Prelim Review: I'll admit to something a little bit scandalous as a reader of romance to say--I know very little about Jane Austen or her novels. The only book of hers I've read in completion is NORTHANGER ABBEY, all the rest I've only read pieces of at various times. When I first saw the cover and heard the title of I WAS JANE AUSTEN'S BEST FRIEND, I thought it was like so many of the other 'Jane Austen' books; not so much about the woman as the writer.

Harrison makes it immediately apparent that what she sought to do with her novel was to paint a picture of a girl who knew her very well. Not necessarily a family member, but one who is related to her none the less, who could look at the Austen family with different eyes.

This is an enchanting novel filled with all the joy and problems one has with a large family. Though Jenny is circumspect and grateful to the Austens, in her diary she doesn't hold back her thoughts. How uncomfortable she sometimes feels when Jane and her mother snipe at each other, the sulky manner which Cassandra views her, or breathlessness she feels around Henry, Jane's older brother.

Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart ( )

Jane looks like she could die. It's a terrible thing to write: Jane looks like she could die - but it's even worse to have the thought jumping into your mind every few minutes. I'm just sitting here in this cold dormitory looking at Jane. The only light is the light that comes in from the street. It's enough though, as Jane's bed is next to the window. I can see her face. It is very red; it's been like that for the last few days. She's pushed off her nightcap and her dark curly hair is soaked in sweat. Her eyes are widely opened, but there is nothing of Jane in that gaze. She looks at me, but she doesn't know me, just carries on muttering through swollen, cracked lips.

FROM AMAZON: Best-selling novelist Cora Harrison’s light historical romance in the form of a secret diary was inspired by real-life events in the Austen family and will delight Jane Austen fans everywhere.

When 15-year-old Jane Austen’s shy cousin Jenny comes to stay, their evenings are a blur of beautiful dresses, balls, gossip, and romance; their days are spend writing about them - Jenny in her diary, Jane in her witty first attempts at fiction. When Jenny falls utterly in love with a handsome naval officer, who better to help her than Jane herself, already an expert in love and relationships?

I really enjoyed this book and was exactly what I wanted. It's a fast and enjoyable read and is pretty light-hearted. For fans of Jane Austen young and old and for those a little nervous to take on the amazing author. Beautifully written from the first page. When finishing this book I felt like I was saying goodbye to two of my best friends. ( )

I love anything Jane Austen!! So when I found this book yesterday, I had to have it!! Hope it is good!