Many readers love Jane Austen and her books. Her books have spawned movies and inspired many writers. I’ll admit I’ve only read a couple — can we still be friends? However, I’ve discovered a small genre of Christian fiction that is set during that Austen time period in England. I’ve also added a couple that right wonderful Edwardian fiction, too. If you have a love for English settings, you really must try these authors.

1) Julie Klassen created this genre. I was reluctant to try her first book Lady of Milkweed Manor, but I’ve been hooked ever since. Her first few novels explored little known (to me) aspects of life in England during the 1820s. It might be in a home for unwed moms (Lady of Milkweed Manor) or an apothecary (The Apothecary’s Daughter) or a lady hiding as a maid (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall). The heroines are often women who are in a position where they have to step outside their comfort zone and rely on themselves in a time when you couldn’t. I love her books so much that they move to the top of my TBR pile when they release. Lovers of Jane Austen have to try these.

2) Sarah Ladd‘s novels are always books I can’t wait to read. Set in the 1810s, her books will transport you to the wilds of England. Set outside London, the books places readers inside the world of estates and the crafts. The characters are placed in impossible situations and have to overcome. While that may sound like every good book, I love the way Sarah crafts her stories. (And who wouldn’t love to wear one of the dresses on the cover?) Each book is literally better than the last, and they now come with a gothic tone or good mystery to solve. Love them!

3) Another series I have adored is Kristi Ann Hunter‘s Haven Manor which starts with A Defense of Honor. This series has such a creative launching idea. I don’t want to spoil it other than to say that the heroines are all part of protecting children who could cause great embarrassment to certain individuals. They have dedicated their lives to these children…and are now beginning to realize maybe there is something more available to them. I LOVE this series. And her next release, Winning the Gentleman, was so wonderfully filled with characters from prior books, that I literally binged all of her novels in two weeks. They are that good!

4) Juliana Deering has become one of my favorite authors. She writes fun whodunnits in 1930s England. The first one is fun foil on all the “do nots” for mystery writers. And the series has a strong romance that links the books. The same characters show up repeatedly and I loved getting to know them over the course of the three books. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie or the Maisie Dobbs series, you should try this.

5) Carrie Turansky has a series that will delight fans of Downton Abbey. Set at an estate much like Downton, it deals with the conflicts within a family. Mostly occurring above-stairs, it’s one that historical readers will enjoy.

As I update this post (which originally went up in 2014–say what!) I have to add a couple of authors whose books I adore.

6) Carolyn Miller writes delightful books set in Jane Austen England. The characters are spirited and so much fun. I just love the dynamic she creates between hero and heroine. Each book stands alone, but inside each series there are fun overlaps in characters. I would start with The Elusive Miss Ellison and enjoy from the beginning.

7) And another author with a Regency series I’ve enjoyed is Erica Vetsch. Her Serendipity & Secrets series has been fantastic. The latest, The Indebted Earl, releases later this month. This series contains Marriage of Convenience romances, yet each is fresh and new. Each book in this series has a strong hero is damaged in some way from the war. Each heroine has a desire to be more than society tells her she can be. The combination is often brilliant and fun.

What authors would you add to this list?