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Highbury
Dear Jane
Winner of an 'Honourable Mention' award in the Readers' Favourite 2019 competition and recipient of the coveted One Stop Fiction Five Star Award. ** "Lovingly-crafted and brilliantly executed Dear Jane (and the entire Highbury Trilogy) is an outstanding companion and tribute to Jane Austen’s Emma. Rich with comprehensive detail, thoughtful developments and emotive prose." Austenesque Reviews.** The final instalment of the Highbury trilogy, Dear Jane recounts events hinted at but never actually described in Jane Austen’s Emma; the formative childhood years of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, their meeting in Weymouth and the agony of their secret engagement. Orphaned Jane seems likely to be brought up in parochial Highbury until adoption by her papa’s old friend Colonel Campbell opens to her all the excitement and opportunities of London. Frank Weston is also transplanted from Highbury, adopted as heir to the wealthy Churchills and taken to their drear and inhospitable Yorkshire estate. Readers of Emma will be familiar with the conclusion of Jane and Frank’s story, but Dear Jane pulls back the veil which Jane Austen drew over its remainder.
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
50 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Allie Cresswell
32 books106 followersI have been writing stories since I could hold a pencil and by the time I was in Junior School I was writing copiously and sometimes almost legibly.
It was at this time that I had the difference between fiction and lies forcefully impressed upon me, after penning a long and entirely spurious account of my grandfather’s death and funeral.....
The teacher had permitted it as being good therapy for bereavement whereas in fact it was only a good excuse to get out of learning my multiplication tables (something I have never achieved).
Clearly I was forgiven. For for my next birthday I asked for a stack of writing paper and my parents obliged, it being more easily obtained and wrapped than a pony.
A BA in English and Drama at Birmingham University was followed by an MA in English at Queen Mary College but marriage and motherhood put my writing career on hold for some years until 1992 when I began work on Game Show.
In the meantime I worked as a production manager for an educational publishing company, an educational resources copywriter, a bookkeeper for a small printing firm, and was the landlady of a country pub in Yorkshire, a small guest house in Cheshire and the proprietor of a group of boutique holiday cottages in Cumbria.
I am currently teaching literature in the community alongside full time writing.
I have two grown-up children, Tom and Abby, and am married to Tim.
I live in Cheshire.
It was at this time that I had the difference between fiction and lies forcefully impressed upon me, after penning a long and entirely spurious account of my grandfather’s death and funeral.....
The teacher had permitted it as being good therapy for bereavement whereas in fact it was only a good excuse to get out of learning my multiplication tables (something I have never achieved).
Clearly I was forgiven. For for my next birthday I asked for a stack of writing paper and my parents obliged, it being more easily obtained and wrapped than a pony.
A BA in English and Drama at Birmingham University was followed by an MA in English at Queen Mary College but marriage and motherhood put my writing career on hold for some years until 1992 when I began work on Game Show.
In the meantime I worked as a production manager for an educational publishing company, an educational resources copywriter, a bookkeeper for a small printing firm, and was the landlady of a country pub in Yorkshire, a small guest house in Cheshire and the proprietor of a group of boutique holiday cottages in Cumbria.
I am currently teaching literature in the community alongside full time writing.
I have two grown-up children, Tom and Abby, and am married to Tim.
I live in Cheshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 2, 2024
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~ Seneca
Mrs Bates of Highbury is the story of the marriage and widowhood of Mrs. Bates, wife of the vicar of Highbury.
The Other Miss Bates continues the Bates family history, following young Jane Bates to her eventual marriage to Mr. Fairfax.
Dear Jane: The final book in the Highbury Trilogy, inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma'. completes the Highbury trilogy.
Jane Fairfax is orphaned and given into the care of her parents’ friends the Campbells. The Campbells have only one child, a daughter close in age to Jane Fairfax. The girls become good friends.
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel
The story offers opportunities to study kindness and unkindness.
Colonel and Mrs. Campbell are very kind. Jane is welcomed into the family with all the indulgences and privileges of their own daughter. The one exception is that they cannot afford to offer her a dowry but they feel that Jane’s beauty and talents will recommend her to many suitors. They don’t expect her to need the fallback of becoming a governess even though she will have all the qualifications.
Miss Bates is kind even if she is verbose and silly. Mrs. Bates is kind. Mr. Dixon is kind. And kindest of all is Jane Fairfax.
Rowena Campbell lacks all of Jane’s talents, charm and beauty. Jane spends her childhood caring for Rowena’s fragile ego, defending her against all comers.
Jane, who has a poor family and will be poor all her life without an advantageous marriage, supports Rowena to the extent of encouraging one of her own admirers to Rowena’s side.
Jane, who has no prospects for marriage, befriends a young man facing unhappy circumstances in his career and personal life. His advice to her: marry only for love.
A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. ~ Dave Barry, "Things That It Took Me 50 Years to Learn"
We also see very unkind people.
Remember Jane Austen’s words about her heroine Emma? “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.”
Allie Cresswell shows us a side of Emma that confirms Jane Austen’s opinion.
As a child, Emma lords her position in society over poor Jane Fairfax at every opportunity, belittling Jane, her home with the Campbells, her opportunities, and her eventual fate as a governess. Poor Jane has a lifetime of yearly visits to Highbury and put-downs from Emma Woodhouse.
Mrs. Elton is unkind but hides her unkindness to Jane Fairfax under an aura of concern and friendship. Augusta Elton uses every power she possesses to control Jane.
Mrs. Churchill is unkind to everyone she knows. She knows nothing of her nephew’s attraction to Jane Fairfax and knows nothing of their secret engagement. This is the source of the unkindness of Frank toward Jane.
There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do if he chooses, and that is his duty; not by manoeuvring and finessing, but by vigour and resolution. ~ Mr. Knightley
Frank Churchill falls in love with Jane Fairfax and strongly values her kindness to others. Jane insists their engagement remain secret until Frank receives approval from his controlling aunt. Frank protects Jane from his aunt by pretending interest in other girls; eventually landing his attention on Emma Woodhouse. Jane must endure Frank’s attention to Emma.
After the childhood portion of this book, Jane visits her Aunt and Grandmother in Highbury. The author footnotes various events in the story as they intersect with the events in Emma. We are privy to the quarrel between Jane and Frank after the strawberry picking at Donwell when Jane leaves early and Frank arrives late. We know why Frank is so openly hostile to Jane at Box Hill.
My lasting impression of this series will be the tragedy of the Bates women. Mrs. Bates suffers the death of her husband, the loss of her home, a possible new love and more loss. Miss Bates was hyperactive even as an infant and today would have some sort of diagnosis and treatment. Jane Bates is disappointed in love, finds love with another, grieves her husband’s early death and succumbs to illness when her daughter is a toddler. Mrs. Bates, who had a secret betrothal herself, is the only one who suspects Jane’s secret; the only one who understands.
The Bates women must live the life that Mrs. Bennet dreads: “genteel” poverty in a world where women had few opportunities for self-support.
Miss Bates is comic-relief in “Emma” but her life is a tragedy – no comedy at all.
This is a great series, clean, well-written and edited. I recommend it to everyone.
I soothe my conscience now with the thought that it is better for hard words to be on paper than that Mummy should carry them in her heart. ~ Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl”
Mrs Bates of Highbury is the story of the marriage and widowhood of Mrs. Bates, wife of the vicar of Highbury.
The Other Miss Bates continues the Bates family history, following young Jane Bates to her eventual marriage to Mr. Fairfax.
Dear Jane: The final book in the Highbury Trilogy, inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma'. completes the Highbury trilogy.
