This was a fun take on the Bennetts. I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend as a nice fall read! It wasn’t my favorite, as I just couldn’t get into the story but I think it was more me being a mood reader and not anything wrong with the book itself.

This was a really fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice with a totally different take than some of the other retelling I’ve read. It was well done and I really liked the writing style. I have patrons in mind who will want to read this so we are going to purchase for sure.

Utterly fantastic.

I love retellings, and this Pride and Prejudice combines magic with a new look at the characters we all know and love. Lydia Bennett is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter (some sisters died at birth), and that gifts her with powers she doesn't quite understand. When she accidentally turns her barn cat familiar into her sister Kitty, though, she attracts the attention of an aunt with powers. Lydia's love for Kitty makes her vulnerable to powers beyond her control, however, and the two sisters find themselves stretched to the max as mentors and allegiances shift. Their bond to each other becomes a critical part of a power struggle amongst coven members, all against the backdrop of an ancient power that wants to claim what's due to it.

Who knew Wickham could be even more fascinating? I love this iteration of Wickham as a demon conflicted when he enjoys human life more than he ever dreamed. As his motives and Lydia's collide, every moment they are together is a delight.

Die-hard Pride and Prejudice fans will want to know that this book focuses on Kitty, Mary, and Lydia, with Elizabeth and Jane only referred to, instead of appearing on the page. Their husbands make brief appearances, however.

I delighted in this clever, charming retelling that gives Lydia a whole new set of motives and depth.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch
by Melinda Taub
Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023

This exuberant retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Lydia Bennet puts pen to paper to relate the real events and aftermath of the classic story. Some facts are well known: Mrs. Bennet suffers from her nerves, Mr. Bennet suffers from Mrs. Bennet, and all five daughters suffer from an estate that is entailed only to male heirs.

But Lydia also suffers from entirely different concerns: her best-loved sister Kitty is really a barn cat; Wickham is every bit as wicked as the world believes him to be, but what else would one expect from a demon? And if Mr. Darcy is uptight about etiquette, that’s nothing compared to his feelings about magic. Most of all, Lydia has yet to learn that for a witch, promises have power . . .

Full of enchantment, intrigue, and boundless magic, The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch, has all the irreverent wit, strength, and romance of Pride and Prejudice—while offering a highly unexpected redemption for the wildest Bennet sister.

#TheScandalousConfessionsofLydiaBennetWitch

A fun retelling of the events of Pride and Prejudice, this time from youngest sister Lydia's point of view. And to make the story extra interesting, Lydia is a practicing witch! All of your favorite Austen characters are present in the tale, though Lydia definitely takes center stage. Plus, we learn quite a bit more about her reckless elopement with devilish Wickham and her special relationship with sister Kitty.

I will admit that at first, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book. I'm generally turned off by "tale within a tale" storytelling format (Lydia is writing a letter describing events, and also speaking directly to the reader as her current story unfolds) but once I got into a groove with Lydia, it ceased bothering me. The characters are quirky and lovable, with plenty of spunk, and by the end I was enthralled by this tale. AND THAT ENDING (!) oh my goodness, I definitely got a little teary at the close of the letter. Really enjoyed this book.

A definitely must-read for Austen fans looking for a fresh take on such a classic story! Thank you to Melinda Taub, Grand Central, and NetGalley for my advance digital copy.

Melinda Taub already has the excellent Still Star-Crossed under her belt, so I’m not surprised this take on Pride and Prejudice is playful, well-written, and original. But The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch does a lot more – it makes you rethink Lydia as a character and adds new layers to Austen's book’s characters and attitudes.

Lydia narrates her life story to the reader, and already things are not as typical as they might seem. Kitty Bennet, for one, is revealed to be a barn cat and Lydia’s familiar. Lydia enchants the animal into shapeshifting, then alters her family’s memories and Kit’s outward appearance so that they believe she was always a part of the family. Lydia thus learns she’s a witch early in life, but thankfully Aunt Phillips already knows of her trickery – and sets about acting as Lydia’s mentor in magic.

In time, Lydia comes to meet with other witch societies hidden under the genteel surface of Regency England, specifically The Order. As the Bennets come in contact with the Darcys, Lydia finds she must conceal her magical exploration as to not offend Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth’s potential suitor. When Lydia meets the wicked George Wickham, she thinks she’s found someone just as happy to flout social convention as she is. But George has some secrets up his sleeve that could separate Lydia and Kit – and Lydia from her magical abilities – for good. Lydia and Kit thus go on a search that will change them forever for better or for worse.

This is a knock-your-socks off good retelling/post-P&P novel. It takes a lot for me to sing the praises of yet another alternate history version of Pride and Prejudice, but this one definitely manages to create something new and different from Lydia. If you hate Austen’s final take on the character – for her flightiness and impulsiveness and lack of care – you will love her sparkly wit and fresh voice here. The central conceit of her social butterfly ways and playfulness shine through during the novel.

Kit is witty, playful and sarcastic – the most important companion in Lydia’s life. No one but Wickham rivals Kit for the first place in her heart. And Wickham is devilish – but harbors secret depths and feelings.

I liked the complexities of Wickham here, the way he and the women in The Order develop and change over time, and how ballroom politics and witchy politics collide (there’s a touching scene where the coven is called together to help one of their number’s social prospects with a magical spell that’s a nice example of sisterhood). There are magic battles, social battles and battles with evil to be won. Let Lydia Bennet be your guide. Her journals are not as naughty as they seem at first blush, but they will make you laugh, smile, cry and feel a shock of anger. This is a masterpiece and a treat for any Austen fan.

Review coming 9/29/2023, as part of an Austenprose PR book tour.

Thanks to the author, Grand Central Publishing, Austenprose PR, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.

This book was so different, and yet at the same time is the most interesting pride and prejudice retelling that I’ve read in a while. Being that the book is about Lydia, who most of us generally find to be annoying and very narcissistic. In this book, you see things from what I assumed would be a Lydia sort of way, but there is also the witch aspect of the book. All in all, I found it to be a fascinating and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the writing style. For those who are looking for a different take on pride and prejudice characters. This is the book for you.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is an interesting and imaginative retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Lydia Bennet's perspective.  Taub's writing style and humor are fun and engaging, and I enjoyed Lydia's musings more than I thought I would. The story is a little long-winded at times, but I think readers will enjoy this fresh spin on Pride and Prejudice characters.

Thank you to Melinda Taub, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

"The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch" by Melinda Taub offers a fresh and imaginative twist on a classic literary character. Set in the world of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Taub seamlessly blends Regency-era manners with a touch of magic, creating a truly unique and captivating story. The protagonist, Lydia Bennet, is transformed into a witch, adding an element of enchantment to her already vibrant personality. Taub's writing effortlessly captures the spirit of Austen's original work while infusing it with a delightful supernatural element. The book masterfully explores themes of empowerment, identity, and societal expectations through Lydia's magical journey. Whether you're an Austen enthusiast or a fan of fantasy, "The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch" is a charming and enchanting read that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved character. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite Quote: We have been given immense power, and we must use it. To squander it would be wicked especially if we do not use it to right wrongs.

Story Synopsis: Often overlooked, Lydia Bennet, the youngest sister of the famous Elizabeth, has a secret. She’s a witch. Learning from her aunt, Lydia learns glamour and small magics until she’s whisked away to Brighton as an apprentice by a socialite who is also a witch. As Lydia recounts her scandalous summer in Brighton of magic and mischief, she makes friends, enemies, and discovers how to step into her own power.

Why does this book beguile? Lydia Bennet writes her story to the reader. It’s a winding, sometimes distracting, tale. It’s meant to be scandalous, but you can tell Lydia doesn’t believe her actions cause scandal. The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is a fun, historical fiction take on the era of Pride & Prejudice with magic and witchcraft thrown in. Lydia is young and sassy, and Taub does a great job of capturing that tone in the writing.

I will admit I was skeptical going into this because, despite my love for Jane Austen, Austen adaptations, and witchy books in general, I wasn't sure the combination could be pulled off well. I am pleased to share that this book was delightfully entertaining and well executed. Given how many times I have read the original and its retellings, I didn't think it was possible to like Lydia Bennet as much as I did in this book and it is almost laughable that possessed-by-a-demon-Wickham is more likable and understandable than the human version. I appreciate that the Lydia's retelling of the situation was believable and blended with the original story we know instead of clashing or completely changing it. I also enjoyed the magic system and the sacrifices that powered it. The losses were felt not only by the characters but also by the reader. The heart wrenching sensation I felt while reading about the things that Lydia (and others) sacrificed to help each other was unexpectedly palpable. I would recommend this to any who hold love for Jane Austen and Fantasy and want to see a world where they come together. This intersection is a rather specific niche to find yourself in, but it is a very enjoyable one.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for this ARC!

This was definitely an interesting and unique take on the characters of Pride and Prejudice. And it was really fun to read characters that you really familiar with in a whole different light.

