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Classic Conversations Anthology: Short Stories Inspired by Great Literary Tales
From the team that brought you the international bestselling anthology, Sweet Bitter Love...
Have you ever longed to give Mr. Darcy a piece of your mind?
Perhaps you wished for the opportunity to fall in love with a Phantom, dive deep into the Underworld, or solve a cozy mystery? How about avenge a Brontë heroine?
This internationally authored anthology is your opportunity to journey through a one-of-a-kind literary experience, inspired and influenced by iconic pieces of literature you know and love. And perhaps introduce you to a few you don’t!
Visit Wonderland, travel beyond Sherwood Forest, chat with Captain Hook, run away to Prince Edward Island–and beyond, to reconnect with your favourite classic characters in brand new, exclusive conversations.
Spanning romance, horror, fairy-tale worthy fantasy, and more, there is something for every reader. May these gripping retellings and sequels hold you captivated from beginning to end, just as their predecessors did!
~*~
Featured Keri Harley, Julia Jackson, L E. Tonn, Cathrine Swift, E. A. M. Trofimenkoff, H. M. Darling, Kaitlyn L. Hill, Allie Sarah, Felicity Devoria, Sabrina Ulicki, Jesica Bavcar, Cortney Murchie, Kassandra Jackson, Paula Phillips, Angelika Miria, Maddi Neuenswander, S. Victoria Nakamun, Shanni Pinkerton
Have you ever longed to give Mr. Darcy a piece of your mind?
Perhaps you wished for the opportunity to fall in love with a Phantom, dive deep into the Underworld, or solve a cozy mystery? How about avenge a Brontë heroine?
This internationally authored anthology is your opportunity to journey through a one-of-a-kind literary experience, inspired and influenced by iconic pieces of literature you know and love. And perhaps introduce you to a few you don’t!
Visit Wonderland, travel beyond Sherwood Forest, chat with Captain Hook, run away to Prince Edward Island–and beyond, to reconnect with your favourite classic characters in brand new, exclusive conversations.
Spanning romance, horror, fairy-tale worthy fantasy, and more, there is something for every reader. May these gripping retellings and sequels hold you captivated from beginning to end, just as their predecessors did!
~*~
Featured Keri Harley, Julia Jackson, L E. Tonn, Cathrine Swift, E. A. M. Trofimenkoff, H. M. Darling, Kaitlyn L. Hill, Allie Sarah, Felicity Devoria, Sabrina Ulicki, Jesica Bavcar, Cortney Murchie, Kassandra Jackson, Paula Phillips, Angelika Miria, Maddi Neuenswander, S. Victoria Nakamun, Shanni Pinkerton
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2025
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Cathrine Swift
18 books49 followersCathrine Swift is an author, designer, and book doula.
Passionate about writing steamy romantic fiction embedded with responsible representation and diversity, Cathrine aims to help fill the world with books bursting with characters of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and identities.
As so many authors do, Cathrine began writing at a young age, her first book, naturally turned out to be about dragons and princesses. (The second was science fiction.) At age eight, she won a short story contest, and is still milking that glory-- as you can see.
She has dedicated her adult life to learning, practicing her craft, and uncovering her true voice through heartbreak, hardship, and human interaction.
Recognizing how writers and creatives have changed her life, Cathrine strives to utilize her growing talent to do the same-- hopefully leaving the world a better place than she found it.
One way she does this is through building an epic community of writers and authors who elevate one another. She also offers book doula services, helping indie authors through their debut's and offering marketing support.
When she isn't writing, she is homeschooling her daughter, daydreaming about getting back to NYC, decluttering a closet, catching up on the latest Marvel offering, or reading fan-fiction and drinking a matcha latte.
Her favourite trope is enemies to lovers and if you ever want to talk Star Trek, Star Wars, or Doctor Who, she's your girl.
Passionate about writing steamy romantic fiction embedded with responsible representation and diversity, Cathrine aims to help fill the world with books bursting with characters of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and identities.
As so many authors do, Cathrine began writing at a young age, her first book, naturally turned out to be about dragons and princesses. (The second was science fiction.) At age eight, she won a short story contest, and is still milking that glory-- as you can see.
She has dedicated her adult life to learning, practicing her craft, and uncovering her true voice through heartbreak, hardship, and human interaction.
Recognizing how writers and creatives have changed her life, Cathrine strives to utilize her growing talent to do the same-- hopefully leaving the world a better place than she found it.
One way she does this is through building an epic community of writers and authors who elevate one another. She also offers book doula services, helping indie authors through their debut's and offering marketing support.
