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Vexed a Little in Love
Five different stories. Five different paths to happily-ever-after. Whether through letters or matchmaking, soul marks or supernatural spirits, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy will always find their way to each other in the end.
THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s parents seem determined to control his life, including choosing his bride. When Darcy defies them to marry the lively, impertinent Elizabeth Bennet, they could not disapprove more. But maybe a precipitous marriage is just what the Darcy family needs.
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT
Darcy’s life depends on finding his soul mate. But his family has anxiously watched the young women introduced to the ton every year in the hopes of finding her, to no avail. Desperate, his family is scouring all of England to locate his bride. Darcy’s assignment? His friend Bingley’s new estate in Hertfordshire.
A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS
When Elizabeth meets Lady Cecily, the overlooked daughter of Lady Catherine’s friend, she knows she would be perfect for Colonel Fitzwilliam. Little does she know that she isn’t the only one engaging in a bit of matchmaking at Rosings Park.
PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS
When Elizabeth Bennet accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Netherfield, it led to two weeks of happiness. That is, until he discovered that she had not loved him when they wed. Now the two of them are distant and cold, all hopes of an affectionate marriage dashed—until the spirits of some of their dear departed family visit to set things right.
THE COLONEL’S POST
When Elizabeth overhears Mr. Darcy’s insult to her at the Meryton assembly, she tells her dear cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam about it in a letter. He may not be able to help her all the way from Spain, but his advice always makes her laugh.
Darcy regularly writes to his favourite cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but he never intended to reveal his affection for Elizabeth Bennet.
When the colonel finally has leave, he joins Darcy and Elizabeth in Kent. What will it take to convince his stubborn cousins they are perfect for each other?
This collection contains two novellas and three short stories for a total of about 73,000 words in 216 pages. All stories are clean Pride and Prejudice Regency variations with happy endings.
THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s parents seem determined to control his life, including choosing his bride. When Darcy defies them to marry the lively, impertinent Elizabeth Bennet, they could not disapprove more. But maybe a precipitous marriage is just what the Darcy family needs.
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT
Darcy’s life depends on finding his soul mate. But his family has anxiously watched the young women introduced to the ton every year in the hopes of finding her, to no avail. Desperate, his family is scouring all of England to locate his bride. Darcy’s assignment? His friend Bingley’s new estate in Hertfordshire.
A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS
When Elizabeth meets Lady Cecily, the overlooked daughter of Lady Catherine’s friend, she knows she would be perfect for Colonel Fitzwilliam. Little does she know that she isn’t the only one engaging in a bit of matchmaking at Rosings Park.
PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS
When Elizabeth Bennet accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Netherfield, it led to two weeks of happiness. That is, until he discovered that she had not loved him when they wed. Now the two of them are distant and cold, all hopes of an affectionate marriage dashed—until the spirits of some of their dear departed family visit to set things right.
THE COLONEL’S POST
When Elizabeth overhears Mr. Darcy’s insult to her at the Meryton assembly, she tells her dear cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam about it in a letter. He may not be able to help her all the way from Spain, but his advice always makes her laugh.
Darcy regularly writes to his favourite cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but he never intended to reveal his affection for Elizabeth Bennet.
When the colonel finally has leave, he joins Darcy and Elizabeth in Kent. What will it take to convince his stubborn cousins they are perfect for each other?
This collection contains two novellas and three short stories for a total of about 73,000 words in 216 pages. All stories are clean Pride and Prejudice Regency variations with happy endings.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 1, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Page 7 to page 79: THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE In this story Darcy's parents are alive and very controlling. In an act of defiance, Darcy (after one enjoyable dance with Elizabeth) decides she is the perfect "wife" to present to his parents as she is the opposite of what they plan for him. He doesn't propose but talks to her father and soon they are married. Now it is she who is in defiance: everything he tells her to do she does the opposite...until he breaks his leg and she finds herself in the role of caretaker as he is bedridden for weeks. They learn much about each other and about a certain steward's son.
Page 80 to page 97 THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT In this story certain people are born with a "soul mark" and have a time by which they must locate their soul mate or a soul weakening begins. Darcy has reached that point...a point of desperation.
