Jane Austen's fandom exploded in popularity after the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, but it has existed for over a century before that. When you have so many people who love a story that they keep thinking about it, discussing it and writing their own fanfiction you may inevitably come across ideas that expand the lore in ways you never saw possible. Star Wars expanded universe birthed ideas and story beats so well regarded that many fans consider them as canon as anything George Lucas wrote. With this in mind, I wanted to share with you some Jane Austen inspired books and series that have come to be as real and "canon" as anything Jane Austen actually wrote. 

"What if Mary Bennet's life took a different path from that laid out for her in Pride and Prejudice ? What if the frustrated intellectual of the Bennet family, the marginalized middle daughter, the plain girl who takes refuge in her books, eventually found the fulfillment enjoyed by her prettier, more confident sisters? This is the plot of Janice Hadlow's The Other Bennet Sister , a debut novel with exactly the affection and authority to satisfy Jane Austen fans. Ultimately, Mary's journey is like that taken by every Austen heroine. She learns that she can only expect joy when she has accepted who she really is. She must throw off the false expectations and wrong ideas that have combined to obscure her true nature and prevented her from what makes her happy. Only when she undergoes this evolution does she have a chance at finding fulfillment; only then does she have the clarity to recognize her partner when he presents himself--and only at that moment is she genuinely worthy of love. Mary's destiny diverges from that of her sisters. It does not involve broad acres or landed gentry. But it does include a man; and, as in all Austen novels, Mary must decide whether he is the truly the one for her. In The Other Bennet Sister , Mary is a fully rounded character--complex, conflicted, and often uncertain; but also vulnerable, supremely sympathetic, and ultimately the protagonist of an uncommonly satisfying debut novel." from the catalog description

There is soon to be an American release of the miniseries based on this book on Britbox. The show has some of the best conversations between Mary and Lizzy that deepen their relationship and feel as real and true as if it were always in the books. Mary is given room to shine and discover herself away from her family and any vehicle that puts the Gardiners more front and center is a story you can't help but love.

"Jane Austen meets Bridgerton in this sapphic romance between Charlotte Lucas and Mary Bennet that begins four years after the end of Pride and Prejudice. When Mr. Collins dies after just four years of marriage, Charlotte is lost. While not exactly heartbroken, she will soon have to quit the parsonage that has become her home. In desperate need of support, she writes to her best friend, Lizzie. Unable to leave Pemberley, Lizzie sends her sister Mary Bennet in her stead. To Charlotte's surprise, Mary Bennet is nothing like she remembers. Mary's discovery of academia and her interest in botany (as well as getting out from under her mother's thumb) have caused her to flourish. Before long, Charlotte is enraptured, and with each stolen glance and whispered secret, their friendship quickly blossoms into something achingly real. But when her time at the parsonage begins to dwindle and a potential suitor appears, Charlotte must make a choice--the safety and security of another husband, or a passionate life with Mary outside the confines of the ton's expectations" from the catalog description

This recommendation comes from my adult services teammates and I'm told its exceptional. I'm excited to check this one out and see what else this author has in store in their future book that focuses on Caroline Bingley 

"Charlotte Collins, nee Lucas, is the respectable wife of Hunsford's vicar, and sees to her duties by rote: keeping house, caring for their adorable daughter, visiting parishioners, and patiently tolerating the lectures of her awkward husband and his condescending patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Intelligent, pragmatic, and anxious to escape the shame of spinsterhood, Charlotte chose this life, an inevitable one so socially acceptable that its quietness threatens to overwhelm her. Then she makes the acquaintance of Mr. Travis, a local farmer and tenant of Lady Catherine..

In Mr. Travis' company, Charlotte feels appreciated, heard, and seen. For the first time in her life, Charlotte begins to understand emotional intimacy and its effect on the heart--and how breakable that heart can be. With her sensible nature confronted, and her own future about to take a turn, Charlotte must now question the role of love and passion in a woman's life, and whether they truly matter for a clergyman's wife." from the catalog description

I have a soft spot for Charlotte Lucas and this book does a great job of giving us more context about her family's situation after her father is knighted. The sudden shift in their position is something I never gave much thought until this focus is on her. We also receive more context on Mr. Collins and his early life. The love interest is also interesting and compelling and you will find yourself looking forward to their interactions. 
 

There are plenty more works in Jane Austen's expanded universe including some modern takes that are either beloved (Austenland) or maligned(Lost in Austen), but you should peruse them  yourself to see what speaks out to you in these works.