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Austen Addicts #6
At Home with Mr. Darcy
The Austen Addicts are back!
It’s summer and renowned actress, Dame Pamela Harcourt, has organized a treat: the first Purley Hall Jane Austen holiday - to the home of Mr. Darcy no less.
With Katherine and Warwick, Robyn, Doris Norris and the rest of the gang, it’s going to be a trip to remember. But then a hardened journalist and non-Janeite, Melissa Berry, joins the party. Fearing a stitch-up, the friends rally together, hoping to convince Melissa that the only way is Austen...
It’s summer and renowned actress, Dame Pamela Harcourt, has organized a treat: the first Purley Hall Jane Austen holiday - to the home of Mr. Darcy no less.
With Katherine and Warwick, Robyn, Doris Norris and the rest of the gang, it’s going to be a trip to remember. But then a hardened journalist and non-Janeite, Melissa Berry, joins the party. Fearing a stitch-up, the friends rally together, hoping to convince Melissa that the only way is Austen...
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2014
About the author
Victoria Connelly
72 books516 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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October 26, 2014Quick summary: In the 6th installment of Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts series, At Home With Mr. Darcy, Dame Pamela Harcourt of Purley Hall is hosting a Jane Austen Holiday in Derbyshire, the home of Mr. Darcy. Connelly brings back characters from her previous novels and novellas — newlyweds Warwick and Katherine, Robyn, sisters Roberta and Rose, the moody Mrs. Soames (who brings along her daughter, Annie), and the endearing Doris Norris — for a trip to Chatsworth House and Lyme Park, which became Mr. Darcy’s grand estate, Pemberley, in the movie adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. But the Janeites are in for some trouble in the form of journalist Melissa Berry, who knows nothing about Jane Austen and doesn’t understand why people remain so interested in her novels today. The gang sets out to show Melissa the relevance of Austen’s work in the present day and to make her fall in love with Austen herself.
Why I wanted to read it: I’m a big fan of the Austen Addicts series. (Check out my reviews: A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy Forever, Christmas With Mr. Darcy, and Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy)
What I liked: I love that Connelly has continued this series. I love these characters, and every time I read a new installment, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Connelly made me feel like I was on holiday with the Janeites and actually visiting the homes with them. There was a hint of romance for one of the characters, and I couldn’t help but laugh at what happened to another character. I loved the side stories about Katherine and Warwick settling into their Georgian manor and Robyn’s husband, Dan, trying to take care of their cottage, their toddler, and his horse riding center on his own for a few days. But most of all, I loved all the talk about books and all-things-Austen, especially the conversation between Robyn and Katherine, a doctor of English literature, about whether Chatsworth was Austen’s inspiration for Pemberley:
‘You think it foolish to try and find the real Pemberley?’ Robyn asked.
‘Not foolish, exactly,’ Katherine said. ‘I think we all carry it inside us, don’t we? We each have our own individual version that no film director can really create for us.’
What I disliked: This novella was delightful and entertaining, and the only thing I disliked was that I finished it so quickly.
Final thoughts: At Home With Mr. Darcy (and the entire Austen Addicts series) is a pure delight for Jane Austen fans. Readers will want to start from the beginning to fully appreciate these characters and their Austen obsession, but it won’t take long to catch up because only the first three installments are full-length novels. I may not own any Mr. Darcy trinkets or be able to quote extensively from the novels, but I connect with these characters through a shared love of reading. Connelly shows that Janeites are proud of their love of Austen but also are able to poke fun at their obsession, and she highlights the sense of community among the Janeites. At Home With Mr. Darcy is lighthearted and fun, and I really hope Connelly plans on continuing the series.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
Why I wanted to read it: I’m a big fan of the Austen Addicts series. (Check out my reviews: A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy Forever, Christmas With Mr. Darcy, and Happy Birthday, Mr. Darcy)
What I liked: I love that Connelly has continued this series. I love these characters, and every time I read a new installment, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Connelly made me feel like I was on holiday with the Janeites and actually visiting the homes with them. There was a hint of romance for one of the characters, and I couldn’t help but laugh at what happened to another character. I loved the side stories about Katherine and Warwick settling into their Georgian manor and Robyn’s husband, Dan, trying to take care of their cottage, their toddler, and his horse riding center on his own for a few days. But most of all, I loved all the talk about books and all-things-Austen, especially the conversation between Robyn and Katherine, a doctor of English literature, about whether Chatsworth was Austen’s inspiration for Pemberley:
‘You think it foolish to try and find the real Pemberley?’ Robyn asked.
‘Not foolish, exactly,’ Katherine said. ‘I think we all carry it inside us, don’t we? We each have our own individual version that no film director can really create for us.’
What I disliked: This novella was delightful and entertaining, and the only thing I disliked was that I finished it so quickly.
