About the Book
Title: A Very Austen Romance
Authors: Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Chautona Havig, Mandy H. Cook
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June, 2020
A Very Austen Romance features a delightful medley of novellas, each set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Your friends from
Pride and Prejudice,
Emma, and
Sense and Sensibility, enjoy new adventures in this lovely collection of stories by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Mandy Cook, and Chautona Havig.
Be treated to prequels, spin-offs, and sequels of Austen’s novels, along with original and supporting characters in starring roles. If historical romance is your preference, you’ll love these well-crafted stories written by beloved authors in the genre.
Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW
Gather round as you enjoy these wonderful stories that are filled with romance, intriguing characters and a time period where Lords and Lady’s abound. Find a comfy place and be swept away to an era that whispers royalty and memories fit for a lady.
The King of Hearts by Robin Helm
The story is centered around Kitty Bennett at the age of twenty. Every time I read books about this era I always snicker because it was such a disgrace to not be married by a certain age. My goodness everyone is a buzz about the upcoming dance where Kitty will be the center of attention. The dance was fun to read about and how distinguished the gentlemen were. I loved when Kitty said she would marry for love and not money. Bravo to her for following her heart. She has quite a selection of gentlemen vying for her attention. Who will she choose? I enjoyed how the author gave Kitty several gentlemen to get acquainted with. I think a few tried too hard but in the end does love win over power and money?
You’ve Got To Kiss The Girl by Laura Hike
Right away I was hooked on this story. A plot to kidnap Darcy and Anne seemed simple. They would be taken to a place where hopefully a wedding proposal would take place. Lady Catherine was determined that her scheme would work. The house had to be comfortable, well stocked and perhaps a bit romantic.
I think Lady Catherine steals the show in this story. What is she thinking making people waddle on the carpet so it would last longer. Oh my she is becoming quite unquestionably a bit out there . I laughed at all her shenanigans and how her plan, well I mustn’t say more. The story is fun to read and I thought the author did a great job of showing how determined someone is to pick a spouse for someone else. I loved how the story had some funny moments and how a mixup delivers an unexpected romance.
A Step Too Far by Wendi Sotis
This story finds us witnessing the rescue of Elizabeth after she falls from a cliff. Of course if she hadn’t been so curious about her neighbors, perhaps she wouldn’t find herself in this predicament. Darcy stumbles upon her and must now find the easiest way to get her to safety.
Elizabeth is known for her little adventures and this one is no exception. It was nice to read how thoughtful Darcy was as he returned her to her home. The author gives a glimpse into how Darcy and Elizabeth interact with each other as she recovers from her injuries. Do I smell romance in the air? I thought the author painted a lovely picture of two people getting to know each other as they follow their hearts.
John Knightly Wins A Wife by Barbara Cornthwaite
This adventure was very fun to read as John has his hands full trying to keep Miss Maria’s brother out of trouble. I wonder if he agreed to this endeavor a bit too hasty? Perhaps he is hoping to impress Maria and get her attention. Oh how attraction to someone can make us do silly things.
John is starting to see that Arthur is becoming hard to deal with. As I read the story I kept thinking of Arthur as a scoundrel . He is someone who sets their sights on something or someone for their personal gain. It ruffles John’s feathers when Arthur’s attention is drawn to a certain young lady who is rumored to have money or will soon come into money. The prank Arthur pulls on John is in such poor taste. I think there is going to be a little anger brewing within John. Someone needs to set Arthur straight in how to behave himself as a gentleman.
I enjoyed getting to go along with John as he pursues a young woman who will compliment his life perfectly. The author does a great job of letting readers get a glimpse into John’s heart as he intends to make a special someone his wife.
Charming Miss Dashwood by Chautona Havig
I couldn’t wait to see where the author would take her story. It is no secret that I love her writing and her adventurous spirit. Margaret is everything I had hoped for. She is funny in a sarcastic way and her uncanny one liners are perfectly written. I think I see a little of me in her with the sarcasm and little time for nonsense.
I loved how the author was able to put Conrad and Margaret in a position where they began to slowly get to know each other. Conrad had many adventure which I think Margaret enjoyed hearing. I have always wondered what it would be like living during this time period. A woman’s reputation was of the upmost importance and they were usually accompanied by someone who would protect the woman’s honor. It intrigued me that Margaret wanted to help stand guard with Conrad when intruders sneak in the house.
I couldn’t wait to find out why these men were there to invade the home and what danger was ahead. The author had me trying to read faster because I had to know if Conrad and Margaret would finally start to be cordial to each other. It reminds me of that saying, “ I think thou does protest too much.”
The part where the intruders come once again is definitely a look at how brave Margaret is. Her instinct to protect her family and Conrad is admirable and dare I say impressive. The author does a good job of writing a story that not only gives us a glimpse into espionage but a cleverly written storyline that includes a bit of romance. I liked that the romance didn’t overshadow the entire story, but complimented the characters as they developed feelings for one another. I liked that Conrad was a humble man who felt like he didn’t have much to offer a wife. The ending is full of surprises and left this reader wanting to stay awhile longer with Conrad and Margaret.
In The Looking Glass by Mandy H. Cook
Fanny is not happy on this special day of hers. Her birthday reminds her of how old she is getting and feeling like a spinster. She decides to wander away from home and thus starts an adventure she will never forget. The story moves at a fast pace much like Fanny herself does.
The stranger she meets is very intriguing and I couldn’t wait to see how Fanny’s family welcomes him. It takes awhile to find out the strangers name but it is worth the wait. A timepiece given to Fanny as a child holds the key to unlocking a promise made by the stranger . I did enjoy getting to know more about the stranger and his past. The story is good and I liked the ending especially. It is a sweet story that young girls dream about. Love finds you in the most unexpected places.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
About the Authors
Robin Helm‘s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.
Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy; the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours; Understanding Elizabeth; More to Love; and Lawfully Innocent. Ms. Helm also contributed stories to A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine.
She plans to publish Maestro in 2020.
Her life in (usually) sunny, small town South Carolina is busy, but affords time for writing, reading, teaching piano, and playing games on her phone. (Would you believe she’s an elder in a war game?)
Readers are loving
Laura Hile‘s joyous Regency novels. Her signature style—with intertwined plots, cliffhangers, laugh-out-loud humor, and romance—keeps them coming back for more.
The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with teen students!
Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a collection of antique clocks.
Her fiction is for everyone, even teens.
Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. While searching
for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed of an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since:
Promises,
Dreams and Expectations;
All Hallows Eve;
The Keys for Love;
Safekeeping (with just a dash of Austen);
The Gypsy Blessing;
Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); and
A Lesson Hard Learned.
The Marriage Pact, and some of Wendi’s works-in-progress, have branched away from JAFF to Regency Romance (the Loving an Aldridge Series) and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries (the Implicated series). Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together again and again in an unusual manner.
Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.
Mandy Cook was an RN for over ten years, half of which she served in the Navy, living in far-flung places, enjoying experiencing the world while following her calling. Just before she and her handsome Marine were both deployed to different places, they married. They now have three children, ages five and younger.
She previously published The Gifted, using her nursing experience to lend accuracy to her story about an ER nurse who is handed a gift that changes her life forever. Adversity, and a long history of secrets, constantly battle against her natural instinct for truth and justice, but will the truth be worth the dare?
Mandy also contributed a story to A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 1.
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of
It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
Blog Stops
Giveaway
To celebrate their tour, the A Very Austen authors are giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
