Whispers in the Wind by Janet Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1865, Mrs Adele Pelham and her step-daughter have returned to Dorset believing the man she had years previously jilted at the altar was dead. Captain Ryder also known as Lord Madigan has returned to his estate from the wars not knowing that Adele has returned.
Can these two have a chance of happiness or are there too many secrets keeping them apart. Or do their changing feeling towards each other threaten to pull them apart.
I enjoyable this well written story. An easy to read tale with some decent characters.
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Longbourn Library: A Novel of Pride, Prejudice, and Books by Trudy Wallis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A modern variation of Pride and Prejudice, where the five main female characters work in the Longbourn library. Add to the mix, Collin, Charlie, Darcy and Wickham. Can Liz get over her first idea of Darcy or will she fall for Wickham.
An entertaining read, though I would have preferred to read more about the other characters in the later chapters rather than just Darcy and Liz.
So more a 2.5 than a 3.

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Persuasion - Regendered by L.E. Smart
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Basically the original wonderful Persuasion with the genres swopped, so a female Captain Fredericka Wentworth, and Anne now Andrew Elliot in the exact same situations and having the same conversations.
The story didn't work for me.

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A Compromise At Rosings Park: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Isabelle Mayfair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So what are the results when Lady Catherine tells Elizabeth that she must marry the unknown man who compromised her. Particularly as Lady Catherine has already informed Mr. Bennet that Elizabeth is engaged.
An enjoyable, easily read story, with the usual characters.


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Mistress: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, with Parts Not Suitable for Those Who Have Not Reached Their Majority by Sophie Turner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While residing in London, Bingley and Darcy read about the death of Mr. Bennet. After a few choice words from Bingley to Darcy, Bingley journeys to Longbourn. But what of Darcy?
An entertaining story with the usual characters, and with mature content

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The Earl's New Identity by Jasmine Ashford
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Wesley, Earl of Rippon is a midshipman content with his life until his meets actress Lola. Then the murders of the actors in her current play start.
Not a lot of character development or much of a mystery. But is was the use of modern idioms that kept throwing me out of the story.

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A Contrary Wind: a variation on Mansfield Park by Lona Manning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Sir Thomas Bertram is visiting his plantations in the West Indies his family back at Mansfield Park have decided to put on a play. Fanny Price continually faced with the cruel remarks of her Aunt Norris and her unrequited love of Edmund Bertram secretly leaves to become a governess. So the future of all the players are changed.
A very enjoyable well written variation of Mansfield Park.

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Mr. Bingley's Bride by Catherine Bilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of several days in the life of Jane Bennet covering her marriage to Bingley. Read how Jane comes into her own as Mistress of Netherfield as she copes with the problem that is Caroline.
An enjoyable quick read.

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The Curse of Mont Saint Cloud by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1900 and Dr Watson and the Countess are sailing across the English Channel to help an old friend Inspector de Guises, when they are diverted to Mont Saint Cloud and solve their first mystery on their journey.
On arriving at Brittany they help the Inspector find the person who is killing off his family.
Another enjoyable read.


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Three Lions of England by Patrick Cinnamond
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A fictional account of 1381 poll tax rebellion lead by Wat Tyler. Can the Three Lions of England - Wat Tyler, priest John Ball and archer Jack Straw, persuade the young King Richard II of their righteous action.
Although an interesting story I didn't care for the swearing throughout the book which I felt distracted from the story.
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Crown in Darkness by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1286 and Hugh Corbett is sent to Scotland to investigate the death of Alexander III by the Chancellor of England, Burnell . Was his death on a stormy night murder, and if so who by. And does this action threaten England as the Scottish throne is left vacant with various fractions vying for this prize.
Enjoyed the story, a nice quick and easy read.

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Fool's Gold by Caro Peacock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

May 1841 Liberty Lane and her husband, while cruising around the island of Cephalonia, meet Matthew Vickery and a blind young man called George, who Vickery claims to be the son of Lord Byron.
On arriving back in England, Vickery employs Liberty to found a woman calling herself Helena, who claims to be George's mother. The investigation becomes more serious when a body is found.
This is the first of the series that I have read and I found that it wasn't necessary to read the previous books.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery with a group of well-developed and rounded characters.
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The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Best friends and flatmates in 1910 Toronto Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts launch a consulting detective business. Their first major case is investigating the deaths of young Irish woman. Helped by Jasper Forth, a police detective constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter.
An enjoyable introduction to this series, with a good selection of differing characters.

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Bitter Roots by C. J. Carmichael
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Zak Waller likes his job as a Dispatcher in the Sheriff’s Office of Lost Trail, Montana. But when a young female is killed he joins with old school friend Tiff Masterson to try and determine who the killer is as he has little trust in the Sheriff's desire to find the real culprit.
An enjoyable mystery with some well-developed characters.
a NetGalley Book

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The Hanging Tree by Rodney Hobson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What possible reason could there be for why Duncan Watson is brutally murdered. Thirty years ago he was a leader of a group of eco-warriors trying to save a historic building. Detective Inspector Paul Amos delves into Watson's past to find the killer.
An okay story which for me didn't really capture my imagination or have any characters of interest.
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Satan in St Mary's by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1284 in the reign of Edward I, it seems that there are traitors everywhere. Chancellor Burnell instructs Hugh Corbett, clerk, to investigate the death of a goldsmith Duket, after Duket had killed a Ralph Crepyn. But Corbett is soon drawn into a more dangerous situation.
I enjoyed this well paced mystery and look forward to reading the next in the series.


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Mansfield Parsonage by Kyra C Kramer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Mary Crawford, of London and lately of Mansfield Parsonage story, her point of view of the tale of Mansfield Park.
A very enjoyable read. A very well-written variation, with good descriptions and characters.

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The Spirituality of Jane Austen by Paula Hollingsworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book covers the topic of faith in Jane Austen's life and her works with a nice and easy writing style. A book I would recommend to fans and non-fans alike, as it has a good mixture of biography with the analysis of her books.
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Paradox Forged in Blood by Mary Frances Fisher
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 1930 Cleveland, Ohio, Louis Sheridan is murdered. Forty years later the original police officers look into the cold case. The story is told through the several families involved but especially Ellen O’Malley.
Unfortunately I didn't find that the story held my interest though I did finish the book, and didn't really like the writing style.
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Becoming Mary: A Modern Tale of Pride & Prejudice by Ney Mitch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Modern day Melinda Bennet believes herself to be ordinary but when a friend, Abbey, wins a holiday to Barton Park a Regency England theme park can her life change. As she is renamed Mary, can she start to interact with the people present, and what secrets does she discover.
I really enjoyed this story, I found the writing style very easy to read, and liked the characters, modern, and 'Regency'.

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Lord of Chance by Erica Ridley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fleeing London to find her father, Charlotte Devon daughter of a courtesan meets in the Scottish borders, reckless gambler, and vastly in debt, Anthony Fairfax.
Thrown together by mistake can they help each other to a solution of their problems.
A fun and quick read with some charming characters.
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The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel by Nicole Clarkston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edward Gardiner having just had his offer of marriage refused accompanies Mr. Bennet and his two oldest daughters on a journey northwards to visit the younger brother of Bennet. Finally reaching the small town of Lambton. Can Gardiner's heart be healed.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, lovely writing style and enjoyed meeting the young Darcys and Bingleys.

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Miraculous Mysteries: Locked Room Mysteries and Impossible Crimes by Martin Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A selection (16) of 'locked room'mysteries, mainly published in the early 20th century. There were a couple I really enjoyed while the rest I would say were adequate, with various writing styles. Overall the collection was an interesting mix, and of the authors, I had read other stories from just over half.
If your interest lies in short stories and British classic mysteries then this book will be of interest.
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Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back to the beginning with the story of Jackson and Baldwin origins. In Nashville a student is found dead, then another.Is there a serial killer in the area. Jackson and her team investigate.
This is the first of the series that I have read, and I enjoyed the story, a well paced plot, and I liked the characters.

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The Colour of Gold: A Sebastian Foxley Medieval Short Story by Toni Mount
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The tale of the wedding of Sebastian Foxley to Emily Appleyard. And the missing gold livery collar that is his right to wear on his wedding day as a recently made Freeman of the Stationers' Company in London.
A lovely short story

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Regency Romance: Winning The Indecisive Duke (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) by Jessie Bennett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Elizabeth and Alexandra Huntington are both desiring to marry the Duke of Athlone when he arrives in their midst proclaiming that he needs to marry in the next couple ofmonths to gain an inheritance.
Unfortunately I didn't really find the characters interesting or well-rounded, or any reason to accept that the two main characters felt affection with each other considering they had spent so little time together.

