The Jane Austen Marriage Manual

A “self-professed Jane Austen addict” tries her hand at gold-digging, with disastrous and hilarious results, in Izzo’s charming first novel. Though broke, single, and approaching 40, Katharine Shaw usually manages to make the best of things. She has supportive pals and she’s passionate about her career in the magazine industry. But losing her job and the family home makes it hard for even Kate to stay positive. When given a freelance assignment to see if a modern woman can use Austen’s tactics to land a moneyed man, Kate realizes this may be her chance to solve her financial woes. With freshly cashed-out investments and a dubious Scottish title given to her as a gag gift, “Lady Kate” finagles her way into high society. Traipsing around the world, she connects with a few wealthy bachelors, but a handsome, charming bed-and-breakfast owner has her reconsidering her quest for a rich beau. Izzo isn’t trailblazing, and the Austen connection is tenuous, but Kate’s search for love contains a surfeit of laugh-out-loud moments. Spectacular descriptions of lavish, character-filled parties add further froth to the escapist fantasy. Agent: Grainne Fox, Fletcher & Co. (May)