I’m so excited to share that our September book club officially begins today! 🎉

We’ll be diving into The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery — a short, powerful read that I know is going to spark some big conversations.

This is not a rushed, “finish by the deadline” type of club.
It’s a slow and intentional reading experience where we can reflect as we go.

You’re invited to drop into the chat anytime throughout the month to share…
✨ Quotes that stick with you
✨ Thoughts or reflections as you read
✨ Questions, struggles, and aha moments

Think of it as an ongoing conversation woven into your daily life.

Read more

Hi friends!

It’s time to announce next month’s book club pick…
The Mountain Is You

This isn’t just a “read and done” book club.
It’s an intentional book club, woven into your everyday life.

Here’s how it works…

Instead of setting aside one big discussion at the end of the month, we’ll be chatting all month long in real time.

That means you can…
✨ Drop in your thoughts as you read
✨ Share favorite quotes that hit home
✨ Ask questions (or vent about the hard parts)
✨ Celebrate “aha!” moments together

Think of it like a cozy living room where we’re all curled up with the same book, popping in and out of conversation when inspiration strikes.

If you’re unsure where to find the chat, Substack has a helpful FAQ here to guide you through it. Once you’re in, you’ll see our space ready for you to join.

I can’t wait to explore this one with you!

Let’s climb the “mountains” together. 💛

✨ Not a member yet?

Upgrade for only $5/month to join our intentional book club. You’ll get access to the chat, real-time conversations, and the chance to grow right alongside us.

I hope to see you there.

Subscribe now

After stepping away from a strict religious upbringing, I found myself disoriented, raw, and unsure of how the “real world” actually worked. I didn’t have a blueprint. I didn’t even know where to begin.

But I had books.

They became my lifeline, my quiet teachers, bold mentors, and constant escape. Books showed me who I was and hinted at who I could become over time. Every page felt like a hopeful future.

And there was.

At 37, as I stepped into entrepreneurship and started building my business, I returned to books again. This time, I read for courage. I read for wisdom. I read to remind myself that we are never done growing, evolving, or becoming and that other amazing woman had become successful and that I can do it too.

Then, this year at 43, I lost my dad.

He passed away on June 13, 2025, and since then, there has been a clear dividing line in my life: before loss and after.

Grief has a way of reshaping everything. It made me question what matters. It made me long for grounding, for meaning, for a way to reconnect with myself when everything else felt unfamiliar. Once again, I turned to books, not to escape this time, but to heal.

Now, I’ve created The Literary Assistant Book Club because I want to share this space with you.

This is for the women who are ready to grow, learn, and evolve but want to do it with heart. This club isn’t just about turning pages. It’s about turning inward. It’s a space where we’ll explore books that challenge us to think differently, to feel deeper, and to take action toward the lives we want.

Some of the books we’ll read will offer us mindset shifts. Others will give us tools to break patterns and build something new. All of them will offer us the gift of connection—to ourselves, to our purpose, and to a community of like-minded women who are walking the same road.

And I get it. You’re busy. I’m busy.

That’s why this book club is built to meet you where you are. You’ll get morning motivations to start your day with intention and energy in the chat. Each week, I’ll share a summary of the key takeaways from the book, so even if you don’t have time to read cover to cover, you’ll still absorb the inspiration and the lessons.

No pressure. No guilt. Just growth.

And all of it for the cost of a cup of coffee.

Because investing in yourself should feel simple, supportive, and powerful.

If you’ve been craving something more… a new rhythm, a fresh perspective, a nudge toward your next chapter… consider this your invitation.

Are you ready to turn some pages and step into a new version of you?

Here’s what we’re reading to kick things off the next three months:

August 1st: Attitudes of Gratitude by M. J. Ryan
September 1st: The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
October 1st: The Kindness Method by Shahroo Izadi

All of my reading reflections/recommendations and interviews will remain free and accessible to everyone. The only reason the book club portion requires a subscription is to create a safe and intentional space. When I tried to open the chat previously, the discussion area was flooded with spam and unpleasant comments. I truly want this to be a place for growth, reflection, and community—where those who join do so with intention and heart.

Join me right here on Substack as we begin this journey together. All the conversations, encouragement, and reflections will happen right in your inbox.

Let’s grow together, one page at a time.

We start today, August 1st!

Subscribe now

As a community we have now donated 16 books to women who need them.💝

For every membership upgraded to $5, we donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter.

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a tea and keep writing! ☕

I just finished an arc of Julia Song Is Undateable… and what a fun, heartfelt read!

I loved diving into Julia's story, especially the way her Korean heritage was woven through the narrative. One of my favorite parts? Seeing her thrive as a CEO and lean on a team of coaches to grow personally and professionally. It’s something I talk about often in this space: we don’t have to do it all alone. I’m always inspired by stories, fiction or nonfiction, that show us strong, complex women becoming the main character in their own lives.

Speaking of inspiration, I also just finished The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein. It was the first book I’ve been able to finish since losing my dad, and it came to me at just the right time. In my 30s, I devoured nonfiction and motivational books, but somewhere along the way I drifted. Grief has a way of guiding us back to what we need. This book gave me a quiet but profound shift: the universe isn’t against us… it’s constantly offering us lessons in love, self-trust, and surrender. That doesn’t mean those lessons are easy. Loss still hurts. But loving deeply sometimes also means grieving deeply, and that just means we’ve lived fully.

OK, on to lighter topics…

Right now, I’m reading an arc of Dealing with a Desperate Demon, and let me tell you…it’s exactly the wildly off-the-rails energy I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes you just need a book that grabs you by the hand and says, “Buckle up.”😂

What about you?

What are you reading right now?

If you’re craving books that help you see life through a new lens, and want to do it with a supportive, creative community, join us in The Literary Assistant Book Club!

We kick off August 1st and would love to have you.

Come for the stories, stay for the soul. ✨

At 22, I discovered who I truly was for the first time. I had left a strict religious environment and barely had a clue of how the “real world” worked. Books became my guide, my teachers, my mentors, and my escape. They showed me who I could become.

Then, at 37, as I stepped into entrepreneurship and built my business, I turned to books again. This time I read for courage, wisdom, and a reminder that we are never done growing.

Now, I’m creating this space for you.
A community for women ready to grow, learn, and evolve together.
Here, we’ll explore books that challenge our thinking, inspire new possibilities, and coach us through the stories and lessons of the world’s best teachers.

This book club will meet you where you are.

You’ll get morning motivations to set the tone for your day, along with weekly summaries of what we’re reading. So even if you don’t have time to read along, you’ll still gain the lessons and inspiration from each book.

All for the cost of a cup of coffee.
Because investing in yourself should be simple and powerful.

Are you ready to turn the page and step into a new version of you?

Upcoming Reading Schedule -

August - Attitudes of Gratitude

September - The Mountain is You

October - The Kindness Method

Join me in The Literary Assistant Book Club and let’s start this journey together. All conversations will happen here on Substack.

$5 a month to join.

Subscribe now

Starting August first, our inaugural read will be Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life (Live Life to the Fullest Guidebook, Positive Thinking Book for Ultimate Happiness)

Check it out HERE.

Subscribe now

As a community we have now donated 16 books to women who need them.💝

For every membership upgraded to $5, we donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter.

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a tea and keep writing! ☕

Dear Friends,

As I approach my 43rd rotation around the sun in the summer, I've been reflecting on what The Literary Assistant means to me. While it represents my business, I've realized it also embodies something deeper. To me, it also shows how books have become assistants in virtually every aspect of my life.

Books have been my guides through uncertainty through early motherhood, my companions in self-reflection to figure out who I am, my teachers in the kitchen to show me how to make new recipes, and my mirrors in moments of new styles and self-discovery. They've shaped how I present myself to the world, how I express myself creatively, how I dress, and even how I enjoy a simple cup of tea.

This reflection has inspired me to launch a new series that I’ll be sharing each week here on Substack.

Becoming the Main Character: Literary-Inspired Living.

Each week, I'll focus on one way that I’ll be trying to bring "main character energy" into everyday life through the lens of literature. And I want to take you along with me.

Sound like something you would like to do as well? Join in the fun!

Subscribe now

What to Expect

Each newsletter will include:

• My Weekly Focus: What I'm personally working on to bring intention and literary magic into ordinary moments

• Glimpses of My Journey: Honest reflections and photos from my own experiments with literary living

• Book Recommendations: Three carefully selected titles that complement the week's theme

For the rest of this year (and perhaps beyond), we'll explore different aspects of literary-inspired living, beginning with these themes:

Week 1: The Literary Walk — Finding story and meaning in everyday strolls
Week 2: The Reading Ritual — Creating intentional spaces and practices for reading
Week 3: The Literary Wardrobe — Bringing bookish inspiration to personal style
Week 4: Literary Tea Time — Pairing books with mindful brewing moments

Future themes will include literary gardens, bookish home spaces, literary (virtual) travel, character-inspired cooking, and much more.

Why "Main Character Energy"?

There's been much talk about "main character energy" in recent years—that sense of living as though your life is a story worth telling. But I’m not interested in social media curated perfection. I'm interested in something deeper something meaningful to me.

The main characters I love in literature don't just look the part—they notice details, reflect on experiences, find meaning in ordinary moments, and approach life with both purpose and openness to surprise.

Is anyone else feeling Elizabeth Bennet vibes?

That's the energy I'm seeking to nourish, and I invite you to join me.

This week, I'm experimenting with character-inspired walks. This morning, I spent 15 minutes walking through my neighborhood as I imagined Elizabeth Bennet might—noticing architectural details I normally overlook, appreciating the still bare branches of the trees, and observing interactions between neighbors with a slightly more perceptive eye.

Something shifted. I found myself with a spring in my step, walking with a bit of joyfulness, and feeling more relaxed and connected to my surroundings. The same route I've walked so, so many times suddenly felt fresh and full of new things to explore. And, it also helps that the cute ducks have arrived in our back pond as well as the neighboring chickens as my parents!

Tomorrow, I'm planning a "setting stroll" where I'll imagine my neighborhood as a setting in a novel—perhaps the English countryside or an small Irish village… we will see how well my imagination serves me. I'll share photos on Instagram.

As I've been rereading The Art of Flaneuring by Erika Owen, I've been struck by how the simple act of mindful walking has become an afterthought in our busy lives. When we walk with attention and purpose—like a character in charge—we hold onto calmness in our own lives.

Has anyone else noticed the speed of content on social media picking up? I feel like people are even talking faster. Lately, I’ve noticed my body getting uptight in response to the quick pace of the videos being shared. I’m looking to find the balance through some fresh air and outdoor time.

I'm finding that approaching daily walks with literary awareness is helping me become more present, more observant, and more connected to both stories and reality.

It's a small practice with mighty impact.✨

Book Recommendations

If you'd like to join me in exploring literary walks this week, here are three book recommendations. One has inspired my walking, and two are fun fiction recs that I love. I think they fit well with the walking/outdoors theme.

The Art of Flaneuring by Erika Owen

This accessible guide revives the nearly forgotten concept of "flaneuring"—the art of wandering with intention and curiosity. Owen adapts this historically urban and privileged practice for modern life, showing how anyone can benefit from mindful observation while walking. Perfect for those seeking to transform ordinary strolls into meaningful explorations.

P.S. I really love having this book on my shelf to pull out every year when Spring rolls around. It’s a refreshing reminder to get outside and move - with intention.

Check it out HERE.

Birding with Benefits by Sarah Smith

In this fun and flirty rom-com, newly-divorced Celeste joins shy birdwatcher John for a birding contest in Tucson, leading to hiking adventures through the Arizona wilderness. As they spend time walking and observing nature together, they develop undeniable chemistry.

This novel beautifully illustrates how walking in nature can lead to unexpected connections, personal growth, and new beginnings.

This book really made me want to go birding!

P.P.S. I really loved this book!

Check it out HERE.

The Celebrated Pedestrian by Suzanne Allain

For fiction lovers, this delightful Regency romance showcases how walks can become a part of a routine, but also highlight too much of a good thing can be well… too much.

The protagonist's daily constitutionals lead to unexpected encounters, revelations, and transformations—a charming reminder that sometimes the most important journeys happen on foot.

This was such a fun find after I read Mr. Malcolm’s List and fell in love with the movie.(If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!) Suzanne is such a talented author and when I discovered she had a few hidden gems, I grabbed them up! This is the perfect read if you are looking for a unique Regency romance with a fresh premise. (This is a proper romance, so no steamy, but still a great read.)

Check it out HERE.

P.P.P.S.

As I head into my 43rd year, I'm focusing on intentionality and finding joy in small moments. These weekly practices are my way of bringing that intention to life through the lens of literature.

I'd love for you to join me. You don't need special equipment, tons of books, or hours of free time—just a curiosity to approach ordinary moments with a bit more awareness and imagination.

Each week, I'll share my experiences honestly—the discoveries, the awkward moments (and there are always awkward moments with me), and the hidden joys found in self discovery.

I invite you to share yours as well!

I want you to feel that your everyday life is already a story worth telling—you just need to start noticing it.

Happy reading,

Melissa

P.S. Next week we'll explore The Reading Ritual – creating intentional spaces and practices that transform ordinary reading into extraordinarily bookish experiences.

Your support mean the world to me! For every membership updated to $5, I donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

Subscribe now

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support this space for only $5 a month.

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕

Looking for a way to take a little break from the world? I’m with you.

I’ve created a 30-minute classical music video designed to be a little escape—whether you're diving into a book or simply need a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and find calm.

Let me know if you'd like this to become a regular feature!

And as a little treat, I’m sharing an excerpt from Jane Austen’s letter to her sister Cassandra where she is talking about music. Enjoy!

💌

Sloane St., Thursday (April 25).

My dearest Cassandra,

“The music was extremely good. It opened (tell Fanny) with "Poike de Parp pirs praise pof Prapela;" and of the other glees I remember, "In peace love tunes," "Rosabelle," "The Red Cross Knight," and "Poor Insect." Between the songs were lessons on the harp, or harp and pianoforte together; and the harp-player was Wiepart, whose name seems famous, though new to me. There was one female singer, a short Miss Davis, all in blue, bringing up for the public line, whose voice was said to be very fine indeed; and all the performers gave great satisfaction by doing what they were paid for, and giving themselves no airs. No amateur could be persuaded to do anything.”

Yours affectionately,
J. A

Exciting news! We’ve had two upgrades this month. That means two more books will be donated to the women’s shelter. Thank you all so much for your support!

Subscribe now

* for every membership updated to $5, I donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support this space for only $5 a month.

Do you love them or hate them?

I have thoughts.

So, while I 100% stand in the camp that audiobooks count as “real” reading and I admire people who listen to them, I find that I have a difficult time focusing while listening to fiction. I tend to listen to non-fiction (business and self-improvement being my go-to) so that my mind can wander a bit and I don’t lose the plot. I’ve just always dismissed them as not really for me.

Also, can we talk about how hard it can be to find a narrator you don’t mind listen to for 13+ hours. Soooo hard!

I’ve found myself getting a bit of audio-envy though seeing everyone talking about the audiobooks they have been enjoying. I think it was all those end of the year reading wrap ups that got to me.

I’ve been thinking I need to give them another try. And then, I saw it! The universe sent me my sign in the form of an email from Libro.fm.

The Libro.fm Love Audiobooks Challenge is starting and I knew it was the incentive I needed to give it another try.

And what does any self-respecting Substacker do when they feel a bit of creative inspiration bubbling to the surface? They dm someone who inspires them to join them.

My person is . Seriously, if you haven’t read her post on that fact that you won’t find her reaching for the classics you need to go check it out. Also, I really felt she was a kindred sprit when she wrote her reflective analysis on a holiday romcom.

Well, she said yes to joining the audiobook challenge and jumped in with me.

I ❤️ this community.

In her post, she talked about not jumping to read Jane Austen and so many other classics. (She does guide you to who to check out for reading them with a bit of hand-holding) And while I can get down with not spending my evening hanging out with Moby Dick. I couldn’t let that Austen comment go unchecked.

So what’s the challenge?

For the Love of Audiobooks Reading Challenge🎧❤️📖

Read 10+ hours of audiobooks between February 5-14 and you’ll earn a free Libro.fm audiobook credit!

They even have a cute tracking card for you! You can check out the challenge HERE.

You can read whatever you like, from wherever you like. This is a great time to see what you’ve maybe purchased and never listened to (I’m calling myself out on this one), grab something from the library, or even check YouTube for some free audiobooks you can find on there.

Why Should You Give Audiobooks A Try?

I’m probably the only one here who hasn’t been listening to books on the regular. But in case you need a little added motivation, here are 5 reasons why listening to audiobooks is good for you.

1️⃣ Enhances Comprehension & Retention 🧠
Listening activates different parts of your brain, helping you absorb and remember information in a new way—especially for complex stories or nonfiction topics.

2️⃣ Multitasking Made Easy ⏳
Unlike traditional reading, audiobooks let you enjoy stories while driving, exercising, or doing chores, making it easier to fit more books into your busy life. Note to self - get exercising more and listen to books.

3️⃣ Brings Stories to Life 🎭
With narrated performances, character voices, and immersive sound, audiobooks can add a whole new dimension to storytelling, making it feel even more engaging.

4️⃣ Reduces Eye Strain & Fatigue 👀
Perfect for when you’re tired of staring at screens or print—just close your eyes, relax, and let the story unfold effortlessly. This is why I grab my paperwhite a lot, but audiobooks seem like they could also be a great option.

5️⃣ Improves Pronunciation & Listening Skills 🎙️
Great for language learners or anyone looking to strengthen their listening skills, audiobooks expose you to proper pronunciation, tone, and pacing. With my Michigan/Canadian accent, I can use some help with this. 😂

What Am I Listening To?

I know after saying I don’t love audiobooks, you are wondering what am I going to be listening to. Well, I checked my virtual audiobook shelf and discovered that I have a copy of Northanger Abbey that I haven’t listen to yet. Perfect!

After reading Kolina’s post, it has me thinking… have I been too dismissive of the classics. Maybe I’m missing out on something. Am I not reaching for them, besides Austen, but I should be…?

See, this is why Substack is bad. It influences you to get all philosophical about your reading habits. Ugh. (please tell me you do the same)

Kolina will be sharing her audiobook choices and some recommendations with you so make sure you head over to her posts to check it out HERE.

If you are in the mood for some audiobook exploring, I have a few recommendations below.

Anything by Alison Larkin is a delight to listen to! A few of her narrations are on sale right now over at Libro.fm. Persuasion is perfect if you are in the mood for a second-chance romance. Check it out HERE.

Becoming was the first audiobook I ever listened to. It kept me occupied shoveling heaps of snow our first winter in Minnesota… when we stupidly thought we wouldn’t need to get a snowblower. I had plenty of time to listen while shoveling away in the brutal cold that year.

For the little experience I have with audiobook listening, I do enjoy when the author is the narrator.

Speaking of narrators, Harry Frost is the go-to for Jane Austen Fan Fiction. Harry has the perfect voice for these stories. If you haven’t heard any of his narrations yet, at least listen to a sample! Check it out HERE.

Do you plan on joining in the challenge?

I would love to hear your thought on audiobooks. Do you listen on the regular? Or are you like me and just dabble a bit. Maybe this is the year I’m going to enjoy listening to more books.

Give me all your listening tips!

Until next time.

Happy reading. 🫶

Subscribe now

* for every membership updated to $5, I donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support this space for only $5 a month.

