Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance

In 1817, Lady Victoria Aston, the 17-year-old second daughter of Lord Oakbridge, has lived an altogether charmed life. With her older sister, Althea, happily married, she’s largely left to her own devices, helping to manage the family’s English estate, studying animal husbandry, and rereading her favorite Jane Austen novels. Circumstances change, however, with revelations about Althea’s abusive husband, Dain. To protect her sister and prevent their home from falling into Dain’s villainous hands, Vicky must marry by the end of the season. Looking to the characters in her beloved Austen novels for support, Vicky weathers suspicious accidents, rising tensions, and multiple suitors, including Tom Sherborne, the childhood best friend who broke her heart years earlier. While Vicky takes center stage, interspersed perspectives from other characters, including those of Sherborne and his half-sister, deepen the story’s themes. Cohen portrays a young woman who is very much of the time but modern in her thoughts about marriage and women’s roles. Frequent references to then-popular novels and a thoughtful historical note add additional context to this spirited romp. Ages 13–up. (Dec.)