Not in This Alone

One of the first things I learned when I began my journey with Charlotte Collins was that I was not in this alone. I had the support of my husband, my parents, in-laws, and friends, and their encouragement and blatant over-promotion of my book has been uplifting, especially during times of self-doubt. I count on them and am thankful to have them in my life.

But I didn’t count on the support that I have received from the writing community, especially fellow Austen authors. Being a bit overwhelmed about the chances of actually selling one book, let alone 1,000, I emailed a few Austen authors to ask their advice. Two responded, and their advice and encouragement has been a huge help in Charlotte’s modest success.

So, even though I don’t do reviews on this blog–besides, I confess I haven’t had the chance to read their newest works yet–I wanted to return the favor by sharing their current books with you.

Alexa Adams is another brave independent Austen sequel writer and her book First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice is flying off the shelves.

From Amazon.com: In Pride and Prejudice Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet with the words: “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present togive consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.” What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had never spoken so disdainfully? First Impressions explores how the events of Jane Austen’s beloved novel 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. Austen’s witty style is authentically invoked in this playful romp from Longbourn to Pemberley.

Abigail Reynolds is the author of many Austen sequels, and her newest is Mr. Darcy’s Obsession (Pride & Prejudice Continues).

From Amazon.com: In her sixth Pride and Prejudice variation, Reynolds imagines what obstacles might have stood in the way of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s love had Elizabeth’s father died, driving the Bennet family out of their estate at Longbourn. Elizabeth’s older sister Jane is forced to marry a much older shopkeeper, and Elizabeth moves in with her uncle and aunt Gardiner. Despite Elizabeth’s diminished circumstances, Darcy tracks her down, but when he finally gets around to proposing, she misinterprets his awkward bid for her hand as a request to become his mistress. As soon as that miscommunication is cleared up, Elizabeth’s younger sister Lydia shows up, pregnant and abandoned by a feckless military officer. Lydia’s situation necessitates Elizabeth return to her family, leaving Elizabeth to wonder if this latest disgrace will deter Darcy’s determination to marry her. Austen purists won’t seek out Reynolds’ takeoffs, but readers who can’t get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth will find that Reynolds does an admirable job of capturing the feel of the period in this entertaining diversion. –Kristine Huntley

Thank you for your help, support, and encouragement, Alexa and Abigail. And gentle readers, please take this opportunity to restock your bookshelves with some fresh novels that offer the Jane Austen experience.