• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Laura Hile: Favorite Authors

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

I was first introduced to Austen-inspired fiction by my dear friend and editor, Barbara Cornthwaite. She did a fabulous job with writing Austen’s Emma from Knightley’s perspective.  And let me tell you, I loved it.  She managed to show a modern audience what Knightley saw in the spoiled, selfish heroine who I suspect wasn’t as deeply criticized in Austen’s day as she is now.  Well, that just fueled a flame.  She then introduced me to Susan Kaye, Pamela Aidan, and Laura Hile.  While I enjoyed all the Wytherngate Press books, I especially loved Cornthwaite’s and Hile’s takes on familiar Austen characters.

Mercy's Embrace Books

Laura Hile first wrote of Elizabeth Elliot–the obnoxious older sister of the beloved Anne in Persuasion. I reviewed this series six years ago over at Paradoxology.  I thought I’d share it here before telling you about Ms. Hile’s latest triumph.

Mercy’s Embrace:

Did Austen write a more disliked family than the Elliots of Kellynch?  I don’t think so.  Perhaps some would disagree, but I cannot fathom how.  Between their pride, arrogance, self-absorbed obsession with wealth and appearance, “every feeling revolts!”  So, when I saw Laura Hile’s book about Elizabeth Elliot, I wondered why she’d bothered.  Who cares about Elizabeth Elliot?  “I wouldn’t care if she were alive or dead only that she was Anne’s sister.”  (loosely paraphrased quote by Mr. E from Emma.  My apologies Miss Austen.)  However, when I read the publisher’s synopsis, I confess I was a little intrigued.   This is what I read.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

So Rough a Course
For a fun speculation as to what happened to Anne’s sister, Elizabeth, I recommend this series! For more about it, check my review HERE.

Twenty-nine winters’ revolving frosts…
have brought no change
to Miss Elliot’s matrimonial state.

Elizabeth Elliot is as beautiful as ever, yet no gentleman of proper stature has requested her hand. Lady Russell claims she is too particular, but Elizabeth begs to differ. She is not about to settle for a gentleman of no distinction like her sister Mary. Nor will she follow her heart and marry a commoner with no title but Captain—that was Anne’s mistake. As for romance and the tender stirrings of the heart, why, only a simpleton would fall prey to such foolishness!

But when the proud Miss Elliot encounters a pair of smiling Irish eyes in a most unsuitable man of vulgar connections, she is tempted to change her opinion. Almost.

Jane Austen’s beloved Persuasion provides the backdrop for this first in a series of delightful romps set in Regency England.

After that, who could resist at least giving the book a small chance?  Well, I’m here with fork in hand and chewing my fried crow.  I was hooked long before the end of the first chapter.  Ms. Hile has a delightful ability to keep you in Regency England while showing that human nature is still human nature, regardless of century, and therefore, make the reader nod when people behave in stunningly familiar ways.

When I started reading, I was afraid she’d make Elizabeth highly reformed.  I had horrible visions of her serving as a missionary to street urchins or marrying a day laborer much to the shock of her family and friends.  Thankfully, Ms. Hile has some common sense and a feeling for the proportion of things.  She did not change Elizabeth Elliot’s character at all.  In fact, because this story is centered around Elizabeth, you really do see her faults in glaring clarity in a way that the original story couldn’t have tried to do.

So, why do I like books about such an unsympathetic character?

Well, because that’s the best part of these books– she becomes sympathetic slowly but surely.  She doesn’t become another Anne or a Fanny Price or anything, but you see more depth of her character, and the character of Patrick Gill helps show sides of her personality that she’s never had a chance to develop.

The Elizabeth Elliot that you meet in the first book is precisely the one you knew and disliked from Persuasion, and is still the same person at the end of the third book, but with new facets of her personality revealed in a way that makes you like her even while disliking her.  She grows, matures, and has a new appeal, but she is still Elizabeth Elliot– Anne’s obnoxious and haughty sister.  You finish the third book with the feeling that she might even grow a bit more of a heart given time.

So many Regency era books are difficult to lose yourself in, because of the particular style of writing.  As much as I love Austen, I am rarely caught away in the story so much that I have a hard time coming back to reality.  I just enjoy the literary fun and never think much about the style.  However, Laura Hile, as did Barbara Cornthwaite in her book, managed to maintain that Regency style and feeling while still managing to transport me from the present into the past.  That takes some skillful writing.  These Crown Hill Writers Guild authors do not disappoint!

One of the most delightful things about the book was seeing other Austen characters appear in the story.

Mr. Rushworth makes a grand showing as only he can.  His mother… oh dear, his mother.  Caroline Bingley is, of course, her normal obnoxious self.  It’s a delight to read and hate her at will.  I’ve always said that this is why I love fiction– it is not a sin to hate someone who doesn’t exist! :)

The end of the third book is one of the most brilliantly written things I’ve ever read.  Ms. Hile does a fabulous job of wrapping up the story with a satisfying ending, while still making you eager for more.  If she never wrote another volume, you’d not be left feeling like too much was left untied.  However, she does leave enough open to make the reader wonder if she might just favor us with a fourth book.

I highly recommend this series.  If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will not be disappointed.  Indeed, I do think even those who aren’t particularly drawn to that novel will like this series.  Don’t hesitate, dash over to Amazon and snag your copies today.

Laura Hile: Favorite Authors

Note: links in this post may be affiliate links for which I’ll receive a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Hile: Darcy by Any Other Name:

Hile: Darcy by Any Other NameC’mon.  With a background like that, is it any wonder that when I saw she had a new one I bought it immediately?  And this is what I posted on Amazon:

Oh boy. Where do I begin? Look I’ve read Ms. Hile’s other works, so I knew there was a strong chance I’d like the book. But the supernatural… at Netherfield? Can’t say I was confident that I’d LOVE it. I knew I’d like it. But love?

