What do you think?
Rate this book
Saving Jane: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The new tenant of Netherfield Park leaves Meryton without offering for Jane. He loves her but is reluctant to take on the support of her entire family in the event of Mr. Bennet's death, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are thus determined to force Jane to wed Mr. Collins. Lizzy will do anything to save Jane from such a fate! She spirits Jane away to the Gardiners in London. Determined not to let history repeat itself, they introduce themselves to new acquaintances as orphans with no other siblings. Romances flourish with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, but the two sisters are all too aware that the gentlemen do not know who they really are. What will happen if Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy learn the truth? Is their love strong enough to truly bloom in the soil of deception?
This is a full novel-length work of over 90,000 words.
This is a full novel-length work of over 90,000 words.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
118 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 5, 2024
This story dragged a little for me in the first (?) half of the story but certainly picked up pace in the second half. There are many small plot points which add to the story. Such as, Elizabeth and Jane taking on a new surname when they sneak away to the Gardiners in London due to their parents' plan to force Jane to marry Collins. (I don't want to spoil the story by giving away too many of those points.)
Told from Elizabeth's POV; Elizabeth seems the perfect wife for Darcy in her friendship and support of Georgiana and her relationship with the staff at Pemberley when she is invited to visit there. However, no words of love are spoken.
Both Elizabeth and Jane make efforts to present their new circumstances to the world so as to hide their family background. Jane's circumstances make it easier for her. Elizabeth struggles with the lies she is living with, knowing if they come to light, her world could dramatically change.
The Bennets are not at all likeable in this story. Darcy seems cold and calculating although he does see value in Elizabeth, even if we don't read of love.
I did enjoy this very different premise.
Told from Elizabeth's POV; Elizabeth seems the perfect wife for Darcy in her friendship and support of Georgiana and her relationship with the staff at Pemberley when she is invited to visit there. However, no words of love are spoken.
Both Elizabeth and Jane make efforts to present their new circumstances to the world so as to hide their family background. Jane's circumstances make it easier for her. Elizabeth struggles with the lies she is living with, knowing if they come to light, her world could dramatically change.
The Bennets are not at all likeable in this story. Darcy seems cold and calculating although he does see value in Elizabeth, even if we don't read of love.
I did enjoy this very different premise.
June 2, 2024
You need to escape the past to build a future
The Bennet parents are as bad as they can get. When the future looks bleak for Jane and Elizabeth they take control of their own destinies.
Jane's gives smoother than Elizabeth's. At some point shefas to pay for her choices.
Very well done. Hard to put down.
The Bennet parents are as bad as they can get. When the future looks bleak for Jane and Elizabeth they take control of their own destinies.
Jane's gives smoother than Elizabeth's. At some point shefas to pay for her choices.
Very well done. Hard to put down.
April 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this telling. You can clearly see canon Kitty/Lydia being portrayed by Jane and Lizzy. This Darcy was difficult to swallow, but I'm assuming because it's written first person from Lizzy's point of view. We don't get to see Darcy's growth, we just hear it from those around him. I do like the new ancillary characters, plus Georgie who are given depth. Caroline is so well delt with. A Keeper!
April 24, 2024
I really loved this.
I read a great deal of P&P variations and occasionally I stumble across an unexpected gem. This is one of those. I can honestly say it’s not a plot I’ve read previously and it’s handled in such a lovely way. Just the right amount of angst and believable reactions by the established characters.
I read a great deal of P&P variations and occasionally I stumble across an unexpected gem. This is one of those. I can honestly say it’s not a plot I’ve read previously and it’s handled in such a lovely way. Just the right amount of angst and believable reactions by the established characters.
June 6, 2024
Excellent book
April 9, 2024
Good story but I didn't like Elizabeth
The story is engaging and well written. My only dislike was Elizabeth's personality. She lost some of the main qualities that made him so enchanting in P&P. If you don't mind that Elizabeth is OK getting married for monetary reasons with Mr. Darcy and that she lies and is resentful. I understand why she has resentment against her parents but I don't see the point in the final confrontation with her parents. It would have been enough to cut ties if she is sure she doesn't want them close by. Her wittiness to confront difficult situations is lost.
The story is engaging and well written. My only dislike was Elizabeth's personality. She lost some of the main qualities that made him so enchanting in P&P. If you don't mind that Elizabeth is OK getting married for monetary reasons with Mr. Darcy and that she lies and is resentful. I understand why she has resentment against her parents but I don't see the point in the final confrontation with her parents. It would have been enough to cut ties if she is sure she doesn't want them close by. Her wittiness to confront difficult situations is lost.
