“The Heart of Bennet Hollow” by Joanne Bischof DeWitt: Review
“The Heart of Bennet Hollow” is a good starter book for anyone interested in Jane Austen literature.
Joanne Bischof DeWitt keeps the outline and essence of Austen’s beloved classic “Pride and Prejudice,” while making it easier to understand for American readers.
This retelling is set in a fictional Virginia Appalachian region of New River in the early 1900s and centers around the New River Coal Company. The Bennet family, which includes a mom, dad and five sisters, are anxious about their hometown’s future and the possible new owner New River. Prospective buyers are flocking to the region to look at the coal company and farms around it. William Drake and his lawyer friend, Callum Brydolf, travel there in the elite Pemberley train car to see the mine area for themselves. Of course, Lizbeth and Jayne Bennet catch their eyes and the “Pride and Prejudice” love stories unfold.
The Wickham, Collins, Charlotte, Lady Catherine characters and more are all there under different names. Although, Lady Catherine keeps her original name minus the nobility title. The minister marries Lizbeth’s best friend, while a young coal miner tries to ruin William Drake’s (this version’s Mr. Darcy) reputation. He also makes time to be one of the biggest flirts among Drake’s traveling coal mining team. William Drake has a younger sister and is being pursued his friend’s sister, just like the original. Drake’s aunt Catherine remains a controlling parental figure in his life as he navigates life as a rich eligible bachelor.
Throughout the story, Lizbeth and William have memorable encounters that are adorable and exasperating all at the same time. From their first meeting at dance to the awkward proposal, this couple is unforgettable.
I highly recommend the book to Austen or Hallmark channel fans. If you are looking for a sweet, upbeat and heartwarming tale with clean romance, “The Heart of Bennet Hollow,” was tailor made for you.
“The Heart of Bennet Hollow” releases in bookstores today.
A special thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for supplying BTSCelebs with the advanced reader copy.
