The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch

"[S]imply wonderful, a laugh-and-cry book. Taub’s close reading of and research into Austen’s work is remarkable; she threads a careful needle between invention and retelling, contemporary legibility and historical homage. The result is a terrifically well-balanced novel blending romance, fantasy and mystery."

"Novels about witches are thick on the ground at present, but this one stands out for its wit and charm. . . [T]his Regency-era comedy of manners makes for a lively, delightful adventure."

"Wildly inventive and utterly addictive. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm now 100% Team Lydia."

“This book is pure joy. Absolutely rollicking, thoroughly delightful; Melinda Taub peered directly into my soul and gave me the adventure I needed, plus feisty witches in empire waist dresses and the Kitty of my dreams. I’ll be over here, swooning on my fainting couch.”

“A romping, lively retelling with surprises galore! It’s a delight to see Lydia Bennet receive her due.”

"What a delicious book this is — like Lydia, it’s headlong, a little wicked, and irrepressibly fun. And if that weren’t enough, it gave me an entirely new lens through which to appreciate Jane Austen’s Bennet family. Melinda Taub writes with a forensic wit and understanding of the desire to be loved and understood, even when those two things stand in seeming opposition. And like Georgette Heyer at her best, or, indeed, Austen, she has the alchemist’s touch which turns this exploration into something delightful."

"Witty, magical, romantic and altogether brilliant! There’s so much more to Pride and Prejudice than we ever knew."

"[A] clever twist on Jane Austen's classic."

“[A] fun new hybrid of Jane Austen’s mannerly world and the highly contrasting world of 19th century witchcraft. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a good mash-up involving a classic story, some modern views on social expectations, and a dose of occult suspense.”

"[Taub] cleverly inserts Lydia's magical misadventures into the original story, creating something wholly original and utterly charming."

“A spritely Regency gavotte with booming gothic bass notes: pure joy.”

“Funny and fierce as Lydia Bennet herself, this book mixes witchcraft lore with Austen’s story to make its own unique magic. I’ll never look at Kitty the same way again…” 

"The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is a delightfully rendered redemption of the much maligned youngest Bennet daughter, Lydia; whose ill-advised actions that once threatened the Bennett sisters futures are finally proven to be less a girlish folly and more the result of a sacrifice made meant to save them all. Filled with magic, mayhem and manners, Melinda Taub has crafted a world both familiar and strange, faithful and fantastic. Scandalous Confessions is a welcome addition to the Austen Universe." 

"Taub’s wit and creativity shines through. . . A delight for both Austen lovers and fans of magical adventure stories."

"A funny, lighthearted read recommended for those who love a retelling wish a dash of magic and a witty heroine."

“This is a masterpiece and a treat for any Austen fan.”