Austen Lovers TBR Challenge 2021 discussion

“He listened to her with silent attention, and on her ceasing to speak, rose directly from his seat, and after saying in a voice of emotion, 'To your sister I wish all imaginable happiness; to Willoughby, that he may endeavor to deserve her,' took leave, and went away.” Sense & Sensibility

Please post updates in separate comments. Books and book cover links may be utilized by clicking the 'add book/author' link above the comment box.

I am almost halfway through this level. Need to start getting my list organized.

Sam wrote: "I am almost halfway through this level. Need to start getting my list organized."

An Delaford in pre-spring!!! Enjoy :) Laugh at myself...I hope to make it by fall/early winter.

Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "I am almost halfway through this level. Need to start getting my list organized."

An Delaford in pre-spring!!! Enjoy :) Laugh at myself...I hope to make it by fall/early winter."

Kirk, I must admit, I don't always understand everything you write, but it is clearly in good fun! :)

Sam wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "I am almost halfway through this level. Need to start getting my list organized."

An Delaford in pre-spring!!! Enjoy :) Laugh at myself...I hope to make it by fall/early w..."

Lol....true that I can be hard to understand....especially when my comment should have started with 'Ahhhh Delaford'(I'm fondly recalling my visits to the Col B level at Delaford with the Col and Marianne welcoming me to that level in yrs past). I need an annotator to clarify things...David M Shapard: "What Kirk meant in paragraph 4, subsection 16 clause 8 can only be guessed at but most likely the meaning was....."

Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "I am almost halfway through this level. Need to start getting my list organized."

An Delaford in pre-spring!!! Enjoy :) Laugh at myself...I hope to make it by ..."

ROFLOL!

Ahhh Kirk! You make me chortle.

Have I mentioned I read to reduce stress? It has become a true escapism. One of the things I love about JAFF is the guaranteed HEA for ODC. A few below are definitely going on the reread list.

101. The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5
102. Married in Haste: A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining 3
103. The Forces' Sweethearts 3 Non-Jaff
104. The Mist of Her Memory: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Suspense Variation 4.5
105. The Cousins 4 Non-Jaff
106. Secret Arrangement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5
107. Mischief & Mayhem: A Pride & Prejudice Novella 5
108. Mr. Darcy's Cipher: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5
109. Mr. Darcy of Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novel Novel 3
110. No Offense 2 Non-Jaff
111. Mysterious Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 3.5
112. One Winter's Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Story 3
113. A Consuming Love 4
114. Shadows Over Longbourn 4.5 (Reread)
115. Another Proposal 4 (Reread)
116. One Thread Pulled: The Dance with Mr. Darcy 3 (Reread)
117. Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer 3
118. Mr. Bennet Takes Charge 4 (Reread)
119. Along for the Ride 5
120. The Masquerade Ball
121. To Win a Frozen Heart: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride & Prejudice Variation Novel 3
122. Crossed in Love: A Pride and Prejudice / Northanger Abbey Crossover 5
123. Constitute Their Happiness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
124. Darcy's Surprise Betrothal: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation 4 (Reread)
125. A Promise to Keep: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
126. Fallen 4
127. I Dream of Darcy—The Complete Novel: A Regency Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
128. Interrupted Plans: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 5
129. Rydal mount 5
130. The Unexpected Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 2
131. A Duel in Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 3.5
132. Against Her Will: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
133. The Mistress of Rosings Park : A Pride and Prejudice Vagary 4.5
134. The Drawing Room 4
135. Somehow 4
136. Thorns and All 4
137. A Third Proposal: A Short Story 4
138. The Price of Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Variation 5
139. Elizabeth Bennet: Heiress 2
140. Fair Warning 3 Non-Jaff
141. Schemes of Felicity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4
142. Port and Proposals 3.5
143. Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 5
144. Mendacity & Mourning 3
145. The Crossing 4 Non-Jaff (Reread)
146. The Rogue's Widow 4 (Reread as audiobook)
147. The Falmouth Connection 4 (Reread)
148. Zoom Into Your Heart 5
149. Guarded Hearts 4
150. A Matter of Manipulation; a Pride & Prejudice Variation 4

101. Rejection https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8226210/1/4 3 stars
102. Missing https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13834473... 3 stars
103. A bloody solution or a Regency period https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13818288... 4 stars. I was a bit sceptical about reading this but it turned out to be a cute story.
104. The new Bennet family https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13603569... 3 stars
105. Serendipity https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13489457... 4 stars A very cute modern story.
106. A father's right https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13793410... 3 stars
107. Assembly https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13838101... 3 stars
108. Pink https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13838040... 3 stars
109. Bedtime machinations
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13786589... 3 stars
110. Lace https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13838056... 3 stars
111. In sickness https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11209387... 3 stars
112. The ball at Simcliff https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13413665... 4 stars
113. Brotherly advice https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13830537... 3 stars
114. Words Spoken in Anger: A Pride and Prejudice variation https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... 3 stars. This book had potential. The writing was good, the premise was different but the story was missing something elemental. All the villains were gotten rid of within one third of the book. After that there were no twists anywhere in the story. For all the pages spent on the reformation of Mrs. Bennet and the younger sisters, it had no effect or impact on the sequences or characters in the end. In fact, it felt as is no one seemed to pay any attention except for a passing thought. Even the epilogue on Miss Bingley's comeuppance felt more like vindication because even though she is vapid she is not that stupid. On the whole, it could have been better.
115. Lady Catherine's love potion https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13686935... 4 stars. It's a very amusing imagination as to what made Darcy propose to Elizabeth so suddenly and passionately at Hunsford.

Sam wrote: "Have I mentioned I read to reduce stress? It has become a true escapism. One of the things I love about JAFF is the guaranteed HEA for ODC. A few below are definitely going on the reread list.

101..."

Beyond wow!!!!

abmom wrote: "101. Rejection https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8226210/1/4 3 stars
102. Missing https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13834473... 3 stars
103. A bloody solution or a Regency period https://www.fanfiction.net/..."
Fantastic!!!

Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "Have I mentioned I read to reduce stress? It has become a true escapism. One of the things I love about JAFF is the guaranteed HEA for ODC. A few below are definitely going on the rerea..."

Thanks Kirk!

abmom wrote: "101. Rejection https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8226210/1/4 3 stars
102. Missing https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13834473... 3 stars
103. A bloody solution or a Regency period https://www.fanfiction.net/..."

Nice progress! I read Lady C's love potion - SO cute!

Sam wrote: "Have I mentioned I read to reduce stress? It has become a true escapism. One of the things I love about JAFF is the guaranteed HEA for ODC. A few below are definitely going on the reread list.

101..."

Fantastic progress. I'm impressed!

abmom wrote: "101. Rejection https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8226210/1/4 3 stars
102. Missing https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13834473... 3 stars
103. A bloody solution or a Regency period https://www.fanfiction.net/..."

More great progress. Well done.

Shazam, Sam! The Colonel tips his hat in farewell as you head on out to visit your next level.

Losing myself in books is a way I deal with stress, too. :)

Really cooking there, abmom!

Looks like you're finding some good gems in the JAFF sites.

Thank you all. The fan fiction site has been God sent or a curse depending on my distraction level (of course from other things not reading). But there are some really talented authors and good stories there.

Sophia wrote: "Shazam, Sam! The Colonel tips his hat in farewell as you head on out to visit your next level.

Losing myself in books is a way I deal with stress, too. :)"

Thanks Sophia! Sometimes, late at night, I lose sleep just to get a few more chapters in... lol

Just checking in to see how everyone is getting on. I'm dismal this year. Reading in general but definitely in JAFF. There are two I have my eye on. Fanny A Mansfield Park Story and
The Year in Between: A Sense and Sensibility Variation.
Everyone is flying along as usual.

Hope you enjoy those when you get to them. Stay safe.

Thanks Sheila. Hope you are keeping well. Haven't been on the group chat much lately. I must remedy that!

Those both look like good ones, Teresa! I’m looking forward to both of them and The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh as well.

I hadn't heard of that one Abigail. Another one to look into. I also want to read Port and Proposals by Mark Brownlow. I read his first one and enjoyed it.

Those Brownlow books look good as well!

BTW, I loved the first book by Molly Greeley, The Clergyman’s Wife (about Charlotte Collins).

Teresa wrote: "Just checking in to see how everyone is getting on. I'm dismal this year. Reading in general but definitely in JAFF. There are two I have my eye on. Fanny A Mansfield Park Story and
The Year in Be..."

Howdy, Teresa! Warms the heart to have you stop by even if your reading is a little off pace this year. Oooh, those are good ones. I liked them both.
I still need to read the Brownlow books and the new Molly Greeley Abigail recommended.

116. The most beautiful sight in the world https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12033623... 4 stars.A very sweet heart warming short story.
117. Return to the library https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13371802... 3 stars This is an intimate scene between newly married Darcys. Since I'm not a fan of such short stories I was not impressed though the writing was good. But this happened to be the epilogue of another novella length story which was very good as given below, I decided to give it 3 stars.
118. Cunning and compromise https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12655017... 5 stars As I told before this a novella length story in which Mr. Wickam is a reprobate he's not exactly a villain. When he learns of plans to cause harm to Darcy, his conscience and brotherly feelings towards Darcy urges him to help him. This results in some really interesting and surprising turn of events during the Netherfield ball.
119. The bath https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11427316... 3 starsThe second day and night of the newly married Darcys. Low rating mainly due to my prejudice(?) not due to the story.
120. Of compromise https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13267752... 1 star. I really didn't understand the story at all. Elizabeth is referred to as a miss for most of the story and suddenly she becomes Mrs at the last line. How? I didn't get it at all.
121. The Lost Heiress https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13567272... 4 stars
122. For want of a nail https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11362442... 3.5 stars. The premise of the story is different and the writing is good. But it badly needs a sensible and ruthless editing.
123. Letters from the Heart https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... 5+ stars. Beautifully written story and a guaranteed tearjerker. I so loved every character, of course except Mrs.Bennet and Mr. Collins. Next to ODC, the Bennet sisters ruled. And I never thought I would say this, but I loved Lady Catherine so much. If y haven't read this yet please do and it's only novella long so you'll finish it fast and love every minute of it.
124. Zoom into your heart https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13641889... 4 stars. Cute modern jaff
125. You owe me a fifty https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13157060... 3 stars
126. Lizzie's love letters https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13041196... 5 stars. Real cute and funny.
127. A purrfect beginning https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11285388... 5 stars. sweet.
128. of green eyes and cardboard boxes https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11155223/0 3 stars
129. Pride, prejudice and profile pics https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10685928... 4 stars
130. Masquerade https://rianaeverly.com/2020/12/13/ma... 5 stars

Oh yes! Letters from the Heart was an incredible story. Not an easy read (or listen, in my case) but really well done.

abmom wrote: "116. The most beautiful sight in the world https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12033623... 4 stars.A very sweet heart warming short story.
117. Return to the library https://www.fanfiction.net/s/133718..."

Fantastic progress - well done.

Fabulous Progress, Abmom! You will reach Pemberley before the summer at this speed :)

Sam, what a fabulous list of goodies! You blow my mind!

Looking good, abmom!

Letters From the Heart has me intrigued.

Thank you all. Letters from the heartbis one of my best reads of the year definitely.

abmom wrote: "116. The most beautiful sight in the world https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12033623... 4 stars.A very sweet heart warming short story.
117. Return to the library https://www.fanfiction.net/s/133718..."

Fantastic!

Elin wrote: "Sam, what a fabulous list of goodies! You blow my mind!"

Thanks! I feel like I am playing catch up with all you guys. So I am totally benefiting from the wonderful recommendation on books you all read in the past years.

This week of the Passover holiday I am taking off work to continue recuperating and I have a lovely list of books to go through. YAY!

Hi, as I am reading all these JAFF books, I find a common theme in many books. Darcy plays guardian angel to Elizabeth in many of them including the canon. He helps her and her family without her knowledge due to his love for her. I was just wondering if there is a book in which Elizabeth does that to Darcy. I'm not talking about role reversals but Darcy and Elizabeth being the same but Elizabeth understanding that Darcy is more reserved than arrogant as she is familiar with Jane who hides her reservedness behind her serenity and develops a soft spot for him and assist him without his knowledge. Through a different lens was such a story but not nearly so. I understand the limitations on women during the Regency period but still I think this would make a very interesting story. if any of you have read a story like that please tell me.

I have found that there are many books in which after Elizabeth realizes Darcy's depths, she also realizes how truly lacking in love and support for his own right as a human being. He is responsible for so many, is strict to his duty because he has to and people only see his stature and wealth.
When her eyes are open to the fact that in the end he is also a hurt little boy, as needy of love as the next person, she knows she can be the person to give him all the love and kindness he deserves. To be his supporter and help him carry the heavy load of duty.
It isn't a big thing, and is usually only in her thoughts, but it is within her power to give, as opposed to material goods.
I think of several scenes where she gives him a small gift such as a book or handkerchiefs she personally embroidered and he is so touched, like no ever has thought of him or given him gifts in such a way.
But this is all more emotional than helping physically, with or without his knowledge.

abmom wrote: "Hi, as I am reading all these JAFF books, I find a common theme in many books. Darcy plays guardian angel to Elizabeth in many of them including the canon. He helps her and her family without her k..."

I feel like I've read one or two where Lizzy didn't judge him wrongly right away- far from canon obviously- but I can't remember author or title. There was one by Susan Adriani where Darcy gave her the truth about Wickham early on so she saw him differently. I read it as Affinity and Affection, but it has also been called The Truth About Mr. Darcy.

