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Category: For Jane Austen Fans

Review: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy by Victoria Connelly

[ 6 ] January 30, 2012

Reviewed by Meg Massey

Kay is unlucky in love and bored at her job, until she inherits a property from a friend. Inspired by her favorite Austen novels, Kay buys a bed and breakfast in seaside Lyme Regis. Much to her surprise, her bed and breakfast is booked up by actors filming an adaptation of Persuasion in the area. Among them is handsome movie star Oli Wade Owen, and Kay finds herself falling for him almost instantly.

Unbeknownst to Kay, the movie’s screenwriter, Adam, with whom she’s formed a fast friendship, has fallen for her. But when she gets the bright idea of playing matchmaker for Adam and actress Gemma, she’s setting herself up for a romantic disaster right out of the pages of Emma. And when Oli doesn’t turn out to be the hero she’s imagined, her whole world is turned upside down.

A delightful ode to all things Austen, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy is the second book in Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts’ trilogy. Anyone who loves Austen’s novels will enjoy this read as it contains numerous references to her life and works. Much like Emma herself, Kay fails to see the true love right in front of her throughout most of the novel. When she does realize that Adam is in love with her, will it be too late?

If you pick up this novel, you’ll fall in love with Connelly’s characters, and her delicious prose. It’s a fantastic escape from the everyday, and a step into the romantic seaside of Lyme.

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Library professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: A Weekend with Mr. Darcy by Victoria Connelly

[ 7 ] July 8, 2011

Reviewed by Meg Massey

The latest novel from Victoria Connelly, A Weekend with Mr. Darcy interweaves the stories of three Jane Austen fans who attend an Austen conference in Hampshire.

Katherine Roberts is a literary professor whose love for all things Austen is unparalleled. But Katherine would just die if her colleagues were to discover her secret admiration of regency romances, particularly the often risqué stories of best-selling author Lorna Warwick. Thrilled that she may meet her favorite author/penpal during a weekend-long Austen conference, Katherine packs her bags with anticipation.

Meanwhile, Robyn Love is stuck. Stuck in a dead-end job and a relationship that’s gone stale, Robyn is thrilled to get away from boyfriend Jace to attend the Austen conference. Once she arrives, she encounters Katherine, and the two immediately become friends.

The seminars and conversations about Miss Austen’s romances seem to get to the two women swiftly, as Katherine meets mysterious book collector Warwick Lawton, and Robyn is swept off her feet by the host’s handsome brother, Dan. But just like any Austen novel, complications arise quickly. Warwick is keeping a secret that could rip his new relationship with Katherine apart, and Robyn remains stuck between loyalty to Jace and her desire to follow her heart.

A breath of fresh air, A Weekend with Mr. Darcy made me feel as though I too attended the Austen conference with these lively, funny characters. Connelly provides just the right amount of facts about Miss Austen, revealing tidbits about the author’s life and works throughout the novel, whether in conversations between Robyn, Katherine and Warwick, or in games and seminars in which the attendees participated in during their stay at the conference. The supporting characters were a wonderful addition to the novel, particularly the dramatic and witty host, Dame Pamela, and Doris Norris, and Austen-loving attendee. And lastly, the romances of this novel brilliantly reveal one thing that Miss Austen always knew: true love is often a complicated, but beautiful mess.

Rating: 4.5/5

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Marketing professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Darcy and Fitzwilliam by Karen Wasylowski

[ 9 ] February 10, 2011

Reviewed by Meg M.

Karen Wasylowski’s Darcy and Fitzwilliam provides a rare look into the relationship between cousins Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

The first part of the novel finds Mr Darcy recently married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Bennett. But not everything is sunshine and roses. When Elizabeth discovers that Mr. Darcy was once entangled in an affair with Caroline Bingley, she is furious at her husband’s omission of the truth. When Elizabeth discovers that she is pregnant, her emotions become even more muddled.

