6 Unique and Diverse Novellas about Jane Austen’s Characters

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Authors

Six talented authors have collaborated together to create this charming collection of Austen-inspired novellas. The first two anthologies published by this group are holiday-themed anthologies – A Very Austen Christmas and Avery Austen Valentine. This anthology, A Very Austen Romance, does not have a seasonal theme but instead includes a diverse collection of stories that spotlight various Jane Austen characters in entertaining, endearing, and engaging situations.

There are six stories in this collection ranging from 61 to 126 pages in length. I hope you find this breakdown helpful!

THE KING OF HEARTS – Robin Helm

• Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel about a Secondary Character

• The Premise: Kitty Bennet has an official coming out ball and finds herself with more suitors than she knows what to do with…

• My Thoughts: I love seeing a mature and sensible Kitty out in society and surrounded by men who appreciate and understand her worth. This story is full of flirtation, sincerity, and learning to understand your heart.

YOU’VE GOT TO KISS THE GIRL – Laura Hile

• Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation

• The Premise: Lady C has a most outlandish plan to finally get Mr. Darcy to marry Anne…

• My Thoughts: This was hilarious! Laura Hile is getting quite adept at channeling Lady C! I love the situation Darcy and Elizabeth find each other in – I adored their interactions together and all of Darcy’s sweet Sir Galahad ways. And it was brilliant to see how they thwarted Lady C’s plans! One of my faves!

A STEP TOO FAR – Wendi Sotis

• Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Variation

• The Premise: Elizabeth takes a fall from Oakham Mount just as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley arrive…

• My Thoughts: I love that this story is a bit of prequel and that once again has a Bennet sister indisposed at Netherfield – but this time it is Elizabeth instead of Jane! I loved seeing Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have an immediate interest in one another and how their relationship develops with this new footing so to speak. I always love seeing Mr. Darcy come to Elizabeth’s rescue!

JOHN KNIGHTLEY WINS A WIFE – Barbara Cornthwaite

• Type of Story: Emma Prequel about a Secondary Character

• The Premise: John Knightley is in love and preparing to propose…

• My Thoughts: Yaaaasssss! I love when Barbara Corthnwaite writes about the Knightley brothers! And how unique to see Mr. John Knightley in the spotlight. I loved seeing his journey to a HEA and all he learned along the way. Mr. George Knightley is so wise, and all our friends – the Woodhouses, the Bates, etc. were so lovely to see. One of my faves!

CHARMING MISS DASHWOOD – Chautona Havig

• Type of Story: Sense and Sensibility Sequel about a Secondary Character

• The Premise: Margaret Dashwood is annoyed that Colonel Brandon’s new houseguest is disrupting her reading time in the library…

• My Thoughts: A Margaret Dashwood story for the win! I love Margaret’s thirst for adventure and travel and her capability and courage to take care of herself! This story had some excitement and intrigue with the hero’s secret mission. And while the hero was interesting, he didn’t quite earn my affections, and there were some parts of the story that felt extraneous and odd.

IN THE LOOKING GLASS – Mandy H. Cook

• Type of Story: Pride and Prejudice Sequel about a Secondary Character

• The Premise: Fanny Bingley’s birthday takes an unexpected turn…

• My Thoughts: I love the idea of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Bingley’s daughter experience her own romantic adventures, and it is great fun to see Charles and Jane as parents with a big brood of their own. But as a whole, this story felt a little too disjointed and unfocused. There was a lot of quick developments and not a lot unifying them.

CONCLUSION:

A Very Austen Romance is an inventive and varied collection of Austen-inspired novellas that are perfect to pick up when your time and attention is limited! I applaud these authors for their creativity and for including so many diverse secondary characters in this collection – each story was delightfully distinct.

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