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The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume II
Jane Austen Lived a Quiet, Single Life—Or Did She? Tradition holds that Jane Austen lived a proper, contemplative, unmarried life. But what if she wed a man as passionate and intelligent as she—and the marriage remained secret for 200 years? The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen resolves the biggest mystery of Austen’s life—the “lost years” of her twenties—of which historians know virtually nothing. • Why the enduring rumors of a lost love or tragic affair? • Why, afterward, did the vivacious Austen prematurely put on “the cap of middle age” and close off any thoughts of finding love? • Why, after her death, did her beloved sister destroy her letters and journals? The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen trilogy answers these questions through a riveting love affair based on the history of the times and the details of Austen's own life. "A skillful portrayal of an early nineteenth-century literary icon takes this historical romance on an imaginative journey of the soul." —Foreword CLARION Reviews, 4 stars "Hemingway captures the energy of the times, while also writing with the irony and sly humor of Austen herself." —Blueink Starred Review "An enjoyable first novel in an imaginative, well-researched series." —Kirkus Reviews "Hemingway, with the lightest touch, builds up a thoroughly convincing alternative history." —Jane Austen’s Regency World
330 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2016
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About the author
Collins Hemingway
18 books132 followersI have a passion for creative investigation--digging deep into the heart and soul of characters, while also engaging them in the complex and often dangerous world in which they have a stake. I have an abiding regard for courage in the face of adversity, which shows in my work.
I seek to be precise, accurate, and intellectually rigorous but also to write with the language of the heart. I want to explore all that makes people what they are as complete but fallible human beings, while testing their mettle in every way possible.
My nonfiction shows the same respect for clarity of thought about matters of substance, complexity, and nuance.
I seek to be precise, accurate, and intellectually rigorous but also to write with the language of the heart. I want to explore all that makes people what they are as complete but fallible human beings, while testing their mettle in every way possible.
My nonfiction shows the same respect for clarity of thought about matters of substance, complexity, and nuance.
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September 12, 2016Today at Just Jane 1813 I have a review and giveaway of Volume 2 of Collins Hemingway's trilogy, "The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen http://justjane1813.com/2016/09/12/th... …
March 5, 2019
I fell in love. I felt excited. I was transported. The writing was fantastic. The development of the characters was excellent. The missing pieces of Miss Jane Austen's life was like a piece of realism. There was the culture and the scene setting of the 19th century that made you feel like you were right there as it all took place. I loved this world created for Miss Jane Austen. I loved that she found a love that was hers and a family to call her own. There was a whole world for her to have adventures through. A life was built and the trials of being a mother, wife, and in-law was there. There was history mixed in adding to the realism of what her life could have been.
February 5, 2019
This is a historical fiction series that tells us the fictional story of Jane Austen's life and marriage. Of course any Austenite knows that Jane never married in real life - she was engaged for one night - but then called it off. But ahhhh wait - this book also considers that as well! For Ashton's hopes of marrying Jane in round 1 are dashed and so he runs off. But of course this is a book about a marriage, so we are left to figure out whether he will come back and marry Jane or whether she will end up with someone else. So it's definitely fiction, but I absolutely loved Ashton Dennis, he was young, fun and most of all, handsome :) Perfect for Jane. But when he was first introduced to us as readers, I wasn't quite sure that he would be THE one - he stuttered when embarrassed, and Jane did not seem to think well of him at all. You know with the name of the book that she would marry, but in the meantime she does find herself in a lot of awkward and completely inappropriate situations that would not have been done in those days, and even though we suspect it's Ashton, we don't know that for certain. A lot of the first book reminded me of things from Pride and Prejudice. For example, the relationship that Jane and her sister Cassandra share - it's SO comparable to Lizzie and Jane Bennet's relationship in the P&P book. Then of course a woman of 26 is considered a spinster - that reminded me of Emma in a lot of ways. But the situation that Jane finds herself in involves a hot air balloon and it takes off with the story of Lydia Bennet, although it ends MUCH better than that story. But I loved that I could feel the Austenesque qualities throughout the book, and that Jane was portrayed as a strong character, especially for a woman in those times, and she does not care that she is 26 years old and pffts at her mother for even considering her a "spinster". That is laughable, and Jane finds it so as well. I know a lot about Jane's life, but there is a lot we don't know, and it's interesting to try to imagine her in these situations. And of course the writing comes into play quite a bit in the series - Jane is always going off on her own to write - but the only thing I would have liked a little more of is maybe showing her writing specific books and how she may have used her own life to write them. Vol II dealt with a lot of the things that went along with married life in those days and was what I would assume P&P2 would have been like - the ups and downs of newlyweds and the differences in society. Unfortunately we never got that with P&P, but at least we kind of have a taste of that in this book. And the book also focuses on something that we don't think about a lot when it comes to marriages in Jane's time - things such as running a household, family matters and living up to his family's standards. Another Austen theme - one of the people never live up to what the others family thinks they should. But the hum drum life she has in the second book gives us a nice comparison to the life she lived in the first book as a single and free young lady. I actually feel bad for Jane in this book, she always is under the thumb of her new mother in law and her new husband always seems to be finding his way into a situation that is disastrous to say the least. Jane is pregnant and dealing with all of this, and surely it takes a toll on her, but again the books showcase just how strong Jane really is and she WAS truly a strong woman in real life. She rails against the stereotypes of her time by not marrying early on, she does things on her own time, she writes and she doesn't cowtow to anyone. I won't give any more away, but there is one other relationship in this book that deals with some very keen social issues that are still around today. But you are going to have to read it to find out what that is. I guarantee you will love it though, and as for me, I am going to get Vol III when I can and read that! 5 Stars for both books :) I loved both of these books, I think they are great - and if you are a lover of historical fiction and Austen, they are a must read! They may be just fiction, but the historical setting, the society and all of those things are just as they would have been while Jane was alive.
**I received a free book to read**
**I received a free book to read**
November 30, 2018
In this second volume, we experience the first two years of marriage with Jane and Ashton Dennis. As with the first volume, it is beautifully written and researched, encompassing many of the political and historical events of the day. We get to see both Jane and Ashton's adjustments to married life and their insecurities...more so Jane in this respect.
"You can live, or you can write. You can't do both."
I enjoyed Volume II but not with the same fervor I did Volume I. We get an in-depth view of their lives that are imaginative but at the same time relevant, though some I couldn't entirely embrace. The common thread that runs through this is the involvement of Ashton and Jane in bringing great minds together and the impact on their lives.
November 29, 2019
Last year I enjoyed reviewing The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen. That novel, the first in a series, details Jane Austen's courtship by Ashton Dennis. This novel picks up as Jane and Ashton have married, and she finds her life suddenly changed as she helps oversee his large estate -- and discovers she is pregnant with her first child.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the first novel was a delight here as well. Collins Hemingway captures the tone of Jane Austen's books and her use of language beautifully. Austen fans are sure to enjoy this aspect of the novel.
I loved, too, the vivid descriptions in this book and the fine sense of another time and place. For instance, Jane and her sister Cassandra are discussing how different Jane's life is at Hants House, the largest estate in Hampshire. Cassandra looks around the room "like an agent canvassing an estate for an asset sale. Before her were:
-- Period cabinets holding patterned china and antique clocks -- ornate sofas and tables, and fragile desks meant to be admired rather than used -- the chandelier that hung within concentric rows of gold designs against a white ceiling and the cherubim that looked down beatifically from each corner of the ceiling -- the blue-green wallpaper embossed with darker floral designs, framed with wood panels of a complementary color, something between gold and cream -- the thick rose-colored rug, the border of which matched the walls" (p. 10).
I enjoyed seeing the progression of Jane's character as she makes a conscious choice to ask the servants for opinions and subtly changes the running of the household.
Even more dramatic, Jane and Ashton become involved in the anti-slavery movement after they become acquainted with a couple who own a sugar plantation in the Caribbean.
Jane and Ashton are seen as a marriage of true minds in most regards, except for one important one -- her writing. Jane tries to juggle writing with marriage and impending motherhood. Ashton tells her: "You can live, or you can write You can't do both" (p. 48). Later when she reads Ashton some of her writing in progress, he is dismissive and asks her to "skip these domestic capers and get on to the good parts" (p. 207). The book she had been reading him was First Impressions -- an early version of Pride and Prejudice!
I enjoyed The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen, Volume II so much, and I believe that anyone who enjoys Jane Austen's work -- or who values well written historical fiction -- will enjoy it just as much. I look forward to reading Volume III.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the first novel was a delight here as well. Collins Hemingway captures the tone of Jane Austen's books and her use of language beautifully. Austen fans are sure to enjoy this aspect of the novel.
I loved, too, the vivid descriptions in this book and the fine sense of another time and place. For instance, Jane and her sister Cassandra are discussing how different Jane's life is at Hants House, the largest estate in Hampshire. Cassandra looks around the room "like an agent canvassing an estate for an asset sale. Before her were:
-- Period cabinets holding patterned china and antique clocks -- ornate sofas and tables, and fragile desks meant to be admired rather than used -- the chandelier that hung within concentric rows of gold designs against a white ceiling and the cherubim that looked down beatifically from each corner of the ceiling -- the blue-green wallpaper embossed with darker floral designs, framed with wood panels of a complementary color, something between gold and cream -- the thick rose-colored rug, the border of which matched the walls" (p. 10).
I enjoyed seeing the progression of Jane's character as she makes a conscious choice to ask the servants for opinions and subtly changes the running of the household.
Even more dramatic, Jane and Ashton become involved in the anti-slavery movement after they become acquainted with a couple who own a sugar plantation in the Caribbean.
Jane and Ashton are seen as a marriage of true minds in most regards, except for one important one -- her writing. Jane tries to juggle writing with marriage and impending motherhood. Ashton tells her: "You can live, or you can write You can't do both" (p. 48). Later when she reads Ashton some of her writing in progress, he is dismissive and asks her to "skip these domestic capers and get on to the good parts" (p. 207). The book she had been reading him was First Impressions -- an early version of Pride and Prejudice!
I enjoyed The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen, Volume II so much, and I believe that anyone who enjoys Jane Austen's work -- or who values well written historical fiction -- will enjoy it just as much. I look forward to reading Volume III.
January 27, 2019
I read The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume I in December of 2018. I absolutely adored it. Hemingway could have stopped with just that one volume. Volume One ended well. It ended as Austen novels usually do, with a happily ever after sort of feeling. So why go further? I guess he knew that his readers would want more. Because there's always more to the story. Life doesn't stop after the wedding. That's where life becomes interesting and complicated. I'm so glad Hemingway decided to take his readers on this journey.
Volume Two picks up after Jane and Ashton's honeymoon. Jane is blissfully happy as the new Mrs. Dennis. However, she has a little trouble navigating the waters as the new mistress of the house. Her mother-in-law still isn't happy about being usurped in Ashton's life, and isn't very helpful to Jane. Jane will not be kept down and rises to every challenge. Jane and Ashton also face challenges dealing with many of the social issues of the day. And if all that is not enough, Jane is expecting a baby. I think the biggest conflict Jane faces is within her self. She struggles with wanting to write as well as wanting to be everything Ashton needs.
The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume Two is a wonderful sequel to the first novel. It goes beyond the happily ever after into the struggles of newlywed life. Jane is often faced with many advercities that many women face not only in Austen's time, but also today. I so want Jane to live happily ever after, but sadly I know how her story ends. Still, I highly anticipate as well as dread Volume Three. I feel Hemingway will break my heart. Nevertheless, I will read it.
This is a great series that Austen fans will love. Hemingway has written a compelling novel in three volumes that will suck the reader in from the first few pages. And, like me, you will have a hard time letting go until you've read the last page.
Read more at https://www.toreadornottoread.net/201...
Volume Two picks up after Jane and Ashton's honeymoon. Jane is blissfully happy as the new Mrs. Dennis. However, she has a little trouble navigating the waters as the new mistress of the house. Her mother-in-law still isn't happy about being usurped in Ashton's life, and isn't very helpful to Jane. Jane will not be kept down and rises to every challenge. Jane and Ashton also face challenges dealing with many of the social issues of the day. And if all that is not enough, Jane is expecting a baby. I think the biggest conflict Jane faces is within her self. She struggles with wanting to write as well as wanting to be everything Ashton needs.
The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume Two is a wonderful sequel to the first novel. It goes beyond the happily ever after into the struggles of newlywed life. Jane is often faced with many advercities that many women face not only in Austen's time, but also today. I so want Jane to live happily ever after, but sadly I know how her story ends. Still, I highly anticipate as well as dread Volume Three. I feel Hemingway will break my heart. Nevertheless, I will read it.
This is a great series that Austen fans will love. Hemingway has written a compelling novel in three volumes that will suck the reader in from the first few pages. And, like me, you will have a hard time letting go until you've read the last page.
Read more at https://www.toreadornottoread.net/201...
March 19, 2026
The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume II by Collins Hemingway is an imaginative work of historical fiction that explores an alternative interpretation of the life of Jane Austen, one of literature’s most enduring figures.
The novel builds upon the intriguing premise that Austen may have experienced a passionate, secret marriage an idea that seeks to explain the mysterious gaps in her early adult years, often referred to as her “lost years.” Through this lens, the story reimagines the personal and emotional influences that may have shaped her writing and outlook on life.
Drawing on historical context and literary detail, the narrative attempts to answer long-debated questions about Austen’s relationships, her apparent retreat from romantic pursuits later in life, and the destruction of her personal letters and journals after her death. These elements are woven into a romantic and speculative storyline that blends historical fact with creative interpretation.
The tone and structure of the book aim to reflect the style and sensibilities of the Regency era while also capturing the wit and emotional depth associated with Austen’s own works. Readers familiar with Austen’s novels may find the reinterpretation of her life both thought provoking and engaging.
Overall, The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume II offers a fictionalized exploration of literary history that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance, speculative biographies, and imaginative reexaminations of well-known historical figures.
The novel builds upon the intriguing premise that Austen may have experienced a passionate, secret marriage an idea that seeks to explain the mysterious gaps in her early adult years, often referred to as her “lost years.” Through this lens, the story reimagines the personal and emotional influences that may have shaped her writing and outlook on life.
Drawing on historical context and literary detail, the narrative attempts to answer long-debated questions about Austen’s relationships, her apparent retreat from romantic pursuits later in life, and the destruction of her personal letters and journals after her death. These elements are woven into a romantic and speculative storyline that blends historical fact with creative interpretation.
The tone and structure of the book aim to reflect the style and sensibilities of the Regency era while also capturing the wit and emotional depth associated with Austen’s own works. Readers familiar with Austen’s novels may find the reinterpretation of her life both thought provoking and engaging.
Overall, The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen: Volume II offers a fictionalized exploration of literary history that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance, speculative biographies, and imaginative reexaminations of well-known historical figures.
May 28, 2018
This book starts in 1805 just after Jane has married and taken over the responsibilities of a large household from her mother-in-law who still lives there. It carries on to 1807. In this time they have had their first child. This book covers family life, finding business investments, friends, the war and slaves.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 6, 2019
Review to come :)
February 28, 2019
In my
review of Volume I
, I talked a lot about how in these novels, the reader gets to experience an alternate reality where Jane Austen finds love. In this installment, Jane navigates love, marriage, and pregnancy. The most amazing part of these books to me isn't the alternate version of history, but rather, the female realties explored with such startlingly clarity - especially by a man.
It is one thing for a male author to correctly explain the feelings of a sex scene. Though women experience intimacy differently, especially the first time, than men, it's a completely different task for a man to describe how it feels to be pregnant. I'm trying to be very sensitive and honest when reviewing how Collins Hemingway articulated Jane's feelings about being pregnant, carrying a pregnancy, motherhood, impending delivery, etc. So here is my attempt to describe what I felt.
If someone were to ask me to describe how it felt to be pregnant, I would make a joke, probably say, "tired," and move along simply because the task is so daunting. How do you put into words the feelings of otherness and corresponding oneness you experience having another person inside of you? How can any person describe the overwhelming fear, terror, and helplessness an expectant mother experiences on a daily basis? I wouldn't even try, and I have had the privilege of carrying two beautiful children to term.
So, it is even more remarkable that Mr. Hemingway has so wonderfully managed to craft the narrative of a woman he has never met, experiencing a life altering event he can never understand. I can only imagine and appreciate the amount of listening he must have done in order to achieve this level of emotional understanding. I commend him for the effort and the result.
