tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27906143063205340722024-03-18T15:28:58.294-04:00The Book RatMistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.comBlogger3198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-52052815513846404982022-02-23T10:26:00.006-05:002022-02-23T10:26:55.200-05:00Welcome Back? | Studio Vlog, Shop Updates, What I've Been Doing...Oh, hello.
We've really gotta stop meeting like this.<div>But no, really, it's be a LONG time since I've posted, and while there are reasons for that, honestly, I should have been back ages ago. I'm in a weird kind of limbo where I'm not really sure what I want to do with this blog (if anything) moving forward, because I'm just not talking, or feeling like talking, about books as much lately (even though I'm still reading every day).</div><div><br /></div><div>But this is a chill vlog + chat, to ease me back into video making. I’d love to know how things are going for you, and what type of content you want to see. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I've said this before, but I cannot stress enough: if you don't want to miss any videos I post, make sure to subscribe/check out<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZjoRNPfB-4T0A42lRMwKFA" target="_blank"> my youtube channel</a>. I <i>routinely</i> post things there and forget to share them here (such as this video being shared almost 2 weeks after it went up... )<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ntMzZScBIc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildPrairiePaperie">https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildPrairiePaperie</a> </div><div>Shop Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie">https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie</a> </div><div>Personal Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/bookishmisty/">http://instagram.com/bookishmisty/</a></div></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-80506954105878158442021-10-03T12:06:00.000-04:002021-10-03T12:06:03.354-04:00Shop Update, Blog Update, 30DBB Round... Something, & Giveaway News! Hello all!<div>I always promise myself that I'm NOT going to disappear for weeks on end after the onslaught of Austen in August posts, but it always happens, because I (generally) need recovery time. This year, though, I have an excuse -- two, in fact!</div><div><br /></div><div>One, as you may already know, the power outage that sent AIA into a tailspin for a week also took my computer out with it. I have yet to buy a new computer, and tbh, I'm not really in a rush too. (Tech shopping is one of my absolute least favorite things.) We do technically have a house desktop, but...for whatever reason (well, for many reasons), I don't like working at it, especially when it comes to writing or editing for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, between the desktop and my ipad, I'm still able to run my business, but blogging has definitely taken a hit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to point #2: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildPrairiePaperie?ref=profile_header" target="_blank">I have a business!</a> Fulfilling orders, designing for the new collection, and my other work and life stuff, has meant no time for blogging, though I've been talking to you guys a lot in my head! I hope to be back to light blogging soon, so wish me luck! </div><div><br /></div><div>The point of ALL THAT is to say: hello again! I've missed you, and I'm ready to talk about books with you again SOON! I also know that this month was supposed to be a 30 Day Book Binge month, but it's not (officially) because I just don't have time to cheerlead or promote it, especially when I'm not sure who even wants it anymore. I get a lot of requests, but hear from virtually no one during the months when it runs, so I don't know if it's just wasted time. <b>However</b>, I do look forward to having that little reading boost, myself, and I know that people look forward to free printables.</div><div><br /></div><div>And to that end...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjtAK9ZQqNs/YVnT6XjB1aI/AAAAAAAATY4/0QmK4z7DCoIvWHJ6-xQgth3kh1Tx_4SZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s896/Coloring%2BContest%2Bsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="896" height="582" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjtAK9ZQqNs/YVnT6XjB1aI/AAAAAAAATY4/0QmK4z7DCoIvWHJ6-xQgth3kh1Tx_4SZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h582/Coloring%2BContest%2Bsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My love of free printables combined with my love of coloring contests this month, and I am adding a free "coloring card" to all orders in my shop this month! As far as I'm concerned, this was a stroke of genius; it combines my passions of encouraging creativity in others with my desire to see more people send thoughtful snail mail (I often include an extra card for the recipient to send to a friend whenever I send a card to my <i>own</i> friend) -- it truly is the best of both worlds for me! Although you can obviously do whatever you want with the card once you have it, customers who color the card and share it on social media with my shop's hashtag (#WildPrairiePaperie) in the month of October will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card to the shop!</div><div><br /></div><div>But I couldn't leave you guy out! There may be no official 30 Day Book Binge this month (though I still encourage you to take the challenge on yourself if you need a boost!), but there's still a free printable! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x9a5k8pt18Pef-UUOdCTeDHQmC_YOmRx/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">I've designed a second version of my coloring card</a>, and I encourage you to print it out (on cardstock, if you have it!) and spend a nice afternoon coloring and sending on to someone to brighten their day. They print two per sheet, ready to cut (directly in half), fold (again, in half, but the other way this time), and send! Feel free to print as many as you want and make it an activity for the kids or the classroom, and brighten lots of days!</div><div><br /></div><div>And I'm not leaving non-customers out of the giveaway, either! Those who color and share the printable version on social media, again with the hashtag #WildPrairiePaperie, will also be entered into a drawing! This time, 1 winner will receive a $10 gift card -- but depending on the number of entrants, I may pull more winners or do more/other prizes -- you never know! </div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, I hope you'll print and send these cards, and I hope you're having a lovely start to your Fall season.* And I really hope you'll embrace the opportunity to get creative and spend some time being a kid and coloring for a bit. I can't wait to see what you create! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">>>> <span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x9a5k8pt18Pef-UUOdCTeDHQmC_YOmRx/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE FREE COLORING CARD HERE</a></span> <<<</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>*If you're in the southern hemi, happy Spring to you! </div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-91866739225502009272021-09-14T14:51:00.002-04:002021-09-14T14:51:18.919-04:00FINAL Austen in August Winners!I know we just had a post full of many, many people who won things during Austen in August, but uh... we weren't done. The last few giveaways, because they were right at the end of the month, I decided to extend to give people more time to enter. <div><br /></div><div>Which I can do, since I'm the won sending these prizes from my brand new shop! </div><div>Below you'll find the winners listed (they've all be contacted), as well as a sneak peek of some of the other things I've got going on at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildPrairiePaperie" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Paperie</a>. I've been blown away by the response, and want to thank you all for the support, shares, purchases, and good vibes! It all means a ton. <3</div><div><br /></div><div>(And you may be seeing more giveaways from future launches, I'm just saying...)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THE WINNERS:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-jane-austen-quote-art-prints.html" target="_blank">1 of 4 Austen quote art prints:</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jason</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Erin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Amanda</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">John</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFfZJ3FxWG/" target="_blank">Set of 4 Austen quote art prints: </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jessica</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austeninaugust-x-wild-prairie-paperie.html" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Mega Prize Pack: </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sophia</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8ySdHqpHs/YUDux5pqB8I/AAAAAAAATFc/9HMt5PhQgBg9ERLAbQLSGxijEM9pTTBHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/shop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1585" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO8ySdHqpHs/YUDux5pqB8I/AAAAAAAATFc/9HMt5PhQgBg9ERLAbQLSGxijEM9pTTBHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w496-h640/shop.png" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildPrairiePaperie" target="_blank">All this and then some</a>, with LOTS more to come!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-45907530393735460392021-09-06T11:11:00.005-04:002021-09-14T14:21:29.068-04:00Austen in August winners!<div>With the announcement of winners and winners and WINNERS, comes the official end of another Austen in August. So bittersweet. Thank you all <b>so much</b> for joining me this year; I always love everyone's enthusiasm, but (maybe because we took last year off) this year felt extra special.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we get into the <u>endless list</u> of winners, I want to say two things. The first is a MASSIVE THANK YOU to all of the authors and guest posters who contributed to this year's event. I always say I couldn't have done it without you, but this year, I really couldn't have. There would not have been an Austen in August without the time, creativity, and generosity of the many, many people who contributed to this event, so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The second thing I want to say is, there are still two giveaways that are up and running until the 10th! There's an <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-jane-austen-quote-art-prints.html" target="_blank">international giveaway for these art prints</a>, and a US giveaway for a whole <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austeninaugust-x-wild-prairie-paperie.html" target="_blank">box of stuff from my new stationery line!</a> -- so if you haven't entered them, make sure to do so! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, onto the giveaways. The full list of giveaways and their winners can be found below, in the order they were posted during AIA. All winners (except 2***) have been contacted, so if you see your name and you're not sure if it's you or someone whose parents had the same idea, check your email! All winners have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize, or a new winner will be chosen.</div><div><br /></div><div>***Wyndwhyspyr, I can't seem to find a way to contact you, so please contact me! Robin, your emails are bouncing back!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THE GIVEAWAYS / WINNERS:</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/excerpt-giveaway-from-marilyn-brant.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marilyn Brant winner's choice ebook</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kate B.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/ye-gods-short-story-giveaway-from-riana-everly.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Riana Everly ebook of choice</span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Buturot</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Colleen L.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mega Prize Pack #1</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ginna </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-fantasy-reads-for-austen-fans.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fantasy Austen 6 Book + Cameo Prize Pack</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kelly W.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/a-gentlemans-honor-excerpt-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>A Gentleman's Honor</i> (or book of choice) from Melanie Rachel</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> Ceri</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/guest-post-giveaway-julie-coopers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Nameless</i> by Julie Cooper paperback</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stephanie C.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mega Prize Pack #2</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">holdenj</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/why-jane-austen-banknote-is-unfortunate.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Eliza Shearer ebook prize pack</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Amanda F.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/language-of-flowers-post-givaway-christina-boyd.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Christina Boyd book of choice/format or Austen notecard set</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wyndwhyspyr</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/excerpt-giveaway-so-material-change-amy-dorazio.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>So Material a Change</i> by Amy D'Orazio advance paperback</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/transforming-mr-darcy-excerpt-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Transforming Mr Darcy</i> ebook by Melanie Rachel</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tessa W. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/the-ladies-of-norland-excerpt-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Ladies of Norland</i> ebook by Alexa Adams</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nancy P.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gabrielly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mega Prize Pack #3</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DarcyBennet (main prize)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rachel G. (runner up)</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/excerpt-giveaway-misunderstands-ardent-love-susan-adriani.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Misunderstandings & Ardent Love</i> by Susan Adriani paperback</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">John S.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-audiobook-duo-karen-m-cox.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Karen M. Cox audiobook prize pack</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Morghan V.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">bn100</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to everyone, and I hope you all enjoy your prizes!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-17372974760629120292021-08-31T15:00:00.040-04:002021-08-31T19:03:57.216-04:00#AustenInAugust x Wild Prairie Paperie GIVEAWAY!!We've reached the end of another Austen in August, and if you follow me on Twitter you’ll know, it’s been…trying. I had a lot of plans and posts I wanted to get to, but the universe said “Nah, bitch,” so here we are. <div><br /><div>Among those plans was an entire vlog leading up to this giveaway and the moment my shop would go live, but uh… <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBookRat/status/1432734294510903302" target="_blank">that has been delayed.</a> But that doesn’t mean the giveaway has to be! Let’s send this summer off in style, shall we?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djZy9Ja4KMU/YS5xJ3EeqVI/AAAAAAAAS2U/m7AgyG91s7QIqS8pTa_gRIPPngeeP-k9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/497B5465-5E07-4D97-8FA6-BB83A8A46AB0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="2048" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djZy9Ja4KMU/YS5xJ3EeqVI/AAAAAAAAS2U/m7AgyG91s7QIqS8pTa_gRIPPngeeP-k9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/497B5465-5E07-4D97-8FA6-BB83A8A46AB0.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JVhXTo00Qc/YS5xD0Pl3jI/AAAAAAAAS2Q/AH79dOH6BnoXY9FD9d2snZCmecOUINoIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4E362347-0DDB-400C-B889-A07EC16A86B4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1526" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JVhXTo00Qc/YS5xD0Pl3jI/AAAAAAAAS2Q/AH79dOH6BnoXY9FD9d2snZCmecOUINoIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4E362347-0DDB-400C-B889-A07EC16A86B4.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>****GIVEAWAY ****</span></b><div>To celebrate another successful (?) Austen in August, and the upcoming (??) launch of my new business, I’m giving away a selection of products from the Jane Austen -inspired line of my new stationery company, Wild Prairie Paperie! And to make this super-special event even super-specialer, I’ve commissioned a mug from a friend’s shop to make the package complete! One winner will receive:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>“Take Me to Pemberley” sticker sheet</li><li>“Obstinate, Headstrong Girl” sticker sheet</li><li>set of watercolor teacup stationery with matching envelopes, in white</li><li>set of Regency lady Stationery with matching envelopes, in cream</li><li>set of 4 “What are men to rocks and mountains?” blank notecards</li><li>“Take Me to Pemberley” tear-away notepad</li><li>“If a book is well-written…” art print</li><li>“To sit in the shade on a fine day…” art print</li><li>“If adventures will not befall a lady…” art print</li><li>“What are men to rocks and mountains?” art print</li><li>“Take me to Pemberley” ceramic mug</li><li>Probably some other random surprise bits…</li></ul><div>To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below. Because of shipping costs and the fragility of the package, this giveaway is US only (sorry, international friends!!), but international readers do have a chance to win some of the stationery bits in the <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-2.html" target="_blank">Mega Prize Pack 2 giveaway</a>, as well as the 5x7 quote prints in the two giveaways I have running for it (<a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-jane-austen-quote-art-prints.html" target="_blank">on the blog</a> and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFfZJ3FxWG/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>).</div><div>Please do not leave any email addresses or sensitive info in the comments!</div><div>Good luck!!</div><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1919f9c233" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1919f9c233/" id="rcwidget_sg8qnpw1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-67004721047403543882021-08-31T00:00:00.005-04:002021-08-31T00:00:00.262-04:00Eat Like Austen: Parmesan Ice Cream!Beth has been <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">a constant fixture this AIA-season</a>, and for that (and helping save my sanity, on which I have a tenuous grasp once August rolls around), I thank her! She joins us today for one last post, and she's leaving us with a sweet* treat!<div>*maybe? Only time will tell!<br /><hr />
<p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">ces and ice cream were popular dishes in Georgian, Regency, and Victorian times, made in fantastic molds (or bombes) for dinner parties and available at confectionary shops. They appear to have ranged in consistency from a sorbetto-like fruit-based "ice slushy" to a gelato-like cream-based frozen custard. The surviving recipes for flavors- and there are quite a few- range from sweet to savory, mundane to bizarre. French and Italian confectioners in London helped to popularize ice cream, so I imagine the exotic flavors offered by them increased appeal.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.historicfood.com/Design/Assets/Images/negricard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="500" height="426" src="http://www.historicfood.com/Design/Assets/Images/negricard.jpg" width="500" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Among flavors of the era? Hazelnut, elderberry, lemon, currant, bergamot, burnt sugar, elderflower, muscadine, lavender, royal (lemon/orange with a bit of spices and a hint of orange flower), rum, rye bread, and Parmesan. Frederick Nutt, a popular London confectioner, published The Complete Confectioner in 1789, which includes 32 different ice cream recipes. And I'll be honest, 30 of them intrigue me enough to try making at least once.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hungry4history.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Complete-Confectioner-The-Whole-Art-of-Confectionary-Book-Cover.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="800" height="349" src="https://hungry4history.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Complete-Confectioner-The-Whole-Art-of-Confectionary-Book-Cover.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Today, I've decided to try making Parmesan. Nutt's recipe for it looks relatively simple and straightforward, and I'm intrigued by the contrast of a funky savory flavor with the sweetness we'd expect from ice cream. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hungry4history.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/No-150-Parmasan-Cheese-Ice-Cream-Recipe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="119" data-original-width="446" height="119" src="https://hungry4history.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/No-150-Parmasan-Cheese-Ice-Cream-Recipe.png" width="446" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">1 cup water</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">2 cups sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">6 eggs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">16 oz. heavy cream</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">3 oz. grated Parmesan cheese</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Make a simple syrup. Because this is a Georgian-era recipe, I went for a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. Leftovers can be used in cocktails, hot cocoa, or just about anything else.</span></li><ol><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Heat 1 cup water over moderate heat- you want it hot but not boiling- and stir in the sugar until dissolved, then let cool.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQiHH738EZmeUEgE_akPHYWIcTlqolGyQxOIzHUPSR0JjJWuW1Rr7EN6rR2NWpFCAvG7u4zytdEd52lGzY4zdPmxecVnk5-lnO9Eas5xFXIogVcpBGqHhlBTkz3T7U2-OykGwfZ71WjONb8Wh4DqHxE_JVUYyzC35fdJg2_fLVK0s1HIpKreie9Zq2vA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQiHH738EZmeUEgE_akPHYWIcTlqolGyQxOIzHUPSR0JjJWuW1Rr7EN6rR2NWpFCAvG7u4zytdEd52lGzY4zdPmxecVnk5-lnO9Eas5xFXIogVcpBGqHhlBTkz3T7U2-OykGwfZ71WjONb8Wh4DqHxE_JVUYyzC35fdJg2_fLVK0s1HIpKreie9Zq2vA=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">In a clean pot over low heat, combine 8 oz. of the cooled syrup, the eggs, and the heavy cream.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIeEISuIWYWzDgH4L6jvHokY-axxrLjxkpP3ucF_cg_lqh5-ssbB2frPo6XsNxReu11yksSlF4fW4r4drb8Bsze3d2pFRLpouB9amuv_0WwWdXduyIpFB0HEnO4HOEumUTnFD2Stzb4vsUsMVEmPdTGbVn5hnWzkRy4kcPE-mKYCRE7EZGie6zRgDfeQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIeEISuIWYWzDgH4L6jvHokY-axxrLjxkpP3ucF_cg_lqh5-ssbB2frPo6XsNxReu11yksSlF4fW4r4drb8Bsze3d2pFRLpouB9amuv_0WwWdXduyIpFB0HEnO4HOEumUTnFD2Stzb4vsUsMVEmPdTGbVn5hnWzkRy4kcPE-mKYCRE7EZGie6zRgDfeQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Stirring constantly, gently bring to a bubble over medium-high heat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimtKJHlxaYI0TxacbdHB11bUK2uLii-vaOqkEZGGIUHSgvKffUBNkqKDemMWuQTFBtCFdmlrrWX-KFUUx8nJQ6am-bJ5Q6Cs_TBBJMeMvNHs8v6e7xkHqzZeFyxp4tdzYzo-rfqFt6oZR7ib4uwQouqlOIG2vYwS_beZ2_2NNmfXSZ4oTrhPBvwXugAw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimtKJHlxaYI0TxacbdHB11bUK2uLii-vaOqkEZGGIUHSgvKffUBNkqKDemMWuQTFBtCFdmlrrWX-KFUUx8nJQ6am-bJ5Q6Cs_TBBJMeMvNHs8v6e7xkHqzZeFyxp4tdzYzo-rfqFt6oZR7ib4uwQouqlOIG2vYwS_beZ2_2NNmfXSZ4oTrhPBvwXugAw=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Still stirring, add the cheese. The texture will change immediately to a curds and whey consistency, then to a thicker porridge consistency.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsVOtNusQuDGKMr5O57rMuuozYa8xXj53vwY5cRt70-06SK8J-I477d5q0saYL_Sdym8ezi5eypYcdVmPXqgXn5yzvbwm6E3mcywxBZ5Fw88KVwsvuZxNWVuUqFqG55JP7f2dtYM3gcVj-4_uQ9hvOqwxKgeOQV_s9maLMameaQS1S3_Ed_yZbjBdE2A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsVOtNusQuDGKMr5O57rMuuozYa8xXj53vwY5cRt70-06SK8J-I477d5q0saYL_Sdym8ezi5eypYcdVmPXqgXn5yzvbwm6E3mcywxBZ5Fw88KVwsvuZxNWVuUqFqG55JP7f2dtYM3gcVj-4_uQ9hvOqwxKgeOQV_s9maLMameaQS1S3_Ed_yZbjBdE2A=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Remove from heat and let cool.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Sieve through a strainer, gently pressing on the curds to expel any liquid into a bowl.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqq1ahnikxwTimh0_m-YRpQpj5DK6stOrP_FjzlW3_uFc9PywzjjS1Sw46lYrdMhtQfcvhA0CpRAny_6darGh1igC7NrgXKdneHL5e7pCvAjM_Fky6Cja16wzvRfh0j6VCOTOk7CuSL6q0BHH4IMaBWED3cGaBvuTygBGWke_nznuoVyCeYFzFjwBbQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqq1ahnikxwTimh0_m-YRpQpj5DK6stOrP_FjzlW3_uFc9PywzjjS1Sw46lYrdMhtQfcvhA0CpRAny_6darGh1igC7NrgXKdneHL5e7pCvAjM_Fky6Cja16wzvRfh0j6VCOTOk7CuSL6q0BHH4IMaBWED3cGaBvuTygBGWke_nznuoVyCeYFzFjwBbQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Cover the bowl and set it in the freezer to harden. The curds can be reserved for snacking. The curds, in case you're curious, taste like a sweet, dense quickbread (especially when eaten cold).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdncpyGSdRwPV-9ln01-gXTKhbIs6cTgp-1oySbfFb83eCYQILj9PtdUXyX1NAUBkD07DVgdBhJZsAEQ5tixBqy_AfrPbnBiek78tYmy0iKZ22Wh0I34-mFIpZlQr1cgSCCfDpRhzEBgdwgDsGUACrCdH9w3KVXaJ80zdSjY1aMyi1GTr9_F-rHgLkyg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdncpyGSdRwPV-9ln01-gXTKhbIs6cTgp-1oySbfFb83eCYQILj9PtdUXyX1NAUBkD07DVgdBhJZsAEQ5tixBqy_AfrPbnBiek78tYmy0iKZ22Wh0I34-mFIpZlQr1cgSCCfDpRhzEBgdwgDsGUACrCdH9w3KVXaJ80zdSjY1aMyi1GTr9_F-rHgLkyg=s320" width="240" /></a></div></span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><b>What does it taste like?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">The ice cream tastes like a subtle Parmesan cheesecake. The Parmesan is noticeable, but it hides behind the sweetness rather than fighting it. Overall, it's very rich and I found it delicious!</span></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="133" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>About the author of this post: I'm Beth: a bookwyrm, history geek, hobby baker, Austen fan, and collector of pastimes. Henry Tilney and Elizabeth Bennet are my Austen fictional crushes, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about me. I can be found blogging at <a href="https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/">https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/</a> and creating general nonsense at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/">https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi">https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi">https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi</a>.<div>Find more posts from Beth <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">here</a>. </div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-34472320802030225762021-08-30T00:00:00.006-04:002021-08-30T00:00:00.276-04:00The Bridgerton Effect: A Janeite Roundtable<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_L48doA_j0Y/WZpaqTUYMpI/AAAAAAAAFOE/ryInnEj3aigDcjyQktbH4NseWitO5XAZwCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/Janeite%2Bconversations.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_L48doA_j0Y/WZpaqTUYMpI/AAAAAAAAFOE/ryInnEj3aigDcjyQktbH4NseWitO5XAZwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h226/Janeite%2Bconversations.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things; of Dukes and hot goss and TV shows; of Netflix and other things...<div>In other words, it's time for our last <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/Janeite%20Conversation" target="_blank">Janeite Roundtable Conversation</a>! Today we're taking on the "Bridgerton Effect," and the flood of Austen "updates" that seem to be coming our way (fingers crossed!). I asked: </div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;">With the success of Bridgerton (and the quasi-success of Sanditon), it seems like networks and streaming services are scrambling for the next big Regency hit with a modern or edgy spin, and are of course looking to Austen -- including announcing a new P&P-themed dating show. It promises to be an absolute trainwreck, of course. But my question is multi-faceted: are you excited for potential modern reimaginings of Austen? If so, what would you like to see? What do you think would lend itself to a modern interpretation, however loose?</span></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: I absolutely laughed out loud when I read about that upcoming P&P-themed dating show!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Very much, same.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: I know curiosity will get the better of me, so I'm sure to watch at least the pilot episode, but we'll see the results of this particular reality TV experiment... </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Even if it's awful, I think I'm in for the duration. Ha!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: The thing I appreciate most about having Austen-inspired work in the media is the sheer amount of mainstream coverage it gets and, thus, the way it opens the door to conversations about JA and her novels. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Yes! That's what I'm hoping will be the inevitable result. Original text-wise, but also movie-wise: we're overdue for a good spate of new adaptations, and I'd love to see some modern takes get the big budget treatment, too!<br /><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: For some people, there will be little interest in digging deeper into her writing. But for others, it may be the perfect jumping off point, and they might become the newest Austen fans.