Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016 discussion

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Challenge Levels > Mr. Bennet's Library 101+ Books

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message 801: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments I read 3 Melanie Schertz books today so if you are not a fan, please skip this post.

A Pair of Dancing Brown Eyes: Elizabeth compromises Darcy in this one under the influence of a strong homeopathic. What can I say about that? It was something that should never be in my mind. Besides that bit of yuckiness, I really like this book. It was crazy as usual. Lots of mayhem, maybe more than usual. Elizabeth is much younger in this book but whenever she is written young, I just try to gloss over her age in my mind. One thing I really like about all her books is that there is no way you can guess where anything is going. It is a ride.

Governing His Heart: In this book, Elizabeth is the one who gets all the beat-downs. Lots of villians want to stop or can not cope with Elizabeth becoming Mr Darcy which makes for a lot of fun. Totally bonkers. Lady Matlock does something so nuts that I laughed. The book was worth it just for that one scene.

Darcy's Continental Escape: My, oh my, Mr Collins was my nut-job evil-doer of choice in this one. I really liked the whole escape from Europe angle of the story which was almost normal. It was when they returned to England that the story goes into what you would expect from the author. I enjoyed it a lot, of course.

I have a question, has anyone read Wives and Lovers: Darcy & Fitzwilliam: The Pride and Prejudice Family Saga? I am afraid to read it. Can someone send me a private message telling me if either Darcy or Fitzwilliam or both die? If they do, I can't read it. Thanks!


message 802: by Debbie (new)

Debbie (dmbrown) | 849 comments Talia, I know how you love your Melanie Schertz books, and I've read 2 of the 3 you just listed! As you said, her books are definitely a ride, and you never know where they're going to end up!

I am pretty certain that Wives and Lovers: Darcy & Fitzwilliam: The Pride and Prejudice Family Saga just ends up with the two of them being cranky old men with a whole passel of loving family surrounding them. I can't swear to that, but that's my recollection. And I gave it 5+ stars, so it's another good one by that author.


message 803: by Don (new)

Don Jacobson | 30 comments t...big fan of Melanie Scherz. I think I have read all...including your most recent concerns. from what I recall, she will incinerate, drown, shoot and skewer all but the Holy 5. Not that they won't be imperiled. Not that they won't be injured and fight fevers. Not that they won't suffer from depression. Think you are safe here.


message 804: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Pemberley Quaking - lots of deaths, even in the B. family! And the murderer will surprise you.


message 805: by Debbie (new)

Debbie (dmbrown) | 849 comments Don, I had to laugh reading your post. Yes, the "Holy 5" will always emerge alive and victorious regardless of what havoc is being wreaked around them in Melanie Schertz's books. However, I have read epilogues by authors who, after allowing Darcy and Elizabeth (and, in this case, Fitzwilliam and his beloved wife) many, many years of happily married bliss, to pass on with beautiful tearful graveside scenes featuring their legions of descendents. I don't blame Talia for wanting reassurance that Karen Wasylowski isn't one of those authors.


message 806: by Don (new)

Don Jacobson | 30 comments Debbie, you are so right about nervous readers not wanting to read the demise of one of the core. One of my beta readers complained that I "killed off" Elizabeth. Yes, totally off camera, in an aside, after 25 years of marriage to Darcy...in a book with Mary as the central character!


message 807: by Mary (new)

Mary | 452 comments Debbie,once you get behind that heavy panelled door and take in your sumptuous surroundings,I think you deserve to pour yourself a well earned drink.
Then take a seat in Mr Bennet's armchair,before you inevitably browse his bookshelves and choose another great book to while away your time. I can smell that unique 'book' scent...oh! to be joining you in this sacred space,this little piece of heaven on earth!! Enjoy every minute!


message 808: by Eliza (new)

Eliza Baum (elizabaum) | 176 comments Debbie wrote: "Yippee! I'm officially allowed into "Mr. Bennet's Library" now!!!

100. To Capture Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novel - 4 stars
101. North and South - 3 ..."


*cheers* Save some seats in the library for the rest of us!


message 809: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Debbie wrote: "Talia, I know how you love your Melanie Schertz books, and I've read 2 of the 3 you just listed! As you said, her books are definitely a ride, and you never know where they're going to end up!

I a..."


OK, cranky old men is something I can deal with. I will reread the series this next weekend then. Thank you so much!


message 810: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Debbie wrote: "Don, I had to laugh reading your post. Yes, the "Holy 5" will always emerge alive and victorious regardless of what havoc is being wreaked around them in Melanie Schertz's books. However, I have re..."

