𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

In the summer following her disastrous visit to Hunsford, Elizabeth Bennet inherits a ramshackle beachfront mansion in Brighton. She begins the slow process of arranging for the renovation and repair. Fitzwilliam Darcy has been nursing his wounded pride since his rejection following the worst proposal in literary history. Darcy's cousin, Lord Saye decides that Darcy, Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam deserve a holiday by the sea. As with any last minute booking, the choices are limited. Anything left is too small or too far from the sea. Lord Saye spots Elizabeth's house and investigates. He insists on leasing the ruin, despite the amount of work required to make it habitable. A date of occupation is agreed. Work continues apace, but as one issue is fixed, two more are revealed.  Elizabeth makes an evening site visit with a friend, only to find Lord Saye and his party in residence (several weeks early).  The awkwardness is made worse, when Darcy and Elizabeth see each ot...

This delightful novella begins at the Meryton Assembly, with Fitzwilliam Darcy making a disparaging remark about Elizabeth Bennet.  In this pride and prejudice variation, Elizabeth confronts Darcy and demands satisfaction (the pistols at dawn, bring your seconds type of satisfaction). When Darcy faces Elizabeth on the field of combat, it is not quite what he expected.  When honour is satisfied and the duel is over, Darcy declares to his second, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that Elizabeth Bennet is the only woman for him. From that point on Darcy courts Elizabeth, in a novel way, showing her the worthy man he is (when not putting his foot in to his mouth). This Darcy is most definitely swoon worthy and Elizabeth is smart, witty and thoroughly captivated by him.  A pleasing variation with romance, friendship and just a dash of angst. Perfect!

In this variation, while staying at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet helps a maid, injured by broken porcelain.  The haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy, arranges to pay for medical assistance, when Miss Bingley refuses. Elizabeth is surprised to discover that Darcy is always kind to the servants.  With her typical impertinence, Elizabeth asks why a man who is so kind, treats the people of Meryton with such distain. Thus begins a conversation, that leads to friendship and then to love. We have the usual obstacles, Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham and others. I particularly enjoyed seeing both Caroline and Wickham receiving their just desserts! The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is sweet, tender and grounded in both love and friendship. Excellent book. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society.  Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company. The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him.  In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage. This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold. Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser.  She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage.  The friendship and support make life bearable, just. When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow. The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears fro...

Caroline Bingley was born the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Her sole aim was to rise in Society and she felt that she was having some success. Ladies of Society welcomed her and she was sure that her brother's friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon offer for her. To be the mistress of his vast estate, Pemberley would be a social pinnacle. Unfortunately, on the evening of the Northram Ball, Caroline overheard herself being derided in the most scathing of terms. Nothing but a social climbing mushroom. For the first time, Caroline recognises that her family position in Society may increase, but it will take generations. She is mortified and realises that Darcy, grandson of an Earl, was never going to marry someone like her. When Charles Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield Park, a much changed Caroline enters Meryton Society. No longer sneering and superior, she is approachable and good company.  Darcy is thoroughly unnerved by her lack of fawning attention, convinced that it ...

In this variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy's second proposal is interrupted, seconds before Elizabeth Bennet can answer.  Darcy receives an urgent summons from his family, who have all arrived at Netherfield.  Dreading a death or other disaster, Darcy is blindsided by an ultimatum from Lady Catherine de Bourg. She has roused her brother, the Earl of Matlock and his countess to back her demands.  Her simple request? Darcy must marry his cousin Anne, or Lady Catherine will ruin Darcy, Elizabeth and the whole Bennet family. An epic battle of wills ensues. Can Darcy prevail? Is Elizabeth prepared to face the consequences of loving Fitzwilliam Darcy? Really good novella. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

In this variation, Mr Bingley returns to Meryton soon after the Netherfield Ball, determined to court Jane Bennet. Despite his reservations over the suitability of the match, Mr Darcy accompanies Bingley. Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, but distanced himself due to her unsuitable family. When Darcy decides he does want to marry Elizabeth, he realises that she doesn't like him, because of his previous haughty behaviour. He makes a serious effort to be amiable and show Elizabeth the worthy man he really is. Over the twelve days of Christmas, Elizabeth receives gifts from a mystery admirer. The gift are beautiful but thoughtful, showing insight into her tastes. Who is her admirer? By Twelfth Night, she knows who she wants it to be! A really charming Christmas variation, with a swoon worthy Darcy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet returns from her trip to Hunsford, a more thoughtful and subdued young lady. She was shocked to receive a proposal from the proud and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. Unfortunately, while declaring his ardent love, he roundly insulted her status, her family and her lack of fortune.  She gives a vociferous rejection. The next day, Darcy breaks propriety by insisting she accepts his letter, explaining himself. Thus, Darcy is heartbroken and Elizabeth realises that she has thoroughly misunderstood him. She questions her ability to judge character. Her devoted godfather, Mr Goulding provides counsel and comfort. When he dies, he leaves a bequest that challenges Elizabeth. She takes on the task with relish, but misunderstandings leave her vulnerable to fortune hunters of every sort.  She suddenly has a great deal more sympathy with Mr Darcy's reaction to those who view him as a target. She begins to miss Darcy very much, but doubts that she will ever see him again. ...