Jane Fairfax is orphaned and given into the care of her parents’ friends the Campbells. The Campbells have only one child, a daughter close in age to Jane Fairfax. The girls become good friends.
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel
The story offers opportunities to study kindness and unkindness.
Colonel and Mrs. Campbell are very kind. Jane is welcomed into the family with all the indulgences and privileges of their own daughter. The one exception is that they cannot afford to offer her a dowry but they feel that Jane’s beauty and talents will recommend her to many suitors. They don’t expect her to need the fallback of becoming a governess even though she will have all the qualifications.
Miss Bates is kind even if she is verbose and silly. Mrs. Bates is kind. Mr. Dixon is kind. And kindest of all is Jane Fairfax.
Rowena Campbell lacks all of Jane’s talents, charm and beauty. Jane spends her childhood caring for Rowena’s fragile ego, defending her against all comers.
Jane, who has a poor family and will be poor all her life without an advantageous marriage, supports Rowena to the extent of encouraging one of her own admirers to Rowena’s side.
Jane, who has no prospects for marriage, befriends a young man facing unhappy circumstances in his career and personal life. His advice to her: marry only for love.
A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. ~ Dave Barry, "Things That It Took Me 50 Years to Learn"
We also see very unkind people.
Remember Jane Austen’s words about her heroine Emma? “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.”
Allie Cresswell shows us a side of Emma that confirms Jane Austen’s opinion.
As a child, Emma lords her position in society over poor Jane Fairfax at every opportunity, belittling Jane, her home with the Campbells, her opportunities, and her eventual fate as a governess. Poor Jane has a lifetime of yearly visits to Highbury and put-downs from Emma Woodhouse.
Mrs. Elton is unkind but hides her unkindness to Jane Fairfax under an aura of concern and friendship. Augusta Elton uses every power she possesses to control Jane.
Mrs. Churchill is unkind to everyone she knows. She knows nothing of her nephew’s attraction to Jane Fairfax and knows nothing of their secret engagement. This is the source of the unkindness of Frank toward Jane.
There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do if he chooses, and that is his duty; not by manoeuvring and finessing, but by vigour and resolution. ~ Mr. Knightley
Frank Churchill falls in love with Jane Fairfax and strongly values her kindness to others. Jane insists their engagement remain secret until Frank receives approval from his controlling aunt. Frank protects Jane from his aunt by pretending interest in other girls; eventually landing his attention on Emma Woodhouse. Jane must endure Frank’s attention to Emma.
After the childhood portion of this book, Jane visits her Aunt and Grandmother in Highbury. The author footnotes various events in the story as they intersect with the events in Emma. We are privy to the quarrel between Jane and Frank after the strawberry picking at Donwell when Jane leaves early and Frank arrives late. We know why Frank is so openly hostile to Jane at Box Hill.
My lasting impression of this series will be the tragedy of the Bates women. Mrs. Bates suffers the death of her husband, the loss of her home, a possible new love and more loss. Miss Bates was hyperactive even as an infant and today would have some sort of diagnosis and treatment. Jane Bates is disappointed in love, finds love with another, grieves her husband’s early death and succumbs to illness when her daughter is a toddler. Mrs. Bates, who had a secret betrothal herself, is the only one who suspects Jane’s secret; the only one who understands.
The Bates women must live the life that Mrs. Bennet dreads: “genteel” poverty in a world where women had few opportunities for self-support.
Miss Bates is comic-relief in “Emma” but her life is a tragedy – no comedy at all.
This is a great series, clean, well-written and edited. I recommend it to everyone.
I soothe my conscience now with the thought that it is better for hard words to be on paper than that Mummy should carry them in her heart. ~ Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl”
November 6, 2019
Answers All The Questions Surrounding Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill
TYPE OF NOVEL: Prequel to Emma, Alternate POV
TIME FRAME: Begins 12 years before Jane Austen’s Emma
SERIES: Book 3 in the Highbury Trilogy (Book 1: Mrs. Bates of Highbury – introduces the Bates women soon after the death of Reverend Bates 30 years ago, Book 2: The Other Miss Bates – follows Jane Bates to Brighton where she serves as a companion and meets some familiar families) I would recommend reading each of these books in order even though they are standalone.
SYNOPSIS:
Both Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill experience the untimely and tragic passing of their mothers at a young age. And both are sent to be raised by other families. The good Colonel Campbell and his wife willingly provide education, comfort, affection, and companionship to young Jane when she is eight years of age, and Frank is taken in by his childless Aunt and Uncle Churchill. While Jane’s childhood is one of luxury and leisure, she knows that the Campbells cannot provide a dowery for her and that one day she must find a post as a governess. In contrast, Frank is made the Churchill’s heir and will one day inherit Enscombe and be in possession of vast wealth. But as Frank learns, this privilege comes at a very dear price…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Jane Fairfax: Here we learn about the real Jane Fairfax – not the one who is reserved, secretive, and seemingly a picture of perfection. In this story Jane is a worthy heroine who has a playful sense of humor, a determination to be independent, and an unparalleled selfless nature. It was interesting to see her character develop during her formative years amongst the Campbells, witness her first encounters with Mr. Dixon and Frank Churchill, and see the events of Emma from her perspective. The depictions of her thoughts and emotions throughout all she endured were wonderfully palpable, and I very much enjoyed Ms. Cresswell’s sympathetic and insightful portrayal of Jane.
- Answers All Our Questions: There are so many questions surrounding Jane and Frank in Emma. How could two people with such dissimilar natures fall in love? How did Jane come to agree to a secret engagement? What was their time like in Weymoth? Was their truly something between Mr. Dixon and Jane? They are all answered in Dear Jane. All these questions and more are given such thoughtful and satisfying explanations.
- Frank Churchill: With his seemingly capricious nature, neglect towards his father, and careless flirtation with Emma, Frank Churchill doesn’t earn himself many admirers. But perhaps there is a reason for Frank’s behaviors. Perhaps he is suffering, miserable, and cannot escape. In this story readers witness what it is like to be in Frank’s shoes and understand the reasons behind his actions. Seeing him engage in questionable morals because of his hopeless situation felt a little reminiscent of Charlotte Brontë’s Edward Rochester. I no longer think of Frank as immature and careless, instead I see he is man with a difficult and unfair past, desperate to obtain the happiness that is within his reach.
- Scrupulous Correlation: Ms. Cresswell continues to seamlessly and carefully tie-in her stories to every event and detail in Jane Austen’s Emma – big or small. I marveled at Ms. Cresswell’s creativity and skill, and I loved that there were footnotes that helped delineate the connect or relationship to scenes and events in other books. These tie-ins never felt forced or redundant, and I applaud Ms. Cresswell for never resorting to copying sections of Jane Austen’s dialogue and transplanting into her own work
- Highbury: There is an abundance of history and dimension added to Jane Austen’s beloved Highbury in this series. Readers become acquainted with many new families – the Winwoods, the Pailings, and the Moselys, which bring fresh diversion and interest to an already charming pastoral place. One of things I loved most about this trilogy was learning even more about the day-to-day life and experiences of the inhabitants of dear Highbury and watching the slow, but exciting changes, that take place over the course of a few generations.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That this is the end of the trilogy! Please say you will write more, Allie Cresswell!!
CONCLUSION:
Lovingly-crafted and brilliantly executed Dear Jane (and the Highbury Trilogy) is an outstanding companion and tribute to Jane Austen’s Emma. Rich with comprehensive detail, thoughtful developments, and emotive prose – this series truly makes one feel like they have traveled to Highbury and have become one of ‘Highbury’s own.’ I emphatically recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF NOVEL: Prequel to Emma, Alternate POV
TIME FRAME: Begins 12 years before Jane Austen’s Emma
SERIES: Book 3 in the Highbury Trilogy (Book 1: Mrs. Bates of Highbury – introduces the Bates women soon after the death of Reverend Bates 30 years ago, Book 2: The Other Miss Bates – follows Jane Bates to Brighton where she serves as a companion and meets some familiar families) I would recommend reading each of these books in order even though they are standalone.
