Uncovered in Merriweather: A Jane Austen in Wisconsin novel

By Michelle Cox

From best-selling author, Michelle Cox, comes the enchanting second installment of her 1930s Wisconsin series, perfect for fans of Jane Austen and lovers of small-town historical fiction.

Kate Kerwyn has never quite fit in. Known as "Indian Kate" around town, she's grown up believing she was a Sauk Indian. But when she discovers that Sheriff Norris may have fabricated this story, Kate begins to wonder about her true identity.

Meanwhile, Melody Merriweather's world has also turned upside down. Following her father's death, her brother Fred returns from Harvard and insists on taking over the Merc, forcing Melody to return to Chicago, albeit reluctantly. Once there, however, she begins to forget all of her old problems at the Merc-not to mention a certain surly young butcher-when she meets the sophisticated Eustace Sinclair and is swept up into his world of luxury.

Back in Merriweather, Frank Churchill introduces the charming Crawford siblings to the community. Kate soon finds herself caught between her love for her childhood friend, Edmund Bertram, and the persistent attention of the enigmatic Henry Crawford, who encourages her to pursue a life of artistic endeavors.

When he pushes his suit a bit too far, however, Kate bolts and embarks on a quest to uncover her original family-with shocking results. Melody, too, faces an unexpected dilemma when she receives a disturbing letter from home which threatens her exciting new life and urges her to return . . .

In this heartfelt tale inspired by Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" Michelle Cox delivers another captivating story of identity, belonging, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.

Perfect for fans of:

Natalie Jenner's The Jane Austen SocietyLynn Shepherd's Murder at Mansfield ParkJo Baker's LongbournElizabeth Aston's Mr. Darcy's Daughters

"Unearthed in Merriweather" is the second book in the beloved Merriweather series, continuing the stories of characters readers fell in love with in "Matched in Merriweather."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FC6CGSZN
• ISBN13: 9798998757112
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Woolton Press
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A witty and charming novel

Thanks to BookFunnel, Woolton Press and author Michelle Cox for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted. This is the second book in Michelle Cox’s Jane Austen-inspired “Merriweather” series. I’ve read the first ("Matched in Merriweather: Jane Austen in Wisconsin," a retelling of Austen’s "Emma") but you could easily jump right in with this one and not feel lost. It’s been a long time since I’ve read Austen’s books, and even without remembering much of the plot or characters, this well-written novel is enjoyable all on its own. It was a treat to have the story set in 1930s Wisconsin, since neither the location nor timeline has been overdone as have others in the historical fiction genre. This witty and charming novel alternates between two young women, Melody Merriweather and Kate Kerwyn. Focusing on the importance of family, juxtaposing misunderstandings and the courtship traditions of the period, the novel explores themes of identity and belonging, independence and romance. I enjoyed the humor, a bit of mystery, and the cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait for book #3 to find out what happens next.