Description
When Abigail Morgan, a naive pastor’s daughter with an overactive imagination, inherits a cottage in Australia, she never imagines the story it will unlock. Armed with a museum studies degree and a penchant for daydreams, Abigail heads to Hyacinth Cottage to unravel the truth of her grandmother’s past—an unknown world of adventure, deception, and love.
While sifting through letters, photographs, and hidden relics, Abigail meets Colter Wellesley, a charming local who helps her navigate the labyrinth of clues with a blend of wit and charm she struggles to resist. But Colter comes with secrets of his own. As their investigation and romance deepen, Abigail wonders if Colter is more tangled up in her grandmother’s mystery—and that of the princess who vanished more than sixty years ago—than she ever imagined.
In this modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, the line between imagination and reality blurs, and every clue discovered could be the key to unlocking a royal legacy.
kmbslocum –
History, research, sports. Australia, New Zealand, islands. Books, authors, poetry. Stories, Jane Austen, literature. Sean Connery charcuterie board. Family, siblings, imagination. King, Prince, Princess. Royalty, palace, crowns. Adventure, high risk, trust. “Faith, service, leadership. Romans chapter 12.”
Interest piqued? How could it not be! It’s all here and more, in a well written, well researched debut novel told with lightness and humor that will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more. Northanger Abbey is my least favorite Jane Austen novel. But if I loved this modern retelling this much, I can’t imagine what others in the series will be like. I can’t wait.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
mgtnelson –
I absolutely loved this book! It’s the first book in a new Royally Austen series. This one is a modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. However, you don’t have to know anything about Jane Austen and Northanger Abbey to enjoy this book! (In a side note, it has been YEARS since I’d read Northanger Abbey, so decided to get reacquainted with the book. I didn’t re-read the whole thing, but after what I did read, I am totally amazed at Leonard’s modern reimagining! She has done a fabulous job in keeping the bones of Austen’s book, but making it a vibrant, enticing story of its own!)
I loved the characters. The pace of revealing new clues in the mystery to be unraveled is just perfect. The plot twists really kept up my interest (I stayed up way later than planned to get past certain tense points). As Abbie matures and grows in finding her own identity, there’s lots of good insights a reader can apply to his/her own life.
All in all, it was great, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
laknermegan (verified owner) –
From the moment I saw the cover for this book I knew it was going to be good. I’m happy to say I was so right! This was such a fun debut and after finishing the book I’m really excited for the next one. And very happy that there will be more books from this author.
Abbie was such a fun, quirky character. I loved that even though she’s a pastors kid she still struggles with knowing where she fits and feeling like she has to act a certain way for people to like her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the story, and the romance between her and Coulter was so sweet. The author did a fabulous job writing a romance that can appeal to not only young adults but older adults as well.
I loved getting to “visit” Australia and New Zealand via this book. Especially the island of Northargyle. The support characters were also a hit with me, I particularly enjoyed Aunt Vi’s outlook on life. The mystery of Abbie’s Gran kept me guessing. I was so sure I’d figured out how it was going to go, but the author surprised me with a couple twists.
This book is the perfect escape and will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. You’ll want nothing more than to be able to return to visit these wonderful characters and the charming world the author has crafted.
*I read an early ARC of this book from the Author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
candideweekes –
Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard was a great discovery.
It was the first book I read by this author and I will look for others now that I saw how well she writes.
I really enjoyed the theme of the whole book (a Jane Austen retelling) and even thought it wasn’t my favourite Jane Austen book, I enjoyed the retelling
The characters are well developped and not just the main ones. I also enjoyed the story and how the author developped it through the book.
I really liked the fact that the story takes place in Australia and New Zealand. Those are amazing countries that I love and would like to visit (I have been to Australia but not New Zealand).
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
katie.r.fitzgerald –
Northargyle Abbie is an amazingly well-written and compelling contemporary retelling of Northanger Abbey set in Australia, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Here’s why I loved this book:
The main character is relatable. Though she is a 20-something woman going through a time of transition, she’s not rebellious or poorly adjusted, she loves her family, and is devoted to her faith. She feels some pressure because her father is a pastor, but her motives are always positive and pure even when she makes mistakes. She felt so real to me, like she could have walked out of the book and been a friend to my own 20-something self back in the day.
The royal mystery is so intriguing, and Abbie’s grandmother’s involvement in it made me feel personally invested in finding out what actually happened all those years ago. The twists and turns Abbie uncovers on the way to the truth kept me guessing until almost the very end, and I loved seeing her figure things out.
The silly plaques that Abbie writes to accompany museum exhibits are hilarious. I think it can be difficult to write as a character, but this author definitely did a great job of infusing Abbie’s voice into those little snippets. The role of writing in general, throughout the book, appealed to my writerly soul, and I loved that Abbie and her aunt have that in common.
