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Austen Anthology #2
A Very Austen Valentine
Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen's Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen's adored novels.
Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day.
Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day.
475 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2018
323 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Robin M. Helm
14 books208 followersRobin Helm's time revolves around music as she plays and teaches. Her books reflect that love, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.
Her latest publication is Lawfully Innocent: A US Marshal Lawkeepers story. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy (Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian angel) and the Yours by Design series (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), Understanding Elizabeth (Darcy must decide how much he's willing to pay to have what he wants), and More To Love (Darcy comments on Elizabeth's weight at the Assembly).
Mrs. Helm is also featured in a series of anthologies with several other like-minded authors. A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine have been Best Sellers on Amazon in several categories. A Very Austen Romance is being planned for February, 2020.
She lives in (usually) sunny South Carolina and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling.
AWARDS:
The Guardian Trilogy
Austenesque Reviews 2013 P & P Variation/Alternate Path Award
Yours by Design series
Austenesque Reviews, Top Ten Time Travel novels
Of Pens and Pages, Top 5 Modern Pride & Prejudice Retellings
A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Books of 2017
A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Anthology, 2018
More to Love: Cover Design Gold Star Award, The Book Designer
Her latest publication is Lawfully Innocent: A US Marshal Lawkeepers story. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy (Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian angel) and the Yours by Design series (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), Understanding Elizabeth (Darcy must decide how much he's willing to pay to have what he wants), and More To Love (Darcy comments on Elizabeth's weight at the Assembly).
Mrs. Helm is also featured in a series of anthologies with several other like-minded authors. A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine have been Best Sellers on Amazon in several categories. A Very Austen Romance is being planned for February, 2020.
She lives in (usually) sunny South Carolina and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling.
AWARDS:
The Guardian Trilogy
Austenesque Reviews 2013 P & P Variation/Alternate Path Award
Yours by Design series
Austenesque Reviews, Top Ten Time Travel novels
Of Pens and Pages, Top 5 Modern Pride & Prejudice Retellings
A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Books of 2017
A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Anthology, 2018
More to Love: Cover Design Gold Star Award, The Book Designer
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February 15, 2024
It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story. ~ American Indian saying
In this case, it takes six voices to tell six stories – six well-known writers of JAFF share stories centered around Valentine’s Day.
To write only the essence of the tale and eliminate all wandering thoughts requires a special talent. I appreciate these authors who are followers of Jack Webb’s philosophy: “Just the facts, ma’am.”
These love stories range from sweet to hilarious. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
Faith! he must make his stories shorter
Or change his comrades once a quarter.
~ Jonathan Swift
In this case, it takes six voices to tell six stories – six well-known writers of JAFF share stories centered around Valentine’s Day.
To write only the essence of the tale and eliminate all wandering thoughts requires a special talent. I appreciate these authors who are followers of Jack Webb’s philosophy: “Just the facts, ma’am.”
These love stories range from sweet to hilarious. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
Faith! he must make his stories shorter
Or change his comrades once a quarter.
~ Jonathan Swift
January 30, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I DREAM OF YOU by Robin Helm: A few months into their marriage Darcy is busy with estate improvements and is falling into bed at night exhausted. Elizabeth creates ways of finding time together and also dreams of such at night. She keeps a journal. I loved the conversations and times my favorite couple shared.
@15% SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE by Laura Hile: There were some very clever twists in this story. Lady Catherine receives a letter when Sir Walter Elliot mistakenly finds the wrong Lady Catherine de Bouer in The Baronetage. I especially liked the repeating of Darcy’s words in his ill-begotten Hunsford proposal. Also delightful were the Colonel and Darcy quizzing Sir Walter as to his background, his income, his estate and his intentions.
@32% MY FOREVER VALENTINE by Wendi Sotis: Jane and Bingley are wed but Darcy AND Charles’ sisters did not show up for the wedding. Elizabeth sees it as a way they showed their disapproval of the match. Then Elizabeth takes her trip to Hunsford to visit the Collinses. The disastrous proposal occurs and Elizabeth receives that letter. But Anne and Richard are in cahoots and conspire to help “court” Elizabeth for Darcy. Back in London, staying with the Bingleys, valentines show up. She begins to change her mind.
@60% PRETENCE AND PREJUDICE by Barbara Cornthwaite: Elizabeth goes to visit her old nursemaid/governess and while there encounters Darcy but he introduces himself as the Reverand Williams. Colonel Fitzwilliam has sent him on a secret mission but also alerted him as to a French spy who goes by Elise Benét. When he claims to be from Netherfield in Meryton she knows he is lying and thus she also gives him misleading information about herself as a response. He finds the person he was to contact has died and so waits there for his cousin to respond to his letter about the man’s death. Thus he has a bigger part to play to support his lies.
@73% MY VALENTINE Mandy Cook: Loved this…blurry eyes here. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s daughter, 4-year-old Charlotte, contracts Scarlet Fever and her brother’s university friend, Henry V. Brandon, son of Colonel Brandon & Marianne, arrives to distract her and urge her to take sips of liquids. You see he had lost his beloved younger sister to the same disease and wanted to somehow prevent this happening to his friend’s sister. She survives and they remain friends. Through the years she begins to receive surprises on Valentine’s Day. It continues as she ages and is almost on the shelf…21 years later…well do read this. “Little Lotte, does she like…?” (Whispers of the Phantom of the Opera)
@87% THE LOVERS’ RUSE by Susan Kaye: Poignant for those of us who really would have liked to have read a much different path for Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot…but with the omission of that “Half-Agony-Half-Hope Letter”. Anne makes a different decision just before Frederick is appointed to the Asp but hides it from all her family and acquaintances…thus: The Ruse!
I won a copy of this anthology in the raffle for the blog tour. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all JAFF lovers. I don’t want to name favorites as they all were well worth reading.
I DREAM OF YOU by Robin Helm: A few months into their marriage Darcy is busy with estate improvements and is falling into bed at night exhausted. Elizabeth creates ways of finding time together and also dreams of such at night. She keeps a journal. I loved the conversations and times my favorite couple shared.
@15% SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE by Laura Hile: There were some very clever twists in this story. Lady Catherine receives a letter when Sir Walter Elliot mistakenly finds the wrong Lady Catherine de Bouer in The Baronetage. I especially liked the repeating of Darcy’s words in his ill-begotten Hunsford proposal. Also delightful were the Colonel and Darcy quizzing Sir Walter as to his background, his income, his estate and his intentions.
@32% MY FOREVER VALENTINE by Wendi Sotis: Jane and Bingley are wed but Darcy AND Charles’ sisters did not show up for the wedding. Elizabeth sees it as a way they showed their disapproval of the match. Then Elizabeth takes her trip to Hunsford to visit the Collinses. The disastrous proposal occurs and Elizabeth receives that letter. But Anne and Richard are in cahoots and conspire to help “court” Elizabeth for Darcy. Back in London, staying with the Bingleys, valentines show up. She begins to change her mind.
@60% PRETENCE AND PREJUDICE by Barbara Cornthwaite: Elizabeth goes to visit her old nursemaid/governess and while there encounters Darcy but he introduces himself as the Reverand Williams. Colonel Fitzwilliam has sent him on a secret mission but also alerted him as to a French spy who goes by Elise Benét. When he claims to be from Netherfield in Meryton she knows he is lying and thus she also gives him misleading information about herself as a response. He finds the person he was to contact has died and so waits there for his cousin to respond to his letter about the man’s death. Thus he has a bigger part to play to support his lies.
@73% MY VALENTINE Mandy Cook: Loved this…blurry eyes here. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s daughter, 4-year-old Charlotte, contracts Scarlet Fever and her brother’s university friend, Henry V. Brandon, son of Colonel Brandon & Marianne, arrives to distract her and urge her to take sips of liquids. You see he had lost his beloved younger sister to the same disease and wanted to somehow prevent this happening to his friend’s sister. She survives and they remain friends. Through the years she begins to receive surprises on Valentine’s Day. It continues as she ages and is almost on the shelf…21 years later…well do read this. “Little Lotte, does she like…?” (Whispers of the Phantom of the Opera)
@87% THE LOVERS’ RUSE by Susan Kaye: Poignant for those of us who really would have liked to have read a much different path for Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot…but with the omission of that “Half-Agony-Half-Hope Letter”. Anne makes a different decision just before Frederick is appointed to the Asp but hides it from all her family and acquaintances…thus: The Ruse!
I won a copy of this anthology in the raffle for the blog tour. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all JAFF lovers. I don’t want to name favorites as they all were well worth reading.
January 19, 2019
Six JAFF Valentine stories by six fine authors. You'll find straight up variations as well as mash-ups of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, and one throws in a dash of Sense and Sensibility. Each story has its own distinctive style, and all are very well-written.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife (Laura Hile) and Pretense and Prejudice (Barbara Cornthwaite) aim to tickle your funny bone.
With all three Elliot daughters married, loneliness and lack of society (due to lack of a hostess) become matters of concern for Sir Walter. Plus, a wealthy wife would solve his current financial difficulties. Sending a Valentine to the lucky lady of his choice seems like a great first step--except he sends it to the wrong lady.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet each other away from their respective homes under circumstances that lead each to believe the other may be a spy. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the lies they tell, especially considering their mutual attraction to each other.
I Dream Of You (Robin Helm) and My Forever Valentine (Wendi Sotis) are more serious in nature. These focus on Darcy and Elizabeth in more traditional settings.
The latter takes them from Longbourn to Kent and then to London and Cheapside. Once Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh recognize Darcy's interest in Mrs. Collins's houseguest, they come up with a plan to get the two together. They're unaware when Darcy proposes and is soundly rejected by the lady.
In the former tale, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are at Pemberley and have been married for a year. Darcy's responsibilities to the estate have him spending little time with his wife. She dreams up some creative ways to keep them from drifting apart.
One of the stories, My Valentine (Mandy Cook) introduces a new generation of characters. Henry, a young man of eighteen, takes a kindly interest in his friend's lively four-year-old sister Charlotte. We read as their sibling-like relationship grows over the years.
The last is The Lovers' Ruse (Susan Kaye), an extremely satisfying account of the romance between Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth. A different kind of persuasion comes to bear in the pivotal last scene, but will it be successful?
This is a diverse collection of stories with something for all JAFF enthusiasts.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife (Laura Hile) and Pretense and Prejudice (Barbara Cornthwaite) aim to tickle your funny bone.
With all three Elliot daughters married, loneliness and lack of society (due to lack of a hostess) become matters of concern for Sir Walter. Plus, a wealthy wife would solve his current financial difficulties. Sending a Valentine to the lucky lady of his choice seems like a great first step--except he sends it to the wrong lady.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet each other away from their respective homes under circumstances that lead each to believe the other may be a spy. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the lies they tell, especially considering their mutual attraction to each other.
I Dream Of You (Robin Helm) and My Forever Valentine (Wendi Sotis) are more serious in nature. These focus on Darcy and Elizabeth in more traditional settings.
The latter takes them from Longbourn to Kent and then to London and Cheapside. Once Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne deBourgh recognize Darcy's interest in Mrs. Collins's houseguest, they come up with a plan to get the two together. They're unaware when Darcy proposes and is soundly rejected by the lady.
