BACK TO NORTHANGER ABBEY: A CONVERSATION WITH NANCY BILYEAU

What happened to Catherine Morland after Northanger Abbey ended? Jane Austen left us with a young woman who had discovered that life—and people—could be rather more complicated than the Gothic novels she loved. But what might Catherine's life look like twenty-two years later?

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Nancy Bilyeau to My Jane Austen Book Club to talk about her new novel, The Heiress of Northanger Abbey, which brings Catherine back to us as Catherine Tilney, now a wife and mother facing a new generation of family challenges, mysteries, and perhaps a little Gothic danger along the way.

In our conversation, Nancy tells us what inspired her to return to Austen's beloved heroine, how she approached Catherine's character as an adult, and how she balanced the Gothic atmosphere of Northanger Abbey with her own story. She also shares her thoughts on Catherine's relationship with her daughter Phoebe, historical authenticity, and what she hopes readers will feel when they reach the final page.

So, dear readers, let's return to Northanger Abbey—and welcome Nancy Bilyeau! 📚 

Maria Grazia💕

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: SUSAN MOORE ON THE DARCY LIST, MR DARCY AND THE PROBLEM WITH PERFECT MEN

 

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..." Or is it?

For generations, readers have fallen in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy and measured real-life suitors against Jane Austen's most famous hero. But what happens when the ideal we have cherished since our teenage years begins to collide with reality?

Today, I am delighted to welcome Susan Moore to My Jane Austen Book Club to discuss her new novel, The Darcy List, a witty and thought-provoking contemporary story inspired by a question many Janeites have secretly asked themselves: Did Jane Austen set the bar impossibly high?

At the centre of the novel is Florence Elliot, who at sixteen creates a list of everything the perfect man should be—a "Darcy List" inspired by her favourite literary hero. Years later, life, love, heartbreak, and unexpected opportunities force her to reconsider not only the list itself, but what she truly wants from a partner.

In the interview below, Susan reflects on the enduring appeal of Mr Darcy, the influence Jane Austen continues to have on modern readers, and the difference between loving the idea of someone and learning to embrace someone real.

Please join me in giving Susan a warm My Jane Austen Book Club welcome. 

Maria Grazia 💕

AN UNCANNY ALIGNMENT OF HEARTS: A Q&A WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JUNE HUR

 

Dear Janeites and book lovers,

sometimes, the universe has a beautiful way of bringing things full circle. If you have followed my online writing journey, you might know that alongside My Jane Austen Book Club (which I have been writing since 2010), I also ran a parallel blog called FLY HIGH! (started in 2009). Way back in March 2010, I featured a young, aspiring writer in a "Blogger Buddies" segment on FLY HIGH!. She used to email me about her passionate dream of one day becoming a published author. That writer was June Hur.

Sixteen years later, June is a New York Times bestselling author, and while I now focus most of my energy right here on My Jane Austen Book Club and our wonderful Facebook community, I still occasionally pop over to FLY HIGH! to share my latest obsessions. If you've read those rare, recent posts, you know that since the pandemic, I have fallen completely in love with Korean literature, K-dramas, and all things Hallyu (the Korean Wave). You can imagine my absolute thrill when the social media algorithms brought June and me back together, revealing that her newest novel, Behind Five Willows, is a romantic homage to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, set right in the heart of the Joseon Dynasty!

Set in 1792 during a strict, real-life historical government book ban, Behind Five Willows follows Shin Haewon (our fierce, Elizabeth Bennet-inspired heroine), a poor second daughter moonlighting as an illegal book transcriber under the pen name "Magpie." Enter Yu Seojun (our brilliant, uptight Mr. Darcy), a wealthy nobleman who secretly rebels against his status by writing forbidden fiction under the name "Black Lotus." Forced together as chaperones for their friends, they clash spectacularly in person, entirely unaware that they are already deeply connected through anonymous, secret letters.

Today, June joins us at My Jane Austen Book Club to chat about yearning, censorship, historical parallels, and what it’s like to bring Darcy and Elizabeth to 18th-century Korea.  

Maria Grazia 💕

OUT TODAY! TO MARK THE OCCASION: BIRTHDAY TALES FOR JANE AUSTEN'S 250TH

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th with “To Mark the Occasion: Birthday Tales for Jane Austen’s 250th”

This December, literature lovers and Jane Austen fans have a very special reason to celebrate. In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, a new anthology, To Mark the Occasion: Birthday Tales for Jane Austen’s 250th, brings together ten talented Austenesque authors who reimagine the lives, loves, and festivities of some of Austen’s most beloved characters.

GUEST AUTHOR JULIA WINTER – A DELETED SCENE FROM A VERY FINE PLACE, A NEW PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

Today I’m delighted to welcome back Julia Winter to My Jane Austen Book Club! Julia’s new Pride and Prejudice variation, A Very Fine Place, was published on 17 October 2025 by Glass Hat Press. It’s her third variation, rich with atmosphere, family intrigue, and—of course—the promise of love.

Set partly in 1811 Calcutta and later at Pemberley, Julia’s story brings us a Darcy who must navigate inheritance, resentment, and danger in his own home—while finding unexpected understanding with Elizabeth Bennet.

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

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.

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.

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

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.