Hi, my bookish friend!
Surprise! I’m popping into your inbox today because it’s July’s 5 on Five!
Deborah Linn McNemee at Keeping Classics is this month’s host, and she’s chosen the theme “Classics Connected Books.” So today I’m sharing 5 book recs of new or recently released books that have a connection to a classic novel written by a female author.
Consider this post “Part 1” and Wednesday’s post “Part 2” where I share how you can extend your love for these classic female novelists through literary travel to their homes and the very places their greatest works were actually written!
It’s been sweltering hot in my quiet country corner of Pennsylvania, so I’m glad I’m not living in the time period of these classic novels and that I live in the age of A/C! I hope you’re enjoying your summer reading somewhere cool and comfy!
Happy Summer Reading!
Your friend,
Audry
P.S. I’m giving away a $50 Bookshop.org gift card to one new or current Annual or Founding Member to celebrate the Bookish AF Summer of Reading!
Most people who know me know that I’m a tea lover, especially my evening ritual of a mug of herbal tea. I also often prep a cup of tea whenever I’m relaxing and reading to make it even cozier.
So I was delighted when Plum Deluxe sent me a sampler of their reader-inspired teas! Their Reading Nook, Bookshop Blend, and Literary Tea Tin feel like they were just made for afternoons spent with a good book!
If you’re looking to make your next reading session a little cozier (or need a thoughtful gift for the book lover in your life), take a peek at Plum Deluxe’s bookish collection!
As a reader, pretty much all the classic novels I’ve ever read were when I was a student in high school and college. And I hadn’t returned to this genre until very recently! Last year, I listened to Pride and Prejudice as an audiobook and enjoyed it once I adjusted to the long, flowing sentences.
It’s a much different experience reading a classic now that I’m older. I definitely have a greater appreciation for these books and how they’ve withstood the test of time. I’m looking forward to listening to or reading another classic soon!
Plus, pairing a classic with reading a new book based on it also doubles the reading fun! It’s a great motivator to pick up a classic if you’re like me and a bit reluctant to do so!
Classic Inspiration: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This YA thriller reimagines one of the most heartbreaking moments in Little Women by asking, “What if Beth’s death wasn’t an illness … but a murder?”
After the sudden death of her beloved sister Beth, a modern-day Jo refuses to believe it was an accident and begins investigating what really happened. As long-buried family secrets come to light, the story transforms Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic into a gripping mystery full of twists and emotional stakes. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
Like Little Women, this novel also includes themes of sisterhood, family bonds, and grief. But before you pick it up, read 5 on Five host Deborah Linn McNemee’s mixed thoughts about Beth is Dead here!
Classic Inspiration: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
This charming contemporary romance imagines what Anne Shirley’s life might look like if she grew up in modern-day New York City.
Anne has traded the rolling hills of Prince Edward Island for college life in Manhattan. Now, she’s chasing big dreams, navigating adulthood, and trying to ignore the familiar sparks flying between her and longtime rival Gilbert Blythe. Readers enjoy that it’s full of humor, heart, and plenty of banter. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
While the setting is so different from Anne of Green Gables, Anne’s imagination, optimism, and unforgettable romance with Gilbert still remain wonderfully intact.
Classic Inspiration: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Rachel Hawkins transforms Charlotte Brontë’s Gothic romance into a modern psychological thriller packed with secrets and suspense.
Jane is a dog walker trying to build a better life when she falls for the wealthy and mysterious Eddie Rochester. But strange disappearances, whispered rumors, and the lingering presence of Eddie’s missing wife suggest there’s far more to the story than Jane first realizes. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
Fans of Jane Eyre will enjoy the familiar characters, themes, and, of course, the eerie atmosphere. Readers say they like how the story is cleverly reimagined into a page-turning thriller!
Classic Inspiration: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Inspired by Jane Austen’s beloved romance, this historical mystery blends slow-burn chemistry with insightful observations about family and society.
Set in Joseon-era Korea, the novel follows a determined young woman searching for answers. The more she digs, the more she becomes drawn into a dangerous mystery and a complicated relationship with a man she never expected to trust. It’s got that page-turning mix of suspense and heartfelt romance. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
This book is different from the many, many … many, many recent retellings of Pride and Prejudice. It scored high ratings from readers for its ability to capture Austen’s wit, emotional tension, and enemies-to-lovers trope.
Classic Inspiration: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
This upcoming novel (Publication date is September 8, 2026) reimagines Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking story. This book offers up a fresh, emotionally charged take on identity, belonging, and what it means to be human. It’s alive! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)
When Adam’s carefully controlled life begins unraveling, he’s forced to confront difficult truths about love, creation, and the person he’s becoming. Part psychological horror and part character-driven drama, this novel explores the line between obsession and connection. (Amazon | Bookshop.org)
Like Frankenstein, this modern retelling asks timeless questions about humanity, loneliness, and the consequences of trying to control what we create.
Remember to visit today’s host, Deborah Linn McNemee, at Keeping Classics! Also, see all my past 5 on Five book lists here! And if you want to participate in future 5 on Five book lists, learn more about it and how to get in on it here!
This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!
Thank you for reading! 🤓If you enjoyed this article, please show your support:
Like, comment, or restack! THANK YOU!
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.