Mr. Bennet Level: 51+ Books

[Talia]

I read Mister Darcy's Dogs: A Pride and Prejudice Contemporary Novella tonight. Clever and fun.

[Talia]

Just checked my bookshelf and I've read 19 books since being in Mr Bennett's library. It sure is comfortable in here.

[Sophia]

I think we should have added another level for you like Mr. Darcy's Pemberley Library that is rumored to be quite extensive. Impressive, Talia! I haven't read one with Darcy having pet dogs so that one sounds adorable.

[Talia]

Sophia wrote: "I think we should have added another level for you like Mr. Darcy's Pemberley Library that is rumored to be quite extensive. Impressive, Talia! I haven't read one with Darcy having pet dogs so th..."

It was good. I can thank kindle unlimited for my reading increase. What a great thing!

[Elaine]

Talia wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hello everyone! January has come and gone already. Took a day off from reading to check-in with my reading group. I have finished 11. I have read other but they were very short stor..."

Your welcome Talia! Later this week I will give a a list of book set of P&P fame that are must reads.

[Talia]

Just finished Mister Darcy's Christmas. This is the second book in the series. Terrific.

[Elaine]

Talia wrote: "Just checked my bookshelf and I've read 19 books since being in Mr Bennett's library. It sure is comfortable in here."

Very impressive, Talia.

[Talia]

Elaine wrote: "Talia wrote: "Just checked my bookshelf and I've read 19 books since being in Mr Bennett's library. It sure is comfortable in here."

Very impressive, Talia."

I only have one day a week to read so I usually can only fit in 3 books a week but I am sick with a cold which gives me more time to read. :)

I thought everyone read a few books a week but I was wrong. People have much more interesting lives than me.

[Susan]

On my quest to Mr. Bennet's level I have read 17 books towards my goal (https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...)
I will be carrying on reading what few ebooks I have left unread, then it's on to the paperbacks.

[Talia]

Susan wrote: "On my quest to Mr. Bennet's level I have read 17 books towards my goal (https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...)
I will be carrying on reading what..."

Well done! Join us.

[Deborah]

Elaine wrote: "Hello everyone! January has come and gone already. Took a day off from reading to check-in with my reading group. I have finished 11. I have read other but they were very short stories and I don't..."

Great amount of reading Elaine. I am impressed. Just want to let you know Monica Fairview is planning to release the third and concluding book this summer so hopefully you won't be disappointed then.

[Talia]

Finished Mister Darcy's Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Contemporary Novella. I hope the author continues writing for this series.

[Sophia]

Fabulous, Susan!

I'm glad Cherished was good. I have my eye on that one.

[Talia]

Only had Friday night to read this week! I read Lizzy and Jane. There are two types of books I like to read. Classics and entertaining fluff. The P & P variations fall into the entertaining category. This book fits neither category for me. I can't say I enjoyed it.

I did start Colonel Brandon's Diary which is looking really good so far.

[Ceri]

It's a shame you didn't enjoy 'Lizzy and Jane', but sometimes a book is just not for you.

I plan to read Henry Tilney's Diary this month, so I'd be interested to hear what you think of Colonel Brandon's.

[Talia]

Ceri wrote: "It's a shame you didn't enjoy 'Lizzy and Jane', but sometimes a book is just not for you.

I plan to read Henry Tilney's Diary this month, so I'd be interested to hear what you thin..."

Loved that book. Amanda Grange can do no wrong. :)

[Georgiana]

Talia wrote: "I did start Colonel Brandon's Diary which is looking really good so far."

I haven't read Henry Tilney's Diary yet, but Colonel Brandon's Diary il my favourite of Amanda Grange's Diaries so far (and I translated Mr. Darcy's Diary into Italian!)

[Ceri]

I think most people seem to rate Colonel Brandon's Diary the highest. The first Austenesque book I read, when I discovered the genre existed, was Persuasion and Captain Wentworth's Diary which led me to Mr. Darcy's Diary and everything else I've read so far.

That's great that you could bring Austen-inspired reading to more people Georgiana!

