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The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet, Volume Two: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Nine years after a marquess miraculously fell in love with Elizabeth Bennet, the worst that could happen did, and she was left to raise four little ones on her own. A year after Henry’s death, she is as little prepared to return to high society as she was to enter it when they married, but a reminder of her responsibilities to her rank and her children helps her courage rise to take the first steps.Fitzwilliam Darcy sadly lost his wife in childbirth a year after they married, and he has raised his daughter alone at Pemberley for the last six years. One of his noble aunts entices him to make the journey to London to share in the bonds of family, while another claims it is past time he found his little girl a mother and sired and heir—and Lady Catherine de Bourgh has decided that the right woman to fill the role is none other than Elizabeth.Darcy and Elizabeth are brought together by their family connexion, and love for their children leads to their spending time together. Although he sees that the years have only enhanced her beauty and she sees that he is a changed man from the one she knew in Meryton, neither is thinking of marriage—certainly not to each other! But matchmaking is the business of the London social Season, and innocent visits to each other’s homes leads to speculation that they are courting in secret.Can the return of unrequited love help Darcy heal Elizabeth’s broken heart? Or will Elizabeth’s determination to remain a widow keep them apart forever?
340 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 8, 2024
Part of a two-story series this in not a stand-alone tale. I did read the first volume, but as I read so many JA variations, had to go back and reread my own review as details were hazy in my memory. The author gives us a long list of all the characters from both books: some dead and some only mentioned in the first volume.
As the story begins Elizabeth Bennet Faulkner, the Marchioness of Stashwick, is at the end of her mourning period for the death of her husband. She has four children and manages her estate.
Darcy lost his wife some years prior but has secluded himself and his 6 year old daughter at Pemberley. He delights in a close relationship with Clara, even going so far as to learn how to braid her hair.
So we read of many questioning Elizabeth as to whether she plans to remarry...even suggesting that Darcy would be a good match! She is annoyed, even distressed, by these questions and expectations.
Darcy decides to return to London and soon meets Elizabeth as events bring them together. He also soon makes it clear that he has loved Elizabeth for a long time and would like to court her. Elizabeth is having none of it.
Of course, as we know, things change. But don't expect that to happen quickly. Darcy is soon making arrangements for Clara to visit and play with Elizabeth's daughters. And those daughters and even Elizabeth's oldest son soon make their wishes to have not only new brothers and/or sisters but also a new parent.
There are many familiar people in this story but also many new ones and I found it difficult to keep up with all the family relations (Refer to the author's list if need be.) Caroline Bingley has married and both she and her husband have reputations. They have their own bit in this story.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their other daughters are all present with some changes in their behaviors. Lydia's story is different.
I enjoyed both of these stories and recommend them.
As the story begins Elizabeth Bennet Faulkner, the Marchioness of Stashwick, is at the end of her mourning period for the death of her husband. She has four children and manages her estate.
Darcy lost his wife some years prior but has secluded himself and his 6 year old daughter at Pemberley. He delights in a close relationship with Clara, even going so far as to learn how to braid her hair.
So we read of many questioning Elizabeth as to whether she plans to remarry...even suggesting that Darcy would be a good match! She is annoyed, even distressed, by these questions and expectations.
Darcy decides to return to London and soon meets Elizabeth as events bring them together. He also soon makes it clear that he has loved Elizabeth for a long time and would like to court her. Elizabeth is having none of it.
Of course, as we know, things change. But don't expect that to happen quickly. Darcy is soon making arrangements for Clara to visit and play with Elizabeth's daughters. And those daughters and even Elizabeth's oldest son soon make their wishes to have not only new brothers and/or sisters but also a new parent.
There are many familiar people in this story but also many new ones and I found it difficult to keep up with all the family relations (Refer to the author's list if need be.) Caroline Bingley has married and both she and her husband have reputations. They have their own bit in this story.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their other daughters are all present with some changes in their behaviors. Lydia's story is different.
I enjoyed both of these stories and recommend them.
May 1, 2024
“Widows to me are like war heroes, people who have seen their loved ones die in their arms, and yet picked up and kept marching up the hill.” –Adam McHugh
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature themes of a sexual nature, smarmy comments from sleazy men, with references of adultery and bawdy behavior within the Ton.
>>Angst Level: stressful as Elizabeth navigates the shark-infested waters of London’s elitist.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [2-22-24] with no expectations of a review: I volunteered to leave my thoughts and opinions.
>>Trope: D&E had wed others
“Days are not the way they were when he was alive.” –Christine Thiele
I will have to admit that I enjoyed volume one more than I did this second story. Perhaps it was my attitude that made me cringe a bit during the storyline. I can relate as I am in a mourning period as well and it hit close to home. IMHO, it was too soon. However, the author’s choice gave the characters and the storyline the most angst rather than waiting until later. I don’t think a year was enough time where others may think a year is too long. Each person approaches mourning differently. It was too soon for me. Having said that, I was able to relate to Elizabeth’s stress. Her moving from a period of mourning to allowing her heart to accept another, wasn’t a smooth transition. It could be my emotions getting in the way but it felt jerky.
“Our grief mirrors our love.” –Jacqueline Lapidus, The Widows’ Handbook: Poetic Reflections of Grief and Survival
Elizabeth had to deal with the smarmy comments from the Ton’s best. There was treachery without and from within. Bless her heart. After all those years, Darcy still loved her. I wanted to shake him. He walked away from her in book one after the Netherfield Ball. When Darcy learned that someone higher in society paid her attention, he decided he wanted her. Nope, too bad, so sad. You snooze, you lose. It would never have worked had Darcy married her back then. His attitude toward her family was a problem. He could not accept their low social standing, lack of wealth, her indolent father, vulgar mother, the behavior of the younger sisters, and her connections to trade. She would have been miserable with his disdain for those she loved.
“Widowers marry again because it makes their lives easier. Widows often don’t, because it makes their lives harder. (p. 61)” –Siri Hustvedt, The Summer Without Men
Elizabeth, now a Lady, was a wealthy widow, occupied the highest circles, and was above Darcy in every respect. He suddenly was fighting the shark-infested waters of fortune hunters, rakes, and scoundrels for her notice. The only thing he could do was provide a safe harbor for her. And that would be what she needed the most… someone she could count on and trust.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature themes of a sexual nature, smarmy comments from sleazy men, with references of adultery and bawdy behavior within the Ton.
>>Angst Level: stressful as Elizabeth navigates the shark-infested waters of London’s elitist.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [2-22-24] with no expectations of a review: I volunteered to leave my thoughts and opinions.
>>Trope: D&E had wed others
“Days are not the way they were when he was alive.” –Christine Thiele
I will have to admit that I enjoyed volume one more than I did this second story. Perhaps it was my attitude that made me cringe a bit during the storyline. I can relate as I am in a mourning period as well and it hit close to home. IMHO, it was too soon. However, the author’s choice gave the characters and the storyline the most angst rather than waiting until later. I don’t think a year was enough time where others may think a year is too long. Each person approaches mourning differently. It was too soon for me. Having said that, I was able to relate to Elizabeth’s stress. Her moving from a period of mourning to allowing her heart to accept another, wasn’t a smooth transition. It could be my emotions getting in the way but it felt jerky.
“Our grief mirrors our love.” –Jacqueline Lapidus, The Widows’ Handbook: Poetic Reflections of Grief and Survival
Elizabeth had to deal with the smarmy comments from the Ton’s best. There was treachery without and from within. Bless her heart. After all those years, Darcy still loved her. I wanted to shake him. He walked away from her in book one after the Netherfield Ball. When Darcy learned that someone higher in society paid her attention, he decided he wanted her. Nope, too bad, so sad. You snooze, you lose. It would never have worked had Darcy married her back then. His attitude toward her family was a problem. He could not accept their low social standing, lack of wealth, her indolent father, vulgar mother, the behavior of the younger sisters, and her connections to trade. She would have been miserable with his disdain for those she loved.
“Widowers marry again because it makes their lives easier. Widows often don’t, because it makes their lives harder. (p. 61)” –Siri Hustvedt, The Summer Without Men
Elizabeth, now a Lady, was a wealthy widow, occupied the highest circles, and was above Darcy in every respect. He suddenly was fighting the shark-infested waters of fortune hunters, rakes, and scoundrels for her notice. The only thing he could do was provide a safe harbor for her. And that would be what she needed the most… someone she could count on and trust.
February 27, 2024
The story in a nutshell:
Darcy: I don't want to remarry!
Elizabeth: I don't want to remarry!
Darcy: Seriously guys, I have a daughter and that's enough!
Elizabeth: I'm a grieving widow.. I will not remarry!
Darcy: Enough is enough I will not get married again!
Col. Fitzwilliam: Are you sure? Elizabeth is in Town and she's smokin' hot!
Darcy: Stop tempting me! I will not marry again!
Darcy: Dearest Elizabeth I love you. Please marry me?!
Elizabeth: No!
Darcy: Please, please, please?
Elizabeth: hmmm.... I can't?????
Darcy: I'm begging you. Please marry me!