SYNOPSIS:
Both Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill experience the untimely and tragic passing of their mothers at a young age. And both are sent to be raised by other families. The good Colonel Campbell and his wife willingly provide education, comfort, affection, and companionship to young Jane when she is eight years of age, and Frank is taken in by his childless Aunt and Uncle Churchill. While Jane’s childhood is one of luxury and leisure, she knows that the Campbells cannot provide a dowery for her and that one day she must find a post as a governess. In contrast, Frank is made the Churchill’s heir and will one day inherit Enscombe and be in possession of vast wealth. But as Frank learns, this privilege comes at a very dear price…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Jane Fairfax: Here we learn about the real Jane Fairfax – not the one who is reserved, secretive, and seemingly a picture of perfection. In this story Jane is a worthy heroine who has a playful sense of humor, a determination to be independent, and an unparalleled selfless nature. It was interesting to see her character develop during her formative years amongst the Campbells, witness her first encounters with Mr. Dixon and Frank Churchill, and see the events of Emma from her perspective. The depictions of her thoughts and emotions throughout all she endured were wonderfully palpable, and I very much enjoyed Ms. Cresswell’s sympathetic and insightful portrayal of Jane.
- Answers All Our Questions: There are so many questions surrounding Jane and Frank in Emma. How could two people with such dissimilar natures fall in love? How did Jane come to agree to a secret engagement? What was their time like in Weymoth? Was their truly something between Mr. Dixon and Jane? They are all answered in Dear Jane. All these questions and more are given such thoughtful and satisfying explanations.
- Frank Churchill: With his seemingly capricious nature, neglect towards his father, and careless flirtation with Emma, Frank Churchill doesn’t earn himself many admirers. But perhaps there is a reason for Frank’s behaviors. Perhaps he is suffering, miserable, and cannot escape. In this story readers witness what it is like to be in Frank’s shoes and understand the reasons behind his actions. Seeing him engage in questionable morals because of his hopeless situation felt a little reminiscent of Charlotte Brontë’s Edward Rochester. I no longer think of Frank as immature and careless, instead I see he is man with a difficult and unfair past, desperate to obtain the happiness that is within his reach.
- Scrupulous Correlation: Ms. Cresswell continues to seamlessly and carefully tie-in her stories to every event and detail in Jane Austen’s Emma – big or small. I marveled at Ms. Cresswell’s creativity and skill, and I loved that there were footnotes that helped delineate the connect or relationship to scenes and events in other books. These tie-ins never felt forced or redundant, and I applaud Ms. Cresswell for never resorting to copying sections of Jane Austen’s dialogue and transplanting into her own work
- Highbury: There is an abundance of history and dimension added to Jane Austen’s beloved Highbury in this series. Readers become acquainted with many new families – the Winwoods, the Pailings, and the Moselys, which bring fresh diversion and interest to an already charming pastoral place. One of things I loved most about this trilogy was learning even more about the day-to-day life and experiences of the inhabitants of dear Highbury and watching the slow, but exciting changes, that take place over the course of a few generations.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That this is the end of the trilogy! Please say you will write more, Allie Cresswell!!
CONCLUSION:
Lovingly-crafted and brilliantly executed Dear Jane (and the Highbury Trilogy) is an outstanding companion and tribute to Jane Austen’s Emma. Rich with comprehensive detail, thoughtful developments, and emotive prose – this series truly makes one feel like they have traveled to Highbury and have become one of ‘Highbury’s own.’ I emphatically recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
April 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully written tale of Jane Fairfax, a relatively minor but mysterious character in Jane Austen's "Emma". The author has fleshed out the lesser known folk of Highbury, particularly Frank Churchill, his cantankerous aunt and of course the orphaned Jane herself to make them multi-faceted and as real as life. Add a tantalising backstory, prose in the style of Austen and dovetail it in beautifully with "Emma", and you have a winning combination. I did not want it to end. Although this is the final book of the Highbury Trilogy, it is not necessary to have read the other two first, although I recommend you do for sheer enjoyment's sake!
May 5, 2019
Enjoy Emma all over again!
How lovely to be back again in society with such well loved characters! Emma’s rightful position is, of course, at the forefront of any social occasion, the top of anyone’s invitation and the initial call when an opinion is needed. But, much as I love her, to allow her to be moved off centre to bring forward her supporting cast is a clever and intriguing idea. It makes for a very enjoyable read indeed.
Allie Cresswell imitates Jane Austen’s distant voice well. There is humour, empathy, comment and style. The characters are ‘borrowed’ but fleshed out by a new imagination and given a credible storyline carefully woven around the original.
‘Dear Jane’ is the third in the Highbury series from Ms Cresswell and although not strictly necessary to read all three in order, I recommend that you do. Totes worth it! I mean... prestigious!
How lovely to be back again in society with such well loved characters! Emma’s rightful position is, of course, at the forefront of any social occasion, the top of anyone’s invitation and the initial call when an opinion is needed. But, much as I love her, to allow her to be moved off centre to bring forward her supporting cast is a clever and intriguing idea. It makes for a very enjoyable read indeed.
Allie Cresswell imitates Jane Austen’s distant voice well. There is humour, empathy, comment and style. The characters are ‘borrowed’ but fleshed out by a new imagination and given a credible storyline carefully woven around the original.
‘Dear Jane’ is the third in the Highbury series from Ms Cresswell and although not strictly necessary to read all three in order, I recommend that you do. Totes worth it! I mean... prestigious!
December 13, 2023
Mi è piaciuto moltissimo questo terzo e ultimo volume della serie Highbury, che comprende due prequel e un retelling di Emma di Jane Austen. In particolare, vediamo la storia dal punto di vista di quello che è un personaggio piuttosto maltrattato daggli ammiratori di Miss Woodhouse, Jane Fairfax. Per me, che ogni volta che leggo il romanzo di Jane Austen trovo la sua protagonista un po' antipatucuccia (proprio come aveva predetto la sua autrice) e parteggio per il #teamJane, questo è proprio il romanzo che avrei sempre voluto leggere. Il romanzo parte dall'infanzia della piccola Jane, che viene poi affidata alle cure degli amici dei genitori, i Campbell, che però possono permettersi una dote solo per la loro figlia biologica, Rowena, che è di certo meno dotata e meno graziosa di Jane, per cui rischia di rimanere sullo scaffale delle zitelle. Jane è invece una ragazza piena di risorse e desidera con tutta se stessa diventare indipendente. Purtroppo, a quei tempi, l'indipendenza una signorina perbene la poteva ottenere solo con un buon matrimonio o prestandosi a fare il lavoro di istitutrice, cosa che era piuttosto umiliante, perché la poneva a metà strada tra la famiglia di impiego e la servitù.
In un primo momento Jane sembra disposta ad accasarsi con Mr. Dixon pur non essendone innamorata, ma solo lusingata dal suo vivo interesse, ma poi lo allontana non appena si rende conto che la sua carissima amica/sorella Rowena Campbell è innamorata di lui da tantissimo tempo (al contrario della Jane Fairfax del romanzo omonimo di Aiken, che invece deve rinunciare a lui pur essendone innamorata, anche perché il Mr. Dixon di Aiken è a caccia di dote, cosa che a quello di Cresswell non interessa). In un secondo momento, quando Mr. Dixon crederà che abbia una relazione segreta con un uomo non meglio identificato, Jane si innamora davvero di Frank Churchill e si fidanza con lui, ma soffre perché lui non trova mai il coraggio di confessare alla zia del loro fidanzamento segreto. La zia Churchill - che avevamo già incontrato, e odiato, nel secondo romanzo della serie - è un personaggio terribile e grottesco, una sorta di Lady Catherine de Bourgh che ha perso ogni dignità e contegno e si lascia andare a scenate isteriche (che sarebbero piaciute tanto a Charlotte Brontë, ma che sarebbe impossibile trovare nella misurata e inglesissima Jane Austen).
