Jane Odiwe Jane Austen Sequels

I have never been so disappointed in all my life – all my dreams for a felicitous evening in Richard's company have come to nought! I dressed myself with great care and thought I looked very pretty with my gold earrings dangling in my ears and Mary’s brooch secured where I knew Capt. C could not fail to notice or admire its soft curves and pink petals against my skin. Fortunately much of the snow had melted by the time the coaches made their slow but steady progress through the frozen lanes to Meryton. Half of Meryton and half of the militia were there but alas and alack, no Richard, who had sent word and apologies to my aunt to say that the affliction of a sore throat that he had had the misfortune to contract before Christmas, was giving him great discomfort and that he was therefore obliged to stay at home. I cannot express my dismay, especially as I had only seen Capt. C. at church this morning, where to all intents and purposes he appeared to be in the bloom of health. Poor lo

Happy Christmas everyone - I hope you all have a lovely time and a very Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true! with love, Jane Odiwe

Friday, December 25th, 1801 Christmas Day We trudged through the snow to Church, (Captain Carter winked at me across the aisle!) and then home to breakfast on hot rolls and fruit cake, taken with a cup of chocolate, for our delight. We exchanged presents and I have made a list of the wonderful gifts I have received - Mama - a pair of gold earrings Papa - a rosewood jewel box Jane - a swansdown muff Lizzy - a pair of gloves Mary - a rosebud brooch Kitty - a turquoise ring They are the loveliest presents I have ever had! I just know that this is going to be the best Christmas ever!!! We dined on turkey, beef and plum pudding at four and were the very picture of a merry Christmas party. Even Mary failed to get on my nerves today, although I daresay the partaking of a little wine helped me to endure her rantings tolerably well. I have spent most of the day in delicious reverie, recounting to myself the events of last evening. Shivers of ecstasy tremble over me whenever I recall Capt. C’s

I'm battling flu but starting to feel that at last I'm getting over it. I'm really looking forward to a holiday, I'm sure you are all too. Here's a Christmas round up of Blog reviews. Once upon a Romance Lydia Bennet elopes with Mr. George Wickham, but they do not marry. For Lydia's sister's sake, Mr. Darcy pursues Lydia and Wickham and makes Wickham marry Lydia. Lydia considers Darcy's help as their due and thinks Wickham would have married her soon, anyway. Unfortunately, Lydia soon gets a big dose of reality and learns Wickham's true character. Lydia Bennet's Story gives great insight into Lydia's character and spins an entertaining tale of Lydia's life. Lydia is a rather selfish, naive, young woman, who desires attention, especially from her father. This desire for her father's attention and her mother's focus on marriage for her daughters is probably the reason that Lydia is such a flirt. At first, Lydia has blinders on about

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Thursday, December 24th, 1801 Lord! I am frozen to the bone with hands that are so swollen and itching with the cold, it is impossible to write. I daresay I have frostbite and the apothecary will have to be summoned and I shall lose some if not all of my fingers. I awoke early this morning, filled with a sense of tingling pleasure at the prospect of the festivities to come and the promise of a day, which might bring any amount of delights. The weather was bitterly cold, there were dark grey clouds looming over the hills, and swirls of frost painted like fairy ferns and flowers on my bedchamber window. Kitty and I went with Jenkins the gardener to help bring in the holly, ivy

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Wednesday, December 23rd, 1801 I have observed this evening at Aunt Philips’s house that Aunt Gardiner was far too occupied in watching my sister Lizzy with Mr Wickham to take much notice of me, which is a blessing indeed! They are becoming rather exclusive in one another’s company. Dearest Isabella has made me a present of the sweetest ridicule, made by her own fair hands. Fashioned from ivory satin, it is embroidered with flowers and ties with a blue silk cord. Lydia Bennet

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Wednesday, December 23rd, 1801 At last Mr Collins left us on Saturday and in his stead my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have arrived from London today. When my mother stopped talking and mithering my aunt long enough for her to catch her breath, she was able to sit down and give us all our Christmas presents. I have a beautiful amethyst cross on a gold chain, which came in a box lined with green velvet and tied with a scarlet ribbon. Mama received a pair of cameo earrings, papa, a court calendar bound in Morocco, Jane, a gold locket, Lizzy, a topaz cross on a gold chain, Kitty, a cut coral necklace and Mary, a gold twisted ring and some music. We were all delighted. I am very fond

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Friday, December 18th, 1801 We had a merry party last night, although to say the truth there were some tense moments, which threatened to dispel the party atmosphere. My mother barely had a word to say to the Lucas family and to make matters worse Sir William and Lady Lucas were congeniality itself. It was left to papa and Aunt Philips to smooth the waters and on the whole I think they succeeded. Poor Charlotte was completely snubbed by mama and whenever the lovers were seen to be whispering together, my mother loudly pronounced that she expected they were making a close study of her drawing room in order to draw up plans for its alteration. How handsome the officers were las

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Thursday, December 17th, 1801 The village of Longbourn are united in their condemnation of Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham is deservedly feted wherever he goes. He is in great demand for every social event and although he is clearly partial to our company here, it has sometimes proved difficult to secure him for every soiree. Mama has invited him and some of the officers for an evening party tonight and we are all looking forward to seeing them. Isabella and Diana will of course be included and I think Captain Carter is hardly likely to stay away. Mama has been obliged to extend the invitation to the Lucases as Mr Collins is still here. I do wish he would go home. Despite the fact t

On this day in 1775 Jane Austen was born. Cassy knew there was something different about the house when she woke up. Apart from the dying wood embers of the glowing nursery fire and the darkness outside telling her that it was still night time, there was a lot of noise and activity inside. She could hear the patter of boys' feet on the polished stairs and the sort of anxious whispering, which though meant to be quiet cannot but help rouse even the most ardent sleeper. Despite the warmth of the room she shivered under her covers and as her eyes adjusted to the light she looked about and listened. What was it that had woken her up? What was that noise all about? Cassandra did not have long to wait to find out. The door of the nursery slowly creaked open and the head of a brother appeared. Which one was it? "Are you asleep, Cassy?" called Edward. Little Cassy held her arms up to her big brother. "Tedard," she called. Edward was over at her side in a moment, scoop

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Wednesday, December 16th, 1801 Kitty and I set forth to Meryton to visit our friends at Emma Nicolson’s. We were eager to tell them and anybody we met along the way about our news of poor Wickham’s treatment at the hands of vile Mr Darcy. Everyone was shocked, although not in the least surprised, for Mr Darcy is generally despised by all who have had the misfortune to become acquainted with him. Isabella and Diana voiced their concerns about my sister with regards to Mr Bingley’s friendship with Darcy. “Jane is probably better off without him,” Isabella declared. “Who knows what sort of a gentleman Bingley really is, if he can be friends with the likes of a man who would den

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Monday, December 14th, 1801 Charlotte’s ardent lover has returned, along with my mother’s ill humour. One wonders when poor Lizzy will ever be forgiven for her decision not to marry our cousin Collins. Tuesday, December 15th, 1801 Jane seems terribly out of sorts today and Kitty has surmised that it may be the result of reading a letter that arrived this morning. However, as we do not have the exact intelligence from whence it came, we suspect it to be either from Mr Bingley or his sister who were of the party that left Netherfield at the end of November for the London season and have not returned since. If I were Jane I should have cried out my heart, for in London he will b

Two reviews for Lydia Bennet's Story from Book Zombie Blogspot and The Reviewer Blogspot Book Zombie Readers of Austen will know that Lydia Bennet is the younger sister of Elizabeth and Jane, while never a major character she always left a major impact with her appearances. Crazy, wilful and out of control, she is much more like a wood nymph than a true lady. But that spark of wildness is exactly what made her character so enthralling. And now author Jane Odiwe has given Lydia a chance to shine in her very own book. Lydia Bennet’s Story is a sequel to Pride And Prejudice, but in order to fully understand Lydia the book begins by going back to Pride And Prejudice and revisiting the events from Lydia’s point of view. From there it continues on as a sequel focusing on Lydia’s story. It would be easy to dismiss Lydia as a stereo-typical teenager and little sister, acting out as either a way to gain attention or out of plain simple-mindedness. However, Jane Odiwe uses Lydia’s own journ

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Friday, December 11th, 1801 Aunt Philips was very pleased to see us this afternoon but she said it was a pity we had not called before noon, as we had just missed Colonel Forster, Miss Fitzalan, Miss Cavendish, Mr Wickham and Captain Carter. When we expressed our great disappointment at not seeing them, she said that they had not stayed long, as the ladies had some shopping to do in town and the gentlemen had their business to attend. “They came in, said, ‘how d’ye do’ and sat only for five minutes, but were full of you and Kitty.” “What did Captain Carter and Mr Wickham have to say?” I asked as soon as I could interrupt. “They are very pleasant and attentive young men and al

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Friday, December 4th, 1801 Kitty and I walked into Meryton this morning to visit Aunt Philips and take a look in the milliner's window. I have fallen in love with a white chip bonnet adorned with pale blush roses. If only I had next week’s pocket allowance, it would be well within my budget and I could also have some new gloves at four shillings a pair - but then I should have nothing left for Christmas gifts. I must make purchases of Steele’s Lavender water for Jane and Lizzy, a hair comb for Kitty that she has been sighing over for the past month and, a dull book for Mary. Aunt Philips was very well but we saw nothing of the officers and even though Kitty and I linge

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Saturday, November 28th, 1801 Horror of horrors! On taking his leave of us all last night, my cousin declared that he wished to accept my mother’s invitation to return to Longbourn as soon as possible, despite papa’s entreaties to consider Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s wishes. Mama has asserted that this must mean he is to pay his addresses to Kitty, Mary or I, but after petitioning her privately, has acknowledged that Mary might be prevailed upon to accept him. Kitty and I were euphoric with relief when Mary decided that he might yet be a suitable marriage candidate, especially if he can but improve himself with more reading! Sunday, November 29th, 1801 What I have to report is

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. SINCE WRITING THE ABOVE, I HAVE THE MOST MOMENTOUS NEWS TO REPORT!!! Lord! what a laugh we have had today. The most extraordinary thing has happened. Cousin Collins has asked Lizzy to marry him, but she will not have him! Mama insisted and threatened to disown her if she did not accept him, but papa said he would not have anything to do with her if she did! Thank goodness for Charlotte Lucas who arrived this morning, and has entertained our sulky cousin for the remainder of the day. Thursday, November 26th, 1801 Everyone in ill humour today, mama is not even speaking to me, and no one dare utter Lizzy’s name within her hearing. My mother has taken to her room, complaining tha

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Wednesday, November 25th, 1801 I do not know where to start to record the momentous events of the past twenty four hours which are almost too numerous to mention. We arrived and entered a scene from fairyland. There were so many people, half of Hertfordshire out in their finery, and it took an age to sail through the sea of personages to Mr Denny who was waving like a simpleton across the room. What he had to divulge on our greeting, however, shocked us all to the core. Mr Wickham was not to be in attendance and had apparently left for town on business! You may imagine that to receive this news was most provoking; Lizzy looked particularly crestfallen. Her mortification was

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Sunday, November 22nd, 1801 It is still raining! The Boil is now the size of a cricket ball and despite steaming it over a Chinese bowl of boiling water with my head covered in mama’s best linens, it is showing no sign of shrinkage. I have considered the possibility of staying at home and not attending the ball, but the thought is unbearable. I decided to resurrect the fashion for patches and spent the day cutting out crescents and spots out of a piece of fabric I assumed was an ancient and redundant riding cloak, only to discover that it is papa’s mourning greatcoat. The patches are not a success, making me look like an old crone from a gothic novel with a peeling skin di

