Jane Hayes is what some might call a hopeless romantic. Normal life (and men) continuously disappoint her. Why can’t she find anyone remotely like literary heartthrob, Mr. Darcy? Why can’t real life feel like a novel?

When a wealthy relative bequeaths Jane a trip to an English resort for Austen superfans, Jane’s fantasies become realer than she ever could have dreamed. Dressed in empire waist gowns and torn between a charming gardener and an actor playing the brooding Mr. Darcy role, Jane attempts to master the Regency-era etiquette and the flirtatious games. But when it’s time to bid Austenland farewell, will she be able to leave her sincerest fantasies–and the men who helped bring them to life–behind for good?

I had originally decided to read Austenland, and other Austen-inspired novels when I finished my big ol Austen novel, and was going to read this in May. However, when I found out about the new delux editions I held myself back to read the new ones and then compare them side by side.

First off, the journey of Jane Hayes was a delight. I think many women can understand her attraction to Mr. Darcy, and the resulting disappointment of real life men. Not that it’s only on the men as Jane identifies her attachment issues led to high expectations and off-putting intensity. Her journey to figuring out what she needed out of the Austenland experience in order to get over her fantasy was meandering near the middle, but the two epiphanies at the end point were satisfying and poignant.

Hale has a talent for creating distinct and fun characters. Jane was lovely to root for with a deprecating self-awareness and vast knowledge of Austen works besides P&P. I enjoyed Hale’s adversial relationship with Mrs. Wattlesbrook, odd friendship with the vivacious Miss Charming and swoon-worthy interactions with Martin the gardener and Mr. Nobley.

Mr. Nobley or Henry was a classic Darcy, emphasis more on Darcy’s sour points that helped Jane realize real lif Darcy is kind of a prick, yet Henry is more than the act he is putting on for the resort. Inserting intriguing backstory and the steady buildup of real interactions made it plausible for me to fall for Henry and Jane together with enough blurring of the lins that you question which is part of the script.

The humor was chuckle-worthy too, and I especially enjoyed the amateur theatrical the cast put on as well as Hayes’ boyfriend list #1-17.

The deluxe edition also includes riveting backstory to the creation of Austenland the book, the screenplay, and funny anecdotes BTS of the movie adaptation.

As I compare it with the original, the plotline remains the same with some notable changes in expanding the play scene (which I’m so glad, and I suspect Hale did it because she enjoyed it in the screenplay), lengthier descriptions that make the Austenland property more immersive, grander buildup between Henry and Jane, and more insight into Jane’s connection with painting. In comparing the two, the deluxe editions shows Hale’s growth as a writer with a more insight to her main character’s personal and romantic growth, and more depth to Henry.