</div><div>Modern reimaginings of Austen are my jam! Much as I enjoy all things Regency, I actively seek out contemporary interpretations because I love seeing Jane's plotlines and character types mingling with the modern world. To me, she's forever relevant and timeless. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: And endlessly relatable! All around the world, in any number of cultures, you find people relating to her characters and her insight, and wanting to tell and retell her stories.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: Her observations about humans are as true today as they were a couple hundred years ago -- and I'm sure that'll still be so in the future. On an even more personal level, wanting to highlight how applicable JA's insights are to modern life was a major driving force behind my desire to become a novelist. My debut novel <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3iwPAaQ" target="_blank">According to Jane</a> </i>was almost completely inspired by the hope that I could show how human behavior, especially in pursuit of relationships, is no different now than it was in Austen's time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHRISTINA</b>: I could easily see “<i><a href="https://amzn.to/3yw027L" target="_blank">The Darcy Monologues</a></i>” anthology becoming a mini/series with each of the stories, regardless of era, being played by the same cast for key characters. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: 1) I love that format, and the creativity and range it brings out of actors, and 2) Yes, please! I'm sold!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LONA</b>: I would like to see Mansfield Park in an Asian or East Asian setting. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: I want to see an entire <i>series</i> of the books in an Asian or East Asian setting! I love that we're starting to see more diverse takes gain traction.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LONA</b>: I think such an adaptation would work very well. Maybe Sir Thomas Bertram is a sweatshop factory owner in Guangzhou or Bangladesh. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: I don't need more reasons to hate him, honestly. But I would love to see the familiar stories and characters and romances play out against new backdrops, with new perspectives and cultures adding depth.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA</b>: I have to confess I’m not a big television-watcher. I’m also a bit cautious of how the networks are re-imagining some of the classics, if we can call Nancy Drew and Archie “classics.” Dark Austen? Is that what’s next? The Ghost of Netherfield Hall? The Phantom Spirits of Longbourn? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: I'm honestly not opposed... but then, I'm shameless. And easy! Slap Austen's name on it and I'm in!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA: </b>We have had P&P&Zombies, so there is obviously interest. Still, anything to spread the love gets a thumbs-up from me. I can’t predict what upcoming shows would work well, but I thought The Lizzie Bennet Diaries of a few years back was brilliant. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Truly.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA</b>: The linked vlog posts, Twitter feeds, Pinterest pages, and all that, really came together fabulously to create realistic and relatable characters, while keeping to the gist of the story. If someone can recreate that, it would be amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Man! I'm definitely overdue for a rewatch of that series. And <i>Emma Approved!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: This isn’t strictly Regency, but I’d really like an historical cookoff show with a literately twist. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: You are speaking my language, Alexa!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: Maybe one episode challenges contestants to reproduce food from Austen’s novels, like white soup and syllabub. Maybe another episode focuses on Shakespeare, and they could make posset and wild boar. The judges could be a mixture of chefs and historians. It’d be great!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><hr> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">So, friends: what would <i>you</i> like to see? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And what should we talk about next year? Let me know in the comments. But for now, that's us, signing off on another great year of Janeite Roundtable discussions! </span></div><div><br /><div><div>BIG THANKS to this year's roundtable of contributors:</div><div><div><b>Alexa Adams</b>, author of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3j9WKAD" target="_blank">The Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice</a></i> series, et al</div><div><b>Christina Boyd</b>, editor of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3zVk2Bd" target="_blank">The Quill Collective</a></i> anthology series</div><div><b>Lona Manning</b>, author of the <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3jd2wBK" target="_blank">Mansfield Trilogy</a></i> and the blog series "Clutching My Pearls"</div></div><div><b>Marilyn Brant</b>, author of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3C3XBLP" target="_blank">Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Match</a></i>, et al.</div><div><b>Riana Everly</b>, author of the <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ihoYdK" target="_blank">Miss Mary Investigates</a> </i>series, et al.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-53975434725815039272021-08-30T00:00:00.003-04:002021-08-30T00:00:00.276-04:00Guest Review: Jane by the Sea by Carolyn V Murray, from Beth!<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth joins us today for a review of Carolyn V. Murray's <i>Jane by the Sea; </i>take it away, Beth! </span></blockquote><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Great Vibes"; font-size: xx-large;">Synopsis</span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25916191-jane-by-the-sea" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436990047l/25916191._SY475_.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">Very little is known about the young man that Jane Austen met during a seaside holiday in 1800. Her sister was later to say that she believed this young man was falling in love with Jane and was someone she felt was truly worthy of her sister. What transpired that summer? Perhaps it happened this way...
<br /><br />
Jane begins her search for love with giddy optimism, but her first encounter proves devastating. The young Irishman who captured her heart is convinced by his family that marrying a penniless clergyman’s daughter would be a terrible mistake. Jane resolves never again to succumb to false hope, romantic delusions, and pathetic heartbreak.
<br /><br />
Lieutenant Frederick Barnes is on medical leave from the Royal Navy. By the time he crosses paths with Jane, she has lost her faith in love and is determined to protect her heart at all costs.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">But the Lieutenant is captivated and equally determined to break through her defenses. Jane must battle between what she knows and what she feels. What will happen to her heart if she is wrong again?</span></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">My Review</span></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwBIaqgN_EU/YLuPn1Ef-AI/AAAAAAAAO20/yVS_GRa6uwwjTgN-R2e41kmAxIYuHejygCPcBGAYYCw/s634/FiveDrakes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="634" height="65" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwBIaqgN_EU/YLuPn1Ef-AI/AAAAAAAAO20/yVS_GRa6uwwjTgN-R2e41kmAxIYuHejygCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h65/FiveDrakes.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Having recently read <u>Miss Austen</u>, and previously read other works of fiction that touch on Jane Austen's supposed one (or two) moments of love, I found this to be the sweetest take on that quasi-known part of the author's personal history. Most of this book is supposition, by Carolyn V. Murray's admission, but she pulls from Austen's own published works (both in scenes and characters, and in direct lines from the novels), which makes this something of a love-letter to Jane Austen. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">I was a bit startled at Jane's writing scenes to express frustration by punishing her fictional characters- both the level of violence and the act of it felt immature, and not something I'd expect from a woman whose perception of human nature feels like it would come with self-awareness. But it was entertaining, and I don't honestly know if Jane wrote bloodthirsty scenes as a child (it's possibly reference to that survived in letters). </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Jane's own second-chance romance mirrors Persuasion so much that it's hard to not be charmed by Lieutenant Barnes. Even knowing what happens (from my previous reading), I had hope for a better ending for Austen. And I get the impression that Carolyn V Murray did, too.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">So if you lean into the fiction part of historical fiction, and you're a fan of Jane Austen (the woman and/or her works), I highly recommend this sweet, entertaining story.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="133" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>About the author of this post: I'm Beth: a bookwyrm, history geek, hobby baker, Austen fan, and collector of pastimes. Henry Tilney and Elizabeth Bennet are my Austen fictional crushes, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about me. I can be found blogging at <a href="https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/">https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/</a> and creating general nonsense at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/">https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi">https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi">https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi</a>.<div>Find more posts from Beth <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">here</a>. </div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-36194932161172394842021-08-27T09:30:00.026-04:002021-08-27T22:02:00.936-04:00GIVEAWAY: Jane Austen Quote Art Prints<div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Update</span></b>: I've added a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFfZJ3FxWG/" target="_blank">second giveaway of these prints, over on instagram</a>. One winner will receive the full set of all four prints!</div><div><br /></div><div>For whatever reason, I seem to enjoy putting extra work on myself whenever things are super chaotic. Case in point: <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printables" target="_blank">my printables series</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year, I'm taking the printables idea a step further in that, I'm printing them and sending them directly to you! (Well, some of you, anyway...) What can I say? I'm just itching to have my stationery shop <i>open, finally</i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VGJ1SiaTIgM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to see how these prints were created, you can check that out in the video above. And then, make sure to enter to win one of the four prints featured! And don't forget, I've also included tidbits from my stationery shop, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie/" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Paperie</a>, in each of <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">this year's</a> Mega Prize Pack giveaways, so make sure to enter those, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioinWvgUCUk/YSgtSGEWdQI/AAAAAAAASx0/TBwu-8YVWsIb_-q4yyl9vtfS0ZD7GhmGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1549/GIVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1549" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioinWvgUCUk/YSgtSGEWdQI/AAAAAAAASx0/TBwu-8YVWsIb_-q4yyl9vtfS0ZD7GhmGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/GIVE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ****GIVEAWAY**** </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Win 1 of 4 hand-lettered quote prints, featuring some of my favorite Jane Austen quotes!</div><div>To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Full terms in the Rafflecopter. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. </div><div>Please do not leave email addresses or sensitive info in the comments. </div><div>Good luck!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1919f9c232" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1919f9c232/" id="rcwidget_v7v0pkfw" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-61598187909493118162021-08-27T00:00:00.002-04:002021-08-27T00:00:00.281-04:00Beth Reviews Clueless, arguably one of the best movies of the 90sBeth is back today with a look at everyone's favorite modern take on Austen: the 90s classic, <i>Clueless</i>! I mean, it <i>is </i>everyone's favorite, right? You couldn't possibly love another as much. As if!<hr />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://content6.flixster.com/movie/11/16/89/11168928_800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="http://content6.flixster.com/movie/11/16/89/11168928_800.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">daptation of: <u>Emma</u></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mgjwq1ZzdPQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">C</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">haracter Guide:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Emma = Cher</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Mr. Knightley = Josh</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Harriet Smith = Tai</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Mr. Elton = Elton</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Frank Churchill = Christian</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Robert Martin = Travis</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Mr. Woodhouse = Mel Horowitz</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static.parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/clueless-cast-where-are-they-now-ftr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://static.parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/clueless-cast-where-are-they-now-ftr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">N</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">otable Changes:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Rather than the Jane Fairfax secret romance, Christian is gay (props for a rare mid-90's LGBTQIA+ representation!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">There are a few new characters (Dionne, Murray, two teachers that are kind of stand-ins for Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">There's no Miss Bates analog.</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://remezcla.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Clueless-movie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://remezcla.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Clueless-movie.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">houghts: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Right off, I'm going to admit my bias toward this movie based on the fact that Paul Rudd plays Mr. Knightley. There's a small bit of cringe in some insensitive language, but that aside, it captures a cheeky self-aware silliness about a subculture in a point of time, and uses Emma as the framework in which to do that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">As adaptations go, it hits the major plot points, but less so the minor ones. However, the characters remain true to their original incarnations: Cher is a bit of a snob but she means well and has a maternal streak; Tai is hopelessly out of her depth but starts to believe herself "above her station", which brings her unhappiness; Elton is a social climber with a sleaze; Christian is relentlessly cool; Travis is kind-hearted throughout. Josh is less chastising than Mr. Knightley, but still nails the friends-to-lovers sweet spot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Now, as oddness goes, my rewatch had me considering the age difference between Cher and Josh. There is one, clearly (milder than in the book, thankfully) and it's never fully stated what that is. But Cher is 16, and Josh is "college-aged"- I really hope that means 18, and not 20, or I'll be squicked out.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.distractify.com/brand-img/1WuxDL/0x0/clueless-1540922788422-1540922791192.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="720" height="234" src="https://media.distractify.com/brand-img/1WuxDL/0x0/clueless-1540922788422-1540922791192.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">V</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">erdict: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Capturing the classism within the setting of high school popularity, and walking the delicate balance between sweet-MC and obnoxiously wealthy-MC, this mid-90s subculture-set adaptation of Emma is cheeky and approachable. It hits all the broad strokes of the book, with a fun soundtrack and (if you're an Old who grew up in SoCal, like me) a fair side of nostalgia. Worth a watch.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.throwbacks.com/content/images/2018/07/rs_1024x759-150818144928-1024-clueless.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://www.throwbacks.com/content/images/2018/07/rs_1024x759-150818144928-1024-clueless.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="133" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>About the author of this post: I'm Beth: a bookwyrm, history geek, hobby baker, Austen fan, and collector of pastimes. Henry Tilney and Elizabeth Bennet are my Austen fictional crushes, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about me. I can be found blogging at <a href="https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/">https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/</a> and creating general nonsense at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/">https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi">https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi">https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi</a>.<div>Find more posts from Beth <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">here</a>. </div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-30894502251929984682021-08-26T08:00:00.001-04:002021-08-26T08:00:00.206-04:00GIVEAWAY: Audiobook prize pack from Karen M. Cox!Earlier today, Karen M. Cox stopped by to give us a bit of Emma vs. Emma; and, of course, you've gotten a few opportunities during AIA to win copies of her books. But how's about one last chance, eh? <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/1932-Pride-and-Prejudice-Revisited/dp/B08N1BGR37?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1629945774&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=c0919ffd1478aab80076da4768a172b5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08N1BGR37&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B08N1BGR37" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094DN96V1?plink=5rgzqUeSg6t35mTw&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=d32d4d2d1fde7bdfb1a8e94fff695f78&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B094DN96V1&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B094DN96V1" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">****GIVEAWAY****</span></div><div>Karen has offered up 2 mini-prize packs of audiobook copies of her books <i>1932</i> and <i>Undeceived</i> for 2 lucky winners! (And don't forget, you can also enter to win these books (and more!) in EACH of this year's <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-1.html" target="_blank">Mega</a> <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-2.html" target="_blank">Prize</a> <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-3.html" target="_blank">Packs</a>!)</div><div>To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Full terms located in the Rafflecopter terms section. International.</div><div>Please do not leave email addresses or sensitive info in the comments. Good luck!<br /><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1919f9c231" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1919f9c231/" id="rcwidget_jq1m4wsn" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
ABOUT THE BOOKS: </span></div><div> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1932: </span></b><i> "Do anything rather than marry without affection.” (Pride and Prejudice) </i></div><div> During the upheaval of the Great Depression, Elizabeth Bennet’s life is torn asunder. Her family’s relocation from the bustle of the big city to a quiet family farm has changed her future, and now, she must build a new life in rural Meryton, Kentucky. </div><div> William Darcy suffered family turmoil of his own, but he has settled into a peaceful life at Pemberley, the largest farm in the county. Single, rich, and seemingly content, he remains aloof - immune to any woman’s charms. </div><div> Until Elizabeth Bennet moves to town. </div><div> As Darcy begins to yearn for something he knows is missing, Elizabeth’s circumstances become more dire. Can the two put aside their pride and prejudices long enough to find their way to each other? </div><div><br /></div><div>1932, Karen M. Cox’s award-winning debut novel, is a matchless variation on Jane Austen’s classic tale. </div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Undeceived: </span></b><i>
"...if I endeavor to undeceive people as to the rest of his conduct, who will believe me?" (Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 40) </i></div><div> Elizabeth Bennet, a rookie counterintelligence officer, lands an intriguing first assignment - investigating the CIA's legendary William Darcy, who is suspected of being a double agent. Darcy's charmed existence seems at an end as he fights for his career and struggles against his love for the young woman he doesn't know is watching his every move. Elizabeth's confidence dissolves as nothing is like she planned - and the more she discovers about Darcy, the more she finds herself in an ever-tightening web of danger. </div><div> Unexpected twists abound in this suspenseful Cold War-era romance inspired by Jane Austen's classic tale.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-10606582191130302842021-08-26T00:00:00.001-04:002021-08-26T00:00:00.258-04:00Emma, Reimagined: Karen M. Cox reads from Emma and I Could Write a Book<div class="separator"><i style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLI0EK-oB3E/YSbxx1jWqqI/AAAAAAAASs8/MsMq2o_8MrA2ay7gaocgLbcHvp1ILSbVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/unnamed.png" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" width="320" /></i></div>Karen M. Cox joins us again today (<a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-through-ages-celebrates-austen.html" target="_blank">you may remember her post from earlier this month</a>, via Austen Through the Ages...). This time, she's sitting down to do a little storytime with us, sharing a scene from <i>Emma</i>, and its corresponding scene in her 1970's-set retelling, <i>I Could Write a Book</i>. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-audiobook-duo-karen-m-cox.html" target="_blank">check back later today for a mini-prize pack of books from Karen</a>!<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>And before you go, don't forget to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-through-ages-celebrates-austen.html" target="_blank">download your free Austen-inspired desktop and mobile wallpapers</a>, as a gift from Karen!<br /><br />Take it away, Karen!</div><hr /><div><br /></div><div><div>Hello everyone! </div><div>This is Karen M Cox, back again for another post for Austen in August. I love this month-long celebration of my favorite author. Thanks, Misty, for playing hostess for the entire month of August! </div><div>Today, I’m going to read a scene from Emma—one of my favorite scenes, where George and Emma work together to sooth Mr. Woodhouse at the Westons’ Christmas Party. </div><div>Then, I’ll complement that with the same scene from I Could Write a Book, my Emma variation sent in the 1970s. </div><div>The video is about 17 minutes long, so make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and join me for an Austen-themed break. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you’re done, be sure to <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOb7BIGMgse27Zv0A8enKGGRHdAzt3BfNBL9YPlgSTsxvZ5cZo4W4Q4468lPWBIrQ" target="_blank">head back here to access a Google Folder with some desktop and phone wallpapers I’ve made</a>, especially for Austen In August readers and listeners. </div><div><br /></div><div>To learn more about my books, please visit <a href="http://www.karenmcox.com">www.karenmcox.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for listening!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FoeSrPmqym0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: medium;">About I COULD WRITE A BOOK: </span></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B075K3SGQF" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
<div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Could-Write-Book-Variation-Austens-ebook/dp/B075K3SGQF?dchild=1&keywords=i+could+write+a+book+karen+cox&qid=1629942709&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=eb3de7e5cfbe9087feaba4471a4eff16&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B075K3SGQF&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US" /></a>“Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever and rich…”</div><div>Thus began Jane Austen’s classic, a light and lively tale set in an English village two hundred years ago. Yet every era has its share of Emmas: young women trying to find themselves in their own corners of the world.</div><div>I Could Write a Book is the story of a self-proclaimed modern woman: Emma Katherine Woodhouse, a 1970s co-ed whose life is pleasant, ordered, and predictable, if a bit confining.</div><div>Her friend George Knightley is a man of the world who has come home to fulfill his destiny: run his father’s thriving law practice and oversee the sprawling Donwell Farms, his family legacy in Central Kentucky horse country.</div><div>Since childhood, George’s and Emma’s lives have meshed and separated time and again. But now they’re adults with grown-up challenges and obligations. As Emma orchestrates life in quaint Highbury, George becomes less amused with her antics and struggles with a growing attraction to the young woman she’s become.</div><div>Rich with humor, poignancy, and the camaraderie of life in a small, Southern town, I Could Write a Book is a coming of age romance with side helpings of self-discovery, friendship, and finding true love in the most unlikely places.</div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-29179251393469866422021-08-25T16:00:00.001-04:002021-08-25T16:00:00.288-04:00Everyone's A Janeite (Jane Austen as The Great Unifier)This is something I've been wanting to discuss for awhile now, but it took some time for the words to percolate; I'm not sure if they're fully-brewed anyhow, but man! They should did come spilling out.<div><br /></div><div>Short story, if you're not the video-watching type: all are welcome in the Jane Austen world. More Janeites is a GOOD thing. And if someone gives you pushback on your place in Austenland, send them my way...</div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/39rxZfbJIP0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Check back tomorrow for a <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/diverse-jane-austen-retellings.html" target="_blank">post highlighting diverse Austen retellings</a>! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-54951049627279659952021-08-25T08:00:00.012-04:002021-08-25T12:23:40.518-04:00Why Edward Ferrars Fails...But I Still Like Him | Guest Post from Harriet JordanI feel like, in the realm of Austen characters, Edward Ferrars is a controversial one. Harriet Jordan, one of the hosts of the <a href="https://readingjaneausten.com/" target="_blank">Reading Jane Austen podcast</a>, joins Austen in August today (welcome!) to tell us why E. fails as a hero -- but why he still might be worth loving, anyway...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTYtUpyDuI0/YSWfwwa4J7I/AAAAAAAASqY/9usrVd6Ox08QOUNs6xjjLA3ZP-HDR5u-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s617/ef.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="617" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTYtUpyDuI0/YSWfwwa4J7I/AAAAAAAASqY/9usrVd6Ox08QOUNs6xjjLA3ZP-HDR5u-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h358/ef.png" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why Edward Ferrars fails as a hero – and why I like him anyway</h2><div>Edward Ferrars, of <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>, is unlikely to top many lists of ‘favourite Austen heroes’. Some readers may actively dislike him, but I suspect the majority simply find him dull. Why is this so?</div><div><br /></div><div>Although I haven’t done a detailed comparison, I believe Edward is the most off-stage of all Jane Austen’s heroes. There are 50 chapters in <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>, and Edward is present in only twelve of them (and even this is a generous estimate):</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chapters 3-5: at Norland (and in Chapters 3 and 4 he is described, and spoken of, without being physically present in any scenes, even though this all happens when he is at the house)</li><li>Chapters 16-19: at Barton (but in Chapter 19, he is only present for the opening paragraph)</li><li>Chapter 35: the unexpected encounter with Elinor and Lucy</li><li>Chapter 40: when Elinor tells him about the living</li><li>Chapters 48-50: return to Barton and the wrap up of the story</li></ul></div><div>Furthermore, in four of these chapters, he has no dialogue at all. In fact, by my count he only speaks 50 times in the entire book, and at one point he is even described as sitting for some time ‘silent and dull’.</div><div>So it is not altogether surprising that many readers find it hard to engage with a character who is given so little opportunity to come ‘alive’ off the page.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I think the biggest failure in presentation is Chapters 3-5 – the crucial chapters in which he is not only introduced to us, but in which he and Elinor are falling in love. But we don’t <i>see </i>any of this. Edward is described, and the Dashwood women talk about him, but there’s no scene of him interacting with Elinor. So we have to take it on faith that he is as Elinor describes him: ‘his mind is well-informed, enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and his taste delicate and pure’. But even Elinor silently observes his ‘want of spirits’ and ‘dejection of mind’. And Elinor’s reflections come after – not before – the narrator’s fairly tepid description of him (‘not recommended to their good opinion by any particular graces of person or address’, ‘his manners required intimacy to make them pleasing’, ‘open, affectionate heart’, understanding was good’) and Marianne’s criticism of his lack of spirit. It’s not a very promising introduction!</div><div><br /></div><div>So we come out of these scenes at Norland having been told that Elinor sees something in Edward to make her love him, but not having been given any real evidence of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>After these unrewarding opening scenes, we wait eleven chapters before seeing Edward again, when he arrives at Barton. And I think that it’s only during this first visit to Barton that we get a glimpse of the character Jane Austen envisaged, but did not properly show us. But before looking at this, I want to briefly go over his appearances in the remainder of the book.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chapter 35 encounter with Elinor and Lucy is largely dialogue-free – entirely so until Marianne’s arrival – and Edward’s contribution is two commonplace lines, although we do get a sense of his extreme discomfort with the situation. He speaks rather more in the Chapter 40 scene – the first scene in the whole book that is just him and Elinor - and as readers we can feel the undercurrents of what is not being said, but by this stage it is a bit late to be developing his personality. In Chapter 49 he again has a scene alone with Elinor, in which he has at least one lengthy speech about himself, not dissimilar to Darcy’s conversations with Elizabeth when they are out walking. But by this stage in <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> we have formed a clear picture of Darcy, having seen him in multiple conversations and interactions with others, and so are much more engaged for this type of infodump. Not so with Edward!</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything I have gone through so far seems to show Edward as someone who is shy, slightly awkward, and frequently in low spirits. He is perhaps a little weak in getting involved with Lucy, and avoiding conflict with his family, but he also has the strength to stand up for what he believes is right, even in the face of being disinherited. However, none of this makes him seem like particularly good company. ‘Silent and dull’ does seem to sum him up.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I think there <i>is </i>another Edward, hidden under the surface, and to find him, we need to look at Chapters 16 to 18. In these scenes we see him interacting with the Dashwood family as a whole. Even though he is frequently not ‘in spirits’, we finally have him taking a significant part in fully reported conversations. And there are even signs that he has a sense of humour! When talking about himself – in arguably a slightly self-centred manner – he wryly observes, in a beautifully balanced set of sentences, ‘I always preferred the church, as I still do. But that was not smart enough for my family. They recommended the army. That was a great deal too smart for me.’</div><div><br /></div><div>And he and Elinor join in gently (and lovingly) teasing Marianne. While this may sometimes seem a little ponderous (‘Forgive me, if I am very saucy’) at other times he is genuinely amusing: ‘among the rest of the objects before me, I see a very dirty lane’; ‘she would buy up every copy, I believe, to prevent their falling into unworthy hands’. This suggests that in fact he <i>can </i>be good company.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this enough to redeem Edward – to let him stand alongside the best of Jane Austen’s heroes? No, not really. But for me at least, it’s enough to keep him from last place in the list. I feel I would like to have known him better, and the failure is that the book doesn’t let me do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Harriet Jordan</div><div>August, 2021</div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-57699629239300357382021-08-25T00:00:00.058-04:002021-08-25T21:58:43.418-04:00Excerpt & GIVEAWAY: Misunderstandings & Ardent Love by Susan Adriani!Below you'll find a sneak peek of Susan Adriani's <i>Misunderstandings & Ardent Love</i>, a brand-new <i>Pride & Prejudice</i> retelling that released just days ago! Check it out below, and then make sure to click through to enter to win a copy!<hr><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Misunderstandings-Ardent-Love-Susan-Adriani-ebook/dp/B098KPNB4H?crid=23WNC1XVUUOOY&dchild=1&keywords=susan+adriani+misunderstandings+%26+ardent+love&qid=1629207433&sprefix=susan+adriani+%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-2&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=74373cf3ac5d7a7a37dffd3b4eeac7e2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B098KPNB4H&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US"></a><br><div><i>“I have never been able to forget you...I am yours, in body and soul, for as long as I am able to draw breath.”</i></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B098KPNB4H" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1"><div><i><br></i></div><div>AFTER MONTHS OF BROODING DESPAIR while Bingley prepares to wed Jane Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy realises he has no choice but to put his heart at risk and try to win the only woman he will ever love. </div><div><br></div><div>ELIZABETH BENNET WOULD MORE THAN WELCOME his return to Longbourn. Yet despite such mutually ardent feelings, her most beloved sister and Darcy’s own uncle hold quite the opposite points of view.</div><div><br></div><div>TORN BETWEEN PERSONAL LOYALTIES and responsibilities, the couple must balance finding a discreet solution for a family scandal in London and dealing with new outrageous actions by Mr and Mrs Wickham, all while facing a Jane Bennet who cannot forgive Darcy his interference in her love story.</div><div><br></div><div>Can the two overcome misunderstandings and meddling and find their way to one another at last?</div><div><br></div><div>* * *</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsrbsyzgjco/YRu9NBe1HrI/AAAAAAAASDs/iL3h_QmPmdcyFHTH1rwQM_UHNDO6R_nOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s247/sa1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="misunderstandings and ardent love, susan adriani, austen in august, the book rat, pride and prejudice retellings, jane austen retellings, mr darcy" border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsrbsyzgjco/YRu9NBe1HrI/AAAAAAAASDs/iL3h_QmPmdcyFHTH1rwQM_UHNDO6R_nOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/sa1.png" title="promotional picture for Misunderstandings & Ardent Love, by Susan Adriani, with the text "I daresay your young man will be by to claim you in a moment. I shall not leave you, however, for I should like to know him better. I imagine he is as stimulating a conversationalist as he is a kisser.""></a></div>Elizabeth could hardly credit that he, of all people, could be standing directly in front of her; but as she stared into his eyes, as dark and piercing as ever, and observed the strong line of his jaw, which was clenched so tightly his temples throbbed, she could not deny that it was indeed Fitzwilliam Darcy and no other.</div><div><br></div><div><i>What on earth is he doing here? </i>she wondered in astonishment.<i> He is far too early for Jane’s wedding to Mr Bingley if that is his purpose in coming. Oh! Confusing man! Why can I not be free of him, even for the span of one night?</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Mr Ellis touched her arm, a fleeting brush of his fingertips against the sleeve of her glove, and enquired as to her well-being. His voice, as he spoke her name, held a note of puzzlement as well as concern and prompted Elizabeth to remember herself. She quickly tore her eyes from Darcy and fixed them on her friend instead.</div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/excerpt-giveaway-misunderstands-ardent-love-susan-adriani.html#more">READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP >>></a>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-13531521193419543062021-08-24T00:00:00.000-04:002021-08-24T00:00:00.279-04:00Eat Like Austen: Whipt Syllabub Recipe from Beth!Now that we've all enjoyed our slices of <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/eat-like-austen-caraway-seed-cake-guest.html" target="_blank">Caraway Seed Cake</a> (yum!), Beth is back to teach us how to make whipt "syllabub," a very funny word you've probably read in Austen and thought, 'what the <i>heck</i> is that?'<div>Take it away, Beth!<br /><hr />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIrS3zYfG9Q/YRAvjU9ZihI/AAAAAAAAPHc/rZpZwLfEJYMex9ypK7MgYFWeJlOFVBn8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PXL_20210807_201651057.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIrS3zYfG9Q/YRAvjU9ZihI/AAAAAAAAPHc/rZpZwLfEJYMex9ypK7MgYFWeJlOFVBn8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/PXL_20210807_201651057.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">hipt syllabub has been a popular dessert dish since the 1500s. It's referenced in one of <a href="https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/jane-austen-news/lesley-castle-an-unfinished-novel-in-letters" target="_blank">Jane Austen's letter from 1792</a>, and her sister-in-law and friend, Martha Lloyd, documented a recipe for it in her <a href="https://janeaustens.house/object/martha-lloyds-household-book/" target="_blank">Household Book</a>. It's a super easy dish to make, with a silken mousse-like texture and plenty of bright sweetness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">The historic version of the recipe found in almost every Georgian cookbook is essentially the same (some with egg whites, some without), but modern appliances mean you can whip this up in far less time, and chill it to the perfect consistency.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">For a non-alcoholic version, substitute sweet grape juice for the cream sherry and apple cider for the white wine. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv4KTucCLsI/YHWzAGnrk6I/AAAAAAAAOrs/fTdUhXfAk_oR8dAuOwDLRpoK6-WThrZMQCPcBGAYYCw/s111/break.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="111" height="46" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv4KTucCLsI/YHWzAGnrk6I/AAAAAAAAOrs/fTdUhXfAk_oR8dAuOwDLRpoK6-WThrZMQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/break.gif" width="111" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">The original recipe, from Hannah Glasse's </span><a href="https://archive.org/details/TheArtOfCookery" style="background-color: white; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Art of Cookery</a><span style="background-color: white;">:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex_LNVz1Dfw/YRAvV1HeXII/AAAAAAAAPHY/2izUdf9_uRsfgY6yyHSHCxoEHOx7iJVbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210808_191956844_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex_LNVz1Dfw/YRAvV1HeXII/AAAAAAAAPHY/2izUdf9_uRsfgY6yyHSHCxoEHOx7iJVbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210808_191956844_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">2 cups heavy whipping cream</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">3/4 cup sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">The juice and zest of one large lemon*</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">1 cup sweet white wine</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup cream sherry</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">*My lemon turned out to be a lemon, so I swapped for 3 Tblsp lemon juice and no zest. It turned out just fine, but if you have the option to use zest, it really adds to the recipe!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohB00R-Wg_U/YRAvrq7AeOI/AAAAAAAAPHk/6UOGzoIsWVwWgw4e2NmkD-mxdqtd33R6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PXL_20210806_185418953.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohB00R-Wg_U/YRAvrq7AeOI/AAAAAAAAPHk/6UOGzoIsWVwWgw4e2NmkD-mxdqtd33R6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/PXL_20210806_185418953.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream, sugar, and lemon zest.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQgrENN7W0o/YRAv1iBOWkI/AAAAAAAAPHs/akSTEf9KoOsYxN1EUy6sW9K1k1LOukvKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PXL_20210806_190530747.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQgrENN7W0o/YRAv1iBOWkI/AAAAAAAAPHs/akSTEf9KoOsYxN1EUy6sW9K1k1LOukvKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210806_190530747.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">2. In a separate bowl, mix together the lemon juice, white wine, and cream sherry.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlE_Qf7ch30/YRAv6eo4vuI/AAAAAAAAPHw/Oi-jm_0qM045akt0ZjU1TAbw7ftoGg_bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PXL_20210806_190904431.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlE_Qf7ch30/YRAv6eo4vuI/AAAAAAAAPHw/Oi-jm_0qM045akt0ZjU1TAbw7ftoGg_bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210806_190904431.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">3. Whip the cream mixture for about a minute. While it continues to whip, <b>slowly </b>pour in the wine mixture. If you pour too fast, it'll split.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAHnHD82AI/YRAwAgXXTDI/AAAAAAAAPH4/5RkMMn3oVdsKznqsHLqAaHXl9CmmN9JtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PXL_20210806_191003059.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAHnHD82AI/YRAwAgXXTDI/AAAAAAAAPH4/5RkMMn3oVdsKznqsHLqAaHXl9CmmN9JtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210806_191003059.PORTRAIT_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">4. Continue whipping for about 6-8 minutes total, until it looks more or less like whipped cream. The alcohol will keep it from reaching full whipped cream texture, but overwhipping will turn it to butter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">5. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Stir it a few times while it's chilling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">6. Serve in individual wine glasses, with a spoon. If you want to get fancy, garnish with a curl of lemon zest or a fresh raspberry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">This makes enough for about 6 servings. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">It can sit in the fridge for several days, but it will separate (whipped cream on top, wine below), so gently fold it back together before serving. The more times you do this, of course, the less whipped and more cream the texture will become.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="133" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">About the author of this post: I'm Beth: a bookwyrm, history geek, hobby baker, Austen fan, and collector of pastimes. Henry Tilney and Elizabeth Bennet are my Austen fictional crushes, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about me. I can be found blogging at </span><a href="https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"> and creating general nonsense at: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">, </span><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">, and </span><a href="https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">.</span></span></p><div>Find more posts from Beth <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-86944997463565705982021-08-23T16:00:00.007-04:002021-08-23T16:00:00.305-04:00MEGA Austen in August Prize Pack #3!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ufSzoQrZU/YRxfs4PDcbI/AAAAAAAASEo/HUCrc9dsNoYpq9j6cq4twj3k6dyk8qV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2534/DD959DAE-639A-429C-A5BD-DFE252F55046.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jane Austen retelling, austen in august, The Book Rat, book giveaway, austen retellings, pride and prejudice retellings, free books, prize pack" border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="1241" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5ufSzoQrZU/YRxfs4PDcbI/AAAAAAAASEo/HUCrc9dsNoYpq9j6cq4twj3k6dyk8qV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w314-h640/DD959DAE-639A-429C-A5BD-DFE252F55046.png" title="Photo showing the prizes of both prize packs, which are listed in full below." width="314" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
****GIVEAWAY****
<br /></span></b><div>For one final time this year, our awesome, amazing Austen authors are offering up a mega prize pack for you to win! And this time, there are two winners! </div><div>One lucky winner will receive the main <b>Mega Prize Pack</b> of:</div><div><ul><li>Signed paperbacks of the <b>Fearless Fairwells</b> series (<i><a href="https://amzn.to/37SdxTI" target="_blank">A Good Kiss is Hard to Find</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2W846x0" target="_blank">My Heart Did Fly</a>,</i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3CYfLPR" target="_blank">Foolish Hope</a>) </i>by Augustine Lang, from <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">Beth</a>!</li><li>Ebook of <a href="https://amzn.to/3iSdbme" target="_blank">choice</a> from Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Audiobook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3AW4YUx" target="_blank">1932</a> </i>by Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Audiobook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3xQmlUE" target="_blank">Undeceived</a> </i>by Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Ebook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mqn2Cf" target="_blank">Darcy in Wonderland</a></i> by Alexa Adams!</li><li>Audiobook of <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2790614306320534072/6380750458016581972#" target="_blank">choice</a> from Quills & Quartos Publishing!</li><li>Ebook of <a href="https://amzn.to/37OoaHc" target="_blank">choice</a> from the Quill Collective anthology series</li><li>Signed paperback or ebook (winner's choice) of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2XFzmUR" target="_blank">Mr Darcy's Christmas Surprise</a></i> by Debra-Ann Kummoung!</li><li>$20 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Debra-Ann Kummoung!</li><li>Set of Austen-inspired stationery from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie/" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Paperie</a> (that's me!)</li></ul><div>And a second winner will receive a <b>Mini Mega Prize Pack</b>, consisting of:</div><ul><li>Paperback of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3yZV1oc" target="_blank">Austensibly Ordinary</a></i> by Alyssa Goodnight!</li><li>Paperback of <a href="https://amzn.to/37OoaHc" target="_blank">choice</a> from the Quill Collective anthology series</li><li>Set of Austen-inspired stationery & stickers from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie/" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Paperie</a> </li></ul>To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Full terms can be found within the Rafflecopter. Please do not leave any emails or sensitive info in the comments.</div><div>Good luck!</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1919f9c229" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1919f9c229/" id="rcwidget_ccqevnlp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-21579397015646252402021-08-23T08:00:00.002-04:002021-08-23T08:00:00.298-04:00All About JAFF: A Janeite Roundtable<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_L48doA_j0Y/WZpaqTUYMpI/AAAAAAAAFOE/ryInnEj3aigDcjyQktbH4NseWitO5XAZwCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/Janeite%2Bconversations.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_L48doA_j0Y/WZpaqTUYMpI/AAAAAAAAFOE/ryInnEj3aigDcjyQktbH4NseWitO5XAZwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h226/Janeite%2Bconversations.png" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div>It's <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/Janeite%20Conversation" target="_blank">Janeite Roundtable</a> time again! We've only got two Convos left for this year's Austen in August! (And to be honest, I've done so many of these over the years, that's probably a good thing -- what on earth haven't we talked about?? Leave me question suggestions in the comments!) Today, I asked: </div><div><br /><div></div><blockquote><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">One of my favorite things about JAFF is how seeing someone else's interpretation can reopen the possibilities for the original books, and make me see something in a new light, or have an a-ha! moment about something that I may not have noticed before. What have been some of those moments for you in JAFF (your own or ones you've read)? </span></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: I greatly admire Jane Austen, not just as the brilliant author of my favorite novels, but as the clever, perceptive woman and devoted sister/daughter/aunt that she was. That said, Jane was still human. She was capable of making mistakes in her impressions of other people, being judgmental and critical (often with good reason, I'm sure, but nonetheless...), and having bad moods, just like the rest of us. I respect her all the more because she acknowledged the way her main characters had to face their own foibles and flaws, see themselves and their actions in a clearer light, and above all, change. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Yes! I often say that that's what non-Janeites miss when trying to understand the appeal of a character like Darcy, for example. So many people think modern readers swoon over him because he's rich, but HARD NO! We love that he's willing to do the hard work of taking a look at who he has been, and reconciling it with who he wants to be -- who he thought he was. <i>That's</i> what we love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ng51Uio2eBg/YQ8VgcC5GDI/AAAAAAAAR20/5p3LaEivRV0sltcgitGXgx9Nr5v30MYogCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/growth-you-know-what-that-is.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ng51Uio2eBg/YQ8VgcC5GDI/AAAAAAAAR20/5p3LaEivRV0sltcgitGXgx9Nr5v30MYogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/growth-you-know-what-that-is.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: Not to become perfect people, but to simply become better -- a little wiser, more compassionate, less prejudiced, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Yes. <i>YES</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: So, one of the key things that occurred to me while I was writing <i>According to Jane </i>was that I wanted to show that Jane herself could make an error in judgment -- not only Ellie, the novel's protagonist. That no one, not even our beloved Jane Austen, was exempt from making very human mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: A good thing to remember.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHRISTINA</b>: J. Marie Croft wrote a backstory about Miss Bates in the anthology “Rational Creatures” and forevermore that is the truth to me about Emma’s old friend. A total a-ha moment for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: No spoilers, but yes! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHRISTINA</b>: Gobstruck but made so much sense! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Actually, that's one of the things I love about JAFF in general -- the ability to get believable backstories that add depth to peripheral characters.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: My favorite books are those that redeem the seemingly unredeemable, especially when they’re women. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: <i>God, yes! </i>We all know <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2013/08/defending-jane-austens-bitches.html" target="_blank">I have feels about this!!</a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: These takes on Austen have made me a more empathetic person, and they have inspired me to try and write from the point of view of Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine, and even Mrs. Norris. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Uh... I don't know if there's any redeeming Mrs Norris, tbh. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: This perspective was almost entirely inspired by two of my favorite JAFF authors: Jane Odiwe and Laura Hile. I must have read Jane Odiwe’s early novel, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3CrcxE7" target="_blank">Lydia Bennet’s Story</a></i>, at least five times--</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: *<i>rushes off to Amazon, sees that it's only 99 cents...* </i>Welp, guess I'll be reading this one soon...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>ALEXA</b>: *<i>smiles</i>* While the hero of Laura Hile’s <i><a href="https://amzn.to/37stEqM" target="_blank">Mercy’s Embrace</a></i> trilogy is so marvelous that it feels near miraculous Elizabeth Elliot can possibly deserve him, but she does. I love that.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><b>LONA</b>: Allie Cresswell's <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3lGukkI" target="_blank">Highbury Trilogy</a></i> shows Frank Churchill at Weymouth, where he met Jane Fairfax. I always wondered how those two fell in love, as they seem to be such opposites. Or really, I didn't know what Jane Fairfax saw in Frank. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: They really do seem kinda mismatched, don't they?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LONA</b>: Allie's novel showed what was endearing about the optimistic, buoyant, mischievous side of Frank Churchill's nature, and also showed what he put up with from his Churchill relatives.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: I will say, as much as I sometimes want to shake both Frank and Jane F., there does seem to be a lot of hinted-at backstory that is rich for the mining; I could see falling for them falling for each other...</div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>RIANA</b>:I am always intrigued by the variations that have Elizabeth (and sometimes Jane) not be Mrs. Bennet’s biological children. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: This? This is my shocked face. I don't know if I've read one like that! Although I guess it explains (beyond age) why Jane and Lizzie are so different from their sisters.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA</b>: Sometimes they’re from a previous marriage, sometimes from an affair-- </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Shocked. Face.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA</b>: -- or sometimes one of them is adopted. This doesn’t fit with canon, but it does open up the door for wondering why Mrs. B seems almost antagonistic to Lizzy sometimes. What makes her put all her hopes on her eldest and dote on her youngest, rather than pouring that attention on Lizzy, who by Austen’s accounts is second in beauty only to Jane? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Fair point. That fraught relationship really does give modern fanfiction authors a lot to play with.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>RIANA</b>: I also find the Bad Jane variations fascinating. Again, there is nothing in Austen’s text to suggest that Jane is anything other than sugar-sweet, but it can be fun to think about what’s going on under that perfect and serene surface. It can give her more of an interior life and provide her with more dimension.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: Riana... You're clearly reading some things that I am not. I'm going to need you to make me a list... Speaking of, anyone wanna take this opportunity to recommend one more favorite work by another Austenesque author?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MARILYN</b>: Ohhh, there are so many fantastic Austenesque novels and authors! Personally, I love Katie Oliver's modern voice and am really looking forward to her upcoming mystery series. The first story -- <i>Pride, Prejudice, and Peril (A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery, Book 1)</i> -- is coming out in December!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: We'll have to keep an eye out for it! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>LONA</b>: If you try Christina Angel Boyd's<a href="https://amzn.to/3fJnmHT" target="_blank"> Quill Ink anthologies</a>, you can enjoy a smorgasbord of Austenesque authors and maybe find some new favourites! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: My favorite thing about short story anthologies! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>LONA</b>: There are collections of Darcy stories, Elizabeth stories, Rakes & Rogues, Rational Creatures (Austen's strong women) and the Yuletide anthology which is a fundraiser for Chawton House.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: And excellent, to boot!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>CHRISTINA</b>: For other eras: Karen M Cox</div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>MISTY</b>: I <i>loved</i> her story, "Resistive Currents," in <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3CuLrMa" target="_blank">Elizabeth: OHG</a>. </i>And Beau North's old-Hollywood tale, "Love in Limelight"! I need, like, a thousand "other eras" retellings of Austen, pronto. </div><div><br /></div><div><hr> </div><div><br /></div><div>You all know Austen in August is as much an ode to JAFF as it is to Jane, something I've been talking a lot about this year. Let us know your favorite JAFF a-ha moments -- and favorite JAFF books and authors -- in the comments!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>BIG THANKS to this year's roundtable of contributors:</div><div><div><b>Alexa Adams</b>, author of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3j9WKAD" target="_blank">The Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice</a></i> series, et al</div><div><b>Christina Boyd</b>, editor of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3zVk2Bd" target="_blank">The Quill Collective</a></i> anthology series</div><div><b>Lona Manning</b>, author of the <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3jd2wBK" target="_blank">Mansfield Trilogy</a></i> and the blog series "Clutching My Pearls"</div></div><div><b>Marilyn Brant</b>, author of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3C3XBLP" target="_blank">Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Match</a></i>, et al.</div><div><b>Riana Everly</b>, author of the <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ihoYdK" target="_blank">Miss Mary Investigates</a> </i>series, et al.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-25885076200555172492021-08-23T00:00:00.002-04:002021-08-23T00:00:00.275-04:00The Ladies of Norland excerpt & GIVEAWAY from Alexa Adams!If you're very lucky, you can get your hands on some of Alexa Adams' books in this year's AIA Mega Prize Packs. And maybe that luck will extend to today, because Alexa is sharing an excerpt of her latest novella, <i>The Ladies of Norland</i>, along with a chance to win a copy of your own!<div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Norland-Twisted-Austen-Book-ebook/dp/B08LR1CR74?&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=d0b9c8ca60169da566473ea115d56dd3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08LR1CR74&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US"></a>Click through to read it and enter to win!<br>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B08LR1CR74" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1">
