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Falling for Mr. Thornton: Tales of North and South
Amidst the turbulent backdrop of a manufacturing town in the grips of the Industrial Revolution, Elizabeth Gaskell penned the timeless passion of Mr. Thornton and Margaret Hale. A mixing of contemporary and Victorian, this short story anthology by twelve beloved authors considers familiar scenes from new points of view or re-imagined entirely. Capturing all the poignancy, heartbreak, and romance of the original tale, Falling for Mr. Thornton is a collection you will treasure again and again.
Stories by: Trudy Brasure * Nicole Clarkston * Julia Daniels * Rose Fairbanks * Don Jacobson * Evy Journey * Nancy Klein * M. Liza Marte * Elaine Owen * Damaris Osborne * Melanie Stanford ** Foreword by Mimi Matthews **
Modern
On the Island
By Melanie Stanford.
Meg Hale doesn’t want to return to John Thornton’s resort. After all, another visit won’t change her bad review.
But the resort has changed—and so has John.
The more time Meg spends on the island, the more she realizes she may have made a mistake. A mistake that could cost John the resort, and Meg her heart.
Time Slips
Passages in Time
By Kate Forrester
Set just before Margaret arrives in Milton. Mr Thornton dies in a devastating fire at Marlborough Mill - or does he?
The First Day of Spring
By M Liza Marte
Spring this year will bring daffodils, singing birds, and the love of a lifetime.
Humorous
Loose Leaves from Milton
By Damaris Osborne
A spoof of North & South with a strong twist of tea, the British favoured beverage, and sprang from John Thornton being known as 'JT' in so many forum threads. J Tea was an obvious progression, and the story follows the television adaptation, loose-leafly, as his love for the haughty Miss Hale with the porcelain tea cup complexion, who looks down upon him upwards, brews until he has to pour out his love, unstrained.
Continuation
Reeducating Mr Thornton
By Evy Journey
When Mr. Thornton and Margaret arrived in Cadiz for a month’s visit with her brother and his new wife, he did not care much about the strange city. Nor did he have great expectations of what Cadiz could offer a visitor like him. But later, what he finds there and who he encounters change his outlook forever.
Variations
Mistakes and Remedies
By Julia Daniels
When John Thornton’s sister goes missing, he seeks help from the one woman he can trust—the one who still holds his heart. Saving Fanny is all he hopes for, until a tender friendship begins to flourish between him and the love he had thought lost to him.
Her Father's Last Wish
By Rose Fairbanks
Two hearts desperately in love divided by her wretched secret, one father's wish to unite them.
The Best Medicine
By Elaine Owen
What if Thornton found a way to change Margaret's mind about him earlier in the story? Could helping Margaret's friend Bessy be the way to winning Margaret's heart? This is a short story with more than one happy ever after for more than one beloved character!
Cinders and Smoke
By Don Jacobson
That space between the end of the riot and the new dawn where Thornton faces his demons as Higgins confronts him with questions about his humanity and where Margaret uses her compassion to bring the two sides together.
Mischances
By Nicole Clarkston
When the wrong person discovers Margaret in a compromising position, she is forced to decide who she really wants and just how much she can trust the one man who can help her.
Alternate Endings
Looking to the Future
By Nancy Klein
Starting from Margaret's return to London from her trip with Mr. Bell to Helstone, this story contemplates events solely from Margaret's point of view. Margaret rues her treatment of Mr. Thornton, and wonders if she will ever have a chance to set things to right.
Once Again
By Trudy Brasure
A deeper look at Thornton’s emotional journey from despair to bliss as he arrives in London to sign the papers to give up the mill.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2019
About the author
Trudy Brasure
4 books98 followersTrudy Brasure is a hopeless romantic and a history enthusiast with a penchant for the Victorian Era.
The author began her own personal romance story with a whirlwind courtship. Her married life started in a picturesque colonial town on the coast of Massachusetts. She now resides in Vermont where she and her family endeavor to enjoy the beauty of nature whenever possible.
The author began her own personal romance story with a whirlwind courtship. Her married life started in a picturesque colonial town on the coast of Massachusetts. She now resides in Vermont where she and her family endeavor to enjoy the beauty of nature whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 16, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
If you can't get enough of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South and you don't have the time to sit and read an entire book, here are a dozen short story variations on the popular Victorian romance to choose from. Falling for Mr. Thornton: Tales of North and South is a wonderfully diverse collection that offers something for everyone. I had the pleasure of doing the final proofreading for many of them, and I was delighted to discover several new (to me) authors.
Most of these tales use the same framework as the original while providing new paths for Margaret Hale and John Thornton's story. What if an unscrupulous business rival of Mr. Thornton is another witness to Frederick's parting from Margaret at the train station? - Mischances. What if Fanny Thornton, pregnant and unmarried, seeks Margaret's assistance? - Mistakes and Remedies. What if Mr. Hale dies earlier, in Milton, and his last words implore John to take care of Margaret? - Her Father's Last Wish. What if Margaret's injury during the worker uprising works as a catalyst to get Mr. Thornton and Nicholas Higgins negotiating? - Cinders and Smoke. In a variation on the miniseries, what if, after Margaret learns of her unexpected inheritance, she and John encounter each other at the home of her aunt Shaw rather than at a railway station? - Looking to the Future. What if Mr. Thornton goes to London hoping for a loan to save his business and, at Mr. Bell's suggestion, seeks out Henry Lennox? Once Again. Those final two are actually linked, with Looking to the Future told from Margaret's point of view and Once Again from Mr. Thornton's.
Several stories are complete departures from canon. In a sequel, picture the pair taking their honeymoon journey to see Frederick in Spain - Reeducating Mr. Thornton. Wouldn't you like a happier ending for Bessie Higgins? - The Best Medicine. Imagine Mr. Thornton as the owner of a tropical resort and Maggie as a travel blogger - On the Island. One story is precipitated by a magical daffodil. - The First Day of Spring. Another throws Mr. Thornton traveling through time - Passages in Time. Yet another is patently absurd - intentionally so - Loose Leaves From Milton.
Each is novella length or shorter, offering some North and South reading enjoyment without taking up a lot of your time. It's a lovely cornucopia of tales.
If you can't get enough of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South and you don't have the time to sit and read an entire book, here are a dozen short story variations on the popular Victorian romance to choose from. Falling for Mr. Thornton: Tales of North and South is a wonderfully diverse collection that offers something for everyone. I had the pleasure of doing the final proofreading for many of them, and I was delighted to discover several new (to me) authors.
Most of these tales use the same framework as the original while providing new paths for Margaret Hale and John Thornton's story. What if an unscrupulous business rival of Mr. Thornton is another witness to Frederick's parting from Margaret at the train station? - Mischances. What if Fanny Thornton, pregnant and unmarried, seeks Margaret's assistance? - Mistakes and Remedies. What if Mr. Hale dies earlier, in Milton, and his last words implore John to take care of Margaret? - Her Father's Last Wish. What if Margaret's injury during the worker uprising works as a catalyst to get Mr. Thornton and Nicholas Higgins negotiating? - Cinders and Smoke. In a variation on the miniseries, what if, after Margaret learns of her unexpected inheritance, she and John encounter each other at the home of her aunt Shaw rather than at a railway station? - Looking to the Future. What if Mr. Thornton goes to London hoping for a loan to save his business and, at Mr. Bell's suggestion, seeks out Henry Lennox? Once Again. Those final two are actually linked, with Looking to the Future told from Margaret's point of view and Once Again from Mr. Thornton's.
Several stories are complete departures from canon. In a sequel, picture the pair taking their honeymoon journey to see Frederick in Spain - Reeducating Mr. Thornton. Wouldn't you like a happier ending for Bessie Higgins? - The Best Medicine. Imagine Mr. Thornton as the owner of a tropical resort and Maggie as a travel blogger - On the Island. One story is precipitated by a magical daffodil. - The First Day of Spring. Another throws Mr. Thornton traveling through time - Passages in Time. Yet another is patently absurd - intentionally so - Loose Leaves From Milton.
Each is novella length or shorter, offering some North and South reading enjoyment without taking up a lot of your time. It's a lovely cornucopia of tales.
November 14, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
It is difficult to rate a book which includes so many stories. Some were 5 stars while others were lower, IMHO. Some reflect the general outline from canon versus others which post a distinctly clear diversion. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of North and South. I received an ARC.
Starting on page 13 out of 456: (pages in the story were different from overall book page numbering)
On the Island, 1 to 35, by Melanie Stanford: A modern story about a travel blogger, Meg Hale, who has given John Thornton’s island resort a negative review, mainly having been influenced when she happened upon him yelling at an employee. Her dad convinces her to revisit the resort…John is a friend of his. So although she goes there determined to simply reinforce her first impression she ends up giving him a second chance and finding she wants to revisit.
Passages in Time, 37 to 89, by Kate Forrester: In this variation in 1851 John Thornton finds a door to his factory open early in the morning when it should not be opened and when he enters he finds a fire being set among his cotton bales and a menacing voice. Overcome by smoke he wakes up in 2019 and is found by a local historian, MJ Hale, who was at the site of the modern Marlborough which just also burned. But oddly: one minute he was not there and then he was. Both are puzzled. When he appears confused and when taken to a medical facility those in charge want to take him to a psychiatric hospital John wants to flee but is offered sanctuary by Miss Hale. The tale brings in Bessie Higgins who has mentored under a scientist who has theories as to time travel doors opening as to who, what, and why.
The First Day of Spring, 90 to 133, by M. Liza Marte: When Margaret buys the single daffodil from among the bouquet of roses the vendor questions her choice and warns something about the power of the daffodil. Then as its scent fills the room she is overcome and faints. She wakes up…a year later, her parents are dead, she is pregnant…and married to John Thornton…but she knows this can’t be true. Has she somehow lost her memory or does she have reasons to deny those facts?
Loose Leaves from Milton, 122 to 168, by Damaris Osborne: Not as much my cuppa tea. This author likes to write spoofs and does it well here…using just about every tea name or variety created plus adding a few other drinks such as the “chocolately” tones of Mr. Thornton’s voice. She takes us through the story in short order.
Reeducating Mr Thornton, 169 to 192, by Evy Journey: After spending a month in Paris during their honeymoon, John and Margaret travel to Cadiz to stay with her brother, Frederick and his wife, Dolores. There they view different architecture and learn of new customs. They soon find themselves enjoying afternoon siestas.
Mistakes and Remedies, 193 to 244, by Julia Daniels: In this short story we read of Fanny Thornton coming to Margaret as she thinks Margaret might know of someone to help “take care” of the fact that Fanny is increasing and her lover is a married man. Margaret cannot help but when John comes looking for Fanny who has not returned home the two find themselves working together to find a solution for Fanny. And thus they come to know each other better and clear up some misunderstandings.
Her Father’s Last Wish, 245 to 268, by Rose Fairbanks: Immediately after departing the Higgins’ home Mr. Hale suffers a fatal attack of apoplexy and as John Thornton rushes over to help cradle him Mr. Hale directs John to take care of Margaret. Margaret cannot imagine John would take this to mean he is to marry her as she has refused his first offer…plus he saw her embracing a stranger (her brother) at the train station late at night. He MUST think of her as having another man in her life. Does she dare tell him the truth about Frederick? Can he be trusted to understand and not turn Frederick into the authorities? John wants nothing more than to marry her but he doesn’t want a reluctant bride.
The Best Medicine, 274 to 297, by Elaine Owen: A Doctor Lawson returns to his roots in Milton and when he reconnects with his old friend, John Thornton, he finds his first patient among the poor he wants to focus on healing...Bessie Higgins. As part of her treatment is to get out of bed and walk, Margaret Hale and John Thornton become supports on either side. Milton’s cotton factories are in the middle of a strike so Thornton’s presence in Higgins’ home draws some attention…and it is in this district that the stones are thrown at Thornton and Margaret throws herself in front of him to protect him. He carries her to the Higgins home where Dr. Lawson is at the time. His proposal in this version is not rejected. However, we also read of another romance as Dr. Lawson has become quite attentive to his first patient.
Cinders and Smoke, 299 to 335, by Don Jacobson: This portion of the anthology begins with John Thornton reflecting upon his situation, as mill owner, son & brother and would-be-suitor. He has brought in the Irish in response to the strike and Margaret has been struck down when she stepped in front of him to protect him from a thrown stone. Later when she awakens both John and Nicholas Higgins are there. The latter has come to give up the name of the perpetrator. Margaret has words for both of them about their positions in the strike and reminds them that each has characteristics she admires. Then the three sit down and actually discuss how to meet in the middle: both sides explain the pros and cons of what they see and what they hope for and Margaret has a few suggestions which have merit. (I smiled when there was mention of the Darcy Bingley Enterprises and Gardiner’s business interest, Pemberley and Netherfield.)
