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The Quill Collective #2
Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl
With timeless verve, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, bares her intimate thoughts while offering biting social commentary through a collection of romantic re-imaginings, sequels, and prequels, set in the Regency to present day by ten popular Austenesque authors. “I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print…” wrote Jane Austen in a letter, January 1813―and we think so too!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2020
198 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Christina Boyd
14 books326 followersChristina Boyd wears many hats as she is a writer, reader, editor, and artist. Since 2013, Christina has worked with forty authors, self-published five anthologies, and edited over fifty books. A life member of Jane Austen Society of North America and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador—now that the Boydlings have gone off on adventures. Her own whirlwind English fantasy came true thanks to actor Henry Cavill when they sipped champagne together atop the London Eye. True story. You can Google it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 18, 2020
I was sent an ARC of this delightful book but was not to mention it until it was published.
1.) Resolution by Amy D’Orazio: Engaged to Mr. Julius Timpson, her feelings as to Darcy are agitated further when Bingley invites the man to dinner one night. Later she pens her thoughts on a note which is found by a maid and sent off, “Why did you never come back to me?” Darcy visits her and relates that he did as he thought she wanted. A conversation reveals that his aunt misreported the conversation Lady Catherine had with Elizabeth at Longbourn when demanding that Elizabeth promise never to engage herself to the lady’s nephew. But Elizabeth IS engaged…to a different man.
2.) The House Party by Jenetta James: Jane and Elizabeth attend a house party at Netherfield when the “women’s suffrage movement” becomes a topic. The way in which Georgiana is betrayed/portrayed in this story is thought provoking. Some of the rights we women now enjoy were earned by “soldiers” who were willing to give much for what they believed in.
3.) Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Morland: “…love! It thrived not on the absence of discord but from the sharing of it.” Days before their wedding Darcy and Elizabeth have a fight but after it begins neither walks away as they discuss their differences.”
4.) Love in Limelight by Beau North: (I read this twice in an attempt to sort out all the detail in writing a short review.) Elizabeth is a stage actress whose success in London leads to her joining Jane (a movie actress) as she auditions for The Headstrong Girl movie. E. has been forced to leave London as her latest beau, “Buster”, has stolen her money and her jewelry, leaving her rather destitute. While on the ship she encounter Gigi Duvall (a well known child actress) who is having a rather heated discussion with a man Elizabeth assumes is her lover, Mr. William Darcy. Darcy and she meet accidently during the mentioned try-outs and he encourages her to also try out. He hints that Jane might soon find another promising role. Elizabeth gets the part. Then she begins to date her co-star, Rollo Fitz, and at an after-party learns that much of what she has assumed about parties is in error.
5.) The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes: Darcy chooses a confrontation with Wickham over maintaining his silence…in Hertfordshire following the Netherfield Ball. This leads to a serious injury and thus many a person shows up at Longbourn: the apothecary, Mr. Jones, members of the militia, the Bingleys, Georgiana and the colonel, Darcy’s physician from town, and Lady Catherine to whom Collins has sent news. Elizabeth soon learns how in error were her opinions and judgments.
6.) Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox: Elizabeth (the younger) is the only female electrical engineering student at Fordyce University, entering her last year. Enter William Darcy the TA iin the Electronics lab. Not sure how to treat her and having been warned by Prof Catherine de Bourgh that she was a “difficult” student he pointedly ignores her. She finally calls him on it. We also read about her great grandmother, Elizabeth Alton Gardiner, age 95, who came west to
Denver in answer to an ad for a teacher and signs her resume with E.M. Alton fearing the same type of gender discrimination.
7.) Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams: Elizabeth and the Gardiners tour Pemberley. Elizabeth, hearing praise of Darcy from Mrs. Reynolds and seeing how well he manages his estate begins to understand her loss. In this short variation ODC comes together before Elizabeth leaves Derbyshire…romance abounds with shared endearments.
8.) The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dreyer: …a restaurant named Bennets, waitresses: Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte and chef, Billy Collins. Jane sets Elizabeth up on a blind date with a friend of Jane’s boyfriend, Charlie. They are to attend an Oklahoma Univ. Sooner football game. Elizabeth is scolded ahead of time for mentally ending relationships before they even begin. Darcy takes her to the best seating section which “wows” her and is aghast to learn that he knows basically nothing about football. He was a crew athlete in college…in England. She educates him briefly as to the game and also learns that he has a speech impediment, stuttering. (Her college career is in Speech Pathology.) Elizabeth soon is glad that she changed her attitude about blind dates.
9.) The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft: This story was more a study of the angst, the growth, the coming-to-know-herself for Elizabeth Bennet through her teen years. She has one alarming incident with a peer while young which is a wake-up call as to her worth in society. She, Jane and Charlotte have varying opinions as to men and ladies they meet and as to their future.
10.) A Mate for Life: Christina Boyd: Elizabeth relates to her granddaughter, Adelaide, her relationship with Fitzwilliam. We hear echoes in her mind of the man commenting on various opinions when they met and when he proposed (twice) etc. (Adelaide is expecting her own proposal and has questions.) Poignant story. Don't we all just love to hear about the love between Darcy and Elizabeth.
I highly recommend this book.
1.) Resolution by Amy D’Orazio: Engaged to Mr. Julius Timpson, her feelings as to Darcy are agitated further when Bingley invites the man to dinner one night. Later she pens her thoughts on a note which is found by a maid and sent off, “Why did you never come back to me?” Darcy visits her and relates that he did as he thought she wanted. A conversation reveals that his aunt misreported the conversation Lady Catherine had with Elizabeth at Longbourn when demanding that Elizabeth promise never to engage herself to the lady’s nephew. But Elizabeth IS engaged…to a different man.
2.) The House Party by Jenetta James: Jane and Elizabeth attend a house party at Netherfield when the “women’s suffrage movement” becomes a topic. The way in which Georgiana is betrayed/portrayed in this story is thought provoking. Some of the rights we women now enjoy were earned by “soldiers” who were willing to give much for what they believed in.
3.) Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Morland: “…love! It thrived not on the absence of discord but from the sharing of it.” Days before their wedding Darcy and Elizabeth have a fight but after it begins neither walks away as they discuss their differences.”
4.) Love in Limelight by Beau North: (I read this twice in an attempt to sort out all the detail in writing a short review.) Elizabeth is a stage actress whose success in London leads to her joining Jane (a movie actress) as she auditions for The Headstrong Girl movie. E. has been forced to leave London as her latest beau, “Buster”, has stolen her money and her jewelry, leaving her rather destitute. While on the ship she encounter Gigi Duvall (a well known child actress) who is having a rather heated discussion with a man Elizabeth assumes is her lover, Mr. William Darcy. Darcy and she meet accidently during the mentioned try-outs and he encourages her to also try out. He hints that Jane might soon find another promising role. Elizabeth gets the part. Then she begins to date her co-star, Rollo Fitz, and at an after-party learns that much of what she has assumed about parties is in error.
5.) The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes: Darcy chooses a confrontation with Wickham over maintaining his silence…in Hertfordshire following the Netherfield Ball. This leads to a serious injury and thus many a person shows up at Longbourn: the apothecary, Mr. Jones, members of the militia, the Bingleys, Georgiana and the colonel, Darcy’s physician from town, and Lady Catherine to whom Collins has sent news. Elizabeth soon learns how in error were her opinions and judgments.
6.) Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox: Elizabeth (the younger) is the only female electrical engineering student at Fordyce University, entering her last year. Enter William Darcy the TA iin the Electronics lab. Not sure how to treat her and having been warned by Prof Catherine de Bourgh that she was a “difficult” student he pointedly ignores her. She finally calls him on it. We also read about her great grandmother, Elizabeth Alton Gardiner, age 95, who came west to
Denver in answer to an ad for a teacher and signs her resume with E.M. Alton fearing the same type of gender discrimination.
7.) Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams: Elizabeth and the Gardiners tour Pemberley. Elizabeth, hearing praise of Darcy from Mrs. Reynolds and seeing how well he manages his estate begins to understand her loss. In this short variation ODC comes together before Elizabeth leaves Derbyshire…romance abounds with shared endearments.
8.) The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dreyer: …a restaurant named Bennets, waitresses: Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte and chef, Billy Collins. Jane sets Elizabeth up on a blind date with a friend of Jane’s boyfriend, Charlie. They are to attend an Oklahoma Univ. Sooner football game. Elizabeth is scolded ahead of time for mentally ending relationships before they even begin. Darcy takes her to the best seating section which “wows” her and is aghast to learn that he knows basically nothing about football. He was a crew athlete in college…in England. She educates him briefly as to the game and also learns that he has a speech impediment, stuttering. (Her college career is in Speech Pathology.) Elizabeth soon is glad that she changed her attitude about blind dates.
9.) The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft: This story was more a study of the angst, the growth, the coming-to-know-herself for Elizabeth Bennet through her teen years. She has one alarming incident with a peer while young which is a wake-up call as to her worth in society. She, Jane and Charlotte have varying opinions as to men and ladies they meet and as to their future.
10.) A Mate for Life: Christina Boyd: Elizabeth relates to her granddaughter, Adelaide, her relationship with Fitzwilliam. We hear echoes in her mind of the man commenting on various opinions when they met and when he proposed (twice) etc. (Adelaide is expecting her own proposal and has questions.) Poignant story. Don't we all just love to hear about the love between Darcy and Elizabeth.
I highly recommend this book.
March 2, 2020
When I learned this anthology was in the works, I was ecstatic. One might wonder how I could be excited about several stories about the same woman and, at times, the retelling of the same story. By the time these talented authors were finished, the collection of stories was more like several facets on one cleverly cut gem catching the light in different ways so that some shone with inner fire and some dazzled with light from without – Elizabeth across the eras in all stages of her life.
I would be lying if I said I loved them all the same. However, I more than liked them all and would eagerly take up books from any of these authors and have done so with most. How could I not thoroughly appreciate each when one is talking about different styles, different settings, and different circumstances?
The ten stories ranged from Regency England to the present. The Regencies are mostly variations that begin at differing points in the original story, but there is also a prequel of a young Lizzy and a sequel of an aged Elizabeth. This batch were as deeply developed as the rest in characters and plots, but I would say that I did feel a stronger appreciation for them because I am familiar with the original story than if I hadn't been. In addition to the regency historicals, there are also retellings from other eras. Elizabeth was at an Edwardian country house party, acting in the Hollywood of the 30’s, attending college in the 80’s and grad school in the present.
All in all, this collection was exactly what I was expecting while still delivering sparkling surprises that captured my fancy staying true to the nature of the indomitable Elizabeth that, though fictional, is a woman in history who is still a captivating story heroine centuries later.
My thanks to the editor for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would be lying if I said I loved them all the same. However, I more than liked them all and would eagerly take up books from any of these authors and have done so with most. How could I not thoroughly appreciate each when one is talking about different styles, different settings, and different circumstances?
The ten stories ranged from Regency England to the present. The Regencies are mostly variations that begin at differing points in the original story, but there is also a prequel of a young Lizzy and a sequel of an aged Elizabeth. This batch were as deeply developed as the rest in characters and plots, but I would say that I did feel a stronger appreciation for them because I am familiar with the original story than if I hadn't been. In addition to the regency historicals, there are also retellings from other eras. Elizabeth was at an Edwardian country house party, acting in the Hollywood of the 30’s, attending college in the 80’s and grad school in the present.
All in all, this collection was exactly what I was expecting while still delivering sparkling surprises that captured my fancy staying true to the nature of the indomitable Elizabeth that, though fictional, is a woman in history who is still a captivating story heroine centuries later.
My thanks to the editor for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2020
I can honestly say I love all these authors — and was honored they all agreed to write a story for this homage to Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet. I think there is something for everyone—yet believe the stories work well together, offering readers the authors’ take on a beloved story. (Full disclosure: I edited this anthology AND my own story is included.)
March 8, 2020
This is just a wonderful collection of stories by some very talented authors.
We get P&P what if's
Prequels
Sequels
Modern variations
a flapper version
and much much more.
I am not going to review the individual stories they are each wonderful in their own ways.
I will merely insist if you love Lizzy Bennet - read this book!!
We get P&P what if's
Prequels
Sequels
Modern variations
a flapper version
and much much more.
I am not going to review the individual stories they are each wonderful in their own ways.
I will merely insist if you love Lizzy Bennet - read this book!!
February 19, 2020
Austen fans, you are in for a treat. As Tessa Dare so aptly noted in her foreward to the Quill Ink’s latest release, Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl, “generations of readers have embraced the epithet ‘obstinate, headstrong girl’ as the compliment Jane Austen surely intended it to be.”
In celebrating the character of my favorite Austen heroine, the ten authors of this excellent anthology succeed beautifully in honoring Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s strength, intelligence, wit, and spiritedness in each of their stories. I can honestly say I enjoyed every single tale in this brilliantly conceived collection, and I appreciated the insights given into the many facets of Pride and Prejudice’s lively leading lady through the authors’ explorations of her life and personality across varying settings and eras. Each scenario highlighted a different aspect of Elizabeth’s character and her relationship with her own individual—yet always inimitable—Mr. Darcy. I happily zipped through the entire book in just two days, laughing aloud in parts and getting teary in others.
A highly recommended addition to the Jane Austen Fan Fiction world and a delightful read for all lovers of romance.
In celebrating the character of my favorite Austen heroine, the ten authors of this excellent anthology succeed beautifully in honoring Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s strength, intelligence, wit, and spiritedness in each of their stories. I can honestly say I enjoyed every single tale in this brilliantly conceived collection, and I appreciated the insights given into the many facets of Pride and Prejudice’s lively leading lady through the authors’ explorations of her life and personality across varying settings and eras. Each scenario highlighted a different aspect of Elizabeth’s character and her relationship with her own individual—yet always inimitable—Mr. Darcy. I happily zipped through the entire book in just two days, laughing aloud in parts and getting teary in others.
A highly recommended addition to the Jane Austen Fan Fiction world and a delightful read for all lovers of romance.
February 18, 2020
I received an ARC and am giving my review in my own words of my own free will.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. All stories within grabbed my attention. I always think how can it be possible to reinvent the story of a P&P character in a different way? I am utterly in awe of all these authors, who have contributed to this volume, who have done a phenomenal job in giving Elizabeth a chance to express herself in different ways.
I can honestly say that I found none of the stories predictable and I was pleasantly surprised with all of them.
These stories have all evoked many emotions within me and I honestly loved reading them all, but one of them, the last one by Christina Boyd, A Mate for Life, reduced me to tears. I don't wish to give more away on that. I am just saying they weren't unwelcome tears.
All stories whether set in Regency times or another era were cleverly thought through and written.
Each new story starts with a beautiful cover picture of its own and a small quote. What a gorgeous touch.
I thoroughly recommend this work of love to lose yourself in Elizabeth's story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. All stories within grabbed my attention. I always think how can it be possible to reinvent the story of a P&P character in a different way? I am utterly in awe of all these authors, who have contributed to this volume, who have done a phenomenal job in giving Elizabeth a chance to express herself in different ways.
I can honestly say that I found none of the stories predictable and I was pleasantly surprised with all of them.
These stories have all evoked many emotions within me and I honestly loved reading them all, but one of them, the last one by Christina Boyd, A Mate for Life, reduced me to tears. I don't wish to give more away on that. I am just saying they weren't unwelcome tears.
All stories whether set in Regency times or another era were cleverly thought through and written.
Each new story starts with a beautiful cover picture of its own and a small quote. What a gorgeous touch.
I thoroughly recommend this work of love to lose yourself in Elizabeth's story.
February 22, 2020
If like me, you're a fan of Austenesque fiction, you have to be familiar with the anthologies published by The Quill Ink, under The Quill Collective banner. Up until now, Christina Boyd has been working behind the scenes as editor and publisher of the previous four collections as well as editing many other books. In this fifth anthology, she steps out from "behind the camera" so to speak and has written one of the ten stories contained within, in addition to her editing duties. The other nine authors are all well known and respected writers within the genre. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to read an ARC of this new work and this is my honest opinion of it.
Following on from The Darcy Monologues, Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues, Rational Creatures and Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection Of Stories, we have ten stories featuring one of historical fiction's favourite heroines. As the title suggests, this is one Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. The writers take us to several different time periods in addition to the original Regency setting in order to set up Elizabeth's HEA with Fitzwilliam Darcy. The routes are many and various and without exception inventive, entertaining and occasionally sad. In the order they come in the book they are;
Resolution by Amy D'Orazio- a Regency variation, set after her visit to Pemberley and Lydia's elopement as per canon where, shock horror, Elizabeth has just become engaged to a man who isn't Darcy!
The House Party by Jenetta James - set during the early 20th century and the events of the struggles by the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Morland - back to Regency times for a sequel to P&P, where Elizabeth and Darcy have their first major disagreement. How or will they work their way through it?
Love in Limelight by Beau North - set in 1930s Hollywood and the motion picture industry. Elizabeth is an actress and Darcy head of the studio which is producing her first film.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes - back to Regency times for a variation on P&P. After the Netherfield Ball of canon, events take a twist as Darcy confronts Wickham, instead of leaving for London.
Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox - forward to 1980 and Elizabeth is the only female electrical engineering student in her year at an American University. She's meeting the sort of discrimination that wasn't uncommon even in those days. Darcy is a Teaching Assistant who doesn't quite know how to react to her.
Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams - another variation set in the original Regency era, which veers off from canon during Elizabeth's summer visit to Pemberley with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dreyer - a modern setting for a blind date between speech pathology student Elizabeth and business executive Darcy. The unlikely backdrop is a US football match. She's a huge fan and he knows virtually nothing about the game, having studied in England and spent his sporting time as a member of a rowing crew.
The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft - mainly a prequel to the original in which we follow Elizabeth from the age of 15 to when the Bennet family hears that Netherfield Park may be let at last, including a nasty encounter with an equally nasty baronet. She's yearning to meet a man who will value her for herself. It ends with a retrospective of the events of canon, including Hunsford, the letter and ends with her arrival at Pemberley in the summer.
A Mate for Life by Christina Boyd - a sequel where Elizabeth is in her mid-60s (so we're looking at a Victorian setting) spending time with her granddaughter. Adelaide is contemplating marriage to a gentleman who sounds very much like her grandfather in character. Like other reviewers, I found a tear or two escaping during this one. A brilliant debut as an author from Ms. Boyd.
Everything about this book is amazing! From the front and back covers, to the individual title pages for each story, to the stories themselves; I can't find fault with any of them. The writing is as excellent as one would expect from these authors and I honestly can't choose a favourite. They're all that good! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the foreword by renowned author Tessa Dare, who encapsulates exactly how many of us see our eponymous heroine. There's nothing in any of them to warrant a MA rating, so anyone can read them. If I could give more than five stars, I would. So I'll have to make do with the extra-sparklies 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Following on from The Darcy Monologues, Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues, Rational Creatures and Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection Of Stories, we have ten stories featuring one of historical fiction's favourite heroines. As the title suggests, this is one Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. The writers take us to several different time periods in addition to the original Regency setting in order to set up Elizabeth's HEA with Fitzwilliam Darcy. The routes are many and various and without exception inventive, entertaining and occasionally sad. In the order they come in the book they are;
Resolution by Amy D'Orazio- a Regency variation, set after her visit to Pemberley and Lydia's elopement as per canon where, shock horror, Elizabeth has just become engaged to a man who isn't Darcy!
The House Party by Jenetta James - set during the early 20th century and the events of the struggles by the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Morland - back to Regency times for a sequel to P&P, where Elizabeth and Darcy have their first major disagreement. How or will they work their way through it?
Love in Limelight by Beau North - set in 1930s Hollywood and the motion picture industry. Elizabeth is an actress and Darcy head of the studio which is producing her first film.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes - back to Regency times for a variation on P&P. After the Netherfield Ball of canon, events take a twist as Darcy confronts Wickham, instead of leaving for London.
Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox - forward to 1980 and Elizabeth is the only female electrical engineering student in her year at an American University. She's meeting the sort of discrimination that wasn't uncommon even in those days. Darcy is a Teaching Assistant who doesn't quite know how to react to her.
Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams - another variation set in the original Regency era, which veers off from canon during Elizabeth's summer visit to Pemberley with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dreyer - a modern setting for a blind date between speech pathology student Elizabeth and business executive Darcy. The unlikely backdrop is a US football match. She's a huge fan and he knows virtually nothing about the game, having studied in England and spent his sporting time as a member of a rowing crew.
The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft - mainly a prequel to the original in which we follow Elizabeth from the age of 15 to when the Bennet family hears that Netherfield Park may be let at last, including a nasty encounter with an equally nasty baronet. She's yearning to meet a man who will value her for herself. It ends with a retrospective of the events of canon, including Hunsford, the letter and ends with her arrival at Pemberley in the summer.
A Mate for Life by Christina Boyd - a sequel where Elizabeth is in her mid-60s (so we're looking at a Victorian setting) spending time with her granddaughter. Adelaide is contemplating marriage to a gentleman who sounds very much like her grandfather in character. Like other reviewers, I found a tear or two escaping during this one. A brilliant debut as an author from Ms. Boyd.
Everything about this book is amazing! From the front and back covers, to the individual title pages for each story, to the stories themselves; I can't find fault with any of them. The writing is as excellent as one would expect from these authors and I honestly can't choose a favourite. They're all that good! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the foreword by renowned author Tessa Dare, who encapsulates exactly how many of us see our eponymous heroine. There's nothing in any of them to warrant a MA rating, so anyone can read them. If I could give more than five stars, I would. So I'll have to make do with the extra-sparklies 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
March 13, 2022
https://austenprose.com/2020/03/02/el...
The Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) world has been exploding with stories about Elizabeth Bennet for a long time now. What can possibly be left to explore about this beloved Pride and Prejudice character and her Mr. Darcy? Ten talented storytellers prove they can always find new ground to cover in the character-driven anthology, Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl.
One of these storytellers is the anthology’s editor, Christina Boyd, who took on two roles by including her own contribution here. Well-known historical romance author Tessa Dare provided the foreword. In it, she eloquently explains her lifelong admiration for the fictional Elizabeth Bennet.
As the book’s title suggests, Elizabeth’s obstinacy and stubbornness are highlighted; however, her intelligence, humor, and willingness to admit when she’s wrong are apparent throughout, too. Another recurring topic is Elizabeth as a young woman struggling to fight male dominance in society. Naturally, other Pride and Prejudice characters have important roles, most particularly Mr. Darcy himself. All the ten stories are told from Elizabeth’s point of view, though not necessarily in first person. The snippets below give a small taste of the delicious contents.
Starting with the modern era and making our way back to traditional Regency settings, we begin with Leigh Dreyer’s contribution, “The Last Blind Date.” Charlotte to Elizabeth: “You convince yourself at the start of any relationship that the guy is an idiot, treat him like he’s an idiot the whole time, and refuse to even consider a second date.”
For Karen Cox’s story, “Resistive Currents,” it’s 1980. Darcy’s thoughts regarding Elizabeth, a WOMAN majoring in electrical engineering: “An ECE education seems like a pretty difficult route to take in order to get an MRS Degree or to please a daddy who wanted a son.”
Continuing back in time to 1934, Beau North’s “Love in Limelight” takes us to Hollywood. “William Darcy was an insufferable prig and an unrelenting thorn in my side. Since signing my contract for The Headstrong Girl, I’d made it my business to repay him in kind.”
“The House Party” by Jenetta James happens in 1913 when British suffragettes are demanding the right to vote. Elizabeth’s thoughts regarding Darcy: “She upbraided herself for her interest in the man and resolved to end it. For why she should concern herself with such a pre-historic creature as could not support the obvious way in which the world must go?”
Several authors remain in Jane Austen’s Regency era, including Christina Morland with her “Atmospheric Disturbances.” Elizabeth, speaking to Darcy during their betrothal, says, “ ‘If you supposed from our previous encounters’—she tugged free of his hold—‘that my impertinence was a mere ploy to attract difficult men’—then crossed her arms—‘allow me to disabuse you of this notion!’ ”
In “The Age of Nescience,” J. Marie Croft describes experiences over the years that influenced Elizabeth, starting when she was ten years old. Elizabeth herself observes, “As much as I admire Papa’s sarcasm, his amusement in others’ faults is, in itself, a fault. I am, I think, an odd mixture of my parents—offspring of Papa’s aloof cynicism and Mama’s injudicious volubility.”
According to Joana Starnes in “The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn,” the day following the Netherfield ball is quite an enlightening one for Elizabeth. Darcy to Elizabeth: “Has anyone told you that you can be awfully headstrong?” Elizabeth’s response: “No. To my good fortune, most of those in my circle are well-mannered.”
It’s three years after Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire WITHOUT Darcy in Amy D’Orazio’s “Resolution.” “What I wanted to do was grab him by the cravat and demand some answers. Why had he not returned? Was there someone else he loved? Was it Lydia’s affair which drove him from me?”
“Something Like Regret” by Elizabeth Adams starts when Elizabeth is touring Pemberley. “I had claimed [the title] Cleverest Bennet Sister as my own years ago and I was loath to relinquish it.”
Fittingly, Christina Boyd’s story gets in the final word. “A Mate for Life” imagines an older Elizabeth, who advises her granddaughter Adelaide, “You must know that this man, who you will betroth all that you are and all you own, is someone you can honor and respect.”
While the anthology is filled with gems, the two Christinas—Morland and Boyd—penned my favorites. Beyond having wonderful plots, they offer substantive truths about entering a marriage. Learning how to work through arguments, however uncomfortable, is necessary for a healthy relationship. And, at my age, I can relate to a grandmotherly Elizabeth Darcy whose sage advice is based on having enjoyed a lifetime of marital love. Elizabeth Adams’s story is the only one that misses the sweet spot for me. Her writing is lovely and it’s likely that the angst-less, romance-filled plot will appeal to many readers, but I feel it lacks both dramatic tension and a turning point.
The writing sparkles throughout the entire book. It elicits chuckles and tears, head shakes and nods, groans and cheers, and maybe a few swoons at the romantic bits. These short stories, as diverse as they are remarkable, confirm that, yes indeed, there are plenty of new stories to tell about Elizabeth Bennet.
The Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) world has been exploding with stories about Elizabeth Bennet for a long time now. What can possibly be left to explore about this beloved Pride and Prejudice character and her Mr. Darcy? Ten talented storytellers prove they can always find new ground to cover in the character-driven anthology, Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl.
One of these storytellers is the anthology’s editor, Christina Boyd, who took on two roles by including her own contribution here. Well-known historical romance author Tessa Dare provided the foreword. In it, she eloquently explains her lifelong admiration for the fictional Elizabeth Bennet.
As the book’s title suggests, Elizabeth’s obstinacy and stubbornness are highlighted; however, her intelligence, humor, and willingness to admit when she’s wrong are apparent throughout, too. Another recurring topic is Elizabeth as a young woman struggling to fight male dominance in society. Naturally, other Pride and Prejudice characters have important roles, most particularly Mr. Darcy himself. All the ten stories are told from Elizabeth’s point of view, though not necessarily in first person. The snippets below give a small taste of the delicious contents.
Starting with the modern era and making our way back to traditional Regency settings, we begin with Leigh Dreyer’s contribution, “The Last Blind Date.” Charlotte to Elizabeth: “You convince yourself at the start of any relationship that the guy is an idiot, treat him like he’s an idiot the whole time, and refuse to even consider a second date.”
For Karen Cox’s story, “Resistive Currents,” it’s 1980. Darcy’s thoughts regarding Elizabeth, a WOMAN majoring in electrical engineering: “An ECE education seems like a pretty difficult route to take in order to get an MRS Degree or to please a daddy who wanted a son.”
Continuing back in time to 1934, Beau North’s “Love in Limelight” takes us to Hollywood. “William Darcy was an insufferable prig and an unrelenting thorn in my side. Since signing my contract for The Headstrong Girl, I’d made it my business to repay him in kind.”
“The House Party” by Jenetta James happens in 1913 when British suffragettes are demanding the right to vote. Elizabeth’s thoughts regarding Darcy: “She upbraided herself for her interest in the man and resolved to end it. For why she should concern herself with such a pre-historic creature as could not support the obvious way in which the world must go?”
Several authors remain in Jane Austen’s Regency era, including Christina Morland with her “Atmospheric Disturbances.” Elizabeth, speaking to Darcy during their betrothal, says, “ ‘If you supposed from our previous encounters’—she tugged free of his hold—‘that my impertinence was a mere ploy to attract difficult men’—then crossed her arms—‘allow me to disabuse you of this notion!’ ”
In “The Age of Nescience,” J. Marie Croft describes experiences over the years that influenced Elizabeth, starting when she was ten years old. Elizabeth herself observes, “As much as I admire Papa’s sarcasm, his amusement in others’ faults is, in itself, a fault. I am, I think, an odd mixture of my parents—offspring of Papa’s aloof cynicism and Mama’s injudicious volubility.”
According to Joana Starnes in “The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn,” the day following the Netherfield ball is quite an enlightening one for Elizabeth. Darcy to Elizabeth: “Has anyone told you that you can be awfully headstrong?” Elizabeth’s response: “No. To my good fortune, most of those in my circle are well-mannered.”
It’s three years after Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire WITHOUT Darcy in Amy D’Orazio’s “Resolution.” “What I wanted to do was grab him by the cravat and demand some answers. Why had he not returned? Was there someone else he loved? Was it Lydia’s affair which drove him from me?”
“Something Like Regret” by Elizabeth Adams starts when Elizabeth is touring Pemberley. “I had claimed [the title] Cleverest Bennet Sister as my own years ago and I was loath to relinquish it.”
Fittingly, Christina Boyd’s story gets in the final word. “A Mate for Life” imagines an older Elizabeth, who advises her granddaughter Adelaide, “You must know that this man, who you will betroth all that you are and all you own, is someone you can honor and respect.”
While the anthology is filled with gems, the two Christinas—Morland and Boyd—penned my favorites. Beyond having wonderful plots, they offer substantive truths about entering a marriage. Learning how to work through arguments, however uncomfortable, is necessary for a healthy relationship. And, at my age, I can relate to a grandmotherly Elizabeth Darcy whose sage advice is based on having enjoyed a lifetime of marital love. Elizabeth Adams’s story is the only one that misses the sweet spot for me. Her writing is lovely and it’s likely that the angst-less, romance-filled plot will appeal to many readers, but I feel it lacks both dramatic tension and a turning point.
The writing sparkles throughout the entire book. It elicits chuckles and tears, head shakes and nods, groans and cheers, and maybe a few swoons at the romantic bits. These short stories, as diverse as they are remarkable, confirm that, yes indeed, there are plenty of new stories to tell about Elizabeth Bennet.
March 16, 2020
To be Human is to be a storyteller. ~ Barbara K. Walker
I love short stories. An author needs a special talent to convey an entire tale in a minimum of words – to grab the reader with the first sentence and refuse to let go until the last sentence.
I am not going to summarize every story. I will just say the stories are from some favorite authors and all are great. I don’t read many JAFF stories that are not Regency but I enjoyed the modern versions in this collection – even Flapper Elizabeth.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
The dreamer awakes,
The shadow goes by;
When I tell you a tale,
The tale is a lie.
But ponder it well,
Fair maiden, good youth:
The tale is a lie,
What it tells is the truth.
~ Author unknown
I love short stories. An author needs a special talent to convey an entire tale in a minimum of words – to grab the reader with the first sentence and refuse to let go until the last sentence.
I am not going to summarize every story. I will just say the stories are from some favorite authors and all are great. I don’t read many JAFF stories that are not Regency but I enjoyed the modern versions in this collection – even Flapper Elizabeth.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
The dreamer awakes,
The shadow goes by;
When I tell you a tale,
The tale is a lie.
But ponder it well,
Fair maiden, good youth:
The tale is a lie,
What it tells is the truth.
~ Author unknown
February 18, 2020
Read for endorsement:
Another must have collection of Austenesque stories from the Quill Ink. This time, it’s the much beloved Elizabeth Bennet who inspires the anthology. Within, are stories that show us Lizzie and Darcy falling in love in a variety of settings—from a Regency House Party to a 1930s film set. At the end, we even get a poignant glimpse of Lizzie, now a grandmother. A wonderful collection for Elizabeth Bennet admirers everywhere.
Another must have collection of Austenesque stories from the Quill Ink. This time, it’s the much beloved Elizabeth Bennet who inspires the anthology. Within, are stories that show us Lizzie and Darcy falling in love in a variety of settings—from a Regency House Party to a 1930s film set. At the end, we even get a poignant glimpse of Lizzie, now a grandmother. A wonderful collection for Elizabeth Bennet admirers everywhere.
February 19, 2020
I had a privilege of reading this excellent new anthology as ARC so I was spared the wait. Some of the best JAFF authors got together and wrote stories about our beloved heroine Elizabeth Bennet. From Regency to Modern times she remains a delightful and infuriating obstinate, headstrong girl. And Darcy never fails to fall under her spell. Their falling in love was always a pleasure to read about, though their misunderstandings were numerous as usual. The stories were funny, romantic, sad and joyful, our beloved couple always stayed true to themselves.
I'd like to mention separately a debut story written by our incomparable editor Christina Boyd. It was beautiful, insightful, with a touch of sadness. I'm looking forward to reading more of Christiana 's stories.
Congratulations on the release of this wonderful new anthology.
I'd like to mention separately a debut story written by our incomparable editor Christina Boyd. It was beautiful, insightful, with a touch of sadness. I'm looking forward to reading more of Christiana 's stories.
Congratulations on the release of this wonderful new anthology.
April 10, 2020
PnP anthology centred around Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth Bennet is in the centre of attention in this anthology by renowned JAFF authors, including a hilarious foreword by Tessa Dare.
Which suitor did you want Elizabeth to choose when you read or watched Pride and Prejudice for the first time? I thought the exact opposite of Tessa Dare. Intrigued? I certainly was when I opened this book...
Resolution, Amy D'Orazio
Heart-pounding, hands-trembling angst. Not in carriage turning dramatics but on the interpersonal level as Elizabeth is engaged to another when Darcy finally return to Hertfordshire.
The House Party, Jenetta James
A compelling story set in the early 20th century with reference to the suffragette movement. Loved the creative twist to Wickham.
Atmospheric Disturbances, Christina Morland
Adored Darcy, seemingly arrogant and aloof with hidden depths that only Elizabeth could see. I loved and laughed at the bickering that made this such a deliciously emotional experience.
Love in Limelight, Beau North
Old Hollywood glam meets Pride and Prejudice in this sizzling romance. Served with a dish of movie titles that kept a smirk on my face, throughout.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn, Joana Starnes
The blatantly obvious could not sway a headstrong and obstinate Elizabeth when her mind was set...
Resistive Currents, Karen M Cox
Elizabeth is a striving electrical engineer student at Fordyce (snicker) University, with an arrogant TA. This 1980s story had a unique twist to Jane and Bingley.
Something Like Regret, Elizabeth Adams
A bouquet of romantic interludes with a twist to our dear couples reunion at Pemberley.
The Last Blind Date, Leigh Dreyer
Major American football fan Elizabeth on a blind date with the soon to be CEO. Will she be able to avert her eyes from the field to her blind date? Most certainly...
The Age of Nescience, J. Marie Croft
In 1806, Elizabeth entered society as a "grown woman", albeit somewhat prickly and definitely headstrong. We get to see her character mature through lessons hard-learned, in between assemblies and potential suitors.
A Mate For Life, Christina Boyd
An emotional closure to this anthology. I admit I shed a few tears when Elizabeth narrated our dear couples love story to her granddaughter.
Heartily recommend this book!
Elizabeth Bennet is in the centre of attention in this anthology by renowned JAFF authors, including a hilarious foreword by Tessa Dare.
Which suitor did you want Elizabeth to choose when you read or watched Pride and Prejudice for the first time? I thought the exact opposite of Tessa Dare. Intrigued? I certainly was when I opened this book...
Resolution, Amy D'Orazio
Heart-pounding, hands-trembling angst. Not in carriage turning dramatics but on the interpersonal level as Elizabeth is engaged to another when Darcy finally return to Hertfordshire.
The House Party, Jenetta James
A compelling story set in the early 20th century with reference to the suffragette movement. Loved the creative twist to Wickham.
Atmospheric Disturbances, Christina Morland
Adored Darcy, seemingly arrogant and aloof with hidden depths that only Elizabeth could see. I loved and laughed at the bickering that made this such a deliciously emotional experience.
Love in Limelight, Beau North
Old Hollywood glam meets Pride and Prejudice in this sizzling romance. Served with a dish of movie titles that kept a smirk on my face, throughout.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn, Joana Starnes
The blatantly obvious could not sway a headstrong and obstinate Elizabeth when her mind was set...
Resistive Currents, Karen M Cox
Elizabeth is a striving electrical engineer student at Fordyce (snicker) University, with an arrogant TA. This 1980s story had a unique twist to Jane and Bingley.
Something Like Regret, Elizabeth Adams
A bouquet of romantic interludes with a twist to our dear couples reunion at Pemberley.
The Last Blind Date, Leigh Dreyer
Major American football fan Elizabeth on a blind date with the soon to be CEO. Will she be able to avert her eyes from the field to her blind date? Most certainly...
The Age of Nescience, J. Marie Croft
In 1806, Elizabeth entered society as a "grown woman", albeit somewhat prickly and definitely headstrong. We get to see her character mature through lessons hard-learned, in between assemblies and potential suitors.
A Mate For Life, Christina Boyd
An emotional closure to this anthology. I admit I shed a few tears when Elizabeth narrated our dear couples love story to her granddaughter.
Heartily recommend this book!
February 28, 2020
Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice is one of the most admired women in literature. She is spirited, outspoken, and obstinate - thus the quote from the novel used in the title of this anthology is so fitting: "Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring?" This diatribe is said by Lady Catherine during a heated interrogation by an older and much more powerful woman than Elizabeth. Her reaction and comeback are iconic and why we love her.
The theme of this collection of ten short stories was to re-imagine Jane Austen's character by capturing the spirit of that headstrong girl throughout the centuries since the book was first published in 1813--spanning modern-day to the Regency-era. Like most anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others.
The most successful in capturing Lizzy's essence were those by the editor Christina Boyd who contributed "A Mate for Life," in which a much wiser and older Elizabeth explains how to succeed in marriage to her granddaughter, and Joana Starnes' “The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn,” who shares events not revealed in the original novel the day after the Netherfield ball. It made me laugh, which is apropos since Lizzy dearly loved to laugh.
There is a wide array of emotions supplied in these stories which will please many readers. The author line-up and the theme are amazing. Who wouldn't want to read a book entirely devoted to one of literature's finest heroines? I rejoice with everyone who adores her and recommend Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl for its pluck and amusingly decided opinions.
The theme of this collection of ten short stories was to re-imagine Jane Austen's character by capturing the spirit of that headstrong girl throughout the centuries since the book was first published in 1813--spanning modern-day to the Regency-era. Like most anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others.
The most successful in capturing Lizzy's essence were those by the editor Christina Boyd who contributed "A Mate for Life," in which a much wiser and older Elizabeth explains how to succeed in marriage to her granddaughter, and Joana Starnes' “The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn,” who shares events not revealed in the original novel the day after the Netherfield ball. It made me laugh, which is apropos since Lizzy dearly loved to laugh.
There is a wide array of emotions supplied in these stories which will please many readers. The author line-up and the theme are amazing. Who wouldn't want to read a book entirely devoted to one of literature's finest heroines? I rejoice with everyone who adores her and recommend Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl for its pluck and amusingly decided opinions.
March 6, 2020
Some of the authors in this book are my favorite. Anyway, this book looks more like a D&E romance collection than a book to celebrate Elizabeth. Only one story really talks about Elizabeth, where we don't ever hear Mr. Darcy's name. And, surprisingly, this one was my favorite.
Since the authors are great, some stories are really good and enjoyable. But in some stories I couldn't even recognize the characters (I imagine that modern Elizabeth is hard to write, since she or became too clever and special or a shrew). I don't also think that stubbornness is Elizabeth's main trait. I love her, due to her free and independent mind.
Nice book, but didn't touch my heart.
Since the authors are great, some stories are really good and enjoyable. But in some stories I couldn't even recognize the characters (I imagine that modern Elizabeth is hard to write, since she or became too clever and special or a shrew). I don't also think that stubbornness is Elizabeth's main trait. I love her, due to her free and independent mind.
Nice book, but didn't touch my heart.
June 20, 2020
Another nearly perfect short story collection
Christina Boyd has put together another all star, all good stories, P&P collection centered around Elizabeth Bennet. I know putting together such a collection is a team effort but hats off must go to the head of the effort.
Besides a plethora of rereadable short stories, even the Forward is an excellent, informative read.
I recommend the book highly.
Christina Boyd has put together another all star, all good stories, P&P collection centered around Elizabeth Bennet. I know putting together such a collection is a team effort but hats off must go to the head of the effort.
Besides a plethora of rereadable short stories, even the Forward is an excellent, informative read.
I recommend the book highly.
February 24, 2020
I loved this! Just when you think you know everything about our favorite headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, along comes this fabulous collection of Austen-inspired stories. It's a great group of some of my favorite authors too.
March 5, 2020
Lovely
Lady Catherine would not approve of such obstinate, headstrong girls and send no compliments to their mothers. But I think Jane Austen would be thrilled and proud that her works live on and inspire so many wondrous new creations and people.
Lady Catherine would not approve of such obstinate, headstrong girls and send no compliments to their mothers. But I think Jane Austen would be thrilled and proud that her works live on and inspire so many wondrous new creations and people.
March 1, 2020
I thank Christina Boyd, the editor and also one of the authors of the collection, for sending me an invite to participate on the launch blog tour and for the ARC copy of the volume, which I freely chose to review. I have read and reviewed some of the other anthologies The Quill Collective has published and loved them, so I was delighted to be asked and to be able to participate.
I’ve decided to talk a bit about each one of them, because they are all quite different in style (some written in the first person, some in the third, some quite humorous, some more serious, some set in the same time period as the original and others not, some shorter and some longer) but somehow manage to live up to the spirit and the wit of one of Austen’s best loved characters.
Each story/novella is introduced by a quote from the original, which highlights an aspect later explored in more detail in the text, and it is also signposted by an individual cover, all of them beautiful.
Foreword: Tessa Dare
Witty, clever, and a very fitting introduction to the subject matter and to the stories. Mark Twain gets a mention!
Resolution: Amy D’Orazio
Set within the period of the novel, this short story plays on the ‘what if’. What would have happened if somebody close to Darcy had decided to take things in their hands? How would that have influenced the outcome? And what if Liz had finally succumbed to life’s harsh realities and forgotten her prejudices? An interesting turn of events and an amusing (but romantic) short story, aimed at readers familiar with the details of P&P. Thank God for alcoholic beverages and meddling maids!
The House Party: Jenetta James
I have read short and long fiction by Jenetta James and she delivers, once more, in this short-story/vignette, that moves forward the events to early XX century, in the setting of the Suffragist movement, and rewrites a memorable party and visit to the Bingley’s home. Wickham is up to his old tricks! A great story that could be read without previous knowledge of Austen’s novel, although it will be greatly enjoyed by fans of the original.
Atmospheric Disturbances: Christina Morland
This is, in a way, a Much Ado About Nothing situation, at least on the surface of it, when readers get to eavesdrop (well, and also get inside Elizabeth’s head) on an argument between Elizabeth and Darcy, after their engagement. For those of us who love the witty interactions between the two and the pull and push of their relationship, any opportunity to see them, and hear them, when they are in each other’s company is a pleasure, and so it is here, in a vignette that explores the dynamics of their relationship and we get to see a more vulnerable, but still reserved and proud, Darcy, and an Elizabeth prone to making a fuss, worrying, determined to know her future husband, and oh, so headstrong!
Love in Limelight: Beau North
North here transports the action to Hollywood in 1934. Elizabeth has become Eliza Bennett (her stage name) and she and Jenny are actresses, now in Hollywood. Charles Bingley is a film director, Darcy is, of course, the head of the studio, Pembley, and Georgina is Gigi, who was a child star and now is trying to move on to adult acting roles. There are misunderstandings and confusions at every turn, Wickham’s incarnation works extremely well, and I loved the use of expressions and language of the period, the bright and bubbly setting, the headlines and snippets of gossip news included in the story, and, well, everything.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn: Joanna Starnes
This short-story/novella reads like one of those movie outtakes included as a bonus in the luxury edition of a Blu-ray disc, or an alternative ending, where it is difficult to decide which one you prefer. It is set in the same time period as the original; the characters behave pretty much as we would expect them to, down to the long walks, the witty conversations, Elizabeth’s poor opinion of Darcy and her strong support of Wickham, but Darcy is a bit more forceful in his attempt at warning Elizabeth against the rogue and this sets in motion a chain of events that slightly alter things but do not derail the overall story where it matters. It also has pretty funny moments.
It felt as if this story could have pretty well replaced what actually happens at that point in the original (no, I won’t go into details), and it would have fitted perfectly well. This could well have happened in an alternative P&P universe.
