I just finished your book "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte." It is one of the best books I have ever read. I, too, love "Jane Eyre" which I first read as a young girl, and I enjoyed your book so much that I forgot it wasn't her real diary... I felt that your writing was so amazing and so real, and I cannot wait to read "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen." Thank you for this wonderful experience.

Kelsey Noble (Florida) 3/2010



This book was so enjoyable. I was hooked from start to finish. Jane Eyre was the first book I ever read at age 10 because it was my mother's favorite. I read Mrs. Gaskell's story of Bronte as well, so when I read your book I was happy to see the love life of Charlotte and Arthur in a better way, and truly moved by all the great research you put into the book. Your book makes me want to write. I began to feel as though I was moving through Charlotte's life with her, from the loss of her first love to the loss of her sisters. I felt parts of Jane Eyre seeping out and couldn't stop reading. I said to myself, before coming to your site, that it should be made into a movie -- and lo and behold, there you have it! I can hardly wait! I look forward to your next book. It must have been a great honor to put yourself in her shoes.

Janique Leslie-Calderon (Santa Barbara, CA) 2/2010



I just discovered The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. I have been waiting for this book to be written! I am so thrilled that there is fresh literature about the Bronte family, as I have always been fascinated with their lives and literature. Thank you!

Shirin Shamsi (Darien, Illinois) 2/2010



I'm a huge fan of your book "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë." Thank you and please write more great books! ;)

Nadja Katharinak (Germany) 2/2010



In sheer honesty, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte was a beautiful read. As I reluctantly read the final pages, then set the book down upon my nightstand, I wept! I will lead a book group discussion in a couple of days and only hope many of the participants share my passion for such romantic writing! The novel about Jane Austen promises to be another irresistable story, as well as the future movie about Charlotte Bronte. Thank you and best wishes for continued success!

Cynthia Kostelnik (Pittsburgh, Pennsyvania) 1/2010



I have just finished reading The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte and cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it. Your book really brought Charlotte and her family to life for me, and I enjoyed seeing how her own life influenced her novels so much, all of which I have read. I think that Villette is my favourite. My sister gave me your book for Christmas and also The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen - so I have another treat in store!!

Jennifer A Duguid (Northern Ireland) 1/2010



The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte was a wonderful book. I can not truly express in words on how much I loved this book. Charlotte Bronte is my favorite author and Jane Eyre is my favorite book. (Your book is my second favorite). I borrowed your book from the library and was mesmerized throughout the whole story. Thank you for writing about Charlotte. I now feel as if I know her better as a writer and a loving sister, wife, friend, and daughter to her family. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Linda Bergman (Falmouth, Kentucky) 1/2010



I wanted to let you know that I read your book and loved it!! It was an fascinating and enjoyable read. I blogged about it here.

Beth Starr (Oregon) 1/2010



Hello! You left a couple of comments on my book blog when I had mentioned Dracula (re: your upcoming book.) I just finished The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, and I loved it. I thought you might like to see the review here. Cheers, and thanks for the wonderful read!

Dana Huff (Roswell, Georgia) 1/2010



As a Xmas present I got your two books from my family: The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte and The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen - in Hungarian translation. I did not have much time to read, but I could not resist, and have read the first one in a short time. I was mesmerized. The Bronte sisters belong to my favourites, I have all their books and have read them of course. Now I can not resist to the temptation to re-read Villette, Jane Eyre and the others, knowing what I got to know from your book. Anyhow, I love to read about those English landscapes that I have never seen, but can imagine, about that sort of lifestyle etc. I never had the feeling to skip pieces of the book, I read every line of it, and I have to tell you, the translator, Maria Szabo made a great job. ... I am eager to read Ms. Austen's memoirs, and surely later to read her books as well. Congratulation and thanks a lot for this experience with this book. I wish good health to you and your family, and waiting for your new books!

Elisabeth Toth (Hungary) 1/2010



Thank you so much for writing these wonderful books and bringing new intrigue and life to these cherished authors. I cannot thank you enough for the pure enjoyment I received from reading them.

Amy Wishman Nalan (Des Moines, IA) 1/2010



I read the Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte and I instantly fell in love with it. I have read this story at least five times and it has become my favorite book! I am SO glad to see it becoming a film. When I finished the book, I was thinking to myself, "this would make a great movie!" and my dreams have come true! I am SO happy and CANNOT wait for it to come out!!! As a teenager, finding that ONE book is real hard because there's just so many books out there to love! But this one just captured my attention. Charlotte and her family will remain in my heart forever. Thank you for revealing her secrets and I hope to see the movie!!! Just a heads up, as I was reading, here were the actors that came to mind for me: Rosamund Pike- Charlotte; Matthew Macfadyen- Mr. Nicholls; Keira Knightley- Emily. I hope you take these actors into consideration, as they would fit the part (in my mind)! I really want you to know that this book has left an imprint on me and will remain forever and always my favorite book! Thank you for helping me find that one book!

Stephanie Li (San Mateo, CA) 1/2010



After having read, and loved, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, I decided to try The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. I typically can't finish diary-style books, and I can't say that I know Bronte very well. In spite of that, I found myself unable to put this book down. It was filled with interesting characters, believable dialogue and vivid settings. Reading this has made me want to read and know even more about Charlotte Bronte and her sisters. This was a really enjoyable read that has cemented my respect for Syrie James's abilities to create a graceful blend of factual research and interesting intimate insights that make these books (both Secret Diaries and Lost Memoirs) well worth reading.

K Revill (Southern California) 12/09



I read your "Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte" and enjoyed it very, very much. Congratulations on getting movie rights!!! Your book was a treat and a half and I wrote a positively glowing review on the Amazon site.

Jeanne Gale (Swansea, Massachusetts) 12/09



I loved "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte." It was such a delight to read and I found myself living the story. You really captured the period, as well as the characters, for me. I wish I had written you right after finishing it as my note would have been more effusive. Thanks for writing it. It's a jewel.

Ms. Freddie Brooking (Louisiana) 12/09



I first heard about your novel from a website I frequent, the Book Discussion Board of Shamrocks & Stones. A member posted a list of WNBA 2009 Recommended Group Reads and "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" was among them. A number of us were quite interested. I just finished it and thought I would share the review I posted on Goodreads:

"Jane Eyre" is a favorite novel of mine, so it was with some degree of trepidation that I approached James's "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë." I feared the novel would lean heavily on speculation and cause me to crave Brontë's actual words even more. But I was quite wrong. Through meticulous research, James has captured the essence of who Brontë was and carefully marked the events in her life that were the basis of her writings. James could have allowed this life beset with tragedy to darken the pages of the novel, but rather, she chose to follow Brontë's lead and fan the delicate flames of hope. Not only am I inspired to read Brontë's lesser known works, I am most anxious to read James's "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen."

It was such a joy to read this novel, and I was thrilled by how well you captured Charlotte's voice . . . I enjoyed reading the scattered phrases that were drawn from "Jane Eyre," including my favorite: "I have talked, face to face, with what I reverence, and with what I delight in - with an original, a vigorous, an expanded mind."

And on a personal note, I had to smile at this quote from pg. 246: "I could name her after one of my sisters; but no, that would be too blatant; instead, I would use Emily's middle name: Jane." My oldest daughter is Emily Jane -- Emily, because it is a favorite name, and Jane, for "Jane Eyre."

I am so happy to have stumbled upon your novel and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

Sallie Blumenauer (Middletown, Maryland) 11/09



I just finished reading "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" and I loved it. I thought it the most remarkable book. Her love story with her dear Arthur . . . and of course her tragic story of her beloved family. All very well written. Written so well in fact that I have just ordered a biography book this morning about Charlotte Brontë, and I am also in progress of reading "Jane Eyre." I have never read "Jane Eyre" before and now knowing some of the background find it more interesting to read. I wish you the best in your writing. I hope you make this into a screenplay and eventually a movie. Although it probably wouldn't be as good as your book, I know it would be lovely to see the costumes and the love that bloomed between Charlotte and Arthur on screen. By the way, I keep reading the last section over and over again. I simply love it.

Cindy Zilke (Washington, D.C.) 11/09



I have just finished reading "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" and I loved it. I am happy that, like her heroines in her books, she found love and happiness with Arthur Nicholls. I hate to admit that I never knew that she wrote Shirley, Villette, or The Professor. I am now going to try to get copies of these books and her poetry. You have definitely inspired me to read more of her works. Thank you!

Carole-Anne (London, Canada) 10/09



I enjoyed the Secret Diaries even more than I enjoyed the Lost Memoirs (which I thought was wonderful.) I couldn't put down Charlotte's book. . . (and I too would be so pissed if someone called me an ugly old maid! *LOL*) I cannot wait until your Dracula book comes out.

Fran Colley (www.romancewritersrevenge.com) 10/09



I finished your wonderful book "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" in one day and evening - I could hardly bear to put it down. It's wonderful to learn so much about the Brontë family, to get into the head and heart of Charlotte - to know that she found the love of her life. Beautiful story, marvelous book. Love the stories and poems at the end of the book. Made one realize how tenuous a hold people had on life. . . Thank you for all the detail and information you put in this book. It was a joy to read and I've already insisted to close friends, my sister, and cousin that they MUST read it. I'm now going to read "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen." Keep going, Syrie - I'd love to read more of your books. Happy writing! It means a delightful experience awaits your many admirers. Thank you!

Pamela deRoy (Lake Geneva, WI) 9/09



I absolutely loved your book, "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë." I couldn't put it down. I also read your first book, "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" and loved it equally. I can't wait for your new novel! You are a remarkable writer - thank you!

Bonnie (Vallejo, CA ) 9/09



Enjoyed the Jane Austen book but LOVED the Charlotte Brontë one.

Nancy Alliegro (Texas ) 9/09



Thank you for bringing Charlotte and her family to life for me. Your book is so wonderfully written, causing me to feel all the emotions that were experienced by all the participants in this biography. Thank you for sharing this most interesting and enjoyable of stories. I have read Jane Eyre, Villette and the Professor and of course seen every Jane Eyre movie and enjoyed them all. I now will now be able to see Charlotte in all of them. Thank you, Syrie!

Lynn (Delta, British Columbia ) 9/09



You've done it again, written another WONDERFUL book!!! I have enjoyed every word from cover to cover - just couldn't put it down until it was finished! I have just dusted off my copies of The Professor, Villete, Shirley, and Agnes Grey and put them out on a table for re-reading during the Fall/winter months. . . So, very many thanks Syrie for giving us so much reading pleasure and opening up once again, in such a wonderful way, the fascinating lives of the Brontës! Dare I ask (like I did after I read The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen), if you are planning anymore wonderful books for us?! I do hope so!

Barbara Gilbert, 9/09



"Wow. You will have to forgive me if I am still too caught in the thick spell of it to be entirely clear in the things I say . . . Your novel was REMARKABLE. Reading The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë . . . I felt just as I did when I read Jane Eyre for the first time, or Shirley or The Secret or any of her collection. . . Your work, Ms. James, felt every bit to me like a newly discovered secret . . . You captured Charlotte's voice so beautifully, and brought her to life for me once more. For this, words could never hope to express my thanks.

One of the Readers Group questions appended to the book asked what sections made the reader cry. My answer? Several, as when Emily died, but none more so than the end -- more for the reason that my beloved book was over than anything else. Thank you, thank you, for granting me such a gift as your novel. I dream of one day writing a novel that touches someone half as much as you have touched me."

P.S. I cannot wait for your next book. I love Dracula and have always wanted Mina's story told. Congratulations also that it will be hardback!

Christina Cossio (Long Beach, California) 8/09


"Syrie, you are a national treasure! I have just finished reading "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" and I am better for it. Your writing is deliciously addictive. Your words can stroke and they can also burn. I could almost smell the reek of Branwell's presence when he appeared on your pages. I was already a great fan of the Brontës, having been to Haworth. What touched me most about your book was the way you handled Charlotte's grief over her losses. It was so heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. . . I wish to thank you for your insights, your heart, and your wonderful art. Charlotte would have embraced you. I am also thrilled at the prospect of your next book. Mina Harker was never given her due in Bram Stoker's book. I have every confidence that you will give her a voice. With great admiration. . ."

Vicki Csakany (Hauppauge, New York) 8/09


"F'ing Fantastic! I have just finished reading your Brontë novel, and it is the best thing I have read in years. So rich in character, so heartfelt in plot, and so amazingly well written. Huge thanks for all of your hard work and effort in writing this amazing book."

Mike Selby (Cranbrook, British Columbia) 8/09


"Over the course of the past few days, I have spent every spare moment I could find reading "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë."  I just finished the book tonight, and felt I had to write to you -- to tell you how much I enjoyed it.  I loved the book!! Your book was wonderful!! Your prose was exquisite!  I truly believe you captured Charlotte's voice.  Emily and Anne came alive for me too. . . I see Arthur in a new and much warmer light now, and I thank you for that.

Reading your book made Charlotte a part of my busy, sometimes hectic working days, and I praise you for making her such a real person -- with all her human-ness, genius, quirks, and goodness. . .   It was magical to be transported from the prairies of South Dakota to the Bronte Parsonage and those wild Yorkshire moors each time I opened the covers of the book."

Patricia Salter (Huron, South Dakota) 8/09


"My good woman, A quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed your work, "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë." I'm a retired trucker and a life long avid reader, eclectic in nature. Having never read any of the Brontë writings before retirement, I devoured all of them in the first few months of my long deserved freedom. Your book gave me a clearer understanding of these remarkably talented women and a greater appreciation of the 19th century in which they lived and worked. It put meat on their bones and I could almost hear their voices in your words. . . I've just started your "Lost Memoirs" book and it too explains Austen's life and work in a most human way . . . Your books are delightful. . . May you have many good books to come and happy long days in which to write them."

David Ben-Mark (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) 8/09


"Absolutely love your Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen books. They are so readable that I can just get lost in them. I am a huge fan of Jane Austen but actually read the Brontë book first by chance, spotting it in the library. Now I need to read the Brontes' novels!"

Kelly Gough Howe - 8/09


"I just finished The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë and absolutely loved it!!! You have such a gift of weaving an emotional tapestry of love, heartache, and inspiration. I had no idea the accomplished Brontës suffered so much in their lives and I felt so badly for them. Thank you for breathing life to this literary authoress and inspiring me to pick up a classic to read again. Truly excellent!!!"

Lynn Graham (Mentor, OH) 8/09


"I have just finished reading "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" and I wanted to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed it. At some stage in my distant past . . . I was totally enthralled by the Brontë story. I read all the sisters' books, many of their poems, and as many biographies as I could get my hands on. Reading your book not only took me back to that time in my life, but brought back to me that fascination that I once had. I now want to re read all the Brontë sisters books! Thank you for providing such sympathetic and enjoyable retelling of their story."

Georgia Parsons (Connecticut) 8/09


"Picked up your book at COSTCO and it interested me due to the locale. My father, now deceased, was from Keithley and I have visited there and Haworth and also Leeds, Bradford, Oakworth, where I have relatives. My father showed us the church where the Brontës went, etc. . . Reading the book I can just visualize walking the moors, down the road in Haworth, etc. I am about 2/3 through and enjoying "The Secret Diaries..." very much."

Frank W. Greenwood (Palm Desert, CA) 8/09


"I was just on vacation in the Mayan Riviera and one of the most memorable parts of my trip was my total immersion into The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë... I was so involved - and enamored by the content and style of writing - I just want to say thank you. I was transported back to when I first read Wuthering Heights in high school, and when I aspired to be a writer. You are amazing and an inspiration. I cried many times during the novel and made many notes to read all the works of the Brontë family!! Thank you again!"

Rima (California) 7/09


"Syrie, I just purchased The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë and cannot believe how well written it is! It truly sounds like Charlotte B. wrote it herself! I am at the office and cannot wait to get home to read more. . . Also, this is a really nice website. Thanks for all the great Austen and Brontë quotes and "fun stuff". Keep up the good work!"

Kathleen Schuller (Toledo, Ohio) 7/09


"The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte," by Syrie James: I just finished this book- like last night just finished. I loved it! I'm still thinking up all the ways that I can gush over this book. I loved it so much that after reading the first chapter I had to look up all the other books that Syrie James has written (The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen), and then I had to talk myself out of running out to buy it before I could finish the one that I already had. Ask me if I was successful. What do you think? This book just came out this month and already I want the next female classic author whose memoir/journal she wants to bring to life. More please!"

Nicole (linusblanket.com/Notes From a Reading Life) 7/09


"Hello Syrie, I just saw you being interviewed by Cathy Unruh on WEDU here in Florida. What a charmer you are! I really like your easy style and sense of humor. Cathy Unruh is wonderful and knows how to put people as ease, so much so that I feel as though we could be friends that's how comfortable you appeared on the TV screen. How fortunate you are to have been able to immerse yourself into their lives for two years at a time. I can hardly wait to read your books. . . All the best!"

Antoinette Piet Francis (Lakeland, FL) 7/09


"I adored your novel. . . I've sat at home and read at least the last 200 pages in just a few hours . . . I don't think I can find adequate words to express how much I truly enjoyed this book. So amazingly did you immerse yourself in the character that I find it hard to believe the entire work wasn't penned by Brontë herself. . . I fully intend to add this to my collection of prized books I will read over and over again for years to come. . . Thank you for your dedication to Charlotte's life story and your amazing retelling."

Katie Snyder (Columbus, Ohio) 7/09


"5 stars. Like Syrie James's book on Jane Austen, this wonderful diary-like retelling of another favorite author's personal life is well-written, well-researched, and gives wonderful insight into the creator of an all-time favorite: "Jane Eyre."

Karina (Good Reads.com) 7/09


"I have the book!!!!! And it is WONDERFUL!! I thought the Memoirs was fantastic, it is one of my all time favorite books.... but "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte" is simply beautiful, it's as if Charlotte wrote it herself.... Syrie you were so very true to her, she would be very proud."

Michelle Bark Horgan (Canada) 6/09


"5 Stars. If I could give this more stars I would. I think I read the last half of the book in one sitting. I didn't know much about Charlotte's life before reading this. It is fiction but based on facts. It was interesting to learn what inspired Jane Eyre."

Jenny (Goodreads.com)


"4 stars. Well written, an honest but sympathetic look at the life of the Bronte family, through small triumphs and tragedies. I found it illuminating and interesting, and truthful, and I appreciate having a better understanding of the real life behind the author of Jane Eyre."

Doria (Goodreads.com)


"5 stars. Wonderful fleshing out of the history of Charloote Bronte and sisters. I loved the historical facts made into her life. It seems very accurate. I feel I know them better and do want to review their works."

Jeralyn Lovell (Goodreads.com)