Mischances, 337 to 377, by Nicole Clarkston: Loved this one because it gave me some of that angst I so love. The scene at the railroad station when Margaret is hugging her brother 'goodbye' has more to it than canon. Mill master Hamper is witness to Leonards’ scuffle with Frederick but he also sees Leonards’ fall and his grab at Margaret’s foot. She shakes him off by kicking him with her other foot after she, too, has fallen. Frederick’s name has been called out and there are those in the vicinity who heard the name. Hamper uses the incident to “blackmail” Margaret into agreeing to marry him to counter the gossip…and, of course, he then won’t say anything about her being out late at night with an unknown man.
Looking to the Future, 378 to 406, by Nancy Klein: Imagine the railroad platform scene from the movie reset in London, in Aunt Shaw’s house. There Margaret has hopes that Mr. Bell has informed John Thornton about who that man she was embracing at the railroad station in Milton really is. But then she gets a letter that Mr. Bell has suffered apoplexy and may be dead as she reads the letter. She rushes to Oxford but he has died. Later at a dinner she finds that Henry Lennox has invited John as one of the guests. From his manners she believes Mr. Bell never told him about Frederick. Then she has an inspiration after hearing from John and Henry about the failure of Marlborough Mills. He will be her first investment with her inheritance from Mr. Bell.
Once Again, 408 to 436, by Trudy Brasure: John Thornton travels to London seeking a loan or investment in his closed factory and if neither of those…then new employment for himself. Henry Lennox invites him to dinner and there John once again sees Margaret; thinking that it may be the last time he does so. However he later receives a note that she wants to meet with him the next morning and so it is then that she tells him of her desire to invest in his factory…and he learns of her true feelings for him.
It is difficult to rate a book which includes so many stories. Some were 5 stars while others were lower, IMHO. Some reflect the general outline from canon versus others which post a distinctly clear diversion. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of North and South. I received an ARC.
Starting on page 13 out of 456: (pages in the story were different from overall book page numbering)
On the Island, 1 to 35, by Melanie Stanford: A modern story about a travel blogger, Meg Hale, who has given John Thornton’s island resort a negative review, mainly having been influenced when she happened upon him yelling at an employee. Her dad convinces her to revisit the resort…John is a friend of his. So although she goes there determined to simply reinforce her first impression she ends up giving him a second chance and finding she wants to revisit.
Passages in Time, 37 to 89, by Kate Forrester: In this variation in 1851 John Thornton finds a door to his factory open early in the morning when it should not be opened and when he enters he finds a fire being set among his cotton bales and a menacing voice. Overcome by smoke he wakes up in 2019 and is found by a local historian, MJ Hale, who was at the site of the modern Marlborough which just also burned. But oddly: one minute he was not there and then he was. Both are puzzled. When he appears confused and when taken to a medical facility those in charge want to take him to a psychiatric hospital John wants to flee but is offered sanctuary by Miss Hale. The tale brings in Bessie Higgins who has mentored under a scientist who has theories as to time travel doors opening as to who, what, and why.
The First Day of Spring, 90 to 133, by M. Liza Marte: When Margaret buys the single daffodil from among the bouquet of roses the vendor questions her choice and warns something about the power of the daffodil. Then as its scent fills the room she is overcome and faints. She wakes up…a year later, her parents are dead, she is pregnant…and married to John Thornton…but she knows this can’t be true. Has she somehow lost her memory or does she have reasons to deny those facts?
Loose Leaves from Milton, 122 to 168, by Damaris Osborne: Not as much my cuppa tea. This author likes to write spoofs and does it well here…using just about every tea name or variety created plus adding a few other drinks such as the “chocolately” tones of Mr. Thornton’s voice. She takes us through the story in short order.
Reeducating Mr Thornton, 169 to 192, by Evy Journey: After spending a month in Paris during their honeymoon, John and Margaret travel to Cadiz to stay with her brother, Frederick and his wife, Dolores. There they view different architecture and learn of new customs. They soon find themselves enjoying afternoon siestas.
Mistakes and Remedies, 193 to 244, by Julia Daniels: In this short story we read of Fanny Thornton coming to Margaret as she thinks Margaret might know of someone to help “take care” of the fact that Fanny is increasing and her lover is a married man. Margaret cannot help but when John comes looking for Fanny who has not returned home the two find themselves working together to find a solution for Fanny. And thus they come to know each other better and clear up some misunderstandings.
Her Father’s Last Wish, 245 to 268, by Rose Fairbanks: Immediately after departing the Higgins’ home Mr. Hale suffers a fatal attack of apoplexy and as John Thornton rushes over to help cradle him Mr. Hale directs John to take care of Margaret. Margaret cannot imagine John would take this to mean he is to marry her as she has refused his first offer…plus he saw her embracing a stranger (her brother) at the train station late at night. He MUST think of her as having another man in her life. Does she dare tell him the truth about Frederick? Can he be trusted to understand and not turn Frederick into the authorities? John wants nothing more than to marry her but he doesn’t want a reluctant bride.
The Best Medicine, 274 to 297, by Elaine Owen: A Doctor Lawson returns to his roots in Milton and when he reconnects with his old friend, John Thornton, he finds his first patient among the poor he wants to focus on healing...Bessie Higgins. As part of her treatment is to get out of bed and walk, Margaret Hale and John Thornton become supports on either side. Milton’s cotton factories are in the middle of a strike so Thornton’s presence in Higgins’ home draws some attention…and it is in this district that the stones are thrown at Thornton and Margaret throws herself in front of him to protect him. He carries her to the Higgins home where Dr. Lawson is at the time. His proposal in this version is not rejected. However, we also read of another romance as Dr. Lawson has become quite attentive to his first patient.
Cinders and Smoke, 299 to 335, by Don Jacobson: This portion of the anthology begins with John Thornton reflecting upon his situation, as mill owner, son & brother and would-be-suitor. He has brought in the Irish in response to the strike and Margaret has been struck down when she stepped in front of him to protect him from a thrown stone. Later when she awakens both John and Nicholas Higgins are there. The latter has come to give up the name of the perpetrator. Margaret has words for both of them about their positions in the strike and reminds them that each has characteristics she admires. Then the three sit down and actually discuss how to meet in the middle: both sides explain the pros and cons of what they see and what they hope for and Margaret has a few suggestions which have merit. (I smiled when there was mention of the Darcy Bingley Enterprises and Gardiner’s business interest, Pemberley and Netherfield.)
