A Single Mouse in Possession of a Good Fortune...

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet: Regency Jane Austen Style Mouse Dolls for your dollhouse

Description:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single mouse in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife … and Mr. Darcy Mouse has found his!

Introducing Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy Mouse and Miss Elizabeth Bennet Mouse: classic Jane Austen style Regency mice for your dollhouse.

Hand crafted by MossMountain and available at Etsy. Too cute.

Squeak. Enuff said!

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Steamy Book Giveaway: Bargain With the Devil

Update: Contest is now closed. The winners are (I am giving away my personal copy too): Lynn M (Embraceable You) and Keira of Love Romance Passion (1-2-3-4). Thank you all for joining the contest! Winners are strictly chosen at random. Send your mailing address to janeaustensworld *at* gmail *dot* com.

Like your romances sizzling hot? Ever wondered what would have happened if Mr. Darcy had put a condition on helping the Bennet family resolve the situation with Lydia and Wickham and made a bargain with Elizabeth? Enid Wilson had such a notion, and she wrote a book about it. Titled, Bargain With the Devil, Enid has Darcy extracting a promise from Elizabeth that she is honor bound to keep.

We are giving away one copy of Enid's steamy book. All you need to do is leave a message telling us which romantic song you would choose as Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's theme song. The Roses of Prose have chosen quite a few songs with which I agree. I am curious to know your choices.

• Read the book review here.
• Order the book here.
• Follow Enid on Twitter

The book contest ends August 20th. Only continental U.S. readers are eligible to win.

Vic, Jane Austen's World

Floris and the scents of times past

Love the old-fashioned smell of scented tuberose? Or lavender, which was used to soothe and calm people? If you like the thought of wearing fragrances made over 270 years ago, Floris of London still sells scents whose chemical mixtures were created for historic individuals like Beau Brummel. The Regency dandy used to discuss his fragrances at length with Mr. Floris, among other things.

Last year in February I walked along Jermyn Street in London and stopped inside Floris, which has been in business since the 1730's. Established by Juan Famenias Floris from Menorca, this store has occupied these premises in London's St. James's district since before Jane Austen's day. Juan initially set up business as a barber and comb-maker, but he soon began blending oils, essences and fixatives. Floris created toilet waters of jasmine, orange blossom, and 'Lavender', the fragrance that made him famous and which I purchased as a room fragrance last year and gave to my blogging partner, Laurel Ann. Some of the products that are still sold in this venerable store, like Lilly of the Valley and Lavender, date back to the mid-18th century.

Floris Tradition: Floris is so steeped in history that staff continue to use many unique practices without a second thought. One of the most endearing of these stems back to the late 19th century when Floris began to accept cash payments as well as account customers. It was considered extremely ill-form to give customers dirty or crumpled change, so all coins were taken downstairs and scrubbed clean and notes were pressed flat. - The Floris Story

The store is the official perfumer of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the supplier of toiletries to the Prince of Wales. The first Royal Warrant was granted in 1820, which is still on display at the store. When Floris was founded, Jermyn Street, which is situated closely to Pall Mall and the Gentlemen's clubs, was a hub for upper class London gentlemen.

Floris perfumes have a grand history. "Special 127" was a fragrance created for Russia's Grand Duke Orloff in 1890. Following his death, the perfume was named from the page number of the special formulas book on which it was written.

Floris fragrances quickly became the talk of fashionable London society, the barber`s shop gave way to become the elegant setting for fragrances and accessories: Beautiful handmade hair combs were imported from Menorca, while shaving brushes, hatpins, toothbrushes, fine-tooth combs and razor-straps were made on the premises. - Scent-sational: Regency Perfumers

Emma, Lady Hamilton was also a famous customer, as was her lover, Lord Nelson. He was such a good customer that he ordered perfume and other luxury goods for Lady Hamilton even in the midst of battle.

As stated previously, money was always treated as a special commodity in Floris. A customer's change would be produced clean and sparkling on a velvet covered mahogany change-pad - thus ensuring that neither staff nor customer would suffer the embarrassment of their hands touching the currency or that ladies would dirty their gloves. Today, the velvet mahogany change-pads remain and customers are still handed their change in this manner. - Jermyn Grooming, Lifestyle Suite

In Jane Austen's time, fragrance was important to mask unwashed bodies and street smells, and she mentioned lavender-water in Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.

