Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Challenge 2024

message 1: by Sophia (last edited Nov 18, 2024 12:23PM) (new)

Nov 17, 2024 12:22PM

Mod

Austen Gold Group Read is a two part activity that will wrap up our year of activities and hopefully give readers more books to consider while fitting in one last book for the year.

Time to award your GOLD winners!
The first section of the challenge is easy. LIST your favorite Austenesque books read during 2024. Release year does not matter and try to keep it under ten. Make sure both title and author are listed because we definitely want others to peruse and maybe find their next favorite, too. You're welcome to share why the book made your list, if you like. Leave your lists any time between now and the end of the year though, preferably, by Dec 1st.

Read another GOLD Winner!
Once you leave your list, peruse the other lists and choose to read a book from someone else's list that you think sounds good. Even better if it's already on your own TBR pile. If you don't spot one from another list that you already have access to, try choosing one from your own wish list that you know a group member has given a five-star rating.

Because it's the holiday season, feel free to start reading early. Happy Reading, fellow challengers!

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message 2: by Liz H (new)

Nov 17, 2024 04:39PM

Do you mean 2023 or 2024?

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message 3: by writer... (last edited Nov 17, 2024 05:19PM) (new)

Nov 17, 2024 05:18PM

writer... (goodreadscomwriter) | 23 comments

Sophia wrote: "Austen Gold Group Read is a two part activity that will wrap up our year of activities and hopefully give readers more books to consider while fitting in one last book for the year.
..."

I’m intending to read an Austen Christmas novel if any lists feature options . . .

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message 4: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 18, 2024 12:42AM

I'm in - I shall ponder my list....

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message 5: by Sam (last edited Nov 23, 2024 10:31AM) (new)

Nov 18, 2024 02:14AM

Yay! Need to go back over my list and will post them here.

Most of my five stars are rereads.

I did pick this one up as an audiobook His Family Objects

The Scarred Duchess: A Saga Based on the Characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Thwarted: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation

No Less Resentment: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Her Whole Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

The Magic of Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

Entwined Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Fantasy Variation

The Art of Apology: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Abandoned at the Altar: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

The Scotsman's Ghost: or How to Wreck a Yule Party: A Pride & Prejudice Christmas Variation

The Christmas Heiress

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message 6: by Sophia (new)

Nov 18, 2024 12:23PM

Mod

Liz H wrote: "Do you mean 2023 or 2024?"

LOL! Good catch on my copy and paste, Liz. Fixing now.

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message 7: by Sophia (new)

Nov 18, 2024 12:30PM

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writer... wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Austen Gold Group Read is a two part activity that will wrap up our year of activities and hopefully give readers more books to consider while fitting in one last book for the year.
..."

Ooh, that will be fun. If no one has an Austen Gold winning Christmas one on their lists, I think some of the 'Tis the Season: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas novellas or even the Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer or A Very Austen Christmas novellas got some 5-stars.

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message 8: by Kirk (new)

Nov 18, 2024 11:57PM

Sophia wrote: "writer... wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Austen Gold Group Read is a two part activity that will wrap up our year of activities and hopefully give readers more books to consider while fitting in one last b..."

Interesting!!

Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas (Jane Austen Mysteries #12) by Stephanie Barron

has some fantastic holiday scenes but the "mystery" is quite disturbing to my Jane Bennet reading sensibilities.

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message 9: by Katja (new)

Nov 19, 2024 11:22AM

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message 10: by Sophia (new)

Nov 19, 2024 11:53AM

Mod

Katja wrote: "I have been pretty stingy with the five stars for new authors this year, it seems they end up in the DNF pile ever so often. Most of my five stars this year are rereads and/or by classic, trusted a..."

Still, this is a wonderful list of your best golden Austen gems. :)

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message 11: by Sophia (last edited Nov 19, 2024 12:27PM) (new)

Nov 19, 2024 12:25PM

Mod

I had a wonderful Austenesque reading year and very few I didn't like so I'm excited to share several that really wowed me.

1. I'm going to cheat and simply say the whole latter half of the Jane Austen's Dragon's series was stupendous Gaslamp Fantasy with her amazing Regency era dragon world. Do read in order. This is the one I started this year:The Dragons of Pemberley by Maria Grace.

2. I didn't read many modern retellings this year, but this one stood out for being set among Asian American college kids and a good connection to the original in an original way. Not surprising since I enjoyed the Mansfield Park variation she wrote several years back. Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Dudley.

3. Another captivating gaslamp fantasy category by a long-time favorite JAFF author, Spellbound at Pemberley by Abigail Reynolds. And, two more books in the series are out.

