I haven't finished yet but so far I'm so impressed with how natural their relationship is, how relatable and reasonable their attractions are, and how gentle and genuine their faith is.
I don’t usually care for Austen inspired spin offs but this one was quite a lovely surprise! I always felt bad for Charlotte but in this case, I’d say she got the cream of the crop!
I love everything about this!! Beautifully written and narrated, I say this as someone who normally does not like P &P derivatives. Yay for Charlotte and Jack!😍
What a wonderful happy ending for Charlotte; I always felt so sorry for her. I found myself frequently smiling while listening, and laughing out loud in places. I think Ms Austin would have thoroughly approved of this book. Thank you so very much for sharing.
I never listen to Austen remakes, but I’m so glad I listened to this one! This was the way the story should have gone in my opinion. Perfectly delightful!
Absolutely delightful. I appreciated all the naval details in addition to all the strengths others have mentioned. Charlotte deserved this and Mary was more suited to Mr.Collins. He deserved her.😉
Just finished it. Its a wonderful romantic Story. I loved it. Came up with tears once or Twice😊 Thanks for uploading it. A new Story about Those two lovebirds would be nice😉
I love this story too, Inge. More unlikely romances set in this world -- with Jack and Charlotte woven in -- is something I've been thinking about. I'm so very happy you enjoyed So This Is Love.
@@inge5774, most of my audiobooks are Pride and Prejudice variations, and most involve Darcy and Elizabeth -- since readers enjoy stories about them. Here is a Playlist you might enjoy. Thanks for listening! ua-cam.com/play/PLjvVhxi46h7S2OigL4tXpUhYaiVuYzldN.html
Thank you very much. I see that I already listened to all of them except the Valentine Story. That one is next😉 Did you write a Story about Mary or Kitty?
@@inge5774, thanks for the kind encouragement! ❤ Kitty and Mary weave through my stories, although as secondary characters. If you search "Jane Austen Fan Fiction" here on UA-cam, you'll find five or six authors who write Austen variations. You might find a Mary or Kitty story.
What a great Charlotte story. I love supporting character-centered storie in general, and this is a really successful one. But I also love it when Charlotte gets someone better than Mr. Collins. Poor Mary, though. Thanks so much for bringing your audio books to this site for us. We're so very lucky.
Michelle, thank you for the kind encouragement! Our Charlotte now has a tiger by the tail, instead of a rather spineless fellow. 😊 Poor Mary indeed. The thing is, to enable Elizabeth to meet up with Mr. Darcy in Hunsford, I had to have someone in place for her to visit. You are very welcome for the audiobooks. I reach a much wider audience through UA-cam. Who knew? Have an enjoyable weekend!
From a german listener but fellow writer: I really must compliment you on your work here. Believeable acting characters (for the era and psychologically) and plot twists completely in line with the original characterisation. You successfully circumnavigated the pitfalls of beginners and fanfiction - it doesn't slip into the too sappy, foreseeable or fanservicy traps. For this to read so smoothly it takes a lot of time-consuming polishing and skill! I thank you for the quality work you've put into this, for investing that much heart blood to make your vision come true and dare to hope without knowing that it is worth the effort and others see the potential and great chemistry too. And you pulled it off. What wonderful characters and dialogues. The characters felt very real - and that is no easy feat! Honestly a clearly visible strength of yours. It is truly a wonderful solution for the plot to do charlotte more justice. I like the little argument and change of heart on the way to doing something actually naughty you showed in the end. So lifelike :D. Also loved the little delicious morsels of regency era facts you embedded throughout the story. A real treat for an ever curious regency-set romance novel aficionado like me! You've given us a gift of a good story that nourishes the soul. And if you sometimes doubt the worth of your work let me be one visible voice more that leastwise can write a little positive feedback, as so many don't understand or have experienced what it's like to put yourself and your work out there and scan every little feedback that trickles back. You made an unendling flu go by swiftly and saved me some painkillers in the process. So that's the power of artful escapism ;). To help others endure pain more, when they need help and a little lift.
Oh, Lysann, did you have that awful cold/flu? Since before Christmas, my students have been out with it -- and then I came down with it. We are all on the mend now. The worst part (for me) are the weeks of coughing and such. Such a nusiance! I hope you feel more like yourself soon. Thank you, sincerely, for the heartfelt review and encouragement. You're right, this book is a labor of love. Often I wish I wrote more quickly. It's lovely to see that some of my readers, like you, understand. I am casting about for ideas for a summer project, another So This Is novel set in the same world, with Charlotte and Jack Blunt woven in. You have blessed me today, Lysann. Praise from a fellow writer means a lot. Thank you.
Me too, I love Pride and Prejudice, and I just can't get into spin offs, by the description and Title I couldn't tell this was a spin off. If i would have known it was, I would not have started to listen. But I did start to listen, and found that it is a good story. Maybe because it is about Charlotte, and she wasn't a main character..
You are very welcome, Patricia. The pandemic shutdown -- and running my middle school History classes via Google Classroom assignments -- gave me the time I needed to finish this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening. ❤
Thank you, MJ, for the encouragement. The enthusiastic response of UA-cam listeners have me excited to explore new ideas for them. Perhaps this summer after the school year is finished.
