𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

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

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy's dreadful Hunsford proposal is interrupted.  Elizabeth Bennet had no idea that Darcy felt anything but distain for her. The sudden proposal and the offensive comments it contains have shocked and distressed her. As he details the deficiencies in her status and family, she fights back tears and fury.  It crosses her mind that accepting him and thereby exposing him to her family, would be a fitting punishment. She is just beginning to politely decline him, when Mrs Collins returns to the parsonage. Unfortunately, Darcy leaves with the impression that she accepted him.  While Charlotte Collins is comforting her, Elizabeth mentions his fitting punishment, but Charlotte believes she may be serious. When Darcy announces his engagement, the residents of Rosings Park are dismayed.  When his sickly quiet cousin Anne realises that Darcy won't marry her, the reaction is startling and violent. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwillia...

A very unusual series of Jane Austen variations.  Jane Austen appears as a close friend to Felicity Blackburn, our protagonist.  The first book Amusing Miss Austen, mirrors events from Pride and prejudice. Felicity encounters Max Fitzroy, rich, handsome and grumpy.  She is threatened with marriage to her unpleasant, clergyman cousin Mr Humbleton.  While events unfold, Jane is using it as inspiration for her book, First Impressions! The story continues in Visiting Miss Austen. Felicity, now Mrs Fitzroy joins Jane and her relatives in Bath. Felicity has been coerced into taking her niece Lucy along. Amongst their adventures they meet Dorian Hart who persuaded Felicity, Jane and Lucy to join him at his castle.  What follows is a gothic tale which owes much to Northanger Abbey. Featuring hidden passageways, mysterious unseen residents and a wicked plan to take advantage of Lucy. Felicity must extract the three of them from a rather disturbing situation. In the last ...

Following his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy bends the rules of propriety by writing a letter to defend himself from her accusations. Elizabeth finds her opinion of him much improved. She replies to his letter, encouraging him to seek her out in Hertfordshire.  The letter never reaches him. News of a family tragedy forces her immediate return home. The Bennet sisters find themselves cast to the four winds, with no support or resources. Five years later, Elizabeth is working in service to the aristocratic Pollard family. Sadly, their treatment of their staff is distinctly less noble. Elizabeth is already exhibiting a bruise on her face, when she ventures onto the street to assist a child.  She comes face to face with a wealthy gentleman who also seeks to aid the child.  It is none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy. Embarrassed at her lowly status, she retreats down the steps, only to trip on a bucket of muddy water and land on her face. Darcy has nev...

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for an angst filled pride and prejudice variation. And this is a doozy! Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are forced to marry, following a compromise at the Meryton Assembly.  Mr Bennet disowns Elizabeth and sends her younger sisters to a harsh boarding school. It makes Lowood school in Jane Eyre look cushy. Darcy is convinced that Elizabeth and her family are gold diggers. His distain and bitterness know no bounds. At Pemberley, Elizabeth finds some allies and some antagonists. Thank the good Lord that Georgiana loves her. It takes a long time for Darcy to be reconciled to the marriage but when threatened with losing Elizabeth, his behaviour changes. This Darcy becomes the sweetest husband and we receive a delightful happy ever after, as expected. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

This pride and prejudice variation begins at the Meryton Assembly and ends with the Netherfield Park Ball. Fitzwilliam Darcy, slowly recovering from a duelling wound, reluctantly attends the Assembly with his friend, Charles Bingley.  When he utters the famous insult, Elizabeth Bennet has already noticed that he is grumpy because he is in pain. She puts Darcy at ease, reassuring him that she is already betrothed, so not interested in compromising him. A friendship develops between them. This Darcy is sweet and funny (although he has a vicious tongue when he thinks he has been betrayed). Both Darcy and Elizabeth are falling in love. He struggles with the knowledge that she belongs to another, while she desperately wishes that she never mentioned her peculiar betrothal. I really enjoyed this. I liked the introduction of Captain Frederick Wentworth as Elizabeth's childhood best friend. A good read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review ...

The Galehart family have many children and not much money. So when a well heeled distant relative suggests a match to a London solicitor, Mr Galehart jumps at the opportunity. Unfortunately, twin daughters Ruth and Ruby are less impressed. Ruth is quiet and biddable, so is chosen as bride. However, Ruth has a sweetheart and is heartbroken. Her biddable nature also makes her unwilling to challenge her parents.  Ruby is desperate to spare her beloved twin, so concocts a plan to take her place at the altar. She hadn't considered the possible fallout from this fraud. Nor had she anticipated the consequences of the truth being revealed, just when she was coming to love her "husband" This is a sweet novella and well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet vociferously rejected the proposal of the proud and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy. In Jane Austen's masterpiece, Darcy offers a letter explaining himself and warning Elizabeth of the danger of a scoundrel. This gothic-tinged novella explores a future without that warning. After her family is ruined, Elizabeth Bennet must make her own way in the world. The life of a governess is respectable but lonely. Not part of the family but not part of the staff. After six years as a governess, she is approached with a job offer. An anonymous client in a mystery location seems dubious. However, the salary is extremely good and so she feels compelled to accept. Elizabeth finds herself at a huge manor in Derbyshire. Delightful accommodation and food are offset by the mysterious employer and the odd atmosphere in the house. She meets her charges, six year old twins, Emma and Edward. They are delightful and engaging. Edward reminds Elizabeth of herself as a child, forever chafing at th...

Elizabeth Bennet is visiting Derbyshire with her Uncle and Aunt Gardner. On a solitary walk she meets a distraught young girl. Georgiana Darcy is in desperate need of a friend and Elizabeth provides solace.  An invitation to an informal supper with Georgiana and her companion, Mrs Annesley starts well enough. However, their burgeoning friendship soon comes to a screeching halt! Unfortunately, Georgiana's proud and haughty brother Fitzwilliam Darcy, arrives home with houseguests. He is shocked and somewhat suspicious to find Elizabeth there.  The informal supper metamorphoses into a formal dinner.  On her way to the dining room, she overhears Darcy and his houseguests disparaging her. Understandably upset, she plans to ask for transport back to the Gardners.  In her haste she knocks over valuable porcelain. She saves it from breaking, but is accused of trying to steal it.  Darcy is horrible. He orders her out of the house and off Pemberley land.  Elizabeth i...

Charles Bingley is enamoured of a Bennet lady. Unfortunately, while the beautiful, sweet Jane Bennet holds his heart, it is the Bennet Matron who is the recipient of his physical passion at the Netherfield ball! Fitzwilliam Darcy is an unwilling witness to the liaison. Bingley flees to London and goes underground, avoiding Darcy. Very soon Mrs Bennet departs for London, on a mission of mercy to care for an ailing friend.  When several weeks pass by with no sign of Mrs Bennet returning, Elizabeth Bennet is tasked with discreetly tracking her down. Darcy is searching for Bingley and regularly finds himself in company with Elizabeth who is searching for her mother.  The haut ton get wind of these encounters and weave a romance out of it! Elizabeth moves from disliking Darcy to admiring him, but is convinced he despises her and the Bennet family. Unfortunately, while Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, he does view her as unsuitable to be his wife. He has a great deal of growing t...