Uncovered in Merriweather

by Michelle Cox

From best-selling author, Michelle Cox, comes the enchanting second installment of her 1930s Wisconsin series, perfect for fans of Jane Austen and lovers of small-town historical fiction.

"A beautifully-crafted story that perfectly captures Jane Austen and the spirit of Depression-era America."—Advance Review

"Cox has outdone herself with this touching tale of identity and belonging. Kate's journey will stay with you long after the final page."—Advance Review

"The perfect blend of romance, a little bit of mystery, and a whole lot of small-town charm. I couldn't put it down!"—Advance Review

Kate Kerwyn has never quite fit in. Known as "Indian Kate" around town, she's grown up believing she was a Sauk Indian. But when she discovers that Sheriff Norris may have fabricated this story, Kate begins to wonder about her true identity.

Meanwhile, Melody Merriweather’s world has also turned upside down. Following her father’s death, her brother Fred returns from Harvard and insists on taking over the Merc, forcing Melody to return to Chicago, albeit reluctantly. Once there, however, she begins to forget all of her old problems at the Merc—not to mention a certain surly young butcher—when she meets the sophisticated Eustace Sinclair and is swept up into his world of luxury.

Back in Merriweather, Frank Churchill introduces the charming Crawford siblings to the community. Kate soon finds herself caught between her love for her childhood friend, Edmund Bertram, and the persistent attention of the enigmatic Henry Crawford, who encourages her to pursue a life of artistic endeavors.

When he pushes his suit a bit too far, however, Kate bolts and embarks on a quest to uncover her original family—with shocking results. Melody, too, faces an unexpected dilemma when she receives a disturbing letter from home which threatens her exciting new life and urges her to return . . .

In this heartfelt tale inspired by Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" Michelle Cox delivers another captivating story of identity, belonging, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.
Perfect for fans Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society Lynn Shepherd’s Murder at Mansfield Park Jo Baker’s Longbourn Elizabeth Aston’s Mr. Darcy's Daughters "Unearthed in Merriweather" is the second book in the beloved Merriweather series, continuing the stories of characters readers fell in love with in "Matched in Merriweather."

Genres: Historical Fiction

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2025

About the author

Michelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.

She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Uncovered in Merriweather
AUTHOR: Michelle Cox
PUB DATE: 06.17.2025

Just turned the final page of Uncovered in Merriweather by Michelle Cox, and I’m still reeling from the emotional depth and historical richness of this story. 💔📚

This novel takes you deep into the lives of two unforgettable women:

🔸 Kate Kerwyn, the outsider who’s spent her life believing she's a Sauk Indian—only to discover that her entire identity may have been built on a lie. Her journey to uncover the truth is full of heartbreak, courage, and resilience.

🔸 Melody Merriweather, who’s torn between duty and desire, family roots and the glittering promise of Chicago high society. Her life takes unexpected turns that will leave you breathless.
Set against the backdrop of small-town life and big-city allure, this story explores themes of identity, love, betrayal, and the complexity of choosing between the life you’ve known and the one you never dared imagine.

Michelle Cox gives us a cast of magnetic, multi-dimensional characters and enough twists to keep you hooked until the last chapter.

It’s part historical drama, part romance, part coming-of-age mystery, and 100% unforgettable.

🌟 If you love Jane Austen-style tension mixed with secrets, sibling drama, and questions of belonging—this book is calling your name.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Jane Austen in Wisconsin series, and it’s as delightful as the first book in the series. This book is primarily a variation on Austen’s Mansfield Park, but it also has elements of Emma and Pride and Prejudice swirling through its pages. The focus of this novel is on Kate Kerwyn, a character based on Austen’s Fanny Price. However, you do not need to read Austen’s Mansfield Park in order to understand and enjoy this book. I do, however, recommend that you read the first book in this series, Matched in Merriweather. It will give you a understanding of the history of the characters, their relationships, and the community of Merriweather.

Kate Kerwyn was adopted as a toddler, having been found abandoned. She grows up with the Kerwyn family. She never feels as if she quite belongs. When she begins to ask questions about her birth family, there’s little information. Kate is determined, and when she’s present with a clue, she sets out to discover who she really is.

This book includes several well-known Austen characters in addition to Kate. That makes the story believable, and energizes it. This is a tale of home, family, and friends. It includes parallel stories of two Merriweather characters, Kate and Melody Merriweather, and focuses on putting true love above financial or physical security.

I enjoyed this book very much, and I highly recommend it. The writing is beautifully executed, the characters believable and realistic, and I adored the historical details interspersed in the chapters of the book that takes place in Chicago.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Mande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Woolton Press and Book Funnel for the ARC!

Michelle Cox does it again! Every time I pick up one of her books, I can't put them down. I read Uncovered in Merriweather in 3 sittings, and it was an absolute delight. We see some old friends in Chicago, like Elsie, and we are back in Merriweather, WI as well. It's fun to see Jane Austen's universe transported to the 1930s Midwest - it works so well. The further development of "Indian Kate's" character was lovely, and I was glad to see her get in on the romance angle. Be advised of a TW for childhood sexual abuse. We get the realities of life in every story: the good, the bad, the ugly, the real, and it makes for absorbing reading. I can't wait to read the next installment!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely adoring this series of Jane Austen retellings. I love the way Ms. Cox weaves elements and character traits of multiple stories into one. Uncovered in Merriweather is a retelling of Austen's MANSFIELD PARK. While there are many similarities, Ms. Cox pens an original story that will captivate readers. I love her 'voice' in this series, a different style from her Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.

The story goes back and forth between Melody and Kate's individual storylines. The central storyline centers around Kate Kerwyn and search for where she belongs, with her birth family or the family that has raised her.

An over arching storyline centers around Melody. I cannot wait to read how she receives her happy ever after, but anticipate it will not arrive until the final book in the series. Melody has returned to her school in Chicago. But after time away, she finds that the school and its social scene does not fulfill her like it did in the past. Ms. Cox has penned a multi-dimensional character that continues to grow and transform from a frivolous girl into a mature young woman.

With several little twists and an expertly paced plot, I was riveted to the atmospheric setting of a small town of Merriweather in the 1930's. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book in the series. Fans of historical fiction will love this romp into the past.

I received a complimentary arc copy from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sara Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncovered in Merriweather
Book 2 in the Melody Merriweather series
By Author Michelle Cox - - 5 STARS
Wonderful Read! Jam Packed! Cliffhanger Ending! Michelle Cox gives us yet another fabulous novel. I can’t wait for Book 3!
Melody has a whirl-win time in Uncovered in Merriweather – it will keep you intrigued to the very end and then it will stop you cold in your tracks! After Melody’s father (Lou Merriweather) passes away and her older brother Fred takes a leave from Harvard Law School to return home “to take the reigns of the Merc”, Melody is pushed back to Chicago and to her studies at Mundelein College. This move doesn’t go as planned for either of them. Fred longs to be back at Harvard Law School more and more as the days go by, when the family business daily routine begins to wear on him. Melody finds that her school days don’t hold the whimsical fun they once held when she was initially at Mundelein (but we do get to visit albeit shortly with our bestie of all time – Elsie Von Harmon Stockel). Melody’s heart even though it is warmly held by a new suitor (Eustace Sinclair) of great wealth, who takes her on new adventures and lavish outings can’t break the spell of love that has crept into Melody’s heart as she longs for the strong and sturdy feelings of love for a home-town fellow. Melody smartly follows her heart and returns home to Merriweather. With her plan set in her mind to reclaim “the Merc” from Fred and “steak” - not a typo but a hint; claim to the fellow she can’t get out of her mind. But upon her return she finds Mums (Leola Merriweather) in a terrible state, the death of her husband has really taken a toll on her. Thank goodness Melody came home when she did! And big brother Fred is only too happy to allow Melody to take the Merc back as he heads back to Harvard Law. Little sister Bunny (Elizabeth Merriweather) has big plans of her own, as she wants to start the next chapter in her life after high school and apply for Julliard! But has our Melody made it home in time for love and to restore her own life for the future with the one she has been longing to be with?
Kate Kerwyn has possibly out done Melody in this book, with the amount of ups and downs, triumphs and tragedy, and loves and lost loves she has to face and endure! This book really makes you feel and route for our sweet “Indian Kate”. Kate becomes a special part of our journey in this book, as she opens up to us, and we go along with her as she learns who her biological family is. And what a time it is – I could go on and on about the many things, but I don’t want to spoil it for you, as I want you to read it and enjoy it for yourself as much as I did! Kate fighting her stubbornness is brought back to what her heart truly knows is her real family by a tragic event. Can Kate and her real family overcome it together and will true love win in the end? Only you can answer that for yourself my reader friends, pick up this series and find out for yourselves, I promise you won’t regret it and will enjoy this series as much as I do!!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👗 enjoy Jane Austen retellings
💍 have been proposed to multiple times
😂 love to laugh
📺 watch a lot of reality tv

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Kate Kerwyn has never quite fit in. Known as "Indian Kate" around town, she's grown up believing she was a Sauk Indian. But when she discovers that Sheriff Norris may have fabricated this story, Kate begins to wonder about her true identity.

Meanwhile, Melody Merriweather’s world has also turned upside down. Following her father’s death, her brother Fred returns from Harvard to stubbornly take over the Merc, forcing Melody to return to Chicago, albeit reluctantly. Once there, however, she begins to forget all of her old problems at the Merc—not to mention a certain surly young butcher—when she meets the sophisticated Eustace Sinclair and is swept up into his world of luxury.

Back in Merriweather, Frank Churchill introduces the charming Crawford siblings to the community. Kate soon finds herself caught between her love for her childhood friend, Edmund Bertram, and the persistent attention of the enigmatic Henry Crawford, who encourages her to pursue a life of artistic endeavors.

When he pushes his suit a bit too far, however, Kate bolts and embarks on a quest to uncover her original family—with shocking results. Melody, too, faces an unexpected dilemma when she receives a disturbing letter from home which threatens her exciting new life and urges her to return . . .

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a cute read! I loved the witty banter, the clean humor, and the romance! Melody made me laugh again and again with her constant man problems, and my heart went out to Kate as she tried to find her roots. This is technically historical fiction, but it reads like a reality tv show which is so much fun! Give me all of the family and relationship drama! This was such a great edition to book one, and I can’t wait to read book 3!

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookFunnel, Woolton Press and author Michelle Cox for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted.

This is the second book in Michelle Cox’s Jane Austen-inspired “Merriweather” series. I’ve read the first (Matched in Merriweather: Jane Austen in Wisconsin, a retelling of Austen’s Emma) but you could easily jump right in with this one and not feel lost.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read Austen’s books, and even without remembering much of the plot or characters, this well-written novel is enjoyable all on its own. It was a treat to have the story set in 1930s Wisconsin, since neither the location nor timeline has been overdone as have others in the historical fiction genre.

This witty and charming novel alternates between two young women, Melody Merriweather and Kate Kerwyn. Focusing on the importance of family, juxtaposing misunderstandings and the courtship traditions of the period, the novel explores themes of identity and belonging, independence and romance. I enjoyed the humor, a bit of mystery, and the cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait for book #3 to find out what happens next.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining book 2 in the series of Jane Austen retellings (Mansfield Park). This one focused on Kate and her quest to find out about her birth family. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kate and how there was so much more to her than just the girl that lives in the forest. She is caring, creative, and wants more from life. There is also a story line focusing on Melody Merriweather and her realization about what really matters in love and family. Her family is navigating life without her father who passed away and each member of the Merriweather family deals with his death in their own way. Fred, Melody's brother, learns some truths about himself along the way. There are a few love interests for Melody and Kate and those interactions are fun and frustrating for the women. The ending sets up the next book and can't wait to see what these characters do next!
I enjoy a series where you learn more about the characters with each book as well as the setting. I love the small town feel of Merriweather, Wisconsin, but also the visits to Chicago. If you are looking for an historical fiction that focuses on family, I highly recommend this book and series.
#UncoveredinMerriweather
Thank you to the author and Woolton Press for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠, a 1930s Wisconsin series that is Austen-influenced, particularly in its character-driven and social dynamic elements.

Michelle Cox does an incredible job of transporting us to Wisconsin in the 1930s. Due to wonderful characters and engaging dialogue, the story felt less like historical fiction and more like a family drama.

It centers around two women, Melody Merriweather and Kate Kerwyn, both of whom are on very separate journeys. On their way, they will discover some hard truths about family and love.

My heart went out to Kate as she searched for her identity and roots, since she was found as a baby and told she was an “Indian,” but Melody had me laughing with all her ups and downs with men and bad proposals. Overall, this had charm, humor, and a warm sense of community. It also captures life in a small town during the Depression Era, although we do get glimpses of Melody in the big city of Chicago.

The ending left me anticipating book three!

*Also, don’t miss the Author Note, interesting facts about the characters, and notes about the upcoming books in the series.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @michellecoxwrites for the gifted book.

[RUTH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncovered in Merriweather A Jane Austen in Wisconsin Novel Book 2 is the second in the Merriweather, Wisconsin series by Michelle Cox. This enjoyable book picks up where book 1 left off. Melody Merriweather’s father has just died. She had been running their family store, the Merc, for the last several months. Now Fred, her older brother is home from Harvard to take over running the Merc ( which Melody had been able to do on her own). Melody goes back to college in Chicago. Will she find her friends and true love there? Meanwhile, Kate Kerwyn is looking to find her “real” family. The Kerwyns found her when she was about 2 years old, wandering around all by herself. Who were her real parents? Kate knows Melody as she was making woven baskets for her to sell at the Merc when Melody was running it. This story is loosely based on Jane Austen. Cox creates engaging characters with a story set in the 1930’s. The descriptions help you picture yourself in the story. I recommend reading Book 1 in this series first, but Book 2 can be read as a stand alone. There is a pretty big cliffhanger at the end, so you will want to read Book 3 in this series when it comes out.

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a comfort genre?📖
I adore a sweet hometown story, but I especially enjoy a Jane Austen retelling.
I am so happy I had the chance to read both books, Matched in Merriweather and Uncovered in Merriweather by Michelle Cox.
I always know I’m going to enjoy a book by this author, but these cozy hometown stories just made my heart happy! Matched in Merriweather I was introduced to a fun group of characters. I adored Melody Merriweather and her love for her father and drive to save their family’s general store.
Then in Uncovered in Merriweather, you learn more about a couple of other characters, and I really had a heart for Kate. She was abandoned or maybe just lost at a young age and adopted by a wonderful family that truly loves her, but she struggled with identity. As she tries to find her family, she realizes she really has everything she needs back at home.
Melody is back and everything you hope for her really wraps up beautifully! I think anyone who loves Jane Austen is going to adore these two books!
Thank you @tlcbooktours for these gifted copies!
Both Matched in Merriweather and Uncovered in Merriweather are available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Cox, the Author of “Uncovered in Merriweather, A Jane Austen in Wisconsin Novel Book Two: Mansfield Park” has written a delightful, and entertaining novel that is like the retelling of Jane Austen. The genres for this novel are : Women’s Historical Fiction, 20th Century Historical Romance, and Women’s Literature. In this well written novel, Michelle Cox vividly describes the landscape, scenery, historical times, and dramatic and colorful characters. Kate Kerwyn, adopted and known as “Indian Kate”, and believes she is a Sauk Indian. Kate has been obsessed with her true identity, and is determined to find her roots and true identity. Melody Merriweather feels lost after her father’s death, and feels displaced when her brother comes back home to run the family store. She also needs to have a sense of belonging and purpose.

Both women are seeking their purpose and self. At the same time, both meet some intriguing men, that could promise them a happy future if it is meant to be. This is a heartfelt, memorable and thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of The Jane Austin in Wisconsin series, we discover Kate's story, which I was so happy to do since I loved her story in Book 1. Is she really of Indigenous heritage as she has always been made to believe? and from where did she come from?
After investigating her origins Kate finally discovered where is she coming from, and who her family was, and is, but are those people her real family? or her family is the people who gave her a home when she was found so many years ago as a little girl?
Kate not only gets a sense of belonging but also grows up as a person and finally finds her place and her happiness.
But we also read about Melody and her search for her place in life, is her place back in Chicago and the frivolous life she was living over there, or is it in Merriweather managing the family store? Does she need the glitz and opulence of a carefree young woman in Chicago's high society or is her place in the more humble town where her family is from?
This book will grab you from beginning o end and will leave you eager to read the next one in the series.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the A Jane Austen In Wisconsin series (Mansfield Park). I love this series! It’s the 1930’s and Melody Merriweather is dealing with her fathers death. Her brother as returned to run the families store. Melody returns to Chicago where she meets the sophisticated Eustace Sinclair who shows her a total different world,
We also meet Kate who has always believed she was of Sauk Indian. She has never quite fit in. When she uncovers that the sheriff lied Kate begins to wonder about her true identity. Caught between two men, her childhood friend, Edmund Bertram, and the persistent attention of the Henry Crawford, who encourages her to pursue a life of artistic endeavors. Kate decides to embarks on a quest to uncover her original family. Melody, faces a dilemma when she receives a letter from home which threatens her new life and urges her to return. This book was the perfect beach read!!