This is essentially a companion tale to the Pride and Prejudice story. It goes on after the events in that book. And it was really kind of fun to read about Lizzie, who is a very enthusiastic character and pride and Prejudice. So getting her own story but giving it a witchy spin was really fun to read.

You definitely get the regency vibes, but it's regency vibes with supernatural elements which is delightful.

There were so many surprises through this book that I really loved and I couldn't predict when any twists or more surprises were going to happen. And that made this book all the more fun to read.

First of all, if you are a Pride and Prejudice loyalist, this may not be the story for you. However, it is an exceptionally fun story if you have your expectations set appropriately. I loved reading about Lydia in this story. Although she’s the annoying younger sister in P&P, in this story you really get a new perspective on Lyida and the choices she made. It’s funny and unserious, which I feel is important to know. Overall, it was a fun read and I recommend to those who love P&P!

A spellbinding reimagining of a beloved Austen classic.

We all know the story of the fall and disgrace of Lydia Bennet, or at least we think we do. Thankfully for us Lydia has taken pen to paper to set the record straight once for all on the events of her childhood, her trip to the seashore, and her elopement with the devilish rake George Wickham.

But the truth of these events is far more fantastical than one might believe: Lydia is a witch, Kitty is in fact a cat, and Wickham isn't really Wickham at all but a devil in Wickham's body. Certainly that is a lot for anyone to take in and that's before mentioning the great power determined to devour Kitty and Lydia, the various magical and witchy connections Lydia makes during her time in Brighton, and the fact that years after her disgrace her magical services are being sought by none other than her own brother in law, Mr. Darcy.

La! What an adventure this telling of her truths will be. But perhaps there is a light at the end of this for Lydia, a way out of her ruin and back into the good graces of those she cares about most.

What a joy this book was to read! Ms. Taub has done an excellent job of portraying and re-imaging the character of Lydia Bennet in her novel. I never once doubted her portrayal of Lydia. Throughout the whole novel I kept imagining Julia Sawalha's Lydia from the 1995 BBC mini series and honestly the two iterations blended together perfectly in my mind. I really don't think her character could have been any more well done.

The nature of the magic in this novel was also a brilliant touch. The focus on sacrifices and spell prices really drove the point home that there is a price for everything and that Lydia's actions would have a cost. Ms. Taub really did a masterful job of illustrating Lydia coming to realize this and growing and maturing throughout the course of the novel. The vast array of different ways the other characters who performed magic handled these sacrifices also served to build this narrative and illustrate what happens when you have a healthy respect for the price and what happens when you don't.

This will truly be a novel I'll read again and again, just like Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't be happier that I had read this book if I tried. Well done.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC.

This was a fun romp of a book told from Lydia's perspective widely covering the events of Pride and Prejudice as well as the time period immediately before/after. Lydia tells her story through letters and personal recollections. She seems to be a rather reliable narrator, though she is quick to blame herself for the events that unfold.

Lydia is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter making her a relatively powerful witch. So powerful that it turns out her sister Kitty is not only her familiar, but secretly a cat in girl form. We start our journey when Lydia is young and is learning from her Aunt all about witchcraft and it's costs. When she's about seven, she accidently gets the attention of a great power and grants him a boon.

The boon turns out to be her fatal error that sends her on a crash course with the dashing rake Wickam. It really was great fun getting Lydia's side of the story, and this retelling made her a much more sympathetic character. You really watch Lydia grow up and change from a self centered character to a well grounded young woman who would do anything for her friends.

However, I did find that the chapters were often too long and I felt like it took forever to get to the main conflict of the story. There also were a lot of little side plots which all wrapped up relatively neatly, but were kind of distracting.

In the end this is a 4 star read for me.

This book sounded so intriguing and definitely delivered a fresh take on the novel we know! Lydia was, as expected, incredibly frustrating but well written enough that I forgave that after a while. I loved the writing style too,

The plot itself lost me a bit - some parts felt unnecessary whilst others I would have liked to focus on more... But overall a good read!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy

In this extraordinary reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, author Taub skillfully presents us with an entirely fresh perspective on the character of Lydia, unlike anything we've seen before. Through the lens of witchcraft and enchantment, Taub infuses the narrative with a boundless energy, weaving together a tapestry of supernatural escapades that reveals Lydia's multidimensional nature, captivating readers and solidifying this novel's rightful place in the expansive Austen universe.

I must admit, when I first picked up this book, my expectations were not particularly high. Having encountered various adaptations of Austen's works that ranged from underwhelming to satisfactory, I was initially seeking a familiar and comforting experience. However, Taub surpassed all my expectations. With each turn of the page, every time I anticipated a tired trope, the author deftly subverted it, leaving me pleasantly surprised and eager to explore the story from new angles.

This novel takes readers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, where they effortlessly sway between moments of exhilaration and graceful waltzes of introspection. It serves as a heartfelt love letter to the powerful women of literature, celebrating their resilience, intellect, and complexity. Taub's masterful storytelling creates an atmosphere of sheer delight, leaving readers enchanted by the richness and depth of Lydia's character.

Through Taub's expertly crafted narrative, we witness Lydia's transformation into a formidable force, unearthing her hidden strengths and unveiling the intricate layers of her personality. No longer confined to the margins of the original story, Lydia emerges as a vibrant protagonist in her own right, with a profound understanding of her emotions and an intelligence that surpasses expectations.

As I journeyed alongside Lydia, I found myself irresistibly drawn into a world where supernatural elements intertwine seamlessly with Austen's familiar backdrop. Taub's imaginative storytelling breathes new life into the narrative, illuminating Lydia's adventures with a touch of magic that adds a captivating twist to the tale. The author's ability to navigate uncharted territories while staying true to the essence of Austen's world is nothing short of remarkable.

Ultimately, this remarkable retelling of Pride and Prejudice is a testament to Taub's unparalleled talent for reinvention and her deep respect for Austen's original work. Through her ingenious exploration of Lydia's character, Taub demonstrates that everyone has their own unique story, and the true magic lies in embracing the unexpected and celebrating the strength and complexity of literature's most compelling women. Simply put, this novel is an absolute delight, leaving readers yearning for more and solidifying Taub's place as a visionary in the realm of Austen adaptations.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Summary
We all know if the scandal that Lydia Bennet brought to her family when she ran off with the sultry and ruined Mr. Wickham. However, Taub touts that what we do not know, is that this is not the story or the fate of Ms. Lydia Bennet. In fact, the youngest Bennet sister is a witch! Oh! Do not forget Ms. Kitty Bennet – she is in fact, a cat! This book is a behind the scenes look at the youngest Bennet sister and how her story does not unfold how the rest of the world, including her family, believes it to.

Big Picture Plot
Lydia is a young witch who is tied to her sister… cat… sister… by magic and soon finds that bond threatened. She must find a precious gem for the lord who wishes to tear her from her sister… or else… What ensues, is Lydia making new friends, and enemies, along the witch-y path of getting her sister back; while also making sure she stays inside the plot that the original Pride and Prejudice storyline demands of her.

Individual Character Musings
Lydia is a selfish and frivolous child. However, she is also kind, forgiving, and powerful beyond her own understanding. Lydia’s character develops throughout the book, yet she still seems 15 by the end of it. I enjoyed the build-up and intertwining of the past and present perspectives of this story. However, I did find that there was so much going on and it was difficult at times to find the thread of connection while reading.

My Take
I enjoyed Taub’s writing style; it was very fun to be taken along on a journey through her words. I also enjoyed the story I am so familiar with, to be told from the youngest sister’s perspective – the one sister I was always so annoyed with.

Content Warnings: Death of animal, mention of brothels, witchcraft, demons, dragons.

Would I Recommend?
I would recommend to those who like retellings of Pride and Prejudice and fantasy stories about witches.


Rating: 3 stars

This is such a niche read and I love it.

So this book was a little more scandalous than I was expecting (I know I know it's literally in the title but apparently I am a naïve optimist when it comes to Lydia Bennet) but anyway I have been waiting for another book from Melinda Taub for years and it did not disappoint!

As ever, Melinda Taub has the writing style down perfectly. This book is witty, wild, and wholly entertaining. As others have said I was justifiably skeptical about a story centered about Lydia but I tempered that with my trust in the author and I was rewarded. Lydia was a relatable, sympathetic, human character (dare I say even likeable?) while not losing the essential vivacity and at times frivolous nature that characterize Austen's original Lydia.

Bonus points for this book having elements of the paranormal and still managing to engage me, as that is usually my least favorite genre. But in this case, it worked. Imagining the world of Pride and Prejudice with the addition of magic, it's delightful to observe Darcy's begrudging acceptance of and distaste for this fact, and did I mention Kitty is actually a cat? and Wickham an actual demon? It's too perfect.

This has been the most rambling review I've ever written but the bottom line is that I really, really enjoyed this book. Also I'm a little bit (a lot) in love with George Wickham which feels wrong and like a fundamental law of the universe has been broken. Oh well. He really is a handsome devil.

I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.