What better way to celebrate a favorite literary icon than a birthday-themed short story anthology, To Mark the Occasion, and give the proceeds to TheWhat better way to celebrate a favorite literary icon than a birthday-themed short story anthology, To Mark the Occasion, and give the proceeds to The Jane Austen Literary Foundation in her honor? Ten authors have drawn on Jane Austen’s novels to deliver prequels, variations, and sequels that readers will relish.
Mansfield Park is one of my top two favorite Austen novels so it was no surprise my first venture into To Mark the Occasion was for the prequel tale, Mary Crawford’s Debut by Christina Boyd, the focus of my review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 12.16.25 (Jane Austen's Birthday)....more
I cannot even say how many times I've read or listened to this book, but it never feels stale to me. In this case, I chose the Dreamscape audiobook edI cannot even say how many times I've read or listened to this book, but it never feels stale to me. In this case, I chose the Dreamscape audiobook edition with Rosalyn Landor narrating. Pride and Prejudice came alive for me once again and I was enchanted from the moment those famous opening words began to the summation of what comes after the happily ever after.
The Bennets of Longbourn are a frolicking family of five daughters, a bookish father and a fluttery mother. A young man of fortune moves to the neighborhood and all the matchmaking mamas are on point with Mrs. Bennet leading the way especially when he is joined by a friend of even more wealth and status. Too bad, the imminently handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy makes a terrible first impression and his struggles to deny his attraction for second Bennet daughter Lizzy are dismal and he slips in love with a woman who is unlike any he has ever before encountered. Of course, there are other iconic characters and they invariably do their best to throw a spanner in the works for Darcy and Lizzy. But, a few fortunate twists of fate and the generosity of Lizzy's Gardiner relations give them another chance if youngest Bennet daughter Lydia's escapades don't scotch it all for good.
Rosalyn Landor's storytelling was engaging. Her Darcy did sound a tad raspy when she went deep for his voice, but I got used to it. I liked her rendition and would definitely listen to more of her work.
All in all, another delightful outing with a favorite classic....more
For this P&P Variation taking place over the holidays, the author asks the question, 'What if' one of the Netherfield party returns after the others lFor this P&P Variation taking place over the holidays, the author asks the question, 'What if' one of the Netherfield party returns after the others left? What if he isn't as dense as he's led everyone to believe? Will Mr. Hurst be the catalyst for altering the path for several of Austen's P&P characters?
Though Mr. Hurst's Return is listed as book two in the Netherfield Returns series, it is indeed a standalone. The books in this series all share the same 'what if' theme question of what will happen if just one of the Netherfield characters returns after they shut up the house and leave.
I was intrigued by this particular book because, in this case, the returning character is Mr. Hurst. As anyone familiar with the P&P story knows, he is a minor character and not an especially promising one with his boorish manners and predilection for drink, food, cards, and hunting.
However, with a little tweaking to the character, Jann Rowland, has Mr. Hurst being all those things, but also something more. The man doesn't care for the social scene so deliberately cultivates a persona that will repel people from forcing him to be social and he may prefer certain creature comforts, but he isn't blind to what is going on around him- in fact, he's rather entertained by the folly of others.
So, without warning, just before Christmas, Hurst returns to Netherfield, preferring the quiet of his brother-in-law's leased house to the broiling hot bed of emotions back at his own London townhouse when his wife and, particularly, her sister, are trying to convince Bingley to give up Jane Bennet and that Miss Bennet never cared for him. And, Caroline Bingley is especially waspish because nothing came of hosting the very eligible Mr. Darcy at Netherfield nor dogging his heels in London. The man and his sister are unavailable to the likes of Carol Bingley.
Mr. Hurst might be a low-key personality, but in the small neighborhood of Meryton, all the neighbors know he is there and wonder why. And, in the case of some of the Bennets, wonder if they can use this to Jane's advantage by getting his help discovering news of Bingley or even getting Bingley to return. Jane is gracious, but silently heartbroken over Bingley's absence after being so attentive and caring all the fall.
I loved that though Lizzy is her sparkling, brilliant best, Hurst is pivotal in holding a mirror up showing the errs her snap judgments about people have revealed. He makes her uncomfortable because she can't read and dismiss him- and he's a lot like her own father who has now befriended and invited the gentleman to have a regular invitation to Longbourn.
Will Hurst decide that action needs to be taken once he gets the lay of the land at Longbourn? It sure was fun to see what resulted over the course of New Year's and Twelfth Night as the neighborhood social circle grew once again.
