The brand new novel from the bestselling author of Miss Austen and Godmersham Park plunges us into the lives of the Austen family during the early 19th Century, where an unconventional marriage divides a family and turmoil ensues.

Mary Dorothea Knatchbull is living under the sole charge of her widowed father, Sir Edward – a man of strict principles and high Christian values. But when her father marries Miss Fanny Knight of Godmersham Park, Mary’s life is suddenly changed. Her new stepmother comes from a large, happy and sociable family and Fanny’s sisters become Mary’s first friends.

Her aunt, Miss Cassandra Austen of Chawton, is especially kind. Her brothers are not only amusing, but handsome and charming. And as Mary Dorothea starts to bloom into a beautiful young woman, she forms an especial bond with one Mr Knight in particular.

Soon, they are deeply in love and determined to marry. They expect no opposition. After all, each is from a good family and has known the other for some years.

It promises to be the most perfect match. Who would want to stand in their way?

Readers are loving The Elopement!

‘It is so well-written with vivid period detail that I felt immersed in the Austen world and did not want it to end.’ ‘I was hooked from the first page.’

‘Sharply observed, well researched and wonderfully told’ ‘I loved every minute of this novel’ ‘A gem’

‘A magical and terrifically interesting read’ Persephone Books Newsletter

‘Hornby’s Austen books are funny, bittersweet family sagas, impeccably researched and lavishly imagined’ The Times

‘Joyous…captured with apt perspicacity and keen wit’ Mail on Sunday

‘A richly imagined family saga, love story and social comedy in which Hornby displays a wonderful eye for people’s blind spots’ Johanna Thomas-Corr, Sunday Times