Ho trovato questo terzo romanzo davvero appassionante, anche se alcuni dettagli considerati fondamentali in Emma qui perdono spesso di importanza e vengono trattati da un punto di vista ben diverso, perché Jane dà valore a ben altro, ed è tormentata dall’incertezza della sua posizione e dalla gelosia nel vedere Frank che flirta con tutte le altre ragazze di Highbury e in particolare con Emma. Ma anche se Emma non le sta proprio simpatica, Jane non commette mai l’errore di accusare lei per la propria afflizione, ben sapendo che la responsabilità è tutta da ascrivere al comportamento del suo amato.
Highbury people were constitutionally opposed to anything sudden, a surprise or secret.
No new tenant had come to it who might challenge Miss Woodhouse’s eminence and Highbury certainly had not the temerity to offer one—she was uncontested as she might not have been in a more populated or fashionable town.
Miss Woodhouse, for all her self-importance, led a sheltered, parochial existence. She had never—and possibly would never—be able to experience anything similar.
‘Why should Miss Woodhouse enjoy all that should be mine?’ ‘Why indeed? You injure me if you think I do not feel the injustice of it. But she thinks it her due and all of Highbury panders to her vanity.’
In un primo momento Jane sembra disposta ad accasarsi con Mr. Dixon pur non essendone innamorata, ma solo lusingata dal suo vivo interesse, ma poi lo allontana non appena si rende conto che la sua carissima amica/sorella Rowena Campbell è innamorata di lui da tantissimo tempo (al contrario della Jane Fairfax del romanzo omonimo di Aiken, che invece deve rinunciare a lui pur essendone innamorata, anche perché il Mr. Dixon di Aiken è a caccia di dote, cosa che a quello di Cresswell non interessa). In un secondo momento, quando Mr. Dixon crederà che abbia una relazione segreta con un uomo non meglio identificato, Jane si innamora davvero di Frank Churchill e si fidanza con lui, ma soffre perché lui non trova mai il coraggio di confessare alla zia del loro fidanzamento segreto. La zia Churchill - che avevamo già incontrato, e odiato, nel secondo romanzo della serie - è un personaggio terribile e grottesco, una sorta di Lady Catherine de Bourgh che ha perso ogni dignità e contegno e si lascia andare a scenate isteriche (che sarebbero piaciute tanto a Charlotte Brontë, ma che sarebbe impossibile trovare nella misurata e inglesissima Jane Austen).
Ho trovato questo terzo romanzo davvero appassionante, anche se alcuni dettagli considerati fondamentali in Emma qui perdono spesso di importanza e vengono trattati da un punto di vista ben diverso, perché Jane dà valore a ben altro, ed è tormentata dall’incertezza della sua posizione e dalla gelosia nel vedere Frank che flirta con tutte le altre ragazze di Highbury e in particolare con Emma. Ma anche se Emma non le sta proprio simpatica, Jane non commette mai l’errore di accusare lei per la propria afflizione, ben sapendo che la responsabilità è tutta da ascrivere al comportamento del suo amato.
Highbury people were constitutionally opposed to anything sudden, a surprise or secret.
No new tenant had come to it who might challenge Miss Woodhouse’s eminence and Highbury certainly had not the temerity to offer one—she was uncontested as she might not have been in a more populated or fashionable town.
Miss Woodhouse, for all her self-importance, led a sheltered, parochial existence. She had never—and possibly would never—be able to experience anything similar.
‘Why should Miss Woodhouse enjoy all that should be mine?’ ‘Why indeed? You injure me if you think I do not feel the injustice of it. But she thinks it her due and all of Highbury panders to her vanity.’
May 3, 2019
Dear Jane is the third and final book in the Highbury Trilogy, (inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma') by Allie Cresswell.
In this instalment of the trilogy, we follow the relationship between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill. If you have read or watched 'Emma' you will know of course what their outcome is. What this story does is take you right back to when our couple fall in love and the whys and wherefores as to why they hid their relationship and consequent engagement and the difficulty both felt during that time.
I was fascinated by their story and the author's take on the various characters also in 'Emma'. I honestly enjoyed it so much and it worked in so well with the original story that it could easily be taken as Austen's own writing. I could picture myself sitting down to watch the film of the book before continuing with 'Emma'. It really was that good. It did take me a long time to read, and to be honest, it's the length of the Austen books that have made me watch the films rather than read the books. I had to persevere and read this book though because it was really very good, and because sadly I guess it isn't going to be made into a film.
It took a long time, a lot of trials and tribulations, a lot of frustration and interference by some people, but Jane and Frank got their happy ending and it was well worth the wait for them. I do so love a happy ending.
I have enjoyed this entire trilogy and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are a fan of Austen I don't think you will be disappointed by this author's writing.
In this instalment of the trilogy, we follow the relationship between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill. If you have read or watched 'Emma' you will know of course what their outcome is. What this story does is take you right back to when our couple fall in love and the whys and wherefores as to why they hid their relationship and consequent engagement and the difficulty both felt during that time.
I was fascinated by their story and the author's take on the various characters also in 'Emma'. I honestly enjoyed it so much and it worked in so well with the original story that it could easily be taken as Austen's own writing. I could picture myself sitting down to watch the film of the book before continuing with 'Emma'. It really was that good. It did take me a long time to read, and to be honest, it's the length of the Austen books that have made me watch the films rather than read the books. I had to persevere and read this book though because it was really very good, and because sadly I guess it isn't going to be made into a film.
It took a long time, a lot of trials and tribulations, a lot of frustration and interference by some people, but Jane and Frank got their happy ending and it was well worth the wait for them. I do so love a happy ending.
I have enjoyed this entire trilogy and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are a fan of Austen I don't think you will be disappointed by this author's writing.
July 4, 2022
While this final installation of the trilogy was just as well done as the first two, I didn’t enjoy it as much. This is probably because I’m just not a Jane and Frank fan. I always find the two of them to be massively irritating. And Cresswell’s versions were no exceptions. I did think it was brave and unexpected of her to give us such an unlikeable Emma, though. That was a bold choice.
December 10, 2019
Very satisfying,
but I continue to be surprised that no reputed publisher (or Masterpiece Theatre director) has snatched up this well-written and plotted trilogy.
but I continue to be surprised that no reputed publisher (or Masterpiece Theatre director) has snatched up this well-written and plotted trilogy.
January 23, 2024
Wonderfully and beautifully written. This was a great trilogy!!!!!!
June 1, 2019
I am the type of person who always wants to know more about the various characters in novels, especially classic novels such as the works of Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. This book did not disappoint. Though this was the third novel in the Highbury Trilogy, I knew enough of the Emma story to not get lost. I loved reading the story of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill from the very beginning. From Austen's Emma, we only get glimpses of Jane from Emma's point of view (not always a positive view), though we do know from other supporting players that Jane is a fine girl. Frank on the other hand always seems to be portrayed as something of a cad. It was refreshing to learn his origins and motivations, and to see just what a truly wonderful person he really is. Finally learning the back story of how Jane and Frank became a couple was satisfying, as I always felt the discovery of their engagement slightly rushed in Emma.
