Rachel Dodge's Blog, page 12

Do you have a special spot in your house where you love to curl up? When I’m on deadline, I sometimes practically tie myself to the desk in my office and stay there for hours and days just to get the work done. I sit in a straight-backed chair with plenty of good lighting and a tall glass of water. I don’t listen to music or eat snacks. I don’t stop for breaks. I just write.

It’s terrible—but it works!

Now just in case you’re thinking, wow, that’s a really depressing start for a “my favorite writing spot” article, let me assure you that there’s another place where I like to write that’s much more enjoyable. It’s the place where I can dream and draft and scribble. It’s where I find my inspiration and my joy. It’s where I go when I need to journal, think, pray, or jot down notes. It’s my dreaming chair.

My dreaming chair is a cozy greenish chair that sits by the big picture window in my front room. There, I have plenty of natural light, a place to put up my feet, a pillow for my back, and a soft cozy blanket to drape over my legs.

Best of all, my dreaming chair has a dreamy friend—my little dog, Diogee (as in “D-O-G”). He’s a fluffy Cavapoo who loves nothing better than a good snuggle. His day isn’t complete if we haven’t had some time in “our chair.” When he gets up in the morning, he jumps up there to rest and wait until I come sit down. When he sees me pick up my Bible, prayer journal, and notepad after breakfast, he wags his tail in excitement and moves over to make room.

And so this is how it works: I sit down, unfold my blanket, and get myself settled. Then Diogee gets on my lap, asks for a few good scratches behind his ears, and snuggles down on top of my legs. I set my things on his back and get to work, while he happily goes off to doggy dream land. (This is not a joke—he lets me use him as my desk!)

On mornings when I bring my laptop, we have to get more creative. I usually work a bit off to one side while he tucks himself further to the other side of the chair. Sometimes I bring my breakfast or a hot cup of tea with me. Every so often, Diogee goes outside for a romp and a bark session.

But that’s where we sit when we need to think deep thoughts. That’s where we do our best dreaming.

It’s comfy. It’s cozy. And it’s wonderful.

Thank you to Reading is My Superpower for sharing this article with your readers!
I always love guest posting for you!

Reader, now it’s your turn: Do you have your own cozy nook for reading, writing, and dreaming? Please tell me about it in the comments.

Grace and peace,
Rachel

Gift Ideas for Kindred Spirits

If you’d like to purchase a signed copy of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional or Praying with Jane, a prayer journal, or signed book plates for someone special, please visit my online Gift Shop!

The post “My Dreaming Chair” appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

I had the best time gushing about books and reading in this article for Dear Reader this week! They are also doing a really neat book giveaway for 3 winners. Here is an excerpt from the article. Enjoy!

This year–the year of “everything’s different” and “the only thing that’s open is nothing”–I find great comfort in the simple act of reading a book. There’s something so solid and unchanging about books. The world can turn upside-down, everything can close, school and work and church can become virtual, but my love of reading stays the same.

In fantasy worlds and time travel stories, in math and science, and even in our own personal lives, we need constants–fixed points that never change. For those of us who read, books can act as a constant in an ever-shifting world.

Don’t you love knowing you can pick up any book on your shelf and immediately be transported to another time and place? Depending on what book you open, you might find inspiration, escape, adventure, comfort, or healing. There’s nothing quite like it.

And this year more than ever, I find myself drawn to comfort reads–books I know and love. They provide a certain amount of reliability that I crave. I enjoy slipping back to a world I’ve already explored and meeting up with familiar characters. I like looking forward to my favorite parts; I like knowing it will all be okay in the end. […continue reading here…]

-Excerpt from “Books are my Constant” by Rachel Dodge for Dear Reader

Are books your constant? What types of books have you been reaching for this year?

Grace and peace,
Rachel

Gift Ideas for Kindred Spirits

If you’d like to purchase a signed copy of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional or Praying with Jane, a prayer journal, or signed book plates for someone special, please visit my online Gift Shop!

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The post Books Are My Constant appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! You can find the full tour schedule linked below.

Giveaway began at midnight November 30, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional with a pretty bookmark and a sticker!

US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Launch Page at JustRead

November 30
Adventurous Bookworm
EmpowerMoms

December 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys
Hallie Reads

December 2
The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Reading Is My SuperPower
Radiant Light

December 3
Our Whiskey Lullaby
A Modern Day Fairy Tale

December 4
Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
For Him and My Family

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Anne of Green Gables Devotional
Author: Rachel Dodge
Publisher: Barbour Books
Release Date: November 1, 2020
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Devotional

Devotional Inspiration Especially for Kindred Spirits

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.