Final thoughts: At Home With Mr. Darcy (and the entire Austen Addicts series) is a pure delight for Jane Austen fans. Readers will want to start from the beginning to fully appreciate these characters and their Austen obsession, but it won’t take long to catch up because only the first three installments are full-length novels. I may not own any Mr. Darcy trinkets or be able to quote extensively from the novels, but I connect with these characters through a shared love of reading. Connelly shows that Janeites are proud of their love of Austen but also are able to poke fun at their obsession, and she highlights the sense of community among the Janeites. At Home With Mr. Darcy is lighthearted and fun, and I really hope Connelly plans on continuing the series.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
October 18, 2014
The Austen Addicts are off on a weekend break to Derbyshire to visit stately homes used in the filming of various adaptations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Katherine and Warwick, Dame Pamela herself and her secretary, Robyn, Doris Norris and the person you love to hate, the irascible Mrs Soames. But there is a stranger in their midst and no one is sure whether she has their best interests at heart.
Yes it is light and frothy but sometimes that is what you need. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments and lots of Austen references. This is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves Jane Austen and who has followed these characters from their debut in 'A Weekend with Mr Darcy'.
Yes it is light and frothy but sometimes that is what you need. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments and lots of Austen references. This is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves Jane Austen and who has followed these characters from their debut in 'A Weekend with Mr Darcy'.
February 5, 2021
It must have been over six years since I read Happy Birthday Mr Darcy and I was not sure how easy it would be to remember the characters as I started reading. I needn't have worried. By the time I had finished I was wishing I could book a bus trip with the gang.
January 14, 2023
Another amazing novel by Victoria
This book was amazing, even if we all want to slap Mrs Soames. Any Janeite would love this book as it does justice to her books without destroying them.
This book was amazing, even if we all want to slap Mrs Soames. Any Janeite would love this book as it does justice to her books without destroying them.
June 4, 2021
#6 in the Austen addicts series. The group travels to Pemberly. I love this series.
December 16, 2022
Having now read all six, I'll say that while they're no Austen, they're pretty damn cozy.
February 10, 2015
Join the Austen Addicts as they spend the weekend exploring Debyshire and where else would a group of Janeite's spend a weekend but the home of Mr Darcy, Pemberley of course. The group spend the weekend exploring Chatsworth House and Lyme Park. Both of which have portrayed the splendid Pemberley in adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. It is certainly a trip to remember for some of the little group.
The Austen Addicts are joined on their little adventure by a Melissa Rose. Melissa comes across as a hard nosed journalist with little respect for the groups favourite author. After Doris Norris and Katherine sneak a peek at Melissa's notebook where she has been derogatory towards the group of Janeites. They decide that they are going to convert Melissa into one of them and set about ambushing her with the best of Austen. Melissa however is not stupid and is aware of what they are doing but will she be turned?
The last novella in the Austen Addicts series so far and like the previous books it is a nice easy read with a delightful cast of characters. A couple of new characters were introduced which I hope Victoria Connelly will expand upon at some point in the future. I can just imagine Melissa Rose in a Northanger Abbey inspired story and Annie also with her own tale based around Mansfield Park.
I loved the many Austen references in the story. I have never been to either of these great stately homes, I would love to one day and this book has ignited my desire. My favourite part of the book was Warwick getting wet in the lake at Lyme Park. A nice little nod to the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice however the circumstances that found Warwick in the lake were certainly much funnier.
A must read for anyone who is a fan of the series. However, I am more than a little disappointed that Kay and Adam failed to make an appearance in this Novella.
The Austen Addicts are joined on their little adventure by a Melissa Rose. Melissa comes across as a hard nosed journalist with little respect for the groups favourite author. After Doris Norris and Katherine sneak a peek at Melissa's notebook where she has been derogatory towards the group of Janeites. They decide that they are going to convert Melissa into one of them and set about ambushing her with the best of Austen. Melissa however is not stupid and is aware of what they are doing but will she be turned?
The last novella in the Austen Addicts series so far and like the previous books it is a nice easy read with a delightful cast of characters. A couple of new characters were introduced which I hope Victoria Connelly will expand upon at some point in the future. I can just imagine Melissa Rose in a Northanger Abbey inspired story and Annie also with her own tale based around Mansfield Park.
I loved the many Austen references in the story. I have never been to either of these great stately homes, I would love to one day and this book has ignited my desire. My favourite part of the book was Warwick getting wet in the lake at Lyme Park. A nice little nod to the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice however the circumstances that found Warwick in the lake were certainly much funnier.
A must read for anyone who is a fan of the series. However, I am more than a little disappointed that Kay and Adam failed to make an appearance in this Novella.