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Friday, November 20th, 1801 The weather has been foul all day and we have not been able to move outdoors. Rebecca, our sweet maid, helped Kitty and I make a mask of egg whites and fuller’s earth for our complexions. Lord! how we laughed when it dried to a paste and then cracked, because we neither could look at the other without giggling. Mama’s bottle of Gowland’s lotion is half used and now hidden behind the wig stand on her dressing table but our skins are glowing and radiant! Saturday, November 21st, 1801 It is still raining and despite our pleas, mama has forbidden us to go to Meryton today. She has suggested that we may catch a cold or worse and then infect Jane who is

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it." Mr. Bennet made no answer. "Do not you want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently. "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it." This was invitation enough. "Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune f

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Thursday, November 19th,1801 The ball at Netherfield is set for Tuesday evening! I declare that I am the happiest girl in Hertfordshire - the prospect of dancing with all my favourite beaux is so thrilling that I do not know how I will ever sleep again. Mama declared that the ball must be in Jane’s honour - she was so pleased that Mr Bingley had flattered her so much by bringing the invitation himself, although he had the misfortune of having his horrid sisters attending him. Catherine and I must go into Meryton tomorrow to look in the shops and perchance pick a partner or two whilst out shopping! I am happy for Jane, she is very excited at the thought of dancing with Mr Bing

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Wednesday, November 18th, 1801 Being the youngest of five daughters has nothing to recommend it, especially when one is suffered to endure the intimate proximity of one’s cousin in the close confines of a carriage. Jane, Lizzy and Catherine were handed in, crushing themselves together, so as to make it impossible to admit anybody else, and so I was compelled to sit between my sister Mary and Mr Collins, who talked at me without pause for breath all the way to Meryton. However, this sad start was soon forgotten as on entering my Aunt Philips's abode she immediately announced that Mr Wickham was in the house. As the gentlemen were not yet finished dining, we had to listen t

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Tuesday, November 17th 1801 A day that started out as a dismal business with papa foisting Mr Collins out of his study and inviting him to accompany my sisters and I on our walk into town, has taken a most pleasurable and unlikely turn. We walked into Meryton, Catherine, Jane, Lizzy and I, with Mr Collins talking incessantly all the way. However, such a treat was in store as we reached the High Street. On the other side of the way, we spied Mr Denny, accompanied by an extremely gentleman-like figure, nodding and bowing in our direction. Chancing to meet them as they turned back, Kitty and I crossed the road as if to admire a striped pink sarcenet in a window just in time as w

Lydia Bennet's Online Diary. At this time of the year I always read Pride and Prejudice and I thought it would be fun to see what Lydia is thinking about all the goings on at Longbourn. Lydia's online diary starts just before Mr Bingley arrives and finishes where my novel, Lydia Bennet's Story, begins. Monday, November 16th 1801 Our cousin, Mr Collins, a hideously dull and ugly clergyman, arrived today. He is twenty five, but indeed looks much older and every time he opens his mouth, it is to deliver a sermon, or at least that is how it sounds to my ears. Mama declared privately that he is here to look over his possessions and chattels, for she says he will turn us all out as soon as my father is pronounced dead, as he is to inherit our Longbourn estate. I have taken steps to ensure that our paths will not cross very often. After dinner, it transpired that HE DOES NOT READ NOVELS and read from a set of Fordyce’s Sermons to my incredulous horror! I know I was more than a lit

There is a review for Lydia Bennet's Story from the Historical Novel Society in this month's issue of their reviews magazine. The flirtatious Lydia Bennet, the youngest sister in Pride and Prejudice, is the heroine of this delightful Jane Austen sequel....The narrative is interspersed with Lydia's diary entries, which are hilarious. Lydia matures quite a bit through the course of the novel and at the end is no longer the self-centred flirt she was at the beginning. The author makes this transition gradual and quite believable. The new characters are all very much in th spirit of Austen. I highly recommend this book to fans of Jane Austen or Regency romances. Vicki Kondelik Taken from their web site: This is THE best place to find out about new historical fiction. 'The Historical Novels Review is where I find out what’s happening in the historical fiction market.' – Carole Blake, Blake Friedmann Literary Agency. 'I've just read Solander - it's a triumph!