Rueben's Ramblings

Here is the next list of modern-day writers who, in their own way, have paid homage to Jane Austen’s legendary stories. Each of these authors have written one book either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself.

They appear in alphabetical order:

Affinity and Affection by Susan Adriani

SUSAN ADRIANI
“Affinity and Affection”
Released on November 20, 2008

What if Mr. Darcy did not simply ride away in anger when he met with Mr. Wickham that day in Meryton? What if he had actually warned Elizabeth Bennet of that gentleman’s despicable character? This book explores the possibility of what might have happened had the proud and haughty Mr. Darcy decided to come down off his high horse to lay his personal dealings with his childhood friend and father’s former favorite open before the eyes of the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet.

A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz

WILLIAM DERESIEWICZ
“A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter”
Released on April 28, 2011

The novel reveals the remarkable life lessons hidden within, employing the author’s own experiences to demonstrate the enduring power of Austen’s teachings. Progressing from his days as an immature student to a happily married man, the book is the story of one man’s discovery of the world outside himself.

Vanity and Vexation by Kate Fenton

KATE FENTON
“Vanity and Vexation: A Novel of Pride and Prejudice”
Released on June 16, 2005

What happens when the BBC descends on the quiet North Yorkshire town of Maltstone to make a new version of Pride and Prejudice? For one thing, it upends the life of writer Nick Bevan, who’s holed up in Maltstone to work on a novel. In this gender-bending retelling of Jane Austen’s classic, Nick and his neighbor and best friend John stand in for Elizabeth Bennett and her sister, Jane, while the parts of Darcy and Mr. Bingley are taken by Mary Dance, the film’s formidable director, and Candia Bingham, the leading lady. Both romances are beset with difficulties similar to the ones Austen devised. Is the romance between John and Candia a mere fling? Will Nick and Mary overcome their initial dislike and give in to mutual attraction? It’s fun to look for parallels with the original, but though Fenton borrows freely from Austen’s plot, she also adds her own twists. The result is brisk and entertaining, a good choice for readers looking for something clever, with an English accent.

NOTE: This book was originally released as Lions and Liqorice in 1995.

An Arranged Marriages by Jan Hahn

JAN HAHN
“An Arranged Marriage”
Released on June 7, 2011

Can a marriage of convenience ever lead to true love? Immediately after Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford, her father dies, leaving Longbourn entailed away and little fortune to sustain his widow and daughters. Six months later, the Bennet family receives a visitor with a most unusual offer that promises to save the family from financial and social ruin. Elizabeth’s sense of duty forces her to enter into an arranged marriage with a man she does not even like.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

SHANNON HALE
“Austenland: A Novel”
Released on August 10, 2010

The book is about a thirty-something Jane, who fantasizes about Jane Austen’s heroes (particularly Mr. Darcy) while her real-life relationships flounder. She gets the tantalizing chance for a two-week holiday at an exclusive English estate where guests can experience Regency England, complete with Austenesque actors to romance them.

NOTE: Shannon has another Austenland book coming out in January called “Midnight in Austenland”.

Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride by Helen Halstead

HELEN HALSTEAD
“Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”
Released on March 23, 2007

This book continues the story of the newlyweds as they enter London’s glamorous high society, finding Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy entangled in the frivolity and ferocity of social intrigues. Although Elizabeth makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury, the rivalry and jealousy among her ladyship’s prestigious clique threatens to destroy the success of her new marriage.

NOTE: This book was originally published under the title “A Private Performance: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice” in 2005.

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton

MARIA HAMILTON
“Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman”
Released May 1, 2011

When Elizabeth Bennet refuses his hand, Darcy is devastated and makes it his mission to change. By every civility in his power, Darcy slowly tries to win her affections, but Elizabeth is not easily swayed. Darcy vows to unlock the secrets that will make her his. He curses himself for his social awkwardness and appearance of pride, and sets out to right the wrongs he’s done her family. Elizabeth’s family and friends misunderstand his intentions, and being in Elizabeth’s presence proves to be both excruciating for the shy Darcy and a dream come true. For the first time in his life, he must please a woman worth having, and the transformation leads him to a depth of understanding and love that he never could have imagined.

Beloved by P. M. Harding

P. M. HARDING
“Beloved”
Released on September 29, 2010

Elizabeth Bennet is the surviving twin daughter of the Bennets of Longbourn. For her own safety, she was taken as a newborn to Staffordshire and raised as the true daughter of a wealthy family. She grew up knowing the Darcys of Pemberley, forming a crush on Fitzwilliam Darcy as a child, and sharing with them all the joys and tragedies that struck their families. Darcy was always fascinated with Elizabeth and her violet-colored eyes, even when she was just a newborn baby. This is their love story.

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend by Cora Harrison

CORA HARRISON
“I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend”
Released on September 28, 2010

When shy Jenny Cooper goes to stay with her cousin Jane Austen, she knows nothing of the world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip, and romance that Jane inhabits. At fifteen, Jane is already a sharp observer of the customs of courtship. So when Jenny falls utterly in love with Captain Thomas Williams, who better than Jane to help her win the heart of this dashing man? But is that even possible? After all, Jenny’s been harboring a most desperate secret. Should it become known, it would bring scandal not only to her, but also to the wonderful Austen family.

Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating by Lauren Henderson

LAUREN HENDERSON
“Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating”
Released on January 12, 2005

Utilizing wisdom inspired by Jane Austen’s novels, this guide creates an indispensable guide for navigating the all-too-mystifying dating scene. Harnessing the triumphs and pitfalls of Austen’s classic characters, the book shows how qualities like honesty, self-awareness, and forthrightness always win the right man — and still let you respect yourself in the morning.

Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker by Emma Hox

EMMA HOX
“Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker”
Released on April 15, 2010

Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters to Mr. Thomas Bennet has caught the attention of the rich and handsome Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy almost from the moment he laid eyes on her, but when he purposefully misinterprets her families expectation of her marrying well and slights her in a way unknown to those who have always loved Jane Austen’s acclaimed Pride and Prejudice, he must leave forever or make amends. Sulking in the library he determines to leave the place and give her up, but is waylaid by a member of the Meryton neighborhood who claims an intimate acquaintance with the Bennet family and offers up advice on how to win Elizabeth’s heart. Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker puts a spin on Pride and Prejudice that no one would ever expect as Colonel Fitzwilliam attends Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to Netherfield, Elizabeth Bennet is witty enough to detect the motives of Mr. Darcy’s long time enemy Lieutenant Wickham and Georgiana Darcy is bold enough to defy her brother and cousin and comes to Meryton in the midst of a storm. Not to mention Caroline Bingley, Lieutenant Wickham and Lady Catherine are all working against our hero and heroine ever finding their own happily ever after.

My Jane Austen Summer by Cindy S. Jones

CINDY S. JONES
“My Jane Austen Summer: A Season in Mansfield Park”
Released on March 29, 2011

A down on her luck woman goes on an Austen-inspired journey of self-discovery. After Lily Berry loses her mother, gets dumped by her boyfriend, and is fired, she finds in her passion for all things Jane Austen (Jane, indeed, is Lily’s imaginary friend) an escape route: she travels to England to participate in a Jane Austen re-enacting festival. Full of enthusiasm—but not acting talent—Lily is not embraced by many of the Janeites, but this doesn’t prevent her from meeting a charismatic actor, contending with an impossible roommate, and struggling with dark family secrets, all while trying to find the courage to be the protagonist of her own story.

Darcy and the Duchess by Mary Anne Mushatt

MARY ANNE MUSHATT
“Darcy and the Duchess”
Released on August 28, 2010

A historical romance what-if story where before meeting Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet meets and marries Rafael Gainsbridge, the Duke of Deronshire. At only eighteen her life takes a very different turn, yet many of the same characters, adventures and villains accompany her as she journeys through her life as wife, mother and widow. As her heart heals from the premature death of her husband, she learns to love again finding the strength to protect her family and win the love of her lost husband’s best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. But can their growing and often thwarted understanding survive the villainous plotting of George Wickham.

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

ALEXANDRA POTTER
“Me and Mr. Darcy: A Novel”
Released on June 12, 2007

Emily Albright is a 29-year old New York bookstore manager, who half-seriously blames Jane Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy for her abysmal dating life: Darcy sets the bar too high. As Christmas approaches, Emily, to avoid a holiday with co-worker Stella, signs up for a tour of Darcy territory, lighting out, amusingly, with a gaggle of gray-haired Darcy maniacs. As the tour group weaves in and out of Darcy locales, Emily butts heads with Spike Hargreaves, a handsome young journalist interviewing the group. Soon, the jet-lagged, drink-laden Emily finds herself, time traveling and meeting Mr. Darcy himself, complete with frock coat. As her acquaintance with Darcy deepens, Emily, to her great surprise, finds herself thinking about Spike.

A Noteworthy Companion by Laura Sanchez

LAURA SANCHEZ
“A Noteworthy Courtship”
Released on December 21, 2009

What if the Netherfield party had not left Hertfordshire immediately following the Netherfield Ball, and what if Mr. Darcy in particular had given himself inducement to remain? Comical entanglements and exploits thicken the familiar plot as various characters break their canon form. Two are repeatedly drawn to the bookshop in Meryton with little explanation, and a gentleman from Kent is not so easily dissuaded as he might otherwise have been. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are as lackadaisical and troublesome as ever, and Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet are left to their own inclination without the untimely interference of their friends. A new set of characters allow the escapades to continue before finally a resolution can be reached, with much the same happily ever after as Jane Austen intended.

Promises by Wendi Sotis

WENDI SOTIS
“Promises”
Released on July 8, 2011

Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet as children. Over the years, their feelings for each other grow, but what will happen when unfortunate circumstances and interfering family members seek to keep them apart?

The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street

MARY STREET
“The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy”
Released on March 4, 2008

This book tells the true motives and mysteries of Elizabeth Bennet’s enigmatic suitor. Through Darcy’s eyes we discover the reality of his relationships with his sister Georgiana, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, the dastardly Wickham, his friend Bingley, and his formidable aunt, Lady Catherine. And of course, all his memorable encounters with Elizabeth, from that first view of her fine eyes to his disastrous proposal, and then to a pride and arrogance tempered by an unquenchable love.

Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man by Brenda Webb

BRENDA WEBB
“Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man”
Released on April 15, 2011

This is another variation on the familiar story with Darcy leaving England after his disastrous proposal was refused at Hunsford. He spent two lonely years in Scotland and Ireland before returning home to face Elizabeth Bennet, certain that he could regard her as an indifferent acquaintance. Events that transpired in his absence have left Elizabeth a changed woman. The victim of a marriage by deception to Count Stefano, she has suffered greatly at his hands. Will Mr. Darcy rescue the woman he vowed to forget?

The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow

SHANNON WINSLOW
“The Darcys of Pemberley: The Continuing Story of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”
Released on July 30, 2011

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have been married for almost a year, and their heated arguments are a thing of the past. All that passion is now directed into more satisfying pursuits. But how long can the honeymoon last? The couple’s idyllic life together at Pemberley is jeopardized by the secrets they begin keeping from each other, the troubles of their closest friends, and the threat of a villain in their midst.

More lists coming soon…

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As any avid reader of classic literature will tell you, Jane Austen is the Holy Grail – especially to women (and even some men although I’m sure they wouldn’t proclaim it as loudly as the millions of female readers do on a regular basis).

Being a relatively new Jane Austen convert – I was a little behind the ball compared to many, but I came around quickly – her novels are a beautiful work of fiction that have been immortalized not only in their original book form but also in countless films, telling and retelling the story of the vivid characters for which she created.

Even after several centuries her published works inspire people all over the globe many of whom have sought fit to pay tribute – in their own – by writing books that are variations on the original stories or developing their own stories based on characters from Jane Austen’s world or, in some instances, inspired the legendary writer herself.

In light of the countless authors who have paid homage to Jane Austen’s world, I am starting a series of articles about them so the connoisseurs of her writing can enjoy the multitude of wonderful stories that have evolved.

The modern-day writers featured below, appearing in alphabetical order, have each written one book either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself:

First Impressions: Alexa Adams

ALEXA ADAMS
“First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice”
Released on March 30, 2010

This book explores how the events of Jane Austen’s beloved novel (Pride & Prejudice) would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley’s relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton.

Expectations: Samantha Jayne Adkins

SAMANTHA JAYNE ADKINS
“Expectations: A Continuation of Pride & Prejudice”
Released on October 5, 2010

This book is a sequel to the timeless romance of Pride & Prejudice. Many have wondered if Darcy and Elizabeth would find a way to a happily ever after with a traditional family as well. The answer here comes in an unexpected way, along a circuitous route that leaves the reader guessing… and turning pages. The book begins six months after Pride and Prejudice ends, as a newly married woman, Elizabeth Darcy, agrees to throw her first ball as mistress of a large and prosperous household. At the same time, she receives a letter from her father encouraging her to produce an heir for her husband, welcomes several visitors to her home and tries to mend broken family relationships via letter. Georgiana Darcy remains unmarried, but feels the pressure to find a suitable mate. Georgiana fights off several marriage proposals while she tries not to fall in love with an old friend.

Trials of Honorable F Darcy: Sara Angelini

SARA ANGELINI
“The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy”
Released on October 1, 2009

Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge. Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy’s courtroom and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause, as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction. When they meet up in England at an international law conference, they embark on a hot, heavy affair. Back in the States, though, ethical considerations intrude, and each is subjected to a torturous period of soul-searching before they can find their way back to each other.

A Little Bit Psychic: Aimee Avery

AIMEE AVERY
“A Little Bit Psychic” (Pride & Prejudice with a modern twist)
Released on April 24, 2009

If Jane Austen lived in the 21st Century, who knows how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would overcome their false impressions, mistaken pride and unfounded prejudices. Here is a possible answer. This book takes a humorous journey with post-graduate student Elizabeth Bennet as she travels to London to study for her PhD. Will her strange dreams of princesses and knights hold her back or will being just “A Little Bit Psychic” aid her in discovering that William Darcy is the love of her life?

Pemberley Shades: D.A. Bonavia-Hunt

DOROTHEA (D.A.) BONAVIA-HUNT
“Pemberley Shades”
Released on September 1, 2008

Originally published in 1949, the unusual plot takes the Darcys into the realm of the Gothic. Mr. Darcy must appoint a new rector at Pemberley, which affords the author the opportunity to introduce a host of new characters to mingle with the beloved and familiar ones of Jane Austen. A delightfully witty plot, full of surprises:-Who could have foretold that Dr. Robinson, who had done nothing of note in all his lifetime should, by the common and natural act of dying, set in motion a train of events so strange, so startling, so far removed from probability as to emulate the riotous fancies of a disordered mind?

What Would Jane Austen Do?: Laurie Brown

LAURIE BROWN
“What Would Jane Austen Do”
Released on May 5, 2009

Modern-day Regency fashion expert Eleanor Pottinger consorts with ghosts and travels in time when she discovers her hotel room is haunted by sisters Mina and Deirdre Cracklebury, and she agrees to a deal: she will save their brother, Teddy, from a deadly duel by keeping the wicked Lord Shermont from seducing one of the sisters, in trade for meeting Jane Austen. Eleanor wakes up in 1814, meets smarmy Teddy and is instantly attracted to Lord Shermont, who is not all he seems.

Pemberley Ranch: Jack Caldwell

JACK CALDWELL
“Pemberley Ranch”
Released on December 1, 2010

This book reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a heart-pounding western romance. The Civil War is over, but the scars remain. The Bennets leave the family farm in Ohio and move to the plains of Texas. Beth loves the open land, but clings to her Union loyalties. When she meets Confederate officer Will Darcy, the reclusive owner of neighboring Pemberley Ranch, she declares him arrogant. George Whitehead, a decorated Union officer, reinforces her opinions with his lies and insinuations. Over time, Beth re-evaluates her opinions and learns some hard truths about the Civil War.

Twilight of the Abyss: Casey Childers

CASEY CHILDERS
“Twilight of the Abyss”
Released on April 5, 2010

When Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Hertfordshire, insults are avoided and they fall in love together. However, when Darcy’s family experiences a scandal, he is forced to choose between love and honor. This Pride and Prejudice variation explores an alternative path for Jane Austen’s beloved novel.

Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge: J. Marie Croft

J. MARIE CROFT
“Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge”
Released on November 1, 2010

A pun-filled tale featuring Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice characters with some added or addled, missing or missish, modified or mortified, healthier, wealthier, or wiser. Impeccable comportment is mandatory in Regency England, a society governed by strict rules of conduct. The immaculate image of perfectionist Fitzwilliam Darcy is somewhat tarnished when he and his traveling companions arrive, hot and sweaty, at Pemberley and decide to take a fateful plunge into a scummy pond. An embarrassing encounter on the estate’s lawn leaves a long-lasting impression on Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, who are new acquaintances of Georgiana and Anna Darcy. With both families in London for the Little Season, Darcy finds himself thrown again into the path of perky Elizabeth Bennet, but a handsome army officer just might blockade further advances.

More lists coming soon…

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