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Thursday 31 May 2018

Boots and Backpacks: Pride & Prejudice on the Appalachian Trail, RoughlyBoots and Backpacks: Pride & Prejudice on the Appalachian Trail, Roughly by K.C. Kahler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To inherit his millions William Darcy must marry before he hits 30. His wife to be is Anne de Bourgh. But via his best friend Charles Bingley he meets Elizabeth Bennet and they start hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Well-written and interesting enough, though neither Darcy or Elizabeth came across as particularly likeable though perfect for each other.

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Shadows of the Past (Logan Point #1)Shadows of the Past by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Psychology professor Taylor Martin believes she is being stalked by student Scott Sinclair. But his brother Nick doesn't believe so. Information and Taylor's desire to find out what happened to her father twenty years ago leads them both back to Logan Point, Taylor's home.
It was interesting enough but I got irritated by the 'Christian theme'.

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Wednesday 30 May 2018

Shallow Waters (DI Hannah Robbins, #1)Shallow Waters by Rebecca Bradley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The body of a naked young girl is found - dumped. It falls to DI Hannah Robbins and her team to investigate. The case becomes more urgent when another body is found.
Unfortunately I didn't feel pulled in by the writing style or story. Apart from the hard drinking unlikeable Robbins none of the team seem memorable.

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Suitably Wed: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Convenient Marriage Book 3)Suitably Wed: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues with Darcy and Elizabeth and their convenient marriage. Will either be able to tell the other of their true feelings. But what of Anne de Bourgh and her secrets. Caroline is still the same, basically just concerned with herself.
I am enjoying this series and looking forward to the next installment

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An Unexpected GovernessAn Unexpected Governess by Lelia M. Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary Bennet, twenty-two years old, is the last of the sisters still at home. A neighbour, Thomas Bowens, has acquired the care of his nephew and nieces after his sister dies. With the result that he hires Mary as their governess.
A delightful, well-written story, with a likeable Mary. I intend to read more of this authors' works.

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Tuesday 29 May 2018

Darcy & LizzyDarcy & Lizzy by April Floyd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this modern variation I just didn't care for Lizzy at all. No Charles Bingley as he is on holiday with Shar Lucas, and Caroline is just neurotic. And the wonderful Colonel is with of all people Jane. Though I did read it to the end, but it does contain one of my pet peeves - grown women calling their Father - Daddy.

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Darcy Goes to War: A Pride and Prejudice Re-ImaginingDarcy Goes to War: A Pride and Prejudice Re-Imagining by Mary Lydon Simonsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy set in 1944 England. Both Darcy and Bingley are pilots and the Bennet daughters are doing their bit for the war effort.
An interesting and well-written enjoyable story.

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Truly Madly Darcy (A Pride and Prejudice Vagary)Truly Madly Darcy by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While in London staying with the Gardners, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet attend a masked ball. There Jane meets Bingley but she does not tell him her right name. Later when the Bingley party attend the Meryton Assembley he believes it is Lydia that has bewitched him. Mistakes continue and will this prevent a happy ending for all the Bennet daughters.
An enjoyable story, and I liked Lydia's role in the tale

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Monday 28 May 2018

First Impressions (Passion and Perseverance, #1)First Impressions by Rebecca Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A modern re-telling of part of Pride and Prejudice. I admit to not liking the two main characters but I did finish the book. All the mature content was skipped as it's not something that I have an interest in reading.


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Hell Hath No FuryHell Hath No Fury by Sydney J. Bounds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sam Spain, San Francisco P.I., is waiting for the next case when Mrs Kline enters wanting him to find her twenty-two year old daughter, Irene. But the case is bigger than he could believe.
An entertaining bfast-paced read.

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Banff Springs AbbeyBanff Springs Abbey by Samantha Adkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A modern re-telling of Northanger Abbey, as 18 year old Cate Morland is invited by the Allens to accompany them over the Christmas period to the Banff Springs Abbey. Here they meet the Tilneys and the Thorpes.
An enjoyable story. Interesting to read a non P&P variation for a change.

