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The Darcy Files
Four captivating short stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice journey through time and romance in one summer collection. This compilation combines the magic of the modern era with the allure of bygone eras, taking readers on an enchanting adventure.
With each tale, The Darcy Files captures the essence of summer romance, blending the modern era with the allure of historical eras. It is an irresistible collection that will captivate fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and anyone who craves a delightful escape into the realms of love and imagination. Immerse yourself in these heartwarming romantic stories and prepare to be swept away on four journeys of love that span across time.
With each tale, The Darcy Files captures the essence of summer romance, blending the modern era with the allure of historical eras. It is an irresistible collection that will captivate fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and anyone who craves a delightful escape into the realms of love and imagination. Immerse yourself in these heartwarming romantic stories and prepare to be swept away on four journeys of love that span across time.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2023
6 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Cat Gardiner
21 books139 followersCat Gardiner loves romance and happy endings, history, and comedy. A member of the esteemed National League of American Pen Women, she enjoys writing across the spectrum of the romance genre from Contemporary to Chick-Lit Romantic Comedy, 20th Century Historical Fiction, and Pride and Prejudice-inspired.
Apart from her husband, her greatest passion is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era. Her debut novel in this genre, A Moment Forever, was a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. "Flying with the Swallows" WWII Historical Fiction Romance released on April 2, 2024 into Kindle Unlimited. Readers can find the riveting duology on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and paperback.
Between writing and WWII home front re-enacting, Cat takes her readers on a swell 1940s journey at The 1940s Experience blog and gallery at cgardiner1940s.com
Connect with Cat here:
cgardiner1940s.com
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
facebook.com/DenialofConscience/
https://www.facebook.com/CatTGardiner...
amazon.com/author/catgardiner
https://payhip.com/CatGardinerBooks
Apart from her husband, her greatest passion is writing Historical Fiction, WWII-era. Her debut novel in this genre, A Moment Forever, was a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award Romance Finalist. "Flying with the Swallows" WWII Historical Fiction Romance released on April 2, 2024 into Kindle Unlimited. Readers can find the riveting duology on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and paperback.
Between writing and WWII home front re-enacting, Cat takes her readers on a swell 1940s journey at The 1940s Experience blog and gallery at cgardiner1940s.com
Connect with Cat here:
cgardiner1940s.com
facebook.com/cat.t.gardiner
facebook.com/DenialofConscience/
https://www.facebook.com/CatTGardiner...
amazon.com/author/catgardiner
https://payhip.com/CatGardinerBooks
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 17, 2024
A wonderful collection from a favourite author.
I was out-of-my-mind excited to be gifted with an advance copy of Cat Gardiner’s upcoming release, The Darcy Files. As the book’s description shows, it’s a compilation of four short stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice and combining modern and bygone eras and, in my opinion, no one does this better than Cat Gardiner.
This favourite author knows how to write romance, and each of these stories is an engaging romantic journey that features my all-time favourite couple finding their way to a perfect happy ending. You’ll find it nearly impossible to pick a favourite in this collection. Cat Gardiner stories can make me cry but, in the end, she always leaves me smiling and happy. The Darcy Files’ timely summer release made it ideal for reading on the beach, but I also look forward to a cozy re-read by the fireplace when the snow starts falling.
I highly recommend this sweet collection, and….
Welcome back, Cat Gardiner! I’m (im)patiently awaiting and looking forward to reading your ‘Flying with the Swallows’ adventure.
I receive an arc of this book from the author, but also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
I was out-of-my-mind excited to be gifted with an advance copy of Cat Gardiner’s upcoming release, The Darcy Files. As the book’s description shows, it’s a compilation of four short stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice and combining modern and bygone eras and, in my opinion, no one does this better than Cat Gardiner.
This favourite author knows how to write romance, and each of these stories is an engaging romantic journey that features my all-time favourite couple finding their way to a perfect happy ending. You’ll find it nearly impossible to pick a favourite in this collection. Cat Gardiner stories can make me cry but, in the end, she always leaves me smiling and happy. The Darcy Files’ timely summer release made it ideal for reading on the beach, but I also look forward to a cozy re-read by the fireplace when the snow starts falling.
