MURDER, MISCHIEF AND MR. DARCY: JAYNE BAMBER’S CLWYD CASTLE

 

Hello dear readers,

We’re thrilled to welcome back Jayne Bamber to My Jane Austen Book Club! Jayne is well known for her clever and creative Austen-inspired stories, and this autumn she’s bringing us something delightfully different — a whodunnit with a Jane Austen twist!

Just in time for Spooky Season, Jayne introduces her upcoming release, Clwyd Castle, a mystery inspired by the cult classic film Clue. Expect wit, intrigue, and a gathering of familiar Austen faces — including Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Henry Tilney, and even Lady Susan — all drawn into a darkly comic web of secrets and blackmail.

Let’s hear from Jayne herself and enjoy an exclusive excerpt from this thrilling new tale...

IN THE PATH OF JANE AUSTEN: TRAVELS AND TALES

 

 Lory Lilian at My Jane Austen Book Club

Maria Grazia, thanks so much for having me. It is such a great pleasure to be here! While I have visited, read and enjoyed your blog many times over the years, this is my first blogpost and I am thrilled about it.

Story quote from Lory Lilian’s story, The Gallery of Second Chances

A year ago, Elizabeth had left behind Pemberley, Mr Darcy and all her hopes. Now, she was returning with her soul burdened by a gratitude she had no chance of expressing and the sorrow of a lost happiness.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: AN INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON WINSLOW ON CAPTAIN WENTWORTH

Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m delighted to welcome back author Shannon Winslow, a dear friend of our community and well known for her insightful Austen-inspired novels. Her latest release, Captain Wentworth – In His Own Words (out September 18th), invites us to experience Persuasion anew through the eyes of one of Jane Austen’s most beloved heroes. Shannon generously joined me for an interview to talk about her inspiration, her process, and the joys (and challenges!) of giving Captain Wentworth his own voice. I hope you’ll enjoy reading her answers as much as I did! MG

COLOUR, EMOTION AND MR DARCY: INSIDE BARRY S. RICHMAN'S NEWEST PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

 

 By Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club

Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m delighted to welcome back Barry S. Richman, author of the beloved Follow the Drum. With his second Pride and Prejudice variation, Color My World, he offers another bold and imaginative reimagining of Austen’s classic. In this new tale, Elizabeth Bennet awakens from a fall with a remarkable ability: she sees people’s emotions as colors—except in one man. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a void. A mystery. And against her better judgment, she’s drawn in. With emotional insight, quiet magic, and a sharper focus on Mr. Bennet, Color My World promises to be a deeply affecting romance.  

BECOMING MRS. DARCY: AN INTERVIEW WITH J. B. GRANTHAM

 

Check it out at Amazon

This autumn brings an exciting new addition to the world of Jane Austen-inspired fiction. On Michaelmas, 29 September 2025, J.B. Grantham will publish Becoming Mrs. Darcy: Elizabeth’s Chronicles (Volume I) — the first installment in a thoughtful and heartfelt sequel to Pride and Prejudice. To mark the occasion, we are delighted to share an interview, in which she discusses the inspirations behind her new book, the challenges of writing in Austen’s voice and what readers can expect from Mrs. Darcy’s story.

THE WORLDS OF JANE AUSTEN: IN CONVERSATION WITH DR HELENA KELLY

 

 

Today, on the very day of its release—25th September 2025—we are delighted to celebrate Dr Helena Kelly’s new book, The Worlds of Jane Austen (Frances Lincoln). Published to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, this fascinating work invites readers to step beyond the familiar image of drawing rooms and tea parties, and instead discover the turbulent world of revolution, war, and social change that shaped Austen’s life and writing.

Helena Kelly, already well known to Austen readers for her groundbreaking Jane Austen, the Secret Radical, brings her characteristic insight and lively style to this beautifully illustrated volume. Drawing on the latest research, she shows us an Austen who is sharper, bolder, and more engaged with the great issues of her time than many have imagined—an author whose voice still resonates powerfully today.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Helena about her new book, Austen’s enduring relevance, and the surprising connections between the novelist’s world and our own.

WITTY, WILD AND WONDERFULLY AUSTEN: A CONVERSATION WITH DEVONEY LOOSER

 

Just when you thought you knew everything about Jane Austen—her novels, her needlework, her famously “quiet” life—along comes a book that turns the tea table upside down. In Wild for Austen, acclaimed scholar (and roller derby alter ego Stone Cold Jane Austen) Devoney Looser invites us to meet a bolder, brasher version of the beloved author—one who was far more entangled with radical politics, wild relatives, and unexpected cultural legacies than many of us ever imagined.

JANE AUSTEN ON WRITING: TEN INSPIRING QUOTES

 

Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen, Becoming Jane 2007

I recently came across a fascinating article in Italian on Libreriamo about Jane Austen’s reflections on writing. Since most of my readers are based in the UK, the US, and other English-speaking countries, I wanted to share it here in English, together with the quotes that inspired me.

WHY DO MANSFIELD PARK AND NORTHANGER ABBEY SO RARELY GET ADAPTED?

 

Jonny Lee-Miller and Frances O'Connor in Mansfield Park 1999

As Jane Austen fans, we are never short of new adaptations to enjoy. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Persuasion have each had numerous film and television versions—sometimes several within a single decade. Austen’s wit, her timeless themes of love, class, and social ambition, and her cast of unforgettable characters continue to capture audiences worldwide.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE COMES TO LIFE IN A NEW AUDIBLE ORIGINAL

 

 Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has charmed readers for over 200 years — but now, for the very first time, it arrives as an Audible Original audiobook with a star-studded cast.  

The English edition has just been released worldwide, with versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese on the way — proof that Austen’s wit and romance continue to speak across languages and cultures.

RETHINKING MR DARCY: IS HE REALLY THE ROMANTIC HERO WE LOVE?

 

Sebastian Faulks, in an essay marking Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, offers a provocative re-reading of Pride and Prejudice — one that may challenge even the most ardent Mr Darcy admirers.

Faulks paints Darcy in stark terms: “mostly miserable” and, at times, “unforgivably cruel.” While modern adaptations have polished him into a brooding heartthrob, Austen’s own text is far more complicated. Faulks argues that Darcy is arrogant, socially tone-deaf, and even manipulative — especially in his treatment of Jane and Bingley. His famed proposal to Elizabeth, which many read as romantic tension, is framed by Faulks as a shocking display of class-conscious cruelty.

AUSTEN & THE ART OF THE SELF: IS ELIZABETH BENNET A MODEL OF SELF-LOVE?

This is the second in our ongoing series: “Austen & the Art of Self” – Exploring the self-help wisdom hidden in Jane Austen’s heroines. Read our previous post: Is Emma Woodhouse a Model of Self-Love?

Elizabeth as a Model of Self-Love

Of all Jane Austen’s heroines, Elizabeth Bennet may be the most beloved—and with good reason. Spirited, witty, and fiercely independent, Lizzy walks through Pride and Prejudice with a confidence that feels strikingly modern. She refuses to marry for convenience, she values integrity over wealth, and she’s unafraid to speak her mind, even to a man like Mr. Darcy. But beneath her quick tongue and clever observations lies something deeper: a strong and evolving sense of self-worth.

A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR AGES: THE COMPLETE NOVELS BY JANE AUSTEN BY THE FOLIO SOCIETY

The Complete Novels by Jane Austen, The Folio Society

 A collector’s dream for Austen devotees 

Jane Austen’s novels have enchanted readers for more than two centuries, and in 2025 her 250th anniversary is being marked with something truly extraordinary. The Folio Society has created a six-volume limited edition box set of The Complete Novels—a landmark in bookmaking, with only 750 copies available worldwide.

To celebrate this remarkable release, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the edition—James Rose (Head of Editorial), Kate Grimwade (Production Director), illustrator Sarah Young, and box designer Emily Benton. In this special Q&A, they share insights into the artistry, craft, and inspiration that went into bringing Austen’s timeless works to life in such a beautiful form. 

JAYNE BAMBER, THE COUNTESS AND HER SISTER: A NEW PRIDE & PREJUDICE VARIATION

Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m delighted to welcome back Jayne  Bamber to share a playful sneak peek at her latest Pride & Prejudice variation, The Countess and Her Sister. She has given us a list of “Ten Things to Know” about this new release—and trust me, it’s a delightful mix of humor, drama, and romance. After that, you’ll find a special excerpt and the full blurb to tempt you further!

A SUMMER WITH JANE: PAULA BYRNE ON SIX WEEKS BY THE SEA

 

by Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club

 It is a real pleasure to welcome acclaimed biographer, novelist and Austen scholar Paula Byrne to our blog today. Paula is the author of numerous bestselling works, including Belle: The Slave Daughter and the Lord Chief Justice, The Real Jane Austen, The Genius of Jane Austen, and Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, and she is widely respected for the depth, elegance, and originality of her work including biographies, literature, and history.

Her latest novel, Six Weeks by the Sea, offers a compelling blend of historical insight and imaginative storytelling. Set during the summer of 1801, the book follows a young Jane Austen during a six-week holiday in Sidmouth, where she becomes entangled in a quietly dramatic love triangle—with both a dashing Royal Navy captain and a thoughtful, abolitionist lawyer vying for her heart. Drawing on known facts and rich period detail, Paula creates a vivid world of family ties, social pressures, and romantic possibility—all with her signature grace and intelligence.

WHERE ARE TODAY'S MR DARCYS?

 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Vanity Fair Italia published a delightful and thought-provoking piece by Alessandra Gonnella asking: Where are today’s Mr. Darcys?

Between London parks, dating apps, and Austen's timeless prose, the author reflects on whether the romantic ideals we cherish from Austen’s novels still have a place in our modern lives.

Here’s my English summary of the article, followed by the original (in Italian):

👉 Link to the original article on Vanity Fair Italia: Dove sono i Mr Darcy di oggi?

PERSUASION IN ARABIC: A CONVERSATION WITH TRANSLATOR MAHA MAHMOUD SALEH

by Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club

Jane Austen’s works have crossed centuries, borders, and languages—continuing to speak to readers around the world. Recently, Persuasion has taken on new life in Arabic, thanks to the thoughtful work of freelance translator Maha Mahmoud Saleh, based in Cairo.

When she reached out to share news of her translation, I was immediately intrigued—not only by the beautiful cover of the Arabic edition, but also by the opportunity to explore how Austen’s elegant irony and emotional depth could be reimagined for a different linguistic and cultural audience. Maha shared that she began her translation process by watching a 1990s film adaptation of Persuasion, and was struck by how familiar the story felt—almost like an old Arabic romantic drama. “If it weren’t for the distinctly English setting,” she told me, “I would have thought I was watching an old Arabic movie starring Faten Hamama and Omar Sharif—dubbed into English!”

AUSTEN & THE ART OF SELF: 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