Well, judge for yourself. I found out about the book and bought it. For later. But I got curious. So I read a chapter. Two. Four. SIX. I finally made myself put it away for my own writing. Read seven and eight. Then I started using it as incentive. A chapter for every scene of my own I finished. Yeah. I know. Pathetic, right?

But while you can put aside a “good” story, a great one takes over. I spent all afternoon devouring this book. It was, in a word, amazing! I couldn’t put it down. When Kindle Cloud Reader SIGNED ME OUT at the climax, I almost created household panic with my growls and squeals. No. Joke.

So what is so great about this book?

I’ll tell you. I’m obliging that way. Ms. Hile managed to take a very modern idea (Freaky Friday) and interject it into a familiar setting and all without making it seem hokey or ridiculous. She made me believe this happened–that the odious Collins and supercilious Darcy swapped bodies–made me believe they were stuck there. Ms. Hile made me believe things that just don’t fit.

If that’s not great writing, I don’t know what is. There were tiny incongruities to the writing–turns of phrases that while probably period accurate (she is quite adept at her research) felt modern. In any other book, I might have knocked a star off for them. Or half a star. Maybe. But when I finished this book, I was so utterly thrilled and satisfied, the idea of giving it anything less than 5 stars–why, I cannot think of it without abhorrence. 😉

And isn’t that what makes a book five stars? Not its impeccable research (although that does help). It’s not the word-perfect adherence to diction or speech patterns. No, what makes a book a five-star book is its ability to transport you into a world you don’t want to leave.

Super tiny spoiler alert for emphasis.

…. are you ready?

…. scroll past if not….

Collins kisses Lizzy, and you don’t want to kill him. If that isn’t proof of a fabulously written and engaging book, I don’t know what is. Do yourself a favor. Get it. Just don’t let yourself start reading until you have time to read the whole thing. Wait’ll you have laundry to do or weeds to pick or tiles to de-mildew. Then escape. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

Share115
Pin
Tweet
Email
120Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
120Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « A Unique, Hilarious Interview with Essie from Madeline
Next Post: Multiculturalism & The Birth of a Legacy »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
byChautona Havig

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t new to rom-coms, and her first book in the Sweetheart Series promises to be a literary riot, and it lives up to that promise. I’m only halfway through it and am thinking mean, ugly thoughts of everything keeping me from being able to escape into the crazy small-town politics and quirky characters. So far the com far outweighs the rom, which makes me thrilled to bits. Listen in to discover what makes Lone Star Sweetheart so much fun.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?

Well, I think we can safely blame Shakespeare for that. Shannon Sue Dunlap has taken inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in her Katherine, but unlike Katerina, Dunlap’s character is actually trying to learn to tame the tongue. Maybe someone should send her over to the book of James. There’s that whole bit about not being able to tame it, being an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Kate’s isn’t that bad, but not for lack of trying. Or something.

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t joking when she says that her Katherine is a “loveable” shrew. Seriously, I love this character. She’s forthright, no-nonsense, and “what you see is what you get” in her approach to life. I respect that. Add to that her boss who has shaken up the town of Sweetheart, Texas, and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m loving Lone Star Sweetheart.

But this isn’t all Dunlap has written.

Under the pseudonym, Shannon Kent, you can find her sweet and clean romances (including one Christian romance) inspired by Korean dramas. If you said I’d be not only chomping to read a sweet and clean romance about Korean tour guides and all that entails but also ready to watch a Korean drama on Netflix… Okay, I might not have laughed in your face, but I’d’ve been laughing on the inside.

Best part… one of them ties into her Sweetheart Series

Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

You can find out more about Shannon Sue Dunlap AND get that first novella in the Korean Crush series free on her WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!

 

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 224: A Chat with Author Megan Besing
April 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 223: A Chat with Tosca Lee about A Long March Home
April 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 222: A Chat with Regina Rudd Merrick
April 18, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?
  • What Made This Author Use Hell as Inspiration for His Novel?
  • Rumor Has It, Murmur in the Mud Caves Promises to Be Excellent!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is de This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is delightful. The writing style is both whimsical and mature,  direct and nuanced. Probably the easiest 5-star rating I've ever given ( to be fair,  it's a really short book). Oh! That was another great thing.  The TEEN author also tells a complete story in few words and with subtle (and not-so-subtle) sarcasm. Laughed aloud. 
I'll add a link on my bio link.
#MiddleGradeBooks
#YoungAuthors
#AmReading
Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting r Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting reviews! This one particularly warmed my heart because Erin emailed directly and had such lovely things to say.…
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales while I write and send Atticus and Milton down to Berne, Indiana to help Cezanne with he new and dying bookstore. 

Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on tour with @celebratelit .

Ezra has started her business, is elbow-deep in wedding prep for her father, and gets roped into helping an old friend fight off the eligible females of Lafoina. 
And frankly, she's tired of it all--except the fighting off females thing. The women can just back off. Henri is hers... not that she'd admit that. Yet.
A combination second-chance romance and fake relationship (but not) surrounded with tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and ocean waves lapping against the side of a floating bookstore--perfect for this summer's TBR!
Just check out the link in my bio for a list of blogs and my panic momentwith how the romance wouldactuallywork!
Available on KindleUnlimited
#SuamalieIslands
#ChristianRomance
#ChristFic
#PreorderSpecial
Guys, this book!!! Loving! Reposted from @shannon Guys, this book!!! Loving!

Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap I had a blast with Chautona on the Because Fiction podcast. (Link to the episode in the bio.)
Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The Kin Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’… | Instagram</title>
Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweethea Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweetheart has launched! (Link in bio.)
#happybookbirthday #cfauthors #romcom #launchparty
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!