Rachel Dodge's Blog, page 5

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 in a gothic style, but the story, tone, and message of each are quite different.

In particular, the gothic settings of the ancient British estates in each novel are worth considering.

Nightmarish Northanger

In NA, we hear about the Abbey before Catherine Morland ever sees it. Henry Tilney makes it sound mysterious and horrifying. Once Catherine is invited to visit, she hopes the Abbey will look like this:

[Northanger’s] long, damp passages, its narrow cells and ruined chapel, were to be within her daily reach, and she could not entirely subdue the hope of some traditional legends, some awful memorials of an injured and ill-fated nun.

Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen

In reality, Catherine’s first glimpse of the Abbey goes like this: “To pass between lodges of a modern appearance, to find herself with such ease in the very precincts of the abbey, and driven so rapidly along a smooth, level road of fine gravel, without obstacle, alarm, or solemnity of any kind, struck her as odd and inconsistent.” Once inside, Catherine is actually quite disappointed at how elegant and modern it all looks and continues to look for secrets and legends during her stay.

Mysterious Misselthwaite

In contrast, Mary Lennox’s experience at Misselthwaite Manor would probably be much more to Catherine’s liking. The house is described as “a grand big place in a gloomy way. . . The house is six hundred years old and it’s on the edge of the moor, and there’s near a hundred rooms in it, though most of them’s shut up and locked.” (TSG)

When Mary arrives, she feels more contrary than ever before, after her long drive across the bleak Yorkshire Moors:

They drove out of the vault into a clear space and stopped before an immensely long but low-built house which seemed to ramble round a stone court. At first Mary thought that there were no lights at all in the windows, but as she got out of the carriage she saw that one room in a corner upstairs showed a dull glow. The entrance door was a huge one made of massive, curiously shaped panels of oak studded with big iron nails and bound with great iron bars. It opened into an enormous hall, which was so dimly lighted that the faces in the portraits on the walls and the figures in the suits of armor made Mary feel that she did not want to look at them. As she stood on the stone floor she looked a very small, odd little black figure, and she felt as small and lost and odd as she looked.

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Surely, Catherine Morland would have loved to explore Misselthwaite and live in such a mysterious, haunted-looking place. However, while Catherine conjures up possible secrets and mysteries at the Abbey, it’s Mary who finds actual secrets at Misselthwaite: A locked, hidden garden, a rambling house with over a hundred uninhabited rooms, a cousin she’s never met, a hunchback uncle, and several family secrets that have been kept quiet for over a decade.

Gothic Imagination

Catherine’s first night at the Abbey looks like this, due to her overactive imagination:

Darkness impenetrable and immovable filled the room. A violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment. Catherine trembled from head to foot. In the pause which succeeded, a sound like receding footsteps and the closing of a distant door struck on her affrighted ear. Human nature could support no more. A cold sweat stood on her forehead, the manuscript fell from her hand, and groping her way to the bed, she jumped hastily in, and sought some suspension of agony by creeping far underneath the clothes.

Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen

In the morning, Catherine realizes that it was all her imagination and is a bit embarrassed and disappointed. She realizes that everything she dreamed up in the middle of the night is actually rather boring and ordinary in the light of day.

Childlike Curiosity

In contrast, while Mary isn’t looking for secrets, secrets come looking for her. On one of Mary’s first nights at Misselthwaite, something mysterious actually does happen:

“Do you hear anyone crying?” Mary said.

Martha suddenly looked confused.

“No,” she answered. “It’s th’ wind. Sometimes it sounds like as if someone was lost on th’ moor an’ wailin’. It’s got all sorts o’ sounds.”

“But listen,” said Mary. “It’s in the house—down one of those long corridors.”

And at that very moment a door must have been opened somewhere downstairs; for a great rushing draft blew along the passage and the door of the room they sat in was blown open with a crash, and as they both jumped to their feet the light was blown out and the crying sound was swept down the far corridor so that it was to be heard more plainly than ever.

“There!” said Mary. “I told you so! It is someone crying—and it isn’t a grown-up person.”

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary’s response is not one of fear but of curiosity. Later, as she explores the house on her own several times, she enjoys herself and isn’t one bit frightened to be alone. In fact, she rather enjoys it. And one night, after hearing the sounds of crying again, she walks through the dark corridors by herself and meets her cousin Colin, whom she never knew existed.