She was seated in her mother's lap, covered with kisses, her wound bathed with lavender-water, by one of the Miss Steeles, who was on her knees to attend her, and her mouth stuffed with sugar-plums by the other. The Narrator, Sense and Sensibility, Ch 21

Elinor advised her to lie down again, and for a moment she did so; but no attitude could give her ease; and in restless pain of mind and body she moved from one posture to another, till growing more and more hysterical, her sister could with difficulty keep her on the bed at all, and for some time was fearful of being constrained to call for assistance. Some lavender drops, however, which she was at length persuaded to take, were of use; and from that time till Mrs. Jennings returned, she continued on the bed quiet and motionless. The Narrator, Sense and Sensibility, Ch 29

"In one respect, there certainly is a difference. In marriage, the man is supposed to provide for the support of the woman, the woman to make the home agreeable to the man; he is to purvey, and she is to smile. But in dancing, their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness, the compliance are expected from him, while she furnishes the fan and the lavender water. That, I suppose, was the difference of duties which struck you, as rendering the conditions incapable of comparison.” Henry Tilney, Northanger Abbey, Ch 10.


"Eleanor, and only Eleanor, stood there. Catherine’s spirits, however, were tranquillized but for an instant, for Eleanor’s cheeks were pale, and her manner greatly agitated. Though evidently intending to come in, it seemed an effort to enter the room, and a still greater to speak when there. Catherine, supposing some uneasiness on Captain Tilney’s account, could only express her concern by silent attention, obliged her to be seated, rubbed her temples with lavender–water, and hung over her with affectionate solicitude. “My dear Catherine, you must not — you must not indeed — “ were Eleanor’s first connected words. “I am quite well. This kindness distracts me — I cannot bear it — I come to you on such an errand!” Sense and Sensibility, The Narrator, Ch 28

Beau Brummell's statue stands proudly at the entrance of Picadilly Arcade on Jermyn Street, as seen in the photograph below, forever linked with Jermyn Street and the perfumer's shop he haunted.


Floris remains a force in perfumes today. In 1999, the establishment created a new range of products for the home in five fragrances, including the room spray fragrance I purchased. This is nothing new. In a price list of 1853 one can find products for "The perfuming of Apartments".

As soon as you cross the store's threshold, you can smells the beautiful fragrances. Rich mahogany counters gleam from centuries of polish. Along the walls, display cases hold antique brushes and perfume bottles. Crystal chandeliers overhead add a touch of restrained class. Better yet, none of the sales staff pressure you to make a purchase.


For visitors to London, a trip to Floris is well worth their time.

Floris History

Floris: Jane Austen Centre

Floris sales this summer

Floris, London

Floris, lavender

Jermyn St and Savile Row

Post by Vic and Laurel Ann

Do You Understand Muslins Sir? No! Henry Tilney Does

An interest in fashion during Jane Austen’s time was de rigueur, though not everyone was as passionate in keeping abreast of the latest styles as our famous author. Her fondness for finery is confirmed in her letters to her sister Cassandra as she chats about her shopping expeditions to linen-drapers, silk-mercer’s and milliners in London and Bath, and about her progress in creating her own clothing.

“I have determined to trim my lilac sarsenet with black ribbon just as my China Crape is …Ribbon trimmings are all the fashion at Bath, & I dare say the fashions of the two places are alike enough in that point, to content me. – With this addition it will be a very useful gown, happy to go anywhere.” 5 March 1814

Sarsenet, or sarcenet was a fine silk cloth used in dressmaking and curtains. Not only did Jane Austen have an eye for fine fabric, the color combination of lilac and black would have been quite stunning. She also infuses her interest in fabrics and fashion into her novels. In Northanger Abbey, clothing and shopping is discussed frequently by the characters. They do talk of sarcenet, but muslin, which is a finely woven cotton fabric popular from the end of the 18th-century to the early 19th-century, plays an important part in the heroine Catherine Morland's romance when she meets our hero Henry Tilney for the first time in the Lower Rooms in Bath. Here, her chaperone Mrs. Allen is surprised that any man would be interested in fabric and vigorously discusses muslins with Henry.

