Happy 1st Birthday, Lady Jane!

Lady Jane isn't Jane Austen, whose birthday was on December 16. Lady Jane is a romance reading salon held on the first Monday of every month at the Madame X lounge in downtown Manhattan, and Lady Jane's turning one tomorrow, February 1.

As author Lauren Willig writes, "Rather than being a one month wonder, Lady Jane’s Salon has grown from month to month, building up a population of both repeat visitors and friends of friends." Author Hope Tarr adds, "When [we] came up with the concept for Lady Jane's, we anticipated having ten or so attendees each month. In a very short time, we found ourselves filling up the house to the point where many Salon nights are now standing room only."

What a feat after a mere year for founders: Maya Rodale, Hope Tarr, Leanna Renee Hieber, and Ron Hogan. Salons showcase readings by three authors, perhaps some music, chat, drinks, finger foods, and laughter.

To gain entrée, you need to bring in one gently used romance novel or pay $5 to benefit Share the Love, a charitable endeavor that provides books to non-profit organizations that provide assistance to women in transitional periods of their lives.

So, a very happy first birthday celebration, Lady Jane's Salon. May there be many, many more to follow.