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Sunday 31 December 2017

Martyr (John Shakespeare, #1)Martyr by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1587 and John Shakespeare has been instructed to find the murderer of Lady Blanche Howard, and the assassin sent to murder Sir Francis Drake.
An enjoyable story to finish off the year.

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Saturday 30 December 2017

The Bedlam Detective (Sebastian Becker, #2)The Bedlam Detective by Stephen Gallagher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1912 England and Sebastian Becker is employed by the Lord Chancellor's Visitor in Lunacy as an investigator, to determine the mental state of any wealthly person who might be considered insane. His latest employment takes him to Arnmouth to investigate Sir Owain Lancaster, but events interfere.
An easy-to-read, well-written mystery with some interesting characters.

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Friday 29 December 2017

Mr Darcy's Christmas AngelMr Darcy's Christmas Angel by Katy Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the wedding of Lydia and Wickham, Darcy never returned to Longbourn and Elizabeth is left devastated. As Christmas approaches it is Darcy who is close to death, and in his fever dreams he calls for Elizabeth. But what can the Colonel do to help his cousin.
An enjoyable, well-written short story

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Her Husband's Gifts: A Pride & Prejudice Sensual Intimate Variation (After the Wedding Book 2)Her Husband's Gifts: A Pride & Prejudice Sensual Intimate Variation by Cora Aston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A prank by Wickham forces Elizabeth to marry Darcy, against her will. She believes Anne de Bourgh when she states that Darcy and her are in love and were engaged. Can Elizabeth ever believe that Darcy loves her.
Needs a bit more detail at the beginning to make a better read but enjoyable enough.


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August in DerbyshireAugust in Derbyshire by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While resting at the Inn at Lambton, on his way to Pemberley, Darcy sees Elizabeth Bennet, and follows her and the Gardiners as they visit the local church. Can they resolve their concerns before events overtake them.
An enjoyable slightly different take on the events at Pemberley.

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Miss Bingley's ChristmasMiss Bingley's Christmas by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Christmas Eve and Caroline Bingley is out in Town to make sure that she has the perfect Christmas dinner for when the Darcys visit the Hursts and Bingleys. But life is never straightforward but can it result in happiness.
An enjoyable,well-written short story about Caroline

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Darcy and Lizzy: BewitchedDarcy and Lizzy: Bewitched by Mary McPhee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy and Elizabeth have just married and are on their way to their honeymoon destination. When reality shifts. It seems that Darcy is under a spell due to his mis-treatment of his Nanny (witch) as a child. Now his family and friends are in danger. Who, and how can the spell be broken as they are transported first into the future, then into the past.
A strange variation but enjoyable.

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Thursday 28 December 2017

Two Days Before Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella (Darcy Family Holidays Book 1)Two Days Before Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Bingley party leave Netherfield, but Bingley is fraught, Darcy in unhappy but Georgiana is determined. Determined to help her brother, as he helped her with Wickham. And so she and Mrs Annesley make plans.
I really like Georgiana's character in this enjoyable, well-written story.

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Darcy's Winter Wedding: A Pride and Prejudice VariationDarcy's Winter Wedding: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Bingley party have left Netherfield, but Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are staying at the Gardiners. How will it be possible for the two couples to meet and have their happy ending.
An enjoyable short story with a quick ending.

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Pilfered Promises (A Victorian San Francisco Mysteries, #5)Pilfered Promises by M. Louisa Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1880's San Francisco and Annie and Nate Dawson become involved in a shoplifting case. When Annie is asked by the store's owner, Robert Livingston, to investigate a perceived case of theft from the Silver Strike Bazaar.
A good well-written mystery, actually more than one.

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Much Ado About Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaMuch Ado About Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy having failed to deliver his letter to Elizabeth at Rosings, the pair have spent a bitter four years until they meet at the home of the Bingleys. Where the earl, the former Colonel decides to interfere. Enjoyable short story.

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Wednesday 27 December 2017

Darcy At Last: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaDarcy At Last: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While at Rosings Elizabeth falls and loses her memory of the last few months including the marriage proposal from Darcy. Can he change his ways and have his happy ending or will they be prevented by their relations.
An enjoyable short story which could have been longer as it seemed to come to a quick end.

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A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia (A Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventure Book 1)A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ticky Maltravers adored by 1920's London society is celebrating his birthday with six of his friends. But by the end of the night one of them will be dead. Freddy Pilkington-Soames, newspaper reporter, decides to investigate to protect his mother who was one of the guests.
An entertaining stylishly written story with enough clues dropped or hinted at for the reader to solve the murder.

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Darcy Unmasked: A Pride and Prejudice VariationDarcy Unmasked: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While at Netherfield, Bingley hosts a Masquerade Ball. Though Darcy is reluctant to attend, he finallly does but overhears Elizabeth talking to Characlotte Lucas, where Elizabeth voices her opinion of him. It is not what he expects. Can he, should he try and change her mind. Unfortunately the fates intervene.
An enjoyable story,a good quick read.

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In the Mayor's ParlourIn the Mayor's Parlour by J.S. Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Mayor of Hathelsborough is determined to remove the town's corruption but it is not long before he is found dead, in a seemingly locked room scenario. The story dragged in a couple of places where romance seemed to take over the story but an enjoyable tale when you skip those parts.

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Tuesday 26 December 2017

Compromised: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaCompromised: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Cressida Lane
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While out walking ar Rosings, Elizabeth is caught in the rain. When Darcy goes looking for her, it is Collins who states that Darcy and Elizabeth have been compromised and must marry immediately. But all is not well with the Bennet family or the Darcy marriage.
A short story which was too quick in the telling.

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Summer of Love (Holidays With Jane, #4)Summer of Love by Melissa Buell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some enjoyable modern stories about the characters from Jane Austen's book set during the summer months.

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Monday 25 December 2017

Mary and the Captain: A Pride and Prejudice ContinuationMary and the Captain: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Nancy Lawrence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this sequel, Caroline Bingley arranges that her best friend, Miss Paget, the lady receiving the attentions of her brother - Captain Bingley - is invited to Netherfield for Christmas. To spend time with the Bingley and Bennet family but to ensure that the proposal that the captain and Miss Paget desire is done. But plans do not always go smoothly.
Loved this, the story, the writing style, it kept me enchanted so much that I read it in one sitting. Definitely and easily in my top five JAFF books of the year.

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A Christmas To Remember (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #12)A Christmas To Remember by Jennifer Lang


Not having met since Rosings, it is now near Christmas time, and Darcy is at Pemberley expecting a few guests. To try and improve his mood he enters his stables only to find an injured Elizabethwith a baby. Is there an possibility of a happy ending.
An enjoyable tale though with a few inconsistencies in the plot.

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Sunday 24 December 2017

Last Stop in Brooklyn: A Mary Handley MysteryLast Stop in Brooklyn: A Mary Handley Mystery by Lawrence H. Levy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

During the summer of 1894 Mary Handley is asked to investigate the conviction of a man of a prostitute. Detective Thomas Byrnes is convinced that the right man has been convicted. But Mary discovers many disturbing facts.
An interesting mystery which just about kept my interest.
A NetGalley Book

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A Mortal Likeness (Victorian Mystery, #2)A Mortal Likeness by Laura Joh Rowland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The young son of Sir Gerald Mariner has been kidnapped and with weeks having past with no child found by the police he hires Sarah Bain and Hugh Staunton, private investigators.
The book is written in the present tense, and I didn't really take to the style of writing or to the two main characters, so I doubt I will seek out the first in the series. Their method seems to be to accuse everyone until someone confesses.
It is probably more a 2.5 star rating
A NetGalley Book

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Saturday 23 December 2017

A Pemberley Christmas (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #11)A Pemberley Christmas by Jennifer Lang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the marriage of Wickham and Lydia, Darcy does not visit Longbourn but stays at Pemeberley when disaster strikes. A fire destroys a farm, part of the East Wing of Pemberley and all of his investments have failed. This is when Darcy discovers who are his true friends.
An enjoyable quick read.

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The Teacher - a Penny Green Short Mystery No. 1The Teacher - a Penny Green Short Mystery No. 1 by Emily Organ
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Penny Green reports on the story of an escaped elephant breaking into the grounds of Lunhill School she is drawn into the mystery of the death of one of the teachers.
An enjoyable short mystery.

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Brat FarrarBrat Farrar by Josephine Tey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Simon Ashby is approaching his 21st birthday and the day of his inheritance when his elder twin, Patrick, comes back from the dead.
For me a slightly unbelievable premise but did get my interest. But it would have been a better read without all the horse etc writing, a much tighter and interesting story.

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Friday 22 December 2017

A Few Right Thinking Men (Rowland Sinclair #1)A Few Right Thinking Men by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1931 New South Wales and it has been reported that Rowland Sinclair has been killed. But it's the uncle that has died and the nephew Rowland Sinclair decides that the police are not doing anything to find the guilty party so he and his friends start to investigate.
Having read Books Two and Three I was interested in reading this, the first in the series, unfortunately there was too much 1930 Australian politics, not enough of a mystery, and Sinclair's friends were not that likeable. I did manage to finished the book though - but only just.
A NetGalley Book


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Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen RoguesDangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues by Christina Boyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some enjoyable stories about the rakes and rogues that have been created by Jane Austen, tales of their pasts and possible futures and can any of them be redeemed.

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Thursday 21 December 2017

A Dangerous CrossingA Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1939 and Lily Shepherd is onboard a ship to Australia to start a new life. But the new friends she makes just leads to tragedy.
The story was okay, it seemed well-written, though in the present tense which I do dislike. I didn't love it or hate it but it felt flat and didn't really care much what happened to any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Darcy MonologuesThe Darcy Monologues by Christina Boyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable set of stories which I did prefer the Regency setting tales to the others. My laugh out moment occurred during J. Marie Croft story, thank you for that. For the Darcy lovers our there.

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Wednesday 20 December 2017

Plague Pits & River Bones (Detective Lavender Mysteries #4)Plague Pits & River Bones by Karen Charlton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

6th May 1812 and Detective Stephen Lavender becomes intrigued when a severed foot is found, but the Runners are undermanned, and Lavender and Constable Woods must concentrate on a new criminal gang in the area, robberys, and surveillance.
A good mystery with likeable characters makes this a enjoyable and interesting read.
A NetGalley Book

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Tuesday 19 December 2017

A Less Agreeable Man (The Queen of Rosings Park Book 3)A Less Agreeable Man by Maria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The final part of the trilogy (no, I need a continuing sequel to this book) and Mary's marriage to Mr. Michaels is approaching. Lady Catherine's mental health is failing and Fitzwilliam is struggling with the ownership of Rosings.
Just loved this book. So well-written, loved the characters and the story. I am just going to have to re-read the trilogy again.

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Monday 18 December 2017

The Fourth Horseman (Gareth & Gwen Medieval Mysteries, #3)The Fourth Horseman by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1144, newly wedded Gareth and Gwen are in the entrouge of Princes Hwyel and Rhun on their vist to Newcastle-upon-Lyme. On a diplomatic mission to Duke Robert, the brother to the Empress Maud of England. Within minutes of arriving at the castle they are greeted by a body pushed over the walls landing at their feet. They are given leave to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written mystery and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Epiphany with TeaEpiphany with Tea by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can the lessons that Darcy learnt at Rosings when Elizabeth visited help him solve a present day problem presented to him by Elizabeth.
An enjoyable short story.

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Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale (Jane Austen Reimaginings Book 7)Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy and the Bingleys have left Netherfield and it is now December 23rd, again and again. What needs to be righted, who is aware, do people have to change and will there be any happy endings.
Enjoyed this tale especially as I am a Groundhog Day fan.
Would have liked more of Mary and the diary in Part One, and seen the scenes from more of her perspective but thats because I am a Mary Bennet fan.


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Sunday 17 December 2017

Holidays with Jane: Thankful HeartsHolidays with Jane: Thankful Hearts by Cecilia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A collection of stories set in the modern day for Jane Austens' characters as they celebrate Thanksgiving in their different ways. An enjoyable set of stories.

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The Rookery (Penny Green, #2)The Rookery by Emily Organ
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's now 1884 and Penny Green and Inspector James Blakely team up to try and catch the person who is killing people in the Rookery part of London.
An enjoyable, well-written mystery with some very likeable characters

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Saturday 16 December 2017

A Gem of a Problem (Emma Berry Murray River Mystery #1)A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1875 Australia, and a few months after the death of her husband Sam, due to the sinking of their paddle steamer Mary B, Emma Berry is confronted by a Major Barnaby. He is demanding the return of a package given to her husband for transport. Now Emma must find the item before disgrace and ruin is brought to her family.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with a cast of rounded characters. A good solid start to a new series which I look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder at Home (DI Hillary Greene #6)Murder at Home by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Caroline Weekes on visiting her friend Flo, on her way to work, finds her dead. But who could possible want to kill 76 year old Flo Jenkins. Thats for DI Hillary Greene and her team to discover.
An enjoyable mystery with a fine set of characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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Friday 15 December 2017

Moriarty Takes His Medicine (A Professor & Mrs. Moriarty Mystery, #2)Moriarty Takes His Medicine by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1885 Sherlock Holmes asks for the help of the Moriarty couple, or more precisely Mrs Moriarty. As he suspects one or several doctors at a private nursing home of murder. A home for rich ladies and impatient heirs.
Enjoyed the story, it was well-written and I liked the characters, and the interplay between Holmes and Professor Moriarty.

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Thursday 14 December 2017

A Murder of CrowsA Murder of Crows by Ian Skewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a couple approach the village of Hobbs Brae, a violent thunderstorm erupts, making them flee from their battered car into the woods. Now they are missing.
DCI Jack Russell is brought in to investigate but is every thing as it seems.
An interesting mystery that kept me interested.
A NetGalley Book

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Wednesday 13 December 2017

Miss Pym DisposesMiss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Miss Lucy Pym is invited by an old schoolfriend to give a lecture at her school. Took much too long to get interesting and the crime was a bit of a disappointment, and does not feature her detective Alan Grant.

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Tuesday 12 December 2017

The Silver Shawl (Mrs. Meade Mysteries #1)The Silver Shawl by Elisabeth Grace Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In Sour Springs, Colorado, at the end of the nineteenth century, Miss Charity Bradford inexpicable goes missing one evening. The Sheriff Andrew Royal and detective Edgerton investigate from different angles but it is Mrs Meade who solves the mystery.
An entertaining short novella.

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Blood and Parchment: The Secret Life of Mary BennetBlood and Parchment: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet by A.J.L. Zarychta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two years after the marriages of their three sisters, Kitty Bennet is attacked on her way back to Longbourn with her sister Mary. Attacked by a vampire. Only with the help of vampire hunter, Benjamin Gordon, can Kitty be saved aided by Mary.
Very enjoyable Mary Bennet story, I am already looking forward to reading it again or even better a sequel.

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Monday 11 December 2017

Darcy's Awakening: A Pride and Prejudice VariationDarcy's Awakening: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet is in mourning, and darcy is unofficially engaged toCaroline Bingkey when they meet at the Meryton Assembly. So how can they ever reach a happy ending.
Hopefully one day I will read this author's story of the Colonel and Mary and as a main story and not just as a background mention in some of her books.
An enjoyable, well-written story

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The Ravens' AuguryThe Ravens' Augury by L.J. Shea
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the summer of 1413 the presence of Wat Baudin, town alderman, is ordered to the castle at Rochester, by Lord John Ridley, Earl of Rochester to investigate the death of his 16 year old nephew.
An enjoyable mystery.

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Sunday 10 December 2017

A Maiden's Honor: Elizabeth, Darcy, and Me: A Pride And Prejudice Variation (Elizabeth, Darcy, & Me Book 3)A Maiden's Honor: Elizabeth, Darcy, and Me: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues with Georgiana Darcy getting ready to be married when her future in-laws receive some disturbing news. What can she do to correct the error.
An enjoyable ending to the story as Georgiana comes into her own.

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London Rain (Josephine Tey, #6)London Rain by Nicola Upson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's 1937 and the country is preparing for the coronation of the king, but DCI Penrose's schedule is disrupted when he is called out to the murder of one of the BBC's broadcasters. But that is not the last of the murders.
In the end the story became a decent mystery but the pace was much to slow and certainly too much about the personal life of Tey.

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Saturday 9 December 2017

A Battle of Wills: A Pride And Prejudice Variation (Elizabeth, Darcy & Me, #2)A Battle of Wills: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues as Lady Catherine de Bourgh arranges a ball to celebrate the arrival of an heir to Pemberley. But discord occurs when Mary and Christopher are of too low a station in life to be invited.
An enjoyable continuation.

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Beware the PastBeware the Past by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Matt Ballard is taken to the brink when a past case comes back to haunt him, with new killings occurring twenty-five years later.
A great read, a well-written mystery with some interesting characters, kept me interested right to the end

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Friday 8 December 2017

A Queen's Spy (The Tudor Mystery Trials #1)A Queen's Spy by Samantha Burnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1552 and the adventures of Richard Fitzwilliam, mercenary. With strife among his family and followers, does Richard trust anyone, where does his real loyalty lie.
An enjoyable, well-written story, with characters you do get to like, well some of them. Look forward to the next in the series.


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Elizabeth, Darcy, & Me: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Elizabeth, Darcy & Me, #1)Elizabeth, Darcy, & Me: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A re-read of the first of the trilogy prior to reading the next two in the series - To the background of the love stories of Pride and Prejudice, this is about the relationship between Mary Bennet and Christopher Jones, the groom of Mr. Bingley.
As Darcy leaves Netherfield, his travels taken him firstly to Rosings, where Christopher is a spectator to the events which enfold there and later at Pemberley and London. We also have Mary perspectives of events at Longbourn. Can there really be a happy ending between a servant and a lady, or do the Bennet parents finally get some sense.
An enjoyable story and always glad to read a book about Mary Bennet.

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