Austen Diaries

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...