In the former tale, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are at Pemberley and have been married for a year. Darcy's responsibilities to the estate have him spending little time with his wife. She dreams up some creative ways to keep them from drifting apart.
One of the stories, My Valentine (Mandy Cook) introduces a new generation of characters. Henry, a young man of eighteen, takes a kindly interest in his friend's lively four-year-old sister Charlotte. We read as their sibling-like relationship grows over the years.
The last is The Lovers' Ruse (Susan Kaye), an extremely satisfying account of the romance between Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth. A different kind of persuasion comes to bear in the pivotal last scene, but will it be successful?
This is a diverse collection of stories with something for all JAFF enthusiasts.
January 18, 2019
An anthology of novellas devoted to Jane Austen's beloved characters from three of her novels will always be a delight and heighten my anticipation. I have read and enjoy most of these author's works before and am particularly pleased by the variety of writing style, story focus, and tone that I can expect. They each approached the theme of St. Valentine's Day and cleverly worked it into their stories in unique ways that were great Valentine tributes. This is an anthology that I will likely pick up over again when I want to read engaging stories for the holiday.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
A P&P sequel
A year into her marriage, Elizabeth watches her husband leave in the morning and return exhausted after dark from tasks around the estate. She doesn't want to lose the companionship and closeness of their courtship. Between dreams and reality, Elizabeth courts her husband and shows him that he can still do his duty to his estate and have a loving marriage.
Sweet married courtship and a heartwarming series of cute dates to rekindle the romance! Enjoyed the engaging aspect of what comes after the Happily Ever After for the romance pair.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile
A Persuasion sequel and P&P variation
Sir Walter Elliot's last remaining unmarried daughter is married and he finds himself left alone. This will not do so acourting he will go. A misdirected Valentine from him arrives for Lady Catherine de Bourgh and a genteel mayhem ensues.
Sir Walter absolutely shines and Lady Catherine surprises in this delightful Regency Romantic Comedy. I couldn't stop laughing through the encounter between Sir Walter and the bewildered nephews who couldn't figure out how they lost the upper hand in that meeting.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
A P&P sequel variation
This one did an interesting twist placing Charles and Jane's wedding just before Elizabeth goes to visit Charlotte in Kent. Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam play matchmaker when Darcy and Lizzy still have that tempestuous Hunsford Proposal. Will a letter and a Valentine change Lizzy's mind?
Enjoyed the twist to the original that gave favorite side character's more page time and there was a definite swoon quality. The matchmaking work by all their friends was entertaining.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A P&P variation
Darcy and Elizabeth meet in a coastal village by happenstance and mistake one another for French spies. As time together bring increasing attraction so does the pressure of their lies about who they are and their fears that the other's lies truly are hiding a spy.
This was a delightful Regency romp that had me laughing and sighing with pleasure. If only it could have been longer. I was captivated by this altered version of Darcy and Elizabeth's story.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
A P&P and a S&S sequel
It started when little Charlotte Darcy was four years old and rec'd her first Valentine right before she became dreadfully ill. Her brother and his friends the Brandon boys had to act the knights in Charlotte's name. Over the years through finishing school, court presentation, and social seasons Charlotte continues to receive Valentines from her secret Valentine. As the older generation passes off the scene, she wonders when the last of the Valentines will arrive.
Tender and poignant. Wonderful build up. The last scene left me smiling for the story's culmination.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
Persuasion Variation
Starting before the events of Austen's Persuasion, Lover's Ruse begins with the meeting of Commander Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot while he is a half-pay sailor on shore waiting for his first ship to command. Frederick forms impressions of the eldest Miss Elliot, Lady Russell, and Anne through a series of social engagements. He encounters social snobbery from the first two and a genuine interest in the latter, but is Anne's love strong enough to survive interference from her nearest and dearest right when Frederick gets his orders?
Enjoyable from Frederick's POV and his efforts to ignore upper class snobbery or the temptations of outer beauty to choose the sister who is genuine. The speech to 'persuade' her was a gem.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
A P&P sequel
A year into her marriage, Elizabeth watches her husband leave in the morning and return exhausted after dark from tasks around the estate. She doesn't want to lose the companionship and closeness of their courtship. Between dreams and reality, Elizabeth courts her husband and shows him that he can still do his duty to his estate and have a loving marriage.
Sweet married courtship and a heartwarming series of cute dates to rekindle the romance! Enjoyed the engaging aspect of what comes after the Happily Ever After for the romance pair.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile
A Persuasion sequel and P&P variation
Sir Walter Elliot's last remaining unmarried daughter is married and he finds himself left alone. This will not do so acourting he will go. A misdirected Valentine from him arrives for Lady Catherine de Bourgh and a genteel mayhem ensues.
Sir Walter absolutely shines and Lady Catherine surprises in this delightful Regency Romantic Comedy. I couldn't stop laughing through the encounter between Sir Walter and the bewildered nephews who couldn't figure out how they lost the upper hand in that meeting.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
A P&P sequel variation
This one did an interesting twist placing Charles and Jane's wedding just before Elizabeth goes to visit Charlotte in Kent. Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam play matchmaker when Darcy and Lizzy still have that tempestuous Hunsford Proposal. Will a letter and a Valentine change Lizzy's mind?
Enjoyed the twist to the original that gave favorite side character's more page time and there was a definite swoon quality. The matchmaking work by all their friends was entertaining.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A P&P variation
Darcy and Elizabeth meet in a coastal village by happenstance and mistake one another for French spies. As time together bring increasing attraction so does the pressure of their lies about who they are and their fears that the other's lies truly are hiding a spy.
This was a delightful Regency romp that had me laughing and sighing with pleasure. If only it could have been longer. I was captivated by this altered version of Darcy and Elizabeth's story.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
A P&P and a S&S sequel
It started when little Charlotte Darcy was four years old and rec'd her first Valentine right before she became dreadfully ill. Her brother and his friends the Brandon boys had to act the knights in Charlotte's name. Over the years through finishing school, court presentation, and social seasons Charlotte continues to receive Valentines from her secret Valentine. As the older generation passes off the scene, she wonders when the last of the Valentines will arrive.
Tender and poignant. Wonderful build up. The last scene left me smiling for the story's culmination.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
Persuasion Variation
Starting before the events of Austen's Persuasion, Lover's Ruse begins with the meeting of Commander Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot while he is a half-pay sailor on shore waiting for his first ship to command. Frederick forms impressions of the eldest Miss Elliot, Lady Russell, and Anne through a series of social engagements. He encounters social snobbery from the first two and a genuine interest in the latter, but is Anne's love strong enough to survive interference from her nearest and dearest right when Frederick gets his orders?
Enjoyable from Frederick's POV and his efforts to ignore upper class snobbery or the temptations of outer beauty to choose the sister who is genuine. The speech to 'persuade' her was a gem.
January 11, 2019
What do you get when you combine Austen and Regency experts and tell them to create Austen-inspired retellings?
Well, in this case, you get six fabulous novellas! From the first to the last, each story is a gem in its own right.
Robin Helm gives us a glimpse into Elizabeth's and Darcy's marriage in "I Dream of You" and shows how Elizabeth takes a problem and turns it into a challenge. There is so much to be learned from this story, and yet I don't know how much of that "lesson" Ms. Helm meant to put there. It's not a moralistic tale or a sermon disguised as a story. It doesn't read like that anyway. Instead, with excellent writing and careful attention to period detail, she shows how Elizabeth takes a personal disappointment and turns it into a way to bless her husband. Brilliant. I have to caution that for conservative readers, this one is more sensual than I usually read, but I am NOT sorry I read it. Nothing is inappropriate... I'm just a prude and I know some people are aware of that. ;)
Laura Hile is up next with her delightful tale of a serendipitous mixup, "Sir Walter Takes a Wife." Sir Walter Elliot is brilliantly self-centered as usual, and he's met his match--both literally and figuratively--in Lady Catherin deBourgh. I laughed from beginning to end, and absolutely loved how she kept everyone the same while showing us new sides to them as only Laura can do.
Wendy Sotis retells the tale of Elizabeth's sojourn in Kent in "My Forever Valentine" but at a slightly different time than we saw in the original, and because of that, we see different sides of several characters. I LOVE Anne in this one in particular.
Next up is Barbara Cornthwaite's "Pretense and Prejudice" in which Elizabeth and Darcy have to deal with spies! As we're accustomed to with Ms. Cornthwaite, the story is full of rich detail that doesn't bog down the pace (yay!) and a carefully woven plot that kept me on my toes the whole way. I mean, you know what's going to happen... and yet, you don't. And that's the best part.
"My Valentine" by Mandy Cook is possibly my favorite. Just don't quote me on that because my favorite changes depending on which one I'm talking about at any given moment. Right now, it's this one. I've never read anything by Mandy Cook before, but I look forward to more! Her glance a couple of decades into the future to show us Elizabeth Darcy's daughter and her very special valentine... aaah... Seriously one of the sweetest stories. I envy someone writing something so delightfully endearing.
And the "Lover's Ruse" by Susan Kaye did what I've wanted to see for a long time. She showed us Anne Elliot BEFORE Lady Russell meddled where she wasn't wanted and sent Anne into a depression I don't think the girl even knew about. Seeing those sparks of the Anne we see after Wentworth returned BEFORE he even went--wonderful. I just loved this "what if" and everything that went with it.
One of the most frustrating things about reading historical fiction is when the diction and even syntax become so modern that you can't shake it off. Anachronisms--painful. But I knew when I went into reading this set that I wouldn't find any of that. And while I'm no Regency expert, I didn't. Nothing jumped out and slapped me upside the head. Can't wait for the next Very Austen collection. :D
Well, in this case, you get six fabulous novellas! From the first to the last, each story is a gem in its own right.
Robin Helm gives us a glimpse into Elizabeth's and Darcy's marriage in "I Dream of You" and shows how Elizabeth takes a problem and turns it into a challenge. There is so much to be learned from this story, and yet I don't know how much of that "lesson" Ms. Helm meant to put there. It's not a moralistic tale or a sermon disguised as a story. It doesn't read like that anyway. Instead, with excellent writing and careful attention to period detail, she shows how Elizabeth takes a personal disappointment and turns it into a way to bless her husband. Brilliant. I have to caution that for conservative readers, this one is more sensual than I usually read, but I am NOT sorry I read it. Nothing is inappropriate... I'm just a prude and I know some people are aware of that. ;)
Laura Hile is up next with her delightful tale of a serendipitous mixup, "Sir Walter Takes a Wife." Sir Walter Elliot is brilliantly self-centered as usual, and he's met his match--both literally and figuratively--in Lady Catherin deBourgh. I laughed from beginning to end, and absolutely loved how she kept everyone the same while showing us new sides to them as only Laura can do.
Wendy Sotis retells the tale of Elizabeth's sojourn in Kent in "My Forever Valentine" but at a slightly different time than we saw in the original, and because of that, we see different sides of several characters. I LOVE Anne in this one in particular.
Next up is Barbara Cornthwaite's "Pretense and Prejudice" in which Elizabeth and Darcy have to deal with spies! As we're accustomed to with Ms. Cornthwaite, the story is full of rich detail that doesn't bog down the pace (yay!) and a carefully woven plot that kept me on my toes the whole way. I mean, you know what's going to happen... and yet, you don't. And that's the best part.
