The path towards love passes through the acceptance of one’s own faults and the desire to become a better person.
After the disastrous proposal at Hunsford and the subsequent argument, Darcy and Elizabeth must deal with the aftermath of their feelings. Anger, resentment, pain, and confusion are prominent, but soon sorrow and regret take root within their hearts, and they quickly and painfully discover that dealing with those emotions is even harder. With the help and support of steadfast family members and loyal friends, Darcy and Elizabeth must face and accept their own faults and imperfections in order to grow and become better versions of themselves. But most of all, they are required to take a huge and terrifying leap of faith if they truly wish to have their long-desired second chance at happiness. If Elizabeth must overcome her fear of being too late in showing her feelings for the man she firmly refused, Darcy must find the courage to face his fear of a second rejection. And while they discover what truly matters in life and rise to the challenge and fight for their heart’s desire, all their determination is called upon to thwart Mr Wickham’s evil schemes. Join Darcy and Elizabeth in an emotional journey towards love and their Happily Ever After. A journey filled with hopes, laughter, tears, and doubts, during which they will learn to rely on each other and to believe that true love can conquer all.
‘Hopes of a Letter’ is the author’s first book, and it is a sweet, low-angst story of approximately 100k words about the beloved main characters from ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
The author takes us on a journey of forgiveness and redemption for Darcy and Elizabeth. With many ups and downs, our dear couple must learn to trust and love, completely.
This couple gets the gold medal for constantly second guessing and assuming, wrongly so, they knew what the other was thinking, or going to do.
There was a lot of reflection and introspection. I admit to skimming a lot of it after about a fifth way in. While lovely and well written, it felt repetitive.
I liked how the Wickham, Lydia stuff was handled. Just enough different to interesting.
Fairly clean with kissing and a descriptive wedding night, which can be skipped.
After Elizabeth refused his proposal of marriage in Hunsford both Darcy and Elizabeth try to deal with the situation: Darcy is heartbroken and can't overcome his love for Elizabeth and Elizabeth dearly wishes she had used her time with Darcy to get to know him better before judging him so harshly. When an opportunity arises Elizabeth gathers all her courage to send Darcy a letter with all that is in her heart. Darcy dares to hope once again and, encouraged by his relatives, vows to show her his true self. Encountering each other again at Oklahoma mount they tentatively begin anew, endeavoring to use their second chance. Both need now to recognize their failings to not again make the same mistake and most of all, they need to trust each other. Given this second chance, will they now be able to show the other one the person they really are? Will Darcy be able to convince Elizabeth that he is worthy of her love? And will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their path?
This book was very well written by the author Francesca Pulcini. It is her first book, but I hope not the last one because I like her style of writing and especially the atmosphere she created between Darcy and Elizabeth very much.
Darcy and Elizabeth both want a new beginning, Darcy to convince Elizabeth to love him in return and Elizabeth to know Darcy better because she discovers that she maybe could have liked him had she known him better. I like the way they achieve this, they introduce themselves again. That was really a lovely scene. And I really like that they make the effort to really get to know each other better and are therefore more open and talk a lot. I especially love that Darcy admits his feelings and that he is willing to give Elizabeth a look into his heart. Elizabeth is not as open at the beginning as Darcy, but she is not already in love and does not know how it feels to be in love, therefore it is understandable that maybe, at the beginning, she is not aware of it or can't categorize the feeling.
Darcy is a really sweet one in this story. I must confess I have a soft spot for stories with a flirting or courting Darcy, a Darcy who shows his feelings, acts on them and tries to win Elizabeth over. Therefore this story is exactly what I like. Darcy is really flirting with Elizabeth (and he is good in doing so) and sometimes he is even bold and playful like Elizabeth. And he smiles a lot, reminding Elizabeth even more how handsome he is. Who will resist fall in love with such a man? But on the other hand he is also vulnerable and very alone and wants Elizabeth in his life to make it a better one. He can't imagine a life without her.
Besides Darcy and Elizabeth I really loved the Colonel and Georgina in there. They are extremely supportive of Darcy and welcome his suit for Elizabeth and encourage him. The bond between Elizabeth and Georgiana is especially sweet. The feel and act already as sisters ❤️.
As you can imagine: there is no good story without any villains. Therefore there are also some villains who try to intervene in the love story of ODC. Fortunately in the end, they are not successful, but they are sometimes even worse than in Jane Austen's original story. Wickham was especially cruel. But fortunately, at the end, they all get what they deserve, even if it's not what they like. But not everyone can go to Scarborough 😉.
If you like to know how the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth proceeds when they start their acquaintance anew after Elizabeth sends Darcy a letter, you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really good story. Intelligent Elizabeth, sweet Darcys, stronger Bingley, supportive Colonel nd sensible Mr.Bennet. It had enough romance, sentiments, villainy and angst to satisfy everyone. It could've been a bit shorter cutting down on repetitions but not a big distraction from enjoyment.
I liked the letter premise, the general style of writing and the nearly flawless editing (most notably some stray hyphens in the middle of words that don't ne-ed them). Wickham puts Elizabeth in some threatening situations and our dear couple are both very insecure, constantly teetering between fear of rejection and despair, no matter how much encouragement.
There are a couple of kiss scenes that are a bit formulaic, to the extent that they have the same exact sentence about the lack of air separating them.
The pacing was very uneven, and there were too many contrived misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth. However, I enjoyed Elizabeth’s letter, Darcy courting her, and the drama with Wickham.
The story begins with Elizabeth Bennet arriving at Longbourn and Mr. Darcy arriving in London after their paths had crossed in Kent, where he had proposed marriage and they had lost their tempers when she spurned him. She has read the letter he gave her the following morning. Now she regrets having been so harsh in her refusal and realizes he's an honorable man she had grievously misjudged; he recognizes the truth in her assessment of his behavior - he had NOT been gentlemanly in Hertfordshire or in his condescending marriage proposal.
From there, the story diverges from canon. Darcy confesses to Bingley the part he had played in separating him from Miss Jane Bennet and that he was mistaken about her feelings. Although initially piqued, Bingley quickly forgives him and eagerly reopens Netherfield - without his sisters - and calls at Longbourn.
Bingley asks Elizabeth for her assistance in identifying Darcy's books in Netherfield's library so they can be returned to him. She takes the opportunity to pen a letter expressing her wish that she'd had the chance to get to know the true Mr. Darcy. It's hidden inside a book she tells Bingley that Darcy had loaned her and goes to London along with the other books.
Darcy has shared his disappointment over Miss Elizabeth with Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, who encourage him not to give up. They all decide to go to Netherfield (in Georgiana's case, despite the presence of Mr. Wickham), and Darcy's spirits are further bolstered when he discovers Elizabeth's letter shortly before they leave his townhome. He also sets plans in motion to deal with Wickham once and for all.
This is the premise that sets the stage for the rest of the story. There are many good plot elements in the book, and it is written nicely without egregious grammar or spelling errors.
However, the pace is very slow. It's full of Elizabeth's and Darcy's thoughts - the reader is told what they think about what has happened, what they think about what is happening, and what they think about what might happen. Much of it repeats the general theme of "What did/does/will he/she think of me?" and analyzing their own feelings. Lots and lots of "telling" explains what's already been "shown" - or has been "told" previously. Important advice for all authors: Show, don't tell!
Some elements of the plot aren't logical, either. After one uncomfortable encounter with Mr. Wickham, it never occurs to Elizabeth that maybe she should be more careful about her solitary walks. Ditto why Darcy doesn't arrange extra protection for Georgiana when she goes into Meryton without him or Richard. And some of the misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth seems contrived.
Nevertheless, Ms. Pulcini has undeniable raw talent with solid writing chops.
3.5* rounded up. I thought that this was a good debut for a promising author. The canon plot diverges after the events in Kent. I liked the ideas incorporated into the story. This Elizabeth is more quickly repentant about her reaction to the unexpected proposal and letter from Darcy, and much bolder in expressing her regret. The Darcy here is quicker to anger and doesn't seem to have as much respect & trust for Elizabeth despite his words to the contrary. I think the book would flow better if it was more thoroughly edited to reduce repetition and tighten up the story. Except for an aborted assault on a main character, the story is fairly low angst. One MA scene after the wedding, and then a HEA. I anticipate reading new stories from Ms. Pulcini in future.
From beginning to end this story delighted and enchanted me, I love variations where both Darcy and Elizabeth fight to be together. I also really love it when Darcy puts Caroline in her place and bonus if he does it to LCdB as in this book.
A really good story not badly written another edit would not have astray but I've read worse. A little too introspective but it's a minor quibble from me still 4.5 stars from me.
Darcy and Elizabeth find their way back to each other after the Hunsford proposal, but nothing comes easy for this couple.
What I liked:
- Since the story begins shortly after the return from Kent, the Pemberley encounter is eliminated (I always think of Lydia and Wickham), and a fresh new story begins.
- The way Richard and Georgiana support Darcy.
- Darcy's character early on.
- Elizabeth is more open.
Overall, it was a good story, though some events were repeated from another's viewpoint.
What I didn't like:
No follow-through. If a character is said to be a specific way or say they will do a particular thing, I will read the story based on that information. When it doesn't happen, I question why it was even put in the story in the first place. Now I'm disappointed. For example:
- In chapter 8, Darcy says he will change his behavior. No more sitting idly by enduring or enjoying Miss Bingley's behavior. He even goes so far as to tell Georgiana he will make it clear to Miss Bingley where she stands when she begins to fawn over him. Fast forward to Netherfield. Caroline denigrates Elizabeth and her entire family, makes Georgiana uncomfortable, and constantly attaches herself to Darcy's arm, and he does nothing.
- When Caroline appears at Netherfield, Charles tells Darcy and Richard that if Caroline can not behave, he will make Mrs. Hurst his hostess and release her dowry. Well, nothing ever came of that. It didn't matter how insulting and uncomfortable Caroline made everyone feel. All Charles would say is, "Caroline!" Caroline reigned until her scenes came to an end by a long overdue setdown.
- Darcy speaks passionate words, but I never saw it on display when he had several opportunities to defend Elizabeth and get rid of Wickham (excluding Oakum Mount).
- After Darcy behavior at the Netherfield dinner, his response to seeing Wickham and Elizabeth in the store window, and then the confrontation with Lady Catherine, ALL of Darcy's words of devotion, love, and protection felt empty after that. I skimmed the rest of the way because I was no longer in the mood for Darcy's confessions of love.
I couldn't finish this variation and stopped at 80%. I enjoyed the first half though but it went rapidly downwards after that. Darcy acts like a complete fool in Meryton when he sees Elizabeth with Wickham. I sincerely hoped that Elizabeth would not forgive his unforgivable reaction. But she does and even tries to take the blame! From this point onwards she is a complete weakling. Contrived misunderstandings, contrived angst, an unchecked and delusional Caroline : this was too much for me. What a disappointment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
...but at times the writing was clichéd and a bit clunky. Liked the device of the letter, longed for a bit more originality and believability in the characters. Too many repetitions of over familiar JAFF tropes and clichés. Lemon tarts, lavender scent etc etc etc.
This story gets a "MA only" rating as it has details of the wedding night between Darcy and Elizabeth. (Not a spoiler as you know, you must know, they have their HEA.)
The title mentions a letter and there is, indeed, one which arrives for Darcy but not through regular channels. And I won't give that detail away. There are a few other letters, most near the beginning, although there is one near the end.
Lady Catherine and Wickham make their appearances. However, Wickham's intents are much more evil than in canon.
This long story does give us threads about the other Bennet sisters, the Gardiners, Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana....plus Charlotte, which is another surprise...not in canon.
This is a long story as many details are described as to ODC's feelings and hopes. And, as usual, there are misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy.
I enjoyed this story although there were no real surprises and little angst.
Elizabeth is able to secretly send a letter to Darcy after Hunsford apologizing for her behavior and letting him know that she wishes she could have gotten to know him better. This spurs Darcy to action, in addition to the steps he is already taking based on a Hunsford. This story was interesting and compelling but also very heavy on emotions. Both Darcy and Elizabeth spend the majority of the book analyzing, talking about, and regretting a lot of their actions and words. It feels almost like their was more internal thoughts and emotional discussions than actual actions. Also the same topic was analyzed from both sides and sometimes more than once. It was well done and very realistic but did get somewhat slow and boring on places. If you like intellectual or physiological reads this is a good choice.
A well written and edited debut novel, which does not veer too far from the canon in most aspects. It is the few differences that are the key. On the whole the characterisations are very successful, however Darcy, as alpha male, teeters dangerously on the edge of verbally abusive when he is caught up in a rage. Cruelty the sweet penitence are characteristic of abusive relationships that can destroy a woman’s self-esteem. overall, an interesting read and a fantastic debut. Trigger warning: one scene of physical and sexual abuse that is ended relatively quickly, but it could trigger reactions in some people.
An interesting plot where Elizabeth manages to send Darcy a conciliatory letter a couple of months after the disastrous Hunsford proposal. Too much narrative and internal dialogue for my personal taste, but a good story with romance, humor, setdowns, and threats. One serious sex scene at the end. Bad Wickham, good Bingley, and plenty of our favorite couples' thoughts. Darcy never seems to completely learn his lessons and Elizabeth is very brave.
Imagine you are reading Pride and Prejudice, and just after Darcy proposes…Lizzie refuses and then this book happens instead. It’s a Segway into another time continuum, as Doc from Back to the Future once said.
This book has everything one could ever ask for. It had me gasping and pulling faces at the most shocking places. It’s a definite must read for any Janite !
I'd never read any "variation" books on Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, but this not only took me there on every walk, to every drawing room\parlor, etc I was LIVING Jane's world. I was thrilled to immerse myself into the alternate version while being lovingly familiar with the back story flow. Loved this and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Enjoyed mostly. A little slow at times and needed to skip the bedroom scene when married. Little angst...but quick and easy solutions. Probably will not read again though.
I thought this variation was well written and enjoyable without a lot of angst. In the beginning seemed like it would be a chaste theme in terms of the passion, but the spicy end surprised me. :)