Mr. Hurst's Return thoroughly delighted me for over half, but, as I'm not a fan of a crazy, absurd Caroline Bingley being the source of conflict, I was less keen on the latter half. Plus, I found minor points nagging at me that were just glossed over or never adequately explained and the ending was a rushed job especially when there was a time jump where the romance conflict resolved off page.
All in all, Mr. Hurst's Return was a cozy, low-angst holiday affair that I was satisfied to read with a few niggles to prevent it from being a top read....more
Darkness is spreading across Europe and the Allied forces are depending on the intelligence gathered and resistance work behind enemy lines to win theDarkness is spreading across Europe and the Allied forces are depending on the intelligence gathered and resistance work behind enemy lines to win the war. Don Jacobson has touched on the WWII European theater once before with his Bennet Wardrobe series, but this latest release, Ghost Flight, takes the listener right into a historic romance taut with suspense that triggers great emotion for the story and characters.
My full review will post at my Instagram page @sophiarose1816 TBA....more
Ring in the holidays with sparkling romances set in the world of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Happy Christmas, Mr. Darcy was plush with the warmthRing in the holidays with sparkling romances set in the world of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Happy Christmas, Mr. Darcy was plush with the warmth, hope, and magic of the holidays in a variety of ways for Lizzy and Darcy to find their happy both before and after the happily ever after.
My full review will post at my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 12.19.25....more
The elegant woman, La Belle Assemblée journal owner, John Bell, Sr. espouses has not just an elegance of fashion, but of mind and manners. Sound familThe elegant woman, La Belle Assemblée journal owner, John Bell, Sr. espouses has not just an elegance of fashion, but of mind and manners. Sound familiar from a certain evening grouping at Netherfield Park? Dr. Ros Ballaster, Oxford Professor and expert on Jane Austen, marries the topic of period fashion with Austen’s works and thus creating an elegant and artistic literary piece in her own right.
Beginning with an introduction from the author and then flowing into a treating of Austen’s earliest works- her Juvenilia- to glean references to not just her earliest writing style, but also earliest sense of fashion- the Jane Austen’s Fashion Bible progresses forward through both novels and fashions together until finishing at the unfinished point of Sanditon and the place fashion has reached in this high Regency period.
Using fashion plates and offering detailed description, Ballaster provides fashion to suit occasion, like the Court Dress, like the riding habit to suit place, like a warm pelisse to suit season, and a day dress to suit time of day. She mingled the fashion descriptions with excerpts from Austen’s letters and works.
Personally, I’m a fan of the ‘undress’ description of a lady not a home to visitors in her simple, comfortable, working attire, but I think I could be persuaded (ha, this is a pun since its paired with the excerpt in Persuasion for the party to Lyme) to appreciate the seaside promenade gown with its yellow satin leopard spotted hat, zephyr lace cloak and straw-colored yellow crape robe gown and yellow Morocco slippers.
The fashion descriptions were detailed enough for the reader imagination to picture the weight, sound, and feel of the fabrics on the person as well as see in one’s mind eye the scene in which such apparel would be worn thanks to the author’s curated excerpts from Austen works and letters.
Thus, Jane Austen’s Fashion Bible is a lush resource for those looking to understand and describe a Regency lady’s attire from sunup to beyond sundown and for any occasion or an Austen-loving reader who has a hankering for fashion descriptions not unlike Jane herself.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Macmillan to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink on 11.28.25....more
Has her imagination conjured up the most detestable man of her acquaintance or is she seeing a ghost? Morgan Blake ‘s idea of Mr. Darcy haunting ElizaHas her imagination conjured up the most detestable man of her acquaintance or is she seeing a ghost? Morgan Blake ‘s idea of Mr. Darcy haunting Elizabeth Bennet for her P&P variation tale utterly tickled my fancy so I eagerly gave this new-to-me author a go.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 1.22.26....more
A few years back, I was delighted to enter the world of The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and enjoy the sparkling Regency romantic comedy of a serious-minded A few years back, I was delighted to enter the world of The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and enjoy the sparkling Regency romantic comedy of a serious-minded naturalist and the whimsical woman who was enthralled by the subject and the man. I always meant to return to the series and read more about the eccentric Hapgoods and their romping road to romance.
A Very Plain Young Man picks up during the closing evens of The Naturalist, but is told from Elfrida Hapgood and Frederick Tierney’s (elder siblings to the Naturalist’s romance pair) alternating point of view.
Beautiful, dutiful, and myopic Elfie has seen plenty of examples of what she doesn’t want in a marriage and she’s certain not even deep love will entice her. The flirtatious and handsome Frederick Tierney’s wiles and smiles are bestowed in vain. She knows rakish men like him and her uncles can’t be steady or trusted.
