Darcy in Wonderland - Alexa Adams

Twinkle, twinkle, amber cross!

For a chain, it’s at a loss.

Heavy links or simple loop,

Do not dunk it in your soup.

The worlds of beloved authors collide as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen’s immortal hero, finds himself thrust into the topsy-turvey world of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.

Many years have passed since Elizabeth Bennet became mistress of Pemberley, and the Darcys’ six children are a testament to their enduring love. As the eldest prepare to enter the world, the youngest, Alice, makes sure that life at Pemberley never grows dull. She stands out as the most intrepid of the brood, and while beloved by all the family and staff, her curious mind and penchant for mischief often proves rather inconveniencing. Never is this truer than when her father follows her down a mysterious rabbit hole, disrupting his orderly world in ways never before imagined. A treat for the young and the old, Darcy in Wonderland is both an adventure and an homage to two of literatures greatest minds. 

My thoughts:

I must confess, I really do not recall all events in Wonderland. Last I saw something from that book was in the latest movie. So how much is in this mashup...well, I do not know. But it sure is Wonderlandesque. More so than PPesque.

Darcy and Lizzy have been married for ages and have a few kids. All good behaved lovely children/almost adults. Except for Alice who has a truly vivid imagination. And I, omg, this is horrible, but I totally understood the eldest one, Bennett, when he said his sister is insane. In those days, being as she was, well Lady Catherine sure would not have liked it. Not really a proper young lady this one.

Alice is sure lucky to have parents like Lizzy and Darcy. That is for sure.

Anyway, I am blabbering. The mad hatter got to me. Darcy and Alice will have an adventure in wonderland and everything is turned on its head.

Quite a different sort of Pride and Prejudice sequel. I think Alice will grow up to be an author. I am sure of it.

Enjoyable for a silly fun time.

Paperback, 254 pages
Published July 21st 2017 by CreateSpace
Pride and Prejudice Sequel
Alice in Wonderland re-telling
For review

The Madness of Mr.Darcy -Alexa Adams

The year is 1832 and regrets beleaguer Fitzwilliam Darcy. All he ever cared for has been taken from him: his pride, his sister, and his true love, Elizabeth Bennet. Now, having nearly murdered a man in a fit of rage, he might lose Pemberley, too. More than just his home, his very identity is at stake. In desperation, he seeks the help of Dr. Frederick Wilson, owner and proprietor of Ramsey House, a madhouse for fine ladies and gentlemen. Is Darcy’s confinement the inevitable end to his tortured descent, or will he rediscover what he lost in the most unlikely of places?

My thoughts:

Honestly this was a sad re-telling ( but it has a happy ending!!!). But before that, so sad!

Mr Darcy has been a recluse for almost 20 years. Alcoholic, insomniac, he dwells in his own misery and thinks about all he has lost. Oh Mr Darcy! *cries* It was heartbreaking to see, but I knew the old Mr Darcy was in there, but he was just so depressed. 

Elizabeth has suffered too. The breaking point that leads to happy endings does not happen here. Lydia was not saved and therefore the whole family was shamed. Stupid times! Was it Lizzy's fault? No, but those were the times. So they were all left in misery.

Ok, now this sound depressing. But I promise you, happiness will come. Mr Darcy seeks help (well...is forced to seek help), he becomes better. And I ended the book with a smile on my face. Aww, better late than never. *cries again*

Conclusion:

A very different re-telling for sure. I enjoyed it immensely. 

307 pages
Published September 14th 2014 by Presumptuous Press
Pride and prejudice sequel
For review

Review: Saving Francesca - Melina Marchetta + Emma and Elliott

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian's, a boys' school that pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom.  Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player.  The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is.  Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

My thoughts:

I liked this one. It was meaningful, had some real emotions going on and was like YA should be. No stupid love triangles, instalove or silly teen angst over nothing.

Marchetta has a great voice and from what I hear this is not even her best book, no the rest are even better. I would like to read those too.

The book is about Francesca who haws started a new school without her old friends. And her mum is not leaving the bedroom. It's a tough start. But slowly she finds her way, very slowly. But I liked that, the book had a light slow vibe too. And she gets saved and finds out who she really is. Oh and yes maybe there is some maybe romance in there too ;)

conclusion:

Not the best day to write a review for me. But I will just say, this is a good YA book to read.

Cover

I have the looking up at the sky one, could not find a decent image of it, also it is very meh

Would I read more?

yes

Paperback, 256 pages
Published May 6th 2004 by Puffin Books (first published March 31st 2003)
Contemporary YA
Own

Few heroines evoke such diverse emotions as Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse, for whom readers profess everything from disdain to devotion. In "Emma & Elton", Alexa Adams explores what might have befallen the supercilious Miss Woodhouse if she were made aware of Mr. Elton's affection prior to his proposal. This short story was first published on Adams' blog in tribute to Halloween, and though you'll find no ghost or ghouls gracing its pages, tenderhearted Janeites be warned: here lies "something truly horrid".

My thoughts:

It was short so I do not have a lot to say.

The story stayed every true to Emma. With a few exceptions, Emma is a bit smarter and at the same time not. And something truly horrid happens.

I liked the horrid thing the most...cos it was horrid ;)

A nice twist to the story.

'

Published October 31st 2012
http://alexaadams.blogspot.com/
Short story / Jane Austen variation

Review: Holidays at Pemberley - Alexa Adams

Both a Christmas celebration and conclusion to Tales of Less Pride & Prejudice, Holidays at Pemberley begins where First Impressions ends, with the marriage Fitzwilliam Darcy to Elizabeth Bennet, and spans the course of Second Glances to conclude their story. As the Darcys enjoy their first years of marriage, Charlotte Lucas is often invited to join them. Watching as the Bennet sisters, one by one, marry to both outrageous advantage and with great affection, her only ambition remains independence and respectability, stubbornly blind to the virtues of a love match. Miss Lucas thinks she has found an acceptable husband in David Westover, rector of Kympton and determined bachelor, but he remains oblivious to the implications of befriending a Miss Lucas. It may mean some heartbreak, but if Mrs. Darcy's pragmatic friend will only surrender to Cupid, she may find wild fantasies do come true, even for ladies dangerously close to thirty.

My thoughts:

I like these books cos they feel real, more austenuesque in the way they are written :)

And this book is Charlotte's book (even if we see all the rest and they get plenty of room too). In this re-telling Charlotte did not marry Collins, no Mary did that (and she was so the better fit). Charlotte is not spoken for and spends time at Pemberley and meets a gentleman. But of course we need a bit of drama and things take a long time to work out.

I liked what she did in the book. First impressions (book 1) is here were Charlotte meets David. Second Glances is their second chance (and was Kitty, Georgiana and Lydia's book) and the last part is the Third encounters and will Charlotte finally get a HEA?

There is also Lizzy and Darcy as they settle into their home, The Wickhams, Bingley's and the best Aunt Catherine there is, she is actually nice.

Conclusion:

A sweet sequel and re-telling of what could have happened if other choices had been made.

186 pages
published in 2013 by Outskirts Press
Pride and Prejudice sequel
For review

Review: Second Glances - Alexa Adams

A year has passed since the conclusion of First Impressions, and the marriages made by the three eldest Bennet ladies are prospering. Expectations are high for the two youngest sisters to do equally well. Kitty, having excelled in school, receives an invitation to join Georgiana Darcy in her first London season, leaving Lydia to bear the burden of the classroom alone. Will the most forward Bennet tolerate such inequity?

Kitty arrives in London prepared to be happy, but her delight is marred when she finds a most unwelcome gentleman on intimate terms with her hosts. She has met the reckless Sir James Stratton before and would like nothing more than to never encounter him again, but his acquaintance she is forced to endure. Struggling for firm footing amidst the whirlwind of London society, will Kitty be allowed to follow her heart, or will her family force her hand? Join the reimagined cast of Pride and Prejudice as they pursue happiness amidst the ongoing obstacles of life, love, and interfering relations.

My thoughts:

Awwwwwwww, can I just let my review be that, awwww :)

Ok ok I will say something more. I just got the same feelings as I did with her other book. It was just so sweet and wonderful. It's a book that will make you happy. Sure there is some drama and doubt, but most of all it's just sweet in the most perfect way. Sweet that will make you smile and hope for the best for these young lovers.

This is then Kitty's book, and she meets a very eligible bachelor by mistake and wants nothing to do with him. Sir James is smitten and the dance these two dance. Kitty is rather like Lizzy and he will be the wiser. I really like how she portrays Kitty, it's the way I wanted to see Kitty, who was always in Lydia's shadow.

It's truly a perfect PP variation. I started reading it and did not put it down before I finished it. I could see Austen writing a sequel like this.

Conclusion:
Utterly charming.

 

Cover: Cute

Pride and Prejudice sequel

Paperback, 172 pages

Published February 25th 2013 by Outskirts Press

For review

Review: First impressions - Alexa Adams

A tale of less Pride and Prejudice
Genre: Historical/Fiction/Pride and Prejudice Variation
Pages: 190
Published: 2010

In Pride and Prejudice Fitzwilliam Darcy begins his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet with the words: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present togive consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had never spoken so disdainfully? First Impressions explores how the events of Jane Austen's beloved novel would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley's relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton. Austen's witty style is authentically invoked in this playful romp from Longbourn to Pemberley.

My thoughts:

Now this was a fun one. I think this is how PP was supposed to be, but then Austen decided to bring in some drama and Pride and Prejudice.

This one changes right at the start. Darcy holds his tongue and dances with Lizzy, and finds her rather witty. So he never tells Bingley to walk away from Jane, and he tells Mr Bennet that his younger daughters are making fools of themselves. I like this Mr Darcy with less pride because it all makes sense. It begins with little things and then the rest falls into place.

How about the rest then. Oh more fun, I promise you. There is a match I always wanted, a match that made me laugh, and we hear about all the rest too. I liked that.

She is also writing in a style very similar to Austen, it feels old, and that does make it feel real. It turns out to be a good variation with less drama, and the characters are on their best behaviour..well most of them. What could you really expect from Wickham? ;)

Recommendation and final thoughts:

This was a short variation, but I enjoyed it. She kept it authentic, and it truly felt like a way the story could have played out. 

Reason for reading:

I like Austen variations, that is hardly a surprise any more

Cover:

Hm, but I guess it fits.