The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen is every Jane Austen fans fantasy. To be the one who discovers a lost manuscript of THE Jane Austen! Could there be anything better??

Syrie James writes a wonderful What If? Novel. Samantha is no stranger to England as she started her Ph.D. studies there. While visiting with her boyfriend, she uncovers a clue that leads her to believe there is another Jane Austen work yet discovered. Samantha soon finds herself on a quest to find this missing manuscript. She attempts to get a hold of her old advisor but is unsuccessful. Eventually, she follows the clue to an estate in Greenbriar. There she meets the owner’s son, Anthony. Together they search the house in hopes of finding the missing novel.

After hours of searching, they discover the manuscript locked away. They come to the realization that it was not LOST but STOLEN by the original owner of the house. Eager to read the never before published story, Samantha and Anthony stay up all night taking turns reading. Samantha could never have predicted just where this new discovery would take her.

The novel is back and forth between Samantha & Anthony and the Stanhope Family of Jane Austen’s novel. Ms. James’ readers will find it easy to follow both stories. And might find themselves, as I did, wishing it really were a Jane Austen novel.

Syrie James did a wonderful job maintaining the Austenian way of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Overall, I believe the reader will be satisfied with both the ending of The Stanhopes and the ending of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen.

A few cautions: Samantha puts herself in a few situations that are not wise for a woman in a serious relationship. It is clear that she is attracted to Anthony and she admits to wanting to kiss him. Amelia Davenport (a character in the missing novel) is very selfish and conniving. You could see through it pretty early on.
Overall, however, I found this a quite enjoyable fiction read.