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Sunday 27 May 2018

Realisations: A Tale of Pride and PrejudiceRealisations: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 2010 while visiting Pemberley with Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth Bennet is involved in an accident which sends her back to 1813. Though I did finish the book I am not sure that I actually like either of the Darcys, or modern Elizabeth. I think I might have been more interested in reading about 1813 Elizabeth and her reaction to living in a modern time. So probably more of a 2.5 star rating

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Fire in the Thatch: A Devon MysteryFire in the Thatch: A Devon Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicholas Vaughan on being injured takes refuge in Devon by leasing a property called Little Thatch. But in this quite corner of Devon death comes along bringing with it Detective Inspector MacDonald of Scotland Yard.
An enjoyable police procedural story with enough interesting characters to keep the story flowing
A NetGalley Book

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Saturday 26 May 2018

Tahoe Deathfall (Owen McKenna #1)Tahoe Deathfall by Todd Borg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.I. Owen McKenna has a new client. Fourteen year old Jennifer Salazar wants Owen to discover who killed her identical twin sister Melissa 8 years ago.
I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read with some likeable characters. Look forward to reading the next in the series

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Three Weeks in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Convenient Marriage Book 2)Three Weeks in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as the Colonel takes his party to visit Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mr Collins is also at Hunsford. Can Elizabeth and Darcy avoid their unwanted marriages and who is the secret admirer of Anne de Bourgh.
Enjoying this series but it now moving more towards Darcy and Elizabeth.

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Friday 25 May 2018

A Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice VariationA Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by E.A. Batten
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What if Darcy did not make the Hunsford proposal because Elizabeth reacted angrily to the Colonel and his story of Bingley. As the Colonel informs Darcy, Darcy's actions change and so the future changes.
An enjoyable tale, (of course I would have liked more about the Colonel's story).

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Fire on the Fens (DI Nikki Galena, #9)Fire on the Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spmeone has been setting fires and retired fire investigator John Carson believes they will accelerate their atempts in causing damage. Then a body in found in a burnt out caravan. Detective Nikki Galena and her team investigate. But this is not the last body. But why was he killed.
Another good mystery in this excellent series. Well-written, and I like the characters.

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Thursday 24 May 2018

A Most Welcome Event: P&P AlternativeA Most Welcome Event: P&P Alternative by TrixFan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who in the Bennet family wakes up with amnesia and how does the dynamics of the family change.
My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. I really liked the story.

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Fitzwilliam Darcy: Earl of MatlockFitzwilliam Darcy: Earl of Matlock by Cressida Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fortunately for Darcy he missed the Meryton Assembly but has arrived just in time to meet Jane Bennet when she arives at Netherfield for tea. Bad weather results in Jane becoming ill, and Elizabeth when she comes to visit Jane. But then Darcy receives bad news and involves Elizabeth in the resulting scheme.
We have a bad Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley and Wickham but no Colonel Fitzwilliam (disastrous) or the rest of his family.
But still an enjoyable story with the characters acting different in the situations. I did miss the insults exhanged between Darcy and Elizabeth, and there didn't seem to be much pride or prejudice.
A NetGalley Book

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Wednesday 23 May 2018

Titanic (Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless Adventures #3)Titanic by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While catching up on history Darcy becomes aware of the story of the Titanic. Then one night he dreams that characters from Pride and Prejudice start to appear on the ship. I admit not knowing what to expect from this story, and I find it difficult to read/watch anything to do with the Titanic so I speed read through most of that part.

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Falling for FrederickFalling for Frederick by Cheryl Bolen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Antonia Townley, Oxford doctoral student discovers the body of Siddley Hall's librarian, Ellerton. When she pulls out the killing weapon she obviously becomes the main suspect. But had Ellerton discovered the location of the missing monstrance.
Didn't really care much for the main characters in the story which is a problem for me, and would have preferred more of a mystery than a romance mystery story


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London (Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless Adventures #2)London by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Now living in the present, Darcy and Elizabeth decide to holiday in London to see all the sights. A straightforward romance story but not a lot happens.
Interesting enough to read to the end

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Tuesday 22 May 2018

Murder from the Newsdesk: Seven Crampton of the Chronicle mystery storiesMurder from the Newsdesk: Seven Crampton of the Chronicle mystery stories by Peter Bartram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Seven short mystery stories from Colin Crompton news reporter of the Brighton Evening Chronicle set in the early 1960's.
An enjoyable quick read

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Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Convenient Marriage Book 1)Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Colonel Fitzwilliam gets lost on his way to Netherfield, he arrives at Longbourn, to ask directions. He is invited to tea by Mr. Bennet and Mary. Into the mix we have Mr. Collins. Is there a happy ending for any of the visitors to Hertfordshire.
I admit my favourite JAFF story is the Colonel and Mary together, and I really liked the Mary of this variation.
This novella is only the first of six books and I am looking forward to reading the rest

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A Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice VariationA Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Aubrey Anderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation, Mr Bennet and Jane are injured in a carriage accident. Resulting in the heir to Longbourn and his son arriving to become the guardians of the Bennets. Imposing change on the household how does this affect the arrival of the Netherfield party and the Bennets interaction with them..
Not sure why or how Darcy became interested in this Elizabeth but it was an enjoyable enough story.

