Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Challenge 2025 discussion

If you are willing to place one of your February reading choices in the hands of another person, leave a comment here with at least five books and no more than ten from your TBR shelf. Participants need to leave comments no later than January 25th.

Here's how it will work:
Sophia will match people up and leave a comment with a list of who will choose for whom.
When you see the person you are to pick for, then just look at their list in the above comments and leave a new comment with their name and the book you chose for them by January 31st.

You also need to watch and see what book your person chose from your list for you.
You have the rest of the month to read the book.

So if this sounds like something you would like to do, just comment below leaving your name and list of book choices for someone to pick your February book.

GOLDEN TEN- Austens were a family of TEN

I'm in!

1. Pemberley to Waterloo by Anna Elliot
2. Jane Austen in Boca by Paula Marantz Cohen
3. Mr. Darcy's Undoing: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
4. Austensibly Ordinary by Alyssa Goodnight
5. Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner
6. Star-Crossed Darcy: A Novella by Sarah Deeham
7. Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca Romney


I will likely add more and switch around closer to the deadline.

More Wow! Figures you have a copy of #5!

I'm in! Will post my picks at a later date.

I hope GR makes some changes with the notifications. I have no idea what's flying. I only get one update that my friends have updates.
It's very frustrating.

I shall come up with my list nearer the time.

Kirk wrote: "More Wow! Figures you have a copy of #5!"

Oh yes, as soon as I spotted it on the review lists. :)

I'd love to join. My choices are:
1..
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

I'm in:
1) The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Alix James
2) Relations Such As These by Sara O'Brien
3) Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship by Kelly Miller
4) Influence: A Modern Take on Austen's Persuasion by Ruth Mitchell
5) Captain's Log by Sarah Johnson
6) The View from Where I Sit by darcysfriend
7) Timing: A Persuasion Story by Ruth Sanger
8) A Mad Endeavour: The Last Romance of Jane Austen by GL Kriewald
9) A Not so Trifling Cold by A. L. Ward
10) None But You: book 1, Frederick Wentworth, Captain series by Susan Kaye

I’m also in! Don’t be shocked, but I still haven’t read these books, yet have heard great things about them:
The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet
Speechless: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Faults of Understanding: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A Gentleman's Honor
Mr. Darcy's Enchantment: A Pride & Prejudice
Variation
A Fair Prospect: Volume I - Disappointed Hopes
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor

Thanks for choosing my February Austenesque read!

1)The Suspicion at Sanditon by Carrie Bebris reread




3)Sanditon Before and Beyond
Sanditon: Before and Beyond: A suitable ending to the unfinished work by Jane Austen


4)Sanditon on Reflection


5)Sanditon: What Might Be
by Kristin Livingston

Leave Her Wild: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

The Same Noble Line: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Darcy Ever After: A Pride and Prejudice Fairytale Collection

Pride and Justice (I found the book on ebay and it just arrived!!)

Mr. Darcy's Poetry of the Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

The Talented Daughters of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

A Far Better Prospect: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

My selection are all rereads. These were all read at least 5 years ago before I used Goodreads and I don't have any reviews beyond the star ratings for them,

1) A Chance Meeting: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by E.A. Batten
2) Hypothetically Married: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford
3) The Ashes of Longbourn by Melanie Schertz
4) Darcy in Love and War: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jane Grix
5) The 26th of November: A Pride and Prejudice Comedy of Farcical Proportions by Elizabeth Adams
6) When We Are Married: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Caitlin Williams
7) The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet by Caitlin Williams
8) A Remedy Against Sin: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christina Morland
9) Side by Side, ApartAnn Galvia
10) Fair Stands the Wind: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Catherine Lodge

My choices are in random order
1) Not without affection - Caroline Cartier
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
2) Insults - Jayant S
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
3) Deception and debauchery - Cinnamon worth
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
4) Mr Darcy’s bride - Rowan Renault
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
5) His family objects - Lucy Marin
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
6) Her unforgettable Laugh - Linda Thompson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
7) Netherfield Proposal - Cambell Davies
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
8) Mistaking her character- Maria Grace
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
9) Interrupted plans - Brigid Huey
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
10) For the deepest love - Mary Anne Muschatt
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

My choices:

1. The Meddling Matlocks by Catherine Bilson
2. The Lady Sleuth of Longbourn by Amelia Westerly
3. Mr. Darcy, the Beast by Valerie Lennox
4. The Stench of Trade by Gruinard
5. Checkmate, Mr. Darcy by Sydney Salier
6. The Good Sister by Christine Combe
7. A Loss at Longbourn by Linda Beutler
8. Never Say Never at Netherfield by Durga Ekambaram

Howdy, everyone! I'm so glad you could join our first 'Someone else pick it' for the year.

First of all, I apologize for the lateness of my posting of the drawing and further instructions. As the kids are saying these days, "I had a week". I had a sudden funeral for dear friend's mom (I helped do the luncheon), I had a friend give birth to twins a month early (more making of food for family), and I had the scheduled surgery for my FIL in which my part was to feed and let the dog out for exercise and a few household chores (and, more meals to deliver, LOL). So... I forgot- and I fell asleep over my computer when I did remember. I hear Kirk muttering about Four Weddings and a Funeral...Hee hee!

Well, on to it!

I have randomly drawn names from those who submitted a list of books and will put those just below.

For those who are new to this fun activity, here is what you do next:
1. Find your name in the left hand column and then go to the right hand column to see whose name you drew.
2. Go back up in the discussion thread and find that person's list. Choose a book from that list. And, then make a comment to that person of what book you chose for them. Do this by FEBRUARY 2nd, please.
3. Watch for the person who drew your name to post their pick from your booklist.
4. Start your books on or after February 1st and feel free to come back and leave a comment of what you thought of the book.
If you want to discuss as you're reading, you can comment on your impressions as you go. Just make sure to mark any spoilery comments at the beginning of your comment.

Sophia > Kirk
Dana > Sam
Jen > Craftyhj
Christina > Nina
Kirk > Katie
Sam > Sophia
Craftyhj > Dana
Nina > Jen
Katie > Christina

Hail and well met, Kirk!

Love your Sanditon theme for the month.

I'm choosing Stolen Interviews in case you want to check off a Golden Ten prompt for 'next in series'. :)

Sophia wrote: "Hail and well met, Kirk!

Love your Sanditon theme for the month.

I'm choosing Stolen Interviews in case you want to check off a Golden Ten prompt for 'next in series'. :)"

Thank you!!! Great idea...I'll have look in the Golden Ten some more after I met my "regular" small beer goals!!

Sophia wrote: "Hail and well met, Kirk!

Love your Sanditon theme for the month.

I'm choosing Stolen Interviews in case you want to check off a Golden Ten prompt for 'next in series'. :)"

Me????? Mutter??? Hahahahaha!! Guilty as charged! Wishing you quiet and peaceful time going forward and that all turns out very well, indeed. Cheers!.

...oh...a scene from Four Weddings popped into my head while walking down the frozen streets of NYC last week. Way way way overdue for a rewatch. :)

Hi Katie!
After much debate....
Wishing you happy reading with....

The Lady Sleuth of Longbourn!

I hope to give this one a go at some point. Love the author's bio! Cheers!

Kirk wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Hail and well met, Kirk!

Love your Sanditon theme for the month.

I'm choosing Stolen Interviews in case you want to check off a Golden Ten prompt for 'next in series'. :)"

Me?????..."

Two hints? Then the universe is insisting on that re-watch. :)

Sophia wrote: "I'm in!

1. Pemberley to Waterloo by Anna Elliot
2. Jane Austen in Boca by Paula Marantz Cohen
3. Mr. Darcy's Undoing: A Pride and Prejudice Variation b..."

Sophia, I've chosen Pemberley to Waterloo for you. Georgiana in a strong roll for a change, was just too tempting!

Craftyhj wrote: "My selection are all rereads. These were all read at least 5 years ago before I used Goodreads and I don't have any reviews beyond the star ratings for them,

1) A Chance Meeting: A Pride and.."

You haven't re-read Fair Stands the Wind: A Pride and Prejudice Variation!!??! Well you will now. I loved it - obviously you do too since it's on your reread list. (you had some other favourites on your list but Catherine Lodge is a must).

Dana, I haven't read any one your list (although some of them may have accidentally fallen onto my TBR...) so I am picking blind so to speak.
I shall go with A Dear, Sweet Girl by Tiffany Thomas

Jen wrote: "Craftyhj wrote: "My selection are all rereads. These were all read at least 5 years ago before I used Goodreads and I don't have any reviews beyond the star ratings for them,

1) [book:A Chance Mee..."

It is very remiss of me I know (hangs head in shame). I shall get on it as soon as the month turns.

Sam wrote: "Sophia wrote: "I'm in!

1. Pemberley to Waterloo by Anna Elliot
2. Jane Austen in Boca by Paula Marantz Cohen
3. [book:Mr. Darcy's Undoing: A Pride and Prejudice Variat..."

I'm excited by Georgie as the MC. Thanks, Sam!

Ni, Nicole!

I haven't read any of the books on your list, but I do love both Maria Grace and Lucy Marin's work, so I've put both their names into a bag and pulled out... Maria Grace! Hope you enjoy Mistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice Variation! (Such a unique premise for the book, too!)

Christina wrote: "I’m also in! Don’t be shocked, but I still haven’t read these books, yet have heard great things about them:
The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet
[book:Speechless: A Pride and Prej..."

Hi Christina! I choose The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet for you. It sounds very interesting. I always like stories where they get to grow up some together.

Katie wrote: "Christina wrote: "I’m also in! Don’t be shocked, but I still haven’t read these books, yet have heard great things about them:
The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet
[book:Speechless..."

Great! Thank you so much, Katie! I look forward to reading it, as it's been on my TBR list for a long time, and I admire Caitlin Williams's work!

Jen wrote: "I'm in:
1) The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Alix James
2) Relations Such As These by Sara O'Brien
3) [book:Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship|2212713..."

Hi Jen,

I have to go with "The measure of Love" by Alix James, which I absolutely love. I read it, soon after it came out, and have just listened to the audio version as well.
You can listen to the audio for free on Alix James's youtube channel

Christina wrote: "Ni, Nicole!

I haven't read any of the books on your list, but I do love both Maria Grace and Lucy Marin's work, so I've put both their names into a bag and pulled out... Maria Grace! Hope you enjo..."

Nina, I’m so sorry I called you Nicole in message 26! I’m such a space cadet sometimes. I hope you enjoy Maria Grace’s book, Mistaking Her Character, Nina!

Nina wrote: "Jen wrote: "I'm in:
1) The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Alix James
2) Relations Such As These by Sara O'Brien
3) [book:Mr. Darcy's Complex Court..."

Thanks Nina - I am looking for to it.

Craftyhj wrote: "Dana, I haven't read any one your list (although some of them may have accidentally fallen onto my TBR...) so I am picking blind so to speak.
I shall go with A Dear, Sweet Girl by ..."

Thanks Craftjj! I look forward to reading that one. I just found Tiffany Thomas in 2024 and enjoyed her books. They were different.

Hi Sam! I didn't recognize most of the books on your list (which means I have added some to my list, hehe). I chose The Talented Daughters of Longbourn for you. I hope you enjoy it!

Dana wrote: "Hi Sam! I didn't recognize most of the books on your list (which means I have added some to my list, hehe). I chose The Talented Daughters of Longbourn for you. I hope you enjoy it!"

Thank you, Dana! I've heard good things about it.

Sophia wrote: "Hail and well met, Kirk!

Love your Sanditon theme for the month.

I'm choosing Stolen Interviews in case you want to check off a Golden Ten prompt for 'next in series'. :)"
Thanks again Sophia! I enjoyed my
time again in Sanditon. I
hope to return in the spring. Giving this one
a 4.0-4.25.

Challenge accepted and completed! I really enjoyed rereading an old classic - Fair Stands the Wind: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Catherine Lodge. I loved all the little nautical references - the comment on rigging for Elizabeth's undergarments made me laugh out loud.

I read The talented Daughters of Longbourn.
A wonderful story. I liked the changes the author made to create a different kind of Bennet family

Christina wrote: "Christina wrote: "Ni, Nicole!

I haven't read any of the books on your list, but I do love both Maria Grace and Lucy Marin's work, so I've put both their names into a bag and pulled out... Maria Gr..."

No worries 😊

I am going to Sweden tomorrow to ski ❄️❄️❄️⛷️⛷️⛷️
So I will have a long drive and will enjoy listening to the audio 😊😊😊

I read A Dear, Sweet Girl by Tiffany Thomas. In this story Jane Bennet's sweet exterior hid a brital manipulator. It was an enjoyable read. I did feel some conversations got repetitive. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.

I finished Pemberley to Waterloo and it was sensational. I was a little wary that I wouldn't remember enough of the first volume since its been a few years that I read it, but I had no problem diving right back into the story threads and loving what I got.

Thanks so much, Sam!

Sophia wrote: "I finished Pemberley to Waterloo and it was sensational. I was a little wary that I wouldn't remember enough of the first volume since its been a few years that I read it, but I had no problem divi..."

I really enjoyed that series too.

Craftyhj wrote: "Sophia wrote: "I finished Pemberley to Waterloo and it was sensational. I was a little wary that I wouldn't remember enough of the first volume since its been a few years that I read it, but I had ..."

I forgot how good it was. Now, I need to read Kitty's Diary soon and not wait so long between the books. :)

Yay! Glad you liked it :)

Katie, thank you so much for choosing Caitlin Williams’s The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet for this month’s challenge! I really enjoyed reading it! I particularly loved how the novel was so faithful to the spirit of P&P (the centrality of Elizabeth and Darcy both learning to change for the better) and yet was so unlike the original in many ways! What a brilliant idea of Williams — to take that kernel of Elizabeth’s line, “ Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage,” from Chapter 33 of P&P — and make it about Elizabeth herself! If you’re like me and somehow missed reading this book earlier — despite it being published in 2016 — I highly recommend it!

Christina wrote: "Katie, thank you so much for choosing Caitlin Williams’s The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet for this month’s challenge! I really enjoyed reading it! I particularly loved how the ..."

It's a beauty isn't it.

Christina wrote: "Katie, thank you so much for choosing Caitlin Williams’s The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet for this month’s challenge! I really enjoyed reading it! I particularly loved how the ..."

Knocked my socks off, too, when I finally got around to reading it.

I had to pause this on the 6th...and will get back to it soon - it's good. but....
The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Measure of a Man Collection #1) by Alix James (2025-2-6) WIP* : Reading in progress 40ish% through – I am behind on ARCs and the angst so far has been high (and I just want a *miracle occurs HERE* moment so I put this aside to tackle my ARC pile - *what* was I thinking!!)

Christina wrote: "Katie, thank you so much for choosing Caitlin Williams’s The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet for this month’s challenge! I really enjoyed reading it! I particularly loved how the ..."

Thanks for the reminder. I read it in 2016. So, I have purchased a copy to reread. It was very excellent.

Love the Coming of age of EB. It's a definite reread