Picture a storyteller who weaves the grit of Lancashire mills with the sunlit dreams of Australian shores—meet Anna Jacobs! This English-Australian novelist has charmed readers with over 80 novels, blending historical sagas, heartwarming romances, and even a dash of fantasy. Her award-winning Pride of Lancashire proves she’s a master at bringing history to life through characters you’ll root for.
Born in 1941 in Rochdale, Lancashire, Jacobs’s journey from a Northern English town to Australia’s sunny coast shapes her unique voice. With a knack for crafting tales that feel like a warm hug, she’s earned a loyal following and critical acclaim, including the 2006 Australian Romantic Novel of the Year Award.
The Making of Anna Jacobs
Anna Jacobs grew up in post-war England, soaking in the stories of resilience that would later fuel her novels. After graduating from the University of Leeds in 1962, she taught and nurtured her love for storytelling. In 1973, she emigrated to Australia, a move that broadened her perspective and infused her work with a cross-cultural heartbeat. Her first novel, Persons of Rank (1992), marked the start of a prolific career, though she also wrote fantasy as Shannah Jay and historical romance as Sherry-Anne Jacobs.
Jacobs’s dual life—spending summers in Wiltshire, England, and winters by Australia’s coast—gives her stories a rich, lived-in quality. Her husband, her “personal hero,” and their family provide the emotional anchor for her tales of love and perseverance.
Anna Jacobs’s Unforgettable Stories
Jacobs’s novels are like a cozy fireside chat, filled with characters who face life’s trials with courage. Her historical sagas, often set in Lancashire or colonial Australia, explore themes of family, survival, and hope. Pride of Lancashire (2005), a standout, follows a spirited heroine navigating love and ambition in a bustling mill town, earning Jacobs the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award.
The Rivenshaw Saga, starting with A Time to Remember (2015), captures post-World War II Britain through tales of rebuilding and redemption. Her Traders Series, spanning five books, traces a family’s journey across continents, blending adventure with romance. For a sci-fi twist, her Chronicles of Tenebrak (as Shannah Jay) offers futuristic worlds with a human touch. Jacobs’s style—accessible yet vivid—makes history feel personal, with strong women often at the helm.
With over 30 standalone novels and 18 series, Jacobs writes three books a year, her imagination as boundless as her output. Her stories, published by Hodder & Stoughton and Allison & Busby, resonate for their emotional depth and happy endings, perfect for readers craving uplift.
Why Anna Jacobs Matters
Anna Jacobs’s impact lies in her ability to make history sing. Her novels bridge England and Australia, offering a lens on cultural ties and personal triumphs. Fans adore her for her relatable characters and feel-good resolutions, with reviews praising her “page-turners” that “cheer you up.” As one of the UK’s most borrowed library authors, her work brings comfort and joy to countless readers.
Her legacy also shines in her versatility—spanning sagas, romances, and fantasy—and her dedication to storytelling. At 84, Jacobs remains a vibrant voice, proving it’s never too late to chase your passion. Her novels remind us that love and resilience can light up even the darkest times.
- Born: 1941, Rochdale, Lancashire, England
- Key Works: Pride of Lancashire, A Time to Remember, The Traders Series
- Awards: 2006 Australian Romantic Novel of the Year
- Pen Names: Shannah Jay (fantasy), Sherry-Anne Jacobs (historical romance)
Ready to escape into a world of heart and history? Snag Pride of Lancashire or dive into the Rivenshaw Saga for Anna Jacobs’s signature blend of romance and resilience!