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The Austens of Bath
Only a handful of Jane Austen’s letters survive from her years in Bath, leaving historians with tantalising gaps in this pivotal chapter of her life. But by turning to the diaries, letters, and experiences of those who lived alongside her, a richer, more intimate picture begins to emerge.
In this novel of biographical fiction, the story picks up where The Austens of Steventon ended, following Jane and her family from early 1801 to July 1809 — years marked by upheaval and quiet resilience. Through house moves, suitors and heartbreak, plus the arrival of beloved nieces and nephews, Jane’s world shifts in ways both subtle and profound. These younger relatives even lend their voices to the telling, offering fresh perspectives on the woman who would become one of literature’s most enduring authors.
Whether you are returning to the series or discovering it for the first time, this novel stands beautifully on its own. Each character is reintroduced with clarity, and the threads of their past are woven seamlessly into the unfolding narrative. Step into the Austen family’s world and experience the moments — ordinary and extraordinary — that shaped Jane’s life long before her novels found their readers.
In this novel of biographical fiction, the story picks up where The Austens of Steventon ended, following Jane and her family from early 1801 to July 1809 — years marked by upheaval and quiet resilience. Through house moves, suitors and heartbreak, plus the arrival of beloved nieces and nephews, Jane’s world shifts in ways both subtle and profound. These younger relatives even lend their voices to the telling, offering fresh perspectives on the woman who would become one of literature’s most enduring authors.
Whether you are returning to the series or discovering it for the first time, this novel stands beautifully on its own. Each character is reintroduced with clarity, and the threads of their past are woven seamlessly into the unfolding narrative. Step into the Austen family’s world and experience the moments — ordinary and extraordinary — that shaped Jane’s life long before her novels found their readers.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Diane Jane Ball
2 books10 followersDiane is an English teacher in the UK who loves writing.
She published her first novel, 'The Austens of Steventon' in January 2024, followed by her second, 'The Austens of Bath' in April 2025. Her works tell the true life stories of Jane Austen and her family, and she has a website full of photos and information about the real life settings that were important to them.
Diane was first introduced to Jane Austen at school, which has led to a love of nineteenth century novels and wider historical fiction.
When she's not writing, Diane teaches English lessons online and is never far away from a Shakespeare play, poem or other classic literature text. She also helps to run the Association of Self-Published Authors (ASPA), where she is a co-owner.
In her spare time, Diane enjoys long walks in the countryside and visits to old stately homes and castles. Her best days are those that end up in a tearoom, before heading home with a purchase from the second-hand book shop that she couldn't resist!
She published her first novel, 'The Austens of Steventon' in January 2024, followed by her second, 'The Austens of Bath' in April 2025. Her works tell the true life stories of Jane Austen and her family, and she has a website full of photos and information about the real life settings that were important to them.
Diane was first introduced to Jane Austen at school, which has led to a love of nineteenth century novels and wider historical fiction.
When she's not writing, Diane teaches English lessons online and is never far away from a Shakespeare play, poem or other classic literature text. She also helps to run the Association of Self-Published Authors (ASPA), where she is a co-owner.
In her spare time, Diane enjoys long walks in the countryside and visits to old stately homes and castles. Her best days are those that end up in a tearoom, before heading home with a purchase from the second-hand book shop that she couldn't resist!
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