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a strong nod to Jane Austen, Michelle Cox continues her ‘Merriweather’ series. The author does such a remarkable job of whisking the reader to the mid-west in the 1930’s. She has recreated the perfect small-town charm and feel. With any small town, there are problems, but anything can be resolved if the towns folk pull together. In ‘Uncovered in Merriweather’ there are two distinct story lines that the readers get to follow. This time the focus is on two women, Melody Merriweather and Kate Kerwyn. Both women are going their own personal identity struggles. And they are also trying to get a grasp on their romantic life.

I am thoroughly enchanted with the town and its people. I enjoy the interactions. It’s fun to watch the town move with the times. With a combination of wit and charm, the town and its people will capture your heart. It’s small town at its finest.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncovered in Merriweather is the second book in the Jane Austen in Wisconsin by Michelle Cox.

I loved Matched in Merriweather: Jane Austen in Wisconsin and was excited for the next installment.

It was great to revisit with Elsie back again in Merriweather, WI.

The story is set in the 1930's and so authentic to the time period.

Kate Kerwyn aka “Indian Kate "is one of the main characters.

Kate is desperate to find out who she really is. Melody Merriweather is also feeling lost.

Both characters are well written, complex and fleshed out. The story is a captivating Jane Austen retelling.

I really enjoyed this novel and look forwarded to the next book in the series.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I've never really heard much of Mansfield Park, I looked up a little snippet so I could kind of get the gist of this book and it was enough to satisfy me and still really enjoy this retelling.

Since reading the first book in this series, I have been fascinated by Kate and I really enjoyed getting to know her story more. I liked what she was able to find out about her past. I really like her friendship (and more) with Edmund.
Though Henry pursues her very hard, I never felt right about that and even when it's a bit cruel... I'm glad she never really entertained the possibility of them.

I love that Melody gets to be part of this book in a big way too. I honestly don't like the person she is in Chicago and didn't like her going back for the reason she did. She just belongs in Merriweather! My heart still breaks a bit for her but I just know she'll eventually get her happy ending!

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the A Jane Austen In Wisconsin series (Mansfield Park). The story weaves us back into the small town of Merriweather during the 1930's. Melody Merriweather, is dealing with the death of her father, and the return of her brother to run the family store that she has been running, so Melody is forced to return to Chicago, and meets the wealthy Eustance Sinclair. Then there is Kate (Indian Kate) who longs to discover her true identity. I truly loved this as much as the first book. The small town feel, the characters, and the things they're going through, and, of course a little bit of romance. I'm so looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this series for historical fiction readers, and fans of Jane Austen.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Merriweather series. The story is told from alternate points of view, with two young women. Both are looking for their place in life. It seems love escapes both characters.

Melody’s family is struggling after the unexpected death of her father. In another plot line Kate Kerwyn, found abandoned as a child, was raised by the Kerwyn family. Nicknamed “Indian Kate”, she has a feeling of never quite belonging. Kate struggles to find her place as she wonders about her “real family”.

Kate later realizes, family are the ones who love you and want what is best for you.

Melody returns to school and eventually realizes happiness cannot be found in the big city with a wealthy boyfriend

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merriweather, Wisconsin in the 1930s is where this adaptation of MANSFIELD PARK is located.

I read the first book in this series, MATCHED IN MERRIWEATHER, so I was already attached to some of the characters that made an appearance in both reads.

I enjoyed the drama in this one as Kate, who was found abandoned as a child, wants to find her real family. The main character from MATCHED, Melody, is in this book but has left Wisconsin to go back to school in Chicago.

There are some wealthy visitors from Chicago visiting Merriweather and they are creating a bit of a stir.

I also saw a guest appearance from a character that was in another of Michelle Cox’s series which was delightful.

Family drama, romance, and a clever retelling all make this book a great read.

[Sandra Machaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Uncovered in Merriweather, Michelle Cox's second book in the Jane Austen in Wisconsin series, it is Austen's Mansfield Park that comes to life in Wisconsin.
Kate Kerwin seeks out her origins as she tries to find her original family and who she really is. At the same time, Melanie Merriweather searches for her place in life when she is sent away from Merriweather and back to Chicago to resume school.
Each of them searches for her true identity and the path her life will take and continues to search for true love. Will they find themselves and their place in life? Or will they continue to search?
Once again Cox has created a book that will hold your interest from the first page to the last and leave you waiting for the next book in the series.

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @michellecoxwrites and @tlcbooktours for including me on this tour and sharing this beautiful gifted book!

📖 Book Review 📖 Dear Universe, I am manifesting a sabbatical to the English countryside to immerse myself in finally studying Jane Austen’s life and literature in the truest form. Alas, my life is not amenable to that right now but happily I can enjoy Michelle Cox’s reimagining of Jane Austen brought to America in the 1930s. It’s been 250 years since Austen’s works were first published but her themes are as relevant now as they were then (and in the 1930s.) From the complexity of balancing a woman’s independence with her role in the family to love and everything in between, Uncovered in Merriweather delivers it all.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, hopeful, and brimming with charm—Michelle Cox does it again. I am never disappointed when I read her work except when I finish the book!!

Michelle Cox’s Uncovered in Merriweather: A Jane Austen in Wisconsin Novel, Book Two — Mansfield Park is a charming and heartfelt story that captures the spirit of Jane Austen with a fresh twist. Vividly written, it follows Kate Kerwyn, who longs to uncover her true heritage, and Melody Merriweather, who seeks belonging after her father’s death. Both women face questions of identity, purpose, and love—while unexpected relationships hint at futures filled with hope.

A moving, memorable novel about self-discovery and second chances. Highly recommended! Looking forward to Book 3 to see what happens next!!

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. I know these books (this is the 2nd in the series) are promoted as Jane Austen re-tellings, but they totally stand as their own stories. I loved returning to Merriweather and all the characters we met in the first book - but you don't have to have read book 1 to enjoy book 2. Both Kate and Melody are looking to find their own place in the world, and we get to go along their roads to discovery. Each has their own romantic travails. But by the end of this book, they seem to have found a place of their own. I look forward to meeting them again in book 3 - and wherever else this author will lead me in the next book. Bring it on!

[Coffeenoir (David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest, I have never read any Jane Austin so I don't know how the Merriweather books compare but it's hard for me to believe that the character development in Austin's books can be better than what Michelle Cox accomplished. I really liked the characters in this Merriweather series and am looking forward to the next one!
I was very pleased with the way this one ended. It was a very satisfying place to end the story.
I also like that there are nods to both history and art put into the book.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book, written by one of my favourite authors.
It was beautifully written with wonderful characters.
It was very easy to get caught up in their lives.
Once I started reading it, I was loath to put it down.
I enjoyed all the positive experiences that confronted the characters
and felt my heartstrings tugged by their misfortunes.It will definitely appeal to any fans of Jane Austen.I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advanced readers copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reimagined Jane Austen novels in this series are proving to be so much fun. I really enjoyed Michelle's vision for Mansfield Park and I especially love learning her writing process and how the characters come to be. Kate is very relatable as there are elements of feeling like she doesn't belong that can be true in our own stories, as well as the grass is not always greener. I'm looking forward to the next book and being back in Merriweather again.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Downes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Michelle has brought history to present, allowing you to relax in a historical environment and see a snapshot into the lives and characters of the times in Merriweather. Her books, make me laugh and cry and then I get to the last page and I have to wait for the next book with great anticipation! I love how she develops the characters and the story and carries it through a series. It allows one to get to know each one and fall in love with them.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNCOVERED IN MERRIWEATHER was a really great historical romance story! The author did a fantastic job with the main characters. I really liked the characters of Kate and Melody and I enjoyed reading about them. The small town vibes were also a plus for me and I enjoyed the alternating POVs. Great story, highly recommended!

Many thanks to Michelle Cox for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this historical romance with some mystery. I loved that there were really two stories. I loved Kate and Melody. I loved that these two women are trying to discover who they really are. I loved all of the many emotions these women feel as the stories unfold. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.