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The Ashes of Longbourn
A Pride and Prejudice variation. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy came to an understanding while she was visiting her best friend at Hunsford. But then Darcy must rush to Scotland to be with his ill sister and a tragedy strikes at Elizabeth's family home of Longbourn. Darcy is told that his beloved died, devastating the Master of Pemberley. While Darcy is trying to put his life back together, Elizabeth is attempting to survive the injuries she suffered. Can they find each other and happiness?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2013
42 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Schertz
47 books59 followersI am a retired crime lab/crime scene technician, having worked for a local police department for 15 years. Since then, I have become disabled. Forgot to get the extended warranty on the body. In my spare time, I make jewelry, am a photographer, and a full time mom and grandma.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 27, 2023
Such a touching story. This author has great ideas.
Unfortunately, I simply can't get behind her writing. It's not the worst I have read, but it is fairly unenjoyable that I basically skim just enough to follow the plot.
Unfortunately, I simply can't get behind her writing. It's not the worst I have read, but it is fairly unenjoyable that I basically skim just enough to follow the plot.
August 4, 2017
3.5 stars
Again, Melanie gives us surprising and melodramatic adventure all with mostly the same characters and places from P&P. And in this one the main climax comes at about 60% of the way through the book. There are evil characters galore with deaths and tragedy surrounding ODC.
Darcy and Elizabeth do come to an understanding while she is in Kent but he must seek permission to court her from Mr. Bennet. However he is delayed with business at Pemberley and then must rush to Georgiana's side as she becomes very sick while in Scotland. And then his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, seeks him out to inform him that the Bennet family all died in a fire at Longbourn. He is so tormented that it takes several strong men to hold him down and to have Laudanum poured into his mouth. When he comes to his senses he takes Georgiana and travels extensively as he does not want to return to Pemberley where he was having the Mistress' bedchamber done over for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is terribly wounded and barely alive but gives up on life when the man she loves does not show up. She fears that the scars and broken condition of her body would be found repugnant to any man.
There are several plots and mysteries to solve in this tale. We also find more than one romance. Oh, of course, Jane and Bingley are reunited at some point but there is even some one for our dear Colonel in this story. The Epilogue had me in tears as "the ashes of Longbourn" are poured over a grave.
Again, Melanie gives us surprising and melodramatic adventure all with mostly the same characters and places from P&P. And in this one the main climax comes at about 60% of the way through the book. There are evil characters galore with deaths and tragedy surrounding ODC.
Darcy and Elizabeth do come to an understanding while she is in Kent but he must seek permission to court her from Mr. Bennet. However he is delayed with business at Pemberley and then must rush to Georgiana's side as she becomes very sick while in Scotland. And then his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, seeks him out to inform him that the Bennet family all died in a fire at Longbourn. He is so tormented that it takes several strong men to hold him down and to have Laudanum poured into his mouth. When he comes to his senses he takes Georgiana and travels extensively as he does not want to return to Pemberley where he was having the Mistress' bedchamber done over for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is terribly wounded and barely alive but gives up on life when the man she loves does not show up. She fears that the scars and broken condition of her body would be found repugnant to any man.
There are several plots and mysteries to solve in this tale. We also find more than one romance. Oh, of course, Jane and Bingley are reunited at some point but there is even some one for our dear Colonel in this story. The Epilogue had me in tears as "the ashes of Longbourn" are poured over a grave.
August 14, 2013
I didn't love this book but I didn't hate it either. There are some really decent parts of the book. But there are also some parts that seem to be thrown together. Too many places of this is an overwhelming problem... oh look it's solved -yeah!!
And then their are the typographical errors. Spell check and proof reading aren't the same. Scares and scars aren't the same.
And I can't hold it against this book specifically but I seem to have stumbled onto a group of Lizzy in Peril books and it is starting to get on my last nerve.
We have a mystery to solve, why did Longbourn burn? By the end of it you will just shake your head.
And then their are the typographical errors. Spell check and proof reading aren't the same. Scares and scars aren't the same.
And I can't hold it against this book specifically but I seem to have stumbled onto a group of Lizzy in Peril books and it is starting to get on my last nerve.
We have a mystery to solve, why did Longbourn burn? By the end of it you will just shake your head.