This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dodge is the 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. Rachel teaches college English; speaks at libraries, literary groups, and teas; and writes for Jane Austen’s World. A true kindred spirit at heart, she loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. You can visit her at RachelDodge.com or on Instagram at @kindredspiritbooks.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The post Welcome to the Anne of Green Gables Devotional Blog Tour & Giveaway! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you as we enter the Advent Season. If you’re looking for gift ideas that will help nourish the lives of your friends and family this season, I’ve put together a few gift options.

Double Devotional 2-Pack: This set comes with 2 signed devotional books–Praying with Jane and The Anne of Green Gables Devotional. This set also comes complete with a prayer journal and bookmark.

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: This comes with a signed copy of the book plus a lovely bookmark and sticker set.

Praying with Jane Devotional: This comes with a signed copy of the book plus a pretty bookmark.

Prayer Journals: If you’re looking for prayer journals for your Bible study or small group, these Jane Austen silhouette journals are just the thing!

Signed Bookplates: If you already purchased copies of either devotional and want signed bookplates, you can get them here.

To view the entire Gift Shop, please click here.

All Gifts: Free Shipping to U.S. addresses. Order by December 12th to ensure Christmas delivery.

Special Thanks to Jen Smith @storybookstyle for the beautiful photo!

Grace and peace,
Rachel

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 

The post Black Friday/Cyber Monday Gift Sale! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Today is the “official” release of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional for Young Readers!

If your family is reading Anne of Green Gables or The Anne of Green Gables Devotional with younger children, you can follow along with these devotions I created especially for kids.

Details: Each daily entry has a thought for the day from a chapter of Anne of Green Gables, a Bible verse to read, and a prayer to pray. This downloadable/printable guide includes 40 mini devotions, color illustrations, and discussion questions.

This is a FREE 40-day devotional for kids that you can print or download to your phone, tablet, or computer.

DOWNLOAD HERE

I hope you enjoy growing in your faith with Anne Shirley!

Many blessings!
Rachel Dodge

Gift Ideas for Kindred Spirits

If you’d like to purchase a signed copy of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional book for someone special, please visit my online Gift Shop!

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Barbour Books
11.1.20



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[image error] Delivers Worldwide to over
160 countries

The post Anne of Green Gables Devotional for Young Readers – Mini Devo for Kids appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

In my article in Jane Austen’s World this month, I continue my series on Jane Austen’s Regency women. This time, we’re taking a look at the education of women in her novels. Who was the best-educated heroine? Who taught them and why? Find out here…

For the women of Jane Austen’s position in society, female education was formed mainly at home. While Austen and her sister Cassandra spent a short time away at school, the bulk of their education occurred in the Austen home. In Austen’s novels, we find an interesting variety of educational practices, depending on the home and income of the characters.

As Mr. Darcy famously said in Pride and Prejudice, a truly accomplished woman “must improve her mind by extensive reading” (ch. 8). In Mansfield Park, Edmund Bertram thinks reading, when “properly directed, must be an education in itself” (ch. 2) Thus, we must assume Austen agreed heartily with these opinions of reading as a vital part of a woman’s education. But what else do her novels tell us about the quality and quantity of education available to upper class women in her time?

Education:

In Austen’s day, the education of genteel women was comprised of a wide range of “accomplishments,” such art, music, dancing, religion, household management, languages, history, and literature. In most households, the education of daughters fell mainly to their mothers and governesses, though some went to private schools to learn certain subjects and accomplishments.

According to Miss Bingley, a truly accomplished woman “must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages.” She should also possess “a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved” (ch. 8).

However, we must keep in mind that educational practices for girls differed greatly from that of boys and varied by family, rank, and income. While some families did place value on book learning for their daughters, most families put greater emphasis on the “ornamental” accomplishments of the day. But what did a female education encompass in Austen’s fictional families? What and by whom were her female characters taught?

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (1995)



Pride and Prejudice

In Pride and Prejudice, the Bingley sisters were “educated in one of the first private seminaries in town,” where they most likely focused on ornamental accomplishments (ch. 4). Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, had a governess called Mrs. Younge.

In contrast, Mrs. Bennet seems rather deficient in the education of her daughters: She did not engage a governess, did not ensure that all her girls learned to play and sing, and did not take her daughters “to town every spring” to study art under the “benefit of masters” (ch. 29).

Keep This Article Reading Here!