April 19, 2024
A different plot angle!
Fascinating plot has Lizzy and Jane running away to "save" Jane from marrying Mr. Collins. All goes well until Darcy finds out that he has been lied to, and his pride creates problems. Good characterization, good writing, and good dialogue!
Fascinating plot has Lizzy and Jane running away to "save" Jane from marrying Mr. Collins. All goes well until Darcy finds out that he has been lied to, and his pride creates problems. Good characterization, good writing, and good dialogue!
April 12, 2024
Epic!
There is absolutely nothing about this book that is not full quality reading. I love Elizabeth's resolve, Jane having more backbone than usual, and the way that both girls stay true to themselves while living their reinvented lives. I also love that they both garner love and support from the people around them because their very natures earn them genuine love.
There is absolutely nothing about this book that is not full quality reading. I love Elizabeth's resolve, Jane having more backbone than usual, and the way that both girls stay true to themselves while living their reinvented lives. I also love that they both garner love and support from the people around them because their very natures earn them genuine love.
April 12, 2024
Excellent
Different take on the theme, but very enjoyable to read. I enjoy the what if storylines where our favorite couple faces a more challenging relationship. This was an emotional journey where Mrs Bennet was the villain with Mr Bennet supporting his wife as opposed to his daughters when it came down to someone marrying the idiot Collins and the lasting effects. Well done! Enjoy!
Different take on the theme, but very enjoyable to read. I enjoy the what if storylines where our favorite couple faces a more challenging relationship. This was an emotional journey where Mrs Bennet was the villain with Mr Bennet supporting his wife as opposed to his daughters when it came down to someone marrying the idiot Collins and the lasting effects. Well done! Enjoy!
June 22, 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. The new tenant of Netherfield Park leaves Meryton without offering for Jane. He loves her but is reluctant to take on the support of her entire family in the event of Mr. Bennet's death, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are thus determined to force Jane to wed Mr. Collins. Lizzy will do anything to save Jane from such a fate! She spirits Jane away to the Gardiners in London. Determined not to let history repeat itself, they introduce themselves to new acquaintances as orphans with no other siblings. Romances flourish with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, but the two sisters are all too aware that the gentlemen do not know who they really are. What will happen if Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy learn the truth? Is their love strong enough to truly bloom in the soil of deception? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
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. The new tenant of Netherfield Park leaves Meryton without offering for Jane. He loves her but is reluctant to take on the support of her entire family in the event of Mr. Bennet's death, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are thus determined to force Jane to wed Mr. Collins. Lizzy will do anything to save Jane from such a fate! She spirits Jane away to the Gardiners in London. Determined not to let history repeat itself, they introduce themselves to new acquaintances as orphans with no other siblings. Romances flourish with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, but the two sisters are all too aware that the gentlemen do not know who they really are. What will happen if Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy learn the truth? Is their love strong enough to truly bloom in the soil of deception? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
April 10, 2024
Well done, Ms Wallace
So many things to like about this story! Lizzy and Jane taking responsibility for themselves and refusing to be puppets of their parents. Jane and Lizzy standing up for each other. The Gardiners acting as the parents Lizzy and Jane should have had. Caroline receiving some particularly good set downs. Georgianna being a better developed character than often portrayed. Anne being dramatically rescued. Bingley riding off on his figurative white horse to give Darcy what for and to defend Elizabeth. Assorted staff, especially lady’s maid Sarah all deserving of kindness and respect. Mary acting in a truly Christian manor towards Elizabeth. Kitty being given the chance she deserves. Elizabeth and the final clearing of the air between the Darcys. Five stars!
So many things to like about this story! Lizzy and Jane taking responsibility for themselves and refusing to be puppets of their parents. Jane and Lizzy standing up for each other. The Gardiners acting as the parents Lizzy and Jane should have had. Caroline receiving some particularly good set downs. Georgianna being a better developed character than often portrayed. Anne being dramatically rescued. Bingley riding off on his figurative white horse to give Darcy what for and to defend Elizabeth. Assorted staff, especially lady’s maid Sarah all deserving of kindness and respect. Mary acting in a truly Christian manor towards Elizabeth. Kitty being given the chance she deserves. Elizabeth and the final clearing of the air between the Darcys. Five stars!
April 16, 2024
Healing!
This book revealed truths that were hidden in my life and the difficulties of coming to terms with forgiveness. I am putting this on my reread list And look forward to revisiting it to see if I've made progress and growth. Thank you to AnneMarie Wallace For giving me Insights into my life by your writing about Elizabeth, Jane and Darcy. I look forward to future books and the insights that you provide. As I always enjoy Col. Richard Fitzwilliam I appreciate Is roll In this story And hope That you give him a larger part of your next book. (Team Richard Fitzwilliam!)
This book revealed truths that were hidden in my life and the difficulties of coming to terms with forgiveness. I am putting this on my reread list And look forward to revisiting it to see if I've made progress and growth. Thank you to AnneMarie Wallace For giving me Insights into my life by your writing about Elizabeth, Jane and Darcy. I look forward to future books and the insights that you provide. As I always enjoy Col. Richard Fitzwilliam I appreciate Is roll In this story And hope That you give him a larger part of your next book. (Team Richard Fitzwilliam!)
May 15, 2024
Choose a free weekend to read
This was Elizabeth’s point of view. I admire variations that keep the main characters consistent.
The changes to the storyline was significant. This variation was refreshingly different. Collins, Lady De B, and Mr & Mrs Bennett were the villains.
Mary’s storyline changes were unexpected and I enjoyed when she was brought into the weaving of the story in person and by letter.
Anne was the surprise bringing a bridge to the family.
I just tried to give hints without giving it away. I am purchasing this P&P variation.
This was Elizabeth’s point of view. I admire variations that keep the main characters consistent.
The changes to the storyline was significant. This variation was refreshingly different. Collins, Lady De B, and Mr & Mrs Bennett were the villains.
Mary’s storyline changes were unexpected and I enjoyed when she was brought into the weaving of the story in person and by letter.
Anne was the surprise bringing a bridge to the family.
I just tried to give hints without giving it away. I am purchasing this P&P variation.
April 6, 2024
One of the best I've ever read!
If only I could add more stars. I love this Elizabeth! I wasn't sure about the first person narrative at first, (it's not my favorite), but it grew on me. I don't think she lied, exactly, just omitted. And other than that omission, she was always exactly herself, even at the seaside. Marriages in those days were just like a job is today, that's how she approached hers. Looking forward to more from this author!
If only I could add more stars. I love this Elizabeth! I wasn't sure about the first person narrative at first, (it's not my favorite), but it grew on me. I don't think she lied, exactly, just omitted. And other than that omission, she was always exactly herself, even at the seaside. Marriages in those days were just like a job is today, that's how she approached hers. Looking forward to more from this author!
April 9, 2024
do not like this Elizabeth and Darcy.
This Elizabeth is only one step above Charlotte. In that she would refuse a good match to a horrible man , but would turn around and marry a man that is handsome and she loves his home. I saw no witty conversation. Don’t get me started on Darcy. Whoever that was, it wasn’t Darcy. Enough said.
I do have to admit that I skipped the entire middle part of the book a because I have a low tolerance of angst. So read at your own risk.
This Elizabeth is only one step above Charlotte. In that she would refuse a good match to a horrible man , but would turn around and marry a man that is handsome and she loves his home. I saw no witty conversation. Don’t get me started on Darcy. Whoever that was, it wasn’t Darcy. Enough said.
I do have to admit that I skipped the entire middle part of the book a because I have a low tolerance of angst. So read at your own risk.
June 28, 2024
O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive…
The variation spins off from Mr Collins’ visit and his determined courtship of Jane. Lizzy is equally determined that Jane shall be saved. The ensuing two years are eventful and beneficial, until truth demands its reckoning. Writing a character as beloved as Lizzy in the first person is a challenge for any author, but one quite successfully met by Wallace. Recommended.
The variation spins off from Mr Collins’ visit and his determined courtship of Jane. Lizzy is equally determined that Jane shall be saved. The ensuing two years are eventful and beneficial, until truth demands its reckoning. Writing a character as beloved as Lizzy in the first person is a challenge for any author, but one quite successfully met by Wallace. Recommended.