Frederick has set London society ablaze with his idle pursuits and his latest light of love’s drama has made him end it. His brother’s wedding in Somerset into a poor, but good family introduce him to a woman of beauty whose calm, forthright behavior shows him how hollow his past flirtations have been. He’s determined to win her and, in the process, he starts changing his ways. But, is the lady’s short-sightedness able to see it before she chooses a good, steady fellow instead.
A Very Plain Young Man had a light and amusing tone with a few laugh out loud moments among the Hapgood sisters while tackling a good girl- (reforming) bad boy romance trope. I enjoyed this for a light and entertaining romp. Elfrida is a nearly perfect lady- she’s had to be responsible early since neither parent or siblings and even her uncles show much common sense. I was glad to see Frederick had the ability to discompose her because she needed someone livelier to challenge her and appreciate her for more than her looks. Now, Frederick, on the other hand, was a little more problematic for me. I liked him and rooted him on getting his life straightened out and taking his responsibilities more seriously. However, this story goes from thought of reform to the point where he meets Elfrida once and is ready to settle down and marry- even half-way into love. I would have loved to have gotten a few more transformation moments between to buy completely into the romance. I was glad she gives him a run for his money and forces him to work for what he wants especially since he has a very worthy rival.
The focus was on the characters, but the historical background, dialogue, and activities that surrounded the characters and plot were well-written giving readers a strong picture of a Regency country neighborhood and families. The style of the story harks back to Heyer and Austen for me.
All in all, A Very Plain Young Man hit the spot, didn’t try to do too much, and engaged as well as entertained just as a dazzling Regency Romp out to. I’ll be eagerly pressing forward with the series and recommend it to those who enjoy sweet historical romance and comedy.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 11.19.25....more
Whimsical and folk-artish along with a deep delve into the emotional side of life, Kate Evans takes the readers of Patchwork into a unique experience,Whimsical and folk-artish along with a deep delve into the emotional side of life, Kate Evans takes the readers of Patchwork into a unique experience, a graphic biography with the subject none other than the witty Jane Austen.
In celebration of 250 years of Jane Austen, Patchwork marries historical textiles and quilting with the Austen family. Beginning with Jane’s birth, Patchwork progresses through Jane’s life from Christening gowns to burial shrouds and everything in between all while pulling aside the curtain on the life Jane led in the midst of her Austen family. The artwork and prose explored a ‘how did Jane feel?’ at each given milestone.
Her younger years are shrouded in shadow, but the author didn’t allow this to balk her efforts. There are scenes of Jane as a baby, getting christened, being farmed out to a nearby family for her first years, playing with Cassie, Frank, and Charles her nearest siblings, leaving for boarding school, living at home in a bustling family household, and eventually coming out as a young lady dressed prettily in her muslin gown.
There is a stunning social commentary at the center explaining the darker side of the textile industry and what it took for the cloth goods to make its way from source to completed work (cost to the often slave laborer in the field, the child worker in the factor, etc).
Just as the early half of Jane’s life was delivered with details of interest or amusement so, too, is the latter half right up until her death. Occasionally, Patchwork would be so lively and offbeat that I was distracted, but, on the whole, it was a cohesive, engaging piece.
The artwork has a caricature appearance with strong facial expressions portrayed. The attention to historical detail in the characters and settings was clear. There are a variety of colored pencil/pen drawings and water colors utilized.
The famous quilt fashioned by the Austen ladies at Chawton Cottage was a welcome feature.
In summary, Patchwork, a fabulous giftable edition, was a sensational and one-of-a-kind tribute that those who enjoy a little something different by way of a biography, particularly that of Jane Austen, will appreciate best.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Verso to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 11.24.25....more
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to Jane Austen- for everything from tourism trade to solving murders! Rosemary Stevens’ sparkling new cozy mWhen the going gets tough, the tough turn to Jane Austen- for everything from tourism trade to solving murders! Rosemary Stevens’ sparkling new cozy mystery series had me all sorts of excited since I can’t think of anything on the tea tray more delicious than a fun blend of Jane Austen and murder.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram pages, @sophiarose1816, on 12.10.25...more
War has come to England’s shores and the Great Wyves and their dragons are the key to survival. Unfortunately, things were left in a dire place at theWar has come to England’s shores and the Great Wyves and their dragons are the key to survival. Unfortunately, things were left in a dire place at the end of Emma’s Dragon, but that’s just where one wants to be to have the grandest of grand finales.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 1.29.26....more
In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday, a team of talented authors led by editor, Carol S. Bowes, contributed a unique anthology. The authors have sIn honor of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday, a team of talented authors led by editor, Carol S. Bowes, contributed a unique anthology. The authors have shared their travels to beloved sites around England associated with Jane Austen, her novels, and adaptions based on her novels. They follow up their travelogue essays which come with photos, by the way, with variation novellas on her novels. To cap off this delightful treasure of tales, this is a charity anthology with the proceeds going all to charity. I’m long familiar with the talented pens chosen for this anthology so I tingled with anticipation to delve in.
