The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

About the Book:


"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?"


My thoughts:

I started reading this book on January 1st, and I have to say it was a charming way to start off my new year.

 I actually spent New Year's in Vail, Colorado, so while the snow swirled outside and the temperature dropped to -10 degrees (!), I curled up in the condo with a roaring fire, a cup of hot chocolate, and my kindle version of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James. It was delightful to get lost in the make-believe world of "what if".....wouldn't it be wonderful if someone discovered a secret letter and hidden manuscript written by Jane Austen?

The story takes off quickly right from the start, and soon we are treated to a "novel within a novel." When librarian and Austen expert Samantha McDonough finds an incredible artifact hidden inside an old book, she begins a quest that will take her to a grand old home in Devonshire that just might have as it's claim to fame as a place where the one and only Jane Austen visited in her younger years.

 The present owner and heir of Greenbriar, Anthony Whitaker, is intrigued but skeptical when Samantha approaches him with the possibility of an amazing historical and literary connection to his home. A Jane  Austen connection to his ancestral home would certainly have financial possibilities, so Anthony agrees to help Samantha begin her search of the home for clues. When a hidden manuscript is found, the pair begin to read the story that the world has yet to see...... 

Here we are treated to Syrie James' fleshing out authentic notes from Jane Austen (Plan of a Novel) into her version of a seventh Austen novel. True to Austen's style and wit,  Syrie created The Stanhopes, an authentic-sounding story that could very well have been written by a young Austen.  

However.....is it authentic? Who has the right to actually own this manuscript? Should the world have access to it as a published novel......or should it go to the highest private bidder at auction? Hmmmmm, many dilemmas and possibilities present themselves -- both personally and professionally -- that makes this a very interesting read.  Austen fans will be buzzing about this one -- a real treat for Janeites!

4/5 stars

*This book is from my personal library.

Review - Nocturne by Syrie James

"From international bestselling author Syrie James comes a haunting and deeply romantic story of forbidden love that will steal your heart and never let you go.

When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension.

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her—a profoundly meaningful experience that is destined to change their lives forever.

As the sexual tension between them builds, however, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns her host’s terrifying secret, there is nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and Michael may be the only one who can save her life."(from the publisher)

my thoughts:


If you're looking for the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter's night, look no further than Nocturne by Syrie James. It is a wonderful love story with paranormal elements that is sure to entertain those who enjoy passionate romance, literature, and music.

Nicole Whitecomb's accident on a lonely Colorado road during a blizzard is witnessed by Michael Tyler, a reclusive man who resides in a moutaintop home. Left with no alternative but to go down and rescue the injured woman, he reluctantly brings her into his home to tend to her injuries.

The worsening road conditions and the wrecked condition of her car eliminates any possibility of leaving Michael's home any time soon. While Nicole is grateful for his help in rescuing her, his behavior is brusque and rude which makes her feel like a huge imposition. Indeed, he tells her quite bluntly that he rarely has visitors and demands his privacy. He leaves Nicole to fend for for herself and reminds her that certain areas of the house are off-limits. Even more strange, she finds only a very meager amount of food available in a kitchen that looks as if it's never been used.

Nicole thinks all of this, and the secretive nature of Michael, is very odd...yet he is an extremely good looking guy, intelligent,and cultured. She discovers he has a love of literature and they share an interest in classical music. Intrigued but well aware that all is not as it seems, Nicole makes a discovery about his true identity.....and little by little, the reasons for Michael's strange behavior and secretive nature are revealed. Each has inner wounds that they begin to share with one another, and their relationship develops into a very intense but forbidden love. Michael's passion for Nicole and his secret may well cost her her life....is it a risk she is willing to take?

Syrie James has written a very compelling contemporary thriller with a bittersweet romance; I was left feeling hopeful that somehow, Michael and Nicole's love was meant to be.

4/5 stars


**Disclosure: Thank you to Elena Stokes @ Wunderkind PR and Vanguard Press for providing me with an advance copy of Nocturne for review.

Available January 4, 2011.

Title: Nocturne
Author: Syrie James
2011
Published by Vanguard Press
281 pages
Hardcover
genre: fiction/contemporary romance/thriller

Upcoming Release - Nocturne by Syrie James

It's always nice to get a newsletter from an author like Syrie James with a sneak peek at an upcoming release (January 2011). Syrie James has written wonderful historical fiction novels that I have enjoyed that have been well-researched....The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, and Dracula, My Love. Her latest, Nocturne, is a bit of a change as it is a contemporary thriller and it looks intriguing!

from Amazon:
"From international bestselling author Syrie James comes a haunting and deeply romantic story of forbidden love that will steal your heart and never let you go.

When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension.

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her—a profoundly meaningful experience that is destined to change their lives forever.

As the sexual tension between them builds, however, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns her host’s terrifying secret, there is nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and Michael may be the only one who can save her life."

Click here to go to Syrie's website and read an excerpt.

Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker by Syrie James

"Acclaimed author Syrie James approaches Bram Stoker's classic DRACULA with a breathtaking new perspective -- as, for the first time, Mina Harker records the shocking story of her scandalous seduction and sexual rebirth."
(from the publisher)


my thoughts:

Set against the backdrop of the charming and elegant Victorian period, this fascinating mystery and passionate love story kept me turning the pages well into wee hours. I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous two novels by Syrie James (The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte), and Dracula, My Love was no exception......it was haunting and thrilling.

While her fiance' is in Transylvania on business, Mina embarks on an innocent seaside holiday in Whitby with her best friend, Lucy Westenra and Lucy's mother. Both young ladies are properly engaged to be married soon, so they spend their days leisurely reading, walking, and enjoying the sights. Their tranquil vacation is disrupted when a terrifying event occurs...a ship appears in port, the entire crew is missing, and the captain's corpse (clutching a crucifix) is tied to the helm. A series of very strange and eerie events begin to occur. Lucy begins to sleepwalk, compelled to leave her bedroom and wander out into the night. At the same time, Mina makes the acquaintance of a very handsome and charming gentleman. Knowing that proper young ladies do not befriend strange men, Mina tries to resist his invitations to spend time together, but she is inexplicably and irresistably drawn to him.

It is then that the horrors begin...Mina's quiet life begins to be one of a nightmare. Who is this mysterious man who has taken over Mina's heart, body, and mind? Who or what is responsible for a series of tragedies that begin to occur to the people she loves?

Dracula, My Love is an interesting twist on Bram Stoker's portrayal of Dracula as an ancient, reclusive monster -- while the perception is that Dracula is a dangerous and monstrous creature, Mina experiences a passionate and tender side of this misunderstood figure. She learns of his origin and sympathizes with his immortal agony. While his actions appear to the world to be vile and horrific, Mina begins to understand a different side of the story -- and is forced to make a choice about the two men she loves.





4/5 stars

Title: Dracula, My Love
Author: Syrie James
Avon
2010
457 pages
genre: historical mystery, horror

New for 2010 Syrie James & Deanna Raybourn

I'm very excited to have updates from the authors of two books that I am very much looking forward to this year....

Syrie James will be releasing Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker in July.


' A tale of adventure and forbidden passion, the book approaches Bram Stoker's Victorian classic Dracula with a brand new perspective, revealing the untold story of Mina Harker’s scandalous, secret love affair with young and handsome Count Dracula—the most powerful vampire of them all.'

In other Syrie James news, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte may be made into a theatrical film by a British production company, with Syrie James writing the screenplay. This is very interesting news for Bronte fans, and you can go to her website here for more info.

**********


I'm also awaiting Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia book #4, Dark Road to Darjeeling in the fall.



"With an exotic setting in the foothills of the Himalayas and the introduction of an arch-villain, Dark Road to Darjeeling promises to be the most exciting Lady Julia novel yet."

*************

Happy reading.....hope everyone is enjoying spring, getting out in the sunshine and experiencing all the good things the Easter season brings.

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James

From the publisher:

"Though poor, plain, and unconnected, Charlotte Bronte possesses a deeply passionate side which she reveals only in her writings--creating Jane Eyre and other novels that stand among literature's most beloved works. Living a secluded life in the wilds of Yorkshire with her sisters Emily and Anne, their drug-addicted brother, and an eccentric father who is going blind, Charlotte Bronte dreams of a real love story as fiery as the one she creates.

But it is in the pages of her diary where Charlotte exposes her deepest feelings and desires--and the truth about her life, its triumphs and shattering disappointments, her family, the inspiration behind her work, her scandalous secret passion for the man she can never have, and her intense, dramatic relationship with the man she comes to love, the enigmatic Arthur Bell Nicholls."

My thoughts:

Charlotte Bronte is an author who is near and dear to my heart. I first read Jane Eyre when I was eleven years old and became absolutely fascinated with gothic romances. It remains one of my most beloved novels to this day, and if you ask anyone in the family why my daughter's middle name is "Jane," they will tell you truthfully, "She's named after Jane Eyre."

I was delighted to read The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte as Syrie James is successful in capturing the authentic voice and spirit of Charlotte Bronte. Many aspects of Charlotte's life are well-documented in preserved letters to her family and friends, and James used the contents of these letters and other biographical research as the basis for these fictional diaries.

In these diaries you will learn of the trials and tribulations of the Bronte children -- growing up motherless and poor as the children of a strict clergyman, they often escaped into a fantasy world and wrote stories and poems from an early age. Each sibling secretly hoped to one day become a published author, and it was their gift of writing that gave them such joy and sense of accomplishment. Charlotte, particularly, was quiet but independent, and often bristled at societal limitations placed on women. Intending to open their own school, Emily and Charlotte travel to Belgium for intensive study, and it is here that Charlotte meets a professor who will have a profound impact on the course of her life and her emergence as a novelist.

The purpose of the diary, though, is the exploration of her heart; the effects of the tragic loss of so many she loved, her relationship with the curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls, and the personal fulfillment this unlikely relationship ultimately brings to Charlotte's too-short life.

Highly recommended for fans of Jane Eyre.

Title: The Secret Dairies of Charlotte Bronte
Author: Syrie James
Publisher: HarperCollins
2009
454 pages

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

From the publisher:

"Many rumors abound about a mysterious gentleman said to be the love of Jane's life-- finally, the truth may have been found..."

From p. 1, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James:

"A workman recently employed to repair the roof of the manor house, in an attempt to trap an errant family of mice, discovered an old seaman's chest bricked up behind a wall in a far corner of the immense, rambling attic. The chest, to the befuddlement of the entire work crew, was filled with what appeared to be old manuscripts..."

My thoughts on the book:

Written as a "true" account of a very private experience for Jane Austen, the reader is given a glimpse into the quiet world of Austen as she finds pleasure in simple family life and reading and writing her beloved novels. Syrie James was successful,I think, in capturing the voice and spirit of Jane Austen, and she was true to known historical facts in Austen's life. The places she lived, family members and events, and the details of her early writing efforts are documented facts and are included in this fictitious memoir. It is a bittersweet story of love and loss, as we all know it must end that way, but it is written in a way that is respectful of the author's integrity.

Given that Jane was a private person and kept her writings mostly for her family's amusement (novels were a new concept and were viewed with disdain), it is perfectly understandable that at some point she gave up on the idea of being a published author when her first efforts at publication resulted in rejection. She felt her works were incomplete and needed revisions.

Enter Mr. Ashford, a man who despite his wealth and status, comes to know and appreciate Jane for all her special qualities and completely supports her writing efforts. As Jane's relationship takes twists and turns, she experiences emotions which will bring new depth and energy to her writings, First Impressions and Sense and Sensibility.

A very good read, poignant with vintage charm, and would work well as a young adult novel -- if I was still in the literature classroom, this would definitely be in my class library. I am looking forward to reading her newest release, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte.

Click here for the author's website and more information about her books. Be sure to visit the photo section that highlights the major places discussed in the book. Very interesting!



Title: The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
Author: Syrie James
Publisher: HarperCollins
2008
303 pages