I am very pleased to welcome author Syrie James to Austenprose today to officially open her virtual book launch party and blog tour of Jane Austen’s First Love, published by Berkley Trade. This new Austenesque novel is a fascinating combination of fact and fiction, exploring the first romance of fifteen year-old Jane Austen with the handsome and sophisticated Edward Taylor.
Syrie has generously offered a guest blog sharing her inspiration to write her new book.
GUEST BLOG
The inspiration for my novel Jane Austen’s First Love originated several years ago when I was re-reading Jane Austen’s letters. I was struck by three sweet and tender references Jane made to a young man she met as a teenager while visiting her brother Edward Austen in Kent.
Painting of Bifrons Park, near Patrixbourne, Kent, circa 1695
“We went by Bifrons, & I contemplated with a melancholy pleasure, the abode of Him, on whom I once fondly doated,” Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra in September 1796. The “him” she refers to is Edward Taylor, heir to Bifrons, a grand ancestral estate. Jane was twenty when she wrote that letter, and was looking back on a relationship that took place some years before. In two other letters, Jane joked affectionately about Edward Taylor’s inheritance, and, wistfully contemplating his possible marriage, hoped that another generation would be adorned by his “beautiful dark eyes.”
Who was this Edward Taylor, I wondered, upon whom a young Jane had “fondly doated ”? (“Doat” is a variant—now rare—spelling of “dote.”) The definition of “to dote” is “to express and demonstrate great love and fondness for somebody” or “to love to an excessive or foolish degree.” Great love and fondness! Excessive, foolish love! We know so little about Jane Austen’s romantic life, yet here was a solid clue, in her own words, about a young man with whom she was clearly besotted! I was stunned that no one had ever written about it before.
I quickly discovered why Jane’s relationship with Edward Taylor had thus far remained in the shadows: it seemed there was very little information available about him. He is mentioned only briefly in Austen biographies as Jane’s first crush, the earliest of her possible suitors. Determined to learn more about him, I spent many months combing through obscure files on the internet, searching for clues. Thankfully Edward Taylor was a member of the landed gentry. As such, I was able to gather valuable nuggets from a variety of sources regarding his ancestors, his ancestral estate, his parents, his siblings (he had four brothers and three sisters), and himself. I noted that he was a Member of Parliament; I learned the essential dates of his life: birth, marriage, death; I uncovered tantalizing facts about his education and time served in the army, which was puzzling—why had the eldest son and heir served in the army? It was a great start, but hardly enough—I wanted to know about Edward Taylor’s youth, who he was when Jane Austen met him.
Georgian remodel of Bifrons Park, in Kent circa 1900
One day, I struck gold. I discovered a priceless resource, The Taylor Papers, (1913), the candid memoirs and letters of Edward’s brother Lieutenant General Sir Herbert Taylor, compiled decades later by a descendant. These memoirs contain a detailed description of the Taylor children’s unusual and well-traveled childhood abroad and their many accomplishments. All were fluent in five languages, and each played a musical instrument so proficiently that the family gave concerts all over Europe. The Taylors were close friends with princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, famous artists, and high-ranking religious, military, and government leaders in Europe. The more I read, the more awestruck I became. Edward Taylor was a remarkable young man who had led a fascinating life. No wonder Jane Austen fell in love with him! That he was a real person, and that I had in my possession so many little-known facts about him, was thrilling.
Meanwhile, I was intrigued by another Austen fact. In 1791, when Jane’s brother Edward Austen became engaged to Elizabeth Bridges of Goodnestone Park, two of Elizabeth’s sisters also became engaged. I thought it highly unusual that three sisters in the same family should marry almost simultaneously—and it couldn’t be a coincidence that Jane, at the same time, wrote her comedic short story The Three Sisters. I realized that Jane Austen was most likely introduced to Edward Taylor through his connection as both a cousin and neighbor of the Bridges family (Bifrons was only five miles from Goodnestone). It seemed likely to me that Jane visited Kent in the summer of 1791, where she not only met the young ladies who inspired that story, but also met and fell in love with Edward Taylor. And thus my novel was born. I hope that readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
AUTHOR BIO
Syrie James, hailed by Los Angeles Magazine as “the queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings,” is the bestselling author of nine critically acclaimed novels including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen (“A literary feast for Anglophiles”—Publisher’s weekly), The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen (named one of the best first novels of the year by Library Journal), and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë (Audie Award, Romance 2011; Great Group Read, Women’s National Book Association). Syrie’s books have been translated into eighteen languages. She is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America and a life member of JASNA. Follow Syrie on twitter, visit her on facebook, and learn more about her and her books at syriejames.com.