I have not read many Austen retellings, though I have many on my to-be-read list. Dear Jane really is an enjoyable read, with the tone being very much Austen. As I stated earlier on, I did not get lost reading this. It works well as a stand alone novel despite being part of a trilogy. Now I'm eager to go back to the beginning and read the first two books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jane Austen's work.
A thank you to Poetic Book Tours, and the publisher, for sending me a copy of the book.
I have not read many Austen retellings, though I have many on my to-be-read list. Dear Jane really is an enjoyable read, with the tone being very much Austen. As I stated earlier on, I did not get lost reading this. It works well as a stand alone novel despite being part of a trilogy. Now I'm eager to go back to the beginning and read the first two books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jane Austen's work.
A thank you to Poetic Book Tours, and the publisher, for sending me a copy of the book.
May 2, 2019
In this third book we follow the story of Jane Fairfax, which leads us to the events in Jane Austen's Emma. I've read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, and this third one is, in my opinion, the best.
All the characters we have come to know and love in the previous books return, including the wonderful Miss Bates, who adds a tragic-comic touch to the story, along with a new generation and all their trials and tribulations.
Wonderfully written, it takes you back to those times when gossip and intrigue were the main ingredient of daily lives, and misunderstandings and broken hearts were all too common. Jane Fairfax is kind, genteel, unassuming, but also has a surprising strength of character, thanks to her upbringing, surrounded by people who love her.
This is a wonderful story that you could imagine Jane Austen herself would have written, so faithful is it to the original book. Highly recommend!
(I'd like to thank Allie Cresswell for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.)
All the characters we have come to know and love in the previous books return, including the wonderful Miss Bates, who adds a tragic-comic touch to the story, along with a new generation and all their trials and tribulations.
Wonderfully written, it takes you back to those times when gossip and intrigue were the main ingredient of daily lives, and misunderstandings and broken hearts were all too common. Jane Fairfax is kind, genteel, unassuming, but also has a surprising strength of character, thanks to her upbringing, surrounded by people who love her.
This is a wonderful story that you could imagine Jane Austen herself would have written, so faithful is it to the original book. Highly recommend!
(I'd like to thank Allie Cresswell for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.)
May 3, 2019
I don’t like Emma - the character, not the book. She is snobbish, self-important, self-satisfied and a thoroughly spoiled, stuck-up individual.
In ‘Dear Jane’, the third installment in Allie Cresswell’s prequel trilogy to Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, we come to know Jane Fairfax, a minor character in Austen’s book.
Jane’s character is the antithesis of Emma. Miss Fairfax is self-effacing, generous, almost painfully conscious of her obligations to her patrons and her friends. In fact, she is pretty nigh perfect, but for the secret she is hugging to her heart.
I loved ‘Mrs. Bates of Highbury’ and ‘The Other Miss Bates’. If anything, ‘Dear Jane’ is even better. The time frame for this third book overlaps ‘Emma’ to a large degree, presenting a difficult challenge to the author. Cresswell has risen to this challenge with grace and skill.
I highly recommend the entire Highbury trilogy to all lovers of Jane Austen.
In ‘Dear Jane’, the third installment in Allie Cresswell’s prequel trilogy to Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, we come to know Jane Fairfax, a minor character in Austen’s book.
Jane’s character is the antithesis of Emma. Miss Fairfax is self-effacing, generous, almost painfully conscious of her obligations to her patrons and her friends. In fact, she is pretty nigh perfect, but for the secret she is hugging to her heart.
I loved ‘Mrs. Bates of Highbury’ and ‘The Other Miss Bates’. If anything, ‘Dear Jane’ is even better. The time frame for this third book overlaps ‘Emma’ to a large degree, presenting a difficult challenge to the author. Cresswell has risen to this challenge with grace and skill.
I highly recommend the entire Highbury trilogy to all lovers of Jane Austen.
July 6, 2020
Pros:
1) ‘Dear Jane' is well written, and Allie Cresswell does an excellent job creating events beyond the materials of ‘Emma’. Mrs. Churchill is also as ridiculous and entertaining to read as hinted in ‘Emma’.
2) Cresswell writes a detailed and believable story on how Jane Fairfax and Frank met and became secretly engaged. The best part?
Cons:
1) While Emma is a flawed character in 'Emma', her "villainous" personality is amplified to such an extreme in 'Dear Jane' that she becomes an irreparable villain---the likes of which rivals Caroline Bingley, Lucy Steele, and Fanny Dashwood. To quote 'Persuasion': Emma was so altered I should not have known her again.
‘Dear Jane’ also ends with Emma “secur[ing]” Mr. Knightley because “she was not a woman to be outdone by Miss Fairfax”, and goes on to insult Mr. Knightley as “not as wealthy as Frank Churchill, nor as amusing” and “only tolerable” in looks. And Mr. Knightley only “think[s] himself in love” because of his “paternal interest” in Emma and his anger at Frank. This version contradicts his love profession in 'Emma': “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
This is a disservice to both Emma and Mr. Knightley, and an insult to Emma’s character growth in ‘Emma’. As specified, ‘Dear Jane' is inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma', and is most definitely not a retelling of ‘Emma’ from Jane Fairfax's point of view.
2) In 'Dear Jane', Emma is partially correct in her abominable suspicions that there is a secret improper attachment between Mr. Dixon and Jane because Mr. Dixon was in love with Jane!
3) I enjoyed the “hidden” story of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill in ‘Emma’, which is why I sought for novels centered on their story. However, Jane in ‘Dear Jane’ was too perfect and dull to me; and it further highlights why Jane Austen chose Emma Woodhouse as the protagonist and not Jane Fairfax.
***
For a faithful retelling of 'Emma', while revealing the secret love of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, I recommend Lovers' Perjuries; Or, The Clandestine Courtship Of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill: A retelling of Jane Austen's EMMA. I plug this novel because I am disappointed that Delman's novel is by far the least popular (virtually unknown!) retelling of 'Emma' about Jane Fairfax.
1) ‘Dear Jane' is well written, and Allie Cresswell does an excellent job creating events beyond the materials of ‘Emma’. Mrs. Churchill is also as ridiculous and entertaining to read as hinted in ‘Emma’.
2) Cresswell writes a detailed and believable story on how Jane Fairfax and Frank met and became secretly engaged. The best part?
Cons:
1) While Emma is a flawed character in 'Emma', her "villainous" personality is amplified to such an extreme in 'Dear Jane' that she becomes an irreparable villain---the likes of which rivals Caroline Bingley, Lucy Steele, and Fanny Dashwood. To quote 'Persuasion': Emma was so altered I should not have known her again.
‘Dear Jane’ also ends with Emma “secur[ing]” Mr. Knightley because “she was not a woman to be outdone by Miss Fairfax”, and goes on to insult Mr. Knightley as “not as wealthy as Frank Churchill, nor as amusing” and “only tolerable” in looks. And Mr. Knightley only “think[s] himself in love” because of his “paternal interest” in Emma and his anger at Frank. This version contradicts his love profession in 'Emma': “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
This is a disservice to both Emma and Mr. Knightley, and an insult to Emma’s character growth in ‘Emma’. As specified, ‘Dear Jane' is inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma', and is most definitely not a retelling of ‘Emma’ from Jane Fairfax's point of view.
2) In 'Dear Jane', Emma is partially correct in her abominable suspicions that there is a secret improper attachment between Mr. Dixon and Jane because Mr. Dixon was in love with Jane!
3) I enjoyed the “hidden” story of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill in ‘Emma’, which is why I sought for novels centered on their story. However, Jane in ‘Dear Jane’ was too perfect and dull to me; and it further highlights why Jane Austen chose Emma Woodhouse as the protagonist and not Jane Fairfax.