This book moved very well and covered a lot of historical and emotional ground. Obviously, I love Jane Austen, so I loved reading more about what her life might have been. I'm letting my imagination run wild in these books, though my mind is rebelling at the thought of the inevitable calamity that is coming which causes Ms. Austen to close herself off to write. After this book, I am so invested in this family that I know I will grieve the ending. What better compliment can you give a book than it made you feel?
* Special thanks to Collins Hemingway, Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, and HF Virtual Book Tours for providing a copy of The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Volume II in exchange for an honest review.
review of Volume I
, I talked a lot about how in these novels, the reader gets to experience an alternate reality where Jane Austen finds love. In this installment, Jane navigates love, marriage, and pregnancy. The most amazing part of these books to me isn't the alternate version of history, but rather, the female realties explored with such startlingly clarity - especially by a man.
It is one thing for a male author to correctly explain the feelings of a sex scene. Though women experience intimacy differently, especially the first time, than men, it's a completely different task for a man to describe how it feels to be pregnant. I'm trying to be very sensitive and honest when reviewing how Collins Hemingway articulated Jane's feelings about being pregnant, carrying a pregnancy, motherhood, impending delivery, etc. So here is my attempt to describe what I felt.
If someone were to ask me to describe how it felt to be pregnant, I would make a joke, probably say, "tired," and move along simply because the task is so daunting. How do you put into words the feelings of otherness and corresponding oneness you experience having another person inside of you? How can any person describe the overwhelming fear, terror, and helplessness an expectant mother experiences on a daily basis? I wouldn't even try, and I have had the privilege of carrying two beautiful children to term.
So, it is even more remarkable that Mr. Hemingway has so wonderfully managed to craft the narrative of a woman he has never met, experiencing a life altering event he can never understand. I can only imagine and appreciate the amount of listening he must have done in order to achieve this level of emotional understanding. I commend him for the effort and the result.
This book moved very well and covered a lot of historical and emotional ground. Obviously, I love Jane Austen, so I loved reading more about what her life might have been. I'm letting my imagination run wild in these books, though my mind is rebelling at the thought of the inevitable calamity that is coming which causes Ms. Austen to close herself off to write. After this book, I am so invested in this family that I know I will grieve the ending. What better compliment can you give a book than it made you feel?
* Special thanks to Collins Hemingway, Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, and HF Virtual Book Tours for providing a copy of The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Volume II in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2020
I loved this trilogy, imagining an alternative life for Jane.
November 26, 2019
*I received a copy of this book for review purposes; all opinions expressed in this review are my own honest thoughts.*
After reading the first novel in this series, I was excited to continue and picked up the second within moments of finishing. I’ve always loved a good “what if?” when it comes to little-known aspects of history, especially those I’ve been able to study. Jane Austen has been one of my favourite authors since elementary school and I’ve absolutely loved watching her come alive on the page through this series. Hemingway truly provides a unique imagining of Austen as a character, firmly based in the image of Austen as a real figure.
*Full review on Pencils & Pages*
https://juliettesebock.com/book-revie...
After reading the first novel in this series, I was excited to continue and picked up the second within moments of finishing. I’ve always loved a good “what if?” when it comes to little-known aspects of history, especially those I’ve been able to study. Jane Austen has been one of my favourite authors since elementary school and I’ve absolutely loved watching her come alive on the page through this series. Hemingway truly provides a unique imagining of Austen as a character, firmly based in the image of Austen as a real figure.
*Full review on Pencils & Pages*
https://juliettesebock.com/book-revie...
March 27, 2017
I enjoyed Volume I from Hemingway. I found the same things confusing in this sequel as I did in the first book – I cannot for the life of me figure out why Hemingway changed Harris Bigg-Wither to Ashton Dennis, but kept the names of the Bigg sisters unchanged. Jane and Ashton were married at the end of Volume I. This sequel sees her becoming more accustomed to being both the mistress of a large household and the wife of her husband. Jane’s writing is pushed aside, despite Cassandra telling her not to neglect her gift. She is enamored of finally living versus observing and writing. Jane becomes pregnant just a few short months after her wedding, and the remainder of the novel chronicles her impending motherhood and the flights of fancy she surrenders to when picturing her future family, all mixed in with her husband’s pursuit of scientific innovations. I can easily imagine Austen having such a life, but I admit it felt wrong to hear her character defend the cessation of her writing in order to be a good woman and wife. Perhaps I prefer her as she was.
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