Differing Purposes

In both of these novels, we find a similar style of writing, but while Jane Austen pokes fun at gothic romance literature of the time period wherein her heroine frightens herself silly, Frances Hodgson Burnett creates a wonderfully mysterious world for Mary that isn’t actually scary at all.

Northanger and Misselthwaite each have the potential for scandal, mystery, and horror, but both are, in reality, country manors where families live out their daily dramas just like everyone else. The similarity of each is that there is more to each home than meets the eye. However, if I could choose one house to explore, I would visit Misselthwaite over Northanger any day!

It would be fun to compare the family histories of General Tilney and the Tilney family with Mr. Craven and the Craven family history, don’t you think? What similarities do you see?

Grace and peace,
Rachel xx

RACHEL DODGE teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Now Available: The Secret Garden Devotional!

The post Gothic Settings in Northanger Abbey and Misselthwaite Manor appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

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 it in Regency terms, she was the darning needle to Jane’s stockings, the saucer to her tea cup. If you love Jane, then you would have undoubtedly loved Cassandra!

A Friend and Companion

When Jane was born, her father famously wrote: “We have now another girl, a present plaything for her sister Cassy, and a future companion.”

Reverend Austen was right on both counts. When the girls were young, Jane was extremely attached to Cassandra. So much so that when Cassandra went away to school, Jane was allowed to go as well. Not because she was necessarily ready for school, but because, as their mother said, “if Cassandra’s head had been going to be cut off, Jane would have hers cut off too.”

As they grew up, the sisters became the closest of companions and the dearest of friends. Of particular note, Cassandra is known for her sketches and watercolor paintings, particularly those believed to be of Jane and those that accompany Jane’s History of England.

Excerpt from the History of England by Jane Austen, illustrated by Cassandra Austen, the British Library.Cassandra and Jane

Much of what we know about Austen’s personal life is largely due to the letters Jane wrote to her sister. Though Cassandra destroyed many of Jane’s letters after her death, there is still much we can find out about the two sisters through reading Jane Austen’s letters. Cassandra’s own letters about Jane’s illness and death provide a tender glimpse into the love and closeness of the Austen sisters.

I have lost a treasure, such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed. She was the sun of my life, the gilder of every pleasure, the soother of every sorrow; I had not a thought concealed from her, and it is as if I had lost a part of myself… I thank God that I was enabled to attend her to the last…Cassandra Austen to Fanny Knight, July 18, 1817

Jane Austen by CassandraA Year of Cassandra

To honor Cassandra’s life and legacy, Jane Austen’s House Museum launched its “Year of Cassandra,” during which the museum will feature special events and exhibitions to celebrate her life.

If you’re like me and you want to be part of this special celebration but don’t live close enough to participate in person, the Museum is planning a “Cassandra-themed” Virtual Tour of the museum in March. The tour description is as follows: “Find out about Cassandra’s life at Chawton Cottage and discover objects related to her on a lively, fact-filled tour that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.” You can find the details HERE.

Cassandra’s Orchard

Of special note is the commemorative orchard being planted in Cassandra Austen’s honor, which has been named “Cassandra’s Orchard.” The name itself certainly makes me want to visit Chawton Cottage again one day soon, but the descriptions are even more intriguing:

Jane’s letters to her are filled with references to plants, flowers and fruits from the orchard, now sadly lost from the grounds of the House.

We will recreate this lost orchard, using dwarf varieties suitable for growing in containers. There will be a tree for every novel, and donors’ names will be recorded on plaques for each tree. The orchard will provide blossom in the spring, delicious shade in the summer, and fruits in the autumn. We will underplant the trees with plants for pollinators, turning this empty space into a haven for people and wildlife alike.Jane Austen’s House Museum

Cassandra’s Orchard, Photo courtesy of Jane Austen’s House Museum.More About Cassandra

I’ve been following along with the progress of the Cassandra’s Orchard project, and I was delighted when the museum announced in December (on Jane’s birthday) that it had reached its fundraising goal. I can just imagine what a wonderful addition this little orchard will make to Jane Austen’s house.