Mischances, 337 to 377, by Nicole Clarkston: Loved this one because it gave me some of that angst I so love. The scene at the railroad station when Margaret is hugging her brother 'goodbye' has more to it than canon. Mill master Hamper is witness to Leonards’ scuffle with Frederick but he also sees Leonards’ fall and his grab at Margaret’s foot. She shakes him off by kicking him with her other foot after she, too, has fallen. Frederick’s name has been called out and there are those in the vicinity who heard the name. Hamper uses the incident to “blackmail” Margaret into agreeing to marry him to counter the gossip…and, of course, he then won’t say anything about her being out late at night with an unknown man.
Looking to the Future, 378 to 406, by Nancy Klein: Imagine the railroad platform scene from the movie reset in London, in Aunt Shaw’s house. There Margaret has hopes that Mr. Bell has informed John Thornton about who that man she was embracing at the railroad station in Milton really is. But then she gets a letter that Mr. Bell has suffered apoplexy and may be dead as she reads the letter. She rushes to Oxford but he has died. Later at a dinner she finds that Henry Lennox has invited John as one of the guests. From his manners she believes Mr. Bell never told him about Frederick. Then she has an inspiration after hearing from John and Henry about the failure of Marlborough Mills. He will be her first investment with her inheritance from Mr. Bell.
Once Again, 408 to 436, by Trudy Brasure: John Thornton travels to London seeking a loan or investment in his closed factory and if neither of those…then new employment for himself. Henry Lennox invites him to dinner and there John once again sees Margaret; thinking that it may be the last time he does so. However he later receives a note that she wants to meet with him the next morning and so it is then that she tells him of her desire to invest in his factory…and he learns of her true feelings for him.
December 22, 2019
4.5 rounded to 5🌟
A great collection of short stories paying homage to Gaskell’s wonderful couple,John and Margaret.
A great collection of short stories paying homage to Gaskell’s wonderful couple,John and Margaret.
November 15, 2019
My Rating: 4.5* rounded up to 5*
"It was in the only area of life that truly did matter-that core of self that found breath and hope in the being of another." (quote from the book)
I was honored to be given an advanced reader copy of this compilation of short stories honoring Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South'. A large amount of work and collaboration goes in to an endeavor of this nature and all involved have done an amazing job. I also love the cover by Janet Taylor.
Having been introduced to 'North and South' variations by Rita Deodato, blogger of 'From Pemberley to Milton', particularly Nicole Clarkston's novels, I finally read Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South'. I was already a huge fan of 'Wives and Daughters', so the impetus to read 'North and South' was set in motion. I have not looked back.
Each story within this compilation shows John and Margaret's struggles...whether to set aside their pride, prejudices and even jealousies in order to protect themselves, the other or someone else entirely. I feel each author has captured and conveyed this through their compelling prose.
There are a number of 'new authors to me', as well as favourites, within this anthology. The writing and style of writing is therefore diverse. There is definitely something for everyone within the covers of this collection.
There is a lovely 'Forward' by the ever talented author, Mimi Matthews, who is well versed in Victorian times. She succinctly captures the essence of 'North and South'.
"It's a tale of evolution, and change, not just in the hearts of the hero, John Thornton, and heroine, Margaret Hale, but in the greater world around them." (quote from the Forward)
As these are short stories, I will not go into very much detail. I will provide my own feelings and/or how each story impacted me. I will also include a quote from each one.
On the Island by Melanie Stanford: Modern
Ms. Stanford has written one of my favourite modern day novels that pays homage to 'North and South', 'Collide'. In this anthology, she has again written a realistic 'second chance' for Meg and John that is very reflective of our modern world. It was very well done and it certainly makes you think twice.
"He's not as close to me as I thought, but there's something about him - something that radiates off him like an energy field. Get too close and you'll get hit by the blast." (quote from the story)
Passages in Time by Kate Forrester: Time Slip/Modern
This is my first experience reading a story by Ms. Forrester, and I must say she had my heart in my throat right from the beginning, and the surprises just kept coming. At the same time, this story emanated a gentle warmth that just wrapped around me. I just loved, John MJ and Bessy in this one.
"Can someone please explain into what kind of hell I have descended?" (quote from the story)
The First Day of Spring by M. Liza Marte: Time Slip/Victorian
Another new author to me with a very interesting experience for Margaret and the reader. It was rather eerie.
"Take care, miss," she cautioned me, as she placed the bloom in my basket." Daffodils are special." (quote from the story)
Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne: Humourous/Victorian
I have to be honest, this one 'threw me'. I knew going in it was a 'spoof' (brief explanation at the beginning of the book) and not being familiar with the author's style, I will admit that some of the humour was lost on me. It has a Mel Brooks type of approach/humour as well as tongue-in-cheek. Though it did not hit the right notes with me, certainly does not mean that it wont for others. Once I got past my initial reaction, it grew on me. The quote below reminded me of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs...I just had to use it!
"This service terminates at Milton, and we have already passed Grimly, Dimly, Glumly and Darkly..." (quote from the story)
Reeducating Mr. Thornton by Evy Journey: Continuation/Victorian
This was well written and a visually descriptive read for me. I loved how the author made Cadiz come alive before my eyes.
"I've been forced to pause and reflect on what I want for us." (quote from the story)
Mistakes and Remedies by Julia Daniels: Variation
I so enjoyed this story and how friendship grows between Margaret and John when he asks for her help. It was just lovely despite the seriousness of the story.
"I believe I have loved you from our first argument." (quote from the story)
Her Father's Last Wish by Rose Fairbanks: Variation
This is a very heart-felt poignant tale that nearly breaks your heart for Margaret and John. I found this one very moving.
"He did not know until then how a small hand in his could make him feel whole." (quote from the story)
The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen: Variation
What a sweet and delightful story...just what the doctor ordered!
"The best medicine for any ailment is love." (quote from the story)
Cinders and Smoke by Don Jacobson: Variation
Mr. Jacobson never fails to delight and surprise me. John is made to face his demons and what torment he goes through. Then he has to face Margaret. Oh, this was so well done and what surprises he adds in. So unexpected, but maybe I should have known what path he would lead us down. I loved the intensity and the lightness written within.
