The Three Colonels: Jane Austen's Fighting Men by Jack Caldwell

Apr 17, 2012 Jeffrey rated it 5 of 5 stars

From Jack Caldwell, the author who brought us Pemberley Ranch, comes a 3-alarm war-time romance: The Three Colonels, Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. An amalgamation of two separate novels is often labeled a “mash-up" but Mr. Caldwell’s unique melding of the principals from Pride and Prejudice with those from Sense and Sensibility deserves a much classier description.
Two of the three military heroes emerge straight from Jane Austen: Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Colonel Christopher Brandon. The th...more From Jack Caldwell, the author who brought us Pemberley Ranch, comes a 3-alarm war-time romance: The Three Colonels, Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. An amalgamation of two separate novels is often labeled a “mash-up" but Mr. Caldwell’s unique melding of the principals from Pride and Prejudice with those from Sense and Sensibility deserves a much classier description.
Two of the three military heroes emerge straight from Jane Austen: Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Colonel Christopher Brandon. The third, Colonel Sir John Buford, has been conjured up from the author’s fertile imagination. One is married; (Brandon) one gets married; (Buford) One wants marriage. (Fitzwilliam)
Colonel Brandon is enjoying domestic tranquility with his beloved Marianne and the two are doting on their newly-arrived infant daughter, Joy. Following an uninvited and intrusive encounter with John Willoughby, she weighs the merits of her husband against her former lover. “…..Colonel Brandon, however, said little but did much….//……His deeds spoke volumes. He was the true romantic….”
Colonel Sir John Buford is a handsome war hero, multi-talented, and a notorious rake. As he reforms his philandering ways, he falls in love with none other than Caroline Bingley. Miss Bingley is also ridding herself of her prickly reputation as a haughty and prideful social climber. Initial suspicions of each other’s marriage motives dissolve away as they’re lovingly mentored by the role models in their families and friends. “….He was aware of Miss Bingley’s reputation, but her actions showed a desire for improvement, and Colonel Buford wondered if they might be fellow souls, striving for redemption….”
The author’s account of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s escapades at Rosings are brilliant and the high point of the book for me. The colonel’s own romance is just too wonderful for me to want to reveal anything of it here. Initially he is dispatched to Rosings by his father, Lord Hugh Fitzwilliam, (the rightful owner of the estate) to audit Rosings which has been mismanaged by Lady Catherine. The grand lady’s turf war and her explosive dialogues with Fitzwilliam and virtually everyone else are Mr. Caldwell at his best. During this time, Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne DeBourgh’s companion, stumbles upon the source of Anne’s poor health and the unexpected details are wildly funny. To my delight, a maturing Anne acquires some steel against the controlling machinations of her overbearing Mother: “…..Silence, Mother! Your schemes are not to be borne! Let us have a right understanding between us, madam. I will NEVER go to Bath with you. The day Mrs. Jenkinson leaves this house is the day I do. You have a choice before you – suffer my companion or lose both of us….”
By the time I was half-way though the novel, I was so thoroughly in love with the colonels, their ladies, and the endearing camaraderie amongst them all, I wished it never to stop. However, their tranquility doesn’t last long as the dreaded news of Napoleon’s escape from Elba and his massing of another army galvanizes the officers into action and strikes terror into the women. The author’s helpful dramatis personae includes a list of actual historical figures who are skillfully interwoven with the fictional characters into the spectacle of Waterloo, one of history’s pivotal battles. The slaughter of men and livestock was almost incalculable and it was into this horrifying inferno that the heroic three colonels descended as their women waited in England for news….any news of their whereabouts at the front.
One of the techniques I appreciated was the author’s use of place name markers which he introduces in italics, to signify sudden changes in the location of the story. Because of this, the action, at times, takes on the characteristic of a fast-breaking contemporary news event. Without these markers, I would have been hopelessly lost.
The only drawback worth mentioning was the sexually explicit nature of the honeymoon bedroom scenes of Colonel Buford and Caroline which added little for me and seemed to actually detract from the lofty overall spirit of the story.
The author has possibly presented the most historically accurate account of Waterloo in a work of fiction since Georgette Heyer’s An Infamous Army, which is noted in the author’s bibliography and does he pay homage to it here? “…..Green troops, green cavalry, green officers – that is what we have here, Colonel! An Infamous Army, what?.....” And, I still think Colonel Fitzwilliam’s unexpected but glorious romance is worth the price of the book alone. Achingly romantic and breathlessly paced, the story ate me alive with alternating feelings of dread, mirth, tears, and joy….just what a great read is supposed to do
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Sep 05, 2012 Georgiana 1792 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: old-friends-new-fancies