July 26, 2017
“Hearts rebuilt from hope resurrect dreams killed by hate.” Aberjhani, The River of Winged Dreams
When reading a Schertz book, you can expect “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” for a story-line. Yeah, it will spin you around until you throw up. It will toss you from side-to-side, until you are bruised and battered. And propriety and comportment will be thrown out the window. This story was crazy but not as crazy as a few of the villains [no spoiler]. The scenes moved and moved fast. You hardly have time to grasp what has just happened and suddenly find yourself thrown into another angst fraught scene. Let me catch my breath.
According to the ‘Schertz Formula’ for story writing… there will be: death, destruction, mayhem, misunderstandings, grief, agony, devastation, anger, villainy, murder, explosions, treachery, sabotage, fast horses, soldiers, quick weddings and unusual parings for the HEA.
Problems:
There will be modern language and phrases, breach of propriety and comportment, confusion with fiancé [male] and fiancée [female], and just desert [not just desserts].
Rating: MA: mature audience: PG->17: This was a graphic, explicit description of the newlyweds. I thought it was a little over the top for virgins. I mean… it was pretty bold for someone who had never touched the opposite sex skin-to-skin since everyone wore gloves back then.
“I’m like a phoenix. I rise from the ashes.” Bess Myerson
From the title, you can assume that Longbourn is in ashes, and that means someone dies and someone survives. Now, we just need to figure out who did it and why. You will never guess… so don’t even try. It is so convoluted that it was freaking awesome. As the clues start to build you feel the author leading you to a certain conclusion. I wasn’t sure I trusted her and kept my mind open to other possibilities. I was still taken in. Dang… I was so stunned by the reveal. OMG!! I didn’t see that coming.
Source: This was a free offer through Amazon.
When reading a Schertz book, you can expect “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” for a story-line. Yeah, it will spin you around until you throw up. It will toss you from side-to-side, until you are bruised and battered. And propriety and comportment will be thrown out the window. This story was crazy but not as crazy as a few of the villains [no spoiler]. The scenes moved and moved fast. You hardly have time to grasp what has just happened and suddenly find yourself thrown into another angst fraught scene. Let me catch my breath.
According to the ‘Schertz Formula’ for story writing… there will be: death, destruction, mayhem, misunderstandings, grief, agony, devastation, anger, villainy, murder, explosions, treachery, sabotage, fast horses, soldiers, quick weddings and unusual parings for the HEA.
Problems:
There will be modern language and phrases, breach of propriety and comportment, confusion with fiancé [male] and fiancée [female], and just desert [not just desserts].
Rating: MA: mature audience: PG->17: This was a graphic, explicit description of the newlyweds. I thought it was a little over the top for virgins. I mean… it was pretty bold for someone who had never touched the opposite sex skin-to-skin since everyone wore gloves back then.
“I’m like a phoenix. I rise from the ashes.” Bess Myerson
From the title, you can assume that Longbourn is in ashes, and that means someone dies and someone survives. Now, we just need to figure out who did it and why. You will never guess… so don’t even try. It is so convoluted that it was freaking awesome. As the clues start to build you feel the author leading you to a certain conclusion. I wasn’t sure I trusted her and kept my mind open to other possibilities. I was still taken in. Dang… I was so stunned by the reveal. OMG!! I didn’t see that coming.
Source: This was a free offer through Amazon.
March 8, 2022
The beginning of the book gives us hope that Darcy and Elizabeth will get their happy ending as they come to an understanding. Darcy is called away due his sister being near death in Scotland. Meanwhile Bingley has returned to court Jane. A fire at Longbourn destroys the family home and kills everyone except Elizabeth and Jane. The newspapers mistakenly report the death of the entire family which leads to mistaken tales and Darcy believes Elizabeth is dead. Elizabeth believes Darcy does not want her broken and scarred. Mistakes were made but this is a touching story of how love can overcome most trials. One of my favorites.
May 11, 2023
A four star book knocked down to a three for too many errors of a technical kind, this was a decent read due to a delightful, angsty, new story line with the author's inimitable style.
I write technical reviews devoid of a synopsis and with very little in the way of subjective analysis.