Throughout this first portion, we see the interaction between two cousins who greatly love one another. Though insults and sarcasm are often thrown between the two of them, advice and confidences are also shared. We also gain some insight into demons that Colonel Fitzwilliam wrestles with. Lady Catherine shows concern for her nephew when she realizes how bad his drinking has become, in his attempts to forget the things that he has seen while away at war.

The second part of the novel focuses on Colonel Fitzwilliam, and introduces us to Lady Amanda, a widow originally from America. Her late husband, in an attempt to control her from the grave, gives custody of their son to his mother. Amanda must adhere to a certain set of “rules” in order to remain with her son. Though she is instantly attracted to Fitzwilliam, she realizes that starting a romance with him could prevent her from being with her son.

But soon, Amanda finds herself pregnant with Fitzwilliam’s child, and suddenly, married to him! Now they must fight for her son, or risk losing him forever.

While parts of Darcy and Fitzwilliam are very enjoyable, particularly the relationship between the two cousins, others are unbelievable at best. Though I certainly did not like Caroline Bingley in Jane Austen’s original tale, I certainly don’t see her throwing herself at Mr. Darcy as she does in this novel. And while the author’s portrayal of a Lady Catherine who loves her nephews is certainly believable, I really don’t see this strong woman giving up on her harsh feelings toward Elizabeth so quickly, as she seems to in Wasylowski’s version. I am also not crazy about the jealous, overly emotional Elizabeth that is presented in this book.

That said, if you are looking for an interesting continuation of Austen’s story, this book may be for you. Wasylowski’s investigation of the relationship between two cousins, one that was unfortunately not really explored in Austen’s original, is certainly worth a look. And just a warning, this book does contain some language and sexual content.

Rating: 3/5

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Marketing professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Mr. Darcy’s Secret by Jane Odiwe

[ 12 ] February 2, 2011

Reviewed by Meg M.

Mr. Darcy’s Secret, the latest novel from author Jane Odiwe, is a story that explores the life after Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy say “I do.”

Picking up where Austen left off, this novel begins with the newlyweds’ journey to their home in Pemberley. Once settled in, Elizabeth begins to learn what is expected of the mistress of Pemberley, as well as her duties as a wife to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth finds fast friendship with her new sister-in-law Georgiana. The two women accompany Mrs. Gardiner on a visit to an old friend, and it is there that Georgiana encounters a young man who is appealing in both his looks and his artistic sensibilities. But Mr. Darcy has plans for Georgiana to marry an older gentleman with whom they are all acquainted. Will Elizabeth’s encouragement of a romance between Georgiana and the young artist put a wedge between their new marriage?

After discovering that she is pregnant, Elizabeth finds a letter from Mr. Darcy to a past lover, Viola, the sister of Mr. Wickham. And when Wickham and Caroline Bingley become involved in spreading more rumors about her husband, will Elizabeth have the strength to confront Mr. Darcy? And all of these secrets or suspicions prompt an even larger question: just how well does Elizabeth know her new husband?

Odiwe’s novel is an intriguing look into marriage and compels the reader to ponder many questions. How well can you really know someone before you marry them, and can a marriage survive the mistakes of the past?

Unlike most of the Austen sequels that have come out in the past few years, Mr. Darcy’s Secret is true to the time – in language and custom – and to its characters. Though some of the plot twists are a little unbelievable at times, Odiwe brings everything full circle in a way that would make Miss Austen very proud.

Rating: 4/5

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Marketing professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review & Giveaway: Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

[ 120 ] January 17, 2011

Reviewed by Jennifer J.

Lizzie Bennet is a scholarship student attending the prestigious Longbourn Academy. Because of her social status, it has been very difficult for Lizzie to make friends with the other students, but she takes comfort in her friendship with Jane and Charlotte.

The school is abuzz with plans for the upcoming prom, and Jane has her hopes set on attending with Charles Bingley, a sociable guy that she’d dated casually before he left to study in England for a semester. Lizzie is pleased to meet Charles, but can’t say the same for his friend Will Darcy. Once Lizzie admits to Will that she’s a scholarship student, Will’s attitude toward her takes an ugly turn. Though Will tries to make amends with her, Lizzie’s pride stands in the way.

When Darcy starts invading her work environment and several social events bring the two together, Lizzie begins to sense there is more to Will than she imagined. After meeting Wick, a former friend of Darcy’s, she learns what she believes to be the truth about Darcy’s nature.

I don’t re-read many books, but I have read Jane Austen’s timeless classic Pride and Prejudice no less than 5 times. I generally tend to shy away from most retellings because I always end up slightly disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised and delighted with Elizabeth Eulberg’s retelling.

I loved Lizzie and Darcy in this interpretation, especially how she fit their story around date proposals for the prom. Eulberg’s Darcy had some noticeable differences from Austen’s Darcy, especially in matters of dealing with Wickham. Will Darcy has a more hands on approach with dealing with Wickham, and even Lizzie has a hand in giving him his just desserts.

Even though this is a very familiar story, there are still some original takes on it and a surprising twist at the end that I couldn’t have predicted. Prom and Prejudice will be a terrific stepping stone to Jane Austen’s literary classics for young girls, though women (and some men) of any age will be able to appreciate it as well.

Rating: 4/5

Giveaway:
I have 2 copies of Prom and Prejudice to give away!

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This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents. Deadline to enter is midnight on January 30th.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She occasionally dabbles with her own fiction writing, particularly with the Young Adult and Paranormal genres. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and daughter.

Review and giveaway copies were provided free of any obligation by Big Honcho Media. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy by Mary Simonsen

[ 7 ] January 4, 2011

Reviewed by Meg M.

Within the pages of The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy, author Mary Lydon Simonsen reveals a plot concocted by cousins Georgiana Darcy and Anne de Bourgh to unite Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This delightful Pride And Prejudice spin-off allows readers to see the classic tale from a variety of angles, including those of Georgiana and Anne, two characters who aren’t allowed a lot of time to speak in the Jane Austen’s beloved original work.

Simonsen weaves together a tale where Anne and her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, are the best of friends. Despite their family’s plans for the two to someday marry, the two cousins aren’t interested in one another, and when Anne discovers Darcy’s affections for the beautiful and witty Elizabeth Bennet, she can’t help but get involved.

The matchmaking begins at Rosings, where Anne first becomes aware of Darcy’s feelings and the misunderstanding that has led to Elizabeth’s refusal of his marriage proposal. After Mr. Darcy makes Elizabeth aware of his true motives and character in his famous letter, Anne is there to help Elizabeth decipher her feelings for the brooding gentleman. It is here that Anne requests to write to Miss Bennet, planning to invite the lady to Pemberley, where she is sure to see Mr. Darcy at his best.

When Georgiana, Mr. Darcy’s sister, learns of this plan, she is more than willing to help, especially after meeting Elizabeth, with whom she forms a fast bond. In several delightful scenes, readers are treated to the cousins’ plan to embarrass the snobbish Caroline Bingley at Pemberley, all the while working to push Darcy and Elizabeth together. All is going well until it is revealed that Lydia Bennet has eloped with Mr. Wickham. Now Anne and Georgiana must work overtime to bring these two together before all is lost.

While most works inspired by Pride And Prejudice are normally ridiculous and written without historical accuracy in mind, this tale is fun, fresh and enormously entertaining. Often read as a quiet mouse, Simonsen’s portrayal of Anne de Bourgh causes the character to leap off the page with sparkle and wit. Georgiana, in similar fashion, is a lovely character who cares for her brother’s happiness above most other things in the world, and with urgency, she fights to help him secure the woman that is perfect for him. And Simonsen thankfully stays very true to the essence of what has made the characters of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy stand the test of time, allowing readers to see their mistakes, their vulnerability, and above all, the love that overcomes their pride and the conventions of their time period.

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Marketing professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog, Morning Cup With Meg.

Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: The Legacy of Pemberley by Rebecca Collins

[ 8 ] November 10, 2010

Reviewed by Meg M.

The Legacy of Pemberley, the latest novel from Rebecca Ann Collins, begins fifty years after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were married within the pages of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

This novel is the tenth in Collins’ The Legacy of Pemberley series, in which a number of new characters and tales of intrigue have emerged. The first part of the book begins with the last days of Elizabeth’s beloved cousin, Emily Courtney. For the remainder of the first portion of the novel, Emily’s children and extended family are discussed in great detail. Her son, Jude Courtney, is given her entire estate, which proves to enrage the rest of the family. But when Jude’s financial well-being is threatened, an unsuspected savior steps in to protect him.

In the second part, we are re-introduced to Georgiana, whose husband, Dr. Grantley, recently passed away. Georgiana and her self-absorbed daughter Virginia, move in to Pemberley until they can recover from their loss. Virginia visits Caroline Fitzwilliam, who has recently lost her husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well. During this trip, Virginia and Caroline’s daughter Rachel encounter Daniel Faulkner and Adam Fraser, two men who lived in the colony of Victoria, Australia. Though Rachel suddenly finds herself developing feelings for the older Mr. Faulkner, Virginia throws herself into a romance with Mr. Fraser, who is soon revealed to me a man of duplicitous nature. Will Caroline and Rachel be able to prevent a disastrous union between the two?

[amazonify]1402224524[/amazonify]And in part three of the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy accompany Mr. and Mrs. Bingley to Italy for the winter when it is announced that it would be best for Bingley’s health. In this portion, we are introduced to Laura Ann, the Darcys’ beautiful granddaughter. When she becomes captivated by the handsome, but not at all wealthy Thomas O’Connor, will she marry for love or submit instead to the expectation that she should marry a man of wealth?

The Legacy of Pemberley is an enjoyable narrative that explores the possibilities for characters that we’ve known and loved since Austen created them over 200 years ago. Collins expands upon this by adding delightful characters to the mix, along with the occasional devious man or woman we’ve all come expect in an Austen tale. And though I wish I would have read the rest of Collins’ Pemberley Chronicles series before reading this novel, after acquainting myself with the new characters, I very much enjoyed this book, which stays true to the witty and romantic attributes of Austen’s original.

Meg lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Ryan. Marketing professional by day, freelance writer by night, Meg writes about life, entertainment and everything in between on her blog, Morning Cup With Meg.

This book was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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Review: Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson

[ 9 ] August 15, 2010

Reviewed by Michelle S.

Emma and the Vampires, by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson, is yet another work in a growing trend of “mash-up” books. This time, it seems that Emma’s world of Highbury has been infiltrated by vampires.

True to the original, our clueless heroine Emma spends her time matchmaking for her friends and neighbors. I say clueless, because despite Emma’s insistence that she knows everyone and everything, she somehow manages to misunderstand the actions and words of the residents of Highbury – as well as the fact that most of the men are vampires. Luckily for them, she’s better at wielding a stake than understanding love.

I hate to say it, but I really didn’t enjoy Emma and the Vampires. As much as I favor the original, I found the modernization of some phrases to be clunky, and longwinded. I also found many of the vampire references to be poorly added, in that even after re-reading it a few times I was still confused as to whether what was being stated was spoken or thought, or even understood or being kept secret. To that end, I was disappointed in the lack of explanation for the vampirism – some seem to be born vampires, others made vampires, some gentlemen and others wild. As far as the story goes, they just exist, end of discussion.

Also, I was disappointed in the lack of intelligence for all of the residents of Highbury (other than the vampires, of course). Emma is, by all rights, fairly clueless to begin with. However, neither she, nor any other non-vampire could see the differences between the ones she killed and the ones that walk among them. Could not one resident piece together the cold hands, black or red eyes, the lack of eating or the need for darkness to determine that others in their company were vampires as well?

Overall, to get past the lack of attention to detail and storyline, one would have to be as clueless as the characters in the novel.

Michelle recently returned to her West Virginia roots to re-invent herself. She is the principal (okay, only) web and graphic designer at Michelle My Belle Designs and uses the rest of her free time to write her own book blog 52 Self-help Books. Putting up with her madness is her husband Jason, dog Leo, and rabbit Macchiato.

This book was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.

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