Jayne Fresina | A Fun Reimagining Of An Old Favorite

January 12, 2016

While writing The Book Club Belles, I enjoyed reimagining each of the three Jane Austen stories that I selected for the series— PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and PERSUASION. It gave me an excuse to re-read those wonderful books yet again, of course, and to study them in even greater depth than before.

When it came to borrowing those plots and characters, weaving them into my own stories, I knew I took on a formidable task. Austen's novels have so many devoted followers, I wanted to be sure that my versions added a little something fresh and new, without spoiling the charm of her stories. But as a long-time fan myself, I was excited to face that challenge and, hopefully, I managed without offending anybody!

I could never choose a favorite Jane Austen novel. That would be as impossible as it is to choose a favorite from among my own creations. Each story has characters I love as dearly as old friends, so how could I pick out just one?

In each case, the characters Jane wrote are not just sketches, but fully developed and recognizable to us, even two hundred years later. We've all met a Mrs. Bennet, an Anne Elliot, or a Marianne Dashwood. I believe it's that comfortable familiarity that makes us first fall in love with Austen's novels and then keeps them close to our hearts. When we follow the journeys taken by these delightfully real and fallible characters, even if we are reading their story for the twentieth time, we still enjoy every word. We laugh and love along with them, and often find things we missed before.

To me, an Austen novel is like a box in the attic, full of knick-knacks to rediscover, or an old photo-album of memories that I like to revisit occasionally. Her stories can cheer up the worst mood on a rainy day, keep a nervous mind off a bumpy plane journey, or make a relaxing swing in a hammock complete. A Jane Austen novel is always appropriate for any occasion, never out of place, never stressful or disturbing. It is, in fact, the company of an old friend.

The first book I chose to re-imagine for the Book Club Belles series was PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, because of that enduring love story of first impressions gone awry and all the amusing characters that inhabit Elizabeth's family. The five Bennet sisters, in my version, became the five members of the Hawcombe Prior book society— Diana, Cathy, Rebecca, Justina and Lucy. Thus, the series began.

For the final book, I came to Diana's story and for her I chose PERSUASION, as a story of love lost and found. Diana—just like Anne Elliot, in Austen's book—is the most mature of my Book Club Belles heroines and is often in danger of being dismissed as a wallflower by her family. But through the progress of her journey she learns how to speak up for herself, take a risk and boldly grasp her unexpected second chance.

Each of the Book Club Belles has their own special place in my heart and to pick a favorite would be impossible. Each story was fun to write, each character providing me with a thrilling new challenge. There were some surprises along the way, as certain bossy characters took over their own plots and tried to go wandering off, but thanks to Austen's timeless stories they could not go far. Actually, I think they were enjoying themselves too much following the footsteps of her beloved heroes and heroines.

Giveaway

What is your favorite Jane Austen story? One commenter will win a copy of HOW TO RESCUE A RAKE.

About Jayne Fresina

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four daughters. Entertained by her father's colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters---all with far more exciting lives than hers---she's always had inspirations for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines.

Series: Book Club Belles Society

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About HOW TO RESCUE A RAKE

Reject his marriage proposal
Nathaniel Sherringham has returned to Hawcombe Prior a changed man. Gone is the reckless rake who went out on a limb to propose to Diana Makepiece three years ago. Now Nate's mysterious new wealth has the town's rumor mill spinning. To stir things up (and get Diana's attention), Nate boldly announces his plans to marry "any suitable girl" under the age of 25.

Run away
Diana, now 27 and still single, is acutely aware of Nate's return. When her mother suggests a trip to visit a cousin in Bath, Diana leaps at the chance to escape the heartbreak and regret she can't help but feel in Nate's presence...and avoid his irritating charade to find a bride.

But for Nate, Diana has always been the one. He might just have to follow her to Bath and once again lay his heart on the line to win her attention-and her heart.

Buy HOW TO RESCUE A RAKE: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | iTunes/iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Chapters

Comments

28 comments posted.

Re: Jayne Fresina | A Fun Reimagining Of An Old Favorite

Pride and Prejudice~
(Marissa Yip-Young 6:34am January 12, 2016)

I am one of the few readers that when I was growing up, I
never read Jane Austen!! Your books are going to be like a
breath of fresh air for me, so I'm really looking forward to
reading your books!! At least I'm at the age where I can
appreciate stories such as these. Growing up, I read books
on nature and planets. The only book that I made a point of
reading was the Autobiography of Helen Keller, because she
was my Hero, and I looked up to her, and patterned my life
after her. Congratulations on your latest book, as well as
your series, and I'm sure they are going to do well!!
(Peggy Roberson 6:51am January 12, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice.
(Edward Washington 7:52am January 12, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice. Thanks for this lovely post and feature.
(Sharon Berger 10:03am January 12, 2016)

WOW it would have to be Pride and Prejudice. I've read it several times!!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:05am January 12, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite Jane Austen book.
(Janie McGaugh 1:05pm January 12, 2016)

I have never read Jane Austin. I've only seen the movie adaptations.
(Cecilia Rodriguez 1:25pm January 12, 2016)

I have to admit to have never read the books...
(Colleen Conklin 7:08pm January 12, 2016)

My favorite is also pride and prejudice! I love her and mr. Darcy. He seems
rude and aloof at first, but he truly is kind hearted and in love.
(Lily Shah 10:38am January 13, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite, and in my mind's eye Colin Firth is always Mr. Darcy.
(Cheryl Castings 11:20am January 13, 2016)

I'm going to say Emma, since no one has mentioned that book. Is anyone going to go see the movie where they took one of the jane Austen novels and added zombies?
(Angela Parrish 3:10pm January 13, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice all the way!!
(Bonnie Capuano 5:04pm January 13, 2016)

I guess Pride and Prejudice would be. Today, at Goodwill, I
found and bought the Jane Austen Book Club book. I have never
read it so I will now. Bath is a great place for a book
setting.
(Leona Olson 6:39pm January 13, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice
(Ann Unger 9:29pm January 13, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice
(G. Bisbjerg 11:12pm January 13, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice
(Natasha Persaud 12:00pm January 14, 2016)

I loved several but Pride and Prejudice was my favorite. I read it several times!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:45am January 14, 2016)

Emma. I love her independence.
(Karin Anderson 11:34am January 14, 2016)

I don't believe I have read any of Jane Austen books . Would love to read you book . Thanks for this chance .
(Joan Thrasher 9:43pm January 14, 2016)

Definitely Pride and Prejudice.
(Amy Kincade 2:05am January 15, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice
(Theresa Ruddick 3:50pm January 15, 2016)

I never read then when I was younger. I wanted the movies for
the book reports. I feel bad saying that but I just did not
enjoy reading while in school.
(Lake Bottorff 2:15am January 16, 2016)

Sense and Sensibility
(Richard Burr 9:45am January 16, 2016)

Pride and Prejudice
(Dianne McVetty 10:45am January 16, 2016)

I'm not sure why, but I've never read a Jane Austen book.
(Anna Speed 11:45am January 16, 2016)

Emma
(Sharlene Wegner 1:42pm January 16, 2016)

I've yet to read a Jane Austen book. I think I'm rebelling against a friend
who is an ardent fan. Too much hype and I don't want to join the party.
(Laura Gullickson 6:03pm January 16, 2016)

gotta go with Pride & Prejudice, tho I very much enjoy Sense &
Sensibility too.
(Diane Sallans 8:29pm January 16, 2016)

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