200 years ago today, Jane Austen passed away. She left behind an enduring legacy of much-loved novels and correspondence that—to this day—still captivate readers and inspire writers. Around the globe today are celebrations of Jane Austen’s life and works. If … Continue reading
I’ve been fascinated by English nobility for as long as I can remember. And like most writers who pen stories set in the era of Regency England, I’ve made a study of the peerage with its ranks and titles, hierarchies … Continue reading
When it comes to “Pride and Prejudice” on the big and small screens, I’ve watched every available version, from “Lizzie Bennet’s Diary” to the this year’s “Zombies” to the 1940 Hollywood film starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson. Of all … Continue reading
I love puzzles of all kinds: jigsaw puzzles that overtake my dining table, Sudoku puzzles of the fiendishly difficult variety, and those wordy logic puzzles where I have to figure out how many bakers got off the train in Philadelphia. Every … Continue reading
I’m about half-way through the first draft of my next book (tentatively titled The Company She Keeps). In one of the early chapters there’s a ball at the home of the fictional Lady Pangborn. You may have noticed that balls, … Continue reading
In a previous post I wrote about one of my favorite Jane Austen novels, Lady Susan; and lamented the fact that it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I think that’s about to change. A new movie, based on the … Continue reading
Did you know Castle Asby in Northamptonshire inspired Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park? Or that Lacock in Wiltshire was used as the setting for Meryton in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice? These are just a couple of the reveals … Continue reading
I just finished reading Lady Susan as part of my “Austen in August” challenge. I laughed so many times while reading this book that I had to wonder why this particular Jane Austen novel isn’t more popular than it is. … Continue reading
There’s something about a man in uniform. At least, that’s what the Bennet women believed. And even though Elizabeth Bennet decried her sisters’ obsessions with men in uniform, there was a time when she liked Mr. Wickham in his regimentals … Continue reading
Are you reading “Austen in August?” In a prior post I mentioned Roof Beam Reader’s annual Austen in August reading challenge. So far I’m on track to meet my “Austen in August” goals—I just finished Jane Austen’s Sanditon and tomorrow … Continue reading
Home of Topaz Cross Books, Brenda S. Cox
Immerse yourself in Georgian and Regency England
Musings about Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and what might have been...
Explore the architectural history of the UK's country houses and stately homes
Research History Story and Resources
Creating Characters with Character
Author of Historical Fiction and Nonfiction
Random Musings of a Janeite
A Jane Austen book club
Exploring the world of late Georgian and Regency London
Dressing for a Regency ball (and other events) by Mr. Philip Elton
Writing about anything and everything to do with the Georgian Era
read, relax, repeat
Best Period Dramas: New in 2023, British, Romantic, PBS, TV Series, Movies, Netflix, Prime
Nancy Lawrence 