From the desk of Kimberly Denny-Ryder: Contemporary Pride and Prejudice re-tellings are my second favorite types of Jane Austen fan fiction. (What-ifs own my heart!) I love seeing how authors attempt to believably transport Elizabeth, Darcy, and their story into a modern setting. Seeing the juxtaposition of such a timeless story with modern technology and... Continue Reading →
Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam’s Heart and Soul (Pride and Prejudice Untold), by P. O. Dixon – A Review
Starting with the third book in any series is certainly a challenge. One feels rather late to the party when one has missed out on major events and character development in two previous novels, so why would I attempt it? Add to the fact that they were Pride and Prejudice “what if” stories changing the... Continue Reading →
Austenprose’s Top Jane Austen-inspired Books of 2013
Huzzah! It has been a banner year for Jane Austen-inspired books in 2013. The bicentenary of Pride and Prejudice motivated many authors to take up their pens in celebration resulting in a fabulous selection of new titles. From historical and contemporary novels to non-fiction and scholarly, Austen-inspired books were present in several genres making our favorite author... Continue Reading →
My Favorite Jane Austen Books in My Personal Library
It' Jane Austen's birthday! The festivities are especially poignant to me this year after visiting her birthplace and home for twenty-five years on our tour of Jane Austen's England last fall. Our stop at the former site of Steventon Rectory, and St. Nicholas Church, were my favorite sites along the tour. The original rectory was... Continue Reading →
The Pursuit of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Novel, by Pamela Mingle – A Review
From the desk of Kimberly Denny-Ryder: Oh, Mary Bennet. What is there to say about her? Unfortunately, the most pedantic, priggish and un-proprietous Bennet sister from Pride and Prejudice has not received the attention from Austenesque authors that her sisters have enjoyed so regularly: Jane is known for her beauty and kindness, Lydia and Kitty... Continue Reading →
Undressing Mr. Darcy, by Karen Doornebos – A Review
From the desk of Christina Boyd: With a title like Undressing Mr. Darcy, author Karen Doornebos’ new release is sure to turn a few heads this holiday season. "Sex sells, even to smart, liberated women, and Mr. Darcy was the smart girl’s pinup boy." p. 7 And like the novel’s heroine, a master PR rep... Continue Reading →
My Top Picks for Jane Austen-inspired Holiday Gifts for 2013
Happy Holidays Janeites! Tis the season to go shopping, and Janeite family and friends always need suggestions to fill the reticules, stockings, and gifts under the tree for those whose special interest is everything Austen. I have several categories to select from – and I would happily be the recipient of any of these fabulous... Continue Reading →
Undressing Mr. Darcy Book Launch with Author Karen Doornebos
Please join us in celebration of the launch of author Karen Doornebos' second novel, Undressing Mr. Darcy, published today by Berkley Trade. Karen has joined us to chat about her inspiration to write her new book, a humorous contemporary romance inspired by the chemistry between Jane Austen’s characters Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Her publisher,... Continue Reading →
Living with Shakespeare: Essays by Writers, Actors, and Directors, edited by Susannah Carson – A Review
From the desk of Br. Paul Byrd, OP: Is there, as an English teacher, anything more intimidating and yet thrilling than teaching Shakespeare? He is, after all, the one author whose works are thought essential to a “good education.” But having just finished a three week unit on Macbeth, I am confident only that I... Continue Reading →
Happy Thanksgiving Janeites
It is Thanksgiving day here at Woodston Cottage and we are very grateful for many things in our life: friends, family and Janeites. I would like to thank the following: Our fabulous reviewers: Christina Boyd, Kimberly Denny-Ryder, Lisa Galek, Katie P., Sarah Emsely, Br. Paul Byrd, and Virginia Clare Tharrington, who freely contribute their time and... Continue Reading →
A Preview of The Pursuit of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Novel, by Pamela Mingle
It is a pleasure to welcome author Pamela Mingle here today at Austenprose. I had the pleasure of reading her new novel The Pursuit of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Novel months ago and was very pleased to supply the blurb in praise of this great novel. I felt it is the best continuation... Continue Reading →
Project Darcy, by Jane Odiwe – A Review
From the desk of Lisa Galek: There’s one thing that’s true about Janeites – we love a good romance. Whether it’s a couple exchanging glances nearly two hundred years ago or a modern guy and gal sharing their first kiss on the streets of London, there’s something so magical about experiencing the feeling of falling... Continue Reading →