April Group Read - Mysterious Austeneque

[Anne]

I’m reading Something To Think Of as it’s been on my TBR list since 2017! Lol

[Kirk]

Whispered Kisses appears to be the longest on TBR. And woohoo...it is short and on Kindle Unlimited!!!

[Sophia]

Kirk wrote: "Whispered Kisses appears to be the longest on TBR. And woohoo...it is short and on Kindle Unlimited!!!"

Glad the pick worked out great for you!

[Kirk]

Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Whispered Kisses appears to be the longest on TBR. And woohoo...it is short and on Kindle Unlimited!!!"

Glad the pick worked out great for you!"
Thanks!!! Lol, a solid 3.5 from me.

[Abigail]

I got a jump on this challenge because my April reading dance card is overfull. My book was First Impressions: An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Sarah Price. I gave it 3 stars, a mixed bag of aspects I admired and awkward writing. My review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

[Sam]

Sophia wrote: "Sam wrote: "So for me it is Jane as character and longest to be read.

Can it be a reread that I intend to read again? or does it have to be one I have never read before?"

If its been a few years ..."

Guess last year doesn't count? ;)

ok, so I am wondering if this works Every Possibility of Future Happiness: An Austen Fantasy Variation it is an ensemble cast, so Jane is in it and it is in my TBR list.

[writer...]

Late, but without home internet it’s my 1st chance at this Fun! Hoping it’s still ok to join in ?
Sophia wrote: "Welcome all!
We're debuting a Group Activity that I hope ends up being a fun way to share our love for Austen, b..."

1.What was your first Jane Austen Novel (or any Austen writing) read? P&P

2. Who is your least favorite Austen book character?
Lucy

3. What place in an Austen novel (or her real life) would you enjoy visiting? I’ve loved Bath and Derbyshire! Would love Lake District..

4. Which Regency custom or word/phrase do you find odd, but interesting?
Length of dances

5. How many times have you read Pride & Prejudice (best guess)10+

[writer...]

‘Kay…. So it’s between

2x Jane as character
2x longest on TBR

Hmmmm ;))

[Sophia]

Sam wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Sam wrote: "So for me it is Jane as character and longest to be read.

Can it be a reread that I intend to read again? or does it have to be one I have never read before?"

If its be..."

I don't see why not, Sam. Looks good!

[Sophia]

writer... wrote: "Late, but without home internet it’s my 1st chance at this Fun! Hoping it’s still ok to join in ?
Sophia wrote: "Welcome all!
We're debuting a Group Activity that I hope ends up being a fun way to ..."

Absolutely! Glad to have you along, writer!

[Sophia]

Abigail wrote: "I got a jump on this challenge because my April reading dance card is overfull. My book was First Impressions: An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Sarah Price. I gave it 3 stars..."

Oh, the pile of real life responsibilities and the book stack commitments. Glad you could still join us and fit in your book, Abigail. Headed over to catch your thoughts on it, now.

[Melanie Nicklin]

1. What was your first Jane Austen Novel (or any Austen writing) read?
-Pride & Prejudice and I was 38
2. Who is your least favorite Austen book character? Henry and Mary Crawford, they seems so sincere at times and and it truly looks like Henry will have his redemption arc, but no
3. What place in an Austen novel (or her real life) would you enjoy visiting? Any place, really. I have not been much out of the US
4. Which Regency custom or word/phrase do you find odd, but interesting? I find the social customs and "proper manners" very interesting. It would help someone not adept at conversation to attempt it easier in some ways, but I also think it would be harder to form deep friendships. Not that it is easy now with our crazy hectic lives.
5. How many times have you read Pride & Prejudice (best guess)? 40+, After I found it, it was so relaxing to relisten/reread during the Covid times, then I found JAFF and was lost. lol

[Sophia]

Melanie Nicklin wrote: "1. What was your first Jane Austen Novel (or any Austen writing) read?
-Pride & Prejudice and I was 38
2. Who is your least favorite Austen book character? Henry and Mary Crawford, they seems so si..."

Fun to read your responses, Melanie!

[MichelleH]

I'm too late to the game, now how did I completely miss this? Oh right, I don't visit often. Drat.
But I have really enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Lots of fun. I'm glad I'm not the only one that would have a hard time pinning down my least favorite Austen book character. :D

[Sophia]

MichelleH wrote: "I'm too late to the game, now how did I completely miss this? Oh right, I don't visit often. Drat.
But I have really enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Lots of fun. I'm glad I'm not the only on..."

You can still join, Michelle! Put up your answers and then figure out your category with the key. We'll take you. :)

[Sam]

Sophia wrote: "Sam wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Sam wrote: "So for me it is Jane as character and longest to be read.

Can it be a reread that I intend to read again? or does it have to be one I have never read before?..."

Yay! Bring April on!!!

[Anne]

I’ve already read, but not reviewed my April book. I have doctors’ appointments starting tomorrow, one Friday a break Monday then also Tuesday and Wednesday. Ugh. I’m tired just thinking about it.

[Sophia]

Anne wrote: "I’ve already read, but not reviewed my April book. I have doctors’ appointments starting tomorrow, one Friday a break Monday then also Tuesday and Wednesday. Ugh. I’m tired just thinking about it."

Wow, I'll bet, Anne! Hopefully, they all go well.

[Anne]

Sophia wrote: "Anne wrote: "I’ve already read, but not reviewed my April book. I have doctors’ appointments starting tomorrow, one Friday a break Monday then also Tuesday and Wednesday. Ugh. I’m tired just thinki..."

Thank you!

[MichelleH]

Well here goes:

1. Northanger Abbey. Odd for a first, I know. Austen was never required reading in the curriculum of Nebraska’s schools in the ’60’s. But after loving the filmed adaptations of P&P, S&S, Emma and Persuasion I decided I just had to actually read Jane Austen. So I picked one I hadn’t yet seen a movie of. I was in my 50's!

2. Can I just cheat and say it depends on which Austen book I’m reading at the time? Because I have a least favorite in each book. But my all time least favorite? I’ll just have to throw a dart. Augusta Elton.
3. If I couldn’t have the entire country of England, I think I’ll say Gracechurch Street. How can you ask us to choose one!

4. There is a phrase I read in Regency and JAFF a lot, I wonder though if it was used in an influential book years ago or if it’s authentically Regency. This is; ‘being indisposed.’ As in, ‘I’m sorry that Georgiana won’t be with us for dinner tonight, she is indisposed.’ This could be a headache, a cold, a disgust of the company at dinner, or a girl’s courses. Given the taboo of discussing so many topics in mixed company, wouldn’t ‘being indisposed’ make the hearer imagine the possible embarrassing?

5. I think five or six times. A couple times with my first hardback copy, three times reading the David Shaphard annotated P&P, and a couple of times listening to it on audio.

[Sophia]

MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

1. Northanger Abbey. Odd for a first, I know. Austen was never required reading in the curriculum of Nebraska’s schools in the ’60’s. But after loving the filmed adaptations of P&..."

My SIL read Northanger Abbey, first, too. Glad to see your answers, Michelle. :)

[MichelleH]

Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TBR list. Sophia, can you clarify for me?...does the book have to meet all these criteria? Or one? I could really use a suggestion here, truly!!!

[Sophia]

MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TBR list. Sophia, can you clarify for me?...does the book have to me..."

Which one of those did you get most often when you matched your answers?

[MichelleH]

Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TBR list. Sophia, can you clarify for me?...does t..."

They weigh in favor of Jane as a character, so I assume I can use that criteria for my book pick? That makes it a lot easier.

[Sophia]

MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TBR list. Sophia, can you clarify f..."

Yes! You can use the 'Jane' as Jane Austen, one of her Jane characters, or another Jane in an Austen spinoff. Lots of possibilities. :)

[MichelleH]

Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TBR list. Sophia,..."

Thanks Sophia, I can work with that. Sorry I just couldn't grasp what I needed to work with. You're right, lots of possibilities.

[Sophia]

MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Sophia wrote: "MichelleH wrote: "Well here goes:

My answers produce Jane as a character, two Austen novels meet, and longest on TB..."

No worries! This is a new challenge I wanted us to try out and it was more complicated than our usual ones.

[Sam]

Well, my pick is much for Lydia heavy, so I will also be reading this
Jane Bennet Takes Charge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
for my April challenge.

Not an author I like, but I was stumped on a jane story that I haven't read recently

[Sophia]

Sam wrote: "Well, my pick is much for Lydia heavy, so I will also be reading this
Jane Bennet Takes Charge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
for my April challenge.

Not an author I like, but I wa..."

Sorry to make you wrestle with this one, Sam. :)

[Sam]

No worries. It'll be a fast read.

[Katie]

I read Mr. Bingley Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by A.L. Ward (4 stars), as my challenge was Jane as a Character and the main character was Jane Bennett. I posted a review for it :) It was nice to find a new series to read thanks to the challenge.

[Sophia]

Katie wrote: "I read Mr. Bingley Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by A.L. Ward (4 stars), as my challenge was Jane as a Character and the main character was Jane Bennett. I posted a revie..."

Yay! Glad the challenge led you to a new series to love, Katie. :)

[CindySR]

Finished Godmersham Park (Jane as character) pretty quickly. I liked it but wish it had been a little livelier. I mean if you are making up most of the story, you'd think it could be more interesting!

[Craftyhj]

CindySR wrote: "Finished Godmersham Park (Jane as character) pretty quickly. I liked it but wish it had been a little livelier. I mean if you are making up most of the story, you'd think it could ..."

This is my book for this month too but I don't think I will get to it until the back end of the month as I have several ARCs to read first.

[Sophia]

CindySR wrote: "Finished Godmersham Park (Jane as character) pretty quickly. I liked it but wish it had been a little livelier. I mean if you are making up most of the story, you'd think it could ..."

Haha, good one, Cindy!

[Sophia]

My book choice was a blend of longest on TBR and Jane as character so I read Shades of Milk and Honey.

It was a sweet and charming gaslamp fantasy that leaned heavily on the Sense & Sensibility story line though there was plenty of moments from the other Austen novels, too. It was a debut book and felt like it, but I am still eager to press forward to more of the series when I get the chance.

[Craftyhj]

Sophia wrote: "My book choice was a blend of longest on TBR and Jane as character so I read Shades of Milk and Honey.

It was a sweet and charming gaslamp fantasy that leaned heavily on the Sense &..."

that's a completely new one on me Sophia - It has bounced from your TBR to mine!

[Sam]

Read mine, Jane bennet takes charge. It was ok. Better in some ways than anticipated and meh in ones I anticipated.

[Katja]

I did this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

[abmom]

I finished
The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... 5 stars. Very interesting sequel which takes you to Jane Austen's time and cottage and introduces you to some of her family. I'm not very familiar with her personal life and hence the book was very interesting and entertaining to read.

[Craftyhj]

I came out as a 'Jane as character' and had intended reading Godmersham Park. When it came to it I decide to read Crossed in Love: A Pride and Prejudice / Northanger Abbey Crossover by Cassandra B Leigh. Sadly I think I made a bad choice as I was somewhat disappointed in this one. I will get to Godmersham Park eventually - book not place, which I know very well. For those who don't know it is an opticians training college these days!

[MichelleH]

My read for this challenge was Jane, and the Man of the Cloth: Being the Second Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron. I'm really very sorry to say I just can't finish this. Last year I started book 1 as another challenge here and couldn't finish it, thinking it was just me at that time or just that book. But, I cannot really get into this. I know this series has some fans here and I feel like I ought to just finish it and maybe see if I at least like the ending. But for now, I failed the April book challenge. I'm more sorry that I purchased so many of the books in the series when they went on sale based on the reviews.

[MichelleH]

Craftyhj wrote: "I came out as a 'Jane as character' and had intended reading Godmersham Park. When it came to it I decide to read Crossed in Love: A Pride and Prejudice / Northanger Abbey Crossover..."
I'm sorry you didn't like your choice, Craftyhj. I happened to have liked that book quite a lot. But I am not a fan that must have Jane end up with Bingley to be happy.

[Craftyhj]

I agree about Jane and Bingley, he is not husband material I fear. Mr Bennet's quip about them being taken advantage of by their servants etc. is very astute. I also suspect that Bingley would struggle to remain faithful.

I was quite happy for Jane to have a different partner in my choice - it was just far too many pages for the amount of plot. A good pruning edit would turn it into a very good book.

On to the May challenge - mine is a Jennifer Joy so I know I shall be in safe hands.

[MichelleH]

Craftyhj wrote: "I agree about Jane and Bingley, he is not husband material I fear. Mr Bennet's quip about them being taken advantage of by their servants etc. is very astute. I also suspect that Bingley would stru..."

It has been about a year and a half or more since I read Crossed in Love, and you are right about it needing a bit of pruning. But I did like the story. I'm looking forward to reading your opinion of your May read. Yes, you are in safe hands.