Before diving into what I intended to talk about today, I just realized this is post #250! I am so pleased with the way this blog has grown and the little community that has developed. Thank you for being part of the journey, whether you were here way back in the beginning or have just stumbled my way. I am grateful for every one of you, and hope to share many more posts and adventures in months to come.

In years past, I’ve waited until the end and posted all my Summer of Jane reads at once. This year, I decided to do a check-in, much like I do with My Christmas is Booked. The idea was to keep the reading momentum going through the Summer, but nearly all of June passed before I even started my first Austenesque read … so that plan may not have worked as anticipated. But here we are.

Pride, Prejudice and Peril | Katie Oliver | 🩷🩷🩷🩷
This cozy mystery has been lingering on my shelf for a couple years, and I decided it was finally time. {Bonus points because it also counts for Cozy Mystery Bingo}. As a graduate of a small liberal arts college English department, I loved that Phaedra was in that world. I found her dedication to teaching in full Regency attire admirable and entertaining. The mystery was fast-paced and just curvy enough to keep you reading, and I loved all the shades of Austen in the characters and dynamics. This will be a fun series to continue!

The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield | Claudia Gray | 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
This series, y’all! It has become a favorite over the last several years, and this installment? Swoon. The best yet, and made so much better for having built the slowest burn ever over the previous 4 books. Jonathan and Juliet are truly growing into their best selves. Together.
Returning to Netherfield and the Bingleys was delightful, and the way I cheered for Jane when she finally reached her tipping point! The story got wilder as each layer of secrets unraveled, and it was strangely satisfying seeing Bingley’s sisters get taken down a peg or two. But that ending! I know Gray is contracted for a sixth book {at least}, and I need that installment.

While not a reading update per say, this feels like a good place to confess that I loaded my kindle with several more Austenesque reads thanks to a JAFF [Jane Austen Fan Fiction] freebie bonanza. So whatever small progress I make during this Summer of Jane, I will always have more on the list.

I also added a couple Austenesque novels to my physical shelves. Of course, I had to get a copy of The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield, and getting it on my birthday bookstore trip was a fun treat. And I was pleasantly surprised to discover Worse Than Strangers as a BOTM add-on, and since I usually have good luck with Persuasion retellings, I added it as my birthday month freebie.

It’s been a bit of a slower start than anticipated, but I feel like the Jane-momentum is building and by the time I post my Summer of Jane wrap-up, there will be quite a few more reads to share.

Have you been reading anything Austenesque?
What is the worst cliff-hanger for a series you’ve ever read?