12 Authors Similar to Jane Austen for Classic Romance Fans

Looking for authors similar to Jane Austen? Then you’re in for a treat.

These 12 writers capture her signature blend of romance, wit and sharp social insight, offering stories that will charm any Austen fan.

From timeless love stories to keen observations of society, their works embody the spirit of Austen while bringing fresh perspectives to classic themes.

12 Authors Similar to Jane Austen 

1. Maria Edgeworth

Writing Style & Themes:
Edgeworth’s novels blend romance, social satire and moral lessons, much like Austen’s. 

She explores themes of class, education and women’s roles with wit and realism.

Notable Books/Series:

• Belinda
• Castle Rackrent
• The Absentee

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Edgeworth’s keen observations of society, strong female characters and sharp humor make her a perfect read for Austen fans. 

Her works also provide a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Ireland.

Maria Edgeworth’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/82939.Maria_Edgeworth 

2. Fanny Burney

Writing Style & Themes:
Burney’s novels feature intelligent independent heroines navigating love and society’s expectations, much like Austen’s. 

She blends romance with keen social commentary and satire.

Notable Books/Series:

• Evelina
• Cecilia
• Camilla

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Burney’s witty and observant storytelling laid the groundwork for Austen’s novels. 

Her lively characters and engaging plots make her a must-read for those who enjoy classic romantic fiction.

Fanny Burney’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18304042.Frances_Burney 

3. Susan Ferrier

Writing Style & Themes:
Ferrier’s novels offer a delightful mix of romance, humor and social critique. 

As a writer like Jane Austen, she focuses on love, family dynamics and the constraints placed on women.

Notable Books/Series:

• Marriage
• The Inheritance
• Destiny

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Ferrier’s sharp wit and vivid character portrayals make her novels both entertaining and insightful. 

Fans of Austen’s humor and keen social observations will find her work delightful.

Susan Ferrier’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/285936.Susan_Edmonstone_Ferrier 

4. Elizabeth Gaskell

Writing Style & Themes:
Gaskell’s novels blend romance with deep social insight exploring class struggles, gender roles and moral dilemmas. 

Her storytelling is rich in character development and emotional depth.

Notable Books/Series:

• North and South
• Wives and Daughters
• Cranford

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Gaskell’s beautifully crafted love stories, strong heroines and vivid depictions of Victorian England make her a perfect choice for Jane Austen fans who enjoy romance and social commentary.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s Website: https://www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

5. Anthony Trollope

Writing Style & Themes:
Trollope’s novels offer rich social satire, romance and keen insights into 19th-century British society. 

His character-driven storytelling and exploration of marriage, ambition and morality align well with Austen’s themes.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Warden (Chronicles of Barsetshire series)
• Barchester Towers
• Can You Forgive Her? (Palliser series)

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Trollope’s engaging narratives and well-drawn characters bring a touch of Austen’s charm but with broader societal themes. 

His wit and keen observations make his novels compelling for lovers of classic literature.

Anthony Trollope’s Website: https://trollopesociety.org

6. George Eliot

Writing Style & Themes:
Eliot’s novels combine romance with deep philosophical and psychological insights. 

As an author like Jane Austen, she crafts strong female characters and explores societal pressures with wit and intelligence.

Notable Books/Series:

• Middlemarch
• The Mill on the Floss
• Silas Marner

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Eliot’s storytelling is both emotionally rich and intellectually stimulating. 

Fans of Austen’s character-driven narratives and keen social insights will appreciate her depth and literary brilliance.

George Eliot’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/173.George_Eliot 

7. Charlotte Brontë

Writing Style & Themes:
Brontë’s novels blend romance, strong-willed heroines and deep emotional intensity. 

While her works are darker than Austen’s, they share a focus on love, independence and social constraints.

Notable Books/Series:

• Jane Eyre
• Shirley
• Villette

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Brontë’s passionate storytelling, unforgettable heroines and deep psychological insight make her novels captivating. 

Readers who enjoy Austen’s strong female leads and social themes will find much to love.

Charlotte Brontë’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1036615.Charlotte_Bront_ 

8. Thomas Hardy

Writing Style & Themes:
Hardy’s novels often explore love, fate and societal expectations, much like Austen’s. 

However, his works lean toward the tragic, offering richly detailed portrayals of rural England and human struggles.

Notable Books/Series:

• Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• Far from the Madding Crowd
• The Mayor of Casterbridge

Why Readers Will Love Him:
While darker than Austen’s, his exploration of love and societal pressures makes his novels compelling for those who enjoy classic romantic fiction.

Thomas Hardy’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15905.Thomas_Hardy 

9. Barbara Pym

Writing Style & Themes:
Pym’s novels capture the quiet humor, romance and social nuances of everyday life, much like Austen’s. 

She explores themes of love, loneliness and social expectations with wit and charm.

Notable Books/Series:

• Excellent Women
• A Glass of Blessings
• Quartet in Autumn

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Pym’s dry wit, endearing characters and gentle observations of human nature make her novels a delightful read for Austen fans who enjoy subtle character-driven storytelling.

Barbara Pym’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/104015.Barbara_Pym 

10. Elizabeth von Arnim

Writing Style & Themes:
Von Arnim’s works blend romance, humor and social critique, often featuring independent witty heroines. 

Her writing carries Austen’s charm but with a modern satirical edge.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Enchanted April
• Elizabeth and Her German Garden
• The Pastor’s Wife

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her sharp wit, engaging storytelling and strong female characters make her novels a joy to read. 

Fans of Austen’s humor and lively heroines will appreciate her refreshing style.

Elizabeth von Arnim’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2098.Elizabeth_von_Arnim 

11. Mary Brunton

Writing Style & Themes:
Brunton’s novels focus on romance, morality and the struggles of strong-willed women in restrictive societies. 

Her themes and character-driven plots align closely with Austen’s.

Notable Books/Series:

• Self-Control
• Discipline

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Brunton’s deeply moral yet engaging narratives offer a thought-provoking take on love and social expectations. 

Readers who enjoy Austen’s mix of romance and character depth will find her work fascinating.

Mary Brunton’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/285932.Mary_Brunton 

12. Amelia Opie

Writing Style & Themes:
Opie’s novels blend romance with social and political themes often focusing on women’s rights and personal integrity. 

Her works share Austen’s keen insight into human nature.

Notable Books/Series:

• Adeline Mowbray
• The Father and Daughter
• Simple Tales

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Opie’s emotionally rich storytelling and exploration of love and morality make her novels engaging and thought-provoking. 

Fans of Austen’s social critiques and character-driven narratives will enjoy her work.

Amelia Opie’s Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/758599.Amelia_Opie 

Last Word on Authors Like Jane Austen 

If you love the wit, romance and keen social observations found in Jane Austen’s novels, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the works of these writers like Jane Austen. 

Writers like Maria Edgeworth and Fanny Burney paved the way for Austen with their sharp humor and strong female leads while Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot expanded on themes of love, class and morality with rich storytelling.

So, if you’re searching for your next great read, why not start with one of these talented authors similar to Jane Austen?