3.5 stars
I will pretty much read anything that relates to Jane Austen.
This is a very quick, but very informative read that gives a new lens to Austen’s works.
I’m not a huge reader of nonfiction, but this did entice me. To me, the beginning dragged on a bit, but once we got into the pair’s tight friendship and into some romances, I found it quite interesting.
It felt a bit disconnected at times and sometimes too much of a knowledge dump, but I did learn a lot and have a new appreciation for Austen’s best friend Martha Lloyd.

Definitely one to check out if you’re a lover of all things Austen!

This book was the perfect escape. It was lovely and fun. It was my first book by this author and I will definitely be on the look out for more!!

This was such an interesting and informative read. The author has obviously researched the subject matter thoroughly. This was an in-depth and insightful look at Jane Austens relationship with her very good friend Martha . I actually found it especially enlightening as a lot of biographies concentrate on the relationship between Jane and Cassandra. You get a real sense of the vibrancy of both women's personalities and the vitality of spirit they share.
I actually read this in one sitting and was surprised when I'd actually finished it . It's a very enjoyable read and I thoroughly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my wish. What a great book. Learned quite a bit about Jane Austen's BF. Will recommend this to others..

Reading this book is almost like being transported to the time of Jane Austen. It is surprising that authors are still writing about this Pride and Prejudice lady. Martha must have been a good friend to have stayed close for so long-to Jane. Try this one as it is worth the time.

My life is richer after reading this thought-provoking book. We have been given a wonderful glimplse

into a bygone age through best friends Jane Austen and Martha Lloyd. They shared a friendship that we all wish

for in a lifetime. We learn about their intertwined lives which helped mould Jane Austen's personality and

writing.. I particularly liked how laughter and wit was part of her and her books..It is still a mystery why Jane was

always matchmaking in her fiction but did not manage to find an eligible suitor for herself..

This is an extremely well-researched book and is an excellent best friend for all who study or admire Janes work.

I found this book fascinating. It was written in a scholarly but accessible way, immaculately researched and gave lots of insight and detail into the relationship of Jane Austen and her closest friend Martha Lloyd. I enjoyed the way it was structured to look at different aspects of the friends ' relationship through the lens of writing, family, fashion, society and other approaches. Entertaining, illuminating and full of interesting historical information, this was a very enjoyable read.

I received an advance copy of, Jane Austen's Best Friend, by Zoe Wheddon. This is a very interesting book, about the friendship between Jane and Martha. I learned a lot more about the two of them.