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Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer
“So each had a private little sun for her soul to bask in…” Thomas Hardy
If you desire a little heat, a summer flirtation, or an escape to bask in your own private sun…this whimsical collection of original short stories is inspired by all things summer. From some of Meryton Press’s most popular and award-winning authors, the anthology debuts other promising and emerging talent.
In KaraLynne Mackrory’s Shades of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy, with some fantastic assistance, discovers Elizabeth Bennet in a most unlikely place.
Karen M. Cox’s Northanger Revisited modernizes Northanger Abbey at a fictionalized Georgia seaside.
Linda Beutler takes us to Paris as a young gentleman is schooled in the ways of amour in The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
In Spyglasses and Sunburns, J. Marie Croft takes the Miss Bennets to the seaside where they chance upon handsome acquaintances.
In Abigail Bok’s Summer at Sanditon, a little sea bathing seems just the thing to cure what ails Anne de Bourgh.
In Natalie Richards’ Midsummer Madness, an honest confession and a promise between mysterious strangers at a masque ball mends a misunderstanding.
Sophia Rose re-imagines a modern-day Persuasion in Second Chance at Sunset Beach.
In Morgan K Wyatt’s Dream Spinner, a near-death car accident and an unlikely trucker, brings fresh perspective to a young co-ed’s life and love.
Contemporary and Regency alike, each romance was dreamt as a perfect summer refreshment to bring a smile to your own sun-kissed face.
Stories by: KaraLynne Mackrory * Karen M. Cox * Linda Beutler * J. Marie Croft * Abigail Bok * Natalie Richards * Sophia Rose * Morgan K Wyatt
If you desire a little heat, a summer flirtation, or an escape to bask in your own private sun…this whimsical collection of original short stories is inspired by all things summer. From some of Meryton Press’s most popular and award-winning authors, the anthology debuts other promising and emerging talent.
In KaraLynne Mackrory’s Shades of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy, with some fantastic assistance, discovers Elizabeth Bennet in a most unlikely place.
Karen M. Cox’s Northanger Revisited modernizes Northanger Abbey at a fictionalized Georgia seaside.
Linda Beutler takes us to Paris as a young gentleman is schooled in the ways of amour in The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
In Spyglasses and Sunburns, J. Marie Croft takes the Miss Bennets to the seaside where they chance upon handsome acquaintances.
In Abigail Bok’s Summer at Sanditon, a little sea bathing seems just the thing to cure what ails Anne de Bourgh.
In Natalie Richards’ Midsummer Madness, an honest confession and a promise between mysterious strangers at a masque ball mends a misunderstanding.
Sophia Rose re-imagines a modern-day Persuasion in Second Chance at Sunset Beach.
In Morgan K Wyatt’s Dream Spinner, a near-death car accident and an unlikely trucker, brings fresh perspective to a young co-ed’s life and love.
Contemporary and Regency alike, each romance was dreamt as a perfect summer refreshment to bring a smile to your own sun-kissed face.
Stories by: KaraLynne Mackrory * Karen M. Cox * Linda Beutler * J. Marie Croft * Abigail Bok * Natalie Richards * Sophia Rose * Morgan K Wyatt
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
36 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Christina Boyd
14 books328 followersChristina Boyd wears many hats as she is a writer, reader, editor, and artist. Since 2013, Christina has worked with forty authors, self-published five anthologies, and edited over fifty books. A life member of Jane Austen Society of North America and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador—now that the Boydlings have gone off on adventures. Her own whirlwind English fantasy came true thanks to actor Henry Cavill when they sipped champagne together atop the London Eye. True story. You can Google it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 13, 2017
“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle: A Memoir
1) Spyglasses & Sunburns: J. Marie Croft: ends at 18%
OMG! This was simply adorable. Clean, but suggestive language as our couples heat up in the summer sun. Parts of it were an absolute scream, as I laughed out loud and Darcy’s declaration at the old ruin is one to be read over and over again. Whew! Uncle Gardiner had his hands full trying to chaperone his nieces.
2) Second Chance on Sunset Beach: Sophia Rose: ends at 35%
Our very own Sophia Rose created a clever modern spin on Persuasion with different names and such a twist unlike any I’ve seen before. OMG! Separated for 8-years, our couple was thrown together and had to deal with their feelings and emotions. I was stunned when reality hit me as to what our dear author had done. Man… I didn’t see that coming. I liked the hint to the 1957 movie ‘An Affair to Remember’ with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
3) The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy: Linda Beulter: ends at 44%
Well, this certainly had a MA rating: PG-17: this was absolutely, completely, graphic and explicit as Darcy and his Fitzwilliam cousins were on their grand tour. Their fathers had given instructions that, while in Paris, they were to be educated in the fine art of love making. We are given explicit, step-by-step instructions. Read it only if you are up to it. Otherwise you can skip to another story.
4) Midsummer Madness: Natalie Richards: ends at 49%
It has been one year, two months, and three days since the HP proposal/refusal and Darcy is escorting Georgiana through her season. They are at a Midsummer Masquerade where he meets a woman in a butterfly masque. Due to his dark colors, she calls him the Dark Shadow. This was so cute. How easy it is to talk when hiding behind a masque. Delightful!!
5) Shades of Pemberley: KaraLynne Mackrory: ends at 58%
When Lady Catherine mentioned the shades of Pemberley… she was referencing the ghosts or spirits of those gone on before. This story had a hint of the paranormal with the strange happenings at Pemberley when Elizabeth visited with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. LOVED IT!!! OMG! It had such a twist that I simply did not see coming. What a delight… so cute and so very creative. We were given a hint when Lizzy was in the portrait gallery. Such a creative, and clean story.
6) A Summer in Sanditon: Abigail Bok: ends at 71%
Those who have read Austen’s unfinished work or even those variations that have attempted to finish it… will immediately recognize the locale, the characters and will be aware of the intrigues and scandals of the seaside watering hole. If you have not read it, after reading this you probably will be tempted to do just that.
Bok did an excellent job of meshing P&P with Sanditon by having Lacy Catherine [upon the suggestion of her doctor] take Anne de Bourgh to the seaside for her health. Escorting his kinswomen was none other than our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was such a delight. There were many intrigues as Lady Catherine canvased the local gentry for a suitable situation for Anne. Best laid plans… Lady C… never work out. What a surprise! It was so cute watching the different characters. You don’t have to have read Sanditon to enjoy this delightful season at the seaside.
7) Dream Spinner: Morgan K. Wyatt: ends at 79%
It was a stormy night… wait, wrong intro… it was during a flash storm, on a busy highway [known as a death trap], in northern KY. A wreck, a trucker and a sales rep meet and wonder about those memorable moment. It is modern, cute and short. It was delightful, although rushed.
8) Northanger Revisited: Karen M. Cox: ends at 99%
This variation on Northanger Abbey translated so well to a modern seaside location. We are at the beach with all our Northanger characters and it was a delightful variation. It was so creative and I loved it… until it abruptly ended. I mean… BAM! I was just getting into the story. Dang.
This was a cute compilation of short stories that centered around the theme of summer. I think some of these were longer in scope and were trimmed to meet size requirements of this work. I say that due to the rushed feeling in some stories… like pieces were missing or in one story… it just ended… like the rest of the story was chopped off. It stopped at a point where our knowledge of the rest of the story would help. If, for instance, someone had no knowledge of the story… they would be left hanging. However, this was delightful and a nice book to have whether on vacation or a staycation. You and read a story, stop and smell the roses, and then go back to it.
1) Spyglasses & Sunburns: J. Marie Croft: ends at 18%
OMG! This was simply adorable. Clean, but suggestive language as our couples heat up in the summer sun. Parts of it were an absolute scream, as I laughed out loud and Darcy’s declaration at the old ruin is one to be read over and over again. Whew! Uncle Gardiner had his hands full trying to chaperone his nieces.
2) Second Chance on Sunset Beach: Sophia Rose: ends at 35%
Our very own Sophia Rose created a clever modern spin on Persuasion with different names and such a twist unlike any I’ve seen before. OMG! Separated for 8-years, our couple was thrown together and had to deal with their feelings and emotions. I was stunned when reality hit me as to what our dear author had done. Man… I didn’t see that coming. I liked the hint to the 1957 movie ‘An Affair to Remember’ with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
3) The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy: Linda Beulter: ends at 44%
Well, this certainly had a MA rating: PG-17: this was absolutely, completely, graphic and explicit as Darcy and his Fitzwilliam cousins were on their grand tour. Their fathers had given instructions that, while in Paris, they were to be educated in the fine art of love making. We are given explicit, step-by-step instructions. Read it only if you are up to it. Otherwise you can skip to another story.
4) Midsummer Madness: Natalie Richards: ends at 49%
It has been one year, two months, and three days since the HP proposal/refusal and Darcy is escorting Georgiana through her season. They are at a Midsummer Masquerade where he meets a woman in a butterfly masque. Due to his dark colors, she calls him the Dark Shadow. This was so cute. How easy it is to talk when hiding behind a masque. Delightful!!
5) Shades of Pemberley: KaraLynne Mackrory: ends at 58%
When Lady Catherine mentioned the shades of Pemberley… she was referencing the ghosts or spirits of those gone on before. This story had a hint of the paranormal with the strange happenings at Pemberley when Elizabeth visited with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. LOVED IT!!! OMG! It had such a twist that I simply did not see coming. What a delight… so cute and so very creative. We were given a hint when Lizzy was in the portrait gallery. Such a creative, and clean story.
6) A Summer in Sanditon: Abigail Bok: ends at 71%
Those who have read Austen’s unfinished work or even those variations that have attempted to finish it… will immediately recognize the locale, the characters and will be aware of the intrigues and scandals of the seaside watering hole. If you have not read it, after reading this you probably will be tempted to do just that.
Bok did an excellent job of meshing P&P with Sanditon by having Lacy Catherine [upon the suggestion of her doctor] take Anne de Bourgh to the seaside for her health. Escorting his kinswomen was none other than our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was such a delight. There were many intrigues as Lady Catherine canvased the local gentry for a suitable situation for Anne. Best laid plans… Lady C… never work out. What a surprise! It was so cute watching the different characters. You don’t have to have read Sanditon to enjoy this delightful season at the seaside.
7) Dream Spinner: Morgan K. Wyatt: ends at 79%
It was a stormy night… wait, wrong intro… it was during a flash storm, on a busy highway [known as a death trap], in northern KY. A wreck, a trucker and a sales rep meet and wonder about those memorable moment. It is modern, cute and short. It was delightful, although rushed.
8) Northanger Revisited: Karen M. Cox: ends at 99%
This variation on Northanger Abbey translated so well to a modern seaside location. We are at the beach with all our Northanger characters and it was a delightful variation. It was so creative and I loved it… until it abruptly ended. I mean… BAM! I was just getting into the story. Dang.
This was a cute compilation of short stories that centered around the theme of summer. I think some of these were longer in scope and were trimmed to meet size requirements of this work. I say that due to the rushed feeling in some stories… like pieces were missing or in one story… it just ended… like the rest of the story was chopped off. It stopped at a point where our knowledge of the rest of the story would help. If, for instance, someone had no knowledge of the story… they would be left hanging. However, this was delightful and a nice book to have whether on vacation or a staycation. You and read a story, stop and smell the roses, and then go back to it.
May 1, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
In Spyglasses and Sunburns by J. Marie Croft, we have a romantic comedy. The Gardiners decide to visit the seashore, Sandfirthstrand, instead of the Lake District with their daughters, Jenny and Anna, and with nieces, Jane, Elizabeth and Catherine, and imagine who is staying next door…Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana. Telescopes or is it “Spyglasses”: Who is looking at the “scenery” and who is looking at “heavenly bodies”? Then there is the matter of trying to decide if certain persons are blushing or if they just had too much sun that day. Did you know that Darcy has a heart shaped birth mark on his??? - Delightful! (I was glad I read an explanation of the Bathing Machines and the segregated area for genders as well as proper attire on one of the blogs before reading this episode.) The author added some knowledge of the local flora and fauna which I enjoyed. And I applaud her play on words.
@ 18% - Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose is, as stated in the description, a modern-day Persuasion. Callie is a novice wedding planner as the behest of her aunt and her cousin. Then she learns that the one groom’s man is none other than Cameron, the man she “stood up” eight years ago, when he wanted her to marry him and move east to his new job with the Navy Seals. This is anything but a comedy. (It reminds me of the book “Making Faces”.) This might be a Persuasion knock-off but the topic is so much more serious. It addresses not only second chances but also jumping to conclusions and beauty being only skin deep. It moved me to tears. Both Callie and Cam had a lot to learn and to forgive about each other. It touches on a subject that affects so many of our service men and women in present day. But don’t take that as a hint as to what happened to Cam…you have to read to learn the reality. Sophia Rose took a very heavy topic and made it touch my heart.
@ 35% - The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler. I would imagine that in reading the book description readers intuit what this selection is about. You’re right. The first part is, of course, rated MA. However, I must add that there is a little twist in the schooling event: and in the completion of such for Darcy…not quite as you imagined. And leave it to our good Col. Fitzwilliam to use his own intuition, while at Hunsford, to see the lay of the land. (No pun intended.)
@ 44% - Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards. Set primarily at a masquerade ball, Sir Shadow and Lady Butterfly share melancholy thoughts on a secluded balcony. Almost as in a confessional the promise of anonymity allows open and forthright discussion between “strangers” about lost loves and regrets. Then they make a promise to seek resolution. But in avoiding the other’s company can Elizabeth and Darcy admit true feelings? This was completely sweet and rewarding in its conclusion.
@ 49% - Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory. This is a charmingly delightful story of the shades (as in ghost or specter) of Pemberley interceding in a most necessary way to help ODC reach an understanding. Set as Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner visit Pemberley on that fateful day months after she so vehemently rejected his proposal at Hunsford.
@ 58% - A Summer in Sandition by Abigail Bok. When participation in the Season in London brings no proposals for Anne, Lady Catherine is determined to simply seek another place in which to exhibit her daughter. After all with her dowry and her connections how can she fail to receive an offer? So when Mr. Wingfield vehemently recommends Sanditon, a seaside town in which he will be employed as physician, Lady C. drags Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, escorted by Col. Fitzwilliam there for the summer. We meet all the characters in canon: Lady Denham, Sidney Parker, Arthur Parker, Miss Parker, Miss Clara Brereton & Baronet Sir Edward Denham. With a limited society these are thrown into company often. It was interesting to read of conversations between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Denham – two who are able to continue to express their decided opinions without condescending to hear the other. And Anne’s courage surprised me but then, she did have a reason to want to partake of a little sea bathing. Surprise here…as to her conniving. Oh, Anne, you did learn something about getting your way at the feet of a Master in that effort.
@ 71% - Morgan K Wyatt’s Dream Spinner. Set in 1982, Louisville, Kentucky, Lola and Brett meet as she loses control while reaching for a cigarette and swerves her car. He, a trucker, has the instincts and skills to prevent a deadly accident, although there is some wreckage. But he makes friendly like, asking only for a sincere kiss as a reward, she takes a job detour and fate brings them together in the end.
@ 79% - Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M. Cox. We travel with Catherine Morland to vacation, not in Bath, but in a fictionalized seaside, Northanger Island, with its Northanger Manor, Georgia. We meet the Allens, (Aunt Paulette and Uncle Alan), brother, James Morland, Susan Thorpe, John and his sister, Isabella Thorpe and most importantly: Rick, Henry and Elle Tilney. Henry is the local police officer. And we read of familiar venues: the Pump Room Café & Upper Dance Hall and Crescent Avenue. Henry is not versed in the qualities of muslin but ask him about jewelry stores and its wares. In their discussion about genres of literature Catherine asks Henry, “Which Jane Austen book didn’t you read?” “The first one she ever wrote – the satire about gothic novels. I can’t recall the name.” The story is indeed a modern retelling of JA’s canon, but charming, nonetheless.
It was difficult to assign an overall rating to this book as there were 8 stories by 8 different authors. Some I liked more than others. It was well edited. I found no spelling or grammatical errors.
In Spyglasses and Sunburns by J. Marie Croft, we have a romantic comedy. The Gardiners decide to visit the seashore, Sandfirthstrand, instead of the Lake District with their daughters, Jenny and Anna, and with nieces, Jane, Elizabeth and Catherine, and imagine who is staying next door…Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana. Telescopes or is it “Spyglasses”: Who is looking at the “scenery” and who is looking at “heavenly bodies”? Then there is the matter of trying to decide if certain persons are blushing or if they just had too much sun that day. Did you know that Darcy has a heart shaped birth mark on his??? - Delightful! (I was glad I read an explanation of the Bathing Machines and the segregated area for genders as well as proper attire on one of the blogs before reading this episode.) The author added some knowledge of the local flora and fauna which I enjoyed. And I applaud her play on words.
@ 18% - Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose is, as stated in the description, a modern-day Persuasion. Callie is a novice wedding planner as the behest of her aunt and her cousin. Then she learns that the one groom’s man is none other than Cameron, the man she “stood up” eight years ago, when he wanted her to marry him and move east to his new job with the Navy Seals. This is anything but a comedy. (It reminds me of the book “Making Faces”.) This might be a Persuasion knock-off but the topic is so much more serious. It addresses not only second chances but also jumping to conclusions and beauty being only skin deep. It moved me to tears. Both Callie and Cam had a lot to learn and to forgive about each other. It touches on a subject that affects so many of our service men and women in present day. But don’t take that as a hint as to what happened to Cam…you have to read to learn the reality. Sophia Rose took a very heavy topic and made it touch my heart.
@ 35% - The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler. I would imagine that in reading the book description readers intuit what this selection is about. You’re right. The first part is, of course, rated MA. However, I must add that there is a little twist in the schooling event: and in the completion of such for Darcy…not quite as you imagined. And leave it to our good Col. Fitzwilliam to use his own intuition, while at Hunsford, to see the lay of the land. (No pun intended.)
@ 44% - Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards. Set primarily at a masquerade ball, Sir Shadow and Lady Butterfly share melancholy thoughts on a secluded balcony. Almost as in a confessional the promise of anonymity allows open and forthright discussion between “strangers” about lost loves and regrets. Then they make a promise to seek resolution. But in avoiding the other’s company can Elizabeth and Darcy admit true feelings? This was completely sweet and rewarding in its conclusion.
@ 49% - Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory. This is a charmingly delightful story of the shades (as in ghost or specter) of Pemberley interceding in a most necessary way to help ODC reach an understanding. Set as Elizabeth and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner visit Pemberley on that fateful day months after she so vehemently rejected his proposal at Hunsford.
@ 58% - A Summer in Sandition by Abigail Bok. When participation in the Season in London brings no proposals for Anne, Lady Catherine is determined to simply seek another place in which to exhibit her daughter. After all with her dowry and her connections how can she fail to receive an offer? So when Mr. Wingfield vehemently recommends Sanditon, a seaside town in which he will be employed as physician, Lady C. drags Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson, escorted by Col. Fitzwilliam there for the summer. We meet all the characters in canon: Lady Denham, Sidney Parker, Arthur Parker, Miss Parker, Miss Clara Brereton & Baronet Sir Edward Denham. With a limited society these are thrown into company often. It was interesting to read of conversations between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Denham – two who are able to continue to express their decided opinions without condescending to hear the other. And Anne’s courage surprised me but then, she did have a reason to want to partake of a little sea bathing. Surprise here…as to her conniving. Oh, Anne, you did learn something about getting your way at the feet of a Master in that effort.
@ 71% - Morgan K Wyatt’s Dream Spinner. Set in 1982, Louisville, Kentucky, Lola and Brett meet as she loses control while reaching for a cigarette and swerves her car. He, a trucker, has the instincts and skills to prevent a deadly accident, although there is some wreckage. But he makes friendly like, asking only for a sincere kiss as a reward, she takes a job detour and fate brings them together in the end.
@ 79% - Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M. Cox. We travel with Catherine Morland to vacation, not in Bath, but in a fictionalized seaside, Northanger Island, with its Northanger Manor, Georgia. We meet the Allens, (Aunt Paulette and Uncle Alan), brother, James Morland, Susan Thorpe, John and his sister, Isabella Thorpe and most importantly: Rick, Henry and Elle Tilney. Henry is the local police officer. And we read of familiar venues: the Pump Room Café & Upper Dance Hall and Crescent Avenue. Henry is not versed in the qualities of muslin but ask him about jewelry stores and its wares. In their discussion about genres of literature Catherine asks Henry, “Which Jane Austen book didn’t you read?” “The first one she ever wrote – the satire about gothic novels. I can’t recall the name.” The story is indeed a modern retelling of JA’s canon, but charming, nonetheless.