Colter was such a swoony hero. I really liked him from the outset, and only grew to like him more. I also loved the way the other supporting characters were written, even the ones that wound up being the villains of the book.
Finally, the romance, despite being unlikely in some ways, was grounded in wisdom. These characters didn’t rush into things, but really relied on God to point them in the right direction. I loved that modeling for a healthy approach to Christian dating and marriage.
If you like royalty romances set in fictional countries with a heavy dose of historical mystery and lots of references to Christian faith, you don’t want to miss Northargyle Abbie!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Talita Adendorff –
What a delightful story.
This is Janelle’s debut novel and the first book in the Royally Austen series. I’ve never read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, but I truly enjoyed Northargyle Abbie. I was a bit surprised by the first two pages, which were written in a “silly” manner, but as I continued, I realised that they were almost like diary entries and not the actual first chapter.
The story is wonderful and I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to know what happens next. It is a mixture of romance and mystery with some great family dynamics thrown in. The characters are interesting and you can picture them in your mind’s eye. If you are looking for a fun and engaging read with royalty, then I recommend you add Northargyle Abbie to your TBR.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
lanabobana –
Northargyle Abbie is a delight from start to finish. Brimming with humour, doubts, friendships, and romance there is no limit to the things to be discovered and learned. With a wonderful set of characters, unique settings, and mysteries to uncover; Janelle Leonard has a wonderful trip for every reader to experience.
When Abbie heads out to uncover her Grandmother’s past, no one could have guessed where the adventure would lead her. Colter wants to meet his favorite author and relax before heading back to work. Little does he know just who he will get to meet. Instant attraction and an unexpected link in their respective mysteries keep these two wonderful characters spending time together. I loved their interactions, a little quirky but honest in their emotions and intentions. Abbie’s love for history hunting and telling stories was so fun! The mystery twists kept the story entertaining and moving, never knowing for sure where they will all end.
Janelle Leonard has an amazing debut on her hands! I was engrossed from start to finish. The romance is sweet, the mysteries enough to keep the pages flipping throughout the book, and the ending was just perfect for the story. It hit all the right notes for this reader! I can not wait for the next book from Janelle Leonard. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
jeanti.steenkamp –
“Northargyle Abbie” follows Abigail Morgan, a pastor’s daughter with a vivid imagination, as she travels to Australia after inheriting her grandmother’s cottage. Armed with a degree in museum studies, Abigail seeks to uncover the secrets hidden in Hyacinth Cottage. While sifting through letters and relics, she meets Colter Wellesley, a charming local who aids her investigation but harbors secrets of his own. As their romance develops, Abigail begins to question how deeply Colter is connected to her grandmother’s past and a long-lost princess.
While the plot is captivating, it frequently shifts in focus, which can make it challenging to keep track of at times. The quirky “placards” are well-suited to Abigail’s personality, but I felt they interrupted the flow of the reading experience. Despite these issues, the book has a solid concept and wraps up nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion. This modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” blends adventure, romance, and mystery, inviting readers to explore the blurred lines between imagination and reality in the pursuit of a royal legacy. While it’s an interesting read, I don’t anticipate picking it up again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
phillipians4_8 –
Sweet, joyful, entertaining, humorous, and delightful are the words that come to mind when I think of Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard. With an utterly charming cover and a captivating tale within, this is a book that left me smiling and highlighting delightful and/or hilarious quotes.
Now, this isn’t to say this book is without its share of frustrating characters, although it does add to the tension of the book. I suppose not everyone can be charming in a retelling. Several sections also left me with spooky shivers and trepidation of what was to come. Not at all what I expected from such a sunny cover! 🙂 This may have had something to do with the fact that I was the only one awake in the house reading at night and I’ve never read Northanger Abbey before (gasp! I know…) so I had no idea what was coming next, lol. It all ended very satisfactorily for me however! As I said, it did leave me smiling.
I absolutely loved the close family and the hilarity of Abigail’s brothers, and I especially appreciated the healthy relationship portrayal of Abigail and Colter. Their relationship was grounded on the Lord, wisdom, and respect for their parents–a solid foundation for all life can throw at a young couple.