February 28, 2015
At Home with Mr. Darcy ( Austen Addicts Book 6 )
Continuing story of Dame Pamela Harcourt and Purley Hall's Jane Austen weekends. This story takes the Austen group to see Chatsworth where the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice and Death Comes to Pemberley was filmed. Their next stop is Lyme Park where the 1995 BBC version was filmed. Katherine and Warwick cross over to the other side of the lake where Colin Firth takes a dip in the pond because of the heat. She wants to see him do this, but another group comes upon them and stifles the plan. Along on the trip is a journalist writing an article about the group. Not a fan of Austen, her first take on the group is not flattering. However, as she gets to know the people for who they are, her perception changes and the article is positively a delight. One member of the group is a dead wringer for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mrs.Soames is always complaining, yelling, and generally unhappy, she just is not liked by the group. This trip she brought her daughter, Annie. Just like Lady Catherine, she dictates Annie's life. Mrs. Soaked after taking a picture where Darcy meets Elizabeth after coming out of the pond with the group wants them all out of her way so she can take a picture of the house. Well, Katherine gets her wish to see Warwick coming out of the pond, because he drove in when Mrs. Soames fell into the pond while trying to get the whole house in her picture. Warwick completed Katherine and every other woman's fantasy that day by recreating the Darcy scene from the movie. This was a novella and was a quick read.
Continuing story of Dame Pamela Harcourt and Purley Hall's Jane Austen weekends. This story takes the Austen group to see Chatsworth where the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice and Death Comes to Pemberley was filmed. Their next stop is Lyme Park where the 1995 BBC version was filmed. Katherine and Warwick cross over to the other side of the lake where Colin Firth takes a dip in the pond because of the heat. She wants to see him do this, but another group comes upon them and stifles the plan. Along on the trip is a journalist writing an article about the group. Not a fan of Austen, her first take on the group is not flattering. However, as she gets to know the people for who they are, her perception changes and the article is positively a delight. One member of the group is a dead wringer for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mrs.Soames is always complaining, yelling, and generally unhappy, she just is not liked by the group. This trip she brought her daughter, Annie. Just like Lady Catherine, she dictates Annie's life. Mrs. Soaked after taking a picture where Darcy meets Elizabeth after coming out of the pond with the group wants them all out of her way so she can take a picture of the house. Well, Katherine gets her wish to see Warwick coming out of the pond, because he drove in when Mrs. Soames fell into the pond while trying to get the whole house in her picture. Warwick completed Katherine and every other woman's fantasy that day by recreating the Darcy scene from the movie. This was a novella and was a quick read.
October 27, 2014
This is the sixth book in the Austen Addicts series, it is a really lovely book to read. It was great to catch up with the characters, who feel like friends, to see what was next for them.
Dame Pamela arranges a Jane Austen holiday - to the home of Mr Darcy. All of my favourites join the trip: Doris Norris, Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and the rest of the Janeites. A journalist, Melissa Berry joins them, but she is not into stories of love, and doesn't know anything about Mr Darcy or Jane Austen. The group fear that Melissa may not do them justice in her article and decide to show her the joy of reading Jane Austen.
I loved this book and again I am hoping that this won't be the last; each book makes me want to know more. What is next for Doris? What is the story between Mrs Soames and her daughter Annie? What is Higgins the butlers story? These are just a few questions I am pondering. If you haven't read the first five books, try them, you will not be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy from the author for a honest review.
Dame Pamela arranges a Jane Austen holiday - to the home of Mr Darcy. All of my favourites join the trip: Doris Norris, Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and the rest of the Janeites. A journalist, Melissa Berry joins them, but she is not into stories of love, and doesn't know anything about Mr Darcy or Jane Austen. The group fear that Melissa may not do them justice in her article and decide to show her the joy of reading Jane Austen.
I loved this book and again I am hoping that this won't be the last; each book makes me want to know more. What is next for Doris? What is the story between Mrs Soames and her daughter Annie? What is Higgins the butlers story? These are just a few questions I am pondering. If you haven't read the first five books, try them, you will not be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy from the author for a honest review.
