Written by Lucy Worsley, well known as a TV presenter and for her role as Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, this book, aimed at the young adult market, does what it says on the cover and describes what the future might hold for Jane Austen’s nieces.

Set at a time when finding a husband, preferably a rich husband, was thought to be the only route to happiness for a young woman, the story focuses on cousins Anna and Fanny and their race to be the first to find a suitable spouse.

Enjoyable, witty and full of period charm, the story bubbles and dips along in much the same way as Ms Worsley presents history on TV. Given her background as a historian, it’s no surprise to learn that the majority of the people and places really existed.

Although I’m not the target audience, it really didn’t matter. It’s a pleasant, well-written and diverting story, ideal for a quiet afternoon’s reading and leaving the reader looking forward to more of the author’s books.