Editorial Reviews:

“A dynamic take on a revered classic. This is still Austen’s Emma—but the story that unfolds through the recollections of these two “side” characters feels remarkably fresh… With or without an understanding of Emma, Harriet contains a fully formed narrative that should satisfy even the choosiest Austen fans… Readers will rarely find the words ‘page-turner’ and 'Jane Austen' in the same sentence, but McVeigh’s impeccably written Harriet certainly fits the bill.” (IndieReader) 

“Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in yet another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Swirling rumors, sardonic asides and complex romantic geometry make for a saucy read, but there are also profound commentaries on gender roles, friendship and heartbreak laced within the prose… McVeigh delivers a remarkably engaging tale of love, loss, and learning from one’s mistakes, skilfully capturing the essence of Austen’s world, but adding fresh dimensions.” (SPR featured editorial review)

“Harriet reimagines Jane Austen’s Emma through the eyes of two characters, Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax. McVeigh brings new depth to the original, while in tone and language she successfully recreates this familiar part of Jane Austen’s world. It is a pleasure to revisit this familiar story though a different lens… an enjoyable and intelligent reimagining.” (Editorial review, BlueInk Reviews)

“A highly engrossing novel that captures the spirit of Austen and celebrates all the best qualities of her work from new and innovative angles… The characters are vibrant and full of life – McVeigh hits the mark spot-on.” (Readers Favorite editorial review by Pikasho Deka for Readers Favorite)

 “Alice McVeigh captures the spirit of Austen and celebrates all the best qualities of her work from new and innovative angles. One feature that I especially enjoyed was her sense of period, which adds details to the imagination and brings history to life, perhaps even more so than Austen, since she’s writing with readers of our own time period in mind. This enables McVeigh to use a guiding hand to add clarity to the complications of the original, whilst also creating surprises that fit perfectly but are wholly unexpected. If you think you know Emma, think again, and enjoy Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation. (K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite)

In this clever retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved Emma, Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax take center-stage. Austen hints at their backstories in the original novel but Alice McVeigh brings them to life, developing their personalities and adding new dimensions. Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation is well-written and feels true to Austen's style… This book is a must-read.” (Heather Stockard for Readers Favorites)

“Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax share the chapters in this meticulous adaptation of Austen’s Emma, but it is Harriet who surprises, chiefly because she has been raised from minor to major importance, equal to heroines Jane and Emma. No longer merely a pet project of Emma’s, Harriet’s tale—along with her deepest thoughts, and dreams, perceptions and misperceptions—makes for an extraordinarily good time. Be assured that matchmaking and marriage endure in this Austenesque canvas, yet the vibrant twists and pivots of Harriet will still hold you entranced.” (James Conroyd Martin, author of Fortune’s Child, Too Soon the Night, and The Poland Trilogy)