I highly recommend this sweet collection, and….
Welcome back, Cat Gardiner! I’m (im)patiently awaiting and looking forward to reading your ‘Flying with the Swallows’ adventure.
I receive an arc of this book from the author, but also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
August 8, 2023
5+ stars!
Ms. Gardiner displays great writing chops, creativity, and versatility in this collection of four excellent short stories.
Ten Cents a Dance is a Pride and Prejudice/WWII love story that starts at a Queens, New York dance hall in 1940.
Darcy's Mermaid moves the setting for ODC to Florida. It begins showing the happily married pair in 2002, but most of the story is a flashback to the beginning of their courtship in 1961, when Elizabeth and her sisters were Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids.
Mr. Nice Guy, my personal favorite, is an Epilogue to Ms. Gardiner's wonderful Conscience modern spy/thriller/romance series. Darcy/the Iceman is in a bind. Literally. Four merciless marauders have left him tied up and helpless as they trash his home. Clearly, the Iceman has lost his edge!
Writer's Block casts Will Darcy as a modern well-known best-selling author seeking inspiration for his next novel. For a change of scenery, he visits his sister Gigi, who has just moved into a Manhattan apartment. Her neighbors include the Bennets, who are rumored to be a family of high-priced prostitutes. The two eldest supposedly murdered a woman in order to take over her apartment. It's fertile soil for an author in search of a story, and the intriguing Lizzy Bennet becomes his muse.
Every story here is a gem. They demonstrate thorough research of each time and place, providing the appropriate detail and ambiance. It's easy to completely immerse yourself - a sure sign these were penned by a gifted writer.
Content is steamy in places but clean. Sizzling chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth throughout.
Highly recommend!
Ms. Gardiner displays great writing chops, creativity, and versatility in this collection of four excellent short stories.
Ten Cents a Dance is a Pride and Prejudice/WWII love story that starts at a Queens, New York dance hall in 1940.
Darcy's Mermaid moves the setting for ODC to Florida. It begins showing the happily married pair in 2002, but most of the story is a flashback to the beginning of their courtship in 1961, when Elizabeth and her sisters were Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids.
Mr. Nice Guy, my personal favorite, is an Epilogue to Ms. Gardiner's wonderful Conscience modern spy/thriller/romance series. Darcy/the Iceman is in a bind. Literally. Four merciless marauders have left him tied up and helpless as they trash his home. Clearly, the Iceman has lost his edge!
Writer's Block casts Will Darcy as a modern well-known best-selling author seeking inspiration for his next novel. For a change of scenery, he visits his sister Gigi, who has just moved into a Manhattan apartment. Her neighbors include the Bennets, who are rumored to be a family of high-priced prostitutes. The two eldest supposedly murdered a woman in order to take over her apartment. It's fertile soil for an author in search of a story, and the intriguing Lizzy Bennet becomes his muse.
Every story here is a gem. They demonstrate thorough research of each time and place, providing the appropriate detail and ambiance. It's easy to completely immerse yourself - a sure sign these were penned by a gifted writer.
Content is steamy in places but clean. Sizzling chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth throughout.
Highly recommend!
August 12, 2023
Cat Gardiner is BACK! What a thrill and chill to see and read these short romantic stories on our favourite couple in Ms. Gardiner’s estimable style! I laughed, cried and was completely enthralled with each!
Ten Cents a Dance: 1940’s
“He felt the music in his soul and her touch upon it.” (quote from the book)
Darcy’s Mermaid: 2002/1961
“With each rocket burst and cascade of brilliant light from heaven he, too, fell like a million shooting stars…for the angel mermaid snuggled against him.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Nice Guy: Modern
“Hell, I even moved to the idyllic English countryside where life was supposed to be boring. Boring? Understatement of the century. How did I not see this situation escalating? How the hell did this go sideways so fast? This sneak attack completely blindsided me!” (quote from the book)
Writer’s Block: Modern
“The breeze licked Liz’s shoulder-length, dark-chocolate hair, and the world shifted on its axis in some kind of time continuum.” (quote from the book)
What a delight each of these stories are. I had to laugh over the baked goods by Entenmann’s! I love their chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake…does that make me old?! The music references were so enjoyable, and I remember well Gordon Lightfoot’s songs! Yes, this was a trip down memory lane for sure!
I highly recommend this compilation of romantic short stories! The cover of this book is amazing too! And I can’t wait for ‘Flying with the Swallows’ coming out soon! But in the meantime, I recommend each and every one of Ms. Gardiner’s novels!
January 3, 2024
Do you like your Darcy in a military uniform? A doctor’s coat? A former spy? Maybe a writer? From nostalgic past to present, Cat Gardiner weaves four short stories to tickle a romance lover’s fancy.
Ten Cents a Dance is a Pride and Prejudice/WWII love story that starts at a Queens, New York dance hall in 1940. Darcy comes from uptown Manhattan with Bingley on his birthday and gets a comeuppance when a gorgeous singer and dancer at the dance hall isn’t impressed with his attitude or bank account. Brief poignant moments through the war years keep them both going until it’s time for a war-weary Darcy to see if the pretty singer would give him a chance.
Darcy's Mermaid moves the setting to 1960’s Florida. A historical that started out with a contemporary middle-aged Darcy looking back on how their love story came about. A young medical student encounters his beautiful wife when Elizabeth and her sisters were Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids, a tourist attraction. Darcy saw past the class difference to the vivacious, talented woman who was nothing like the society gals of his acquaintance.
Mr. Nice Guy, an Epilogue to contemporary spy thriller Conscience series. Darcy/the Iceman is in a bind. Literally. The suspense was cutting edge from the opening lines and then there was a hilarious moment of truth for Iceman and his lovely lady years after their espionage days were past.
Writer's Block has Darcy in a contemporary setting as a bestselling thriller author who can’t make his last book in a series flow from the pen. Drastic measures has him pretending to be his character when he gets word that a family near his sisters digs are murderers and the one who catches his eye is a classy prostitute. Perfect fodder for his book until he gets to know Liz and sees the danger his sister is courting. How will she react when she learns the truth of his assumptions and secrets?
All four were brilliant jewels that showed the clever and engaging story worlds that Cat Gardiner can create. Three of the four are clear standalones with Mr. Nice Guy being a follow up to a series that is well-worth getting from the beginning. I loved seeing her versatility of setting and situation, arrangement of Jane Austen’s characters, and the well-developed, heart-felt sexy romance in these shorter pieces. Whether readers are unfamiliar with the original P&P or long-time Austen lovers, this does not matter to wholly appreciate this collection.
I rec’d a special edition hardback copy from author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart Dec 20th.
Ten Cents a Dance is a Pride and Prejudice/WWII love story that starts at a Queens, New York dance hall in 1940. Darcy comes from uptown Manhattan with Bingley on his birthday and gets a comeuppance when a gorgeous singer and dancer at the dance hall isn’t impressed with his attitude or bank account. Brief poignant moments through the war years keep them both going until it’s time for a war-weary Darcy to see if the pretty singer would give him a chance.
Darcy's Mermaid moves the setting to 1960’s Florida. A historical that started out with a contemporary middle-aged Darcy looking back on how their love story came about. A young medical student encounters his beautiful wife when Elizabeth and her sisters were Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids, a tourist attraction. Darcy saw past the class difference to the vivacious, talented woman who was nothing like the society gals of his acquaintance.
Mr. Nice Guy, an Epilogue to contemporary spy thriller Conscience series. Darcy/the Iceman is in a bind. Literally. The suspense was cutting edge from the opening lines and then there was a hilarious moment of truth for Iceman and his lovely lady years after their espionage days were past.
Writer's Block has Darcy in a contemporary setting as a bestselling thriller author who can’t make his last book in a series flow from the pen. Drastic measures has him pretending to be his character when he gets word that a family near his sisters digs are murderers and the one who catches his eye is a classy prostitute. Perfect fodder for his book until he gets to know Liz and sees the danger his sister is courting. How will she react when she learns the truth of his assumptions and secrets?
