On January 9, 1773, Jane Austen’s older sister Cassandra Austen was born – 250 years ago – and Austen fans are celebrating her life worldwide! The two Austen sisters were nearly inseparable, from the time Jane was born until she passed away. She was the yin to Austen’s yang . . . or to put… Continue reading Cassandra Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Category: Bookish
Gothic Settings in Northanger Abbey and Misselthwaite Manor
If you’re looking for mysterious, gothic settings in British literature, Northanger Abbey (NA) by Jane Austen and The Secret Garden (TSG) by Frances Hodgson Burnett are interesting novels to compare. While it’s unclear if Burnett was influenced by Austen, but it’s clear she was influenced by the gothic romances of that era. Both authors write… Continue reading Gothic Settings in Northanger Abbey and Misselthwaite Manor
12 Days of Christmas Giveaway
I’m thrilled to be partnering with an amazing group of bookish creatives for the annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Event! This year we are giving away 12 beautiful gifts totaling over $300! Here’s how it works! CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway. And then every single day between December 1 through December 12, we… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway
“Christmas at Highbury” Jane Austen Box on Sale!
I’m delighted to share that the theme of the new Regency Marketplace Jane Austen Box is “Christmas In Highbury”! These specialty boxes are an absolute treat and make the perfect gift for the Jane Austen fans in your life! If you missed my review of the lovely Autumn in Chawton Box I received, you can… Continue reading “Christmas at Highbury” Jane Austen Box on Sale!
Ode to My Favorite Literary Mamas
Happy Mother’s Day, Kindred Spirits! Who are you most favorite literary mothers? There are so many mothers and mother figures I look up to in my favorite books, but I have to give a special shout out to these special literary mamas: Marilla Cuthbert Marilla Cuthbert might be strict, pragmatic, and stiff, but she has… Continue reading Ode to My Favorite Literary Mamas
Finding Comfort in Jane Austen
When the world is topsy-turvy and our hearts are heavy, many of us find comfort in books. And there’s something special in particular about the beauty of Austen’s novels, in the richness of the movie adaptations, and even in the thought of the lovely Hampshire countryside, secluded and beautiful, tucked away and secure. The world… Continue reading Finding Comfort in Jane Austen
Guest Post: Gracie Carmichael of Austens & Alcotts
The following are excerpts from a wonderful blog (and Etsy shop) called Austens & Alcotts, a literary site run by artist Gracie Carmichael, that is especially perfect for Kindred Spirits who love classic literature. The article, “Gleaming Jewels of Alcott-ian Wisdom in The Little Women Devotional,” ran earlier this month. Here’s Gracie: Dear kindred spirit,… Continue reading Guest Post: Gracie Carmichael of Austens & Alcotts
Merry Christmas, Anne!
I have another Anne of Green Gables-inspired book by Kallie George to share with you just in time for Christmas. This time, it’s a sweet picture book all about Christmas with Anne Shirley called Merry Christmas, Anne. If there’s a kindred spirit or bosom friend on your shopping list this year, this book will make… Continue reading Merry Christmas, Anne!