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Monday 21 May 2018

Courage Rises: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation (Courage, #1)Courage Rises: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colonel Fitzwilliam has returned from the war only to request the help of Darcy in a matter of honour. While they are on their mission with the help of Bingley, newly wedded Elizabeth Darcy has her own problems to face.
Well-written, and draws the reader in, just loved this story - then it is more about my favourite Austen gentleman - the Colonel. My only concern is that I would have preferrred it to have been just about the Colonel. Can't wait to read book two, hoping I will not be disappointed

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The Reluctant Assassin (Ursula Blanchard #16)The Reluctant Assassin by Fiona Buckley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1581 has arrived and Ursula Blanchard is on a mission. To save her son she must kill Mary, Queen of Scots who is held at Sheffield Castle.
Not really much of a mystery, and the story just didn't catch my imagination. A pity as I like reading historical mysteries set in this time period.
A NetGalley Book

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Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless (Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless Adventures #1)Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What if the elopement of Wickham and Lydia turned into a disaster that could not be predicted by anyone. What could possibly happen to prevent a happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth.
An enjoyable story with an original variation.

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Sunday 20 May 2018

Last Gasp (The DCI Jamie Carver Series Book, #1)Last Gasp by Robert F. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Jamie Carver is part of a team looking for another serial killer who has been called the Worshipper. But now they need the help of a Dominatrix to catch him.
A very interesting enjoyable story which kept my interest right to the end. Look forward to Book 2

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A Fortuitous Encounter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaA Fortuitous Encounter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Aubrey Anderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this novella variation things move apace as Darcy seeks out Elizabeth on her morning walk to warn her of Wickham, just days after Wickham has arrived in Meryton.
An enjoyable quick read.



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Saturday 19 May 2018

The Gilded Shroud (A Lady Fan Mystery #1)The Gilded Shroud by Elizabeth Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mrs Ottilia Draycott has just arrived as a temporary companion to the Dowager Lady Polbrook when news reaches them that the Lady Emily is dead. Having a lively inquisitive mind Ottilia starts to investigate as only an outsider can do.
I enjoyed this historical murder mystery with its likeable characters.

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Without a ConscienceWithout a Conscience by Cat Gardiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues as Rick Fitzwilliam is captured and used as bait to trap the Iceman. Will he response, with Caroline Bingley and Elizabeth in the mix what can go wrong and who saves the day.
An interesting story which just about kept my interest as I am not really a thriller reader.

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Friday 18 May 2018

Mister Darcy's Maltese Falcon (A Mister Darcy Series Comedic Mystery, #8)Mister Darcy's Maltese Falcon by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can Darcy, on a Templar quest, with his entourge journey safely to find the Queen Antoinette diamond. With a nod to the Maltese Falcon (one of my fvourite films) it was a quick read.

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Murder Never Retires (DI Hillary Greene #12)Murder Never Retires by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eighteen months have passed since DI Hillary Greene retired. Months of travelling the canals of England but she is home now and bored. So she joins the cold case team back at her old station where her new boss Superintendent Steven Crayle, being unsure of her, gives Hillary a difficult case as her first one. Twenty years ago Mrs Anne McRae was killed in her kitchen, though there was a suspect nothing could be proven. And what about Hillary's stalker, how will that resolve itself.
Another good, interesting well-written mystery in this series, now with some new characters added to the mix. Already looking forward to the next.

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Thursday 17 May 2018

At The Scarlet Maples (Tyler Knight Mysteries Book 2)At The Scarlet Maples by Laurie Banton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Scarlet Maples owners Jake and Irene Armstrong, with Tyler Knight seem to be fulfilling their dreams. But when the estranged wife of Sheriff Wells arrived back in town accusing him of attacking her, that is only the start of their, and the town's problems.
An enjoyable easily readable story



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Pansy Cottage (A Mister Darcy Series Comedic Mystery #4)Pansy Cottage by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's time to plan the Bingley wedding. (I do find the subject of weddings boring). Plan A - Mrs Bennet does the arranging, Plan B - Elizabeth. A pity Plan C didn't occur - that Jane grew a backbone and arranged her own wedding.

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Lady Vivian (Almack's Assembly Rooms Book 1)Lady Vivian by Agnes Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lady Vivian Ravenswood future has been decided. Marriage to a wealthly Lord, that is until she meets Lieutenant Sawyer Cook, lately from the wars. Who can win her hand.
An enjoyable light romance story with some likeable characters.
I received an ARC of this book, and if the errors are corrected in the final version then this is a solid 3 star rating.