I always skip the realistic death scenes. I cry for commercials. MS's books are so far fetched it isn't something you relate to. Still, I almost cried when Gerald Darcy died and he said, Anne...Anne...you came"


message 811: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Debbie, congratulations on reaching your Mr. Bennet's Library goal.


message 812: by Claudine (new)

Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 | 224 comments Congratulations Debbie! Great job reaching your goal!


message 813: by Eliza (new)

Eliza Baum (elizabaum) | 176 comments Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished The Truth (http://dwiggie.com/derby/sandrac.htm) last night (truthfully, in the wee hours of the morning), and that particular side pairing was my favorite thing about the story. I loved the contrast of her sweetness and understanding to the Colonel's war traumas.

Come to think of it...maybe I just like Colonel Fitzwilliam, regardless of who he's paired with. Heh. So I'm more than willing to take general recommendations for stories heavily featuring him. :-)


message 814: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Yes, there is one...I have to think about it but definitely. I will go through my reviews and I know I will find it.


message 815: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished Th..."

I am pretty sure that Mr. Darcy's Refuge by Abigail Reynolds has Jane/Col pairing. If it is the one, it is my favorite Abigail Reynolds book. I just loved that pairing too. I will check in a bit.


message 816: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Yes, that is the one...I just remembered and came here to post but you beat me to it...Good memory, Talia.


message 817: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments I pulled my paperback copy out to verify so you are definitely right.


message 818: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished Th..."

I just looked at The Truth and it has several "new as of" entries. Did you read the newer entries? and where are they applicable? From the beginning?


message 819: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished Th..."

Yes, it was Mr. Darcy's Refuge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation.


message 820: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Sheila wrote: "I pulled my paperback copy out to verify so you are definitely right."

I did the same thing. I am so glad we remembered between us. I am not a big fan of the whole Mr Bennet part of the story but loved the Jane part so much. I was thinking along the same lines as Jane in this story.


message 821: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Right, Mr. Bennet is very unreasonable, holding grudges from his university days against the son and nephew of his archenemy. But I do like how he came around in the end. And I was glad for Richard in this story. Favorite scene tho' was when the Gardiners took Elizabeth to Pemberley and Darcy is there and she runs to his arms.


message 822: by Debbie (last edited May 08, 2016 10:25AM) (new)

Debbie (dmbrown) | 849 comments *deep sigh* Yep, Sheila. That's a great scene!


message 823: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Just finished All That This Entails - delightful! Will post review.


message 824: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Sheila wrote: "Right, Mr. Bennet is very unreasonable, holding grudges from his university days against the son and nephew of his archenemy. But I do like how he came around in the end. And I was glad for Richard..."

That was good! I do like Mr B and Col F together as well. :) And don't forget Lady M and Mr B.


message 825: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments I have read the story twice and it does rate rereading even again and again.


message 826: by Eliza (new)

Eliza Baum (elizabaum) | 176 comments Talia wrote: "Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But..."

Oo, that's one of hers I haven't read yet. Thanks!

Sheila wrote: "I just looked at The Truth and it has several "new as of" entries. Did you read the newer entries? and where are they applicable? From the beginning?"

I actually didn't notice those links when I read it...but they don't appear to actually link to anything in particular. I think maybe it was intended to link to updates in that posting, but since it's finished it's no longer relevant?


message 827: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments OK, thanks for letting me know.


message 828: by Sheila (last edited May 08, 2016 01:52PM) (new)


message 829: by Debbie (new)

Debbie (dmbrown) | 849 comments Lookit all those 4- and 5-star books! Great list, Sheila!


message 830: by Debbie (new)

Debbie (dmbrown) | 849 comments Mary wrote: "Debbie,once you get behind that heavy panelled door and take in your sumptuous surroundings,I think you deserve to pour yourself a well earned drink.
Then take a seat in Mr Bennet's armchair,befor..."


Oh, thank you, Mary! But there's plenty of room here for others to join me! And considering Sheila's recent post, it looks as though I won't be alone very long.


message 831: by Sophia (new)

Sophia (sophiarose) | 1167 comments Mod
Woohoo, Debbie!

Just realized you reached the top. Way to go!

And look at Sheila, almost there!

You gals are awesome with your reading and recommending. :)


message 832: by Mary (new)

Mary | 452 comments Sheila-90 books??? And it's still only May 8th??
Congrats on this fantastic list!
You'll be joining Debbie within the next few days!


message 833: by Mary (new)

Mary | 452 comments Debbie-Stoke up the fire,restock the liquor cabinet,put back some of those potential 5* books you've hidden in the safe and prepare for company!!!!


message 834: by Erika (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished Th..."

Here's the Jane/Col Fitzwilliam stories I found:

1. Determination by Odom - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
2. An Engaging Friendship by Amy J - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_2009...
3. For the Love of Jane by Teresa AF - http://www.elegantextracts.com/new.htm
4. The Given Good Principles series by Maria Grace - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... (also to purchase on Kindle)
5. His Choice of Wife by Dolly1981 - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
6. Hunsford Revisited (renamed to Hunsford Awakenings) by RachelP - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
7. It Only Stands to Reason (published as Remember the Past) by Maria Grace - https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8726039/... (not sure if this version is complete)
8. Mr Darcy Takes the Plunge by J Marie Croft (published book)
9. The Only Way by Ola Wegner (published book)
10. Paths of Men by Amy J - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_2008...
11. The Truth by Sandra C - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/sandrac.htm
12. An Unmemorable Life by Sidney - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... (Jane is attached to Col Fitzwilliam's older brother, the viscount)
13. Worse Fates Could Befall Us by JulieH - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/julieh3.htm

There is probably more out there. Hope this helps.


message 835: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Sheila wrote: "Here is an update on my goal:
75.) Darcy's Trial 4 stars
76.) Darcy's Continental Escape 3.5 stars
77.) Undercover - An Austen Noir 5 stars
78. ) [b..."


Wow.


message 836: by Sophia (new)

Sophia (sophiarose) | 1167 comments Mod
Great list, Erika!


message 837: by Eliza (new)

Eliza Baum (elizabaum) | 176 comments Erika wrote: "Here's the Jane/Col Fitzwilliam stories I found"

You're kind of my hero right now. THANK YOU :D


message 838: by Erika (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments Eliza, do you know about jaffindex.com it is my favorite reference site for Jane Austen Fanfiction online. You have to have a username and password, if you don't have one just message me. It is not a personal username or password, but one from another JAFF website.


message 839: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Erika wrote: "Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But..."

I am so impressed that you did all this research!!!



message 840: by Erika (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments It really was nothing. Got to relook at some stories I haven't read I awhile.


message 841: by Erika (last edited May 08, 2016 06:30PM) (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments I found a few more Jane/Col Fitzwilliam stories:

14. The Good Daughter by DawnR - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_2002...
15. Mr Collins Recieves His Just Rewards by FeliciaHM - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
16. Redemption by Avery - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... (WIP I think)
17. Style & Substance by A Leah Marie - http://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_2002...
18. A Tolerable Temptation by rosemary - http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... (I love this one, rosemary has a great writing style)

Enjoy these as well!!


message 842: by Erika (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments To which website were you trying Patricia?


message 843: by Patricia (new)

Patricia | 188 comments meryton. im going to try a different email for new account.


message 844: by Erika (new)

Erika (eureeka75) | 167 comments Also check if your password is correct.


message 845: by Patricia (new)

Patricia | 188 comments will do


message 846: by Susan (new)

Susan (vesper1931) Eliza wrote: "Can anyone recommend any stories featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam/Jane? I like Jane as Elizabeth's confidant, but she's so sweet that I usually find her boring as a romantic heroine. But I finished Th..."
For me it is The Colonel so going to read that next


message 847: by Nicole (new)

Nicole Barton Sasser (bartonsasser) | 134 comments Eliza wrote: " But I finished The Truth (http://dwiggie.com/derby/sandrac.htm) last night (truthfully, in the wee hours of the morning)"

GR link for The Truth: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...


message 849: by Talia (new)

Talia (kneyda) | 217 comments Nicole wrote: "Eliza wrote: " But I finished The Truth (http://dwiggie.com/derby/sandrac.htm) last night (truthfully, in the wee hours of the morning)"

GR link for The Truth: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/..."


I read The Truth yesterday. It was satisfying for me until about 3/4 way through when the Wickham storyline took over. The first part of the book was all that was charming so the dastardly plotline added toward the end didn't really fit for me. The addition of 3 male Darcy relatives that were up to no good seemed like overkill as well. As you know, I have no problem with outrageous additions but it almost felt like two different books meshed together.

Mr Wickham is redeemed in the end which I think will appeal to some people but not so much me. His turn around is described in the epilogue. I was happy with George silently fading away into the unknown rather than having a complete change in a few paragraphs at the end.

I did love the beginning half of the book though. I was super excited and couldn't put it down until the tone of the book changed course.


message 850: by Sheila (new)

Sheila Majczan (sheilalmajczan) | 700 comments Interesting. I do plan to read this and soon but am forewarned about the premise changing partway through.


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