It was difficult to assign an overall rating to this book as there were 8 stories by 8 different authors. Some I liked more than others. It was well edited. I found no spelling or grammatical errors.
Read
June 20, 2015I am choosing not to rate this book since I have a 'horse in this race' so to speak, but naturally I had to read all the other stories in the book because, hey, I am a reader and adorer of Austenesque stories.
This book goes by fast, but is the ultimate summer variety pack of stories. It also offers a variety of emotional tones, too. I laughed, I sighed, and I swooned over the comedy, the feel-good, and the enchanting. It was humbling to see my story mixed in with the others.
This was a nice sampler of new to me authors and stories that definitely remind one of summer and my love of Jane Austen.
This book goes by fast, but is the ultimate summer variety pack of stories. It also offers a variety of emotional tones, too. I laughed, I sighed, and I swooned over the comedy, the feel-good, and the enchanting. It was humbling to see my story mixed in with the others.
This was a nice sampler of new to me authors and stories that definitely remind one of summer and my love of Jane Austen.
July 25, 2015
4.5 stars! Sweet Scenes that Savor the Delights of the Summer Season!
Summer is my favorite season, mostly because I get to read outside in a variety of settings – by the pool, in my hammock, at the beach. In addition, I love what summer represents – a time to go on holiday, to visit new places, to go somewhere scenic. I’m thrilled that Meryton Press, one of my favorite publishers, has published their first short-story anthology and that the theme of the anthology is summer romance. Since there are eight short-stories by eight different authors, I thought I’d briefly touch upon each story individually. I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
SPYGLASSES AND SUNBURNS – J. Marie Croft
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Perfectly captured the essence of a beach holiday! Loved seeing the Gardiners and Bennets run into the Darcys and Bingleys. What a pleasant and diverting twist of events. And as always, I adore J. Marie Croft’s splendid sense of humor. Everyone seemed to get the most irregular of sunburns on this holiday!
SECOND CHANCE ON SUNSET BEACH – Sophia Rose
Type of Story: Persuasion Inspired (Contemporary)
My Thoughts: A truly beautiful and compelling romance! Takes place on Sunset Beach (my favorite kind of setting) and during a wedding weekend. It was a very moving story, Callie (Anne) is extraordinary and admirable, and her reunion with Camden (Wentworth) is everything that is tender and satisfying. One of my faves!
THE INCOMPLETE EDUCATION OF FITZWILLIAM DARCY – Linda Beutler
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Prequel (Regency) (Mature Audience)
My Thoughts: Prearranged lessons for Darcy to learn the art of pleasing a woman! It was interesting to see how Darcy behaved in such a setting. I thought it was very true to character. And while the second part of the story felt a little too brief, I enjoyed seeing the connecting links to Jane Austen’s plot and timeline.
MIDSUMMER MADNESS – Natalie Richards
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Sometimes it is easier to confess the truth to a stranger! I enjoyed this sweet interlude between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their costumes, clever appellations, confessions of love, and the enchanted atmosphere of it all made me think this story was as much an ode to Shakespeare as it was to Jane Austen.
SHADES OF PEMBERLEY – KaraLynne Mackrory
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Imagine finding yourself locked in a room at Pemberley! I loved witnessing both Darcy and Elizabeth’s thoughts about each other. Poor Darcy thought he was seeing a ghost or going mad! Without giving away too much, I will say I loved how Ms. Mackrory hearkened back to one her previous novels (*wink wink* I see what you did there!)
A SUMMER IN SANDITON – Abigail Bok
Type of Story: Cross-Over Sequel – Pride and Prejudice/Sanditon (Regency)
My Thoughts: When proposals of marriage do not befall a young lady in London or her home county she must seek them abroad! I loved seeing these characters interact with each other – especially Lady Denham and Lady Catherine! Classic! Was slightly confused as to why some Sanditon characters were altered, but overall felt like I was treated to the restorative properties of a seaside resort holiday myself! I long to go to Sanditon!
DREAM SPINNER – Morgan K. Wyatt
Type of Story: Non-Austenesque (1980s)
My Thoughts: Sometimes facing a new and different reality is better than living on dreams! A refreshing and inspiring story. The descriptions were vivid and the setting skillfully brought to life. Even though things progressed rather quickly I found myself interested in these characters and satisfied with this original tale.
NORTHANGER REVISITED 2015 – Karen M. Cox
Type of Story: Northanger Abbey Inspired (Contemporary)
My Thoughts: A lovely modern update! I thought the characterization just brilliant – Henry was of course adorable, Catherine endearing and open, and John Thorpe a colossal annoyance!
Summer is my favorite season, mostly because I get to read outside in a variety of settings – by the pool, in my hammock, at the beach. In addition, I love what summer represents – a time to go on holiday, to visit new places, to go somewhere scenic. I’m thrilled that Meryton Press, one of my favorite publishers, has published their first short-story anthology and that the theme of the anthology is summer romance. Since there are eight short-stories by eight different authors, I thought I’d briefly touch upon each story individually. I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
SPYGLASSES AND SUNBURNS – J. Marie Croft
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Perfectly captured the essence of a beach holiday! Loved seeing the Gardiners and Bennets run into the Darcys and Bingleys. What a pleasant and diverting twist of events. And as always, I adore J. Marie Croft’s splendid sense of humor. Everyone seemed to get the most irregular of sunburns on this holiday!
SECOND CHANCE ON SUNSET BEACH – Sophia Rose
Type of Story: Persuasion Inspired (Contemporary)
My Thoughts: A truly beautiful and compelling romance! Takes place on Sunset Beach (my favorite kind of setting) and during a wedding weekend. It was a very moving story, Callie (Anne) is extraordinary and admirable, and her reunion with Camden (Wentworth) is everything that is tender and satisfying. One of my faves!
THE INCOMPLETE EDUCATION OF FITZWILLIAM DARCY – Linda Beutler
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Prequel (Regency) (Mature Audience)
My Thoughts: Prearranged lessons for Darcy to learn the art of pleasing a woman! It was interesting to see how Darcy behaved in such a setting. I thought it was very true to character. And while the second part of the story felt a little too brief, I enjoyed seeing the connecting links to Jane Austen’s plot and timeline.
MIDSUMMER MADNESS – Natalie Richards
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Sometimes it is easier to confess the truth to a stranger! I enjoyed this sweet interlude between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their costumes, clever appellations, confessions of love, and the enchanted atmosphere of it all made me think this story was as much an ode to Shakespeare as it was to Jane Austen.
SHADES OF PEMBERLEY – KaraLynne Mackrory
Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation (Regency)
My Thoughts: Imagine finding yourself locked in a room at Pemberley! I loved witnessing both Darcy and Elizabeth’s thoughts about each other. Poor Darcy thought he was seeing a ghost or going mad! Without giving away too much, I will say I loved how Ms. Mackrory hearkened back to one her previous novels (*wink wink* I see what you did there!)
A SUMMER IN SANDITON – Abigail Bok
Type of Story: Cross-Over Sequel – Pride and Prejudice/Sanditon (Regency)
My Thoughts: When proposals of marriage do not befall a young lady in London or her home county she must seek them abroad! I loved seeing these characters interact with each other – especially Lady Denham and Lady Catherine! Classic! Was slightly confused as to why some Sanditon characters were altered, but overall felt like I was treated to the restorative properties of a seaside resort holiday myself! I long to go to Sanditon!
DREAM SPINNER – Morgan K. Wyatt
Type of Story: Non-Austenesque (1980s)
My Thoughts: Sometimes facing a new and different reality is better than living on dreams! A refreshing and inspiring story. The descriptions were vivid and the setting skillfully brought to life. Even though things progressed rather quickly I found myself interested in these characters and satisfied with this original tale.
NORTHANGER REVISITED 2015 – Karen M. Cox
Type of Story: Northanger Abbey Inspired (Contemporary)
My Thoughts: A lovely modern update! I thought the characterization just brilliant – Henry was of course adorable, Catherine endearing and open, and John Thorpe a colossal annoyance!
July 31, 2015
This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
A while ago, Meryton Press (who publish mainly Austen-inspired fiction) ran a short story competition. The story had to be romantic, and have a flavour of summer. The four stories judged best would be included in this anthology, along with four stories by some of Meryton Press’ established authors, J Marie Croft, KaraLynne Mackrory, Linda Beutler and Karen M Cox. This review is a little long, as I have done mini reviews of each story.
Spyglasses & Sunburns by J Marie Croft
J Marie Croft also wrote the wonderful ‘Love at First Slight’ which was one of my favourite reads of last year – that one featured a change in gender of many main characters of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and I found it a really entertaining and ingenious read. One of the things I really enjoyed in that book was the wordplay – the puns and the humour, and I am pleased to say that there was plenty of both in this story. Here, rather than visit Derbyshire, Elizabeth has gone with the Gardiners, Jane and Kitty to visit a seaside resort. The idea is to try and cure poor Kitty’s troublesome cough (isn’t that a fun reference?! It really tickled me).
Luckily, Mr Darcy has also ventured to the seaside with his friend Bingley, as Miss Darcy is to study music with a man who resides there. The Bennet/Gardiner party is spotted from a window when they arrive at their lodgings:
“My brother’s comments were so complimentary, I once suspected him of forming a tendre. Look, he is blushing!”
“I most certainly am not,” said Darcy, drawing himself up. “Perhaps I spent too much time in the sun today.”
“You spent the morning writing letters before listening to me play. You have not had too much sun today. Unless...” Stifling a sly smile, she said, “Can one burn while looking through a window?”
God, yes! “I think not. One can, however, burn with curiosity,” said Darcy.
After confessing to Bingley (and nearly coming to fisticuffs) both men set about courting their ladies, while being unsure that their attentions will be welcomed. What follows is some very lovely romance, and some mischief, courtesy of a spyglass, some sea-bathing, and some strange sunburn that comes and goes. I really enjoyed Darcy and Bingley’s interactions, their relationship was full of banter and very enjoyable. This was such a wonderful way to start out the book! I so enjoyed this story and will definitely re-read it.
Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose
We have a complete change of pace with debut Sophia Rose (who is a dear reading buddy of mine, reviewing for ‘The Delighted Reader’ as well as running the Austenesque TBR Group on Goodreads. Second chances combined with Austenesque means a ‘Persuasion’-inspired story. This was quite a melancholy read. Callie is an artist, and is dreading today: her cousin is soon to be married and part of the wedding party is the man who left her life 8 years ago, under circumstances which can’t have failed to have made him bitter towards her.
Navy Seal Cameron has come to town determined to show Callie that her rejection of him hasn’t affected him at all (of course, the gentleman doth protest too much). Although this isn’t in itself a sad story, it made me feel sad when I considered how much time had been wasted between these two. I think in some respects ‘Persuasion’ can be tricky to update; in the original I could see both points of view and although Anne’s decision not to marry Frederick wasn’t the right decision, it was the ‘safe’ and understandable decision and done with Captain Wentworth’s interests in mind. Here it was the same, but really so unnecessary! It was a good change of pace, but a little melancholy for me.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler
This was a story of how Darcy was initiated to the world of women and is probably going to be a little divisive. Here, Darcy and his cousins go to Paris, where Mr Darcy senior has arranged for Darcy to be initiated to the joys of the flesh and learn how to please a lady, however, things do not go as originally planned.
There are some people who like to believe that Darcy came to the marriage bed as a virgin, and others who believe that it’s unlikely. I am one of the latter. However, just because I think he would have had experience before he met Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t mean that I want to read about it so I have mixed feelings about this story. In itself, this story (from the author of ‘The Red Chrysanthemum’ and ‘Longbourn to London’) is actually very entertaining, but the subject matter isn’t particularly something I want to read about! The other stories I have read by this author have all had sex scenes, but this story (and indeed, the whole book) has none. This story is still probably the spiciest read of the collection.
Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards
Natalie is the blog mistress over at ‘Songs and Stories’. I recognised her name from various message boards and was very curious to read her story. This was a lovely little tale. Over a year after the failed Hunsford proposal, Bingley and Jane Bennet are married, but Darcy has steered well clear of his friend’s sister-in-law. Though his feelings are still as ardent as ever, he believes that he wouldn’t be welcome. At a masquerade, Darcy sees that his sister is safe with one of their cousins and feels able to retreat for a few moments. On a balcony, he meets a lady that he finds very attractive, despite his heart belonging to his beloved Elizabeth. They begin talking and realise that they share the same bond of heartbreak. Darcy comes up with a suggestion of how they could each right matters with their respective loves and proposes that they make a bargain to do so:
‘She gasped in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
“What if we did? What if we made a bagain? I would speak to my lady and you would speak to your gentleman.” It was a mad idea but the best sort of midsummer madness.’
We then follow Darcy as he goes to put his part of the plan into action, and see how favourably this is received...
Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory
Austenesque readers will no doubt recognise KaraLynne Mackrory as the author of such fantastic Austenesque tales as ‘Bluebells in the Mourning’ and ‘Haunting Mr Darcy: A Spirited Courtship’. The latter of these books has a paranormal element to it, as Elizabeth’s spirit is haunting Darcy while her body is gravely ill, and this short story has an element of something unusual happening too. Here, we arrive at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners are visiting, and in a change from the original, there is also another party visiting, a young lady and her father.
Lingering in the portrait gallery, Elizabeth manages to become detached from the rest of her party, who have moved on to the gardens, where Mr Darcy bumps into them. He thinks at first that the young lady is Elizabeth, but realises his mistake when she turns around. He has a strict talk to himself to stop being so imaginative, and then heads off to the house. When he then spots Elizabeth in the house, he convinces himself that he is imagining things. It seems as though Darcy might miss his chance of meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley until other forces take a hand. This was a really entertaining story and though there is a paranormal element to it, it’s not creepy at all, but lighthearted.
A Summer in Sanditon by Abigail Bok
This was the overall winner among the competition entries. I read Abigail Bok’s modern update of ‘Pride & Prejudice’, ‘An Obstinate, Headstrong Girl’ earlier this year, and very much enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this. Unlike that book, this story is historical, set the year after Mr Darcy’s marriage to Miss Bennet. Although these characters do not feature in the story, their marriage acted as a catalyst to it. Now that Mr Darcy is unavailable, Lady Catherine has set about finding a husband for Miss Anne de Bourgh, making her take part in the London season (where unfortunately she did not ‘take’). Rather than admit defeat and slink back off to Rosings, Lady Catherine decides that the very thing to do is to go to a seaside resort. The one she decides to go to is the up and coming Sanditon.
Many of you will recognise this as the name of the novel Jane Austen was working on when she died, and if you haven’t read it, the plot can be found summarised on Wikipedia. I think knowing the character names and having some idea of their characters would be helpful in reading this story, however, a synopsis won’t give you the full blast of Sir Edward’s verboseness, you’d be better off reading the text for that!
Here, Sanditon is very similar to the Sanditon of Austen’s story, although the relationship between Sir Edward and Lady Denham is different, as she is his aunt by marriage in Austen’s story and his mother/stepmother here. The other big difference is that there is no Charlotte Heywood, who is the heroine of the book.
So Sanditon is where poor Anne de Bourgh is headed, with her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam as escort. As we know, Anne is not in the best of health – Lady Catherine has of course not considered Anne’s opinion or wishes in being taken to London or indeed to Sanditon and the poor dear is exhausted:
‘At this moment, the most ambitious wish of her heart was that the journey would be over so she could lie down upon a bed while Mrs. Jenkinson bathed her face with lavender water.’
Once Anne feels more the thing she begins to mix in Sanditon society and quickly discovers what those of us who have read Austen’s ‘Sanditon’ know; there is quite an odd selection of people here! She finds she can avoid them better if she exerts herself and goes on some nice long walks with her cousin, which has the fortunate side effect of improving her health and stamina. As this happens she has more energy to notice things around her, and she begins to worry about the Colonel, and his seeming interest in the beautiful but poor Miss Beresford, who is the companion of the Lady Catherine of Sanditon, Lady Denham. Anne believes that there is some sort of intrigue going on between Miss Beresford and Sir Edward, and doesn’t want her cousin to get mixed up with it. So she plans a diversion...
This story was a real joy to read; I really enjoy this author’s style. I always think that Anne de Bourgh is something of a blank slate, and can be developed in a number of directions. This was a direction I wasn’t expecting – as I said, here she is a sweet lady and I liked her very much, although she is very naive, and even wilfully blind at times. My favourite part of this story was actually seeing Lady Catherine meet a character very similar to her own:
‘The two ladies, sharing a love of disputation and an equal lack of willingness to alter their own opinions, found themselves tolerably content with each other’s company. Each made her own pronouncements without being at all moved by the contrary views of the other, and they were perfectly happy to talk past each other.’
Dream Spinner by Morgan K Wyatt
Ms Wyatt is an author with a number of books under her belt, mainly contemporary romance and crime books from what I can see. This story was about a woman who sold items for a hope chest, giving demonstrations at people’s homes. Part of her sales patter was to ‘spin the dream’ of a wonderful future life for the working class people she was visiting, in order to enthuse them into buying things they don’t really want and can’t really afford. On this occasion, the woman is involved in a traffic accident on the way to her appointment, and narrowly avoids being hit by a truck, which makes her re-evaluate her career choice. This story was set in the 80s, which was a touch I really liked, and it was an interesting short story, though I found the heroine’s decisions a touch impetuous.
However, for me, this story felt out of place in the book. All the other stories, were Austen-inspired and while the competition didn’t require for the stories to be Austen-inspired every other story was so it didn’t really seem to fit with the other stories.
Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M Cox
Those of you familiar with Karen M Cox’s work might remember that she has written modernised versions of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Persuasion’ (‘1932’ and ‘Find Wonder in All Things’ respectively). I was really pleased to see that she’d done an update of ‘Northanger Abbey’, which I would say is probably the story of Austen’s that is most fun. This is a fun story too. Catherine is a sweet girl, on holiday at the beach at Northanger Island with her aunt and uncle. She meets a number of people, including Henry, who here is a police officer. There are a number of lovely little nods back to the original, such as this one (please excuse the long quote, but I really liked it!):
“Oh, I see what you’re thinking. You’ll be posting on Instagram about that weird guy you met down by the beach.”
Catherine put on a teasing voice of her own and batted her lashed in wide-eyed innocence. “How do you know I even have Instagram?”
“Of course you have one; all you co-eds have Instagram. You’ll post a selfie, wearing your designer swim attire with its matching cover up.”
His eyes took in her outfit but came back to rest on her face. “The caption will read, ‘Looking good, but had to suffer a goofy stranger trying to chat me up while I bought a piña colada.’ Don’t forget to post a picture of the piña colada.”
The bartender rolled his eyes.
“I’ll do no such thing,” Catherine declared.
“You know what you should post don’t you?”
“What?”
“’Met this great guy down at the beach snack bar. Had a fascinating conversation. He’s probably a genius. Want to get to know him better.’ That is what you should say.”
After a few days Catherine makes friends with Isabella Thorpe and then Catherine’s brother arrives, bringing in tow John Thorpe. If Henry is Austen’s most amusing male, then John Thorpe has surely got to be in contention for most ridiculous one. Here, he is just as obnoxious, charmless and over-familiar as canon, though rather than boasting about how fast his horses are he drives a pick up truck with oversized wheels and boasts about his low m.p.g.!
Catherine is reading a gothic Regency romance, which surprised me, as in ‘Northanger Abbey’ updates it’s usually a vampire story. I wondered how the gothic Regency reading could possibly lead Catherine’s imagination astray and I was a little disappointed that the story finishes before this point of NA is reached. However, this is a lovely short story with a really charming romance.
In summary, I really enjoyed this summery offering from Meryton Press. As in any anthology, some stories worked better than others for me, but the standard of all of them was excellent. I would certainly recommend this book for some summer reading, and I’d rate it as a 4 star read.
*I received an e-book in return for my honest review as part of the 'Sunkissed' blog tour.
A while ago, Meryton Press (who publish mainly Austen-inspired fiction) ran a short story competition. The story had to be romantic, and have a flavour of summer. The four stories judged best would be included in this anthology, along with four stories by some of Meryton Press’ established authors, J Marie Croft, KaraLynne Mackrory, Linda Beutler and Karen M Cox. This review is a little long, as I have done mini reviews of each story.
Spyglasses & Sunburns by J Marie Croft
J Marie Croft also wrote the wonderful ‘Love at First Slight’ which was one of my favourite reads of last year – that one featured a change in gender of many main characters of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and I found it a really entertaining and ingenious read. One of the things I really enjoyed in that book was the wordplay – the puns and the humour, and I am pleased to say that there was plenty of both in this story. Here, rather than visit Derbyshire, Elizabeth has gone with the Gardiners, Jane and Kitty to visit a seaside resort. The idea is to try and cure poor Kitty’s troublesome cough (isn’t that a fun reference?! It really tickled me).
Luckily, Mr Darcy has also ventured to the seaside with his friend Bingley, as Miss Darcy is to study music with a man who resides there. The Bennet/Gardiner party is spotted from a window when they arrive at their lodgings:
“My brother’s comments were so complimentary, I once suspected him of forming a tendre. Look, he is blushing!”
“I most certainly am not,” said Darcy, drawing himself up. “Perhaps I spent too much time in the sun today.”
“You spent the morning writing letters before listening to me play. You have not had too much sun today. Unless...” Stifling a sly smile, she said, “Can one burn while looking through a window?”
God, yes! “I think not. One can, however, burn with curiosity,” said Darcy.
After confessing to Bingley (and nearly coming to fisticuffs) both men set about courting their ladies, while being unsure that their attentions will be welcomed. What follows is some very lovely romance, and some mischief, courtesy of a spyglass, some sea-bathing, and some strange sunburn that comes and goes. I really enjoyed Darcy and Bingley’s interactions, their relationship was full of banter and very enjoyable. This was such a wonderful way to start out the book! I so enjoyed this story and will definitely re-read it.
Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose
We have a complete change of pace with debut Sophia Rose (who is a dear reading buddy of mine, reviewing for ‘The Delighted Reader’ as well as running the Austenesque TBR Group on Goodreads. Second chances combined with Austenesque means a ‘Persuasion’-inspired story. This was quite a melancholy read. Callie is an artist, and is dreading today: her cousin is soon to be married and part of the wedding party is the man who left her life 8 years ago, under circumstances which can’t have failed to have made him bitter towards her.
Navy Seal Cameron has come to town determined to show Callie that her rejection of him hasn’t affected him at all (of course, the gentleman doth protest too much). Although this isn’t in itself a sad story, it made me feel sad when I considered how much time had been wasted between these two. I think in some respects ‘Persuasion’ can be tricky to update; in the original I could see both points of view and although Anne’s decision not to marry Frederick wasn’t the right decision, it was the ‘safe’ and understandable decision and done with Captain Wentworth’s interests in mind. Here it was the same, but really so unnecessary! It was a good change of pace, but a little melancholy for me.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler
This was a story of how Darcy was initiated to the world of women and is probably going to be a little divisive. Here, Darcy and his cousins go to Paris, where Mr Darcy senior has arranged for Darcy to be initiated to the joys of the flesh and learn how to please a lady, however, things do not go as originally planned.
There are some people who like to believe that Darcy came to the marriage bed as a virgin, and others who believe that it’s unlikely. I am one of the latter. However, just because I think he would have had experience before he met Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t mean that I want to read about it so I have mixed feelings about this story. In itself, this story (from the author of ‘The Red Chrysanthemum’ and ‘Longbourn to London’) is actually very entertaining, but the subject matter isn’t particularly something I want to read about! The other stories I have read by this author have all had sex scenes, but this story (and indeed, the whole book) has none. This story is still probably the spiciest read of the collection.
Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards
Natalie is the blog mistress over at ‘Songs and Stories’. I recognised her name from various message boards and was very curious to read her story. This was a lovely little tale. Over a year after the failed Hunsford proposal, Bingley and Jane Bennet are married, but Darcy has steered well clear of his friend’s sister-in-law. Though his feelings are still as ardent as ever, he believes that he wouldn’t be welcome. At a masquerade, Darcy sees that his sister is safe with one of their cousins and feels able to retreat for a few moments. On a balcony, he meets a lady that he finds very attractive, despite his heart belonging to his beloved Elizabeth. They begin talking and realise that they share the same bond of heartbreak. Darcy comes up with a suggestion of how they could each right matters with their respective loves and proposes that they make a bargain to do so:
‘She gasped in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
“What if we did? What if we made a bagain? I would speak to my lady and you would speak to your gentleman.” It was a mad idea but the best sort of midsummer madness.’
We then follow Darcy as he goes to put his part of the plan into action, and see how favourably this is received...
Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory
Austenesque readers will no doubt recognise KaraLynne Mackrory as the author of such fantastic Austenesque tales as ‘Bluebells in the Mourning’ and ‘Haunting Mr Darcy: A Spirited Courtship’. The latter of these books has a paranormal element to it, as Elizabeth’s spirit is haunting Darcy while her body is gravely ill, and this short story has an element of something unusual happening too. Here, we arrive at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners are visiting, and in a change from the original, there is also another party visiting, a young lady and her father.
Lingering in the portrait gallery, Elizabeth manages to become detached from the rest of her party, who have moved on to the gardens, where Mr Darcy bumps into them. He thinks at first that the young lady is Elizabeth, but realises his mistake when she turns around. He has a strict talk to himself to stop being so imaginative, and then heads off to the house. When he then spots Elizabeth in the house, he convinces himself that he is imagining things. It seems as though Darcy might miss his chance of meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley until other forces take a hand. This was a really entertaining story and though there is a paranormal element to it, it’s not creepy at all, but lighthearted.
A Summer in Sanditon by Abigail Bok
This was the overall winner among the competition entries. I read Abigail Bok’s modern update of ‘Pride & Prejudice’, ‘An Obstinate, Headstrong Girl’ earlier this year, and very much enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading this. Unlike that book, this story is historical, set the year after Mr Darcy’s marriage to Miss Bennet. Although these characters do not feature in the story, their marriage acted as a catalyst to it. Now that Mr Darcy is unavailable, Lady Catherine has set about finding a husband for Miss Anne de Bourgh, making her take part in the London season (where unfortunately she did not ‘take’). Rather than admit defeat and slink back off to Rosings, Lady Catherine decides that the very thing to do is to go to a seaside resort. The one she decides to go to is the up and coming Sanditon.
Many of you will recognise this as the name of the novel Jane Austen was working on when she died, and if you haven’t read it, the plot can be found summarised on Wikipedia. I think knowing the character names and having some idea of their characters would be helpful in reading this story, however, a synopsis won’t give you the full blast of Sir Edward’s verboseness, you’d be better off reading the text for that!
Here, Sanditon is very similar to the Sanditon of Austen’s story, although the relationship between Sir Edward and Lady Denham is different, as she is his aunt by marriage in Austen’s story and his mother/stepmother here. The other big difference is that there is no Charlotte Heywood, who is the heroine of the book.
So Sanditon is where poor Anne de Bourgh is headed, with her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam as escort. As we know, Anne is not in the best of health – Lady Catherine has of course not considered Anne’s opinion or wishes in being taken to London or indeed to Sanditon and the poor dear is exhausted:
‘At this moment, the most ambitious wish of her heart was that the journey would be over so she could lie down upon a bed while Mrs. Jenkinson bathed her face with lavender water.’
Once Anne feels more the thing she begins to mix in Sanditon society and quickly discovers what those of us who have read Austen’s ‘Sanditon’ know; there is quite an odd selection of people here! She finds she can avoid them better if she exerts herself and goes on some nice long walks with her cousin, which has the fortunate side effect of improving her health and stamina. As this happens she has more energy to notice things around her, and she begins to worry about the Colonel, and his seeming interest in the beautiful but poor Miss Beresford, who is the companion of the Lady Catherine of Sanditon, Lady Denham. Anne believes that there is some sort of intrigue going on between Miss Beresford and Sir Edward, and doesn’t want her cousin to get mixed up with it. So she plans a diversion...
This story was a real joy to read; I really enjoy this author’s style. I always think that Anne de Bourgh is something of a blank slate, and can be developed in a number of directions. This was a direction I wasn’t expecting – as I said, here she is a sweet lady and I liked her very much, although she is very naive, and even wilfully blind at times. My favourite part of this story was actually seeing Lady Catherine meet a character very similar to her own:
‘The two ladies, sharing a love of disputation and an equal lack of willingness to alter their own opinions, found themselves tolerably content with each other’s company. Each made her own pronouncements without being at all moved by the contrary views of the other, and they were perfectly happy to talk past each other.’
Dream Spinner by Morgan K Wyatt
Ms Wyatt is an author with a number of books under her belt, mainly contemporary romance and crime books from what I can see. This story was about a woman who sold items for a hope chest, giving demonstrations at people’s homes. Part of her sales patter was to ‘spin the dream’ of a wonderful future life for the working class people she was visiting, in order to enthuse them into buying things they don’t really want and can’t really afford. On this occasion, the woman is involved in a traffic accident on the way to her appointment, and narrowly avoids being hit by a truck, which makes her re-evaluate her career choice. This story was set in the 80s, which was a touch I really liked, and it was an interesting short story, though I found the heroine’s decisions a touch impetuous.
However, for me, this story felt out of place in the book. All the other stories, were Austen-inspired and while the competition didn’t require for the stories to be Austen-inspired every other story was so it didn’t really seem to fit with the other stories.
Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M Cox
Those of you familiar with Karen M Cox’s work might remember that she has written modernised versions of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Persuasion’ (‘1932’ and ‘Find Wonder in All Things’ respectively). I was really pleased to see that she’d done an update of ‘Northanger Abbey’, which I would say is probably the story of Austen’s that is most fun. This is a fun story too. Catherine is a sweet girl, on holiday at the beach at Northanger Island with her aunt and uncle. She meets a number of people, including Henry, who here is a police officer. There are a number of lovely little nods back to the original, such as this one (please excuse the long quote, but I really liked it!):
“Oh, I see what you’re thinking. You’ll be posting on Instagram about that weird guy you met down by the beach.”
Catherine put on a teasing voice of her own and batted her lashed in wide-eyed innocence. “How do you know I even have Instagram?”
“Of course you have one; all you co-eds have Instagram. You’ll post a selfie, wearing your designer swim attire with its matching cover up.”
His eyes took in her outfit but came back to rest on her face. “The caption will read, ‘Looking good, but had to suffer a goofy stranger trying to chat me up while I bought a piña colada.’ Don’t forget to post a picture of the piña colada.”
The bartender rolled his eyes.
“I’ll do no such thing,” Catherine declared.
“You know what you should post don’t you?”
“What?”
“’Met this great guy down at the beach snack bar. Had a fascinating conversation. He’s probably a genius. Want to get to know him better.’ That is what you should say.”
After a few days Catherine makes friends with Isabella Thorpe and then Catherine’s brother arrives, bringing in tow John Thorpe. If Henry is Austen’s most amusing male, then John Thorpe has surely got to be in contention for most ridiculous one. Here, he is just as obnoxious, charmless and over-familiar as canon, though rather than boasting about how fast his horses are he drives a pick up truck with oversized wheels and boasts about his low m.p.g.!
Catherine is reading a gothic Regency romance, which surprised me, as in ‘Northanger Abbey’ updates it’s usually a vampire story. I wondered how the gothic Regency reading could possibly lead Catherine’s imagination astray and I was a little disappointed that the story finishes before this point of NA is reached. However, this is a lovely short story with a really charming romance.
In summary, I really enjoyed this summery offering from Meryton Press. As in any anthology, some stories worked better than others for me, but the standard of all of them was excellent. I would certainly recommend this book for some summer reading, and I’d rate it as a 4 star read.
*I received an e-book in return for my honest review as part of the 'Sunkissed' blog tour.
August 11, 2015
I enjoyed 6 out of the 8 stories! I'm very pleased to
write that I really enjoyed the stories by the two people
I knew via JAFF Goodreads page. Hard to pick a favorite
but the sweetness of NA 2015 will certainly linger for me. I love love love how
Karen M Cox included the essence of the story, but didn't include
some of the less enjoyable elements of the original.
As a US Civil War buff, I loved the Catherine was a history major(and
English Lit minor I think) with a focus on the US Civil War.
write that I really enjoyed the stories by the two people
I knew via JAFF Goodreads page. Hard to pick a favorite
but the sweetness of NA 2015 will certainly linger for me. I love love love how
Karen M Cox included the essence of the story, but didn't include
some of the less enjoyable elements of the original.
As a US Civil War buff, I loved the Catherine was a history major(and
English Lit minor I think) with a focus on the US Civil War.
June 4, 2015
Since there so many stories in this anthology I will be looking at each story individually.
Spyglasses and Sunburns by J. Marie Croft - This story is about three of the Bennet sisters and the Gardiners going to the seaside. Who else just happens to be there, Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana. This story just had me laughing. A LOT. Omg all the hilarity that happens just because of telescope. Poor Bingley and Elizabeth.
Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose - This story was a little heart breaking. You know though if either one had made an attempt to contact the other in the eight years they were apart they could have saved a lot of heart break from each other. This is the authors debut story and it doesn't disappoint.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler - I found this story to be somewhat entertaining. Granted I don't like seeing Darcy with other women but neither do I think he would have remained a virgin until he was twenty-eight either. It was an alright read.
Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards - This story was very short but very sweet. I loved it.
Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory - I loved this short story. It was very much like another one on AHA where they got locked in a room together. Though in this one he not taking a bath.
A Summer in Sandition by Abigail Bok - I thought that this story was going to be a bust but it wasn't. Anne ends up becoming a strong person in this tale instead of the weak character she was in Pride and Prejudice. She ends up taking control of her life and refuses Sir Edward (guess where he's from... lol) when he insults her with his proposal. I liked this one.
Dream Spinner by Morgan K Wyatt - This was a good story. I kept trying to figure out what Austen story this was supposed to based on and couldn't figure it out at all. But if you take it at face value it was a nice little story.
Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M. Cox - This short story is basically what the blurb says, it's Northanger Abbey set in modern times. That being said I really enjoyed it. I wish it could have been longer though. And I would love to read the book that Catherine was reading in the story.
I enjoyed the majority of the stories in this anthology but my favorite would have to be Of Spyglasses and Sunburns. If your looking for a good summer read pick up this book.
Spyglasses and Sunburns by J. Marie Croft - This story is about three of the Bennet sisters and the Gardiners going to the seaside. Who else just happens to be there, Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana. This story just had me laughing. A LOT. Omg all the hilarity that happens just because of telescope. Poor Bingley and Elizabeth.
Second Chance on Sunset Beach by Sophia Rose - This story was a little heart breaking. You know though if either one had made an attempt to contact the other in the eight years they were apart they could have saved a lot of heart break from each other. This is the authors debut story and it doesn't disappoint.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Linda Beutler - I found this story to be somewhat entertaining. Granted I don't like seeing Darcy with other women but neither do I think he would have remained a virgin until he was twenty-eight either. It was an alright read.
Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards - This story was very short but very sweet. I loved it.
Shades of Pemberley by KaraLynne Mackrory - I loved this short story. It was very much like another one on AHA where they got locked in a room together. Though in this one he not taking a bath.
A Summer in Sandition by Abigail Bok - I thought that this story was going to be a bust but it wasn't. Anne ends up becoming a strong person in this tale instead of the weak character she was in Pride and Prejudice. She ends up taking control of her life and refuses Sir Edward (guess where he's from... lol) when he insults her with his proposal. I liked this one.
Dream Spinner by Morgan K Wyatt - This was a good story. I kept trying to figure out what Austen story this was supposed to based on and couldn't figure it out at all. But if you take it at face value it was a nice little story.
Northanger Revisited 2015 by Karen M. Cox - This short story is basically what the blurb says, it's Northanger Abbey set in modern times. That being said I really enjoyed it. I wish it could have been longer though. And I would love to read the book that Catherine was reading in the story.
I enjoyed the majority of the stories in this anthology but my favorite would have to be Of Spyglasses and Sunburns. If your looking for a good summer read pick up this book.
June 21, 2015
This is a perfect collection of summertime short stories! They are all enjoyable. Of course, I had a couple of particular favorites, but there is no weak link in this group, which is impressive in an anthology.
There is a nice assortment of stories, too. There is a mix of contemporary and historical stories, as well as a selection of writing styles and moods. The editing of this collection is noticeably good. While each story stands on it's own, there is a cohesiveness to this collection.
One of the things that is particularly enjoyable about this book is that each story is a perfect length for a quick read. While they don't feel rushed or incomplete, they are perfectly timed to leave me wanting just a bit more. This is a perfect summer read to carry along in a beach bag or travel bag, or for those times when you need a mini mental vacation. I also think this will be a great collection for the colder months when we dream of summer.
I definitely recommend this book! It is refreshing and full of happy endings. It is a must for fans of Austenesque stories, and enjoyable for anyone who is looking for a charming collection of beach-read stories.
There is a nice assortment of stories, too. There is a mix of contemporary and historical stories, as well as a selection of writing styles and moods. The editing of this collection is noticeably good. While each story stands on it's own, there is a cohesiveness to this collection.
One of the things that is particularly enjoyable about this book is that each story is a perfect length for a quick read. While they don't feel rushed or incomplete, they are perfectly timed to leave me wanting just a bit more. This is a perfect summer read to carry along in a beach bag or travel bag, or for those times when you need a mini mental vacation. I also think this will be a great collection for the colder months when we dream of summer.
I definitely recommend this book! It is refreshing and full of happy endings. It is a must for fans of Austenesque stories, and enjoyable for anyone who is looking for a charming collection of beach-read stories.
July 11, 2015
This review originally appeared on Austenprose:http://austenprose.com/2015/07/07/sun...
Today I have the distinct honor of reviewing Sun-kissed: Effusions of Summer, edited by none other than my fellow Austenprose contributor Christina Boyd. It comes along at the perfect time of year as many of us are packing our beach bags full of summer reads that provide companionship while lying on a beach towel or sitting in a chair with our toes in the sand. I’ve always been a big fan of short story anthologies because they offer fun and tantalizing stories that typically lead me to read more of the authors’ works, much like an appetizer before the entrée. This particular collection of works has been chosen for its relevance to summer or other light and refreshing themes. Although I personally don’t have any plans for a trip to the beach soon, I sat down with this collection on my back porch and improvised, taking in the light and fun works that soon whisked me away.
Since there are several stories in the anthology, here are their plot summaries from Goodreads:
“So each had a private little sun for her soul to bask in…” Thomas Hardy
If you desire a little heat, a summer flirtation, or an escape to bask in your own private sun…this whimsical collection of original short stories is inspired by all things summer. From some of Meryton Press’s most popular and award-winning authors, the anthology debuts other promising and emerging talent.
In KaraLynne Mackrory’s “Shades of Pemberley,” Mr. Darcy, with some fantastic assistance, discovers Elizabeth Bennet in a most unlikely place.
Karen M. Cox’s “Northanger Revisited” modernizes Northanger Abbey at a fictionalized Georgia seaside.
Linda Beutler takes us to Paris as a young gentleman is schooled in the ways of amour in “The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
In “Spyglasses and Sunburns,” J. Marie Croft takes the Miss Bennets to the seaside where they chance upon handsome acquaintances.
In Abigail Bok’s “Summer at Sanditon,” a little sea-bathing seems just the thing to cure what ails Anne de Bourgh.
In Natalie Richards’ “Midsummer Madness,” an honest confession and a promise between mysterious strangers at a masque ball mends a misunderstanding.
Sophia Rose re-imagines a modern-day Persuasion in “Second Chance at Sunset Beach.”
In Morgan K Wyatt’s “Dream Spinner,” a near-death car accident and an unlikely trucker, brings fresh perspective to a young co-ed’s life and love.
Contemporary and Regency alike, each romance was dreamt as a perfect summer refreshment to bring a smile to your own sun-kissed face.
Typically I provide a synopsis of the work I’m reviewing, but given that this is an anthology, I’ll provide some thoughts on certain works that stood out and made me smile. First off, “Spyglasses & Sunburns” by J. Marie Croft was definitely my favorite work of the bunch. I really enjoyed how Croft infused humor into the story, and as a hilariously pale person myself, I often chuckled every time a character mistook someone’s blushing for sunburn. It was a collection of these small yet smart and funny asides that made the story a joy to read and kept me laughing to the end.
