6 Heartwarming Stories in this Bountiful Harvest!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Authors

I am so grateful that there is a Holidays with Jane anthology that celebrates Thanksgiving! What a great holiday to feature! There are six short stories in this anthology (one for each Jane Austen novel) and each story takes place in present-day. All things autumnal, cozy, and spiced are featured in this charming collection!

I hope you find this breakdown helpful!

A PERUASIVE VISITOR – Cecilia Gray

• The Premise: Dr. Anne Elliot has an important career decision to make during her Thanksgiving break. But her plans for quality time with her family are destroyed when she discovers an ex-boyfriend (that she terribly regrets breaking up with) is invited to her sister’s house for dinner!

• What I Loved: That Anne was at a crossroads similar to the one she experienced when dating Patrick before medical school. I also loved the flashbacks to Anne’s and Patrick’s steamy summer interlude and their palpable chemistry. However, I did wish the present-day story moved a little slower.

NORTH BY NORTHANGER – Jessica Grey

• The Premise: Kate is spending Thanksgiving Break with her…boyfriend? (not sure, no labels yet) and meeting his family the first time. But with the tense atmosphere and cold formality coming from Henry’s politician mother, Cate doesn’t experience the warmest of welcomes…

• What I Loved: That this story began right in the thick of it with Kate and Henry already a couple. I loved that Henry’s strict parent was a matriarch (and not patriarch) and that the whole “suspecting-the-parent-of-something-terrible” incident was refreshingly different! The flashbacks were lovely and Henry’s sweet banter with Kate gave me all sorts of warm fuzzies. One of my faves!

SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM – Nancy Kelley

• The Premise: Even after having her heart broken, Marianne vows that Will was her “once-in-a-lifetime-love.” But little does she know that her quiet next door neighbor Brandon Collins is hoping she will give him a chance…

• What I Loved: I <3 Marianne and Brandon stories! I enjoyed seeing a lot of Brandon’s thoughts throughout his encounters with Marianne. I love how Marianne was focused on matchmaking her sister with Edward (partly as a distraction from her own heartache), and how Brandon stepped in to give her some needed advice. Yay for Brandon!

THANKSGIVING ON HARTFIELD STREET – Jennifer Becton

• The Premise: Even though Harriet knows her sister Emma means well with her meddling and pushy ways, she has had enough. During her trip home for Thanksgiving this year, Harriet finally has the chance to turn the tables a little…

• What I Loved: It’s a Harriet/Robert Martin story – how unique!!! And what a unique switch to see Harriet as Emma’s adopted sister. I loved the friends-to-lovers evolution between Harriet and Martin, how Harriet only faked being ditzy,

  

  the clever enterprise Mr. Woodhouse co-owns with Dr. Perry, and, last but not least…GIANT JENGA! Yasssss! One of my faves!

MELANIE PERCEIVED – Rebecca M. Fleming

• The Premise: Melanie and Eddie have been neighbors and best-of-friends for over a decade. And while Melanie wished their relationship would develop into something more, it looks like Eddie has never thought of her in that way…

• What I Loved: College life, campus newspaper, photography, football – I really liked the theme and setting of this story. I appreciated how Melanie wasn’t timid and shy, and instead stood up for herself. Also, I loved Melanie’s relationship with the football-loving, kind-hearted ‘Grampa Jamie’.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HEART – Melissa Buell

• The Premise: Two rivaling construction businesses are asked to share the honor of hosting the annual All-Town Thanksgiving Feast. The teams from Bennet Homes and Pemberley Estates find it a little challenging to work together and blend their different styles…

• What I Loved: Witnessing all the planning sessions and menu preparations for the big day. It is heartwarming to see a community work like this to celebrate Thanksgiving together. I enjoyed how both Jane and Elizabeth are very involved with their family business, and also have dreams of other types of career paths. However, I thought the Lydia/Wickham incident felt a little implausible.

CONCLUSION:

I’m continuously amazed by all the unique and clever directions these authors take with Jane Austen’s characters, and how they can skillfully construct a fulfilling and satisfying tale into such a compact story. These Thanksgiving tales are as vibrant as the changing leaves, as warm as your favorite flannel, and as sweet as some hot apple pie! I highly recommend!

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

The lovely ladies of Indie Jane Press have generously donated ONE lovely new paperback copy (US winner) and ONE ebook copy (International winner) of Holidays with Jane: Thankful Hearts for me to give away to TWO lucky winners!!

 

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!

• This giveaway is open worldwide (for the ebook) and to US residents (for the paperback).  Thank you, Indie Jane Press!
• This giveaway ends November 17th!

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~ Holidays with Jane Series ~

All $0.99 on Ebook Right Now!!

Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer

Holidays with Jane: Spring Fever

Holidays with Jane: Trick or Sweet

Holidays with Jane: Summer of Love

Holidays with Jane: Thankful Hearts

Holidays with Jane: Will You Be Mine?