Review: "Jane Austen's Letters" Collected and Edited by Deirde Le Faye

In its fourth edition, it is perfection itself. No other words describe it. One of my favorite passages, taken from Cassandra Austen's letter to her niece Fanny Knight on July 18, 1817 after the death of her beloved sister Jane Austen. 

I have lost a treasure, such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed. She was the sun of my life, the gilder of every pleasure, the soother of every sorrow; I had not a thought concealed from her, and it is as if I had lost a part of myself. I loved her only too well -- not better than she deserved, but I am conscious that my affection for her made me sometimes unjust to and negligent of others; and I can acknowledge, more than as a general principle, the justice of the Hand which has struck this blow.

~Cassandra Austen 

Review: Amanda Grange's Jane Austen Inspired Novels

Amanda Grange has written a series of Jane Austen inspired fiction. I've just finished going through them. I enjoyed the opposite perspectives on the novels and Grange is insightful in her portrayals of the various Austen men and their innermost thoughts and emotions. Nonetheless, at no fault of Grange's, she is no Austen and the books lack the sparkle and wit of the originals. I specifically enjoyed "Captain Wentworth's Diary." Here's the complete list:

• Mr. Darcy's Diary
• Mr. Knightley's Diary
• Captain Wentworth's Diary
• Edmund Bertram's Diary
• Colonel Brandon's Diary
• Henry Tilney's Diary
• Wickham's Diary 

Je t'aime

This weekend six of my seven lovely flat-mates journeyed to Paris. I hope they love it as much as I did my first time. And just because I'm nostalgic, here are some pictures of all of the lovely things to see and do in Paris.

My two February Birthday boys.

And here's another one. This one for both Steven and Brendan! I already have the feeling I'll have to make these next! Plants vs. Zombies cupcakes.

Steven's Birthday

To commemorate Steven's 12th Birthday! I saw these and thought of you. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Pancake Day!

 It's pancake day in the United Kingdom, also known as "Mardi Gras" or "Fat Tuesday" in the United States. It's the tuesday before Lent and in the UK it's common historically to eat pancakes because of the ritual fasting that occurs during Lent. Why pancakes you ask? The ingredients, such as flour, sugar and eggs, are easily available but also commonly restricted during Lent. Pancakes, however, are not flapjacks but crepes. Once you get past that minor cultural miscommunication, the day is lovely. Here's something to get your appetite going.