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Wednesday 16 May 2018

The Leavenworth CaseThe Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wealthy Horatio Leavenworth, is found dead one morning. Evidence seems to point to one of his nieces who lived with him. Everett Raymond a junior partner in an attorney firm decides he must provide her innocence.
An entertaining read of a book published in 1878 and introducing the reader to the detective, Ebenezer Gryce, who appears in many of her books.
A NetGalley book

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Undercover - An Austen NoirUndercover - An Austen Noir by Cat Gardiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1952 New York and Elizabeth Bennet, private eye, is continuing her search for George Wickham. Convinced that he has killed her best friend Mary King. But her case coincides with Fitzwilliam Darcy's investigation, and his sister.
A really enjoyable, well-written story which I would have enjoyed even without the Austen connections

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Tuesday 15 May 2018

London HolidayLondon Holiday by Nicole Clarkston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice variation, the latest scheme of Lady Catherine to force Darcy to marry Anne has resulted in Darcy staggering about on the London streets, drugged and attired as a footman. Only to be rescued by Mrs Gardiner, Elizabeth and Catherine Bennet travelling in the Gardiner carriage. Circumstances lead Darcy and Elizabeth to spend the next day together where they start to get to know each other. But Elizabeth's reputation is at risk.
An enjoyable, different, story, more of a 3.5 rating for me

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Mister Darcy's Secret (A Mister Darcy Series Comedic Mystery #3)Mister Darcy's Secret by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this modern series what is Darcy's secret, why is Jane unhappy and why is Elizabeth an idiot who ignores all warnings of danger. A fast paced enjoyable story.

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Monday 14 May 2018

The Framingham Fiend (Colin Pendragon Mysteries, #6)The Framingham Fiend by Gregory Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several years after the Ripper has disappeared, a body of a prostitute is discovered, brutally killed. Is the Ripper back. Colin Pendragon and Ethan Pruit are asked by Scotland Yard for their help.
I enjoyed this mystery, better than the previous book as this is more of a standalone story. Well-written with interesting characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Dark Angel (Lassiter/Martinez Case Files Book 2)Dark Angel by Joseph Badal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A vigilante killer has just arrived in Albuquerque and Detectives Lassiter and Martinez are investigating. But what is the connection to the FBI and their investigation of a home invasion gang.
A good readable thriller/mystery. Well-written.

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Sunday 13 May 2018

Mister Darcy's Christmas (A Mister Darcy Series Comedic Mystery #2)Mister Darcy's Christmas by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While the Bennet sisters are shopping in London they find little Annie and her dog Sammy. With a storm coming in they are picked up and transported to the Darcy home. But what about Annie's family. An enjoyable Christmas spirit story with the bad Caroline Bingley

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Married Lies (DI Mariner #5)Married Lies by Chris Collett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucy Jarrett has recently married a musician who is often away touring. But she believes she is being stalked. But can think of no reason why. Although taken seriously by DI Mariner he is busy with another case - the wife of an ex-police officer may have been murdered, so he assigns the case to DC Millie Khatoon.
An enjoyable read, once again in this series. A good well-written mystery with likeable characters.


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Saturday 12 May 2018

Murder in Greenwich Village (Louise Faulk #1)Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1913 and 20 year old Louise Faulk has arrived in Greenwich Village working as a secretary in a publishing firm. Unfortunately for her and her room mate Callie, Callies' cousin has turned up uninvited and stayed on. When Louise and Callie arrive home to a dead body Louise decides to investigate, even though she has been warned off by Detective Muldoon.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, with some very likeable characters. A good start to what I hope is a new series.
A NetGalley Book

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A Moment ForeverA Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They met in 1942 - William “Ducky” Martel, a Jewish, Army Air Forces pilot and Elizabeth “Pistol” Renner, socialite. Fifty years later Juliana Martel inherits theabandoned home of a great-uncle she never knew. Searching through the house she realises she must research the story of William and Elizabeth.
Enjoyable and well-written.

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Friday 11 May 2018

Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit: A Pride and Prejudice VariationMr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Elaine Owen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

How do events change if at the Hunsford proprosal Elizabeth does not react with anger. But how then can Darcy determine why he has been refused. Happy endings may exist but there is always Lydia, Caroline Bingley and Wickham to contend with.
An enjoyable story and I look forward to read the next in the series.

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Thursday 10 May 2018

The Jane Austen ProjectThe Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rachel Katzman and Liam Finucane are sent back to 1815 England to find and retrieve the completed The Watsons novel of Jane Austen, and find the correspondence destroyed by Cassandra Austen. What could go wrong, and much could they change the future.
An enjoyable well-written story.

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Wednesday 9 May 2018

In the Spirit of Murder (Claudia Hershey, #1)In the Spirit of Murder by Laura Belgrave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Halloween night has just finished in the town of Indian Run and the next morning the body of Donna Overton, medium is found. She will not be the last.
An enjoyable murder mystery

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