Books to Read if You Love Jane Austen!

Hello everyone! I hope you're having a lovely week. Today I'm chatting about my favourite author, Jane Austen, in celebration of #JaneAustenJuly. I'm sharing twelve books that I think anyone who loves Jane Austen would enjoy reading. These books all relate either to Jane Austen's novels, or to her life, and I've chosen a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Are any of these favourites of yours? Are there any books you'd recommend to me?
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
My Dear Charlotte by Hazel Holt: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Longbourn by Jo Baker: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Miss Austen by Gill Hornby: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
So You Think You Know Jane Austen? By John Sutherland and Deirdre Le Faye: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullen: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Dress in the Age of Jane Austen by Hilary Davidson: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Dinner with Mr Darcy by Pen Vogler: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...

[@emmawatson9593]

I loved “The Other Bennett Sister” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks for the recommendations

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! Xxx

[@anitahayne8621]

I am in the process of reading “The Other Bennett Sister” and I am really enjoying it. I have “Longbourn” and I need to read it. I stumbled upon a debate on KZbin, Jane Austen vs. Emily Bronte. John Mullan was one of the debaters. He was brilliant. I am interested in his book you profiled. The UK cover is much better than the USA cover. Drats! Thank you for all of the hours you put into making these videos and the book recommendations. As an American you have introduced me to titles that I do not have access to here. Thank the good Lord for Waterstones!

[@MirandaMills]

That sounds like a very fun debate! Thank you for your kind words! Xxx

[@dianewalker9154]

The Jane Austen Book Club movie is terrific. I’ve watched probably a dozen times. Grigg is my favorite character.

[@MirandaMills]

I’ll have to watch it! Sounds like it might be more fun than the book!

[@julierogers1155]

I love Grigg! And, have also watched the movie almost as many times as you have.

[@mllealice4042]

I confirm. This is one of the few times the movie is better than the book (same for Death comes to Pemberley).

[@TJ-kz1ul]

Thank you so much for your book recommendations. I found a used copy of Longbourn on Amazon for a very good price and I can't wait to read it!! I have been absolutely obsessed with Jane Austen for my entire adult life, ever since I was in my early 20s!!

[@MirandaMills]

That’s great! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did 😊 xxx

[@TJ-kz1ul]

@@MirandaMills I"m sure I'll love it =)

[@cheche2174]

Yes!!!! Only half way through and had to say I just love your videos! So relaxing and informative. I’ve bought so many books from your recommendations xx

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that, thank you! Xxx

[@julierogers1155]

SO AGREE with your "relaxing" and "informative" observation.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much Julie! 💕

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

Miranda, your videos are so good, so cosy. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much 💕

[@aekorfker]

This is my first year reading Jane Austen and I am enjoying it so much! So far I’ve read Persuasion and Pride and Predjudice and Jane Austen’s diet by Brian Kozlowski(which is a lot more interesting than in sounds), I love that you included so many books in letter form! I keep hearing good things about ‘the other Bennet sister’ should pick that one up! ☕️ 🫖

[@MirandaMills]

Oh that’s wonderful! Lucky you reading Jane Austen for the first time! 😊📚💕

[@april091965]

So wonderful to close out JA July 2021with your video! There are a few on your list I haven't read so I'm looking forward to getting my hands on those. My favorite JAFF is Longbourn by Jo Baker and it was such a pleasure to see it on your list and hear your thoughts on it. Its difficult for me to put into words why I loved it so much except to say the prose resonated like poetry to me. I need to reread it and see if it captures me in the same way. I love that there is so much Jane related work to read. I know some are better than others but I never seem to tire of reading them. Experiencing favorite literary characters continuing their adventures through the creative minds of talented authors is a pleasure in and of itself to me and such a joy when the tone of JA is realized as you described so well in your video. Thanks for celebrating Jane!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! I agree Longbourn is so well written xxx

[@allsorts4041]

Lovely suggestions and wonderful reviews!

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much!

[@julierogers1155]

Commenting mid-video ... The Jane Austen Book Club MOVIE is a fun watch.

[@MirandaMills]

That’s good to know! I’ll have to check it out! Xxx

[@julierogers1155]

@@MirandaMills Emily Blunt is in the movie, The Jane Austen Book Club. Any movie with E.B. in it is always a big plus for me. Another movie, with Emily Blunt, worth watching (in case you have missed it) is The Young Victoria. I feel that I know enough about you that I think you would enjoy both movies.

