Jane Austen Award

Editorial Review:

In this sequel novel, an Elizabeth & Darcy Variation, we are presented with the master of Pemberley, his good wife, and two children, all venturing to Louisiana. Although Jane Austen’s original Pride & Prejudice was pure fiction, The Darcys of New Orleans requires an open mind to the essence of P&P Variations and Sequels. Hence, in the aftermath of a personal tragedy a family holiday and reunion with an old friend of Lizzie’s seems logical to Darcy. After all, that person was at one time a slave and became a true friend to Lizzie. Subsequently almost two decades have passed from the day Elizabeth agreed to marry Darcy, and with a daughter of marriageable age and much younger son, life on a southern plantation is whole new experience for the two English siblings. Friendships arise, romance blooms, and a dilemma arises for the young at heart in a world where mixed marriages are scorned upon. It is the 1800s, and how Elizabeth and Darcy face the great dilemma is testament to authorship and daring. Here it is wisest to say the book is well written, it stretches reader imagination, and touches on a more modern outlook to mixed marriages. Nonetheless a P&P prequel, variation, or sequel is simply that, and deviation from the original is par for the course. Hence Ms Mooha’s The Darcys’ of New Orleans is hereby granted a Jane Austen Award for originality above all else.

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Jane Austen Award.

Editorial Review:

In this delightful JAFF Pride & Prejudice Variation Mr. Darcy is in deep mourning. Altogether this has an unusual opening and touching theme for fans of Darcy. The background to the story is the impending marriage between Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, which brings the Bennet family centre stage of Mr. Darcy’s life. Elizabeth saddened by his loss soon plans to draw him out of his morose and lonely malady with little acts of ultra kindness. Therefore research into the rich gentleman’s tastes requires an amount of diplomacy and secrecy. Who better then than Caroline Bingley and Darcy’s valet as valuable sources of his choicest passions? What seems impossible in taking Ms Austen’s original novel and character personas it must be said familiar context is absent in this reworking of her tome. Who would have guessed Elizabeth and Caroline would become friends from the start. Significantly the story line is far-flung from the original Jane Austen plot, and all is forgivable as a P&P Variation. This is a gentle tale of friendship between Elizabeth and Darcy which leads to a happy dénouement. The writing is precise, the work well presented and bears a remarkable Austenesque tone. Therefore Mr Darcy’s Christmas Surprise by Debra-Ann Kummoung, is hereby awarded the Jane Austen Award.

JA Regency Complimentary.

Editorial Review:

In this novel we are given a sequence which brings two people together by circumstance of a riding accident and leads to forbidden attraction. For several years Nicholas Duke of Trenton will harbour a secret passion for a bedraggled young miss who turned up on his doorstep one dark night. In true knightly spirit he offered young Hannah sanctuary and by morning she was gone. Unbeknown to Nicholas, Hannah’s life is not as imagined. A cruel governess has charge of Hannah and corporal punishment for the slightest misdemeanour is administered with the pleasure of a sadist. Hannah’s life is utter hell and what happens in the interim is left to reader imagination as the story closes on the first chapter. The story resumes with her first coming out ball where her married sister and her uncle present her to society. Nicholas on seeing her again is smitten and pursues her hand in marriage. Sadly his life is complicated by a clingy mistress, and the way in which he attempts to terminate the relationship bodes ill for Hannah. How could Nicholas be so blind as to leave Hannah at his country estate and employ a companion for her, a companion recommended to him by his former mistress? A good question and although this book is not a comfortable read, one feels compelled to turn the page to be sure Hannah survives the reappearance of her former governess. Here is where I will end and assure readers of a happy ever after. It cannot be said this novel is Austenesque in content. Hannah’s story is more in keeping with Jane Eyre’s early experiences. All the same, it is a fictional dark suspense story set in Regency England where having a mistress was a matter of course for men of all persuasions. It therefore falls within the realm of the more open Jane Austen Regency Award in which a juvenile heroine blossoms to womanhood in dire circumstances. It is agreed Dangerous Desire by Lesley Field is hereby awarded the Jane Austen Regency Complimentary.