4. Wow, this was darker and turbulent, but oh so good P&P sequel. The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy by Sophie Turner

5. For a light, quick touch this P&P variation had me giggling a few times. The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jessie Lewis

6. A Perennial favorite series. Love the Autism rep and two young Darcy and Tilney progeny for amateur detectives in this historical mystery sequel series. I read the third release, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray

7. Here is another modern retelling I got excited about. No sophomore slump with this second release for a pair of talented authors. Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza

8. Not a surprise that the latest Julie Cooper P&P variation made my list. The Bachelor Mr Darcy

9. I found this a fascinating character analysis and peek inside Mr. Darcy's head. Darcy’s Struggle by Kelley Dean Jolley

10. One of my two biggest author love discoveries this year was MJ Stratton. Pick a book any book of hers and I likely slapped a five-star on it, but I began my love affair with this one- another with strong autism representation. No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

11. You get a bonus because of course I had to share my other big author love discovery, Beth Dellemore. Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation is a charming Mansfield Park variation.

Honorable Mentions: Murder in Highbury
NorthFanger: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Longbourn Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In Westminster's Halls: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The Lizzy Chronicles - A Compilation of Pride and Prejudice-inspired Romances
Only Exceedingly Shy
In the Garden With Jane Austen

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message 12: by Patricia (last edited Nov 24, 2024 08:24AM) (new)

Nov 20, 2024 08:05AM

Summers at pemberley by Jennifer Kay

Summers at Pemberley A Pride and Prejudice Retelling by Jennifer Kay

Worthy of her trust by Melissa anne

Worthy of Her Trust A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melissa Anne

Elizabeth of east Hampton by Audrey bellazza

Elizabeth of East Hampton (For the Love of Austen, #2) by Audrey Bellezza

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message 13: by Craftyhj (last edited Nov 20, 2024 02:18PM) (new)

Nov 20, 2024 02:17PM

I have tightened up my star ratings this year and am trying to stick to the Godreads rating guide. I think what tipped me over to doing this was realising that some of the less-than-stellar variations had higher ratings than Austen's original work.

This list is in no particular order and are all ones which I know I will read again and would happily recommend them to anybody. This was the first time of reading for all of them,

No Less Resentment: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nan Harrison
Against Every Objection: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cat Andrews
Rising Courage by Heather Moll
The Emma Project by Sonali Dev
The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow
The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice: A Modern Love Story with a Jane Austen Twist by Abigail Reynolds
Interwoven by Melanie Rachel
Fanny, A Mansfield Park Story by Amelia Marie Logan
The Bachelor Mr Darcy by Julie Cooper
By Duty Bound: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Michelle Ray

Honourable mentions,
Cursing Mr. Darcy by Amy D'Orazio
Green Card by Elizabeth Adams
The Scarred Duchess: A Saga Based on the Characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Barry S. Richman
A Golden Opportunity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J. Marie Croft

My absolute favourite of the year was No Less Resentment: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nan Harrison. This is the most Austen-like book I have read in a long time which is the highest praise I can give it.

I do hope you enjoy perusing my list as I anticipate perusing the favourites the rest of the group have found this year.

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message 14: by Sophia (new)

Nov 20, 2024 04:06PM

Mod

Craftyhj wrote: "I have tightened up my star ratings this year and am trying to stick to the Godreads rating guide. I think what tipped me over to doing this was realising that some of the less-than-stellar variati..."

Your top pick went straight to my wish list, Heather! :)

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message 15: by Sophia (new)

Nov 20, 2024 04:07PM

Mod

Patricia wrote: "Summers at pemberley by Jennifer Kay

Worthy of her trust by Melissa anne

Elizabeth of east Hampton by Audrey bellazza"

Yay! Elizabeth of East Hampton twinsies, Patricia.

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message 16: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 21, 2024 06:08AM

Sophia wrote: "Craftyhj wrote: "I have tightened up my star ratings this year and am trying to stick to the Godreads rating guide. I think what tipped me over to doing this was realising that some of the less-tha..."

you will not be disappointed I am sure.

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message 17: by Kirk (last edited Nov 22, 2024 07:55AM) (new)

Nov 22, 2024 07:54AM

Jane Austen in Scarsdale Or Love, Death, and the SATs by Paula Marantz Cohen

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott

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message 18: by Sophia (new)

Nov 22, 2024 10:11AM

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Kirk wrote: "

[bookcover:The Perils of Lady Catherine de B..."

Lovely to see the covers, too.

You remind me that I have a couple old Paula Cohen's I still need to read.

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message 19: by Kirk (new)

Nov 24, 2024 01:01AM

Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "

[bookcover:The Perils of Lady C..."

Thx!!! I love the covers. I have her other book in my scattered future thoughts. And I think it qualifies for some of Golden magic stuff. :)

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message 20: by Kirk (new)

Nov 24, 2024 01:04AM

Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "

[bookcover:The Perils of Lady C..."

And looking at the covers together makes my John Knightley/Grinchlite heart go all a glow!

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message 21: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 24, 2024 05:51AM

I'm taking you at your word and starting early - I am going to begin with Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation by Bethany Delleman.

Thanks for the suggestion Sophia. I shall let you know how I get on with it.

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message 22: by abmom (new)

Nov 24, 2024 10:10AM

1. Elizabeth Bennet's Impertinent Letter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... 5++ stars. Low angst.
2. Ruined Forever https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... 5+ stars. Angsty.
3. Mistaken Identity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... 5+ stars. Thrilling.
4. Love and Loathing https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... 5++ stars. Cute. Modern.
5. Cindereliza: A Pride and Prejudice Variation https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... 5+ stars. Fun.
6. A Good Name https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... 5++ stars. Great modern variation.
7. Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Romantic Comedy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... 5+ stars. A really good emotional story.
8. Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... A very sweet story.
9. The Bennets Take on the Ton https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... Fun, fun story.
10. In League with Mr. Darcy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... Great banter.

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message 23: by Sophia (new)

Nov 24, 2024 01:48PM

Mod

Kirk wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "

[bookcover:The P..."

Yes, love the festive cover colors, Mr. John!

Hah, glad you're getting a jump on the Golden plans. :)

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message 24: by Sophia (new)

Nov 24, 2024 01:52PM

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Craftyhj wrote: "I'm taking you at your word and starting early - I am going to begin with Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation by Bethany Delleman.

Thanks for the suggesti..."

I'm excited and nervous at the same time hoping you end up loving it, Heather. :) Definitely take me up on the early reading pass so you can go at a reading pace for maximum enjoyment. :)

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message 25: by Sophia (new)

Nov 24, 2024 01:55PM

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abmom wrote: "1. Elizabeth Bennet's Impertinent Letter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... 5++ stars. Low angst.
2. Ruined Foreve..."

You had a fun reading year based on your list. I really must add your Laura Hile to my 'to read' pile since I love books with good banter.

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message 26: by Nicole (last edited Nov 26, 2024 07:52AM) (new)

Nov 25, 2024 01:44PM

Nicole Barton Sasser (bartonsasser) | 15 comments

My GOLD Winners in no particular order:

The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds

Mr. Darcy's Bookshop by Summer Hanford

Mrs. Wickham (Audible Original) by Sarah Page, narrated by full cast

Mr. Darcy's Enchantment by Abigail Reynolds

A Folly of Youth by Amy D'Orazio

GOLD Winner I would like to read:

Craftyhj's pick of No Less Resentment by Nan Harrison. However, I am waiting on an Audible Edition 🤞

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message 27: by Sophia (new)

Nov 25, 2024 07:51PM

Mod

Nicole wrote: "My GOLD Winners in no particular order:

The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds

Mr. Darcy's Bookshop by Summer Hanford

Mrs. Wickham by Sarah Page

Mr. Darcy's Enchantment by Abigail Reynolds

A F..."

Love that title with Mr. Darcy and Bookshop in it. :) I'll have to check it out.

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message 28: by Nicole (last edited Nov 26, 2024 07:55AM) (new)

Nov 26, 2024 07:54AM

Sophia wrote: "Love that title with Mr. Darcy and Bookshop in it. :) I'll have to check it out."

If you like audiobooks, this one has dual narration with Stevie Zimmerman and Benjamin Fife!

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message 29: by Katie (new)

Nov 26, 2024 08:08AM

Here's my list! I had to really cut a few so I kept one that had a similar thing to several I rated 5 stars. These are my most memorable ones though.

The Diary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
One Last Chance: to begin again by A. L. Ward
When Given Good Principles: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by M. J. Stratton
To Catch a Poisoner: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Mystery by Renata McMann
The Second Mrs. Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Catherine Bilson
Elizabeth's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
Summers at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling by Jennifer Kay
Lady Fetton's Longbourn Legacy by Victoria Lynn
A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
A Bouquet of Bennets, Mary's Story by Victoria Lynn

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message 30: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 26, 2024 08:41AM

Thanks for the recommendation Sophia - I LOVED it.
Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation by Bethany Delleman.

I think that all of the variations of MP that I have read have been good and also, very importantly, Austen authentic. I include the modern variations in that.

I wonder if this is because there is not a showstopper screen variation of MP? It is undoubtedly true that some of the P&P authors are heavily influents by other 1995 or the 2005 adaptations and it sometimes supersedes the original novel.

With no such adaptation for MP I think authors have to lean more heavily on the original for the character development. This makes for better books on the whole I suspect.

Anyway, ramble over. Time to pick my next book .... (it's that or do some work ...)

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message 31: by Katja (new)

Nov 26, 2024 09:38AM

i got unfairly caught too... not sure when i'll get to read it

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message 32: by Sophia (new)

Nov 26, 2024 04:25PM

Mod

Nicole wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Love that title with Mr. Darcy and Bookshop in it. :) I'll have to check it out."

If you like audiobooks, this one has dual narration with Stevie Zimmerman and Benjamin Fife!"

I do! Thanks!

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message 33: by Sophia (new)

Nov 26, 2024 04:27PM

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Katie wrote: "Here's my list! I had to really cut a few so I kept one that had a similar thing to several I rated 5 stars. These are my most memorable ones though.

[book:The Diary: A Pride and Prejudice Variat..."

Yes, it is so hard to narrow down the list- so many good ones.

I enjoyed that Catherine Bilson, too.

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message 34: by Sophia (new)

Nov 26, 2024 04:28PM

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Craftyhj wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation Sophia - I LOVED it.
Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation by Bethany Delleman.

I think that all of the variations of MP that..."

Woohoo! I was worried. :)

But, that is an interesting thought about the lack of good movie adaptions leading Austenesque authors to rely on the original as source material more...

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message 35: by Sophia (new)

Nov 26, 2024 04:29PM

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Katja wrote: "i got unfairly caught too... not sure when i'll get to read it"

Crossing my fingers you like it.

LOL, that's the trick! We all need a Hermione Granger time changer device to fit in extra reading time. :)

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message 36: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 28, 2024 11:21AM

I'm still flexing that free pass Sophia. I have just finished To Catch a Poisoner: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Mystery by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford.

I was more of an 'OK' for me - liked but not loved.

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message 37: by Sophia (new)

Nov 28, 2024 11:11PM

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Craftyhj wrote: "I'm still flexing that free pass Sophia. I have just finished To Catch a Poisoner: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Mystery by Renata McMann and [author:Summer Hanf..."

LOL, the more Austne Gold the better. :)

Glad it was a decent read if not memorable.

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message 38: by Craftyhj (new)

Nov 30, 2024 06:24AM

One more .... that free pass is getting a bit frayed at the edges now.

A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier.

Again, I liked it but didn't love it. This author is usually fun to read but generally sits in the 3-3.5* range for me. This was no exception.

I am pausing on the Gold theme now as I have some ARCs to read.

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message 39: by Sophia (new)

Nov 30, 2024 10:50AM

Mod

Craftyhj wrote: "One more .... that free pass is getting a bit frayed at the edges now.

A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier.

Again, I like..."

I've been trying to catch up on my review reads and library reads so I can get to my Austen Gold reading. Glad you had a good run of them, Heather!

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message 40: by Kirk (new)

Nov 30, 2024 11:58AM

A Bouquet of Bennets, Mary's Story by Victoria Lynn

Going with the above!

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message 41: by Sophia (new)

Nov 30, 2024 05:51PM

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Kirk wrote: "

Going with the above!"

What an interesting series premise to have all the sisters wed a Mr. Collins in a different situation each time. I'll look forward to seeing what you think of it, Kirk!

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message 42: by Kirk (new)

Dec 05, 2024 12:04AM

Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "

Going with the above!"

What an interesting series premise to have all the sisters wed a Mr. Collins in a different situation ..."

Thx! Well...the Mr Collins in this one is more Edward F. For me, too many side stories and too little focus on Mary. 3.25-3.5

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message 43: by Sophia (new)

Dec 05, 2024 06:50PM

Mod

Kirk wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "

Going with the above!"

What an interesting series premise to have all the sisters wed a Mr. Collins in a diffe..."

Well I can't say Edward is a fav character, but interesting that Mr. Collins is more like him. What a shame Mary didn't get her turn to shine!

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message 44: by Sam (new)

Dec 08, 2024 03:42AM

I am listening to His Family Objects

May reread No Less Resentment as a second pic

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message 45: by Sophia (new)

Dec 09, 2024 09:40AM

Mod

Sam wrote: "I am listening to His Family Objects

May reread No Less Resentment as a second pic"

No Less Resentment is rising higher on my must read list.

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