‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

I love the world of Jane Austen. I love the stories she created and the era she lived in – Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favourite books (always a Bingley fan, never a Darcey one). Therefore, seeing this book on the shelf, I just knew I had to read and review it.

Published in May 2025, it gives readers plenty of time to investigate a few of the authors previous works; Miss Austen (also made into a four-part BBC adaptation) and Godmersham Park. This story, inspired by real people and real events, focuses on the lives of Mary Dorothea Knatchbull and Fanny Knight (Jane Austen’s eldest niece). When Fanny marries into the Knatchbull family you follow both characters journeys into this new way of life, the ups and the downs.

Though Jane was not around during this book, there were occasional glimpses into Fanny’s and her relationship. The author did a great job of capturing all the different personalities of the characters in the book (especially the Knight brothers), and she really did (intentionally or unintentionally) make you dislike certain people…. I think this gave the story added depth as I thought more about why the characters behaved a certain way and by the end, I felt I understood their development a lot more.

This book wasn’t all about the ‘happy ending’ that you may find in Jane Austen’s books, but the themes of female friendship, social duty and family expectations are more than strong enough to keep you captivated (and true love always wins out in the end).

With thanks to Penguin for an early copy of this book, which has been reviewed by Keighley_Reads for Tea Leaves & Reads. Fancy a signed copy? You can pre order from Tea Leaves & Reads now!

About the Book

1820. Mary Dorothea Knatchbull is living under the sole charge of her widowed father, Sir Edward – a man of strict principles and high Christian values.

But when her father marries Miss Fanny Knight of Godmersham Park, Mary’s life is suddenly changed.

Her new stepmother comes from a large, happy and sociable family and Fanny’s sisters become Mary’s first friends. Her aunt, Miss Cassandra Austen of Chawton, is especially kind. Her brothers are not only amusing, but handsome and charming.

And as Mary Dorothea starts to bloom into a beautiful young woman, she forms an especial bond with one Mr Knight in particular.

Soon, they are deeply in love and determined to marry. They expect no opposition. After all, each is from a good family and has known the other for some years.

It promises to be the most perfect match. Who would want to stand in their way?

About The Author

Gill Hornby is the author of the novels Miss Austen, The Hive, and All Together Now, as well as The Story of Jane Austen, a biography of Austen for young readers. Her most recent novel is Godmersham Park, also available from Pegasus Books. She lives in Kintbury, England, with her husband and their four children.

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