“Do you understand muslins, sir?”

“Particularly well; I always buy my own cravats, and am allowed to be an excellent judge; and my sister has often trusted me in the choice of a gown. I bought one for her the other day, and it was pronounced to be a prodigious bargain by every lady who saw it. I gave but five shillings a yard for it, and a true Indian muslin.”

Mrs. Allen was quite struck by his genius. “Men commonly take so little notice of those things,” said she; “I can never get Mr. Allen to know one of my gowns from another. You must be a great comfort to your sister, sir.” Northanger Abbey, Chapter 3

As Catherine and the reader soon discover, Henry Tilney is no mere man. He is an extraordinary genius!

• Visit the Regency fashions archive at Jane Austen's World
• Regency Fashion History 1800-1825 - Fashion Era
• Timeline and history of muslin fabric
• Read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen online at Molland's Circulating Library

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Jane Austen Movie Throwdown

Last night was Jane Austen night at Vic's house. We played Faro (a fast but not very interesting card game, in which the bank wins readily), looked up the rules of whist and speculation for future card games, and watched Mansfield Park with Sylvestra La Touzel (do you not LOVE her name?) as Fanny. In the 6-hour BBC adaptation, the Mary Crawford character, played by Jackie Smith-Wood, comes front stage and center any time she is on the screen. Which actress playing Mary Crawford was the most successful in portraying this complicated woman in the shorter film versions?

This actress portrayed the better Mary Crawford

Embeth Davidtz, Mary Crawford, 1999

People are extremely divided about this movie adaptation by Patricia Rozema, either hating the addition of its anti-colonialist overtones and Fanny becoming a budding young writer like Jane Austen, or liking its pluck. One person who stood out in this film is Embeth, whose Mary is quite as sophisticated as Jane Austen described her. She is a lady, but there is a hint of the unsavory in her. She is all sensuality, so that one can fully understand why Edmund is so distracted by her. Many will recognize Embeth for another role. She played the chilly and elegant Natasha in Bridget Jones's Diary, whose lawyer character was the perfect fit for Colin Firth until Bridget came along. Hailing from South Africa, the bi-lingual Embeth's career has been steadily successful if not spectacular.



Hayley Atwell, Mary Crawford, 2007

The 2007 version of Mansfield Park was generally trashed because of its short length and Billie Piper's tomboyish performance of Fanny Price. One actress who didn't get hammered was Hayley Atwell, whose Mary Crawford was pretty, audacious, and a little bit saucy. Her line to Fanny after keeping the horse too long sums her character up: "Selfishness must always be forgiven, for there is no hope for a cure." A stunning woman, Haley rates high in AskMen.com. She is also recognized for her acting chops, playing major roles in Brideshead Revisited and The Duchess. Haley is currrently filming Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follet's epic medieval tale about the building of a Cathedral. My apologies to Haley for spelling her last name wrong in the poll. I caught the mistake too late to make the change, for too many people had already voted.

pollcode.com free polls

This actress played the better Mary Crawford

Embeth Davidtz Haley Atwood

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre: Our Reviews

Dear readers, This weekend marks a time when both Laurel Ann and I will be reviewing Amanda Grange's new book, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre. Sourcebooks was kind enough to provide us with advance review copies, for which we are grateful.

Lately much controversy has been brewing regarding the direction of these sequels. While some people are fully on board and enjoy the Jane into Monster sequels, others have deep reservations. You can count me (Vic) among the reserved. While I anticipated reading Ms. Grange's latest offering with some excitement, it took me fully one month to slog my way through her Regency vampyre world. Thankfully, Lizzy Bennet came to my rescue as I sat down to review the novel, for she has written three letters that explain the book better than I ever could. Here then are some links for your edification. As always, please don't hesitate to let us know what you think.

Reviews of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre:

• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review One
• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review Two
• Vic: Lizzie letter, Review Three
• Laurel Ann: Mr. Darcy Vampyre, A Review

Vic's and Laurel Ann's thoughts about monster sequels:

• Laurel Ann: Reflections upon the deaths of Jane Austen and civility
• Vic: Precious Bits of ivory turned into monsters

Controversy in Jane Austen land:

• Kathleen of Meet Me in the Drawing Room: Leave Auntie Jane Alone
• Jane Odiwe and Diana Birchall: In defense of writing Jane Austen sequels

More links

• More Monster-ization of Jane Austen
• Austenblog's favorable review of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

Austen Shopaholic: Jane Austen Book Handbag

Mine, mine, mine! Isn't this to die for gorgeous? This beautiful book handbag was hand crafted from the B&N deluxe leather edition of Jane Austen Seven Novels by spoonfulofchocolate and is listed at her shop at Etsy. It's not cheep, but quality rarely is.

Cheers & happy Friday, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Mr. & Mrs. Darcy in the News

Our favorite Darcy couple Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle are making headlines this week.

Colin Firth, the quintessential Mr. Darcy, has been named ninth 'Sexiest Man on the Planet' in a Glamour Magazine's poll of 2000 British women. It was no surprise that Twilight star Robert Pattinson topped the list, but I am mifffed to see stars Ashton Kutcher and cutie Ryan Reynolds at the bottom.

Following Pattinson on Glamour's list are Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Zac Efron, George Clooney, Chace Crawford, Justin Timberlake, Colin Firth, Channing Tatum, Wentworth Miller, Ed Westwick, David Tennant, Enrique Iglesias, Jensen Ackles, Colin Farrell, Josh Holloway, Chad Michael Murray, Paul Walker, Alex Pettyfer, Gerard Butler, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Josh Hartnett, Jude Law, Shia LaBeouf, Chris Pine, Christian Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Daniel Craig, Ewan McGregor, Matthew McConaughey, Orlando Bloom, Rafael Nadal, Clive Owen, James McAvoy, Leonardo Di Caprio, Milo Ventimiglia, Will Smith, Fernando Torres, Jason Statham, Keanu Reeves, Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Welling, Ashton Kutcher, Brandon Flowers, and last, but certainly not least, Cam Gigandet.

It has been fourteen years since Colin jumped into a lake and into our hearts in the 1995 miniseries Pride and Prejudice. It is interesting to note that of all the gentleman listed, Colin may be one of the oldest. Mr. Darcy certainly has staying power.

Jennifer Ehle, Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 miniseries Pride and Prejudice, has snagged a plum role as Catelyn Stark in the pilot of HBO’s 'Game of Thrones'. Based on George R.R. Martin fantasy-book series, The Game of Thrones is the first book in the epic that also includes A Song of Ice and Fire. Ehle, a Tony and BAFTA award winning actress will portray the wife of Ned Stark (Sean Bean). The series is in pre-production and will begin filming in October. George R. R. Martin is a sci-fi phenom in the book world, so it will be interesting to see how the books are adapted for the screen. Other cast members already announced include Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) Harry Lloyd (Viserys) Jack Gleeson (Joffrey) and Mark Addy (Robert). I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer again in this interesting production.

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Seen on the Blogosphere: Jane Austen Items for Sale

Worth $60? You decide if you would pay that amount for these KEDS Jane Austen shoes.

Oh, yes, Lizzie is a headstrong, obstinate girl. Is this not why we love her? Here's a pin for $3.50.

The Jane Austen Society of the United Kingdom website states:

Fanny's beloved sailor brother William sends her an amber cross as a gift, an incident copied from life, as Jane Austen's brother Charles sent topaz crosses to his sisters. To wear the cross at the ball, Fanny needs a chain. Mary gives her one of her own necklaces, but it turns out that Fanny has been tricked into accepting what is really the gift of Henry, her unwelcome suitor. Meanwhile Edmund, the man Fanny secretly loves, buys a simple gold chain for his cousin. When she comes to try them, Fanny finds that Henry's necklace won't go through the cross, but Edmund's chain will. The symbolism is obvious, but subtle.

The Jane Austen Centre is selling this beautiful cross at a sale price, from £20.00 to £15.00.

Tea Time with Jane Austen

""Perhaps you would like some tea, as soon as it can be got." They both declared they should prefer it to anything." – Mrs. Price to Fanny and William in Mansfield Park, chapter 38.

Taking tea was an every day ritual in Regency England. Jane Austen mentions tea no less than twenty times in her novel Mansfield Park. Even though I am from Seattle, the coffee capital of the world, I enjoy tea immeasurably and drink it every day. Here are three steps to insure that you have the ultimate "taking tea'” experience.

First: Read Kim Wilson’s charming book Tea with Jane Austen. She shares her extensive knowledge of tea including history, preparation and of course its importance in Jane Austen’s life and the British nation. (publisher’s description) Tea figures prominently in Jane Austen's life and work. In fact, the beloved novelist was the keeper and maker of tea in her family. Tea with Jane Austen begins with tea drinking in the morning and ends with tea in the evening, at balls and other gatherings. Each chapter includes a description of how tea was taken at a particular place or time of day, along with history, recipes, excerpts from Austen's novels and letters and illustrations from the time. The book also reveals how to make a perfect cup of tea! This volume is the perfect gift for tea lovers-and of course, Jane Austen fans.

Second: Buy the best. I readily admit that I am a tea snob. If you want a superior tea experience, first and foremost start with high quality loose leaf tea. I purchase mine from the specialty tea proprietor in Seattle, Queen Mary Tea Shop. They have a lovely website that you should visit and an online shop which will dispatch worldwide. My favorite teas are Darjeeling, Strawberry Pepper and Lavender Earl Grey. I am particularly fond of Lavender Earl Grey which is a flavored black tea with locally grown lavender from Sequim, Washington. Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey (1764-1845). He served as prime minister under King William IV (king, 1830-37). Even though lavender is commonly used as fragrance in soaps and perfume, it adds a surprising and pleasing element to the tea experience. Not only does it add fragrance, the taste blends beautifully with the black tea and essential oil of Bergamot, Mediterranean pear-shaped citrus fruit. Enjoy!

Third: Drink in style. When at home, by all means go the extra step and drink tea from a tea cup or mug when you can. It adds to ambience of the ritual. However, if you are like me, on the go and out the door, I recommend a good tumbler to safely transport your special brew with a stainless steel interior and a pop lid. This clever Jane Austen Mrs. Darcy Ceramic Travel Mug from the Pemberley Shop is an excellent choice. Its purchase not only supports the nonprofit Republic of Pemberley website, it tells your friends and workmates that you know where your priorities lie. (shop description) Love style? Then drink this up, because our eye -catching ceramic tumbler is a work of art. Plus it's also a workhorse -- thanks to a solid design with steel inner-sleeve that's ideal for hot or cold beverages. Holding a full 15 oz. and fitting into most vehicle's cup holders (includes snap-tight lid), it's also a great choice for travel.

If you would like to learn more about the history and ritual of tea, the proper way to brew a pot or a mug, and discover great recipes for a full on English high tea of cucumber sandwiches, buttery scones and tea cakes, visit these lovely sites.

Tea Time: Jane Austen Centre online magazine

Tea in the Regency Era at Jane Austen's World

Recipe for Regency Queen Cakes for Jane Austen's afternoon Tea Party at Recipezaar

Check out the tea menu for the Jane Austen Evening by The Society for Manners and Merriment in Pasadena, CA. Next event on January 23rd, 2010

*image of Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (1995) from Jane Austen's World

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Jane Austen Movie Throwdown

Colonel Brandon is the true romantic hero in Sense and Sensibility. Oh, Willoughby is dashing enough but too self-serving, and as a leading man, Edmund Ferrars is merely nice and not particularly forceful. In contrast, the Dashwood women can always rely on Colonel Brandon to escort them or help them out despite Marianne's aversion to him as a suitor. In this week's throwdown we ask: which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer? Alan Rickman's or David Morrisey's?

Which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer?

Alan Rickman, Sense and Sensibility 1995

Alan Rickman was convincing as the noble, brave, kind Colonel Brandon, who deeply loves Marianne, but doesn't stand in Marianne's and Wiloughby's way. He steps up to the plate when Marianne and Elinor need his help. His facial expressions and delivery of his lines proves that Rickman is a talented, gifted actor, who plays both heroes and villains equally well - Home Videos

David Morrisey, Sense and Sensibility 2007

David Morrissey observed about Colonel Brandon, "Just as he’s starting to form an idea of himself with Marianne, he’s gazumped, really thwarted by his rival, and has to take a back step. He then tries to be honourable, even though his rival is somebody he knows is not right for this girl."

When approached to play the Colonel, David quickly signed on, having been a massive fan of Andrew Davies for a while.

pollcode.com free polls

Which actor's portrayal of Colonel Brandon do you prefer?

Alan Rickman David Morrisey

And the winners are ...!

The grand prize of 10 books: ChaChaNeen

The Grand Sophy (5):

• Shawna Lewis
  
• KJH
  
• Amanda nycbookgirl
• Vickie lovesreading
• Marie Burton
  

Marsha Altman's book, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers: Bloggin BB

Please email janeaustensworld [@] gmail [dot] com and send us your mailing address.

Thank you EVERY ONE for participating. We truly enjoyed reading your comments and having you over for a visit, Vic and LA

Jane Austen Girls: A Video to She's So High

A great video montage from Tugger29, featuring Jane Austen movie heroines. Enjoy!

How Loud Can Mr. Darcy Yell Stelllaaa? Elliot Cowan Debuts as Stanley Kowalski in Streetcar Named Desire in London

The reviews are rolling in for the new production of Tennessee William’s Pulitzer Prize winning 1947 play A Streetcar Named Desire. Elliot Cowan (Mr. Darcy in Lost in Austen) is playing the role of brutish and sensual Stanley Kowalski, husband of Stella (Ruth Wilson), and tormenter of her sister Blanche DuBois (Rachel Weisz) in the new west end production which opened last night, July 28th at the Donmar Warehouse in London’s Covent Garden.

But, boy, did Cowan exude danger and power. At times I felt he was overstating the boorish, crude manners — give him a beer bottle and he’ll virtually swallow it whole — but he’s riveting when he lolls, swaggers, flexes his biceps, lets rip with a violent gesture or a big, hoarse bellow. He’s the ferocious bull in the porcelain parlour that’s Blanche DuBois. Benedict Nightingale Times Online

Readers may be familiar with the 1951 movie adaptation staring Marlon Brandon as Stanley with big arms and bigger mouth, woefully yelling Stelllaaa from streetside to his wife in their second floor apartment in New Orleans. Actress Vivien Leigh won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the fading southern belle who had a fondness for underage boys and booze. In a nice six degree of separation, Leigh also stared as Blanche in the 1949 stage production in London at the Aldwych Theatre, which was directed by her husband, Laurence Olivier who also portrayed Mr. Darcy in the 1940 movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

In a review by Phil and Andrew of the West End Wingers blog, they mention that Elliot Cowan’s performance as Stanley was "excellent, but alarmingly muscular." Another article in Metro.co.uk reports his biceps are like oak trees! Given that his costar Rachel Weisz was also struck by how buff her co-star Elliot Cowan looked, the actor known for his commitment to physical fitness must really be aproaching amazing Hulk status.

"You seem to be getting bigger every day," she told him during rehearsals.

Cowan, who plays the brutish Stanley Kowalski, tells me he had taken up boxing to give him the muscles his part required.

His exacting exercise routine afforded other advantages apart from the admiring looks from Miss Weisz. "It means I can eat as much as I like as every calorie gets burned off," he says.

This Mr. Darcy must be sporting less than the iconic wet white shirt!

• Review by BBC News
• Review in The Independent
• Review in The Telegraph
• Check out the opening night party photos at What's On Stage
  
  

Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Author Michele Ann Young Chats About Her Life Long Love of Georgette Heyer, and The Grand Sophy

Gentle Readers: The Grand Sophy, Georgette Heyer's 1950 novel was re-released on July 1st by Sourcebooks. In celebration, please join us in welcoming author Michele Ann Young who will chat about how Regency romance author Georgette Heyer fired her desire to write Regency romances.

Among all of the authors I love to read, I do wish I might have met Georgette Heyer. I could think of a hundred questions to ask her, and not just about her research, but about character development and story ideas.

