Under the Harvest Moon by Sophie Lynbrook is variation of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In this version, Mr. Bingley has just moved to the neighbourhood and is hoodwinked by Mr. Bennet into holding the annual Harvest Dance. This dance is held outdoors, with food being served in one of the barns and it includes all classes of people who on this particular night mingle and dance with each other.

Bingley realizes that this dance will not appeal to either his sisters or his good friend, D’Arcy, so makes plans to avoid them attending. Of course things go awry and not only do they all show up on the day of the dance, they are followed closely by Lady Catherine de Bourgh with her daughter whom she wishes to marry to D’Arcy. She brings Mr. Collins along so that he can perform the wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, the Bennets arrive, looking forward to the dance and hopeful that Jane and Mr. Bingley will continue their attachment to each other. The stage is set and this light comedy of errors plays out against the backdrop of the full moon.

I enjoyed this story and was happy to be surrounded by the familiar characters of Pride and Prejudice. I felt sorry for Mr. Bingley as he tried to spend time with Jane Bennet but also tried to protect her and others from his two sisters and their sharp tongues. D’Arcy started out the evening by looking down his nose at the event but circumstances and the intriguing Elizabeth Bennet soon mellowed him.

Under The Harvest Moon was a light escapist read that this fan of the original relished. ( )