"My Valentine" by Mandy Cook is possibly my favorite. Just don't quote me on that because my favorite changes depending on which one I'm talking about at any given moment. Right now, it's this one. I've never read anything by Mandy Cook before, but I look forward to more! Her glance a couple of decades into the future to show us Elizabeth Darcy's daughter and her very special valentine... aaah... Seriously one of the sweetest stories. I envy someone writing something so delightfully endearing.
And the "Lover's Ruse" by Susan Kaye did what I've wanted to see for a long time. She showed us Anne Elliot BEFORE Lady Russell meddled where she wasn't wanted and sent Anne into a depression I don't think the girl even knew about. Seeing those sparks of the Anne we see after Wentworth returned BEFORE he even went--wonderful. I just loved this "what if" and everything that went with it.
One of the most frustrating things about reading historical fiction is when the diction and even syntax become so modern that you can't shake it off. Anachronisms--painful. But I knew when I went into reading this set that I wouldn't find any of that. And while I'm no Regency expert, I didn't. Nothing jumped out and slapped me upside the head. Can't wait for the next Very Austen collection. :D
September 2, 2019
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
A P&P sequel
Darcy is working too much, I should have written this review when I finished this short. I guess ok?
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile
A Persuasion sequel and P&P variation
This was interesting, Sir Walter is courting Lady de Bourgh. LOL. Funny
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
A P&P sequel variation
A rather sweet story
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A P&P variation
They both think the other one is a spy, I also liked that they met during other circumstances
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
A P&P and a S&S sequel
This one was really dull, and was about lizzy and Darcy's kid
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
Persuasion Variation
Another boring one.
Some good, some not so good. You know, like all other anthologies.
A P&P sequel
Darcy is working too much, I should have written this review when I finished this short. I guess ok?
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile
A Persuasion sequel and P&P variation
This was interesting, Sir Walter is courting Lady de Bourgh. LOL. Funny
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
A P&P sequel variation
A rather sweet story
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A P&P variation
They both think the other one is a spy, I also liked that they met during other circumstances
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
A P&P and a S&S sequel
This one was really dull, and was about lizzy and Darcy's kid
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
Persuasion Variation
Another boring one.
Some good, some not so good. You know, like all other anthologies.
February 14, 2019
What do you get when you mix Jane Austen's novels with Valentine's Day? A delightful collection of short stories from six talented authors!
I Dream of You by Robin Helm: Sweet dreamy story.
"Discovering new things about each other should be one of the joys of marriage." (quote from the book)
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile: Oh, the consequences of being 'alone'! Made me think of a Loreal commercial!
'Who better to appreciate his witty intelligence than a wife?" (quote from the book)
My Forever Valentine by Wendy Sotis: Cupid and well meaning family pierce the heart.
"No one else need ever know about his feelings for Miss Elizabeth Bennet." (quote from the book)
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite: This is what happens when you mix spies and lies!
"Sometimes things are not what they appear to be." (quote from the book)
My Valentine by Mandy Cook: A poignant mix of Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility with a dash of Emma.
"Not like brother and sister at all..." (quote from the book)
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye: I was delightfully persuaded too!
"To know she has everything you need..." (quote from the book)
Happy reading and Happy Valentine's Day!
January 16, 2019
4.75 Except for some cloying aspects to story #1, I enjoyed the rest of the stories.
July 3, 2019
This is a collection with 6 unrelated stories 5 are about Lizzy & Darcy while the 6th is from Persuasion.
The first story is I Dream of You by Robin Helm and I have to say it just didn't do it for me. Set at Pemberley after their wedding I really didn't recognize either Darcy or Lizzy. Darcy is a micromanager of the worst kind. Lizzy has been missing him because he is gone from dawn to dusk working on the building of a dower house. This just makes No sense! 1] Darcy's mother is dead. 2] Lizzy is 22 and they have no children. This isn't a priority PERIOD.
Lizzy on the other hand is bored. Now there should be numerous things to keep her busy just learning about Pemberley, planning menus, visiting tenants and meeting her neighbors. Further Georgiana is no where in sight. This just strikes me as wrong. The other thing that strikes me as wrong is that the author has a Calico tom cat walk by ODC “Ask the Vet: Why Are All Calico Cats Female?
To create a calico (or tortoise-shell) pattern, one of the X chromosomes must carry the black gene and the other the orange gene. If a black male and an orange female mate, the result will be a half-black and half-orange female offspring-a calico. A black female and an orange male will also produce a calico female.” https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-gar...
The 'romantic' parts of the story struck me as too juvenile and too modern. I found them really ridiculous and I found their 'clever banter' annoying. Lizzy is having a lot of stupid dreams and writing them in her journal. I really can't emphasize enough that this struck me at how a MODERN teenager who read a Cosmo about how to please a man would imagine 'grown up love'. While a Regency teen who read Cosmo would be reaching for her salts.
I found both of the characters recollections of when they found the other attractive unbelievable. I really disliked this story, so much that I considered giving up on the book. Luckily I didn't because the second story is spectacular.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Omg this is just adorable when Sir Walter from Persuasion decides that he needs a wife to bring up his standard of living. He decides to send a Valentine and through his error instead of sending it to his desired Lady he sends it to She Who Must be obeyed, yes the One the Only Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And Lady C isn't amused. But Sir Walter really needs the dosh so he hies himself off to Hunsford where he amuses and entertains the great lady; he also does a bit of matchmaking.
Our third story, My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis, is also set mostly at Rosings and is a what if that imagines Bingley returning almost immediately for Jane and their marrying quickly. Then Lizzy is off to Rosings to visit Charlotte while Jane is on her wedding tour. While Darcy & Col. Fitzwilliam move their annual visit to post Christmas so the author can squeeze in Valentines day; I mean because the colonel is headed for an overseas post in Spring. Yeah that's the ticket. This is a decent story that the author just shoe horns in too many plot threads... we have Lady Catherine losing her memory, Anne falling in love with her doctor; who is also the son of an Earl and a landowner, Lizzy and Darcy straightening out their misconceptions, Lizzy carrying a list of what she despises about Darcy, Anne & the Colonel planning to have Darcy write Miss Bennet (Lizzy remember Jane is married now) Valentines, Valentines being sent early so you can respond, Jane and Bingley letters going astray because Jane has Bingley address them, Bingley decorating his home, Lizzy NOT buying clothes in London (this puzzled me) and the repeated use of BoArder for BORder. Not once, not twice, but Three annoying times.
The Fourth Story is Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
This is a silly story where I feel the Valentine's aspect was a late addition. In a world where the Bennet governess for two generations was pensioned off to Southend by Mr. Bennet. When Lizzy goes to visit we learn of a spy named Elisa Benèt who was known to be in the area. Meanwhile back in London col. Fitzwilliam sends Darcy to deliver a message to a general in Southend. On his trip to Southend Darcy briefly passes through Meryton and learns about Netherfield. So when on his first day in Southend he meets an 'Elizabeth Bennet' who reads and speaks French he thinks she might be the spy and 'disguise of any sort' identifies himself as a cleric whose father owns Netherfield and whose patron is a Mr. Darcy (what a tangled web we weave) So Lizzy immediately knows he's LYING so she is not going to disclose her real details and now she's lying too. Then a bunch of useless stuff happens and there is an assembly and he reveals his true identity thanks to a surprise appearance from Bingley and we get to a HEA.
The fifth is My Valentine by Mandy Cook
This is another story that I wasn't thrilled with. This is a P&P sequel were the Darcy's daughter Charlotte is the motivation behind her brother Bennet and several of his friends being punished at school. Apparently her honor was questioned... the twist in this tale is that Charlotte is only 4 years old. One of the friends is the 18 year old son of Marianne Brandon nee Dashwood, there is a subplot about the names Mrs. Brandon. When Charlotte falls ill with Scarlet Fever Henry Brandon rushes to Pemberley to lend a hand, he and his family had contracted the disease perviously and he wants to be sure the best treatment in available. After which Charlotte begins receiving annual Valentine's Day presents. Time passed quickly and soon Charlotte has her own establishment in London and has given up on marriage [really? Most of this strains credulity] any who on Valentine's Day she catches her mysterious Valentine and they live HEA.
If you don't find it creepy that a guy stalked a little kid for 21 years... which I do.
There is a bonus story from Persuasion which I skipped.
The first story is I Dream of You by Robin Helm and I have to say it just didn't do it for me. Set at Pemberley after their wedding I really didn't recognize either Darcy or Lizzy. Darcy is a micromanager of the worst kind. Lizzy has been missing him because he is gone from dawn to dusk working on the building of a dower house. This just makes No sense! 1] Darcy's mother is dead. 2] Lizzy is 22 and they have no children. This isn't a priority PERIOD.
Lizzy on the other hand is bored. Now there should be numerous things to keep her busy just learning about Pemberley, planning menus, visiting tenants and meeting her neighbors. Further Georgiana is no where in sight. This just strikes me as wrong. The other thing that strikes me as wrong is that the author has a Calico tom cat walk by ODC “Ask the Vet: Why Are All Calico Cats Female?
To create a calico (or tortoise-shell) pattern, one of the X chromosomes must carry the black gene and the other the orange gene. If a black male and an orange female mate, the result will be a half-black and half-orange female offspring-a calico. A black female and an orange male will also produce a calico female.” https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-gar...
The 'romantic' parts of the story struck me as too juvenile and too modern. I found them really ridiculous and I found their 'clever banter' annoying. Lizzy is having a lot of stupid dreams and writing them in her journal. I really can't emphasize enough that this struck me at how a MODERN teenager who read a Cosmo about how to please a man would imagine 'grown up love'. While a Regency teen who read Cosmo would be reaching for her salts.
I found both of the characters recollections of when they found the other attractive unbelievable. I really disliked this story, so much that I considered giving up on the book. Luckily I didn't because the second story is spectacular.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Omg this is just adorable when Sir Walter from Persuasion decides that he needs a wife to bring up his standard of living. He decides to send a Valentine and through his error instead of sending it to his desired Lady he sends it to She Who Must be obeyed, yes the One the Only Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And Lady C isn't amused. But Sir Walter really needs the dosh so he hies himself off to Hunsford where he amuses and entertains the great lady; he also does a bit of matchmaking.
Our third story, My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis, is also set mostly at Rosings and is a what if that imagines Bingley returning almost immediately for Jane and their marrying quickly. Then Lizzy is off to Rosings to visit Charlotte while Jane is on her wedding tour. While Darcy & Col. Fitzwilliam move their annual visit to post Christmas so the author can squeeze in Valentines day; I mean because the colonel is headed for an overseas post in Spring. Yeah that's the ticket. This is a decent story that the author just shoe horns in too many plot threads... we have Lady Catherine losing her memory, Anne falling in love with her doctor; who is also the son of an Earl and a landowner, Lizzy and Darcy straightening out their misconceptions, Lizzy carrying a list of what she despises about Darcy, Anne & the Colonel planning to have Darcy write Miss Bennet (Lizzy remember Jane is married now) Valentines, Valentines being sent early so you can respond, Jane and Bingley letters going astray because Jane has Bingley address them, Bingley decorating his home, Lizzy NOT buying clothes in London (this puzzled me) and the repeated use of BoArder for BORder. Not once, not twice, but Three annoying times.