Page 98 to page 169 A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS Elizabeth and her new friend, Lady Cecily Danbury, find common ground in that both have sisters who are highly praised by their respective mothers while they are told they don't stand a chance to attract a suitor due to looks and behavior, etc. Soon they secretly "arrange" various events to help the new friend prove their mothers wrong.
Page 171 to page 225 PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS Dickens' Christmas Carol meets P&P. In this story Elizabeth has her large family which include a stepmother and stepsisters but no love, while Darcy has had a loving family, most of whom have passed away. Thus he leads a lonely life. When he and Elizabeth marry they have two glorious weeks...until he learns she did not marry him for love. He now believes it was for his wealth just like the debutants in London. And so the marriage is now one of cold, silent meetings over dinner and little else. Then each is visited by the spirits of a family members from the past, present and future. (I have to say that this story brought me to the edge of tears in some places.)
Page 225 to page 248 THE COLONEL’S POST In this story the Colonel is cousins with both Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (who have never met). Letters back and forth between all three in which the Colonel (stationed with the troops against Napoleon) plays games with directing their attentions. Elizabeth's use of initials instead of full names in her letters leads to some misunderstanding. Both D & E, deny that love has anything to do with their words but you know, you must know, that a happy ending for ODC is in store.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories.
Page 7 to page 79: THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE In this story Darcy's parents are alive and very controlling. In an act of defiance, Darcy (after one enjoyable dance with Elizabeth) decides she is the perfect "wife" to present to his parents as she is the opposite of what they plan for him. He doesn't propose but talks to her father and soon they are married. Now it is she who is in defiance: everything he tells her to do she does the opposite...until he breaks his leg and she finds herself in the role of caretaker as he is bedridden for weeks. They learn much about each other and about a certain steward's son.
Page 80 to page 97 THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT In this story certain people are born with a "soul mark" and have a time by which they must locate their soul mate or a soul weakening begins. Darcy has reached that point...a point of desperation.
Page 98 to page 169 A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS Elizabeth and her new friend, Lady Cecily Danbury, find common ground in that both have sisters who are highly praised by their respective mothers while they are told they don't stand a chance to attract a suitor due to looks and behavior, etc. Soon they secretly "arrange" various events to help the new friend prove their mothers wrong.
Page 171 to page 225 PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS Dickens' Christmas Carol meets P&P. In this story Elizabeth has her large family which include a stepmother and stepsisters but no love, while Darcy has had a loving family, most of whom have passed away. Thus he leads a lonely life. When he and Elizabeth marry they have two glorious weeks...until he learns she did not marry him for love. He now believes it was for his wealth just like the debutants in London. And so the marriage is now one of cold, silent meetings over dinner and little else. Then each is visited by the spirits of a family members from the past, present and future. (I have to say that this story brought me to the edge of tears in some places.)
Page 225 to page 248 THE COLONEL’S POST In this story the Colonel is cousins with both Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (who have never met). Letters back and forth between all three in which the Colonel (stationed with the troops against Napoleon) plays games with directing their attentions. Elizabeth's use of initials instead of full names in her letters leads to some misunderstanding. Both D & E, deny that love has anything to do with their words but you know, you must know, that a happy ending for ODC is in store.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories.
September 15, 2021
Stories are not just stories but also survival tools. ~ Robin R. Bates
I read some long books. I read some short books. Occasionally, I read a book consisting of short stories. I love a well-done short story. How amazing it is when an author can cut through all the external issues and tell the important parts of a story in 20 pages instead of 200. A short story is an art form all its own.
Plus … Easy to pick up and read a single story. Easy to put down when that story is finished. Easy to pick up again and read the next story.
“Vexed a Little in Love” is a book of short stories — excellent short stories. I have read several of these online and some were new to me. I recommend them all.
To be a person is to have a story to tell. ~ Karen Christence Dinesen
I read some long books. I read some short books. Occasionally, I read a book consisting of short stories. I love a well-done short story. How amazing it is when an author can cut through all the external issues and tell the important parts of a story in 20 pages instead of 200. A short story is an art form all its own.
