The Austen Playbook

Starred review from February 25, 2019
In the delightful fourth in Parker’s contemporary London Celebrities series (after Making Up), readers will easily immerse themselves into the passionate world of actor Frederica “Freddy” Carlton and critic James “Griff” Ford-Griffin. The last person Freddy ever thought she’d snog was the straightforward, moody Griff. One would have to dig deep to find a compliment in his reviews of Freddy, but considering she has a tendency to accept roles she doesn’t even want, she has to admit his scorn is justified. Griff’s family is full of flighty dreamers, so getting involved with Freddy was the last thing he wanted or needed, or so he thought. He finds her exuberance is actually pleasing offstage and when she is cast in a film being shot at his crumbling estate, which he is financially unable to care for, their chemistry is enough to brighten the foggiest London days. Griff has plans to raise the funds he needs, but a secret threatens to ruin his future, as well as Freddy’s relationship with her distant father, who also happens to be her manager and the archnemesis of Griff’s family. There’s more drama offstage than on, the writing is outstanding, and the bit of mystery blends well into the romance. Theater fans will devour this lovely contemporary romance. Agent: Elaine Spencer, Knight Agency.

Billie Fulford-Brown narrates a glowing tribute to London's West End, full of drama both onstage and off. Actor Freddy Carlton needs to choose: focus solely on prestigious dramatic roles or return to her beloved musical comedy roots. Theater critic James Ford-Griffin (Griff to his friends) needs to save his family's estate. Fulford-Brown portrays Freddy as animated and vibrant but still professionally driven, despite her cheerful persona. Griff is portrayed as reserved, level-headed, and somewhat inclined to be blunt. Their chemistry is undeniable and instant. Fulford-Brown also delivers a stellar performance of Charlie, Griff's younger, somewhat feckless brother, who comes into his own. K.M.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine