When I discovered that Rachel Parris (of Austentatious) had written a novel centred on the ever-practical Charlotte Collins, I couldn’t wait to read it.

This episode of Pemberley and Beyond dives into a delightful reimagining of that Austen fans won’t want to miss. Introducing Mrs Collins offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on one of Austen’s most infamously unromantic characters. Known for her sensible outlook, Charlotte’s carefully ordered life at Hunsford Parsonage is suddenly thrown into disarray when a charming and unexpected gentleman visits Rosings Park.

Join me as we unpack the three main tropes in this clever continuation of Pride and Prejudice and muse on the romantic potential of Mr Collins.

In this episode, we are delving into The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub.

Published in 2023, this epistolary novel picks up where every scene ends in Pride and Prejudice, à la Rosencratz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Weaving together tropes galore with wit and witchcraft, this is an exciting new voice within the Jane Austen Inspired literary world!

As regular readers/listeners of Pemberley & Beyond will know, my last experience of stepping outside my comfort zone of Pride & Prejudice retellings ended in disaster. Nonetheless, I fell head over heels for the beautiful cover of Emma of 83rd Street when I saw it in my local library. I know that there’s that old chestnut about not judging books by their cover, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for a fun cover!
When I beheld it, I thought to myself… could this book break the curse of terrible non-Pride and Prejudice retellings?

Join Cat on Pemberley and Beyond for a special bite-size episode celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary through the anthology Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years. This captivating collection of essays, short stories, poetry, and art showcases how Austen’s wit, wisdom, and social insight continue to inspire readers, writers, and artists around the world.

In this episode, Cat explores standout pieces from the anthology, from Tallulah Riley’s modern reimagining of Charlotte Collins in Charlotte to Jen Francis’s essay Austen’s Onscreen Evaluation, which examines the evolution of Austen’s adaptations from BBC period dramas to potential TikTok musicals.

Acknowledgement:
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free copy of Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years through NetGalley.

**You listened and spoke! I listened and re-recorded!

Re-uploaded with better quality audio**

What if Mary Bennet had turned her intellect to science… and the reanimation of the dead? In this Halloween-inspired episode, Cat reviews Melinda Taub’s recently published The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet. A witty, gothic, and gloriously queer reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.

Expect thoughtful discussion as we explore Mary’s transformation from overlooked sister to determined scientist, the moral quandaries of creation, and the quiet ache of forbidden love.

Plus, in Hocus Tropus, Cat pairs this tale with Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson: another story where knowledge, danger, and desire intertwine.

For those who love Jane Austen with a twist, a touch of the macabre, and a pot of strong tea.

With thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

New episode alert! Cat's talking about Sonali Dev’s Recipe for Persuasion: a modern, desi twist on Austen’s Persuasion.

Chef Ashna Raje faces family drama, a struggling restaurant, and (of course) her ex on a reality cooking show. But all is not as it seems for the politically astute reader....

In this episode, Cat chats about the sparkling new cosy fantasy mystery series Pride & Prejudice & Potions. She takes us to the Prequel novella, where a masquerade ball is more than just swooshing gowns and whispered scandals: it’s where the magic quite literally begins.

Expect trope-spotting, a touch of whimsy, and a peek at how Wickham is being lined up for… well, let’s just say trouble is brewing (naturally). Written by Laura M. Drake, this is Jane Austen fan fiction with a magical twist and a wink.

Join Cat once again as she talks about the main tropes in Katherine Reay’s The Austen Escape.

Escape into the world of Austen. Literally.

Tech engineer Mary Davies finds herself whisked away from her high-stress job to an immersive Jane Austen experience in the English countryside. But when her best friend suddenly loses her memory and believes herself to be an Austen heroine, Mary must navigate tangled friendships, long-buried truths, and the unexpected pull of romance.

A witty, heartfelt read that’s perfect for anyone craving sharp banter, second chances, and a modern story wrapped in the charm of Austen’s timeless world.