Elizabeth: Okay!
THE END!
Darcy: I don't want to remarry!
Elizabeth: I don't want to remarry!
Darcy: Seriously guys, I have a daughter and that's enough!
Elizabeth: I'm a grieving widow.. I will not remarry!
Darcy: Enough is enough I will not get married again!
Col. Fitzwilliam: Are you sure? Elizabeth is in Town and she's smokin' hot!
Darcy: Stop tempting me! I will not marry again!
Darcy: Dearest Elizabeth I love you. Please marry me?!
Elizabeth: No!
Darcy: Please, please, please?
Elizabeth: hmmm.... I can't?????
Darcy: I'm begging you. Please marry me!
Elizabeth: Okay!
THE END!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
Disappointed. Volume One at least had a semi interesting story. This one was screamingly boring talking about play dates. I saw no love story at all other than Darcy being way too patient with a completely uninteresting and uninterested Elizabeth. It seemed she was simply putting up with him because she thought he was cute when he smiled. I saw no love there at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
It takes all kinds
Interesting view into the upper echelon of the Ton in those days. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the children. A lot of lovely characters!
Interesting view into the upper echelon of the Ton in those days. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the children. A lot of lovely characters!
March 1, 2024
Very similar to another book
I loved the first book. It had drama. This second book really did not have much of a story line other than all the relatives immediately and constantly pushing Elizabeth and Darcy together. I read a similar story a few years back that I enjoyed much better and it kept it to one book. This second book was a bit of a let down from the first.
I loved the first book. It had drama. This second book really did not have much of a story line other than all the relatives immediately and constantly pushing Elizabeth and Darcy together. I read a similar story a few years back that I enjoyed much better and it kept it to one book. This second book was a bit of a let down from the first.
February 17, 2024
Heartbreakingly Glorious!
In book I we get to laugh and cheer our Elizabeth on as she experiences her first love and shows the strength of her character. In this book we get to cry and laugh with her as she looses her first love, and very realistically navigates the personal inner turmoil of learning to love again after a devastating sad loss. This is another masterpiece by Christine Combe.
In book I we get to laugh and cheer our Elizabeth on as she experiences her first love and shows the strength of her character. In this book we get to cry and laugh with her as she looses her first love, and very realistically navigates the personal inner turmoil of learning to love again after a devastating sad loss. This is another masterpiece by Christine Combe.
March 18, 2024
Slightly disappointed after volume one since it felt so rushed at the end. There felt like little development in the romance between Elizabeth and #2. I enjoyed the actually relationships between the adults and their children and the family summaries in the beginning were a must to remember everyone’s names and relationships.
June 16, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is Volume 2 of 2. Nine years after a marquess miraculously fell in love with Elizabeth Bennet, the worst that could happen did, and she was left to raise four little ones on her own. A year after Henry’s death, she is as little prepared to return to high society as she was to enter it when they married, but a reminder of her responsibilities to her rank and her children helps her courage rise to take the first steps. Fitzwilliam Darcy sadly lost his wife in childbirth a year after they married, and he has raised his daughter alone at Pemberley for the last six years. One of his noble aunts entices him to make the journey to London to share in the bonds of family, while another claims it is past time he found his little girl a mother and sired an heir, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh has decided that the right woman to fill the role is none other than Elizabeth. Darcy and Elizabeth are brought together by their family connexion, and love for their children leads to their spending time together. Although he sees that the years have only enhanced her beauty and she sees that he is a changed man from the one she knew in Meryton, neither is thinking of marriage, and certainly not to each other; but matchmaking is the business of the London social Season, and innocent visits to each other’s homes leads to speculation that they are courting in secret. Can the return of unrequited love help Darcy heal Elizabeth’s broken heart? Or will Elizabeth’s determination to remain a widow keep them apart forever? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
Note: As the title indicates, Elizabeth Bennet will marry twice in her lifetime, volume one is the story of her romance with Henry, a very charming nobleman who knows what he wants and goes for it. Volume two will see Elizabeth recovering from the loss of her first love and finding the strength to open her heart again with Darcy at her side.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is Volume 2 of 2. Nine years after a marquess miraculously fell in love with Elizabeth Bennet, the worst that could happen did, and she was left to raise four little ones on her own. A year after Henry’s death, she is as little prepared to return to high society as she was to enter it when they married, but a reminder of her responsibilities to her rank and her children helps her courage rise to take the first steps. Fitzwilliam Darcy sadly lost his wife in childbirth a year after they married, and he has raised his daughter alone at Pemberley for the last six years. One of his noble aunts entices him to make the journey to London to share in the bonds of family, while another claims it is past time he found his little girl a mother and sired an heir, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh has decided that the right woman to fill the role is none other than Elizabeth. Darcy and Elizabeth are brought together by their family connexion, and love for their children leads to their spending time together. Although he sees that the years have only enhanced her beauty and she sees that he is a changed man from the one she knew in Meryton, neither is thinking of marriage, and certainly not to each other; but matchmaking is the business of the London social Season, and innocent visits to each other’s homes leads to speculation that they are courting in secret. Can the return of unrequited love help Darcy heal Elizabeth’s broken heart? Or will Elizabeth’s determination to remain a widow keep them apart forever? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
Note: As the title indicates, Elizabeth Bennet will marry twice in her lifetime, volume one is the story of her romance with Henry, a very charming nobleman who knows what he wants and goes for it. Volume two will see Elizabeth recovering from the loss of her first love and finding the strength to open her heart again with Darcy at her side.
April 8, 2024
"Huge Family" blessings
I enjoyed this book was more than the first for the fact that it was all about ODC. Lots of interactions between D&E. You see their relationship grow and their love.
There are a LOT of characters, a little too much that i can get confusing. At some points, i would refer to the beginning where the genealogy was listed, but other times, i just skipped over who was who.
And lots of other reviews mentioned the pressure to remarry, but it was the essential theme of the story, so i felt that it was just right. It helped move Elizabeth, move along with her grief, and move towards marriage again. I feel like the 2nd book could be read without reading the first, which i was not a big fan of, and it was not about ODC. I read P&P ff because I'm obsessed with Darcy and Elizabeth, not to read of other spouses.
I enjoyed this book was more than the first for the fact that it was all about ODC. Lots of interactions between D&E. You see their relationship grow and their love.
There are a LOT of characters, a little too much that i can get confusing. At some points, i would refer to the beginning where the genealogy was listed, but other times, i just skipped over who was who.
And lots of other reviews mentioned the pressure to remarry, but it was the essential theme of the story, so i felt that it was just right. It helped move Elizabeth, move along with her grief, and move towards marriage again. I feel like the 2nd book could be read without reading the first, which i was not a big fan of, and it was not about ODC. I read P&P ff because I'm obsessed with Darcy and Elizabeth, not to read of other spouses.
July 1, 2024
I admit I’m surprised I actually enjoyed the first book more, that is not to say I did not enjoy this one, I loved it. I loved ODC finally finding their way to each other. Elizabeth in book 1 was exactly how she should be, impertinent, witty, lively and full of courage. She literally reflected all the best parts of her character as JA created her, in this book she‘s lost some of that sparkle, the heavy weight of grief just changed her and while I understood it I did mourn the difference, she gets some of it back, but she’s never quite as vivacious. I wish we’d seen more of the „courtship“ and been party to maybe book one Lizzy‘s return. Still an excellent read and a great overall story. A keeper.
February 20, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
Loved book 1 and wondered how book 2 could make me forget her first husband. Well book 2 was good. It told of loss and new love with some slight quickly forgotten missteps. Elizabeth was a much better version of herself in part due to her first husband. A year and a day of mourning and then you must continue to live. Her children were a great part of the story and how she dealt with the challenges. Darcy too had a daughter and lost a wife. Luckily there was no one trying to kill anyone this time. I will definitely have to re-read this story again and savor it this time. The first read was so quick as I kept wanting to know what was next.
Loved book 1 and wondered how book 2 could make me forget her first husband. Well book 2 was good. It told of loss and new love with some slight quickly forgotten missteps. Elizabeth was a much better version of herself in part due to her first husband. A year and a day of mourning and then you must continue to live. Her children were a great part of the story and how she dealt with the challenges. Darcy too had a daughter and lost a wife. Luckily there was no one trying to kill anyone this time. I will definitely have to re-read this story again and savor it this time. The first read was so quick as I kept wanting to know what was next.
March 18, 2024
Gently Led
I liked that the widowed Darcy, at first, refused to pay court to the widowed marchioness Elizabeth Bennet Faulkner. He is still in love with her but accepts that she isn't ready to move on yet. Unfortunately, everyone around them wishes for the connection for one reason or another.
His constancy and kindness break down the walls she has around her heart. He gently leads her to want to be married to him as much as he wants to be married to her. Their numerous children, one for him and four for her, like the idea (eventually for the boys) also.
Very well written despite a few editorial errors.
I liked that the widowed Darcy, at first, refused to pay court to the widowed marchioness Elizabeth Bennet Faulkner. He is still in love with her but accepts that she isn't ready to move on yet. Unfortunately, everyone around them wishes for the connection for one reason or another.
His constancy and kindness break down the walls she has around her heart. He gently leads her to want to be married to him as much as he wants to be married to her. Their numerous children, one for him and four for her, like the idea (eventually for the boys) also.
Very well written despite a few editorial errors.
February 19, 2024
A celebration of family love
We join Elizabeth, Darcy, their extended families, and a host of non-canon characters to watch our dear couple at last find true love for each other. As a wealthy and titled widow, Elizabeth has a very difficult time letting go of her grief and learning to love again but she is supported through her sorrows by her sisters and children. It is good to read the preceding novel first, as it sets the stage for understanding many intricate family relationships.
We join Elizabeth, Darcy, their extended families, and a host of non-canon characters to watch our dear couple at last find true love for each other. As a wealthy and titled widow, Elizabeth has a very difficult time letting go of her grief and learning to love again but she is supported through her sorrows by her sisters and children. It is good to read the preceding novel first, as it sets the stage for understanding many intricate family relationships.
May 8, 2024
FANTASTIC!
Volume 2 was, for me, more emotional. It just hit my heart, the children, especially Clara who was so cute, to ODC path to happily ever after. There were so many emotional moments. I enjoy this author and my only negative would be that there is sometimes too much step by step detail that just seems unnecessary. The story lines are well thought out and the premise terrific, I just don’t think it’s needed.
Volume 2 was, for me, more emotional. It just hit my heart, the children, especially Clara who was so cute, to ODC path to happily ever after. There were so many emotional moments. I enjoy this author and my only negative would be that there is sometimes too much step by step detail that just seems unnecessary. The story lines are well thought out and the premise terrific, I just don’t think it’s needed.
February 26, 2024
Charming but too quick
This was a charming story but I felt like the author hurried up & finished it too quickly. I would've appreciated some actual descriptions of Darcy courting Elizabeth & the potential troubles they might have faced. But all that was skipped. That is why I only rated it 4 stars.
This was a charming story but I felt like the author hurried up & finished it too quickly. I would've appreciated some actual descriptions of Darcy courting Elizabeth & the potential troubles they might have faced. But all that was skipped. That is why I only rated it 4 stars.
March 16, 2024
SO GOOD!
Sad that it came to an end! I HATE WRITING REVIEWS! I WONT WRITE ABOUT THE BOOK ONLY TO SAY THEY ARE EITHER GREAT GOOD OR NOT WORTH YOUR TIME! THIS BOOK IS GREAT! AND SO WORTH YOUR TIME! MAKE SURE YOU READ BOOK 1 FIRST THOUGH WHICH IS ALSO GREAT! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOTH BOOKS! HAPPY READING!
Sad that it came to an end! I HATE WRITING REVIEWS! I WONT WRITE ABOUT THE BOOK ONLY TO SAY THEY ARE EITHER GREAT GOOD OR NOT WORTH YOUR TIME! THIS BOOK IS GREAT! AND SO WORTH YOUR TIME! MAKE SURE YOU READ BOOK 1 FIRST THOUGH WHICH IS ALSO GREAT! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOTH BOOKS! HAPPY READING!
March 5, 2024
A great read
A great read
Captures Austens character's of Elizabeth and Darcy and is a wonderful innovative sequel to the original
A must for all Jane Austen fans and attribute to the present author.
A great read
Captures Austens character's of Elizabeth and Darcy and is a wonderful innovative sequel to the original
A must for all Jane Austen fans and attribute to the present author.
June 30, 2024
Not as exciting as the first volume, but I give it 3 stars for the plot alone. I do enjoy the widower trope, but the E&D content was disappointing. Other than Darcy’s constancy towards Elizabeth, the story lacked in romance. At the end, we are told of their HEA, but not shown much.
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March 13, 2024No rating - DNF
In 25% in and I have no idea what this book is about or who these people are. There are so many original characters and the ones that we know are acting completely out of character.
In 25% in and I have no idea what this book is about or who these people are. There are so many original characters and the ones that we know are acting completely out of character.
April 26, 2024
Awesome!
A great read. I enjoyed it very much. This is a book I am willing to read over again. Both books were great.
A great read. I enjoyed it very much. This is a book I am willing to read over again. Both books were great.
October 10, 2024
Poignant
I normally don’t like stories where our dear couple have other loves/spouses. But this was so beautifully done. I enjoyed it.
I normally don’t like stories where our dear couple have other loves/spouses. But this was so beautifully done. I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2024
A letdown after volume 1 and excessively long.
September 29, 2025
3.85⭐️
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews