Austen Diaries

Title and Author: A Tacit Engagement by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation                Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth  Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, 3.5 stars (maybe I will revise when I finish the other 3!)  Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited   Summary: What if Darcy met Elizabeth before the events of the Austen novel happen (but after he returns from Ramsgate)? Would he see her worth more quickly without her family to interfere? After meeting Elizabeth at an art showing, Darcy is eager to see her again. When they meet at the park, an acquaintance  begins under the guidance of the Gardiners. This novella takes us through the Bingley group coming to Netherfield. This book is the beginning of a tetralogy (4 book series), so be ready to get the next one after a quick ending.  Pros: * It is a sweet version with the quick connection between the pair.  * I liked seeing more ...

I have had a few friends ask me my favorite Austen retellings and Austen related literature. According to Goodreads these are my highest rated ones! These are in no particular order, all being 4 star ratings. My standards may be getting higher because I haven't given a 4 star review for awhile. * means it is currently reviewed on the blog.  The trilogy by Pamela Aiden (not reviewed yet--I must remedy this soon!) :  An Assembly Such as This , Duty and Desire ; and These Three Remain   This story is told from Darcy's perspective. The first and third books are wonderful because they parallel the story closely; the second goes pretty far off cannon. * The trilogy by Stanley Michael Hurd: Into Hertfordshire , Into Kent and The Way Home   This set is also told from Darcy's perspective and told in three sections like the original P&P. I loved seeing his side of the story. He wasn't always as likable, but we can feel his devastation and resolve to become a better man....

Title and Author: As Good as a Lord by P.O. Dixon Type: P&P Alternate Path Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen level Recommended: Cute 3 stars Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited in the compilation A Love that Lingers on  Summary: In this alternate path, the novella picks up when Elizabeth returns home from Hunsford. What if Darcy tried to find a more suitable mate. And what if Mrs Bennett overhears Elizabeth tell Jane that Mr. Darcy proposed to her. The story changes with Mrs Bennett involved in matchmaking as she joins Elizabeth and Mr and Mrs Gardiner for their travel to the North and the Lakes. Things I Liked: * This was a low angst version, great for where we are at in 2021! * This was a fun scheming version of Mrs Bennett. * The Darcy is less proud and more likable than many versions. Things I Didn't Like: * Although I liked the idea of this Mrs Bennett, in the end I just didn't believe it. Not saying anything just doesn't work given her c...

Title and Author: Her Indomitable Resolve by Jann Rowland Type: P&P Alternate Path Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen level Recommended: No, 2 stars Access: free for  Amazon Kindle Unlimited Summary: In this alternate path, the birth order of the Bennetts is completely changed, Mary as the eldest and Elizabeth the youngest. Mary is married to Mr. Collins, having saved the family from the entailment. Darcy (on the heels of Wickham trying to elope with Georgiana) stays in London while Bingley moves into Netherfield to fall in love and marry Jane. Darcy meets Elizabeth at the wedding and gets to know her as she stays in London with Jane, then later with the family at Pemberley.  Things I Liked: * It was nice that there was no great misunderstanding to overcome. This is more of a slow, sweet getting to know each other with almost no angst. * The Darcy is less proud and more likable than many versions.  * I liked this decisive version of Bingley. He kn...

Title and Author: The Rogue's Widow by Nicole Clarkston Type: P&P Alternate Path Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Kissing Recommended: No, 2 stars Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited Summary: In this alternate path, Darcy meets Elizabeth for the first time as a potential companion for his sister, Georgiana. But there is more to his original request that requires faith in him before she knows his character. If she accepts, she can provide for her whole family. If she refuses, they may languish in poverty. Things I Liked: * These are the same characters, kind of. * There was very little Lady Catherine in this one and even Mrs. Bennett is more subdued. * Wickham, and anyone who helps him, is thoroughly thwarted. Things I Didn't Like: * The whole premise of this book feels out of character for both Darcy and Elizabeth. She would never agree to this arrangement without more information and he would feel it was deceptive. * The characters were the only th...