Dreaming of Mr. Darcy

by Victoria Connelly

Published by Sourcebooks

available January 2012
received from NetGalley for review

synopsis (from Goodreads)

Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay, but it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.

MY REVIEW

Victoria Connelly does it again. Her second novel in the Austenesque trio of books is a winner. The story revolves around an Austen loving illustrator named Kay who opens a bed and breakfast in Lyme Regis. She is literally invaded by a group of actors/actresses and directors filming a version of Persuasion. The book is a roller coaster ride of interactions between the characters. Kay learns the hard way that just because someone is playing an Austen character, doesn't mean they are similar to the character. 

The individuals of this story were very diverse. Some were likable, some were incredibly unlikable. I think my favorite character is Nana Craig. Who is Nana, you ask? Read the book. You'll love her and her grandson. The book itself was somewhat slow moving. I spent a great deal of time rolling my eyes at Kay and laughing at her matchmaking incompetence.

The end was as I had hoped. 

A thought to leave you with- from the book- "Does Jane Austen ruin lives by giving people false expectations about love? Were her heroes just too good to be true?"

I would recommend this book to any Austen lover. I think anyone who doesn't appreciate Jane Austen would perhaps not enjoy this novel.

3.5/5 stars