All four were brilliant jewels that showed the clever and engaging story worlds that Cat Gardiner can create. Three of the four are clear standalones with Mr. Nice Guy being a follow up to a series that is well-worth getting from the beginning. I loved seeing her versatility of setting and situation, arrangement of Jane Austen’s characters, and the well-developed, heart-felt sexy romance in these shorter pieces. Whether readers are unfamiliar with the original P&P or long-time Austen lovers, this does not matter to wholly appreciate this collection.
I rec’d a special edition hardback copy from author to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart Dec 20th.
August 16, 2024
4 wonderful short stories! I can‘t choose which story I liked best. Each story had its own appeal.
- WWII with ODC being few years apart.
- Elizabeth‘s a Mermaid
- Darcy being an author but having a bad Writer‘s block.
- Darcy a former SEAL.
Recommendable!!
- WWII with ODC being few years apart.
- Elizabeth‘s a Mermaid
- Darcy being an author but having a bad Writer‘s block.
- Darcy a former SEAL.
Recommendable!!
September 9, 2023
Delightful
A collection of heartwarming, wonderful short stories. Each ending with the link to the inspirational songs.
Ten Cents a Dance:
A dazzling sweet WWII romance with Lizzy as a singer and a swoon worthy naval pilot, Darcy. His letter to Lizzy, after being separated for years, moved me to tears.
Darcy's Mermaid:
Darcy was reminising on his romantic first encounter with "mermaid" Elizabeth. This gem was set in the early 2000s, looking back at the sixties, and had a delightful flirtatious ending.
Mr Nice Guy:
An excerpt from the fabulous contemporary conscience series; the epilogue of book three. Hilarious daddy Darcy baby sitting.
Writer's Block:
A contemporary romance with a very clever misunderstanding. I kept waiting for the blow-up, but the twist was even better.
I heartily recommend this book!
A collection of heartwarming, wonderful short stories. Each ending with the link to the inspirational songs.
Ten Cents a Dance:
A dazzling sweet WWII romance with Lizzy as a singer and a swoon worthy naval pilot, Darcy. His letter to Lizzy, after being separated for years, moved me to tears.
Darcy's Mermaid:
Darcy was reminising on his romantic first encounter with "mermaid" Elizabeth. This gem was set in the early 2000s, looking back at the sixties, and had a delightful flirtatious ending.
Mr Nice Guy:
An excerpt from the fabulous contemporary conscience series; the epilogue of book three. Hilarious daddy Darcy baby sitting.
Writer's Block:
A contemporary romance with a very clever misunderstanding. I kept waiting for the blow-up, but the twist was even better.
I heartily recommend this book!
November 21, 2023
Great fun
Four short Darcy and Elizabeth stories, one taking place in the 1940's, one in the 60's, and the other two more modern day. Because they're so short, the romantic resolution happens quickly, which is satisfying. The thing I probably most appreciate about these tales is the humor. Truly funny stories are so rare, and I actually laughed out loud several times throughout this book.
Each story featured a swoon worthy Darcy, and a wonderful and powerful Elizabeth. My favorite short story, I think, was Mr Nice Guy, because it was surprising, astonishing, and just sweet and lovely. The books are all well written and well edited. I recommend this collection highly for superb romance, and for some great fun.
Four short Darcy and Elizabeth stories, one taking place in the 1940's, one in the 60's, and the other two more modern day. Because they're so short, the romantic resolution happens quickly, which is satisfying. The thing I probably most appreciate about these tales is the humor. Truly funny stories are so rare, and I actually laughed out loud several times throughout this book.
Each story featured a swoon worthy Darcy, and a wonderful and powerful Elizabeth. My favorite short story, I think, was Mr Nice Guy, because it was surprising, astonishing, and just sweet and lovely. The books are all well written and well edited. I recommend this collection highly for superb romance, and for some great fun.
October 4, 2024
An excellent collection of short stories
Cat Gardiner writes modern Austenesque authentically and realistically and this collection is up to her high standards. The language and behaviour of the characters is appropriate to the period and is real.
Each of the four stories was well constructed and engaging - I loved them all. If you really pushed me to pick a favourite it would have to be the last, "Writer's Block".
Cat Gardiner writes modern Austenesque authentically and realistically and this collection is up to her high standards. The language and behaviour of the characters is appropriate to the period and is real.
Each of the four stories was well constructed and engaging - I loved them all. If you really pushed me to pick a favourite it would have to be the last, "Writer's Block".
August 28, 2023
Enjoyable but on the boring side
A bit on the boring side as the stories were wordy and slow going. I could not wait to finish it. I read it in one day and fell asleep while doing so.😪😪😪
A bit on the boring side as the stories were wordy and slow going. I could not wait to finish it. I read it in one day and fell asleep while doing so.😪😪😪
January 5, 2024
Loved the Darcy Files!
I wasn’t sure about this going in, but I really enjoyed the Darcy Files.
I love Mr. Darcy and Lizzy. I also like moderns. These stories were entertaining and sweet.
Great job, Ms. Gardiner!
I wasn’t sure about this going in, but I really enjoyed the Darcy Files.
I love Mr. Darcy and Lizzy. I also like moderns. These stories were entertaining and sweet.
Great job, Ms. Gardiner!
January 19, 2024
Witty and fun
I loved this collection of short entertaining set in different times but featuring our beloved couple. Some diverting reading for when you don't have much time.
I loved this collection of short entertaining set in different times but featuring our beloved couple. Some diverting reading for when you don't have much time.
November 6, 2023
A welcome return by Cat Gardiner
I've missed Ms. Gardiner's writing during the time she's been away and I'm delighted to say that her writing is still as good as it ever was - not that I doubted her for a second!. These are four very different tales about our favourite couple in Austenesque fiction, ranging from WWII through the 60s and up to the present day. I've even learnt something whilst reading the second story. As a Brit, I'd never heard of the “mermaids” of Florida and even had to go and ask my friend Google about them. Yes, they exist!
All in all, four wonderful stories of varying lengths, so you can pick and choose which to read them in, depending on what time you have available. The final tale is the longest, around half of the book. Oh, and in the third story, there's a welcome return of the Iceman from the Conscience series! I'm really looking forward to the works I understand that Ms. Gardiner has planned for the future.
Don’t hesitate - you need this one in your library!
P. S. I received an ARC of this book with no expectation of a favourable review.
(Come on guys! It's Cat Gardiner. What's not to like?)
I've missed Ms. Gardiner's writing during the time she's been away and I'm delighted to say that her writing is still as good as it ever was - not that I doubted her for a second!. These are four very different tales about our favourite couple in Austenesque fiction, ranging from WWII through the 60s and up to the present day. I've even learnt something whilst reading the second story. As a Brit, I'd never heard of the “mermaids” of Florida and even had to go and ask my friend Google about them. Yes, they exist!
All in all, four wonderful stories of varying lengths, so you can pick and choose which to read them in, depending on what time you have available. The final tale is the longest, around half of the book. Oh, and in the third story, there's a welcome return of the Iceman from the Conscience series! I'm really looking forward to the works I understand that Ms. Gardiner has planned for the future.
Don’t hesitate - you need this one in your library!
P. S. I received an ARC of this book with no expectation of a favourable review.
(Come on guys! It's Cat Gardiner. What's not to like?)
August 29, 2023
Cat is back! What can be better than tales of Darcy no matter what era. These Darcy files are a series of four modern short stories. They range from World War II to 2020s: Darcy as a dance partner, as a beach companion, as a writer, and as an estate owner.
These stories can be read if you have a free afternoon for a cup of tea with biscuits. I enjoyed these short tales very much. I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair review.
These stories can be read if you have a free afternoon for a cup of tea with biscuits. I enjoyed these short tales very much. I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair review.
August 9, 2023
This was an interesting collection of short stories with unusual settings time-wise.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews