“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! — When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” –Miss Bingley, Pride and Prejudice
Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. She teaches college writing and literature classes and gives talks at local book clubs, libraries, and literary groups. Rachel is a regular contributor to Jane Austen’s World blog, Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine, and various other literary and faith-based blogs and online magazines. She was the keynote speaker at the Sacramento Public Library’s “How Austentatious!” series, Notable Books series, and 2014 Jane Austen Birthday Tea.
Rachel is a graduate of the University of Southern California (B.A. in English and public relations) and California State University, Sacramento (M.A. in English literature). She wrote her Master’s Thesis on etiquette in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and won the 2005 Dominic J. Bazzanella Literary Award in non-fiction for “Pictures of (Im)perfection: Jane Austen’s ‘Delightful’ Elizabeth Bennet.” She is an active member of Inspire Writers, JASNA, JASNA Greater Sacramento, and the L.M. Montgomery Institute.
A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ball gowns. When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her hanging out with her husband and kids, walking her dog, or watching period dramas.
Rachel Says: “I fell in love with books listening to my mother read—in our home, at the doctor’s office, in the middle of the night when I had the chicken pox. My grandmother was a children’s book author, my parents were both reading specialists and school teachers, so I guess you could say that I grew up in a world filled with books!”
Blog Articles: Rachel blogs about classic books, what great books teach us, and the Christian faith. You can also follow Rachel at Jane Austen’s World, where she writes about Jane Austen’s life and novels.
Speaking Engagements: Rachel enjoys speaking about a variety of topics, including writing, marketing for writers, Jane Austen, classic literature, and what great books teach us, as well as faith topics including prayer journaling, prayer walking, finding God’s purpose in your life, using your gifts to serve Jesus, and developing your personal devotional life. To book Rachel for a speaking engagement, click here.
Kindred Spirit Books: For kindred spirit book recommendations, follow Rachel here or on Instagram at @kindredspiritbooks. Her interests cover beloved girlhood classics, literary works (both old and new), and Christian non fiction (including her favorite genre–biographies of missionaries and other Christian heroes).
Representation: Rachel Dodge is represented by Janet Grant, President & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency.
Beverly Mayo
October 12, 2018 at 1:24 pmHello Rachel,
I met you at the wonderful AGM in Kansas City. I bought two books and wish I had bought more (for my sister:) I gifted my extra book to a strong woman leader in our community. The very next day, she joined JASNA!! I know you met many people so I will give you a hint of who I am. I came by your table with my mother. We are from Florida. Maybe that will jog your memory:)
I took a picture of my JA doll with your book and I thought you might like to see it. I wanted to send it to you but I could not find a way to send it. Just let me now if you want to see it.
Thanks again for writing “Praying with Jane.”
Faith Sommers
January 5, 2020 at 5:37 pmI don’t see an address but I want to tell you THANK You for writing “Praying with Jane.” My friend met you, and presented me with a signed copy. It was a true inspiration to me and encouraged my faith. God bless you!
Mary Kennedy
March 21, 2023 at 7:49 amDearest Rachel,
I know we are kindred spirits because we seem to love the same books and the same God. I am deeply enjoying my Anne of Green Gables devotional. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am looking forward to rekindling my friendship with Jane very soon. May God continue to bless your faith and your writing ministry for kindred spirits like me. ~Mary
Cathy Garcia
May 4, 2023 at 6:41 amI recently discovered your books. What a treasure they are. How I would love to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with you, sharing God’s love and presence. Thank you for following Gods leading and sharing your heart with us
Rachel Dodge
May 7, 2023 at 6:14 amThank you, Cathy! It’s so lovely to hear from you. I love that idea!
Rebecca
August 17, 2023 at 2:10 pmHi Rachel, my name is Rebecca and I came upon your name from a blog that chance brought me to whilst researching books for a book club: the blog I had found originally was austensandalcots and Gracie Charmichel. I have since purchased all of your devotionals for my four “little women” however I am unable to find Gracie’s blog anymore. Do you have her contact info as I am not on Facebook or Instagram or any social media. Best wishes