Revel in Regency

I have always loved Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read and listened to it so many times that I can often quote it along with the audio. Anyone else relate? Sadly, there’s only a handful of Austen novels and a lifetime of reading. 

This is why I was overjoyed to realize Regency Romance is a small genre in which many Christian authors are writing some great, intelligent novels! 

Lately, I’m working through Julie Klassen’s work. What I love about her books is the in-depth research she has put into the historical background of her subjects. She even quotes snippets from her sources at the beginning of each chapter, whether the books are about apothecaries or painters or nursemaids, she’s somehow found everything written about them from the time period. Her works do delve into the darker side of the aristocracy of the era, if you need the warning.

The Painter’s Daughter is my favorite so far. It’s a twisty tale about a young girl who is pregnant outside of wedlock. Her lover runs away to Italy. His brother recognizes her situation and marries her in an effort to save her and her child. You can imagine the hijinks when boyfriend #1 returns for his girl… only to find her married and living in his family’s estate home. Yikes! 

Georgette Heyer is still my favorite Austen-impersonator. She wrote from the early 20th century. While not overtly Christian, she is from an era where Christian principles would be presumed. And she’s writing historical fiction from a century prior, which is a fun twist for the readers. I recommend the Grand Sophy, The Corinthian, Sylvester, and Arabella.

I’d love recommendations if you know of more Austenesque Regency Revivalists!

Photo by Virginia Choy, Unsplash.com