The Fourth Story is Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
This is a silly story where I feel the Valentine's aspect was a late addition. In a world where the Bennet governess for two generations was pensioned off to Southend by Mr. Bennet. When Lizzy goes to visit we learn of a spy named Elisa Benèt who was known to be in the area. Meanwhile back in London col. Fitzwilliam sends Darcy to deliver a message to a general in Southend. On his trip to Southend Darcy briefly passes through Meryton and learns about Netherfield. So when on his first day in Southend he meets an 'Elizabeth Bennet' who reads and speaks French he thinks she might be the spy and 'disguise of any sort' identifies himself as a cleric whose father owns Netherfield and whose patron is a Mr. Darcy (what a tangled web we weave) So Lizzy immediately knows he's LYING so she is not going to disclose her real details and now she's lying too. Then a bunch of useless stuff happens and there is an assembly and he reveals his true identity thanks to a surprise appearance from Bingley and we get to a HEA.
The fifth is My Valentine by Mandy Cook
This is another story that I wasn't thrilled with. This is a P&P sequel were the Darcy's daughter Charlotte is the motivation behind her brother Bennet and several of his friends being punished at school. Apparently her honor was questioned... the twist in this tale is that Charlotte is only 4 years old. One of the friends is the 18 year old son of Marianne Brandon nee Dashwood, there is a subplot about the names Mrs. Brandon. When Charlotte falls ill with Scarlet Fever Henry Brandon rushes to Pemberley to lend a hand, he and his family had contracted the disease perviously and he wants to be sure the best treatment in available. After which Charlotte begins receiving annual Valentine's Day presents. Time passed quickly and soon Charlotte has her own establishment in London and has given up on marriage [really? Most of this strains credulity] any who on Valentine's Day she catches her mysterious Valentine and they live HEA.
If you don't find it creepy that a guy stalked a little kid for 21 years... which I do.
There is a bonus story from Persuasion which I skipped.
March 26, 2019
This book starts in the middle of a conversation. From there on, it became fun, after a bit of meandering. I like reading new authors and this was a good way to meet several ones that were new to me. My Valentine by Mandy cook and Sir Walter Takes a Wife were my favorites. It's an interesting read full of light romance and literary charm.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own free will.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own free will.
February 5, 2019
As a reader and lover of Jane Austen and her works, this collection of six short stories whetted my appetite to reread the classics and watch a few Austen movies. The authors add a bit more depth to the familiar lives of beloved characters. I had never thought about Valentine’s Day or Valentines in the early 1800s, but these stories center around the love life of the participants through the words on Valentines or letters passing through their hands.
In this collection the reader meets Elizabeth and Darcy a year after their marriage when their love life needs a little attention. Then another story takes on the love entanglement of their daughter Charlotte years later. I love meeting their children! Two other stories concentrate on elements of ‘what if’ during their courtship. My Austen imagination soars believing the events transpired in real literature time.
The most humorous tale involves the courtship of Lady Catherine de Borough by the sometimes silly and awkward Sir Walter Elliot. I definitely now see Lady Catherine in a different light. The last tale involves the romance of Sir Elliot’s daughter with Frederick Wentworth of the navy.
Personally, I can never get enough of Austen! Thank you ladies for your creative imaginations and for sharing with all of the Austen fans.
In this collection the reader meets Elizabeth and Darcy a year after their marriage when their love life needs a little attention. Then another story takes on the love entanglement of their daughter Charlotte years later. I love meeting their children! Two other stories concentrate on elements of ‘what if’ during their courtship. My Austen imagination soars believing the events transpired in real literature time.
The most humorous tale involves the courtship of Lady Catherine de Borough by the sometimes silly and awkward Sir Walter Elliot. I definitely now see Lady Catherine in a different light. The last tale involves the romance of Sir Elliot’s daughter with Frederick Wentworth of the navy.
Personally, I can never get enough of Austen! Thank you ladies for your creative imaginations and for sharing with all of the Austen fans.
March 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this Austen themed collection of stories! They were all so creative and each one kept me eagerly turning the pages. I am definitely a Jane Austen fan and have read other Austen themed books. These novellas were on par with other novels that I have read. I appreciated that certain stories gave characters their happily ever afters in different ways than the original novels did, however, they were just as satisfying! And in a couple of the stories, characters from Pride and Prejudice interacted with characters from both Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility. This collection was a lot of fun to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 7, 2019
The anthology contains six stories all of which I enjoyed and were well-written. My favourite was Sir Walter takes a wife, a real fun story and also The Lover's Ruse about Wentworth and Anne Elliot.
March 25, 2019
A Very Austen Valentine is a delightful collection of six tales that are woven around Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice and Persuasion. Tales one and six have the characters from Persuasion. Tales one to five are based around Pride And Prejudice. Pride And Prejudice is my all time favourite novel so I am very familiar with the storyline. All the tales were warm and wonderful, and it felt like I was catching up with old friends. Did I have a favourite story? Absolutely. See if you have a favourite too as you take a trip down the years with some familiar faces.
I Dream Of You by Robin Helm continues where Pride And Prejudice ended. The focus is on Elizabeth and Mr Darcy now they are married. There were some delightful verbal volleys between the two in this charming tale.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile is a really light hearted match making tale that has perfectly captured Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr Collins. An amusing and fun read.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis is a delightful tale and written in a very similar style to Jane Austen. The tale expands on the detail from a visit by Elizabeth to Mr Collins and Charlotte’s home. There are actual quotes from Pride And Prejudice. The tension and attraction of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy for each other clearly comes across. A wonderful tale.
Pretence And Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite is delightfully amusing and set in the period just before Pride And Prejudice opens. Misunderstandings and attraction are the order of the day. Mr Darcy portrayed here is far warmer than in the actual novel. He and Elizabeth bounce off each other verbally.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook is set in 1827 and the 1840’s covering the childhood and young adulthood of the offspring of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. Warm and welcoming, the reader glimpses what might have been.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye is a delightful tale with some of the characters from Persuasion. I am not familiar with the original novel but this is a charming tale following the course of true love.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I Dream Of You by Robin Helm continues where Pride And Prejudice ended. The focus is on Elizabeth and Mr Darcy now they are married. There were some delightful verbal volleys between the two in this charming tale.
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile is a really light hearted match making tale that has perfectly captured Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr Collins. An amusing and fun read.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis is a delightful tale and written in a very similar style to Jane Austen. The tale expands on the detail from a visit by Elizabeth to Mr Collins and Charlotte’s home. There are actual quotes from Pride And Prejudice. The tension and attraction of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy for each other clearly comes across. A wonderful tale.
Pretence And Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite is delightfully amusing and set in the period just before Pride And Prejudice opens. Misunderstandings and attraction are the order of the day. Mr Darcy portrayed here is far warmer than in the actual novel. He and Elizabeth bounce off each other verbally.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook is set in 1827 and the 1840’s covering the childhood and young adulthood of the offspring of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. Warm and welcoming, the reader glimpses what might have been.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye is a delightful tale with some of the characters from Persuasion. I am not familiar with the original novel but this is a charming tale following the course of true love.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 29, 2019
As I loved each of the stories in this collection, I will break up the rest of my review up by story.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm – In this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, that takes place after Elizabeth and Darcy are married. Elizabeth starts keeping a sort of dream journal full of ideas the two of them can do for their date nights. I loved the lively and witty conversations in this story.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile – A Mistaken Valentine starts a hilarious courtship. This one had to be my favorite of the stories as it had me laughing along as I read it.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis – Another Twist on Pride and Prejudice sequel that involves a bit of fun matchmaking from some of Elizabeth and Darcy’s friends. Interesting and entertaining read.
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite – What if Elizabeth and Darcy were French Spies? This twist on Pride and Prejudice is very different from the usual retellings. Elizabeth and Darcy meet in a coastal village and mistake each other for French spies. I loved this one, it was so fun to read this delightlful and at time funny twist on P&P.
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook – This one felt like a mash up of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. With a new generation to the Austen universe, this was a sweet story. It also had a bit of a Phantom of the Opera kind of thing going on as well, not that I’m complaining as it is one of my favorite musicals.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye – This prequel to Persuasion starts when Frederick and Anne first meet and fall in love. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen story and well I was just a tad disappointed in the direction this story took. Although over all it was a sweet read.
For all you Jane Austen fan’s out there. This collection of Fan Fiction would make a great addition to your library.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm – In this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, that takes place after Elizabeth and Darcy are married. Elizabeth starts keeping a sort of dream journal full of ideas the two of them can do for their date nights. I loved the lively and witty conversations in this story.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile – A Mistaken Valentine starts a hilarious courtship. This one had to be my favorite of the stories as it had me laughing along as I read it.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis – Another Twist on Pride and Prejudice sequel that involves a bit of fun matchmaking from some of Elizabeth and Darcy’s friends. Interesting and entertaining read.
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite – What if Elizabeth and Darcy were French Spies? This twist on Pride and Prejudice is very different from the usual retellings. Elizabeth and Darcy meet in a coastal village and mistake each other for French spies. I loved this one, it was so fun to read this delightlful and at time funny twist on P&P.
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook – This one felt like a mash up of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. With a new generation to the Austen universe, this was a sweet story. It also had a bit of a Phantom of the Opera kind of thing going on as well, not that I’m complaining as it is one of my favorite musicals.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye – This prequel to Persuasion starts when Frederick and Anne first meet and fall in love. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen story and well I was just a tad disappointed in the direction this story took. Although over all it was a sweet read.
For all you Jane Austen fan’s out there. This collection of Fan Fiction would make a great addition to your library.
February 24, 2023
I Dream of You by Robin M. Helm 3.5* 2/11/23 (71)
1814; Pemberley; Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam Darcy
A fun and delightfully light P&P continuation I enjoyed very much. I loved the playful and imaginative aspects of the couple's day to day life.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile 3* 2/12/23 (83)
Persuasion & P&P characters; Bath, Rosings Park; Walter Elliot & Catherine de Bourgh
I really disliked the two MCs and struggled for that reason with the story, other than that it was well written and fun but rather forgettable.
technical issues: shelfarie links (in this story appears one Anne but two other are mentioned, the information is usually linked to the wrong Anne)
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis 3* 2/13/23 (128)
P&P variation; Longbourn, Rosings Park & London; Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy
great story telling style but many typing, time-line and other plot issues; witty and very entertaining
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite 4* 2/14-15/23 (60)
P&P 'prequel'; Rowsley (Essex), Meryton (Hertfordshire), London; Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy aka Anhalt Williams
Such an entertaining espionage short story set several months before the actual P&P setting, with a very different setting and set of support characters (other than Col. James(!) Fitzwilliam).
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook 2.5* 2/23/23 (66)
P&P next generation; Pemberley, London & Eaton; Charlotte Darcy & Henry Brandon
Interesting idea and characters though I struggled to connect with the story. Some great laughs but the time issues made reading rather tenuous and more work than entertainment.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye 3* 2/24/23 (71)
Persuasion ‘prequel’; 1806-1808; Kellynch Hall & Uppercross area of Summerset; Anne Elliot & Frederick Wentworth
A treat in terms of source work (Persuasion is my favorite Austen book) though a bit difficult to read even if I can’t put my finger on the cause. I enjoyed to ‘meet’ Persuasion’s main characters that fateful summer referred to in the original.
