"McVeigh's prose and plotting are pitch-perfect. Emma mingles with Pride and Prejudice in a delightful confrontation between the two books' worlds... This Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself." (From Publishers Weekly's BookLife Prize review 10/10 stars
"Fans of Jane Austen will be easily enraptured by Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh. Honoring the original voice of characters more than two centuries old and capturing the subtle tension and emotional complexity of youthful independence, this stylistic gem is an ambitious and memorable homage... McVeigh has set a strong foundation for a stunning six-book series and has the writing chops to deliver a hugely challenging undertaking, which will thrill fans of Jane Austen, and historical fiction fans in general." (Senior editor, Self-Publishing Review
"Susan: an engaging historical novel set within Jane Austen's classic universe. A young woman of no fortune and immense wit maneuvers her way into the good graces of landed gentry in Alice McVeigh's novel of manners. Characters from Pride and Prejudice appear or are mentioned in passing. Their incorporation is clever: Mr. Collins is Susan's uncle; Colonel Fitzwilliam had the misfortune of having killed Susan's father in duel; and Lady Catherine becomes her benefactress. Susan's personality does break through the rigid strictures of Regency society, helping to make Susan an engaging historical novel with classic influences." (Foreword Clarion Reviews
"I found the characters colorful and thoroughly entertaining, the dialogue witty and laced with humor... Alice McVeigh writes with a flow and eloquence that makes the narrative as smooth as melted butter, and she perfectly captures the era." Pikasho Deka (editorial review for Readers' Favorite.com.
"Though there have certainly been other attempts to imitate Austen's narrative and storytelling, none have been so skillfully and masterfully executed as Alice McVeigh has achieved. The storytelling and plotting make for a truly immersive experience. Fans of Mr. Darcy, Charlotte Collins and Frank Churchill will enjoy adventures of their beloved characters woven throughout the work... Susan also serves as a bridge between the worlds of Emma and Pride and Prejudice, realizing on the page a space that no doubt many readers have long imagined... McVeigh's impeccable prose transports readers so convincingly it is difficult to remember this work was not penned by Jane Austen herself." (Sarah Baer for IndieReader)
"McVeigh has created a strong character unwilling to conform to the expectations for women of the late 1700s and early 1800s. Susan's charm and beauty allures many, giving her the freedom that other women would not have had during the period. The writing style is witty, fun, and has all the hallmarks of an Austen novel. It will likely appeal to those who seek a modern continuation of British gentry romance and intrigue."
