Remarkable Regency Women


I recently read Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence, a non-fiction account of Jane
Austen’s life and the elements in her background and family that shaped her and her writing. The book offers an interesting look into Jane Austen's background while painting a vivid picture of Georgian and Regency England. Despite the manners and elegance or these eras, they were very harsh times, especially for women without money. However, these difficulties gave rise to a great deal of strength and resilience. For example, orphaned Phila Austen, Jane Austen's aunt, was penniless with little more to look forward to than a career as a miliner in Covent Garden. Instead of accepting fate, she made the brave decision to travel to India and create a new life for herself.

Stories like Phila’s remind us that only by rising to the challenges of life, instead of avoiding them, can we hope to achieve success. This is an excellent lesson for writers since the writing and publishing process is full of challenges. Jane herself must have learned this lesson from both her own career and the lives of her remarkable female relatives, and I’m glad she did. Where would we be if she had given up? Can you imagine a world without Mr. Darcy? I can’t.  

Persevering in the face of adversity is one of the central themes in my new Regency
novella Hero’s Redemption. Cathleen is a penniless widow at the mercy of her wicked relations. Instead of giving up and letting her half-brother trample all over her, she works hard to find a way to support herself. When Devon, the Earl of Malton is thrust in her path, marriage isn’t the first thing Cathleen thinks of. Instead, she looks to him for financial backing for a business venture in an effort to establish her independence and her future. Things don’t go quite as the hero and heroine plan, but in the end both Cathleen and Devon refuse to buckle under the weight of their troubles and their lives are richer for it.


So, when the going gets tough and you think of giving up, think of Jane and Cathleen. Rise to the challenge, you never know what might happen.

13 comments:

Ella Quinn - Romance Novelist said...

What a wonderful post Georgie. I think the basic human nature has not changed much, but the circumstances have. There are those who will accept what life has given them and others who will take risks and seek more.

kipha said...

Amazing post Georgie. They're truly inspirational.

Erin S said...

I have not read a good book in so long! Visiting from Tuesday Tea Party! http://www.3sonshavei.com/

Ms POSH said...

Wonderful insight on Jane!

POSH

Holly G said...

Beautifully written piece. Very inspiring!

I am a new follower from the "Bloglovin' Blog Hop" and I'm happy to be a new follower of yours!

I hope you'll take a few minutes to come visit me too over at Desert Momma!

Anonymous said...

No, I can't imagine a world without Mr. Darcy!!! Great post!

Christina Paul said...

So glad I stumbled on your blog- am now following- Becoming Jane Austen was on my must read list and is now moved to the top!

Unknown said...

This is lovely! It's so hard for me to read for me. I just love this review. It's so inviting and well done.

Thanks so much for sharing on the Mommy Monday Blog Hop! I do hope you come back and link up your beauitful posts week after week. I will subscribe to your social media (where we are not link-ed up). I would love to stay in touch.

mail4rosey said...

Ah, no, I canNOT imagine a world without Mr. Darcy. :)

Thank you for linking up to Super Sunday Sync. I'm already following your blog but am with you on G+ now too.

Lanaya | Raising Reagan said...

I'm sure this was a great book. I remember the movie.
Challenges in life are inevitable and while it may seem easier to run and hide from them ... at some point they must be faced.

Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)

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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com

Krista said...

I guess that is truly all anyone can ever hope for isn't it? To not buckle under the weight of our troubles especially when life doesn't go as planned! Inspirational :) Krista @ A Handful of Everything

Tina at Mommynificent.com said...

I really like how you wrote this post, effortlessly weaving some inspirational thoughts together with two book reviews (including a plug for your book which looks fantastic!) Well done!

Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday! Can't wait to see what you've got for us this week!
Tina from mommynificent.com

Alli Smith said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful post at Throwback Thursday. I will have to show it to my 24 year old daughter. She is such a Jane Austen fan!