"My pride combined with my arrogance has ripped the most delicate of flowers." (quote from the story)
Mischances by Nicole Clarkston: Variation
I don't know how she does it, but Ms. Clarkston speaks directly to one's heart. This was just a beautiful, tearful and angst-filled story.
"But the almighty hand of death would not be denied, and now one dearer to him than life would mourn." (quote from the story)
Looking to the Future by Nancy Klein: Alternate Ending
This was a wonderfully written and reflective story on Margaret's part from a 'new author to me'.
"The past was done and the future cloudy. She had only the present and must learn to live within that space." (quote from the story)
Once Again by Trudy Brasure: Alternate Ending
The last story is such a fitting one for the end. A reflective John Thornton on all that he has lost from another 'new author to me'.
"He knew his own worth; he did not need the approval of others to verify his place in the world." (quote from the story)
All in all, I was captivated by these stories and found myself 'falling for John Thornton' all over again. Thank you.
I highly recommend this to all readers not only of 'North and South' but those who love Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
"It was in the only area of life that truly did matter-that core of self that found breath and hope in the being of another." (quote from the book)
I was honored to be given an advanced reader copy of this compilation of short stories honoring Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South'. A large amount of work and collaboration goes in to an endeavor of this nature and all involved have done an amazing job. I also love the cover by Janet Taylor.
Having been introduced to 'North and South' variations by Rita Deodato, blogger of 'From Pemberley to Milton', particularly Nicole Clarkston's novels, I finally read Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South'. I was already a huge fan of 'Wives and Daughters', so the impetus to read 'North and South' was set in motion. I have not looked back.
Each story within this compilation shows John and Margaret's struggles...whether to set aside their pride, prejudices and even jealousies in order to protect themselves, the other or someone else entirely. I feel each author has captured and conveyed this through their compelling prose.
There are a number of 'new authors to me', as well as favourites, within this anthology. The writing and style of writing is therefore diverse. There is definitely something for everyone within the covers of this collection.
There is a lovely 'Forward' by the ever talented author, Mimi Matthews, who is well versed in Victorian times. She succinctly captures the essence of 'North and South'.
"It's a tale of evolution, and change, not just in the hearts of the hero, John Thornton, and heroine, Margaret Hale, but in the greater world around them." (quote from the Forward)
As these are short stories, I will not go into very much detail. I will provide my own feelings and/or how each story impacted me. I will also include a quote from each one.
On the Island by Melanie Stanford: Modern
Ms. Stanford has written one of my favourite modern day novels that pays homage to 'North and South', 'Collide'. In this anthology, she has again written a realistic 'second chance' for Meg and John that is very reflective of our modern world. It was very well done and it certainly makes you think twice.
"He's not as close to me as I thought, but there's something about him - something that radiates off him like an energy field. Get too close and you'll get hit by the blast." (quote from the story)
Passages in Time by Kate Forrester: Time Slip/Modern
This is my first experience reading a story by Ms. Forrester, and I must say she had my heart in my throat right from the beginning, and the surprises just kept coming. At the same time, this story emanated a gentle warmth that just wrapped around me. I just loved, John MJ and Bessy in this one.
"Can someone please explain into what kind of hell I have descended?" (quote from the story)
The First Day of Spring by M. Liza Marte: Time Slip/Victorian
Another new author to me with a very interesting experience for Margaret and the reader. It was rather eerie.
"Take care, miss," she cautioned me, as she placed the bloom in my basket." Daffodils are special." (quote from the story)
Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne: Humourous/Victorian
I have to be honest, this one 'threw me'. I knew going in it was a 'spoof' (brief explanation at the beginning of the book) and not being familiar with the author's style, I will admit that some of the humour was lost on me. It has a Mel Brooks type of approach/humour as well as tongue-in-cheek. Though it did not hit the right notes with me, certainly does not mean that it wont for others. Once I got past my initial reaction, it grew on me. The quote below reminded me of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs...I just had to use it!
"This service terminates at Milton, and we have already passed Grimly, Dimly, Glumly and Darkly..." (quote from the story)
Reeducating Mr. Thornton by Evy Journey: Continuation/Victorian
This was well written and a visually descriptive read for me. I loved how the author made Cadiz come alive before my eyes.
"I've been forced to pause and reflect on what I want for us." (quote from the story)
Mistakes and Remedies by Julia Daniels: Variation
I so enjoyed this story and how friendship grows between Margaret and John when he asks for her help. It was just lovely despite the seriousness of the story.
"I believe I have loved you from our first argument." (quote from the story)
Her Father's Last Wish by Rose Fairbanks: Variation
This is a very heart-felt poignant tale that nearly breaks your heart for Margaret and John. I found this one very moving.
"He did not know until then how a small hand in his could make him feel whole." (quote from the story)
The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen: Variation
What a sweet and delightful story...just what the doctor ordered!
"The best medicine for any ailment is love." (quote from the story)
Cinders and Smoke by Don Jacobson: Variation
Mr. Jacobson never fails to delight and surprise me. John is made to face his demons and what torment he goes through. Then he has to face Margaret. Oh, this was so well done and what surprises he adds in. So unexpected, but maybe I should have known what path he would lead us down. I loved the intensity and the lightness written within.
"My pride combined with my arrogance has ripped the most delicate of flowers." (quote from the story)
Mischances by Nicole Clarkston: Variation
I don't know how she does it, but Ms. Clarkston speaks directly to one's heart. This was just a beautiful, tearful and angst-filled story.
"But the almighty hand of death would not be denied, and now one dearer to him than life would mourn." (quote from the story)
Looking to the Future by Nancy Klein: Alternate Ending
This was a wonderfully written and reflective story on Margaret's part from a 'new author to me'.
"The past was done and the future cloudy. She had only the present and must learn to live within that space." (quote from the story)
Once Again by Trudy Brasure: Alternate Ending
The last story is such a fitting one for the end. A reflective John Thornton on all that he has lost from another 'new author to me'.
"He knew his own worth; he did not need the approval of others to verify his place in the world." (quote from the story)
All in all, I was captivated by these stories and found myself 'falling for John Thornton' all over again. Thank you.
I highly recommend this to all readers not only of 'North and South' but those who love Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
June 3, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3
Altogether, this volume of short stories offers a nice diversity of premises, styles and degrees of fancifulness, but I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who isn't absolutely in love with the original novel. I'll admit, I skipped past some stories, because they were just too much for me. But there were some gems there too. A mixed bag, in short.
On the Island
My rating: 4/5
I’m not sure I understand how Margaret Hale translates into a travel blogger with one million Insta followers. It doesn’t really chime with her character. She’d do something more worthy, like run a charity or something. John Thornton as a resort owner is not too wide off the mark, but still a little fanciful.
There’s also the morality of her giving the resort a bad review just because she hated the owner and wasn’t impressed with the decor. People work for this guy and she might have seriously hurt his business. Again not Margaret Hale-ish.
But on the whole decently written, romantic, pleasant. The characters were actually well rendered and sounded/acted like the originals (aside from the bits remarked above). Could have used a few more sweet moments between the MCs, but otherwise...
Passages in Time
My rating: 1/5
This is just tedious. Naturally, in any time travel story, there has to be that part where the character does their reconnaissance of the new environment, but it's the author’s task to make this fun or something. This is just silly and tiresome.
The time travel is the least implausible thing about this story, which should tell you all.
Dialogue is all exposition. In fact the whole story is just exposition. I couldn’t finish it.
The First Day of Spring
My rating: 2.5/5
Interesting premise. One day, after being discovered with her brother at the train station, Margaret Hale buys a magical flower so that she wakes up, suddenly married to Mr Thornton and pregnant with his child. She remembers nothing of the time between the purchase of the flower and her new state as Mrs Thornton. So, the premise was okay, opened a lot of intriguing possibilities. But the execution is really mediocre. OOC and mawkish.
Loose Leaves from Milton
My rating: YMMV
North and South told via dad joke. It is not unfunny or anything, but it was not my cup of tea. If this does resonate with your sense of humour, though, it’s not objectively terrible.
Re-educating Mr Thornton
My rating: 4/5
I actually adore the premise but the execution feels like a missed opportunity. Hard-working northerner Mr Thornton has married a cultured and educated fine lady. It’s their honeymoon and Mr Thornton has to learn to chillax. The opportunity here to have him slowly unwind and to have Margaret flirt him into complacency was plentiful, but alas never fully blooms.
Still, a pleasant read, in character dialogue, well-researched and mostly well written.
Mistakes and Remedies
My rating: 1/5
Premise could have been rescued by good execution, but I found it OOC (Margaret and Mr Thornton using first names with one another very early on and for no reason, Margaret going around with her hair down, alone with Mr Thornton etc) and so lost interest very quickly. DNF.
Her Father’s Last Wish
My rating: 1/5
I am sorry to say that this is just bad. Pacing is all over the place, OOC and silly premise. DNF.
The Best Medicine
My rating: 1.5/5
The premise is ok, and the general writing is ok too, but oh my God the dialect! It’s not just all over the map it’s distractingly, hilariously bad. I had to skip sections because it was just so ridiculous.
Cinders and Smoke
My rating: 2.5/5
The actual writing is nice and detailed and researched but the story itself is not great. I am not a fan of the characters of a fan fiction sitting down in the middle of the original novel’s plot and resolving all their differences by suddenly openly and cheerfully discussing all the conflicts that have plagued them as if that had been the only thing holding them back all along. Makes a mockery of the original story, but in this case it’s also improbable in the extreme.
Mischances
My rating: 5/5
Really lovely writing, all the people in character and nicely paced.
Looking to the Future
My rating: 4/5
Pleasant surprise. Lovely writing, in character, all good.
Once Again
My rating: 4/5
Basically the same story as Looking to the Future but from Thornton’s POV. Nicely written, emotionally intense.
Altogether, this volume of short stories offers a nice diversity of premises, styles and degrees of fancifulness, but I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who isn't absolutely in love with the original novel. I'll admit, I skipped past some stories, because they were just too much for me. But there were some gems there too. A mixed bag, in short.
On the Island
My rating: 4/5
I’m not sure I understand how Margaret Hale translates into a travel blogger with one million Insta followers. It doesn’t really chime with her character. She’d do something more worthy, like run a charity or something. John Thornton as a resort owner is not too wide off the mark, but still a little fanciful.
There’s also the morality of her giving the resort a bad review just because she hated the owner and wasn’t impressed with the decor. People work for this guy and she might have seriously hurt his business. Again not Margaret Hale-ish.
But on the whole decently written, romantic, pleasant. The characters were actually well rendered and sounded/acted like the originals (aside from the bits remarked above). Could have used a few more sweet moments between the MCs, but otherwise...
Passages in Time
My rating: 1/5
This is just tedious. Naturally, in any time travel story, there has to be that part where the character does their reconnaissance of the new environment, but it's the author’s task to make this fun or something. This is just silly and tiresome.
The time travel is the least implausible thing about this story, which should tell you all.
Dialogue is all exposition. In fact the whole story is just exposition. I couldn’t finish it.
The First Day of Spring
My rating: 2.5/5
Interesting premise. One day, after being discovered with her brother at the train station, Margaret Hale buys a magical flower so that she wakes up, suddenly married to Mr Thornton and pregnant with his child. She remembers nothing of the time between the purchase of the flower and her new state as Mrs Thornton. So, the premise was okay, opened a lot of intriguing possibilities. But the execution is really mediocre. OOC and mawkish.
Loose Leaves from Milton
My rating: YMMV
North and South told via dad joke. It is not unfunny or anything, but it was not my cup of tea. If this does resonate with your sense of humour, though, it’s not objectively terrible.
Re-educating Mr Thornton
My rating: 4/5
I actually adore the premise but the execution feels like a missed opportunity. Hard-working northerner Mr Thornton has married a cultured and educated fine lady. It’s their honeymoon and Mr Thornton has to learn to chillax. The opportunity here to have him slowly unwind and to have Margaret flirt him into complacency was plentiful, but alas never fully blooms.
Still, a pleasant read, in character dialogue, well-researched and mostly well written.
Mistakes and Remedies
My rating: 1/5
Premise could have been rescued by good execution, but I found it OOC (Margaret and Mr Thornton using first names with one another very early on and for no reason, Margaret going around with her hair down, alone with Mr Thornton etc) and so lost interest very quickly. DNF.
Her Father’s Last Wish
My rating: 1/5
I am sorry to say that this is just bad. Pacing is all over the place, OOC and silly premise. DNF.
The Best Medicine
My rating: 1.5/5
The premise is ok, and the general writing is ok too, but oh my God the dialect! It’s not just all over the map it’s distractingly, hilariously bad. I had to skip sections because it was just so ridiculous.
