The Austen Affair

A Novel

De: Madeline Bell

Narrado por: Stephanie Németh-Parker

Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut. This program is read by award-winning narrator Stephanie Németh-Parker.

Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It's not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.

A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.

A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

©2025 Madeline Bell (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Equal parts cheeky, swoonworthy, and heartfelt, The Austen Affair is a love letter to Jane Austen and her passionate fandom. This tale pulls you in with irresistible banter and 'opposites attract' mischief, and stays with you for the found family, the exploration of love and loss, and the timeless allure of Regency-era romance."—Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute

"Warm, witty, and delightful, The Austen Affair is a heartfelt rom-com joy. Bursting with chemistry and Austen Easter eggs, it’s the perfect romance for anyone who’s dreamed of falling into their favorite Austen story."—Alexandra Vasti, USA Today bestselling author of Ne'er Duke Well

"Madeline Bell has resurrected Jane Austen in more ways than one in The Austen Affair, an absolutely delicious time-travel romp that combines regency-era set dressing with fresh, resilient, sexy protagonists. This book is a gem for anyone who never got over Darcy’s hand clench or is dying to hear daresay in a sentence. With writing that moves deftly from contemporary to historical, characters that unfurl like pearls in an oyster, and *chef’s kiss* Austen references, this romantic debut has got to be on your reading list!"—Clare Gilmore, USA Today bestselling author of Perfect Fit

soooo good

Great narration and story. Austen and tome travel may seem wonky, but it is magical as told here

Talented narrator

Impressed by how the narrator jumped seamlessly between British and American accents throughout the story. Fun characters too!

So good!

I loved every minute of it! As an Austen fan I loved hearing all the classic quotes. I might even read it again some day!

Too far fetched for even a trope-y story

The story was not written well. Often in a cheesy romance you can still get sucked into the story even if you know what’s going to happen. I felt the lead character was not that likable/relatable. The story was too far fetched even for a time-slip. I didn’t feel the Jane Austen vibe in the story. It tried too hard.

Skip this one

Truly awful, unlikable and whiny characters. Life is too short to listen to this book

Fun Idea Gets Too Messy.

The idea of this story sounded like fun, unfortunately the characters and dialogue was often flat and crude. I found it difficult to connect and even like the main character, Tess.