The Austen Affair

When Tess Bright is booted off her successful teen series she finds her Hollywood career in a tailspin. After losing her mother she cannot seem to get her life back on track. But Jane Austen was her mother’s idol, the books and movies played on a continuous loop in the background of their lives. Finally a break, Tess is cast as the star of Northangar Abbey, because anything Austen she can manage to sink her teeth into. Her co-star Hugh, a stuffy Englishman who doesn’t think Tess is good enough for the part, makes this clear every chance he gets. One day while on set in Hampshire, England a terrible thunderstorm ensues. The two quarreling stars are struck by lightening (ok, I know it sounds ridiculous but carry on …) They awaken in a field still in costume only to realize they have time traveled to 1815. After being helped by neighbors and discovering Hugh’s long ago relatives the couple must make peace with each other to find a way back to the present. You must like Austen, time travel and goofy romances to enjoy this story. (Naturally, I loved it because I am a sucker for all three.) Adorable, light and funny, a needed respite from the world at large. Available September 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ordinary Love

Emily and her husband Jack have a beautiful brownstone on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With two adorable children they appear the picture perfect little family. Emily married young, right after college. Now, she finds herself trapped in a home where her husband gaslights, punishes and manipulates her on a daily basis. Convinced Jack truly loves her and their family unit, Emily ignores all the signs of abuse and makes excuses for Jack’s behavior. Slowly, her friends and family are banished from their lives. Previously a determined literary student at Harvard, Emily never dreamed she would find herself so adrift, painfully lonely. One evening she attends a fundraiser and runs into her old friend Gen Hall. In their hometown of Washford Ohio, Emily had helped Gen reach for her stars and escape their geographical limitations. Gen became a college track star and has now attained Olympic gold. She is famous, beautiful and Emily realizes that she never stopped loving her. This magnificent novel is about friendship, family, motherhood and love. Superbly written, it's a story about two people who learn to love themselves - and against all odds, allow themselves to be loved. Five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