- The plot was complete and came from a good premise, though some of the devices used to get through the story were questionable in nature, particularly medical issues. Some redundancies of descriptions of E's accident could have been missed to shorten the work.
- Flow was a good steady pace throughout with a nice balance of narrative and dialogue. It kept the reader's interest up.
- Dialogue had good tags and utilized appropriate phrasing or "beats" to keep it lively.
- Dramatic tension was moderate with some high angst spots.
- The story was told in third person alternating point of view with head-hopping, the latter of which should be avoided.
- Even though a good deal of showing was used, some telling "filter words" were found.
- The language had easy to understand word choices and no big words to look up, which was great; however, the error count was very high for a JAFF book: 18 non-Regency words, phrases, and modern sentences; 8 Americanisms; and 16 wording errors such as typos, homophones, and use of a similar but wrong word. I know the author has a learning disability, but the editor should not have overlooked 99% of these.
- Many more punctuation errors were found than in a typical JAFF book, whether it be missing punctuation, multiple extra commas, or inappropriate punctuation. I'd fire the editor.
- Other grammatical errors such as sentence fragments, missing words, that for who, and was in the case of a wish, marred the work.
- Two instances of the protagonists "seeing" their own expressions were noted: Darcy can't see his own love struck look, and Elizabeth can't see her own blush.
- Non-Regency errors included saying Aunt Catherine where Lady Catherine would be more period appropriate; a Regency lady would be wearing gloves outdoors so she would not feel the touch of his lips on her skin; there was no such thing as permission to court, instead, the man came to call regularly in a courtship to demonstrate his intentions; women did not go to funerals; use of first names was not done so casually as in this book; there was no such thing as an adoption until much later than the Regency period; a single man can't give a gift to a single woman.
- A Pride and Prejudice error regarding the naming of canon's M. Gardiner as Helen, then in one case Madeline, then back to Helen was unsettling to canon purists.
- Scene-setting was excellent, with quite striking visuals accompanied by scents and sounds that made the story telling in this novel a step above many JAFF books out there where they give short shrift to this aspect of writing. This author excels at the backgrounds needed to enhance her story.
- The romance was believable, including the setbacks and doubts incorporated into the story. This was not about development of a romance, but about the trials a romance can bear, and the author had just the right lightness of touch to make this realistic without going into the melodramatic side that would have been so easy to do.
- I didn't research the technical aspects of the book to see if the author had overstepped her bounds on the reality of the medical issues, however, some aspects of the caregivers' knowledge and treatments did seem a bit far-fetched for the time-line without specific knowledge as to whether this was actually known science at the time of the Regency. This is where readers will be in their interpretation, and it's always wise to keep that in mind no matter how truthful the representation is.
- The cover is definitely blah. Even though it attempts to paint a picture of some of the story within, sometimes that part of the story is not the right thing to put on the cover. It doesn't catch the eye of the potential buyer and say "Buy Me!" at all. It's too monochromatic in greyscale, a big no-no. An effort was clearly made to put balance into the fonts, which are nicely readable at Amazon scale.
As for reading this book, in my opinion, this was a reasonably good romp that kept up my interest throughout, so I can't complain. It wasn't a top book, but it was much better than many I've read lately, with the exception of wading through those errors. I definitely got enjoyment out of the plot and its twists, as do Melanie Schertz's fans with all her books. The novel didn't suffer from lack of uniqueness, that's for certain!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF writer, and some might call this review a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are all honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
I write technical reviews devoid of a synopsis and with very little in the way of subjective analysis.
- The plot was complete and came from a good premise, though some of the devices used to get through the story were questionable in nature, particularly medical issues. Some redundancies of descriptions of E's accident could have been missed to shorten the work.
- Flow was a good steady pace throughout with a nice balance of narrative and dialogue. It kept the reader's interest up.
- Dialogue had good tags and utilized appropriate phrasing or "beats" to keep it lively.
- Dramatic tension was moderate with some high angst spots.
- The story was told in third person alternating point of view with head-hopping, the latter of which should be avoided.
- Even though a good deal of showing was used, some telling "filter words" were found.