[Ahnya]

I read Henry Tilney's Diary, and I loved it. Haven't read Colonel Brandon's Diary yet, but I plan to. Hope I like it as much as Tilney's.

[Talia]

I didn't get as much reading in this weekend. I have only two books read. Both were very good.

Colonel Brandon's Diary: A winner!

The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery: I have to find out if this is a series. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt so perhaps it is? Regina Jeffers is my Gothic Princess.

[Sophia]

Those are both good choices, Talia. Two is a great accomplishment for the weekend.

[Sophia]

I loved both of these Diaries the best in the series, Ahnya. Although, I haven't read Wickham's yet...

[Maria]

I have read Mr. Knightley's Diary, Mr. Darcy's Diary and Captain Wentworth's Diary. My favourite is Wentworth's but I'm very curious to read Colonel Brandon's! It seems very good! :)

[Talia]

Maria wrote: "I have read Mr. Knightley's Diary, Mr. Darcy's Diary and Captain Wentworth's Diary. My favourite is Wentworth's but I'm very curious to read Colonel Brando..."

Love that you read these altogether.

[Shannon]

I am 11/51 now. Since my last post I have read Mr Darcy's Challenge, Mr Darcy's Pledge, Pride and Prescience and Emma and Elizabeth.

Mr Darcy's Pledge - 4.5 Stars
I really liked the first book of this series. I thought the author did a good job in her characterization of Darcy and his thoughts/feelings. I loved his list :) I really liked how the author portrayed Georgiana as well.

Mr Darcy's Challenge - 3.5 Stars
This is the second book in the series. I did not like this one as much as the first. A lot of book time was spent on searching for Lydia (too much in my opinion) and I thought Elizabeth came off a little mean sometimes. Still overall I enjoyed the book and was worth the read. I read in Sophia's review that this was not the final book in the series, which I wasn't aware of so I am happy to continue this series.

Pride and Prescience - 4 Stars
This was my first Austenesque mystery and I really enjoyed it. Generally after marriage Darcy books are not my favorite but this was surprisingly refreshing. I liked how they worked together but there were still gentle nods to their character flaws. Decent mystery as well though I did figure it out ;)

Emma and Elizabeth - 4 Stars
This was based on JA's fragment the Watsons. I enjoyed the strong sisterly bond between Emma and Elizabeth. There were also hints of P&P in it. Very well done. I have never read the Watsons and will now have to add that to my list.

I am currently reading The Dancing Master and have The Gypsy Blessing and Suspense and Sensibility next on my list :)

[Sophia]

Way to tackle quite the pile, Shannon!

I love the Carrie Bebris books. I still need to read the last three. Darcy and Lizzy are great detectives. ;)

Glad the Watson retelling was good. I have that one still to read too.

Yep, Monica's series has more to come. I didn't know it when I was reading book two so I was frustrated with all the running around after Lydia and quick wrap-up too. Looking forward to seeing some of the loose ends get more story.

[Elaine]

Shannon wrote: "I am 11/51 now. Since my last post I have read Mr Darcy's Challenge, Mr Darcy's Pledge, Pride and Prescience and Emma and Elizabeth.

Mr Darcy's Pledge - 4.5 Stars
I really liked the first book of..."

Good job Shannon!

[Talia]

My 2 books this weekend are Fate And Consequences: A Tale Of Pride And Prejudice and Rain and Retribution. I loved them both!

[Elaine]

Yes they were!

[Ceri]

I have given up reading Linda Wells' books. I know a lot of people love her stuff but though I think her plots are fantastic her characters frustrate me because they are so open, everything is laid out on the table and I would say a general characteristic of British people is that we are generally quite private and both Darcy and particularly Elizabeth are actually quite secretive in P&P, so it's like their characters have been so fundamentally changed that I can't see them as them any more. Since I like her plots I get frustrated with myself that I can't see past this and enjoy the rest of the story! I've read a few, both as fanfiction and published and I feel like this about all of them so I've had to accept that we are incompatible!

[Talia]

Ceri wrote: "I have given up reading Linda Wells' books. I know a lot of people love her stuff but though I think her plots are fantastic her characters frustrate me because they are so open, everything is laid..."

No worries! We all like different things. I like them because they are a refreshing change. Plus, they are well written. It is nice to break up the usual P & P with something crazy.

[Deborah]

Ceri wrote: "I have given up reading Linda Wells' books. I know a lot of people love her stuff but though I think her plots are fantastic her characters frustrate me because they are so open, everything is laid..."

That's ok. Different styles for each of us. If we were all the same there wouldn't be so much choice and life would be quite dull.

[Carol]

Thanks Ceri. I decided to read in ABC order by authors. Of the 600 plus books I have, I've read 90 something, but many are novellas which are a quick read. It amazes me how many variations are written about one of the greatest love story in Literature. Not certain if this link will work, but will give it a try.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Ceri]

Oh my word Carol, have you read all those this year?! It would take me till December to read that many! Wow!

[Sophia]

My stars, Carol! You're the Austenesque Boss! That's amazing the way you are cruising through even if they are novellas. I think I want to be you when I grow up. ;)

[Ceri]

I think you need a new challenge level, 80+ 'Carol'!

[Abigail]

Let’s call Carol’s level the Georgiana Darcy level—since she’s so accomplished!

[Carol]

Thanks, but once I start I cannot stop until I get to the end. Don't know whether I'm accomplished or not, just can't get enough of Elizabeth and Darcy.

[Talia]

Sorry that I missed posting last week's books. We had a vet emergency. Here is this week's and last week's.

Mr. Darcy's Diary: Loved.

Bewitched, Body and Soul: Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Liked a lot

To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale: another good one

What He Would Not Do: Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues: sequel to the previously listed book, good as well

Darcy's Decision (Given Good Principles): I loved this one.

The Future Mrs. Darcy: This was terrific.

As usual, I don't want to give anything away so short and sweet!

[Sophia]

No biggie, Talia! Life emergencies are definitely a good reason to put off a list.

So glad you had so many good books in your reading pile. Lots of delicious Mr. Darcy! ;)

[Elaine]

Talia wrote: "Sorry that I missed posting last week's books. We had a vet emergency. Here is this week's and last week's.

Mr. Darcy's Diary: Loved.

[book:Bewitched, Body and Soul: Miss Elizabeth B..."

Thanks Talia, that's exactly how I feel.

[Talia]

Only two books this week but I have to share this swoon-worthy article. http://www.buzzfeed.com/whatjanedid/1...

My books:

All the Appearance of Goodness
Twelfth Night at Longbourn

Terrific reads! Hoping she continues the series.

[Sophia]

If you're interested and hadn't heard, Maria Grace wrote Bits of Bobbin and Lace with additional chapters and an ending scene for this series, Talia?

Here's the link to the blog page if you want to check it out:
http://austenvariations.com/free-books/

[Talia]

Sophia wrote: "If you're interested and hadn't heard, Maria Grace wrote Bits of Bobbin and Lace with additional chapters and an ending scene for this series, Talia?

Here's the link to the blog page if you want t..."

OOH!! Thank you!

[Sophia]

You're welcome!

[Abigail]

Loved the Buzzfeed bit, Talia!

[Ceri]

Abigail wrote: "Loved the Buzzfeed bit, Talia!"

Yes! Me too, sigh!

[Talia]

Ceri wrote: "Abigail wrote: "Loved the Buzzfeed bit, Talia!"

Yes! Me too, sigh!"

I am sighing right along with you. So hard to pick just one so it is good we can keep them all and share.

[Sophia]

Just got a chance to see your buzzfeed link, Talia!

You're a real friend for sharing that. ;)

[Talia]

This week's:

Dearest Friends: Loved this one so much. Can't wait for the sequel. Please tell me there will be one.
The Second Chance: I like a lot of it but there is a lot of repetition. I think I will like it better during a second read. I had a lot of interruptions.

Mr. Darcy's Proposal: Another one to love!