Orgoglio e Pregiudizio e... Waterloo

Questo sequel, incastonato perfettamente nel periodo che va dal Congresso di Vienna alla battaglia di Waterloo, ospita molti personaggi provenienti non solo da Orgoglio e Pregiudizio e da Ragione e Sentimento, ma anche dagli altri romanzi austeniani, oltre agli immancabili personaggi storici. Tuttavia, nonostante il titolo, la vera protagonista è Caroline Bingley. Le tre storie parallele dei Tre Colonnelli del titolo, infatti, non hanno un’uguale attenzione.
Pe...more

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May 11, 2012 Gayle Surrette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, austen-related

Jack Caldwell gives the men of Austen’s world a chance to shine. Napoleon is planning his escape from Elba. And we all know what that means — Waterloo is almost inevitable to be part of the story; after all there are three colonels in this story. Colonel Christopher Brandon of Sense and Sensibility, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of Pride and Prejudice, and Colonel John Buford for this story. With Napoleon’s escape they are all called upon to serve their country again.

This is a follow on story. Mar...more Jack Caldwell gives the men of Austen’s world a chance to shine. Napoleon is planning his escape from Elba. And we all know what that means — Waterloo is almost inevitable to be part of the story; after all there are three colonels in this story. Colonel Christopher Brandon of Sense and Sensibility, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of Pride and Prejudice, and Colonel John Buford for this story. With Napoleon’s escape they are all called upon to serve their country again.

This is a follow on story. Marianne and Christopher Brandon are now happily married with a daughter named Joy. The Darcy’s are also very happy in their marriage and have a son, Bennet. Many of the people from Sense and Sensibilities and Pride and Prejudice show up. All the Bennet daughters are married now. Carolyn Bingley is engaged to Colonel Buford when the story begins. Lady Catherine and her daughter, Anne, are also included.

Through flashbacks, Caldwell explains how Caroline has changed since loosing Darcy to Elizabeth. It also sets up how Colonel Buford fits into the scheme of things. There are multiple threads in this novel, one thread follows Anne de Bourgh’s transition from sickly daughter to a force to be reckoned with. A second thread follows Caroline Bingley’s rebuilding of her life after Pride and Prejudice. A third show the changes in the relationship between Colonel Brandon and Marianne with a few surprises. Next is a thread that follows up on Denny and Wickham. And, we must not forget the biggest plot line of all — the escape of Napoleon and the historical events that led to Waterloo, the battle, and the aftermath.

If you love the world and characters of Jane Austen’s creation but do not enjoy the nitty-gritty history of her time, give The Three Colonels a try. Caldwell, while he does cover the battle of Waterloo and the events leading up to it, brings it closer to home by covering it through the eyes and feelings of the characters that we’ve come to know well through books. Austen wrote of the daily life of the kind of people she knew and observed. Caldwell pulls the men of her fiction into the historical events of her lifetime. While the people of England were separated by the channel from the fighting, it still impacted them, especially if they had loved ones in the service.

We like to think of wars as being something that doesn’t effect us. We’re safe, and those stories in the news don’t effect us. But many of us, as in Austen’s time, have husbands, fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers, and relatives who have or are in wars being fought in faraway lands. Jack Caldwell uses the lives of characters we’re familiar with and care about to show that while times have changed and the technology may have changed, the destruction of war effects us all.

Read the The Three Colonels for the joy of seeing what’s happened in the lives of the characters we know through Austen’s works. Read it for the chance to see dry history, spread out before us, as history effects and impacts the people of the time. Or, simple read The Three Colonels for telling a darn good story and making Caroline Bingley a woman most of us would actually be glad to know.(less)

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Mar 25, 2012 Bookworm rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Three Colonels: Jane Austen’s Fighting Men was a delight to read and I could not turn the pages fast enough.

Author Jack Caldwell takes Austen's original characters and gives them his own special twist. You can easily see the author is a Janeite. This was a refreshing Austen spin off, and I know this genre is generally dominated by the ladies, so it was nice to see a guy's take on it. The author captures Austen's characters voices very well.