- The language had easy to understand word choices and no big words to look up, which was great; however, the error count was very high for a JAFF book: 18 non-Regency words, phrases, and modern sentences; 8 Americanisms; and 16 wording errors such as typos, homophones, and use of a similar but wrong word. I know the author has a learning disability, but the editor should not have overlooked 99% of these.
- Many more punctuation errors were found than in a typical JAFF book, whether it be missing punctuation, multiple extra commas, or inappropriate punctuation. I'd fire the editor.
- Other grammatical errors such as sentence fragments, missing words, that for who, and was in the case of a wish, marred the work.
- Two instances of the protagonists "seeing" their own expressions were noted: Darcy can't see his own love struck look, and Elizabeth can't see her own blush.
- Non-Regency errors included saying Aunt Catherine where Lady Catherine would be more period appropriate; a Regency lady would be wearing gloves outdoors so she would not feel the touch of his lips on her skin; there was no such thing as permission to court, instead, the man came to call regularly in a courtship to demonstrate his intentions; women did not go to funerals; use of first names was not done so casually as in this book; there was no such thing as an adoption until much later than the Regency period; a single man can't give a gift to a single woman.
- A Pride and Prejudice error regarding the naming of canon's M. Gardiner as Helen, then in one case Madeline, then back to Helen was unsettling to canon purists.
- Scene-setting was excellent, with quite striking visuals accompanied by scents and sounds that made the story telling in this novel a step above many JAFF books out there where they give short shrift to this aspect of writing. This author excels at the backgrounds needed to enhance her story.
- The romance was believable, including the setbacks and doubts incorporated into the story. This was not about development of a romance, but about the trials a romance can bear, and the author had just the right lightness of touch to make this realistic without going into the melodramatic side that would have been so easy to do.
- I didn't research the technical aspects of the book to see if the author had overstepped her bounds on the reality of the medical issues, however, some aspects of the caregivers' knowledge and treatments did seem a bit far-fetched for the time-line without specific knowledge as to whether this was actually known science at the time of the Regency. This is where readers will be in their interpretation, and it's always wise to keep that in mind no matter how truthful the representation is.
- The cover is definitely blah. Even though it attempts to paint a picture of some of the story within, sometimes that part of the story is not the right thing to put on the cover. It doesn't catch the eye of the potential buyer and say "Buy Me!" at all. It's too monochromatic in greyscale, a big no-no. An effort was clearly made to put balance into the fonts, which are nicely readable at Amazon scale.
As for reading this book, in my opinion, this was a reasonably good romp that kept up my interest throughout, so I can't complain. It wasn't a top book, but it was much better than many I've read lately, with the exception of wading through those errors. I definitely got enjoyment out of the plot and its twists, as do Melanie Schertz's fans with all her books. The novel didn't suffer from lack of uniqueness, that's for certain!
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF writer, and some might call this review a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are all honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
August 19, 2013
This is most definitely the worst P&P sequel/variation I have ever read! Not only is the editing abysmal but the plot is undeveloped and the characters NOTHING like Jane Austen's. I kept reading, hoping it would improve but sadly, it did not. I gave it one star only because the author had to put some effort into arranging so many words into a book. It was a wasted effort, however.
August 31, 2018
I feel quite tongue tied about this story - in a way of not even knowing how to begin this review.
Melanie always succeeds in getting the feelings through to the reader - as we have her characteristic dramatic happenings and eviler evil characters colliding with ODC - but this time I actually cried more than I expected.
As the title suggests, the story develops around a big fire that burned Longbourn to the ground, leaving only Lizzy and Jane (which were on Lizzie's bedroom at the time) alive. Mr. Bennet's death, as well as their sisters hit me hard, as well as all the confusion and the feelings the sisters went through while trying to overcome their loss. The fact that it wasn't pretty, that they lost their footings at times, made it all closer to the surface.
On the other hand, the plot gave some very unexpected - and welcome - changes to our normally placid Bingley, sweet-but-plain-stereotipical Jane and even Miss Bingley . As he was the only one in Hertfordshire on the time of the tragedy, Bingley is faced with the only option available to him: mature and take care of the last two Bennet's of risk losing the woman he loves because of the tirades of his sister. The way he took charge of Netherfield and saw that everything needed to be done was really warmed me up to him.