All week it’s been on my mind to share ways we can uplift other amazing women in this community. As an American, this article was written from a bit of an emotional state. I hope it resonates with you, dear reader.

Today, I want to remind us as a community of a few ways we can support women locally and here on Substack.

But first, I had to share this historical tidbit with you… did you know there was a woman who ran a presidential campaign against Ulysses S. Grant in the 1800s? She ran on the platforms of universal gender and racial equality under the law, civil service and taxation reform, and opposition to land grants given to railroads and other corporations.

Learn more about Victoria Claflin Woodhull here. (please someone write a historical fiction book about her!)

Support Your Local Women's Shelter Through Books

Books can be a source of escape, education, and empowerment for women in difficult situations. Many shelters welcome donations of:

• Contemporary fiction and non-fiction

• Self-help and career development books

• Children's books (many women in shelters have children with them)

Before donating, contact your local shelter to learn about their specific needs and donation guidelines.

One of the most impactful ways to support women is by reading and sharing works by female authors.

Here are some frequently banned books by women that you should check out:

• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - A profound exploration of race, gender, and identity in America

• The Color Purple by Alice Walker - A powerful story of resilience and sisterhood

• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - A dystopian narrative that continues to resonate with current events

  

Historical Fiction About Real Women Who Changed History

• The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood - The remarkable story of Emily Warren Roebling, who stepped in as the first woman field engineer and helped complete the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband became too ill to work

• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray - Chronicles the true story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's librarian, who had to hide her identity as a Black woman while becoming one of the most powerful people in the art and book world

• The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict - Explores the life of Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein's first wife, and her potentially uncredited contributions to the theory of relativity

There are three of my most recommended historical fiction books about strong women.

Creating Community Spaces for Women

Supporting women is about us coming together to support the issues we care about. For me, those issues are access to all books, support for libraries, highlighting female authors, and sharing the work of other amazing creatives here in our Substack community.

Here are just a few ways to become a part of the community:

1. Join a book club focusing on female authors (check out who is currently sharing Pride & Prejudice with readers)

2. Enjoy writing workshops or literary events highlighting women's voices (follow for fascinating history posts and writing workshops)

3. Read and share recommendations and reviews of books by women on social media and review platforms (follow for books reviews and thought-provoking posts)

4. Join The Literary Assistant community as we work together to create a space full of readers who care about highlighting our love for the library, sharing stories, and spreading positivity to the world.

   Subscribe now

   The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

   Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊 You can support my writing for only $5 a month.

   Want to learn more about Victoria Woodhull? Check out this short, but concise biography

   Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕

I fell in love with Mr. Darcy around 1998. I was a little late to discover the ‘95 BBC adaptation but wasted no time catching up, watching it numerous times over.

Then I found the world of Jane Austen fan fiction.

I was hooked!

Seeing Jane Austen’s characters reimagined in new settings is so much fun. Same great characters, but with exciting new adventures. I’ll take more of that.

One of the early JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) authors I came across was Heather Moll. I read all the books Heather had released and promptly connected with her, informing her that we were now friends (in my defense, this was during the very early Instagram days when we truly were a tight-knit community of readers looking to build friendships).

Heather let me rope her into said friendship and here we are many years later still online friends.

Although Heather and I have never met in “real life,” we’ve been text, Zoom, and meme-sharing friends for years.

I love JAFF so much, and I wanted to share that love with all of you. I couldn’t think of anyone better to introduce you to than Heather since she is a librarian turned JAFF author.

Please give a warm welcome to my friend Heather, who is here to share her story of how she stumbled into becoming an author.

💌A note from Heather…

How does one go from being a librarian to writing Jane Austen variations? It was an unpredictable journey partly my husband’s fault and partly to blame on me liking to research stuff.

I was a librarian until I had my son and decided to stay home. Even though it was what I wanted, transitioning from working professional to stay-at-home mom was a tough adjustment. Once we settled into a routine, I felt isolated and questioned what defined me. Was I just ‘Mom’, and was that enough? None of my friends had children yet and the days sometimes felt long.

My husband had introduced me to Pride and Prejudice about five years before that. He thought seeing the 2005 movie would be a good date night, but I had never read the book—and what good librarian sees a movie without first reading the book? So, I checked it out from the library. And I fell in love. I adored the dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth. I loved Austen’s wit and the romantic ending for two flawed characters who became better people and then found true happiness together.

I liked the book more than that adaptation. I soon discovered variations and sequels online and in the library catalog. But JAFF and Pride and Prejudice weren’t enough. I read literary criticisms, Austen’s letters, joined JASNA, read everything about Georgian England, and I bought multiple copies of Austen’s works just for their unique introductions and annotations.

Fast forward to being a stay-at-home mom stuck at home during naptime, wondering what to do with my new life. And one nap time I thought, “I could write a short story Austen variation just for fun.” That short story turned into a full-length book. I had planned to write one book just for myself and never share it with anyone—and now I’m publishing my own Austen variations. I love researching the era and plotting rich stories and finding new ways for Darcy and Elizabeth to deserve each other. I currently have ten books out with another one out in March.

I’m fortunate I get to use my background in archives and records management and my love of Austen and the regency era to create stories that people love to read.

Thank you, Heather, for sharing your journey to JAFF with us!

I would love to know, have you explored the world of Jane Austen variations? If you haven’t yet, are you intrigued to try one?

Here are a few of my favorites from Heather releases…

Can a Derbyshire meeting lead to love or will Pemberley be plunged into mystery?

In the rainy summer of 1812, Mr Darcy returns to Pemberley with a large party in the hope that coming home will help him recover from his disappointment. He lost Elizabeth Bennet’s good opinion, but Darcy did all he could to rectify his errors. Meanwhile, Elizabeth hopes that travelling with a newly-wed Jane and Bingley will raise her spirits and distract her from thoughts of Darcy.

When a misunderstanding causes the Bingley party and Darcy’s to spend a fortnight together at Pemberley, both Elizabeth and Darcy wonder if the other could love them. When the season’s wet and cold weather causes flooding throughout Derbyshire, Darcy’s attention reluctantly shifts from his guests–and Elizabeth–to managing the tragedy.

But when someone drowns and Darcy refuses to believe their death was an accident from the storm, he and Elizabeth must work together to uncover the truth before his houseguests leave, and before anyone else gets hurt.
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Content note: mature content, mild violence.

Click HERE to check it out.

A disastrous proposal. A fresh start. Can this tentative duo forgive the past and make each other promises of forever?

Elizabeth Bennet worries she’s been too hasty. Distressed after reading her rejected suitor’s passionate letter of self-defense, the agitated young woman agonizes that she’s put a scoundrel on a pedestal and scorned a worthy man. And when they meet again during an unexpected morning call, her heart pounds with a wave of relief when he quickly accepts her clever apology.

Fitzwilliam Darcy regrets his quick judgments. So after a shockingly cordial exchange renews his hopes, the gentleman strikes up a cautious friendship with the object of his affections. But though the woman he adores seems willing to grant him a second chance, he fears her kin’s reckless behavior could still smear his reputation.

Confused by her father’s disapproval of her prospective match, Elizabeth’s dreams turn to dismay when a corrupt soldier tempts her sister into a scandal. And as Darcy does his best to protect his beloved’s family, honor demands he put his life on the line.

As a tentative friendship blooms into romance, can this proud gentleman and witty lady overcome a life-threatening crisis?

This is a 105,000 word second edition of His Choice of a Wife, a slightly steamy Regency romance.

Click HERE to check it out.

**An IPPY bronze medal winner for romance 2023**
Are love and affection enough to overcome the pain of grief and anger?

In the spring of 1812, Elizabeth and Lydia are the only Bennet daughters still unmarried after the death of their father. Elizabeth’s health and spirits worsen as she moves among relations as an unwanted, dependent sister. She returns to Mary and Mr Collins at Longbourn to learn that the neighbourhood gossip centres on the reclusive Mr Darcy.

Darcy and his sister live an isolated life in a small rented lodge near Netherfield after the events at Ramsgate. As Georgiana’s health is failing, Darcy has his own regrets to bear. He tries to keep them secluded, but a young woman arrives who is determined to befriend his lonely, ill sister.

When Elizabeth receives disastrous news, she makes a daring plan to find happiness for herself while she still can. Misunderstandings and secrets abound for them both but in the end, Darcy and Elizabeth will find greater strength together than they ever had apart.

Content note: mature content, secondary character’s miscarriage off page, secondary character death

Click HERE to check it out.

She’s forbidden to wed a nobody. He’s nothing in society’s eyes. Will their desperate schemes backfire before they find a way to be together?

Northanger Abbey. Eleanor Tilney can’t bear her lonely life any longer. Distraught when her tyrannical father throws her friend out of the house because the girl lacks an inheritance, the long-suffering general’s daughter decides anything is better than a future all alone. So in a frantic bid for freedom, she puts aside her tender feelings for a man of no standing to pursue a wealthy husband.

Philip Brampton understands that fortune is against him. And he tries gallantly to bury his distress and support his lonely beloved, even after she starts pursuing an arrogant buffoon. But when he catches the fellow about to kiss her, their resulting harsh words cause a heartbreaking rift.

Stiffening her spine in a world that refuses to acknowledge her value, Eleanor attempts to navigate the impossible situation without quashing her desires. And though his shy nature abhors a scene, Philip braces himself for a confrontation with her cruel and abusive patriarch.

Do these childhood sweethearts have any hope of achieving lasting happiness?

This is a full length forbidden love regency romance inspired by Jane Austen

Click HERE to check it out.

Many of Heather’s books are also available in Kindle Unlimited. I hope you will check them out!

(NOTE - this is a bit on the longish side so head to Substack to enjoy the full post)

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Posts to check out

is sharing how she is approaching her reading in 2025 and I love her thoughtfulness about it.

Overbooked Mama

How I'm Approaching Reading in 2025

New Year, New Reading Goals…

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a year ago · 20 likes · 7 comments · Kuleigh Baker

is sharing insight into annotating. I haven’t shared the practice yet, but I did just have another conversation about with on our Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Community livestream where my fellow hosts Marigold and Mindy are fully embracing their annotating era.

Reading And Purpose

How I Annotate My Books

I’ll be honest, annotating books while I read them has become so second-nature to me that I can’t imagine not doing it. Lately, however, I’ve received multiple questions about my process: How do I annotate? What do I choose to highlight and/or tab? Do I actually refer back to my annotations? Why do I bother…

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a year ago · 34 likes · 12 comments · Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC

And is got you cover with so many recommendations about all things bookish.

Literary Ladies Guide

Books about books, bookstores, libraries, reading ...

For bibliophiles, it’s not enough to be so obsessed with books that we’re reading four or five works of fiction or nonfiction at any given time. We also love books about bookshops, libraries, and even books about books and reading. This might seem eccentric at first glance, but for the devout book lover, it makes perfect sense…

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a year ago · 5 likes · 2 comments · Nava Atlas

☕📖✨Grab a book and check out The Tea Shop for some of my favorite teas paired with Jane Austen novels.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕

Hello friends!

I had a marvelously bookish day,

Monday is my son’s 15th birthday. When asked what he would like to do, he said go book shopping at Barnes & Noble.

I’m not sure how I managed, but I’ve raised a reader that, so far, only wants to shops in-person and will not read e-books. Physical copies only for him.

Of course, I said “absolutely”.

Off we went yesterday with holiday gift card’s and money from grandparents.

Ten books and a new tote bag later, we wrapped up his shopping.

He bought 4 manga, 2 romance, 1 friendship fiction, and 3 choose your own adventure books. Not a bad book haul!

While we were shopping, he was trying to convince me to buy some of the books I was eyeing up. I resisted because I have far too many at home to indulge in any new book purchases at the moment.

It did have me thinking about how I could find a little more play in reading some of the books that I own. And I thought, why not create some challenges?

I’ve never done a year long challenge before, but I thought 2025 might be the year to try it. I’ve put together a few ideas for you to try, if you like.

Do you enjoy a year long reading challenge?

In these challenges, you can pick one book a month, try one from each challenge, or just dip in and out as you please. I humbly share this with you, purely to inspire you to read. :)

• Genre Exploration Challenge

  • Read one book from a different genre each month (e.g., fantasy, romance, historical fiction, memoir, thriller).

• Around the World in Books

  • Read books set in 12 different countries or regions of your choice.

• Colorful Covers Challenge

  • Choose books with covers that feature a specific color or pattern each month (e.g., red, blue, floral).

• One Word Titles Challenge

  • Read books with titles that consist of just one word.

• Alphabet Reading Challenge

  • Read 12 books, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet.

• Seasonal Reading Challenge

  • Pick books that align with the seasons (e.g., cozy reads for winter, beach reads for summer).

• Author Discovery Challenge

  • Read a book by an author you've never read before each month.

• Page Count Challenge

  • Choose books of varying lengths throughout the year (e.g., under 200 pages, 400+ pages, etc.).

• Theme-Based Challenge

  • Select a monthly theme (e.g., friendship, travel, resilience) and pick books related to that theme.

• Books with Numbers Challenge

  • Read books with numbers in the title (e.g., One Day, The Four Winds, 1984).

• Recommendation Challenge

  • Read books recommended by friends, family, or from online book groups.

Favorite Trope Challenge

• Choose books featuring a favorite literary trope or element (e.g., enemies to lovers, found family, coming-of-age).

Do you see any challenges that resonate with you? I would love to hear about it!

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What I’m currently reading.

In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.

Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua Williams never actually believed in the Hua family curse. But after Break-Up #9, Chryssy stopped laughing. Now she and her aunties run a special healing retreat center for the broken-hearted. After all, there’s nothing a proper cup of herbal tea can’t fix...but Chryssy’s innocent run-in with celebrity cellist and bad boy Vin Chao has everyone brewing about a different kind of tea. So he offers her a deal: they’ll fake-date, he’ll “break” her heart (and increase ticket sales), and in return, he’ll promote her business.

It’s like Chryssy’s whole cursed love life has been leading up to this moment. But all it takes is one kiss—and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry—to land both of them in hot water . . .

Check it out HERE.

Are you also a fan of movies?

I bought my husband this little book of movie prompts and we are loving it! So far we have watch Oppenheimer and North by Northwest.

With this 52 Week Movie Challenge, everyone can be a movie critic!

Every 2-page spread in this book is a chance to challenge yourself to a new movie watching experience.

There are 52 challenges with such topics as "A Film That Won 'Best Picture'", "Low Budget, Big Box Office", and "Adapted From A Book." Pick a film that fits the challenge topic, watch it, rate it, and analyze it. Do them in order or jumble them up. It's really up to you.

