The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen (Austen Adventures Book 2) by Ada Bright, Cass Grafton Series: Austen Adventures #2
Published by Canelo Escape on November 7th 2019
Genres: Time-Travel, Romance
Pages: 322
Format: Kindle Edition, Paperback
Source: Author
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I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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.
After adoring The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen and getting that tantalizing teaser there at the end while needing to get more time with Rose and Aidan, I was primed and ready when this sequel arrived. Another engaging installment in the Austen Adventures series.
The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen is a follow up sequel and works best when read in order.
Rose and Aidan have just come to a tentative understanding to start seeing each other when who should appear back in Rose’s day, but Jane Austen herself requiring Rose to come with her back into the past because Jane needs her. Rose is pretty sure telling Aidan the truth and dragging him into this latest time-traveling venture will scotch her chances with him for good when he runs from the crazy woman who thinks her friend is the real Jane Austen and that she can travel through time. But, Aidan surprises her and stands fast even when forced into Regency gentleman’s attire and the inconveniences and mode of the past. She is not able to turn her focus to the mysterious mission Jane feels she needs to be there for in the past.
In my mind, it was only to be expected that after traveling into alternate reality and being such an Austen fan that Rose would get an adventure into Jane Austen’s past. I already thought this pair of authors treated well the situation of Rose, an Austen fan, and later Jane Austen’s arrival on scenee with their meticulous attention to all the important details. This was even more so when Rose and Aidan go into the past and see it all first person. Life in Regency Era Chawton Cottage and the Great House were brought vividly to life.
The characters were nicely fleshed out. Aidan’s enthusiasm for seeing his archeology projects two centuries before and exploring Regency life with a historian’s eye as he mingled with the Austen men and quietly strengthened his relationship with Rose. Then with Rose being troubled by the time travel, by a vulnerability where Aidan was concerned, and then of course her mixed feelings on the matter Jane wishes her to believe in. Later, there is the tension about being in the past or going back to the present. I felt Rose was come into her own and more confident in herself even with all the precarious situations she had to navigate.
The neatest part, as an Austen fan, was seeing Jane in the setting of her family that included her beloved sister Cassandra, her mother, and two of her brothers, Charles and Edward. They were all in on Jane’s secret and had varying responses to a time traveling, novel-writing family member. I was as jazzed as Rose’s bestie Morgan to see a literary rock star right where she lived.
But, probably the most poignant story thread wasn’t even the romance though I did love the deepening of that. It was a surprise reunion for Rose. I teared up a few times over it and particularly in the end.
This wasn’t a dramatic book, though there are most definitely tense moments, heartwarming scenes, and times of excitement. It was gentle and paced out slowly. There were lag moments for me when I was antsy for faster progress, but for the most part, I was content to relax into the world and characters’ lives the authors painted.
The catalyst for the story and the reason there was so much tension was Jane Austen’s charm. I loved getting the story behind it at last and seeing the charm necklace as a book character in itself.
Things ended on a high note, but I felt there was the opportunity for more story if the authors wished it. Because, yes, there was another tantalizing bit at the end that could lead to further adventures in time for Rose and Aidan.
All in all, this was a heartwarming, gentle story of time travel, love and friendship, family reunion, and a dream come true for a Jane Austen fan due to a dash of whimsy brought by a certain charm. Those who enjoy women’s fiction with a spot of magical realism and cozy time travel stories particularly if they are Jane Austen lovers should give this one a chance.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Gong to see Jane, well if she is nice 😉
She’s got a witty and sharp tongue, but very courteous. 🙂
I am a huge Austen fan so this sounds super cute!
You would probably get a kick out of it, kindlemom! 🙂
I like the sound of this, even though I’m usually not big on time travel stories for some reason. I’ll have to see if they have audio versions, and start with the first book. Wonderful review, Sophia Rose! 🙂
I have a good time with most of them especially when its going back to a era I would like to visit. 🙂 Hope you like it if you get the chance, Rachel. 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you for the detailed and thoughtful review, Sophia Rose, and most of all, for protecting the spoilers! Cass <3
I loved this and wanted everyone who read it to get those special surprise moments, too. Though, it was tough to not blab about the good stuff. LOL
So glad you could drop by, Cass! Means a lot.
I still have to give it a go, but I already noted the first instalment down, and I’m glad to hear you keep enjoying this series! When a book lover hears the name Jane Austen, it’s kinda hard to resist, isn’t it? 😉
Oh cool! Hope you end up liking it, Silvia.
Oh yes, I perk right up when I see something about Jane Austen in the title or blurb. 🙂
I’ve never read a Jane Austen book because I’m not sure it would be my kind of book but this sounds like it had a good story to it.
It was fun to have a modern gal traveling back and seeing her impressions of the past. 🙂
I knew this was your review… I do have the first on my extensive wishlist. Looks like I need to add this as well.
LOL, no tricking you even if I posted anonymously. 🙂 Oh cool, hope you enjoy it when you get the chance, Kimberly.
Sounds fun! Jane Austen plus time travel/ alt reality seems like it really works here!
Oh yes, its the Janeites version of Back to the Future, Greg! 🙂
Love the JAFF, and this sparked my interest I will have to check them out. Great post!
Glad to tempt you with a pair of lovely Jane fan stories, Stephanie! I enjoyed the combo of magic and Jane. 🙂
This sounds wonderful, and I love the Jane Austen/time travel combo. Such a unique premise.
Oh yes, Suzanne! The first book twists time with an alt reality situation and this one takes them back in time. So fun when it involves Jane Austen. 🙂
I do love a good time travel story. I haven’t read Jane Austen so I might miss a lot of the references though.
I think you’d be okay with these because its all made up and separate from the novels if you wanted to give them a go. There are some fun Harry Potter and Back to the Future references, too, Carole. 🙂
I love anything Jane Austen and this series sounds like so much fun!
Same here, Jennifer! Show me Jane Austen in it and I’m sold. I’ve enjoyed Cass’ books before and love this author duo series, too.
I haven’t heard of this series, but it does sound like something I’d like! I’m not an avid Austen fan/reader, but I do enjoy books that offer a twist or spin on the original content/characters. Thanks for sharing this one! I’m adding the first book to my TBR.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ☃💬
These remind me of the Janeite version of Back to the Future, Lindsi. Both had a fun time twist and the magic charm to them. Though, yeah, you do get a good dose of Austen so I hpe you like them if you get the chance. 🙂
What a great concept. A time traveling Jane Austen. Glad it please you as an Austen fan
Oh yes, it was a great bit of fun for a fan, Sam. 🙂
I am ashamed to confess that I have never read a Jane Austen’s novel! Though this book seems sweet and heartwarming!
No shame, Sophie! There are many classics I haven’t read, either. 🙂
It is definitely a charmer. 🙂
What a fantastic concept! I think that it would be so much fun to time travel with Austen. I will have to check this one out!
Woohoo! Hope you enjoy them when you get the chance, Lori!
I love Jane Austen novels so really excited to give this one a read. I love that this is a fictional imagining of her life but sounds as though Jane as the quick wit and sass that she infused her characters with. So glad you enjoyed this Sophia and absolutely beautiful review!
Oh cool, Kelly! Glad to put one in front of you that is right up your alley. These are fun for a fan to imagine themselves in the heroines shoes as she meets Jane Austen.