My new devotional book is now available!
Preorder your copy today!



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160 countries



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The post “Improve her mind”: A Survey of Female Education in Jane Austen’s Novels appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

My new devotional book The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits releases today with Barbour Books!! It’s now available online and in bookstores.

If you ordered your book on Amazon, you may have received a notification that it won’t arrive until late December. That is incorrect. Your delivery date should update very soon. Thank you for your patience!

Devotional Inspiration Especially for Kindred Spirits

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.

This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

If you’d like to purchase an autographed copy of the book OR if you’d like to get a signed bookplate, please click here.

Please share this with all your kindred spirit friends!

Grace and peace,
Rachel

“It’s a million times nicer to be Anne of Green Gables than Anne of nowhere in particular, isn’t it?” —Anne Shirley

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Barbour Books
11.1.20
Order your copy today!



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[image error] Delivers Worldwide to over
160 countries

The post Happy Release Day: The Anne of Green Gables Devotional is Available Now! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Hello, dear readers! This is Part 2 of an article I wrote for Jane Austen’s World . If you’ve ever wanted to know more about how Jane Austen’s heroines spent their evenings, this is for you!

In Part 1 of this series, we learned about the “morning” portion of a Regency woman’s day including pre-breakfast activities, breakfast foods and drinks, social calls, midday refreshments, and dressing for dinner. Now, we’ll explore the evening portion.

Evening: As we said last time, the typical Regency day consisted of two parts: “morning” and “evening.” Evenings were marked by changing clothes for dinner. For Jane Austen and the heroines in her novels, evenings varied greatly depending on where they were and who they were with. Evenings at home were usually quiet and modest; the Austen family enjoyed reading and talking together in the evening when they were home. Evenings out in company were lively and filled with dinners, games, and dances.

Dinner: Dinner was the largest and most formal meal of the day for people of Austen’s day and proper etiquette was essential. The timing of dinner moved later during Austen’s life, settling at six or seven. It was considered fashionable to delay dinner. The later the meal, the more candles needed; thus, affluent families could afford later dinners.

In company and at home, evening attire was more formal than day wear. Dinners at home tended to be more simple, with one course instead of two. This is undoubtedly when young girls learned proper mealtime etiquette from their mothers. For dinners in company, the food was as “lavish as the host’s budget allowed” (All Things Austen 147).

When dinner was served in company, guests walked into the dining room in couples, with the rank of the ladies determining the order in which they entered: “Where rank was equal, married women went before single women, and older ladies took precedence” (133). Once in the dining room, the hostess sat at the top of the table, the host at the bottom.  The “pre-eminent male guest was seated on the hostess’ right hand, the chief female guest at the host’s right” (134).

Dinner with Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Pride and Prejudice, 2005.

Dinner Courses: The first course was comprised of a variety of dishes including joints of meat and boiled or roasted fowl. There was always soup and very often a whole fish.  When these were removed, the second course was brought out. For the second course, the same amount of dishes were served, with new meat perhaps, but “the emphasis this time round was on the lighter savoury concoctions like fricassees and patties, together with a selection of fruit tarts, jellies and cream puddings” (43).

Two courses were served in grand households every day and in ordinary households when there was company. We see this in Pride and Prejudice: “Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask [Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy] to stay and dine;” however, though she always “kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.” (PP)

After the second course was removed, the cloth was cleared and dessert was brought out.  Dessert was usually served with wine and included “tidbits which could be eaten using the fingers” such as “dried fruits, nuts and sweet and spicy confections.” (ATA)

Interestingly, food was not passed around the table as we might do today. Men helped women to the dishes within reach, but servants did not take dishes around the table to serve each guest (as we might see, for example, in Downton Abbey). Sometimes a popular dish might be duplicated on both ends of the table but not always.

After dinner: At home, people often took walks and spent their time after dinner less formally. However, in company, the ladies retired after dinner to the drawing room, again in order of rank. The men stayed behind to drink port and talk uninhibited.

“If this was the hour most looked forward to by many of the men, it could be the most tedious hour for the women, thrown on their own resources in the drawing-room, with neither alcohol nor male company to inspirit the scene.”
-Maggie Lane, Jane Austen and Food

We certainly see this occur in Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s drawing room: “When the ladies returned to the drawing room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermissions till coffee came in” (PP).

Tea: Tea was taken once the men rejoined the women. The ladies poured coffee and tea, and usually some light refreshment was given, such as cake or toast. Men would approach the women for a cup, which often allowed conversations to spark. It’s not surprising that everyone looked forward to this portion of the evening, especially unmarried people.

