Do you cheer for the underdog? I do. Are you one who roots for the less-popular-but-totally-worthy girl to get the guy in the end? It makes such a satisfying story when someone succeeds against all odds, when people finally acknowledge the merits of one who was wrongly overlooked before. I long to see the so-called ugly duckling turn out a swan that surpasses them all at the last!
The same applies to books. There are the popular best-sellers, and then there are some wonderful volumes still waiting to be discovered. The prior need no assistance, but the latter could really use a cheerleader or two in their corner. That’s why I decided to do this post. Today the Austen Variations authors are featuring five fabulous novels that have yet to find the following they deserve. They are Jane Fairfax languishing in the shadow of the Emmas of this world, and, as Mrs. Elton says…
…we must exert ourselves and endeavour to do something for her. We must bring her forward. Such talent as hers must not be suffered to remain unknown. I dare say you have heard those charming lines of the poet, ‘Full many a flower if born to blush unseen, and waste its fragrance on the desert air.’ We must not allow them to be verified in sweet Jane Fairfax.
Just this once I agree with Mrs. Elton; flowers of true beauty must not be allowed to go to waste! We must indeed endeavour to bring them out of obscurity so that they may be seen and properly appreciated!
I’m hoping that together we can help a few former underdogs win, that we can turn some previously overlooked wallflowers into homecoming queens! You discover some great books you may have overlooked, and we authors get a chance to let our less-popular “children” shine. It’s a win-win!
So here are the BEST BOOKS YOU HAVE PROBABLY NEVER READ and the TOP 5 REASONS YOU SHOULD. I hope you’ll take at least one of these beauties out for a spin on the dance floor!
LEAP of HOPE: Chance at an Austen Kind of Life, by Shannon Winslow
- ) It’s totally JAFF and therefore right up your alley.
- ) It’s a bargain (40% off regular Kindle price), risk free, fantasy-fulfillment package! Who wouldn’t want to pop through that picture on the cover, back into Regency England as a member of a Bennet-like family with a chance to meet Mr. Darcy? Now’s your chance to walk in Lizzy’s shoes.
- ) More marriage proposals per mile. This heroine receives more quality offers of marriage than Lizzy and Jane Bennet combined. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?
- ) The word is that this book is wonderful! Austenesque Reviews (as well as every single reviewer on Amazon so far) gave it a full 5 stars: “Shannon Winslow came up with an inventive and diverting premise and her execution was masterly… Well-written, original, and beautifully composed, Leap of Hope is an entertaining and delightful adventure. Fresh and fun, this story is a perfect choice for readers who have enjoyed other time-slip/body-swap stories…”
- ) It’s good campy FUN!
Find Leap of Hope here. PS – Don’t be put off by the fact that it is “book two” of my Crossroads Collection. Each one is totally complete in itself.
THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL: Book 2 of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men, by Jack Caldwell
- ) It’s a sequel to NORTHANGER ABBEY. Captain Frederick Tilney learns he must reform his rakish ways to earn the hand of the lovely Violet Blakeney. But her daddy—Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart.—isn’t going make it easy. And an evil out of the Pimpernel’s past threatens the life of Miss Blakeney. The Scarlet Pimpernel—crippled by age—must come out of retirement, accept the help of a man he mistrusts, and walk headlong into a trap to save the girl they both love. How many of those have you read, huh?
- ) It’s a one-of-a-kind mash-up of Jane Austen and the Baroness Orczy’s Scarlet Pimpernel novels. As it’s a companion novel to THE THREE COLONELS, there’s plenty of Austen’s characters in it, too, like the Darcys, Colonel Brandon, and my OC—Sir John Buford. Even HRH, the Prince of Wales makes an appearance! How about that!
- ) It continues the spectacular romance between Sir Percy Blakeney (the retired Scarlet Pimpernel) and Lady Marguerite (Margot) Blakeney. If you’ve read any of Orczy’s works or have seen the movies, you know what I’m talking about!
- ) It’s a swashbuckling romance that will leave you weak in the knees. Don’t believe me? The reviews at Amazon (4.7 out of 5) call it “a rousing adventure of revenge, romance and redemption,” “exciting and breath-taking,” “amazing,” and “utterly unputdownable.” Pretty good, eh?
- ) Did I mention it’s a swashbuckler?
Find The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel here.
THE EARL’S CONQUEST, by L.L. Diamond
- ) It’s pure undiluted JAFF! Not only do you have Darcy and Elizabeth scattered through the story, but if Rebecca isn’t an obstinate, headstrong girl, I’ll eat my bonnet!
- ) If you’ve read An Unwavering Trust, then you can’t pass this one up! After all, everyone loved the witty and knowing Dowager Countess of Matlock!
- ) It’s on Kindle Unlimited, so you can try before you buy! If you have Kindle Unlimited, it’s a free read. How can you go wrong?
- ) Don’t just take my word for it! Readers on Amazon have given The Earl’s Conquest 3.8 out of 4 stars and it earned 5 stars from Austenesque Reviews, who said, “All the characters in this tale were well-defined, strong, and memorable. Whenever I put this book down, my head would remain full of them for long periods after.”
- ) Obsessed by Mr. Darcy said, “I fell in love with the Earl when Rebecca did.” My favourite part of writing and reading romances is falling in love all over again. Find out why we’ve all fallen in love with the earl!
Find The Earl’s Conquest here!
MASTER UNDER GOOD REGULATION, by Kara Louise 
- ) It’s Darcy… and it’s dogs! Who doesn’t love a dog as the main character, and one that makes life better for his owner? (Think Lassie!)
- ) This is canon Pride and Prejudice, not a variation, so none of the events are altered, only enhanced by the presence (and actions) of Darcy’s dog. There are also missing scenes which I have taken the liberty to explore through Reggie’s eyes.
- ) Who doesn’t love to see Darcy squirm as he watches the lady he has come to admire openly show her admiration for his dog? For example, Darcy cannot keep his eyes off of the two, as Elizabeth sits with Reggie at her feet while she runs her fingers through his coat.
- ) We are given a peek into Darcy’s younger years, his interactions with a young George Wickham, dealing with the death of both of his parents, and Georgiana’s near-elopement with Wickham.
- ) While the Darcy we see in Pride and Prejudice is reserved and quiet, when he is alone with Reggie, he shares his deepest feelings, hopes and fears.
Find Master Under Good Regulation here!
THE PERSUASION of MISS JANE AUSTEN, by Shannon Winslow
- ) The subtitle: A NOVEL wherein she tells her own story of lost love, second chances, and finding her happy ending. No one deserves a happy ending more than Jane. This plausible alternative sees that she gets it. I hope you will be convinced, like I am, that this is what really happened!
- ) The second reason to read this book is that Persuasion is at least the second favorite of so many of you! I know it is. I hear it all the time, and it’s the same for me. If you love Persuasion, this is a must read.
- ) It’s on sale now for 40% off the regular Kindle price now through June 15th!
- ) Austenesque Reviews says, “Utterly brilliant – this story is utterly brilliant!” Did you notice she felt compelled to repeat herself? I think that means she really liked it. And a full 80% of Amazon reviewers give it 5 full stars too. How can you miss?
- ) Finally, this book is dedicated to YOU! The inscription reads: …to every fan who has wished Jane Austen herself might have enjoyed the romance and happy ending she so carefully crafted for all her heroines. That’s you, right? And one really ought to read a book that has been dedicated to one.
Find The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen here!
Well, what do you think? Have we convinced you that you’ve been missing out? Are you ready to try something new? If you have already read and enjoyed one or more of these hidden gems, let your fellow readers know what you thought in the comments section below, and let’s cheer these beauties on to bigger and better things. Thank you!
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So far I have read two of those. The Earls’ Conquest – I loved Darcy’s grandmamma in Unwavering Trust so was happy to read her story. Especially because in this Lady Catherine is only a step Aunt and not his closest relative 🙂
I have also read and enjoyed Master Under Good Regulation. Darcy had someone who loved him that he could talk to which he really needed.
I have Leap of Hope on my wish list and if I can ever tear myself away from stories about Darcy and Elizabeth I will check out the others. Thank you for the glowing recommendations.
You’re so well read, Glynis! I love hearing when someone loved Rebecca as much as I do. She was so much fun to write!
I know, I know, Glynis. Without Mr. Darcy LoH may be a hard sell (I’m convinced that’s why my wallflowers are wallflowers). But I think you’ll find it worth your while. 🙂
I have read The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen and it was brilliant and I want to read again. I so enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was delightful. On my need and want to read pile I have the Jack Caldwell Scarlet Pimpernel book – The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Last on my buy list is the Kara Louise book – Master under good regulation as it looks intriguing.
Thank you dear authors for all the hard work that goes into crafting these amazing reads.
Thanks for putting in a good word for TPoMJA, Ann! There’s that word again: brilliant. It keeps coming up, doesn’t it? Haha! I AM very proud of this story and hope more people will read/enjoy Jane’s happy ending!
I have read one, The Earl’s Conquest [loved it], own two others, and thought I owned Leap of Hope… surprised me that I didn’t and immediately grabbed it [thanks for the reminder] and have the other on my wish list. Well, now that I have that taken care of that… I loved the way this post was presented… quick and to the point. I was pleased to see I was in agreement with you on owning these books or as others do … use KU in order to read them. Thanks for this post.
Yay! I’m so glad you loved The Earl’s Conquest and thanks for your review!
Cool! Glad the post was helpful, JW. Thanks for letting us know. 😀
I own and have read all but one! I will have to go and check out ‘Master Under Good Regulation’. These books are definitely well worth your time, each for different reasons. ‘Leap of Hope’ is a unique premise that gives the main character a second chance which I so enjoyed. ‘The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel’ was so much fun and Book 2 to Jane Austen’s Fighting men (‘The Three Colonels’a favourite of mine). ‘The Earl’s Conquest’…who wouldn’t love Darcy’s Grandmamma Matlock! Then there is ‘The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen’…as I wrote in my review “An incredibly poignant tale that left me deeply moved.” (an all time favourite). Hip Hip Hurray for the Underdogs!!!
I’m so glad you loved Grandmamma! She’s so much fun. Thanks, Carole!
Thanks so much for cheering us on, Carole! And also for leaving reviews. That is such a gift to an author. I LOVE that I’ve made your all-time favourite list with TPoMJA! 😀
I’ve read Shannon’s Leap of Hope and Jack’s The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel,” and both were amazing!!! It took me a little bit to get into Leap, but once she arrived in the Barrett household (what a wonderful last name, LOL!!), I was completely hooked!!
The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel was, to quote Ron Weasley, “bloody brilliant!” Throughout it all, I could imagine slightly older versions of Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour (not that she ages, LOL!), and Ian McKellen from the 1982 movie adaptation (do NOT miss that movie!! Also “bloody brilliant,” especially the final duel!!). The plot is compelling, and I just couldn’t put it down!!
I have The Persuasion of Jane Austen on my Kindle but haven’t read it yet–definitely moving it up the queue!! Same with The Earl’s Conquest. The only one I’m not familiar with is Master Under Good Regulation, so I was excited to read more about it.
Thanks, all of you, for adding to my reading list (or at least re-organizing it!)
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thanks so much for your supportive comments, Susanne. I’m glad you agree that these are must-reads!
I’m proud to say I have read 3 out of the 5 books! I loved all of them and they are 5 stars. I recently read Leap of hope. I liked the time travelling story Well, it’s more than time travelling 😉 but I won’t spoil the story… And it was so funny when loads of marriage proposals were offered to the heroine!
The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen is one of my favorite novels. I bought it as a gift for my best friend. Everybody should read it and feel much better about Jane’s life.
Now, I must read the other 2 books!
Thanks so much, Rosa. I can’t think of a much higher compliment than that you should give one of my book as a gift to your best friend! 😀
I have read all of the above books. So I can agree with your recommendation. Thanks for sharing.
Good job, Sheila! You are the exception to the rule, which means you are exceptionally discerning to have discovered these treasures before so many other readers!
I totally agree with your list evaluations. I own these because they are authors that have never let me down. Anyone who missed any of them should absolutely put them at the top of their ‘need to purchase’ list!
Thank you for the rousing endorsement, Jan! I’m like you in that once an author wins me over, I’m a fan for life. I will read everything they write if I can. 😀
The two I’ve read, Leap of Hope, and The Earl’s Conquest were both excellent! I loved the premise of both of them. I like to read variations that go way off the original story. I find myself skimming when it follows the P & P too closely because I read so many, and everyone chooses the same iconic passages to quote. Thanks for the recommendations for the others.
Thanks for your comments, Kristin, and your endorsement of two of our underdogs! You’ve made another valid point, too – that sooner or later readers/writers must move beyond the scope of the original work to keep things interesting. 🙂
Well, I never considered any of the authors above as less well known or less appreciated – although these are perhaps not the most famous of their works, I admit this much. I have read The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel (which is a favourite forever and a worthy tribute to Baroness Orczy) and The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen which gave a very satisfactory happy romantic ending to our beloved authoress’s personal life. But I happily discovered I have Leap of Hope in my library as yet unread, so I thank you for the reminder and the recommendations – Kindle Unlimited is a very useful way to read more than my purse would otherwise afford. I have to take a look at Kara Louise’s dog story and the Earl’s Conquest (if I understand correctly this is Darcy’s uncle’s love story)! Cheers to all the authors and please continue to give us the results of your excellent creative talent!
Yes, it’s the individual works, not the authors, that are somewhat overlooked, Agnes. My P&P books are very popular, but many readers don’t go beyond to see what else I’ve written. If you’re a KU subscriber (and if you’re open to something non-JAFF), you might want to take a look at “Leap of Faith.” It’s related to “Leap of Hope” and my only KU book. Thanks for commenting!
The Earl’s Conquest is the love story of Darcy’s grandmother. Rebecca definitely shares traits with Elizabeth and I fell in love with the earl writing him. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, I’ll definitely try it! Sometimes if an author has only one or a few KU titles, I overlook them.