As one who only re-reads absolute favorites (because there are so many books to read!), I would re-read Northargyle Abbie.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cbabler27 –
If you are like me and love a mix of classic works with a modern spin, then you will absolutely love the masterpiece of Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard. To be perfectly transparent, I have not read Austen’s Northanger Abbey so I went into this without any expectations or idea of the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique book and would highly recommend it! With its adventure, wholesome romance, mystery, and humor Northargyle Abbie makes an excellent debut work by Ms. Leonard!Abigail Morgan is such a vibrant, heartfelt, and truly unique character. I appreciated the depth of her history, family background, and personality that was conveyed throughout the book. Abbie questions and doubts herself frequently, but is always ready to uplift and encourage others. I thoroughly enjoyed the way she grew and challenged herself throughout the story. Colter and his sister Eliana were great characters as well, becoming great supportive roles alongside Abbie. Colter is a great character, gentlemanly, funny and yet serious, but deeply spiritual and protective of those he loves. Aunt Vi was one of my favorite characters besides Abbie and Colter. Aunt Vi had such flair, colorful quirks, realistic struggles, and such a sweet spirit. The encouraging and supportive relationship between Abbie and her aunt was refreshing and much appreciated.
The first few pages of the book took me a minute to figure out with the placards, but very quickly I was invested and couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed the family dynamics and realistic banter, the unique characters, and the intrigue and mystery. What I enjoyed most about this book was the spectacular characters, the exceptionally well-written dialogue, the humor, and the mysterious plot. Northargyle Abbie brings readers a sweet and wholesome adventure that does not disappoint! I highly recommend it and hope that you have the opportunity to read and enjoy it as much as I have. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: White Crown Publishing graciously provided me with a copy of this book . All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.
iolaschristianreads –
Abbie is a pastor’s daughter, part-time church secretary, and part-time researcher at the local museum in her home town of Westonia, Pennsylvania. On her twenty-fourth birthday, she discovers her grandmother has left her a mystery to solve, and a cottage in Australia. She also discovers a connection to the island kingdom of Northargyle, which is situated between Australia and New Zealand.
As a Kiwi reader who has visited Australia many times, I was intrigued by this choice of imaginary location.
The whole story is told in first person from Abbie’s point of view, although she does interrupt herself to quote from the occasional letter, or her own Notebook of Silly Placards.
I enjoyed the voice, and especially loved the quips and banter.
I found the novel started a little slowly, and the pace picked up after the Abbie arrived in Australia. Here she meets Jess, her self-proclaimed new best friend, Jess’s brother Devon, and the handsome if mysterious Colter and his sister, Eliana. She also discovers more about her grandmother’s secret life that leaves her wondering who her grandmother really was …
The Australian scenes captured the country well, from avos to mozzies, from lamingtons to pavlova (and the age-old debate as to whether the dessert is Australian or Kiwi in origin). I wondered if the author was Australian, but the author’s note clarified the unerring accuracy: Australian young adult author Hannah Currie helped with those details. For example:
Welcome to the island of Northargyle. A hidden gem in the Tasman Sea, just north of New Zealand. The island enjoys much of the same wildlife (not as many sheep) and weather as New Zealand (experience the four seasons all in one day).
Yes, that’s accurate.
According to research, everything in Australia wants to kill you, except maybe koalas who sleep twenty-two hours a day.
Also accurate.
I was a little disappointed that Abbie didn’t get to visit New Zealand, but maybe we’ll see that in a future story in the Royally Austen series …
Fans of royalty romance and Jane Austen will enjoy Northargyle Abbie, as will anyone looking for a witty romance with a hint of mystery.
Thanks to WhiteFire Publishing for providing a free ebook for review.
kewkew34 –
I greatly enjoyed Northargyle Abbie, the first book in the Royally Austen series and debut novel by Janelle Leonard. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, as I have never read Northanger Abbey, or any Austen book. But I loved the idea of a romance that somehow was going to include royalty.
I loved that there was a mystery, yet not one that included suspense and murder. Don’t get me wrong, if you follow what I read and review, you know I enjoy suspense and mysteries. But I love so many other genres as well. And it is rare that I find a mystery that doesn’t include murder.
Northargyle Abbie includes a mystery that revolves around a ring, a shawl, and a inheritance which includes a deed to a cottage on the other side of the world. Which leads to an adventure for Abbie as she leaves her comfort zone to discover how her grandmother, who supposedly never left the USA, suddenly had a cottage to leave her in Australia.
There are friendships made and betrayals. We meet a couple of different men who are interested in Abigail, or is it that they are interested in her possessions and the connection to a decades old mystery? And somehow, someone is a royal or related to royalty (I mean, the series is “Royally Austen.”) But, I don’t want to give away details.
I loved being inside Abbie’s head, as it is written in first person. She has a habit of daydreaming and going into her headspace. And I loved reading the selections from “Abigail’s Notebook of Silly Placards.”
Family and faith are very important in this story. I love reading about the relationships Abigail has with her brothers and her parents and her aunt. Abigail is a pastor’s daughter and is a Christian, but there was growth in her faith and learning to trust the Lord’s plan for her life.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.