Austen at Sea

“If you have ever found sustenance in a Jane Austen novel—or sought meaning in your own life through the power of books—this is the novel you’ve been waiting for.”—Kristin Harmel

“From the first scene, Jane Austen’s spirit shines through in engaging characters and a dynamite plot that is even better than The Jane Austen Society. Fans of Austen will love this cracking read.”—Caroline Jane Knight, 5th great niece of Jane Austen

“An absolute winner.”—Fiona Davis

”A dazzling story.”—Patti Callahan Henry

”Whip-smart…a comedy of manners in the true Austen tradition.”—Helen Simonson

Artwork by Sally Dunne www.sallyillustrates.com

A PBS Books Recommendation

One of BookBub’s Best Historical Fiction of 2025!

“Janeites will be enthralled.” - Booklist, Starred Review

“Historical fiction at its richest.” - BookTrib

From the bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society comes a new novel about Austen's fans set in 1865 Boston and Hampshire.

In Austen at Sea, Henrietta and Charlotte Stevenson, the only children of a widowed Massachusetts supreme court judge, are desperate to experience freedom of any kind, at a time when young unmarried women are kept largely at home. Striking up a correspondence with Jane Austen's last surviving sibling, ninety-one-year-old retired admiral Sir Francis Austen, the two sisters invite themselves to visit and end up sneaking on board the S. S. China, a transatlantic mail packet steamship heading to Portsmouth.

They are joined on the China by a motley crew of fellow Americans including a reluctant chaperone, two Philadelphia rare book dealer brothers secretly also sailing at Admiral Austen's request, a young senator's daughter and socialite in hot pursuit of the brothers, and Louisa May Alcott, traveling to Europe for the first time as an invalid's companion. Alcott will end up leading the other women on board ship in a charity performance of vignettes from Charles Dickens's latest novel A Tale of Two Cities, and hilarity ensues when the men petition to join.

Landing in Portsmouth, the American visitors soon learn Sir Francis's real purpose in receiving them, and the battle begins over a piece of Austen's legacy so controversial, it will result in historic and climactic court cases on both sides of the Atlantic. Jenner's trademark large cast of characters this time includes a theatre impresario, a newspaperman, a street waif, suffragists and Boston bluestockings, a fortune teller, a disgruntled divorce court judge, and the entire bench of the Massachusetts state supreme court. Releasing in the 250th year since Jane Austen's birth, Austen at Sea is a celebration of literature and the lengths we will go to, to protect who and what we love.

Here are some early reviews!

“Will charm you from the first page.” ~ PBS Books

Every page will induce readers to undertake further investigations. Janeites will be enthralled, and all readers will appreciate this richly dimensional historical outing.” ~ Booklist, Starred Review

“Historical fiction at its richest.” ~ BookTrib.

“Brimming with wit, history, and literary charm, this novel is a must-read for Austen lovers and fans of spirited heroines.” ~ She Reads

“A tour de force from a writer at the top of her game.” ~ Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine

“A captivating story of the power of literature.” ~ Montecito JOURNAL

“From the first scene, Jane Austen’s spirit shines through in engaging characters and a dynamite plot that is even better than The Jane Austen Society. Fans of Austen will love this cracking read.”—Caroline Jane Knight, 5th great niece of Jane Austen

“Step into history with Austen at Sea, a fascinating literary treasure hunt and a transporting ride through one of the most pivotal periods of American and British history. When two daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court justice begin a correspondence with Jane Austen’s brother, lives are upended, court cases ensue, and a mystery unfolds. With vivid historical detail and a wild and wonderful cast of characters from Louisa May Alcott to theatre impresarios, suffragists, and fortune tellers, Austen at Sea is an utterly engrossing novel. Jenner’s characters remind us of the truth — that woman have the will and ability to forge their way with the strength of story and an author has the subversive power to change lives and the world. With an intriguing cast of characters, powerful messages of hope, and a clever story, Natalie Jenner does it again — she brings us into the life of Jane Austen with a fresh eye and a dazzling story.”—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

  “Austen at Sea is an utterly immersive novel set just after the Civil War as a handful of American book-lovers journey to England by sea to meet Jane Austen's last remaining sibling, an aging sea captain now in his 90s who is hoping to preserve his sister's legacy before he passes away. Unexpected friendships form, romance blossoms, and deception lurks in this heartfelt story that Austen herself would certainly have loved. I was so convinced by author Natalie Jenner's skillful plotting and command of the time period that I paused several times to look up characters and events—only to realize that some of those I loved most existed only on the page, despite much of the novel being heavily based on real events and research. You'll find yourself rooting for siblings Henrietta and Charlotte as they fight for the right to be themselves in a nineteenth century world that does not favor women—and you'll fall in love with the colorful cast of characters they meet along the way. If you've ever found sustenance in a Jane Austen novel—or sought meaning in your own life through the power of books—this is the novel you've been waiting for. Full of heart, hope, and history.” ~ Kristin Harmel, #1 internationally bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

  “Jenner has assembled an eccentric, endearing cast of shipmates who become fast friends—thanks to the legacy of Jane Austen—in this heartwarming story that’s sure to delight book lovers. The plot is chock full of romantic yearnings and unexpected twists, while at the same time offering up sly winks to Austen’s novels. An absolute winner.” ~ Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular

“Jane Austen fans will adore the spontaneous Stevenson sisters of Boston, Charlotte and Henrietta. When their correspondence with Jane's retired brother, Admiral Sir Frances Austen, sets in motion a madcap transatlantic adventure to protect the secrets of his famous sister, it is the admiral's own spark of mischief that may ignite romance. With a deep understanding of Jane Austen history and a whip-smart sense of plot and pacing, this is a comedy of manners in the true Austen tradition.”—Helen Simonson, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

  “Save your money on that Jane Austen Festival and buy this book instead! Jenner has crafted the ultimate literary adventure with historic characters and events so artfully rendered that you’ll find yourself wondering if this isn’t exactly what happened— or should have. Henrietta and Charlotte, daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, navigate turbulent legal waters on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean while simultaneously inspiring the women in their path, including those of us reading their story. A novel of remarkable heart. Jane Austen would be proud!” —Sarah McCoy, New York TimesUSA Today, and international bestselling author of Marilla of Green Gables

Austen at Sea is a delightful novel and a brilliant tribute to pioneering writers like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. Jenner’s irrepressible heroines stand should to shoulder with Elizabeth Bennet and Jo March, women fighting to find love and meaning in a world that often refuses to acknowledge their humanity.” ~ Elizabeth Gonzalez James, author of The Bullet Swallower and Mona at Sea

“Jenner brings Louisa May Alcott to vibrant life with her vivid cast of lovers and book lovers caught up in the struggle for women’s rights and literary legacy. Alcott and Austen fans, rejoice!”~ Virginia Kantra, New York Times bestselling author of Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy

  “This brilliant, sparkling novel, with unforgettable characters inspired by Jane Austen’s legacy and family, grapples with how to honor history’s remarkable women, safeguard what they make, face injustice, and choose love. Natalie Jenner has done it again with Austen at Sea.” ~ Devoney Looser, author of Sister Novelists: The Trailblazing Porter Sisters, Who Paved the Way for Austen and the Brontes, The Making of Jane Austen, and the forthcoming Wild for Austen (2025)

"I could not love this novel more! From the glorious opening courtroom scene where six Massachusetts Supreme Court Justices debate which of Jane Austen’s novels best exemplifies her genius, to the brilliant and intrepid Stevenson sisters whose journeys, both outward and internal, are as bold and original as that of our most renowned fictional heroines, to the wonderfully whimsical cameo appearances of real-life literary legends such as Louisa May Alcott and Charles Dickens—this is a story so beautifully conceived and so full of lush Victorian ambiance that I found myself stopping every few pages just for the pleasure of reading it out loud. Austen at Sea is more than a charming comfort read for Austen enthusiasts. It is a masterfully crafted literary world and a dazzling commentary on female empowerment which will not only captivate but educate and inspire. Jenner’s fourth novel is an absolute triumph!" ~ Lynda Cohen Loigman, bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Matchmaker’s Gift

  “Imagine if Jane Austen and Charles Dickens sat in the same brainstorming room together, this is the novel they’d produce.” ―Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of The British Booksellers and the upcoming The French Kitchen

  “Austen at Sea offers a pitch-perfect mix of mystery, travel adventure, and book club fun. Romantic, uplifting, and charming, I loved this smart story that featured several of my favorite historical figures and introduced me to a few new ones.” ~ Elise Hooper, author of The Library of Lost Dollhouses and The Other Alcott

  “No one writes about the power of literature quite like Natalie Jenner. In Austen at Sea she has returned to her roots, drawing threads of wisdom from Jane Austen's work and with them spinning a wholly original tale of life, loss, and the fight for women's rights. History lovers will appreciate Jenner's meticulous attention to historical detail, while fans of classic literature are sure to be delighted with cameos by Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen's sea-faring brother. But it is Jenner's deft weaving together of the light and comforting with the profound that truly shines in this stirring, thoughtful gem of a novel.” ~ Molly Greeley, author of The Clergyman’s Wife and The Heiress

 “Austen at Sea swept me away (pun intended) as I too jumped on board the SS China and was drawn into the lives of all of Jenner's characters. As Jane's brother Francis himself might note, Natalie Jenner writes ‘with such an overarching love for Jane’ that I saw my own love of Austen's literature and life mirrored and reflected back at me in this unique and multi-layered story. I drew so much comfort and joy from her inter-generational and international tale, and if, as the Admiral believes ‘only the things we make will last’ then Natalie has made a truly beautiful piece of art which will be savoured again and again by Janeites everywhere.” ~ Zoe Wheddon, author of Jane Austen’s Best Friend: The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd and Jane Austen: Daddy’s Girl: The Life and Influence of the Revd George Austen

 “From post-Civil War America, an intrepid group of Jane Austen’s ardent admirers traverse the Atlantic to visit Sir Francis Austen, the last surviving sibling of the esteemed authoress. In search of insights into Jane’s writing and life, what they discover is much more than the knowledge they sought—meeting heroes and villains, passion and purpose. Jenner again reveals her skill as a master storyteller whose astute observations of human nature rival Austen’s own. Readers will be delighted by her charming characters, engaging plot, and sensational denouement.” ~ Laurel Ann Nattress, editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It  

  “Austen at Sea is a book lover’s dream! From Boston to the high seas to rural England to courthouses on both sides of the Atlantic, Jenner takes readers on a delightful bookish adventure that is certain to charm." ~ Martha Waters, author of To Have and To Hoax (The Regency Vows Series)

 “As with her earlier novel The Jane Austen Society, this new book is very much a love letter to the great author by a writer whose affection for her subject shines right off the page.” ~ Emily Midorikawa, co-author of A Secret Sisterhood: The Hidden Friendships of Austen, Brontё, Eliot and Woolf, co-written with Emma Claire Sweeney and with a foreword by Margaret Atwood.

  "Natalie Jenner has taken herself to new heights with AUSTEN AT SEA. With an amazing cast of characters inhabiting the world we love to spend time in, AUSTEN AT SEA gives readers everything they could want in a novel. I loved every single page. Don't tell her other books, but this novel is my new favorite. It is a triumph and a gift to Austen fans!" ~ Mary Webber O’Malley, Skylark Bookshop and producer/host of A Mighty Blaze