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One Thread Pulled: The Dance with Mr. Darcy by Diana J. Oaks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At the Meryton Assembly Elizabeth does not hear the insult from Darcy. How does that change their relationship, especially when Jane has an accident on the way to Netherfield.
Overall an enjoyable story though at times there was too much introspection from Darcy and Elizabeth for my taste.
For me the book was saved by the appearance and actions of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Much more than in canon

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1932 by Karen M. Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set in 1932 America.
When Dr. Bennet loses his job in Chicago, the now poor family move to the Longbourn farm in Kentucky owned by his brother-in law Gardiner.
Knowing the poverty of her family what does Elizabeth do when a rich landowner, Darcy, asks to marry her.
My second read and an enjoyable one.

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A Heart for Milton: A Tale from North and South by Trudy Brasure
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the deaths of her parents Margaret Hale is leaving Milton with her Aunt Shaw. But what of John Thornton. This is their story
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, and enjoyed reading more about the original characters.

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The Unexpected Miss Bennet by Patrice Sarath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Mary Bennet starting to feel dissatisfied with her life, Jane and Elizabeth decide it time for her to leave Longbourn and stay at Pemberley for a long visit. But the fates intervene and with Mary still unsure who she is decides to take up and offer that would give her independence from the other Bennets.
A very enjoyable sequel, with a lovely writing style. Again I like this Mary and the introduction of a new character.

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My Lady Thief by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although Arabella Knightley is a duke's grand-daughter, due to family circumstances she spent her childhood in the east end of London. Now barely tolerated by the ton, she a reluctant part of the ton, Arabella in the disguise of Tom a thiet rights what she considers wrongs.
An enjoyable story which moved along at a good pace, with some good rounded characters.

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Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

General Fitzwilliam has been left to care for his children after the death of his wife. Devastated by her death the General takes his family to Pemberley, hoping to find peace.
Meanwhile Mary Bennet, bored with living at Longbourn as the only remaining unwed daughter is staying at Pemberley. Can there ever be more than friendship between these two.
The writing style was so easy to read as the story moved along. I loved the story, the new characters but most of all the characters of the General and Mary.
Though I would have liked the story to continue and not jumped into the epilogue which was unnecessary.
Can't wait to read again

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Circle of Time by Debra Shiveley Welch
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Bridget Littleton on board a yacht sails to the Bermuda Triangle where she is thrown back in time to the Tudor Era. Where she become a particular frien of both Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and lives out her life in the era.
An interesting premise but one I found I difficult to become involved in, maybe because I know a fair amount about this era.
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The Parson of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by April Floyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Elizabeth's dismissal of Mary's feeling after the failed Collins proposal, Mary is determined not to be the sacrifice that will save Longbourn. She reqeests and receives permission to visit the Gardiner's in Gracechurch Street. Her journey brings her into the company of a vicar named Andrew Moore. Can there be a happy ending for this put upon and forgotten sister.
As this book is about Mary Bennet I obviously enjoyed the story, and the new character, and would have loved it to have been longer. But I was concerned that the characters called each other by their given name.

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The Mistress of Blackstairs by Catherine Curzon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1785, Covent Garden, London, Madam Moineau owner of Blackstairs a brothel, becomes to the attention of Anthony Lake and Viscount Edmund Polmear as they both return to London after many years away. All have secrets, some too afraid to be themselves.
A cast of characters, that are well portrayed with a story containing mysteries, murder, and theft which make an enjoyable and entertaining read.
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The Strange Inheritance of Mary Bennet by Annie Gluck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five years after the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, Mary is the last unmarried daughter. Unexpectedly she is bequeathed an inheritance by a distant cousin named Margaret Ashburn. An inheritance of Ashburn Keep. Follow Mary's trials and tribulation. Can she also have a happy ending.
Really enjoyed this story, especially as it is all about Mary, and I liked the new characters. Hoping there will be another in the series.

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The Treasure at Poldarrow Point by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Angela Marchmont is in Cornwall for her health when she is joined by her god-daughter Barbara. Where they become embroiled in a search for some missing diamonds.
An entertaining tale with some fun characters.

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No Sign of Life by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ex-detective Patton's car has been stolen. When it has been found by the police he discovers that not only has it been involved in a fatal accident the car is actually not his. A photograh found in the car points the solution to the crime at Sweden, which is where he and his wife travel to.
An interesting mystery where the couple are caught up in lies, deceit, abduction and murder.
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The Third Key by Gerald Verner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When a key is sent to the Rev Colin Armitage it heralds the first of the murders. The Reverend attempts to determine the who and why.
Unfortunately worked out who the guilty person was, and found some of the characters irritating.
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An Adventurous Night: A Sammy Shovel Novel, The Beginning by Ronald M. James
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The start of a new series set in the 1990's with Sammy Shovel as a private investigator and ex-cop. Unfortunately not for me as I didn't particularly like the characters or the writing style.
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