Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Introducing a new novel in the Jane Austen genre with an incredibly fresh new take. In Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, Courtney Stone wakes up one morning to find herself, not in her apartment in modern-day LA, but smack dab in the middle of Jane Austen-era London. While she tries to shake off what she assumes to be a very long, very realistic dream (or what she fears could be a mental breakdown) Courtney must find her way in this world she's only read about. But her Austen addiction pays off as she recalls the manners and customs and is able to carry herself like a true Austen heroine. There are some unexpected and unpleasant discoveries--most involving shall we say, one's toilette, and her teeth may never survive the nasty tasting tooth powder. But there are benefits as well--not the least of which is that empire waists are very flattering--as many of us are learning with this summer's fashions.

I loved this book (my confession--I read this on submission and we were not ultimately lucky enough to publish it) and raced through it in one night, I was so eager to find out what would happen, would she stay in this world, would she be found out, could she stay in this world? And I found myself wondering what I would do. The scene where she spies and then semi stalks the real Jane Austen is terrific. There is a book website dedicated to all things Austen and here is a q &a with author Laurie Viera Rigler plus the reading guide.

If we can't all live in a Jane Austen novel I say the next best thing is to go see Becoming Jane opening on Friday and then grab this book, head for your favorite comfortable chair, and immerse yourself. And if, when you're done, you still need a little more, check out the Austen guy's perspective with Darcy's Story.