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Austen Addicts #5
Happy Birthday, Mr Darcy
You are cordially invited to a wedding at Purley Hall...
It's the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' but it's also a special year for Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton because they're getting married.
But can Katherine put aside her fear about the future and can Warwick put his pen down long enough to actually make it up the aisle?
It's the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' but it's also a special year for Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton because they're getting married.
But can Katherine put aside her fear about the future and can Warwick put his pen down long enough to actually make it up the aisle?
118 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books509 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 26, 2013
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Austen-Inspired Original, Novella
TIME FRAME: Modern-day
MAIN CHARACTERS: Dr. Katherine Roberts, Warwick Lawton, Dame Pamela Harcourt, Dan and Robyn Harcourt, Mrs. Soames, Doris Norris, Lily Lawton, Carmel Hudson
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
With her crew of lovable and endearing Austen-addicts, Victoria Connelly has taken readers to a Jane Austen conference in Hampshire, to a charming bed-and-breakfast off the coast of Lyme, and to the famed Jane Austen Festival in Bath. I have been in love with these characters and with Victoria Connelly’s descriptive and engaging style of writing since July 2011!
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Characters: It feels like these characters are very dear and beloved friends to the author. She writes about them lovingly and intimately. I loved seeing these old friends get together again for a very momentous celebration!
- Clever Nods to Jane Austen: With each installment I think Victoria Connelly gets more creative with her allusions and references to Jane Austen. I enjoyed witnessing these Austen-addicts make references to scenes and actors from many of my favorite Jane Austen film adaptations. (LOL! Warwick has a thing for Kate Winslet!) And I adored the wonderful Austenalia these characters owned like Robyn’s Pride and Prejudice mugs and Katherine and Warwick’s custom-made quote pens.
- Descriptive Writing: Victoria Connelly writes with such vivid detail that readers can see images and constantly popping up in their mind when they read. The wedding dresses, the streets of Bath, the table setting in Purley Hall – you will know precisely how everything looked, smelled, tasted, and felt. Such an artistic way of describing everything!
- Jane Austen Wedding: With the bridal party and guests dressing in Regency attire, an open-top carriage, white soup, and strawberries, part of me wishes I could go back in time and have a Jane Austen themed wedding! (I’m sure Mr. Bingley would have been fine with it!) Loved all Ms. Connelly’s creative touches and Jane Austen inspired wedding ideas.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- New Characters: (This really is a minor quibble.) The ONLY thing I wasn’t crazy about with this novella was the two new characters introduced – Carmel Hudson, a lonely wife looking for some riding lessons from Dan (and maybe more) and Lily Lawton, Warwick’s twice divorced sister who believes “happiness in marriage” is impossible. I love the idea of adding new characters to this mix, and these ladies both stir the pot and add some conflict (which is great!) But I guess I felt they were both a little cliché as characters. You knew their “type” and what they were after from the very first sentence written about them, they just felt a little predictable and one-dimensional.
NOTE: While it isn’t imperative that you read this series in order, I would recommend it.
CONCLUSION: Did Jane Austen teach you to believe in happily ever afters? Do you think love is “idiosyncratic, unpredictable as well as rather wonderful?” Then join this “small band of true friends” and come witness a perfectly happy union of true minds and loving hearts.
TIME FRAME: Modern-day
MAIN CHARACTERS: Dr. Katherine Roberts, Warwick Lawton, Dame Pamela Harcourt, Dan and Robyn Harcourt, Mrs. Soames, Doris Norris, Lily Lawton, Carmel Hudson
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
With her crew of lovable and endearing Austen-addicts, Victoria Connelly has taken readers to a Jane Austen conference in Hampshire, to a charming bed-and-breakfast off the coast of Lyme, and to the famed Jane Austen Festival in Bath. I have been in love with these characters and with Victoria Connelly’s descriptive and engaging style of writing since July 2011!
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Characters: It feels like these characters are very dear and beloved friends to the author. She writes about them lovingly and intimately. I loved seeing these old friends get together again for a very momentous celebration!
- Clever Nods to Jane Austen: With each installment I think Victoria Connelly gets more creative with her allusions and references to Jane Austen. I enjoyed witnessing these Austen-addicts make references to scenes and actors from many of my favorite Jane Austen film adaptations. (LOL! Warwick has a thing for Kate Winslet!) And I adored the wonderful Austenalia these characters owned like Robyn’s Pride and Prejudice mugs and Katherine and Warwick’s custom-made quote pens.
- Descriptive Writing: Victoria Connelly writes with such vivid detail that readers can see images and constantly popping up in their mind when they read. The wedding dresses, the streets of Bath, the table setting in Purley Hall – you will know precisely how everything looked, smelled, tasted, and felt. Such an artistic way of describing everything!
- Jane Austen Wedding: With the bridal party and guests dressing in Regency attire, an open-top carriage, white soup, and strawberries, part of me wishes I could go back in time and have a Jane Austen themed wedding! (I’m sure Mr. Bingley would have been fine with it!) Loved all Ms. Connelly’s creative touches and Jane Austen inspired wedding ideas.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- New Characters: (This really is a minor quibble.) The ONLY thing I wasn’t crazy about with this novella was the two new characters introduced – Carmel Hudson, a lonely wife looking for some riding lessons from Dan (and maybe more) and Lily Lawton, Warwick’s twice divorced sister who believes “happiness in marriage” is impossible. I love the idea of adding new characters to this mix, and these ladies both stir the pot and add some conflict (which is great!) But I guess I felt they were both a little cliché as characters. You knew their “type” and what they were after from the very first sentence written about them, they just felt a little predictable and one-dimensional.
NOTE: While it isn’t imperative that you read this series in order, I would recommend it.
CONCLUSION: Did Jane Austen teach you to believe in happily ever afters? Do you think love is “idiosyncratic, unpredictable as well as rather wonderful?” Then join this “small band of true friends” and come witness a perfectly happy union of true minds and loving hearts.
October 1, 2013
In 2010 Victoria Connelly began her “Austen Addicts” series with A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, which I found to be delicious and time well spent. Connelly’s series continued with Dreaming of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy Forever, with all new characters and winks to the previous titles as well. Christmas with Mr. Darcy was the first novella of the series, bringing us back to the characters from A Weekend with Mr. Darcy. Now we have Happy Birthday, Mr Darcy,which once again reunites us with characters such as Warwick Lawton (a Janeite author who writes under a female pseudonym), Katherine Roberts (his fiancée and Austen scholar) and other colorful characters who surround them.
Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy is a brief but significant episode in the lives of Warwick and Katherine, the week following their planned nuptials. Katherine loves her antique engagement ring, the plans for the future, and of course her fiancé, but she harbors a number of insecurities and questions about the years to come. How would being married affect their relationship? Would they be able to combine their separate worlds into one, seamlessly? The doubts that flood Katherine’s mind become a threat to the wedding itself. At the same time, Dan Harcourt, Warwick’s best man has his own concerns about Warwick. Add in the cynical sister of the groom, who tries to dissuade him from marrying at all, and there is quite a concoction of issues floating about.
Once again, Victoria Connelly has given her readers another delightful, light confectionary treat in this latest installment of the “Austen Addicts” series. As before, her characters are interesting and variegated, and her writing belies her love of all things Austen. Janeites will love all the winks to the novels and movies of this genre, which are sprinkled throughout the story. As we celebrate the 200th birthday of Pride and Prejudice (hence the applicable title of the novella), Victoria Connelly has brought a lovely gift to the party. A Weekend with Mr. Darcy would be a fine choice for your reading this weekend, and I encourage you to add it to your e-reader of choice today.
Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy is a brief but significant episode in the lives of Warwick and Katherine, the week following their planned nuptials. Katherine loves her antique engagement ring, the plans for the future, and of course her fiancé, but she harbors a number of insecurities and questions about the years to come. How would being married affect their relationship? Would they be able to combine their separate worlds into one, seamlessly? The doubts that flood Katherine’s mind become a threat to the wedding itself. At the same time, Dan Harcourt, Warwick’s best man has his own concerns about Warwick. Add in the cynical sister of the groom, who tries to dissuade him from marrying at all, and there is quite a concoction of issues floating about.
Once again, Victoria Connelly has given her readers another delightful, light confectionary treat in this latest installment of the “Austen Addicts” series. As before, her characters are interesting and variegated, and her writing belies her love of all things Austen. Janeites will love all the winks to the novels and movies of this genre, which are sprinkled throughout the story. As we celebrate the 200th birthday of Pride and Prejudice (hence the applicable title of the novella), Victoria Connelly has brought a lovely gift to the party. A Weekend with Mr. Darcy would be a fine choice for your reading this weekend, and I encourage you to add it to your e-reader of choice today.
September 27, 2013
What you need to do with this book is follow the main characters lead: once home, kick off your shoes, pour yourself a glass of wine, run a hot bath and just read. As declared, 'novels are life' and this particular one has so much life!
"Her life was about to change out of all recognition and that thought terrified her. What if she was making a huge mistake?" Partaking and escaping with Connelly's Austen Adventures is never a mistake. For you see, as the author rightly points out, 'what makes a story live on centuries after it was written' is the inclusion of all the attributes of the Austen flavour that we have come to know and love....'stories survive not just because of empathetic characters that we can still identify with but because the author has something to say to us and they have the ability to communicate that to the reader in a clear and often amusing way'. Victoria Connelly, much like Jane Austen, hooks you in with both her endearing and troublesome characters, with her astute observations and funny moments. Nothing can top Jane Austen, but Connelly's novel definitely encapsulates the 'very essence of Englishness' and I just love that.
The tone is set right from the beginning when we are reminded to remain calm and gracious at all times like Anne Elliot or Elinor Dashwood. All of us secretly long and love to "fully indulge in evenings of sitting on the sofa, wearing a baggy cardigan and eating peppermint creams whilst watching Jane Austen adaptations. This book will having you turning to the last page, especially to know the contents of 'that' letter .... the six words. Just six, but the right six.
Happy reading!
"Her life was about to change out of all recognition and that thought terrified her. What if she was making a huge mistake?" Partaking and escaping with Connelly's Austen Adventures is never a mistake. For you see, as the author rightly points out, 'what makes a story live on centuries after it was written' is the inclusion of all the attributes of the Austen flavour that we have come to know and love....'stories survive not just because of empathetic characters that we can still identify with but because the author has something to say to us and they have the ability to communicate that to the reader in a clear and often amusing way'. Victoria Connelly, much like Jane Austen, hooks you in with both her endearing and troublesome characters, with her astute observations and funny moments. Nothing can top Jane Austen, but Connelly's novel definitely encapsulates the 'very essence of Englishness' and I just love that.
