Synopses & Reviews
The minute I saw the letter, I knew it was hers. There was no mistaking it: the salutation, the tiny, precise handwriting, the date, the content itself, all confirmed its ancient status and authorship… Samantha McDonough cannot believe her eyes--or her luck. Tucked in an uncut page of a two-hundred-year old poetry book is a letter she believes was written by Jane Austen, mentioning with regret a manuscript that "went missing at Greenbriar in Devonshire." Could there really be an undiscovered Jane Austen novel waiting to be found? Could anyone resist the temptation to go looking for it?
Making her way to the beautiful, centuries-old Greenbriar estate, Samantha finds it no easy task to sell its owner, the handsome yet uncompromising Anthony Whitaker, on her wild idea of searching for a lost Austen work--until she mentions its possible million dollar value.
After discovering the unattributed manuscript, Samantha and Anthony are immediately absorbed in the story of Rebecca Stanhope, daughter of a small town rector, who is about to encounter some bittersweet truths about life and love. As they continue to read the newly discovered tale from the past, a new one unfolds in the present--a story that just might change both of their lives forever.
Review
Praise for THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN "A novel within a novel honoring what we love most about Austen: her engaging stories, her rapier wit, and her swoon worth romance...pitch perfect, brilliantly crafted."--Austenprose
"This richly imagined Jane Austen 'road novel' is...a page turner...A standout addition to the crowded archive of Austen homages."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for Syrie James
"Syrie James is a fine storyteller, with a sensitive ear for the Austenian voice."--Jane Austen's Regency World
"Offers a deeper understanding of what Austen's life might have been like."--Los Angeles Times
"A beautiful, fictional what-if."--Austenprose
"Suspense builds, and it's a tribute to the world James creates that the readers will anxiously root for Jane to find true love and wealth, even though we know it never happened."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
Praise for THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN
"A novel within a novel honoring what we love most about Austen: her engaging stories, her rapier wit, and her swoon worth romance...pitch perfect, brilliantly crafted."--Austenprose
"This richly imagined Jane Austen 'road novel' is...a page turner...A standout addition to the crowded archive of Austen homages."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A literary feast for Anglophiles...[with] an Austen-worthy ending."--Publishers Weekly
"Syrie James has surpassed herself...It'll be one of your favourite reads in 2013!"--My Jane Austen Book Club
"Ingenious!...An absorbing, reflective, and remarkable work of fiction that masterfully captures the essence and style of a Jane Austen novel."--Austenesque Reviews
"James expertly blends Austen archetypes--bumbling suitors, lady friends both silly and sympathetic, bemused fathers--with her own narrative wit...A sweet, enjoyable read for any Austen fan."--Shelf Awareness
"A delightful novel that you simply won't want to put down...A must read for all Jane Austen enthusiasts."--Confessions of an Avid Reader
"A book a Jane Austen lover cannot miss."--The Bookish Dame
"A magical book that readers will definitely store on their keeper shelf and read more than once."--RT Book Reviews
Praise for Syrie James
"Syrie James is a fine storyteller, with a sensitive ear for the Austenian voice."--Jane Austen's Regency World
"Offers a deeper understanding of what Austen's life might have been like."--Los Angeles Times
"A beautiful, fictional what-if."--Austenprose
"Suspense builds, and it's a tribute to the world James creates that the readers will anxiously root for Jane to find true love and wealth, even though we know it never happened."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
Praise for
Jane Austen's First Love "Truly riveting...A realistic tale that could have been written by the revered author herself. Jamess latest will charm Austen fans (and fans of James, too) as well as Austen unfamiliars...Romance fans will root for Jane all the way."—Library Journal (Editor's Pick)
"Not only based on Jamess extensive research on the enigmatic Edward Taylor, but so many of the personalities are real, and the dates and events astonishingly match, which make this masterwork feel like a real memoir. Readers will race to the conclusion. Highly recommended."—Historical Novel Society
"Syrie James has woven a quite delightful romance—not only a touching record of a young girl's first experience of love, but also a funny, eventful and entertaining comedy of Regency manners...As ever, James's ear for dialogue is unfaltering, and her sympathy for her heroine whole-hearted. It all adds up to an unashamedly romantic package, presented with affection and respect."—Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine
"A wonderful, charming and lively story of what might have been. James presents readers with an evocative and sweet romance that reads like Emma...This enchanting tale will have readers recalling their first love: the joy, the nervousness, and the sadness of parting. Simply a lovely novel!"—Romantic Times
"Syrie James is an incomparable storyteller, turning obscure details from personal research into inspired, yet richly embellished, fictional narratives. Jane Austen's First Love is a lively, romantic 'what if' that will make you laugh, as well as tug at your heart...You must add Syrie James' latest work to your Summer Reading List." —Austenprose
Synopsis
INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS
Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylora fascinating young man who is truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart raceand he seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another seeking his attention
Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?
About the Author
Syrie James, hailed as "the queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings" by Los Angeles Magazine, is the bestselling author of nine critically acclaimed novels including Jane Austen's First Love, The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, Dracula My Love, Nocturne, Forbidden, Songbird, and Propositions. Her books have been translated into 18 languages, awarded the Audie, designated as Editor's Picks by Library Journal, and named a Great Group Read by the Women's National Book Association and Best Book of the Year by The Romance Reviews and Suspense Magazine. Syrie is a member of the WGA and lives in Los Angeles.