Each anthology in the Quill Collective series is a stand-alone book. “Obstinate, headstrong girl!” For over two hundred years, the heroine of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, Elizabeth Bennet has enchanted and inspired readers by being that “obstinate, headstrong girl” willing to stand up to the arrogance and snobbery of her so-called betters. Described by Austen as having a “lively, playful disposition,” … disposition,” Elizabeth embodies the perfect imperfections of strong-willed women everywhere: she is spirited, witty, clever, and loyal.
In this romance anthology, ten Austenesque authors sketch Elizabeth’s character through a collection of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times. In ELIZABETH: OBSTINATE, HEADSTRONG GIRL, she bares her most intimate thoughts, all the while offering biting social commentary about life’s absurdities. Elizabeth overcomes the obstacles of others’ opinions, not to mention her own flaws, to find a love truly worthy of her—her Mr. Darcy—all with humor and her sparkling charm. “I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print…” wrote Jane Austen in a letter to her sister Cassandra, January 1813―and we think so too!
Foreword by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare.
Stories by: Elizabeth Adams, Christina Boyd, Karen M Cox, J. Marie Croft, Amy D’Orazio, Leigh Dreyer, Jenetta James, Christina Morland, Beau North, and Joana Starnes.
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Elizabeth Bennet is in the centre of attention in this anthology by renowned JAFF authors, including a hilarious foreword by Tessa Dare.
Which suitor did you want Elizabeth to choose when you read or watched Pride and Prejudice for the first time? I thought the exact opposite of Tessa Dare. Intrigued? I certainly was when I opened this book…
Resolution, Amy D’Orazio
Heart-pounding, hands-trembling angst. Not in carriage turning dramatics but on the interpersonal level as Elizabeth is engaged to another when Darcy finally return to Hertfordshire.
The House Party, Jenetta James
A compelling story set in the early 20th century with reference to the suffragette movement. Loved the creative twist to Wickham.
Atmospheric Disturbances, Christina Morland
Adored Darcy, seemingly arrogant and aloof with hidden depths that only Elizabeth could see. I loved and laughed at the bickering that made this such a deliciously emotional experience.
Love in Limelight, Beau North
Old Hollywood glam meets Pride and Prejudice in this sizzling romance. Served with a dish of movie titles that kept a smirk on my face, throughout.
The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn, Joana Starnes
The blatantly obvious could not sway a headstrong and obstinate Elizabeth when her mind was set…
Resistive Currents, Karen M Cox
Elizabeth is a striving electrical engineer student at Fordyce (snicker) University, with an arrogant TA. This 1980s story had a unique twist to Jane and Bingley.
Something Like Regret, Elizabeth Adams
A bouquet of romantic interludes with a twist to our dear couples reunion at Pemberley.
The Last Blind Date, Leigh Dreyer
Major American football fan Elizabeth on a blind date with the soon to be CEO. Will she be able to avert her eyes from the field to her blind date? Most certainly…
The Age of Nescience, J. Marie Croft
In 1806, Elizabeth entered society as a “grown woman”, albeit somewhat prickly and definitely headstrong. We get to see her character mature through lessons hard learned, in between assemblies and potential suitors.
A Mate For Life, Christina Boyd
An emotional closure to this anthology. I admit I shed few tears when Elizabeth narrated our dear couples love story to her granddaughter.
Heartily recommend this book!
A delightful collection of stories! I had previously read work from 9 of the authors so had high expectations. I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed every story. It was easy to transition from one to the next as each story is beautifully unique. Christina Boyd’s debut is nothing short of amazing! It left me breathless. A perfect way to wrap up the book so I recommend not skipping ahead. I can’t wait to see what she shares with us next. These stories stayed with me, some even invading my dreams. This is a collection I will read again and again!
This book is a must-read for lovers of Jane Austen. A lovely collection of short stories all told from the perspective of the well loved Elizabeth of Pride & Prejudice, this book will take your mind away from the trials and tribulations of today’s world. It is a joy to read.
Another must have collection of Austenesque stories from the Quill Ink. This time, it’s the much beloved Elizabeth Bennet who inspires the anthology. Within, are stories that show us Lizzie and Darcy falling in love in a variety of settings—from a Regency House Party to a 1930s film set. At the end, we even get a poignant glimpse of Lizzie, now a grandmother. A wonderful collection for Elizabeth Bennet admirers everywhere.
I am not generally a fan of short story anthologies because just when I get emotionally invested in the characters, their story ends. In this case, however, I happily moved from one tale to the next, knowing that our beloved Elizabeth would be featured in each one. I loved that each variation began with its own unique book cover to set it apart. I have only ever read Pride and Prejudice variations set in the original time period, so it was utterly refreshing to observe the timeless qualities of our favorite hero and heroine as they connected in less restrictive centuries. It was like reading a time travel or reincarnation story. The final chapter was a truly lovely conclusion that brought tears to my eyes. I highly recommend this anthology for anyone who admires our dear Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice is one of the most admired women in literature. She is spirited, outspoken, and obstinate – thus the quote from the novel used in the title of this anthology is so fitting: “Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring?” This diatribe is said by Lady Catherine during a heated interrogation by an older and much more powerful woman than Elizabeth. Her reaction and comeback are iconic and why we love her.
The theme of this collection of ten short stories was to re-imagine Jane Austen’s character by capturing the spirit of that headstrong girl throughout the centuries since the book was first published in 1813–spanning modern-day to the Regency-era. Like most anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others.
The most successful in capturing Lizzy’s essence were those by the editor Christina Boyd who contributed “A Mate for Life,” in which a much wiser and older Elizabeth explains how to succeed in marriage to her granddaughter, and Joana Starnes’ “The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn,” who shares events not revealed in the original novel the day after the Netherfield ball. It made me laugh, which is apropos since Lizzy dearly loved to laugh.
There is a wide array of emotions supplied in these stories which will please many readers. The author line-up and the theme are amazing. Who wouldn’t want to read a book entirely devoted to one of literature’s finest heroines? I rejoice with everyone who adores her and recommend Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl for its pluck and amusingly decided opinions.
“At last my love has come along” (Etta James)
This line from the song “At Last” encompasses my feelings for the release of this anthology. Ten remarkable and talented authors have given us the other side of the coin from Elizabeth Bennet’s perspective. A perspective that is poignant, embolden, fiery, lighthearted, electrifying, reflective, and simmering to name a few.
As Tessa Dare stated in the Foreword:
“This is the gift Jane Austen gave us in Elizabeth Bennet. She created a heroine in which ‘obstinate, headstrong girl’ inhabits the same space as ‘dearest, loveliest Elizabeth’. Four strong qualities all indivisible parts of the whole. She is opinionated and adored, stubborn and respected, imperfect and loved. Is it any wonder she has delighted and inspired readers for over two centuries?”
Each story is unique, like Elizabeth Bennet. Each story captures her essence whether it is told from the Regency time period, Victorian, the various decades through the 1900’s, or our modern day. Each story struck a chord with me.
1. Resolution by Amy D’Orazio
Oh my goodness, the heartache I had for Elizabeth in this one!
“Why did you never come back to me?” (quote from the book)
2. The House Party by Jenetta James
The undercurrents within this story…
“Lizzy felt a jolt, a shocking zing of force chase through her.” (quote from the book)
3. Atmospheric Disturbances by Christina Moreland
I could feel the vibrations/sensations flowing off of them!
“When he met her gaze from across the room, she wondered that others did not feel it…” (quote from the book)
4. Love in Limelight by Beau North
A star is born…but why did you have to send George up here (LOL)?
“And then, like a crack of summer lightning, there he was in all his after-six glory.” (quote from the book)
5. The Uncommonly Busy Lane to Longbourn by Joana Starnes
I do love your sense of humor, Ms. Starnes!
“He verily scowls. Has anyone told you that you can be awfully headstrong?” (quote from the book)
6. Resistive Currents by Karen M. Cox
Oh there are lots of electrical currents coursing through this one!
“Possibilities ran through like a current, waiting for one spark to dismantle her resistance.” (quote from the book)
7. Something Like Regret by Elizabeth Adams
A very reflective Elizabeth…
“That is what happens when one charges ahead recklessly with no guide but one’s own vanity.” (quote from the book)
8. The Last Blind Date by Leigh Dryer
This is all about taking chances.
“The way he said Elizabeth sounded like a caress. After twenty years of hearing it, she had never ‘felt’ her name before.” (quote from the book)
9. The Age of Nescience by J. Marie Croft
Elizabeth’s early life experiences and what she had learned…or not.
“The importance of marriage is universally acknowledged, but happiness in such a state must be paramount.” (quote from the book)
10. A Mate for Life by Christina Boyd
So poignant…
“But it really is a long story about an obstinate, headstrong girl and a fine, noble man.” (quote from the book)
Kudos on the cover of this amazing book and the ‘covers’ for each of the stories. They perfectly hint at what you will find within.
I found this compilation of short stories by The Quill Collective to be charming and fun. Most of the stories capture the essence of Elizabeth Bennett, an obstinate and head strong girl, perfectly. Of course if there is Elizabeth Bennett, there must be a Fitzwilliam Darcy; many of the stories do not disappoint in capturing his character either. The stories range from Regency to Contemporary. Oddly, the one’s I enjoyed the most were the more contemporary stories which seemed resonate with my own young adult history. I found all the stories to be clean-reads and fans of everything Austen will enjoy this compilation.
I always love variations on the Darcy and Elizabeth story. It’s such an inspiration
Liked the variety of novellas about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. Most of them entertaining and several not so much.
Reading this book was a great pleasure. Some of the best JAFF authors got together and wrote stories about our beloved heroine Elizabeth Bennet. From Regency to Modern times she remains a delightful and infuriating obstinate, headstrong girl. And Darcy never fails to fall under her spell. Their falling in love was always a pleasure to read about, though their misunderstandings were numerous as usual. The stories were funny, romantic, sad and joyful, our beloved couple always stayed true to themselves.
I’d like to mention separately a debut story written by our incomparable editor Christina Boyd. It was beautiful, insightful, with a touch of sadness. I’m looking forward to reading more of Christiana ‘s stories.
Congratulations on the release of this wonderful new anthology.