Your online source for Jane Austen and her legacy
From the desk of Jayda Justus: Before Ginger Rogers, there was Adele Astaire. This historical biographical novel explores the extraordinary life and loves of Adele from 1920s New York City through wartime London intertwined with the story of a young dancer, Violet, who isn’t letting her dire circumstances keep her from her dreams. BOOK DESCRIPTION... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda Justus: A gripping tale of two brave women caught in the intrigue of Cold War spy games between the United States and Russia. Can they stay alive long enough to protect those they love while also taking down the brutal Communist regime? BOOK DESCRIPTION Ingrid Bauer loses everyone she loves... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda Justus: Three bestselling authors collaborate on a compelling tale of how an English castle holds the secrets of one family through the centuries. BOOK DESCRIPTION Set at Leedswick Castle, an imposing stone fortress in the English countryside, this novel explores the lives of the Alnwick family over three separate timelines,... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda Justus:  A heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the beautiful gardens of Gilded Age mansions. BOOK DESCRIPTION Rye, New York, 1893: Sadie Fremd dreams of taking over her family’s nursery catering to the large Gilded Age estates of business tycoons, but her overbearing father dismisses her desire to be part... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda Justus: The true tale of a woman who fought her way to the top in the Gilded Age. BOOK DESCRIPTION In post-war Richmond, Virginia, times are tough and food is scarce. Arabella Yarrington is a scrappy young woman forced to work in a den of gamblers to put food on... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda B. Justus: A sweeping historical fiction novel about love and loss in the midst of war. BOOK DESCRIPTION It’s September of 1896 in Athens, Greece, and American Betsy Hayes is a strong-willed, young aspiring archaeologist who is there to take part in excavations uncovering the day-to-day life of the... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â After a bleak and snowy winter season at Blue Willow Cottage, I am all anticipation of warmer weather and the fabulous new historical fiction books releasing in March, April, and May. Â I pawed through many new releases to narrow my list down, so if you are in... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Happy New Year Dear Readers! 2022 proved to be a fabulous year in the historical book arena. Of the 51 books that were reviewed here last year by our dedicated staff, several were outstanding and will remain favorites. Here is a list of our highest-rated and most cherished... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Jayda B. Justus: I am a huge fan of Little Women and read it multiple times as a child and adult, laughing and crying along with the March sisters (and desperately longing for sisters like them!). Marmee is a new novel retelling of the story from the point of view of... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Did you know that for several centuries Venice was one of the main stops during a British gentleman’s “Grand Tour” of the continent? The ancient city of islands and canals in northeast Italy is renowned for its beautiful architecture, artwork, and a fascinating history. Setting her new historical... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Few novels have touched and inspired young readers as profoundly as Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, it is a remarkable coming-of-age story of four sisters with distinctive, endearing personalities set during the American Civil War, and after.... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Rachel McMillan: “A drop of love sometimes brings an ocean of tears.” (137) After learning that Lynda Loigman’s forthcoming book was about a matchmaker in 1910s New York City, I begged her for any early PDF file. She was kind enough to oblige. After all, I had quite enjoyed the emotional... Continue Reading →