TOUR SCHEDULE
- July 28 Austenprose
- July 29 The Reading Frenzy
- July 30 Booknaround
- July 31 Booktalk & More
- August 1 Joyous Reads
- August 4 Laura’s Reviews
- August 5 Kinx’s Book Nook
- August 6 Savvy Verse & Wit
- August 7 The Calico Critic
- August 8 Diary of an Eccentric
- August 11 The Paige Turner
- August 12 More Agreeably Engaged
- August 13 Peace Love Book
- August 14 My Jane Austen Book Club
- August 15 So Little Time
- August 18 Deeds of Darkness; Deeds of Light
- August 19 Impressions in Ink
- August 20 Book Babe
- August 21 Royal Reviews
Read an exclusive excerpt from Jane Austen’s First Love
Jane Austen’s First Love: A Novel, by Syrie James
Berkley Trade (August 5th, 2014), 400 pages
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-0425271353
Digital eBook ASIN: B00G3L7VES
Cover image courtesy of Berkley Trade © 2014; text Syrie James © 2014; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2014, Austenprose.com
Reblogged this on Cassandra Grafton and commented:
Fabulous news! A new novel from the talented Syrie James! Read on for some delicious background on how the story evolved, an excerpt and some great giveaway prizes!
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I am so looking forward to reading this story, Syrie. I loved The Missing Manuscript and The Lost Memoirs SO much!
This background was just fascinating to read! What a wonderful adventure you went on to ‘discover’ your story! I wish you massive success with the new release!
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Forgot to say, I just started reading The Letters again – haven’t read them in years and certainly not all of them, so it’s a real pleasure, and I look forward to coming across the snippets you mentioned above!
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Thank you so much, Cassandra. And thanks for re-blogging! It truly was a wonderful adventure to research and discover this story. I hope that one day you and I will finally get to meet in person!
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Me too, Syrie; such a shame we missed out in Bath last year!
Congratulations on the new book, so looking forward to reading it!
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All the research that went into this book is intriguing to me.
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How cool is that! Finding that information was a stroke of fortune and putting it in novel form a stroke of genius. Best of wishes for a successful launch, Syrie and thank you for sharing Laurel Ann.
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I hope you enjoy it. It was such fun bringing Edward and Jane’s youthful relationship to life!
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I’m really looking forward to your new book, Syrie-it sounds fascinating-wishing you every success!
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Everything about Jane intrigues me. Have read all of Ms. James prior novels. And never opposed to thinking about Jane’s first love.
I know I am in good hands with Syrie. I love her care for all things historical in her novels of imagining.
Best of all James likes to write about subjects I adore. Where you go I will read.
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Thank you so much for sharing those kind words about my novels. After all the hard work, all I can do is hope that readers will enjoy what I’ve written! And this book is particularly dear to my heart. :)
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Looking forward to reading this. I have enjoyed Ms. James’ books before. Congratulations on a new book!
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I love the mixing of fact and fiction–and especially since the author went to such lengths to track down the facts! This sounds like a fascinating read, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
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Thanks for the promo on your new book. I wish you much success and look forward to reading. Jen Red
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I am so excited to read this book! I am dying to learn more about young Jane Austen and who caught her eye. I don’t know much about her life from a romantic perspective, so I am excited to learn more. Thank you for the great giveaway…definitely looking forward to reading this novel.
