The email came out of the blue. Could I look over a new Austen retelling and give some input?
Um, duh!
I’d read Barbara Cornthwaite’s George Knightley Esquire books, her Christmas story about Edmund and Fanny from Mansfield Park in The Very Austen Christmas anthology, and a few other non-Austen works, but never had I seen her do anything with Elizabeth Bennet and her beloved Darcy.
Double, duh!
Shocker of shockers, I loved it. She had an unexpected twist that took the story to new heights of fun. Mr. Darcy as a clergyman? (and not in a Freaky Friday-like mashup with Mr. Collins?) I mean, come on…
Then I was given the opportunity to join the blog tour for the anthology that Pretense and Prejudice was slated for, A Very Austen Valentine. I jumped at it. Valentine’s Day and Austen? Who could resist?
But then the date came. My day… January 6th. My sister’s birthday. At first, it felt a little like listening to Christmas music in the middle of October—you know, something you have to do on the sly or your #4daughter might just string you up and force-feed autumn leaves down your throat until you embrace a bit more of fall!
Then it hit me. Even #4daughter wouldn’t say October was too early for Christmas novels…
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When Is It Too Early for Valentine’s Day Stories?
How about never? No, really. I mean, who cares if we read about them in January, February, or July? Valentine’s stories in September? Sounds good to me!
Especially when you’re talking about Austen inspired stories. And this anthology has them all. Anne & Frederick? Check! Elizabeth Darcy’s daughter and the son of a beloved character in Sense & Sensibility? Check! Sir Walter Elliot & Lady Catherine de Bourgh? Check, check! Lizzie & Darcy? Check-Check-Check!
That’s right, every other story in this exciting collection includes Austen’s most popular couple and most in new and unique ways. Most of the authors did not deviate from the characters’ personalities we all know and love, but where they did, it was to a purpose instead of because they didn’t know what they were doing. That made it nice.
The writing, diction, and syntax—excellent.
Okay, there were a couple of spots where modern phrases might have been used back then, but they felt crazy modern–ankle-biter, for one. But none of them were things I didn’t think WOULD be said. I was also too lazy to look them up. Just bein’ real here.
The plots and twists and characterizations… also excellent. I have my favorites, of course, and one was a bit of a surprise.
First, there was Laura Hile’s excellent Sir Walter Takes a Wife. Oh, goodness but that man’s ridiculousness shone. He was exactly who he always has been. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was exactly who she has always been. And yet, somehow, you enjoy this story and root for the ridiculous. Only Laura Hile could pull that off.
Then there was Barbara Cornthwaite’s Pretense & Prejudice. Prevarication rules the day as Darcy and Elizabeth face off in a battle of wits, intrigue, and a bit of sleuthing. I loved seeing every bit of each of them who we know them to be while making us feel as though we get to see more, too.
Barbara has a particular talent for it that I’ve noted in the past. (I really need to move that review over here!)
And my unexpected favorite (although I enjoyed them all, even more than the last collection) would be Susan Kaye’s The Lover’s Ruse. In this retelling of part of Persuasion, Ms. Kaye gives us who Anne really is. In all honesty, I didn’t like it at first. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that I flipped the pages faster and faster. Yeah. It’s good—really good. It’s nice seeing what should have happened come into play.
Recommended for Austen lovers everywhere.
My only caveats are regarding the first book (which I really did love. If it hadn’t been for the first caveat, it might have been my favorite).
First, the book is much more sensual than I’m accustomed to reading. While the author, Robin Helm, doesn’t actually cross the line into actual sexual activity, she does flirt shamelessly with it, so to speak. Also, while this story is about married Elizabeth and Darcy, it was… a bit much, and some readers may take issue with it.
Note: none of the rest of the books are so overt in case other prudes like me were concerned.
Second, parts of the story lapse into the dreaded first-person/present tense. Ugh. Not my favorite.
Still, it’s a delightful story and an important one, I think. It emphasizes a lesson wives need to remember and with excellent writing skills (despite that present tense nonsense. 😉 to boot!
Laura Hile has also blessed us with a bit more about it all.
Here’s to Love, Happiness, and Friendship!
“Love Makes the World Go Round” is a song I sang as a very young girl—before I learned that singing in public was not the thing. And yet, how very true this message is! Romantic love is what Valentine’s Day is all about. But there is also friendship love. And friendship love is at the core of our A Very Austen anthologies. These books are built because of friendship.
As authors, we come from diverse backgrounds (and continents—Barbara lives in Ireland!). Even though most of us have not met in person, we are brought together by our love for Jane Austen and the Regency world of her novels, and also by our shared Christian faith.
The novellas in A Very Austen Valentine are based on Jane Austen’s characters. I find it remarkable that there is such variety. Robin’s is pure romance, as adorable Elizabeth seeks to recapture her too-busy husband’s interest. Mandy’s is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, combined with characters from Sense and Sensibility. Wendi and Barbara take our beloved Darcy and Elizabeth through “but-what-if” misunderstandings and adventures. Susan turns back the clock for Persuasion’s Anne and Captain Wentworth. And my novella? Oh dear, what can I say? I bring two of Jane Austen’s worst snobs together in a laughable Valentine mash-up.
I should add that the A Very Austen anthologies can be enjoyed by most readers, from teens to grandmas. Our objective is to entertain and delight. I think you’ll enjoy our book.
Thanks, Laura for that neat little summary and insight into the collection!
Psst…
I’ll have a novella in the next Very Austen collection… Charming Miss Dashwood. I think it’s time for Miss Margaret to grow up and be Miss Dashwood, now that her older sisters are married with children of their own, don’t you? And… I can’t wait for you to see who introduces her to Mr. Thayer. 😀
Buturot says
Never too early, never too late…Alway’s Valentine’s day, in my state.
Debbie Fortin says
This looks like a fun anthology. Looking forward to reading these stories.
Chautona Havig says
I recommend them. I can’t stop thinking about Robin’s story about Elizabeth and what she did to “win her husband without a word” so to speak.
darcybennett says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree it’s never too early for Valentine’s Day stories and should be read year-round especially when they are written by such a talented group of authors.
Robin Helm says
Hi, darcybennett. So glad you dropped by! I agree that any time is the perfect time for romance. ?
Janet Taylor says
Thanks for the delightful post, Chautona. I loved the anthology. The stories were excellent.
Chautona Havig says
Wasn’t it a delight?
Robin Helm says
Hi, Janet. We were thrilled and surprised to be named your favorite anthology of 2018! Thank you!
realworldbiblestudy says
Ooh, I’m excited! I love an Austen twist!
Robin Helm says
Hi, realworldbiblestudy! There are plenty of Austen twists in the anthology to love – sequels, mashups, variations, alternate versions – take your pick. I enjoyed reading the stories from the other authors! Thank you for commenting.
Chautona Havig says
There are several awesome ones. 🙂
Wendi Sotis says
Hi realworldbiblestudy 🙂 I really enjoyed all of my co-author’s stories!
Chautona Havig says
They really ARE all good. I love the range of “depth” for lack of better words. Some explored different things but none of them felt heavy. So Robin’s had AWESOME lessons for us but it never felt like we were being preached to. You even got some of that in Laura’s. Seeing Darcy and Lizzy totally out of their elements with Barbara’s–awesome. I can’t remember who wrote what of the others now (still kind of waking up) but I really liked the Elizabeth/Marianne children… a LOT. And the Wentworth… Susan’s! Yes, I loved seeing what might have happened if Lady Russell hadn’t been successful. She was still Anne, but without the years of disappointment that kind of repressed her for a bit.
Susan Kaye says
Thanks for the kind words, Chautona. Anne is a delight but can be dismal. She asserted herself when she got the chance to follow her heart and not bend her knee to family.
Thanks again.
Robin Helm says
Hi, Chautona. Thank you for hosting us. Just an interesting side note: Mandy H. Cook? The “H” stands for Helm. She’s my elder daughter. And the picture of the girl sipping tea with Mandy’s second quote over it? That’s my younger daughter. She’s my cover for four (soon to be five) of my books.
Robin Helm says
I’m looking forward to working with you in A Very Austen Romance!
Chautona Havig says
Yep! 😀 I loved the covers with your daughter. And I loved that you used her. 🙂
Wendi Sotis says
Thanks so much for hosting us here, Chautona! It will be fun to work with you on the next anthology!
Mari Tysar says
Ok, now you seriously are a kindred spirit. Colin Firth (lmo) is the only worthy Mr Darcy ? I want to read all those books now!
Mari Tysar says
The question mark was supposed to be a heart lol
Robin Helm says
Hi, Mari! Glad to hear you are looking forward to reading our anthologies. Have a wonderful day!
Robin Helm says
I must say I totally agree that Colin Firth is the definitive Darcy. He was perfect in the role.
Chautona Havig says
YES! Totally agree. I did not care for the Kiera Knightley version at all.
Wendi Sotis says
Hi Mari! I have to agree about Colin Firth being perfect as Darcy!