About Me

Ruth's favoriteI’m a Christian, a writer, a reader, an Austen fan, a linguist, and Brenda Cox by Mary Denman Photography 2(well, at least I used to be) an engineer. Austen’s world was in the process of transformation, and both faith and science led the changes. I love connections between ideas and people. And, yes, all these things are connected. I’m seeking more joy in my life. Ultimately I find it in God. But on the way He gives me gifts of joy in writing and in learning. I love delving deeper into Austen’s writings and her world, and I love learning about God’s church and His people in Austen’s world, and about science in that world. Science after all means “knowledge,” knowledge of the world He designed and made. We learn about God through His Word and through His works in His world, and this blog explores them both! I hope to share with you both information and inspiration.

In October 2022 my book, entitled Fashionable Goodness: Faith in Jane Austen’s England, first appeared. I discovered so many fascinating things about the church in Austen’s England that I wanted to share them with you all!

My next project is to write a novel, a sequel to Sense and Sensibility.  It will show Marianne after Col. Brandon dies, and include themes of faith and science, Lord willing.

You will find my articles on Austen’s clergymen and their wives in Jane Austen’s Regency World magazine. I also have articles in Persuasions On-Line and Sensibilities. I write regularly for Jane Austen’s World as well as for this blog.

I have spoken to Jane Austen groups in the US, England, Australia, and New Zealand, in person and online, on topics related to Jane Austen and the church. If you would like me to speak to your group, please contact me via the Contact form on this site. I have given presentations on the following topics. All presentations include illustrated PowerPoints, and group participation when possible.

  • Why Mr. Collins? The Church and Clergy in Jane Austen’s Novels.
  • “Nothing But a Country Curate”: Charles Hayter and Other Clergymen in Austen’s Novels.
  • Churches, Chapels, Abbeys, and Cathedrals in Northanger Abbey.
  • Satirical Cartoons and Jane Austen’s Church of England
  • Faith Words in Sense and Sensibility: A Story of Selfishness and Self-Denial.
  • The Regency Church
  • “Her Parish and Her Poultry”: The Lives of Clergymen’s Wives in Jane Austen’s Novels and World
  • Jane Austen and the Evangelicals
  • “Reading with Delight”: Jane Austen or Hannah More? (in development)