December 13, 2024
Elizabeth is a better person than me. I would have not been able to forgive Mr Darcy. Or at least I think I would take longer, I literally felt sick at the marriage until the forgiveness and Mr Darcy actually showing and allowing himself to truly love. However I knew I was getting into something sad. Overall I recommend but if you are like me who is sensitive to betrayals in marriage and overall crappy behavior, be warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
In my top ten JAFF reads
Lizzy sparkles Even more than usual and szves a whole bunch of people Including herself. The relationship between Lizzy and georgiana Is especially Enjoyable To read to read.
Lizzy sparkles Even more than usual and szves a whole bunch of people Including herself. The relationship between Lizzy and georgiana Is especially Enjoyable To read to read.
May 1, 2024
One of the very best P&P variation authors EVER
As the owner of hundreds of Pride and Prejudice variation books, I HEARTILY attest that AnneMarie Wallace IS in my Top 5 list of Best Variation Authors.
Her stories are incredibly entertaining. More please!
As the owner of hundreds of Pride and Prejudice variation books, I HEARTILY attest that AnneMarie Wallace IS in my Top 5 list of Best Variation Authors.
Her stories are incredibly entertaining. More please!
May 4, 2024
Excellent reading
This book was of a different trope which I liked very much. Sometimes a a "variation" isn't a varied as it could be. The Bennett parents are hardly ever good parents and this read was no different. Enjoyable reading to be sure.
This book was of a different trope which I liked very much. Sometimes a a "variation" isn't a varied as it could be. The Bennett parents are hardly ever good parents and this read was no different. Enjoyable reading to be sure.
June 24, 2024
Saving lizzie
This was such a great story! Two devoted sisters survive the Bennett parents and they try so hard to live a decent and safe life! So great to read about a woman hero our Lizzie of course!
This was such a great story! Two devoted sisters survive the Bennett parents and they try so hard to live a decent and safe life! So great to read about a woman hero our Lizzie of course!
July 4, 2024
Interesting storyline
I found the story interesting, though some of the personalities seemed a bit over the top. The writing was technically good, though the overall tone was matter of fact as opposed to lyrical. Many of the chapters were recitations of events.
I found the story interesting, though some of the personalities seemed a bit over the top. The writing was technically good, though the overall tone was matter of fact as opposed to lyrical. Many of the chapters were recitations of events.
July 6, 2024
a marvelous author
4.5 stars
I will be buying her three books for my permanent collection. In this book I particularly like Elizabeth’s maid, Sarah. I deducted half a star because of the lack of chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy.
4.5 stars
I will be buying her three books for my permanent collection. In this book I particularly like Elizabeth’s maid, Sarah. I deducted half a star because of the lack of chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy.
July 15, 2024
I don’t like lies that last thus long
Usually like this authors book, but the lies lasted too long, partly my personal preference, but it seemed unnecessary to lie after trust was established with the hero’s.
Usually like this authors book, but the lies lasted too long, partly my personal preference, but it seemed unnecessary to lie after trust was established with the hero’s.
October 26, 2024
I could not finish it. Elizabeth is a bit cold calculating and a liar. I could not find her character admirable and did not really root for her to succeed. I also felt no connection to Darcy. Without this I felt no reason to continue this tale. Not for me.
Read
January 18, 2025Lovely book 5 stars!
A very appropriate rewrite for the Pride and Prejudice story, with Mr and Mrs Bennett receiving their come uppance for their appalling and irresponsible parenting.
A very appropriate rewrite for the Pride and Prejudice story, with Mr and Mrs Bennett receiving their come uppance for their appalling and irresponsible parenting.
February 27, 2025
Enjoyable read
This book was enjoyable to read, however, I wish the story had not wrapped up so quickly. I would have preferred the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy to be expanded upon further in the story.
This book was enjoyable to read, however, I wish the story had not wrapped up so quickly. I would have preferred the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy to be expanded upon further in the story.
April 8, 2024
A very original plot.
Really well written
Very enjoyable.
Really well written
Very enjoyable.
April 23, 2024
Very nice
E was as stubborn as ever in her beliefs and D was unfortunately very stoic and prideful. Overall, a delightful read!
E was as stubborn as ever in her beliefs and D was unfortunately very stoic and prideful. Overall, a delightful read!
April 23, 2024
"Saving Jane" is Excellent!
"Saving Jane" is Excellent! A totally different view but oh, so enjoyable!! I truly wanted to slap Caroline so, so many times!
Great job!
"Saving Jane" is Excellent! A totally different view but oh, so enjoyable!! I truly wanted to slap Caroline so, so many times!
Great job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews