Showing results by author "Maria Grace" in All Categories

Many Christmas traditions and images of "old fashioned" holidays are based on Victorian celebrations. Going back just a little further, to the beginning of the 19th century, the holiday Jane Austen knew would have looked distinctly odd to modern sensibilities. Take a step into history with Maria Grace as she explores the traditions, celebrations, games and foods that made up Christmastide in Jane Austen's era. Packed with information and rich with detail from period authors, Maria Grace transports the listener to a longed-for old fashioned Christmas.

The regiment has come to camp in Meryton. Many young ladies are pleased, but not all share their enthusiasm. Warned by Mr. Pierce, the local curate, that several of the officers have unsavory designs on the local girls, Elizabeth must find a way to honor her father, rein in her sister, and salvage the family’s reputation, all in the most ladylike way possible.

When Darcy joins his friend, Bingley, on a trip to Meryton, the last thing on his mind is finding a wife. Meeting Elizabeth Bennet changes all that, but a rival for his affections appears from a most unlikely quarter. He must overcome his naturally reticent disposition if he is to have a chance of winning her favor. Elizabeth's thoughts turn to love and marriage after her sister, Mary's, engagement. In a few short weeks she goes from knowing no eligible young men, to being courted by two.

Six months after his father's passing, Fitzwilliam Darcy still finds solace in his morning reflections at his parents' graves. Only in the quiet solitude of the churchyard does he indulge his grief. None but his unlikely mentor recognize the heartache and insecurity plaguing him as he shoulders the enormous burden of being Master of Pemberley. Not all are pleased with his choice of adviser. Lady Catherine complains Darcy allows him too much influence.

Elizabeth Bennet's father, Admiral Thomas Bennet, assures his daughters his retirement from His Majesty's Navy will be the start of a new life for them all. Little does he know his family's battles have only just begun.

Myths older than most of the settled worlds of the Kayavan System warn that when the Kayavan comet appears, storms will upset the balance of power. The part about the comet signaling fierce storms was true enough, as to the rest? It made for entertaining media feeds but wasn't enough to stop the biggest sporting event in the system—Lighten’s Ring Fighting Championships. Arilyn Lysand, one of Lighten’s most talented pilots, has a fraught relationship with the Transport Guild Master, preventing her from achieving much of anything.

Rebecca could control Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, so why was the rest of her life spinning out of control? Finally awarded her rightful rank as Master Full Wright, Rebecca would just as soon get on with repairing the damage to her shop and return to normal life. But the Queen has gotten it in her craw that Rebecca should start a school for female Wrights—something beyond the Guild’s imagination, and therefore a threat to the world's natural order. But with orders from the Queen and a wealthy patron footing the bill, what choice has she but to become a school mistress?

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to a mind, body, and energy wellness and fulfillment. Ready to Redefine Your Happiness? View it here: https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

Mary goes to the library looking for escape, not love. With three daughters married in a single year, one would think that Mrs. Bennet’s matchmaking ploys would diminish. One would be wrong. Very wrong. To avoid her mother’s affectionate arts, Mary takes refuge at Clarke’s library. There, in the reading room, she can forget the trials of Longbourn, lost in the pages of her favorite books. The strategy works - surprisingly well in fact - until the morning a tall, handsome stranger wants the same book she has already checked out - a text she needs to help a friend.

Colonel Fitzwilliam should have been happy facing retirement. No more Napoleon, no more tromping the Continent, and his distant cousin had unexpectedly left him an estate. What was more, two of his favorite people, Darcy and Elizabeth, were travelling with him to visit his new home. But the colonel wasn’t happy, not when he was forced to watch Darcy exchanging enamored glances with his wife. No, he wanted to pitch his cousin out the window. It didn’t help when Darcy kept lecturing him on the joys of wedded life - as if women like Elizabeth Darcy grew on every tree.

Twelfth Night - a night for wondrous things to happen. At least for other people. In the months after her sisters' weddings, nothing has gone well for Kitty Bennet. Since Lydia's infamous elopement, her friends have abandoned her, and Longbourn is more prison than home. Not even Elizabeth's new status as Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley can repair the damage to Kitty's reputation. More than anything else, she wishes to leave the plain ordinary Kitty behind and become Catherine Bennet, a proper young lady. Her only ray of hope is an invitation to Pemberley for the holidays.

For nearly 200 years, the Wrights have controlled the Elements, shaping them to their will. But, the new era of industrialization threatens their extinction. Journeyman Wright Rebecca Fuller has more important things to worry about, though, like paying bills and keeping a roof over her head. Unfortunately, she inherited her father’s debts along with his shop. With the Guild limiting her prices, even a brisk business barely makes ends meet. If only the Guild would consider her application for Mastery.