Jane Austen: My Favorite Book Retellings

 This is going to be tricky as I'm going to attempt to share my top 10 (only) Jane Austen adaptations. I've read so many and I adore so many.

Probably the first one I read - too funny. I read the British version

Probably the first novel I read from Mr. Darcy's POV - this is the first of trilogy.

I adored this idea and have since read several:

Including these two by the same author:

A regency Romance's adaptation that kicks off a four book series 

A modern YA P&P with Spies

A YA P&P historical Mystery - the start of a series

A modern YA P&P adaptation

This is the 3rd book in the Jane Austen adaptations - Sense and Sensibility 

a modern YA Pride and Prejudice with baking

An adult modern P & P tale about a champagne store

A modern adult Persuasion (book 3 in a companion series)

I'm probably forgetting several favorites!  Clearly, I have a softer spot for Pride and Prejudice retellings. 

Review: Elizabeth of East Hampton

 

A modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Long Island and the Hamptons. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this retelling. It was funny, smart, and thoroughly entertaining. The modern changes worked. Kitty and Lydia are twins, Mary is an activist, and Jane is a teacher. Elizabeth is a surfer. Jane and Charlie meet at a bar and their relationship is adorable. The family owns a bakery where Elizabeth works. She's hoping to be a journalist, but her father's health and her fears are holding her back. The heart of the story is the same.

Cover Thoughts: Cute 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance section

Why I read it: I'm a sucker for Jane Austen retellings

Hand this to: Raders who love Jane Austen

Review: Sweet Pea Summer

 

* Book 2 in the Full Bloom Farm Series *

Eight years ago, May decided not to travel the world with Tom after graduation. She never told anyone the truth about that night and let everyone think he left her. Everyone in town turned against him, which wasn't a bad thing because he never came back.

Until his family needed him to come home and run the vineyard. But the vineyard is struggling. Tom needs the Northwest Food and Wine Festival to be a big hit in order to survive. He's willing to do anything to make that happen - including co-organize the event with May.

The more time May spends with Tom, the more she realizes that:

1. She was never brave

2. She should not have kept silent all those years ago

3. She's stuck in a rut

4. She might still have feelings for him.

Could there be room for a second chance?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed the second book in this four book series. Obviously, this is the Persuasion retelling. And I liked that May was the one in the wrong. The tight knit community might be a bit too tight in this one - I felt badly for Tom. He struggled with all the negative comments, but handled it well (much better than I would have.) I liked the moments between May and her father. Looking forward to book 3. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for Review

Library Recommendations: Perfect for your Jane Austen fans and your Hallmark movie fans. 

Bookstagram (10) The Emma Project

 

The Emma Project was an enjoyable read -a great re-telling of Emma in the modern day, and then end of a four-book series.  

Here's a post I made about it: