Here it is, just in time for the holidays: A Very Austen Christmas.
It’s a book, a real book. I know, right? I always say this (like I’m Pinocchio or something) whenever a new release comes out. The thing is, it used to be nothing but ideas. And now it’s something I can hold it in my hands.
Robin Helm and I have talked about doing an anthology for years. But we always held back, because there’s a lot to figure out with multiple authors. But this spring, the time seemed right, so we jumped in. Robin did most of the legwork, bless her. And Wendi Sotis is a marvel at formatting!
And then there’s the beautiful cover. We’ve each gazed at it far more than is healthy, but who cares? It is so perfect.
The book goes live Friday, November 10th. Do stop by Just Jane 1813 and celebrate with us. And there’s a two-book giveaway going on, so be sure to enter. If you would like to have this book for your very own right away, here is the purchase link at Amazon.
Four favorite authors, four heartwarming stories set in Jane Austen’s Regency world.
Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite revisit Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Mansfield Park to deliver the uplifting holiday storytelling you’re looking for.
Her Christmas Gift by Robin Helm
Elizabeth Bennet finds herself snowbound at Rosings with two rejected, but highly eligible, suitors. Does either man have a chance? Will her childhood friend, Meryton’s golden boy, win her affection, or will she accept the master of Pemberley? Perhaps she will refuse them both a second time. Her Christmas Gift deftly combines tension and emotion with humor and romance.
The Christmas Matchmaker by Laura Hile
It’s raining; it’s pouring – and what could be better than a little Christmas matchmaking? So says Emma Woodhouse who is unexpectedly stranded at Netherfield Park. Mr. Darcy disagrees, for she has someone else in mind for adorable Elizabeth Bennet. Amid meddling, misunderstanding, and an unwelcome proposal or two, will True Love find a way?
No Better Gift by Wendi Sotis
On his way to Derbyshire to spend Christmas with his family, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy plans to retrieve an item he left behind during his rushed escape from Netherfield—and the country miss who touched his heart. Finding Meryton practically deserted, he fears the worst. What fate could have fallen upon this once-thriving village in only three weeks? More importantly, was Miss Elizabeth Bennet in danger?
Mistletoe at Thornton Lacey by Barbara Cornthwaite
When Edmund Bertram realizes that Fanny is the perfect wife for him, he wants to propose without delay. What better time than at Christmas? Ah, but the course of true love never does run smooth …
Another time I’ll tell you about the unexpected direction my summer took — and why I have been absent from this blog. But for now, rejoice with me. A book has come into the world!
Laura Hile 
I’m super proud of all of you for bravely stepping forward and making this little dream come true.
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Thanks, Gayle. We all had setbacks that could have kept it from happening. Mine being Mom in the hospital and in hospice care since late spring, and then her passing to be with Jesus.
She would have wanted me to write, and so I did. I just have learned that it’s not easy to write something short(er).
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Looking forward to the anthology. I know it will be great! Best wishes to all of you! Jen Red
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Aw, thank you, Jen. Have you entered the new giveaway at Just Jane 1813? The one that came up today, not the cover reveal one? 🙂
And keep a weather eye peeled; there will be other giveaways at various blogs in the weeks before Christmas. We like to think of our anthology as a warmhearted escape from the hassles of the holidays.
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Looking forward to getting my hands on this one and reading it. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Sheila. You have long been my loyal cheerleader. I appreciate that so much.
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Laura, I now have a copy of your book and will begin reading it. Thank you.
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Oh, I hope you enjoy it. These stories are like calorie-free comfort food — at hand for when you need to retreat to the sofa with a comfy blanket. Close that door and escape from holiday and stress.
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I finished the first story and LOVED IT. But now I must go to bed.
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Robin did a wonderful job. She is so much better at romance. Comedy and banter I can do, but I struggle to add romantic elements.
I think I mentioned today over at Just Jane 1813 that Thomas Jones, the foil for Elizabeth’s hand, was based on a real man, a college boyfriend. Everyone loved him and wanted Robin to marry him. They had no idea how controlling and manipulative he was.
Because I’ve been answering comments at JJ 1813 all day, I can find Robin’s comment more easily than you will if I send you looking for it.
Okay, I’m back. Here is what Robin said:
One of my readers on BeyondAusten.com (where I posted the story as a WIP) referred to my character, Thomas Jones, as Meryton’s Golden Boy. I liked it, so I STOLE her line. If you think he’s too awful to be real, he isn’t. My very handsome, not-ever-a-real-boyfriend was worse. But he was gorgeous. My sister and I still agree that he was the most beautiful man we had ever seen. He isn’t now, of course, because he’s in his 60’s (like me, Ha!). Side note: I had never told my sister how he had acted to me until she read this story. In fact, I never told anyone.
Beautiful like Lucifer, I say. Some of the things Robin told me about this man made my straight hair curl. And he did just what Thomas did in the end … wow.
I’m turning in soon too, Sheila, and I’m on Pacific time! (pathetic) 🙂
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Scary and those are sometimes the ones who end up emotionally and physically abusive in a marriage. Hope you had a good night’s sleep.
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Hey, good morning, Sheila,
I’m up early to post an installment at Beyond Austen. (I’m a morning person, but this is the only time I can fit this in — before my day begins.) In anticipation of the republication of my novel-in-three-parts (read: very-long book. Very-way-too-very- long-but-fun book), Mercy’s Embrace. I’ve been sharing one and two chapter portions there every day for a few weeks. Today marks the finish of the second book, So Lively a Chase.
Like poor Cinderella needing a gown for the ball, these books were begging for new covers. When I required the publication rights — yay! — I set that in motion. They’re gorgeous!
All that is lacking now is courage — and an all-new ending chapter for the third book. I hate being such a wimp! But I never realized that mourning slows everything down. I’m not depresssed or anything — Mom is at home with the Lord — but it’s like I’m wading through mud. Where is my energy? Where is my flexibility? I go through my teaching day cheerfully enough, but at the end of the day, I’m done.
Well. The success of A Very Austen Christmas has been more that great. It’s propelling me forward. The plan is to get the first two Mercy’s books out within a few weeks, with the third to follow at the beginning of January. It is time.
Dear me, this is quite a lot from me! Thanks for your support, Sheila. These are exciting times.
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