By Elizabeth Gaskell

This 1855 novel follows the heroine, Margaret Hale, who is left trying to cope with her new surroundings after her father suddenly quits his profession as vicar and moves the family from the spacious south of England to the industrial north of Milton.

Margaret finds herself struggling to navigate between the different customs and manners of the north and her beloved south. She becomes embroiled in the politics of the local factory workers and begins to champion their cause. This creates some strained relationships particularly with Mr. John Thornton, a local factory owner and good friend of her father.

In true Victorian fashion this book is a bit more dramatic and sentimental than Austen's works and I definitely recommend reading with a tissue in hand for there are numerous deaths. 😭

  However, the similarities that these two authors share are: brilliant story plots, excellent character growth, and intriguing romances.

I think fans of "Pride and Prejudice" will enjoy Margarete Hale and Mr. Thornton's relationship as they struggle with preconceived notions of each other - their pride and prejudices - much like another couple we know and adore. 📖👀😂

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3: Friendship and Folly

By Meredith Allady

This regency styled novel begins by recounting the history of the good-natured Parry family. Through a roundabout series of circumstances, they decide to travel from their country abode and stay in London, where they will introduce their eldest daughter, Julia Parry, and her close friend, Ann Northcott, into London society.

As the two girls experience London for the first time, they are introduced to an interesting pair of Irish brothers who could not be more opposite in nature. Sir Warrington, the eldest brother, is baronet of a prosperous estate. With his simple and childlike disposition, Sir Warrington quickly becomes besotted with the entire Parry family; while his younger brother, Mr. Edmund Lenox, a serious, well-spoken gentlemen, remains cold and unfriendly – particularly to Miss Julia Parry.

Ann Northcott cannot bear to see her friends snubbed, so she decides to take matters into her own hands in an effort to uncover the secret behind these brothers’ motives. And thus begins a series of misunderstandings - all in the cause of friendship!

This novel was first published in the early 2000s and would be considered historical fiction, however, Miss Allady's grasp of the regency language and history causes this book to read more like a genuine regency novel written during the time.

I have never read anything from this modern era that is so close to Austen's writing style. The beginning is a little slow-paced as Miss Allady lays a lot of ground work introducing numerous characters, but once the plot begins to pick up the book is hard to put down.

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