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.
There are times when a JAFF novel is an excellent or good read but deviates too far from original characters and then falls within the JA Complimentary categorisation.
However, both Awards grant merit for the books listed.
Editorial Review
Oh my, The Longbourn Conundrum presents a thoroughly unique theme on Jane Austen’s original. Be assured this is a complete rewriting of one of Jane’s most beloved novels. Hence, confinement due to inclement weather and a raging epidemic is the solid background throughout the novel. Although Darcy and Elizabeth’s happiness is assured it can be said neither suffers sexual suppression over long. The remainder of Jane’s cast do the unexpected, and sad circumstances shock all. Believe me, this is no mirror image or a fanciful makeover of Pride and Prejudice. While Ms Pearson wisely gives due warning of content that may offend and distress readers, much of it is implied rather than explanation given in great detail. This novel is indeed far removed from the expected normality of a JAFF novel, and it does touch on madness induced by grief and loss. In playing devil’s advocate the author has set precedence for a mischievous dark slant on Pride and Prejudice. Even to the most ardent fan, the original novel depicted a sweet tale of bittersweet envy and blissful slushy romances. Although well written with a modern touch to the prose, the author reflects good knowledge of the characters, and overall deserves an award for originality. Sadly, the novel steps a little too far from the original characters and is therefore granted a Jane Austen Complimentary.
Back Cover premise:
An Ancient Curse. A Thunderstorm. An Epidemic.
Jane Bennet's invitation to tea at Netherfield is interrupted by a strange series of events. Could they be related to the rumours of a generations old curse on Netherfield and Longbourn? When a thunderstorm and epidemic sweep through Meryton people are quarantined in their homes and the long-dismissed curse seems more and more like a reality than an ancient story. Can Jane and Elizabeth's family survive this crisis or will these unnatural events claim the last generation of Bennets?
The novel begins with a teasing glimpse of Lizzy Bennet’s childhood at Longbourn, and rather a sad episode turns into a fairy tale plot beyond the impressionable girl’s imagination. She is the chosen niece to whom an aunt and uncle bestow great affections and instruct Elizabeth in the advantage of prudent investments. A school for young ladies in London provides introduction to Georgiana Darcy, and a variation on the original P&P is a certainty. Mid book Elizabeth’s return to Longbourn heralds her fortunes as much improved, her sisters little changed. Now a variation on P&P begins, and proceeds to a rather abrupt ending mid-stream with Elizabeth’s final word with a suspenseful strap-line? Book 2 presumably is a continuation of the former. Ms Rachel has an excellent command of history, good dialogue, and good characterisation. The narrative however weaves from formal to informal, and the paragraph structure is essay thesis format. The Jane Austen Complimentary is hereby bestowed for historical merit and unique prequel and amusing P&P variation. 2-18M-DEC-R
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