The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen
by Ada Bright and Cass Crafton
Series: Austen Adventures, Book 2
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Friendship, Historical Fiction, Adult
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Pages: 322
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Rating: ★★★★★
Rose Wallace thought her time-travelling adventures were over. Jane Austen is about to prove her wrong.
After becoming trapped in present-day Bath due to a mishap with her time-travelling charm, Jane Austen is safe and sound back in the 1800s thanks to Rose’s help. Now, Rose is ready to focus on her fledgling romance with dreamy Dr Aiden Trevellyan.
But when Jane reappears in the present, it looks like Rose and Aiden have no choice but to follow her back to 1813…
Staying in the Austen household, Rose and Aiden are introduced to a number of interesting figures from the past, including Jane’s eccentric – and surprisingly modern – neighbour. Suddenly Rose’s life is in need of a re-write as she discovers some unexpected ties to Jane Austen’s world and her past.
Review
The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen (TUPoMJA) was fabulous. I started reading it immediately after finishing The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen. Having so enjoyed book 1, I had high hopes for TUPoMJA and I wasn’t disappointed.
Almost the entirety of the story takes place in 1813. It’s fun to read about Aiden and Rose attempting to follow 19th century etiquette and mores. The look at Jane’s family dynamics and interactions was delightful, as well. I’m no expert on the Austen family, so I’m going to assume the historical information referenced was well-researched and correct.
Like its predecessor, this story doesn’t feature many unexpected twists and turns (despite the title), but it’s heartwarming. I imagine almost anyone could find something to connect with, to relate to.
Click to Reveal Spoilers
Rose finding her father in Austen’s time was an interesting addition, and, coupled with Jane’s trouble with her necklace, leads you to believe she may stay in the past. Aiden’s injury provides a reason and urgency to return to present day.
Receiving her father’s and family’s mementos and history was great, but I wish her response to the content of what she received had been include. Instead, we got another cliffhanger! Though not nearly as crazy as the last one.
I sincerely hope we get some closure with a third book. I want to see more of Rose and Aiden together, and I want to know who left the note. It could have been Jane, or it coule have been Christopher.
Overall, I highly recommend TUPoMJA. Read both books, really. They’re worth reading.
About the Authors
Ada Bright
Ada has lived all her life in Southern California, which makes her intolerant to any weather above or below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. She grew up much more fond of reading than sports or socializing and still tends to ignore everyone she loves, all her responsibilities and basic life needs when she’s in the middle of a book.
She is luckily married to a handsome and funny man who doesn’t mind that the laundry never gets put away and she has three amazing children. Ada spent over a decade as a photographer before dedicating herself to writing, though she still believes that life should be documented well and often.
There is nothing she loves more than a good, subtle love story whether it be in real life, tv, movie, theatre or book form… well, except cake. She also really loves cake.
Author links: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter
Cass Grafton
A proud bookworm since childhood, Cass writes the sort of stories she loves to read – heart-warming, character driven and strong on location. Having moved around extensively and lived in three countries, she finds places inspiring and the setting of her novels often becomes as much a part of the story as her characters.
She has an over-active imagination, is prone to crying with happiness as much as she is at sadness, but when it comes to her writing she leans heavily towards the upbeat and insists on a happy ever after. As one of her favourite authors, Jane Austen, once wrote, ‘let other pens dwell on guilt and misery’.
Cass loves travelling, words, cats and wine, and enjoys them in any combination. She currently splits her time between Switzerland, where she lives with her husband, and England, where she lives with her characters.
Author links: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter
Disclaimer: This review is based on an eBook I purchased from Amazon on January 10, 2020.