Dragons of the Great Wyves: Fire and Song is the third and final book in M.Verant’s award-winning Jane Austen Fantasy series. It is a sequel to Emma’s Dragon. In Emma's Dragon, the Napoleonic War arrived in England, with the French allied with the southern American states that support slavery— the same states that will eventually form the Confederacy. The most prominent characters are the Great Wyves, women of strength and courage, Elizabeth, Emma, Mary and Georgiana. Elizabeth Darcy, the wyfe of war, is bound to the formidable dragon, Yuánchi. Together, they confronted the insane black dragon Fènnù. At the end of the second book, Elizabeth and Yuánchi are both horribly hurt and vanish into the depths of Pemberley lake. Emma, Mary and Georgiana must find a way to heal the broken dragon song to save England from a spreading blight. The lost artifact of music is the key. But how to find something lost so long ago? This is a brilliant conclusion to this series and I heartily recommend...

This is a seasonal collection of pride and prejudice variation short stories, from some of the best JAFF authors around. All feature Elizabeth and Darcy at various points in their story, with three being after marriage.  Some are light and fluffy, others have a touch of angst. A happy ending is, of course, guaranteed! So settle down in a cosy corner, a mug of hot chocolate in hand and indulge. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Today My JAFF Obsession is joined by Morgan Blake, to talk about her first full length novel The Cherry Trees of Rosings. Available now on Kindle Unlimited.  Welcome Morgan! Thank you so much for hosting me today, Gill! Book Blurb for The Cherry Trees of Rosings A Pride & Prejudice variation with a slightly paranormal, mainly comic twist! When Elizabeth Bennet visits her newly-married friend, Charlotte Collins, at the Hunsford parsonage, she has no idea that Mr. Darcy (he of the arrogant demeanor and perpetual cause of annoyance!) shall turn up to ruin her blissful, idyllic days. Only, Mr. Darcy is not himself. And then Elizabeth stumbles straight through him one day....like one would an apparition! Goodness gracious! “Mr. Darcy, I do not know what you mean, but I would appreciate it if you would desist from haunting me!” “I apologize, Miss Bennet, for scaring you,” Mr. Darcy said, almost regretfully. To solve her haunting problem, Elizabeth must team up with Mr. Darcy to find ...

When Elizabeth Bennet visits her newly-married friend, Charlotte Collins, at the Hunsford parsonage in Kent, she looks forward to exploring the vast grounds of Rosings Park.  What she had not anticipated, was meeting the haughty, arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy. First introduced to him in Hertfordshire, she was unimpressed by his rude and boorish manners.  By the time he left Hertfordshire, she despised him for coming between her beloved sister Jane and his friend Charles Bingley. She visits the blossoming Cherry trees, but retreats when she spots Darcy. There are several brief encounters, but his behaviour is increasingly odd.  In an effort to avoid him, she walks to a secluded woodland, only to have him appear next to her. He is distressed and becomes angry, frightening Elizabeth.  She tries to run away, but suddenly he is in front of her. Unable to stop, she expects to crash into him but to both Darcy and Elizabeth's shock, she runs straight through him. Between them, ...

Ali Scott returns with this pleasing Pride and Prejudice Variation.  Elizabeth Bennet is the god daughter of a wealthy explorer. Some in Meryton believe that he must have bestowed a fortune upon her and thus they try to hunt her! One unwelcome suitor is the foppish brother of Elizabeth's close friend Charlotte Lucas.  In order to reject his proposal diplomatically, she agrees to an early meeting in the woods.  An already vexing morning gets so much worse. Elizabeth slips into the mud, overhears a confrontation between two men and then comes face to face with the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. She is very surprised to find him kind and gentlemanly.  They strike up a friendship that blossoms into something deeper. Mrs Bennet is typically marriage obsessed, Lady Lucas has far too high an opinion of her eldest son and George Wickham indulges in a blackmail plot. An excellent variation with a good combination of angst, peril and of course a happy ever after for our dear coupl...

This Pride and Prejudice reimagining shows us events from both Fitzwilliam Darcy's and Elizabeth Bennet's points of view. At those pivotal moments where careless speech or rash judgement will keep them at odds, something causes them to pause and think again. The voices of their better angels or perhaps guardian angels intercede.  They develop a friendship, which blossoms into something deeper. Obstacles along the road to happiness, include Mr Bennet's willingness to listen to his wife's gossip.  Miss Bingley is determined to be Mrs Darcy and views any malicious scheme to be justified. This variation includes vexation, kidnapping and rescue. Most disturbingly, there are not one but two Caroline Bingley's. Great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Amazon review Goodreads review

Following his unwelcome proposal at the Hunsford parsonage, Fitzwilliam Darcy is stunned to find Elizabeth Bennet taking the tourists visit to Pemberley. He is delighted to find Elizabeth is pleased to see him. He quickly invites Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to stay. During her stay, as he is attempting to court Elizabeth, Caroline Bingley is determined to compromise Darcy. Hearing unexpected movement in his bedroom, Darcy flees. Entering what he thought to be an unoccupied bedroom, he finds himself face to face with Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth does not protest and Darcy does not retreat. They spend several hours talking by the fireside. Miss Bingley continues her attempts and each time, Darcy spends the night in conversation with Elizabeth. Unsurprisingly, none of these actions are without consequence! Very enjoyable variation. I particularly liked the image of Miss Bingley trying to climb a tree to reach Darcy's room.  I received a free copy of this book and am volun...

This variation begins with Elizabeth Bennet travelling to Hunsford to visit her recently married friend Charlotte. She is accompanying Charlotte's father, Sir William and and sister, Maria. During a stop at Bromley they visit a street market. Elizabeth is drawn to buy a gold locket. The seller, Madame Hercaud has a definite air of mystery and maybe magic. Elizabeth is most unhappy to meet the rude and haughty Mr Darcy again. Last seen in her village the previous November. Unhappiness becomes shock when Darcy makes an impassioned and insulting proposal.  She delivers a vociferous refusal and rebuke. The following morning, Darcy confronts her, demanding that she reads his letter of defence. Elizabeth retreats beneath a tree, but before she gets to read the letter, she is struck by a falling branch. Elizabeth wakes to find the world is different from her memories. Darcy was first introduced to Elizabeth in Kent and has been a pleasing acquaintance. Maria did not accompany her on the t...

In this variation, an early morning express, giving news of Lydia's elopement with Wickham, smothers the shoots of a rapprochement between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.   A note of regret is sent to Pemberley, but much of the detail is blurred due to water damage. Darcy interprets this as a confirmation that Elizabeth still does not want him. For Elizabeth, life changes utterly. Scandal makes the Bennet women outcasts. The death of their father leaves Mrs Bennet broken and brings the family under the power of Mr Collins. Fortunately, rescue comes from a paternal aunt, Mrs Cahill. She sweeps them away to live with her in Yorkshire. Elizabeth never stops regretting Mr Darcy.  Two years later on a visit to a local family, she is introduced to some of their eccentric, noble relatives. Among them, is Darcy! This is a lovely third chance for Elizabeth and Darcy. The story has a warmth and positivity. Darcy is loving and tender. There is a wonderful relationship between Eli...

This is an unusual variation, in that we are spared the vexations of Mrs Bennet and her less charming daughters. No Mr Wickham and no Bingley family. Mr Bennet is dead, Mr Collins has inherited Longbourn and cast out the Bennet ladies  Elizabeth Bennet must find her own way in the world. Thus she comes to Derbyshire, as companion to Mrs Darcy, ailing wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley. This is a tale that combines grief and comfort, passion and guilt.  Can maintaining propriety be worth more than the chance of love? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

To mark the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, a group of well established authors of Austenesque fiction come together to create a combined travelogue and short story anthology. The authors share memories of travels around England in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Each memory inspires a story. The six stories vary from the whimsical to the heartbreaking. This is a treat that should not be missed. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

This variation starts when Elizabeth Bennet is only thirteen. She has always idolised her elder sister Jane, viewing her as the epitome of beauty, gentility and goodness. When her first suitor proves to be false, Jane is so demonstrably heartbroken that she becomes ill. This incident has a profound effect on Elizabeth. She doesn't think that she will be able to trust any man and takes it upon herself to protect Jane. When Netherfield Park is let by the wealthy Charles Bingley, Elizabeth is on her guard.  Unfortunately, as Charles and Jane spend more time together, Elizabeth's interference is neither welcome nor successful. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a guest at Netherfield and quickly becomes a friend to Elizabeth. He has a more clear eyed view of Jane and is not impressed. He views her as a fortune hunter and is appalled by her treatment of Elizabeth. This story features a cold, calculating Jane Bennet. Elizabeth is loyal but naive, while Darcy is supportive, steadfast and swoon wort...

