So, when Marianne Buxton applies to work at an eccentric, struggling bookshop, she doesn’t expect to fit in. She hasn’t read a book in years, and while her new manager Jude may be handsome, he’s also a literary snob.
But Wildflower Books is a place that draws in the people who need it. And what Marianne finds, as she explores the back rooms and stacks of books, is a magical doorway into the world of Pride and Prejudice.
While Marianne is only too happy to escape her real-life chaos and venture back into what she hopes will be a gentler time to watch Lizzy and Darcy’s love story unfold, she’s unaware of the danger that lurks within all the best Austen novels – that of the charming, untrustworthy rogue.
Caught between the scandalously seductive Mr Wickham and the Darcy-esque Jude, Marianne must distinguish fact from fiction and friend from foe before things go wildly awry...
Fall most ardently for Marianne and Wildflower Books in Anna James' brand-new, hilarious and irresistibly romantic bookish adventure, perfect for fans of Bridget Jones' Diary and Bridgerton!
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Praise for Anna James:‘A true delight’ The Telegraph
'Enchanting' Independent
‘A delight from first page to last’ Mail on Sunday
'Reading this book felt like stepping into another world entirely. A fantastic, magical masterpiece!' Reader Review ★★★★★
'I loved loved LOVED this! Any book lover who appreciates the magic and wonder of books would' Reader Review ★★★★★
'Perfect. Who doesn't love a book about books that's set in a bookshop?' Reader Review ★★★★★
'Hilarious. One of the best books I've ever read' Reader Review ★★★★★
Anna James is a writer and journalist from Northumberland. She is the author of the internationally bestselling children’s fantasy series Pages & Co, #1 New York Times bestselling series the Chronicles of Whetherwhy and Alice With a Why, the Blackwells Children's Book of the Year in 2025 and Waterstones Children's Book of the Month in May 2026. Formerly a school librarian and literary scout, Anna is also an arts journalist. She was previously Literary Editor for ELLE UK and now covers books and theatre on a freelance basis. Anna hosts the Bookwandering podcast, and currently lives in north London with her husband. You can find her @acaseforbooks across social media.