Plus … Easy to pick up and read a single story. Easy to put down when that story is finished. Easy to pick up again and read the next story.
“Vexed a Little in Love” is a book of short stories — excellent short stories. I have read several of these online and some were new to me. I recommend them all.
To be a person is to have a story to tell. ~ Karen Christence Dinesen
March 11, 2022
My only complaint is that I wished each story was a full novella story.
March 18, 2022
this is a collection of short stories and novellas
The first THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE has both of Darcy's parents living and being whatever a helicopter parent of 1812 would be ( a hot air balloon parent?) Darcy and Lizzy live at Pemberley under the overbearing scrutiny of his control freak parents. Neither can do no right while Wickham can do no wrong when Darcy breaks his leg in a riding accident he and Lizzy find time to appreciate each other. But even their combined forces cannot overcome Wickham's charm it will take a miracle in the form of Momma Bennet to set things right. 4 stars
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT - Meh. I am not a fan of P&P Paranormal and this is an esoteric variation involving soul marks and the aristocracy and I was bored 2 stars
A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS - This story introduces Lady Metcalf's daughters to the regular crew at Rosings let's Richard get struck with the Thunderbolt and Darcy continues to be oblivious 3 stars
PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS - OMG this almost made me cry. In this variation Darcy proposes immediately after Lizzy rejects Collins and she accepts him. For 2 weeks they are blissfully happy then Darcy (douchy Darcy) learns that Lizzy wasn't as in love with him as he was in love with her when he proposed and she accepted and he turns into turd Darcy
Only a visit to each of ODC by numerous spirits can resolve this log jam. 5+ stars
THE COLONEL’S POST In this epistolary What if Lizzy already Knows colonel Fitzwilliam as they are cousins; don't ask it is never spelled out. He is the recepient of letters from both his cousins, Lizzy & Darcy during the Netherfield through Rosings portions of P&P
4 stars
The first THE PRECIPITOUS MARRIAGE has both of Darcy's parents living and being whatever a helicopter parent of 1812 would be ( a hot air balloon parent?) Darcy and Lizzy live at Pemberley under the overbearing scrutiny of his control freak parents. Neither can do no right while Wickham can do no wrong when Darcy breaks his leg in a riding accident he and Lizzy find time to appreciate each other. But even their combined forces cannot overcome Wickham's charm it will take a miracle in the form of Momma Bennet to set things right. 4 stars
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT - Meh. I am not a fan of P&P Paranormal and this is an esoteric variation involving soul marks and the aristocracy and I was bored 2 stars
A MATCH MADE AT ROSINGS - This story introduces Lady Metcalf's daughters to the regular crew at Rosings let's Richard get struck with the Thunderbolt and Darcy continues to be oblivious 3 stars
PRIDE, PREJUDICE, AND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS - OMG this almost made me cry. In this variation Darcy proposes immediately after Lizzy rejects Collins and she accepts him. For 2 weeks they are blissfully happy then Darcy (douchy Darcy) learns that Lizzy wasn't as in love with him as he was in love with her when he proposed and she accepted and he turns into turd Darcy
Only a visit to each of ODC by numerous spirits can resolve this log jam. 5+ stars
THE COLONEL’S POST In this epistolary What if Lizzy already Knows colonel Fitzwilliam as they are cousins; don't ask it is never spelled out. He is the recepient of letters from both his cousins, Lizzy & Darcy during the Netherfield through Rosings portions of P&P
4 stars
September 3, 2021
I want to start by saying that I received this as an advanced reader.
I LOVE all of Sarah Courtney's books. This one is five short stories that varied in tone from "angsty" (as many JAFF readers say) to humorous, which is my favorite type.
I had read the Precipitous Marriage before and enjoyed it just as much the second time. The alternate P&P universe with Darcy's parents living is always fun as we get to see Darcy pout sometimes as we would with our own parents.
There Can Be No Doubt is a bit "supernatural" in that it involves soul marks and finding soul mates. I don't really like this type of story, but I enjoyed the suspense even though we know what's going to happen: HEA!
A Match Made at Rosings was one of my two favorites in this collection. I enjoy meeting other characters in JAFF because they offer new insights into our beloved mainstays. It's also nice to have more than one love story happening as it takes all the pressure off of D & E.
Pride, Prejudice and the Christmas Spirits is, as you probably guessed, a take on Dickens, with both D & E having visits from three spirits. It's a bit sad, including the twist on Lizzy's family, but, of course, reaches its HEA.
My favorite though is The Colonel's Post. Absolutely hysterical with the twist of both D & E being Col. Fitzwilliam's cousins! Fitz's replies to D & E's letters are SO tongue-in-cheek that I laughed out loud several times. Imagine complaining to a colonel away at war that your room at the newly opened estate of a friend is dusty while he's living in a tent in the desert!
Thank you, Sarah, for another fun read. I truly look forward to your next.
I LOVE all of Sarah Courtney's books. This one is five short stories that varied in tone from "angsty" (as many JAFF readers say) to humorous, which is my favorite type.
I had read the Precipitous Marriage before and enjoyed it just as much the second time. The alternate P&P universe with Darcy's parents living is always fun as we get to see Darcy pout sometimes as we would with our own parents.
There Can Be No Doubt is a bit "supernatural" in that it involves soul marks and finding soul mates. I don't really like this type of story, but I enjoyed the suspense even though we know what's going to happen: HEA!
A Match Made at Rosings was one of my two favorites in this collection. I enjoy meeting other characters in JAFF because they offer new insights into our beloved mainstays. It's also nice to have more than one love story happening as it takes all the pressure off of D & E.
Pride, Prejudice and the Christmas Spirits is, as you probably guessed, a take on Dickens, with both D & E having visits from three spirits. It's a bit sad, including the twist on Lizzy's family, but, of course, reaches its HEA.
My favorite though is The Colonel's Post. Absolutely hysterical with the twist of both D & E being Col. Fitzwilliam's cousins! Fitz's replies to D & E's letters are SO tongue-in-cheek that I laughed out loud several times. Imagine complaining to a colonel away at war that your room at the newly opened estate of a friend is dusty while he's living in a tent in the desert!
Thank you, Sarah, for another fun read. I truly look forward to your next.
February 27, 2022
Five short variations
I enjoyed these stories enough to have reread them all. The first story has Darcy's parents still alive, controlling everything he does and says. His one act of rebellion is marrying a girl they would disapprove of and it turns out to be his best decision. The second story involves Darcy weakening because he has not found the woman with a matching soulmark yet. Then there is a story set in Rosings Park, with original characters Cecily and Marianne, Lady Metcalf's daughters. There are several matchmakers trying to steer affairs, only some of whom will be successful. Another story sees Elizabeth and Darcy married and estranged because he has found out that she wasn't in love with him when they married. Christmas ghosts are trying to set them straight. The last story is told in letters. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is writing to both Darcy and Elizabeth who is Richard's cousin. It seems rather unlikely that Darcy would be unaware of Richard's other cousins and I think letters to and from the war might take a bit longer to be delivered than some of this implies but it was very amusing nevertheless. All the stories were enjoyable to me and the author's writing flows well.
Rereading in october 2023.
I enjoyed these stories enough to have reread them all. The first story has Darcy's parents still alive, controlling everything he does and says. His one act of rebellion is marrying a girl they would disapprove of and it turns out to be his best decision. The second story involves Darcy weakening because he has not found the woman with a matching soulmark yet. Then there is a story set in Rosings Park, with original characters Cecily and Marianne, Lady Metcalf's daughters. There are several matchmakers trying to steer affairs, only some of whom will be successful. Another story sees Elizabeth and Darcy married and estranged because he has found out that she wasn't in love with him when they married. Christmas ghosts are trying to set them straight. The last story is told in letters. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is writing to both Darcy and Elizabeth who is Richard's cousin. It seems rather unlikely that Darcy would be unaware of Richard's other cousins and I think letters to and from the war might take a bit longer to be delivered than some of this implies but it was very amusing nevertheless. All the stories were enjoyable to me and the author's writing flows well.
Rereading in october 2023.
August 29, 2021
What is better than one enjoyable story inspired by Pride and Prejudice? A whole collection of them by Sarah Courtney to savor of course. You will laugh, you will cry and keep coming back for more in this fabulous little collection of novellas. I hope she keep writing such lovely treats for us for a no time to come.
September 15, 2021
Delightful Collection
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories, with A Precipitous Marriage And Pride, Prejudice and the Christmas Spirit being my favourites. Light, a good length for a quick read, and with tension rather than angst, they left me feeling good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories, with A Precipitous Marriage And Pride, Prejudice and the Christmas Spirit being my favourites. Light, a good length for a quick read, and with tension rather than angst, they left me feeling good.
January 10, 2022
These were all great. This is my second Sarah Courtney book and she has joined the ranks of my favorite JAFF authors, going to be on the lookout for all her future works.
November 22, 2021
Wonderful
A delicious collection of humorous and clever short stories. What a lovely way to pass some time, and each one is imaginative and oh so romantic. This author never disappoints, and I highly recommend this well written and well edited book. It's a treasure trove of fun.
A delicious collection of humorous and clever short stories. What a lovely way to pass some time, and each one is imaginative and oh so romantic. This author never disappoints, and I highly recommend this well written and well edited book. It's a treasure trove of fun.
September 15, 2021
Loved it!
December 11, 2021
Great love stories
I think I liked the spirit story best then the married in haste story and matchmaking at rosings! They all had happy endings!!
I think I liked the spirit story best then the married in haste story and matchmaking at rosings! They all had happy endings!!
July 14, 2022
Charming collection of short stories.
I LOVED 1 through 4 , the fifth was just ok. I'll definitely re-read them in the future.
I LOVED 1 through 4 , the fifth was just ok. I'll definitely re-read them in the future.
August 8, 2022
I enjoyed most of these five stories. The last one- an epistolary short was my least favorite. Lots of loose ends.
January 18, 2026
I cried!
December 2, 2021
Delightful short stories. The Colonel's Post was my favorite. Richard's sarcasm was precise and hilarious.
March 26, 2023
The Precipitous marriage
4 out of 5
Content: No Language, Violence is mild. Betrayal is a large part of the subplot. Sexual is mild as well. Just talk of children and lots of blushes when they say they haven’t been together yet.
This was a fun romp! It should be called Mr. Darcy and the Helicopter Parents. This is a variation that asks what if Darcy’s parents lived, and what if Darcy and Elizabeth were younger when they met and closer in age? I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. It was very clever and quite fun to see how the characters stayed true to what we know of them even when slapped into different circumstances. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
There Can Be No Doubt
2.5 out of 5
Content: No language, No violence, sexual is just chaste kisses.
This was incredibly short, and based of soul marks, which I’d only vaguely heard of as a trope. I didn’t much care for this one, I found it to be too short to really get much from it.
A Match Made at Rosings
3.5 out of 5
Content: No language, no violence, sexual is just chaste kisses.
This was a much more lively version of Elizabeth’s visit to Rosings Park, mostly because there are more characters present. Lady Cecily is cute, while her sister is a shrew. Seriously that girl needs a good slap or ten. I enjoyed this insight into Colonel Fitzwilliam, who for the short little bit his has in the original book, I am incredibly fond of his character. I enjoyed seeing him get his happily ever after. I also had a few good snickers at how Darcy acted thinking Elizabeth was enamored with him, but it was all for the sake of getting Fitzwilliam and Cecily together. It was cute and sweet.
Pride, Prejudice, and the Christmas Spirits
3.5 out of 5
Content: No language or violence, there is some talk of intimacy in marriage, but it’s clean and only peripherally spoken about, some kisses, not steamy.
I did not expect to get such feels out of the spirits that visit Darcy and Elizabeth in this story. Seeing long gone family members who are there to help you fix your marriage? It had a bittersweet tone that had me thinking about my own loved ones I’ve lost and how they might wish to help me figure life out. It was surprising too, that the familial backgrounds of both Darcy and Elizabeth are altered for this variation and it made the story more of a mystery and therefore made me wish to see what the differences were. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
The Colonel’s Post
4 out of 5
Content: No language or violence. Sexual is also not there at all.
This one is written in letters, which I am always down for, as letters are just romantic in general to my mind. I found myself snorting and giggling at the fun way this tells the meeting, relationship, falling out, and eventual love of Darcy and Elizabeth through the intermediary of Colonel Fitzwilliam. I especially cackled at the Colonel’s letter to Darcy when he points out that Darcy loves Elizabeth. The letters are full of wit and humor and I enjoyed every one of them. I’m smiling just thinking of it as I write this review!
4 out of 5
Content: No Language, Violence is mild. Betrayal is a large part of the subplot. Sexual is mild as well. Just talk of children and lots of blushes when they say they haven’t been together yet.
This was a fun romp! It should be called Mr. Darcy and the Helicopter Parents. This is a variation that asks what if Darcy’s parents lived, and what if Darcy and Elizabeth were younger when they met and closer in age? I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. It was very clever and quite fun to see how the characters stayed true to what we know of them even when slapped into different circumstances. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
There Can Be No Doubt
2.5 out of 5
Content: No language, No violence, sexual is just chaste kisses.
This was incredibly short, and based of soul marks, which I’d only vaguely heard of as a trope. I didn’t much care for this one, I found it to be too short to really get much from it.
A Match Made at Rosings
3.5 out of 5
Content: No language, no violence, sexual is just chaste kisses.
This was a much more lively version of Elizabeth’s visit to Rosings Park, mostly because there are more characters present. Lady Cecily is cute, while her sister is a shrew. Seriously that girl needs a good slap or ten. I enjoyed this insight into Colonel Fitzwilliam, who for the short little bit his has in the original book, I am incredibly fond of his character. I enjoyed seeing him get his happily ever after. I also had a few good snickers at how Darcy acted thinking Elizabeth was enamored with him, but it was all for the sake of getting Fitzwilliam and Cecily together. It was cute and sweet.
Pride, Prejudice, and the Christmas Spirits
3.5 out of 5
Content: No language or violence, there is some talk of intimacy in marriage, but it’s clean and only peripherally spoken about, some kisses, not steamy.
I did not expect to get such feels out of the spirits that visit Darcy and Elizabeth in this story. Seeing long gone family members who are there to help you fix your marriage? It had a bittersweet tone that had me thinking about my own loved ones I’ve lost and how they might wish to help me figure life out. It was surprising too, that the familial backgrounds of both Darcy and Elizabeth are altered for this variation and it made the story more of a mystery and therefore made me wish to see what the differences were. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
The Colonel’s Post
4 out of 5
Content: No language or violence. Sexual is also not there at all.
This one is written in letters, which I am always down for, as letters are just romantic in general to my mind. I found myself snorting and giggling at the fun way this tells the meeting, relationship, falling out, and eventual love of Darcy and Elizabeth through the intermediary of Colonel Fitzwilliam. I especially cackled at the Colonel’s letter to Darcy when he points out that Darcy loves Elizabeth. The letters are full of wit and humor and I enjoyed every one of them. I’m smiling just thinking of it as I write this review!
July 31, 2025
This was a lot of fun and perfect for my work week! Five stories. I wasn’t working 5 days this week; only 3. I read two stories on Monday, and then one each of the remaining three during my lunch break on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday respectively. They’re not all the same length, but I made it work.
I like the way Courtney writes the P&P characters and I find it fun to know so much of the Austen story and to see where each of Courtney’s stories fits into the original timeline and what’s stayed the same and what’s changed. All with the assurance that whatever else happens Darcy and Elizabeth will find their way together in the end.
I like the way Courtney writes the P&P characters and I find it fun to know so much of the Austen story and to see where each of Courtney’s stories fits into the original timeline and what’s stayed the same and what’s changed. All with the assurance that whatever else happens Darcy and Elizabeth will find their way together in the end.
November 28, 2021
These stories were delightful
Vexed a Little in Love is a collection of shortish P&P variations, each one its own little delight and different from the rest. I enjoyed them all and cannot even choose a favorite. The cleverness of the last story written in epistolary format was really enjoyable - Col. Fitzwilliam’s role in particular. Off to find more stories by Sarah Courtney.
Vexed a Little in Love is a collection of shortish P&P variations, each one its own little delight and different from the rest. I enjoyed them all and cannot even choose a favorite. The cleverness of the last story written in epistolary format was really enjoyable - Col. Fitzwilliam’s role in particular. Off to find more stories by Sarah Courtney.
March 16, 2026
Five wonderful short stories in their hilarious own way. I love stubborn Elizabeth in most of them, from funny hats to matchmaking; they all have something hilarious across them. Mr Darcy is, of course, prideful at the start of all stories, having Elizabeth to take him down a notch or two.
However, my favourite one is A Match Made at Rosings, especially having Anne being the observant, dramatic person!
However, my favourite one is A Match Made at Rosings, especially having Anne being the observant, dramatic person!
February 5, 2022
4.5 rounded up. This is a collection of short stories that I stumbled upon and am so glad I did! It is my first experience with this author and I really enjoyed these all the stories. Since I have a special fondness for Colonel Fitzwilliam, I must admit to especially enjoying the last story about the Colonel’s Post!
August 3, 2022
Amusing shorter tales that are fun or sweet, sometimes both! I enjoyed the fact that the author was so brilliant in showing that a story does not have to be hundreds of pages long to share a tale, and that the tale does not feel lacking. Skillfully done and an excellent find for this year's TBR challenge~
March 19, 2023
A group of interesting shorts
Short stories have never had me as a fan. I believe having to read too many of them in both high school and college turned me against them. But this collection is quite well written and fun. A few new characters are introduced and new settings which is always beneficial.
Short stories have never had me as a fan. I believe having to read too many of them in both high school and college turned me against them. But this collection is quite well written and fun. A few new characters are introduced and new settings which is always beneficial.
October 15, 2021
Fun and quick
Delightful takes on our favorite P&P characters that give you all the angst and resolution in five varieties. One is Scrooge style. One is letters style. All are enjoyable.
Delightful takes on our favorite P&P characters that give you all the angst and resolution in five varieties. One is Scrooge style. One is letters style. All are enjoyable.
December 13, 2021
Vexed in Love
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful rendition, particularly the unique way it was written. However, the last chapter reminded it for me as the stretch of generations was a bit much for me.
Otherwise, delightful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful rendition, particularly the unique way it was written. However, the last chapter reminded it for me as the stretch of generations was a bit much for me.
Otherwise, delightful.
January 3, 2024
4.5 stars, but I’m going up
4.5 stars, but I’m going up for how touching Pride, Prejudice, and the Christmas Spirits was. These were very well written and enjoyable short stories. Though it was cute and well done, the last was written in an epistolary form, which I am not really fond of.
4.5 stars, but I’m going up for how touching Pride, Prejudice, and the Christmas Spirits was. These were very well written and enjoyable short stories. Though it was cute and well done, the last was written in an epistolary form, which I am not really fond of.
October 22, 2025
Interesting
I liked the first four stories toleratly well, but not enough to read again. So I gave a star each for the stories I liked only. The last was was awkward and not well developed even for a short story.
I liked the first four stories toleratly well, but not enough to read again. So I gave a star each for the stories I liked only. The last was was awkward and not well developed even for a short story.
December 14, 2021
Enjoyed them all.
The entire collection of short stories were a treat to read. The Christmas story is the most memorable, probably because it tugged at the heartstrings.
The entire collection of short stories were a treat to read. The Christmas story is the most memorable, probably because it tugged at the heartstrings.
December 19, 2021
Delightful!
Is always nice to find Short stories that are full stories. I am happy to give 5 stars To this collection. And I highly recommended to everyone.
Is always nice to find Short stories that are full stories. I am happy to give 5 stars To this collection. And I highly recommended to everyone.
December 24, 2021
Fun stories
This is a fun group of stories. Great for those times when you only have 30 to 40 minutes to read.
This is a fun group of stories. Great for those times when you only have 30 to 40 minutes to read.
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