*
1814; Pemberley; Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam Darcy
A fun and delightfully light P&P continuation I enjoyed very much. I loved the playful and imaginative aspects of the couple's day to day life.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile 3* 2/12/23 (83)
Persuasion & P&P characters; Bath, Rosings Park; Walter Elliot & Catherine de Bourgh
I really disliked the two MCs and struggled for that reason with the story, other than that it was well written and fun but rather forgettable.
technical issues: shelfarie links (in this story appears one Anne but two other are mentioned, the information is usually linked to the wrong Anne)
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis 3* 2/13/23 (128)
P&P variation; Longbourn, Rosings Park & London; Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy
great story telling style but many typing, time-line and other plot issues; witty and very entertaining
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite 4* 2/14-15/23 (60)
P&P 'prequel'; Rowsley (Essex), Meryton (Hertfordshire), London; Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy aka Anhalt Williams
Such an entertaining espionage short story set several months before the actual P&P setting, with a very different setting and set of support characters (other than Col. James(!) Fitzwilliam).
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook 2.5* 2/23/23 (66)
P&P next generation; Pemberley, London & Eaton; Charlotte Darcy & Henry Brandon
Interesting idea and characters though I struggled to connect with the story. Some great laughs but the time issues made reading rather tenuous and more work than entertainment.
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye 3* 2/24/23 (71)
Persuasion ‘prequel’; 1806-1808; Kellynch Hall & Uppercross area of Summerset; Anne Elliot & Frederick Wentworth
A treat in terms of source work (Persuasion is my favorite Austen book) though a bit difficult to read even if I can’t put my finger on the cause. I enjoyed to ‘meet’ Persuasion’s main characters that fateful summer referred to in the original.
*
March 26, 2019
A Very Austen Valentine is a compilation of 6 short stories featuring the characters from several of Jane Austen's novels. I do love a good Austen inspired story. I did find that the a couple of the stories were harder to keep my attention then others. Overall, they are lightheated and full of romance. Its always fun to imagine what else the characters would do and experience. Short stories are hard because they are usually too short and I often wish they were longer.If you're a fan of Jan Austen, these stories will warm your heart and whisk you back in time.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.
March 25, 2019
I have not read any adaptations or extensions of any of Jane Austen's works before. I found this collection to be delightful. The glimpses as what the lives of some of her characters might possibly be like was fun. I liked how little bits of the original stories were pulled in to tie them together. I thought it was fun when characters from different stories were brought together. Having alternate story lines for existing stories is intriguing. Most of these authors were new to me, which is a good way to get to know more authors and their style of writing.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was given for my review.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was given for my review.
July 3, 2019
Absolutely wonderful!
I loved all of these story's! Some made me laugh. Others made my heart go pitter patter and each were clean romances. Will be revisiting this book!
I loved all of these story's! Some made me laugh. Others made my heart go pitter patter and each were clean romances. Will be revisiting this book!
January 10, 2019
Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile ~ I was all hyped to read this story and it did not disappoint. This story was hilarious and I did not see that pairing coming but it works very well. This is the second story I've read by Laura Hile and I have loved them both.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis ~ I have to say I really enjoyed this story. I loved the fact that Anne found someone who was not Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam. Also, I really liked how Darcy gave Jane a chance after she married Bingley. This is a very sweet Valentine's day story.
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite ~ I loved how in this story both Darcy and Lizzy both think the other is a spy. It was hilarious. also, the romance was very sweet.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook ~ Well I like the fact the author tried to incorporate Sense and Sensibility into Pride and Prejudice but I just didn't care about Henry and Charlotte. Sorry. Other than that it was nicely written.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye ~ I loved this what if story about how if Anne didn't break off her and Frederick's engagement. I enjoyed the letter exchange between our dear lovers. I would have enjoyed this story more if it had been more fleshed out. As it was it felt very rushed but still a sweet story.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis ~ I have to say I really enjoyed this story. I loved the fact that Anne found someone who was not Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam. Also, I really liked how Darcy gave Jane a chance after she married Bingley. This is a very sweet Valentine's day story.
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite ~ I loved how in this story both Darcy and Lizzy both think the other is a spy. It was hilarious. also, the romance was very sweet.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook ~ Well I like the fact the author tried to incorporate Sense and Sensibility into Pride and Prejudice but I just didn't care about Henry and Charlotte. Sorry. Other than that it was nicely written.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye ~ I loved this what if story about how if Anne didn't break off her and Frederick's engagement. I enjoyed the letter exchange between our dear lovers. I would have enjoyed this story more if it had been more fleshed out. As it was it felt very rushed but still a sweet story.
reviewed
April 3, 2019As a Jane Austen fan, I could resist this charming novella collection. It’s romantic and lighthearted and a whole lot of fun.
A Very Austen Valentine contains six novellas by various authors. Each novella takes characters from Jane Austen’s classic stories and spins them in a creative way, sure to appeal to even the most devoted Austen readers.
I enjoyed my time with A Very Austen Valentine. The collection warmed my heart, made me smile, and had me thinking it might be time to reread some Austen.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
A Very Austen Valentine contains six novellas by various authors. Each novella takes characters from Jane Austen’s classic stories and spins them in a creative way, sure to appeal to even the most devoted Austen readers.
I enjoyed my time with A Very Austen Valentine. The collection warmed my heart, made me smile, and had me thinking it might be time to reread some Austen.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 29, 2019
Six Sweet Stories of Splendidly Satisfying Romances
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
After a very successful collaboration together on their first anthology – A Very Austen Christmas, I was so delighted to see that these authors have set forth again to deliver another holiday-themed collection of stories! And what is even better is that they added two more authors to their ranks! In
A Very Austen Valentine six authors share tales filled with hilarious matchmaking schemes, adorable meet cutes, and tender moments of affection.
There are six stories in this collection ranging from 54 to 121 pages in length. I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
I DREAM OF YOU – Robin Helm
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel
- The Premise: After a few months of marriage, Mr. Darcy is keeping himself a little too busy with managing work around Pemberley and not spending enough quality time with Elizabeth…
- My Thoughts: I love that Elizabeth took matters into her own hands – her ideas for nudging Darcy into realizing his neglect were very clever! I loved the little ways she initiated more time together, and also the dreams Elizabeth had about their courtship (their penchant for placing bets was too adorable!) I did wonder though why Mr. Darcy was so heavily preoccupied with building a dowager house, it felt as if maybe something else was bothering him or on his mind…
SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE – Laura Hile
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice/Persuasion Mash-Up
- The Premise: After all his daughters are married Sir Walter finds himself not only needing some more funds (what else is new?!) but maybe some companionship as well…
- My Thoughts: Ha! I can so believe the events of this story! It is hilarious and so true to their characters! Brilliantly constructed and full of internal thoughts that just make you laugh out loud! I love seeing Sir Walter’s plans go so decidedly awry and yet the way he works his charm and masterful manipulations is fascinating to behold. In addition, I adored seeing Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the role of protective nephews! One of my faves!
My FOREVER VALENTINE – Wendi Sotis
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation
- The Premise: Even though Elizabeth still has many reasons to dislike Mr. Darcy, she is perplexed to find herself enjoying his company when she unexpectedly encounters him in Kent…
- My Thoughts: It was lovely to see Elizabeth warm to Darcy a little bit while they were in Kent, and I just loved seeing Darcy’s family conspire to help him in wooing Elizabeth! Two additional things I loved about the premise of this story were a determined Mr. Bingley who followed his own heart and a new romance for Anne de Bourgh!
Pretence and Prejudice – Barbara Cornthwaite
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation
- The Premise: Darcy and Elizabeth meet in the wilds of Essex and both practice some deception because of some mistaken assumptions they make about each other…
- My Thoughts: What interesting circumstances bring Darcy and Elizabeth into each other’s company! Darcy’s persona is so adorable and I appreciated his new awareness and understanding about himself. I loved all the moments Darcy and Elizabeth spent together, his gallant rescues, and what happened when they both knew they were free to follow their hearts! One of my faves!
My Valentine – Mandy Cook
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel about a Secondary Character
- The Premise: Miss Charlotte Darcy, who almost perished from a serious illness at the age of four, is about to make her come out into society, but truthfully she has no inclination to marry…
- My Thoughts: Be prepared for Little Lottie to win your heart! And her faithful champion – Mr. Henry Brandon! I loved that this novella took place over the span of twenty years and focused on the Darcy’s precocious and fiercely independent daughter, Charlotte. And I also loved that it surprised me twice…I didn’t see the clever telltale signs! Even though some scenes were a little confusing to get into and the ending was perhaps a little abrupt, it was still one of my faves!
The Lovers’ Ruse – Susan Kaye
- Type of Story: Persuasion Variation
- The Premise: What if Anne didn’t yield to persuasion…
- My Thoughts: I loved Anne’s boldness in this story. She is forthright in her conversations with Commander Wentworth, and I so admire her for bravely going against the advice of her father and Lady Russell! I greatly enjoyed Edward Wentworth’s part in this story, especially his candid commentary on his neighbors and selfless assistance! However, I did feel like Wentworth’s feelings came on rather rapidly and his proposal was a lot less romantic than his letter. Nonetheless, I loved this story for the courtship and unexplored possibility it illustrates!
CONCLUSION:
Cheerful, romantic, and sweet – A Very Austen Valentine is just the thing to warm your heart on these cold February nights! Six novella-length stories wonderfully complete with endearing characters, intriguing premises, thoughtful developments, and decidedly happy endings! I’m thrilled to see that there are more anthologies planned for the future! I cannot wait!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
After a very successful collaboration together on their first anthology – A Very Austen Christmas, I was so delighted to see that these authors have set forth again to deliver another holiday-themed collection of stories! And what is even better is that they added two more authors to their ranks! In
A Very Austen Valentine six authors share tales filled with hilarious matchmaking schemes, adorable meet cutes, and tender moments of affection.
There are six stories in this collection ranging from 54 to 121 pages in length. I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
I DREAM OF YOU – Robin Helm
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel
- The Premise: After a few months of marriage, Mr. Darcy is keeping himself a little too busy with managing work around Pemberley and not spending enough quality time with Elizabeth…
- My Thoughts: I love that Elizabeth took matters into her own hands – her ideas for nudging Darcy into realizing his neglect were very clever! I loved the little ways she initiated more time together, and also the dreams Elizabeth had about their courtship (their penchant for placing bets was too adorable!) I did wonder though why Mr. Darcy was so heavily preoccupied with building a dowager house, it felt as if maybe something else was bothering him or on his mind…
SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE – Laura Hile
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice/Persuasion Mash-Up
- The Premise: After all his daughters are married Sir Walter finds himself not only needing some more funds (what else is new?!) but maybe some companionship as well…
- My Thoughts: Ha! I can so believe the events of this story! It is hilarious and so true to their characters! Brilliantly constructed and full of internal thoughts that just make you laugh out loud! I love seeing Sir Walter’s plans go so decidedly awry and yet the way he works his charm and masterful manipulations is fascinating to behold. In addition, I adored seeing Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the role of protective nephews! One of my faves!
