeth Bennet and Jo March, women fighting to find love and meaning in a world that often refuses to acknowledge their humanity." - Elizabeth Gonzalez James
"A poignant and insightful story about two sisters on a transatlantic crossing making a bid for independence and finding love and personal freedom. Jenner brings Louisa May Alcott to vibrant life with her vivid cast of lovers and book lovers caught up in the struggle for women's rights and literary legacy. Alcott and Austen fans, rejoice!" - Virginia Kantra
"I could not love this novel more! From the glorious opening courtroom scene...to the brilliant and intrepid Stevenson sisters whose journeys, both outward and internal, are as bold and original as that of our most renowned fictional heroines, to the wonderfully whimsical cameo appearances of real-life literary legends such as Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens-this is a story so beautifully conceived and so full of lush Victorian ambiance that I found myself stopping every few pages just for the pleasure of reading it out loud. Austen at Sea is more than a charming comfort read for Austen enthusiasts. It is a masterfully crafted literary world and a dazzling commentary on female empowerment which will not only captivate but educate and inspire. Jenner's fourth novel is an absolute triumph!" - Lynda Cohen Loigman
"Save your money on that Jane Austen Festival and buy this book instead! Jenner has crafted the ultimate literary adventure with historic characters and events so artfully rendered that you'll find yourself wondering if this isn't exactly what happened- or should have. Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, navigate turbulent legal waters on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean while simultaneously inspiring the women in their path, including those of us reading their story. A novel of remarkable heart. Jane Austen would be proud!" - Sarah McCoy
"From post-Civil War America, an intrepid group of Jane Austen's ardent admirers traverse the Atlantic to visit Sir Francis Austen, the last surviving sibling of the esteemed authoress. In search of insights into Jane's writing and life, what they discover is much more than the knowledge they sought-meeting heroes and villains, passion and purpose. Jenner again reveals her skill as a master storyteller whose astute observations of human nature rival Austen's own. Readers will be delighted by her charming characters, engaging plot, and sensational denouement." - Laurel Ann Nattress
"Jane Austen fans will adore the spontaneous Stevenson sisters of Boston, Charlotte and Henrietta...With a deep understanding of Jane Austen history and a whip-smart sense of plot and pacing, this is a comedy of manners in the true Austen tradition." - Helen Simonson
"Austen at Sea is a book lover's dream! From Boston to the high seas to rural England to courthouses on both sides of the Atlantic, Jenner takes readers on a delightful bookish adventure that is certain to charm." - Martha Waters
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