[@carolaustin6374]

Thanks for these interesting recommendations, Miranda. I love your videos - both your style and your detailed reviews; also that wallpaper/mural behind you is just gorgeous!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Carol! Glad you enjoyed it! xxx

[@juju.ukrainiangirl]

Such a great variety of books! Thank you so much for sharing❤️

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed- thank you 📚💕

[@ingertsvard6731]

Thank u so much Miranda. U made me pick up Pym (love her books) and the whole family have had many laughs from reading out loud from the Professor Dr. Igelfeld books by Smith. With this video my daughter’s and my TBR have grown again!! 🤣 All good we have 4 more weeks of summer before school/university starts. Thank u so much for your always good book recommendation. 😊

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing! 😄📚💕

[@louisetate5296]

Thank you very much for these recommendations! I haven't heard of some of these and there are so many books, biographies fan fiction books and they are of varying quality so I appreciate you sifting out the really good onesI love anything relating to Jane Austen! Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book of all time! 🤗

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so glad you found it useful, thank you! Filming this just made me want to reread P&P for the millionth time 😂

[@sarahalicia7398]

Hello, Miranda! I love this video. You have such good recommendations and I cannot wait to read these! Jane Austen has been a favorite since middle school English class. Hope you are having a lovely summer.

[@TheSUNNYCORNER]

I love this video so much ❤ I recently discovered your channel and I love your smile that feel like sunshine and your beautiful taste 🥰

[@lindahill5194]

A couple of my older favorites are “Speaking of Jane Austen” and “More About Jane Austen” by Sheila Kaye-Smith and G. B. Stern. Worth hunting up.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for the recommendations! Xxx

[@naomihickman5098]

I have just watched this video (very late, as I missed it in the summer) and I absolutely loved it! So many wonderful recommendations as always. I read “The Other Bennett Sister” straight after hearing you interview Janice Hadlow on your old podcast and it was one of my favourite reads of that year. I thought Janice Hadlow did a wonderful job developing Mary into a heroine you are rooting for, while keeping her true to the character Jane Austen created, and I agree with you, the language as well as the whole tone and atmosphere of the book was spot on. I am now off to investigate lots of your other recommendations! Thank you for this wonderfully interesting, informative and enjoyable video.

[@booksandbabble6847]

Oh such a gem of a video. You always make the best content, which is great from a viewing point of view but not for my purse. I have gotten so many wonderful recommendations from both you and Donna. I recently started ' The Cazalet Chronicles' and it has quickly become my favourite series even though I'm only on book two. My Dean Street press collection is growing as is my Angela Thirkell and Miss Read collection. I can't thank you enough for such glorious recommendations. Every time I see your video in my subscription box I smile and quickly run to grab a treat and put the kettle on. ❤️❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I'm so pleased you're enjoying the Cazalet Chronicles xxx

[@sandyokey7728]

So happy to see this video! I read Longbourn last year and loved it, along with The Clergyman’s Wife which was all about Charlotte. I’ll be adding quite a few, or all, of the others you recommended😊thank you Miranda. Have a lovely week.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Sandy! The Clergyman’s Wife sounds interesting! Xxx

[@karenhaire5451]

Great video. I love anything by Hazel Holt.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much! Always happy to find another Hazel Holt fan! Xxx

[@teacupthestoryteller]

Thank you for lovely video, some great recommendations there 😊 I read Emma and Lady Susan this July but I cannot wait to tacke Mansfield Park and Persuasion! Also "The other Bennet sister" sounds great🌸

[@MirandaMills]

You’ve got such lovely reads ahead! 😊💕

[@christinefortner7725]

Thanks so much for these JA suggestions, Miranda! I have read Longbourne, Bridget Jones’s Diary, & The Jane Austen Book Club & enjoyed them all very much. The film of the last book is very entertaining! The Other Bennet Sister is on my horizon, & I’m looking forward to it. Happy summer! 🌹🌼🌷

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! Hope you’re having a lovely summer too & enjoy your Jane Austen reading! Xxx

[@juliavasquez82]

Hello Miranda! I love Jane Austen so I really love your recommendations. Have a nice week!

[@MirandaMills]

Oh wonderful! Thanks so much 📚😊

[@DianeC1975]

Great list. Definitely going to check into them. I have a couple of them. Also that dress is stunning. Have a great week. 💐📚💕

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Diane! Hope you’re having a good week too! Xxx

[@lindseymoore9992]

Great and varied recommendations, Miranda! I'd never heard of the Hazel Holt book but I've just ordered a second-hand copy and looking forward to reading it. I'd add P.D. James's Death Comes to Pemberley to the list. I really enjoyed it, I'm sure you'll have read it! Hope you and Donna have a good week!

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, that one is fun too! Hope you enjoy the Hazel Holt! Xxx

[@Bearcub599]

Lovely! Thank you

[@amandalavelle2638]

So happy you’ve filmed this for Jane Austen July- it’s one of my favourite readathon’s in the year. Now make my day and tell me you’ll film something for Victober when it gets here 😁 xx

[@MirandaMills]

Haha thank you!! It would be fun to try to do something Victober related!

[@andraste6746]

Letters to Alice is so very clever. I really enjoyed Longbourn. I recently read Later Days at Highbury by Joan Austen-Leigh (yes a family member) which was epistolary. She also wrote A Visit to Highbury which is the story of Emma from Mrs Goddard’s perspective. I also really like Jane Fairfax by Joan Aiken, I relate to Jane Fairfax.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve heard mixed things about the Joan Aiken one, so good to know you enjoyed it xxx

[@teresaparkins1255]

Hi Miranda, I'm very late to this video but the advantage of that has been to pick up on all your viewer's comments recommending other books too, many thanks to them. What a wonderful affirmation of how much Jane Austen is adored and your book choices include a couple of my favourites - Lucy Worsley and Hilary Davidson. Thank you so much, I'm off to watch your next video! Teresa 📚🌻

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Teresa! It’s been great seeing other people’s recommendations too xxx

[@ScullyPopASMR]

I loved hearing about Jane Austen. Great episode.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you!

[@ballymacnab11]

Thanks for some great suggestions as always, greetings from Ireland

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you 😊

[@maslina4567]

Your videos are always beautiful in every way from your lovely dresses and pretty house to your stellar book recommendations to your outings and countryside to your close relationship with your mum. Your tastes are so closely related to mine, my mum and sisters, such a wonderful fit! I have read some of these books but not the Hazel Holt. No idea how I missed it as a Holt fan! Just requested it from the library. The Jane Austen Book Club isn't my favourite, though it has some comical bits as you mention. Dress in the Age of Jane Austen looks sublime...just made a library request for it, too. Same with Dinner with Mr. Darcy. Food in books is my wheelhouse. Thank you for all you do. Your videos truly are life enriching and refreshing!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely words! I’m so happy to have shared a new-to-you Hazel Holt; I think it’s such a charming one 😊💕

[@elizabethmoloney6967]

Great video and recommendations. 🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much 💕

[@joysedgwick812]

Thank you for your recommendation of the Lucy Worsley, you are such a bad influence (I just haven’t got room for more books!) but this one is a reasonable buy for my Kindle and I am fascinated. I have read all the novels several times but never thought much about her life, beyond the fact that she was single at a time when that was considered most unfortunate! I am having to ration your blogs in order to make sure I have time to read :).

[@MirandaMills]

It's such an interesting biography! Enjoy! xxx

[@markc293]

Lovely video, thank you. I enjoyed the Jane Austen Book Club and Helen Fielding is a quality writer. I would recommend 'Jane Austen and the Lonely Librarian.' A little different to the usual variations, a witty and engaging short novel.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll have to check that one out!

[@timstoomanybooks]

Fay Weldon wrote the 1980 BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Letters To Alice is probably based on her research, notes and experiences of making that adaptation. Fay Weldon's version of Pride and Prejudice is worth watching if you can catch it. In some ways it's closer to the book that the more famous 1995 Andrew Davies adaptation.

[@MirandaMills]

Interesting! I think I have seen that old P&P. I’m actually a big fan of the 1995 one though 💫

[@Emmie4497]

This video has really made me want to revisit some of Jane Austen's novels, as well as the adaptations. I've always wondered about trying The Other Bennet Sister but I'm not sure how I feel about books inspired by Austen's original characters. I should just give it a whirl!

[@MirandaMills]

I know how you feel, but I do recommend giving it a go! I was very pleasantly surprised by it xxx

[@laurennaomi_]

YAY! So happy when you upload. Also, what camera/light setup did you use for this video? It looks so polished, as yours always do

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much! No special light set up at all, and I always use my Canon G7 X Mark II for filming xxx

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

Thank you, I really enjoyed this video. I do enjoy the Jane Austen Book Club, I thought both movie and film was fun,

[@angelakneller2880]

I love dinner with mr Darcy and have made my variations of the summer and winter veg pie which are lovely xx

[@nicoladunn3384]

I just finished Longbourn, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation. Are there any similar to this which I should read next? I am in my first trimester and been feeling pretty poorly for weeks, so am spending any chance I get in bed with books! X

[@gracetaylor7351]

I really enjoy this video I love Jane Austen I have the book dress in the age of Jane Austen. I interested in the book my dear Charlotte as well I love Jane Austen at home .💓

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@Gillian.Ashcroft.66]

I love The Jane Austen Book Club movie ( I've watched it so many times) - " Jane Austen all the time book club "

[@MirandaMills]

I’ll have to check out the movie!

[@irhonda31]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your exceedingly kind support! I very much appreciate it ❤️

[@janispennell6191]

Hi Miranda, I love all of your videos etc on KZbin- I was interested to see how many other books are inspired by Jane Austen and I wondered if you have read any of the Anna Dean novels which are similarly inspired. There are 4 novels, the first being A Moment Of Silence. I enjoyed them myself and would be interested to know what you think of them.

[@susanfisher4344]

I loved The Other Bennet Sister so much! I loved Mary deeply by the end of the book.

[@Mazurana1000]

Not sure if anybody mentioned these titles yet, but they have made it to my "favourite favourites" list: Stanley Michael Hurd's "Darcy's Tale" trilogy - a three-part retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" from Darcy's POV. Top-notch Austen fanfiction there! I found the language and tone of the writing convincingly Regency-like, and I think the author mentioned in the foreword how he was tired of coming across saccharine, watered-down versions of Darcy in the numerous retellings, so he decided to do the character justice and write him as a man, from a man's standpoint. Mission accomplished! He really captured Darcy's complexity and humanness. And he filled out the Lizzyless parts of the story admirably thoroughly. Just as I like my fanfiction - close to the canon. :)

[@kuhelide6488]

Such a delight to watch as always and added a few recommendations to my TBR. I do hope you set up a Patreon as I would love to support your work. Unfortunately, buymeacoffee does not support transactions from India.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! I didn't realise that about Buy Me a Coffee, but yes I definitely hope to set up a Patreon account at some point soon! Have a lovely weekend xxx

[@emilyhoner4069]

Wonderful video as always! I remember enjoying Mr. Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston when I read it. It's a really fun, light read!

[@MirandaMills]

I’ll have to check that out! Sounds fun - thank you! Xxx

[@heatherpickle]

I am huge Jane Austen fan too! I am wondering if you have ever read any of the Jane Austen mysteries by Stephanie Barron? I think that she does a pretty good job of capturing her voice and the books are fun.

[@MirandaMills]

I've seen them, but not tried one yet, Heather. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@rageyb]

I loved Longbourn & The other Bennetts sister and really ended up loving Mary as she was definitely not anyone's favourite

[@karencamer7723]

susannahfullerton.com.au/bookshop/. Miranda here us a link to Susannah Fullerton who is one of Australia’s leading literary speakers and has written books on Jane Austen that I am sure you will love

[@MirandaMills]

I’ve got her Happily Ever After book!

[@marty9011]

This was so enjoyable ! I read Gill Hornby's book " Miss Austen " & found it unconvincing & completely underwhelming. Very disappointing read. John Mullan's book about Jane Austen is great, I learned a lot & it was very readable too.

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you found the video enjoyable!

[@lacelovely9977]

First time here and I was wondering what do you mean when you say that you didn't like the language of some of these books? Do you mean that the language is not really appropiate? I would definitely like to know that before purchasing any of these. Thank you! :)

[@MirandaMills]

I meant the tone of the language was not in keeping with the style of Jane Austen and was generally not particularly well written (in my opinion).

[@lacelovely9977]

I see now, this was my second guess :) Thank you so much!