Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2015 discussion
Challege Levels
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Mr. Bennet Level: 51+ Books
Pamela wrote: "Talia wrote: "This week's:Dearest Friends: Loved this one so much. Can't wait for the sequel. Please tell me there will be one.
It's in the works, Talia. Look for it this summer...."
Yeah! Such good news!
Another week with not much read. I finished Second Impressions. I liked the story but I couldn't love the way Elizabeth was portrayed in this book. Yes, it is well written but the charm was gone. I wouldn't want to know this Elizabeth.I am hoping to get more reading in next weekend.
Well in the last three months I have read 94 books, of which 53 have been for this challenge. I still have a few more books to read so I shall carry on just in case a new level is introduced!!
Susan wrote: "Well in the last three months I have read 94 books, of which 53 have been for this challenge. I still have a few more books to read so I shall carry on just in case a new level is introduced!!"That is fantastic!
Talia wrote, “Another week with not much read.”Well, Second Impressions is a pretty chunky mouthful! Nothing to sneeze at in the reading department!
I agree with you about that one—the author wrote a good Regency style, but it seemed curiously flat. I was bothered also by the lack of much plot: it seemed to be, “Oh, golly, what do I do now? Let’s take the characters to another country and something will occur to me.” That’s harsh, I know; I was very impressed with her research, but not so much with the story. Maybe I just resented it because she stole the title I was going to use for my novel!
Abigail wrote: "Talia wrote, “Another week with not much read.”Maybe I just resented it because she stole the title I was going to use for my novel! "I love that!
I found Elizabeth to be dimwitted in this one. I skipped a lot of the descriptive parts in the end. It did go on.
This week I finished 4 books.My Bff: I liked this book a lot. I will read it again. The thing that bothers me about modern takes on P & P is that Elizabeth is usually a genius, child prodigy, has a PhD, etc. I think we lose the simple country lass that captured Mr Darcy's heart with her impertinence with the modern portrayals. I still liked this book but someone please take pity on me and write a modern variation with a less gifted and more just-special-because-she-is-not-kissing-up-to-Darcy Elizabeth.
A Wife for Mr. Darcy: I read two by this author this weekend. Enjoyable and light.
Affinity and Affection: Otherwise known as "The Truth About Mr Darcy": I liked the storyline with Lydia in this one. This one will be a fave.
A Walk in the Meadows at Rosings Park: The shortest of the bunch and the least liked. I will comment no further than to say other than a short reference to Mercer, I did not like this one.
That makes 45 books for me for this year. Getting close to the 51 goal. :)
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I loved Wife For Mr. Darcy because I love her Anthony Fitzwilliam character.
I am so behind in my posts. Too busy reading and not enough posting :)So I have been branching out a bit more from my Austen/Regency novels to just historical fiction in general and it has been interesting. I won't review them here but they are listed on my reading challenge if anybody is interested.
I have read 11 Austenesque books since my last post which I believe puts me at 22/51.
The Dancing Master - 3.5 Stars
This was the only Julie Klassen book I had not read and was not very enthused about it. It was a better than average book but definitely my least favorite of Ms. Klassen's novels. My main complaint was that the heroine was not very likeable.
Suspense and Sensibility - 4 Stars
I have really been enjoying the Mr & Mrs Darcy mysteries. The mix of Austen's other characters make them a really fun read. I thought the supernatural element in this particular one was a little over the top though.
The Gypsy Blessing - 4.5 Stars
What a unique idea! Ms. Sotis has a number of books out and somehow I just heard of her novels. Though it does not follow the P&P storyline at all I really loved Elizabeth's interactions with Georgiana and Darcy.
The Darcy Brothers - 4 Stars
Also a very unique idea! I could not tell that the book had multiple authors. It was a very smooth read. Theo was a fun character and was a good foil to Darcy. It was a little action packed and I wasn't too fond of the initial engagement between Darcy/Elizabeth.
Boots & Backpacks - 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and flew through it. My only quibble was in the beginning Darcy was a little too much of a sex fiend and Elizabeth was a bit too mean/snarky. The ending was a bit of a surprise for me. I loved the addition of other JA characters. Great fun!
North & Northanger - 5 Stars
This was my favorite Mr & Mrs Darcy mystery so far. The mystery actually was something they needed to figure out for themselves versus another character. I really loved the connection that was created between Elizabeth and Lady Anne. It was also a much more realistic mystery as well.
Prelude for a Lord - 5 Stars
This is a regency period novel but not specifically tied to Jane Austen. I really really loved it. Great romance, great mystery/action elements. Characters were very well developed. I believe the author is creating additional books surrounding other characters and I can't wait :)
The Matters at Mansfield - 4 Stars
Another Mr & Mrs Darcy mystery. Poor Anne! This was a very interesting mystery surrounding Anne de Bourgh and the rascal Crawford. This was the first one that did not have any supernatural element to it. I liked the previous one more but still a really good read!
Aerendgast - 4 Stars
This was kind of like the DaVinci Code for Austen fans. I don't want to give anything away so I won't say much. I struggled with certain things regarding Jane's past and the events that took place. I didn't quite understand some character's motives/actions. I did enjoy Violet and Peter's interactions and felt that this was a great debut novel.
The Intrigue at Highbury - 4.5 Stars
Another great Mr & Mrs Darcy mystery. If you couldn't tell I have been enjoying the series :P The character's from Emma took center stage and I loved seeing them interact with the Darcys. Great mystery as well!
Foundations of Love -
This was the modern follow-up to the Gypsy Blessing. I liked the Gypsy Blessing more but this was a strong sequel. The ending conflict seemed a bit rushed but I really enjoyed the interactions and relationships.
Whew okay so there is all 11. I am currently reading The Pursuit of Mary Bennet. Next up is Dearest Friends, Assumed Engagement and A Peculiar Connection.
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Shannon wrote: "I am so behind in my posts. Too busy reading and not enough posting :)So I have been branching out a bit more from my Austen/Regency novels to just historical fiction in general and it has been i..."
Now, I have a few more titles I want to read after your reviews. Thank you!
Impressive list there Shannon! I hope to read all of Carrie Bebris' series this year, I've read the Mansfield Park one but none of the others so far. I managed to pick up some of them for a bargain price on eBay :) In case you don't know, there is a new one due out this summer based on Sanditon.
I did it!!! I've read 59 books so far this year and listed them on this site (I'm not sure where it shows up). Thank you so much for doing this, Sophia. Now, I need to spend more time writing than reading. Focus, Joy!!! Focus!
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 question, Elaine. Who was the only man who married all five Bennet girls? I do not know.
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Here's the link to your list: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
They are in the reader's book tracker YTD section.
4 books this weekend. A Weekend with Mr. Darcy: Loved this one. I have to look for more by this author.
Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman: Ok but nothing special. I can't say this stood out for me but it was well written.
Imperative: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice, Volume 1 and
Imperative: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice, Volume 2: First, this story starts with one of the best proposals ever and second, I need another volume. One of my faves.
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Thank you, Sophia. I will continue to add to the list as I read.
Joy 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..." It was Col. Richard Fitzwilliam who married all 5 Bennett sisters.
Mod
Well, I have officially read my 51 books so I can get comfy in the library now. I finished:Dreaming of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy Forever: I am pleased with the way the author writes just not with the rushed romances. If there is a male in the vicinity, they fall madly in love with the heroine with no reason. I liked her first book much better than these. I felt that the Mr Darcy Forever storyline was a bit too Jerry Springer for me as well.
On the bright side, I started Outander by Diana Gabaldon and I was in love with this book about 15 pages in. It is terrific! Thank you to Monica, of this group, who put it on her page to read. I have never seen the show because I don't have Starz but wow, it is so good.
Congratulations, Talia! I have had Victoria Connelly's books on my TBR for so long. I am very intrigued by you saying the storyline was quite Jerry Springer, not sure what to expect, LOL. I have a feeling that Dreaming of Mr Darcy has a different title here in the UK, I'll just go and check........ I think it might be The Perfect Hero
Ceri wrote: "Congratulations, Talia! I have had Victoria Connelly's books on my TBR for so long. I am very intrigued by you saying the storyline was quite Jerry Springer, not sure what to expect, LOL. I have ..."
It must be. I liked her first one the best, then the second, then the third. Tell me what you think when you read them.
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I'm tossing cyber confetti into the air in excitement that you hit your goal. I only read the first book in Victoria's series and enjoyed it, but I haven't gotten to the next ones.
Loved the Outlander series too!
Monica wrote: "Talia, I'm glad you're loving Outlander! I've read the 1st 5 books several times. There are definitely lots of ups and downs, twists and turns through the series. I had to wait for Season 1, Vol 1 ..."You are my inspiration! Thank you for this title. I am about 300 pages in. So, maybe I can rent the show when I am done with the book? Have you read the others in this series and if yes, does it stay great? I ask hoping it does. :)
Monica wrote: "I loved the 1st 5 books. I read #6 when it came out, and I found it a bit more historically detailed than necessary (there was a war going on); haven't read the last 3 yet, though I have them on my..."Good to hear! I know what I will be reading this month and the next! Tha new Abigail Reynolds book was supposed to be here on Friday but we has a snow storm from Weds through Sat so no mail. The roads to town were closed. I thought it was appropriate since it is the book with D and E stuck in a snow storm. My book was as well.
That one will be read next Friday.
Thank you so much again for sharing your good taste in books with me. :)
Georgiana wrote: "Congratulations Talia!"Thank you! And now, I have finished:
Outlander
I guess this won't count here since it isn't Austen but it was fantastic!
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We should do a discussion spot for non-Jane Austen reads that the Jane Austen lover would like. ;)
Sophia wrote: "Glad you loved Outlander, Talia!We should do a discussion spot for non-Jane Austen reads that the Jane Austen lover would like. ;)"
Great idea. I am glad to have reached the Bennet goal so I don't have to feel guilty reading non-Austenesque novels.
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Sophia wrote: "I'll what I can do."You are the best! I have been enjoying myself a great deal in this group. Thank you!
Talia wrote: "Well, I have officially read my 51 books so I can get comfy in the library now. I finished:Dreaming of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy Forever: I am pleased with the way t..."
Congrats! That is amazing.
I started Outlander last year, and I love it. I have only finished the first 2 books in the series, but I am hooked. The series on Starz is wonderful I definitely recommend.
I'm already over 50 because I'm new to JAFF and OBSESSED!!! I love sequels vs variations but I read both... It's funny though because so many members seem to prefer variations... I want the romantic stuff... Berdoll's sequels are still my favorite... I've reread them more than I think any other books I've ever read... Why don't people love the sequels as much? Everything I read is listed on my shelf, I think... Also love the Starnes sequel... reread parts of that too...Unequal Affections is my favorite variation along with A Peculiar Connection.. They are exceptional in my opinion!! What are your favorite sequels?
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I was addicted when I first discovered JAFF. I love all takes on it including sequels, but my favorites are the variations and retellings. Marsha Altman and Sharon Lathan's sequels have been quite enjoyable. I still have plenty to read.
I loved Lathan and I am in Altman's 8th book but I can't bear to finish it because then I only have one book left until the final book comes out this winter... Did you read the whole series? If so, we should chat about them... Maybe even a thread devoted to these series because I feel the series books are in a different league... Right now I'm listening to Aidan's first book and reading Falling for Mr. Darcy... I check Berdoll's site every day for news about the fourth book... Gasp... This is a ridiculous obsession!!! LOL!!!
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I am only a little ways along in both those series. You are more than welcome to start up a discussion about the series books. I already have a place under 'Assorted and Sundry Matters' for discussions with spoilers and discussions without spoilers.
Don't worry. I am just as obsessed. The only thing holding me back from this level is a 50 hour work week year round, without end.
Hello friends. I saw some free books on Amazon, there P&P variation that you may or may not have.A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation http://amzn.com/B00M0TSS6C
Georgiana Darcy's Diary
http://amzn.com/B004XQVC6I
Most Truly (A Pride and Prejudice Novella) (Love at Pemberley Book 1)
http://amzn.com/B00H07FW5E
Pride and Prejudice: Darcy Chooses Prequels
http://amzn.com/B00ME1Y2SY
Can you believe it May already. Eight more books and counting. I hope all are progressing in your reading. Take care.
Thanks!!! Happy reading!!! What eight books have you read so far?
Thanks!!! Happy reading!!! What eight books have you read so far?
Claudine wrote: "Thanks!!! Happy reading!!! What eight books have you read so far?"Actually Claudine, I have read 42 books and need eight more to fulfill my reading challenge. I have sent a friend request so you may see what I have read. Happy reading to you too.
Thank you!! Now we can share books...
Hi All! So far this year I have read 27 JAFF titles - although some are novellas - can I count those? I have added over 50 titles to my Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2015 shelf. I have to be honest - I really mostly read P&P JAFF, so most of the books I have purchased and have on my TBR shelf are based on other JA titles or are minor P&P characters. So, this really will be a challenge for me! However, I will keep reading P&P, so authors - keep writing and publishing this year so I can get to my 50 titles! Thanks!
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Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2015
Books mentioned in this topic
Take a Chance on Me (other topics)The One That I Want (other topics)
Dawn of the Dreadfuls (other topics)
Mr Darcy's Rescue (other topics)
The Darcys' First Christmas: A Sweet Tea Novella (other topics)
More...
Dearest Friends: Loved this one so much. Can't wait for the sequel. Please tell me there will be one.
It's in the works, Talia. Look for it this summer. Thanks for reading!