Bluebells in the Mourning review

I recently read "Bluebells in the Mourning" by KaraLynn Mackrory. It is a Pride and Prejudice take off. It starts when Mr. Darcy is going to propose to Elizabeth at Hunsford. However, she had just received horrible news from home, so the proposal wasn't offered. And that is where the story diverges from the original. Along the way, their relationship deepens, bad guys are discovered, other relationships are explored, and several happily ever afters occur.

One of the parts I particularly liked was the exploration of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's relationship, and why it was the way it was. And also the understanding of each other that occurs.

This was a very nice book. I would definitely recommend it to others. 5/5 stars.







Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge book review, part 2

_Charlotte_ by Karen Aminadra

After almost a year of marriage to Mr Collins, Charlotte is getting to know her neighbors in Hunsford. She is also getting tired of Lady Catherine dictating everyone's lives. She determines to open Mr Collins' eyes to Lady Catherine's manipulative ways and claim her future, which does not go as hoped. At first.

This book is very different from other PandP fan fiction I have read. Rather than Charlotte continually regretting her marriage to Mr Collins, she grows to care for him as he realizes his shortcomings and "ridiculousness" and endeavors to improve himself. And we come to like him as well. During this time as well, while struggling with the consequences of thwarting Lady Catherine, Charlotte becomes involved in a flirtation with Colonel Fitzwilliam, which ultimately shows him in a less than flattering light.

It was a light, enjoyable, quick read. 4/5 stars

As a side note, having just read Jennifer Becton's "Charlotte Collins" (review coming another time), it is odd to read about the same people with alternate realities. I have not yet read many PandP variants, just continuations. I am sure it will just get stranger :) Maybe I should leave more time between reading about the same characters!

A Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge book review, part 1

As I mentioned, I have joined a couple regency-themed reading challenges through austenprose.com. This one is to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of "Pride and Prejudice."

I only recently read "Pride and Prejudice" for the first time. And then I started collecting sequels and variations. At the end of this challenge I may reread "Pride and Prejudice," but for now, I will work on the reviews of other books.

This review is of the book "Georgiana Darcy's Diary" by Anna Elliott. It is written in diary format, starting when Georgiana is 18. It chronicles her Aunt de Bough trying to foist her off to eligible bachelors, and her feeling toward her cousin, Edward Fitzwilliam.

It was a nice read. Being diary form, we were only aware of Georgiana's thoughts and feelings, and how she perceived Edward's actions. It opens at the initial defeat of Napoleon, and Georgiana is hoping Edward is alive and well, although she has not heard from him since he left Pemberley over a year ago.

He does arrive home, but seems a little unlike himself after experiencing the horrors of war. After much trial and tribulation, they finally come to an understanding and a potential HEA. That is where the book ends. Their story continues in "Pemberley to Waterloo: Georgiana Darcy's Diary, Volume 2." And that, my friends, is a review for a different day!

I enjoyed this book, though my diary entries are never as interesting! There was a matchmaking aunt (though her interests were more dynastic than emotional), caring family, an assortment of eligible bachelors, and misinformation. I would give it 4 of 5 stars.

Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge

Well, Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose.com has done it again. I am joining another reading challenge. At least I have enough books on my Kindle for this one already! I have a few reimaginings of "Pride and Prejudice," and some sequels. Although I may see about getting a movie or two to add to my list :)

I am going to commit to neophyte (1-4 items), but may be able to accomplish disciple (5-8). But since I am also participation in the Candice Hern challenge, I don't want to overcommit myself, as there are already many other books on my TBR list!

Here is the list I am going to choose from:
Reimagings:
"His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel" by Nancy Kelley
"One Thread Pulled: The Dance with Mr. Darcy" by Diana J. Oaks
"A Pemberley Medley (A Pride and Prejudice Variation)" by Abigail Reynolds (this is a collection of five short stories)

Sequels:
"Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued" by Anna Elliott
"Pemberley to Waterloo: Georgiana Darcy's Diary, Volume 2" by Anna Elliott
"Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues" by Karen Aminadra
"Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice" by Jennifer Becton
"Caroline Bingley: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice" by Jennifer Becton

Of course, there is always "Pride and Prejudice" to read again. I also have a book titled "All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year-long Journey with Jane" by Amy Smith. It is not a "Pride and Prejudice" variation. Rather, it is a memoir of a woman that travelled to Latin America with a box of Spanish language Jane Austen books to conduct a traveling book club. It sounds interesting, and if I get a chance, I will write it up, too!

So here is to a year of reading!