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Christina, while you’re waiting for the book (only a week to go!), you can read read more about Edward Taylor in this exclusive excerpt from the book: https://austenprose.com/2014/06/30/jane-austens-first-love-by-syrie-james-preview-and-exclusive-excerpt/
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The whole idea of the book intrigues me. I didn’t know that Jane fell in love with someone from the area of her brothers estate. Just from reading this post I can tell it’s obvious Syrie has done her homework and I can’t wait to find out more.
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It was so exciting to find “The Taylor Papers,” and to learn all about Edward Taylor’s family and early life. It was thrilling to be able to write this novel based on the young man he really was.
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First love and Jane Austen? Oh, yes. Please count me in! Sounds fabulous, and I really enjoyed “meeting” Edward — if only briefly — through this post!
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Meg, you can “meet Edward Taylor” at the same moment that Jane Austen meets him, in this excerpt from the novel! https://austenprose.com/2014/06/30/jane-austens-first-love-by-syrie-james-preview-and-exclusive-excerpt/
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Thank you for the introduction to this novel. I’m looking forward to reading a book based on Austen when she was young.
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I can’t wait to read the book! The backstory alone was fascinating.
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Suzanne, how awesome to see you on austenprose!
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Been waiting for this book since September. Just reading your comments made me think of our tour last year. I will be reading this book soon.. Hope it is a big success.
Brenda
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Brenda, it was so wonderful traveling through Jane Austen’s England with you, and visiting Goodnestone Park together, where this novel is set. I hope that having walked through the gardens of Goodnestone Park adds to your reading experience. :)
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Yes, too bad, she never find right person true love her, and want to marry her, why man never take the courage to tell the women how they feel.
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Best of wishes for a successful launch, Love books with facts and fiction and the work of finding all things historical. TFS.
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Boy, the research on this one draws me in, hook, line and sinker. Can’t wait to read it.
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You have a great eye for detail to catch that little hint of a first love in Jane Austen’s letters. I loved your previous two books and I can’t wait to read this one!
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Wonderful! Just in time for my summer vacation at the lake! I can’t wait to read it.
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This book sounds so fascinating and I can hardly wait to read it. I can only imagine your excitement as you found those wonderful unknown nuggets of information, especially ‘The Taylor Papers’! The research must have been much work but inspiring at the same time.
Great post, Syrie and Laurel Ann.
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I enjoyed reading about some of the research discoveries. This sounds like a must read!
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This book sounds so good. I am looking forward to reading it. I love to read anything about Jane Austen and this book sounds like it wll be worth the time and I am excited to have a new book to add to my reading list.
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This book sounds enthralling and a treasure which I would cherish. Best wishes and much happiness.
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Edward Taylor’s army service was in the Fencibles, not the regular army. The Fencibles were raised for defence at home in England, not military operations overseas. Therefore he got to wear a nice uniform, and as an eldest son not exposed to any serious danger.
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Hi Adam! Edward Taylor did indeed serve in The Fencibles, whose role was usually confined to garrison and patrol duties. However, in his first post, after only a year at Oxford, he left school and served for three years as Captain in The New Romney (or Duke of York’s own) Fencible Light Dragoons in Ireland. So technically, it was overseas.
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Congratulations! What could be sweeter than Jane Austen’s first love! So looking forward to reading this as I love your writing. Your book ‘The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte’ is one of my favourites so I know this one will be too!
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Also wanted to mention that I love the cover art!
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I am intrigued with the comment that three sisters married at the same time and that Jane Austen wrote ‘Three Sisters.’
W. Lesso
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It’s a very ironic and amusing short story–one of the best short pieces, I think, in Jane’s juvenilia.
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I have loved reading your other books and your research of and bringing to life little known history of Jane and this most amazing Taylor family in novel form makes it a must have! Looking forward to reading it, and wish you every success and happiness!
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oh my goodness! I enjoy fact mixed with fiction, and having enjoyed Miss Jane Austen, and her writings, to find out she had doted upon someone, well, that is so exciting!
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Fascinating that you were able to find all that info. Looking forward to reading the book.
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What a wonderful basis for a novel! It sounds as if you really did your homework. Especially interesting to find echoes of JA’s real life in one of her Juvenilia, which are so often exercises in literary mockery of other works. And Edward Taylor–such a person for her to doat on, well traveled, musical, lively. Shows the nicety of her taste! I can’t wait to read your book.
