Austen Diaries

Title and Author: Ardently Loved by Lory Lilian Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Elizabeth Romance Level: mostly passionate kissing but chapter 13 includes a wedding night description that could be skipped (don't miss the epilogue) Recommended: yes, 2.5 star Summary: This variation takes place after Bingley returns to Netherfield and becomes engaged to Jane. What if Darcy was not reassured by Lady Catherine's visit and report of her conversation with Elizabeth? Bingley gives a ball to celebrate his engagement and only then does Darcy return. How will the couple reach an understanding in the midst of their friend's happiness? I enjoyed this one, but not as much as many others. Things I Liked: * Elizabeth really knows her feelings for Darcy in this one. Even not so subtle conversations are not enough to reassure her of Darcy's feelings. * Darcy is more publicly open about Elizabeth in this one. He speaks highly of her and supports her thoughts...

Title: Miss Darcy's Companion by Joana Starnes Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: passionate kissing Recommended: yes, 4 stars Access: available through Kindle Unlimited Summary: In this variation, Mr Bennett dies before Darcy and Elizabeth have a chance to meet. Miss Darcy meets a grieving Miss Bennett, working as governess to her young niece and nephew. When Georgiana takes a dislike to the proposed new companion Mrs. Younge, Georgiana proposes Miss Bennett as the solution. At Pemberley, Miss Bennett gets to know her new employer and the best man/brother/master he is and Darcy can see Elizabeth for her true (although more subdued) self. Things I Liked: * I like the slow development of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. It was novel to have her be the one with feelings first and feel the inequity of their stations in life. * I loved the sweet relationship between Georgiana and Elizabeth. * I liked Fitzwill...

Title and Author: A Walk in the Meadow at Rosings Park  by Mary Lydon Simonson Type: pride and prejudice alternate path Perspective: 3rd person (both)  Romance Level: lots of kissing Recommended: No, 2 stars Summary: What if Mr Darcy left Meryton just after the assembly? With little knowledge of one another  Darcy and Elizabeth meet again at Rosings/Hunsford. Lady Catherine offends and Darcy is quick to apologize for her rudeness, not realizing the irony of the apology. The pair dine with the group, walk and form a tentative bond while each try to determine what it means and whether there can be a future for them.  Things I Liked: * This Darcy is eager to come to an understanding with Elizabeth. * There was less to overcome without Elizabeth's prejudice. * This story does have more of Ann de Bourg and her encouragement of Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth. Things I Didn't Like: * The story never gelled. Darcy is so quick to try to get El...

Title and Author: Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld Type: Modern Retelling Perspective: Third Person and Elizabeth Romance Level: Crass (not even very romantic sex) Recommended: No, 2 stars Summary: Liz Bennet is a New York magazine writer, home in Cincinnati after her father's heart surgery. Her quirky family needs her help in caring for her father, managing her mother and eventually supporting her sisters is all kinds of ways. In Cincinnati, she meets Darcy, a brilliant neurosurgeon, who's social skills leave something to be desired, insults her during their first meeting. Of course, the two work out their differences, but it take most of the book to get there. This creative and funny rendition. Pros: * The author was creative in coming up with events and relationships that are as similar as can be found to the original in a modern context. * The characters are so quirky that it is entertaining. Cons: * None of these characters is likable, even Elizabeth. Her fa...

Title and Author: An Arranged Marriage , Jan Hahn   Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Elizabeth Romance Level: Kissing (inferences to more)  Recommended: Yes, 3.5 stars Summary: In this Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mr. Bennett dies in a hunting accident while Elizabeth is at Rosings Park (after the proposal from Darcy). We pick up the story 6 months later, when Darcy reappears to offer marriage to Elizabeth again. This time she has little choice since he will provide for her family if they do marry. She is clear that she would not marry him otherwise and is generally disagreeable while he won't explain his decisions or history so she can understand him better.  Pros: * This version has Elizabeth understanding Darcy's character long after they are married, but he is respectful of her.  It is an interesting twist.   * The characters feel true to the original. For example, Darcy is private with his actions with the servants in a way si...