I’m thankful for Cassandra Austen because I know that having someone who believes in you, supports you, and challenges you intellectually is important in every person’s life – but especially in the lives of writers, artists, and creatives. The very fact that she was so loved by Jane means that Cassandra must have been quite a remarkable person.

If you’d like to know more about Cassandra Austen’s life, Vic at Jane Austen’s World has built quite the catalog of articles over the years. You can access those articles HERE. Of particular note is the article entitled, “Cassandra Austen: Jane’s confidante, supporter and helpmate” that is well worth your time.

More links about this topic:

The Death of a Fiance in Persuasion and The Constant Heart – The story of Cassandra and her fiance Thomas FowleThe Destruction of Jane Austen’s LettersA Glimpse of Jane Austen at Work – Glimpse of Jane and Cassandra giggling and animated as they edit her novel.A Glimpse of Jane Austen – Fanny Knatchbull’s impressions of her aunts Jane and Cassandra.Cassandra Elizabeth Austen: Protector or Vandal of Jane Austen’s Legacy

RACHEL DODGE teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling author of The Little Women Devotional, The Anne of Green Gables Devotional and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Her newest release is The Secret Garden Devotional! You can visit Rachel online at www.RachelDodge.com.

The post Cassandra Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Did you know that Narnia all started with a picture of the Faun?

C.S. Lewis said, “The Lion all began with a picture of a Faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood. This picture had been in my mind since I was about sixteen. Then one day, when I was about forty, I said to myself: “Let’s try to make a story about it.”

I think that’s just about as exciting (and encouraging) as it can get! Here’s why:

1) He got a picture . . . not a story. If you’ve had a picture or a flash or a vision of something that’s blurry or hasn’t come to fruition yet, keep praying for what’s next!

2) He got that picture when he was 16. And he wrote the book when he was 40. WONDERFUL things often take time.

3) He got a picture of a Faun, carrying an umbrella and paper packages tied up with string. Sometimes God gives us the sweetest and most surprising pictures!

4) Aslan didn’t come first. If you’re wondering how God might use your vision for His kingdom, don’t worry. If you’re set on serving Him with that vision, Aslan will come.

Perhaps you’ll meet a Faun today in your imagination . . . or perhaps you’ve already had that vision. Write it down and see what God might want to do!

I have always loved writing and Jesus and classic books. I had no idea God was preparing me to write devotional books based on the classics! I just knew I wanted to write for Him in any way I could. The fact that I get to do that AND spend my days in the pages of my favorite books is something I could have never planned.

Watch for the vision! It might just be carrying an umbrella and a gift!

Grace and peace,
Rachel xx

RACHEL DODGE teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Now Available: The Secret Garden Devotional!

The post It Started with a Faun. appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

I’m thrilled to finally be able to write these words: The Secret Garden Devotional launched this week and is NOW AVAILABLE! If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift or a special devotional for the new year, Mary Lennox, Dickon, Colin, and the Robin are waiting to welcome you to Misselthwaite!

I had the best time signing books at a beautiful, outdoor Dickens Festival last weekend. I met many new friends and a few fellow authors!

It was extra special because The Secret Garden Devotional released this week, and I was able to have all 4 of my books at my table!! It really feels like a Christmas miracle. I prayed and prayed these books would be available before Christmas!

Devotional Inspiration from Mary Lennox’s Beautifully Mysterious Secret Garden

The Secret Garden Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel, cherished by generations of readers.

Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as you are becoming His new creation. With themes of growth, spiritual nourishment, God’s love and care, and His transforming power, this beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

Order Copies Here From Barbour Publishing December 12th
Order your copy today! Delivers Worldwide to over
160 countries

The post Welcome to Misselthwaite! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

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 will be giving away a gift to one winner. So 12 gifts and 12 winners total!

Check out these lovely graphics to get a sneak peek at all of the gifts for this year’s giveaway. And just in case you see something you can’t live without, there are also links to the shops and exclusive *discount codes* on the entry page!

Share this giveaway with your friends! The more the merrier!

The shops participating are:
 @ahumforhope
 @sweetsequels
 @simplygraciegirl
Me! @kindredspiritbooks
 @bookology_co
 @authorjoannabarker
 @afinequotation
 @wickandsarcasm
 @foragingtrees
 @exlibrisdesigns
 @scrawlingsliterarygoods
 @decemberlarks

I want ALL of these prizes for myself, and I know they’ll make you swoon as well!