First up was author Kelly Miller sharing about her lovely, memorable trip to Bath, Derbyshire and London followed by her historical P&P variation tale, The Love Potion. A kindness done to a young Romani child ends with Elizabeth receiving a love potion that she gives to the odious and arrogant Mr. Darcy. His behavior toward her seems to alter and, he apologizes for his remarks at the assembly. Was the potion real? When Mr. Darcy proves to be a gentleman she can respect and love, she is torn. How far will Darcy have to go to prove his love? Ah, swoon, he goes the distance to Bath, of course!
Next, after sharing about her three-week whirlwind tour of Bath, Hampshire, London, York, and Derbyshire, there is What are Men to Rocks and Mountains? by Suzan Lauder P&P variation, from Elizabeth’s perspective, focused on Lydia and her elopement that takes a turn so that she ends up on the excursion with Elizabeth and the Gardiners to Derbyshire. Lydia learns a vast deal about the man Lydia wanted to marry and the man who has secretly captured her sister’s heart. I do love a good redemption story.
Seeking His Second Chance by L.L. Diamond was preceded by an engaging reminiscence of a six-year Air Force assignment in England that allowed her to see so many wonderful historical, natural and cultural sights associated with Jane Austen and beyond. P&P sequel with alternating POV, what if the happily ever after took a tragic turn when Darcy accuses Elizabeth of infidelity with… gulp… Wickham! She runs; he eventually finds her, but that's the easy part. Long road back to love, indeed. A deeply emotional tale ensues.
After getting off the plane in Edinburgh, a lovely meandering journey south through the York Dales, Norfolk and to Alton, her travels take her to Chawton for a charity anthology donation to the Jane Austen House and on to Bath for the Jane Austen Festival. A Matter of Persuasion by Riana Everly Anne’s thinking back on the tragic decision and ending to her one chance at love. If the heroine of Persuasion could visit with her authoress and learn that her fate could be changed… a little fairy magic to this one helped real world meet literary world when Anne Elliot and the Crofts journey into Hampshire.
The Path to Love by Heather Moll is preceded by a fun adventure around Derbyshire – Bakewell, Dovedale, Chatsworth, and Lyme Park- looking at the sites Elizabeth and the Gardiners might have seen and Austen wrote about. A lighthearted P&P variation late in the original story when Elizabeth and the Gardiners visit Pemberley on their tour of Derbyshire where a surprise encounter brings a second chance for a pair of lovers. Maybe... Mrs. Reynolds! I’m shocked. Oh my, there is a lesson in this- do not break the master’s heart and expect hospitality from his housekeeper.
Lory’s telling of her harrowing experiences behind the wheel of a manual shift rental car had me giggling as did her gang of Austen gal pals searching for Mr. Darcy (Sudbury Hall, Lyme Park, Chawton, Reading and Winchester). Onward to The Gallery of Second Chances by Lory Lilian A P&P variation/sequel in which the end is altered. A year after Lydia elopes and Jane marries Bingley, Lizzy with the Gardiners has returned for a visit to Pemberley for a country house party and she hopes that Mr. Darcy will dare make his offer a second time in spite of a pesky pair of interlopers. I wish I could see that dishy Darcy painted portrait that captivated Lizzy.
All told this was engaging and a wonderful tribute to Jane Austen's 250th with the blend of travelogue and travel-oriented historical romance short stories. The variety in styles of writing, plots, characterizations, and relationships was a delightful sampling. Lovers of Austen and those wishing to sample solid Austenesque storytelling should treat themselves to In the Path of Jane Austen.
I rec'd an eARC from the authors to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page @sophiarose1816 on 10.20.25...more
Duty vs. Love plagues the hero and a unique way of seeing the world can’t untangle the affairs of the heart for the heroine in a Pride and Prejudice vDuty vs. Love plagues the hero and a unique way of seeing the world can’t untangle the affairs of the heart for the heroine in a Pride and Prejudice variation touched with a hint of magical realism. Barry S Richman’s Colour My World is only my second entrée into his writing, but his first book had a profound impact on me so I was more than willing to delve into the latest.
