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Christmas With Miss Austen
Julia Allen is a waitress by day, painter by night, and a famous 1800s authoress on weekends. Moonlighting as Jane Austen for a historical open house is a strange hobby for a contemporary artist, but Julia loves the role—until she falls asleep and gets locked inside after all the visitors are gone! Rushing home from the dark, historical mansion, she collides with a stranger in the snowy park, and discovers later her shortcut cost her the rare copy of Austen's Northanger Abbey borrowed from a friend's treasured collection. Book historian Eliot Weston thinks he imagined the Regency-era figure, but the book he finds in her wake proves otherwise. The first edition of Jane Austen's novel is authentic and incredibly rare, but he fails to find any trace of its owner. Reminders of the unusual encounter keep popping up, however, like the pretty modern artist eager to buy an identical volume. Coincidence? Or Divine intervention making it clear this is anything but an ordinary Christmas for these two hearts?
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2011
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Laura Briggs
100 books118 followersLaura Briggs is the bestselling author of multiple lighthearted romance books, including the Amazon UK Top 100's LATE TO THE WEDDING and the popular A WEDDING IN CORNWALL series. Since her debut with Pelican Book Group's inspirational novella ONLY IN NOVELS, she has worked both with publishers and as an independent author, as well as partnering with others writers, including working under a pen name in other genres. She loves vintage fashion, classic movies, British melodrama, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 4, 2018
This is a cute modern romance. We have Julia Allen, a coffee shop waitress with a sassy kind of appearance with pink hair and hip clothes. Her passion is painting in a contemporary style melding Regency figures with Piccasso-like images. Oh, and she also moonlights on weekends in the role of Jane Austen doing readings from the author's famous books at a historic home in Delaford, Massachusetts.
When Julia loses a first edition copy of Northanger Abbey a friend had loaned her, she is desperate to replace it before her friend returns from a trip. This leads her to Dr. Eliot Weston, a book historian and university professor. What she doesn't know is that he's the one who found it after she dropped it. However, Julia doesn't mention that she lost a copy, only telling him that she's looking to find and buy one. Although Eliot finds it an amazing coincidence, he never mentions that he's searching for the owner of the same book, which he recently found. Sparks fly between the two, and they meet to look through various bookstores and markets for the rare edition.
I think it relies too heavily on numerous coincidences to drive the plot forward. Also, while I can understand Julia's reluctance to admit to Eliot that she was careless enough to lose such a valuable book that wasn't even her own, it's hard to fathom why Eliot wouldn't mention the coincidence as the two got closer.
However, it's fun to spot all the various names of characters and places from Jane Austen's books that pop up. Julia and Eliot are engaging characters who approach life prayerfully. This is simply a short, sweet, feel-good story.
I received a copy from NetGalley with no promise of a favorable review.
When Julia loses a first edition copy of Northanger Abbey a friend had loaned her, she is desperate to replace it before her friend returns from a trip. This leads her to Dr. Eliot Weston, a book historian and university professor. What she doesn't know is that he's the one who found it after she dropped it. However, Julia doesn't mention that she lost a copy, only telling him that she's looking to find and buy one. Although Eliot finds it an amazing coincidence, he never mentions that he's searching for the owner of the same book, which he recently found. Sparks fly between the two, and they meet to look through various bookstores and markets for the rare edition.
I think it relies too heavily on numerous coincidences to drive the plot forward. Also, while I can understand Julia's reluctance to admit to Eliot that she was careless enough to lose such a valuable book that wasn't even her own, it's hard to fathom why Eliot wouldn't mention the coincidence as the two got closer.
However, it's fun to spot all the various names of characters and places from Jane Austen's books that pop up. Julia and Eliot are engaging characters who approach life prayerfully. This is simply a short, sweet, feel-good story.
I received a copy from NetGalley with no promise of a favorable review.