Each challenge has space for you to record specifics about the movies you watch (title, year released, rating, stars, directors, producers, writers, awards, etc.). There are also questions to answer about the films and bits of film trivia scattered throughout.

Check it out HERE.

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☕📖✨Grab a book and check out The Tea Shop for some of my favorite teas paired with Jane Austen novels.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing! ☕

The other day, I was recording a podcast with my business partner, Caroline Jane Knight, the fifth great-niece of Jane Austen, for The Austen Pathway. We each shared a quote that really resonates with us the most. Right away, I knew what my quote would be: "We, none of us want to be in calm waters all our lives."

When Mrs. Croft says that in Persuasion, it just really connects with me. Sometimes in life, we have moments where we choose to go into the rougher waters, and sometimes we just get thrown into them. But, I’ve found that learning how to thrive no matter what kind of water you are in, you can and will see success.

When I'm coaching authors and creatives, like you, I have seen many times the struggles that take place. While you are trying to be creative you might be working another job, taking care of a family, trying to stay creative and write, handling your self-publish, trying to query, marketing your products… I don’t need to tell you how many things you are juggling.

There is so much going on that it can feel like chaos, as if you are being tossed around those rough waters. But whatever your creative endeavor, it’s something that you know you were put here to do.

You have a path—you just need to find it.

I really connect with this because when I started my business, I was in my late 30s, and there were so many aspects of it that I felt like I wasn't sure what to do, but I just threw myself in wholeheartedly. It felt scary but also thrilling at the same time.

When I coach clients, oftentimes they feel the same. Sometimes it’s chaos and confusion, and they're just not sure exactly where they want to head. They have no clear vision of the path that will get them to the success they are seeking. Or they are seeing success and they want the thrill of going after more. They feel ready to get out of those “calm waters”, but they are looking for the confidence and skills to help them get there.

That's the moment when I feel like we can start to thrive. When we acknowledge that we don’t want to stay in the calm forever, good things begin to happen.

Having come through some of those rough times myself, I love helping other creatives get through those times as well.

Working together with Caroline Jane Knight ( ), who herself has had a brilliant business career, we have recently launched The Austen Pathway to help authors and creatives improve their business, marketing, and mindset skills to increase sales and create their own unique path to success.

We are here because we're passionate about helping you find your path, your way.

We all know life is not always about calm waters, but with the right tools and surrounded by a supportive community, it's in those rough and stormy moments that we can really thrive and see success.

You can listen to our podcast HERE.

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In 2025, I want to help you fall in love with the library all over again.

For me, libraries have always been a place of joy, inspiration, and discovery. From biking there as a child on sunny summer days, to sneaking through the shelves during snowy winters before we went to the ice rink, to now packing up my bag and heading to the library when I need a creative spark during the work day, libraries have been my happy place.

This winter, I’m bringing a little child-like wonder back into our lives with a Winter Scavenger Hunt for adults! Inspired by the library scavenger hunts I used to do with my son when he was little, I’ve created a grown-up version designed to help us explore, connect, and rediscover the magic that libraries hold.

What’s the Winter Scavenger Hunt All About?

I want this printable to be more than just a scavenger hunt for you to run around and find things.

It’s an invitation to:
❄️ Slow down: Take your time, savor the search, and let curiosity lead the way.
❄️ Have fun: Explore cozy corners, sit in the chairs, and have unexpected conversations.
❄️ Fall in love: Reconnect with the library and appreciate the magic waiting on every shelf.
❄️ Find inspiration: Whether it’s a book you never knew you needed (this happens to me all the time) or a quiet moment thinking aimlessly flipping through the pages of a random book, let the library do what it’s best at… inspire!

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What’s Inside the Hunt?

Think cozy winter reads, hidden treasures waiting for you to find them, and activities designed to help you slow down and get inspired.

From finding books with snowy covers to uncovering library resources you might not know about, consider this hunt your permission slip to enter a season filled with discovery and joy.

This is not meant to be done in one go. I encourage you to revisit the library at least a few times to work your way through the scavenger hunt. Be playful. Have fun.

Life can be busy, but the library is a place where time seems to slow down.

I hope you can step into that slower pace, allow yourself to wander, and fall in love with the library all over again.

So, grab your printable, pack up your library tote, and let’s make this winter a season of inspiration, creativity, and bookish joy! I excited to do this scavenger hunt with you.

I’ll be sharing my library trips with you along the way so we can have fun together!

📥 Download your Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable HERE.

What’s your favorite library memory? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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Reading recommendation…

If you are looking for a little inspiration when it comes to slowing down and enjoying the world around you, I highly recommend The Art of Flaneuring: How to Wander with Intention and Discover a Better Life.

I have a enjoyed the audiobook version of this one and I own a physical copy. It’s a powerful little book.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations, posts, and bookish ramblings, and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

Please note, all posts are free for everyone to enjoy. Your support helps keep this space thriving for book lovers like you! 😊

Affiliate links are used at no extra cost to you, but they help me earn a small amount—just enough to grab a coffee and keep writing these posts! ☕