Fiction and fact converge at The Book Cellar Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

The Book Cellar, an independently owned, community-oriented bookstore located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square, will play host to two authors who focus their writing on the works of Jane Austen.

Karen Doornebos and her debut novel, “Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” will join English professor Mona Scheuermann, and her most recent nonfiction work, “Reading Jane Austen,” Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, 7 p.m., 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL. 60625, 773-294-2665.


“Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” tells the story of Chloe Parker who auditions for a Jane Austen-inspired public television documentary set in Derbyshire, England. Important to this 39-year-old divorced mother with a struggling business, there's a $100,000 prize to be awarded to the contestant who can successfully answer trivia questions about Austen's “Pride and Prejudice.” But the documentary turns out to be a reality dating show set in 1812 and eight women are competing to snare Mr. Wrightman, the heir to a gorgeous estate, along with the $100,000 prize.

Published in September of this year by Berkley, Penguin Group, “Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” has garnered rave reviews. “Publishers Weekly” in its starred review said “Doornebos gives the historical romance novel a hilarious update in this delightful debut.” And “RT Book Reviews” added, "this tale combines a fun plot with witty dialogue, charming characters and a strong-willed heroine. It will leave you laughing in delight and reluctant to put it down until the last page is read."

Mona Scheuermann is professor of English at Oakton Community College. She has been guest professor at universities around the world, including the universities of Hamburg and the Free University of Berlin, Germany, the University of Berne, Switzerland, and the University of Melbourne, Australia.


Her books deal with social and historical aspects of eighteenth-century English fiction, particularly in terms of women's experience. Of her new book, Eighteenth-Century Life said, “Austen’s period was arguably the most socially and politically tumultuous in England’s history, and by placing the novels in this remarkable era, Scheuermann sharply defines Austen’s view of the social contract.”

“Reading Jane Austen” was just republished in January as a paperback.

For more information about the reading and signing, call The Book Cellar at 773-294-2665, or go to its website, thebookcellar.com. And, to learn more about Karen Doornebos, visit www.karendoornebos.com

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Novelist Karen Doornebos to appear at Women and Children First Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, 4:00 pm

“Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” to be featured at Andersonville’s revered independent book store.

Acclaimed for being one of the country’s longest running and important independent bookstores, Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL. will journey from the Regency world of Jane Austen to contemporary television reality shows when the store hosts a reading and signing for author Karen Doornebos and her debut novel, “Definitely Not Mr. Darcy,” Sun., Jan. 8, 2012, 4 pm.


Doornebos’ novel tells the story of Chloe Parker who auditions for a Jane Austen-inspired public television documentary set in Derbyshire, England. Important to this 39-year-old divorced mother with a struggling business, there's a $100,000 prize to be awarded to the contestant who can successfully answer trivia questions about Austen's “Pride and Prejudice.”

But the documentary is a sham, and the filming is actually a reality dating show set in 1812 where eight competitors vie to win the money and the heart of Mr. Wrightman, the heir to a fabulous estate. To further distress Chloe, contestants must dress and behave as if they were in the Regency year depicted in Austen's book -- with no cell phones, indoor plumbing, or deodorant. It’s time for Chloe to tighten her corset and flash some ankle to beat out women younger, more cutthroat, and less clumsy than herself.

“Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” was published in September of this year by Berkley, Penguin Group, and is garnering rave reviews from across the country. “Publishers Weekly” in its starred review, said, “Doornebos gives the historical romance novel a hilarious update in this delightful debut.” And “RT Book Reviews” added, "...this tale combines a fun plot with witty dialogue, charming characters and a strong-willed heroine. It will leave you laughing in delight and reluctant to put it down until the last page is read."


Doornebos, of Riverside, IL., said she hopes the event will attract not only Austen fans, “but readers who are curious about Austen’s enduring popularity.” For her part, Doornebos points to fast-paced action, humor, overcoming odds, a powerful heroine, and an escape from daily life as reasons Austen’s works have gathered hundreds of thousands of fans around the world and on Facebook.

For more information about the reading and signing, call Women and Children First at 773-769-9299, or go to its website, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com. And, to learn more about Karen Doornebos, visit www.karendoornebos.com

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