“Jane Austen’s First Love” Virtual Book Launch Party & Blog Tour with Giveaways!

Dear Reader,

I’m happy and excited to announce that my new novel,

JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE, comes out August 5 from Berkley Trade and is available everywhere books are sold. You can pre-order now.

Don’t miss my launch parties! The first one begins online TODAY, July 28, at austenprose.com! And join me in person at B&N bookstore, Santa Monica, on Sat. Aug. 16 at 2 PM–details below. Fabulous giveaways at both parties!

JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE is the story of the summer of 1791, when the teenage Jane Austen met and fell in love with Edward Taylor—a very real, truly extraordinary young man upon whom Jane admitted that she “fondly doted” in her youth.

Little was previously known about Edward Taylor, other than references to him in Jane Austen’s letters–until now.

My research uncovered a wealth of new information, revealing him to be a remarkable young man with an unusual upbringing. I immediately understood why Jane fell in love with him! I had a wonderful time bringing their relationship to life.

Here are some nice things that others have said about

JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE:

“Syrie James has woven a quite delightful romance—not only a touching record of a young girl’s first experience of love, but also a funny, eventful and entertaining comedy of Regency manners…As ever, James’s ear for dialogue is unfaltering, and her sympathy for her heroine whole-hearted. It all adds up to an unashamedly romantic package, presented with affection and respect.” —Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine

“A wonderful, charming and lively story of what might have been. James presents readers with an evocative and sweet romance that reads like Emma… This enchanting tale will have readers recalling their first love: the joy, the nervousness, and the sadness of parting. Simply a lovely novel!”—RT Book Reviews

“Magnificent! This early Austen adventure is truly unforgettable!”—Feathered Quill

“It was not until reading the Author’s Afterword that I learned that Edward Taylor was an actual person! … a second reading left me so very hopeful that maybe, just maybe, it happened that way, that our beloved Jane did experience a first love (and even heartache), which made me adore this story all the more. With a manifold of bestsellers behind her, Syrie James is an incomparable storyteller, turning obscure details from personal research into inspired, yet richly embellished, fictional narratives. Jane Austen’s First Love is a lively, romantic ‘what if’ that will make you laugh, as well as tug at your heart. 5 stars!” 
—Christina Boyd, Austenprose

RED LETTER DATES FOR JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE

Monday July 28: ONLINE LAUNCH PARTY begins

at Austenprose.com

Read about my inspiration for the novel, plus great giveaways: books, a tote bag full of goodies, and an original Austenesque painting!

July 28 – Aug. 21: VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

Join the celebration as my online book tour continues at other great sites with fun, unique guest posts, reviews, and giveaways.

Check my website for details.

Tuesday August 5: The book debuts! Available at your local bookstore, in Trade Paperback on Amazon, for kindle, and at Barnes & Noble.com.

Saturday August 16 – 2 PM – Santa Monica, CA

PARTY WITH ME IN PERSON: Book talk, signing, refreshments, & prizes!

Barnes & Noble Bookstore

3rd Street Promenade (1201 3rd St.), Santa Monica, CA.

Invite your friends—all are welcome!

Saturday September 20 – 9:30 AM – Glendale Public Library

JASNA-SW Fall Meeting: Keynote speaker

222 E. Harvard St, Glendale, CA

Illustrated talk + Q & A. Registration info available soon here.

I’m thrilled to share JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE and hope you love it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I look forward to chatting with you at one of the stops on my virtual book tour, or in person on August 16 or September 20.

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone you think might be interested. As always, thank you so much for your support.

Have a great summer…and happy reading!

All best wishes,

Syrie James

P.S. Attending the JASNA AGM in Montreal? Don’t miss the world premiere of “A Dangerous Intimacy: Behind the Scenes at Mansfield Park” on Fri. Oct. 8, the play Diana Birchall and I were commissioned to write and present as a plenary entertainment, with a cast of 13 players. Hilarity will ensue!