The Austen Affair

Madeline Bell

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Griffin
16 September 2025

Romance; Romance

Tess Bright is a C-list actress who just scored her dream role starring in a film 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. When an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen's era, 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. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches.well, Tess won't be complaining.

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

By: Madeline Bell
Imprint: Griffin
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Dimensions: Height: 26mm, Width: 160mm, Spine: 237mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781250373519
ISBN 10: 1250373514
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 16 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Madeline Bell, pseudonym for Christine Calella, grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. Writing under Christine Calella, sheis the author of two YA novels, The Curse of Ophelia Cray and The Liar's Kingdom, and she holds an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. A senior publicist at Simon & Schuster, she lives in New York City.

Reviews for The Austen Affair

""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 ""The Regency period, time travel, and an utterly charming contemporary romance all rolled into one novel? Yes, please! I loved this so much!"" --Trish Doller, international bestselling author of Float Plan ""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, author of Love Interest ""If you've ever wanted to live inside a Jane Austen novel, open this book! The Austen Affair is the perfect escapist romp. As soon as I closed the cover, I missed these characters. Hugh and Tess are the perfect, witty guides for a window into Jane Austen's world."" --Tiffany Schmidt, author of A Date with Darcy