Anne of Avenue A
A Novel
Published on 4. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-6680-9765-6 (ISBN)
Description
Jane Austen's Persuasion meets the Big Apple in this swoon-worthy holiday romance from the authors of Elizabeth of East Hampton and Emma of 83rd Street.
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth's heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic-she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere-but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father's bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.
Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he's been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he's shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.
Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie's fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth's heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic-she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere-but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father's bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.
Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he's been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he's shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.
Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie's fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.
Reviews / Votes
"Harding and Bellezza deliver yet again with this wonderful, modern-day Persuasion. Using their trademark wit and charm, Anne of Avenue A will have you kicking your feet and giggling from beginning to end."-Alexa Martin, USA Today bestselling author of How to Sell a Romance"This charming and swoon-worthy second chance romance brings Jane Austen's Persuasion to modern day New York in a delightfully tender and nostalgic journey which will have Austenites and fans of contemporary romance alike devouring the pages."-Zoe Allison, author of The Ex-Mas Holiday
"Anne of Avenue A is a cozy holiday Persuasion retelling that every Austenite is sure to love (most ardently). With tender storytelling, wry humor, and the magic of winter in New York, Anne and Freddie's story is a heartfelt celebration of second chances that will have you rooting for their love from page one."-Victoria Lavine, internationally bestselling author of Any Trope but You
Praise for The Love of Austen series
"Bellezza and Harding put a beachy spin on Pride and Prejudice... Austenites will be over the moon."
-Publishers Weekly
"Escape to summer in the Hamptons-a Hamptons bakery to be exact-via the pages of Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding's latest page turner. A charming, modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, this sun- and sugar-soaked novel will delight even the most discerning Jane Austen fan. Readers will be enchanted-and are sure to add this talented duo to their list of auto-buy authors."
-Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Happier Life
"Elizabeth of East Hampton proves that the only thing better than an east coast beach read is an east coast beach read that doubles as an irresistibly fresh take on the ultimate enemies-to-lovers romance. Endlessly charming and more delicious than the famous sour cherry muffins from Bennet's Bakery-which I'm still drooling over-this Hamptons-set romp is guaranteed to delight both die-hard Janeites and P&P virgins alike!"-Nicolas DiDomizio, author of The Gay Best Friend
"[A] charming debut... The authors bring plenty of wit to this classic friends-to-lovers tale. Readers will fall in love with Emma Woodhouse all over again."-Publishers Weekly
"Belleza and Harding have created a glamorous romp that is heartfelt, steamy, and romantic... For fans of the movie Clueless and retellings of classics."-Library Journal
"A great summer beach read...From its Lilly Pulitzer-colored cover to its Blair Waldorf-type protagonist, this book should be purchased immediately because it's going to ride off shelves like a vintage Jaguar with the top down."-Bookreporter
"The best romantic comedy I've ever read. A sparkling take on Emma that would make Jane Austen proud."-Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York, NY
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
2 B&W AU photos
Dimensions
Height: 205 mm
Width: 133 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
268 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6680-9765-6 (9781668097656)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2025
Gallery Books
€13.84
Available for download
Persons
Audrey Bellezza is a two-time Emmy Award-nominated TV producer who has spent over twenty years writing, developing, and executive producing nonfiction television shows for a number of networks and streaming platforms. Audrey lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
Emily Harding is one-half of the writing duo behind the For the Love of Austen series, including Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton. She is a graduate of Emerson College with degrees in both creative writing and film. After working over fifteen years in television development and production, she found her way back to writing. Emily lives in Dallas with her husband, two children, and an incredibly spoiled Texas heeler.
Emily Harding is one-half of the writing duo behind the For the Love of Austen series, including Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton. She is a graduate of Emerson College with degrees in both creative writing and film. After working over fifteen years in television development and production, she found her way back to writing. Emily lives in Dallas with her husband, two children, and an incredibly spoiled Texas heeler.