MAE Favorites of 2018

It's time to list my favorites of 2018. I read more books this past year than I did in 2017 and that was great! All books I read were good books. I am getting more selective in my choices since reading time is scarce, but some I'm pretty certain will be good because of the author. I tried some new authors too, and was glad I did.

These books were not all published in 2018, but read in 2018. If there is an asterisk in front of the book, I reviewed it on MAE. Click on the link to read my review. Now without further adieux, these are my favorites, in no particular order.

Pride & Prejudice Variations

 

The Child by Jan Hahn
Jan Hahn never fails to deliver. She has written a fantastic story about Darcy and Elizabeth, their misunderstandings, and the growing love of Lizzy for Darcy. There is a theme involving a pillow that I found delightful! It was such fun. The child in the story is charming and a bit impertinent, but whose child is she? The interaction between Fan and Darcy is comical at times and moving at others. I loved Ms. Hahn's Darcy, his love for Elizabeth, and his eventual love for Fan! Wonderful read and one I highly recommend.

Conceit and Concealment by Abigail Reynolds
I heard from several that this was a really good book, and possibly the author's best to date. I had to read it, and now I must agree. It is an awesome read. The first meeting of Darcy and Lizzy is almost like a fairy-tale and I loved it! Part of it is carried throughout the book. This is a story to savor with characters that are well-drawn and believable. England is under French rule and allows the characters to have unique experiences. The premise is brilliant and the story is difficult to put down. If you haven't read it, do!

London Holiday by Nicole Clarkston
This book was so much fun! I loved every minute of it. It was neat to see Darcy and Lizzy get to know one another, even if under false assumptions. Mr. Darcy as a footman was utterly delicious. I laughed, I smiled, and I stressed! Lady Catherine has a new twist on her antics. Lots of Darcy and Lizzy page time, and that is always good! When Darcy sees Elizabeth at an assembly, well, you'll have to read it to find out!  *sigh*

*Darcy and Lizzy: A Promise Kept by Brenda J. Webb
I enjoyed this novel immensely. The love story that Ms. Webb writes between Darcy and Lizzy is awesome. If you love a swoon-worthy Darcy, you will find one within the pages of this book. There is a good bit of intrigue along with the romance. The promise between Darcy and Bingley involved much more than either could have imagined. I will be reading this one again.

To Conquer Pride by Jennifer Altman
This is the debut book by this author. I was impressed and will be watching for more from her. Darcy and Lizzy become stranded in a cottage, always an interesting scenario. Mr. Darcy is injured and Elizabeth cares for him and begins to care for him emotionally, as well. There are misunderstandings galore and both are unsure and mistaken about the other's feelings. Darcy "thinks" he's doing what is best for Lizzy, but is he? I enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam coming to the rescue. The story flows and engaged me from the first page.

*The Darcy Legacy by Joana Starnes
This was such a fun story and quite different from this author's other books. I laughed out loud so many times. It also had it's moments that were poignant. Darcy is tortured but not so much as usual! This time when Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam travel to Rosings, the roster of characters is changed Lizzy is there but not as Charlotte's guest!  There is a unique twist involving Mr. Bennet, too. Delicious! I enjoyed The Darcy Legacy immensely.

Mr. Darcy's Magpie by Kara Louise
I started reading this when the author was posting the first few chapters on Austen Variations. I was hooked and couldn't wait to read it when the book was finished and released. When Lizzy travels with the Gardiners, and they visit Pemberley, Mr. Gardiner is injured. They must stay for some time while he recovers. This presents an interesting situation and gives quite a bit of Darcy and Lizzy page time. I love the cover and drawing by the author's sister. The magpie theme throughout the book was great and beautifully depicted by the artist.

*A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity by A. D'Orazio
This novel begins at Netherfield with Charles and Jane already wed. They are hosting a party for several friends. Darcy and Lizzy had been engaged, but Lizzy called it off for reasons unknown to Darcy. Each heartbroken from their past, decide to attend the Bingley party, thinking the other will not be there. Awww, let the torture begin, and Ms. D'Orazio does dish up some torture for both!

Series - The Bennet Wardrobe 

I love this series. Each book is well-written and fleshes out another Pride & Prejudice character while having him/her intermingle with other fictional characters and real people of history. Don Jacobson has created a fascinating world using the Wardrobe! I've said it before, but I must say it again. I'm amazed at the brilliance of this author and his interwoven tales! If you have not started this series, I highly suggest you do!

*The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn by Don Jacobson
Kitty, or Lady Kate, has come into her own. It is touching to see her visit her father. It made me smile and it made me cry. Parts of it broke my heart. Mr. Bennet's reaction to Lady Kate's more modern attire was amusing. This story of Kitty is the conclusion of The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque and sets the stage for The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament.

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament by Don Jacobson
Excellent story of Thomas and Francis Bennet. The way that Don brings them together is wonderful and heart-warming. Each is aware of their own faults and we get to understand the why of their behavior. Their visit through the Wardrobe, meeting future generations, was rewarding and fascinating. I shed a few tears here too. The secondary love story between two other characters was well-done. This latest addition to The Bennet Wardrobe is not to be missed.

The author visits MAE tomorrow with a character vignette and giveaway for my stop on his blog tour. Hope to see you.

Anthology

A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2 by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Mandy H. Cook, and Susan Kaye
Each story was well done and entertaining. These are six fine authors. There is a mix of books here and some Jane Austen books combined. Each held my interest and left me feeling good. I couldn't wait to start the next short story. Great job, ladies!

The blog tour for A Very Austen Valentine began today. Stop by Just the Write Escape for a guest post and giveaway.

North & South Variations

Nowhere but North by Nicole Clarkston
What can I say about this one? It is well written with a depth and complexity that flows onto the page, pulling the reader in to experience everything with the characters. It is heart-wrenching and emotional. Although John and Margaret are married early in the book, it was so sweet to watch them come to realize each loved the other. The author introduces a tough subject and handles it masterfully. I have loved all of this author's N&S variations, but this may be my favorite to date.

*****

I hope you enjoyed seeing my favorites. How many of them have you read? What did you think of them? It is fun to know what others liked and who had some of the same favorites.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my favorite awards. I'm eager to get started on my books for 2019! How about you? Have you already read any? I've read one!