March 29, 2016
J'ai retrouvé avec plaisir la petite bande de Janeites habituelle ! Warwick & Katherine sont égaux à eux même mais on est content d'apprendre qu'ils ont emménagés et songent à fonder une famille. Idem pour Robyn (la plus gentille de tous), ses aventures et les mésaventures de Dan (resté seul avec Cassie à Purley Hall) m'ont bien fait rire. Donc dans ce tome, on change de décor pour visiter ceux du film (celui avec Keira). J'ai beaucoup aimé les différentes réactions des personnages, les petits détails sur l'univers de Jane (on sent que Victoria Connelly maitrise son sujet). Les ajouts sont aussi pas mal, comme la fille de la méchante Mrs Somaes, les rencontres de Doris et la journaliste Mélissa (j'aime la façon dont elle se laisse séduire au final)
Ce que j'aime : retrouver les personnages et voir ce qu'ils deviennent. Le côté léger de l'histoire mais néanmoins très documenté sur Jane
Ce que j'aime moins : si on a pas lu les tomes précédents ça n'a que peu d'intérêt
En bref : Une nouvelle aventure, légère et amusante de nos Janeites favorites
Ma note
7/10
Ce que j'aime : retrouver les personnages et voir ce qu'ils deviennent. Le côté léger de l'histoire mais néanmoins très documenté sur Jane
Ce que j'aime moins : si on a pas lu les tomes précédents ça n'a que peu d'intérêt
En bref : Une nouvelle aventure, légère et amusante de nos Janeites favorites
Ma note
7/10
December 18, 2014
Fun Jane Austen Addicts [#6] contemporary novella set in Derbyshire. Characters from 'A Weekend with Mr Darcy' rejoin on a Jane Austen Holiday Weekend touring the Pride and Prejudice Pemberley movie settings.
Inclusion of a Vive! magazine journalist assigned to the tour for a 'Janeite' expose poses trouble ahead. The drama of Mrs Soames hasn't abated in the interim, though Ms Connelly has written some delightful moments of comeuppance with her adept light and humorous hand.
And what has conspired to happen back home at Purley House? Whilst the holiday party is traipsing around Lyme Park and Chatsworth House, one supportive hubby is attending to some unexpected home fires!
Always a treat to read Victoria's Brit humour and colloquialisms. Descriptions paint easily envisioned pastoral countryside and Pride and Prejudice settings.
Time to put on the kettle. Scones and a cuppa await....
Inclusion of a Vive! magazine journalist assigned to the tour for a 'Janeite' expose poses trouble ahead. The drama of Mrs Soames hasn't abated in the interim, though Ms Connelly has written some delightful moments of comeuppance with her adept light and humorous hand.
And what has conspired to happen back home at Purley House? Whilst the holiday party is traipsing around Lyme Park and Chatsworth House, one supportive hubby is attending to some unexpected home fires!
Always a treat to read Victoria's Brit humour and colloquialisms. Descriptions paint easily envisioned pastoral countryside and Pride and Prejudice settings.
Time to put on the kettle. Scones and a cuppa await....
October 26, 2014
I loved this little novella from Victoria Connelly, it is the sixth book in the Darcy series. A series of books about Jane Austen book fans (Janeites) who get together visiting places of interest that inspired Jane Austen herself and the characters in her books. This was a lovely catch up with the well loved characters, I hope there is more to come from Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Dame Pamela and Higgins, lovely Doris and her new beau and not forgetting Mrs Soames. These books are delightful and romantic, funny and heartwarming.
October 19, 2014
It's like meeting up with old friends, which is exactly what Robyn, Katherine, Warwick, Dame Pamela and the rest of the Janeites are doing in this installment of the Austen Addicts series.
Victoria once again allows you to escape to a place of friendships, laughter and of course Jane Austen. Her writing makes you feel as if you're there with them.
Magical........ when is the next one out??
Victoria once again allows you to escape to a place of friendships, laughter and of course Jane Austen. Her writing makes you feel as if you're there with them.
Magical........ when is the next one out??
October 22, 2014
The Austen Addicts head out for a weekend field trip to Pemberley, included in the company is a potentially evil journalist out to bash the Janeites. Predictable plot is forgiven with clever lines: "just wondering how Mr. Alsop would fare amongst a group of Janeites if he was a Darcy basher" and fun subplots. Glad I read it on kindle to easily look up unfamiliar British terms.
October 14, 2014
I couldn't resist reading this latest Austen Addicts installment any longer, it's like spending the evening with some old friends.
I'd love to have been on their trip with them and found myself grinning all the way through... and desperately wanting to argue with them over the adaptations.
I'd love to have been on their trip with them and found myself grinning all the way through... and desperately wanting to argue with them over the adaptations.
July 14, 2015
Another enjoyable story in the austen series. I do enjoy the characters and how their stories have evolved throughout each book. I'm now wondering if Victoria will do another one as it feels open to write a 7th book. fingers crossed.
October 18, 2014
What a joy to be back with old friends again! Lovely visit with Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Doris,...and Melissa was also interesting to get to know.
October 31, 2014
Another nice novella encounter with the Austen Addicts characters. A nice way to spend an evening - and with some ideas for some Pride and Prejudice themed visiting!
November 3, 2014
It had a good story with seeing the different sights but I wish it would have been longer. Phenomenal though.
December 17, 2014
It's always with immense pleasure to get re-acquainted with favourite charcaters. I can't wait for another adventure.
December 20, 2015
Not as good as the longer 1st three in the series
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews