Whether you had to read her books for school or you just love the classics, it’s hard to go through life without reading at least one novel by Jane Austen. Even though Austen’s books are hundreds of years old, they still contain themes that are applicable to our modern lives. Her prolific works have been adapted into anything from movies to web series to satirical novels. If you love any aspect of Austen’s works, then you’re sure to find a great read on this list of books to read if you like Jane Austen.
Books to Read if You Like Jane Austen
The Abyss
Lara Blunte
Release Date: April 22, 2016
If your favorite part of Austen’s novels is the historical romance, then you’ll love The Abyss.
It’s 1803 during the regency of Prince John of Portugal, and Clara Moreira Tavares knows that her one job in life is to marry well. Nevertheless, that doesn’t stop her from falling in love with Gabriel Almada de Castro. He is the second son of the Marquis of Vargas, who disowns Gabriel when he learns of his relationship with Clara. They meet again years later in Rio de Janeiro after the regent and his people flee from Portugal. The lovers are able to marry, but their relationship will face many hardships along the way.
Buy on AmazonEligible
Curtis Sittenfeld
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Even though Eligible is one of many retellings of Pride and Prejudice, it will not disappoint fans of the original book.
When their dad has a health scare, Liz and Jane leave their life in New York City and return home to Cincinnati. Their sisters Kitty and Lydia are as crazy as ever, and Mary tends to keep to herself. While the oldest Bennet sisters are home, Mrs. Bennet is dead-set on finding them suitable husbands. Chip Bingley, handsome doctor and former star of the hit dating show Eligible, recently moved to Cincinnati, and he may be the man that Mrs. Bennet wants for her daughters.
Buy on AmazonBuy Nook BookBuy iBookFirst Comes Love
Emily Giffin
Release Date: June 28, 2016
If your favorite Austenian theme is the bond between sisters, then pick up First Comes Love.
Even though they are extremely different, Josie and Meredith Garland were close growing up. Unfortunately, their close bond was broken apart by a devastating tragedy. Fifteen years later, even though they are in very different places in life, the two sisters are brought back together to confront the issues that destroyed their relationship.
Buy on AmazonBuy Nook BookBuy iBookThe Decent Proposal
Kemper Donovan
Release Date: April 5, 2016
If you liked the comedic parts of Austen’s novels, you should read The Decent Proposal.
After struggling to succeed as a Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is worn out and broke. Elizabeth Santiago, a reserved and orderly young woman, is working hard to make partner at her law firm. Richard and Elizabeth’s lives are forced together when someone offers them a million dollars to split if they spend two hours talking each week for a year. What starts as an easy way to earn money turns into a hilarious journey of love and discovery.
Buy on AmazonBuy Nook BookBuy iBookThe Gilded Years
Karin Tanabe
Release Date: June 7, 2016
If you enjoy the historical aspects of Austen’s books, then you’ll love The Gilded Years.
Anita Hemmings has wanted to attend Vassar for as long as she can remember. By hiding her true identity, Anita becomes the only African-American student to ever attend Vassar. When she arrives and meets her high class roommate Lottie, she is sucked into the elite world and learns what it’s like to be treated like a wealthy white woman.
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Falling
Jane Green
Release Date: July 19, 2016
If you like Austen’s tales of love and family, then you’ll love Falling.
Emma Montague is desperately trying to find the life she wants to live. She moved away from her elite British life to work at a high-paying job in New York, but that doesn’t make her happy. She quits her job and moves again to Westport, Connecticut, a small town that’s extremely different from anything else she’s experienced. As she starts to discover her passions, she rents an old shack from a local handyman named Dominic. As they grow closer, she finally discovers what it means to feel at home.
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