A Pemberley Medley by Abigail Reynolds This volume contains five short stories based on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice characters, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Some are continuations or alternate endings of the author’s existing variations, and one is a “dark” story. Abigail Reynolds is a fabulous Austen author and I have greatly enjoyed several of her books in the past year. This collection isn’t my favorite of her works, probably because they are too closely categorized as implausible due to the modern romantic style. Most of her other books keep more with the social proprieties of the era. Even so, the prose and engaging style shines through and are entertaining, quick reads. If you’re interested in Austen variations, I’d highly recommend beginning with one…

Mr. Darcy’s Obsession by Abigail Reynolds This Pride & Prejudice variation explores what could have happened if Darcy had not proposed at Rosings and, with much personal turmoil on his mind that did not stem from his attachment to Elizabeth, cut all connections with the Bennets. When he happens upon Elizabeth in London, all of his feelings come rushing back and he finds he cannot stay away. Elizabeth’s life has taken a downhill turn. Her father passed away without settling any of his daughters with a proper dowry and they are living on the charity of others. Jane, having never reconnected with Bingley since Elizabeth and Darcy did not have the necessary conversation during the proposal scene in this version, married an aging shopkeeper to…