<hr><div><br></div><div>The old gentleman died. His will was read and, like almost every other will, gave as much disappointment as pleasure. The bulk of the estate, as expected, was disposed upon Mr. Henry Dashwood, and with lifetime proprietary rights guaranteed to Mrs. Dashwood and handsome bequeathments secured upon his three nieces. He meant not to be unkind, however, and, as a mark of his affection for young Harry, left him a pony and three thousand pounds.</div><div><div><br></div><div>Mr. John Dashwood’s disappointment was at first severe, but his temper was cheerful and sanguine, and he might reasonably hope that neither of his parents should live for many more years, carriage accidents being common and influenza on the rise. In the meantime, it was decided that the pony had better be left at Norland, where it could cause no additional strain to his own purse (the three thousand pounds were not found similarly burdensome), and where Harry might frequently visit to try the charms of his lisp upon his grandparents and aunts. Yet before even two such sojourns could be achieved, Fortune proved a less fickle benefactor than man, and Mr. Henry Dashwood followed his predecessor to the grave only a twelfth month later.</div><div><br></div><div>Mr. John Dashwood was not an ill-disposed young man, unless to be rather coldhearted and selfish is to be ill-disposed, but he was, in general, well-respected, for he conducted himself with propriety in the discharge of his ordinary duties. Had he married a more amiable woman, he might have been made still more respectable than he was. He might even have been made amiable himself, for he was very young when he married and very fond of his wife, but Mrs. John Dashwood was a strong caricature of himself, yet more narrow-minded and selfish. Though she, too, was severely disappointed, her hopes of a speedy ascendance to the title of Mistress of Norland rather dashed, she was, nevertheless, quite quick to see the possible advantages in their current circumstances, and well-versed in how to make the most of status and position as she was, had no hesitation in inquiring what her husband intended to do for his poor suffering mother and sisters. Four women, she argued, living alone in isolation must have need of masculine guidance.</div><span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/the-ladies-of-norland-excerpt-giveaway.html#more">READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP >>></a>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-36335163721861889612021-08-20T08:00:00.009-04:002021-08-20T08:00:00.316-04:00Transforming Mr. Darcy Excerpt & Giveaway from Melanie Rachel!<div>The following is an excerpt from Melanie Rachel's upcoming release, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3jlQ6rk" target="_blank">Transforming Mr Darcy</a></i>, out next week. Make sure to click through to enter to win a copy, and if you haven't done so already, you can also enter to win a copy plus 5 other books in the <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/giveaway-fantasy-reads-for-austen-fans.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Reads for Austen Fans prize pack</a>!</div><div><b> </b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TSz4bo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Transforming Mr Darcy, Melanie Rachel, Pride and Prejudice retelling, jane austen retelling, Austen in August, The Book Rat" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pAU3Q7ANS.jpg" title="Book cover for Melanie Rachel's "Transforming Mr Darcy"" width="266"></a></div><b>What if Elizabeth Bennet had a fairy godmother?</b><br><div><br></div><div>Elizabeth Bennet is envious of her sister Jane. Not for her beauty or her disposition, but because her fairy godmother is everything that Elizabeth's is not. </div><div><br></div><div>When Mr. Darcy insults Elizabeth’s looks, Mildread Driftwort is incensed to hear her handiwork defamed. Now, instead of nursing the grievance herself, Elizabeth is forced to defend this conceited man who has no idea what he’s done. </div><div><br></div><div>Fitzwilliam Darcy is scandalized to witness Miss Elizabeth Bennet speaking to herself at a country assembly. After refusing to dance with her, he begins to experience a variety of inexplicable illnesses. He can’t sleep, he can’t speak, he can’t even walk. Then something even worse befalls him—he discovers he is falling in love with her.</div><div><br></div><div>Despite Elizabeth’s warning, Mr. Darcy commits blunder after blunder. Yet as she works to mitigate Mildread’s wrath, Elizabeth realizes that Mr. Darcy is not the unmannerly oaf her fairy godmother believes him to be—and though she is certain nothing can come of it, she is falling in love with him. </div><div><br></div><div>As magic swirls and the couple faces impending disaster, Elizabeth finds that Mr. Darcy may not be the only one who is transformed.</div><div><br></div><div>This is a fluffy, funny, fairy-tale <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> variation novella of approximately 30,000 words.</div><div><br></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>CHAPTER ONE</b></h2><div><br></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elizabeth Bennet gazed at her sister Jane with a wistful sort of envy. She was not envious because Jane was kind and intelligent as well as uncommonly beautiful. No, Elizabeth had benefitted from her sister’s generous nature too often to bemoan her own shortcomings in comparison to Jane’s. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was her sister’s fairy godmother that Elizabeth coveted. If it were a sin to do so, she could only pray that she would be forgiven, for it could not be helped. She <i>had </i>tried.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Priscilla Roseheart hovered near Jane as Sir William conducted introductions between the Bennet ladies and the Netherfield party. Elizabeth’s eyes strayed to Priscilla more than once. She could not help it—Priscilla was a vision, ethereal in a translucent white gown trimmed in shimmery pink ribbons, golden tresses flowing over her shoulders, translucent wings barely seeming to move as they held her aloft. She even held a delicate silver wand in her hand.</div><div><br></div><div><span> </span><span> </span>Mr. Bingley, Netherfield’s newest tenant, was a perfect match for her perfect sister—Elizabeth could see it in Priscilla’s beatific smile. Jane was not paying any attention at all to her fairy godmother. There was no need. Priscilla neither wished for nor required any management on Jane’s part. </div><span></span><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/transforming-mr-darcy-excerpt-giveaway.html#more">READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP >>></a>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-7096888830648355092021-08-20T00:00:00.007-04:002021-08-20T00:00:00.318-04:00Scents & Sensibility Movie Review from Beth!<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Beth joins us again today to review a modern retelling of <i>Sense & Sensibility</i>, the brilliantly-titled -- you guessed it -- <b><i>Scents</i> </b><i>and Sensibility.</i>.. I'll leave the critiquing up to Beth, but I will only add, having seen this movie: it still pops into my head unbidden that one character makes lotion with fruits and cream and no apparent preservatives, and all I can picture is her selling rotting, moldy lotion, and I just... <div>Anyway, take it away, Beth! </div></blockquote><div><div><br /><hr />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scdn.nflximg.net/images/2600/11062600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="scents and sensibility, sense and sensibility, austen in august, movie review, hallmark romance, the book rat, austen august, jane austen adaptations, jane austen movies" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://scdn.nflximg.net/images/2600/11062600.jpg" title="Movie poster for Scents and Sensibility" width="266" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">A</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">daptation of: <u>Sense and Sensibility</u></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M0ebl0TtqzM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">N</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">otable Changes:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Marianne is newly graduated with an English degree, Elinor is a financier (in her father's firm).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Marianne and John (Willoughby) are dating when the movie starts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Henry Dashwood is arrested by the FBI for fraud (not killed off), which works well because all accounts are frozen, assets seized, etc. as well as dad out of the picture indefinitely.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Mrs. Dashwood and Margaret are shuffled off scene, living with a friend while Marianne and Elinor live in the large house by themselves.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Franny is Elinor's employer, Lucy is a coworker.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Colonel Brandon is young, attractive, and helpful and Marianne is immediately attracted to him.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Edward and Elinor have a flirty thing going on from the first.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Franny is massively in debt.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Marianne is mature and easygoing; Elinor is flirty. What is happening here?</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/sgp-catalog-images/region_US/0ll1f-354678-Full-Image_GalleryBackground-en-US-1529951084845._SX1080_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/sgp-catalog-images/region_US/0ll1f-354678-Full-Image_GalleryBackground-en-US-1529951084845._SX1080_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">houghts: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">I don't think this is a Sense and Sensibility adaptation so much as an 'inspired by' sort of situation- not so much for the changes in plot, but for the almost complete and total shift in every character. The motivations and personality of all the main characters are noticeably different. And the whole movie focuses on meet-cute modern romance more than the original story.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://assets.cdn.moviepilot.de/files/222dc0171552681a13b0e0ab8f744097991df3141a5d793c1519b6eba7f9/limit/780/439/scents-and-sensibility-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="780" height="225" src="https://assets.cdn.moviepilot.de/files/222dc0171552681a13b0e0ab8f744097991df3141a5d793c1519b6eba7f9/limit/780/439/scents-and-sensibility-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">Elinor and Marianne's dynamic is <b>off</b>. The big drama is that Marianne lied to Elinor about job openings where she works and it...doesn't fly with logic? But that doesn't stop the angst! Also, how does one lie about their last name when legally employed? You have to fill out an I-9 and you get paychecks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">There's also a lot of Rich White Girl Whinging about how hard life is for them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/d1/3a/e7d13a435586b16cb6a8ba62203871f4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="720" height="346" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/d1/3a/e7d13a435586b16cb6a8ba62203871f4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Great Vibes; font-size: x-large;">V</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">erdict: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;">This Hallmark Romance movie has the emotional depth and character development of a cashew. It bears very, very little resemblance to the source material.</span></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="133" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1527895062p8/3703880.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>About the author of this post: I'm Beth: a bookwyrm, history geek, hobby baker, Austen fan, and collector of pastimes. Henry Tilney and Elizabeth Bennet are my Austen fictional crushes, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about me. I can be found blogging at <a href="https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/">https://bethwyrm.blogspot.com/</a> and creating general nonsense at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/">https://www.instagram.com/goddessbeth/</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi">https://www.tiktok.com/@artemishi</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi">https://twitter.com/ArtemisHi</a>.<div>Find more posts from Beth <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/search/label/printcess" target="_blank">here</a>. </div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jane Austen, Austen in August, blog event, Jane Austen fan fiction, JAFF, The Book Rat, BookRatMisty" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysj67UpQDm4/W04ml4pd22I/AAAAAAAAFmk/9MfvFk_8Lj8xMs8bcBsVqsfYI757hVSfQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/AIA%2Bbanner%2B2018%2Bwkday.png" title="Austen in August" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-22757921381737997542021-08-19T12:00:00.006-04:002021-08-19T12:00:00.196-04:00Excerpt & Giveaway: So Material a Change by Amy D'Orazio!<div>Yesterday, Amy D'Orazio <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/the-jargon-of-jane-guest-post-amy-dorazio.html" target="_blank">stopped by to chat about the "Jargon of Jane," </a>which may or may not be cheugy, the jury's still out. Today, she's back, sharing an excerpt of her upcoming book, <i>So Material A Change</i> -- and giving you a chance to win a copy! Make sure to click through to read the full excerpt and enter to win!</div><hr><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Material-Change-Amy-DOrazio-ebook/dp/B09C8QCSCB?crid=39CY6XSU6V9NN&dchild=1&keywords=so+material+a+change&qid=1629337145&sprefix=so+material+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thbora-20&linkId=14f45ec442e312d7a8fb71eff1d7a17e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09C8QCSCB&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thbora-20&language=en_US" width="201"></a><div>As Elizabeth required very little time to eat her toast and fruit, it was soon thereafter that she found herself fetching bonnet and gloves from her room in accordance with Mr Darcy’s plan for a walk.</div><div><br></div><div><i>What is he about? He appeared almost friendly, and I daresay I saw a smile from him. Very odd behaviour. What could he mean by it? I must, of course, reprove his familiarity with me. It was highly improper.</i></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thbora-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B09C8QCSCB" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1"><div>Although she had taken no more than a few minutes to retrieve her things, she returned to find Darcy pacing the vestibule at the front of the house. His agitation was clear as he made his way back and forth across the marble floor, his steps sharp and firm.</div><div><br></div><div>He said nothing as he held out his arm to her. She took it, allowing him to lead her out of the house and into the gardens. When they had gone a reasonable distance from the house, he spoke.</div><div><br></div><div>“Elizabeth, I find myself in a position where it is necessary for us to marry.”</div><div><br></div><div>Shock caused Elizabeth to stumble, and she tightened her grip on his arm to steady herself. This made Mr Darcy flash a brief smile at her—did he think she did it purposely?</div><div><br></div><div>“I know this might seem surprising to you, and indeed it is to me as well. I could never have supposed that I would offer for a lady of such low origins, humble breeding, and lack of fortune. However, I wish to assure you that although you bring little to the marriage, I have no intention of regarding you as any less because of it. As Mrs Darcy, you will want for nothing, and you will have no cause to repine.”</div><span></span></div><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/excerpt-giveaway-so-material-change-amy-dorazio.html#more">READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP >>></a>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-55469317613995854702021-08-19T00:00:00.004-04:002021-08-19T00:00:00.195-04:00The Language of Flowers: Guest post and GIVEAWAY from Christina Boyd!<div>When I was a kid (a weird little kid), one of my most prized possessions was a book about the "language of flowers," specifically, the secretive and often-absurd Victorian system of using flowers and bouquets to communicate "secret" messages. Somewhere along the years, I lost it, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm still super bummed about that. </div><div>But today, Christina Boyd is making up for it, at least a little bit, but talking all about the language of flowers. Check it out below, and make sure to click through to enter to win the winner's choice giveaway she's offered up at the end!</div><br><hr><h2 style="text-align: left;">“The Language of Flowers: If Only Mr. Darcy Had Sent Red Roses” by Christina Boyd</h2><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-style: italic;">“I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,”' said Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.” </b><b>(Chapter 31)</b></span><b> </b></div><div><br></div><div>Have you heard of the language of flowers? As far back as the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese, flower symbolism has been used in myths, folklore, sonnets, and plays. During the 1800s, this silent dialogue of flowers was elevated to an art form. Flower bouquets were arranged to send particular messages. If you learned the language, you might be able to decipher the code.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s294xfJNSPI/YRxw0v2tbzI/AAAAAAAASE0/qtppczIi2dMF1PfZzxToJeK7IM8kNWgLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s294xfJNSPI/YRxw0v2tbzI/AAAAAAAASE0/qtppczIi2dMF1PfZzxToJeK7IM8kNWgLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sunflower.jpg" width="240"></a></div>We first met Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of <i>Pride & Prejudice</i> at the Meryton assembly where his first impression is anything but stellar as Miss Elizabeth Bennet overhears him insult her. He is judged the <b><i>"proudest most disagreeable man in the world"</i></b> and from then on, Elizabeth is set against him; almost every occasion when they meet thereafter, his words are colored by her unfavorable opinion. </div><div><br></div><div>Darcy later admits he is not easy with new acquaintances, and I can’t help but think if only Darcy had understood the language of flowers, he might have done better with Miss Elizabeth earlier on. Except for the Meryton assembly. Deciphering the language of flowers to understand his character that evening was not necessary. <i>Haughty</i>. No need for him to wear a sunflower in his buttonhole—we got it in one.</div><span></span><a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/language-of-flowers-post-givaway-christina-boyd.html#more">READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP >>></a>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-63807504580165819722021-08-18T12:00:00.002-04:002021-08-18T12:00:00.392-04:00Mega Austen in August Prize Pack #2!<span style="font-size: large;">It's MEGA PRIZE PACK TIME AGAIN!!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you didn't already, make sure to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/08/mega-austen-in-august-prize-pack-1.html" target="_blank">check out our first Mega Prize Pack</a> (US only); if you've already entered that, let's move on to... </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB78vIAonRQ/YRxUaZkUTNI/AAAAAAAASEg/t2zFgo4w4cAs00JKcRo2v3vT3jQcqxH6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/F939504C-466E-4C10-92CF-65E494CAEFBA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1251" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB78vIAonRQ/YRxUaZkUTNI/AAAAAAAASEg/t2zFgo4w4cAs00JKcRo2v3vT3jQcqxH6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w390-h640/F939504C-466E-4C10-92CF-65E494CAEFBA.png" width="390" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
****GIVEAWAY**** </span></b></div><div>Our bevy of bodacious Austen author-babes are at it again, back with another mega prize pack for you to win! And this time, it's international!</div><div>One lucky winner will receive:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ebook of <a href="https://amzn.to/3iSdbme" target="_blank">choice</a> from Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Audiobook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3AW4YUx" target="_blank">1932</a> </i>by Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Audiobook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3xQmlUE" target="_blank">Undeceived</a> </i>by Karen M. Cox!</li><li>Ebook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/37Rya2n">Being Mrs. Bennet</a></i> by Alexa Adams!</li><li>Audiobook of <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2790614306320534072/6380750458016581972#" target="_blank">choice</a> from Quills & Quartos Publishing!</li><li>Ebook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3k0fbsc" target="_blank">Miss Darcy's Beaux</a></i> by Eliza Shearer!</li><li>Ebook of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3sssntB" target="_blank">Miss Price's Decision</a> </i>by Eliza Shearer!</li><li>Paperback of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3yZV1oc" target="_blank">Austensibly Ordinary</a></i> by Alyssa Goodnight!</li><li>Set of 8 novelty <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/889108277/8-silly-austen-inspired-magazine-cover?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Austen notecards</a> from Christina Boyd!</li><li>Set of Austen-inspired sticker sheets from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildprairiepaperie/" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Paperie</a> (that's me!)</li></ul> To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Full terms can be found within the Rafflecopter. Please do not leave any emails or sensitive info in the comments.</div><div>Good luck!<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790614306320534072.post-15005086600913334052021-08-18T00:00:00.010-04:002021-08-18T00:00:00.227-04:00The Jargon of Jane | guest post from Amy D'Orazio<div>Amy D'Orazio joins us today with a very non-cheugy post about jargon and slang in Jane Austen's day. Take it away, Amy!</div><hr><div><br /></div><div>Recently I was driving with my two daughters, both of whom are card-carrying members of Generation Z (born 1997-2012). In the course of our conversation I (somewhat proudly) referred to someone I did not like as being “cheugy” (pronounced choo-gee). I was not 100% sure what cheugy meant actually, but I knew it was hip and young, and thus felt for sure that it made me look hip and young to say it. Hey, mom knows the culture, right? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f7oqgZgEYw/YRu2R5gsWFI/AAAAAAAASDU/kyxSjOuUI3gFsKUcEB53zACXRmmy9_jaQCPcBGAYYCw/s358/ad1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="358" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f7oqgZgEYw/YRu2R5gsWFI/AAAAAAAASDU/kyxSjOuUI3gFsKUcEB53zACXRmmy9_jaQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/ad1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>All my pretensions to coolness came to a screeching halt almost immediately. In their younger teen years, they might have been embarrassed or rolled their eyes are me. Instead, they looked at me and then each other with these soft, indulgent sort of looks. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 1:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mom just said cheugy</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 2: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I know, its so cute</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 1: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She probably has no idea what it means</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is where I interrupted to protest hotly that yes, I knew exactly what it meant.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 2:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What do you think it means then?</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Me:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wellllll…you know its like…um </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 1:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She has no clue. Aww Mom!</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter 2:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cheugy is over now. Once it hits the moms, we’re done</div><div><br /></div><div>As it turns out cheugy is a word popularized on TikTok and it means you’re outdated, untrendy, and/or trying too hard. So by saying cheugy, I was being the very essence of cheugy… I guess? </div><div><br /></div><div>So what does any of this have to do with Austen? Well, it brings me to one of my favorite things to do when I am writing a new story, and that is sprinkle about some fun, hopefully authentic, regency-era slang. </div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly most of what we consider “regency” slang is, in truth, derived from the works of Georgette Heyer (all of which were published between 1921-1974). Words like light-skirt, land a facer, ape-drunk, and dicked in the nob are certainly fun phrases but they do not appear to be in use during the regency era. (Some say that Georgette Heyer purposely inserted her own words and regency inaccuracies into her stories so she’d know if other authors were trying to copy her…I don’t know enough about Heyer to say if thats true or not!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dloNonlSK6g/YRu2R5K4dqI/AAAAAAAASDY/M_BlmcGdkykT3jnUaOhNZzkj9JW4QmOVwCPcBGAYYCw/s506/ad2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="506" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dloNonlSK6g/YRu2R5K4dqI/AAAAAAAASDY/M_BlmcGdkykT3jnUaOhNZzkj9JW4QmOVwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h276/ad2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So what to do for true regency authenticity? Two great resources are below; of them the 1811 dictionary of the vulgar tongue is generally free in kindle format or you can download a PDF through google books (Legally! Its in the public domain!) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have both of these books and refer to them often as I am writing</div><div><br /></div><div>Another great resource is the Google Ngram viewer (. It will tell you when something was first in use and also give you a link to the book where it was used. So for example I checked out “bang up to the mark” which is often credited to Georgette Heyer BUT… I learned its actually not as it was used in an 1810 volume of the Sporting Magazine, evidently to describe the prizes for a race.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUqz3Srj4-U/YRu2R989k-I/AAAAAAAASDc/7OPwAKSHzegXjypXQjGxgwXYbo81oSonwCPcBGAYYCw/s580/ad3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="580" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUqz3Srj4-U/YRu2R989k-I/AAAAAAAASDc/7OPwAKSHzegXjypXQjGxgwXYbo81oSonwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h173/ad3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So what are some of my favorite, regency slang phrases that I’ve found during my digging? My list is below… I haven’t been able to work them all into my books just yet, but I am trying! </div><div><br /></div><div>Bang up to the mark! — wonderful, just the thing</div><div>Cock-a-whoop — elated or really excited about something</div><div>Friday faced — really miserable about something. This came about because Friday was historically a day of abstinence</div><div>Gollumpus — a large clumsy boy or man</div><div>Gold Finder — a person whose job it was to go around emptying out necessary houses. AKA Tom Turd Finder</div><div>Hang an arse — to hesitate</div><div>Hocks — dirty feet</div><div>Milk the pigeon — to attempt the impossible</div><div>The Masters Thingumbob — the testicles</div><div>Pisses more than he drinks — brags without cause</div><div>Foreman of the jury - someone who talks about themselves too much</div><div>Nip cheese — miser </div><div>Tweaguey— peevish</div><div>Mushrooms — “new money” or a family that has risen suddenly to prominence</div><div><br /></div><div>Stupid: Mutton-headed, pudding-headed, addle-pated, gudgeon, nick ninny, sap skull, pig widgeon</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>——-</div><div>Amy D’Orazio is the author of seven Austenesque novels or novellas and has contributed short stories to four anthologies. You can find them at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/amydorazio">https://www.amazon.com/author/amydorazio</a>. So Material a Change will be released in October 2021. You can preorder it here:</div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Material-Change-Amy-DOrazio-ebook/dp/B09C8QCSCB">https://www.amazon.com/So-Material-Change-Amy-DOrazio-ebook/dp/B09C8QCSCB</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Click here to <a href="http://www.thebookrat.com/2021/07/austen-in-august-schedule-2021.html" target="_blank">return to the master list</a> of Austen in August posts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11436497955518156688noreply@blogger.com9