Recent Reads {Georgiana Darcy's Diary}

Georgiana Darcy's Diary by Anna Elliott - This continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is, just as the title suggests, the observations of Georgiana Darcy shared in her diary.  Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for about a year, and while Georgiana is completely content living with them at Pemberley, she also longs to find true love of her own.  Indeed, she believes she knows who she could care for just as deeply, but fears he will never feel the same affection for her.  Lady Catherine de Bourgh has decided it is time she take a hand in finding a husband for her niece, and descends upon Pemberley with the goal of introducing eligible bachelors to Georgiana and making a match.  Georgiana's diary reveals her thoughts about these potential suitors and whether any awaken her interest.  Other characters from Pride and Prejudice that make an appearance are Anne de Bourgh, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham, and Colonel Edward Fitzwilliam.  Edward is the object of Georgiana's affection, but she has heard news that he has become engaged, and in any case, she believes that he will always see her as a child for whom he must act as guardian.

Georgiana and Anne de Bourgh are two characters that figure in Austen's original work as supporting cast, but have little or nothing to say.  In this work, Elliott develops the personalities of both of these ladies that is very believable, and gives them the starring roles.  Georgiana finds the courage to confront her formidable Aunt de Bourgh, the compassion and patience to befriend the colorless Anne, and the determination to take a risk in following her own heart. As a romance, it's predictable in that as soon as Georgiana mentions her affection for Edward in the diary, the reader can tell that they will wind up together, but many of the other plot developments along the way are very interesting. The episode with Wickham's return to make trouble was rather incomplete, in my opinion.  The ending felt a little abrupt; however, it does set up a sequel in which Georgiana and Edward's relationship continues as they move towards marriage.  I enjoyed this charming book and can recommend it to all Austen fans.

By the same author: Twilight of Avalon, Dark Moon of Avalon, Sunrise of Avalon (I didn't realize until I was writing this review that it was the same Anna Elliott!)