I am always encouraged when new Jane Austen-inspired young adult novels hit my radar. The Austen Girls is a welcome addition to the Austenesque genre. Written by historian, television celebrity, and Janeite Lucy Worsley, it is the latest addition to her series of novels featuring young women from history. Following Lady Mary (2018), Eliza Rose... Continue Reading →
A Preview & Exclusive Excerpt of When Duty Calls: A Pride & Prejudice Variation, by Belén Paccagnella
Being a book geek, I am not ashamed to say that I get chills when I see a beautiful book cover. I am drawn to them like a moth to the flame. The mesmerizing design of When Duty Calls is by Janet Taylor. It is her best to date. Bar none. Forgive this indulgence. I... Continue Reading →
Costuming in the EMMA (2020) Movie with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson
 From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: The new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn opened in general release in the US on March 6th. This enchanting and visually stunning interpretation of Austen’s classic tale of Miss Emma Woodhouse as the misapplying matchmaker of Highbury has received raves... Continue Reading →
An Exclusive Q&A with Jennifer Kloester, Georgette Heyer’s Biographer
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â My regular readers and friends will remember how much I admire and enjoy reading the Queen of Regency Romance, Georgette Heyer. We reviewed all her historical novels during a month-long celebration here on Austenprose in 2011. While I continue to work through the long list of her books,... Continue Reading →
A Cover Reveal & Preview of Gentleman Jim, by Mimi Matthews
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â I have great news to broadcast today. Bestselling historical romance author Mimi Matthews has a new book in the queue. We are thrilled to share with our readers everything we know about the novel and reveal the stunning cover! Gentleman Jim arrives on November 3, 2020, continuing the... Continue Reading →
Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl (The Quill Collective Book 5), edited by Christina Boyd — A Review
From the desk of Debbie Brown: The Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) world has been exploding with stories about Elizabeth Bennet for a long time now. What can possibly be left to explore about this beloved Pride and Prejudice character and her Mr. Darcy? Ten talented storytellers prove they can always find new ground to... Continue Reading →
A Preview & Exclusive Excerpt of A Different Kind of Woman: A Variation on Mansfield Park (Mansfield Trilogy Book 3), by Lona Manning
I am happy to welcome author Lona Manning to Austenprose today. She has graciously offered to share her latest Austenesque novel, A Different Kind of Woman with us. Inspired by Mansfield Park, this is her third book in her Mansfield Trilogy, all of which are variations on Jane Austen’s original. Manning’s Mansfield Trilogy sets out... Continue Reading →
Duke Darcy’s Castle: A Dare to Defy Novel (Book 3), by Syrie James—A Review
From the desk of Pamela Mingle: A castle in Cornwall overlooking the sea. A dashing, though reluctant, duke who’s just taken over the dukedom. And a heroine who desperately wants to have a career as an architect rather than a love affair. Taken together, a perfect catalyst for a romance that has more than its... Continue Reading →
Thaw, by Anniina Sjöblom — A Review
Epistolary novels were all the rage in the late eighteenth century prior to and during Jane Austen’s early writing career. One does not run across novels written in letters very often today. The fact that characters do not meet face-to-face is restrictive and can be a challenge to readers. Thaw, by Anniina Sjöblom harkens back... Continue Reading →
A Preview & Exclusive Excerpt of The Jane Austen Dating Agency: An Uplifting Romantic Comedy, by Fiona Woodifield
Happy Valentine’s Day Janeites! Jane Austen has been attributed as the mother of romance, so in honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s all crack open Persuasion and let Captain Wentworth pierce our soul and Mr. Darcy say to us, “dearest loveliest (insert your name here).” In celebration of a holiday devoted entirely to romance, we are... Continue Reading →
A Preview & Exclusive Excerpt of Two More Days at Netherfield, by Heather Moll
It’s raining Austenesque books! Last month, according to the industrious Meredith at Austenesque Reviews, there were 52 new Jane Austen-inspired books released in January 2020. 50 of those were Pride and Prejudice variations. That is a lot of Lizzy and Darcy! I’d like to spotlight the two authors who went out on a limb and... Continue Reading →
The Winter Companion: Parish Orphans of Devon (Book 4), by Mimi Matthews — A Review
From the desk of Debbie Brown: Neville Cross doesn’t fit the mold for a leading character. He’s appeared in the previous books of this series in a relatively minor role, and that’s where he seemed to belong. It’s true that, physically, his description as “a gentle giant” and “[a] handsome, golden Galahad” ordinarily would make... Continue Reading →