Happy December, Kindred Spirits!!

Rachel xx

P.S. All prizes provided by individual shops/creators.

P.P.S. My discount code for 10% off all signed devotional books is 12Days22 if you want to click over to my Gift Shop!

The post 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Secret Garden Devotional by Rachel Dodge, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Secret Garden Devotional
Author: Rachel Dodge
Publisher: Barbour
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Genre: Devotional

Devotional Inspiration from Mary Lennox’s Beautifully Mysterious Secret Garden

The Secret Garden Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel, cherished by generations of readers.

Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as you are becoming His new creation. With themes of growth, spiritual nourishment, God’s love and care, and His transforming power, this beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Rachel’s newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen’s World blog. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God’s Word. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns.

Connect with Rachel by visiting racheldodge.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of The Secret Garden Devotional and a hardcover illustrated copy of The Secret Garden along with a bookmark and stickers.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 30, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Launch Page at JustRead

November 30
Beauty in the Binding
A Baker’s Perspective
Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
All-of-kind Mom

December 1
Blessed & Bookish
FINCHNWREN
Remembrancy
Reading Is My SuperPower
Only By Grace Reviews

December 2
Cats in the Cradle Blog
EmpowerMoms
Happily Managing a Household of Boys
Faith Elizabeth Hough
For Him and My Family

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The post The Secret Garden Devotional Blog Tour + Giveaway! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Longing for Christmas with Anne Shirley or the March girls? Want to step into the Secret Garden in the New Year with Mary Lennox?

If you’ve been looking at any of my classics-based devotional books and can’t decide which one to choose, I’ll make it a little bit easier! Everything in my Gift Shop is on sale now!

USE CODE: CYBER22 all week long and receive 10% off your order on any signed devotional book!

Each devotional book is a chapter-by-chapter companion to a favorite classic novel. With delicate illustrations and interior details, these hardcover gift books will look beautiful under the tree!

Hop over to my Gift Shop and use the code CYBER22 on U.S. orders.

If you could spend Christmas with Anne Shirley, Jo March, or Mary Lennox, who would you choose?

The post Cyber Monday Sale! appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

What helps you slow down to savor this season and draw close to Jesus?

I love this quote by C.S. Lewis. Lucy says it and it’s so very beautiful. In this season, it reminds us that something WONDERFUL happened in a stable long ago — something that changed the world forever. The LIGHT of the world pierced the darkness and Christ was born!

I’ve found that adding a special devotional helps me remember the wonder of advent at this time of year.

Here are three that I really like:

1) Helen Arnold’s “Not So Secret Love Letters: Advent Edition” ebook Advent devotional. The best part is she’ll read bits of it to you in her beautiful British accent! Helen writes in a beautiful style and is known for her Not So Secret

You can find Helen’s Advent Devotional HERE

2) Rebecca George’s Light of the World: 21-Day Advent Devotional is a resource that will lead you to know, experience, and share Jesus, the Light of the world, this Christmas season. When you sign up, you’ll receive a 59-page PDF workbook (complete with planning pages, activity pages, and 21 days of devotionals), an audiobook version of the devotional, AND access to a worshipful advent Spotify playlist that you can enjoy throughout the season.

You can find Rebecca’s Advent Devotional HERE

3) Candace Cameron Bure’s Bring On The Merry: 25 Days of Great Joy for Christmas. As you read the Christmas devotions and complete the activity journal pages, you’ll rediscover the wonder and amazement of the season and draw closer to the Savior. You will personally connect with Jesus in ways that will change your perspective and your response to the timeless Christmas story. Bring On the Merry will help you stress less and enjoy the season more as you put your focus on what really matters JESUS!

You can find Candace’s Christmas Devotional HERE

Finally, YouVersion has a variety of online Advent Devotionals you can access from your phone, tablet, or computer. I like to choose one for my kids and one for myself each Christmas. The nice thing about them is that you can choose shorter or longer devotionals, depending on how many days you’d like to do. There are plans that are designed to last a few days, a week to ten days, or up to a month.

You can YouVersion’s Devotionals HERE

I know there are many more options out there. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by all the options or pick too many to try to do. Just pick one or two short devos or one that will span the whole month.

Is there a Christmas devotional you love? I’ve been dreaming about a few ideas for a future devotional I might write. Every year I say I’m going to write it so it’s ready by the next year, but this is the first year I’ve actually started putting pen to paper.

Let’s slow down and savor the season, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

The post Savor the Season: Advent Devotionals appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

Brenda S. Cox has just published her new book Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England. It’s already receiving a wonderful reception, and I know it will continue. For those of us who are always expanding our understanding of Jane Austen’s life, and particularly her personal life and faith, this new book is an essential resource.

When I was writing my book Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen, I read every article and book I could find on the topic of religion and faith as it related to Austen and her family. I scoured every available resource on Austen’s personal faith, her family’s daily and weekly religious habits, and the Anglican church at large. I discovered many wonderful details about her religious life, but as I worked, I always felt as though I was putting together a giant puzzle. And when it came to understanding more fully the implications of her religious beliefs and background in her novels, I felt as though the puzzle was missing many important pieces.

In Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England, Brenda has finally put the puzzle pieces in their rightful places and collected all of the information one might want to know about Jane Austen’s religious life in one handy place. This book covers a broad range of topics that any Jane Austen lover can benefit from knowing, especially for those of us who enjoy looking into the varied layers and greater context of her writing.

Of particular interest is the clever manner in which Brenda has organized the information in this book. Each chapter is easy to find, plus she has included many helpful resources at the end of the book, including handy tables with income information, terminology, ranks within the church, and denominations; several appendices; detailed chapter notes; a hefty bibliography; a glossary of terms; and a topical index. You can read this book cover-to-cover or you can pick and choose the topics that interest you most.

I highly recommend this book for any Austen fan or scholar. Without this book, you can only know part of what makes Jane Austen’s characters and plots so intriguing. Thank you Brenda for creating this invaluable resource!

St. Nicholas Church, Steventon
Photo: Rachel DodgeAbout the Book:

“Brenda Cox’s Fashionable Goodness is an indispensable guide to all things religious in Jane Austen’s world. . . . a proper understanding of 18th century Christianity is necessary for a full appreciation of Austen’s works. Cox provides this understanding. . . . This work will appeal to novice readers of Austen as well as scholars and specialists.”

Roger E. Moore, Vanderbilt University, Jane Austen and the Reformation

The Church of England was at the heart of Jane Austen’s world of elegance and upheaval. Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England explores the church’s role in her life and novels, the challenges that church faced, and how it changed the world. In one volume, this book brings together resources from many sources to show the church at a pivotal time in history, when English Christians were freeing enslaved people, empowering the poor and oppressed, and challenging society’s moral values and immoral behavior.

Readers will meet Anglicans, Dissenters, Evangelicals, women leaders, poets, social reformers, hymn writers, country parsons, authors, and more. Lovers of Jane Austen or of church history and the long eighteenth century will enjoy discovering all this and much more:

Why could Mr. Collins, a rector, afford to marry a poor woman, while Mr. Elton, a vicar, and Charles Hayter, a curate, could not?Why did Mansfield Park‘s early readers (unlike most today) love Fanny Price?What part did people of color, like Miss Lambe of Sanditon, play in English society?Why did Elizabeth Bennet compliment her kind sister Jane on her “candour”?What shirked religious duties caused Anne Elliot to question the integrity of her cousin William Elliot?Which Austen characters exhibited “true honor,” “false honor,” or “no honor”?How did William Wilberforce, Hannah More, and William Cowper (beloved poet of Marianne Dashwood and Jane Austen) bring “goodness” into fashion?How did the French Revolution challenge England’s complacency and draw the upper classes back to church?How did Christians campaigning to abolish the slave trade pioneer modern methods of working for social causes? Interior of St. Nicholas Church, Steventon
Photo: Rachel DodgeAbout the Author, Brenda S. Cox:

Brenda S. Cox has loved Jane Austen since she came across a copy of Emma as a young adult; she went out and bought a whole set of the novels as soon as she finished it! She has spent years researching the church in Austen’s England, visiting English churches and reading hundreds of books and articles, including many written by Austen’s contemporaries. She speaks at Jane Austen Society of North America meetings (including three AGMs) and writes for Persuasions On-Line (JASNA journal) and the websites Jane Austen’s World and her own Faith, Science, Joy, and Jane Austen.