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Jane Austen Complimentary Award

Editorial Review:

Gianna Thomas admirably reminds readers her novella Elizabeth’s Choice is a sequel. In that regard it is a perfectly independent story. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennett, have declared their marital vows. Mr. Darcy has therefore arranged a surprise honeymoon trip to Ireland. It is made obvious Elizabeth’s beauty and allure has transformed the brooding brusque mannered Mr. Darcy from a stiff upper lip man into a lustful bed romper. On balance, it is a honeymoon tale and Elizabeth in the bedroom is Mr. Darcy’s hot property. It must be said the author’s research into Irish history is impeccable. Ireland comes alive in the narrative, and Elizabeth’s inquisitive mind naturally demands more knowledge. Several characters enlighten Elizabeth to Irish history, and never let it be said the Irish are short on the Blarney. There is much-a-do in this novella with Wickham and Denny portrayed as villains apiece, which does run contrary to Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.   We have to remember Mr. Darcy purchased a captaincy for Wickham in the regular army. Denny remained in the Militia. The two men went their separate ways. Wickham was dispatched to Newcastle, and Denny to the South Coast.   Vital facts like that in P&P are important for authors of Jane Austen Fan Fiction novels. Authenticity must ring true for the coveted Jane Austen Award, whereas, the Complimentary Award allows for deviance from original context in variations, rewrites, and sequels. We are therefore pleased to award the Jane Austen Complimentary to Gianna Thomas for Elizabeth’s Choice.

The book's back cover blurb:

Although 'Elizabeth’s Choice' is the long-awaited sequel to 'Darcy Chooses – The Complete Novel,' it can be read as a standalone novella.

On their wedding trip, blissfully married Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy are threatened when an old enemy appears. Will they survive the encounter, or will it leave a memory that will forever scar the heart?

Fitzwilliam Darcy, the hero of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, has made Miss Elizabeth Bennet his own as she has become his wife, much to the delight of both. In this sweet Regency romance, finding joy with her and true happiness that he hasn’t had in years, Darcy’s life is complete. And his wife is more than pleased to be Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy with the one she admires above all men.

Embarking on their honeymoon to Ireland, the two will draw ever closer as they find more in common as tourists in a country with a history and heritage as rich as that of England. Darcy strengthens the bond with old friends as Elizabeth makes new friends that will enrich her life while learning more about those who inhabit the Emerald Isle.

But danger follows closely as the newlyweds head back home to Pemberley. The question is ‘will they ever arrive?’

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Regency Complimentary.

Awarded to Rachel Ann Smith for her debut novel Desires of Lady Elise.

Editorial Review: 

Rachel Ann Smith’s debut novella is a spicy romance with a little raw sex here and there. Past dismay and heartbreak is the nub of the story. There is a previous scandal that remains vague, until a memory sequence gives the reader a clue to Elise’s desires for Harry and why he left in the first place. Hurt pride is Elise’s barrier against trusting Harry again, though her qualms are soon waved aside and she is once again besotted. Harry’s rejection would have been horribly devastating for Elise whose sexual behaviour was that of a courtesan, rather than a chaste and innocent young lady. Perhaps her belief was that her deed alone would keep him true to her.  Elise of ten years ago is really not the Elise the reader is introduced to, who resembles Jane Austen’s character Emma, the self-assumed matchmaker. Elise is advisory to young ladies who were and are heading to marriage with undesirable bachelors. Her influence on would-be brides has deterred lucrative marriages for rogue bachelors and the rogues plot their revenge. Certain danger suddenly arises with her unexpected abduction and a rather brutal and frightening scenario unfolds. The hero rides to the rescue, and what follows is short and sweet and the bruised and battered bride marries her ardent hero. A sweet little epilogue highlights a happy and contented marriage. The End. It can be said relaxed narrative ensues in this second time chance romance theme– a solid and popular trope. We are told it is Regency, though historically it could depict any period in the latter age of horse-drawn vehicles. While there is much debate prologues have or have no place in novels a “tastefully” written prologue would have been very useful in this novella. As a debut novel it can be seen the author will grow into the period and perchance add a little more Regency time-charged research. Rating the novel “adult” is appropriate. Therefore the Jane Austen Regency Complimentary is awarded to Desires of Lady Elise by Rachel Ann Smith.

The Book's Premise. 

One scandal. Two broken hearts. A decade apart.

Lady Elise knows all too well the risks of falling in love. Her heart, shattered by a rake ten years ago. Instead of hunting for a husband, she helps other ladies escape the nefarious plans of unscrupulous gentlemen.

After a scandal costs Lord Thornston Elise’s hand and heart, he has lived on the fringes of the beau monde. But when his best friend, the Duke of Fairmont, requests his assistance, Thornston is torn. Helping Fairmont means facing the woman who holds his heart and soul.

Succumbing to temptation, Thornston re-enters Society to find Elise still unwed. But as he seeks to reignite her desire for him and earn back her trust, he becomes entwined in one of her investigations. When events take a dangerous turn, he might lose the woman he loves before he can win her back.  

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Jane Austen Award / Mr Darcy

Editorial Review:

Those familiar with reading classical literature are forewarned as to the content of this novel within the book’s premise. The hilarity of role reversal is a tried and tested trope many well-known authors and playwrights have used since the days of the Greek tragedies, in which confusion, unmitigated embarrassments, and much else besides occur. Here Ms Massey presents a tale of wild adventure, and a heroic deed of pure and wilful insanity. All the while Mr. Darcy is torn between duty of care and a secret he dare not reveal. His temporary charge is a delightful mix of mischief and wit in deceiving all they encounter, and worse still desire for the reckless runaway contravenes gentlemanly code of conduct and near ruins Darcy’s reputation. On balance the great lady Jane Austen was finely tuned to comedy in manners and would assuredly enjoy the delightful humour of this novel, were it minus the erotic element. A fine example of Jane's depiction of the adults at Longbourn referring to each other as Mr. Bennet, and Mrs. Bennet, was classic mild satire. Therefore, well written with historical backdrop of note, and a little naughty spice, Mr Darcy Likes it Wild by Ms Massey is hereby granted the Jane Austen Award.

Book's Premise:

What if Mr Bennet insisted Lizzy accept Mr Collins' proposal? Would literature's favourite headstrong female submit to save her mother and sisters; or would she do anything to avoid marrying a ridiculous man?

'Mr Darcy Likes It Wild' blends elements of several road trip tales to answer what Elizabeth did. Imagine the silliness of Billy Wilder's 'Some Like It Hot,' the classic gender reversal comedy of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It,' the madcap dialogue of Georgette Heyer's 'The Corinthians' combined with Jane Austen's iconic story of mismatched lovers searching for understanding and joy in Regency England. Come laugh and cry with Fitz and Eli as they experience life's highs and lows on their journey to happiness.

Jane Austen and JA Regency Award

Editorial Review:

Howarth exudes English correctness with witty sharp dialogue and country dialect of a bygone age. She writes compelling narrative and dialogue, and the author's knowledge of the era and regional places are brought to life in vivid colour. While arranged marriage plots are somewhat of a cliché in the historical romance genre, there is a dark ominous sense of foreboding to this novel. Loose rumours the hero killed his first two wives is left hanging in the air, and the title *Reluctant Duchess* is paramount. The knowledge her husband has a mistress crushes sweet naive Liliana’s self-esteem. Her reaction is refusal to let him break through her protective shield. She locks her emotions away and rebels when personal loss strikes without warning. This event is the turning point which shakes her husband from stupendous belief she is immune to his presence. At the same time his closeted world is turned inside out. His inner court is less of his making while those of his train exert power and influence at his expense. Although the duke wields a strong personality it is obvious he has drifted and lost direction after the mysterious death of his second wife. To avoid plot spoilers it is vital to stop here, apart from saying his second wife’s death haunts the novel throughout and re-enters the story with a shocking tale of abduction, murder, and incest. Ms Howarth is hereby granted a Jane Austen Regency Award for this page-turning Regency murder mystery.   

Bear in mind this has steamy romance and bawdy language.  

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Editorial Review:

When all is said and done, there are JAFF authors who readily lapse into familiar phrases and scenes from Jane Austen’s most famous novel. Ms Everly instead stretches boundaries and blends Austen with her own imagination and dares to suggest Mr. Darcy suffers from a neurological difference. In this P and P variation Miss Elizabeth Bennet becomes a little futuristic to her time [Aspberger and Kanner], but let’s not quibble over medical straws. Ms Austen indeed portrayed Darcy as socially deficient when out of his comfort zone, and mild Aspberger Syndrome could excuse his brusque mannerisms. Elizabeth Bennet was depicted as observant to faults in other people throughout Jane Austen’s tome, and remained completely ignorant of her own imperfections. Ms Everly’s well written novel shines a light on Elizabeth’s unique understanding of individual differences and perspectives, a considerate aptitude she sorely lacked in the original story. While history tells of children and adults hidden away in attics or placed in asylums [Bedlam], Jane Austen had a lesser mentioned brother with unusual traits who resided in the shadows. Thereby, Elizabeth’s young cousin inspires cognisance to the pattern of his mannerisms, and Darcy the puzzle is solved piece by piece. Ms Everly writes with flair and confidence in her subject matter with an eye to detail and research. Therefore a Jane Austen Award is bestowed for this unusual Pride and Prejudice Variation.

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