𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

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