*Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly blog linkup hosted by The Broke and the Bookish*
It is a truth universally acknowledged that we love Jane Austen. Her romantic heroes are the stuff of internet memes (Hey girl…) and fangirl obsessions galore. But if you’ve read all her books and/or need something new, I have a few favorites I can recommend with much felicity. (Sorry… had to throw that word in there. I am talking about Jane Austen after all lol)
Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo
English professor Emma Grant has always done everything just the way her minister father told her she should — a respectable marriage, a teaching job at a good college, and plans for the requisite two children. Life was prodigiously good, as her favorite author Jane Austen might say, until the day Emma finds her husband in bed with another woman. Suddenly, all her romantic notions a la Austen are exposed for the foolish dreams they are. Denied tenure in the wake of the scandal and left penniless by the ensuing divorce, Emma packs up what few worldly possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen. Locating the elusive letters, however, isn’t as straightforward as Emma hoped. The owner of the letters proves coy about her prize possessions, sending Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closer and closer to the truth, but the sudden reappearance of Emma’s first love makes everything more complicated.
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo
Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister’s behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn’t looking for Mr. Anyone. She’s been dating Neil — a nice if a bit negligent — sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy — leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author’s own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil’s unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire’s journey to finding her own romantic lead. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is the story of a woman who finds that love isn’t logical and that a true hero can appear in the most unexpected of places.
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother’s dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England, that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them something else: a diary that belonged to Jane’s sister Cassandra. These pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time. They also bring Jane to life in a way that no one has ever seen before: through the eyes of her sister. As the Dodge sisters embark on their walking tour, they too are drawn together in ways they never expected. They also discover that Cassandra’s diary holds secrets, and someone doesn’t want Ellen and Mimi to discover the truth. As they stumble on their way toward love, the women learn how Jane and Cassandra Austen inspired the original Marianne and Elinor Dashwood and come to realize that despite their very different personalities, they are a vital part of each other’s happy endings.
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others―namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story―by giving that story to a complete stranger. Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore. But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress. As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.
Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named. Elizabeth left her family’s home in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again. Known for her absolute command of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all, Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a difference. As Elizabeth pours her renewed energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s handsome coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to the life she has worked so hard to create?
The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall
My Review of The Hesitant Heiress
The Hesitant Heiress – The only way for Amaryllis to achieve her goal of opening a music academy comes with a high price: Marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men–Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother’s tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems…and everything she never knew she wanted.
The Bound Heart – One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside down.
The Captive Imposter – For her own protection following the murder of her brother Will, hotel heiress Estella Everstone assumes the alias of Elle Stoneburner and takes a job as companion to an elderly widow. Living below her station in a guise of anonymity has its struggles, but her spirits are buoyed by a newfound friendship with the hotel manager, Dexter Blakeley. When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer of employment she can’t refuse. As the two interact and open up to each other, Estella feels a growing attraction to Dexter–and increasing discomfort over concealing her identity. Yet, in spite of the false pretense she’s putting forth, she’s never felt freer to be herself than in his presence. But will he still love her when he learns the truth about who she is?
Whispers on the Moor series by Sarah E. Ladd
Beautifully set in Regency England, these romances will sweep you away.
The Heiress of Winterwood – Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.
The Headmistress of Rosemere – Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.
A Lady at Willowgrove Hall – Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration? The baronet’s older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems–and secrets–of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father’s academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her. When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor’s daughter figure out which brother to blame… and which brother to trust with her heart.
The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen
Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister. Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play…The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor’s past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure. This catches Abigail’s attention. Hoping to restore her family’s finances–and her dowry–Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn’t the only one secretly searching the house. Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past. As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?
The Daughters of Bainbridge House series by Laurie Alice Eakes
A Necessary Deception – When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages.
A Flight of Fancy – Her head is in the clouds. His feet are planted firmly on the ground. Can love cover the distance?
A Reluctant Courtship – A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?
What about you? Which books would you recommend for the Jane Austenite?
Also I would be delighted if you’d check out my #WeRead…Jane Austen board on Pinterest!