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I’m looking forward to this book so much! I’m intrigued most by the Taylor family. Austen wrote so well and with such nuance about families, and the description of them here sounds interesting (family concerts all across Europe!), so it should be interesting reading to see how she encounters and analyzes them in James’s book.
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The Taylor children were all remarkably accomplished, and lived abroad for most of their youth. It was exciting to read about them–it made it so clear to me why Jane fell in love with Edward Taylor. He must have been very different from any other young man of her acquaintance!
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I’ve had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy. It’s wonderful! Congratulations on this sure to be best seller! Well done.
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So exciting, Syrie! and providential research exploration – exactly what intrigues me about your novel. The reality base to the fictionalization – anticipation… thankyou for writing it !
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Wow. This sounds great! I am completely behind on my classics. I just now started reading Jane Austen’s works. I would love to actually know how your spin is based on research. Congrats!!!
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I would enjoy this memorable book very much since it is fascinating and memorable. Many thanks. Your books have brought me much enjoyment.
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I enjoyed all of your books and look forward to this intriguing novel. Your research, talent and creativity is wonderful.
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Congratulations and best wishes on this release which is captivating and unforgettable. Your writing, and travels are to be admired and make your books authentic and cherished.
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Congratulations on your new release, Sirie, and many thanks for sharing all those wonderful details with us! For years I’ve been fascinated with Jane Austen’s Sidmouth romance, but I haven’t been so lucky as to find out anything about him!
I absolutely loved The Missing Manuscript and The Lost Memoirs, and the amount of soul, passion and research that goes into your books is awe-inspiring! So sorry you had to leave Bath so soon last year, I would have loved to meet you!
Congrats again, and all the best!
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I just love that you did reserach and found out a little more about Jane Austen. We really know so little.
I can’t wait to read this novel!
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Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments! I’m so grateful to Laurel Ann for hosting me on Austenprose, and allowing me to share the news about my novel. I’m also indebted to Annmarie Thomas for creating that gorgeous original art painting of Goodnestone Park, featuring Jane Austen, Edward Taylor, and his cousin Charlotte Payler, and offering it as a prize to a lucky reader! I wish I could win it myself! Meanwhile, I feel as though I’ve received the biggest prize of all: a lovely review in this month’s issue of Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine, from which I drew this excerpt:
“Syrie James has woven a quite delightful romance–not only a touching record of a young girl’s first experience of love, but also a funny, eventful and entertaining comedy of Regency manners…As ever, James’s ear for dialogue is unfaltering, and her sympathy for her heroine whole-hearted. It all adds up to an unashamedly romantic package, presented with affection and respect.”–Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine
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fantastic review! I’m all for dialogue and comedic Regency entertainment =) !!
and, along with you,..
I’m in awe of the artistry & generosity of Annmarie’s talented portrayal.
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Anything about Jane’s love life is fascinating! I’m intrigued that one who writes so well about love never married, nor seemed to have a true love of her own
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I look forward to hearing more about this Edward Taylor. He must have been an amazing person to have captured Jane’s heart! What a great idea for a story!
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Finding out more about Jane Austen and what made her tick is very intriguing to me. I can’t wait to hear what Syrie has uncovered about Edward Taylor.
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I am intrigued! What a wonderful story on how the book came about. I can not wait to hear more!
Becky
PS I love the cover.
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I love the paintings. I need something to start my home decoration. Currently my wall is blank.
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Congratulations on the new book, Syrie! What a wonder find, discovering this little nugget about our favorite author. I’m sure the story you built around it is wonderful, and I look forward to reading it!
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WOW! What an amazing giveaway! I am really looking forward to reading this new book from Syrie James because I loved her other Jane Austen books. They really kept you engaged in the story and made you want to keep reading. I am curious to see how she develops the story for the one and only love interest that we know about.
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I’ve read both of Syrie’s previous novels and have loved both. I haven’t heard of Edward Taylor before, so I’m looking forward to finding out more about him and the role he could have played in Jane’s life.
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I love novels which emerge from detailed research. I am intrigued to know why nothing came of this first love of Jane’s.
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I’m sending you congratulations and best wishes all the way from my Canadian address, Syrie!
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Thanks, Sarah. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM!
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Reblogged this on Jane Austen in Vermont and commented:
Syrie James on her new novel “Jane Austen’s First Love” – don’t miss out on the giveaways from Austenprose and others on the Blog Tour! Can’t wait to read this – Love Syrie James’ books!
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Thanks and hugs to you, Deb! I wish I was in Vermont visiting you right this minute!
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I cannot wait to sink into this read. Jane Austen is the perfect antidote to today’s world!
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Hi Thanks for the super contest. What intrigues me most about this book is the fact behind the fiction, the real life first love of one of our all time most beloved authors.
Thanks again!
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I am so going to enjoy an additional eye’s view of the personal life of a favorite author!
Thank you for the giveaway!!
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Syrie, when I read about your novel, I remembered this tragic passage from her nephew’s (J.E. Austen Leigh) memoir:
“There is, however, one passage of romance in her history with which I am imperfectly acquainted, and to which I am unable to assign name, or date, or place, thought I have it on sufficient authority. Many years after her death, some circumstance induced her sister Cassandra to break through her habitual reticence and to speak of it. She said that, while staying at some seaside place, they became acquainted with a gentleman, whose charm of person, mind, and manners was such that Cassandra thought him worthy to possess and likely to win her sister’s love. When they parted, he expressed his intention of soon seeing them again; and Cassandra felt no doubt as to his motives . But they never again met. Within a short time they heard of his sudden death. I believe that, if Jane ever loved, it was this unnamed gentleman; but the acquaintance had been short, and I am unable to say whether her feelings were of such a nature as to affect her happiness.”
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Syrie, when I read about your novel, I remembered this tragic passage from her nephew’s (J.E. Austen Leigh) memoir:
“There is, however, one passage of romance in her history with which I am imperfectly acquainted, and to which I am unable to assign name, or date, or place, thought I have it on sufficient authority. Many years after her death, some circumstance induced her sister Cassandra to break through her habitual reticence and to speak of it. She said that, while staying at some seaside place, they became acquainted with a gentleman, whose charm of person, mind, and manners was such that Cassandra thought him worthy to possess and likely to win her sister’s love. When they parted, he expressed his intention of soon seeing them again; and Cassandra felt no doubt as to his motives . But they never again met. Within a short time they heard of his sudden death. I believe that, if Jane ever loved, it was this unnamed gentleman; but the acquaintance had been short, and I am unable to say whether her feelings were of such a nature as to affect her happiness.”
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Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron explores a possible love interest at Lyme Regis. One of a series of mystery stories by this author.
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Oooh, thanks for the tip! I will check it out. Looking forward to reading your work too.
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I’ve read it and loved it – so different from other JAFF books with its blend of history and the author’s imagination. Was waiting for the launch to be able to post my review on Amazon.
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I can’t wait to read this – thanks so much for sharing and I hope I win. I am intrigued by the actual facts behind the novel and will be happy to see how you bring them all to life in the novel.
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I already wanted to read this book but now knowing all the research that has gone into it, it excites me even more. I can only imagine the joy you felt when you came accross those memoirs. The give away looks amazing too. Thank you.
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Syrie James’ books are so wonderful and readable. I loved her other books about Jane Austen and can’t wait to get my hands on this new one! She really evokes the time and life of the author wonderfully.
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What intrigues me about this new novel… all your research! How amazing that you were able to find Mr Taylor and learn about his family. Jane must have felt perfectly at home with them – all accomplished, all fluent in five languages, all talented on a musical instrument, all well-traveled. I wonder why Edward and Jane dd not go further…..
Thank you for the tantalizing preview!
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what a GREAT giveaway!!!! thank you!!!
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What intrigues me most about the new novel is the exploration of the first love. I do love the research you did for the novel. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
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I am very curious about the first love that is explored in the book. Great research for the novel. Thanks for the giveaway.