In a first for My JAFF Obsession, today we are joined by the lovely Kelly Miller, to talk about her contribution to In the Path of Jane Austen: Travels and Tales .  Welcome Kelly! Thank you so much for hosting me today, Gill! Story quote from Kelly Miller’s story, The Love Potion I toyed with my sleeve, averting my vision from her piercing scrutiny. I could not shake the fanciful notion that she had a window into my thoughts. Book Blurb for In the Path of Jane Austen: Travels and Tales We will know where we have gone—we will recollect what we have seen. — Pride and Prejudice Chapter 27 With a foundation of the prose created by six handpicked Austen-inspired authors who have selected a location from their travels upon which to base an Austenesque short story, this book is just as much a whimsical travelogue as an anthology of excellent Regency romance fiction and fantasy. Each author tells the story of their homage to Jane Austen during their past travels to the UK, with photos t...

In this variation, Jane Bennet is the heir to her father's estate, Longbourn. Unfortunately, this makes her a target to fortune hunters.  Jane and Charles Bingley are courting. She becomes unwell when dining at his house, so her devoted sister Elizabeth rushes to care for her. Elizabeth has to suffer the company of the annoying Mr Darcy. When Jane and Bingley are close to betrothal, two wicked outside forces conspire to blast their hopes. A compelling read, but Wickham is not just slimy, but frightening.  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

Mr Bennet married a beauty who revealed an unpleasant personality. Thus, he taught his daughters to see beyond surface attractions and recognise the heart within. Fitzwilliam Darcy is rich, intelligent and connected to nobility.  The presence of a large birthmark on his face, has made him the object of cruelty, suspicion and rejection.  Even worse, the ladies of the Ton are simultaneously desirous of his wealth and position, while being repelled by his countenance. When Fitzwilliam Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennet, he is stunned to find that she genuinely sees past his appearance to the man inside. This is a beautiful romance, with a period of angst and reconciliation. Thoroughly delightful. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

When Jane Bennet is taken ill while dining at Netherfield Park, she is forced to take refuge under Mr Bingley's roof.  Her loving sister Elizabeth comes to check on her and finding Jane very unwell, stays to nurse her. In addition to her worries for Jane, she faces Caroline Bingley's chilly welcome and Fitzwilliam Darcy's haughty arrogance. When she finds a partially burnt missive in the library fireplace, idle curiosity turns to something more, when she realises that the outpouring of longing and lust may be about her. When Elizabeth comes across Darcy's diary outside Netherfield, she pockets it. Burning curiosity overcomes respect for Darcy's privacy. What she reads, helps her to understand and appreciate the man but will he ever forgive her? I enjoyed the story, although I kept yelling at her to stop invading his privacy! An awkward, though passionate Darcy, a flawed but delightful Elizabeth and a seriously intimidating Wickham. Another pleasing read from Claudia...

This pride and prejudice variation is utterly gripping. Fitzwilliam Darcy is overhead being insulting about Elizabeth Bennet. For much of his life he would not have had a second thought.  However, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has recently taken him to task, regarding his haughty, prideful behaviour. Vowing to do better, he quickly apologises to Elizabeth and the two become friends. A friend is precisely what Elizabeth will need in the weeks to come. Longbourn has long been home to the Bennet family. However, the once welcoming and bright house begins to fall under shadow. It starts with missing trifles. The thefts of one half of every pair of gloves belonging to Mrs Bennet, seem mischievous rather than malicious.  Odd noises and footsteps in the night are unsettling, but in an old house with many servants, a rational explanation can be found. Darcy and Elizabeth find out secrets in the history of Longbourn. Their friendship turns to romance as they work together to resolve t...

Fitzwilliam Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet. However, he believes that her lower status and dreadful family make her unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.  So Darcy flees her company and returns to London, hoping his regard will diminish. While staying with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, Elizabeth is jostled and loses her footing on an icy street. A gentleman comes to her rescue. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are shocked, when the gentleman carries Elizabeth into Darcy's house.  A badly sprained ankle requires Elizabeth to remain for two weeks. Georgiana Darcy comes to chaperone and develops a lasting friendship.  She decides to distract Elizabeth by attempting to matchmake. First they must establish her list of requirements for love. Fitzwilliam Darcy is torn between his duty telling him Elizabeth is not suitable and his passion for her. Two weeks in close company with Darcy, allows Elizabeth to understand his decency and character but is his friendship enough? This is a really enj...

This Pride and Prejudice variation is set in alternate dimension Regency England, which has a definite Scottish flavour (bagpipes). The cover picture is what drew me to this, a beautiful woman against a blue and gold background. This is a novella and a short one. It is from the POV of Lord Darcy and features vignettes of his encounters with Elizabeth Bennet. First, mysterious and fascinating. Next, dismissed as the daughter of a nobody. Then, object of infatuation, desire and an unexpected proposal. After which he drinks excessively. Of course, there is always a happy ever after. I feel that the brevity lead to the story feeling rather superficial. Disappointing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Amazon review Goodreads review