The story mostly centers around three couples John...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Angelc rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: already-own-read, keepers

4.5 Stars

I try to limit the Jane Austen variations that I read because there are so many and some of them seem to be very repetitive. However, Jack Caldwell's books are on my must-read list. This book along with "Pemberley Ranch" have both been respectful to Jane Austen's vision while being completely new and different at the same time. Not an easy task!

While "Pemberley Ranch" was a completely different setting, "The Three Colonels" takes the original setting and time period of Austen's books, b...more

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Mar 22, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery." - Jane Austen

Jack Caldwell opens THE THREE COLONELS with Napoleon exiled on Elba. The characters from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY celebrate the peace. As a fan of Jane Austen, I welcomed back these familiar friends and enjoyed catching up with their lives. Caldwell surprises Austen fans with a "new" Caroline Bingley - she sees no point in ostracizing the Darcys who are still prominent members of society. As she seeks to reinvent herse...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, jane-austen, pride-and-prejudice, sense-and-sensibility

Leaving behind stetsons, western ranches, and cowboys, Austenesque author Jack Caldwell picks up his pen to compose a sequel for two of Jane Austen's most beloved military men, Colonel Fitzwilliam from Pride and Prejudice and Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility. Included in this integrated sequel is a character of Mr. Caldwell's own creation, the knighted and reputed bad boy Colonel Sir John Buford. What do these three men all have in common? Obviously...they are all colonels. But they al...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen-variation

Now this one was a bit different from the JA books I usually read, and that is always something I approve of. I do like change.

This book is all about Colonel Fitzwilliam and the lady he loves (yes yes we can all figure it is Anne), Colonel Brandon and Marianne, and Colonel Buford who falls for Caroline. Really Caroline?! That was my first thought, but if Darcy can change then so can Caroline and she does change. She actually becomes a really sweet person and I liked her. Which I never thought wo...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Serena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Three Colonels: Jane Austen’s Fighting Men by Jack Caldwell is set during a time in Europe when empires were being built and shifted, including the Napoleonic empire. Colonel Brandon, Colonel Buford, and Colonel Fitzwilliam are the main players here, but Mr. Darcy’s connection to Fitzwilliam and Brandon and Fitzwilliam’s connections to Buford blend the picture seamlessly. A Regency period novel that begins with the exile of Napoleon to Elba is the calm before the storm as the world teeters o...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Mirjam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading all the positive reviews by other bloggers as well as an interview with the author, I simply had to order this book! Jack Caldwell not only loves Jane Austen's works, which is unusual enough for a man, but he even wrote a book featuring some beloved Jane Austen characters. Those facts combined were enough to convince me I HAD to read The Three Colonels. So I purchased the book and then waited impatiently for it to arrive!

The biggest surprise The Three Colonels had in store was a l...more After reading all the positive reviews by other bloggers as well as an interview with the author, I simply had to order this book! Jack Caldwell not only loves Jane Austen's works, which is unusual enough for a man, but he even wrote a book featuring some beloved Jane Austen characters. Those facts combined were enough to convince me I HAD to read The Three Colonels. So I purchased the book and then waited impatiently for it to arrive!

The biggest surprise The Three Colonels had in store was a likeable Caroline Bingley. She is such a condescending, evil witch in Pride & Prejudice that I was simply unable to imagine myself ever liking her, but-as I was told- Jack Caldwell succeeds in making her transformation entirely credible. I admit that I did question Colonel Buford's taste in women at the start of the book, but it was not long before I had to admit that they are entirely right for each other! Their courtship and early marriage made for some entertaining reading. It is easy to imagine that Caroline and Colonel Buford will weather the storms in their lives quite admirably together.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is another familiar character from Pride & Prejudice, although unlike Caroline his character has never been anything other than agreeable. I was looking forward to getting to know him better and I can assure you that he does not disappoint upon further acquaintance! It was such a delight to read about his interactions with his formidable aunt, the famous Lady Catherine de Bourgh, as well as with the less familiar yet most pitied Anne de Bourgh. I love what Caldwell has done with this part of the story. I will not spoil anything for those of you who have not yet read the book, but I really love it. Another wonderful couple is born!