Resistive Currents: Karen M Cox
I am a fan of Cox’s writing, both her Austenesque stories and novels and also those that stride away from the Austen universe, and this short-story/novella delivers again. This is one of the stories in the collection that I think can be enjoyed by readers who have no particular knowledge of P&P, although Austen’s readers will get a kick out of it.
Cox offers us two stories, of two women in the same family, separated by several generations (one a teacher in rural Colorado at the beginning of the XX century, the other her great-granddaughter, in the 1980s, a girl studying engineering at university, a profession still dominated by men) and how their own prejudice towards men whom they think don’t value them or see their worth because they are women causes them to misunderstand and misjudge them. I would have been happy to read a whole novel about these headstrong girls and their beaus, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in this.
Something Like Regret: Elizabeth Adams
The author explores in detail an episode that is a favourite of many of us who are fans of the BBC series. Yes, I am talking about Lizzy’s visit to Pembury with her aunt and uncle, and her surprise meeting with Darcy (Sorry, no wet shirt here). Adams allows us a peep into Elizabeth’s mind, and we follow her train of thought, her doubts, her regrets, and get to experience first-hand her gradual change of heart. Although this story would not work for those who don’t know P&P, it would easily fit into the novel, down to the direct addresses to her “reader”, and I am sure Austen would have approved.
The Last Blind Date: Leigh Dreyer
Elizabeth and Darcy are here transported to modern day Oklahoma. Elizabeth is a hardworking student who also waits tables, and Jane and Charlotte are her friends (although we only get snippets of it, their relationship is the stuff or chick lit and they are great together), and Darcy is a heir to a big oil company who has spent much of his life studying abroad. Neither of them are what the other expect at their blind date, and the reasons behind their behaviours are soon evident.
One of the shorter stories that could be read independently from the original, particularly recommended to football fans.
The Age of Nescience: J. Marie Croft
This short-story/novella would again fit into what I’ve referred to as the outtakes of a Blu-ray, or an anniversary luxury edition of P&P with added materials. Here, we get an insight into Elizabeth’s past, her life and experiences before we meet her in P&P, from her first attendance at a ball (at the tender age of fifteen), to her visit to Pemberley, and this allows us to enjoy more of her family life, learn about her dreams as a young girl, her disappointments in love, her interactions with her mother, sisters, and especially her father (we experience both his wit but also his lack of backbone and his unwillingness to challenge his wife and daughters, all in the name of a quiet life), and like her, we gain a greater insight and understanding of how she came to be how she is and why this visit is so momentous for her.
Again, a beautifully observed and written story (such attention to language!), and one Austen would have approved of, including the reference to the similarities of the characters and situations to those of Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield.
A Mate for Life: Christina Boyd
In this short-story/summary, we have an elderly Elizabeth talking to her granddaughter —who shares more than a few characteristics with her granny (she’s headstrong and obstinate as well)—and telling her about her love story with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her granddaughter has found her own Mr Darcy (he’s proud and handsome as well), and the story seems to repeat itself, although thankfully it runs a bit smoother this time. The narration works beautifully as a summary and introduction to the original for those who might not have read it (I’d encourage them to consider reading this story first, perhaps), and although, but its own nature there’s a fair amount of telling, the interaction of Elizabeth with a woman of the new generation, Darcy’s imagined commentary, and the setting and freshness of the scene make this a delightful and perfect story to end the book with.
I recommend the collection especially to lovers of Pride and Prejudice, although it is not necessary to be an expert in it (and some of the stories can be read independently from the original), and to those readers who enjoy thinking of what else could have happened or wonder what went on behind the scenes. The writing is superb and I am sure all the fans of the many writers taking part will enjoy the stories and will be happy to discover new writers with similar tastes and interests. I congratulate The Quill Collective and hope they’ll keep coming up with new ways to keep Austen and her characters alive.
I’ve decided to talk a bit about each one of them, because they are all quite different in style (some written in the first person, some in the third, some quite humorous, some more serious, some set in the same time period as the original and others not, some shorter and some longer) but somehow manage to live up to the spirit and the wit of one of Austen’s best loved characters.
Each story/novella is introduced by a quote from the original, which highlights an aspect later explored in more detail in the text, and it is also signposted by an individual cover, all of them beautiful.
Foreword: Tessa Dare
Witty, clever, and a very fitting introduction to the subject matter and to the stories. Mark Twain gets a mention!
Resolution: Amy D’Orazio
Set within the period of the novel, this short story plays on the ‘what if’. What would have happened if somebody close to Darcy had decided to take things in their hands? How would that have influenced the outcome? And what if Liz had finally succumbed to life’s harsh realities and forgotten her prejudices? An interesting turn of events and an amusing (but romantic) short story, aimed at readers familiar with the details of P&P. Thank God for alcoholic beverages and meddling maids!
The House Party: Jenetta James
I have read short and long fiction by Jenetta James and she delivers, once more, in this short-story/vignette, that moves forward the events to early XX century, in the setting of the Suffragist movement, and rewrites a memorable party and visit to the Bingley’s home. Wickham is up to his old tricks! A great story that could be read without previous knowledge of Austen’s novel, although it will be greatly enjoyed by fans of the original.
Atmospheric Disturbances: Christina Morland
This is, in a way, a Much Ado About Nothing situation, at least on the surface of it, when readers get to eavesdrop (well, and also get inside Elizabeth’s head) on an argument between Elizabeth and Darcy, after their engagement. For those of us who love the witty interactions between the two and the pull and push of their relationship, any opportunity to see them, and hear them, when they are in each other’s company is a pleasure, and so it is here, in a vignette that explores the dynamics of their relationship and we get to see a more vulnerable, but still reserved and proud, Darcy, and an Elizabeth prone to making a fuss, worrying, determined to know her future husband, and oh, so headstrong!
Love in Limelight: Beau North
North here transports the action to Hollywood in 1934. Elizabeth has become Eliza Bennett (her stage name) and she and Jenny are actresses, now in Hollywood. Charles Bingley is a film director, Darcy is, of course, the head of the studio, Pembley, and Georgina is Gigi, who was a child star and now is trying to move on to adult acting roles. There are misunderstandings and confusions at every turn, Wickham’s incarnation works extremely well, and I loved the use of expressions and language of the period, the bright and bubbly setting, the headlines and snippets of gossip news included in the story, and, well, everything.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn: Joanna Starnes
This short-story/novella reads like one of those movie outtakes included as a bonus in the luxury edition of a Blu-ray disc, or an alternative ending, where it is difficult to decide which one you prefer. It is set in the same time period as the original; the characters behave pretty much as we would expect them to, down to the long walks, the witty conversations, Elizabeth’s poor opinion of Darcy and her strong support of Wickham, but Darcy is a bit more forceful in his attempt at warning Elizabeth against the rogue and this sets in motion a chain of events that slightly alter things but do not derail the overall story where it matters. It also has pretty funny moments.
It felt as if this story could have pretty well replaced what actually happens at that point in the original (no, I won’t go into details), and it would have fitted perfectly well. This could well have happened in an alternative P&P universe.
Resistive Currents: Karen M Cox
I am a fan of Cox’s writing, both her Austenesque stories and novels and also those that stride away from the Austen universe, and this short-story/novella delivers again. This is one of the stories in the collection that I think can be enjoyed by readers who have no particular knowledge of P&P, although Austen’s readers will get a kick out of it.
Cox offers us two stories, of two women in the same family, separated by several generations (one a teacher in rural Colorado at the beginning of the XX century, the other her great-granddaughter, in the 1980s, a girl studying engineering at university, a profession still dominated by men) and how their own prejudice towards men whom they think don’t value them or see their worth because they are women causes them to misunderstand and misjudge them. I would have been happy to read a whole novel about these headstrong girls and their beaus, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in this.
Something Like Regret: Elizabeth Adams
The author explores in detail an episode that is a favourite of many of us who are fans of the BBC series. Yes, I am talking about Lizzy’s visit to Pembury with her aunt and uncle, and her surprise meeting with Darcy (Sorry, no wet shirt here). Adams allows us a peep into Elizabeth’s mind, and we follow her train of thought, her doubts, her regrets, and get to experience first-hand her gradual change of heart. Although this story would not work for those who don’t know P&P, it would easily fit into the novel, down to the direct addresses to her “reader”, and I am sure Austen would have approved.
The Last Blind Date: Leigh Dreyer
Elizabeth and Darcy are here transported to modern day Oklahoma. Elizabeth is a hardworking student who also waits tables, and Jane and Charlotte are her friends (although we only get snippets of it, their relationship is the stuff or chick lit and they are great together), and Darcy is a heir to a big oil company who has spent much of his life studying abroad. Neither of them are what the other expect at their blind date, and the reasons behind their behaviours are soon evident.
One of the shorter stories that could be read independently from the original, particularly recommended to football fans.
The Age of Nescience: J. Marie Croft
This short-story/novella would again fit into what I’ve referred to as the outtakes of a Blu-ray, or an anniversary luxury edition of P&P with added materials. Here, we get an insight into Elizabeth’s past, her life and experiences before we meet her in P&P, from her first attendance at a ball (at the tender age of fifteen), to her visit to Pemberley, and this allows us to enjoy more of her family life, learn about her dreams as a young girl, her disappointments in love, her interactions with her mother, sisters, and especially her father (we experience both his wit but also his lack of backbone and his unwillingness to challenge his wife and daughters, all in the name of a quiet life), and like her, we gain a greater insight and understanding of how she came to be how she is and why this visit is so momentous for her.
Again, a beautifully observed and written story (such attention to language!), and one Austen would have approved of, including the reference to the similarities of the characters and situations to those of Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield.
A Mate for Life: Christina Boyd
In this short-story/summary, we have an elderly Elizabeth talking to her granddaughter —who shares more than a few characteristics with her granny (she’s headstrong and obstinate as well)—and telling her about her love story with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her granddaughter has found her own Mr Darcy (he’s proud and handsome as well), and the story seems to repeat itself, although thankfully it runs a bit smoother this time. The narration works beautifully as a summary and introduction to the original for those who might not have read it (I’d encourage them to consider reading this story first, perhaps), and although, but its own nature there’s a fair amount of telling, the interaction of Elizabeth with a woman of the new generation, Darcy’s imagined commentary, and the setting and freshness of the scene make this a delightful and perfect story to end the book with.
I recommend the collection especially to lovers of Pride and Prejudice, although it is not necessary to be an expert in it (and some of the stories can be read independently from the original), and to those readers who enjoy thinking of what else could have happened or wonder what went on behind the scenes. The writing is superb and I am sure all the fans of the many writers taking part will enjoy the stories and will be happy to discover new writers with similar tastes and interests. I congratulate The Quill Collective and hope they’ll keep coming up with new ways to keep Austen and her characters alive.
November 4, 2022
As a P&P fan and (let's face it) 'a groupie' of Darcy, I have had a great time with this collection of short stories. They were centered around Elizabeth and she was portrayed surprisingly accurately, like in the original.
There were stories where Darcy was 'perfectly swooningly self'.
Some stories were a small variation (one event changing next happenings), some took place at different times. There was one or two that I found nice but not much engaging my attention. Four of them I rated with 4 stars.:
--> 'Resolution' - what if Darcy hadn't come back to Longbourn and they had met again at Elizabeth's betrothal dinner
--> 'The House Party' - first encounters, if the story had took place at the beginning of the XX century
--> 'Resistive Currents' - a retelling, the USA, students, 1980s
--> 'The Last Blind Date' - a modern retelling, again in the USA, but only first meeting (a date)
The best (deserving 5 stars) was:
--> 'Love in Limelight' - a retelling, Hollywood, 1930s - priceless
In the version when Elizabeth was really old and Darcy was death I couldn't stop myself and not cry.
And again, even in the stories that I have found 'only' pleasurable (those I haven't mentioned above), Elizabeth and Darcy were believable. Not one time I wanted to scream: 'she/he wouldn't have done/said this'. And it is a really good recommendation.
She couldn’t decide whether to fume or pout.
There were stories where Darcy was 'perfectly swooningly self'.
--> one either existed in the Darcy orbit—or was consigned to the invisibility of the ether
--> “Can you still marry me, knowing that I cannot completely change for you?”
--> his overwhelming Darcyness
--> “Oh, I always loved you, my darling. I only needed to be a better man, a man worthy of your love.” - Do I hear your sighing? ;-)
Some stories were a small variation (one event changing next happenings), some took place at different times. There was one or two that I found nice but not much engaging my attention. Four of them I rated with 4 stars.:
--> 'Resolution' - what if Darcy hadn't come back to Longbourn and they had met again at Elizabeth's betrothal dinner
--> 'The House Party' - first encounters, if the story had took place at the beginning of the XX century
--> 'Resistive Currents' - a retelling, the USA, students, 1980s
--> 'The Last Blind Date' - a modern retelling, again in the USA, but only first meeting (a date)
The best (deserving 5 stars) was:
--> 'Love in Limelight' - a retelling, Hollywood, 1930s - priceless
In the version when Elizabeth was really old and Darcy was death I couldn't stop myself and not cry.
And again, even in the stories that I have found 'only' pleasurable (those I haven't mentioned above), Elizabeth and Darcy were believable. Not one time I wanted to scream: 'she/he wouldn't have done/said this'. And it is a really good recommendation.
April 5, 2020
Another great anthology from the talented editor Christina Boyd and the amazing authors who contributed to it.
How can you not love stories coming from Elizabeth’s point of view. These novellas switched back and forth from Regency to modern day.
The other reviews do a great job of summarizing the novellas.
I loved the quotes and the beautiful covers to go with each story. The talented editor Christina also debut her novella and showed off her writing talent.
Definitely recommend this anthology for Jane Austen and P&P fans.
How can you not love stories coming from Elizabeth’s point of view. These novellas switched back and forth from Regency to modern day.
The other reviews do a great job of summarizing the novellas.
I loved the quotes and the beautiful covers to go with each story. The talented editor Christina also debut her novella and showed off her writing talent.
Definitely recommend this anthology for Jane Austen and P&P fans.
February 19, 2024
Some great stories here. Steam level is pretty chaste.
March 28, 2020
"At last my love has come along" (Etta James)
This line from the song "At Last" encompasses my feelings for the release of this anthology. Ten remarkable and talented authors have given us the other side of the coin from Elizabeth Bennet's perspective. A perspective that is poignant, embolden, fiery, lighthearted, electrifying, reflective, and simmering to name a few.
As Tessa Dare stated in the Foreword:
"This is the gift Jane Austen gave us in Elizabeth Bennet. She created a heroine in which 'obstinate, headstrong girl' inhabits the same space as 'dearest, loveliest Elizabeth'. Four strong qualities all indivisible parts of the whole. She is opinionated and adored, stubborn and respected, imperfect and loved. Is it any wonder she has delighted and inspired readers for over two centuries?"
Each story is unique, like Elizabeth Bennet. Each story captures her essence whether it is told from the Regency time period, Victorian, the various decades through the 1900's, or our modern day. Each story struck a chord with me.
1. Resolution by Amy D'Orazio
Oh my goodness, the heartache I had for Elizabeth in this one!
"Why did you never come back to me?" (quote from the book)
2. The House Party by Jenetta James
The undercurrents within this story...
"Lizzy felt a jolt, a shocking zing of force chase through her." (quote from the book)
3. Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Moreland
I could feel the vibrations/sensations flowing off of them!
"When he met her gaze from across the room, she wondered that others did not feel it..." (quote from the book)
4. Love in Limelight by Beau North
A star is born...but why did you have to send George up here (LOL)?
"And then, like a crack of summer lightning, there he was in all his after-six glory." (quote from the book)
5. The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes
I do love your sense of humor, Ms. Starnes!
"He verily scowls. Has anyone told you that you can be awfully headstrong?" (quote from the book)
6. Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox
Oh there are lots of electrical currents coursing through this one!
"Possibilities ran through like a current, waiting for one spark to dismantle her resistance." (quote from the book)
7. Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams
A very reflective Elizabeth...
"That is what happens when one charges ahead recklessly with no guide but one's own vanity." (quote from the book)
8. The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dryer
This is all about taking chances.
"The way he said Elizabeth sounded like a caress. After twenty years of hearing it, she had never 'felt' her name before." (quote from the book)
9. The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft
Elizabeth's early life experiences and what she had learned...or not.
"The importance of marriage is universally acknowledged, but happiness in such a state must be paramount." (quote from the book)
10. A Mate for Life by Christina Boyd
So poignant...
"But it really is a long story about an obstinate, headstrong girl and a fine, noble man." (quote from the book)
Kudos on the cover of this amazing book and the 'covers' for each of the stories. They perfectly hint at what you will find within.
This line from the song "At Last" encompasses my feelings for the release of this anthology. Ten remarkable and talented authors have given us the other side of the coin from Elizabeth Bennet's perspective. A perspective that is poignant, embolden, fiery, lighthearted, electrifying, reflective, and simmering to name a few.
As Tessa Dare stated in the Foreword:
"This is the gift Jane Austen gave us in Elizabeth Bennet. She created a heroine in which 'obstinate, headstrong girl' inhabits the same space as 'dearest, loveliest Elizabeth'. Four strong qualities all indivisible parts of the whole. She is opinionated and adored, stubborn and respected, imperfect and loved. Is it any wonder she has delighted and inspired readers for over two centuries?"
Each story is unique, like Elizabeth Bennet. Each story captures her essence whether it is told from the Regency time period, Victorian, the various decades through the 1900's, or our modern day. Each story struck a chord with me.
1. Resolution by Amy D'Orazio
Oh my goodness, the heartache I had for Elizabeth in this one!
"Why did you never come back to me?" (quote from the book)
2. The House Party by Jenetta James
The undercurrents within this story...
"Lizzy felt a jolt, a shocking zing of force chase through her." (quote from the book)
3. Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Moreland
I could feel the vibrations/sensations flowing off of them!
"When he met her gaze from across the room, she wondered that others did not feel it..." (quote from the book)
4. Love in Limelight by Beau North
A star is born...but why did you have to send George up here (LOL)?
"And then, like a crack of summer lightning, there he was in all his after-six glory." (quote from the book)
5. The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes
I do love your sense of humor, Ms. Starnes!
"He verily scowls. Has anyone told you that you can be awfully headstrong?" (quote from the book)
6. Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox
Oh there are lots of electrical currents coursing through this one!
"Possibilities ran through like a current, waiting for one spark to dismantle her resistance." (quote from the book)
7. Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams
A very reflective Elizabeth...
"That is what happens when one charges ahead recklessly with no guide but one's own vanity." (quote from the book)
8. The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dryer
This is all about taking chances.
"The way he said Elizabeth sounded like a caress. After twenty years of hearing it, she had never 'felt' her name before." (quote from the book)
9. The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft
Elizabeth's early life experiences and what she had learned...or not.
"The importance of marriage is universally acknowledged, but happiness in such a state must be paramount." (quote from the book)
10. A Mate for Life by Christina Boyd
So poignant...
"But it really is a long story about an obstinate, headstrong girl and a fine, noble man." (quote from the book)
Kudos on the cover of this amazing book and the 'covers' for each of the stories. They perfectly hint at what you will find within.
February 19, 2020
A delightful collection of stories! I had previously read work from 9 of the authors so had high expectations. I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed every story. It was easy to transition from one to the next as each story is beautifully unique. Christina Boyd’s debut is nothing short of amazing! It left me breathless. A perfect way to wrap up the book so I recommend not skipping ahead. I can’t wait to see what she shares with us next. These stories stayed with me, some even invading my dreams. This is a collection I will read again and again!
February 19, 2020
I received an arc and am reviewing my own opinion of the book.
I really loved and enjoyed it. Each story is unique and they fit well together. The various stories are set during different time periods and embrace the eras they are wrote in. Each other brought out the best of Elizabeth and her tendency to be obstinate. The different ways Mr. Darcy was wrote was phenomenal as well. This is a must read for any fan of Pride and Prejudice and love Elizabeth.
I really loved and enjoyed it. Each story is unique and they fit well together. The various stories are set during different time periods and embrace the eras they are wrote in. Each other brought out the best of Elizabeth and her tendency to be obstinate. The different ways Mr. Darcy was wrote was phenomenal as well. This is a must read for any fan of Pride and Prejudice and love Elizabeth.
March 15, 2020
Even Lady Catherine would approve!
I love short stories - and this anthology is the perfect example why. The ten stories that are "Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl" offer a wide variety of perspectives to our favourite heroine, all different but all alike in how delightful they are. I smiled, I laughed - and at one point (you'll know which one when you read it) was left in tears. If you love Elizabeth Bennet, you'll love this anthology!
I love short stories - and this anthology is the perfect example why. The ten stories that are "Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl" offer a wide variety of perspectives to our favourite heroine, all different but all alike in how delightful they are. I smiled, I laughed - and at one point (you'll know which one when you read it) was left in tears. If you love Elizabeth Bennet, you'll love this anthology!
February 27, 2020
Review post and giveaway at:
http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
September 28, 2020
What a delightful collection of stories featuring Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy along with other characters from Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice! Whether a "missing" scene, an alternate storyline, or a reimagining set in a different era, the spirit of the characters is wonderfully captured.
Elizabeth Grace narrates the audiobook with warmth and charm, when called for, altering pitch and delivery for character dialogue. Well paced, with lovely diction and an even lovelier accent, this is an audiobook performance that I could listen to again and again.
With all of the silences and discussion, misunderstandings and declarations of love so integral to Pride and Prejudice, this is a collection of stories not to be missed. While each story is brought delightfully to life by narrator Elizabeth Grace, those set during the Regency period were most successful for me - particularly when the author is addressing a "What if...?"
Highly recommended.
This review is based on an audiobook I voluntarily received and listened to, courtesy of the publisher, and contains only my own honest opinions. A positive review was not required.
Elizabeth Grace narrates the audiobook with warmth and charm, when called for, altering pitch and delivery for character dialogue. Well paced, with lovely diction and an even lovelier accent, this is an audiobook performance that I could listen to again and again.
With all of the silences and discussion, misunderstandings and declarations of love so integral to Pride and Prejudice, this is a collection of stories not to be missed. While each story is brought delightfully to life by narrator Elizabeth Grace, those set during the Regency period were most successful for me - particularly when the author is addressing a "What if...?"
Highly recommended.
This review is based on an audiobook I voluntarily received and listened to, courtesy of the publisher, and contains only my own honest opinions. A positive review was not required.
November 5, 2020
This collection of short stories is a delight for fans of Pride and Prejudice in general and Elizabeth Bennet in particular. Some stories take the reader back to the familiar Regency setting, prolonging the novel (as sequel or prequel) or exploring alternate ways it could have taken if something had happened differently, while others transport the characters into different times and places, changing them just enough to fit a more modern world (be it early 20th century or 2019) without altering their most recognizable traits.
I enjoyed the whole book and would struggle to decide on a favourite story ("I loved this one... ah, but this one... oh, and this one was so good too!").
I enjoyed the whole book and would struggle to decide on a favourite story ("I loved this one... ah, but this one... oh, and this one was so good too!").
September 1, 2020
Outstanding
This is quite an outstanding collection of works. I enjoyed all of them but I enjoyed 1-7 & 10 the most.
This is quite an outstanding collection of works. I enjoyed all of them but I enjoyed 1-7 & 10 the most.
May 15, 2022
Narrator did a fantastic job! A mix of the stories were in either British or American accents. A couple of the chapters really stood out for me. Overall a great compilation and production.
1. Resolution, Amy Dorazio, regency - Elizabeth is engaged to someone else 2 yrs after Lydia/Wickham and Darcy finally shows back up in her life. Lady C's lying to D was a spoke in the wheel when Jane and Bingley got married. 5
2. The house party, Jenetta James, 1920s - A weekend party at Netherfield, Jane and Elizabeth are invited by miss Bingley. Wickham is as nasty as ever and causes suffragettes serious problems. 4
3. Atmospheric disturbances, Christina Morland, regency - Nerves abound before ODC wedding and a fight ensues. Reaching an even newer and better understanding. 4
4. Love in limelight, Beau North, 30s-40s - Hollywood movie setting, actors filming P&P. *hot* Darcy!!! va-va-va-voom!! 5
5. Uncommonly busy lane, Joana Starnes, regency - Darcy faces off to Wickham after the ball to disastrous effects for him, bringing chaos to Longbourn. 5
6. Resistive currents, Karen M Cox, modern - Elizabeth is an electrical engineering college student, Darcy is TA, 1980. Darcy has southern accent!! Oh my! 4
7. Something like regret, Elizabeth Adams, regency - E is visiting Pemberley with Gardiners. Second guessing everything she knew/felt re Darcy, she gets a 2nd chance with Darcy. 4
8. The last blind date, Leigh Dreyer, modern - Grad student E is set up on a blind date with CEO in training Darcy. 2 beautiful ppl, instant attraction, sparks fly, but real understandings need to have got through first. 3
9. The age of nescience, J. Marie Croft, regency - Lizzy from 10 to 20, her growth and maturity. And all the trials she experiences to get to that first assembly. 2
10. A mate for life, Christina Boyd, Victorian - 40 plus years after they marry, Elizabeth is with her granddaughter. Reminiscing about how she and Darcy met, while helping her granddaughter figure out if she wants to marry. This for me was sad, as D is already dead, ended on a sweet but also very poignant note. 3
1. Resolution, Amy Dorazio, regency - Elizabeth is engaged to someone else 2 yrs after Lydia/Wickham and Darcy finally shows back up in her life. Lady C's lying to D was a spoke in the wheel when Jane and Bingley got married. 5
2. The house party, Jenetta James, 1920s - A weekend party at Netherfield, Jane and Elizabeth are invited by miss Bingley. Wickham is as nasty as ever and causes suffragettes serious problems. 4
3. Atmospheric disturbances, Christina Morland, regency - Nerves abound before ODC wedding and a fight ensues. Reaching an even newer and better understanding. 4
4. Love in limelight, Beau North, 30s-40s - Hollywood movie setting, actors filming P&P. *hot* Darcy!!! va-va-va-voom!! 5
5. Uncommonly busy lane, Joana Starnes, regency - Darcy faces off to Wickham after the ball to disastrous effects for him, bringing chaos to Longbourn. 5
6. Resistive currents, Karen M Cox, modern - Elizabeth is an electrical engineering college student, Darcy is TA, 1980. Darcy has southern accent!! Oh my! 4
7. Something like regret, Elizabeth Adams, regency - E is visiting Pemberley with Gardiners. Second guessing everything she knew/felt re Darcy, she gets a 2nd chance with Darcy. 4
8. The last blind date, Leigh Dreyer, modern - Grad student E is set up on a blind date with CEO in training Darcy. 2 beautiful ppl, instant attraction, sparks fly, but real understandings need to have got through first. 3
9. The age of nescience, J. Marie Croft, regency - Lizzy from 10 to 20, her growth and maturity. And all the trials she experiences to get to that first assembly. 2
10. A mate for life, Christina Boyd, Victorian - 40 plus years after they marry, Elizabeth is with her granddaughter. Reminiscing about how she and Darcy met, while helping her granddaughter figure out if she wants to marry. This for me was sad, as D is already dead, ended on a sweet but also very poignant note. 3
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