Beautiful story for Charlotte. I was expecting Mr. Collins to turn out nicer, but this hero is so much better. Narrator was great, but wished she wouldn’t lower her volume on the non-conversation parts as it was hard to hear. Thank you so much! I will be looking for your other stories ❤
I really enjoyed this so much that I had to listen to it twice. What a wonderful narrator . The story is so much nicer for Charlotte Lucas than the original. I like her uncle. Jack is perfect
Marge, thanks for the encouragement. The highest compliment someone can give is the re-read. Or rather, the re-listen. Ruth Redman did a lovely job with this. ❤
This is one of my favorite stories! I was so happy to hear this lovely audio version. It was perfect. I would love to see the movie version! This would make a great screenplay. You are incredibly talented, Laura Hile!
Superb! I always felt sorry for the Charlotte Lucas character, in Pride and Prejudice. I never understood how she could ever have tolerated a life with Mr Collins! He was repulsive and she was very intelligent. This is a wonderful, sweet romance. I found Captain Jack a perfect 'romantic hero' character and well suited to Charlotte. It's also very witty. I, particularly, loved Jack's reply to Mr Collins' awful letter. I didn't understand why people should think Jack a 'sham Captain', though, when he was the heir to Charlotte's uncle. The Bennetts knew Charlotte well. It's just a shame that they had to go to sea together, in order to stay together. His foot could have been more of a problem, perhaps. Also, that he is so much older than Charlotte. I would have wished them a long and happy future together, with a large, happy family. Being pregnant, while at sea, would be difficult and no place for her or any children! Also, he would, probably, die long before Charlotte. It's sad to think that, after waiting so long for love, they would not have a long life together. Perhaps, I'm thinking too much! 😃 I, still, found it a delightful romance! 👏
Thank you so much for this wonderful story! I have loved Jane Austen‘s works since I was a teenager studying English literature in Rome, Italy. And now, as a retired high school teacher in Rome, Italy, I just love these fantastic adaptations. Plus, I find the description of Mr. Collins so fitting. The reading was just right and I am amazed at how one person can seem to be so many.
A lovely surprise to come across this.Such a delight to see that in your paralell universe Charlotte gets a far better that the awful Collins .As for Mary , I always felt that she was a character that could be developed and was made of sterner stuff than portrayed in the oriiginal Pride and Predjudice. I believe that she knows that she can make something of Collins and given time I'm sure that their marriage will suit them both with Mary being at the helm . Cracking story. Loved every moment of it. Thankyou.🌟
I, too, had grown tired of P&P alteration novels. 20 years ago, they were few and far between so I have a nice collection. But this story is one of the best I’ve read. It was so engaging, I have always rooted for Charlotte.
Twenty years ago? Then I bet you've enjoyed Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy. As you can probably guess, Pride and Prejudice variations make money, so authors from various genres have jumped in with their own Darcy and Elizabeth novels. Even P.D. James. It's been very encouraging to see the response to So This Is Love here on UA-cam. Thank you for the kind words. ❤
I don’t usually like to stray far from JA’s P&P characters and some could say this doesn’t. But I did really enjoy Charlotte’s story as you conceived it. My thanks for your generosity in sharing your work. While my budget for JA variations is limited, I prefer them to what the real world is about. Thanks again.
Shockingly good! I LOVE that Charlotte didn't end up with that scumbag! I have always thought he was so weak and sniveling and among the grossest of men!
Aw, thanks, Amanda. It's a reminder how important security was to Charlotte that she was willing to put up with someone like Collins as husband. Then again, her own father was rather a foolish man. It was too much fun to bring Jack into Charlotte's life and watch her tumble headlong into love. Thanks for listening!
I came across your channel a little by chance and enjoyed this delightful story and the narration by Ruth Redman. Charlotte turns into a completely different character for our pleasure. Thank you for sharing your stories, and best wishes for the holiday season from Paris.
What a delightful novel. I especially enjoyed the dialogues. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely book with us. Merry Christmas and best wishes from Bavaria 🙋🏻♀Lisa
This narrator is fantastic; one of the best I've ever heard. Only complaint is that I have to keep turning the sound up or down with the modulation of her voice. I wish it were more even. Somewhere in the mid-tone; it would be perfection if she could correct this.
Oh, Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed So This Is Love. Thank you for the feedback about the volume. When Ruth works on the next narration project, I'll mention it. Have a happy New Year!
Really enjoyed a story focused on Charlotte for a change. Only criticism would be Jack calling her honey. Kept jumping out at me as not being used in that period. 😊😊
I kept seeing this audiobook come up in my suggestions on YT, but I am never sure if I will like stories where D&E aren’t the central characters. I loved it! I agree with others who have said they feel sorry for Charlotte. How lovely your Jack is. Love their banter and slow burn love story. I was like, come on now! He is perfect for her! The couple on the illustration looks perfect! I would love to see a story where Jack meets Darcy! Any plans?
