Jane Austen Sequels: the Novels of Regina Jeffers
Regina Jeffers is the author of seven completed and published novels. Book number eight scheduled for release later this year. Her work generally focuses on better understanding the most intriguing and complex character of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice hero Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Derbyshire.
Although his character had a minor roll in P & P, he is undoubtedly the undisputed hero of the novel. His strong, forthright and commanding personality with simmering passions beneath the surface have made him one of the most loved literary characters of all time, as well as one of the most easily misunderstood. Hence, Darcy’s never ending appeal.
Jeffers novels include Second Chances: the Courtship Wars, which is only very minimally based on Pride and Prejudice. You would be hard pressed to call it a Pride and Prejudice adaptation at all, and would also have to look closely to see any similarities to Austen’s original classic. That said, those of us who believe that it was Jane Austen who has laid the groundwork for all modern romantic fiction will see what we choose see in Second Chances.
If you are a Darcy Purist, I would suggest Darcy’s Temptation, Darcy’s Passions, or Darcy’s Dreams. All are Regency based sequels, and very well done. I have enjoyed all three equally and all are worth your time.
For Persuasion fans, Jeffers portrayal of Captain Wentworth is something to behold. Wayward Love: Captain Frederick Wentworth’s Story is a nice break from the much more popluar Pride and Prejudice sequels.
If a more modern Darcy is your favorite, Honor and Hope was a fun twist on the traditional story. This Will Darcy and Liz Bennet have just as much to learn about life and love as their Regency counterparts, but face life an updated way with more than a few secrets create detours on their paths to happiness.
Ms. Jeffers has also taken Darcy and Elizabeth into the fantasy realm with Vampire Darcy’s Desire. While the horror, science fiction and fantasy genres are not my favorites, I still found the vampire Darcy to be a somewhat interesting, if not tortured and twisted version of the original dashing hero.
Her new book will delve into murder mysteries and is entitled The Phantom of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Murder Mystery. Expect a release date later this year.
All of Jeffers novels were well received by me, and I look forward to her next installment.