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I’m intrigued that nobody had connected thus young man with Jane. Apparently her biographers haven’t delved very deep. Bravo for your hard work. Can’t wait to read it!
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I have started reading Austen variation books over the last year and a half and I am loving every one of them. I love finding a new author. I have not read your other books yet but they are now going on my wish list. The excerpt got my excitement going and I can’t wait to read the rest of it. Good luck to you and may you have many more wonderful books in yours and our future.
Julie Rakowski
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Thanks Julie! If you visit my website (www.syriejames.com) to learn about my other books, please leave a message in my guest book!
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I have been reading Austen variation stories for the last year and a half and I am loving them, I am friends on Facebook with many of the authors and love finding new ones. I have not read your books yet but now that I have been introduced I will be adding them to my wish list. Thank you for sharing that wonderful excerpt, it left me excited to read more. Best wishes on your new book and may we all be blessed with many more of your stories.
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Oh, cool! I’m currently reading Ms. James’ “The Missing Memoirs of Jane Austen” and can’t wait for this one!
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I will say it is the young Edward’s life I find intriguing… even more than Jane perhaps?? A new fellow in town! I am super stoked however to discover this author and so many great still unread (by me) novels! I love new literary discoveries and cannot wait to start on them! Going to share on Twitter!! @mishel24
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It is fascinating to hear an author’s inspiration for her novel. How awesome that Syrie James “discovered” this early love interest of Jane’s — and is the first to write a fictional account of it: an author/fan’s dream come true. I enjoyed all of Ms. James’ books, and I can’t wait to read this one!
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Hi Monica! I wouldn’t say I “discovered” Edward Taylor–it’s plain to see in Jane Austen’s letters that she was enamored of him, and he is briefly mentioned in many Austen biographies–but only in a sentence or two as “one of her earliest possible suitors.” Often, biographers get his age wrong, for some reason stating that he was younger than Jane, when in fact he was a year and a half older. I’m thrilled, though, that I found a source that revealed so much about Edward Taylor and his early life, and brought him out of the shadows–it was like discovering hidden treasure!
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That’s a beautiful cover. I love learning about Jane Austen’s history—and I can’t wait to find out more about Edward Taylor! This book looks especially interesting to me because it’s historical fiction.
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Can’t wait to read this book! I’m already feeling that pang of sadness that comes after you read the last page of a great book that you wished would never end! Thanks Syrie!
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Thank you everyone for your generous comments! Thank you so much, Laurel Ann, for hosting me with this beautiful launch party! I hope to run into all of you on the other stops on my blog tour (see links above), where you’ll find reviews, more giveaways, and unique guest posts with additional information about me and the novel. And I would be thrilled if you’d LIKE my facebook page (if you haven’t already) at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSyrieJames
Good luck to everyone with the giveaways!
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What a thrill. More Jane AND nuggets of truth. While I’m excited to read not only First Love and Ms James’ other books (always a high it discover a “new” Austen author), I’m particularly intrigued by Ms James’ research that uncovered historical basis. Imagine what else might be out there. Sincere appreciation, Ms James, for these anticipated pleasures.
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I love the Jane Austen books. My summer goal is to read all of them! I have also read the Lost Memoir of Jane Austen which talked about Jane Austen’s special friend. Can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for giving me the chance to win!
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I love reading anything about Jane Austen. Your book sounds so intriguing defiantly putting on my TBR list thanks so much for the giveaway!
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What a discovery! I cannot wait to read this book.
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I have been waiting anxiously for this book to come out. I love the idea of this story! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!!:)
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Congratulations on the new book! Amazing research! I look forward to reading it. :-)
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Just the fact that there was someone else in Jane’s life…wow!!! This will be quite an interesting read and I am looking forward to it! Much success with this launch.
Blessings,
Tina
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I’m intrigued because I love Jane Austen and this is not a topic I’ve seen explored before! :-)
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Jane Austen inspired novels make me so happy! I can’t wait to read this and see where Syrie James takes this love story for Jane.
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How thrilling!! You have sparked my curiosity, especially since I was just read a Jane Austen biography .Congratulations on your new book! I cannot wait to read it…:)
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a book about Jane Austen herself– that is really neat! Look forward to reading it!
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I love everything Jane Austen!! (What’s not to love?!)
xo,
Christen
ChristenKrumm.com
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What a wonderful reserach trail you’ve followed to find this story! It sounds delightful. I would love to read both books. Thanks for this opportunity to enter the giveaway.
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I have read The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, and The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. I have no doubt this new book will be just as good as the others. I have not read all of Jane Austen’s letters, so this first romance is news to me. I can’t wait to read the book and wish Syrie James great success. :)
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Thank you, Grace! I’m so glad you enjoyed those novels. I highly recommend reading “Jane Austen’s Letters,” which–although not a novel or biography– give a fascinating glimpse into her personal life and thoughts.
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I am new to reading Jane Austen books and would love to be entered to win! I love the cover of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. Syrie James you have a wonderful style of writing. Thank you for sharing and a chance to win! lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Thank you, Lisa! I hope you enjoy the book.
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I found the book description to be interesting. I love Jane Austen’s novels but have never read her letters. I never knew this Edward Taylor character existed before now. I’ll definitely be looking more into the subject.
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This is so fascinating! Did Mr Taylor know that Jane admired him? I didn’t know about him prior to this.
Wishing you much success with this new book and I look forward to reading it.
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Hi Monica! I believe that Mr. Taylor not only “knew” that Jane admired him, but that he returned her affections just as strongly. That’s the story of “Jane Austen’s First Love,” and I hope you love Edward Taylor as much as Jane (and I) do!
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It’s quite ammazing to think about how you will leave an impact on the world once you’re gone. I bet Edward Taylor didn’t imagine his legacy to live on because an acquaintance, Jane Austen, had mentioned him in a few letters. Who would have, at the time, realized what Jane Austen would become. Thankfully, to Jane’s kind words, and Syrie’s gift with a pen, Edward Taylor lives on.
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Angela: Thanks so much for sharing these thoughts, which are so wonderfully expressed!
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I just love the idea of Jane Austen having her own love story! I love Syrie’s writing, and can’t wait to read her take on Jane’s first love. I’m so excited!
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I am so anticipating this book release!! I have read every one of Syrie’s book and am a huge fan of all her works! This is bound to be another favorite of mine! The entire concept intrigues me.
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I was only introduced to Jane Austen’s works, by my husband, 3 years ago and fell in love with her works and the JAFF out there. Until I read Syrie’s works, I never thought about her love or personal life. I always thought of her as a tragic figure, due to her untimely, early death. You have brought Jane to life and I appreciate that. I am eagerly anticipating the release of this book. I also thank you for the generosity of your giveaways.
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Syrie, it just occurred to me – do you think Jane might have patterned one of her heroes after Mr. Taylor? Darcy, Wentworth, or Knightley for example? Did you find one hero that stood out to you that might be a close fit?
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I like to think that Jane’s first romance with Edward Taylor gave her an understanding of what it means to fall in love and to be loved in return… and it’s that wondrous emotional experience which influenced her writing about romance, rather than her patterning a particular character after him. Some of his best qualities may have been in Jane’s mind when she created her heroes (his intelligence, charm, and sensitivity, perhaps?) but in some ways he also is a bit of a rogue, a risk taker with a mind of his own. I hope you’ll find the Edward Taylor in my novel to be his own unique, complex, and remarkable person, and adore him as much as Jane (and I) do!
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Can’t wait to read your new book! I have read your previous books and have enjoyed them very much!
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I absolutely ADORE anything and everything Jane Austen related. This book seems perfectly entrancing and exhilarating. The amount of extensive research that went into writing it is a testament to how much the author wishes to do right by Austen.
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I have always love stories with Jane Austen as a main character, especially when it takes place during a period of her life that we don’t know much about.
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Looking forward to reading Syrie’s latest book!
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My heart just melted when I saw Goodnestone on the cover – what a wonderful memory of our first day traveling through Jane Austen’s England last September.
Anxiously waiting for my copy of Jane Austen’s First Love to arrive!
Syrie, I wish you great success with your new novel.
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Kathleen! It was so much fun traveling through Jane’s England with you. I’ll never forget our day at Goodnestone Park. I saw and learned so much, that helped me to envision and describe it in the novel. It is indeed thrilling to see the beautiful manor home prominently featured on the cover–and to know that Jane visited there many times makes it all the more special. To read more about “My Visit to Goodnestone Park,” please visit Laura’s Reviews which is featuring my guest post on the subject: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-visit-to-goodnestone-park-by-syrie.html
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Anything Jane Austen is intriguing…
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Reading about all the research is fascinating! I look forward to reading the book! Best wishes!
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This book sounds really good. I enjoyed her other books- The Lost Memoirs & The Lost Manuscript. Also really love the painting!
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That prize pack though! *Swoons*
I love that the works of Jane Austen are being reimagined and expanded, never forgotten. It’s lovely.
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As a new comer to the world of Jane Austen, I am just excited to learn more and more!
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Personally, I find anything related to Jane Austen interesting. Very much looking forward to learning more!
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Wa-hoo! Another Syrie James novel about my favorite author! what could be better! I’m curious to see if this story stays contiguous with James’ The Lost Memoirs of JA. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Sorry for being late for the party but I wish to congratulate you again on the release of your new Austenesque book, Syrie. I like the idea that Edward Taylor could be Jane’s first crush and would love to know more about him. The swags are lovely too especially the painting but unfortunately I don’t live in US so I can’t enter. :(
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More about the woman behind Pride and Prejudice? Yes, please!!
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I am so intrigued by the thought of Jane having been in love! The woman who gave us such great romances should have experienced that in her lifetime!
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I’m intrigued to know the ways in which the book creates a nineteenth-century setting in which the characters can move. That’s what I’d be most interested to read about! :)
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This sounds like a fascinating novel! I’m still working on getting to know Jane, so this would be another book to shed some light on her life. Edward Taylor… fascinating! Can’t wait to read the book either way. :)
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Loved reading about Ms. James’ literary detective work! I look forward to this novel by someone who reveres and loves Jane Austen!
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I’m so looking forward to this!
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I want to know more about Austen. I think we all wished that she had her happily ever after that her characters had and I think this book will give us insight even if it’s fictional. We can at least get some fulfillment.
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Added to my TBR list (bumped it’s way very near the top, I might add.)
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I am intrigued by the very real possibility that our dear Jane Austen did have a first love – loved a man – in real life (beyond those of whom we speculate). How could she have not? She wrote with her heart ~ clearly, someone who had both loved ~ and somehow, lost? This will be a must-read for me. Thanks! Jean
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Still waiting for my local bookstore to put Syrie’s new book on the shelf! I keep pestering them… Looking forward to another great read from Syrie! Very intriguing.
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Totally excited about this new release. This tale will take me on a journey to how I imagine Jane developed you love of life and love and the perfect gentleman! Thanks for the break in this hectic world we live in!! Mary
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Love it! Can’t wait to see this one on the shelf :-)
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I really enjoyed Syrie’s other novels, can’t wait for this one. I find the concept of Jane’s lost love so intriguing, and how that experience shaped her stories.
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Congrats on the new book! Like many others, I’m mainly intrigued that this book combines true and fictional events. I love that you were able to find inspiration from actual events in Jane Austen’s life.
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All things Jane pique my interest. So little is known of her teenage years, that to imagine (with historical research to back up these thrilling ideas) how Jane thought and doated (love the spelling) of someone, nay, anyone is fabulous! Thanks for entertaining us again, Syrie.
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I am so excited to read this new book and love that Jane has some love in her life. I know you will handle this story as wonderfully as your others.
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I’m as excited over this new book by you as everyone else. I find it fascinating to think on the similarities I have with Jane, being intrigued by some men, but know one to actually capture the heart strings so much and the men acting on it. It’s interesting how she has Mr Bennet say, “So, Lizzy, your sister is crossed in love I find…. When is your turn to come?” Makes you wonder what actually happened between you Na this Mr Taylor even more. We will never fully know but can conjecture and see things through Rose colored glasses.
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Everything Jane intrigues me! :-)
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