Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2023 discussion

Share what you are comfortable about yourself and what challenge level you are tackling. Ideas for sharing might include: where you're from, how you came to admire JA's books or Austenesque books in the JA world, how big your TBR pile is, favorite JA story or character, etc

Howdy, all!

I'm from Southeast Michigan nowadays, but grew up in California.

I was introduced to Jane Austen at the age of eight when my mom read P&P to me and I loved it. Though, it turns out that my favorite Austen novel is Persuasion.
I encountered Austenesque/JAFF about 12 years ago when I came across Pamela Aiden's trilogy from Darcy's point of view and thought I'd landed in a gold mine.

I have a TBR pile that can't be read in my lifetime, but I sure do love trying (and adding to the pile). My goal is Catherine Morland level this year.

Cheering you all on!

Hi! I'm from India and this is my third year in this amazing group. I read Pride and Prejudice at college and fell in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. I discovered the world of JAFF around 2013 when I found Kara Louise's "Only Mr.Darcy will do". I started hunting down more and discovered more and more great writers and this group and its amazing readers contributed so much to my reading list (and also my insane obsession with this genre). Thank you all and welcome aboard.

abmom wrote: "Hi! I'm from India and this is my third year in this amazing group. I read Pride and Prejudice at college and fell in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. I discovered the world of JAFF around 2013 when ..."

Yay! Glad you could return, abmom.
We do indeed enable each other in keeping the reading pile always full. :)

Hi, CindySR (SlowReader) here! Born and raised in the 5 college area of western Massachusetts where every other car had a bumper sticker that said "I'd rather be reading Jane Austen", now living in Idaho (don't ask).

I wasn't really into Jane until that wonderful mini-series. I find this group to be an invaluable tool for discovering new reads with the Austen flavor. I don't rack up the numbers like most members but the monthly group challenges are very fun thanks to Sophia!

2022 I managed 15 Austenesques so I think I will try for 20.....
Level Three Anne Elliot: 11-20 books

Hello, Sheila here again. Author Joy Dawn King referred me to GRs after I met her on Austenesque Reviews (Meredith). I was introduced to JA when I watched that 1995 movie version of P&P. I live in the Lehigh Valley in eastern PA. I aimed for and will meet my goal of 200 books (one book away) this year but am lowing that to 150 books as I want to be able to read some unpublished stories this year and they don't count in my GRs goal. I only started posting reviews for the books I read when I retired at the end of 2012.

Hi! I’m Jessi. This will be my first group on GR! I’m originally from SW Michigan but moved to the Ozarks almost 15 years ago and love it. I read P&P in high school after the librarian heard me complaining about not finding any challenging reading. I started reading JAFF in 2015 after discovering Rebecca Ann Collins’ Pemberley Chronicles.

Hi! I'm Sam. I was born in PA (not too far from you Sheila). We moved to Jerusalem over 40 years ago and here we stayed.

I got hooked on JAFF a few years ago and then was so lucky to find this group!

Will probably go for my 400 goal again. With new books being published all the time, not to mention the FF, there is soooo much to read ;)
And the gems to reread as well.

Sophia- I love the artwork for this years group!

Hi, Austenesque Friends! I've missed reading and writing JAFF this past year while teaching...and I've certainly missed this group of dedicated readers!

I've been living in lovely Western, Massachusetts for the past twelve years. I tend to appear and disappear from online spaces, so sorry in advance for my spotty attendance. On my good days, I'm a parent, writer, teacher, and reader. On my bad days, I'm a whiner, which doesn't make me particularly good at the things I like to do on good days !:-)

It's been fun to read the intros posted so far. CindySR, I wonder if I live near where you were born! It's a small world...and I love that this community is international, too.

Sophia, thanks for all the work you do to make this community work!
Hope you and everyone the community have a wonderful end of the year, and I look forward to "seeing" you around in 2023!

Christina wrote: "CindySR, I wonder if I live near where you were born! It's a small world..."

I bet you live in Amherst? My brother still lives there, but none of us were college bound. I have lived in Southampton, Easthampton, Northampton, Amherst, and Belchertown. I miss the trees so much.

