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Misunderstandings: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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An unbelievable thing has just happened at Meryton’s Assembly Ball. A feather worked its way loose from Miss Bingley’s turban, swooping unerringly for Mr. Darcy’s unprotected eye! Instinctively, the gentleman in question raised his hand and stepped backward to avoid the object, tripping Miss Elizabeth Bennet and then falling upon her prone form. Scandalous! A marriage must occur, of course. But he does not want to marry an unknown country miss and she most certainly does not want to marry the proud, dour Mr. Darcy. Can they find their way to one another despite this inauspicious beginning?

This is a full-length novel of over 90,000 words.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

132 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

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AnnaMarie Wallace

10 books13 followers

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5 stars
251 (49%)
4 stars
174 (34%)
3 stars
76 (14%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for James S.
1,425 reviews
August 7, 2024
The fickle feather of Caroline’s

At an assembly a feather from Caroline’s hat causes an accident with Darcy laying on top of Lizzy on the dance floor. Darcy must marry Lizzy. Neither of the couple wants to be married so this isa story of them not trying very hard to hand an ok marriage.

I enjoyed the story except Darcy was proud and arrogant perhaps too long. But bad habits are hard to change, so maybe not. Recommended as a good read
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,219 reviews59 followers
August 1, 2024
Mild for a forced marriage scenario

Compromised on the assembly dance floor and forced to Wed, our dear couple start married life with plenty of resigned resentment.

Georgiana is a dream sister. Not having had her trauma, she is merely shy. But Elizabeth soon has her blooming out of her shell.

Between Georgiana and the Gardiners, our dear couple finally, finally! speak to each other.

I had a couple of issues with Darcy's judgements of Elizabeth and his lack of honesty a time or two, but if he hadn't rewritten the history of his thoughts, the marriage would have gone down a bad road.

Interesting twists in regards to Jane, Lydia and Wickham. Loved how the author handled those story lines.

This was a relatively low angst read for this trope. Well written and some nice psychology thrown in for marital felicity, raising children outside their sphere and the grieving process.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,672 reviews200 followers
March 24, 2025
I do like FMS (Forced Marriage Situation) stories. Although the premise under which this one occured really stretched the imagination. Within full sight of attendees at the assembly Darcy falls upon Elizabeth when stepping back to avoid a feather from Caroline's turban poking him in the eye. Both are not at all happy to find themselves required to wed. All know that it is an innocent accident but rules are rules!

I did not like this Darcy. Despite the fact that he observes how well Elizabeth not only steps into the role of mistress of Pemberley but also becomes a dear friend to Georgiana, Darcy makes little effort to get to know her. Plus Elizabeth knows and then overhears him saying how beneath his requirements for a wife she is.

The Lydia and Wickham relationship plays out differently. We have a Wickham who FINALLY takes a look at his place in Darcy's and Darcy's father's life. Thus we see some changes there. Darcy also forms a relationship with Mr. Bennet...over books, of course.

As other reviews say, this story needs editing.
1,179 reviews29 followers
September 2, 2024
Well done

As the book summary indicates, at the Meryton assembly one of Caroline Bingley's feathers hits Darcy in the eye, causing him to stumble backwards, knocking over Elizabeth, and Darcy falls on top of her, in full sight of everyone present. As per the ludicrous rules of propriety at the time, this accident results in an engagement between Elizabeth and Darcy, much to both of their chagrin. These complete strangers must now learn of each other, and how to live together with some degree of harmony.

This is a familiar premise in JAFF, and it's well handled here. Since there's no question of Elizabeth being at fault in this version, Darcy isn't too hateful, just completely oblivious to Elizabeth's feelings. Thankfully Georgiana Darcy has a big role to play, and she's vital to the improvement of their relationship. Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Gardiners are helpful as well. Because of this premise there isn't much romance in the first half of the book. When things start changing, finally, the romance is lovely.

The book is in dire need of a good proofreading to correct the many, many errors. Some are silly typos, or spell check gaffs, but others are more blatant and serious, such as calling someone the wrong name. There are too many of these errors to ignore, and they upset the flow and enjoyment of the story. However, the story is well written, and I recommend it.
27 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2024
Pulled out of the story by flawed details

Although there's a nice slow build in the relationship, I'm pulled out of the conciet of a story when there's clearly not even a little research into historical detail. (For example, just a quick google would show that even the flashiest Georgian mansions were not 5 stories with a footman at every door.)
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,790 reviews14 followers
September 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. An unbelievable thing has just happened at Meryton’s Assembly Ball. A feather worked its way loose from Miss Bingley’s turban, swooping unerringly for Mr. Darcy’s unprotected eye! Instinctively, the gentleman in question raised his hand and stepped backward to avoid the object, tripping Miss Elizabeth Bennet and then falling upon her prone form. Scandalous! A marriage must occur, of course. But he does not want to marry an unknown country miss and she most certainly does not want to marry the proud, dour Mr. Darcy. Can they find their way to one another despite this inauspicious beginning? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
362 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2025
So glad I finally read an AnnaMarie Wallace book.

I won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading more, I’m loving her writing.

This was a well written version of the forced marriage due to a compromise scenario. It’s not my favorite plot device but this story starts off with a bang and I was finding it hard to put down.


Of course the title tells us what the story will be about. Misunderstandings. And wow, there were plenty. God Bless the Gardiners in this tale! There were so many ‘doh!’ moments in their relationship, oh good grief. I think maybe I could have done with just one fewer of those. But the ‘working things out’ part was great.

I absolutely loved Georgiana’s role here. She’s got heroine billing in my mind. What a darling. We had Lydia, Lady Catherine, and Wickham. But by far Miss Bingley was the worst.

Recommended for JAFF readers.
Profile Image for J.C. Plummer.
Author 3 books30 followers
September 17, 2024
It’s unfortunate that so many JAFF authors are convinced that something as innocuous as an accidental stumble by two unmarried people of the opposite sex would require them to marry, but it seems to be a common idea in forced marriage scenarios. Of course, it would never work that way, so the whole “compromise” that is the basis for the story is contrived in the extreme. If they were found alone together, I could have believed it, but an accidental fall at the assembly resulting in a marriage was laughable, especially as they were complete strangers to each other.

If you can move past this silly beginning, there is a nice story of Elizabeth learning to be mistress of Pemberley, sister to Georgiana, and wife to Darcy. Darcy has to move past his resentment of the situation, and he does over time in a believable way. Their relationship was nicely written. I liked the twist to Lydia and Wickham in Brighton.

And why does the author feel that Mary’s religious beliefs are “damaging” to her? A quote from the book (at 51%): By the time Jane and I were old enough to understand that Mary felt left out, the damage had been done. She had become religious, reading nothing but her Bible and biblical commentary. Equating her Christian faith and interest in religion as “damage” is both offensive and anachronistic.

The story seriously lacks editing and proofreading. Why do JAFF authors think it’s okay to publish such poorly edited works? Was there any attempt to proofread this? I’ve highlighted a few of the problems, but it’s only a sampling because if I had made a notation of each error, I’d need several weeks to get through the story.

Read through KU.
214 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
A very delightful story!!

This story was such a delight to read! I was first thinking, do I want to read another story with misunderstandings, going back and forth assuming what the other thought and never getting to the point? Well, this surprised me! I like the way the author let Georgians shine and how she went about things with Darcy. A very good story, one I'd recommend and definitely one I'd re-read!
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,142 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
A compromise at the Meryton Assembly forces Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy to marry although neither wants to. They have to learn to make the best of the situation and to learn the qualities of each other. The title references a communication technique that comes in very handy as they work through their differences and assumptions.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,202 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2024
An original take

I've read about compromising situations before but this one feels fresh and new. While not a gripping story it is a most entertaining tale, sweet, and it leaves a loving feeling.
25 reviews
September 23, 2024
good try

There were many typographical errors left in this novel and even Meryton instead of Lambton in one place, but Darcy and Elizabeth were true enough to character that it was not disturbing. Georgiana was more secure in her beliefs and outspoken ways that she was in the original. A forced marriage is not my favourite trope, but some readers like that. It was better than the last two self-published Kindle Unlimited novels I tried to read and quit before 25%, so it deserves 3 stars. The author shows promise.
51 reviews
October 12, 2024
Interesting...

