Jane Austen’s First Love by Syrie James

Jane Austen’s First Love by Syrie James
Series: N/A
Published by Berkley on August 5, 2014
Genres: Love, Romance, Jane Austen
Pages: 400 : Paperback edition
Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
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Inspired by Actual Events
Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor—a fascinating young man who is truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race—and he seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another seeking his attention

Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?

Be still my beating heart! Syrie James you have done it once again! Jane Austen’s First Love is truly a masterpiece. While I was reading this entire novel, I felt as if it was really Jane Austen speaking to me and revealing all her innermost feelings about Edward Taylor and the summer she spent in Kent with her brother and family.

I loved how there were little pieces here and there that seemed as if they directly inspired some of Jane Austen’s best works (which I think is all of them because Jane Austen is the queen!). Jane Austen was given a youthful, yet incredibly perceptive voice as she observed everyone around her. Thank you Syrie James for bringing life to an author that we so dearly wish we knew more about, but often can only speculate on.

Is it too presumptuous for me to say that  Syrie James herself, in regards to prose, is a modern day Jane Austen? 🙂

If you are a fan of Jane Austen and romance go pick this up right away!