Regency romance with Jane Austen author Gill Hornby at The Retreat

The Retreat at Elcot Park - between Newbury and Hungerford - is continuing its series of Author Suppers with bestselling Kintbury author Gill Hornby on Thursday, March 23.

The hotel, which recently won Sunday Times Hotel of the Year, offers a variety of events and experiences within beautifully landscaped grounds and stylishly designed rooms.

Author suppers, which are supported by local indie Hungerford Bookshop, take place in The Orangery and provide a chance for people to hear writers speak about their books and career over a delicious three-course supper. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed.

Gill Hornby’s latest book, Godmersham Park (published in paperback in January) was chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month, and joined her previous Miss Austen by shooting straight into the bestseller charts. This witty and moving novel returns to the life of the celebrated Regency novelist with the moving and witty tale of a young governess in the Austen family:

Anne Sharpe is 31 and has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses, but her mother has died and she desperately needs an independent income. For her new charge, 12-year-old Fanny Austen, Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement, however, Anne is keenly aware that her new role is an awkward one: she is neither one of the servants nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in her instant dismissal. When Henry Austen and his younger sister Jane come to stay the governess quickly becomes drawn into the above stairs life of the Austen family. Despite her best endeavours, Anne finds that she is beginning to fall in love. But has her survival at Godmersham Park just become a good deal more precarious?

Gill will be in conversation with journalist Hannah MacInnes and will be happy to answer questions from the audience.

If you would like to learn about a country house drama in the appropriate setting of a country house hotel while enjoying some superb dishes, contact The Retreat on (01635) 800520. Tickets are £60 (£55 members) and include a three course supper plus a signed copy of the book.

Contact Emma at Hungerford Bookshop: events@hungerfordbookshop.co.uk for book enquiries.