She wrote herself out of the story. Now she's daring to want more.

Charlotte Lucas has never been a romantic. Practical to a fault, she accepted Mr Collins's proposal with clear eyes and a steady heart, trading passion for security. Life at Hunsford Parsonage may be quiet and predictable, but it is hers to manage - and she's determined to make the best of it, whatever Elizabeth Bennet may think.

That is, until an unexpected guest at Rosings Park turns Charlotte's careful world on its head. He sees her, challenges her - and a spark is lit. But true contentment is not only about who you choose to love, but who you choose to be. For the first time, she wonders: has playing by the rules kept her on the sidelines of her own life?

Introducing: Mrs Collins, the Pride and Prejudice heroine you never knew you needed.

Charlotte Lucas finally becomes the heroine of her own story in this heartfelt and mesmerising sequel to Pride and Prejudice, written by comedian and Austentatious founding member Rachel Parris to coincide with Jane Austen's 250th birthday.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL PARRIS
'Warm witty and wise' RICHARD OSMAN
'Hilarious, wise and heart breaking' SARA PASCOE
'Rachel is one of my favourite comedians. This book is warm, wise and hilarious. It is written in her comic voice - a voice she mainly has used to tell me off, so I am thrilled to see it deployed in this way' NISH KUMAR