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A review by sophiarose1816
Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl by Christina Morland, Beau North, J. Marie Croft, Leigh Dreyer, Joana Starnes, Karen M. Cox, Tessa Dare, Jenetta James, Elizabeth Adams, Christina Boyd, Amy D'Orazio
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I learned this anthology was in the works, I was ecstatic. One might wonder how I could be excited about several stories about the same woman and, at times, the retelling of the same story. By the time these talented authors were finished, the collection of stories was more like several facets on one cleverly cut gem catching the light in different ways so that some shone with inner fire and some dazzled with light from without – Elizabeth across the eras in all stages of her life.
I would be lying if I said I loved them all the same. However, I more than liked them all and would eagerly take up books from any of these authors and have done so with most. How could I not thoroughly appreciate each when one is talking about different styles, different settings, and different circumstances?
The ten stories ranged from Regency England to the present. The Regencies are mostly variations that begin at differing points in the original story, but there is also a prequel of a young Lizzy and a sequel of an aged Elizabeth. This batch were as deeply developed as the rest in characters and plots, but I would say that I did feel a stronger appreciation for them because I am familiar with the original story than if I hadn't been. In addition to the regency historicals, there are also retellings from other eras. Elizabeth was at an Edwardian country house party, acting in the Hollywood of the 30’s, attending college in the 80’s and grad school in the present.
All in all, this collection was exactly what I was expecting while still delivering sparkling surprises that captured my fancy staying true to the nature of the indomitable Elizabeth that, though fictional, is a woman in history who is still a captivating story heroine centuries later.
My thanks to the editor for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would be lying if I said I loved them all the same. However, I more than liked them all and would eagerly take up books from any of these authors and have done so with most. How could I not thoroughly appreciate each when one is talking about different styles, different settings, and different circumstances?
The ten stories ranged from Regency England to the present. The Regencies are mostly variations that begin at differing points in the original story, but there is also a prequel of a young Lizzy and a sequel of an aged Elizabeth. This batch were as deeply developed as the rest in characters and plots, but I would say that I did feel a stronger appreciation for them because I am familiar with the original story than if I hadn't been. In addition to the regency historicals, there are also retellings from other eras. Elizabeth was at an Edwardian country house party, acting in the Hollywood of the 30’s, attending college in the 80’s and grad school in the present.
All in all, this collection was exactly what I was expecting while still delivering sparkling surprises that captured my fancy staying true to the nature of the indomitable Elizabeth that, though fictional, is a woman in history who is still a captivating story heroine centuries later.
My thanks to the editor for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.