IS EMMA WOODHOUSE A MODEL OF SELF-LOVE?

 

Among Jane Austen’s heroines, Emma Woodhouse stands out—not because she’s the most virtuous or modest, but because she’s bold, flawed, and entirely herself. At the novel’s outset, she is beautiful, clever, and rich—as Austen famously puts it—but also proud, meddling, and often blind to the needs and feelings of others. And yet, this complexity is precisely what makes her compelling. In an era when women were expected to marry well and behave modestly, Emma chooses independence and unapologetic self-confidence. This post explores how Emma’s journey through mistakes, self-awareness, and emotional growth makes her a surprisingly modern model of self-love—not as a static ideal, but as a dynamic, evolving woman learning to love herself more wisely.

INTERVIEW WITH ALANA HIGHBURY: A MODERN PERSUASION WITH A TWIST

 

Dear Janeites and romance lovers,

I’m thrilled to welcome Alana Highbury to My Jane Austen Book Club! Alana has once again woven Austen-inspired magic with her latest contemporary romance, the second book in her captivating series. This time, she brings us a modern take on Persuasion, filled with heartbreak, second chances, and the undeniable pull of unfinished love.

In this novel, Annie is forced to confront her past when Kylan—the man whose heart she broke four years ago—unexpectedly re-enters her life. As she struggles to rebuild herself after personal setbacks, Annie must navigate not only her lingering feelings for Kylan but also the professional challenge of working with him. Will she be able to hold her ground, or will fate offer them a long-awaited second chance?

Join me as I chat with Alana about her inspiration, the emotional depths of her characters, and what’s next in her Austen-inspired world!  MG💕

JAYNE BAMBER PRESENTS HER NEW PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION: KINDLY MEANT INTERFERENCE

Hello readers, it’s great to be back at My Jane Austen Book Club! I’m so excited to share another sneak peek of my new release, Kindly Meant Interference, which is coming to Kindle on June 18th. I had a blast writing this P&P variation, largely because I really have a soft spot for Caroline Bingley. 

In this retelling, she plays an integral role in Darcy and Elizabeth’s love story. After overhearing Darcy say he will never marry her on the night of the assembly, Caroline decides that the best way to continue enjoying access to Pemberley and Darcy’s social connections is to be the dearest friend of his future wife. And when Darcy admires Elizabeth’s “fine eyes” at Lucas Lodge, Caroline knows who his future bride ought to be. 

Today I am sharing an excerpt from that party at Lucas Lodge. When Caroline sees Elizabeth not as a rival but more of a project, the course of the story takes a very different course….

Jayne Bamber

COMING SOON TO MASTERPIECE: MISS AUSTEN – A MUST-WATCH FOR JANEITES!

 

Dear Austen friends,

I’m absolutely delighted to bring you some news that I think will set every Janeite’s heart fluttering — Miss Austen, the long-awaited mini-series based on Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel, is finally arriving on your screens! Mark your calendars: this four-part drama premieres Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS.

Long-time followers of My Jane Austen Book Club will remember when we first featured Miss Austen the novel, a beautifully imagined re-telling of the mystery behind why Cassandra Austen destroyed so many of Jane’s letters. You can read my original review here. I even had the joy of interviewing  Gill Hornby in 2022 when her equally enchanting Godmersham Park was released — you can find that interview here!

SET SAIL WITH JANE AUSTEN: AN INTERVIEW WITH NATALIE JENNER

 

We are thrilled to welcome author Natalie Jenner back to My Jane Austen Book Club to discuss her latest novel, Austen at Sea. Known for her captivating historical fiction and her deep love of all things Austen, Natalie Jenner’s new book takes readers on a transatlantic adventure filled with literary intrigue, romance, and the enduring spirit of Jane Austen herself.

In Austen at Sea, readers will follow the Stevenson sisters and the Nelson brothers as they journey to England in 1865, lured by the promise of a rare Austen artifact and the chance to meet her last surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen. Alongside historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Jenner masterfully weaves a tale of adventure and self-discovery, all under the guiding influence of Austen’s legacy.

BARRY S. RICHMAN ON HIS LATEST RELEASE, FOLLOW THE DRUM, A UNIQUE P&P RETELLING

 

Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m excited to welcome Barry S Richman, author of the newly released Follow the Drum—a bold and unique retelling of Pride & Prejudice set against the backdrop of military life. This variation brings Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy into a world shaped by duty, honor, and the realities of war, offering readers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

SOLVING MYSTERIES WITH JANE AUSTEN: AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA BULL

 

Welcome, Jessica Bull, to My Jane Austen Book Club!

It’s always a delight to explore new takes on Jane Austen’s world, and today, we’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Bull, author of the Miss Austen Investigates series. Her latest novel, A Fortune Most Fatal, brings us another delightful mystery featuring none other than Jane Austen herself—this time, unravelling secrets in 1797 Kent. With wit, charm, and an irresistible puzzle at its heart, this book is sure to captivate both Austen fans and mystery lovers alike.

Scroll down and join us as Jessica shares insights into her inspiration, the challenges of blending history with detective fiction, and what’s next for our favourite literary sleuth!

LIVING WITH JANE AUSTEN: A CONVERSATION WITH JANET TODD

 

On the occasion of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, internationally renowned novelist and scholar Janet Todd offers readers a unique gift: a book that blends personal memoir with a deep and thoughtful engagement with Austen’s timeless works. In this intimate and insightful volume, Todd reflects on how Austen’s novels have guided her through different phases of her life, offering lessons on patience, humour, beauty, and the meaning of home.

With a distinguished career that spans feminist literary scholarship and acclaimed fiction, Janet Todd is one of the foremost voices in Austen studies. Her latest work not only highlights Austen’s relevance in today’s world but also reveals how living with Austen’s characters and stories can shape our understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.

In this interview, Janet Todd shares her inspiration, her personal connection to Jane Austen, and why Austen’s wisdom remains as powerful today as it was over two centuries ago.

A YEAR IN JANE AUSTEN'S WORLD: AN INTERVIEW WITH SOPHIE REYNOLDS OF THE JANE AUSTEN'S HOUSE

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth—a milestone that invites us to reflect on her enduring legacy and the world that shaped her genius. As we celebrate this special year, a stunning new book offers a fresh and intimate perspective on Austen’s life. A Jane Austen Year takes us on a journey through the seasons, weaving together letters, objects, and manuscripts from Jane Austen’s House—the beloved Hampshire cottage where she lived and wrote some of her most cherished novels.

I’m delighted to welcome Sophie Reynolds, the curator of Jane Austen’s House, and the mind behind this beautifully illustrated volume, to My Jane Austen Book Club. In our conversation, we discuss the treasures of Austen’s home, the inspiration behind the book’s unique structure, and the remarkable moments that shaped the author’s life. Join us as we step into Austen’s world, one season at a time, in this very special anniversary year.

THE MYSTERIES OF PENDOWAR HALL: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR SYRIE JAMES

 

At My Jane Austen Book Club, we celebrate not just Jane Austen, but the timeless appeal of classic literature and the authors who bring that spirit to life in fresh, compelling ways. My guest today, Syrie James, is no stranger to our readers — her brilliant The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë have captivated many of us. Now, with The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall, the first book in her new Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire series, Syrie masterfully channels the Gothic essence of the Brontës while delivering a thrilling historical romance and mystery. It’s a pleasure to welcome her back to discuss her latest novel, her love for classic literature, and the connections between Austen, Brontë, and the elements of storytelling that continue to intrigue us today.

AUTHOR GUEST POST: AMANDA KAI, LOVE IN JANE AUSTEN'S BOOKS. NEW RELEASE, EXCERPT, GAME & GIVEAWAY.

 

Thank you, Maria Grazia, for inviting me to come back to My Jane Austen Book Club this month in time to celebrate the month of love with my Valentine’s Day release, The Pleasure of Remembrance!

February is the perfect time to talk about love in Jane Austen’s books, because all of them contain beautiful love stories that have withstood the test of time and continue to capture our hearts and inspire new retellings and variations daily.

My favorite of all is the enemies-to-lovers romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. There’s something so captivating about their characters and the misunderstandings they develop before coming to realize that they are a perfect fit for each other.

Although love is the heartbeat of all the Austen stories, it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Unexpected Love—Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet

WHY WE READ (OR WRITE ABOUT) JANE AUSTEN

 

Yours Truly is honoured to have been invited to share thoughts on why we continue to read and write about Jane Austen. My heartfelt thanks to Christina Boyd for featuring my piece on her website and for including me among her wonderful monthly guest contributors in this delightful series.

If you’ve ever wondered why Jane Austen has captivated me for so long—and why I’ve been blogging about her all these years—please join me over on Christina’s Quill Ink to read more.

You can read my piece HERE

SUDDEN AWAKENING BOOK TOUR: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AMANDA KAI & GIVEAWAY

 

Interview with Amanda Kai

Hello Amanda and welcome back to My Jane Austen Book Club. Congratulation on your new release, Sudden Awakenings. It brings a fresh twist to Pride and Prejudice by introducing Elizabeth Bennet's struggle with sleepwalking. What inspired you to incorporate this unique aspect into her character, and how do you think it influences her relationship with Mr. Darcy?

Well, originally, I planned to write a compromise scenario based on the scene from the end of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, where Elizabeth walks out into the field in her nightgown and Mr. Darcy meets her there in a state of half-dress and they are witnessed by some gossipping neighbor.

However, I struggled to conceive a realistic reason for why these otherwise upstanding people would suffer from such a gross lack of propriety (even in the movie, it is a stretch, but I forgive it, just because I love it so darn much!)

MURDER IN HIGHBURY, VANESSA KELLY TAKES US BACK TO THE WORLD OF JANE AUSTEN'S EMMA

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content with her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health. But the cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps and the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . . As a chilling murder mystery unfolds and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions fall on a harmless local, Emma decides to discreetly investigate. Armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections, she will protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

Check the book at Amazon.com

JAYNE BAMBER, JUST BETWEEN US: AUTHOR GUEST POST, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY.

 

Hello, readers! It's a treat to be back at My Jane Austen Book Club to share about my newest release. My eleventh novel, ‘Just Between Us’ is available for pre-order, and at the end of this post I’ll be sharing an excerpt from this Pride & Prejudice retelling….

 Jane Austen once said, “My characters shall have, after a little trouble, all that they desire.” I give the Bennet sisters more than just a little trouble. Kitty has a minor heartbreak when her unrequited crush marries another, while Lizzy and Darcy have a whirlwind courtship but are separated for two years, and Jane gets her man but at a very steep cost. 

NEW RELEASE: ONCE HE MADE A BEGINNING BY P.O. DIXON

 

From the Author

 Thank you, Maria Grazia, for the wonderful opportunity to visit My Jane Austen Book Club. I’m excited to share an excerpt from my newest release, Once He Made a Beginning, and connect with fellow historical romance enthusiasts.

For those unfamiliar with my work, I love reimagining Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, crafting new and captivating adventures for Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. With nearly fifty titles in my growing catalog, I’m always eager to explore fresh narratives that stay true to the heart of these beloved characters.

BLOG TOUR: THE LAKE HOUSE AT RAMSGATE. GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY

 

In 1812, Elizabeth Bennet, eager for her first visit to the seaside, accompanies her beloved sister Jane and her new brother, Charles Bingley, to Ramsgate. Their retreat, the Lake House, offers an ideal location for Mrs. Bingley, whose delicate condition requires rest and care by the sea.

BOOK TOUR - TALKING ABOUT MR BINGLEY JUST AS A GENTLEMAN OUGHT TO BE WITH AUTHOR BRANDON DRAGAN

 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

For centuries Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride & Prejudice, has been dearly loved the world over. However, few people know the truth about Mr. Darcy's closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley–who is much more than he appears on first impression. 

Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire's aristocracy. Bingley confronts an enterprise so nefarious that he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.

CRIME & CULPABILITY: A JANE AUSTEN MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY

 

Hello and happy Sunday, dear readers! Today I'd like to invite you to step into a world where Regency elegance meets thrilling intrigue! In this upcoming release, Crime & Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology, some of your favorite Austen characters find themselves entangled in captivating mysteries, with clues hidden beneath the surface of every story. Whether it’s Darcy investigating a murder or Emma Woodhouse solving an art heist, each tale invites you to join the sleuths and unravel the secrets within. Ready to discover how Austen’s timeless charm blends seamlessly with a dash of mystery? Scroll down and dive into this unique anthology where the game is afoot! MG x

JANE AUSTEN RETURNS TO THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY'S MAIN STAGE WITH SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

 

Why Does Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility Continue to Captivate Audiences?

Long before Bridgerton enchanted our screens, a young writer named Jane Austen was already setting hearts ablaze across England. Her timeless tales of love, societal expectations, and sisterhood continue to resonate today, and now, fans of Austen’s work have a new reason to rejoice.

What’s Happening at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey?

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is bringing Austen’s beloved novel Sense and Sensibility to life with a stage adaptation by the acclaimed Jessica Swale. This production promises to overflow with humor, style, and the unmistakable wit of Austen herself.