Austen Diaries

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...

  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...

  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...

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...

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 ...

Title and Author: Expecting His Proposal by P.O. Dixon Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, if you want a quick read. 2 stars because I didn't find it satisfying. Summary: This novella asks what if Darcy had danced with Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly instead of insulting her. She probably would not have listened Wickham and steered her family away from him. And by the time, she visited Kent to find Darcy there, she would have been expecting his proposal. Pros This is sweet with very little angst. This is good if you want a very quick read.  Cons This is short and there isn't really time to develop any characters. Darcy seems to have overcome his reservation about her status and family with no thought. Elizabeth recovers from hearing news about Darcy she did not expect remarkably fast.

Title and Author: Betrothed to Mr Darcy by Lin Mei Wei Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: one more descriptive scene Recommended: yes, 3.5 stars Summary: While in Hertfordshire, Wickham threatens Darcy with (Georgina's) exposure. When Darcy doesn't respond to the bait, Wickham starts a rumor that he and Darcy duelled over Elizabeth and Darcy won. The rumors swirl and Darcy is forced to propose to save Elizabeth's reputation. Will the two wed with love or obligation? Pros * I always love a story with the slow realization (for Elizabeth) of how worthy Darcy really is. * It was fun to get to see Darcy's extended family here. I always wonder how they really would have reacted. * Mr Bennett is more practical and clever in this one than in most versions. Cons * Would any man start a rumor he LOST a duel? Enough said. * There is a sub-plot involving a member of Darcy's family that I didn't find compelling. * There was o...

  Title and Author:  Through Pemberley Woods  by  Emily Russell Type: P&P Alternate Path  Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen level Recommended: 3.5 stars Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited Summary: This variation takes place before P&P even starts during the summer before the events of the books. Elizabeth visits the Pemberley area with her Aunt Gardiner, staying with her aunt's friend Mrs. Water. As a great walker, she makes her way through Pemberley Woods, not realizing a dangerous poacher has been in the area. When Darcy comes upon her, he warns her off in his brusk manner and makes a poor impression.  Elizabeth later meets Georgiana in town and the two become friends. As Elizabeth becomes better friends with Georgiana, she comes to know Darcy better. And Georgiana decides not to go to Ramsgate, leading Mrs. Younge to take matters into her own hands.    Things I Liked: * The friendship between Georgiana an...

  Title and Author: Love and Libertine 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 Elizabeth goes to visit Hunsford to stay with Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Sir Lewis de Bourgh is a wealthy man with little to stop him from getting what he wants (generally the prettiest young woman in the vicinity).  Lady Catherine asks Darcy and the Colonel to visit Rosings early to help protect Elizabeth and Maria Lucas from Sir Lewis. When Darcy sees Elizabth again and is forced to keep her company for safety, he must decide if he wants to please his family or follow his heart.  Pros: * This is a unique take on a Darcy Elizabeth story. It makes Lady Catherine and Anne both make more sense.  * Lady Catherine is likable here and eventually decisive too. * I do like a story that puts Caroline in her place.  Cons: * Th...

Title and Author: The Bennet Women by Eden Appiah-Kubi Type: Pride and Prejudice Modern Retelling Perspective: Will and Elizabeth Romance Level: References to sex but no open door scenes Recommended: yes, 3.5 Access: I got this as the free Prime book in November 2021 Summary: EJ is black engineering major who is the RA to the all female Bennett House. Her friend Jamie is a trans woman finding her identity and Tessa is her Filipina friend. When Jamie meets Lee, sparks fly and the group is excited for her. Less exciting is Lee's best friend Will, who is rude to all in his first meeting (and happens to be a famous actor). But Will may have more to him than meets the eye. Will EJ actually give Will a chance or will she graduate and ride off into her own sunset? Pros I liked the parallels to Pride and Prejudice which doesn't always translate into modern life. The author did a good job creating the thing driving Will to dislike the Wickham character.  It was modern and romantic whi...

Title and Author: Only Mr Darcy Will Do  by Kara Louise Type:  P&P Alternate Path  Perspective: Elizabeth Romance Level: Kissing Recommended: yes, 4 stars  Access: Free for Overdrive through my Library Summary: This alternate path picks up the year following the Rosings proposal. Mr Bennett has died and Elizabeth takes a job as a governess with the Willstone family. The family is kind to her and she is relatively happy. However, the family is acquainted with the Darcy family so she is thrown back together with Mr. Darcy. An invitation to Pemberley for the family brings Elizabeth in daily connection with Mr. Darcy. He is determined to treat her well despite the lowering of her status. This is an alternate path, but stays very true to the original characters. Overall I really liked this one.  Pros: * It was nice to see Elizabeth's slow change and insecurity about Darcy.  * I liked Georgiana in this one as well as the addition of Mr. Hamilton, D...

Title and Author: So Far Away by P.O. Dixon Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: no, 2.5 stars (the first in the series was best) Summary: This is part 2 after Lady Elizabeth . When she finds out the truth of her past, she knows she must return to Longbourne to her "true" family, but knows she can never leave her other family, her brother, Avery-now the Duke of Dunsmore, and mother, Lady Sophia-behind. But life at Longbourne is not idyllic. Her sisters are not well bred or intelligent and no one seems to mind. Mr. Darcy promises he will wait for her ,but he didn't imagine the accidents and conniving people that would keep him away from her. A lie almost keeps him away for good. Pros The relationship between Lady Sophia, Avery and Elizabeth is sweet. I liked Elizabeth taking her father to task for the behavior of her sisters. One wishes she would/could in the original. The relationship between Jane an...

Title and Author: Trapped at Rosings by Emily Russell Type: P&P Alternate Path Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen level Recommended: 3.5 stars Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited Summary: In this alternate path, Lady Catherine has an agenda and is willing to go to any lengths to get it, including paying a thug to lock Darcy and Anne in a cottage together. But things go awry when Darcy and Elizabeth are locked in together instead. They must marry of course, but only after Elizabeth declares she knows how distasteful they both find it. What is a love struck Darcy to do? Things I Liked: * All the villains get what is coming to them in creative ways. * Although there is some drama involved, the first 75% is charming. * Anne gets her happily ever after (as do Jane, Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam). * Mr Collins shows some spine to Lady Catherine in this one and it's great! Things I Didn't Like: * The last 25% goes off into a strange reality that has El...

Title and Author: Quitting the Sphere  by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, 3 stars (the first in the series was best) Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited Summary: Following the events in the book Upstart Pretensions (third in the No Cause to Repine tetralogy), Elizabeth is not kidnapped but merely startled by Wickham and Wickham acts again, causing his own downfall. Mr and Mrs Bennett decide to send Lydia and Kitty away to school for polishing and reform. Elizabeth and Darcy finally decide to be married at Rosings by Mr. Collins especially after he helps resolve a tricky situation. Lady Catherine and other family help Elizabeth have a successful entry into the London scene at the end of the book.    Pros: * Wickham gets what is coming to him with relatively little damage to anyone else.  * Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennett have become friends. It feels unlikely, but it is a fun...

Title and Author: Upstart Pretensions by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque Recommended: yes, 2 stars (the first in the series was best) Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited Summary: Following the events in the book Scandalous Falsehoods (second in the No Cause to Repine tetralogy), Elizabeth leaves home because of the rumors in Meryton, joining a supportive Lady Catherine and Anne de Bough. Darcy, of course, follows, staying with the Mr. Collins. After Elizabeth settles in, the couple finally becomes engaged. But when his uncle is still unsupportive, Darcy is forced to truly make things official, traveling to Hertfordshire to speak with Elizabeth's father. There he discovers the source of the rumors. Pros: * The friendship between Anne and Elizabeth is delightful. * It is fun to have Lady Catherine in Elizabeth's corner. * It is nice to see a less ridiculous Mr Collins. Cons: * This is slow and the plot i...

Title and Author: Scandalous Falsehoods by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen-esque  Recommended: yes, 2 stars  Access: Free for Kindle Unlimited Summary: Following the events in the book A Tacit Engagement (first in the No Cause to Repine tetralogy), Darcy follows Elizabeth into Hertfordshire. When they enter the Meryton Assembely, they cause a stir and rumors begin to fly. And they keep flying. No one can determine the source of these rumors since Wickham has changed his name. Darcy keeps putting off the proposal and the book ends in scandal with the couple not engaged.    Pros: * The whole of Darcy's family coming to Hertford is comical.  * It is fun to have Lady Catherine in Elizabeth's corner.  * I like Bingley at the end starting to put Caroline in her place. Cons: * I am still baffled why Darcy keeps putting off proposing to Elizabeth. The only purpose is more angst si...

Title and Author: Lady Elizabeth by P.O. Dixon Type: P&P Alternate Path Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Austen level Recommended: 4 stars Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited This is part one of the two part: Everything Will Change series. Disclaimer: I won the audio and ebook through a P.O. Dixon giveaway as well as winning an Amazon gift card (which I promptly spent on book two). Thank you! Summary: In this alternate path, the same characters live a completely different story. Elizabeth Bennett is abducted at a young age and raised as the granddaughter of a duke as Lady Elizabeth Montlake. Darcy is friends with her brother Avery and the two share a connection which the Duke does not approve. When Darcy travels to Hertfordshire, he hears the tale of Elizabeth Bennett and meets Kitty who resembles his friend Lady Elizabeth. Will he unravel the truth and what will the outcome be if her does? Things I Liked: * I wasn't sure about the premise when it began, b...

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...