Here is the next list of modern-day writers who, in their own way, have paid homage to Jane Austen’s legendary stories. The first author has written nine books while the second author has written eight books either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself.
Dear Mr. Darcy by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Dear Mr. Darcy: A Retelling of Pride and Prejudice”
To Be Released on August 7, 2012
In this imaginative retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the classic story is seen through the eyes of its compelling romantic hero, Fitzwilliam Darcy—in a series of revealing letters that casts a sparkling new reflection on the manners and morals of the landed gentry in 19th-century England. Here, for the first time, are the letters written by the exceedingly proud and stubborn Mr. Darcy, covering the life-changing events that defined him. Try as he may, he cannot deny his attraction to this woman with fine eyes, a playful spirit, a mind of her own… and an embarrassing family that is frankly, and utterly, beneath him. But it is Elizabeth who controls both their destinies, and whose surprises will change Darcy’s life yet again.
Henry Tilney’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Henry Tilney’s Diary”
Released on December 6, 2011
This book is a charming retelling of Northanger Abbey seen through Henry Tilney’s eyes. At the age of four and twenty, Henry is content with his life as a clergyman, leaving his older brother Frederick to inherit Northanger Abbey. But General Tilney is determined to increase the family’s means by having all three of his children marry wealthy partners. During a trip to Bath, Henry meets the delightful Miss Catherine Morland and believes he may have found the woman he’s been looking for, although she has no great fortune. When the General takes an unusual liking to Catherine and invites her to visit the Abbey, Henry is thrilled. But just as in the Gothic novels Henry loves, not everything is as it seems.
Wickham’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Wickham’s Diary”
Released on April 1, 2011
At university Darcy and Wickham grow apart. Wickham runs through the money Darcy gives him and then takes up with the scandalous Belle. After Belle and Wickham run through a small fortune gambling and cavorting, Wickham turns to Anne de Bourgh to replenish his coffers. But the lady is not at home, and Wickham follows her and her money to Bath. Once there he bumps into Belle again, who is now a companion to Georgiana Darcy. With Belle’s help, Wickham sees his opening to seduce the young Miss Darcy and secure the fortune he’s always dreamt of. Darcy swoops in to foil the elopement at the last minute, leaving Belle and Wickham fleeing his wrath. Penniless, Wickham is encouraged to enlist by one of his friends. The novella ends just before he meets the Bennets.
A Darcy Christmas by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE (with Sharon Lathan and Carolyn Eberhart)
“A Darcy Christmas”
Released on October 1, 2010
This holiday book includes the following Christmas stories: “Christmas Present by Amanda Grange; “A Darcy Christmas” by Sharon Lathan (more on Sharon further below) and “Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol” by Carolyn Eberhart
Colonel Brandon’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Colonel Brandon’s Diary”
Released on July 7, 2009
At the age of eighteen, James Brandon’s world is shattered when the girl he loves, Eliza, is forced to marry his brother. In despair, he joins the army and leaves England for the East Indies for the next several years. Upon his return, he finds Eliza in a debtor’s prison. He rescues her from her terrible situation, but she is dying of consumption and he can do nothing but watch and wait. Heartbroken at her death, he takes some consolation in her illegitimate daughter, who he raises as his ward. But at the age of fifteen, his ward goes missing. Devastated by the thought of what could have happened to her, he is surprised to find himself falling in love with Marianne Dashwood. But Marianne is falling in love with the charismatic Willoughby.
Edmund Bertram’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Edmund Bertram’s Diary”
Released on August 5, 2008
This is the retelling of Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park from the point of view of Edmund Bertram. At ten years of age, Fanny Price came to live with Edmund Bertram and his family at Mansfield Park. Far from the brat Edmund expected, Fanny became his closest confidante and dearest friend. But when the fashionable Crawford siblings— Henry and Mary—come to town, they captivate the Bertram family. Henry embarks on a scandalous flirtation with Edmund’s sister, who is already betrothed to another, while Edmund is enchanted by Mary’s beauty and wit. But when it appears that Mary is not all who she seems to be, Edmund will turn to the one woman who has always been at his side to find the happiness he deserves—Fanny.
Captain Wentworth’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Captain Wentworth’s Diary”
Released on May 6, 2008
This book is the retelling of Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion from the point of view of Captain Frederick Wentworth. During his shore leave from the Navy, he falls in love with the elegant and intelligent Miss Anne Elliot—only to see his hopes of marrying her dashed by her godmother. Eight years later, he has realized his ambitions; he is a wealthy captain, who has pushed his memories of Anne to the furthest recesses of his mind—until he sees her again. And though Anne’s bloom has faded, Wentworth is surprised to find that his regard for her wit and warmth has not.
Mr. Knightley’s Diary by Amanda Grange
AMANDGA GRANGE
“Mr. Knightley’s Diary”
Released on October 2, 2007
Relive Jane Austen’s Emma- from Mr. Knightley’s point of view. Between managing his estate and visiting his brother in London, Mr. Knightley is both exasperated and amused by his irresistibly beautiful, outrageously mischievous neighbor, Emma Woodhouse, whose misguided attempts at matchmaking are wreaking havoc in the village of Highbury. But when a handsome newcomer arrives and catches Emma’s attention, Mr. Knightley is shocked by his reaction. Amusement gives way to another emotion entirely-for his unreasonable dislike of the handsome newcomer seems suspiciously like jealousy.
Mr. Darcy’s Diary: A Novel by Amanda Grange
AMANDA GRANGE
“Mr. Darcy’s Diary: A Novel”
Released on April 4, 2007
This is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view via an imagined diary of a clever sort: This story reproduces, word for word and comma for comma, conversations from the original novel, but shifts the perspective to reported speech in Darcy’s first-person, with his commentary on the encounters.
Miss Darcy Falls in Love by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“Miss Darcy Falls in Love”
Released on November 1, 2011
This book follows Mr. Darcy’s younger sister into the world of classical music. Noble young ladies were expected to play an instrument, but societal restrictions would have chafed for Georgiana Darcy, an accomplished musician. Her tour of Europe draws the reader into the musical life of the day, and a riveting love story of a young woman learning to direct her destiny and understand her own heart.
The Trouble with Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“The Trouble with Mr. Darcy”
Released on April 1, 2011
In this book, George Wickham returns to Hertfordshire bent on creating trouble, and Elizabeth and her newborn son are thrown into danger. Knowing that Wickham has nothing left to lose, Darcy and Fitzwilliam rush to the rescue in a race against time. This lushly romantic story takes a turn for the swashbuckling when Mr. Darcy has to confront the villainous Wickham and his own demons at the same time.
In the Arms of Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“In the Arms of Mr. Darcy”
Released on October 1, 2010
This lushly romantic and historically fascinating story is filled with lavish details of Regency customs and social events including Elizabeth’s presentation to the Prince Regent, Georgiana’s debut at the exclusive Almack’s Assembly, and the Darcy’s’ travels through the dramatic Peak District of Derbyshire. Romance finds nearly everyone as confirmed bachelor Richard Fitzwilliam sets his sights on the seemingly unattainable Lady Fotherby, Georgiana Darcy learns to flirt, the very serious Kitty Bennet develops her first crush, and Caroline Bingley meets her match. Through it all, Elizabeth and Darcy are kept busy helping friends and family navigate true love’s inevitably rocky course.
NOTE: See “A Darcy Christmas” (October 1, 2010) above for details on that book co-written by Sharon Lathan.
My Dearest Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“My Dearest Mr. Darcy”
Released on January 1, 2010
Darcy is more deeply in love with his wife than ever. As the golden summer draws to a close and the Darcy’s’ look ahead to the end of their first year of marriage, Mr. Darcy could never have imagined his love could grow even deeper with the passage of time. Lizzy is full of surprises. Elizabeth is unpredictable and lively, pulling Darcy out of his stern and serious demeanor with her teasing and temptation. Looking ahead and planning for celebrations and life events large and small, Lizzy can still catch Darcy unawares when he least expects it. But surprising events force the Darcy’s’ to weather absence and illness, and to discover whether they can find a way to build a bond of everlasting love and desire.
Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley”
Released on September 1, 2009
This book continues where Two Shall Become One ended when Darcy and Lizzy leave the comfortable confines of their honeymoon months at Pemberley for the broader world of London and other areas of England. Adventures are experienced, friends and relatives interact, fun is the focus, and extraordinary English Regency Era sights will be explored. But anchoring and weaving within is the revealing of a love and marriage in its purest embodiment as the young lovers deepen their sacred bond.
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One”
Released on March 1, 2009
It’s Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding day, and the journey is just beginning: marriage and a life together filled with surprising passion, tender self-discovery, and the simple joys of every day. As their love story unfolds, Darcy and Elizabeth reveal to each other how their relationship blossomed. From misunderstanding to perfect understanding and harmony, theirs is a marriage filled with romance, sensuality, and the beauty of a deep, abiding love.
The Darcys at Year’s End by Sharon Lathan
SHARON LATHAN
“The Darcys at Year’s End”
Released on July 10, 2008
This book follows Journeys Beyond Pemberley and Two Shall Become One. Elizabeth and Darcy have been married nine bliss-filled months when our story resumes. Happily ensconced at Pemberley, they await the birth of their first child with beloved family and friends surrounding. It is a period of peace and anticipation, with a number of adventures, as time marches toward both their first anniversary and the end of the chronological year. Join our favorite couple as their relationship reaches new heights with each passing day, as they vacation at the seaside, as they welcome their firstborn, as they celebrate their anniversary and second Christmas as a family, and as they at every turn embrace the love gifted to them.
More lists coming soon…
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