Told in alternating narrative and beginning with the times long before the original P&P timeline, Colour My World introduces both main characters as children. Fitzwilliam as a nine-year-old child learning important truths at his mother’s wise and tender-loving side while learning to become the worthy and dutiful heir to the vast Pemberley estate from his stern, duty-bound father. An incident occurs in his teen years when the sleezy steward’s son, George Wickham tries to insinuate himself with Darcy’s little sister Georgiana and Darcy gets knocked down trying to protect her and his big, soldier cousin Fitzwilliam has to step in and thrash Wickham. His father is disappointed in him which seems to be constant since Darcy’s mother passed away. Darcy is determined never to leave Georgiana unprotected again and to somehow gain his disdainful father’s approval.
Meanwhile, young Lizzy Bennet is a hoyden at times and barrels her horse at a fence only to have a severe fall with a blow to the head that causes her to suddenly see clouds of color around all the people in her life. Her father is the first to learn of her condition when her accident forces him to see how his neglect to family was partly to blame for Lizzy’s wild behavior that led to her fall. Her father takes an interest in family propriety and his daughters’ futures and this steadies them all so that later, Darcy can still have his shocking moment at the Assembly when he meets a woman of unusual appearance and the whole neighborhood thinks he is disgusted by her. He has a harder path to love as a result.
Colour My World takes away some of Austen’s original conflicts and inserts a new set of hurdles for Darcy and Lizzy to overcome. I was vested in the story from the outset feeling the ache for Darcy who desperately wanted his father’s love and approval and is a protector to his sister because his father blames her for his wife dying as a result of Georgiana’s birth even while he turns into his seeming cold, proud, duty-bound father when he tries to learn to run the estate at a young age and rear his sister as a parent. Encountering Elizabeth and seeing the fulfillment of his mother’s parting foresight about the woman he will love is the point at which he loses the stone around his heart. At the same time, Elizabeth has relied on her condition to read and discern people for so long that encountering someone with no color aura throws her off her game. Darcy confuses her and forces her to evaluate her refusal to see past his first insult even though he apologized and demonstrated he was not intending to slight her.
I loved how Barry Richman wrote those lighthearted family banters to tweak Lizzy for her stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge her feelings. Refusing to acknowledge that even her aerie emotions reading tell her what is truly happening. In modern-day terms, Elizabeth Bennet is experiencing a version of condition known as Synesthesia. She sees emotions in color. It was fun to see this seem almost mystical in the story. Now, Darcy’s diary gifted by his mother is a magical device allowing her voice to reach him from beyond the grave- or is a really cunning valet behind all that? Darcy finds the timely advice given worth it either way.
All in all, this was magical and heartwarming, well developed in characters and relationships all around. Colour My World was a deeply satisfying read that I can recommend to others who want a sweet romance and love slipping back into Austen’s P&P world.
I rec'd an eARC via author's marketing assistant to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page @sophiarose1816 10.3.25...more
A mission that is for all the marbles, bigger than their individual lives, but also a love story for the ages in a tumultuous WWII-era P&P variation eA mission that is for all the marbles, bigger than their individual lives, but also a love story for the ages in a tumultuous WWII-era P&P variation espionage romance. Don Jacobson’s tale resonated deep and left me teary-eyed and lost in the story at times.
Ghost Flight begins with a heart-wrenching prologue when an RAF pilot’s shot up plane is on approach, but has very little chance of making it. Pilot and the voice on the other end of control have a brief exchange sharing the important news that his flight mission was compromised by someone on their side and a shared banter until the plane goes down.
The main story picks up months later when that Control radio operator finds herself leaving the obvious war work behind for something dark, gritty, and clandestine, but might be part of what it takes to turn the tide of war in the long march to D-Day. Elizabeth is trained as an operative and encounters someone surprising out in the field of Nazi-occupied France. They are like oil and water, Elizabeth and Darcy, but they must work together. Things are intense, but get taken up that one notch tighter when they are faced with betrayal by one of their own- P&P fans will guess what Austen character is ripe for that role.
Because yes, this is a taut, war-time romantic suspense, but also a revisit to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set in another period. Ghost Flight is versatile in that it will appeal to Austen lovers- at least those who will read a darker ‘behind-the-lines’ war backdrop setting, but it could also simply be read by a historical romance reader for the arch and bantering heroine, slightly arrogant, but true-blue hero and their race to get their mission done, defeat a traitor, and save their country. Their romance isn’t quick or easy with the misunderstandings on both sides and interference from others. Loved that their commander is a certain Darcy cousin Fitzwilliam who balances out Darcy’s personality.
Oh the fun of the other literary and cultural easter eggs Don Jacobson drops into his stories from minor characters who peopled earlier works to famous real life or fictional figures from elsewhere. Ian Fleming ring a bell with anyone?
Wordy writing style that can take some getting used to, but I have long appreciated character, plot, and attention to historical detail that permeate Jacobson’s stories and Ghost Flight and it’s high-impacting WWII backdrop is a fabulous and touching recent addition.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review posted at Caffeinated Reviewer 10.29.25....more
A Pride and Prejudice variation beginning with a cringeworthy marriage proposal that is interrupted at that crucial point when a lady’s answer was notA Pride and Prejudice variation beginning with a cringeworthy marriage proposal that is interrupted at that crucial point when a lady’s answer was not fully given leaving the gentleman to interpret that as he pleased. And, oh yes, Mr. Darcy did please and rushed off to share he was the happiest of men with his relations while the lady said some rather intemperate words to her bestie that came back to tangle them both in An Offer of Marriage.
Amy D’Orazio has long written engaging P&P variation tales full of sparkling repartee, nuanced characters, and plots that have a surface lightness that covers the layers of emotional depth. None of her stories feel completely satisfying without her own original character, Lord Saye, Darcy’s cousin, tucked in among Jane Austen’s usual suspects.
An Offer of Marriage is a cross between a forced marriage and a comedy of errors that worked out exceedingly well. The comedy comes in when Elizabeth has an answer she’d like to thwack Darcy upside the head with, but a series of events leaves her uncharacteristically silent on the point of her response to that dismal marriage proposal. Then, there is the villain of the piece. One shouldn’t be cackling merrily as Darcy is abused by his angry relations- and I do mean that literally before the person goes on to candidly plot his downfall and Elizabeth’s demise. It shouldn’t be funny, but it was to me- dark comedy, anyone?
But, at the center of it all is a woman who comes to know a man’s character and her own heart right about the time he gets the wrong end of the stick about her own character so they must find a way through the hostilities, cross purposes, misinterpretations, and hurt. They both made mistakes and I liked that this ‘equality’ happens as they both re-dress those and grow from the experience. And, I absolutely loved the assistance they get from Saye and others.
An Offer of Marriage was dramatic in all the right ways and I was delightfully satisfied.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Quills and Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at my Instagram page @sophiarose1816 on 9.25.25...more
Sometimes nothing else will do, but for everyone to bring their own favorite "dish to pass" in honor the grand event. In this case, what sort of dish Sometimes nothing else will do, but for everyone to bring their own favorite "dish to pass" in honor the grand event. In this case, what sort of dish would talented authors bring to pass to celebrate 250 years of another talented author, but a writing piece tribute. Cheryl Robson has fused together a golden pot luck variety of writing for Jane Austen-loving readers to sample and relish.
Jennie Batchelor's introduction is a love letter to fandom, to the life of Jane, and to her legacy before livening up readers to what they can expect throughout the rest of the book.
My Good Friend Jane by Katherine Reay, a tribute essay to how she came to know and love Jane and her works
Charlotte by Talulah Riley well that was a rather shocking, but well done P&P contemporary sequel short
How to Find a Partner in Oxford by Kimberley Bailey a modern free-verse poem with slice of life streaming thoughts, a non Austen that resonates moderately well
A Role Model for Women's Solidarity by Emily Midonkawa and Emma Claire Sweeney a short, but profound essay about the why behind the three people Austen sent a copy of Emma and which of them she chose to dedicate the book
She by Zita Holbourne a poem to stir one, a call to action and consideration about woman, Jane Austen's words resonate centuries later regarding woman with strength.
Georgiana Darcy- Pistols at Dawn by Julia Miller An amusing, light P&P sequel short story where Georgiana and Anne learn how to shoot, plan a duel, and become empowered from their adventures.
Discovering Pride in Austen's Time by Caitlin Grills A thoughtful essay sharing about Austen's sapphic contemporaries finding their own way in such restricted society and how universal Austen's life and tales are for the queer community.
Three of Diamonds by Stephanie Lyttle Free verse poetry responding to the sight of an Austen quilt.
Mansfield Park essay by Julia Quinn An essay into the heart of the why Mansfield Park is the least loved, yet is still a masterful novel.
A Zubitsu on Various Walks by Ellora Sutton A stream of conscious style poem/essay about walking various famous Austen locations and littered with fun easter egg quotes from the novels when walking is mentioned.
First Impressions (extract) by Charles Lovett Chapter One was a lovely, engaging 'hook' into the rest of the book (which I shall read).
Tom Lefoy Devours a Cotillion by Marcelle Newbold A quick and lively poem about Tom and Jane's dance.
Kipling's Tribute to Austen by Mary Hamer An essay about an author's own dismal response to Austen novels, but learned to appreciate them through the lens of Kipling's love of Austen and sharing this in his subsequent piece 'The Janeites'.
Buried Love by Sara Teasdale A bittersweet poem of a buried love. Not Austen related so far as I can tell, but beautifully written.
Staging Persuasion interview with director Jeff James A theater director reflects on how he adapted Persuasion, the timeless themes that connected the past with the present, and his insight on Austen's characters and writing style.
Meeting with Jane by April de Angelis If one could speak with Jane Austen, what would one say? And, what is Jane's response be? An amusing essay.
She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music interview with Gillian Dooley and Jennie Batchelor A fascinating discussion on what music Jane Austen played and enjoyed and if it had significance in her novels.
A Slow-burn Love Story by Katie Lunsden A lovely essay tribute to how the author came to know and love 'Jane' while working at The Jane Austen Center of Bath, as a Booktuber, and finally as author.
Words That Blink by Esme Gutch As a nature lover and lover of words, Jane Austen would love this short poem.
Jane Austen and Shelley in the Garden (extract) by Janet Todd A women's fiction about middle-aged women in post-war period, exploring life and friendship - one is haunted by the ghost of Jane Austen.
Untitled by Karenjit Sandhu A short poem about the sensations of going out the door.
Sculpting Jane interview with Martin Jennings Fascinating learning about the new statue of Jane Austen in the close at the Winchester Cathedral and about the sculpting process.
Witch-Wife by Edna St. Vincent Milay poem about wild and free-spirited lady.
Jane Austen and the Gothic Novel by Ellen Cheshire An essay such as this would of course lean heavily into Jane Austen's reading habits and her love letter to gothic literature, Northanger Abbey. Interesting background into gothic lit and Jane's connection to it.
Love's Armour by Allyson Joule a poem describing Love as a heavy hitter.
The Completion Competition by Natalie Jenner A short story set at Chawton cottage in Jane's last days. She works on her unfinished Sanditon novel, converses with the new footman, and anticipates a visit with her cousin. Poignant and bittersweet.
Austen's Onscreen Evolution by Jen Francis Would a tribute of this nature be complete without an essay into the vivid film, tv, and YouTube adaptions of Austen's tales? From the culturally diverse to the traditional, all bring folks to Austen.
Shedding Skin by Jurie Jean van de Vyver a verse that connects life to the solid 'home' of earth- everything leads back to it.
The Jane Austen Festival by Rachel Beswick A brief essay describing the excitement, the activities, and why the festival remains a growing and popular destination for people from all over the world. Why, indeed!
Austen's World Photographs A handful of photographs to finish out this lovely, eclectic reading experience.
A rousing good way to celebrate Jane Austen's birthday year from the comforts of one's own armchair. Encounters with familiar names, but many who were not. A stretching of the literary muscles into writing styles and topics that cover the gamut. A truly enriching Encounter with Jane Austen!
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley read in exchange for an honest review.
A consolidated version of this review will appear at The Quill Ink 10.16.25....more
If one thought Jane Austen’s novels had some entertaining drama, The Elopement, a story based on her next generation relations in the wake of her deatIf one thought Jane Austen’s novels had some entertaining drama, The Elopement, a story based on her next generation relations in the wake of her death could argue that real life offers up even more. After appreciating Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen and her Godmersham Park, I was eager to press forward with her latest, The Elopement.
The Elopement is a dual narrative story of Fanny Knight Knatchbull and her step-daughter, Mary Dorothy Knatchbull. Gill Hornby’s Fanny Knight is first encountered in her younger iteration in Godmersham Park. While I don’t believe The Elopement is meant to be directly connected, my reader memory was convinced they were so I just went with it.
The Elopement is a framed story that opens and closes with the old aunt, Cassandra Austen reflecting on the events- past and present- in her family. Then the heart of the story opens with Fanny Austen Knight, oldest child of Mr. Edward Austen Knight, contentedly running her widowed father’s household, looking after her younger siblings and the estate homes. Fanny receives an eligible proposal of marriage from a middle-aged widower and she does her duty as a woman and accepts. Sir Edward Knatchbull is not a tender man, but he is serious and of good character. Fanny takes up the responsibility of his home and his children including the oldest daughter who prefers Fanny’s lively younger siblings to herself.
Fanny wishes to sees herself as the warm, beloved, responsible and reliable caregiver of all- Lady Bountiful, if you will, but in actuality, she is not regarded so by her own family or, predominantly, Mary Dorothea. She is admired for abilities and efficiency, but not warmth and charm. Mary, who also narrates the story, eventually falls for Fanny’s impulsive, boisterous brother Ned, the first son and heir, and the interest is mutual. Unlike her step-mother, she will resist letting duty dictate her choice though she is in anguish of going up against her father’s will and Sir Edward indeed, is much put out about his daughter’s choice.
I was surprised to learn that ‘The Elopement’ promised in the title took a while to happen. Years of story developing the two main protagonists- Fanny and Mary’s lives as well as the lives of the Knatchbulls and Austen-Knights, separately and together happen before the fateful events that occur in the latter pages of the book. The faster-paced, higher drama had a stronger emotional grip on me than the earlier parts of the tale.
While I rather liked Fanny in Godmersham Park, the mature woman of The Elopement was one less easy to like though I appreciated her situation and wanted to read how she made a life as Lady Knatchbull. Her loyalties and sense of duty dominated though she finally showed a softness to her step-daughter later on. I found it fascinating to compare the two lives and two different choices of duty vs love.
The Elopement was immersive in historical setting down to detailed description and dialogue, manners and motives. I felt the life of the people were carefully delved into and The Elopement had a ‘this could have been true’ quality if one goes with certain lines of thought regarding Jane Austen’s real-life relations that the remaining diaries and letters allow for interpretation. Another gently-paced, thoughtful and emotional tale of the Austen family from Gill Hornby that left me satisfied.
My full review will post at my Instagram Page, @sophiarose1816 on 11.7.25
I rec'd a print copy from Pegasus Books and Austenprose to read in exchange for an honest review....more
In this exhilarating Pride and Prejudice Variation, Jessie Lewis goes where no writing plot has gone before. She sets the bonnet spinning – and might In this exhilarating Pride and Prejudice Variation, Jessie Lewis goes where no writing plot has gone before. She sets the bonnet spinning – and might cause some vapors in readers- when she allows readers and Mr. Darcy to open the library door during the Netherfield Ball and spot two of the most unlikely people -one is married to another person- in a lusty embrace. I’ve enjoyed her books in the past and always found her books engaging from the first crack of the spine until the closing of the last page.
Enamoured brings the romance pair together while working two different ends of a mystery of sorts. Elizabeth’s father sends her to London on the pretext to enjoy a visit along with her sister at their aunt and uncle’s when she is really there to track down her missing mother while at the same time, Mr. Darcy has been begged by his friend Bingley’s relations on a similar errand. Darcy left the Meryton neighborhood to get away from Elizabeth Bennet’s allurements that he must resist because he feels her family situation is beneath him only to run into her at every turn on his hunt for Bingley. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is feeling decidedly put upon when the annoying, arrogant Mr. Darcy turns up wherever she is- and dread of all, he rescues her from various contretemps and shows her a gallant side she never guessed he possessed. And, that’s not all, the dratted man doesn’t seem to be the villain Mr. Wickham spread tall tales about that she eagerly believed at the time.
Mingling their hunt about London and a slow-burn romance, Enamoured has several emotional layers and complex character and relationship developments that cohesively work all together as one compelling story that I read in one-sitting.
Elizabeth and Darcy are fighting their own internal demons that prevent their romance. She was hurt when this attractive, gentleman brushed her aside as “not handsome enough” and protected her wounded pride by believing the worst of him. He protected his heart from leading him astray by believing the worst of her family and circumstances. I enjoyed how they were brought to see the truth and overcame these barriers.
Beyond the romance, there was an intriguing situation where it appears that Mrs. Bennet finally had enough of her husband’s gaslighting style little snips and snarks at her and was overwhelmed with fears of five daughters to get settled when they had no dowry to speak of, no good family connections, and no real prospects in their neighborhood and a silly cousin as heir to push them all out of their home in the future. Is it any wonder the woman seems to crack and rushes to London leaving that all behind? I’ve never seen this aspect of a Regency woman’s life portrayed quite this way, but the helplessness and fear women must have felt in these circumstances was brought home to me well.
Before the book could get too broody over these dramas, Jessie Lewis infuses a strain of hilarity to all the to-ing and fro-ing making Lizzy and Darcy the talk of the town as people watch in great interest and make guesses as to why this pair keep having these clandestine encounters. And, the speculation leads to an amusing time for all during this society season.
In the end, Enamoured was a sparkling and highly entertaining variation tale that those who enjoy Regency romps or light and sweet historical romances would do well to snag for their reading piles.
I rec'd a print copy via Quills and Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 10.1.25....more
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