A Fun Janeite Wish-Fulfillment Fantasy

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Austen Inspired Original

SERIES: #1 The Royals of Isola Nostrum (each book stands alone)

THE PREMISE: Sabrina’s goal of attending the Jane Austen Festival in Bath costs her a job she hates. Not sure what direction to take her life now, Sabrina seizes an opportunity to travel to Italy and stay with an online Janeite friend. During this adventurous month in Europe, Sabrina finds a new beginning, a renewed self-worth, and a new romance…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Janeites and Austen Addicts: It’s so fun to read about Jane Austen obsessed bookworms like ourselves, isn’t it? It feels like we have an instant connection and understanding of each other. I love that Sabrina was an Austen addict and participated in forums reading and commenting on WIP’s online. It was fun to see her online friendship with Nora grow and become an in-person friendship. And I loved witnessing their excitement and enjoyment of attending the Jane Austen Festival together.

• Italy: It was fantastic to live vicariously through Sabrina and her travels. A month in Europe – that sounds like a dream! I loved witnessing all the fun things she experienced – the Italian cooking class, kayaking in the caves, market day in coastal towns. She explored both beautiful small towns and popular historic landmarks. Like Sabrina, I think I would fall in love with Cinque Terre.

• Secret Royals: Quite by accident (or should I say, accidents) Sabrina meets a young wine maker named Lorenzo. Little does she know that this attractive and charming man she is spending time with is actually royalty! I’ve not read any royalty tropes before this book, and it was a fun addition! I like the idea of the royal characters trying to keep their identities hidden and going about their lives as unassuming citizens. They felt down-to-earth and genuine.

• Fun Escapism: While Sabrina’s life is falling a part in the beginning of the book and she has some insecurities and painful relationships to work through, her fortunes take a dramatic turn for the better throughout her European adventure. Everything eventually works out perfectly for Sabrina. This is a feel-good story where dreams come true and obstacles easily disappear. I’d recommend going into it suspending some disbelief.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:

• Small Quibbles: Even with descriptions of food and scenery, it didn’t feel like this story was taking place in Italy. The way the Italian characters acted, spoke, the customs they practiced – all felt very American. I’m not expecting them to speak in Italian all the time, but something about it didn’t feel authentic. Also, I was perplexed by Lorenzo’s frequent masculine use of “mio amico” or “mio amore” when referring to Sabrina. Is he like Mrs. Elton and displaying some pretentious ignorance? Seems unlikely if he was born in Italy…

• Sabrina: Sabrina is magnet for mishaps and frequently causes accidents wherever she goes like Bridge Jones. And while I applaud Sabrina when she finally stood up for herself and recognized her worth, I never felt fully endeared to her or understand why Lorenzo was head-over-heels for her. However, this might just be my own preference/bias for quick-witted and strong female characters. I think other readers may find Sabrina likable and relatable.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🇮🇹  “If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad!” Words to live by indeed!

👑  Wet shirts, men reading Austen, Italian princes – this story is a romantic’s paradise.

👯 I love when friendships that are built on Jane Austen.

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