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November 19, 2019Christmas with Miss Austen is a novella by Laura Briggs set in the present that follows Julia Allen, a waitress and painter who portrays Jane Austen during a historical open house. Julia manages to fall asleep while in character, reading a first edition of Northanger Abbey that was borrowed from a friend, and as she rushes home in the dark, she bumps into a mysterious man in the park and manages to lose the book.
It's no surprise that when she learns the book is missing she panics, wondering how she will be able to cough up thousands of dollars to replace her friend's beloved, rare edition. Meanwhile, local professor and book historian Elliot Weston tries to locate the mysterious Regency figure in order to return the lost book. He knows its worth and its importance to its owner. And he also was entranced by the woman in the park, wondering if she was real.
Briggs manages to create the perfect atmosphere in the park for a mysterious encounter, and as Julia and Elliot are brought together in search of a book and its rightful owner, they find a connection, as both are drawn to a mix of the historical and the contemporary in their respective fields. Their banter is sweet, but of course, they are hiding things from each other given what is at stake, and that makes for some interesting misunderstandings.
It was hard to imagine that someone would be so careless with such a rare book, and with so many coincidences, it was hard to believe that it took so long for Julia and Elliot to figure it all out. But overall, Christmas with Miss Austen was a fun book, and I would definitely read something by this author again.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
It's no surprise that when she learns the book is missing she panics, wondering how she will be able to cough up thousands of dollars to replace her friend's beloved, rare edition. Meanwhile, local professor and book historian Elliot Weston tries to locate the mysterious Regency figure in order to return the lost book. He knows its worth and its importance to its owner. And he also was entranced by the woman in the park, wondering if she was real.
Briggs manages to create the perfect atmosphere in the park for a mysterious encounter, and as Julia and Elliot are brought together in search of a book and its rightful owner, they find a connection, as both are drawn to a mix of the historical and the contemporary in their respective fields. Their banter is sweet, but of course, they are hiding things from each other given what is at stake, and that makes for some interesting misunderstandings.
It was hard to imagine that someone would be so careless with such a rare book, and with so many coincidences, it was hard to believe that it took so long for Julia and Elliot to figure it all out. But overall, Christmas with Miss Austen was a fun book, and I would definitely read something by this author again.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
November 3, 2018
I am usually not a big fan of novellas as they are very difficult to make into a complete story, so it takes some masterful writing to do it. This one with a new-to-me author was absolutely splendiferous!! A touch of Jane Austen, a hint of romance, a speck of mystery all rolled into one delightful Christmas read starring a quirky painter with an affinity for Jane Austen books and a hunky, reading addicted, historical fiction professor who loves the regency period. A quick read to curl up in front of the fire and enjoy a cup of cider while reading. Don't miss this one.
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Pelican Book Group for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Cute story, very short.
Cute story, very short.
December 31, 2018
Christmas With Miss Austen (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) by [Briggs, Laura]I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once I saw the name Austen in the title I was sold. I had a feeling I would like this book.
Julia Allen is a busy lady. She is a waitress, a painter and an 1800s authoress. She attends a historical open house as Jane Austen and she loves it. Then she gets locked inside after falling asleep. When she heads home she runs into a stranger, Eliot Weston. Weston thinks he must have imagined that historical figure. In her rush to go home, Julia loses a friends rare copy of Northanger Abbey. Weston finds it but cannot find any identification in it as to who the owner is.
This is a short book, 59 pages, and is a sweet Christian romance. I love the way there are little references to Jane Austen through the book. This is a nice, easy, fun read.
Once I saw the name Austen in the title I was sold. I had a feeling I would like this book.
Julia Allen is a busy lady. She is a waitress, a painter and an 1800s authoress. She attends a historical open house as Jane Austen and she loves it. Then she gets locked inside after falling asleep. When she heads home she runs into a stranger, Eliot Weston. Weston thinks he must have imagined that historical figure. In her rush to go home, Julia loses a friends rare copy of Northanger Abbey. Weston finds it but cannot find any identification in it as to who the owner is.
This is a short book, 59 pages, and is a sweet Christian romance. I love the way there are little references to Jane Austen through the book. This is a nice, easy, fun read.
October 18, 2015
What a interesting concept for a Christmas story! Julia is a girl of many talents and trades--she paints, in an edgy way (modern meets history), she's a waitress, and she dresses up as Jane Austen for various events. One night, she falls asleep on her Jane Austen job, and in her rush to get home, she drops a very valuable book. In an effort to locate it, she finds herself meeting book historian, Eliot, who is the man she glimpsed in her midnight run home. Different event bring these two together time and again.
Julia is such an intriguing character. She marches to her own drum and almost seems embarrassed about some of her hobbies. She has so many facets to her personality and character and it's entertaining to watch them all come to light. Eliot is more serious and scholarly, yet he has the streak of a dreamer in him. They're both on quests for different things and I loved watching things unfold.
My favorite thing about the story is the interactions. Julia and Eliot have the beginnings of chemistry and Eliot and his sister have such a fun sibling relationship. This is a fun addition to any reader who loves Jane Austen and Christmas.
Content: no language; mild romance; mild religious elements (thought prayers). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Julia is such an intriguing character. She marches to her own drum and almost seems embarrassed about some of her hobbies. She has so many facets to her personality and character and it's entertaining to watch them all come to light. Eliot is more serious and scholarly, yet he has the streak of a dreamer in him. They're both on quests for different things and I loved watching things unfold.
My favorite thing about the story is the interactions. Julia and Eliot have the beginnings of chemistry and Eliot and his sister have such a fun sibling relationship. This is a fun addition to any reader who loves Jane Austen and Christmas.
Content: no language; mild romance; mild religious elements (thought prayers). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
November 24, 2016
This is a cute Christmas novella.
December 20, 2020
Cute romantic short read for the holidays. Book nerd meets artist with a secret life. Lost valuable books, misunderstanding...sweet.
October 1, 2021
A Sweet and Quick Read
If you love reading but don’t want to spend a lot of time, Christmas with Miss Austen is a sweet and quick read. Of course you could draw it out, but I guarantee you’ll get caught up in this story and finish before you know it. Between Julia losing a borrowed antique book and Eliot trying to find the mysterious girl dressed in Regency clothes, this sweet little story will have you rooting for both of them. Will it all work out? You’ll have to read for yourself.
If you love reading but don’t want to spend a lot of time, Christmas with Miss Austen is a sweet and quick read. Of course you could draw it out, but I guarantee you’ll get caught up in this story and finish before you know it. Between Julia losing a borrowed antique book and Eliot trying to find the mysterious girl dressed in Regency clothes, this sweet little story will have you rooting for both of them. Will it all work out? You’ll have to read for yourself.
December 25, 2019
Julia & Jane
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
I liked this simple Christmastime story. Julia plays Jane but does not talk about it much. If she did this would have been a very short story. I think the ending was perfect.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
I liked this simple Christmastime story. Julia plays Jane but does not talk about it much. If she did this would have been a very short story. I think the ending was perfect.
September 18, 2018
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
December 19, 2018
3.5–A sweet Christmas novella
November 17, 2018
Christmas with Miss Austen by Laura Briggs is a sweet book. Julia Allen is a waitress and artist who also moonlights as Jane Austen during a Christmas event. In search of a valuable first edition book she meets a book historian, Eliot Weston who helps her try to find it. Neither one realizes or asks the right questions to locate the book she is looking for. Can they find the rare book before its to late? Great book to read at Christmas.
I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
September 1, 2015
A huge thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I am one of those people that wants Christmas to be all year round and loves nothing more than Christmas trees, lights, wrapping presents and winter days, so reading a wintry, Christmas book in August is just what I needed to get me looking forward to this years festivities!
This is a very short novella that combines, contemporary and chic-lit fiction with the plot of old fashioned Christmas films to give you a warm festive feeling and a book that you just can't put down.
As a big Jane Austen fan, the book intrigued me just from the blurb and I wanted to see how Laura wrote her into the modern day, the way she does is brilliant but very unexpected!
Julia is a character I really liked, she is a real woman and I think a lot of women could relate to her. She is kind, caring and is trying to make up for her mistake. She is a waitress to pay the bills, an artist to fulfil her love of painting and for extras, and spends her free time dressing up as Jane Austen and reads a borrowed first edition of Northanger Abbey. When she falls asleep and is left in work late at night, she rushes home dressed as Jane, being in a hurry Julia bumps into a handsome stranger. This is when everything changes.
Eliot is the handsome stranger who bumps into a women that he is sure is dressed as Jane Austen. When she runs away and disappears so quickly, Eliot starts to convince himself he has seen a ghost, until he discovers that she’s dropped a valuable first edition of Northanger Abbey.
This starts the beginning of a beautiful love story that we see develop so wondefully in front of us, you begin to wonder if it is real.
I was hooked on this book from the first few pages and finished it in a hour, it is a perfect novel to get you into the Christmas spirit (even this early) and I give you permission to read this whilst listening to Christmas songs..go on you know you want to! I would recommend this to anybody, young or old as there is something for everyone in this book, history, fiction and a lot of romance.
I am one of those people that wants Christmas to be all year round and loves nothing more than Christmas trees, lights, wrapping presents and winter days, so reading a wintry, Christmas book in August is just what I needed to get me looking forward to this years festivities!
This is a very short novella that combines, contemporary and chic-lit fiction with the plot of old fashioned Christmas films to give you a warm festive feeling and a book that you just can't put down.
As a big Jane Austen fan, the book intrigued me just from the blurb and I wanted to see how Laura wrote her into the modern day, the way she does is brilliant but very unexpected!
Julia is a character I really liked, she is a real woman and I think a lot of women could relate to her. She is kind, caring and is trying to make up for her mistake. She is a waitress to pay the bills, an artist to fulfil her love of painting and for extras, and spends her free time dressing up as Jane Austen and reads a borrowed first edition of Northanger Abbey. When she falls asleep and is left in work late at night, she rushes home dressed as Jane, being in a hurry Julia bumps into a handsome stranger. This is when everything changes.
Eliot is the handsome stranger who bumps into a women that he is sure is dressed as Jane Austen. When she runs away and disappears so quickly, Eliot starts to convince himself he has seen a ghost, until he discovers that she’s dropped a valuable first edition of Northanger Abbey.
This starts the beginning of a beautiful love story that we see develop so wondefully in front of us, you begin to wonder if it is real.
I was hooked on this book from the first few pages and finished it in a hour, it is a perfect novel to get you into the Christmas spirit (even this early) and I give you permission to read this whilst listening to Christmas songs..go on you know you want to! I would recommend this to anybody, young or old as there is something for everyone in this book, history, fiction and a lot of romance.
April 23, 2016
Julia Allen makes her living as a waitress but her real passion is painting; something she does in her off time. She also loves portraying Jane Austen at a Christmas open house at one of the historical homes in town. One evening, she fell asleep in the mansion after all the guests had left. When she awakens it's late and she rushes home in the dark, still dressed as Jane Austen, and collides with a stranger which causes her to drop the rare and extremely valuable copy of Northanger Abbey that she borrowed from a friend. Knowing she must replace the book before her friend returns from vacation, she seeks help from Eliot Weston. Eliot Weston thinks he may have dreamed up his encounter with the lady dressed in Regency-era clothes, except he finds the book she dropped. Knowing the value of it he wants to find its rightful owner. Julia is nothing like the girl in his late-night encounter but she is seeking to find a copy of that exact book. Not to mention there is something about her that draws him in. What happens when Julia finds out that Eliot has the book she's looking for? Will Eliot ever figure out who the lady of his late night encounter was?
I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story and thought it had the makings of a good Hallmark movie. The characters were very well drawn and I felt like I really got to know them. This is a 'feel good' story so you won't find any major conflicts, which makes for a nice soothing read. I've read two books by this author and both have been very good. If you're looking for a quick, romantic, intriguing read then look no further. Christmas with Miss Austen is a fun story that can really be enjoyed any time of year. I look forward to seeking out other books by Laura Briggs.
*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story and thought it had the makings of a good Hallmark movie. The characters were very well drawn and I felt like I really got to know them. This is a 'feel good' story so you won't find any major conflicts, which makes for a nice soothing read. I've read two books by this author and both have been very good. If you're looking for a quick, romantic, intriguing read then look no further. Christmas with Miss Austen is a fun story that can really be enjoyed any time of year. I look forward to seeking out other books by Laura Briggs.
*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
December 19, 2011
This is one of those stories that’s a crossover from bygone days to contemporary (without time travel). I can well imagine lovers of historical titles would enjoy this as much as contemporary fans (of which I am one).
Julia Allen is a women of many talents and interests. Waitress by day, artist by night, and historical actress on weekends, what a combination! But somehow, this strange mix suits her as we get to know Julia with all her quirky leanings and insecurities. What an interesting character to delve into! Thank goodness most of the story is through her eyes! I probably never would have figured out what was going on otherwise!
And poor Doctor Weston, trying his best to do what’s right, and being misunderstood because of it. They’ll make the perfect mismatched pair if they can ever get on the same page!
Loved the story!
Julia Allen is a women of many talents and interests. Waitress by day, artist by night, and historical actress on weekends, what a combination! But somehow, this strange mix suits her as we get to know Julia with all her quirky leanings and insecurities. What an interesting character to delve into! Thank goodness most of the story is through her eyes! I probably never would have figured out what was going on otherwise!
And poor Doctor Weston, trying his best to do what’s right, and being misunderstood because of it. They’ll make the perfect mismatched pair if they can ever get on the same page!
Loved the story!
October 18, 2018
This was a cute, short read. Literally, it was about 50 or so pages. There was no time for deep character development. However, there was enough to find Julia and Eliot endearing and the reader wants them to try a relationship. Maybe if there was a little more to the story, I would have wanted them to "live happily ever after" together.
I liked the plot line of the story. It is almost Cinderella in that Eliot is mesmerized by a mystery woman, Julia, who drops something as she runs away and Eliot tries to find the owner of the object.
In all, I wish it was longer and had more character development. I will still commend it to my sister.
I liked the plot line of the story. It is almost Cinderella in that Eliot is mesmerized by a mystery woman, Julia, who drops something as she runs away and Eliot tries to find the owner of the object.
In all, I wish it was longer and had more character development. I will still commend it to my sister.
October 16, 2018
This is a great read. The author makes you care about the characters. Do not think that it is all feel good just like life it takes a turn and you will find yourself wanting to rush to end of the book to find out on things turn out (don't do it). It is well written and you will not want to stop reading until you get to the end.
October 23, 2018
A nice and lovely Christmas novella. The book was fun to read and entertaining.
It'd be nice to expand the concept into a novel to have a better development of the characters.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
It'd be nice to expand the concept into a novel to have a better development of the characters.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
November 19, 2018
What if you ran into the ghost of Jane Austen at Christmas time? Such a cute fun novel with a unique and interesting premise.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2016
It took a while to get into it, but once I did, I read to the last page. Uniquely clever.
December 28, 2012
Reviewed by Kimberley Truesdale.
December 1, 2014
Charming!
Sharing modern-day romance, with historical references. This was a quick read and well worth the price. I'm quickly becoming a Laura Briggs fan!
Sharing modern-day romance, with historical references. This was a quick read and well worth the price. I'm quickly becoming a Laura Briggs fan!
December 29, 2014
Delightful
An easy read. Somewhat predictable but very enjoyable. It peaked my interest in reading more by this author. I would recommend it to women, young and old.
An easy read. Somewhat predictable but very enjoyable. It peaked my interest in reading more by this author. I would recommend it to women, young and old.
November 23, 2018
An interesting story about a late night encounter between an artist and a book historian. You'll love how they meet and team together then fall ib love.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews