Can a courtship like in Jane Austen’s book work in modern times?

Synopsis

Can old-fashioned courtship survive in today’s dating world?

When Emma Love’s mother retires, it is time for her to take the reins of the family dating agency and build on its success. And she has a fresh new idea: to host a Jane Austen-style Regency Season of glamourous events where potential lovers can actually take the time to get to know each other in person, with no apps in between.

Emma has no intention of becoming romantically involved herself, of course; she is a matchmaker on the hunt for the perfect partner for ladies like Annie (who thought she had missed her chance at love a long time ago), Jane (recently divorced and nervously stepping into her new life) and wild child Lydia (more interested in hooking up than finding Mr Darcy).

As the Season unfolds, there is only one fly in Emma’s ointment – the irritating Mr Knight, with his casual attitude and gentle cynicism. Why is she allowing him to ruffle her calm, ordered life and why can’t she stop thinking about him? She is far too sensible to take a chance on love – isn’t she?

Jane Austen meets Sophie Kinsella in this laugh-out-loud, captivating romantic comedy.

My review

Now that her mother has retired, it’s up to Emma Love to run the dating agency and keep it a successful business.
But how can her agency stand out between all the online dating apps? So Emma has a brand new idea, by hosting a Jane Austen-style Regency Season events, where the wannabe lovers have the opportunity to actual get to know each other.
just like the three best friends Annie, Jane and Lydia. Annie, who couldn’t be more romantic, but believes that she lost her chance at love a while ago, Jane who just got recently divorced but doesn’t know how her love life will look like, and Lydia who is more interested in casual hook-ups than finding actual love.
And even for Emma, this season may turn out to something unexpected, in the shape of Mr. Knight, who despite his name turns out to irritate Emma, yet she somehow cannot stop thinking about him?

If someone would ask me which author is my favourite of all the Classics, my answer would be obviously Jane Austen.
So having a story, in the present time, with a main character trying to re-enact the courting in that era, well, I just had to read it!

Being single myself, and not a fan of all those dating apps, I was for sure interested in how Emma would run her dating agency, especially as she has big shoes to fill.
I found her ideas refreshing, as she just went back to the true purpose, using a faraway past as inspiration. Because she wants her customers to find true love, and not just someone for one night.

While I was reading, I felt that each character, Emma, Annie, Jane and Lydia could have had their own book, as it seemed that sometimes things were a bit too hasted. I would have loved to read more about their past, and more in detail how they became the women they are now.
But that doesn’t take away my enjoyment from reading this story!

The combination of all different kind of love was wonderful, and the author shows us that love truly does come in actual different shapes and forms.
But it’s not only about finding someone to love, but also to love yourself. Because several characters have been through an emotional rollercoaster and have to find the courage to move on, and accept their internal changes to have a happy future.

Each character has an own struggle, from trying to live to high expectations, a great loss, a negative self-image or even mourning about a lost chance at love.
But what stood out the most, was the inner circle these people could always rely on. No matter what their issues were, it was sweet to see how those issues were just accepted. You can always count on your real friends to stand by your side no matter what…

I have to admit, this book as promoted as a ‘laugh – out – loud romcom’, but while I agree with the romcom, heart – warming bits, I didn’t actually laugh out loud… I did have fun yes, but I didn’t see this as a light story.
I found it entertaining, but on a more serious level than I expected. There were light and unsurprising bits, yet after finishing the book, it were the more serious parts that kept wandering in my mind.

I found this a lovely, heart – warming yet also refreshing story, about people trying to find love in a new way, but also fitting for their own specific needs. And no matter what your needs or ‘requirements’ are, those who love you, will stand by your side every step of the course!