My father introduced me to Ms. Heyer’s books when I was a teen and we would wrestle for first dibs on whichever book he’d brought home from the library. I read The Grand Sophy then and have read it many times since, along with her other books.

Georgette Heyer’s novels fired my desire to write Regencies. The world she created came alive and drew me in. One of the things she does so brilliantly is bring the people of the day to life in a reader’s mind. The Grand Sophy not only transports us to the London of the ton, but her history is impeccable and laced with references to the important people of the era, from Wellington to Prinny. Events such as Waterloo and the Congress of Vienna set the backdrop for her characters’ conversations.

While fictional, her finely drawn characters are true to their time: her heroines are strong resourceful women within the confines of the time period, and her heroes are men we would all want to meet on the marriage mart. It doesn’t take Sophy, our protagonist of The Grand Sophy, a moment to recognize that Charles Rivenhall, while handsome and worthy, is in need of rescue from a disaster of his own making, or that she is the woman for the task. Charles, on the other hand, shows great restraint and a sense of humor. He is instantly likable given his unwanted responsibility for a large family at a time when he should be enjoying life. This is a theme is several of her novels. The banter between Sophy and Charles, along with the underlying spark when they drive out for the first time is classic Heyer wit.

When asked about influences on my writing, she is always at the top of the list. Something must have rubbed off from my reading over the years, for while our styles are different and our stories are our own, readers and reviewers often remark on my level of comfort in portraying the Regency era. I am delighted to see her works being reissued, and will make sure I have all of her books on my keeper shelf.

Thank you Michele Ann for sharing your appreciation of this great author with us today.

Author Bio

An army brat, born and raised in England, Michèle Ann Young now lives and writes in Canada. She has four Regency novels currently in print. Her most recent with Sourcebooks Casablanca is The Lady Flees Her Lord, October 2008, Sourcebooks, Casablanca. When Michèle is not reading her favorite Georgette Heyer novels, or writing her own, she loves researching Regency facts for her books. If you would like to know more about Michèle Ann Young, her books and her research visit her blog Regency Ramble.

Only four more day to Enter a chance to win one of five copies of The Grand Sophy and a set of ten Georgette Heyer novels from Sourcebooks. Don’t delay. The contest ends July 31st.

Read Vic's review of The Grand Sophy at Jane Austen's World

Read Laurel Ann's review of The Grand Sophy at Austenprose

Upcoming Books

The following descriptions are taken from the publishers' websites. All three books are in our reading queues!

Mr.Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange, August 2009

Amanda Grange's style and wit bring readers back to Jane Austen's timeless storytelling, but always from a very unique and unusual perspective, and now Grange is back with an exciting and completely new take on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love.





Murder at Longbourn, a mystery by Tracy Kiely, September 2009

Planning New Year’s resolutions to rid her life of all things unhealthy, Elizabeth Parker has dumped fatty foods, processed sugar, and her two-timing boyfriend. Indeed, the invitation to join her Aunt Winnie for a How to Host a Murder Party on New Year’s Eve at Winnie’s new Cape Cod B and B comes just in time. But when the local wealthy miser ends up the unscripted victim, Elizabeth must unearth old secrets and new motives in order to clear her beloved aunt of suspicion. By reimagining characters and themes lifted from the treasured classic Pride and Prejudice, and crafting an expert, intricate mystery, Tracy Kiely has brought to life something very special: a new cozy series that is clever, vibrant, and utterly disarming.



Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe, November 2009

Three years after the conclusion of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, domestic bliss is not always easy to achieve. Colonel Brandon's responsibilities for Eliza, the daughter of his first love, regularly take him away from home, and Marianne's passionate, jealous nature threatens to rock the foundations of their marriage. Now Willoughby and his wife have returned to the West Country. When Brandon is called away, Marianne meets Willoughby at a dinner and feels herself once again succumbing to his charm. The more she sees him, the more she's in danger of giving in to her passion. Willoughby has everything to gain in driving a wedge between them. Will Brandon realize in time that his passionate young wife's feelings of neglect may drive her into scandal? Can Marianne find the courage to turn her back on her first love? Or is it too late to save themselves and their marriage?