Review
"Robin Helm's Valentine's story reminded me that it's better to bless and serve those we love than to complain and grumble. It reminds me of Jesus's command to do good even to our enemies. How much more, then, should we look for ways to do good to our friends? Today, what are you tempted to grumble about, and how might you be kind to someone instead? Faith, Science, Joy, ... and Jane Austen
"All the tales were warm and wonderful, and it felt like I was catching up with old friends." Christian Bookaholic
"There were some delightful verbal volleys between the two in these charming tales." Christian Bookaholic
"... full of light romance and literary charm. " Blogging with Carol
"They were all so creative and each one kept me eagerly turning the pages. This collection was a lot of fun to read." Britt Reads Fiction
"If you're a fan of Jan Austen, these stories will warm your heart and whisk you back in time." Reflections from My Bookshelves
"If you have enjoyed the characters of Austen's novels you are going to love this collection of the characters having new adventures." For Him and My Family
"How can you not get lost in these stories? I loved this collection and would highly recommend it to my daughter (a huge Jane Austen fan) and to others." Jeannette's Thoughts
"Each story is fun to read, and takes the reader back to a simpler time, of love, romance, and proper etiquette. Each story has it's own charm and brings the reader closer to the characters. My favorites have to be the novellas containing the characters Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. In I Dream of You, we learn how to give rather than to receive and the joys we can draw from each act of kindness. If you love historical fiction, and Jane Austen novels, then this is certainly a book for you." Godly Book Reviews
"I adore this story! Of the six short stories in this collection, My Valentine is my favorite. It is so well-written, highly engaging, and SO sweet." The Christian Fiction Girl
"I loved the lively and witty conversations in I Dream of You. In Sir Walter Takes a Wife, a mistaken valentine starts a hilarious courtship. This one had to be my favorite of the stories as it had me laughing along as I read it." Emily Yager
"In this collection the reader meets Elizabeth and Darcy a year after their marriage when their love life needs a little attention. Then another story takes on the love entanglement of their daughter Charlotte years later. I love meeting their children! Two other stories concentrate on elements of 'what if' during their courtship. My Austen imagination soars believing the events transpired in real literature time." Connect in Fiction
"One favorite was I Dream of You by author Robin Helm. She did such an excellent job with Lizzy. The entire concept is genius. It is refreshing reading a love story about a married couple. I did not want this one to end. Definitely it is a 5 star tale!" Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess
From the Author
What readers are saying about Sir Walter Takes a Wife...
Golden.Simply golden. Many readers have mistaken Sir Walter for an idiot, but you know the truth of it. The man is brilliant at what he does.
You have me absolutely, positively looking forward to this story. Sir Walter has NEVER been one of my favorite people and to have him wooing Lady Catherine? Crazy funny!!
Sir Walter (not Sir Elliott) is just made for comic relief. Garden statuary, indeed? I cannot wait to see Lady C's POV. If she's as amusing as Sir Lovemyself, this will be terrific!
I am a great man? I am trying to stay on my chair without falling off laughing. Oh my. This is just great. Next up: Lady Catherine's reaction, in all its forthrightness and candor.
I snorted more than once, my friend. I love, love, love this witty story.
He played her like a harp, and he didn't break a sweat. He wasn't even trying.
SirWalter is certainly playing Lady C like a (slightly out of tune but still reasonable sounding) violin. Elizabeth sounds like she is more friendly toward Darcy here than in canon (not that I am complaining), so maybe you'll have a few engagements by the end of this story? Hmm?
So, Lady C is a Stradivarius? Improving with age? Admirable that she can fit into a gown she wore at 35.
I'm just. . . . flabbergasted. Speechless. What can I possibly say to this? Lady Catherine - the indomitable, ferocious, opinionated LadyCatherine - is actually falling for Sir Walter (who you so kindly gifted with a brain). He has his agenda but, to be honest, the way these two are written, they're seriously perfect for each other. Hmm, now I wonder how much of Darcy's courtship Lady C will miss due to her own, ahhhh, state of busyness?
I have no doubt Sir Walter will achieve his objective, for who could resist such a man of such excellent distinction, breeding, and appearance? A virtual paragon of manhood!
Ok, seriously? This is just too, too fun! I am very impressed by your ability to write intelligibly in the character of such a foolish person. He's hysterical and completely, entirely self-absorbed. I liked the little striped waistcoat line - a truly Mr. Collins thing to say.
This is just awesome! Not sure I'd call this a match made in heaven but it will make interesting reading.
I must remember not to read this while near other people because I'm going to laugh out loud, every time.
Oh, I do like this story! It is delicious.
She's sliding down a slippery slope and her servants seem to think it's in her best interest. You know, that's a nice compliment to Her Ladyship.
I honestly see these two as a perfect pair. Lady C and Sir W - they are both entirely convinced of their own superiority and appreciate that facet of the other. Mr. Collins a bull in a china shop? Maybe but Sir W would then have to be compared to a pickpocket, smoothly and stealthily slipping in his own agenda. Maybe a reverse pickpocket?
Humor is so difficult to write, but you manage to make it seem effortless. Such a light touch!
This is such a fun read! Sir Walter's comments make me laugh! Darcy has to be loving this waltz. I'd love to get inside his head...and Elizabeth's head...to know their opinions of Sir Walter.
Oh.My. Goodness! This story is priceless! Leave it to Sir Walter to turn the tables on The Colonel and Darcy! I truly laughed out loud while reading this. So much fun!
Sir Walter is my new hero. Without being a Great Thinker, he directed both the Colonel and Darcy where he wanted them to go and gave them as good (no, better!) than he got. (Yes, what is that vulgar word - ahh, broke.)
This is hilarious! The one thing I loved about the movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was that Lady C was played as an attractive woman - I can certainly see this Lady C in that light as well. (Well, maybe without the eyepatch and rapier.) And Sir Walter is a total hoot! This was worth coming home from vacation for.
From the Inside Flap
What readers are saying . . .
This anthology is wonderful. So very romantic, and yet done in such a way that anyone can enjoy it. I would not blush to hand this story to a teen student!
A Very Austen Valentine is just so lovely, and I love how it gives up a glimpse into the minds of our beloved characters. It just has all the warm and fuzzy that's at the heart of a real love story, while staying fresh and interesting. What a super story! I really like Anne. She and Richard are terrific, with their plotting. Does that "sprained hand" have anything to do with sending some letters to a different recipient than the scribe believes? Shades of Beatrice and Benedick?
Delightful from start to finish.
About the Author
Robin Helm
Robin Helm loves music, and is fascinated with the paranormal and science fiction.
Her books include The Guardian Trilogy, the Yours by Design series, and Understanding Elizabeth.
She enjoys small town life in sunny South Carolina.
Laura Hile
Readers are loving Laura Hile's joyous Regency novels. Her signature style--with intertwined plots, cliffhangers, laugh-out-loud humor, and romance--keeps them coming back for more.
Laura, a teacher, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a collection of antique clocks.
Wendi Sotis
Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets.
In 2010, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction. Her books include: Promises; Dreams and Expectations; All Hallows Eve; The Keys for Love; Safekeeping; The Gypsy Blessing; Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); A Lesson Hard Learned, and The Marriage Pact
Barbara Cornthwaite
Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before "retiring" to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams,skyscrapers, and hot weather.
Susan Kaye
Susan Kaye discovered Jane Austen and writing at about the same time. She leads a quiet life with her husband and dog, Harley. "I don't know a lot, but I do know I've probably spent more time with Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot than just about anybody else."
Mandy Helm Cook
Mandy Cook was an RN for over ten years, half of which she served in the Navy. She married her handsome Marine just before they were both deployed to different places. They now have three children.