Patricia, thank you! This cover was tough to find, because I do not have deep enough pockets for a custom photo shoot. Our Jack has a beard, so the cover guy's will have to do. I am working on a Christmas prequel to So This Is Love (Henry and Emma Goodding's courtship). I'm excited to know that you'd like to see more of Jack Blunt. He'll be part of the story, pre-Charlotte. Darcy and Captain Blunt? Ooh, I like the idea. I agree, it would be great fun to see them interact. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Patricia.
@@LauraHileAudiobooks I listened to the audiobook again because it was so good and it came up in my suggestions 😊 I have to say I LOVED the letter to Mr. Collins! So brilliant and so Jack. Question. Why doesn’t Charlotte tell Elizabeth she found this amazing man and is getting married when she comes back home? I get things are different after her rejection of Mr. C but they’re still such good friends.
Patricia, thanks for the repeat listen. Unlike with Kindle Unlimited, UA-cam pays me for each and every time someone listens. And I learned from a poll that you all are wonderful re-listeners! That chapter about the letter to Collins? I wrote that simply to delight readers . . . and myself. As for the cooling between Elizabeth and Charlotte, it's sad, and you are not the first to wonder why I wrote it like that. I'll give Jane Austen's text below. Suffice it to say that, when I do write a follow-up sequel, several years will have gone by, and perhaps the friendship will be restored to what it once was. If I am sending Darcy and Blunt on an adventure together, it will have to be that way. Yay! Anyway, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth comes to realize that Jane's friendship and loyalty as a sister are precious. From Chapter 23: "Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again. Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her opinion could never be shaken. . ."
@@LauraHileAudiobooks ah interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊 I’m glad to hear YT pays you for listens. A Darcy and Blunt adventure you say? Yes, please! Eagerly anticipating it. Jack is similar to Richard so maybe he should be part of the adventure too! And they’re both military men. There you have a beginning 😗
Monday Dec. 4th…thank you so much for posting the delicious book. Finally a wonderful story for charlotte. Finally she gets her turn and what a wonderful ending. I thoroughly enjoyed all the adventures. I’ll certainly be reading more of your books as I have subscribed. This definitely deserves a second listening. ❤😊
Aw, Irene, that's very kind of you. I love this story too -- which sounds strange, because I wrote it. With Ruth's marvelous performance, I get to be a fan. Plus, who wouldn't fall in love with Jack Blunt? Right? 😄
Aw, Jenny, thanks for the vote of confidence. ❤ With the Jane Austen readers, a Charlotte story does not have the same appeal as Darcy and Elizabeth. That was before UA-cam. But all of you here are loving So This Is Love so much that I'm considering a "Cliff House" follow up story or two. Simply to work with these wonderful characters once again. I might even write a Regency about the Goodding's courtship . . . 😊
I love to see different views and changes in the original master piece. It's like a lots of if,s an ands I also like the we hear of the other characters and how they end up.. 😊
Lovely story and admirable hero! Unfortunately I don't like fanfictions and would have given this a 5 out of 5 if it wasn't for that aspect. I personally would have liked this to be a standalone story, not connected to anything else. Charlotte did not feel like Austen's Charlotte. Mr Collins especially was not at all the way I perceived him to be in P&P. If all the characters had different names I would have loved this more. I was hoping to find an original work on your channel, but it seems that everything is fanfiction. I'll sub and check back again in a few months. Again, the writing is good, and the hero is strong, the female lead grew in character - all things I look for in a romance. Thank you for making your work available here.
Thanks for giving So This Is Love a try. These days, many of us learn to write by posting fan fiction on the Internet and getting feedback from readers. This was true for me. My new book, Pretty in Print, is also Jane Austen related, so when it comes out in audio you might want to skip it. However, it is you listeners here on UA-cam who have given me courage to step out and write Regency fiction. With that in mind, I have a Christmas novella in the works. it's looking to be a prequel to So This Is Love. I will add that Jane Austen fan fiction sells well, and this income is what finances my audiobooks. The production expense is considerable, so this is the way I make it work. Thanks again for listening.
Up to 11:00, and Charlotte sounds like a different character. She does sound like she wants romance, disliking Mr. Collins so much that she can't think of one good thing about him. Her dislike of him sounds more like Elisabeth, I'm afraid.
14:44 - this isn't even like Mr Collins. Fiances might do those things today, but back then it was scandalous. Why can't modern writers keep to the restraints of the original!
Oh, that's very kind of you to give another recommendation. I shall indeed give it a go - thank you! @@LauraHileAudiobooks EDIT - lol, sorry, I misunderstood your comment on first go. I thought You said, "give 'So This is Love' a try." ;-)
Well, my Austen stories aren't for everyone. :D They're lighthearted adventures with our favorite Austen friends. I sometimes bring in characters from other Austen novels just for fun. Have a Merry Christmas,@@LilacDaisy2
@@LauraHileAudiobooks Oh, I didn't know you wrote them. Sorry if I sounded harsh. I guess the more people love something, the harder they are to please, yet the more they also want what you're offering. A tough gig for you. ;-) Merry Christmas! x
@lilacDaisy111, when you mentioned a recommendation earlier, I've thought over which of my audiobooks you might enjoy. How about Sir Walter Takes a Wife? It's short and lighthearted, not to mention being oh-good-grief! fun. It features two of Jane Austen's worst snobs. 😄 Have a Merry Christmas!
Hi, Nat, Good question! Jack Blunt's given name is Jasper, which is how Charlotte had always heard him called. She continues to call him this at various times, simply to annoy him. Charlotte would rather be called Diana, as it is more beautful, but she reasons that this is nonsense, since it is not her name. Jack Blunt calls her Diana from time to time, in part to annoy her. So basically, they end up having pet names for one another. Thanks for listening!
@@LauraHileAudiobooksI'm back listening again! Thank You so much for sharing your work! I'm glad it was fun for you, it adds wonderful entertainment for me in my golden years. ☮️💞🙏
I haven't finished yet but so far I'm so impressed with how natural their relationship is, how relatable and reasonable their attractions are, and how gentle and genuine their faith is.
Aw, thanks, kpopandpolitics. Happy listening!🌻
I don’t usually care for Austen inspired spin offs but this one was quite a lovely surprise! I always felt bad for Charlotte but in this case, I’d say she got the cream of the crop!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, StingRae. Thanks for listening!
1:21 😮😮
I agree. I usually don't even try them. But I'm glad I found this one.
@ it’s become a favorite of mine. I’ve listened several times since I first discovered these lovely MCs.
I’m sure I miss some great reads for that reason
The narrator is brilliant, too! 👏
Oh, I agree. Ruth Redman did an amazing job.
I love everything about this!! Beautifully written and narrated, I say this as someone who normally does not like
P &P derivatives. Yay for Charlotte and Jack!😍
Thank you for the kind words, mochagirl.❤ Ruth Redman did a wonderful job reading this.
What a wonderful happy ending for Charlotte; I always felt so sorry for her. I found myself frequently smiling while listening, and laughing out loud in places. I think Ms Austin would have thoroughly approved of this book. Thank you so very much for sharing.
Watchcub, thank you for the kind encouragement. It was great fun working with this cast of characters. Thanks for listening.
@@LauraHileAudiobookslloooooooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllllllllkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
This gets an A+. I loved the story and narration.
How sweet, how kind, how tender. This was a good listen, A happy one.
Aw, Hannah, thanks for the kind encouragement. I do love this story . . .
@@LauraHileAudiobooks :)))
I love this outcome for poor Charlotte instead of trapped w silly Mr Collin’s. Adventurous Naval men!
Oh yes, we do love this future for our girl Charlotte. Thanks for listening. ❤
I never listen to Austen remakes, but I’m so glad I listened to this one! This was the way the story should have gone in my opinion. Perfectly delightful!
Aw, Jan, thanks for listening. 🌹Jack Blunt is a wonderful complement for our sensible Charlotte.
Absolutely delightful. I appreciated all the naval details in addition to all the strengths others have mentioned. Charlotte deserved this and Mary was more suited to Mr.Collins. He deserved her.😉
Just finished it.
Its a wonderful romantic Story.
I loved it.
Came up with tears once or Twice😊
Thanks for uploading it.
A new Story about Those two lovebirds would be nice😉
Are there more related to P&P?
I love this story too, Inge.
More unlikely romances set in this world -- with Jack and Charlotte woven in -- is something I've been thinking about. I'm so very happy you enjoyed So This Is Love.
@@inge5774, most of my audiobooks are Pride and Prejudice variations, and most involve Darcy and Elizabeth -- since readers enjoy stories about them.
Here is a Playlist you might enjoy. Thanks for listening!
ua-cam.com/play/PLjvVhxi46h7S2OigL4tXpUhYaiVuYzldN.html
Thank you very much.
I see that I already listened to all of them except the Valentine Story.
That one is next😉
Did you write a Story about Mary or Kitty?
@@inge5774, thanks for the kind encouragement! ❤
Kitty and Mary weave through my stories, although as secondary characters. If you search "Jane Austen Fan Fiction" here on UA-cam, you'll find five or six authors who write Austen variations. You might find a Mary or Kitty story.
What a great Charlotte story. I love supporting character-centered storie in general, and this is a really successful one. But I also love it when Charlotte gets someone better than Mr. Collins. Poor Mary, though. Thanks so much for bringing your audio books to this site for us. We're so very lucky.
Michelle, thank you for the kind encouragement! Our Charlotte now has a tiger by the tail, instead of a rather spineless fellow. 😊
Poor Mary indeed. The thing is, to enable Elizabeth to meet up with Mr. Darcy in Hunsford, I had to have someone in place for her to visit.
You are very welcome for the audiobooks. I reach a much wider audience through UA-cam. Who knew?
Have an enjoyable weekend!
From a german listener but fellow writer: I really must compliment you on your work here. Believeable acting characters (for the era and psychologically) and plot twists completely in line with the original characterisation. You successfully circumnavigated the pitfalls of beginners and fanfiction - it doesn't slip into the too sappy, foreseeable or fanservicy traps. For this to read so smoothly it takes a lot of time-consuming polishing and skill!
I thank you for the quality work you've put into this, for investing that much heart blood to make your vision come true and dare to hope without knowing that it is worth the effort and others see the potential and great chemistry too. And you pulled it off.
What wonderful characters and dialogues. The characters felt very real - and that is no easy feat! Honestly a clearly visible strength of yours. It is truly a wonderful solution for the plot to do charlotte more justice. I like the little argument and change of heart on the way to doing something actually naughty you showed in the end. So lifelike :D.
Also loved the little delicious morsels of regency era facts you embedded throughout the story. A real treat for an ever curious regency-set romance novel aficionado like me!
You've given us a gift of a good story that nourishes the soul. And if you sometimes doubt the worth of your work let me be one visible voice more that leastwise can write a little positive feedback, as so many don't understand or have experienced what it's like to put yourself and your work out there and scan every little feedback that trickles back. You made an unendling flu go by swiftly and saved me some painkillers in the process. So that's the power of artful escapism ;). To help others endure pain more, when they need help and a little lift.
Oh, Lysann, did you have that awful cold/flu? Since before Christmas, my students have been out with it -- and then I came down with it. We are all on the mend now.
The worst part (for me) are the weeks of coughing and such. Such a nusiance! I hope you feel more like yourself soon.
Thank you, sincerely, for the heartfelt review and encouragement. You're right, this book is a labor of love. Often I wish I wrote more quickly. It's lovely to see that some of my readers, like you, understand.
I am casting about for ideas for a summer project, another So This Is novel set in the same world, with Charlotte and Jack Blunt woven in.
You have blessed me today, Lysann. Praise from a fellow writer means a lot. Thank you.
@@LauraHileAudiobooks I enjoyed this book so much. Any updates on So This Is… world book 2?
What a great story!
The ending for Charlotte that should have happened.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Sarah-Jane. It was such fun to give her a man who was everything that William Collins was not. 🙂
Me too, I love Pride and Prejudice, and I just can't get into spin offs, by the description and Title I couldn't tell this was a spin off. If i would have known it was, I would not have started to listen. But I did start to listen, and found that it is a good story. Maybe because it is about Charlotte, and she wasn't a main character..
Thanks for giving So This Is Love a try, @@Reggie9759. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
This was a wonderful story, Laura. I loved it! Thank you so much for this lovely gift!
You are very welcome, Laurie. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderful clean romance story I have trouble sleeping so I listen to audiobooks and this is just been the best
Hi, Lynette,
I do the same thing! I'm glad you enjoyed So This Is Love. ❤
@@LauraHileAudiobooks ❤️
Thank you so very much I appreciate all of your hard work to bring use such a beautiful story,I don't know how you keep doing it ❤❤
You are very welcome, Patricia.
The pandemic shutdown -- and running my middle school History classes via Google Classroom assignments -- gave me the time I needed to finish this one.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening. ❤
I would love more Charlotte and Jack stories. This was excellent. Thank you.
Thank you, MJ, for the encouragement. The enthusiastic response of UA-cam listeners have me excited to explore new ideas for them. Perhaps this summer after the school year is finished.
Beautiful story! I love Charlotte stories almost as much as Mary ones. Those 2 characters always deserve a little bit of love. Thank you for sharing
That's very kind, Kimberly. I enjoy Mary stories too. Thanks for listening!
It'd be such a comfort to have someone like Jack protecting me. ☮️💞🙏
Oh, you are so right! ❤ Love that man!
Happy New Year, Good Intentions.
Beautiful story for Charlotte. I was expecting Mr. Collins to turn out nicer, but this hero is so much better. Narrator was great, but wished she wouldn’t lower her volume on the non-conversation parts as it was hard to hear. Thank you so much! I will be looking for your other stories ❤
Thanks for sharing. I will pass along the suggestion when Ruth narrates another book for me. Thanks for listening!
I really enjoyed this so much that I had to listen to it twice. What a wonderful narrator .
The story is so much nicer for Charlotte Lucas than the original. I like her uncle. Jack is perfect
Marge, thanks for the encouragement. The highest compliment someone can give is the re-read. Or rather, the re-listen.
Ruth Redman did a lovely job with this. ❤
I bought this kindle book, and the paper book and I love listening to it on utube. I never wanted to lose access to this book. I love it.
This is one of my favorite stories! I was so happy to hear this lovely audio version. It was perfect. I would love to see the movie version! This would make a great screenplay. You are incredibly talented, Laura Hile!
A movie. Wouldn't that be something?
Thanks for listening and also for the kind words. I do love this story . . .
Brilliant. Loved this story & loved the narrator.
Superb! I always felt sorry for the Charlotte Lucas character, in Pride and Prejudice. I never understood how she could ever have tolerated a life with Mr Collins! He was repulsive and she was very intelligent. This is a wonderful, sweet romance. I found Captain Jack a perfect 'romantic hero' character and well suited to Charlotte. It's also very witty. I, particularly, loved Jack's reply to Mr Collins' awful letter.
I didn't understand why people should think Jack a 'sham Captain', though, when he was the heir to Charlotte's uncle. The Bennetts knew Charlotte well.
It's just a shame that they had to go to sea together, in order to stay together. His foot could have been more of a problem, perhaps. Also, that he is so much older than Charlotte. I would have wished them a long and happy future together, with a large, happy family. Being pregnant, while at sea, would be difficult and no place for her or any children! Also, he would, probably, die long before Charlotte. It's sad to think that, after waiting so long for love, they would not have a long life together. Perhaps, I'm thinking too much! 😃
I, still, found it a delightful romance! 👏
It sounds like I need to come up with a follow up book. 😁I'm glad you enjoyed So This Is Love, Frances. Have a blessed Christmas.
Have a great Christmas.
You too, Frances. Yesterday was my final day in the classroom (middle school) for 2023. Today's key task is to put up the Christmas tree. 😀
Please do!! @@LauraHileAudiobooks
Thanks for the encouragement, @@JellyJelly1010
Lovely story for Charlotte. Thank you very much!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Karen. Thanks for listening!
I'm on it! Been waiting for Charlotte's story ty!!!
Happy listening, Jay. I love this hero. I hope you will too.
Enjoyed this so much. Thank you. ❤
You are very welcome. 🌹Thank you for listening. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for this wonderful story! I have loved Jane Austen‘s works since I was a teenager studying English literature in Rome, Italy. And now, as a retired high school teacher in Rome, Italy, I just love these fantastic adaptations. Plus, I find the description of Mr. Collins so fitting. The reading was just right and I am amazed at how one person can seem to be so many.
Thank you for the kind encouragement, suziL. Yes, it's delightful to have new adventures with beloved Austen friends. Merry Christmas!
I know why Jane wrote Charlotte’s story the way she did. But I love this version, and am so happy she got her happy ending. 🥰
Thanks for listening. Have a blessed Christmas.
Thanks so much… I loved your book
Thanks for the kind encouragement, Stephanie. Happy New Year!
Thank you SO much Delightful ❤
Thanks for listening, Jenny. 🌺
This such a lovely, sweet book. It’s wonderful to have love story for Charlotte. Thank you so very much.
You are very welcome, Karen. Thank you for taking the time to listen to Charlotte's story. 🌻
I absolutely loved this book! I would recommend it to anyone! 🙂
Olivina, thank you for the kind encouragement. ❤Have a blessed Easter.
I’m Raj Singh and You are my favourite new author
This book is exquisite
Thanks from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks for listening, Raj. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
@@LauraHileAudiobooks Welcome Laura
Love, love, loved this lovely story ❤️.
I'm so glad! Thanks for listening.
I listen to this story over and over 😊
Thanks for a wonderful story and great character development
You are very welcome. I loved working with this cast of characters.
Thank you so much for posting another of your amazing audiobooks / best wishes to you and your family
Hi, Marta. Thanks for your loyal support. I think you'll love this book. ❤
@@LauraHileAudiobooks thank you for reply for such nice words I cnow I will love it / best wishes to you and your family
Soo happy that Charlotte escaped, Me. Collins.🎉 Great narrator
Oh, I agree, Brenda. Ruth Redman did a wonderful job. Thanks for listening. 🌻
A really delightful story, thank you!! 🌟🌻
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
A great story much more interesting and better for Charlotte.. great narration too.
I liked the reader. She did very well. I liked that Charlotte had a happy ending.
Oh, I agree, Sharon. Ruth Redman brought this story to life so delightfully. Thanks for listening!
A lovely surprise to come across this.Such a delight to see that in your paralell universe
Charlotte gets a far better that the awful Collins .As for Mary , I always felt that she was a character that could be developed and was made of sterner stuff than portrayed in the oriiginal Pride and Predjudice. I believe that she knows that she can make something of Collins and given time I'm sure that their marriage will suit them both with Mary being at the helm .
Cracking story. Loved every moment of it. Thankyou.🌟
Veronica, you are very welcome. Time is a precious gift. Thank you for spending yours to listen. 🌻
I doubt that anyone could change Mr Collins for the better! He's unrepentingly odious! 😣
Oh I think you would love this alternate P & P story for Mary Bennet, The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow. I loved this version for Mary.
Thank you for the recommendation, Michele. I have heard many good things about this book. Merry Christmas!
@LauraHileAudiobooks I forgot that this was an alternative Charlotte story. And loved this ending for Charlotte.
I, too, had grown tired of P&P alteration novels. 20 years ago, they were few and far between so I have a nice collection. But this story is one of the best I’ve read. It was so engaging, I have always rooted for Charlotte.
Twenty years ago? Then I bet you've enjoyed Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy.
As you can probably guess, Pride and Prejudice variations make money, so authors from various genres have jumped in with their own Darcy and Elizabeth novels. Even P.D. James.
It's been very encouraging to see the response to So This Is Love here on UA-cam. Thank you for the kind words. ❤
Exceptional. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Linda, thank you for listening! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Thank you so much! It is lovely
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening!
Charolett did, indeed get the cream of the crop. Jack has so much more life about him. Not a stuffed shirt like Darcy. (My opinion)
Jack is a wonderful hero to work with. Thanks for the kind encouragement, windshadow. 🌻
I don’t usually like to stray far from JA’s P&P characters and some could say this doesn’t. But I did really enjoy Charlotte’s story as you conceived it. My thanks for your generosity in sharing your work. While my budget for JA variations is limited, I prefer them to what the real world is about. Thanks again.
Oh, stories that offer a delightful escape are the best. I'm glad you wnjoyed this one, estrella.
This is my second time listening to this. I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time. Jack is wonderful and Charlotte deserved him.
I am so glad Charlotte got a good man. I always felt bad for her. I know how she feels.
Thanks for listening, Kristine. And also for the kind encouragement.
Shockingly good! I LOVE that Charlotte didn't end up with that scumbag! I have always thought he was so weak and sniveling and among the grossest of men!
Aw, thanks, Amanda. It's a reminder how important security was to Charlotte that she was willing to put up with someone like Collins as husband. Then again, her own father was rather a foolish man.
It was too much fun to bring Jack into Charlotte's life and watch her tumble headlong into love.
Thanks for listening!
I came across your channel a little by chance and enjoyed this delightful story and the narration by Ruth Redman. Charlotte turns into a completely different character for our pleasure. Thank you for sharing your stories, and best wishes for the holiday season from Paris.
Veronique, I very much appreciate the kind encouragement. Thanks for listening, and have a blessed Christmas season. ❤
What a delightful novel. I especially enjoyed the dialogues. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely book with us. Merry Christmas and best wishes from Bavaria 🙋🏻♀Lisa
Lisa, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed So This Is Love. Thanks for listening. Have a blessed Christmas holiday.
@@LauraHileAudiobooks ❤
Id like to see mary and collins story where she keeps him in line, not in a bad way, but a love match where he finally sees the light
Would you? Thanks for the ideas.
oh i adore captain Blunt!
Isn't he something? I'm half in love with the man myself! Thanks for listening . . . and Merry Christmas. 🌹
This narrator is fantastic; one of the best I've ever heard. Only complaint is that I have to keep turning the sound up or down with the modulation of her voice. I wish it were more even. Somewhere in the mid-tone; it would be perfection if she could correct this.
Oh, Katie, I'm glad you enjoyed So This Is Love.
Thank you for the feedback about the volume. When Ruth works on the next narration project, I'll mention it.
Have a happy New Year!
Excellent! ❤❤❤😊
That's very kind, Carmen. Thank you for listening. 🌹
Wonderful!
That's very kind, gleangenie. 🌹Ruth Redman did an amazing job bringing this story to life.
Really enjoyed a story focused on Charlotte for a change. Only criticism would be Jack calling her honey. Kept jumping out at me as not being used in that period. 😊😊
I kept seeing this audiobook come up in my suggestions on YT, but I am never sure if I will like stories where D&E aren’t the central characters. I loved it! I agree with others who have said they feel sorry for Charlotte. How lovely your Jack is. Love their banter and slow burn love story. I was like, come on now! He is perfect for her! The couple on the illustration looks perfect! I would love to see a story where Jack meets Darcy! Any plans?
Patricia, thank you! This cover was tough to find, because I do not have deep enough pockets for a custom photo shoot. Our Jack has a beard, so the cover guy's will have to do.
I am working on a Christmas prequel to So This Is Love (Henry and Emma Goodding's courtship). I'm excited to know that you'd like to see more of Jack Blunt. He'll be part of the story, pre-Charlotte.
Darcy and Captain Blunt? Ooh, I like the idea. I agree, it would be great fun to see them interact.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Patricia.
@@LauraHileAudiobooks very excited for your new projects. Pleeeeease write Blunt snd Darcy 😊
@@LauraHileAudiobooks I listened to the audiobook again because it was so good and it came up in my suggestions 😊 I have to say I LOVED the letter to Mr. Collins! So brilliant and so Jack. Question. Why doesn’t Charlotte tell Elizabeth she found this amazing man and is getting married when she comes back home? I get things are different after her rejection of Mr. C but they’re still such good friends.
Patricia, thanks for the repeat listen. Unlike with Kindle Unlimited, UA-cam pays me for each and every time someone listens. And I learned from a poll that you all are wonderful re-listeners!
That chapter about the letter to Collins? I wrote that simply to delight readers . . . and myself.
As for the cooling between Elizabeth and Charlotte, it's sad, and you are not the first to wonder why I wrote it like that.
I'll give Jane Austen's text below. Suffice it to say that, when I do write a follow-up sequel, several years will have gone by, and perhaps the friendship will be restored to what it once was. If I am sending Darcy and Blunt on an adventure together, it will have to be that way. Yay!
Anyway, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth comes to realize that Jane's friendship and loyalty as a sister are precious.
From Chapter 23:
"Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again. Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her opinion could never be shaken. . ."
@@LauraHileAudiobooks ah interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊 I’m glad to hear YT pays you for listens.
A Darcy and Blunt adventure you say? Yes, please! Eagerly anticipating it. Jack is similar to Richard so maybe he should be part of the adventure too! And they’re both military men. There you have a beginning 😗
I love this story . Good for Charlotte. Happy for mr Collins punishment. I l9ve when there are some characters from other Austens novells!!,
I'm happy for Charlott😊❤❤
These two were a joy to write. I'm glad you enjoyed them, mausicute.
Monday Dec. 4th…thank you so much for posting the delicious book. Finally a wonderful story for charlotte. Finally she gets her turn and what a wonderful ending. I thoroughly enjoyed all the adventures. I’ll certainly be reading more of your books as I have subscribed. This definitely deserves a second listening. ❤😊
Aw, Irene, that's very kind of you. I love this story too -- which sounds strange, because I wrote it.
With Ruth's marvelous performance, I get to be a fan. Plus, who wouldn't fall in love with Jack Blunt? Right? 😄
Please do a sequel to this. I eill miss the characters!!
Aw, Jenny, thanks for the vote of confidence. ❤
With the Jane Austen readers, a Charlotte story does not have the same appeal as Darcy and Elizabeth. That was before UA-cam. But all of you here are loving So This Is Love so much that I'm considering a "Cliff House" follow up story or two. Simply to work with these wonderful characters once again.
I might even write a Regency about the Goodding's courtship . . . 😊
Yes please to all of those suggestions 😊
I love to see different views and changes in the original master piece. It's like a lots of if,s an ands I also like the we hear of the other characters and how they end up.. 😊
That's the fun of variations. Old friends having new adventures -- with unexpected happy outcomes. Thanks for listening, Wendy. 🌻
Listening 3 December 2023.
Enjoy!
So glad Charlotte got a good man. It seems like Mary Bennet will rule the roost with Mr Collins.
Not a fair ending for Mary, alas. But it's a wonderful alternative for our girl Charlotte. ❤
A horrible ending for Mary, I'm afraid. She deserves much, much better. @@LauraHileAudiobooks
True enough, Olivia. Being willing to marry Mr. Collins does not make for happiness. Mary does have a happier ending in some of my other stories.
Lovely story and admirable hero! Unfortunately I don't like fanfictions and would have given this a 5 out of 5 if it wasn't for that aspect. I personally would have liked this to be a standalone story, not connected to anything else. Charlotte did not feel like Austen's Charlotte. Mr Collins especially was not at all the way I perceived him to be in P&P. If all the characters had different names I would have loved this more.
I was hoping to find an original work on your channel, but it seems that everything is fanfiction. I'll sub and check back again in a few months. Again, the writing is good, and the hero is strong, the female lead grew in character - all things I look for in a romance. Thank you for making your work available here.
Thanks for giving So This Is Love a try.
These days, many of us learn to write by posting fan fiction on the Internet and getting feedback from readers. This was true for me.
My new book, Pretty in Print, is also Jane Austen related, so when it comes out in audio you might want to skip it.
However, it is you listeners here on UA-cam who have given me courage to step out and write Regency fiction. With that in mind, I have a Christmas novella in the works. it's looking to be a prequel to So This Is Love.
I will add that Jane Austen fan fiction sells well, and this income is what finances my audiobooks. The production expense is considerable, so this is the way I make it work.
Thanks again for listening.
I looove this book! Thanks so much for doing this. It’s great to be able to listen to it.
You are very welcome, Maridith. It's a joy to be able to share "Jasper" and "Diana" with so many listeners. ❤
Up to 11:00, and Charlotte sounds like a different character. She does sound like she wants romance, disliking Mr. Collins so much that she can't think of one good thing about him. Her dislike of him sounds more like Elisabeth, I'm afraid.
Do you think there was one good thing about Mr Collins? I don't!
14:44 - this isn't even like Mr Collins. Fiances might do those things today, but back then it was scandalous. Why can't modern writers keep to the restraints of the original!
I am sorry you are disappointed, lilacDaisy. Thanks for giving So This Is Love a try.
Oh, that's very kind of you to give another recommendation. I shall indeed give it a go - thank you! @@LauraHileAudiobooks EDIT - lol, sorry, I misunderstood your comment on first go. I thought You said, "give 'So This is Love' a try." ;-)
Well, my Austen stories aren't for everyone. :D They're lighthearted adventures with our favorite Austen friends. I sometimes bring in characters from other Austen novels just for fun.
Have a Merry Christmas,@@LilacDaisy2
@@LauraHileAudiobooks Oh, I didn't know you wrote them. Sorry if I sounded harsh. I guess the more people love something, the harder they are to please, yet the more they also want what you're offering. A tough gig for you. ;-) Merry Christmas! x
@lilacDaisy111, when you mentioned a recommendation earlier, I've thought over which of my audiobooks you might enjoy.
How about Sir Walter Takes a Wife?
It's short and lighthearted, not to mention being oh-good-grief! fun. It features two of Jane Austen's worst snobs. 😄
Have a Merry Christmas!
❤️❤️❤️👍👌💐
Thanks for listening, Vickie!
Is it jack or jasper? Charlotte or Diana? I'm confused!
Hi, Nat,
Good question! Jack Blunt's given name is Jasper, which is how Charlotte had always heard him called. She continues to call him this at various times, simply to annoy him.
Charlotte would rather be called Diana, as it is more beautful, but she reasons that this is nonsense, since it is not her name. Jack Blunt calls her Diana from time to time, in part to annoy her.
So basically, they end up having pet names for one another.
Thanks for listening!
Chapter 10! 😅
Goodintentions, thanks for the props.🏵 I had way too much fun writing these characters.
@@LauraHileAudiobooksI'm back listening again! Thank You so much for sharing your work! I'm glad it was fun for you, it adds wonderful entertainment for me in my golden years. ☮️💞🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕
🤣🤣😋🥰
Aw, thanks for the props, Debbie. Happy listening!
6:41:21