Spotlight on: The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

From the publisher:

Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut

Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It’s not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.

A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.

A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.

My thoughts:

Having just spent a semester reading all six of Austen’s major novels, I loved the experience of entering her world. I have also enjoyed a number of Austen spinoffs so was curious about this title. It offers a fun and entertaining read.

Northanger Abbey was the final Austen book that I read so it was fresh in my mind when I picked up this novel. It was entertaining to think about what the protagonists, feuding though they may be, would do with an Austen adaptation.

When Tess and Hugh are sent back in time due re to an accident, readers are given immersion in Austen’s time. How will the two from times manage there? And, how will they get back to the modern world? Readers will enjoy finding out as they watch the relationship between Tess and Hugh evolve.

The Austen Affair is an entertaining enemies to lovers story. It offers a nice escape. Kirkus Reviews agrees, giving this title one of its coveted stars.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All opinions are my own. Also thanks to Macmillan for the audio of this title. I went back and forth, reading when I could and listening while on the go. The narration was engaging and enhanced my experience with this title.

Pub date: 16 September 2025