When I read the announcement in June of 2008 about Michael Thomas Ford’s new novel Jane Bites Back, my jaw dropped and I stared at my computer screen in astonished disbelief! Jane Austen is a now a vampire? No. What next? Darcy and Elizabeth on Mars? As I read further about his concept of Austen... Continue Reading →
Collector’s Library Re-issues Jane Austen Classics
Great news for Jane Austen readers and book collectors. The Collector's Library, a UK publisher has re-issued their popular and distinctive editions of Jane Austen’s six major novels. These compact 5.9 x 4 inch volumes are beautifully designed for easy handling and include these great features: Full-cloth hardcover bindings Ribbon markers Head and tail bands Gilt... Continue Reading →
Austen Book Sleuth: New Books in the Queue for September
The Jane Austen book sleuth is happy to inform Janeites that many Austen inspired books are heading our way in September, so keep your eyes open for these new titles.  Fiction (prequels, sequels, retellings, variations, or Regency inspired) According To Jane, by Marilyn Brant Here is a bright new face on the Austen sequel/inspiration market.... Continue Reading →
Austen Book Sleuth: New Books in the Queue for June
The Jane Austen book sleuth is happy to inform Janeites that many Austen inspired books are heading our way in June, so keep your eyes open for these new titles. Fiction (prequels, sequels, retellings, variations, or Regency inspired) Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler Twenty two days and counting to... Continue Reading →
Austen Book Sleuth: New Books in the Queue for May
The Jane Austen book sleuth is happy to inform Janeites that many Austen inspired books are heading our way in May, so keep your eyes open for these new titles. Fiction (prequels, sequels, retellings, variations, or Regency inspired) What Would Jane Austen Do? by, Laurie Brown Are you ready for an historical romance laced with Jane... Continue Reading →
Austen Book Sleuth: New Books in the Queue for April
The Jane Austen book sleuth is happy to inform Janeites that many Austen inspired books are heading our way in April, so keep your eyes open for these new titles. NONFICTION Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World, by Claire Harman This highly anticipated cultural biography of Jane Austen's rise to fame and admiration... Continue Reading →
Emma: Mr. Knightley’s Proposal – Marriage or Merger?
"And now, let me talk to you of something else. I have another person's interest at present so much at heart, that I cannot think any longer about Frank Churchill. Ever since I left you this morning, Emma, my mind has been hard at work on one subject."Â Â The subject followed; it was in plain,... Continue Reading →
Preview – Jane’s Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World, by Claire Harman
Arriving in the post yesterday was a new Jane Austen biography/cultural history for my review consideration; Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World. Right off the top - I love the title of this book! It totally proclaims that Jane Austen HAS conquered the world, and I am just fine with that. I read... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park: Why does Fanny Price Rankle Our Ire?
When her two dances with him were over, her inclination and strength for more were pretty well at an end; and Sir Thomas, having seen her walk rather than dance down the shortening set, breathless, and with her hand at her side, gave his orders for her sitting down entirely. From that time Mr. Crawford... Continue Reading →
Austen at Large: Some of my own prejudices when it come to Pride and Prejudice
This week, as I began to reread Pride and Prejudice with my Jane Austen class, I have discovered some prejudices that I have. In reading a book that I know and love so well, I have almost found it hard to understand some people's opinions of it. I will say that most girls in my... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury, by Rebecca Dickson – A Review
Has Jane Austen risen to a major pop-culture presence? Author Rebecca Dickson confidently thinks so, and her thoughtfully researched and beautifully illustrated new edition Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury is quite a persuasive testament. Any doubting Thomas' will be hard pressed to argue against the evidence skillfully presented in this volume. Not only are the... Continue Reading →
Mr. Darcy’s Daughter: The Pemberley Chronicles Book 5, by Rebecca Ann Collins – A Review
Cassy felt tears sting her eyes; she had always felt responsible for her young brother, especially because he had been born when everyone was still grieving for their beloved William. They had all treasured Julian, yet he did not appear to have grown into the role he was expected to play. There was a great... Continue Reading →