All the while, through some misunderstandings and missteps, Mr Darcy believed himself a widower even before having married the woman he loved. I think the moment Fitwilliam is told Lizzy died in the fire was the most excruciating, most raw and touching peace of the book. It was all there, bared for everyone to see, all his feelings and hopes and dreams for the future. We could feel his heart shattering, his mind turning as he tried to avoid that reality.
That all being said... As I'm already familiar with Melanie's style, I didn't actually find the book that much different from her other works, even though I felt a improvement on the development of the story and the obstacles ODC had to face in their way to recover. There was not that much angst between the main leads as, per usual, they found each other quite soon - thanks to a little help of Mr Gardner this time.
I also felt that, sometimes, the story fell to some "commonplace" plot lines. There was a particular moment, when the Colonel and his father found out about a mysterious "Lady from Kent" that was supposed to be behind the fire and plot to kill Elizabeth. All the while, I couldn't help but feel that I knew where we were going, even though they kept blaming a certain grumpy aunt that "must always have her say!".
But it was the total dependance between Darcy and Lizzy that really enervated me (some long hours after finishing the book, that is kkk).
More than once - more than was REASONABLE, actually - Lizzy kept saying that she would not have survived if Darcy didn't find her, or that she had lost hope in life when she though he didn't want her anymore. I'm all for the deepest, truest love, but this kind of relationship scares me and, personally, I don't find it the least healthy.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed this book. I don't know if my heart - and my eyes, for that matter - would survive a second reading, but I might pick it up in the future as if greeting a good old friend
Melanie always succeeds in getting the feelings through to the reader - as we have her characteristic dramatic happenings and eviler evil characters colliding with ODC - but this time I actually cried more than I expected.
As the title suggests, the story develops around a big fire that burned Longbourn to the ground, leaving only Lizzy and Jane (which were on Lizzie's bedroom at the time) alive. Mr. Bennet's death, as well as their sisters hit me hard, as well as all the confusion and the feelings the sisters went through while trying to overcome their loss. The fact that it wasn't pretty, that they lost their footings at times, made it all closer to the surface.
On the other hand, the plot gave some very unexpected - and welcome - changes to our normally placid Bingley, sweet-but-plain-stereotipical Jane and even Miss Bingley . As he was the only one in Hertfordshire on the time of the tragedy, Bingley is faced with the only option available to him: mature and take care of the last two Bennet's of risk losing the woman he loves because of the tirades of his sister. The way he took charge of Netherfield and saw that everything needed to be done was really warmed me up to him.
All the while, through some misunderstandings and missteps, Mr Darcy believed himself a widower even before having married the woman he loved. I think the moment Fitwilliam is told Lizzy died in the fire was the most excruciating, most raw and touching peace of the book. It was all there, bared for everyone to see, all his feelings and hopes and dreams for the future. We could feel his heart shattering, his mind turning as he tried to avoid that reality.
That all being said... As I'm already familiar with Melanie's style, I didn't actually find the book that much different from her other works, even though I felt a improvement on the development of the story and the obstacles ODC had to face in their way to recover. There was not that much angst between the main leads as, per usual, they found each other quite soon - thanks to a little help of Mr Gardner this time.
I also felt that, sometimes, the story fell to some "commonplace" plot lines. There was a particular moment, when the Colonel and his father found out about a mysterious "Lady from Kent" that was supposed to be behind the fire and plot to kill Elizabeth. All the while, I couldn't help but feel that I knew where we were going, even though they kept blaming a certain grumpy aunt that "must always have her say!".
But it was the total dependance between Darcy and Lizzy that really enervated me (some long hours after finishing the book, that is kkk).
More than once - more than was REASONABLE, actually - Lizzy kept saying that she would not have survived if Darcy didn't find her, or that she had lost hope in life when she though he didn't want her anymore. I'm all for the deepest, truest love, but this kind of relationship scares me and, personally, I don't find it the least healthy.
All in all, though, I really enjoyed this book. I don't know if my heart - and my eyes, for that matter - would survive a second reading, but I might pick it up in the future as if greeting a good old friend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2014
Both the plot and the language are very weak.
There are too many detailed descriptions of various feelings, especially happiness, that don't actually convey the atmosphere.
There are too many detailed descriptions of various feelings, especially happiness, that don't actually convey the atmosphere.
July 26, 2016
Of course Darcy has an enormous . . . um . . . member. Ugh.
March 4, 2020
This story is a whirlwind! It's dramatic with lots of wrought emotion. Everyone's character is either in full support of D&E or they are evil incarnate. It was sort of like a soap opera it was so dramatic with the various happenings! There wasn't just one story to plod through, but as one ended another began. There were so many moments that I wished I didn't have to read the synopsis of how Darcy's return saved Elizabeth with every new character, but they were over after one paragraph at a time.
All in all I liked it! I would recommend it for P&P fans who enjoy things a little less prim and proper. I've read so many stories where it's about D&E finding a husband for Georgiana, or Elizabeth's first ball/harvest/Christmas etc., This is different. It is a clear work of love for Schertz, and I can't say I'll ever forget this story.
All in all I liked it! I would recommend it for P&P fans who enjoy things a little less prim and proper. I've read so many stories where it's about D&E finding a husband for Georgiana, or Elizabeth's first ball/harvest/Christmas etc., This is different. It is a clear work of love for Schertz, and I can't say I'll ever forget this story.
November 8, 2017
Worst I've Read
I've read quite a few of the Darcy and Elizabeth books, but this has to be one of the worst. There was nothing in the house that could cause an explosion, so it starts off being unbelievable, then just deteriorates fast.
She can be a good author, but I think this may be one variation too far. Try some her other books, but this is one to be avoided.
I've read quite a few of the Darcy and Elizabeth books, but this has to be one of the worst. There was nothing in the house that could cause an explosion, so it starts off being unbelievable, then just deteriorates fast.
She can be a good author, but I think this may be one variation too far. Try some her other books, but this is one to be avoided.
October 21, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
One-half star deducted for all the editing errors. Otherwise I loved the story. Readers may need a tissue or two if you get emotionally involved with the characters and the plot. No spoilers, but aspects of E’s experience in the first half seem to be ignored in the second half. Definitely recommended!
One-half star deducted for all the editing errors. Otherwise I loved the story. Readers may need a tissue or two if you get emotionally involved with the characters and the plot. No spoilers, but aspects of E’s experience in the first half seem to be ignored in the second half. Definitely recommended!
June 12, 2019
Heartbreaking and heartwarming
This heartbreaking and heartwarming variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice had me sighing, crying and laughing. Wonderful
This heartbreaking and heartwarming variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice had me sighing, crying and laughing. Wonderful
December 14, 2019
Hate, love, sorrow, and happiness
Same characters as original, but each had a different twist. Omgee , the love of Elizabeth and Darcy s felt through out the book. Loved how they came together both times. Need o read to find who negative people are. You will be surprised
Same characters as original, but each had a different twist. Omgee , the love of Elizabeth and Darcy s felt through out the book. Loved how they came together both times. Need o read to find who negative people are. You will be surprised
January 26, 2020
Loved it!
This book was so enjoyable it kept in its grip until the when it made me cry. I don't normally cry over fiction. Very well done.
This book was so enjoyable it kept in its grip until the when it made me cry. I don't normally cry over fiction. Very well done.
April 20, 2025
The Ashes of Longbourn
Another great story written by Melanie Schertz. Darcy and Elizabeth enter into a secret courtship while Elizabeth was visit Charlotte at Hunsford. Before Darcy could travel to Longbourn to gain Mr. Bennet’s approval, he is called to Scotland because Georgiana has fallen ill with a deadly fever. Bingley has returned to Netherfield and has received permission to marry Jane. A fire breaks out at Longbourn. Lizzy helps Jane escape through her bedroom window and down the trellis. As she tries to reach Mary’s window to her bedroom the house explodes sending Lizzy through the air slamming into a tree. She is severely injured and multiple doctors fear the worst for her survival. The rest of the family perished in the fire and explosion. Caroline Bingley is happy to report the death of the Bennets to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He immediately goes to Scotland to tell Darcy. Overwhelmed by the tragedy, Darcy briefly loses his mind and harms himself. Brought back to his senses, he and Georgiana begin traveling because he can’t see returning to Pemberley or Darcy House as he has redone the mistress chambers in both places waiting for Lizxy’s arrival as his wife. While traveling in Ireland, he overhears a conversation between the Gardiners who have been in Ireland for months for his business. They are headed for Netherfield to be with their nieces. He now know Elizabeth is alive and so they all set sail for England. Reunited, Darcy brings Elizabeth from her melancholy and when they marry, his love brings her health back. A fake Collins, an evil despicable Wickham, and a mentally deranged heiress bring closure to the horrible fire that took the life of the Bennets. The Darcys live a long and happy life - not the one hundred years as promised, but seventy-five years filled with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Wonderful story.
Another great story written by Melanie Schertz. Darcy and Elizabeth enter into a secret courtship while Elizabeth was visit Charlotte at Hunsford. Before Darcy could travel to Longbourn to gain Mr. Bennet’s approval, he is called to Scotland because Georgiana has fallen ill with a deadly fever. Bingley has returned to Netherfield and has received permission to marry Jane. A fire breaks out at Longbourn. Lizzy helps Jane escape through her bedroom window and down the trellis. As she tries to reach Mary’s window to her bedroom the house explodes sending Lizzy through the air slamming into a tree. She is severely injured and multiple doctors fear the worst for her survival. The rest of the family perished in the fire and explosion. Caroline Bingley is happy to report the death of the Bennets to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He immediately goes to Scotland to tell Darcy. Overwhelmed by the tragedy, Darcy briefly loses his mind and harms himself. Brought back to his senses, he and Georgiana begin traveling because he can’t see returning to Pemberley or Darcy House as he has redone the mistress chambers in both places waiting for Lizxy’s arrival as his wife. While traveling in Ireland, he overhears a conversation between the Gardiners who have been in Ireland for months for his business. They are headed for Netherfield to be with their nieces. He now know Elizabeth is alive and so they all set sail for England. Reunited, Darcy brings Elizabeth from her melancholy and when they marry, his love brings her health back. A fake Collins, an evil despicable Wickham, and a mentally deranged heiress bring closure to the horrible fire that took the life of the Bennets. The Darcys live a long and happy life - not the one hundred years as promised, but seventy-five years filled with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Wonderful story.
June 14, 2015
Elizabeth dead, Longbourn burned to the ground. Jane staying with Mr. Bingley out of wedlock. Darcy devastated and traveling with his sister to forget the love of his life. Life is change. However what if she's not really dead? Can she rebuild her life without Mr. Darcy.
Yes, this story had me wondering if these two would ever get a chance to say I Do.
With her family dead and everyone believing she is dead too. Jane a sole survivor as Elizabeth believes Mr. Darcy has forgotten about her. How did the fire start? Who is happy that Elizabeth is dead? Who will not be happy to know she is alive? All questions to ask yourself and with good reason.
loved the twists and turns this story took.
Yes, this story had me wondering if these two would ever get a chance to say I Do.
With her family dead and everyone believing she is dead too. Jane a sole survivor as Elizabeth believes Mr. Darcy has forgotten about her. How did the fire start? Who is happy that Elizabeth is dead? Who will not be happy to know she is alive? All questions to ask yourself and with good reason.
loved the twists and turns this story took.
November 7, 2015
A Pride and Pride variation where at Hunsford Parsonage Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy become engaged. Unfortunately when back at Longbourn a fire breaks out and only Elizabeth and Jane survive. At this time Darcy is in Scotland and believes all the Bennet family have perished Can these two come together?
September 2, 2015
I read this book along with Netherfield Park Quarantined by the same author. These books are a kind of a guilty pleasure. They are crazy from start to finish with poorly done, over-the-top characters. If you ever watched and liked the soap opera, Passions (Timmy!), you will probably like these.
November 29, 2016
They got me, I cried!
I made it through so much turmoil and uncertainty!! But the end made me all teary eyed. Sigh. Another very good story. Also very angsty, so I am curious to see if this is the writer's M.O.
I made it through so much turmoil and uncertainty!! But the end made me all teary eyed. Sigh. Another very good story. Also very angsty, so I am curious to see if this is the writer's M.O.
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