Cinders and Smoke
My rating: 2.5/5
The actual writing is nice and detailed and researched but the story itself is not great. I am not a fan of the characters of a fan fiction sitting down in the middle of the original novel’s plot and resolving all their differences by suddenly openly and cheerfully discussing all the conflicts that have plagued them as if that had been the only thing holding them back all along. Makes a mockery of the original story, but in this case it’s also improbable in the extreme.
Mischances
My rating: 5/5
Really lovely writing, all the people in character and nicely paced.
Looking to the Future
My rating: 4/5
Pleasant surprise. Lovely writing, in character, all good.
Once Again
My rating: 4/5
Basically the same story as Looking to the Future but from Thornton’s POV. Nicely written, emotionally intense.
September 7, 2020
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” –William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
12 authors: 12 stories spanning different eras with some paranormal aspects due to the characters experiencing time-travel/time-slip features from a few hours to several months. The basic thread in all the stories was the love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton.
Some stories were better than others, but that is to be expected in a collection with different authors and personalities. You can’t please everyone. However, this assortment was pleasantly spaced and arranged to please any lover of Gaskell’s North and South. The stories were short and a quick read. I was able to read a story every once in a while, between chores, and or duties. I loved this John and Margaret together. Heavy sigh.
I received an ARC of this work with no expectations of a review and, of course, I had to grab my very own copy. I highly recommend this collective work. Man… these guys can write.
12 authors: 12 stories spanning different eras with some paranormal aspects due to the characters experiencing time-travel/time-slip features from a few hours to several months. The basic thread in all the stories was the love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton.
Some stories were better than others, but that is to be expected in a collection with different authors and personalities. You can’t please everyone. However, this assortment was pleasantly spaced and arranged to please any lover of Gaskell’s North and South. The stories were short and a quick read. I was able to read a story every once in a while, between chores, and or duties. I loved this John and Margaret together. Heavy sigh.
I received an ARC of this work with no expectations of a review and, of course, I had to grab my very own copy. I highly recommend this collective work. Man… these guys can write.
April 20, 2020
Amazing short stories from several author(esse)s upon Elizabeth Gaskell´s North and South and the BBC mini-series, ranging from modern over time travel to variations of the story itself. Liked esp. the last two tales that show the same event from different persons´ views. Recommended for fans!
December 6, 2019
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
Love, misunderstandings, more love, friends, time-travelling, modern variation, more love, compromise and much more can be found in Falling for Mr. Thornton.
These 12 stories have very different endings and points of view. The way they want you to carry on reading is very different from one to another. Some of these stories focus solely on John and Margaret but some others also show other characters; some of them even have their happy endings.
I have enjoyed a lot the stories with John’s viewpoint and his struggle with his love for Margaret. However, the way that Margaret see her error and her misjudgement of John is also really nicely explained.
These are four of my favourite stories of the book but for different reasons:
On the island is a lovely story that it portrays exactly what happens in N&S but in a modern variation.
Mistakes and Remedies has Fanny as a main character together with the loved couple. I normally do not like Fanny, I still do not like her here but OMG! how can she be so stupid!
The Best Medicine: Best Higgins is on it and what a story and happy endings!
Mischances gets on my nerves because Margaret is about to surrender to someone, not John, for not trusting John!!
There are so many more stories that just because they are not here it does not mean that I like them less. I still recommend them.
Love, misunderstandings, more love, friends, time-travelling, modern variation, more love, compromise and much more can be found in Falling for Mr. Thornton.
These 12 stories have very different endings and points of view. The way they want you to carry on reading is very different from one to another. Some of these stories focus solely on John and Margaret but some others also show other characters; some of them even have their happy endings.
I have enjoyed a lot the stories with John’s viewpoint and his struggle with his love for Margaret. However, the way that Margaret see her error and her misjudgement of John is also really nicely explained.
These are four of my favourite stories of the book but for different reasons:
On the island is a lovely story that it portrays exactly what happens in N&S but in a modern variation.
Mistakes and Remedies has Fanny as a main character together with the loved couple. I normally do not like Fanny, I still do not like her here but OMG! how can she be so stupid!
The Best Medicine: Best Higgins is on it and what a story and happy endings!
Mischances gets on my nerves because Margaret is about to surrender to someone, not John, for not trusting John!!
There are so many more stories that just because they are not here it does not mean that I like them less. I still recommend them.
January 2, 2020
2.5 stars
I do love Gaskell's North and South. It is one of my top favourite novels of all times and I have read it more times than I can count. Which is why I feel deeply uncomfortable giving this collection such a low rating - but I am so disappointed. Maybe it was not the right book for me right now. Or maybe that was the format? I know short stories often leave the reader wanting more. Either way, it did not work for me. I felt that the vast majority of stories required much, much more suspension of disbelief on my part that I was willing to give. And this is something I usually do not have a problem with, but I do draw the line at . A lot of good or even great, inspired ideas, the authors whose other books I have read and enjoyed, but somehow, the results here left me cold. Still, there are three of the stories in this collection that I read with great pleasure and will probably go back to in the future - On the Island by Melanie Stanford (a modern retelling), Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne (very funny!) and Once Again by Trudy Brassure (a heartfelt, very well written take on the novel's finale written from JT's POV).
I do love Gaskell's North and South. It is one of my top favourite novels of all times and I have read it more times than I can count. Which is why I feel deeply uncomfortable giving this collection such a low rating - but I am so disappointed. Maybe it was not the right book for me right now. Or maybe that was the format? I know short stories often leave the reader wanting more. Either way, it did not work for me. I felt that the vast majority of stories required much, much more suspension of disbelief on my part that I was willing to give. And this is something I usually do not have a problem with, but I do draw the line at . A lot of good or even great, inspired ideas, the authors whose other books I have read and enjoyed, but somehow, the results here left me cold. Still, there are three of the stories in this collection that I read with great pleasure and will probably go back to in the future - On the Island by Melanie Stanford (a modern retelling), Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne (very funny!) and Once Again by Trudy Brassure (a heartfelt, very well written take on the novel's finale written from JT's POV).
November 8, 2021
4.5 rounded to 5. Could not finish one of the short stories.
April 18, 2020
1 - On the Island by Melanie Stanford - Meg Hale travel blogger visits a remote island owned by John Thornton to do a second review after her first impressions may possible be wrong
2 - Passages in Time by Kate Forrester - John Thornton is caught in a fire in his mill when he is transported to 2019. How and why, but more importantly can he ever get back.
3 - The First Day of Spring by M Liza Marte - it seems Miss Hale has bought a special daffodil as she is tranported into the future, with marriage to Thornton
4 - Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne - not my sense of humour
5 - Reeducating Mr Thornton by Evy Journey - Mr and Mrs Thornton are on honeymoon, and visit Cadiz to meet Frederick, Margaret's brother and his wife. Can Thornton change his view of Spain and the Spanish
6 - Mistakes and Remedies by Julia Daniels - John Thornton arrives later in the evening at the Hale's home as his Fanny has failed to arrive back after visiting them. So where has she gone and why. Will this hinder their relationship.
7 -Her Father's Last Wish by Rose Fairbanks -As the Hales leave the Huggins home, Mr Hale collapses. Help comesin the form of John Thornton. Mr Hale only has time before he dies to ask Thornton to care for Margaret. But will she want to marry him after she has already refused him.
8 - The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen - The day after the annual dinner at Marlborough House, Thornton has a visit from old friend Dr Lawson. Can he help Bessy Higgins with her illness, but what of the workers strike
9 - Cinders and Smoke by Don Jacobson - Strike talks between Higgins and Thornton. Too much of the dialogue in the vernacular, ended up skipping most of the story
10 - Mischances by Nicole Clarkston - Frederick is visiting as Mrs Hale is dying. At his departure problems accur which means that Margaret has been compromised and a Mr Hamper offers for her. Can this problem be solved.
11 - Looking to the Future by Nancy Klein - Margaret is not back in London after the death of both of her parents when she discovers that Mr Bell is dying if not dead. Can she help Mr Thornton out of his problems
12 - Once Again by Trudy Brasure - Thornton mills have closed and Thornton is in financial trouble. But what can he do. How will Margaret help.
Twelve very good well-written variations, only a couple which I didn't care for as much. But overall an excellent collection of stories.
2 - Passages in Time by Kate Forrester - John Thornton is caught in a fire in his mill when he is transported to 2019. How and why, but more importantly can he ever get back.
3 - The First Day of Spring by M Liza Marte - it seems Miss Hale has bought a special daffodil as she is tranported into the future, with marriage to Thornton
4 - Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne - not my sense of humour
5 - Reeducating Mr Thornton by Evy Journey - Mr and Mrs Thornton are on honeymoon, and visit Cadiz to meet Frederick, Margaret's brother and his wife. Can Thornton change his view of Spain and the Spanish
6 - Mistakes and Remedies by Julia Daniels - John Thornton arrives later in the evening at the Hale's home as his Fanny has failed to arrive back after visiting them. So where has she gone and why. Will this hinder their relationship.
7 -Her Father's Last Wish by Rose Fairbanks -As the Hales leave the Huggins home, Mr Hale collapses. Help comesin the form of John Thornton. Mr Hale only has time before he dies to ask Thornton to care for Margaret. But will she want to marry him after she has already refused him.
8 - The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen - The day after the annual dinner at Marlborough House, Thornton has a visit from old friend Dr Lawson. Can he help Bessy Higgins with her illness, but what of the workers strike
9 - Cinders and Smoke by Don Jacobson - Strike talks between Higgins and Thornton. Too much of the dialogue in the vernacular, ended up skipping most of the story
10 - Mischances by Nicole Clarkston - Frederick is visiting as Mrs Hale is dying. At his departure problems accur which means that Margaret has been compromised and a Mr Hamper offers for her. Can this problem be solved.
11 - Looking to the Future by Nancy Klein - Margaret is not back in London after the death of both of her parents when she discovers that Mr Bell is dying if not dead. Can she help Mr Thornton out of his problems
12 - Once Again by Trudy Brasure - Thornton mills have closed and Thornton is in financial trouble. But what can he do. How will Margaret help.
Twelve very good well-written variations, only a couple which I didn't care for as much. But overall an excellent collection of stories.
July 8, 2021
Almost almost really good
I loved almost all of these short stories some have different positions of his you and her view the modern adaptations were fascinating the time-travel adaptation was fascinating but there was one story, one story, in this whole book that almost made me stop reading it it was so bad! It was a spoof oh, and I'm just not a person who cares for spoofs oh, but it was terrible I had to force myself to get through that story to get to the next one because I just couldn't make myself pass it up if I start something I have to finish it. But other than that all the rest of the stories were really good and stood on their own.
I loved almost all of these short stories some have different positions of his you and her view the modern adaptations were fascinating the time-travel adaptation was fascinating but there was one story, one story, in this whole book that almost made me stop reading it it was so bad! It was a spoof oh, and I'm just not a person who cares for spoofs oh, but it was terrible I had to force myself to get through that story to get to the next one because I just couldn't make myself pass it up if I start something I have to finish it. But other than that all the rest of the stories were really good and stood on their own.
November 24, 2019
This book was released at just the right time for me. I was looking for a comfort read and North and South and the various fan fictions have always been favourites to read when I'm feeling angsty.
Loved this collection very much, a good variety of moods. My favourites were the last two by Nancy Klein and Trudy Brasure and also loved, loved the one by Rose Fairbanks.
Loved this collection very much, a good variety of moods. My favourites were the last two by Nancy Klein and Trudy Brasure and also loved, loved the one by Rose Fairbanks.
April 24, 2021
If you loved the North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, and if you cannot get enough of John and Margaret, you will love this book.
The several short stories by various authors are all delightful. It is like being given a tray of samples of all your favourite desserts.
Highly recommended to everyone.
The several short stories by various authors are all delightful. It is like being given a tray of samples of all your favourite desserts.
Highly recommended to everyone.
February 18, 2021
Reviewing this book is not easy because of the number of authors. Some of the stories are better than others. Personally, I didn't care too much for the first two stories.My absolute favorite is Once Again by Trudy Brasure followed closely by The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen.
November 17, 2019
Some stories are way better than others. It seemed to me the last 3 or 4 stories were definitely the best ones in the book.
August 2, 2020
Favorites: Her Father’s Last Wish; mischances; Looking to the Future; Once Again
April 16, 2021
4.5 as an overall rating, since some of the stories were excellent, a strong 5. A couple of them were not enjoyable.
November 25, 2019
This was highly anticipated, and did not disappoint. The writing was superb. The tales from beloved Austen variations authors are just what I hoped for. The new to me author stories had me adding books to my wish lists and following them on Amazon. I had trouble with some of the contemporary stories, as they are not my favorite subgenre, but those were well written as well. I will be rereading these in the future.
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