My FOREVER VALENTINE – Wendi Sotis
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation
- The Premise: Even though Elizabeth still has many reasons to dislike Mr. Darcy, she is perplexed to find herself enjoying his company when she unexpectedly encounters him in Kent…
- My Thoughts: It was lovely to see Elizabeth warm to Darcy a little bit while they were in Kent, and I just loved seeing Darcy’s family conspire to help him in wooing Elizabeth! Two additional things I loved about the premise of this story were a determined Mr. Bingley who followed his own heart and a new romance for Anne de Bourgh!
Pretence and Prejudice – Barbara Cornthwaite
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation
- The Premise: Darcy and Elizabeth meet in the wilds of Essex and both practice some deception because of some mistaken assumptions they make about each other…
- My Thoughts: What interesting circumstances bring Darcy and Elizabeth into each other’s company! Darcy’s persona is so adorable and I appreciated his new awareness and understanding about himself. I loved all the moments Darcy and Elizabeth spent together, his gallant rescues, and what happened when they both knew they were free to follow their hearts! One of my faves!
My Valentine – Mandy Cook
- Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel about a Secondary Character
- The Premise: Miss Charlotte Darcy, who almost perished from a serious illness at the age of four, is about to make her come out into society, but truthfully she has no inclination to marry…
- My Thoughts: Be prepared for Little Lottie to win your heart! And her faithful champion – Mr. Henry Brandon! I loved that this novella took place over the span of twenty years and focused on the Darcy’s precocious and fiercely independent daughter, Charlotte. And I also loved that it surprised me twice…I didn’t see the clever telltale signs! Even though some scenes were a little confusing to get into and the ending was perhaps a little abrupt, it was still one of my faves!
The Lovers’ Ruse – Susan Kaye
- Type of Story: Persuasion Variation
- The Premise: What if Anne didn’t yield to persuasion…
- My Thoughts: I loved Anne’s boldness in this story. She is forthright in her conversations with Commander Wentworth, and I so admire her for bravely going against the advice of her father and Lady Russell! I greatly enjoyed Edward Wentworth’s part in this story, especially his candid commentary on his neighbors and selfless assistance! However, I did feel like Wentworth’s feelings came on rather rapidly and his proposal was a lot less romantic than his letter. Nonetheless, I loved this story for the courtship and unexplored possibility it illustrates!
CONCLUSION:
Cheerful, romantic, and sweet – A Very Austen Valentine is just the thing to warm your heart on these cold February nights! Six novella-length stories wonderfully complete with endearing characters, intriguing premises, thoughtful developments, and decidedly happy endings! I’m thrilled to see that there are more anthologies planned for the future! I cannot wait!
Austenesque Reviews
September 10, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this collection grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. These stories are well written with very good storylines. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the Austen Anthologies series.
Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen's Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen's adored novels. Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm: Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a lan to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams gives her just the push she needs to put that plan into action.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile: Faced with a lonely future and finding mself strapped for cash, Persuasion's Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again, but his careful plans go sadly awry. A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen's worst snobs.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis: Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes?
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite: Honesty is the best policy, but there are times when a little pretence is necessary. When rumors of French spies reach the quiet village of Rowsley, Miss Milsom and her former charge, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are certain that they are in no danger, for what could a spy possibly want with them? A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions. Will the winner of this game be the cat, the mouse, or true love?
My Valentine by Mandy Cook: Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart?
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye: In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth's love in the summer of '06, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. "The Lovers' Ruse" follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag.
So with all that and more these stories pull you in and hold you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this collection grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. These stories are well written with very good storylines. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the Austen Anthologies series.
Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen's Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen's adored novels. Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm: Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a lan to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams gives her just the push she needs to put that plan into action.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile: Faced with a lonely future and finding mself strapped for cash, Persuasion's Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again, but his careful plans go sadly awry. A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen's worst snobs.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis: Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes?
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite: Honesty is the best policy, but there are times when a little pretence is necessary. When rumors of French spies reach the quiet village of Rowsley, Miss Milsom and her former charge, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are certain that they are in no danger, for what could a spy possibly want with them? A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions. Will the winner of this game be the cat, the mouse, or true love?
My Valentine by Mandy Cook: Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart?
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye: In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth's love in the summer of '06, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. "The Lovers' Ruse" follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag.
So with all that and more these stories pull you in and hold you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 14, 2019
2.75 stars
I wasn't as impressed with this anthology, I ended up DNF'ing most of these stories and only reading two stories (SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE - Laura Hile and MY FOREVER VALENTINE - Wendi Sotis), the two that I read I enjoyed.
I wasn't as impressed with this anthology, I ended up DNF'ing most of these stories and only reading two stories (SIR WALTER TAKES A WIFE - Laura Hile and MY FOREVER VALENTINE - Wendi Sotis), the two that I read I enjoyed.
April 5, 2019
Jane Austen is a favorite of mine, so a collection of Austen-inspired novellas is perfect, provided they are well-done. Happily, this collection is, and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting some of my favorite characters in literature.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
I enjoyed this first novella—it was sweet and endearing, and I loved the tactics Elizabeth used to woo her husband rather than nag him about his distraction. There were quite a few historical phrases and details that increased my enjoyment and helped place me in the Regency setting.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
This one was funny, and the characters were pretty well in-character, but the author had a huge hurdle to overcome in pairing some of my least favorite characters together. I'm not sure I'd call it romantic as much as just desserts, but it was well-written and humorous.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
Varying the plot of Pride and Prejudice a little, this story has much more interaction and input from Darcy's cousins, Richard and Anne. I liked the playful banter between the three, as well as learning more about the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth from his perspective. I think my favorite aspect of this novella, however, was that even though much of the story changes, the author still worked in many of my favorite lines from the original work.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
I was cracking up from the earliest pages of this novella, where mistaken identity leads Elizabeth and Darcy to suspect the other of being a spy. The story is quite different from Pride and Prejudice, but it is fun to imagine the same characters in a quite different storyline.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
Starting a bit strangely, this one quickly piqued my interest to see what the author had in mind. I was not disappointed as the story rapidly progressed and both updated me on beloved characters and furthered their family lines, deftly encompassing many years without sacrificing continuity or readability. And the beautifully romantic ending makes this one my favorite of the collection.
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye
This final novella centers around Persuasion and alters the course of Anne and Frederick's relationship to a much earlier understanding, acting as almost a prequel to Austen's original before it diverges when he returns to sea. I liked the different way this story played out and getting a much larger portion of the story from his perspective rather than just Anne's.
I recommend this collection, especially for fans of Austen. While they could easily be read and appreciated as standalones, they have much greater depth of characters and backstory if the reader is familiar with the original works. These novellas are a great way to snatch some reading time when life gets hectic and a quick escape is the perfect remedy.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit, but was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
I enjoyed this first novella—it was sweet and endearing, and I loved the tactics Elizabeth used to woo her husband rather than nag him about his distraction. There were quite a few historical phrases and details that increased my enjoyment and helped place me in the Regency setting.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
This one was funny, and the characters were pretty well in-character, but the author had a huge hurdle to overcome in pairing some of my least favorite characters together. I'm not sure I'd call it romantic as much as just desserts, but it was well-written and humorous.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
Varying the plot of Pride and Prejudice a little, this story has much more interaction and input from Darcy's cousins, Richard and Anne. I liked the playful banter between the three, as well as learning more about the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth from his perspective. I think my favorite aspect of this novella, however, was that even though much of the story changes, the author still worked in many of my favorite lines from the original work.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
I was cracking up from the earliest pages of this novella, where mistaken identity leads Elizabeth and Darcy to suspect the other of being a spy. The story is quite different from Pride and Prejudice, but it is fun to imagine the same characters in a quite different storyline.
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
Starting a bit strangely, this one quickly piqued my interest to see what the author had in mind. I was not disappointed as the story rapidly progressed and both updated me on beloved characters and furthered their family lines, deftly encompassing many years without sacrificing continuity or readability. And the beautifully romantic ending makes this one my favorite of the collection.
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye
This final novella centers around Persuasion and alters the course of Anne and Frederick's relationship to a much earlier understanding, acting as almost a prequel to Austen's original before it diverges when he returns to sea. I liked the different way this story played out and getting a much larger portion of the story from his perspective rather than just Anne's.
I recommend this collection, especially for fans of Austen. While they could easily be read and appreciated as standalones, they have much greater depth of characters and backstory if the reader is familiar with the original works. These novellas are a great way to snatch some reading time when life gets hectic and a quick escape is the perfect remedy.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit, but was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
February 27, 2019
I averaged out all 6 novellas (which came to 4.16, so I rounded down).
I found it a little confusing to go back and forth between timelines in the same Austen world, all but one in the Pride & Prejudice world. The first novella was about Elizabeth & Darcy after they had been married for a year. The second, though the main story is not about them, takes us back to the days of Pemberly before Darcy proposed to Elizabeth. The third is when Elizabeth again goes into Kent to visit the Collins, but with an alternative timeline of Bingley already married to Jane. The fourth is yet another alternative timeline that happens before Bingley even rented Netherfield, but somehow Darcy and Elizabeth meet anyway. The fifth is years later, focusing on Elizabeth's children. I wish that either the authors had conversed with each other and chosen different Jane Austen worlds, or that perhaps there was some common sci-fi thread weaving these together as alternate universes or something.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm 2/17/19 *****
A very fun and interesting take on what the married life of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy may have been like. It's slightly steamy but beautiful in the confines of marriage and not graphic at all.
I thought it was very bold of the author to show us how one of the most complex and beloved heroines of all times thinks. I was a little skeptical at first, especially since I don't think Lizzy would be pouty; at least, I don't think she herself would acknowledge she sounds pouty. But for the most part, she won me over.
The dream sequences were quite interesting, but I'm still unsure whether I like them or dislike them more. Dreams are important to me, and I write my most vivid ones down, too, so that was relatable and helpful to understand Lizzy's deepest desires. But I think I might have enjoyed the dreams not as they happened but later as Darcy read them, so I wouldn't have to remember them and wonder which one he was reading that time. Observing the dreams was confusing before we saw much of the real interaction between the couple. I liked how the story ended with another dream but we also get to see Darcy's reaction; however, I didn't like the negativity in what should have been a sweet dream.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile 2/20/19 ****
This was a creative take on Jane Austen's worlds of both Persuasion and Pride & Prejudice melded together. Anne Elliott's father, Sir Walter, from Persuasion meets Elizabeth Bennett, the Collinses, Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh from P&P.
I thought it was interesting to have the story told from the perspectives of Sir Walter and Lady Catherine, two characters we don't like. I'm not sure it needed to be told that way, but it was definitely different, and I will remember it for that reason. I thought it funny that we get the two different perspectives of the “hero” and the “heroine,” like in contemporary romances. But the actions were far from romantic. Courting and marriage were mentioned, yes, but there was an ironic lack of romantic feelings and hilariously misunderstood intentions.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis 2/23/19 *****
This was my favorite of the first three so far. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, figuring out how it differed from the original. I loved that we got to meet Miss de Bourgh, Anne, again and that her character was much deeper and friendlier than Austen ever portrayed her. I also loved getting into Darcy's head and getting his perspective more. The continuity of the valentine plot was very clever, too.
