The Austen Escape

The Austen Escape

by Katherine Reay

This book was SO. MUCH. FUN. I can’t describe the delight, the bone-deep thrill I experienced as I read this story. First of all, I have literally thought about, dreamed, considered, and wondered what it would be like to live in the world depicted in Jane Austen novels. I have walked through the Biltmore and wished I could eat one meal in that elaborate dining room with footmen lining the walls, and see what it would be like to wear a different outfit for every three hours of the day.

In the Austen Escape, our very modern-day characters embark on a trip of a lifetime, where they will stay in an English Manor, wear fabulous gowns like those described in Pride and Prejudice, and be waited upon by servants whilst playing whist (among other things).

I mean, who wouldn’t want to try it? Well, inside this book you'll find there’s an adventure. There might be a touch of romance, and best of all, there are gowns and dancing and mistaken assumptions and blinded characters who the reader desperately wants to open their eyes. You won't be sorry you tried this one, I promise.

What's your favorite Jane Austen novel?

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 27 years have raised three Southern-ish children quite by accident. Jennifer hosts a book review blog at Shetalksbooks.com and she offers a free story download on her website: https://www.jenniferfromke.com/contact/.

Blowin' in the Wind

It's F*U*N Friday!

I love looking at the patterns on
the earth below from high in the sky!

Gorge Marina on
Cortez Island,
British Columbia

And I am so excited about getting to post on Fun Friday, having just returned one week ago from an incredible month long vacation in the San Juan Islands then hopping on up to the Canadian Gulf Islands. For this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I can give all the glory to my Heavenly Father for arranging it…completely complimentary to Ron and I via his brother and his wife who own the yacht!

Underwater Garden!

 I saw sights I never would have dreamed I'd see and got to do so many

Gorge Marina from the restaurant.
Our yacht, Lone Star Main II, in center of photo
Quite a climb!! And a long way, too!

fun firsts, too! I’d never flown “first class” (flew to Seattle that way and wrote THE END on The Bedwarmer’s Son on the plane!). Never been on a cruise. Never been on the Pacific. Never flown in a small airplane. Never sang Karoke (I KNOW! Can you believe it?) Never had a passport before. Never been to Canada. Never got seasick (Praise the Lord!)

Chatterbox Falls at
Princess Louisa Bay

The boat had mirrors on a lot of
ceilings to make it look bigger

After three ER visits followed by three admissions earlier this year. I was getting the message, God wanted me to slow down. Then this trip came up. I figured things were surely looking up! :)

Now y’all know I’m a busy author lady :) with lots of things to do. New Covers and Reveal Party - August 16th 10.am. CDT with CelebrateLit! And New Releases - The Bedwarmer’s Son coming in September with its CelebrateLit Blog Tour September through the )…but I thought I’d be fine…able to work online a little in the evenings when we moored into ports along the way.

Our bed...front of the yacht;
windows on both sides

View from the dock out our wee window,
looking toward Nanaimo, 

What a shocker to discover the marinas—though wifi was advertised—had terrible reception and connections…much to my dismay.

Princess Louisa Bay, GORGEOUS

The Lone Star Maid II moored
behind Ron and I :)

But we are to rejoice in the Lord always, right? So I did. I mean, every day held new adventures and so much to see and do. I got more exercise than in the whole of last year, I’m sure.  When you’re on a boat, and you dock, to go anywhere, it’s on foot! Though I got way off my weight loss program, I only gained five pounds of the seventy-five I’ve lost this past year! Thanks to all the hoofin’ it, I’m certain!

Arrow points to where we're docked at the Wharf
Street Marina in Victoria from the Otter plane!  

Ready to board this 'Otter' 1st time to
fly in a small plane! Vancouver Island tour!

 But, the answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind...the answer is blowing in the wind :) And so is my hair here. The temperatures were in the 40s at night and 60s during the days--much better than the 100 degree Texas days we missed! And there was always a stiff breeze. I usually kept my hair twisted so it wouldn't tangle. But here...well...it tangled! :)

I pray you all are given the opportunity to go and see and do things you never imagined. And I covet your prayers that I will be obedient and slow down and get more rest! Oh! And I did get thirteen chapters written of Covering Love, book eight in my historical Texas Romance series written on the boat! ;)
I want to testify that God is good ALL the time!

So what have you been doing so far this summer?

Bio: Caryl McAdoo loves God and currently writes four Christian series: the historical ‘Texas Romance’ family saga; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; The Generations, her Biblical fiction, and the newest Days of Dread Trilogy for mid-grade readers. A.K.A. the “Singing Pray-er” loves praising with new songs the Lord gives her and prays her story gives God glory! In 2008, she and high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from DFW to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings, believing all good things come from the Lord. Besides glorifying Him, she hopes each title also ministers His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. The McAdoos live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.

Latest release: AT LIBERTY TO LOVE, book 7, Texas Romance series / Obedience is better than sacrifice…and trumps romance, no matter how sweet. Profound loneliness propels a childless widow west with the idea of choosing an orphan to share her life. On the way, a fellow traveler takes her by surprise. She never dreams, is unprepared, doesn’t need another man, but can’t get him out of her head…or heart. He’s so perfect—every bit the one she’d searched for as a young woman—except his mistrust of God has erected a wall she cannot breach.
     Marcus Ford blames God and struggles for peace after losing his wife and baby. Not once has he considered another woman could be the answer, but the widow is like none other he’s ever met. He falls hard, but plans are taking him east. Hope dashed sends two hearts into the pit. If only Ford could forgive God or the widow ease up on her adamant resolve.
Will God’s mercy shine a beacon in the fog of despair and prove sufficient to heal their souls? 

Traveling to Ohio Amish Country

Main Street Berlin, Ohio

If you're traveling to Ohio Amish Country, plan to stop in at the wonderful town of Berlin, Ohio. Give yourself lots of time because they pack a lot of fun in this little town.

For information about the area, Amish Heartland Tours and Information Kiosk in Berlin is a good place to start. They know a great deal about the area and offer tours to local Amish homes and businesses, meals in Amish homes, and lots of other fun things to explore. You can find Amish Heartland Tours and Information Kiosk on Facebook.

Gift stores, craft shops, and antique malls line both sides of the streets. And don't miss the great food in several of the restaurants and cafes tucked between the stores. Helping Hands Quilt Shop is one of my favorite places to visit. They have a wide variety of fabrics, patterns. and breath-taking quilts made by local quilters. On certain days of the week you can watch several talented Amish women quilt at the shop. Call Helping Hands Quilt Shop to find out when. They are on Facebook too.

A Craft Shop in Berlin

If you have the option, a visit during the weekdays is best for less congestion and traffic. You can visit on the weekends as well, but be prepared for a lot of traffic into Berlin. Watch for lots of Amish buggies in the mix too. Slow and careful is the best way to travel anytime you're in Amish country.

Weekend Traffic

Drive Safe in Ohio Amish Country

Make time in your schedule to travel the back roads too. A lot of Amish sell baskets, produce, quilts, and leather goods from their homes. Many of the farms are simply beautiful.

There's much more to see in this beautiful area, but those are for another post. I hope you get a chance to visit Ohio Amish Country soon.

Have you ever visited this area? What are your favorite places to visit?