My second favorite work was “Second Chance on Sunset Beach” by Sophia Rose, a contemporary version of Persuasion. Simply put, the writing was beautiful. Although these short works only have a limited amount of time and space to get their points across, this one came through loud and clear. It packed an emotional punch that pulled me in from the very beginning. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a short story that has been able to have such a fast-acting impact on me, and as such I was riveted until the end. Callie and Cameron are definitely characters that will stick with you.
Another great standout in this collection has to be “Midsummer Madness” by Natalie Richards. Although it could just be the shared word, it really reminded me of A Midsummer Night’s Dream due to its whimsical nature. It was quick, smart, and I really enjoyed the way that Richards used the masque ball as a backdrop to the story. The imagery was really vibrant and I had no trouble imagining the setting. (And the star crossed “Lady Butterfly” and “Sir Shadow” will certainly make your heart flutter with their feelings on the loves they seem to think are gone forever.)
I have to commend Christina for editing together such a great group of short stories. I love the unified themes of summer, romance, and the sea that permeate these works and make me feel even closer to summer. I think it’s a great testament to the Jane Austen fan fiction community as a whole that such quality work can come together and provide us with great entertainment this season. As in any anthology there are bound to be stories that readers will like and dislike. There is enough of a variety here to please Austen fan-fiction readers of all tastes. In all, the stories in Sun-kissed will make you feel all the joy, beauty, and respite that a day spent in the sun at the beach exudes.
Today I have the distinct honor of reviewing Sun-kissed: Effusions of Summer, edited by none other than my fellow Austenprose contributor Christina Boyd. It comes along at the perfect time of year as many of us are packing our beach bags full of summer reads that provide companionship while lying on a beach towel or sitting in a chair with our toes in the sand. I’ve always been a big fan of short story anthologies because they offer fun and tantalizing stories that typically lead me to read more of the authors’ works, much like an appetizer before the entrée. This particular collection of works has been chosen for its relevance to summer or other light and refreshing themes. Although I personally don’t have any plans for a trip to the beach soon, I sat down with this collection on my back porch and improvised, taking in the light and fun works that soon whisked me away.
Since there are several stories in the anthology, here are their plot summaries from Goodreads:
“So each had a private little sun for her soul to bask in…” Thomas Hardy
If you desire a little heat, a summer flirtation, or an escape to bask in your own private sun…this whimsical collection of original short stories is inspired by all things summer. From some of Meryton Press’s most popular and award-winning authors, the anthology debuts other promising and emerging talent.
In KaraLynne Mackrory’s “Shades of Pemberley,” Mr. Darcy, with some fantastic assistance, discovers Elizabeth Bennet in a most unlikely place.
Karen M. Cox’s “Northanger Revisited” modernizes Northanger Abbey at a fictionalized Georgia seaside.
Linda Beutler takes us to Paris as a young gentleman is schooled in the ways of amour in “The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
In “Spyglasses and Sunburns,” J. Marie Croft takes the Miss Bennets to the seaside where they chance upon handsome acquaintances.
In Abigail Bok’s “Summer at Sanditon,” a little sea-bathing seems just the thing to cure what ails Anne de Bourgh.
In Natalie Richards’ “Midsummer Madness,” an honest confession and a promise between mysterious strangers at a masque ball mends a misunderstanding.
Sophia Rose re-imagines a modern-day Persuasion in “Second Chance at Sunset Beach.”
In Morgan K Wyatt’s “Dream Spinner,” a near-death car accident and an unlikely trucker, brings fresh perspective to a young co-ed’s life and love.
Contemporary and Regency alike, each romance was dreamt as a perfect summer refreshment to bring a smile to your own sun-kissed face.
Typically I provide a synopsis of the work I’m reviewing, but given that this is an anthology, I’ll provide some thoughts on certain works that stood out and made me smile. First off, “Spyglasses & Sunburns” by J. Marie Croft was definitely my favorite work of the bunch. I really enjoyed how Croft infused humor into the story, and as a hilariously pale person myself, I often chuckled every time a character mistook someone’s blushing for sunburn. It was a collection of these small yet smart and funny asides that made the story a joy to read and kept me laughing to the end.
My second favorite work was “Second Chance on Sunset Beach” by Sophia Rose, a contemporary version of Persuasion. Simply put, the writing was beautiful. Although these short works only have a limited amount of time and space to get their points across, this one came through loud and clear. It packed an emotional punch that pulled me in from the very beginning. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a short story that has been able to have such a fast-acting impact on me, and as such I was riveted until the end. Callie and Cameron are definitely characters that will stick with you.
Another great standout in this collection has to be “Midsummer Madness” by Natalie Richards. Although it could just be the shared word, it really reminded me of A Midsummer Night’s Dream due to its whimsical nature. It was quick, smart, and I really enjoyed the way that Richards used the masque ball as a backdrop to the story. The imagery was really vibrant and I had no trouble imagining the setting. (And the star crossed “Lady Butterfly” and “Sir Shadow” will certainly make your heart flutter with their feelings on the loves they seem to think are gone forever.)
I have to commend Christina for editing together such a great group of short stories. I love the unified themes of summer, romance, and the sea that permeate these works and make me feel even closer to summer. I think it’s a great testament to the Jane Austen fan fiction community as a whole that such quality work can come together and provide us with great entertainment this season. As in any anthology there are bound to be stories that readers will like and dislike. There is enough of a variety here to please Austen fan-fiction readers of all tastes. In all, the stories in Sun-kissed will make you feel all the joy, beauty, and respite that a day spent in the sun at the beach exudes.
Read
November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
September 17, 2015
Great collection!
Entertaining, witty, leaves one wanting to keep reading. Interesting blend of writing styles about stories related to time spent by the sea.
Entertaining, witty, leaves one wanting to keep reading. Interesting blend of writing styles about stories related to time spent by the sea.
Currently reading
January 27, 2023So far I have only read Karalynne Mackrory's story in which the shades of Pemberley help Darcy and Elizabeth along and the masquerade story by Natalie Richards. They were quite nice.
August 10, 2015
4.5 Stars - This is my first short story anthology. I am not a fan of short stories overall. I like my books long because I often don't want the story to end thus ending my relationship with the characters. Since I was taking a long trip to the beach I thought short stories might work out well, which they did. I particularly enjoyed Second Chance at Sunset Beach and Spyglasses and Sunburns. It was a nice light read for the beach with a lot of variety in the stories. I highly recommend especially if you like short stories.
August 31, 2015
This collection of short stories is perfect for anytime, whether it be a warm summer day or just wishing it so! I loved all the stories, particularly the ones with the beloved Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet! The writing was witty, creative, and I was thoroughly entertained!
June 20, 2015
Summer Lovin' had me a blast! Sun-Kissed Effusions is a breeze of fresh air in the hot summer sun...PERFECT!
July 21, 2016
A perfect summer read for Austen fans!
June 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. With half of the eight short stories having the traditional Pride and Prejudice characters Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, it got confusing reading the book straight thru. So I read a story or two between other novels I was reading for book clubs and pleasure. This way, my brain could reset and be ready for a new rendition of P&P.
My favorite stories are "Spyglasses and Sunburns" by J. Marie Croft and "Shades of Pemberley" by KaraLynn Mackrory, although all the stories were good. The narration in "Summer in Sanditon" by Abigail Bok reminded me of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
I would recommend this to any reader that likes short, sweet stories about finding love in the summertime.
My favorite stories are "Spyglasses and Sunburns" by J. Marie Croft and "Shades of Pemberley" by KaraLynn Mackrory, although all the stories were good. The narration in "Summer in Sanditon" by Abigail Bok reminded me of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
I would recommend this to any reader that likes short, sweet stories about finding love in the summertime.
September 25, 2015
Sweet little morsels of Austenesque stories
I truly enjoyed this collection of stories!! It's refreshing to read these small bits, getting different views on the stories we all love. My only complaint, I've said this before in a review of another book with a collection of short stories, is that I find that some of the stories are too short, that they end too soon for my liking!!!! They can be little teasers. I would recommend this book to all JAFFer.
I truly enjoyed this collection of stories!! It's refreshing to read these small bits, getting different views on the stories we all love. My only complaint, I've said this before in a review of another book with a collection of short stories, is that I find that some of the stories are too short, that they end too soon for my liking!!!! They can be little teasers. I would recommend this book to all JAFFer.
Read
September 22, 2015Sweet little morsels of Austenesque stories
I truly enjoyed this collection of stories!! It's refreshing to read these small bits, getting different views on the stories we all live. My only complaint, I've this before in a review of another book with a collection of short stories, is that I find that some of the stories are too short, that they end too soon for my liking!!!! They can be little teasers. I would recommend this book to all JAFFer.
I truly enjoyed this collection of stories!! It's refreshing to read these small bits, getting different views on the stories we all live. My only complaint, I've this before in a review of another book with a collection of short stories, is that I find that some of the stories are too short, that they end too soon for my liking!!!! They can be little teasers. I would recommend this book to all JAFFer.
January 27, 2016
Enjoyable collection of short stories. Some I loved and others were ok. It would be a great book for the beach.
February 29, 2020
Fun stories, summertime, Jane Austen...what's not to enjoy? :) Review to come
July 18, 2021
I really enjoyed reading all the short stories by the different authors in this book. Not only was it intriguing but romanic and I hated to put book down.
I highly recommend it, go buy. Will read again.
I highly recommend it, go buy. Will read again.
July 18, 2025
Enjoyable!
I have only read "Second Chance at Sunset Beach", a modern adaptation to Persuasion. Callie (Anne) was a real sweetheart that had endured tragedy with grace and courage, Cameron (Frederick) was a Navy Seal who was a true hero and man's man. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel....the road this couple goes through to get their HEA is poignant and heartfelt. My only complaint is that I would love to see this as a full length novel. It was so romantic and tender. I recommend this story and plan on reading the others.
I have only read "Second Chance at Sunset Beach", a modern adaptation to Persuasion. Callie (Anne) was a real sweetheart that had endured tragedy with grace and courage, Cameron (Frederick) was a Navy Seal who was a true hero and man's man. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel....the road this couple goes through to get their HEA is poignant and heartfelt. My only complaint is that I would love to see this as a full length novel. It was so romantic and tender. I recommend this story and plan on reading the others.
April 6, 2016
Summer effusions
This compilations of 7 short stories of alternative Jane Austen's novels was of either of a modern or regency bent. On the whole I enjoyed the book and for the most part all the stories were either 4 or 5 stars. Only one story I would rate 3 stars. I was not enthralled while reading it. But this should not deter you from reading his book. It was well worth reading and I recommend this book to all JAFF readers.
This compilations of 7 short stories of alternative Jane Austen's novels was of either of a modern or regency bent. On the whole I enjoyed the book and for the most part all the stories were either 4 or 5 stars. Only one story I would rate 3 stars. I was not enthralled while reading it. But this should not deter you from reading his book. It was well worth reading and I recommend this book to all JAFF readers.
May 7, 2018
Kind of fun
More like three and a half stars. Some fun stories, but others either were strange or moved way too fast for me. I wanted to like the one based on Persuasion, but it pushed the story forward too fast and there was way too much exposition from characters. The Northanger Abbey inspired story was about the same. Overall the book was interesting, but slightly disappointing.
More like three and a half stars. Some fun stories, but others either were strange or moved way too fast for me. I wanted to like the one based on Persuasion, but it pushed the story forward too fast and there was way too much exposition from characters. The Northanger Abbey inspired story was about the same. Overall the book was interesting, but slightly disappointing.
February 17, 2018
Midsummer Madness
Midsummer Madness is my favorite P&P variation short story and I’ve ready many of the available short stories from Amazon. I would recommend this book just for this one story.
Midsummer Madness is my favorite P&P variation short story and I’ve ready many of the available short stories from Amazon. I would recommend this book just for this one story.
January 16, 2018
A nice collection of short stories. Most were okay but not outstanding. By far my favourite was Midsummer Madness by Natalie Richards which involved Elizabeth and Darcy at a masked ball.
August 17, 2021
One of my favorite things about this compilation of short stories is how some of those set in the Regency use objects from Darcy and Elizabeth’s time as props central to the story. So effective.
An unhesitating Mr Darcy is utterly driven in J. Marie Croft’s ‘Spyglasses and sunburns’ - thrilling like her other work. This story conforms to Poe’s dictate (recalled by editor Christina Boyd in her preface) that a short story must have a single mood and every sentence lead to it. The mood this story is the seemingly unstoppable chemistry between a Darcy who has waited so long to secure Elizabeth’s ‘yes’ and the lady’s discovery of her own passion for this man. In just a few pages Croft paints an equally delightful picture of Darcy and Bingley’s friendship, playful and understanding. I thoroughly recommend these few wonderful pages. Central to the plot are the telescope that gave the story its title, and ‘bathing machines’, made available by the author to the male and female characters in turn, to comical and exciting effect.
‘Second chance at Sunset Beach’ is a sweet story that updates Persuasion for a modern audience. Possibly out of respect for Austen, given the differences with the original, the leading man and lady do not take the names of Persuasion’s characters: instead, she is Callyope and he is Camden, or Cal and Cam for short. What the author does preserve is the naval backdrop, cleverly adapted by making Cam a US Navy SEAL, whose prospects at the start of the story are as uncertain as the original Captain Wentworth’s. In this case, however, what’s uncertain (and what makes Callyope’s father initially disapprove of the match) is whether Cam will make it back alive or leave Cal a widow, or even divorce her. Sophia Rose substitutes the original female character’s loss of her “bloom” for , and reinterprets the original Anne Elliot’s all-around usefulness and commitment to service as Callyope’s work as an . To my mind she dealt sensitively with Callyope’s struggles with her physical appearance and it was refreshing to see an author giving visibility to what often is not placed before the reader’s eyes. I thought this a creditably updated adaptation and would have had no problem if the main characters had borrowed their names from the original Persuasion.
‘The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy’: racy, exciting, a quick look at how gentlemen supposedly , through the filter of the Darcys’ -father and son’s- intended devoutness and self-command. Written from Darcy’s perspective, this short story focuses on what Darcy himself experienced or could see, and given that the reason for his excursion to Paris was his own pleasure, the story does not dwell on the women’s own circumstances. It goes only as far as hinting that Miss Chloe, Darcy’s ’teacher’, probably once had dreams of her own, now lost forever; and hints at the maid’s life by telling us that Darcy was expected . I found it all utterly believable, and humorous, and loved how the author referred us to the original P&P for the remainder of the story.
‘Midsummer Madness’: sweet and enchanting story in which Darcy and Elizabeth reveal their feelings to each other from behind the safety of their masks during a midsummer ball.
In ‘Shades of Pemberley’, make things easy for Darcy and Elizabeth when she visits Pemberley with her aunt and uncle. The story plays with the existence of ghosts, the ‘shades’ in its title.
The De Bourgh ladies and Colonel Fitzwilliam drop in at Sanditon for a holiday of sea-bathing in ‘Summer in Sanditon’. The weaving of the two novels’ characters is very clever, and the resolution of the plot believable. I found .
‘Dream Spinner’ was sweet. I loved that it gives us characters that are just good, without needing embellishments, accomplishments, or advantages. Just two good, smart people going about the business of coming across love.
‘Northanger Revisited, 2015’ was a perfect piece. You know the ending, but the writing is so good you’re still nervous along with Catherine that she isn’t going to get Henry. And how well did Karen Cox capture the essence of John Thorpe? I was blown away. Another hit by this always wonderful author.
An unhesitating Mr Darcy is utterly driven in J. Marie Croft’s ‘Spyglasses and sunburns’ - thrilling like her other work. This story conforms to Poe’s dictate (recalled by editor Christina Boyd in her preface) that a short story must have a single mood and every sentence lead to it. The mood this story is the seemingly unstoppable chemistry between a Darcy who has waited so long to secure Elizabeth’s ‘yes’ and the lady’s discovery of her own passion for this man. In just a few pages Croft paints an equally delightful picture of Darcy and Bingley’s friendship, playful and understanding. I thoroughly recommend these few wonderful pages. Central to the plot are the telescope that gave the story its title, and ‘bathing machines’, made available by the author to the male and female characters in turn, to comical and exciting effect.
‘Second chance at Sunset Beach’ is a sweet story that updates Persuasion for a modern audience. Possibly out of respect for Austen, given the differences with the original, the leading man and lady do not take the names of Persuasion’s characters: instead, she is Callyope and he is Camden, or Cal and Cam for short. What the author does preserve is the naval backdrop, cleverly adapted by making Cam a US Navy SEAL, whose prospects at the start of the story are as uncertain as the original Captain Wentworth’s. In this case, however, what’s uncertain (and what makes Callyope’s father initially disapprove of the match) is whether Cam will make it back alive or leave Cal a widow, or even divorce her. Sophia Rose substitutes the original female character’s loss of her “bloom” for , and reinterprets the original Anne Elliot’s all-around usefulness and commitment to service as Callyope’s work as an . To my mind she dealt sensitively with Callyope’s struggles with her physical appearance and it was refreshing to see an author giving visibility to what often is not placed before the reader’s eyes. I thought this a creditably updated adaptation and would have had no problem if the main characters had borrowed their names from the original Persuasion.
‘The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy’: racy, exciting, a quick look at how gentlemen supposedly , through the filter of the Darcys’ -father and son’s- intended devoutness and self-command. Written from Darcy’s perspective, this short story focuses on what Darcy himself experienced or could see, and given that the reason for his excursion to Paris was his own pleasure, the story does not dwell on the women’s own circumstances. It goes only as far as hinting that Miss Chloe, Darcy’s ’teacher’, probably once had dreams of her own, now lost forever; and hints at the maid’s life by telling us that Darcy was expected . I found it all utterly believable, and humorous, and loved how the author referred us to the original P&P for the remainder of the story.
‘Midsummer Madness’: sweet and enchanting story in which Darcy and Elizabeth reveal their feelings to each other from behind the safety of their masks during a midsummer ball.
In ‘Shades of Pemberley’, make things easy for Darcy and Elizabeth when she visits Pemberley with her aunt and uncle. The story plays with the existence of ghosts, the ‘shades’ in its title.
The De Bourgh ladies and Colonel Fitzwilliam drop in at Sanditon for a holiday of sea-bathing in ‘Summer in Sanditon’. The weaving of the two novels’ characters is very clever, and the resolution of the plot believable. I found .
‘Dream Spinner’ was sweet. I loved that it gives us characters that are just good, without needing embellishments, accomplishments, or advantages. Just two good, smart people going about the business of coming across love.
‘Northanger Revisited, 2015’ was a perfect piece. You know the ending, but the writing is so good you’re still nervous along with Catherine that she isn’t going to get Henry. And how well did Karen Cox capture the essence of John Thorpe? I was blown away. Another hit by this always wonderful author.
January 10, 2026
A blend of modern and Regency across several of Austen's novels
I do enjoy and anthology of short stories and this was no exception. Inevitably I enjoyed some more than others but even where the story didn't particularly resonate with me, I did appreciate the variety.
The standouts for me were the modern Persusion variation, "Second Chance on Sunset Beach" by Sophia Rose and the Regency crossover,"A Summer in Sanditon" by Abigail Bok.
Honourable mentions also go to "Dream Spinner" by Morgan K. Wyatt which is a modern Austenesque and the Regency P&P "Spy Glasses and Sunburns" by J Marie Croft.
I do enjoy and anthology of short stories and this was no exception. Inevitably I enjoyed some more than others but even where the story didn't particularly resonate with me, I did appreciate the variety.
The standouts for me were the modern Persusion variation, "Second Chance on Sunset Beach" by Sophia Rose and the Regency crossover,"A Summer in Sanditon" by Abigail Bok.
Honourable mentions also go to "Dream Spinner" by Morgan K. Wyatt which is a modern Austenesque and the Regency P&P "Spy Glasses and Sunburns" by J Marie Croft.
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September 2, 2022Some of the stories are diverting. I did not read the more modern variations (they are not my cup of tea). Since I did not read all of the stories, I cannot rate the book...
But the stories I did read, are worth the time, as they are entertaining.
Spyglasses & Sunburns was funny.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy was fine.
Midsummer Madness was cute.
As was Shades of Pemberley .
But the stories I did read, are worth the time, as they are entertaining.
Spyglasses & Sunburns was funny.
The Incomplete Education of Fitzwilliam Darcy was fine.
Midsummer Madness was cute.
As was Shades of Pemberley .
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