As luck would have it after I posted the above comment, I started a new story at Fanfiction website in which exactly what I said happened. Elizabeth and Darcy meet and are attracted. But due to his conflicting feelings he blows hot and cold with her. In spite of which she helps him and that leads them in a different path and other events influence the story. Also while I was reading I remembered another story called Elizabeth and the hiding gentleman where she helps Darcy to hide from Miss Bingley frequently and that leads to their friendship. That was a very good story. I am yet to finish the previous one. So I think I was a bit premature in my wondering.

Sam I agree with you. I've read quite a number of stories like that. Your mention of embroidered handkerchiefs actually bring to mind Coming of age of Elizabeth Bennet by Caitlin Williams (my most favourite story by her) where Elizabeth embroiders badly a bunch of handkerchiefs and his valet leaves it behind because he thinks it doesn't suit Darcy's stature. In a fit of anger Elizabeth throws them in the fire. After their reconciliation when Darcy wonders about them she realizes his ignorance she regrets her actions. Very sweet scene. Also I remember Bluebells in the mourning by Karalynne in which Elizabeth embroiders bluebells in Darcy's kerchief to inform him of her affection. Great books that I've reread so many times.

All of a sudden I remember a book I read a long time back in which Elizabeth accidentally embroiders Darcy's initials in a handkerchief and during his visit to Longbourn ge notices this and teases her about it. I forgot the name of the book. Do any of you recall this?

I remember a plotline where Elizabeth was finishing a handkerchief for herself, using some lace her Aunt had given her. The design could have been mistaken for the initials ED instead of EB.
The Colonel steals the handkerchief for Darcy. Elizabeth grieves the loss of the lace.

I can't think of the title.

abmom wrote: "All of a sudden I remember a book I read a long time back in which Elizabeth accidentally embroiders Darcy's initials in a handkerchief and during his visit to Longbourn ge notices this and teases ..."

Yes, I read it too. Gosh, what's it called... Dang, she befriends Georgianna as well... If it comes to me I will let you know.

Thank you guys.

131. Sone say it makes the world go round and some say its absurd https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12842197... 4 stars big title but short cute modern story
132. Don't test me, doctor https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13791815... 4 stars modern AU
133. The propriety excuse https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13830220... 4 stars.
134. Mr.Darcy wants to change https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7240833/... 3 stars
135. Acquired admiration https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11056598... 3 stars
136. Redemption https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8024099/... 4 stars. This is a well written story with many real historic characters mixed in. The story progressed well till the last chapter. The author tried tying up too many loose ends in one chapter that it turned confusing and morbid.
137. Re-read : The Darcy Legacy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... 5 stars. Ms. Starnes writes unbelievably relishable stories. BTW, Is this one included in the fantasy JAFF list?
138. Too gentlemanly https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12743913... 4.5 stars. I loved this book. Very different premise. Mature Elizabeth at 24 years of age, Arrogant and angry Darcy maturing Georgiana, absolutely loveable Mr. Bennet, sweet Mrs. Bennet, probably because all her daughters except Elizabeth are married by the beginning of this story. I especially loved the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy and my most favourite between Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth. I loved the affection between them. I was always a big fan of their father-daughter bond. It sometimes got a bit confusing because of the author's use of very short sentences and because I read it in fanfiction website probably did not have serious editing.
139. Savour the moment https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13850836... 3 stars
140. Handsome enough https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13849559... 3 stars
141. Grateful https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13831305... 3 stars
142. Molly 4 stars https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12203990... A short story with a very funny twist in end.
143. Common sense and simple arithmetic https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13466942... 4 stars. A seriously funny story. After accepting his proposal at Hunsford Elizabeth explains how she interpreted Darcy's behaviour throughout their encounter using her common sense seriously while Darcy's reaction to her explanation forms the funny part. Highly recommend this.
144. A most helpful hand https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12106127... 4 stars. A cute story in the what if world where Lady Catherine didn't interfere and Jane and Bingley are married with Elizabeth living with them and Darcy coming for a visit.
145. A fault in their characters https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13127795... 2.5 stars

abmom wrote: "131. Sone say it makes the world go round and some say its absurd https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12842197... 4 stars big title but short cute modern story
132. Don't test me, doctor https://www.fa..."

Beyond....wow!!!!!!!!!!!

abmom wrote: "131. Sone say it makes the world go round and some say its absurd https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12842197... 4 stars big title but short cute modern story
132. Don't test me, doctor https://www.fa..."

Wow, I am blown away. Fantastic progress.

abmom wrote: "131. Sone say it makes the world go round and some say its absurd https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12842197... 4 stars big title but short cute modern story
132. Don't test me, doctor https://www.fa..."

Moving right along!!!

abmom wrote: "131. Sone say it makes the world go round and some say its absurd https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12842197... 4 stars big title but short cute modern story
132. Don't test me, doctor https://www.fa..."

You're finding some eclectic stories, abmon. Way to go!