This really speaks to me.

via Bookstr

If you’re a fan of both Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, as I am, you may find this article by Clare Church, “Let’s Stop Romanticizing Mr. Darcy When There Are Way Better Options in Literature,” of great interest. She makes some thought-provoking points about kindness, personal growth, and a heroine’s choice. 

Leaving us with a fun/difficult question: if you had to choose, which hero would it be?

It’s a subject of much debate: which actor is the best Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice? Here I weigh in — with, of course, complete subjectivity.

First, although I admire Laurence Olivier very much, not even he could redeem the subpar 1940 adaptation.

I do think Colin Firth did an excellent job back in ’95 . . .

. . . as did Matthew Rhys in the more recent Death Comes to Pemberley . . .

. . . but I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Matthew Macfedyen’s portrayal in the 2005 version of P&P.  He’s so wonderfully dour (and painfully shy).

And if you feel the same way, you might want to check out Sharon Lathan’s marvelous and extensive gallery of images! I’ve pulled a few here to share with you.

Easy on the eye, isn’t he? ;)

Sharon’s written several Austen-inspired novels, and she’s launched her very own online shop, the Lady Bonnet Boutique, which offers gorgeous Regency-era hats of her own design and crafting as well as period reticules and jewelry. Check it out here.

My latest newsletter goes out on Thursday, featuring book recommendations I’m excited to share . . .

. . . my latest news . . .

. . . and a fabulous giveaway from my Penhallow Dynasty series!

If you haven’t already subscribed, would you like to? There’s an easy-peasy signup form here on my website, and on my Facebook page, too.

Been there, done that. ♥

This is something I think about a lot, both as a reader and a writer. What qualities do we like to see — maybe even insist on seeing — in heroines we like, love, respect, and admire?

Intelligence, kindness, a big heart, a lively sense of humor: these are big on my list. What about on yours?

I love this so much! Another bookish gem from the brilliant Grant Snider.

Amirite?!?

Here’s a twisty, eye-catching piece of art for us booklovers. Would you have this in your house?

via Helen Warlow on Twitter

This made me laugh. (Also, nod in recognition.)