***
For a faithful retelling of 'Emma', while revealing the secret love of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, I recommend Lovers' Perjuries; Or, The Clandestine Courtship Of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill: A retelling of Jane Austen's EMMA. I plug this novel because I am disappointed that Delman's novel is by far the least popular (virtually unknown!) retelling of 'Emma' about Jane Fairfax.
May 18, 2019
I had been looking forward to reading the final instalment of the Highbury Trilogy, and now I have I do feel a little sad that it is over.
The Trilogy started with Mrs. Bates of Highbury, followed by The Other Mrs. Bates and finally ending with Dear Jane. Each story has takes on a main character and explores their family, friends and acquaintances. Dear Jane focuses on Jane Fairfax, she had a minor role in Emma and Allie Cresswell has made her into the major role, and I will add she has done it superbly.
Jane is taken in by the Campbells and is treated like a daughter with all the privileges that come with one whom lives within a certain class in society. Jane is to be a companion to the Campbell’s daughter Rowenna. Jane’s life is mapped out for her and she is well aware that at some point in the future she will have to make her own way in the world.
I absolutely loved this story, well let me be honest I have loved the whole trilogy. The author has captured the tone and writing style I like when I read the older classic lit books. I love to read about the “ladies”, I say ladies but often they are very far from lady-like with their barbed comments. there are several of these comments within the book as even though some see Jane as an equal, not everyone does.
Dear Jane is told over several years and follows Jane and Rowenna, I have to say that Jane has the patience of a saint as she coaxes Rowenna. But actually even though Rowenna was a bit of a pain, I also really liked her and got to understand her shyness and insecurities.
With society and the standing within society being so important with those in the upper echelons there is a focus on marriage, or rather how much will be brought into a marriage, both on a monetary and also positional platform. Marriage is a business deal rather than one of love, though there is love. Who falls in love and with whom is something I will let you discover for yourselves!
Romance, courtship and falling breathlessly and hopelessly in love is in equal measure with many a furtive glance, stifled giggles and the occasional swoon. Though things often appear to be simple it is not always the case. For some the road to marriage and love appears straightforward but those behind the scenes may have had a hand to stay the route, keeping the recipients unawares.
The story just oozes that old classic literature style. The mannerisms, dress and fashion, conversation style, society and etiquette all feel so right. Mix into this a storyline that has uncertainties, heartbreak, hope and trouble and that was me hooked and avidly reading.
I would say you could read each as a stand-alone, but you know what… Just go and get the whole trilogy and then just sit down, put your feet up and just relax and read.
This book, well, the whole trilogy gets a Highly Recommended from me.
The Trilogy started with Mrs. Bates of Highbury, followed by The Other Mrs. Bates and finally ending with Dear Jane. Each story has takes on a main character and explores their family, friends and acquaintances. Dear Jane focuses on Jane Fairfax, she had a minor role in Emma and Allie Cresswell has made her into the major role, and I will add she has done it superbly.
Jane is taken in by the Campbells and is treated like a daughter with all the privileges that come with one whom lives within a certain class in society. Jane is to be a companion to the Campbell’s daughter Rowenna. Jane’s life is mapped out for her and she is well aware that at some point in the future she will have to make her own way in the world.
I absolutely loved this story, well let me be honest I have loved the whole trilogy. The author has captured the tone and writing style I like when I read the older classic lit books. I love to read about the “ladies”, I say ladies but often they are very far from lady-like with their barbed comments. there are several of these comments within the book as even though some see Jane as an equal, not everyone does.
Dear Jane is told over several years and follows Jane and Rowenna, I have to say that Jane has the patience of a saint as she coaxes Rowenna. But actually even though Rowenna was a bit of a pain, I also really liked her and got to understand her shyness and insecurities.
With society and the standing within society being so important with those in the upper echelons there is a focus on marriage, or rather how much will be brought into a marriage, both on a monetary and also positional platform. Marriage is a business deal rather than one of love, though there is love. Who falls in love and with whom is something I will let you discover for yourselves!
Romance, courtship and falling breathlessly and hopelessly in love is in equal measure with many a furtive glance, stifled giggles and the occasional swoon. Though things often appear to be simple it is not always the case. For some the road to marriage and love appears straightforward but those behind the scenes may have had a hand to stay the route, keeping the recipients unawares.
The story just oozes that old classic literature style. The mannerisms, dress and fashion, conversation style, society and etiquette all feel so right. Mix into this a storyline that has uncertainties, heartbreak, hope and trouble and that was me hooked and avidly reading.
I would say you could read each as a stand-alone, but you know what… Just go and get the whole trilogy and then just sit down, put your feet up and just relax and read.
This book, well, the whole trilogy gets a Highly Recommended from me.
Read
November 19, 2019Allie Cresswell's newest novel, Dear Jane, is the final installment of the Highbury trilogy, based on Jane Austen's Emma. I can assure you that it's a standalone novel, as I have not read the first two books yet (but definitely plan to) and was able to follow and enjoy the story just fine. Dear Jane fleshes out the backstories of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, whose childhoods away from their closest relatives in Highbury are mentioned in Austen's novel but not covered in great detail.
What was it like for Jane to grow up with the affluent Campbell family, away from her impoverished grandmother and aunt, Mrs. and Miss Bates? What was it like for Jane to enjoy the love and acceptance of the Campbell family, plus the luxuries and opportunities afforded to her as their ward, while knowing that it wouldn't last forever, and that she likely would have to go into service as a governess? Meanwhile, what was it like for Frank to live under his demanding and controlling aunt, to prepare to one day inherit their estate but be unable to enjoy the usual freedoms of young men -- not to go to university as planned and not even visit his father, Mr. Weston, without doing so secretly?
Cresswell does a great job showing how difficult it was for them to navigate their situations, even while being given better lives and opportunities than they likely would have had in Highbury. She also gives readers an in-depth look at their meeting in Weymouth and the events that occur before we meet them for the first time in Emma.
I really enjoyed getting a chance to better know and understand Jane and Frank, beyond what is seen of them in the original novel, much of which is clouded by Emma Woodhouse's opinions about them -- her longtime rivalry with Jane and her infatuation with the young man everyone has talked about and fawned over for years before he finally arrives in Highbury. It is easy to dislike both of them in Emma, especially Frank, but seeing this side of their story gives readers much to think about.
Dear Jane is a fantastic look at some of Austen's most intriguing secondary characters -- with the addition of some very interesting original characters, like the infuriating Lady Sowerby -- and getting to see Emma, Mr. Knightley, Miss Bates (whose babbling is perfectly captured by Cresswell; I could hear her dialogue in my mind like I was watching one of the movie adaptations), and the rest of the Highbury natives was a real treat.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
What was it like for Jane to grow up with the affluent Campbell family, away from her impoverished grandmother and aunt, Mrs. and Miss Bates? What was it like for Jane to enjoy the love and acceptance of the Campbell family, plus the luxuries and opportunities afforded to her as their ward, while knowing that it wouldn't last forever, and that she likely would have to go into service as a governess? Meanwhile, what was it like for Frank to live under his demanding and controlling aunt, to prepare to one day inherit their estate but be unable to enjoy the usual freedoms of young men -- not to go to university as planned and not even visit his father, Mr. Weston, without doing so secretly?
Cresswell does a great job showing how difficult it was for them to navigate their situations, even while being given better lives and opportunities than they likely would have had in Highbury. She also gives readers an in-depth look at their meeting in Weymouth and the events that occur before we meet them for the first time in Emma.
I really enjoyed getting a chance to better know and understand Jane and Frank, beyond what is seen of them in the original novel, much of which is clouded by Emma Woodhouse's opinions about them -- her longtime rivalry with Jane and her infatuation with the young man everyone has talked about and fawned over for years before he finally arrives in Highbury. It is easy to dislike both of them in Emma, especially Frank, but seeing this side of their story gives readers much to think about.
Dear Jane is a fantastic look at some of Austen's most intriguing secondary characters -- with the addition of some very interesting original characters, like the infuriating Lady Sowerby -- and getting to see Emma, Mr. Knightley, Miss Bates (whose babbling is perfectly captured by Cresswell; I could hear her dialogue in my mind like I was watching one of the movie adaptations), and the rest of the Highbury natives was a real treat.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
January 16, 2021
4.5 stars
It was fun in this final book to see 'Emma' through the eyes of Jane and Frank. To be honest, I've never liked Frank. I found his behavior too appalling. I pretty much sided with Mr. Knightly about Frank. But this book made me see him in a new light. I am still not sure that I like him but at least there are reasons for his behavior explained in a logical way. And I think I felt even more sorry for Jane than I did from reading Emma.
The author does a great job of following Emma while not actually telling Emma's story. But the events that occur in Cresswell's Highbury are what is happening in canon. It is just that we only see if from the different perspective. I thought it well done. Once again the writing is well done and true to the time period I believe.
I really enjoyed this entire trilogy excepting one part which happened to be in this book. I disliked Frank rather tricking Mr. Dixon into his marriage. One could argue that he needed a push but to purposely get him drunk and write a letter of proposal... shudder. And I found the romp with the barmaids totally unnecessary to the plot and distasteful besides. Double shudder. I was grateful we only got enough of a reminiscence of the event that we didn't have to live through the whole thing. Just his spotty memory was icky. And it is the one time where I feel like the author moved away from true Austenesque writing. That really is the only thing I didn't like out of all three books. This third one is a lot longer than the first two. I kind of wish it was more evened out but I suspect that the author did so on purpose.
Overall, this series is one of my favorite Austen fan fictions. Most people probably won't be put off by what I referred to in the previous paragraph but that one part did leave a dirty taste in my mouth. If it weren't for that one part I'd give it 5 stars whole heartedly.
Sex: the reader gets a spotty reminiscence of the drunken exploit
Language: no
Violence: no
It was fun in this final book to see 'Emma' through the eyes of Jane and Frank. To be honest, I've never liked Frank. I found his behavior too appalling. I pretty much sided with Mr. Knightly about Frank. But this book made me see him in a new light. I am still not sure that I like him but at least there are reasons for his behavior explained in a logical way. And I think I felt even more sorry for Jane than I did from reading Emma.
The author does a great job of following Emma while not actually telling Emma's story. But the events that occur in Cresswell's Highbury are what is happening in canon. It is just that we only see if from the different perspective. I thought it well done. Once again the writing is well done and true to the time period I believe.
I really enjoyed this entire trilogy excepting one part which happened to be in this book. I disliked Frank rather tricking Mr. Dixon into his marriage. One could argue that he needed a push but to purposely get him drunk and write a letter of proposal... shudder. And I found the romp with the barmaids totally unnecessary to the plot and distasteful besides. Double shudder. I was grateful we only got enough of a reminiscence of the event that we didn't have to live through the whole thing. Just his spotty memory was icky. And it is the one time where I feel like the author moved away from true Austenesque writing. That really is the only thing I didn't like out of all three books. This third one is a lot longer than the first two. I kind of wish it was more evened out but I suspect that the author did so on purpose.
Overall, this series is one of my favorite Austen fan fictions. Most people probably won't be put off by what I referred to in the previous paragraph but that one part did leave a dirty taste in my mouth. If it weren't for that one part I'd give it 5 stars whole heartedly.
Sex: the reader gets a spotty reminiscence of the drunken exploit
Language: no
Violence: no
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2019
As I've mentioned in my reviews of book one and book two of this trilogy I haven't read Jane Austen's Emma but I've become a fan of historical romance and I have particularly enjoyed this trilogy by Allie Cresswell that sweeps you away to the lives and loves of three generations of ladies from one family living in the village of Highbury.
I have to admit that it did take me a little longer to get my head around the characters and storyline in Dear Jane but it is well worth sticking with the story as once I was immersed in the storyline I was totally swept away with the romance and the secrecy of a love that was kept hidden due to the constrains of family and society rules.
Dear Jane is the story of Jane, Mrs Bates' granddaughter who sadly had been left orphaned at a young age. Jane has been granted guardianship by dear friends of her late father, a Colonel Campbell and his wife. The couple have a daughter, Rowena, who is of similar age to Jane. Jane was to become a friend and confidante to Rowena. The girls temperaments complimented each other Rowena was shy, a little clumsy and lacking in confidence whereas Jane had been blessed with beauty and musical ability and was able to guide Rowena when she felt her confidence needed boosting. As time went on the girls grew into delightful young ladies and their friendship was soon put to the test with emotions on matters of the heart.
Dear Jane was a fitting finale to a charming historical romance trilogy. The lives and loves of three generations of women from one family evoked many emotions within me, my heart ached, my heart soared and I smiled during happier times with Mrs Bates, her daughter's Jane and Hetty and granddaughter Jane.
I have to admit that it did take me a little longer to get my head around the characters and storyline in Dear Jane but it is well worth sticking with the story as once I was immersed in the storyline I was totally swept away with the romance and the secrecy of a love that was kept hidden due to the constrains of family and society rules.
Dear Jane is the story of Jane, Mrs Bates' granddaughter who sadly had been left orphaned at a young age. Jane has been granted guardianship by dear friends of her late father, a Colonel Campbell and his wife. The couple have a daughter, Rowena, who is of similar age to Jane. Jane was to become a friend and confidante to Rowena. The girls temperaments complimented each other Rowena was shy, a little clumsy and lacking in confidence whereas Jane had been blessed with beauty and musical ability and was able to guide Rowena when she felt her confidence needed boosting. As time went on the girls grew into delightful young ladies and their friendship was soon put to the test with emotions on matters of the heart.
Dear Jane was a fitting finale to a charming historical romance trilogy. The lives and loves of three generations of women from one family evoked many emotions within me, my heart ached, my heart soared and I smiled during happier times with Mrs Bates, her daughter's Jane and Hetty and granddaughter Jane.
April 30, 2019
I have been really looking forward to the final part in this Highbury trilogy, following the characters we know from Jane Austen’s Emma, set before the well loved novel begins. This book takes a closer look at Jane Fairfax and the story overlaps with the familiar story of Emma itself.
In this book we see once again the social circling as many of the characters attempt to find an appropriate marriage partner. Appropriate meaning in terms of status, wealth, charm and accomplishments. Love rarely, if ever, is taken into account for most of the people who inhabit this book. If love grows after the match, then that is considered serendipitous.
The focus on this book is firmly on Jane Fairfax. Jane and Rowena Campbell are the greatest of friends. Rowena is the daughter and therefore true heir of the Campbells whereas Jane, although brought up almost as her sister, is only their ward. Rowena is less accomplished than Jane, less beautiful, more socially awkward and feels very aware of this. The girls have always been the close confidantes but now as potential suitors appear on the scene, there is the beginning of a gentle rivalry between them.
As the book progresses, parts of the story overlap with Jane Austen’s Emma and we read about familiar scenes from a different character’s perspective. I enjoyed reading all the footnotes which explained how the story ties in with Emma and that is something which has been a delight about all these books. They don’t deviate from the classic but feed into it and dovetail beautifully. I have enjoyed all three of Allie Cresswell’s Highbury novels and I think Miss Austen would have approved of her imaginings of her characters’ earlier lives.
In this book we see once again the social circling as many of the characters attempt to find an appropriate marriage partner. Appropriate meaning in terms of status, wealth, charm and accomplishments. Love rarely, if ever, is taken into account for most of the people who inhabit this book. If love grows after the match, then that is considered serendipitous.
The focus on this book is firmly on Jane Fairfax. Jane and Rowena Campbell are the greatest of friends. Rowena is the daughter and therefore true heir of the Campbells whereas Jane, although brought up almost as her sister, is only their ward. Rowena is less accomplished than Jane, less beautiful, more socially awkward and feels very aware of this. The girls have always been the close confidantes but now as potential suitors appear on the scene, there is the beginning of a gentle rivalry between them.
As the book progresses, parts of the story overlap with Jane Austen’s Emma and we read about familiar scenes from a different character’s perspective. I enjoyed reading all the footnotes which explained how the story ties in with Emma and that is something which has been a delight about all these books. They don’t deviate from the classic but feed into it and dovetail beautifully. I have enjoyed all three of Allie Cresswell’s Highbury novels and I think Miss Austen would have approved of her imaginings of her characters’ earlier lives.
May 5, 2019
Dear Jane: The final book in the Highbury Trilogy
By Allie Cresswell
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
This was a wonderful ending to a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed! I loved that the author picked up on things that were hinted about in the original story and expanded on them to create this new story. This, I think, has been my favourite book out of the trilogy. The story is beautifully written and is full of rich detail which enables you to fully imagine everything that you are reading. I think if you are a fan of Jane Austen’s Emma then this is definitely a series that you will enjoy. Ms Cresswell has brought to life some of the lesser known characters of the original story and given them their own voice, and I love that she has kept true to the writing style of Jane Austen. This really has been a wonderful series and Dear Jane was a fantastic final book in this trilogy. I would have no hesitation in recommending it and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future!
By Allie Cresswell
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
This was a wonderful ending to a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed! I loved that the author picked up on things that were hinted about in the original story and expanded on them to create this new story. This, I think, has been my favourite book out of the trilogy. The story is beautifully written and is full of rich detail which enables you to fully imagine everything that you are reading. I think if you are a fan of Jane Austen’s Emma then this is definitely a series that you will enjoy. Ms Cresswell has brought to life some of the lesser known characters of the original story and given them their own voice, and I love that she has kept true to the writing style of Jane Austen. This really has been a wonderful series and Dear Jane was a fantastic final book in this trilogy. I would have no hesitation in recommending it and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future!
May 6, 2019
Dear Jane is the final book in the Highbury trilogy, and it might just be my favorite!
This is Jane Fairfax’s and Frank Churchill’s journey to their HEA and what a journey it is!!!! Both Jane and Frank are being raised by people who aren’t their parents. I loved that Cresswell began their stories when they were just children. I felt like I really got to know them before they met each other. It was a romance but also somewhat of a family saga which really drew me into their story.
I love the way Cresswell writes...yes, this is based on Emma, but as always, she makes it her very own. In other words, she doesn’t take away from Jane Austen, but she weaves her own magic!
If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you really need to give this series a try! I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you are like me, you will find yourself right there with all the characters yourself!!!
This is Jane Fairfax’s and Frank Churchill’s journey to their HEA and what a journey it is!!!! Both Jane and Frank are being raised by people who aren’t their parents. I loved that Cresswell began their stories when they were just children. I felt like I really got to know them before they met each other. It was a romance but also somewhat of a family saga which really drew me into their story.
I love the way Cresswell writes...yes, this is based on Emma, but as always, she makes it her very own. In other words, she doesn’t take away from Jane Austen, but she weaves her own magic!
If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you really need to give this series a try! I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you are like me, you will find yourself right there with all the characters yourself!!!
June 13, 2019
Humorous but frustrating!
Initially I was really enjoying revisiting Highbury and its various characters but quickly became frustrated with communications between friends and lovers being conducted in innuendo and insinuation. I realize that that was the stilted mode of speech of that era but the very protracted love affair, Jane’s insistence on secrecy and Frank’s apparent cowardice in facing his aunt - in addition to neither of them confiding in a single confidante - nearly drove me to tears! Finally, the ending is quite abrupt and unfulfilling. I enjoy Allie Cresswell’s books but this is my least favorite.
Initially I was really enjoying revisiting Highbury and its various characters but quickly became frustrated with communications between friends and lovers being conducted in innuendo and insinuation. I realize that that was the stilted mode of speech of that era but the very protracted love affair, Jane’s insistence on secrecy and Frank’s apparent cowardice in facing his aunt - in addition to neither of them confiding in a single confidante - nearly drove me to tears! Finally, the ending is quite abrupt and unfulfilling. I enjoy Allie Cresswell’s books but this is my least favorite.
May 3, 2021
This last book in the trilogy based on characters from Jane Austen’s Emma was well worth reading. Finding well written sequels to Austen’s books other than Pride and Prejudice can be difficult. I was so glad to find this series that started with the history of many of the characters in Emma. This last book focuses on Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill’s actual meeting and progression of the relationship and the heartache of both characters to keep it hidden. Emma Woodhouse only has a few brief appearances, as it should be, since Jane is the focus character in the story.
December 13, 2020
I enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy more than the final installment. While I still found it interesting and well written, the characters seemed a bit wooden to me. To be fair, Frank Churchill has always been a character that I have never been able to like and I'm afraid that this book came no closer to helping me understand what Jane Fairfax saw in him.
May 12, 2019
In this final part of the Emma inspired trilogy we have the story of orphan Jane Fairfax and her life with the Campbells. Then she meets Frank Churchill at Weymouth and their intertwined history continues the story.
A very enjoyable well-written story
A very enjoyable well-written story
July 6, 2019
Delightful read, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
so refreshing. I feel transported back in time when people had manners and morals.
I would be very happy to read all of Allie Cresswell's novels.
so refreshing. I feel transported back in time when people had manners and morals.
I would be very happy to read all of Allie Cresswell's novels.
September 19, 2019
Enjoyable
Emma is my second favorite book by Jane Austen, so I had high hopes for this. My only disappointment is that Emma is so completely unlikable. I haven't read the rest of this series, but I plan to remedy that.
Emma is my second favorite book by Jane Austen, so I had high hopes for this. My only disappointment is that Emma is so completely unlikable. I haven't read the rest of this series, but I plan to remedy that.
February 2, 2020
Enchanting
I absolutely loved this book, Jane - dear Jane is a selfless hero. The book also beautifully illustrates life in England as it was in the latter part of the 17 hundreds.
I absolutely loved this book, Jane - dear Jane is a selfless hero. The book also beautifully illustrates life in England as it was in the latter part of the 17 hundreds.
September 14, 2021
Excellent writing
Throughly enjoyable reading. It's not at the level of Jane Austen, and I didn't give five stars because of several liberties with the plot, which I didn't consider necessary. However this writer is fantastic, in my opinion.
Throughly enjoyable reading. It's not at the level of Jane Austen, and I didn't give five stars because of several liberties with the plot, which I didn't consider necessary. However this writer is fantastic, in my opinion.
May 5, 2019
I received a copy of the ebook of this novel as part of the blog tour, full review on my blog 8th May 2019.
July 6, 2019
Excellent!
One of the best Austen-like novels I’ve read. Love it! However, if you can find no fault in Emma Woodhouse, then you may not like the criticism directed at her.
One of the best Austen-like novels I’ve read. Love it! However, if you can find no fault in Emma Woodhouse, then you may not like the criticism directed at her.
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