Hi, I’m Melanie Rachel–Jane Austen Variation Author and Full-Time Daydreamer.
Okay, I do have another job, so maybe not full-time.
I’ve penned 20 (and counting!) swoon-worthy Pride and Prejudice variations. When I’m not busy dreaming up my next plot twist, I’m in the virtual classroom, sharing my love for literature as an English Ph.D. and literature professor. One of my favorite moments? Watching self-proclaimed “non-readers” discover the magic of reading for pleasure—honestly, it’s better than a perfect cup of tea on a cold morning. Not that we get many of those in Arizona…
If you enjoy better-connected, intelligent Elizabeths, clever, protective Darcys, or stories where love grows through adventure, banter, and perhaps a touch of mischief, you might find something you like in my books. I do my best to stay true to the spirit of Austen’s characters while exploring the “what ifs” that make these variations so much fun. You might know me from Drawing Mr. Darcy, I Never Knew Myself, A Gentleman’s Honor, or Her Whole Heart.
My passions don’t stop with books. I’m a proud wife, and mom to an incredible daughter, an avid fan of the US National Women’s Soccer Team and our local minor-league hockey team, and am a devoted traveler and theatre patron. And let’s not forget my two mischievous rescue pibbles, who are currently staging a full backyard renovation project (digging all the holes) and moonlighting as interior decorators (chewing everything in sight).
Life is a delightful whirlwind, and I’m embracing every book-filled, love-soaked, dog-hair-covered moment of it. I’m so glad to be here with you!
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My favorite book is “Interwoven”, which I have read 4 or 5 times now. I look forward to reading your posts here. Welcome, Melanie!
Thanks, Robin! I love that book, too . . . not surprising, I guess!
You’re one of the best out there! Thanks for all you do to bring enjoyment to the rest of us. Who says those who can’t do, teach? Apparently some do both well. 🙂
Aw, thank you V.!
So glad to see you join another fascinating group of authors and hope your recovery from surgery goes with minimal pain and frustration!
I appreciate that, Cheryl. A little better every day!
Melanie, I cheer out loud every time I see you have another book coming out. It doesn’t really matter where I am so it can cause me mild embarrassment but it’s worth it. I look forward to your posts!
LOL–that made my day! Thanks for reading!
I love your stories and I’m glad you enjoy your life fully! Keep writing for our reading pleasure!!!
I will! Thanks for posting!
Hello Melanie!!! So glad your here!! I started reading your eBooks and then I fell in love with your covers and now have a few of your paperbacks and audiobooks lol. I look forward to reading more of your works.!
Thanks for letting me know, Char! I’m so happy to be here with you all!
Welcome! I think I read a preview of “Never Losing Myself” and enjoyed it. But just to make sure, is it the one of the stories where Elizabeth wasn’t a Bennet and everyone gets upset about her being stolen?
I Never Knew Myself–yep, that’s the one! But there’s a whole book and audiobook, not just a preview! (The audio is a duet by Harry Frost and Stevie Zimmerman–they are so good!)
Thank you for clarifying!
Wonderful to see you part of Jane Austin Variations. I love all your books. Here’s a hearty welcome from a fellow Arizonian. 😊
Arizona! **Waves** Thanks for the welcome, Susan!!!
I’m glad you joined this wonderful group, as you’re one of my favorite authors and your books are always a must-read for me. My favorites among your books are Interwoven, the Headstrong series and An Accidental Scandal. I’m looking forward to your posts!
Thank you, Sabrina! Interwoven just about killed me–worldbuilding is hard! LOL. But I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Glad you’re here!
Welcome to this site Melanie. As you know I love your books, Regency, magical and modern and can’t wait to read the next one. I especially like your characterisations of Darcy and Elizabeth. You never have them misunderstanding each other for most of the book 😳. I’m really looking forward to your posts and hope you can keep your writing safe from your gardeners and house clearers 😉😉😂🤣😂🥰🥰
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Glynis! So glad you’re here! When I write, I find that most of my what-ifs do tend to lead to an earlier understanding, if not earlier romance, lol. But you just never know what they’re going to do!
Thanks for posting!
Welcome……looking forward to your next book
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Hi Maria! The next book is slated for February–The Same Noble Line!
I love your stories. “I Never Knew Myself” is I think my absolute favorite, especially the audiobook!
Full time daydreamer! I love it! Drawing Mr. Darcy is still my favorite of yours, but Headstrong and I Never Knew Myself are very close! So excited to join Austen Variations together.
Melanie! I love this introduction and I’m so impressed with all you juggle while writing such fabulous books! We’re so fortunate to have you here! Welcome!
Thanks for joining us, Melanie! We’re so lucky to have you here. All the best, and lots of inspiration in 2025!