Hi, I'm Rose and I read Jane Austen Fan Fiction!

I read everyone's introduction and notice how many of us have spent lives in so many different areas. Me, I'm not like that.

I now live on the same farm where I grew up, north of Lincoln, Nebraska. The farm is not a farm anymore, of course. In 2003, our local newspaper ran a photo of our huge old farmhouse crossing the interstate bridge, enroute to a new life in the country. The house was dwarfed by the barn following it. The barn became a "party barn" where the family that owned it hosted dances (probably not much like the Netherfield Ball). Later, when they decided to get a milk cow, they had to build a separate shed for her because she didn't fit in the barn.

My reading goals:
222 books In 2019
333 books In 2020
444 books in 2021
555 books in 2022

I am on track to reach the 555 this year but I definitely won't set a goal for 2023 of the Devil's number.

Good Lord willing and the Creek don't rise, I hope to return to Mr. Darcy's library in 2023.

wosedwew wrote: "Hi, I'm Rose and I read Jane Austen Fan Fiction!

I read everyone's introduction and notice how many of us have spent lives in so many different areas. Me, I'm not like that.

I now live on the sam..."

Hey, Rose, I may just make that number this year! LOL

Chortle Chortle

CindySR wrote: "Hi, CindySR (SlowReader) here! Born and raised in the 5 college area of western Massachusetts where every other car had a bumper sticker that said "I'd rather be reading Jane Austen", now living in..."

LOL, you did live in two extremes. Yay for finding Jane through the movie and not looking back. Glad to have you back, Cindy!

Sheila wrote: "Hello, Sheila here again. Author Joy Dawn King referred me to GRs after I met her on Austenesque Reviews (Meredith). I was introduced to JA when I watched that 1995 movie version of P&P. I live in ..."

My heart is lighter knowing you're back with us and pursuing the heights of Mr. Darcy's Library, Sheila. I had a roommate at college my Soph year from Lehigh Valley. Welcome back!

Jessica L. wrote: "Hi! I’m Jessi. This will be my first group on GR! I’m originally from SW Michigan but moved to the Ozarks almost 15 years ago and love it. I read P&P in high school after the librarian heard me com..."

How exciting that you picked our group for your first, Jessi. :) I'll bet the Ozarks are gorgeous. Ah, neat that a librarian got your started. Cheering you on to finding some more good ones.

Sam wrote: "Hi! I'm Sam. I was born in PA (not too far from you Sheila). We moved to Jerusalem over 40 years ago and here we stayed.

I got hooked on JAFF a few years ago and then was so lucky to find this gro..."

Yay for Sam being back. I had no idea you had been over in Israel that many years. Whew buddy, you have a big goal, but I have little doubt that you'll make it (all things being equal).

Ah, fun that you like the new page banner and picture. I do try to come up with something that will be enjoyable since we have to look at it for 12 months. LOL

Christina wrote: "Hi, Austenesque Friends! I've missed reading and writing JAFF this past year while teaching...and I've certainly missed this group of dedicated readers!

I've been living in lovely Western, Massach..."

Woohoo, for another year with Christina here! You do wear a lot of important hats right now so it makes sense that something's gotta give. :) Relax and enjoy the company here when you get your down time.

Hi from the UK! I'm the quiet one who doesn't say anything but lurks in the shadows and takes advantage of everyone else's recommendations for a good JAFF read, so thank you very much!
I first read Pride and Prejudice as a teenager and debated over it with my mother over a nice cup of tea for years. Many an hour was spent trying to decide if Jane was so perfect she was ridiculously naive or insipid and whether Bingley was actually spineless or not.
Apparently I'm odd because I would rather read a book than watch TV and I read very quickly as often as I can, even in queues. I would much rather read the book than review it, though I am sincerely grateful for those people that do. I also find it difficult to articulate what I want to say without a lot of thought to find the words... I could be reading in that time, so I do!
I live in Hampshire, (but I've only visited Chawton once in my life).
I hope to reach 500 books for the challenge in 2023 but we'll see how it goes, as real life happens.
All the best to everyone for their 2023 reading challenge!

wosedwew wrote: "Hi, I'm Rose and I read Jane Austen Fan Fiction!

