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Jane Digby's Diary: A Rebel Heart
"As the depth of truth of one's life can only be penned upon the pages of a diary, Jane Digby leads us through her passionate life . . . A wonderful piece of historical fiction that will delight your senses as well as your heart." - Peggy Lee Sprague, Author of The Truth Hunters series
Jane Digby's Diary continues with Volume A Rebel Heart .
Based on a true story . . .
Bright, beautiful, and bold, Jane Digby led a remarkable life. Born to privilege in 1807 at Dorset, England, she soon scandalized Europe with her reckless pursuit of freedom. She sacrificed home, family, and respectability for her passions. Kings, princes, barons, brigands, lords, and sheikhs were among her lovers. A gifted artist and musician, as well as a superb horsewoman, she spoke several languages, read widely, wrote eloquently, and embraced all manner of culture and travel.
An amusing, thoughtful, and moving work of historical fiction, Jane Digby's Diary offers a compelling account of the life of a woman who truly lived all for love. In volume two of the series our restless heroine begins again in Munich where she meets some of the most fascinating personages of 19th century Europe. Though stung by the betrayals of the men in her life, Jane nevertheless continues her quest for true love, while sampling contenders along the way - until she falls madly in love with a dashing Greek count for whom she is willing to sacrifice everything. Will their love last? There is only one way to find out - join her on her path to a life well lived.
This volume, A Rebel Heart , is the second installment of the series, Jane Digby's Diary . The complete four-part series is now available in the Kindle store.
"Told in fictional diary form, this story based on the real life of a free-thinking woman who scandalized high-born society with her escapades is beautifully written and swept me into her world . . . an unexpected treat." - Kristy Dark
Jane Digby's Diary continues with Volume A Rebel Heart .
Based on a true story . . .
Bright, beautiful, and bold, Jane Digby led a remarkable life. Born to privilege in 1807 at Dorset, England, she soon scandalized Europe with her reckless pursuit of freedom. She sacrificed home, family, and respectability for her passions. Kings, princes, barons, brigands, lords, and sheikhs were among her lovers. A gifted artist and musician, as well as a superb horsewoman, she spoke several languages, read widely, wrote eloquently, and embraced all manner of culture and travel.
An amusing, thoughtful, and moving work of historical fiction, Jane Digby's Diary offers a compelling account of the life of a woman who truly lived all for love. In volume two of the series our restless heroine begins again in Munich where she meets some of the most fascinating personages of 19th century Europe. Though stung by the betrayals of the men in her life, Jane nevertheless continues her quest for true love, while sampling contenders along the way - until she falls madly in love with a dashing Greek count for whom she is willing to sacrifice everything. Will their love last? There is only one way to find out - join her on her path to a life well lived.
This volume, A Rebel Heart , is the second installment of the series, Jane Digby's Diary . The complete four-part series is now available in the Kindle store.
"Told in fictional diary form, this story based on the real life of a free-thinking woman who scandalized high-born society with her escapades is beautifully written and swept me into her world . . . an unexpected treat." - Kristy Dark
- GenresHistorical Fiction
234 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2019
About the author
C.R. Hurst
11 books23 followersC.R. Hurst, who taught writing and language at a small college in Pennsylvania for over 25 years, retired early and moved to the North Carolina mountains, where she lives with her husband and a little tabby cat named Mattie. CR loves the outdoors, reads too much and writes too little. A realist with two feet planted in the 21st century, she nevertheless enjoys escaping into the past with historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2022
It’s amazing how a character (that too, main character) who is so fickle minded and disloyal can keep a reader so hooked to her life. I guess we have to hand it to the author for writing such a captivating life’s journey of Jane Digby. A rebel heart really aligns with Jane’s character since she is always ready to rebel against the social norms. I really loved the first part of this series and this one too was an absolutely charming read. I think the journey itself is so beautifully written, it makes you want to know how it ends, and I look forward to seeing in which direction Jane Digby goes in the next book.
February 5, 2020
Stranger than fiction
Coleridge claimed to have written "Kubla Khan" while doped up with opium, but no romance novelist on any drug could have invented the life of Jane Digby. Born into a wealthy English family, she married a titled politician and had a child. She abandoned husband and child for an Austrian prince, by whom she also had a child.
When that romance ended, she had an affair with King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Since he was already married (and couldn't have married her anyway) she took up with a German Duke. By her twenty-seventh birthday, she'd been married twice and borne four children - two in wedlock and two out of wedlock. Just when it looked like she might be settling down, she met a Greek and threw her bonnet over the windmill for him. All a matter of record.
As I expected to, I enjoyed this second volume of Digby's life more than the first one. Her frenetic love affairs are exhausting to read about and you have to admire her stamina, if not her common sense. At one point she asks herself if she engineers romantic triangles because she craves the drama of two men fighting over her. I'm sure it was a possibility that also occurred to many on-lookers. Today she'd be accepted as a woman who's having a bit of trouble deciding what she wants out of life. In the early 1800's, she was denounced as shameless. Shopping around for one's soul-mate was not an acceptable activity at that time.
Other women then lived outside of societal norms, but Jane Digby was unusual in that she was financially independent. Her first husband provided a generous allowance to her after their divorce. I was surprised to learn that his allowance to her continued after her remarriage to the German and her subsequent remarriage to the Greek. I was also surprised that both her maternal grandfather and her father left her sizable inheritances. Men may have disappointed Jane, but they certainly did her proud when it came to financial support.
The laws that governed woman at that time sound barbarous to modern minds, but it's important to remember that those laws weren't always observed. Jane's second husband reminded her that he could prevent her from leaving Germany to marry her Greek, but in the end he choose to let her go.
I was fascinated by the glimpses into the controversial reign of the energetic, art-loving Ludwig and by the story of Jane's life in Greece. Relationships between European countries were determined largely by the ruling families' marital and blood relationships. When Greece needed a king, Ludwig casually gave them one of his younger sons for the position. The opinion of the average Greek was not solicited.
As Victoria of England married off her large family of daughters to rulers in the German, Russian, and Scandinavian states, the influence of England spread. As late as 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany announced regally that he and his cousins (the King of England and the Tsar of Russia) would decide all matters of international importance between them. World War I busted up this chummy club, but in Jane Digby's day a well-connected , well-financed Englishwoman was at home anywhere in Europe.
But Jane being Jane, she didn't stick to Europe. I'm looking forward to reading the third volume and her adventures in the Middle East. This series is well-written and lively. I think the author captures the spirit of this fascinating, troubled woman.
Coleridge claimed to have written "Kubla Khan" while doped up with opium, but no romance novelist on any drug could have invented the life of Jane Digby. Born into a wealthy English family, she married a titled politician and had a child. She abandoned husband and child for an Austrian prince, by whom she also had a child.
When that romance ended, she had an affair with King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Since he was already married (and couldn't have married her anyway) she took up with a German Duke. By her twenty-seventh birthday, she'd been married twice and borne four children - two in wedlock and two out of wedlock. Just when it looked like she might be settling down, she met a Greek and threw her bonnet over the windmill for him. All a matter of record.
As I expected to, I enjoyed this second volume of Digby's life more than the first one. Her frenetic love affairs are exhausting to read about and you have to admire her stamina, if not her common sense. At one point she asks herself if she engineers romantic triangles because she craves the drama of two men fighting over her. I'm sure it was a possibility that also occurred to many on-lookers. Today she'd be accepted as a woman who's having a bit of trouble deciding what she wants out of life. In the early 1800's, she was denounced as shameless. Shopping around for one's soul-mate was not an acceptable activity at that time.
Other women then lived outside of societal norms, but Jane Digby was unusual in that she was financially independent. Her first husband provided a generous allowance to her after their divorce. I was surprised to learn that his allowance to her continued after her remarriage to the German and her subsequent remarriage to the Greek. I was also surprised that both her maternal grandfather and her father left her sizable inheritances. Men may have disappointed Jane, but they certainly did her proud when it came to financial support.
The laws that governed woman at that time sound barbarous to modern minds, but it's important to remember that those laws weren't always observed. Jane's second husband reminded her that he could prevent her from leaving Germany to marry her Greek, but in the end he choose to let her go.
I was fascinated by the glimpses into the controversial reign of the energetic, art-loving Ludwig and by the story of Jane's life in Greece. Relationships between European countries were determined largely by the ruling families' marital and blood relationships. When Greece needed a king, Ludwig casually gave them one of his younger sons for the position. The opinion of the average Greek was not solicited.
As Victoria of England married off her large family of daughters to rulers in the German, Russian, and Scandinavian states, the influence of England spread. As late as 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany announced regally that he and his cousins (the King of England and the Tsar of Russia) would decide all matters of international importance between them. World War I busted up this chummy club, but in Jane Digby's day a well-connected , well-financed Englishwoman was at home anywhere in Europe.
But Jane being Jane, she didn't stick to Europe. I'm looking forward to reading the third volume and her adventures in the Middle East. This series is well-written and lively. I think the author captures the spirit of this fascinating, troubled woman.
June 2, 2021
*I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review*.
A very well planned, thoughtful and enjoyable read. Once again I was sucked into Jane's world of affairs, this time on the continent. I really appreciated all the scene setting that Hurst does in Paris, Italy, Germany and Greece - it made the diary format incredibly vivid and descriptive. I also appreciated some historical anecdotes from the Greek Revolution to the Post-Napoleonic era in France and Queen Victoria's coronation.
I must admit, the character of Jane grew on my patience during this book, but not as a reflection on the book or the writing, merely that I found her incredibly fickle and disloyal. I suppose, however, that that is the whole point! It was refreshing to read the point of view of a character you do not necessarily agree with the decisions of, and Hurst maintained a sense of character development throughout.
Thank you C.R. Hurst for this wonderful read! I look forward to speeding through the third book.
A very well planned, thoughtful and enjoyable read. Once again I was sucked into Jane's world of affairs, this time on the continent. I really appreciated all the scene setting that Hurst does in Paris, Italy, Germany and Greece - it made the diary format incredibly vivid and descriptive. I also appreciated some historical anecdotes from the Greek Revolution to the Post-Napoleonic era in France and Queen Victoria's coronation.
I must admit, the character of Jane grew on my patience during this book, but not as a reflection on the book or the writing, merely that I found her incredibly fickle and disloyal. I suppose, however, that that is the whole point! It was refreshing to read the point of view of a character you do not necessarily agree with the decisions of, and Hurst maintained a sense of character development throughout.
Thank you C.R. Hurst for this wonderful read! I look forward to speeding through the third book.
March 23, 2019
‘Time keeps uneven pace, a mind’s heart does not.’
North Carolina author C.R. Hurst taught writing and language at the college level in Pennsylvania before moving to North Carolina to publish her first book in 2016 - UNDER REVIEW: Twenty-nine Months as an Amazon Reviewer. Now she returns to her passion in genre – historical fiction with this eloquent volume 2 of her successful series based on the life of 19th century Jane Digby.
In her initial volume Hurst shared a note written by Jane Digby in 1873, a message which ignites the interest in this very modern woman: ‘For nearly fifty years I have kept a diary where I have recorded truths more rebellious and more scandalous than any scandalmonger could understand. I have lived a life I chose - and the life I choose. Can many women make that claim? We women are taught to obey the commands of a society little concerned with our happiness. We must find satisfaction in home and family - and if home and family prove not enough? Well, a fashionable woman might sin, as long as she is discreet. And I have sinned, but indiscretion is my worst sin.’
The very fine historical fiction resumes where volume 1 TO BEGIN, BEGIN left off in 1830. But the opening pages are further notes from 1873 in Damascus, Syria where Jane reflects on her life – ‘When I look back on my life I see some events as if they happened five decades ago – others as if they the day before yesterday I see Christmases in Holkam Hall and classes at Tunbridge Wells dimly, spurred only by my words before me. But I remember distinctly, regardless of words, the face of George Anson as he opens the door of my carriage, the dark fingers of Lord Ellenborough as they interlace with mine, and the broad smile of Felix Schwarzenberg meeting our daughter for the first time. Time keeps uneven pace, a mind’s heart does not. Inside an old woman hides the younger one. Underneath her head of grey hair lie the memories of one once red, brown, black, or gold. Recollection, though often piecemeal, may also conceal images indelible. And they may be made new again. Inside every woman, old or young, beats a rebel heart.’ And then we meet Jane in 1830 for another superb adventure.
Hoist the flag for feminism in an era when woman’s role was ‘secondary’ at best and find how Hurst has brought to life an astounding figure, centuries before her time! Hurst’s writing style is in the manner of diary entries by days – not only in keeping with her concept of sharing an incredible life, but also a technique that encourages non-stop reading. Very fine new installment in a fascinating diary!
North Carolina author C.R. Hurst taught writing and language at the college level in Pennsylvania before moving to North Carolina to publish her first book in 2016 - UNDER REVIEW: Twenty-nine Months as an Amazon Reviewer. Now she returns to her passion in genre – historical fiction with this eloquent volume 2 of her successful series based on the life of 19th century Jane Digby.
In her initial volume Hurst shared a note written by Jane Digby in 1873, a message which ignites the interest in this very modern woman: ‘For nearly fifty years I have kept a diary where I have recorded truths more rebellious and more scandalous than any scandalmonger could understand. I have lived a life I chose - and the life I choose. Can many women make that claim? We women are taught to obey the commands of a society little concerned with our happiness. We must find satisfaction in home and family - and if home and family prove not enough? Well, a fashionable woman might sin, as long as she is discreet. And I have sinned, but indiscretion is my worst sin.’
The very fine historical fiction resumes where volume 1 TO BEGIN, BEGIN left off in 1830. But the opening pages are further notes from 1873 in Damascus, Syria where Jane reflects on her life – ‘When I look back on my life I see some events as if they happened five decades ago – others as if they the day before yesterday I see Christmases in Holkam Hall and classes at Tunbridge Wells dimly, spurred only by my words before me. But I remember distinctly, regardless of words, the face of George Anson as he opens the door of my carriage, the dark fingers of Lord Ellenborough as they interlace with mine, and the broad smile of Felix Schwarzenberg meeting our daughter for the first time. Time keeps uneven pace, a mind’s heart does not. Inside an old woman hides the younger one. Underneath her head of grey hair lie the memories of one once red, brown, black, or gold. Recollection, though often piecemeal, may also conceal images indelible. And they may be made new again. Inside every woman, old or young, beats a rebel heart.’ And then we meet Jane in 1830 for another superb adventure.
Hoist the flag for feminism in an era when woman’s role was ‘secondary’ at best and find how Hurst has brought to life an astounding figure, centuries before her time! Hurst’s writing style is in the manner of diary entries by days – not only in keeping with her concept of sharing an incredible life, but also a technique that encourages non-stop reading. Very fine new installment in a fascinating diary!
March 26, 2019
Jane Digby’s Diary: A Rebel Heart continues the life of this independent socialite, by C. R. Hurst. During the 1800s, Jane is an embarrassment to her family as she seeks for love. What she really finds is men who are fascinated by her and willing to become her lovers. Though marriage has been inquired, everlasting love seems to elude her. She ends up with a mess in her life everywhere she goes; though sprinkled with years of happiness.
C. R. Hurst writes Jane Digby’s Diary: A Rebel Heart as she tells her story to her diary, Marianne. The glimpses into the life of this privileged young lady is entertaining as we see how she lives among the rich and powerful. Each addition to her life, I wonder if this will be the one who will calm her searching heart. The author stirs up many emotions as the reader desperately hopes Jane will find happiness with those she loves until her dying days. That will be seen in her next novel about this charming woman.
C. R. Hurst writes Jane Digby’s Diary: A Rebel Heart as she tells her story to her diary, Marianne. The glimpses into the life of this privileged young lady is entertaining as we see how she lives among the rich and powerful. Each addition to her life, I wonder if this will be the one who will calm her searching heart. The author stirs up many emotions as the reader desperately hopes Jane will find happiness with those she loves until her dying days. That will be seen in her next novel about this charming woman.
December 1, 2022
I really enjoyed the first volume of Jane Digby's adventures and was looking forward to the second.
In it, Jane moves her affections from duke, to king to count and bed-hops happily along. Her diary is engaging and easy to read, giving glimpses into the events and attitudes of the era.
Sadly, although I did find her an engaging personality, I struggled to warm to a woman who was willing to abandon her children so lightly with little thought of the effect her behaviour was having on them and almost zero thought for them at all. I thought the men she cast off were in some cases close to sainthood for their era, supporting her even when she has abandoned them!
If this was a man he'd be condemned for leaving so many women in his philandering wake. Disloyal, ruled by her emotions and a useless, uncaring mother, I have little sympathy for Jane, even at the shocking end, but her diary is a good read.
In it, Jane moves her affections from duke, to king to count and bed-hops happily along. Her diary is engaging and easy to read, giving glimpses into the events and attitudes of the era.
Sadly, although I did find her an engaging personality, I struggled to warm to a woman who was willing to abandon her children so lightly with little thought of the effect her behaviour was having on them and almost zero thought for them at all. I thought the men she cast off were in some cases close to sainthood for their era, supporting her even when she has abandoned them!
If this was a man he'd be condemned for leaving so many women in his philandering wake. Disloyal, ruled by her emotions and a useless, uncaring mother, I have little sympathy for Jane, even at the shocking end, but her diary is a good read.
March 26, 2019
Jane Digby's Diary: A Rebel Heart by C.R. Hurst continues along the same lines as the first installation in this interesting series. Jane Digby, a socialite who was undaunted in her pursuit of living her life, is documented here in fictionalized form, creating a riveting read about a woman who was truly ahead of her time. Born in 1807 in Dorset, England, Jane took many lovers, and was quite the scandalous woman. As the second book in the series, we follow Jane during her daily life, getting a glimpse into how she lived, who she loved, and most importantly how she rebelled against societal norms. A fascinating look at a woman hell bent on being herself in a rather rigid world, this is a great book in the historical fiction genre. Highly recommend.
June 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much! It was a quick read and a bit of a page-turner because of Jane's many dalliances. I also enjoyed how some of the political events of the time were woven into the diary entries. It's truly hard to fathom that in an age of restrictive Victorian principles and expectations that she really defied convention and took so many lovers and husbands. But, history seems to validate this. Turning her life into diary entries is very clever and I felt that the author did a good job with the language of the time.
March 27, 2019
Life well lived!
A book on the life journey of bright, beautiful, bold, determined artist and strong women socialist Jane Digby. The author goes into details of her lifestyle, her pursuits, passion, talents and love. It is an interesting read in historical fiction series and motivational for all women out there to fight for their passion and a message for all “live life well, love and respect others and pursue your dreams”.
A book on the life journey of bright, beautiful, bold, determined artist and strong women socialist Jane Digby. The author goes into details of her lifestyle, her pursuits, passion, talents and love. It is an interesting read in historical fiction series and motivational for all women out there to fight for their passion and a message for all “live life well, love and respect others and pursue your dreams”.
January 23, 2026
This is a four part series that reads just like a diary. Takes place in the 1800's. A woman who does not want to conform to the female constrictions of the time searches for adventure and love/romance. The diaries chronicle her travels through various countries in Europe (starts in England) and the Middle East. The places she visits are often described but not intricately detailed (thankfully). It was interesting to read about all the places and what methods of travel were used. Her romantic endeavors are entertaining. Many actual artists and authors are encountered as well.
Not sure if Jane Digby was an actual person but much of what is covered in the book actually took place and many of the characters were actual people.
Definitely wanted to read the next book each time until the end of the fourth book.
Not sure if Jane Digby was an actual person but much of what is covered in the book actually took place and many of the characters were actual people.
Definitely wanted to read the next book each time until the end of the fourth book.
February 28, 2021
Great Historical read
I came across this book while searching for a historical biography. I hadn’t read book one “To Begin, Begin” but I found enough information in book two to know the highlights of what Jane Digby’s early life was like, without feeling lost. I look forward to continuing the story in Hurst’s next book. “Following an Eastern Star.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the format in which it was written, through diary entries Jane writes about her life and her many secrets to Marianne, the name she gives to her diary. Using Historical date Hurst weaves a wonderful fictional story of this young English aristocrat, born in 1807. Jane is of extraordinary beauty who is desired by many men. She ultimately lives a life that scandalizes society, with numerous marriages and affairs. Looking for love and to be loved, she turned a blind eye to what everyone thought, and lived her life for herself.
I came across this book while searching for a historical biography. I hadn’t read book one “To Begin, Begin” but I found enough information in book two to know the highlights of what Jane Digby’s early life was like, without feeling lost. I look forward to continuing the story in Hurst’s next book. “Following an Eastern Star.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the format in which it was written, through diary entries Jane writes about her life and her many secrets to Marianne, the name she gives to her diary. Using Historical date Hurst weaves a wonderful fictional story of this young English aristocrat, born in 1807. Jane is of extraordinary beauty who is desired by many men. She ultimately lives a life that scandalizes society, with numerous marriages and affairs. Looking for love and to be loved, she turned a blind eye to what everyone thought, and lived her life for herself.
May 29, 2022
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an indie author in search of reviews should never stoop to review her own book on Goodreads. Yet I have always been a woman to challenge conventional wisdom. I suppose that may be the reason why I was drawn to Jane Digby, the 19th century aristocrat upon whom I have based my series, Jane Digby’s Diary. Jane has been called (by my reviewers, no less):
“A rock star before there were rock stars”
“A little strange and full of herself”
“An imaginative, creative, adventurous, and courageous woman”
“A terribly unlikeable character”
“A woman hell bent on being herself in a rigid world”
“A twisted gal”
“A real savage behind the scenes
“A strong and relatable protagonist who we come to know and love”
"After all, remember, Jane is no saint."
As you see from the list of quotes above, Jane Digby prompts strong reactions. But why? What is it about a high-born English woman from the 19th century that causes, even today, such distinct opinions concerning her character? Could it be we both love and hate her because she dared to live her life as she chose? Does she represent both our need for belonging and our need to chart our own paths? Or could she simply speak to our basic human need for both love and freedom, two needs so very often at odds in our own lives? I know I have always found such contradictions fascinating.
I hope you read the series. Perhaps you can then answer these questions for yourself.
Postscript: And apologies to another Jane, Jane Austen, whose opening line to Pride and Prejudice I purloined for this review, though I suspect she would have been pleased by its use. After all, the words of few women, or men for that matter, are remembered for over 200 years after our deaths.
Cheers, CR
“A rock star before there were rock stars”
“A little strange and full of herself”
“An imaginative, creative, adventurous, and courageous woman”
“A terribly unlikeable character”
“A woman hell bent on being herself in a rigid world”
“A twisted gal”
“A real savage behind the scenes
“A strong and relatable protagonist who we come to know and love”
"After all, remember, Jane is no saint."
As you see from the list of quotes above, Jane Digby prompts strong reactions. But why? What is it about a high-born English woman from the 19th century that causes, even today, such distinct opinions concerning her character? Could it be we both love and hate her because she dared to live her life as she chose? Does she represent both our need for belonging and our need to chart our own paths? Or could she simply speak to our basic human need for both love and freedom, two needs so very often at odds in our own lives? I know I have always found such contradictions fascinating.
I hope you read the series. Perhaps you can then answer these questions for yourself.
Postscript: And apologies to another Jane, Jane Austen, whose opening line to Pride and Prejudice I purloined for this review, though I suspect she would have been pleased by its use. After all, the words of few women, or men for that matter, are remembered for over 200 years after our deaths.
Cheers, CR
November 14, 2020
Not as well-written or carefully edited as book 1.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews