From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Today we are celebrating the release of Austen at Sea, by Natalie Jenner from St. Martin’s Press. BOOK DESCRIPTION Two pairs of siblings, devotees of Jane Austen, find their lives transformed by a visit to England and Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother and keeper of a... Continue Reading →
The Author’s Guide to Murder — A New Cheeky Mystery from Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, & Karen White
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Do you read genres by season? I do! When the temperature drops and the leaves begin to fall, I can be found inside tucked up in a throw blanket with a cup of tea and a murder mystery in hand. My first up for the season is The... Continue Reading →
Among the Grey Gums – A New Australian Historical Mystery from Paula J. Beavan
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Â My summer reading took me down under to Australia with a new-to-me author, Paula J. Beavan. I was encouraged by the glowing reviews of her debut 2021 novel Daughter of the Hunter Valley and wanted to start with her latest book Among the Grey Gums as an... Continue Reading →
Does Tough Luck Have True Grit? Thoughts on Sandra Dallas’s New Novel
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:   Do you enjoy reading novels that are homages to classic stories? They are quite popular. I have read dozens paying tribute to Jane Austen’s novels. And then there are books inspired by Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, and the enormous universe of... Continue Reading →
Captivating Australian Historical Fiction — The Night on the Darling River: A Novel, by Darry Fraser
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: As summer winds down, it was time for me to embrace my seriously neglected good reading habits. I have many books calling to me on my TBR pile, yet they got pushed back when a favorite Australian author’s forthcoming novel dropped on US NetGalley! With one click and... Continue Reading →
Austen’s Persuasion Inspires The Comeback: Houston Pumas Sports Romance (Book 1), by Ranee S. Clark
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Austenesque books are aplenty lately! Releasing this week is The Comeback, a contemporary romance with Persuasion vibes, by Ranee S. Clark. I found it witty and charming. Here are the details and my thoughts: BOOK DESCRIPTION Eight years ago, he asked me to marry him, and I said... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen’s Wardrobe, by Hilary Davidson — A Review
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: In Jane Austen’s novels we rarely hear about clothing—only an occasional mention of a blue coat or white frock, here and there. However, we do know from her surviving correspondence that she was a fashionista. The frequency of her and her older sister Cassandra discussing fabric, bonnets, and... Continue Reading →
Allow Me to Tell You: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, by Monica Fairview — A Review
From the desk of Katie Jackson: Â Rejoice, enthusiasts of Austenesque tales! A new Darcy and Elizabeth story has arrived for you to ardently admire and love. BOOK DESCRIPTION When Fitzwilliam Darcy makes a complete muddle of his proposal at Rosings Park by writing a letter, there is more at stake than his hurt pride.... Continue Reading →
An Unsuitable Heiress, by Jane Dunn — A Review
From the desk of Sophia Rose: Heyeresque hijinks in a Regency romance for a bright young lady donning cravat and breeches for her quest to find her father. BOOK DESCRIPTION Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has... Continue Reading →
After Anne: A Novel of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Life, by Logan Steiner – A Review
From the desk of Jayda Justus: An exploration of the personal life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, one of the most revered authors in history steps into the story in this poignant tale of love and heartbreak. BOOK DESCRIPTION Lucy Maud Montgomery is a young woman who dreams of writing about the fanciful characters that dance... Continue Reading →
Fleur de Lis: The Gents (Book 3), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review
From the desk of Katie Jackson: A rejection he’ll never forget. An adoration she doesn’t remember. A second chance at a first chance for love. BOOK DESCRIPTION Thirteen years ago, Henri Fortier left a tumultuous life in France to begin anew in England. His adopted country has become home, and his dearest friends, the Gents,... Continue Reading →
Remember Me: A Ravenswood Novel (Book 2), by Mary Balogh — A Review
From the desk of Sophia Rose: Â A Matchmaking Duke puts a pair of secret enemies on a collision course for the London Season. BOOK DESCRIPTION Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? Discover the passionate and heartwarming new novel on the redemptive power of love from New... Continue Reading →