For some more suggestions of books to read if you love Jane Austen, check out:
Greenish Bookshelf – (She mentioned some that I totally forgot about!)
Curiouser and Curiouser – suggestions broken down by JA’s books
Based on the Book – 4 fun recommendations
Alana King – not just books
I’m definitely adding some of these to my list! I love Jane Austen.
Yay!! That makes me happy 🙂
They all look good! And the covers on most of them are outstanding. I would probably pick up a few just based on them. 🙂My TTT
Thanks, Laura! I love so many of these covers too!! 🙂
I am almost embarrassed to say that I have only heard of a few of these titles and I have read only a couple. Looks like my TBR list is getting bigger. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings
Haha Tuesdays are hard on my TBR list too, Katrina 🙂
Great choices – I do love Jane Austen so I will have to check some of these out on Goodreads. 🙂
Yay!
Who doesn’t love Jane Austen? And that Darcy image – perfect.
Haha thanks 🙂
Love these choices! Some great reading material here! 🙂
Thanks, Rachael 🙂
What a cool list idea! I’m going to have to share it with my best friend who LOVES Jane Austin.
Yay!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is awesome. I love Jane Austen but haven’t read any of these. Now I have a lot to start to read LOL….gosh my To-read pile is going to be huge
My TTT- http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2015/09/ten-books-to-read-if-you-like-before-i.html
Tuesdays are always so hard on my poor TBR list lol
I’ve read all of these. Yay. I’d add Laurie Alice Eakes to the list, don’t you think? A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter? Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson not Christian fiction but clean.
YES!!! I can’t believe I forgot all of those. Argh. I need to start consulting with you before I write my posts lol
I added Laurie Alice’s Daughters of Bainbridge House because I realized how could I not? Another blogger mentioned Julianne Donaldson and I linked to her post. I haven’t read Noble Masquerade so left that off for now but it’s on my to-be-read-in-the-soonish-future list 🙂
But you only had ten spots so you were doomed from the start. LOL
Oh my gosh I KNOW! (I kinda cheated a little by including series lol)
I definitely need to pick some of these up! Thanks for the list! 🙂
Yay!
Hi! You already sold me on Beth Pattillo, and now there’s more?!?! haha. Great list
My TTT
Leslie
Hahaha!! And I’ve since realized that I forgot a bunch! lol
I really love Jane Austen, but again, who doesn’t? I still have most of her works ahead of me (can’t wait to read them!) but some of these novels sound super good. The Everstone Chronicles, for instance, goes straight to my tbr. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendations. 🙂
My TTT
The Everstone Chronicles are a definite must read!!! Enjoy 🙂
Great list! I would probably recommend The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.
Ooo I haven’t read that one yet!!
You should! It is a quick read, clean and sweet. I think I would liken it most to Persuasion, with a theme of second chances and strong family influences that the heroine has to overcome.
Wonderful!! Thanks for the recommendation – I’ve added it to my Goodreads TBR list 🙂
OMG this list is awesome! I’ve never heard of most of these books, but I’m definitely putting some on my goodreads list. Jane Austen is the best!
Yay!! That makes me happy 🙂
Oh my goodness, a woman after my own heart! I’ve read soooo many of these and it makes me happy to see them all on your list. And, hooray for another Julie Klassen fan! I haven’t read her two most recent novels, but they are definitely on my list. 🙂
I feel like Julie gets better with each book – and I love each book so much anyway lol. Always fun to find a kindred spirit 🙂
Another manuscript? OMG WHO DOES LIZZIE END UP WITH? I have to read that book just to find out. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart – putting that on my TBR. Great list! 🙂
Hahahahaha I know, right?
I’ve either read these or have them on my TBR already. Great minds think alike! Here’s mine: http://eviloverlordthoughts.com/if-you-likethen-try/
kindred spirits 🙂
Okay, bookmarking this post for when I do Austen re-reads! I always like to read a modern take on Austen paired with one of her books. 🙂
Yay!!
Fun list! I think most of these books are already on my TBR, but there’s a few I can still add! 🙂
Yay!!
Oh my goodness! That Mr. Darcy hey girl meme is too funny!
-Lois@ You, Me and a Cup of Tea
Isn’t it? Lol
I feel silly but I have never read any Jane Austen. I will say some of these look really good and I will totally be checking them out. I should probably take a stab at a Jane Austen book too though!!
Lol go for Pride & Prejudice – it’s THE classic 🙂
Great List! I’m always looking for adaptations like these!
Yay!!
I love a good historical romance, and all these books look really good. 🙂
Yay!
Some of these books really interested me like Dear Mr. Knightley and Lizzy & Jane! I didn’t know there were so many books that were inspired by Jane Austen’s works :O
And I left out so many lol!!
I love this topic so much! I’ll definitely have to read some of these. Great post!
Yay! Thanks 🙂
This list is perfect, I love Jane Austen and am always up for a Jane-themed novel. Great list!
Yay!! Thanks 🙂
I love your take on this topic! I’ve been inspired to read more Jane Austen.
Yay!!
YES! A Jane Austen recommendation post!? This is awesome. Love seeing Katherine Reay’s books featured; they’re amazing. I’ve also been curious about Beth’s but haven’t taken the time to read any. 🙂 Fun list!
Thanks, Rissi 🙂
I’m so sorry I haven’t read any Jane Austen (facepalm) yet. But she really sounds great!
She is! 🙂
These are all such good suggestions! I’m adding them to my Goodreads as I type 😀
Yay! That makes me happy 🙂
There are several on this list I need! Ah!! I read all of Jane Austen’s works last fall and as tiresome as it was (it was for a class– although I picked the project), I loved it. Great post!
Reading all of them at once would be a bit tiresome I think – not easy reading. These are all a bit lighter though 🙂 Enjoy!
I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned but some of them look really intriguing! I’m adding Lizzy & Jane to my wishlist! 🙂
Yay!!! Enjoy 🙂
Thanks for the shout out! 🙂 And it looks like I’ve got some titles to add to my to-read list!
You are most welcome 🙂
I’m not even a big Jane Austen fan and now I have to read these books!
Haha sorry 😉 but really – yay! That makes me happy!!
Not only do these books sound good, their covers are so pretty!
Aren’t they beautiful? 🙂
Great list! I haven’t read that many Austen like books so I have a lot to add to my list 🙂
Yay! 🙂
I’ve never read anything by Jane Austen, but thanks for all the suggestions! 😀
Here are my Top Ten!
Oh I love your theme! I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never read any of Jane Austen’s books, but I have always enjoyed the movie versions.
I won’t judge 😉
What fabulous suggestions! 🙂
Thanks!
Neat list. Some of these I’ll have to look more in to. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy Reading!
Yay! Thanks!
Great list. I’ve only read Pride and Prejudice. Some of these sound pretty good so I’ll my eye on them.
Yay!
I’ve never heard of any of these! This is a great list! You’re right I don’t think there is a single person that doesn’t love Jane Austen. Can’t wait to read some of these.
Happy Reading
Rachel @ Paein-and-Ms4Tune.co.uk
Yay! Thanks, Rachel 🙂
Thanks for the link to my blog!! I love your list, especially all the modern day ones 🙂 Have you read any of the re-worked versions they’re bringing out by famous authors? Think they’ve done Emma, Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey so far – not read any myself, like 🙂 http://theaustenproject.com/
I haven’t read any of those yet either! So many books, so little time 🙂
Here’s a confession: I have never read Jane Austen… Ahem. And I haven’t read any of the books an your list, but some look interesting. The Dashwood Sisters Tell All especially caught my eye. Maybe my local library has a copy of it…
I hope so! Enjoy 🙂
I am a major Austen fan but . . . I’d hardly heard of any of these (vaguely embarrassed because I’m a bookseller). I will check them out for sure. I would add Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels. And if you like fantasy AND Jane Austen, Patricia C. Wrede’s “Enchanted Chocolate Pot” novels are delightful, as well as Sherwood Smith’s “Crown and Court” books.
This list brought me much felicity 😉
(My TTT if you’re interested: http://rlhendrian.blogspot.com/2015/09/ttt-top-10-books-you-should-read-if-you.html)
Oh wow – I can’t believe I forgot Heyer!!! Thanks for the recommendations. I will check them out for sure 🙂
Waaah so many good books, I don’t even know where to start! A bit stressed in real life at the moment so am definitely in the mood for some good romance. I think I’ll pick Mr Darcy Broke My Heart. Thanks for sharing! 😀
Thanks for stopping by my post earlier 🙂
Obsessive Compulsive Reader
Awww I hope your stress eases soon!!
Great Austen list! I’m traveling here from Erika @ Booksthething.com ‘s website.
Have you read A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM by Scott D. Southard? I enjoyed it very much.
Hope you’re having a great day!
Oooo I have not heard of that one yet! Will have to check that out – thanks!!
I love Jane Austen! I will have to add some of these to my reading list. Thanks for compiling these.
Yay! That makes me happy 🙂
Ooh this is a great choice of TTT! Love your Pinterest board too. 😀
Yay! Thanks 🙂
Love this! I need these books in my life. I wrote a project about Emma during my last year of university, but my life has been woefully Austen-less since.
Oh how sad!! These books will help! 🙂
Cool list! I am mostly not into this genre, but sometimes I get into the mood…
Awesome list! I have been thinking about trying to read more classics so maybe some of these would help me get into it 🙂
Yay!
Dear Mr. Knightly sounds like it could be interesting. 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog.
I absolutely love “Dear Mr. Knightley”. It is one of my favorite novels. I have read it several times. I have actually read several on this list and recommend them all but Dear Mr. Knightley is a huge favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Alicia
Great post! As I’m coming to the end of Pride and Prejudice, I’m getting interested in reading similar books. Thank you for posting this! 🙂
Yay!
I love this! Jane Austen is a favorite, so it is fun to see the modern authors you picked out who write stories like JA.;)
I will have to check out the Daughters of Bainbridge House and the Everstone Chronicles.
Yay! Enjoy 🙂
Eeep! I’ve never read Jane Austen! Looks like I have some reading to do!!!
Yes!!!
You have a picked a TTT theme I can’t help but love, I adore Jane Austen (I mean, what self-respecting reader doesn’t?) so I will instantly have to check out all of these books because I haven’t read a single one! I am always a bit wary of books that mention they are about Austen or influenced by her because I always have high expectations, but some of these books do sound interesting so I’m willing to give them a chance.
I’m pretty picky too but all of these are so good!! 🙂
Ow I need to at some of these to my TBR list!
Sending this list to my friend Samantha, who absolutely adores Jane Austen. Personally, I’ve only read P&P, which I liked but didn’t love. I just bought a collection of three of her other books, which I’m still looking forward to.
Yay! Thanks for sharing it with your friend 🙂
Oooh. Jane Austen. =)
Such a great list! I definitely have to pick some of these up, and buy some for my mother as well, seeing that she loves Austen so much. Thanks for sharing!
Yay!! Enjoy 🙂
I collect Austen sequels but don’t own any of these. I do have a different Julie Klassen book, her latest, that I won on Good Reads. I’m listening to The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd, a book on CD that I got through an interlibrary loan. The only problem is that the narrator doesn’t do an English accent. I hate when that happens!
Awww that’s not fair – gotta be a British narrator for those!!
Yay! I love that we don’t overlao too much. Helps me grow my JA to read pile (because that needs to be longer 🙂 )
Haha – exactly! 🙂
Nice list! I’m not typically a classic type reader, but some of these sound great!
Most of these aren’t classics – that’s the great part about them! 🙂
I adore Jane Austen, I’ll have to check some of these out!
Yay!!
I’ll have to check on these since I adore Jane Austen’s books 🙂
Yay!! 🙂
I must admit that I haven’t read any of these (or Jane Austen. I know, I know), but great topic choice!
Haha thanks
I’ve read several of these, and even more are on my list!