I read everyone's introduction and notice how many of us have spent lives in so many different areas. Me, I'm not like that.

I now live on the sam..."

Greetings, Rose the Cornhusker!

My hubby's family haven't moved more than two miles from home for four generations now so the way you describe being permanently planted reminds me of them. That is so fascinating about your farmhouse and barn getting moved as the city expanded.
LOL, Yeah, I think I'd skip trying for that reading number too. That's asking for trouble. Still 555 is an incredible reading year and we'll all be cheering you on to reaching it.

Bsao wrote: "Hi from the UK! I'm the quiet one who doesn't say anything but lurks in the shadows and takes advantage of everyone else's recommendations for a good JAFF read, so thank you very much!
I first read..."

Welcome again, Bsao! Lurking is definitely permitted here and we even supply the virtual cozy chairs and libraries to make it easier. Your P&P discussions sound fun. Looking forward to seeing you hit your goal and take your curtsy in Mr. Darcy's library this year. :)

Greetings from Oregon! I’ve been joining Sophia’s Austenesque Lovers groups since 2014 and have loved the warm and welcoming community she creates. Have built wonderful friendships here over the years.

I don’t read much Austenesque fiction these days but I always enjoy fitting in a few here and there, so I’ll shoot for the Anne Elliot level this year. And I’ll be checking in regularly because I enjoy the company so much!

Abigail wrote: "Greetings from Oregon! I’ve been joining Sophia’s Austenesque Lovers groups since 2014 and have loved the warm and welcoming community she creates. Have built wonderful friendships here over the ye..."

Howdy, Abigail! I rejoice to see your intro pop up again each year. The group would not be the same without you. No worries if JAFF is few and far between. Feel free to count any journals, non-fic and related books and novels that enrich your Austen knowledge. It is all welcome. :)

Hi all! my name is Katja and I am an Austenesque addict. I guess it's comfort reading. Apart from Austen variations I read a lot of romance ARCs. I was always a bookworm as a child but then life and work and family happened and I had a hard time finishing a book for many years. But then I discovered the e-reader apps on the phone and now I always have a book with me. Or 1000.

Katja wrote: "Hi all! my name is Katja and I am an Austenesque addict. I guess it's comfort reading. Apart from Austen variations I read a lot of romance ARCs. I was always a bookworm as a child but then life an..."

Woohoo, Katja's back! Oh yes, the e-reader is a definitely factor in my reading numbers going up. Neat that you found reading from childhood. Cheering you on to the big numbers this year!

From last year's intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Austen. Love at first sight for Marianne and I. However Jane Bennet has inched ahead slightly. Mr Knightley (alas I'm more like his grumpy brother John Knightley)and Col Brandon on favorites on the hero side. Once I read the big six, I found some Austenesque, such as a story about Margaret Dashwood. While my TBR is probably less than many (sorry not over keen on a few areas of Austenesque) it grows and grows. Especially thanks to this group. :) Edit: of course, Team Marianne level :) Should take me (cough) weeks to get there. :)

Kirk wrote: "From last year's intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Austen. Love at first sight for Marianne and I. However Jane Bennet has inched ahead slightly. Mr Knightley (alas ..."

Hey, hey! Glad to see you back Kirk and yes, why mess with perfection with the intro. :) I don't doubt you'll be blowing a farewell kiss to Miss Marianne in no time. Haha!

Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "From last year's intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Austen. Love at first sight for Marianne and I. However Jane Bennet has inched ahead slightly. Mr Kni..."

Hahahaha...but will I see her again at the good Colonel's house??? Hmmm......

Kirk wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Kirk wrote: "From last year's intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Austen. Love at first sight for Marianne and I. However Jane Bennet has inched ahead s..."

Always possible. ;)

Hi! I’m from Long island, NY. I’m a JAFF addict and carry my kindle with me everywhere. This is my first time joining this group and am looking forward to being part of it all. I first became hooked to JAFF after watching Pride and Prejudice 1995 and 2005. I was looking for continuations and found some books in my local library. Then I found A Happy Assembly and started reading posted online JAFF. I haven’t stopped reading since. I’m aiming for reaching Level 5 Mr. Knightley, as I read about 1 book a week.

Cynthia wrote: "Hi! I’m from Long island, NY. I’m a JAFF addict and carry my kindle with me everywhere. This is my first time joining this group and am looking forward to being part of it all. I first became hooke..."


Fabulous news, Cynthia, that you could join us for the first time. Oh my yes, A Happy Assembly has some gems. Cheering you on your way to visit Mr. Knightley!

I’m Anne and I was born in the Midwest, lived in the south for 20 years and am back in a different Midwest state. I actually like the four seasons which my family that’s still down South don’t understand.

I first read Pride and Prejudice in high school but didn’t get obsessed until later.

I bought a physical copy of a sequel and didn’t enjoy it that much but when I got my Kindle in 2010 gradually discovered all the JAFF.

I just found this group last year and made 200+. I can’t decide on my level this year. I think I’m going to aim for 100. I want to read some other books next year.

I’m also someone who doesn’t watch much television so I read a lot.

I’ve found so many great books by reading lists people post. I don’t do that but I do try to review.

Rose, do you live in a subdivision on your family’s former farm?

Hi. I go by Linda and I live in Minnesota. I first got interested in Jane Austen about 40 years ago when my older sister convinced me to read Pride and Prejudice, which is my favorite Austen novel. I am partial to the 1995 P&P miniseries, as well as the 1995 versions of Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion. That was a good year for Austen movies. My favorite version of Emma is Clueless.

I won't set a goal, as I never know how much JAFF I'll read in a given year. This year I read a lot more than usual, while the year before, I barely read any.

Anne wrote: "

The neighborhood is called Northridge Heights. I guess it could be called a subdivision. Mostly young families, but I bought one of the townhomes which are mostly owned by empty nesters. A few younger singles live here also.

Anne wrote: "I’m Anne and I was born in the Midwest, lived in the south for 20 years and am back in a different Midwest state. I actually like the four seasons which my family that’s still down South don’t unde..."

Neat how you've experienced living in a few different parts of the country. Oh yes, the Kindle is part of how I ended up getting connected to so many JAFF stories, too.
Woohoo on making Mr. Darcy for 2022. Cheering you on for the big 100 in 2023, Anne!

Linda wrote: "Hi. I go by Linda and I live in Minnesota. I first got interested in Jane Austen about 40 years ago when my older sister convinced me to read Pride and Prejudice, which is my favorite Austen novel...."

Love the long rich history of reading Austen and seeing the good film adaptions, Linda. Haha, no worries about simply starting with Charlotte Heywood level and working you way up from there. I'm a moody reader, too.

Bsao wrote: "Hi from the UK! I'm the quiet one who doesn't say anything but lurks in the shadows and takes advantage of everyone else's recommendations for a good JAFF read, so thank you very much!
I first read..."

Me too with the queues! Must be a Brit thing?! I've just knocked a chapter off in the queue at the Post Office

Hello Everyone.
I’m Heather living in the South East of England. I am a sewist running my own business which I combine with life married to a vicar (think Henry Tilney NOT Mr Collins!). He used to be the vicar of Godmersham which was beyond exciting for a Janeite like me.

My love of Austen goes way back to my childhood. My mum was a librarian and I read everything in my path. - and I mean everything.

Last year was my first year in the Challenge and I set a target of Fanny Price. I am however well settled in Mr Darcy's library in a wingback chair by the fire and should just hit 300 by the end of the year.

For 2023 I am going to aim for a similar wingback in Colonel Brandon's library as I intend reading/listening a bit more in other genres.

Happy Reading one and all.

Wow! The vicar of Godmersham would have been exciting.

Like you Heather, I intend to read some other genres but lately every time I try I end up in my comfort zone of JAFF.

Craftyhj wrote: "Hello Everyone.
I’m Heather living in the South East of England. I am a sewist running my own business which I combine with life married to a vicar (think Henry Tilney NOT Mr Collins!). He used to ..."

Glad to have our crafty Heather back, reading and sewing her way to a wingback at the Colonel's Delaford. Not a doubt in the world your taste in real life vicars run toward a Henry Tilney rather than a William Collins. :)

Ryan here. 2022 was my first year in this group and I’m so happy to have found you all! The gentle nudges of the mini challenges helped me get around to reading Sanditon - which might now be tied with P&P as my fave Jane original.

I’ve recently moved back to the Chicago metro with my family. Since I hit my goal of visiting Miss Marianne, I’ll plan to stick with her this year as well.

Thanks Sophia and all of you for being so warm and welcoming and helping to keep the reading momentum flowing!

Ryan wrote: "Ryan here. 2022 was my first year in this group and I’m so happy to have found you all! The gentle nudges of the mini challenges helped me get around to reading Sanditon - which might now be tied w..."

Super to have you back, Ryan! Whew, a move is never fun, but hope you're settling in well. Ha, great that you formed a new fav from Austen's list and hope you find another fav this year as you cruise through Marianne's level.

Hi I’m Adele. I was born in Brazil, raised all over the US, lived for a while in France. Living in Ohio now and will probably use this as my headquarters for the foreseeable future. In 2020 my coping mechanism was to turn off the TV and reread favorite books. I fell down the JAFF rabbit hole finding the best of both worlds the comfort of familiar settings and people from Jane Austen but surprises and new stories from these amazingly talented Fan authors.

My goal for 2023 is 100 books and I hope to go back and add reviews for anything I rated a 5 or a 1. I feel like I owe the author an explanation. Maybe in 2024 I’ll do the 4s and 2s. Anything I rate as a 3 is a decent story that I’m not likely to reread. Just like in school it’s an average endeavor, nothing wrong with that, Average isn’t bad it’s just average.

This is my 3rd year on the Challenge and I have really come to enjoy all the readers and authors that I have virtually met here.
Thank you to Sophia and the other forum volunteers ❤️

Fun and amazing living experiences, Adele!

Yes, reading was such a solace while we were all closed away. :)

Love your plan for writing up your reviews. My mind would be so void of memory that I'd be lucky I remembered something I read earlier than a month ago. :)

Cheering you on to 100 books and a visit with Colonel Brandon!

I find that if I don't write a review almost immediately, I forget the details as I have moved on to other stories. I have plans to hopefully go back and reread the ones I did not review while I was still working. I only started writing reviews after I retired and had more time...since the end of 2012.

I'm Marlene! I lived in Illinois until I was 17, and I've been in New York in the Rochester area ever since.

I love reading JAFF reviews. I don't read that much JAFF, but then again, I don't read that much of anything. I am too tired often, but keep plugging away at what I'm reading.

So.. here's to whatever and whenever I read. :-) (Had to come back and edit my emoji!)

Marlene wrote: "I'm Marlene! I lived in Illinois until I was 17, and I've been in New York in the Rochester area ever since.

I love reading JAFF reviews. I don't read that much JAFF, but then again, I don't read..."

Marlene, you put a big grin on my face and I know you aren't joking about how crazy busy you are. :) Yes, here's to you getting some time to read.

I rarely read more than a chapter or two just before going to bed until I finally had no children at home. And that again changed when I retired from working full time. So, I (and I am sure - we) understand.

Hi everyone!
I'm in South Carolina and have been a huge fan of JA fan fiction for several years now. I just found this group so I'm excited to do my first challenge year. I read almost 100% Kindle Unlimited but am finding some outside that. I usually read about 75-100 books a year since I have two little children. I'm hoping to up it this year with the challenge. I tend to just rate a book but I'll try to leave a short review this year. I keep a running spreadsheet of JA P&P fan fiction books that I've read that a person in another group started for me. I'll share that in my challenge level group if you want to get a copy of it. It makes it easy to find a book in looking to reread. I'm a big fan of funny variations or where Darcy and Elizabeth have to team up to deal with issues.