The tone is set right from the beginning when we are reminded to remain calm and gracious at all times like Anne Elliot or Elinor Dashwood. All of us secretly long and love to "fully indulge in evenings of sitting on the sofa, wearing a baggy cardigan and eating peppermint creams whilst watching Jane Austen adaptations. This book will having you turning to the last page, especially to know the contents of 'that' letter .... the six words. Just six, but the right six.
Happy reading!
October 13, 2013
Katherine and Warwick are getting married – Oxford professor and romantic novelist in that order. But Katherine is having second thoughts. What’s it going to be like sharing her life with someone else on a permanent basis? Will she lose her identity? One thing she is sure of they are both Jane Austen addicts so they will have plenty to talk about.
This book can be read as a standalone novel but it is also the fifth volume of the author’s Austen Addicts series. Fans of the earlier volumes will love this latest instalment. The wedding takes place at Purley Hall – Dame Pamela’s country residence and scene of many past Jane Austen conferences. Here are all the ingredients of a light hearted romance with added Austen literary references and glimpses of favourite series characters.
I enjoyed this book very much and it kept me smiling and at times shedding a tear at some of the scenes. It has the feel good factor and will cheer you up if you are feeling down. Great entertainment if you like light romantic novels.
This book can be read as a standalone novel but it is also the fifth volume of the author’s Austen Addicts series. Fans of the earlier volumes will love this latest instalment. The wedding takes place at Purley Hall – Dame Pamela’s country residence and scene of many past Jane Austen conferences. Here are all the ingredients of a light hearted romance with added Austen literary references and glimpses of favourite series characters.
I enjoyed this book very much and it kept me smiling and at times shedding a tear at some of the scenes. It has the feel good factor and will cheer you up if you are feeling down. Great entertainment if you like light romantic novels.
November 3, 2013
I was so excited when this book was released as I have been following the adventures of the Janeites from the very start. I have a huge soft spot for the gorgeous horse riding Dan (was he modelled on my boyfriend, I wonder?!) and I also have library envy when I read about Warwick and Katherine's collections. I don't think I'm giving too much away if I reveal this book is about Katherine and Warwick's own wedding and I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I actually completed the book during a flight to Tampa and I wasn't disappointed with the ending. As an Austen fan I loved the way the author weaves textual refereneces throughout the narrative and the plot! An lovely gentle read that Jane herself would have enjoyed.
January 31, 2021
Nice short story
Fits in well with the series and brings up to date some of the characters. Not all plain sailing and a good ending.
Fits in well with the series and brings up to date some of the characters. Not all plain sailing and a good ending.
May 31, 2021
This novella is the fifth installment of the Austen addicts series and Warwick and Katherine's wedding day is here. A good, quick read that Austen fans will love.
February 24, 2014
The Austen Addicts series has evolved through the years into a guilty pleasure for me. Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy is Victoria Connelly’s fifth installment in this contemporary romance series loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The novella reunites us with her original characters from the first in the series, Weekend with Mr. Darcy, and opens a week prior to when Warwick Lawton (Austenesque author who writes under the female nom de plume, Lorna Warwick) is to pledge his troth to his Austen scholar/fiancé, Katherine Roberts.
Katherine is enchanted with the Regency themed wedding plans, her antique Russian engagement ring, and her empire-styled gown. She had never seen anything so beautiful. Well, not since Matthew Macfadyen had strode across the dawn meadow in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. She really didn’t feel worthy of such a dress and it felt like a terrible extravagance to have something so lovely for just one day. Though passionately in-love with her fiancé, not unlike many brides, doubts about the marriage state and how her life is to change loom overhead right up until the wedding hour.
A colorful cast of characters with nods to Austen’s own characters, including Warwick’s marriage-cynic of a sister and his handsome, jovial best man, add to the wedding festivities. Dame Pamela, a favorite from Weekend with Mr. Darcy, opens her manor home to host the wedding and quips these two Janeites are marrying the same year that Pride and Prejudice celebrates its two-hundredth birth. “Mr. Darcy is doing well for his age,” Dame Pamela said with a little chuckle. “Pleasing women for two centuries is no mean feat!”
It was autumn of 2011 when I first discovered Victoria Connelly. I was in high dudgeon as it was the weekend of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Fort Worth, Texas and I would be missing the festivities. Austenprose blog mistress Laurel Ann Nattress had left me with a copy of A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, the first in the Austen Addicts series, as some consolation; I could not help but commiserate with Kitty Bennet when her sister Lydia left her home at Longbourn for her adventure at Brighton! Although not the thrill of attending an AGM Regency ball, Connelly’s first in her Austen Addicts series was a balm to my battered spirits. Since then, the Austen Addicts’ series continued: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy Forever, and then the novella, Christmas with Mr. Darcy.
There are no big surprises in Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy. But I must agree with the sage Mr. Knightley from Emma: “Surprises are foolish things.” However, despite being a harmless bit of Austen pastiche, this little darling of a book was but a light, nibble of meringue that left me wanting more. (3.5 stars. I received an ebook in exchange for my fair & honest review at Austenprose.)
Katherine is enchanted with the Regency themed wedding plans, her antique Russian engagement ring, and her empire-styled gown. She had never seen anything so beautiful. Well, not since Matthew Macfadyen had strode across the dawn meadow in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. She really didn’t feel worthy of such a dress and it felt like a terrible extravagance to have something so lovely for just one day. Though passionately in-love with her fiancé, not unlike many brides, doubts about the marriage state and how her life is to change loom overhead right up until the wedding hour.
A colorful cast of characters with nods to Austen’s own characters, including Warwick’s marriage-cynic of a sister and his handsome, jovial best man, add to the wedding festivities. Dame Pamela, a favorite from Weekend with Mr. Darcy, opens her manor home to host the wedding and quips these two Janeites are marrying the same year that Pride and Prejudice celebrates its two-hundredth birth. “Mr. Darcy is doing well for his age,” Dame Pamela said with a little chuckle. “Pleasing women for two centuries is no mean feat!”
It was autumn of 2011 when I first discovered Victoria Connelly. I was in high dudgeon as it was the weekend of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Fort Worth, Texas and I would be missing the festivities. Austenprose blog mistress Laurel Ann Nattress had left me with a copy of A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, the first in the Austen Addicts series, as some consolation; I could not help but commiserate with Kitty Bennet when her sister Lydia left her home at Longbourn for her adventure at Brighton! Although not the thrill of attending an AGM Regency ball, Connelly’s first in her Austen Addicts series was a balm to my battered spirits. Since then, the Austen Addicts’ series continued: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy Forever, and then the novella, Christmas with Mr. Darcy.
There are no big surprises in Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy. But I must agree with the sage Mr. Knightley from Emma: “Surprises are foolish things.” However, despite being a harmless bit of Austen pastiche, this little darling of a book was but a light, nibble of meringue that left me wanting more. (3.5 stars. I received an ebook in exchange for my fair & honest review at Austenprose.)
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November 3, 2017Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy is the fifth installment in Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts series, reuniting readers with their favorite characters from A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy Forever, and Christmas With Mr. Darcy. The wedding of Dr. Katherine Roberts, a professor who lectures and writes about Jane Austen, and Warwick Lawton, an author of Regency romances, coincides with the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, so it’s quite fitting that they are to be joined in marriage at Dame Pamela Harcourt’s Purley Hall — the estate where they met at a Jane Austen conference.
With Dame Pamela, her brother Dan, and his wife Robyn taking care of all the details, Katherine and Warwick should have little to worry about. But Warwick’s unlucky-in-marriage sister, Lily, keeps telling him that walking down the aisle is a big mistake, and Katherine is worried about what marriage will mean for her career and her identity. Although Austen’s novels always end with a happily ever after for the main characters, Katherine uses the novels to question whether she is making the right decision — and while Robyn and Dan try to get the lovebirds down the aisle, they face a problem of their own.
Connelly does a wonderful job portraying Katherine’s pre-wedding jitters; it was totally fitting for an Austen professor and Janeite to use the novels as a sort of guide to love and marriage. Of course, taking Austen’s words out of context and focusing on the fact that she never married is a recipe for disaster on one’s wedding day! I only wish this had been a full-length novel, with more time to develop Katherine and Warwick’s relationship after its rocky beginning, flesh out the obstacle in the path of Robyn and Dan’s happiness, and even focus more on Dame Pamela and her most ardent fan, Mr. Piper.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy is a fun and quick novella, with appearances from such characters as Mia Castle, Doris Norris, and even the formidable Mrs. Soames. To fully appreciate this series, I think the novels and novellas should be read in order, but they are all page-turners with endearing characters, a good mix of humor and drama, parallels to Austen’s novels, and even hilarious discussions among Janeites about the novels and the movie adaptations. I’m always happy to revisit these characters, especially when Dame Pamela is throwing the party, and I can’t wait to see where Connelly takes them next!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
With Dame Pamela, her brother Dan, and his wife Robyn taking care of all the details, Katherine and Warwick should have little to worry about. But Warwick’s unlucky-in-marriage sister, Lily, keeps telling him that walking down the aisle is a big mistake, and Katherine is worried about what marriage will mean for her career and her identity. Although Austen’s novels always end with a happily ever after for the main characters, Katherine uses the novels to question whether she is making the right decision — and while Robyn and Dan try to get the lovebirds down the aisle, they face a problem of their own.
Connelly does a wonderful job portraying Katherine’s pre-wedding jitters; it was totally fitting for an Austen professor and Janeite to use the novels as a sort of guide to love and marriage. Of course, taking Austen’s words out of context and focusing on the fact that she never married is a recipe for disaster on one’s wedding day! I only wish this had been a full-length novel, with more time to develop Katherine and Warwick’s relationship after its rocky beginning, flesh out the obstacle in the path of Robyn and Dan’s happiness, and even focus more on Dame Pamela and her most ardent fan, Mr. Piper.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy is a fun and quick novella, with appearances from such characters as Mia Castle, Doris Norris, and even the formidable Mrs. Soames. To fully appreciate this series, I think the novels and novellas should be read in order, but they are all page-turners with endearing characters, a good mix of humor and drama, parallels to Austen’s novels, and even hilarious discussions among Janeites about the novels and the movie adaptations. I’m always happy to revisit these characters, especially when Dame Pamela is throwing the party, and I can’t wait to see where Connelly takes them next!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
October 1, 2013
Victoria Connelly belongs to those authors that I have always wanted to read. I have her books on my TBR pile, on my kindle and have never come to this. Well, it was a mistake. A big mistake.
I am not a biggest fan of Jane Austen but don't have any problems with her and her phenomena is something that I have a big respect for. And I can understand people, like characters in Victoria's Jane's series, who are so much devoted to Jane and her works. So, I haven't read the previous books that belong to "Austen Addicts" series but nevertheless it was not a problem to enjoy the characters and their adventures in "Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy". There were moments that I could say the people in the book have past, that something happened before but it didn't spoiled the book at all or I couldn't say that I don't understand something, that I miss something. No. So one can really read it as a stand - alone novella.
My problem with such short stories is that they are so... short :) I think that the author wanted to tell us much more but just couldn't. But anyway, I have really enjoyed this read. There was everything that one could ask for: a little drama, a little tension, interesting and unexpected situations, brilliantly written characters and this all written in a warm, easy, light, gripping way that really quickly threw me into life of Jane Austen. For sure will read the whole series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
I am not a biggest fan of Jane Austen but don't have any problems with her and her phenomena is something that I have a big respect for. And I can understand people, like characters in Victoria's Jane's series, who are so much devoted to Jane and her works. So, I haven't read the previous books that belong to "Austen Addicts" series but nevertheless it was not a problem to enjoy the characters and their adventures in "Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy". There were moments that I could say the people in the book have past, that something happened before but it didn't spoiled the book at all or I couldn't say that I don't understand something, that I miss something. No. So one can really read it as a stand - alone novella.
My problem with such short stories is that they are so... short :) I think that the author wanted to tell us much more but just couldn't. But anyway, I have really enjoyed this read. There was everything that one could ask for: a little drama, a little tension, interesting and unexpected situations, brilliantly written characters and this all written in a warm, easy, light, gripping way that really quickly threw me into life of Jane Austen. For sure will read the whole series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
June 4, 2015
Victoria Connelly, a modern day Jane Austen, knows how to hook a reader with her endearing, and often infuriating, characters. But she also keeps us hooked by her wit and her observations. I love these books and the characters jump off the page to me and I get swept along with their next journey.
This book tells of the wedding of Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton and it takes place at none other than Purley Hall with guests awash with muslin, bonnets and cravats.
Dame Pamela is in her element with the wedding being held at Purley Hall.
Robyn who is PA to Dame Pamela is helping with the wedding preparations and is the maid of honour for Katherine and settling into her role as mother to Cassandra and wife to the handsome Dan in Horseshoe Cottage.
Dan is Warwick's best man and has lots to do including dealing with a demanding customer who requires `riding' lessons, Carmel Hudson.
Warwick has a book to complete and a sister Lily who is a well worn cynic when it came to romantic relationships (two failed marriages) to deal with all before his wedding to Katherine.
We catch up with the guests of the wedding, none other than characters from the Austen Addict books: Higgins the loyal butler, Doris Noris, Mrs Soames, Mia Castle, Shelley Quantock, Gabe and Pie.
All of this takes place in 2013 which marks the two hundredth anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. Simply perfect!
Please let there be more books to add to this collection.
'This book was provided by the author for review'.
This book tells of the wedding of Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton and it takes place at none other than Purley Hall with guests awash with muslin, bonnets and cravats.
Dame Pamela is in her element with the wedding being held at Purley Hall.
Robyn who is PA to Dame Pamela is helping with the wedding preparations and is the maid of honour for Katherine and settling into her role as mother to Cassandra and wife to the handsome Dan in Horseshoe Cottage.
Dan is Warwick's best man and has lots to do including dealing with a demanding customer who requires `riding' lessons, Carmel Hudson.
Warwick has a book to complete and a sister Lily who is a well worn cynic when it came to romantic relationships (two failed marriages) to deal with all before his wedding to Katherine.
We catch up with the guests of the wedding, none other than characters from the Austen Addict books: Higgins the loyal butler, Doris Noris, Mrs Soames, Mia Castle, Shelley Quantock, Gabe and Pie.
All of this takes place in 2013 which marks the two hundredth anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. Simply perfect!
Please let there be more books to add to this collection.
'This book was provided by the author for review'.
October 1, 2013
Some of your favorite Austen Addicts characters are back! This time, the group comes together for the wedding of Warwick Lawton & Katherine Roberts. Hopefully....
Purely Hall is hosting it;s first wedding. An Austen themed one, at that. However, it hosts it's fair share of drama leading up to the big day. Katherine begins to worry how she and Warwick will merge their lives. How will she handle his writing life? Will she be able to still watch her favorite Austen adaptations in her sweats? Mostly, how will they combine their book collections- each with several thousands?!
Warwick is getting his own "happily ever after" ending. But, he still has a looming deadline for his new book. Inspiration comes at the most inopportune time. Will the groom make it to his own wedding, or will he write the magical day away?
Robyn Love Harcourt is happily married to Dan. She's always known how handsome he is. But she's about to enter new territory when the town flirt, Carmel Hudson, sets her sights on Dan. Knowing Dan's married doesn't keep her from making numerous phone calls. It all comes to a head on the day of the wedding. Is Robyn prepared for what she walks into?
Fans of the Austen Addicts series will love catching up with their favorite characters. While not everyone is in this novella, you do get updates on everyone. The action isn't as non-stop as I felt the Christmas novella was, you still will love being among the group again.
Purely Hall is hosting it;s first wedding. An Austen themed one, at that. However, it hosts it's fair share of drama leading up to the big day. Katherine begins to worry how she and Warwick will merge their lives. How will she handle his writing life? Will she be able to still watch her favorite Austen adaptations in her sweats? Mostly, how will they combine their book collections- each with several thousands?!
Warwick is getting his own "happily ever after" ending. But, he still has a looming deadline for his new book. Inspiration comes at the most inopportune time. Will the groom make it to his own wedding, or will he write the magical day away?
Robyn Love Harcourt is happily married to Dan. She's always known how handsome he is. But she's about to enter new territory when the town flirt, Carmel Hudson, sets her sights on Dan. Knowing Dan's married doesn't keep her from making numerous phone calls. It all comes to a head on the day of the wedding. Is Robyn prepared for what she walks into?
Fans of the Austen Addicts series will love catching up with their favorite characters. While not everyone is in this novella, you do get updates on everyone. The action isn't as non-stop as I felt the Christmas novella was, you still will love being among the group again.
March 3, 2015
Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy ( Austen Addicts Book 5 )
This is a continuation of Connelly's Christmas with Mr. Darcy's. We are again back at Purley Hall for the celebration of the wedding of Katherine and Warwick whom we met in the last book. Their wedding took place on the 200 birthday of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Her engagement ring was one of the items that had been stolen. Dan and Robyn are standing up with the couple. Patrick's sister, Lily, tries to convince him to change his mind about marrying Katherine, because Lily has been married and divorced twice and thinks men and women should just have sleheep overs. Katherine is staying at the cottage with Robyn, and she begins to have doubts as well. All of the Janeites that were at the Christmas celebration are at the wedding, except for the thief and Sarah (she's having a baby), but a neighbor is causing trouble for Dan and Robyn. Katherine is a no show so Warwick sends her a note with 6 little words - Captain Wentworth’s words to Anne Elliot in Persuasion from the most romantic letter ever written. ( must read the book to find out ) She's out the door, into the carriage, and into Purley Hall quickly as possible. Their Recency wedding is a celebration to remember. The only guest not in proper Recency dress was Lily since she thought the whole dress up wedding was ridiculous. Another cute quick read.
This is a continuation of Connelly's Christmas with Mr. Darcy's. We are again back at Purley Hall for the celebration of the wedding of Katherine and Warwick whom we met in the last book. Their wedding took place on the 200 birthday of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Her engagement ring was one of the items that had been stolen. Dan and Robyn are standing up with the couple. Patrick's sister, Lily, tries to convince him to change his mind about marrying Katherine, because Lily has been married and divorced twice and thinks men and women should just have sleheep overs. Katherine is staying at the cottage with Robyn, and she begins to have doubts as well. All of the Janeites that were at the Christmas celebration are at the wedding, except for the thief and Sarah (she's having a baby), but a neighbor is causing trouble for Dan and Robyn. Katherine is a no show so Warwick sends her a note with 6 little words - Captain Wentworth’s words to Anne Elliot in Persuasion from the most romantic letter ever written. ( must read the book to find out ) She's out the door, into the carriage, and into Purley Hall quickly as possible. Their Recency wedding is a celebration to remember. The only guest not in proper Recency dress was Lily since she thought the whole dress up wedding was ridiculous. Another cute quick read.
February 13, 2015
The title is a little misleading as it is not about a birthday but a wedding. In the 200th Year since the first publication of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Dr Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton are about to get married at Purley Hall. Their wedding vows are to take place under the watchful eye of Dame Pamela and Katherine's friend Robyn, who are welcoming their first wedding on the Purley estate. The wedding of course is Jane Austen inspired, I think it would have been more of a surprise if it hadn't been. However, Katherine is having cold feet and Warwick is tied up with a book deadline. Will the wedding take place? I am not going to tell you.
Another delightful novella by Victoria Connelly bringing together all our favourite characters from the Austen Addicts series once again. The fifth book in the Austen Addict series and I feel as though you cannot read this as a stand alone story. Victoria has established the characters in the other books and therefore she does not cover old ground, which is great for me as I despise authors that increase their word count by just repeating things they have told us several times already. By this novella I know the characters well and I have grown to love them so I understand the story.
The story is quite fast paced but it is still a light-hearted and a nice gentle easy read despite the pace. If you have read and enjoyed the previous 4 books then I recommend you continue the story.
Another delightful novella by Victoria Connelly bringing together all our favourite characters from the Austen Addicts series once again. The fifth book in the Austen Addict series and I feel as though you cannot read this as a stand alone story. Victoria has established the characters in the other books and therefore she does not cover old ground, which is great for me as I despise authors that increase their word count by just repeating things they have told us several times already. By this novella I know the characters well and I have grown to love them so I understand the story.
The story is quite fast paced but it is still a light-hearted and a nice gentle easy read despite the pace. If you have read and enjoyed the previous 4 books then I recommend you continue the story.
October 1, 2013
This novella follows Katherine and her fiance, Warwick, in the days leading up to their wedding. The couple are both major fans of Jane Austen. All the details of the wedding, from the food, down to the clothes, are designed to be from the era of Austen. I especially liked reading about the dressmaker, who designed beautiful custom-made dresses for the ceremony.
I appreciated how often the author quoted different Austen story lines. I think that someone who is a fan of Jane Austen would definitely appreciate these references, although it might be a bit much for someone who isn't.
"Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy" is the fifth installment in this series, and I have not previously read any of the other books. Although this was very enjoyable as a standalone read, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the other stories. There's just something to be said for following characters throughout their journey! The author does include a bit of backstory, so I had an idea of how the Jane Austen-loving couple met, and I could still follow the storyline without a problem!
This was a very cute story about an Austen-themed wedding. I will have to check out some of the author's other stories in the Austen Addicts series!
I appreciated how often the author quoted different Austen story lines. I think that someone who is a fan of Jane Austen would definitely appreciate these references, although it might be a bit much for someone who isn't.
"Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy" is the fifth installment in this series, and I have not previously read any of the other books. Although this was very enjoyable as a standalone read, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the other stories. There's just something to be said for following characters throughout their journey! The author does include a bit of backstory, so I had an idea of how the Jane Austen-loving couple met, and I could still follow the storyline without a problem!
This was a very cute story about an Austen-themed wedding. I will have to check out some of the author's other stories in the Austen Addicts series!
October 2, 2013
It’s hard to believe that it is 200 years since the publication of Pride and Prejudice. To celebrate this momentous occasion Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton are getting married at the sumptuous Purley Hall, where together with fellow Jane Austen enthusiasts they hope to celebrate their nuptials with all the glamour and nostalgia of a bygone era. However, the coordination of a Janeite wedding is not without a few last minute hitches.
This beautifully written novella draws you in from the beginning. The story is made all the more special by references to Jane Austen’s work and is interspersed with lovely quotations which bring, not only the books alive, but which also acts as a perfect background to what is effect a rather lovely love story about two people who share a passion for the literature of Jane Austen, but who are beleaguered by the doubts engendered by a modern society.
I am new to this series of Jane Austen Addicts and so perhaps missed those subtle references which are made to previous stories but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment, in fact, I am now inspired to backtrack to start the series from the beginning.
This beautifully written novella draws you in from the beginning. The story is made all the more special by references to Jane Austen’s work and is interspersed with lovely quotations which bring, not only the books alive, but which also acts as a perfect background to what is effect a rather lovely love story about two people who share a passion for the literature of Jane Austen, but who are beleaguered by the doubts engendered by a modern society.
I am new to this series of Jane Austen Addicts and so perhaps missed those subtle references which are made to previous stories but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment, in fact, I am now inspired to backtrack to start the series from the beginning.
October 8, 2013
Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy is the fifth installment in the Austen Addicts series by Victoria Connelly. I've read and loved them all, could I miss this new one?
A delightful novella set in the magnificent Purley Hall, where two of the lovely characters we met first time in "A Weekend with Mr Darcy" are going to get married: Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton.
It's been great to join all the familiar characters again and follow them while preparing themselves to take part in the wedding celebrations. Dame Pamela, Robyn and Dan, Higgins, Doris Noris, Mrs Soames, Mia Castle, Shelley Quantock, Gabe and Pie are excited to take part in a real Regency-style celebration.
It is not only a great moment for Katherine and Warwick, but also Mr Darcy's birthday! And can the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice not influence the cheerful atmosphere at the Hall and the festive plans of such enthusiastic Austen fans?
This is a fast paced, light-hearted novella you can plan to read on a rainy autumn day, in order to lit it up with romance, comedy and a lot of Austen quotes and references.
A delightful novella set in the magnificent Purley Hall, where two of the lovely characters we met first time in "A Weekend with Mr Darcy" are going to get married: Katherine Roberts and Warwick Lawton.
It's been great to join all the familiar characters again and follow them while preparing themselves to take part in the wedding celebrations. Dame Pamela, Robyn and Dan, Higgins, Doris Noris, Mrs Soames, Mia Castle, Shelley Quantock, Gabe and Pie are excited to take part in a real Regency-style celebration.
It is not only a great moment for Katherine and Warwick, but also Mr Darcy's birthday! And can the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice not influence the cheerful atmosphere at the Hall and the festive plans of such enthusiastic Austen fans?
This is a fast paced, light-hearted novella you can plan to read on a rainy autumn day, in order to lit it up with romance, comedy and a lot of Austen quotes and references.
October 1, 2013
Happy Birthday Mr Darcy is the fifth in a series of books by Victoria Connelly called the Austen Addicts, however, this novella can be enjoyed as a standalone book which I did as I haven’t read the earlier books in the series.
Happy Birthday Mr Darcy follows the build up to the nuptials of the main characters Katherine and Warwick which are being held at the stately home, Purley Hall. Like all romantic comedies however, the road to the altar does not run smooth and the couple face several crises before their big day.
This is a wonderfully warm, witty and sparkling book with a cast of characters that you can fall in love with and the wonderful allusions to all things Austen (both books and film adaptations) are a delight to any Austen fan.
I devoured this book in a couple of hours and with its humorous dialogue, loveable characters and a beautiful love story is a fitting tribute to Jane Austen. I loved this book and can’t wait to catch up with the further antics of the Austen Addicts.
This book was provided by the author for review.
Happy Birthday Mr Darcy follows the build up to the nuptials of the main characters Katherine and Warwick which are being held at the stately home, Purley Hall. Like all romantic comedies however, the road to the altar does not run smooth and the couple face several crises before their big day.
This is a wonderfully warm, witty and sparkling book with a cast of characters that you can fall in love with and the wonderful allusions to all things Austen (both books and film adaptations) are a delight to any Austen fan.
I devoured this book in a couple of hours and with its humorous dialogue, loveable characters and a beautiful love story is a fitting tribute to Jane Austen. I loved this book and can’t wait to catch up with the further antics of the Austen Addicts.
This book was provided by the author for review.
July 20, 2015
Comme le précédent tome, celui-ci reprend les héros du tout premier roman de la série et n'a donc aucun intérêt si on a pas lu ce dernier. On retrouve Warwick & Katherine sur le point de se marier à Purley Hall bien sûr ^^. C'est l'occasion de retrouver tous les personnages que l'on a déjà croisé et d'avoir de leurs nouvelles. C'est agréable à lire et assez divertissant, le tout étant émaillé de références à Jane Austen. Jusqu'au petit mot de Warwick qui m'a fait sourire. La fin est, comme toujours, toute mignonne et sans prétention
Ce que j'aime : voir des personnages respirer littéralement Austen
Ce que j'aime moins : c'est charmant mais ça n'a pas grand intérêt
En bref : Une petite vignette sympathique, légère et amusante qui permet de découvrir la suite des aventures des personnages de la saga
Ma note
6/10
Ce que j'aime : voir des personnages respirer littéralement Austen
Ce que j'aime moins : c'est charmant mais ça n'a pas grand intérêt
En bref : Une petite vignette sympathique, légère et amusante qui permet de découvrir la suite des aventures des personnages de la saga
Ma note
6/10
September 23, 2017
A wonderful addition to the series, I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down.
This is the fifth book in the series that started with A Weekend with Mr Darcy, whilst the next two might not at first seem related, being separate stories, the characters do begin to interact and by this point it's great to see some of them come together again.
Happy Birthday, Mr Darcy, is mainly focused on the main characters from the first book as they arrange their happy ending, I wouldn't say that you couldn't read it without reading the other books but you'll definitely get more out of it if you have at least read the first one, and it's definitely worth reading them all.
This is the fifth book in the series that started with A Weekend with Mr Darcy, whilst the next two might not at first seem related, being separate stories, the characters do begin to interact and by this point it's great to see some of them come together again.
Happy Birthday, Mr Darcy, is mainly focused on the main characters from the first book as they arrange their happy ending, I wouldn't say that you couldn't read it without reading the other books but you'll definitely get more out of it if you have at least read the first one, and it's definitely worth reading them all.
September 25, 2013
I got this book as a preview from the author before it was published. How lucky was I?! Thoroughly enjoyed it. It stands alone from the other books. Although you don't need to have read the others I would highly recommend it. Such fun and totally apt that it was released 200 years after Pride and Prejudice.
September 28, 2013
For everyone loving Victoria Connellys Austen Addicts series, here´s the newest one.
A short, sweet novella showing us the way to Katherine and Warwicks Purley Hall-wedding. With invited and uninvited guests, laughter, tears and joy.
Go get a cup of tea and curl up at home with this wonderful novella one of this cold autumn evenings!
A short, sweet novella showing us the way to Katherine and Warwicks Purley Hall-wedding. With invited and uninvited guests, laughter, tears and joy.
Go get a cup of tea and curl up at home with this wonderful novella one of this cold autumn evenings!
October 1, 2013
Love, love, loved it!!
Victoria Connelly continues the Austen Addicts series in the best possible way, a wedding! There are the usual twists and turns that make you wonder if you'll get the happy ever after that you want for the characters, I'll let you find out for yourselves!
I finished the novella in one sitting and it left me wanting more, so I'd best start at the beginning again!
Victoria Connelly continues the Austen Addicts series in the best possible way, a wedding! There are the usual twists and turns that make you wonder if you'll get the happy ever after that you want for the characters, I'll let you find out for yourselves!
I finished the novella in one sitting and it left me wanting more, so I'd best start at the beginning again!
October 31, 2014
I went straight on to this after reading the previous novella in the series earlier in the day!
Another fun reunion with some of the couples from the previous books - and I always love to see what happened after the happy endings!
Another fun reunion with some of the couples from the previous books - and I always love to see what happened after the happy endings!
February 13, 2015
Another Enjoyable book from Victoria, It was fun to see the characters continue in the books.:) looking forward to many more. Maybe that Mrs Soames can find her Mr Darcy. HE HE HE
October 1, 2013
Great fun if you've read the other books in the Austen Addicts series. If not, the book is full of too many inside jokes to make it a good stand alone. As a fan of the series, I really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2013
Lovely to meet up again with Katherine and Warwick at their Regency wedding. Love the fact that both had pre-nuptials nerves.
February 11, 2014
Loved this latest instalment of the series. As good as the rest. A lovely warm hearted easy read. I look forward to the next one. I want to know what happens next. I love all the characters.
February 24, 2014
finished 2/4/14
October 22, 2014
Short and sweet - Austen Addicts #5 brings us the wedding of Warwick and Katherine. Hoping there will be more adventures at Purley Hall!
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