The only two things I didn't particularly care for were 1) that Bingley and Jane were already married at the beginning of the first chapter, and we really didn't get to see any of it; and 2) the last line about being “forever valentines” was a little too cheesy and felt like it was just plopped in at the end to validate the already existing title. (I know nobody cares, but I would have preferred a title more along the lines of “The Austen Valentine Plot” or something.) ;)
But this was the first one to make me giggle with giddiness, prompting my husband to ask why and rolling his eyes when he heard that it was yet another Pride & Prejudice thing. ;)
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite 2/24/19 ****
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. After the first two sections (there were no chapter markings), I thought it was going to be a little cozy mystery spoof on Austen. But no, there were no murders or biting-the-nail suspense moments, fortunately for me, as I am not a mystery fan. In fact, it was a rather clever mixture of misunderstandings for the characters and humor for the readers. I love that we the readers know the whole truth, but neither of the main characters figured it all out until the very last scene.
I did feel that the last scene in which all the truth came out was a bit unrealistic. I felt that there would have been at least a little more conflict on both sides when they confessed their dishonesty. I didn't think they both would have gone straight to … well, I won't spoil it. ;)
My Valentine by Mandy Cook 2/24/19 ***
My least favorite novella of the collection, for four reasons (although, notice that it's still 3-stars, not bad):
1. Unlike the previous story, where the reader was in the know from the beginning, here the characters knew the connections before the reader did. It's not revealed how Charlotte fits into the Austen universe for several chapters. Then it's not revealed who the hero is for a few more chapters.
2. On the other end of the spectrum was the one thing the reader knew well before the heroine. My respect for the supposedly witty Charlotte decreased when she couldn't figure out who was sending her valentines. Come on, really? Had she never read a novel before? ;)
3. The last page was too cheesy to do more than groan inwardly. Out of all the interesting people and ideas by this author, she had to choose that one to end on?
4. I didn't like that the last mentions of our favorite Austen heroines, Elizabeth Bennett and Marianne Brandon, were of both of them pining away for their deceased husbands. This is how we're to remember them? How very sad and un-heroine-like.
I did, however, enjoy a couple of things about it.
1. It was fascinating to learn about the process of a young lady being presented at court, a tradition mentioned but never elaborated on by Austen herself.
2. Bringing together two Austen worlds must be tricky, but this author also did a great job marrying the Sense & Sensibility world with the Pride & Prejudice world. I would have liked to have heard a little more of the S&S world, but it was still a very clever pairing and seamlessly woven together.
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye 2/27/19 ****
This was a refreshing foray into a different Austen universe, the Persuasion path. I didn't think the quality of the writing was quite up to the rest of the novellas, but it was neat learning about the first courtship between Anne Elliott and Frederick Wentworth. I thought a few of the moments were a little unrealistic, contrived, such as the actual proposal and the reactions of Edward and Fanny. Maybe it's just we didn't get as deep and detailed as I would have wanted. I think it could have been expanded just a little more. I enjoyed the ending, which is, of course, different from what really happened in Austen's original.
I found it a little confusing to go back and forth between timelines in the same Austen world, all but one in the Pride & Prejudice world. The first novella was about Elizabeth & Darcy after they had been married for a year. The second, though the main story is not about them, takes us back to the days of Pemberly before Darcy proposed to Elizabeth. The third is when Elizabeth again goes into Kent to visit the Collins, but with an alternative timeline of Bingley already married to Jane. The fourth is yet another alternative timeline that happens before Bingley even rented Netherfield, but somehow Darcy and Elizabeth meet anyway. The fifth is years later, focusing on Elizabeth's children. I wish that either the authors had conversed with each other and chosen different Jane Austen worlds, or that perhaps there was some common sci-fi thread weaving these together as alternate universes or something.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm 2/17/19 *****
A very fun and interesting take on what the married life of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy may have been like. It's slightly steamy but beautiful in the confines of marriage and not graphic at all.
I thought it was very bold of the author to show us how one of the most complex and beloved heroines of all times thinks. I was a little skeptical at first, especially since I don't think Lizzy would be pouty; at least, I don't think she herself would acknowledge she sounds pouty. But for the most part, she won me over.
The dream sequences were quite interesting, but I'm still unsure whether I like them or dislike them more. Dreams are important to me, and I write my most vivid ones down, too, so that was relatable and helpful to understand Lizzy's deepest desires. But I think I might have enjoyed the dreams not as they happened but later as Darcy read them, so I wouldn't have to remember them and wonder which one he was reading that time. Observing the dreams was confusing before we saw much of the real interaction between the couple. I liked how the story ended with another dream but we also get to see Darcy's reaction; however, I didn't like the negativity in what should have been a sweet dream.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile 2/20/19 ****
This was a creative take on Jane Austen's worlds of both Persuasion and Pride & Prejudice melded together. Anne Elliott's father, Sir Walter, from Persuasion meets Elizabeth Bennett, the Collinses, Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh from P&P.
I thought it was interesting to have the story told from the perspectives of Sir Walter and Lady Catherine, two characters we don't like. I'm not sure it needed to be told that way, but it was definitely different, and I will remember it for that reason. I thought it funny that we get the two different perspectives of the “hero” and the “heroine,” like in contemporary romances. But the actions were far from romantic. Courting and marriage were mentioned, yes, but there was an ironic lack of romantic feelings and hilariously misunderstood intentions.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis 2/23/19 *****
This was my favorite of the first three so far. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, figuring out how it differed from the original. I loved that we got to meet Miss de Bourgh, Anne, again and that her character was much deeper and friendlier than Austen ever portrayed her. I also loved getting into Darcy's head and getting his perspective more. The continuity of the valentine plot was very clever, too.
The only two things I didn't particularly care for were 1) that Bingley and Jane were already married at the beginning of the first chapter, and we really didn't get to see any of it; and 2) the last line about being “forever valentines” was a little too cheesy and felt like it was just plopped in at the end to validate the already existing title. (I know nobody cares, but I would have preferred a title more along the lines of “The Austen Valentine Plot” or something.) ;)
But this was the first one to make me giggle with giddiness, prompting my husband to ask why and rolling his eyes when he heard that it was yet another Pride & Prejudice thing. ;)
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite 2/24/19 ****
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. After the first two sections (there were no chapter markings), I thought it was going to be a little cozy mystery spoof on Austen. But no, there were no murders or biting-the-nail suspense moments, fortunately for me, as I am not a mystery fan. In fact, it was a rather clever mixture of misunderstandings for the characters and humor for the readers. I love that we the readers know the whole truth, but neither of the main characters figured it all out until the very last scene.
I did feel that the last scene in which all the truth came out was a bit unrealistic. I felt that there would have been at least a little more conflict on both sides when they confessed their dishonesty. I didn't think they both would have gone straight to … well, I won't spoil it. ;)
My Valentine by Mandy Cook 2/24/19 ***
My least favorite novella of the collection, for four reasons (although, notice that it's still 3-stars, not bad):
1. Unlike the previous story, where the reader was in the know from the beginning, here the characters knew the connections before the reader did. It's not revealed how Charlotte fits into the Austen universe for several chapters. Then it's not revealed who the hero is for a few more chapters.
2. On the other end of the spectrum was the one thing the reader knew well before the heroine. My respect for the supposedly witty Charlotte decreased when she couldn't figure out who was sending her valentines. Come on, really? Had she never read a novel before? ;)
3. The last page was too cheesy to do more than groan inwardly. Out of all the interesting people and ideas by this author, she had to choose that one to end on?
4. I didn't like that the last mentions of our favorite Austen heroines, Elizabeth Bennett and Marianne Brandon, were of both of them pining away for their deceased husbands. This is how we're to remember them? How very sad and un-heroine-like.
I did, however, enjoy a couple of things about it.
1. It was fascinating to learn about the process of a young lady being presented at court, a tradition mentioned but never elaborated on by Austen herself.
2. Bringing together two Austen worlds must be tricky, but this author also did a great job marrying the Sense & Sensibility world with the Pride & Prejudice world. I would have liked to have heard a little more of the S&S world, but it was still a very clever pairing and seamlessly woven together.
The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye 2/27/19 ****
This was a refreshing foray into a different Austen universe, the Persuasion path. I didn't think the quality of the writing was quite up to the rest of the novellas, but it was neat learning about the first courtship between Anne Elliott and Frederick Wentworth. I thought a few of the moments were a little unrealistic, contrived, such as the actual proposal and the reactions of Edward and Fanny. Maybe it's just we didn't get as deep and detailed as I would have wanted. I think it could have been expanded just a little more. I enjoyed the ending, which is, of course, different from what really happened in Austen's original.
March 27, 2019
A Very Austen Valentine
I am a big loved of anything Jane Austen. I was excited to read this wonderful collection of stories based on her books. How can you not get lost in these stories?
I had a favorite: My Favorite Valentine. I could not get Colin Firth's face out of my mind. Not a bad thing!!!!
I was sent back to another time where there were certain expectations in their society. Manners were important. People were to behave a certain way. This doesn't happen anymore. Sometimes you are ridiculed when you expect decency and respect.
I loved this collection and would highly recommend it to my daughter (A huge Jane Austen fan) and to others.
I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book
Book: A Very Austen Valentine
Author: Robin Helm
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency), Religious and Inspirational
Release Date: December 29, 2018
Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen’s adored novels.
Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine’s Day.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a plan: to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams gives her just the push she needs to put that plan into action.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Faced with a lonely future and finding himself strapped for cash, Persuasion’s Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again. But his careful plans go sadly awry! A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen’s worst snobs.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes?
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions.
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook
Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love? Or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart?
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye
In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth’s love in the summer of 1806, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. “The Lovers’ Ruse”follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.
Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy (a guardian angel protects a supernaturally gifted girl), the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), and Understanding Elizabeth (Regency sweet romance).
She contributed to A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1, an anthology featuring like-minded authors, in 2017, and A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2which was released on December 29, 2018.
New releases for 2019 include More to Love, a standalone historical sweet romance dealing with body image; Lawfully Innocent, a historical U.S. Marshal romance book in the Lawkeepers series; Maestro, a historical sweet romance featuring a brilliant musician and his student; and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies, Book 3.
She lives in sunny South Carolina where she teaches piano and adores her one husband, two married daughters, and three grandchildren.
More from Robin
Do you love Historical romance, but avoid “those” covers like the plague?
Would you enjoy an anthology featuring six Valentine-themed novellas set in the Regency period written by Christian authors?
In A Very Austen Valentine, stories range from a young wife searching for a way to bring her marriage back to the way it was, to a laugh-out-loud courtship between Jane Austen’s worst snobs.
Misunderstandings, concealed identities, and romance abound.
There is even a sequel featuring the children of the Darcys and the Brandons.
Every reader will find something to love in this wonderful collection.