We all know and love Colonel Brandon and his Marianne, so it was great to meet up with them again. Unlike the other couples they are already married, so instead of their courtship we get a charming picture of their married life.

Several other familiar characters play a part in The Three Colonels, like for instance Mr. & Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Gardiner, Wickham or Denny, and it was a real treat to catch up with them again.

Happily ever after is just a fairytale, so when Napoleon escapes from Elba, England calls upon her fighting men. Caroline, Anne and Marianne will need to find all their courage and strength to let their loved ones go to war. Like so many other women and children they can only pray for the safe return of their husbands. This offered a new way of looking at these characters, which I really appreciated. It is only natural to expect that these Colonels will be called upon to take up arms.

The Three Colonels by Jack Caldwell is a great addition to the Jane Austen sequels and spin-offs. Caldwell's engaging writing style ensured that I was caught up in the story from the start, whether we were in the drawing rooms in England or on the battlefield in Waterloo. In my opinion he captured Jane Austen's characters very well. If he tweaked a few of them it was done in such an admirable way that I fail to care. The Three Colonels is a fun and entertaining book that I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of the genre.
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Mar 09, 2013 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-historical-fiction-reading-cha, 2013-mount-tbr-reading-challenge, 2013-pride-and-prejudice-challenge, historical-romance, jane-austen-austenesque

I really enjoyed another book written by this author so I was interested in reading his new story. It wasn't until I found out that this story would have the Napoleonic War as its backdrop and would have Colonel Fitzwilliam from Pride and Prejudice as one of the main characters that I sought out the book in earnest. Col. Fitz is my favorite Jane Austen secondary character.

Once I started reading, I was in for several more delightful surprises for you see this book is a sequel of sorts for not jus...more I really enjoyed another book written by this author so I was interested in reading his new story. It wasn't until I found out that this story would have the Napoleonic War as its backdrop and would have Colonel Fitzwilliam from Pride and Prejudice as one of the main characters that I sought out the book in earnest. Col. Fitz is my favorite Jane Austen secondary character.

Once I started reading, I was in for several more delightful surprises for you see this book is a sequel of sorts for not just one, but two Austen novels and it makes mention of characters from others. Colonel Fitzwilliam is not the only secondary star to take a more prominent role because there is Colonel Brandon and Marianne, Lady Catherine, Anne deBourgh, Caroline Bingley Buford, Mary Bennett Tucker, Denny and Wickham along with several other original Austen characters including the infamous Willoughby (yes, Marianne gets her opportunity for closure or something else).

The story has several separate plot threads that come together and part at times so I'm going to do more of an update than summary. There is Caroline Bingley's story of her turning over a new leaf when confronted with who and what she has become which allows her to gain the notice of a man, Colonel Sir John Buford, who has his own past to exorcise. Then there is the ongoing story of the December/May romance of Colonel Brandon and Marianne. They have a beautiful daughter and their life is rich and full of love now. The third colonel from the book title is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam who is confronted by the knowledge that he is in love with his cousin Anne de Bourgh who has secretly been in love with this Fitzwilliam cousin all along. These three colonels happen to be good friends and brothers in arms so all these stories weave together at times.

Mixed with the stories of the three colonels is also a side story that catches up with Wickham who has now made captain and is still discontent with his life which is still with Lydia and their two girls. Denny is now a major in the regular army and he gets his story. Lady Catherine is still up to her plotting even after losing Darcy to Elizabeth, but now her true motives come out. Oh! Even though she doesn't make a personal appearance, Mrs. Bennet has the joy of seeing all five of her daughters married and we get to peek in on their lives a few times in the book.

Of all the story threads, I found John and Caroline's story the most captivating (I feel such a traitor to my Col. Fitz for saying it though he and Anne's story ran it a close second). Watching characters grow into their potential is one of my favorite things and these two did just that. They took a marriage of convenience and turned it into a story of redemption, partnership and beautiful love affair. Sometimes when an author tackles a story with characters created by someone else and drops in an original character, it doesn't work. I have to say that I loved reading John Buford's story right along with the rest.

The blend of action and romance along with strengthening ties of family and friendship made this plot an absolute delight from start to finish. I found it had the right amount of historical authenticity and explanation combined with story so that the pace didn't bog down. The author is careful with the integrity of Jane Austen's characters while making them his own as well.

