Austen Diaries

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....