The author did a good job of reimagining the story and kept her word choices period appropriate. However, Her Darcy was harder to warm up to. Pretend this is 3.5 stars...with me knocking half a star off for cold Darcy and a full star for poor proofreading.
Profile Image for Tchullullu.
182 reviews
December 16, 2024
Loved this book, the characters felt pretty similar to the original, but sometimes "improved" - like the whole Wickham situation. It had a bit of a "Jane Austen book" feeling in the way it was written, being pretty accurate with the costumes of the time as far as I know and a bit of a slow pace, but with a bit more of a modern take by expressing the characters motivations, feelings and thoughts more clearly. There was a part in which the whole thing felt a bit too inconceivable -aka the whole talk with the Gardiners about marital problems - but even if it was something I think it would never happen in the original or at the time, I kinda found it interesting. It is a nice option for when you're missing Pride and Prejudice but don't want to reread the book (again)
38 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2024
Loved it!

First, excellent writing, so, very skilled writer and / or great editor. I'm sure I'm not the only reader impressed by that.
Second, I LOVE it when all my least favorite characters have minimal appearance in the story, or that they are redeemed or put in their place properly! This story accomplished that quite thoroughly. Finally, I realize this can't happen in every story, but when our dear couple is together nearly at the beginning, it's wonderful due to maximum Elizabeth and Darcy interaction. Thank you, dear Author!
9 reviews
June 3, 2025
Only One Complaint

I don't have any idea who does your proofreading but it was not well done. I found the errors distracting but not for very long. I would pause to correct the error mentally, then with a two and a tut go back to the story. I really loved this book and could hardly put it down. However I also loved your other books. Keep up the good work as I am likely to run through them all in a short time. I also love your name - Annamarie. That's all for now. I must download and begin the next book!🕺🤘
514 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2024
Entertaining

A "forced marriage" scenario , where Darcy and Elizabeth must marry after he falls on her at the Meryton Assembly. Of course, they are both miserable, stubborn, obstinate, and pig-headed for a lot of the story, as Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Gardiners attempt to make peace.
151 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2024
Nicely done

This was a very good variation. Most of the characters remained true to cannon with a few exceptions that were well thought out. It focused primarily on the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy and their discovery of love. Few editing issues which made it that much more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,533 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2024
Absolutely delicious

An absolutely delightful and interesting premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Anna Marie Wallace. I enjoyed it very much.
120 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2024
This is a good variation which almost kept my interest until the end. The romance was ok but did not enthralled me. The writing is good, despite numerous typos. I recommend, but I doubt I will read it again.
740 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2024
Forced but eventually

Forced but eventually delightful. Grateful that she got along with Georgian and Lady Matlock, nea Aunt.
Took a while but love overcomes, especially if you talk it out. Some angst, but not devastating.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 4 books12 followers
November 20, 2024
Excellent!

A most intelligent variation on the forced marriage trope, built on the almost farcical foundation of a feather. The characters’ emotional lives have great integrity, the dialogue sparkles, the writing is so good and it is so well proofread and edited.
227 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2024
A nice read

I’m a fan of a bit more angst, but this variation was a perfectly nice read. Editing was fine too.
15 reviews
January 29, 2025
Would Recommend!

This was a really enjoyable read! Mr. Darcy was fairly pig-headed at times through the novel and his initial arrogance/pride was really captured in this work.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,191 reviews69 followers
November 11, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice variation due to the accidental actions of Caroline Bingley at the Meryton Assemby, Darcy and Elizabeth are compromised. How will these two strangers survive their marriage with Darcy at his most prideful and arrogant and Elizabeth so stubborn. How will their early marriage effect the rest of the Bennet sisters.
An entertaining variation
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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