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More Agreeably Engaged

Title and Author: More Agreeably Engaged by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, 3 stars Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited Summary: This variation starts when Darcy hesitates after Bingley leaves Netherfield for London. As he contemplates what to do next, he finds Elizabeth roaming the grounds of Longbourne. She (having just refused the proposal of Mr. Collins) is out of sorts, but still civil. As Darcy seeks to subtly find the information he needs, he presents a new side to Elizabeth. When he realizes she does not like him, he must make amends and decide what he really wants. Pros: *This is a low angst variation and it is sweet to see them come to know each other. * Wickham got what was coming to him with no casualties. * I do like a story that puts Caroline in her place. Cons: * It was so sweet that it was almost boring. * I wondered how Darcy overcame his hesitations about the Bennett family s
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A Peculiar Connection

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  Title and Author: A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn Type: Pride and Prejudice Alternate Path Perspective: Elizabeth Romance Level: Almost P&P Recommended: yes, as long as you don't mind how far from the original it goes Access: Kindle Unlimited Summary: This alternate path begins at Lady Catherine's visit to Longborne. What if she had a different reason to forbid the marriage--one that was rooted in the past. This takes the couple on a differnet path, one that leads them on a journey to find the truth.  Pros: * This was an interesting twist on the story, but so different it almost needs to be a sequel or......? * This plot would better explain the relationship between Elizabeth and her mother. * It was fun to see Darcy and Elizabeth work together. Cons: * I find it hard to believe that Mr. Bennet would 1.Take action without his wife 2. Take in a child not his own without more explanation. * I didn't enjoy the struggle that Elizabeth and Darcy could not be togethe
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Nefarious

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  Title and Author: Nefarious by Nicole Clarkston Type: Pride and Prejudice Related Story Perspective: Darcy Romance Level: kissing Recommended: maybe, but not for purists Access: Available through Kindle Unlimited Summary: This story diverges from the original before Elizabeth and Darcy even meet. Darcy is recently widowed and the woman died in childbirth, but having been forced into this marriage, he cannot mourn her. When the woman with similar name, character and appearance shows up, he wants to flee her presence. Will he realize that this woman is the fulfillment on all his hopes or will he throw his chance at love away? Pros This was a unique twist on our beloved characters. We see more of Darcy's evolution of character in this one. There was an unexpected twist around 80% that was interesting, but I was ready for the HEA by then. Cons Darcy pursues Jane and even mistreats her in this one. Ick. Darcy is most unlikable in this version. He generally is prideful, but a the c
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The Other Bennet Sister

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Title and Author: The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow Type: Pride and Prejudice Parallel Story Perspective: Mary Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, it was a fresh story where Mary gets her happy ending Summary: Mary is the Bennet sister no one particularly likes or notices. She isn't accomplished despite her piano practice and her learning isn't valued because it comes across as moralistic. In this Austen retelling, Mary gets her own story. We can see how her mother's nagging and anxiety as well as Mr. Bennet's neglect change Mary's character. The first few chapters happen in parallel with P&P (Mr Collins, Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth and Darcy), but most of the book is the story of Mary finding her own way in the world with the help of Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Gardiner and others. Pros I really liked Mary's relationships with Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Collins. It was interesting to contemplate how Mary became the way she was and what it was l
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Sense and Sensibility

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Title and Author: Sense and Sensibility by  Joanna Trollope Type: Modern Retelling Perspective: Elinor  Romance Level:  Recommended: yes, 3.5 stars John Dashwood inherited Norland Park from his father and promised to care for his half sisters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) as well as their mother. Fanny, John's wife, has other plans. When a distant Dashwood cousin (Sir John) offers them a cottage to live in, they can hardly refuse. This is the third book in the Austen Project I have read and the only one that was translated well into a modern retelling.  As they settle in, they meet family, neighbors and friends of Sir John, Mary, Ms J, Charlotte, Wills and Bill. The characters come to modern life and the plot makes sense in the modern context. 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: * It is Austen and the ideas
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