St. Ursula’s Convent, or, The Nun of Canada: Containing Scenes From Real Life, was first published in 1824 – exactly 200 years ago by Julia Beckwith Hart. While the classic romance novel has mostly been forgotten over time, Julia Beckwith is known for writing the first fictional novel (and romance) written by a Canadian-born author. Pretty cool honor! And today, we have a new book cover reveal for the re-release of the book!
And we have even more exciting news to add. If you love discovering forgotten books as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to learn about The Northern Romance Collection project by Christine Lavallée, an independent researcher and Library Technician looking to put the spotlight on early Canadian romance authors.
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St. Ursula’s Convent is the first in the lineup. It is being re-released with a new foreword by Christine Lavallée, and a Kickstarter campaign is supporting this effort.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS OF ST. URSULA’S CONVENT
Set in 18th-century Canada and Europe, Julia de Montreuil believes her husband has died in the events surrounding the Siege of Quebec. Heartbroken, Julia finds solitude in a convent mentoring a young Adelaide. When Adelaide discovers her true identity, can they both find their own happy ending?
Considered Canada’s first romance, St. Ursula’s Convent is part of an organized collection of Canadian early romances. This special edition includes recent research and new insights by Christine Lavallée. Recommended for fans of Jane Eyre and Georgette Heyer.
Themes: courtship, romance, the Canadian landscape, social norms, cultural tensions, religious/spiritual life, Divine Providence, identity, aristocracy, switched at birth, presumed dead, war, captivity, resilience, forgiveness.
COVER REVEAL – ST. URSULA’S CONVENT
Without further ado, here is the cover for St. Ursula’s Convent! The book cover design is absolutely gorgeous! I love how it could be mistaken for a contemporary historical fiction novel. From the text design to the graphics – the appealing look will surely gain the attention of classic and historical romance fans.
BOOK COVER DESIGN INSPIRATION FROM CHRISTINE LAVALLÉE
“I’m excited to reveal the new cover for St. Ursula’s Convent! The design was inspired by other romance novels that take place during the same time period. Hart’s protagonist, Julia, is surrounded by the convent and hovers above a Canadian river. Personally, I love how the imagery captures Julia’s journey through Georgian Canada. It emphasizes her resilient spirit and how she navigates the political turmoil of the 18th-Century.”
MORE ABOUT THE NORTHERN ROMANCE COLLECTION
Having selected five of Canada’s early romance authors, I am hoping to elevate Canadian romance both at home and abroad. They were the most romantic and the ones that I could be the most passionate about. Many of the novels take place in Canada and were all written by Canadian women. They will either be reprinted with the assistance of a publisher, or with the use of Kickstarter.
You can learn more about the research here and the project on Christine Lavallée’s website.
SUPPORT THE NORTHERN ROMANCE COLLECTION AND ST. URSULA’S CONVENT ON KICKSTARTER
Are you intrigued and want to help support The Northern Romance Collection? Here is the link to support the project on Kickstarter: Northern Romance Collection Kickstarter
The Kickstarter officially launches Galentine’s Day on February 13, 2025.
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