I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell, Tess Bright is a struggling actress who’s also dealing with the recent loss of her mother to cancer. After getting fired from her previous acting job, she knows she basically has one last chance: the upcoming film adaptation of Northanger Abbey. However, her co-star Hugh Balfour doesn’t seem to like her, and the two of them having chemistry is vital to the success of this movie. Then, a freak accident on set has them flying backwards in time to the real Regency era. Together, Tess and Hugh will have to navigate this society, remain undetected as walking anachronisms, and figure out how to get back home. That is, if they can find a way to get along.

Is this predictable? Yes. Is it nonetheless cute? Also yes.

I knew exactly what this book was going to be going into it, but I’m in the middle of two long fantasy novels (one physical, one audio) and I needed something easy in between, and this fit the bill perfectly. It’s a charming story with a fun cast. I quite liked Tess. She’s a witty heroine with plenty of quirks and insecurities. I could see how some readers might find her a little annoying, and she is rather dramatic at times, but it works for the modern-Jane-Austen vibes of this book. As for Hugh, he reminds me a lot of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy, which was definitely deliberate on the part of the author. And frankly, that’s fine with me, because I love Mr. Darcy.

Seeing these two people forced to integrate rapidly into the Regency upper middle class was entertaining. The surrounding cast of supporting characters are entertaining, especially the young George. All of these people would fit right in within Jane Austen’s pages. It’s clear that Bell has a great love for those novels, and this homage is sweet. She’s not exactly reinventing the wheel when it comes to Austen adaptations, but this book is such charming, self-indulgent fun that you can’t help but let yourself get swept away in it anyway.

I also thought the love story was good. It’s obvious what the outcome is going to be, of course, but it was great to see Tess and Hugh get to know each other better and learn that—as the casting director noted—they actually do have chemistry. I like how they balance each other out: Hugh is more serious and reserved, while Tess is exuberant and eager to please. They help each other grow, and that’s very sweet to see.

The sci-fi elements (ie, how they were zapped back in time) are pretty weak, but that’s to be expected. If anything, the time travel is a mere plot device to force these two to work as a team and to grow closer. It doesn’t have to make sense, so who cares. But if you’re wanting actual sci-fi time travel drama, this isn’t the book for that.

In the end, The Austen Affair is a delightful romp, and exactly what it says on the tin. Jane Austen quotes and allusions abound, and the historical details help ground the rather cheesy (but enjoyable) romance. It’s a lighthearted story with obviously a lot of heart behind it. If you like Jane Austen or other historical romances, definitely read this!

The Austen Affair will be published on September 16th, 2025!