Evening Entertainment: After tea, at home and in company, men and women spent the evening together. At home, they might read out loud, play the piano, sew, write letters, or read. At Netherfield when Elizabeth is staying to care for Jane, many important scenes and conversations occur in the drawing room after dinner. Mr. Darcy uses that time to write to his sister and read books, while Miss Bingley uses her time trying to get his attention.

In company, music was often performed, as we see in Emma and Sense and Sensibility with playing and singing. In Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford plays the harp. Cards and games like whist and lottery were also enjoyed by all once the tea table was cleared. At a private ball or at a large enough party in a home, there was usually dancing.

Supper: If a woman’s stays weren’t already about to burst after several courses of dinner, dessert, and tea time, there was supper to look forward to at the end of the evening. At home and in small gatherings, it was a simple meal laid on a smaller table in the drawing room where everyone was gathered. At a ball or larger gathering, supper was a much more substantial meal and must include soup.

Austen herself was known for staying out until the wee hours of the morning after a dance or party, which is why Regency women often slept later in the morning. When they arrived home, women retreated to their rooms. What a relief it must have been, after a long evening of eating, dancing, and socializing, to take down one’s hair, change out of one’s dress, petticoats, and stays, and slip into bed.

This is just a sample of the way Jane Austen’s Regency women might spend their evenings. Next month, we’ll look more closely at women’s issues of the time, such as female education and accomplishments, hygiene and beauty, fashion and cosmetics, and pregnancy and childbirth.

Food for thought: If you could spend an evening with Jane Austen, what activities would you most like to do?

My new devotional book releases November 1st!
Preorder your copy today!



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The post Jane Austen’s Regency Women: A Day in the Life, Part 2 (Evenings) appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

I love October. It’s the month when the leaves start to turn and the morning air finally feels crisp here in Northern California. It’s the time of year when I start to bake cinnamony apples in the oven and cover my front step with pumpkins. It’s also my birth month. When October hits, I get all the cozy feels, and can’t get enough of warm blankets, hot drinks, and chick flicks.

But this October, I’m fatigued. It’s the tenth month of 2020—a year that just seems to keep on going. I feel a bit worn down and beat up. It seems like every time I get my hopes up for a new season, that season gets trampled underfoot by more hard things.

Does this resonate with you, Kindred Spirit? Click on the link in my bio to read my latest article for The Glorious Table for a timely encouragement for this Fall season.

I chose to feature this photo because seeing this sign at Apple Hill, a favorite spot for Fall fun and apple treats near where I live, is a wonderful sight to behold. Is there anywhere special you like to visit each fall?

My new devotional book releases November 1st!
Preorder your copy today!



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The post Don’t Give Up: An Encouragement appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

My upcoming book The Anne of Green Gables Devotional releases November 1, 2020 with Barbour Books — and my book launch team is forming now!

Book Description

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
 
This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

Book Launch Team

I’m looking for a group of enthusiastic people who are active on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs, etc.) and are willing to help spread the word about the book. As part of my launch team, you can help me reach people I can’t reach on my own!

Launch Team Member Contributions:



Read  The Anne of Green Gables Devotional  during the month of November. (You’ll receive an early copy before anyone else!)Share about the book online and in person, before and after the launch, during October and November.Post a book review on retailer web sites (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook.com, etc.) and on sites like Goodreads by November 30.If you have a blog or are part of any online groups, share or review the book there.Tell your friends and family about the book.



Launch team members will enjoy the following perks:



A complimentary copy of  The Anne of Green Gables Devotional .Exclusive access to content, resources, photos, memes, updates, and announcements.Promotional items (think book mail), digital freebies, and entrance into weekly drawings for launch team giveaway items.Regular encouragement from me!

Thank you for your time and consideration!
Rachel xx

“It’s a million times nicer to be Anne of Green Gables than Anne of nowhere in particular, isn’t it?”
– Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

How to Join:

Please send an email to me: rachel at racheldodge dot com (all lower case) and let me know how to find you online and what you’d like to do to help promote the book. Space is limited!

Additional Details:



Book Launch date: November 1, 2020Publisher: Barbour BooksOfficial Launch Team dates: Mid-October through NovemberChristmas Elves: Option to help share (quick & easy) special holiday promotions and giveaways in December.Literary Representation: Janet Grant, Books & Such Literary Management Read the Book Description Here Read Rachel Dodge’s Bio Here

The post The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: Book Launch Team appeared first on Rachel Dodge.