When she isn't writing, she is homeschooling her daughter, daydreaming about getting back to NYC, decluttering a closet, catching up on the latest Marvel offering, or reading fan-fiction and drinking a matcha latte.
Her favourite trope is enemies to lovers and if you ever want to talk Star Trek, Star Wars, or Doctor Who, she's your girl.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 24, 2025
There are few pleasures in my life other than reading and writing, and Classic Conversations satisfies both! I often find myself gravitating towards smaller creators because they are willing to make something from the heart-and as simple as it is, it strips back the layers of literary concepts and converts them into something palatable and original. The authors of Classic Conversations have each created something unique and exciting with each of their concepts. I particularly enjoy the creativity that comes with taking characters and giving them natural human emotion.
This Anthology is perfect for the reader who likes to think outside the box; for all the readers and writers who have head canons that would normally never see the light of day yet are perfectly executed in short form.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to boost my wonderful friend Kassandra Jackson for creating a wonderful look into the world of Winnie the Pooh: who characterizes each of our beloved figures and gives them personalities beyond what we can normally see at a glance. Our fuzzy friends are given a chance to let their story shine through “Thanks for Noticin’ Me” and I highly recommend you take the time to read it.
The privilege of being a part of this Anthology release was all mine. I look forward to what these authors create in the future.
This Anthology is perfect for the reader who likes to think outside the box; for all the readers and writers who have head canons that would normally never see the light of day yet are perfectly executed in short form.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to boost my wonderful friend Kassandra Jackson for creating a wonderful look into the world of Winnie the Pooh: who characterizes each of our beloved figures and gives them personalities beyond what we can normally see at a glance. Our fuzzy friends are given a chance to let their story shine through “Thanks for Noticin’ Me” and I highly recommend you take the time to read it.
The privilege of being a part of this Anthology release was all mine. I look forward to what these authors create in the future.
May 3, 2025
4.5 🌟
Classic Conversations Anthology by Catherine Swift and a talented roster of contributing authors is a rich, nostalgic collection that delivers on many fronts. With stories that span genres and topics, it’s like stepping into a literary time capsule—each piece offering something unique yet connected by a thoughtful, well curated thread.
What I loved most was how many of the stories left a lasting impression—so much so that I found myself wishing some were full length novels or novellas. If any of these authors decide to expand their contributions, I’d be first in line to read them!
That said, a few of the stories took a little while to find their footing—and just as they pulled me in, they ended. A bittersweet feeling for sure💔. Still, the overall experience was well balanced and satisfying, with moments of warmth, reflection, and quiet brilliance.
Highly recommend for fans of short stories who enjoy variety, emotional depth, and plenty of literary nostalgia.
Classic Conversations Anthology by Catherine Swift and a talented roster of contributing authors is a rich, nostalgic collection that delivers on many fronts. With stories that span genres and topics, it’s like stepping into a literary time capsule—each piece offering something unique yet connected by a thoughtful, well curated thread.
What I loved most was how many of the stories left a lasting impression—so much so that I found myself wishing some were full length novels or novellas. If any of these authors decide to expand their contributions, I’d be first in line to read them!
That said, a few of the stories took a little while to find their footing—and just as they pulled me in, they ended. A bittersweet feeling for sure💔. Still, the overall experience was well balanced and satisfying, with moments of warmth, reflection, and quiet brilliance.
Highly recommend for fans of short stories who enjoy variety, emotional depth, and plenty of literary nostalgia.
April 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What I loved:
1. Retellings of beloved classics 💓
2. The blend of genres 🎭
3. Favorite story: You May Now Kiss The Bride 💐
📖 About the Book:
A collection of short stories that reimagine timeless characters and beloved tales in fresh, imaginative ways.
🤔 Review:
This anthology was a book lover’s dream buffet—a little bit of romance, a pinch of fantasy, and a dash of mystery, all steeped in classic literary influence. Some stories made me nostalgic, others made me laugh, and a few gave me that lovely “ah-ha” spark when I caught all the original references. The creativity was wonderful, and I appreciated how each story brought its own unique voice.
There were a few classics I wasn’t as familiar with, which made it a bit harder to connect with some stories—but that’s on me. As with any anthology, some entries stood out more than others, but overall, this collection delivers something for every reader.
What I loved:
1. Retellings of beloved classics 💓
2. The blend of genres 🎭
3. Favorite story: You May Now Kiss The Bride 💐
📖 About the Book:
A collection of short stories that reimagine timeless characters and beloved tales in fresh, imaginative ways.