To conclude, I recommend this story to those who enjoy historical romance and/or Austenesque sequels.(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 Maria Grazia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-inspired, read-in-2012

Jack Caldwell contributes a male outlook onto Jane Austen World. His The Three Colonels – Jane Austen Fighting Men is sequel to "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice". It also includes characters from other major novels as well as new ones. What Jane Austen had not even hinted at – the Napoleonic Wars – Jack Caldwell brings forward in his brilliant tale set in one of England’s most challenging moments .

Bonaparte, prisoner in Elba, succeeds in escaping and marches on Paris . King Louis...more Jack Caldwell contributes a male outlook onto Jane Austen World. His The Three Colonels – Jane Austen Fighting Men is sequel to "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice". It also includes characters from other major novels as well as new ones. What Jane Austen had not even hinted at – the Napoleonic Wars – Jack Caldwell brings forward in his brilliant tale set in one of England’s most challenging moments .

Bonaparte, prisoner in Elba, succeeds in escaping and marches on Paris . King Louis flees the country and Bonaparte declares himself Emperor of the French Republic. It is war again and the country is not ready. Lord Wellington needs his best men and they must urgently answer the dreaded call.

Colonel Brandon will have to answer that call, for example. He has long been inactive and is now a very happy husband to Marianne and proud father of a baby girl, Joy. He is one of the few officers Lord Wellington trusts in his enterprise to stop Bonaparte once and forever. Useless to say Willoughby comes back on hearing Marianne is alone at Delaford Manor …

Colonel John Buford , a new fascinating character, with the reputation of being a libertine entertaining married ladies, meets, wooes and marries Caroline Bingley. She was rude, grasping, selfish and cold, but love can do magic. When she becomes Lady Buford she totally transforms herself into a generous woman in love. At first she probably marries John Buford for his position and for his charm, while he marries Caroline for her good looks and her brilliant personality. But their mènage will be filled with intriguing, passionate and even highly dramatic moments.

Richard Fitzwilliam , since Lady Catherine De Bourgh has estranged her other nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, as her trustee at Rosings Parks and as her favourite elegible husband to her daughter Anne, is coping with the hard task to substitute his cousin in those duties. While he tries to save his Aunt’s property from total failure in a period of deep economic crisis, he realizes Anne’s health has greatly improved in the last years and she has gained energy and charm. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s new plans and affections will have a hard time since he has to leave for Belgium and meet other duties

Even Wickham’s regiment must join Wellington’s Army but he doesn’t like the idea of going to war. He hadn’t joined the army to fight in a war and he blames Darcy for his unfortunate destiny.

The historical scenario described by Jack Caldwell moves from London to Vienna for the 1815 Congress . He deals with politics but that doesn’t spoil the excitement and glamour of the social gatherings nor the author renounces to use the typical Austenesque light touch.

As Lady Beatrice Wellesley, cousin to Wellington, says to Caroline Bingley, now Lady Buford: “ It is far different from the London society or even the Court of St James. Here empires may rise or fall. Wars may break out or be ended. This world attracts a certain type of individual – hard clever people who are used to having their own way and know how to get it”

This novel was a delightful discovery . Different from other sequels I’ve read , yet in the trend of the Austenesque vogue, it champions love, loss, redemption, duty and war . It is a real page turner and a must-read for lovers of Austen - inspired novels and historical fiction.
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Mar 29, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book had me at its title The Three Colonels: Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. A book about Austen’s beloved heroes in uniform, count me in! Then I noticed who wrote the book – Jack Caldwell. Caldwell is the author of the wonderful Pemberly Ranch. I couldn’t wait to read what he had in store next for Austen’s characters. Add to that a beautiful cover and I couldn’t wait to read this novel.

I was not disappointed by the story, especially as a great fan of Caldwell, Austen, and historical fiction. T...more This book had me at its title The Three Colonels: Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. A book about Austen’s beloved heroes in uniform, count me in! Then I noticed who wrote the book – Jack Caldwell. Caldwell is the author of the wonderful Pemberly Ranch. I couldn’t wait to read what he had in store next for Austen’s characters. Add to that a beautiful cover and I couldn’t wait to read this novel.

I was not disappointed by the story, especially as a great fan of Caldwell, Austen, and historical fiction. The Three Colonels blends together the worlds of Austen’s beloved novels Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The three colonels include Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility, Colonel Fitzwilliam from Pride and Prejudice, and a new hero Colonel Buford. Military men Denny and Wickham from Pride and Prejudice also make an appearance.

Marianne and Colonel Brandon are happily married and enjoying their young daughter Joy. Colonel Buford is soon to be married to a reformed Caroline Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam is discovering that love has been right in front of him all along. The romance in the novel is very enjoyable. When Napoleon escapes form Elba, the three Colonels are called to their duty and to the horrific battle of Waterloo for God and country. Will they survive and how will this battle affect their loved ones?

I loved the story in this novel and thought it was a very unique spin on Jane Austen’s tale. I love historical fiction and it was intriguing reading about Napoleon and the infamous Battle of Waterloo as fought by Austen’s beloved characters. I loved how so many of my favorite characters returned including Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, the Bingleys, the Collins, etc. I also like how Caroline Bingley was given a great depth and an ability to redeem herself. Anne de Bourgh is also fleshed out and given a great depth. Napoleon is not the only villain in this novel with appearances from Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Wickham, and Willoughby. If I had to face Napoleon or Lady Catherine, I’m not sure which would be the safer route!

The only complaint I had about the novel is that there are a lot of characters with a lot of story going on. I want to learn more. How about a sequel, The Three Colonels and a Captain, with Captain Wentworth?

Overall The Three Colonels is sure to delight lovers of Austen, romance, and historical fiction. This book is another winner from Jack Caldwell.

Book Source: Review Copy from Sourcebooks. Thank-you!

This review was originally posted on my blog, Laura's Reviews. http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...(less)

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Mar 16, 2012 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Going into this, I was rather skeptical, both of the fact that it was written by a man (something I've never before encountered) and because I have found that those novels that attempt to combine characters from multiple Austen novels tend to be particularly bad. The merging of the characters did actually work alright, and was perhaps the best part of the book.

One thing Caldwell has done, that I found both interesting and off-putting, is to focus upon the least likable women from P&P. Caroli...more Going into this, I was rather skeptical, both of the fact that it was written by a man (something I've never before encountered) and because I have found that those novels that attempt to combine characters from multiple Austen novels tend to be particularly bad. The merging of the characters did actually work alright, and was perhaps the best part of the book.

One thing Caldwell has done, that I found both interesting and off-putting, is to focus upon the least likable women from P&P. Caroline Bingley gets married (and sexed). She's suddenly supposed to be a likable character, and I am supposed to be happy for her, even though much of the fun of reading or watch P&P is to laugh at her and yell backfire every time she tries to turn Darcy's eyes her way with the end result of making him more interested in Lizzy.

Caldwell actually does a decent job of selling Caroline's transformation. He says that Caroline and Mary became friends, out of lack of anyone else to talk to in combine family gatherings, to the betterment of both. Mary gets a bit fancier and finds a husband and Caroline gets a bit nicer, because she now knows true friendship. I think that's cool. Still, I just cannot like Caroline Bingley; I'm like Darcy: my good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.

I also have trouble sympathizing with Lydia Bennet. She was a stupid girl who did stupid things and got her due punishment (Wickham). Okay, maybe that seems harsh, but, come on, she rubbed her married status in her sisters' faces, even though Wickham had to be bribed to wed her. Nice she is not. Does she deserve better? Maybe, but only slightly so, if that. Thus, the introduction of a character from her past to pursue her (somehow) was not exactly thrilling for me.

Continuing on in the unlikable women of Austen parade, we have Anne de Bourgh. Actually, we don't see much of her in P&P, mostly because Lady Catherine doesn't let other people get a word in edgewise. Anne suffers from curiously poor health. Caldwell has decided that once she got older, she recovered from her poor health. I am actually okay with Anne getting a personality, because she could be a great person, once healthy and away from her awful mother. However, I really think that there must have been someone better to match her up with than her cousin. You're no better than Lady Catherine, Jack Caldwell!

Oh yeah, and, in case you had the idea that men do not write romance novels, allow me to set the record straight. This novel has steamy romance scenes, just like those you would find in the popular romance novels. Of course, there is slightly more discussion of war, but, really, romance is the main subject. Also, I have to say that giving oneself a nickname for during sex seems rather awkward; I laughed heartily at that scene. Do people really do that? Wait, don't answer that.

Also awkward was the organization. One story line would be followed for several chapters, and then it would jump to another one for several chapters. It was hard to form a sense of an overall plot from all of this. I suspected that it had something to do with the Napoleon stuff in the prologue, but since that didn't come up again for hundreds of pages, it was hard to be sure. Note: it does have to do with Napoleon, but first all of the colonels need to be happily coupled. I definitely liked that Caldwell made a bit more of the historical context of the time period. The book is set against the backdrop of Napoleon's escape from Elba and subsequent attempt to take over Europe, but the historical bits are fairly limited.

So, to sum up, this is about as schmaltzy and full of cheesy sex scenes as most Austen-inspired fiction, all of which I seem to find it necessary to subject myself to. It's a fairly entertaining read, but, well, see above.(less)

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Mar 01, 2013 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency

I am a fan of Jane Austen variation novels, books that take the characters and situations from Jane Austen novels and create new stories around them, but still keeping somewhat true to the voice of the original author.

I have to admit that I was not sure if a man could write in this niche genre well, but Jack Caldwell has certainly laid that idea to rest. In this novel, characters from most of Ms. Austen's novels have been combined together to create a new tale that centers on the men of her nove...more

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May 22, 2012 Jakki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Three cheers for The Three Colonels! Trading in post Civil War America for Regency England, Jack Caldwell delivers another memorable Austenesque romance.

At a time when each couple is getting their foothold on marriage and courting, our three colonels, Brandon, Fitzwilliam and Buford, are called to the Continent to stop Napoleon. With only their love and letters keeping them going, Marianne, Anne and Caroline prepare their hearts for the worst. All together, with the support of family and friend...more Three cheers for The Three Colonels! Trading in post Civil War America for Regency England, Jack Caldwell delivers another memorable Austenesque romance.

At a time when each couple is getting their foothold on marriage and courting, our three colonels, Brandon, Fitzwilliam and Buford, are called to the Continent to stop Napoleon. With only their love and letters keeping them going, Marianne, Anne and Caroline prepare their hearts for the worst. All together, with the support of family and friends, as well as immense help from the Darcys, our heroines find solace and are able to go about daily life.

I always enjoy it when Austenesque authors develop original characters. This time around, it is Colonel Sir John Buford. *sigh* Caldwell’s authorial tagline is, “It takes a real man to write historical romance.” Well, Mr. Caldwell must be the most manly man out there, because every word to Caroline that came out of Buford’s mouth had me weak in the knees. Don’t get me wrong, Buford still has his demons to slay and isn’t by any means perfect, but the way he treats Caroline is so romantic.

As much as it pains me to say it, I found myself liking Caroline and empathizing with her, just like I did with Jennifer Becton’s Caroline. In The Three Colonels, readers are given a reborn Caroline. While she may have realized people’s value doesn’t come from their social standings, Caroline still contains fire and spunk, and still delivers the cutting remarks for which she is so well-known; however, now those remarks are said in defense of those dear to her. It was also through events towards the end of the novel where Caroline truly proves herself a changed and better person.

Another one of Caldwell’s characters I enjoyed was Anne de Bourgh. Due to some measures on Mrs. Jenkinson’s part, Anne is no longer of a sickly constitution. She is feisty, intelligent, and has a backbone that would make Elizabeth Bennet proud. Not only is Anne changed, but Mr. Collins has changed in some regards as well, and I have to say it was a surprisingly nice change.

Similar to Mary Simonsen, Caldwell cleverly incorporates historical factoids into his work. It was as if I was being educated and entertained simultaneously. These nuggets of information were so well placed. They did not distract from the story, or make it seem boring. Rather, they enhanced the plot, making it richer and realer.

From the weak-in-the-knees romance, well-developed characterization and the historical tidbits, Caldwell gave me a novel I didn’t want to put down.
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May 04, 2012 Charlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well done Jack!! I loved this novel. It definitely had more testosterone with the 3 Colonels!! Before I started reading this book I read a few of the reviews on amazon and I'm a little surprised about the Caroline bashing. OK not really bashing but I thought the transformation was perfect. She gets her cumuppance and learns from it and becomes a better person. The story takes us though 3 different perpective, that of the 3 colonels. We get to see more of Col Fitzwilliam and I always thought him...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-fan-fiction, historical-fiction, kindle

I have to admit that I kept putting off starting this Austen fanfic because I knew it wasn't long in Darcy and Elizabeth. But this turned out to be one of the best I have read. The Napoleon era was not something familiar to me, but I found the battle at Waterloo to be totally fascinating. The stories of each of the Colonels and their loves was beautifully told. I especially enjoyed seeing Caroline Bingley mature into an amazing character. She surprisingly had much in common with Mrs Bennet in he...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque, own, 2012

Paperback
Pages: 384
Published: March 1st 2012
Sourcebooks Landmark

Love reigns supreme for our three brave colonels at the start of this epic tale. Colonels Fitzwilliam, Buford, and Brandon are enjoying their courtships and their early married lives with three beloved Jane Austen heroines. The couples lead tranquil lives - until Napoleon escapes from exile. While the military men set out to meet their destiny on the fields of Waterloo, Anne, Caroline, and Marianne defend their hearts against the fe...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen-related

The three colonels of the title are Col. Fitzwilliam of Pride and Prejudice, Col. Brandon of Sense and Sensibility and Sir John Buford, a character of the author's own devising, who is smart, handsome, and will pair off with Miss Bingley. It takes place after Napoleon escapes from his first exile on Elbe. This is a different point of view from the novels and, of course, mixes the characters, but I really enjoyed this particular bit of Austenalia.

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Jul 26, 2012 Sophia-Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't say enough good things about Jack Caldwell's new book! I think he had his facts well worked into the three mens lives! And the characters from both Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensebility who showed up during the book was a hint of genious! And the new character of John Buford was a really great pleasure to read about, mostly because he changed the life of Caroline Bingley!
Jack Caldwell, had a bit of angst in the end about if one of the three gentlemen would die before they could...more

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May 30, 2013 Lani rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen-and-friends, my-ebooks, reviewed

Reading about transformed Caroline Bingley made for an interesting idea. Wickham's ultimate fate was just, fair and a little too good for him. The best part of this book was reading all of Austen's character interacting with each other. Colonels Fitzwilliam, Brandon, Darcy, Elizabeth, Marianne and Elinor woven in with Colonel Buford, his family and other characters almost seamlessly. The dialogue is not strained and the history seem accurate.

I enjoyed this book very much.

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Mar 17, 2012 Laura Hartness rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, books-for-review

Jack Caldwell brings us another enjoyable read, with a creative premise. Full review and giveaway to come on my blog, The Calico Critic.

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Feb 17, 2013 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-variations, austen-about

It was interesting seeing caroline Bingley/Buford in a new light. I enjoyed reading about each different man's history. I loved that Darcy kept popping up here and there in a helpful manner. Anne DeBourgh and Marianne Dashwood/Brandon took on more mature personas. I loved that Captain Denny from P&P was included and that he proves what a responsible young man can do to benefit himself in the long run. I could really imagine the battle scenes (unfortunately) thankfully they were not overdone...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Kylie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wasnt quite sure what this book was trying to be. Even at the end I was still left wondering. The plot was slow and then at the end incredibly rushed.

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Jun 24, 2012 Rebecca Huston rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 19th-century, austria, england, historical-fiction, austen-fan-fic, nook

This one turned out to be far better than I had expected, with characters from Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility showing up. The historical events in the book are also rather solid and well-researched, which really added to the depth and scope of the story. Four stars overall, and recommended for Jane Austen fans.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/The_Th...

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Mar 22, 2012 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-adaptations

I cannot say enough good things about it, yet, I'm at a loss for words. Incredible!

1 like · like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It is one of the best Austen sequels I have read. You know you have read a good book when you close it and want to start it all over again.

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Sep 04, 2012 Stephanie L rated it 5 of 5 stars

Throughly enjoyed this. It's got more history scattered in the story than some and Mr. Caldwell improves upon Caroline's disposition. Very well done

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Jun 09, 2013 Annmarie marked it as to-read

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Jane Austen Sequels: The Three Colonels, by Jack Caldwell	4	15	Oct 29, 2012 09:19pm
Book Giveaways: Giveaway - The Three Colonels: Jane Austen's Fighting Men by Jack Caldwell	2	9	Mar 30, 2012 12:20am
Book Giveaways: Two Giveaways	1	7	Mar 17, 2012 01:48pm
Book Giveaways: Two Giveaways	1	10	Mar 17, 2012 01:43pm

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