From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Ever wonder if a book you read several years ago and loved still stacks up? I did and was tempted to revisit one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice sequels, Mr. Darcy’s Diary, in audiobook for my summer listening. Read by Mr. Darcy himself—well not quite—but close, the... Continue Reading →
Mr. Darcy’s Guide to Courtship: The Secrets of Seduction from Jane Austen’s Most Eligible Bachelor, by Fitzwilliam Darcy & Emily Brand – A Review
From the desk of Kimberly Denny-Ryder: In the modern era, more than 200 years since Jane Austen’s time, there is still a strong and robust following and appreciation of her works. Most notably, there is a nod to her forward-thinking views about women and how they should behave and act, which were at odds with... Continue Reading →
The Passion of the Purple Plumeria: A Pink Carnation Novel, by Lauren Willig – A Review
From the desk of Christina Boyd Acclaimed author Lauren Willig’s latest offering, The Passion of the Purple Plumeria, is the tenth novel in her New York Times bestselling Pink Carnation series. This historical romance series of Napoleonic era English spies, that fight for Britain and for love, is constructed within a modern-day love story, told... Continue Reading →
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom, by Deborah Yaffe – A Review
There are Trekkies and Potterheads and Twifans, but nothing in the pop culture universe can compare to the passion, dedication, and eccentricity of a Janeite. I know this because I am one. For the benefit of the un-indoctrinated, a Janeite is a fan of English author Jane Austen (1775-1817) who wrote six novels before her... Continue Reading →
Walking Jane Austen’s London: A Tour Guide for the Modern Reader, by Louise Allen – A Review
From the desk of Katie Patchell: Have you ever wanted to experience Jane Austen’s London? To see all the sights (comparing past and present) and to literally walk in Jane’s footsteps, all without being slowed down by an actual tour guide? If so, then Walking Jane Austen’s London: A Tour Guide for The Modern Reader... Continue Reading →
Rutherford Park: A Novel, by Elizabeth Cooke – A Review
From the desk of Christina Boyd: It you are a fan of Downton Abbey and are Jonesing for a Grantham family-like fix until season four premieres next January on PBS, Elizabeth Cooke’s latest novel Rutherford Park might be just the ticket. Set during the Edwardian era at the eponymous estate in the Yorkshire countryside, the... Continue Reading →
Miss Lacey’s Last Fling: A Regency Romance, by Candice Hern – A Review
To be considered over the hill at age twenty-six seems outrageous today, but in Regency times, young ladies married in their mid-teens or became spinsters who cared for their parents and siblings children. Tragically our heroine Rosie, eldest daughter of Sir Edmund Lacey of Wycombe Hall, Devonshire, did not have a choice to marry young... Continue Reading →
Pride and Prejudice (1995) Mini-series – A Review
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Eighteen years after it first aired on BBC One in October 1995, the television mini-series Pride and Prejudice (1995) is still blowing bonnets off Janeites and wowing them in the aisles! This week in London a twelve-foot statue replicating Colin Firth’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy’s famous wet shirt... Continue Reading →
New Books in the Queue for Summer 2013
Hello, readers. Summer is here — and it is time to head to the beach or take that well-earned holiday and read great books! Summer reads are always fun—and little light-hearted and playful—and the Austenesque & Regency faire in the queue is so exciting that the I am thrilled to share what we will be... Continue Reading →
The Best Intentions: A Regency Romance, by Candice Hern – A Review
“Hell is paved with good intentions.” ― Samuel Johnson I just couldn’t resist throwing in this famous quote by the great literary genius, poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer of the 18th century, Samuel Johnson. His moral and literary influence on Jane Austen has been well documented by scholars. Austen’s inspiration on... Continue Reading →
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things, by Paula Byrne – A Review
From the desk of Br. Paul Byrd, OP “This book is something different and more experimental. Rather than rehearsing all the known facts, this biography focuses on a variety of key moments, scenes and objects in both the life and work of Jane Austen…In addition, this biography follows the lead of Frank Austen rather than... Continue Reading →
The Tutor’s Daughter, by Julie Klassen – A Review
From the desk of Katie Patchell: In keeping with her much loved style of traditional Regency romances, Julie Klassen has recently published her sixth novel, The Tutor’s Daughter, a romantic mystery set in Regency England. This novel blends the satisfying romance of Jane Austen with the Gothic surprises of Charlotte Bronte, coming together in a... Continue Reading →