🤔 Review:
This anthology was a book lover’s dream buffet—a little bit of romance, a pinch of fantasy, and a dash of mystery, all steeped in classic literary influence. Some stories made me nostalgic, others made me laugh, and a few gave me that lovely “ah-ha” spark when I caught all the original references. The creativity was wonderful, and I appreciated how each story brought its own unique voice.
There were a few classics I wasn’t as familiar with, which made it a bit harder to connect with some stories—but that’s on me. As with any anthology, some entries stood out more than others, but overall, this collection delivers something for every reader.
April 1, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
This is a long review as there are 18 different stories I’ve highlighted the ones that stood out for me below
Book 1: Darcy’s Tale - Keri Harley
- Jumps too direct into a story it assumes we all know as it’s a classic. I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice (watched the film) so it was a bit confusing, but the format of how/who they are telling the story is sweet
Book 2: Out Damned Spot - Julia Jackson
- I’ve never read Macbeth, this was gruesome and kinda cool all at once.
Book 3: Curious Friends - L.E. Tonn
- Loved it, what an interesting little twist, it remembers me of something that “once upon a time” tv series may have done.
Book 4: The True Thief - Catherine Swift
- I’m not a massive fan of Robin Hood, but I gave this one a try and it was not bad.
Book 5: Remember Me - E.A.M. Trofimenkoff
- This was beautiful and very poetic.
Book 6: Haunted - H.M. Darling
- I have to admit to have never read Wuthering heights or saw the movie so have no idea the premise. But this was beautifully written.
Book 8: Sweet Sorrow - Allie Sarah
- I really liked this, it offered what possibly could be a real beginning to the feud between the Montague and Capulets
Book 9: Mocking Changeling - Felicity Devoria
- Oh I loved this, I always imagined Jane Eyre to be pompous and boring so have actually never read it. This story however was my favourite so far in Classic Conversations.
Book 10: You May Now Kiss The Bride - Sabrina Ulicki
- Okay, no this was my fave one 🤣
Book 11: Unwritten Heart - Jesica Bavcar
- This was a pretty adorable and new take on Jo which I absolutely welcomed and loved and also set in a modern time.
Book 12: Bloodlust and Betrayal - Cortney Murchie
- This wasn't for me and was pretty much Dracula porn 🤣 and being m/m then mfm really wasn’t for me.
Book 13: Thanks For Noticin’ Me
- This was cute
Book 16: I do believe in falling stars - Maddi Neuenswander
- I liked this one a lot, I never liked the whole Peter/Wendy dynamic in the original, but it was a sign of the times unfortunately
Book 17: A Lonely Woman’s Retribution - S. Victoria Nakamun
- This was pretty brutal. I’ve never read Carmilla, I always wanted to
Book 18: Achilles’ Final Judgement - Shanni Pinkerton
- This was pretty awesome. I love the story of Achilles and Hector at Troy. This was a really well written take on Achilles afterlife.
I received an ARC copy from the authors to review for my honest opinion
This is a long review as there are 18 different stories I’ve highlighted the ones that stood out for me below
Book 1: Darcy’s Tale - Keri Harley
- Jumps too direct into a story it assumes we all know as it’s a classic. I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice (watched the film) so it was a bit confusing, but the format of how/who they are telling the story is sweet
Book 2: Out Damned Spot - Julia Jackson
- I’ve never read Macbeth, this was gruesome and kinda cool all at once.
Book 3: Curious Friends - L.E. Tonn
- Loved it, what an interesting little twist, it remembers me of something that “once upon a time” tv series may have done.
Book 4: The True Thief - Catherine Swift
- I’m not a massive fan of Robin Hood, but I gave this one a try and it was not bad.
Book 5: Remember Me - E.A.M. Trofimenkoff
- This was beautiful and very poetic.
Book 6: Haunted - H.M. Darling
- I have to admit to have never read Wuthering heights or saw the movie so have no idea the premise. But this was beautifully written.
Book 8: Sweet Sorrow - Allie Sarah
- I really liked this, it offered what possibly could be a real beginning to the feud between the Montague and Capulets
Book 9: Mocking Changeling - Felicity Devoria
- Oh I loved this, I always imagined Jane Eyre to be pompous and boring so have actually never read it. This story however was my favourite so far in Classic Conversations.
Book 10: You May Now Kiss The Bride - Sabrina Ulicki
- Okay, no this was my fave one 🤣
Book 11: Unwritten Heart - Jesica Bavcar
- This was a pretty adorable and new take on Jo which I absolutely welcomed and loved and also set in a modern time.
Book 12: Bloodlust and Betrayal - Cortney Murchie
- This wasn't for me and was pretty much Dracula porn 🤣 and being m/m then mfm really wasn’t for me.
Book 13: Thanks For Noticin’ Me
- This was cute
Book 16: I do believe in falling stars - Maddi Neuenswander
- I liked this one a lot, I never liked the whole Peter/Wendy dynamic in the original, but it was a sign of the times unfortunately
Book 17: A Lonely Woman’s Retribution - S. Victoria Nakamun
- This was pretty brutal. I’ve never read Carmilla, I always wanted to
Book 18: Achilles’ Final Judgement - Shanni Pinkerton
- This was pretty awesome. I love the story of Achilles and Hector at Troy. This was a really well written take on Achilles afterlife.
I received an ARC copy from the authors to review for my honest opinion
April 24, 2025
Classic Conversations is a must read for anyone who loves classic lit or wants to get more into it. I was lucky to have been an ARC reader, and after getting into gothic lit for the last few months this was a great read to not only to re-immerse into various worlds and stories I was familiar with, but as a taster for ones I have not yet read (but have now added to my TBR!). Overall the anthology was well organized with a great variety in stories. I dont think theres anywhere else where I can go directly from a vampiric threesome to a Winnie The Pooh party which I find pretty fantastic personally.
I was also impressed by diversity of stories, so much of classic lit is very straight and heteronormative (on the surface level) so it was nice to see some retellings with a queer twist, or bringing the stories inherent queerness front and center.
Some of the stories I found personally notable:
- Out Damned Spot, Julia Jackson (Macbeth)
-Curious Friends, L.E Tonn (Alice in Wonderland + Wizard of Oz)
- The True Thief, Cathrine Swift (Robin Hood)
- Remember Me, E.A.M Trokimenkoff (Phantom of The Opera)
- Haunted, H.M Darling (Wuthering Heights)
- You May Kiss The Bride, Sabrina Ulicki (Anne of Green Gables)
- Unwritten Heart, Jessica Bavcar (Little Women)
- A Lonely Woman's Retribution, S.Victoria Nakumum (Carmilla)
- Achilles' Final Judgement, Shanni Pinkerton (The Illiad)
I was also impressed by diversity of stories, so much of classic lit is very straight and heteronormative (on the surface level) so it was nice to see some retellings with a queer twist, or bringing the stories inherent queerness front and center.
Some of the stories I found personally notable:
- Out Damned Spot, Julia Jackson (Macbeth)
-Curious Friends, L.E Tonn (Alice in Wonderland + Wizard of Oz)
- The True Thief, Cathrine Swift (Robin Hood)
- Remember Me, E.A.M Trokimenkoff (Phantom of The Opera)
- Haunted, H.M Darling (Wuthering Heights)
- You May Kiss The Bride, Sabrina Ulicki (Anne of Green Gables)
- Unwritten Heart, Jessica Bavcar (Little Women)
- A Lonely Woman's Retribution, S.Victoria Nakumum (Carmilla)
- Achilles' Final Judgement, Shanni Pinkerton (The Illiad)
April 10, 2025
This was a very sweet and unique anthology of short stories inspired by classic works of literature that are in the public domain. There's something for every reader. I especially appreciated the inclusion of queer characters who weren't always included back when these stories were originally written - it was really lovely.
My favorite stories were "Darcy's Tale" (Pride and Prejudice) by Keri Harley, which kicks off the collection; "Out, Damned Spot" (Macbeth) by Julia Jackson, which is a tragic and compelling prequel; "The True Thief" (Robin Hood) by Cathrine Swift, which is dramatic and romantic; "Unwritten Heart" (Little Women) by Jesica Bavcar, which is a modern reimagining of the March sisters focusing on Jo; and "You May Kiss the Bride" (Anne of Green Gables) by Sabrina Ulicki, which is a delightful and sweet twist on one of my my favorite classics ever.
I think it helps if you've read the original story that each short story is based upon, as I found myself confused by some of the stories whose world I wasn't familiar with. But there will definitely be plenty of stories that each reader will enjoy, and it's a really fun idea.
Thank you to the authors for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite stories were "Darcy's Tale" (Pride and Prejudice) by Keri Harley, which kicks off the collection; "Out, Damned Spot" (Macbeth) by Julia Jackson, which is a tragic and compelling prequel; "The True Thief" (Robin Hood) by Cathrine Swift, which is dramatic and romantic; "Unwritten Heart" (Little Women) by Jesica Bavcar, which is a modern reimagining of the March sisters focusing on Jo; and "You May Kiss the Bride" (Anne of Green Gables) by Sabrina Ulicki, which is a delightful and sweet twist on one of my my favorite classics ever.
I think it helps if you've read the original story that each short story is based upon, as I found myself confused by some of the stories whose world I wasn't familiar with. But there will definitely be plenty of stories that each reader will enjoy, and it's a really fun idea.
Thank you to the authors for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
This was my first time reading an anthology, and it definitely won’t be my last. Whether you are a lover of classic literature or have never picked up a beloved tale, you will find a story you enjoy in this anthology! If you’ve ever wondered “What happened next” after closing a book, this anthology will give you the fulfilment you’re looking for. A collection of creative “what if’s” that will have you wanting to write your own. From
origin stories to lost love to a female friendship crossover you never knew you needed in your life; this collection has so many fun twists and turns you’ll keep flipping the pages!
origin stories to lost love to a female friendship crossover you never knew you needed in your life; this collection has so many fun twists and turns you’ll keep flipping the pages!
April 22, 2025
I recieved this book as an arc read.
To get a bedtime story by Mr Darcy himself or to fall down a rabbit hole once more as an adult has been the absolute pleasure.
These collections of reimagined short stories, some with modern twists, really answer the questions we all have readers of what happens after or what would it be like if it happened in todays day and age.
I may have shed a few tears on some of these short stories for being downright wholesome. I also love that I was able to experience some new authors as well as add to my collection of existing author faves.
To get a bedtime story by Mr Darcy himself or to fall down a rabbit hole once more as an adult has been the absolute pleasure.
These collections of reimagined short stories, some with modern twists, really answer the questions we all have readers of what happens after or what would it be like if it happened in todays day and age.
I may have shed a few tears on some of these short stories for being downright wholesome. I also love that I was able to experience some new authors as well as add to my collection of existing author faves.
April 23, 2025
This is such a truly beautiful collection of stories. As someone who has largely read recently published romance novels and not branched far back into the classics, so many of these stories have been new adventures for me, and they made me excited to add the original novels that inspired these stories to my TBR. Without spoiling much, just know that there is an adventure here for every reader (whether or not you've read the classic telling itself, I still enjoyed the ones I didn't recognize!) I'm confident that no one will walk away disappointed 💕
April 22, 2025
I started out reading this to support one of my really good friends and her story, Thanks for noticin’ me. It was Absolutely wonderful and so cute!! Such a great picture of friendship and community.
"You know something Eeyore," Piglet added,
"if you weren't you, then we'd all be a bit less we."
This quote. 🖤🤌🏼
I ended up getting sucked into all the other stories after this and recommend to anyone who loves little short stories that relate to classic stories we grew up on.
"You know something Eeyore," Piglet added,
"if you weren't you, then we'd all be a bit less we."
This quote. 🖤🤌🏼
I ended up getting sucked into all the other stories after this and recommend to anyone who loves little short stories that relate to classic stories we grew up on.
April 6, 2025
Wow just wow !!! I haven’t finished it all yet , but I am
Already giving it 5 stars !! I had the privilege of being an ARC for this and I’m so glad I was !! Seriously if you like the classic you will like this book !! I don’t know what else to say but WOW !! I love it ! Bravo to all the amazing authors who contributed to this !!
Already giving it 5 stars !! I had the privilege of being an ARC for this and I’m so glad I was !! Seriously if you like the classic you will like this book !! I don’t know what else to say but WOW !! I love it ! Bravo to all the amazing authors who contributed to this !!
April 23, 2025
A collection of 18 short stories of different takes on Classic stories. I rather enjoyed this overall. Definitely some stand outs and new to me authors I'll now follow. Covers some pretty interesting "what ifs" and "what came next" for some of these classics.
April 23, 2025
This anthology is a collection of well-loved classics given new life! I enjoyed the wide variety of stories, and each and every contributor is a talented writer.
I highly recommend checking this one out!
I highly recommend checking this one out!
June 3, 2025
These stories are incredible and some of these authors really get a grip on your heart in just a few short pages. I'm not quite 1/2 way through but expect more emotional damage yet to come..
Reading these conversations on your favorite classics will definitely ignite a craving to reread the originals too! It's wonderful to see these characters from a new perspective but I'm actually eager to crack open a few oldies!
Reading these conversations on your favorite classics will definitely ignite a craving to reread the originals too! It's wonderful to see these characters from a new perspective but I'm actually eager to crack open a few oldies!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews