Review of Anne of Avenue A

If you love Christmas romance books and love a Jane Austen retelling, this second chance at love story is perfect for you.

Review of Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

Anne of Avenue A is a fun retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in NYC’s East Village. It’s part of the For the Love of Austen series.

I read Emma of 83rd Street and I guess I missed the next book in the series, Elizabeth of East Hampton. This is book three.

I’ll be honest: Persuasion isn’t my favorite Jane Austen book, but I’ve come to appreciate it more as I get older. It’s a quieter story with older characters who broke up under family pressure and then meet again years later.

I thought this retelling was clever, with Captain Frederick Wentworth turned into Freddie from Queens with dreams of eco-friendly farming. Anne Eliot is the daughter of a strong-willed mother and a feckless father who makes a sacrifice so that Freddie can pursue his dreams. Sophia Croft is now Sophie, Freddie’s little sister.

Anne had dreams of entrepreneurship but ended up helping out with her parents’ production company and being in charge of Divorce Divas, a tacky Real Housewives style reality show.

Set around the holidays, this is a medium spice, open door, second chance at love romance!

Anne of Avenue A Had:

• College sweethearts who split up but are still in love
• A fun East Village location
• Christmas and New Year’s eve festivities
• Cameo appearances from Will and Lizzy (Elizabeth of East Hampton) and George and Emma (Emma of East 83rd)!
• Publication date: October 28, 2025 by Gallery Books. Thanks so much to them for the advance review copy!

Anne of Avenue A  is Perfect For:

Fans of Jane Austen retellings, fans of the For the Love of Austen series, and those who enjoy a good second chance at love romance!

My Master Post on New Christmas Romance Books for 2025 has spice levels, romance levels, and more for ALL my holidayl picks (including You Make It Feel Like Christmas) so be sure to check it out!