"The True Darcy Spirit" by Elizabeth Aston

Yes, I probably read too much Austen fan fiction.  I read Jane Austen's novels and now I just can't seem to stop.

My most recent visit to the world of Austen was "The True Darcy Spirit" by Elizabeth Aston.  Set about twenty years after "Pride & Prejudice", the children of Austen's novel take center stage.  I read it because of the Austen tie-in, it works on its own as an interesting historical novel.

Click here to visit author Elizabeth Aston's official website.

If you enjoy "The True Darcy Spirit", I recommend reading Elizabeth Aston's five other novels related to the Darcy family.  Obviously fans of Aston will enjoy reading (or rereading) Jane Austen's classic novel.  Other Austen fan fiction novels include "Jane Austen Stole my Boyfriend", "Dancing with Mr. Darcy", and "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict".

"Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Viera Rigler

I recently read and reviewed "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Viera Rigler.  I was disappointed with that novel, but I went ahead and read Rigler's next book.

"Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" is the companion novel to "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict".  I say companion rather than sequel because they go together as a pair.  They're taking place at the same time, rather than following on from each other, and you could actually read them in reverse order or read just one of them.

Although I still wouldn't class "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" as great fiction, I did think it was better written and more enjoyable than "Confessions".  If you enjoy fantasy fiction (of the switching time/place variety), romantic comedies, and if you are a Jane Austen addict yourself, then it's an entertaining enough read.  It's not particularly memorable or involving, but it's a decent diversion for a sick day at home, reading on a commute, etc.

To find out more about "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Viera Rigler, click here.
To visit Rigler's official website for the "Jane Austen Addict" books, click here.

"Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Viera Rigler

Publishing company Bloomsbury recently ran a competition on Twitter to win copies of "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" and "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laurie Viera Rigler.  Although I wasn't familiar with the books, I love Jane Austen.  I entered and was thrilled to win copies of the books (and about 500 bookmarks for them).

My first impression of "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" was good.  I love historical fiction and Jane Austen, and I enjoy fantasy fiction, so the basic concept of a modern woman being transported to Austen-ite England sounded entertaining to me.  Overall, though, the book was disappointing.  Although there were plenty of Austen references, they sometimes felt a bit contrived to me.  Also, the whole book was lacking in a bit of planning and clarity.  It was enjoyable for a bit of light reading, but utterly forgettable.  If you really love Jane Austen and Austen fan fiction, then you may enjoy this book as something to read during your commute to work or while lounging next to the pool on holiday.  Just don't expect too much from it.

For a longer review of "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict", click here.

Look forward to a review of the sequel, "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict".  I'll read and write about it soon.

You can follow Bloomsbury or me on Twitter: @ BloomsburyBooks and @KeriWithington .