A Jane Austen Devotional - Review & Giveaway

Amazon Listing

A few months ago I posted about the impending release of A Jane Austen Devotional (see post with book trailer video here).
Because of the interested in it then and because I'm so delighted with my own copy I knew I had to write this review!

A Jane Austen Devotional

Compiled and Written by Steffany Woolsey

Synopsis: "For decades, the beautiful and classic works of Jane Austen have transported readers to a world of grace, wit and simplicity. In this unique devotional, her writing is newly illuminated by showcasing the biblical insights on living and loving. 
More than 100 devotions accompanied by scriptures are paired with excerpts from Austen's best-known novels offering thoughtful reflections and delightful repose. Allow words from Pride and Prejudice to enlighten you on God's unconditional love, and let a selection from Emma encourage you to hope in the Lord. 
Through these pages, you can revisit timeless Christian values and reflect once again on the true meaning of love, honor, and godly character. It all begins with a stroll through the garden with Jane Austen." - from back cover jacket 

Binding: Although I was expecting a much smaller size, this volumes measures 7.7 x 5.3 inches. The hardcover is dressed in a canvas-like material that features a black and cream toile design with red title on the front and side (the back cover is especially pretty when you take the jacket off!). The 224 pages have a sturdy thickness to them and a clear readable font is used on each page. A cream colored ribbon bookmark makes keeping track of your place very easy.


Content: A well laid out Table of Contents lists each devotional by it's title and give the page numbers. An Introduction from the author mentions the lessons on true love and meaningful character that Jane Austen includes in each of her novels. The reader is encouraged to let the words of Jane Austen inspire you to meditate on God's Word and shape your own character. The devotionals fill up pages 2 to 209, each devotional is on two facing pages with the title of each devotional in larger letters. At the back of the books is a short biography of Jane Austen which especially mentions her own religious beliefs and to the "frequent - if subtle - allusions to her Christian faith and church up-bringing" in her novels. A Timeline of Miss Austen's major novels is listed. The book begins and ends with two of Jane Austen's Evening Prayers which she wrote as a young woman.

Devotionals: There are 104 devotionals in all (I counted!). Each devotional begins by quoting a good sized portion from one of Jane Austen's six major novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The devotional thought is on the facing page and is followed by a very of scripture. The devotional thoughts either contrast the mistakes made by Jane Austen's characters with scripture or praise the characters for following Christ's example to us. Scriptures are mentioned and usually quoted in each devotional thought and scripture references are given for further reading. Scripture passages quote in A Jane Austen Devotional are taken mostly from the English Standard Version of the Bible but other versions are used such as King James Version, New International Version and The Living Bible.

My Thoughts: I highly recommend this book! I was so excited when I heard this devotional was coming out and I was not disappointed! This is a very beautiful volume! Author Steffany Woolsey did a lovely job in her selecting the passages from Jane Austen's novels. Most quotes will be familiar to those who have read the novels, but even if you haven't read the novels the devotional thoughts Ms. Woolsey has written usually begin by summarizing what is happening in that particular scene. I haven't read all of the devotionals yet, but I've really enjoyed and been challenged spiritually by the ones I have read. Each devotional has the sweet mixture of quotes from Jane Austen's witty works and spiritual truths that are given clearly and in a way that inspires the reader to live according to God's Word. I love that the devotionals are short enough to read before bed or on a lunch break but long enough to give the reader a chance to pause for a peaceful moment's reflection.

Now, what you've all been waiting for! 

Because I'm enjoying this book so much I am pleased to giveaway one copy of A Jane Austen Devotional to one luck reader!

Mandatory To Enter:

-Leave me a comment and tell me which Jane Austen character you think would be most interested in this book. (1 entry)

For extra chances to win: 

-Post about this giveaway on your blog and comment with the link to your post.  (1 extra entry)

-Put this giveaway button on your blog and leave the link to your blog.  (1 extra entry)

<center><a href="http://old-fashionedcharm.blogspot.com/2012/01/jane-austen-devotional-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Old-Fashioned Charm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWGfr_8HQx_ZrqgVtSHbFYP3-h1E1VPY_nIs-SrEfRfLa9iynFob29vZAEEXfElih0WXFD9LKWPlFS3PpljGF_8Nv_eCDPpiaPEE80WKkASE8r7RINVJ5-vr4ydZ4vWyBzSYlwjgk6l7N/s180/P1260194.JPG" /></a></center>

This giveaway is open to people in the USA only.
All entries must be in by Friday, February 3rd, 2012 at 11:59pm.
The winner will be announced Saturday, February 4th at which time to winner must contact me otherwise a new winner will be drawn.

Very Truly Your's,