Buy the Book:

You can purchase Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England here:

Amazon and Jane Austen Books
International: Amazon

Book Giveaway:

To enter for a chance to win a copy of Brenda’s book Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England, please see my post on Jane Austen’s World blog.

Blog Tour ScheduleOct. 20 Jane Austen’s World, Vic Sanborn, InterviewOct. 21  My Jane Austen Book Club, Maria Grazia, Book Giveaway and Guest Post, “Sydney Smith, Anglican Clergyman and Proponent of Catholic Rights, Potential Model for Henry Tilney”Oct. 22 Clutching My Pearls, Lona Manning, Book ReviewOct. 23 Jane Austen Daily on Facebook, Austen and Her Nephews Worship (1808)Oct. 25 Fashionable Goodness Book Excerpt and Giveaway, Jane Austen in Vermont, Deborah Barnum, Book Giveaway, Review, Excerpt from Chapter 1, and InterviewOct. 25 “Jane Austen and Fashionable Goodness,” History, Real Life and Faith, Michelle Ule, Book ReviewOct. 27 Australasian Christian Writers, Donna Fletcher Crow, Guest Post, “Seven Things Historical Fiction Writers Should Know about the Church of England”Oct. 30 Regency History, Andrew Knowles, Book Review and Video Interview with the authorNov. 1  So Little Time, So Much to Read!, Candy Morton, Guest Post, “Women as Religious Leaders in Austen’s England”Nov. 2 Austen Variations, Shannon Winslow, Interview and Excerpt from Chapter 7, “The Clergyman’s Wife”Nov. 3 Laura’s Reviews, Laura Gerold, Book ReviewNov. 4 Jane Austen’s World, Rachel Dodge, Book Review and Book GiveawayNov. 5 Kindred Spirit, Saved by Grace, Rachel Dodge, Book ReviewNov. 7 The Authorized Version, Donna Fletcher Crow, Book Review and ExcerptNov. 8 Inspired by Life and Fiction, Julie Klassen, Book Review and Guest Post, “Jane Austen at Church”Jan. 10 The Calico Critic, Laura Hartness, Book Review

The post Book Review: Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England appeared first on Rachel Dodge.

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 read about it and see photos HERE.

Christmas in Highbury

This Christmas, be transported to the little hamlet of Highbury in County Surrey. Here we find Emma and her friends and family preparing for a delightful country holiday, and you’re invited! Regency Christmastide for the aristocracy was often celebrated at the families’ country estates, and in Emma, we see her sister Isabella and Knightley’s brother John bring all their children to Hartfield for the occasion, enlivening the quiet household with their fun and noise. Mr. Woodhouse would have them stay forever!

The Perfect Gift

The “Christmas In Highbury” Jane Austen Box will be filled to the brim with a cozy and elegant medley of Emma and Regency-inspired Christmas gifts! A perfect gift box to send or receive this holiday season, it also makes a wonderful hostess gift. December 16th is Jane Austen’s birthday, too, so celebrate in style!

At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather.

Emma

Place Your Order

The “Christmas In Highbury” Jane Austen Box will be available to reserve from Saturday, October 15th-Tuesday, November 15th, 2022. All boxes will ship out the first week of December! These boxes sell out quickly, so do not delay. Place an order for yourself or as a gift for a friend or relative today.

If you are longing to receive a box for Christmas, send this link to a friend or loved one as a big HINT: https://regencymarketplace.com/collec....

Order Here

If you want to take it up a notch, you can subscribe to the Quarterly Jane Austen Box and receive a box every 3 months, or purchase as a One-Time Gift option (non-recurring). Free Shipping in the USA! International Flat Rate Shipping available.

Coupon Code

Many thanks to Regency Marketplace for providing me with a discount code that I can share with all my friends and readers this Christmas ordering season. If you want to receive a discount, please use my coupon code KINDRED22 for 10% off the Winter Box! (*While Supplies Last.*)

As I enjoy the beautiful fall weather, take long walks in colored leaves, sip hot cups of tea in front of the fire, and read our favorite books, I am already looking forward to the holiday seasons I enjoy. I’m already dreaming about the gifts I’ll give to my favorite people – and I know this Jane Austen Box is perfect for one friend in particular. I hope you’re doing the same!

Grace and peace,
Rachel

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