Blog Stops
Blossoms and Blessings, March 25
Christian Bookaholic, March 25
Blogging With Carol, March 26
Britt Reads Fiction, March 26
Reflections from My Bookshelves,March 27
For Him and My Family, March 27
Godly Book Reviews, March 28
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28
Emily Yager, March 29
Connect in Fiction, March 29
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 30
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 30
Moments, March 31
Mary Hake, March 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1
Pause for Tales, April 1
Creating Romance, April 2
Book by Book, April 2
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 4
Texas Book-aholic, April 4
janicesbookreviews, April 5
A Reader’s Brain, April 5
Just the Write Escape, April 6
Inklings and notions, April 7
The Becca Files, April 7
Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away
Grand Prize: a $50 Amazon gift card
1st Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
2nd Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
3rd Place: A set of three ebooks – Reader’s Choice of any three of my books and
4th Place: a $5 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/ddfa/a-ver...
I am a big loved of anything Jane Austen. I was excited to read this wonderful collection of stories based on her books. How can you not get lost in these stories?
I had a favorite: My Favorite Valentine. I could not get Colin Firth's face out of my mind. Not a bad thing!!!!
I was sent back to another time where there were certain expectations in their society. Manners were important. People were to behave a certain way. This doesn't happen anymore. Sometimes you are ridiculed when you expect decency and respect.
I loved this collection and would highly recommend it to my daughter (A huge Jane Austen fan) and to others.
I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book
Book: A Very Austen Valentine
Author: Robin Helm
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency), Religious and Inspirational
Release Date: December 29, 2018
Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen’s adored novels.
Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine’s Day.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a plan: to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams gives her just the push she needs to put that plan into action.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Faced with a lonely future and finding himself strapped for cash, Persuasion’s Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again. But his careful plans go sadly awry! A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen’s worst snobs.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes?
Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions.
My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook
Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love? Or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart?
The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye
In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth’s love in the summer of 1806, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. “The Lovers’ Ruse”follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag.
Click here to purchase your copy!
About the Author
Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.
Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy (a guardian angel protects a supernaturally gifted girl), the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), and Understanding Elizabeth (Regency sweet romance).
She contributed to A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1, an anthology featuring like-minded authors, in 2017, and A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2which was released on December 29, 2018.
New releases for 2019 include More to Love, a standalone historical sweet romance dealing with body image; Lawfully Innocent, a historical U.S. Marshal romance book in the Lawkeepers series; Maestro, a historical sweet romance featuring a brilliant musician and his student; and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies, Book 3.
She lives in sunny South Carolina where she teaches piano and adores her one husband, two married daughters, and three grandchildren.
More from Robin
Do you love Historical romance, but avoid “those” covers like the plague?
Would you enjoy an anthology featuring six Valentine-themed novellas set in the Regency period written by Christian authors?
In A Very Austen Valentine, stories range from a young wife searching for a way to bring her marriage back to the way it was, to a laugh-out-loud courtship between Jane Austen’s worst snobs.
Misunderstandings, concealed identities, and romance abound.
There is even a sequel featuring the children of the Darcys and the Brandons.
Every reader will find something to love in this wonderful collection.
Blog Stops
Blossoms and Blessings, March 25
Christian Bookaholic, March 25
Blogging With Carol, March 26
Britt Reads Fiction, March 26
Reflections from My Bookshelves,March 27
For Him and My Family, March 27
Godly Book Reviews, March 28
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28
Emily Yager, March 29
Connect in Fiction, March 29
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 30
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 30
Moments, March 31
Mary Hake, March 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1
Pause for Tales, April 1
Creating Romance, April 2
Book by Book, April 2
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 4
Texas Book-aholic, April 4
janicesbookreviews, April 5
A Reader’s Brain, April 5
Just the Write Escape, April 6
Inklings and notions, April 7
The Becca Files, April 7
Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away
Grand Prize: a $50 Amazon gift card
1st Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
2nd Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
3rd Place: A set of three ebooks – Reader’s Choice of any three of my books and
4th Place: a $5 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/ddfa/a-ver...
March 20, 2019
Jane Austin fan? Sit down with a cup of cocoa and a blanket and enjoy the read! This book is a compilation of 6 short stories that step into the lives of some of Austen's most beloved characters. Each story is written by a different author and takes a glimpse at the lives of the characters after their stories ended with Austen.
If you're an Austen fan then chances are you've imagined the futures of at least a few of the characters in your mind. These stories may or may not fit within the imaginings already in your mind, but they can still be an enjoyable read. I fully recognize that the ones that weren't my favorite were simply due to the fact that the characters didn't fit with where my mind had already placed them. Regardless of my feeling toward any of the individual storylines I felt they were all well written and they were still able to hold my attention.
I would definitely recommend reading the original Jane Austen works before picking up this book. They were all written with the mindset that the readers are already acquainted with the characters and their backstories. I believe that's vital to fully appreciating these pieces.
Overall I enjoyed this book and my time looking back into the lives of the characters originally created by Jane Austen. I'd recommend it to regency and historical romance fans.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
If you're an Austen fan then chances are you've imagined the futures of at least a few of the characters in your mind. These stories may or may not fit within the imaginings already in your mind, but they can still be an enjoyable read. I fully recognize that the ones that weren't my favorite were simply due to the fact that the characters didn't fit with where my mind had already placed them. Regardless of my feeling toward any of the individual storylines I felt they were all well written and they were still able to hold my attention.
I would definitely recommend reading the original Jane Austen works before picking up this book. They were all written with the mindset that the readers are already acquainted with the characters and their backstories. I believe that's vital to fully appreciating these pieces.
Overall I enjoyed this book and my time looking back into the lives of the characters originally created by Jane Austen. I'd recommend it to regency and historical romance fans.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 8, 2019
♡♡ Happy Valentine's !! ♡♡
Loved this Austenesque Anthology 's stories and author insights ...
Loved this Austenesque Anthology 's stories and author insights ...
April 4, 2019
The book is filled with stories of love and romance set in the Jane Austen era. I love the variety of authors and how each story gives readers a taste of amazing writing from six talented authors. I did have a hard time with the book because the stories were not in chronological order and I was quite confused. One of the stories was a bit too long and could have been shortened. For a reader who has read Jane Austen books may find this collection hard to follow.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
I loved this story because it reminded me of two people courting. Elizabeth wants to make sure her husband always wants to be with her. She dreams of romance and times shared with her husband. Those dreams become a reality in a way when she finds ways to share time with him and keep the romance alive in their marriage. It's a sweet story of love and devotion between two people.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Sir Walter is certainly a person of judgment. He looks down on those that are not up to his standard and I had to laugh as he thought a prominent woman was coming by his table perhaps to chat with him. Maybe he should be a bit more friendly and less stuck up. His desire to have a wife is not exactly romantic, but he thinks he is a catch. Sir Walter has his eyes on Lady Catherine and is so sure she will be smitten with him. Their letters back and forth are funny as each tries to be cordial. I liked the story and was intrigued by who Sir Walter would end up with.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
This story was fun to read and I adored Elizabeth. Looks like there is some matchmaking going on and I was interested to find out who would get Eliabeth's attention. I am finding that this book is chocked full of delightful characters and I love the time period. Elizabeth will have her hands full when two scheming people try to play cupid for her.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
This story had a bit of intrigue in it that I really enjoyed. It's hard to determine just who to believe when Elizabeth and Darcy meet. Why would Darcy present himself as a Reverend? Is he hiding something? There is talk among people that there are French spies among them. Elizabeth is certain that the Reverend she met is a spy and is beside herself. The story was good and I liked the mystery surrounding the characters. I liked the part about the characters talking about lying and how "honesty is is the most important of the virtues."
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
Right away I knew I was going to like Charlotte. She is a bundle of en energy at four years old. I liked how she wanted to have friends and be outside playing. I could feel her longing for a normal childhood. What child at four years old wants to play piano and be stuck inside a lonely house? Her antics were fun to read and I liked how her mother and father adored her. When Charlotte contracts an illness the house is in an uproar. Charlotte has never been sick before and her illness is very concerning. Oh my that child is full of mischief even when sick. I laughed when I read that she wanted to sip drops of water from a thimble. The story moves forward to when Charlotte is a young woman. It is a mystery who has sent her a valentine since she was five. I loved how the author slowly introduces us to a grown up Charlotte who finds her valentine in a most delightful story.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
This is a true love story in which everything seems to be against the couple who is in love. Anne's family does not think Frederick is right for her. As they begin to see each other it becomes harder for them to be apart. I loved how deep their love for each other was and how it hurt to be apart. When Frederick gets his orders to ship out it becomes hard for the couple to think about anything else but being together. The ending is wonderful and I loved the spunk Anne showed her family as they continued trying to talk her out of marrying Frederick.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I Dream of You by Robin Helm
I loved this story because it reminded me of two people courting. Elizabeth wants to make sure her husband always wants to be with her. She dreams of romance and times shared with her husband. Those dreams become a reality in a way when she finds ways to share time with him and keep the romance alive in their marriage. It's a sweet story of love and devotion between two people.
Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile
Sir Walter is certainly a person of judgment. He looks down on those that are not up to his standard and I had to laugh as he thought a prominent woman was coming by his table perhaps to chat with him. Maybe he should be a bit more friendly and less stuck up. His desire to have a wife is not exactly romantic, but he thinks he is a catch. Sir Walter has his eyes on Lady Catherine and is so sure she will be smitten with him. Their letters back and forth are funny as each tries to be cordial. I liked the story and was intrigued by who Sir Walter would end up with.
My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis
This story was fun to read and I adored Elizabeth. Looks like there is some matchmaking going on and I was interested to find out who would get Eliabeth's attention. I am finding that this book is chocked full of delightful characters and I love the time period. Elizabeth will have her hands full when two scheming people try to play cupid for her.
Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite
This story had a bit of intrigue in it that I really enjoyed. It's hard to determine just who to believe when Elizabeth and Darcy meet. Why would Darcy present himself as a Reverend? Is he hiding something? There is talk among people that there are French spies among them. Elizabeth is certain that the Reverend she met is a spy and is beside herself. The story was good and I liked the mystery surrounding the characters. I liked the part about the characters talking about lying and how "honesty is is the most important of the virtues."
My Valentine by Mandy Cook
Right away I knew I was going to like Charlotte. She is a bundle of en energy at four years old. I liked how she wanted to have friends and be outside playing. I could feel her longing for a normal childhood. What child at four years old wants to play piano and be stuck inside a lonely house? Her antics were fun to read and I liked how her mother and father adored her. When Charlotte contracts an illness the house is in an uproar. Charlotte has never been sick before and her illness is very concerning. Oh my that child is full of mischief even when sick. I laughed when I read that she wanted to sip drops of water from a thimble. The story moves forward to when Charlotte is a young woman. It is a mystery who has sent her a valentine since she was five. I loved how the author slowly introduces us to a grown up Charlotte who finds her valentine in a most delightful story.
The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye
This is a true love story in which everything seems to be against the couple who is in love. Anne's family does not think Frederick is right for her. As they begin to see each other it becomes harder for them to be apart. I loved how deep their love for each other was and how it hurt to be apart. When Frederick gets his orders to ship out it becomes hard for the couple to think about anything else but being together. The ending is wonderful and I loved the spunk Anne showed her family as they continued trying to talk her out of marrying Frederick.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews