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The Darcy Novels #1
Mr. Darcy's Pledge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Torn between his heart and his mind… Mr. Darcy must make a choice.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has always been able to keep his emotions under control. That is, until he falls under the spell of Elizabeth Bennet and surprises himself by blurting out a proposal to her like a moonstruck youth. Stung to the quick by her rejection, his pride in tatters, and left with no possibility that she will ever return his regard, Darcy determines to put all thoughts of Elizabeth behind him. But not even Town with its boundless opportunities for amusement can keep the image of Elizabeth Bennet from pursuing him everywhere he goes.
By the time Darcy leaves Town to travel up to Pemberley, he has learned one thing. There is only one way of overcoming Miss Bennet’s bewitching hold over him and Darcy is desperate enough to try it. The solution is to get married. And this time, he is not going to choose a wife by allowing his emotions to lead him by the nose.
His choice will be entirely rational…
In Volume I of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Monica Fairview traces Mr. Darcy’s journey as he struggles to come to terms with the upheaval Elizabeth Bennet has caused in his life…and his heart.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has always been able to keep his emotions under control. That is, until he falls under the spell of Elizabeth Bennet and surprises himself by blurting out a proposal to her like a moonstruck youth. Stung to the quick by her rejection, his pride in tatters, and left with no possibility that she will ever return his regard, Darcy determines to put all thoughts of Elizabeth behind him. But not even Town with its boundless opportunities for amusement can keep the image of Elizabeth Bennet from pursuing him everywhere he goes.
By the time Darcy leaves Town to travel up to Pemberley, he has learned one thing. There is only one way of overcoming Miss Bennet’s bewitching hold over him and Darcy is desperate enough to try it. The solution is to get married. And this time, he is not going to choose a wife by allowing his emotions to lead him by the nose.
His choice will be entirely rational…
In Volume I of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Monica Fairview traces Mr. Darcy’s journey as he struggles to come to terms with the upheaval Elizabeth Bennet has caused in his life…and his heart.
202 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2014
67 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Monica Fairview
31 books226 followersMonica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels as well as Fantasy P&P variations. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 26, 2018
After being decidedly and soundly rejected in Kent, our poor, broody Mr. Darcy is feeling lost and depressed. His dreams for a happy marriage, contented life, and a future with Elizabeth Bennet are dashed and he knows he must regroup and move on. Darcy realizes that the best chance he has of getting over and forgetting about Elizabeth Bennet is to put all his energy and time into finding a suitable bride. A bride that he chooses with reason rather than affection, based on practicality rather than compatibility, and by using his head rather than his heart…
Darcy is in such an agitated state between battling his own heart and being tormented daily and nightly with thoughts about Elizabeth that he begins to act impulsively and erratically. Having mucked it up so badly the first time, Darcy turns to others for assistance in his quest to find a wife. He asks Georgiana for help compiling a list of “required” qualities for his future wife and his neighbor, Lady Renwick, and fashionable aunt, Lady Matlock, for guidance with arranging and hosting house parties. Just when Darcy begins to feel some optimism and satisfaction with his plans to move on, he encounters none other than Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners near Pemberley… (what happens to all those plans now, Darcy?)
There was so much to enjoy in this new Pride and Prejudice variation. I thought the premise was brilliant – not only wickedly fun to witness, but very believable as well. (Darcy a complete wreck trying to rebound, I can see it.) I was intrigued by the new characters – Lady Renwick and Miss Elinor Marshall. Miss Marshall is the granddaughter of an earl, fashionable, beautiful, confident…and available. I enjoyed seeing this new original character interact with Georgiana and Darcy. Speaking of Georgiana, I loved her prominence in this novel! I loved how Darcy was open with her about his search for his wife (but not about his past with Elizabeth Bennet!) and how we were able to witness Georgiana’s private ponderings, devoted support for Darcy, and ability to navigate the tricky waters of polite conversation.
All these elements made for an exciting and engaging read, but I must admit, my favorite aspect of Mr. Darcy’s Pledge (Volume One) was Mr. Darcy! I loved seeing such an emotionally-charged, reflective, and romantic Darcy – he is hopelessly, pitifully, and irretrievably attached to Elizabeth Bennet. (Can you say “Awww?”) And even though he contemplates marriage with other women and moving on, he knows his heart will always belong to Elizabeth.
“Nothing would ever make him happy again. He had accepted that. Life was not about happiness. It was about duty…His own happiness was irrelevant.” - pages 114-115
Oh, and I almost forgot one of the best parts, there is a – wait for it – wet shirt scene! (“Fetch me my smelling salts. I feel my faintness coming on again!”)
I am exceedingly delighted with this first installment in Monica Fairview’s new series – The Darcy Novels. Mr. Darcy makes his pledge at the very end of this volume, and I can’t wait to see him carry it out in the next installment!
(Potential readers should be made aware that this is the first book in a two-volume tale, and that it will be necessary to read both volumes to attain the story’s conclusion).
Darcy is in such an agitated state between battling his own heart and being tormented daily and nightly with thoughts about Elizabeth that he begins to act impulsively and erratically. Having mucked it up so badly the first time, Darcy turns to others for assistance in his quest to find a wife. He asks Georgiana for help compiling a list of “required” qualities for his future wife and his neighbor, Lady Renwick, and fashionable aunt, Lady Matlock, for guidance with arranging and hosting house parties. Just when Darcy begins to feel some optimism and satisfaction with his plans to move on, he encounters none other than Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners near Pemberley… (what happens to all those plans now, Darcy?)
There was so much to enjoy in this new Pride and Prejudice variation. I thought the premise was brilliant – not only wickedly fun to witness, but very believable as well. (Darcy a complete wreck trying to rebound, I can see it.) I was intrigued by the new characters – Lady Renwick and Miss Elinor Marshall. Miss Marshall is the granddaughter of an earl, fashionable, beautiful, confident…and available. I enjoyed seeing this new original character interact with Georgiana and Darcy. Speaking of Georgiana, I loved her prominence in this novel! I loved how Darcy was open with her about his search for his wife (but not about his past with Elizabeth Bennet!) and how we were able to witness Georgiana’s private ponderings, devoted support for Darcy, and ability to navigate the tricky waters of polite conversation.
All these elements made for an exciting and engaging read, but I must admit, my favorite aspect of Mr. Darcy’s Pledge (Volume One) was Mr. Darcy! I loved seeing such an emotionally-charged, reflective, and romantic Darcy – he is hopelessly, pitifully, and irretrievably attached to Elizabeth Bennet. (Can you say “Awww?”) And even though he contemplates marriage with other women and moving on, he knows his heart will always belong to Elizabeth.
“Nothing would ever make him happy again. He had accepted that. Life was not about happiness. It was about duty…His own happiness was irrelevant.” - pages 114-115
Oh, and I almost forgot one of the best parts, there is a – wait for it – wet shirt scene! (“Fetch me my smelling salts. I feel my faintness coming on again!”)
I am exceedingly delighted with this first installment in Monica Fairview’s new series – The Darcy Novels. Mr. Darcy makes his pledge at the very end of this volume, and I can’t wait to see him carry it out in the next installment!
(Potential readers should be made aware that this is the first book in a two-volume tale, and that it will be necessary to read both volumes to attain the story’s conclusion).
May 23, 2014
This review was first published at Leatherbound Reviews http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.c...
I’d only read one book by Monica Fairview before this, Steampunk Darcy, which I really enjoyed, so I was very grateful to Leatherbound Reviews for the opportunity to try something more traditional by this author. Mr Darcy’s Pledge is a Pride and Prejudice variation, from Darcy’s perspective, beginning just after the Hunsford Proposal. Darcy is returning to Georgiana at Pemberley to lick his wounds and he has made a momentous decision – he made a huge mistake in offering for Elizabeth Bennet, and now he needs to put it behind him, and marry somebody else.
He wants to do this partly to help him get over his unreciprocated infatuation for Elizabeth (which is obviously a very bad and risky idea!) and partly because he is beginning to think of launching Georgiana into society, and so he needs a woman to help him do this. In preference to his relatives, he considers enlisting the help of a neighbour, Lady Renwick, who was good friends with his mother. Lady Renwick has her niece staying with her, Miss Elinor Marshall, who is the most beautiful woman that Darcy has ever set eyes on. This makes Darcy wonder whether finding a bride might be easier than he’d first thought. However, there is a lot to distract him from his quest to find a bride, with a multitude of visitors to Pemberley, both expected and unexpected, and perhaps even a London tradesman and his wife and niece visiting the area of Lambton on a summer tour...
This could have been quite an angst-filled variation, firstly because Darcy is genuinely heartbroken and suffering and secondly, because he is planning to marry in haste and potentially repent at leisure. Deep down, he knows this, and while he is trying to convince himself that he has recovered from his infatuation for Miss Bennet and is ready to move on he really isn’t ready to do so:
“His heart protested, but he was having none of it. His heart had no say in the matter. Consulting his heart in the matter of marriage was a foolish indulgence, nothing more. Men fell in love and out of love all the time. It was a passion of the moment, forgotten soon enough. Marriage was about producing heirs and managing a household. It was the choice of a lifetime.
He could not help feeling that a lifetime was a very long time.”
The other thing that saves this from being a sad read is the humour. There is so much humour, from wry asides here and there, to the awful comic creations of Lord and Lady Matlock. Ms Fairview’s Darcy falls short of eccentric but he’s leaning towards it in a loveable and amusing way. He decides to determine what character traits he is looking for in a wife as a starting point to finding his bride:
“Choosing a wife would take more careful thought than he had imagined. Already the mental list was growing longer by the minute. He should write it all down.”
I loved the way the lists he made were contradictory, as he’d list what he thought were ‘proper’ qualities in a wife, and then he’d cross them out and replace them with the qualities he really wanted. Darcy is uncharacteristically impulsive in his efforts to overcome his heartbreak and his behaviour really confuses poor Georgiana, who doesn’t know what has effected this change in her previously staid and dependable brother.
One of the things I liked best about this book was the development of Georgiana, who goes from a timid, shy girl, to a girl bewildered by the change she’s seeing in her brother, to a woman who is able to stand up for herself and is not afraid to show her claws when she’s under attack. Darcy and Georgiana’s relationship develops too, from a father/daughter style relationship to a more equal footing.
Darcy gave her a disbelieving look then realized she was joking. “Since when have you turned into a jester?”
“Since I realized the sky will not fall down on me if I make a joke,” said Georgiana. “And since I discovered my brother is rather fond of laughter.” She threw him a significant glance.
I was a little unsure of the familiarity between people in the story. Both new characters and existing seemed to get on familiar terms very quickly. In some cases this was used as a device to highlight encroaching characters but in others it didn’t sit quite right with me, especially when some of the people were on less familiar terms in Pride and Prejudice than they are here, however, this was a minor issue and didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
Mr Darcy’s Pledge is volume one of ‘The Darcy Novels’, so be warned that it’s not a complete story although thankfully it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. We see some Elizabeth, but not as much as I’d like. There is the definite promise of more page time for Elizabeth in Volume 2. The only real shame is the wait I’ll have to have until I can read Volume 2, which is not yet available!
I’d only read one book by Monica Fairview before this, Steampunk Darcy, which I really enjoyed, so I was very grateful to Leatherbound Reviews for the opportunity to try something more traditional by this author. Mr Darcy’s Pledge is a Pride and Prejudice variation, from Darcy’s perspective, beginning just after the Hunsford Proposal. Darcy is returning to Georgiana at Pemberley to lick his wounds and he has made a momentous decision – he made a huge mistake in offering for Elizabeth Bennet, and now he needs to put it behind him, and marry somebody else.
He wants to do this partly to help him get over his unreciprocated infatuation for Elizabeth (which is obviously a very bad and risky idea!) and partly because he is beginning to think of launching Georgiana into society, and so he needs a woman to help him do this. In preference to his relatives, he considers enlisting the help of a neighbour, Lady Renwick, who was good friends with his mother. Lady Renwick has her niece staying with her, Miss Elinor Marshall, who is the most beautiful woman that Darcy has ever set eyes on. This makes Darcy wonder whether finding a bride might be easier than he’d first thought. However, there is a lot to distract him from his quest to find a bride, with a multitude of visitors to Pemberley, both expected and unexpected, and perhaps even a London tradesman and his wife and niece visiting the area of Lambton on a summer tour...
This could have been quite an angst-filled variation, firstly because Darcy is genuinely heartbroken and suffering and secondly, because he is planning to marry in haste and potentially repent at leisure. Deep down, he knows this, and while he is trying to convince himself that he has recovered from his infatuation for Miss Bennet and is ready to move on he really isn’t ready to do so:
“His heart protested, but he was having none of it. His heart had no say in the matter. Consulting his heart in the matter of marriage was a foolish indulgence, nothing more. Men fell in love and out of love all the time. It was a passion of the moment, forgotten soon enough. Marriage was about producing heirs and managing a household. It was the choice of a lifetime.
He could not help feeling that a lifetime was a very long time.”
The other thing that saves this from being a sad read is the humour. There is so much humour, from wry asides here and there, to the awful comic creations of Lord and Lady Matlock. Ms Fairview’s Darcy falls short of eccentric but he’s leaning towards it in a loveable and amusing way. He decides to determine what character traits he is looking for in a wife as a starting point to finding his bride:
“Choosing a wife would take more careful thought than he had imagined. Already the mental list was growing longer by the minute. He should write it all down.”
I loved the way the lists he made were contradictory, as he’d list what he thought were ‘proper’ qualities in a wife, and then he’d cross them out and replace them with the qualities he really wanted. Darcy is uncharacteristically impulsive in his efforts to overcome his heartbreak and his behaviour really confuses poor Georgiana, who doesn’t know what has effected this change in her previously staid and dependable brother.
One of the things I liked best about this book was the development of Georgiana, who goes from a timid, shy girl, to a girl bewildered by the change she’s seeing in her brother, to a woman who is able to stand up for herself and is not afraid to show her claws when she’s under attack. Darcy and Georgiana’s relationship develops too, from a father/daughter style relationship to a more equal footing.
Darcy gave her a disbelieving look then realized she was joking. “Since when have you turned into a jester?”
“Since I realized the sky will not fall down on me if I make a joke,” said Georgiana. “And since I discovered my brother is rather fond of laughter.” She threw him a significant glance.
I was a little unsure of the familiarity between people in the story. Both new characters and existing seemed to get on familiar terms very quickly. In some cases this was used as a device to highlight encroaching characters but in others it didn’t sit quite right with me, especially when some of the people were on less familiar terms in Pride and Prejudice than they are here, however, this was a minor issue and didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
Mr Darcy’s Pledge is volume one of ‘The Darcy Novels’, so be warned that it’s not a complete story although thankfully it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. We see some Elizabeth, but not as much as I’d like. There is the definite promise of more page time for Elizabeth in Volume 2. The only real shame is the wait I’ll have to have until I can read Volume 2, which is not yet available!
June 17, 2014
A handsome, wealthy and slightly arrogant man of the upper class proposes to a passionate, impoverished gentlewoman to whom he has fallen in love against all odds and gets the shock of his life when she turns down his assumptive proposal that reeks with confidence in his own superiority.
The disastrous proposal is the catalyst that sets Darcy on a different path- one of pain, humiliation, strong bitterness, but definitely determination. Never again will he let his heart lead him when it comes to matrimonial affairs. He sets out to find a woman who is superior, well-connected, will be a credit to him as the mistress of his estate and future mother of his heir. She will lead with her head and not her heart, she will conduct herself with decorum and possess a refined taste. And his list goes on, but in the process of forming it two things force him to re-evaluate.
Georgiana Darcy has never seen her older brother and guardian like this. He returns to Pemberley in such a state of mind that he is distracted, acts and speaks impulsively and startles her with his sudden rush to find a wife. Something brought this about, but she wisely waits and watches. When his decision begins to affect her future and his future happiness however, that is a different thing entirely. William's rashness to consult their Fitzwilliam relations lead those insufferable snobs to go on the hunt to find her a wealthy titled husband and his need to consult a local lady to help guide Georgiana through her first social experiences brings a beautiful yet haughty calculating Miss Marshall into their sphere and raises the woman's expectation of an offer from Darcy- an offer it seems he is likely to make. Georgiana will set aside her reticent nature and do what it takes to keep that from happening even the second candidate his brother is considering is preferable though Georgiana doesn't think Miss Bingley is right for her brother either.
Darcy discovers that the harder he works to move on past the heartbreak Elizabeth Bennet dealt him the more it brings her to his attention. His list of qualities for a wife lead him to think of her qualities and his attempt to informally court other women leads him to compare them to the standard of Elizabeth. And then there is Georgiana's disappointment and disgust with his list and her stolid insistence that he consider other qualities no matter that he tries to disillusion her about happiness and love with a marriage partner. But then a twist of fate gives him a second chance with Elizabeth if he is willing to try again now that he fully understands just how wrong he was in thinking, actions and in word when he approached her the first time.
This variation of Pride & Prejudice from the point of view of Darcy was an absolute delight. Lovers of Austenesque literature and Historical Romance lovers alike can appreciate this one even if they never read the original. The retelling offers new characters and plot paths that were not present in the original. Its fun to see how these alterations affect the story.
It picks up in the middle of a story in the sense that the story of the characters and their acquaintance began before and yet with flashbacks and explanations the reader doesn't feel lost and is brought up to speed. The narration is split between Darcy and his sister Georgiana so that the reader is privy to his state of mind, but also an outside perspective. Georgiana is a fun narrator. I loved her witty humor as she observes those around her and sassy determination to work for her brother's happiness.
I loved how the author wrote Darcy's character so that he had to undergo a significant amount of character development. Honestly, I couldn't stand Darcy at first. I felt sorry for him because his marriage proposal to a woman he loved was rejected, but seriously he totally shot himself in the foot. It takes some time before he sees where it went wrong and his own part in his downfall. His list was his jab at Elizabeth out of his pain, anger and bitterness, but it also became a source of amusement for me. I loved the twist in the story of adding the second chance at romance opportunity that comes at the worst time for him because all his plotting has come to roost. Just when he gets a chance with Elizabeth, he is suddenly surrounded by interested females and because it is all from his point of view I was left wondering if Elizabeth had a change of heart.
The book is actually the first part of a continuing storyline so it leaves off at the point another twist happens at a crisis point. This was pretty much the stage setter for the situation, the characters, and the romance. The big emphasis has been character development and table setting for the meat of the plot. I like where the story is going and I look forward to what is to come. There are only hints to the romance at this point. I look forward to more romance, but I think the part I most anticipate is more of Georgiana's thoughts on things.
All in all, it was a good start and is something I would recommend to Austenesque fans and Sweet Historical Romance fans who like a retelling of a classic story.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The disastrous proposal is the catalyst that sets Darcy on a different path- one of pain, humiliation, strong bitterness, but definitely determination. Never again will he let his heart lead him when it comes to matrimonial affairs. He sets out to find a woman who is superior, well-connected, will be a credit to him as the mistress of his estate and future mother of his heir. She will lead with her head and not her heart, she will conduct herself with decorum and possess a refined taste. And his list goes on, but in the process of forming it two things force him to re-evaluate.
Georgiana Darcy has never seen her older brother and guardian like this. He returns to Pemberley in such a state of mind that he is distracted, acts and speaks impulsively and startles her with his sudden rush to find a wife. Something brought this about, but she wisely waits and watches. When his decision begins to affect her future and his future happiness however, that is a different thing entirely. William's rashness to consult their Fitzwilliam relations lead those insufferable snobs to go on the hunt to find her a wealthy titled husband and his need to consult a local lady to help guide Georgiana through her first social experiences brings a beautiful yet haughty calculating Miss Marshall into their sphere and raises the woman's expectation of an offer from Darcy- an offer it seems he is likely to make. Georgiana will set aside her reticent nature and do what it takes to keep that from happening even the second candidate his brother is considering is preferable though Georgiana doesn't think Miss Bingley is right for her brother either.
Darcy discovers that the harder he works to move on past the heartbreak Elizabeth Bennet dealt him the more it brings her to his attention. His list of qualities for a wife lead him to think of her qualities and his attempt to informally court other women leads him to compare them to the standard of Elizabeth. And then there is Georgiana's disappointment and disgust with his list and her stolid insistence that he consider other qualities no matter that he tries to disillusion her about happiness and love with a marriage partner. But then a twist of fate gives him a second chance with Elizabeth if he is willing to try again now that he fully understands just how wrong he was in thinking, actions and in word when he approached her the first time.
This variation of Pride & Prejudice from the point of view of Darcy was an absolute delight. Lovers of Austenesque literature and Historical Romance lovers alike can appreciate this one even if they never read the original. The retelling offers new characters and plot paths that were not present in the original. Its fun to see how these alterations affect the story.
It picks up in the middle of a story in the sense that the story of the characters and their acquaintance began before and yet with flashbacks and explanations the reader doesn't feel lost and is brought up to speed. The narration is split between Darcy and his sister Georgiana so that the reader is privy to his state of mind, but also an outside perspective. Georgiana is a fun narrator. I loved her witty humor as she observes those around her and sassy determination to work for her brother's happiness.
I loved how the author wrote Darcy's character so that he had to undergo a significant amount of character development. Honestly, I couldn't stand Darcy at first. I felt sorry for him because his marriage proposal to a woman he loved was rejected, but seriously he totally shot himself in the foot. It takes some time before he sees where it went wrong and his own part in his downfall. His list was his jab at Elizabeth out of his pain, anger and bitterness, but it also became a source of amusement for me. I loved the twist in the story of adding the second chance at romance opportunity that comes at the worst time for him because all his plotting has come to roost. Just when he gets a chance with Elizabeth, he is suddenly surrounded by interested females and because it is all from his point of view I was left wondering if Elizabeth had a change of heart.
The book is actually the first part of a continuing storyline so it leaves off at the point another twist happens at a crisis point. This was pretty much the stage setter for the situation, the characters, and the romance. The big emphasis has been character development and table setting for the meat of the plot. I like where the story is going and I look forward to what is to come. There are only hints to the romance at this point. I look forward to more romance, but I think the part I most anticipate is more of Georgiana's thoughts on things.
All in all, it was a good start and is something I would recommend to Austenesque fans and Sweet Historical Romance fans who like a retelling of a classic story.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2017
I hate to be a copy-cat but actually 4.5 stars was my determination even prior to reading Meredith's review. I also had decided to wait for the publication of the second volume after reading in Austenesque Reviews that there were to be two, as I hate to wait. But when author Joy Dawn lent me the story who am I to complain? There are at least six very good reviews already posted with excellent relatings of the story line, etc.
I really liked reading about Darcy's list of traits he wants in a wife, now that he has come to the conclusion that he must use his brain rather than his heart to select a mistress for Pemberley, and, then, all its revisions. That made me laugh. Some of the changes occurred as he was in the presence of a lady possessing exactly the traits he had only recently added to his list. And it was an interesting twist to "watch" him consult or consider consulting with so many others as to what a good wife should be or even who would be a good candidate. That opened up other problems as the story developed, while we read of persons misinterpreting why he was consulting with them and then following that interpretation of his need/decision. Aunt and Uncle Matlock and Caroline each take their own opinion as to what he needs or wants and act upon it.
Georgiana was, indeed, a refreshing change in this book. She does reflect a little on her Ramsgate blunder but she is much more vocal in addressing her brother and even in adding her opinion about his decision. I like how she has definite views on the 2 women who seem to be all that he could want in a lady for his house.
One of my favorite parts is right in the beginning: as he approaches Pemberley in his coach Darcy no longer feels like he is going home...now it is an empty shell filled with servants he pays to fulfill his wishes and orders. He soon corrects this as he sees members of his staff who are dear to him. But again when Elizabeth is residing in his house after an accident, he reflects that having her at Pemberley makes it all that he wants.
Darcy shows much more of his human side in this variation: tears, telling Bingley and Georgiana about Elizabeth - his love for her and his failed proposal and then with the latter, his decision to propose. LOVED the scene described at the river...not just that it was a "wet shirt" scene (although that alone makes one's imagination run wild) but also as Elizabeth and he interact so down to earth and he even pretends to be more disabled by his fall than he is to prolong Elizabeth's helping him out.
Excellent story - just hate the wait!
I really liked reading about Darcy's list of traits he wants in a wife, now that he has come to the conclusion that he must use his brain rather than his heart to select a mistress for Pemberley, and, then, all its revisions. That made me laugh. Some of the changes occurred as he was in the presence of a lady possessing exactly the traits he had only recently added to his list. And it was an interesting twist to "watch" him consult or consider consulting with so many others as to what a good wife should be or even who would be a good candidate. That opened up other problems as the story developed, while we read of persons misinterpreting why he was consulting with them and then following that interpretation of his need/decision. Aunt and Uncle Matlock and Caroline each take their own opinion as to what he needs or wants and act upon it.
Georgiana was, indeed, a refreshing change in this book. She does reflect a little on her Ramsgate blunder but she is much more vocal in addressing her brother and even in adding her opinion about his decision. I like how she has definite views on the 2 women who seem to be all that he could want in a lady for his house.
One of my favorite parts is right in the beginning: as he approaches Pemberley in his coach Darcy no longer feels like he is going home...now it is an empty shell filled with servants he pays to fulfill his wishes and orders. He soon corrects this as he sees members of his staff who are dear to him. But again when Elizabeth is residing in his house after an accident, he reflects that having her at Pemberley makes it all that he wants.
Darcy shows much more of his human side in this variation: tears, telling Bingley and Georgiana about Elizabeth - his love for her and his failed proposal and then with the latter, his decision to propose. LOVED the scene described at the river...not just that it was a "wet shirt" scene (although that alone makes one's imagination run wild) but also as Elizabeth and he interact so down to earth and he even pretends to be more disabled by his fall than he is to prolong Elizabeth's helping him out.
Excellent story - just hate the wait!
June 2, 2014
I was very pleased when I was asked if I would review Mr Darcy's Pledge (Volume I) for the lovely Monica Fairview. (I was provided with a review copy but this is my honest, unbiased opinion.) And I was not disappointed as I really, really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the second volume to be published so I can see how this story is going to resolve! How I hate cliff hangers!
First off, this was another very well written variation. The writing style was excellent; it was easy reading, flowed very well and the language was very good. Another thing which I loved about her writing was her talent for description and painting the picture of the surroundings and the scene, creating a really strong image of what's going on - it is perfect for readers who see the story play out like a film in their head as they read, like I do! So for me it was so much fun to read, for with the brilliant descriptions it made the images even stronger! (She also made Pemberley sound even more idyllic than it already was to me, if that is possible!)
As you can probably guess from the blurb, this story is going to have some angst and will most likely annoy you at times! It did me - Darcy can't give up on Elizabeth and go after ANOTHER WOMAN?! But although frustrating at times, it was a fun story.
Elizabeth's blunt rejection of Darcy has hit him hard. Really hard. As he comments himself, "he had been unlucky enough to fall in love with one of the least practical woman in England." As a result, Darcy reverts back to head over heart attitude, not allowing his actions to be ruled by passion. He realises he needs a wife, and he will find one, and go about finding one in the most business-like manner he can - he even starts writing lists of what he requires in a wife! He WILL be organised and make a rational choice, for being controlled by his romantic impulses in the past didn't go well...
Seeing Darcy in this state and truly seeing into his thoughts after the rejection was heart breaking! I felt so sorry for him and I wanted to jump into the book and hug him! (There were also times when, because of his decision to try and forget Elizabeth, I wanted to jump into the book to either shake him or slap him round the face!) I am finding that the more and more variations I read, the more we see into his thoughts, and I pity him and love him more and more! But this was particularly true with this book, as the description of his inner turmoil was so powerfully written! He is so sweet and so very confused as he struggles with the battle of his head vs. his heart!
I really, really fell for Darcy all over again in this variation. As well as seeing him in his dejected state and watching his bumbled attempts to move on and his search for a suitable, appropriate wife, we also get some sweet glimpses into his past and I loved hearing of Darcy's childhood antics! (He also has a great valet, Briggs, who is a forward, but funny and cheeky, servant and has a good relationship with his master, even if Darcy has to throw a cushion at him to keep him in check sometimes! I always love what I call Darcy 'behind the scenes' moments, when he abandons his master of Pemberley mask.)
We are also privy to the journey he experiences after the painful rejection as Elizabeth's words really start to sink in and the humbling and realisation begins. This is also sad to read as he reviews his past behaviour and replays Lizzy's harsh comments in his head over and over and starts to see that she was right.
Another reason why I fell for Darcy in this book was thanks to Georgiana. This book is written completely from the Darcys point of views, and it switches between both Darcy and Georgiana throughout which I really, really enjoyed. It meant we got to know both Darcy and Georgiana really well, as well as see plenty of them together, and I always love to see more of their strong brother and sister relationship which we see glimpses of in the original.
Before I talk more about the siblings together, let me start with Georgiana. She has always been one of my favourite secondary characters so it was very nice to read the sections where we see her thoughts and feelings. We really get to know her well and she goes on her own journey in this story, as she grows more confident (and even teasing, especially of her brother!) and it's fantastic to see. She really made me smile through the story, and there were many times when I was willing her on as she battled certain unwanted visitors - but I won't ruin it for you!
Back to Darcy and Georgiana. I think their relationship was my favourite thing about this book. We really get to see just how close these two are and it was delightful, and really touching. They are just how I imagine them to be; Georgiana running to the window when she hears what she hopes is her brothers carriage, Darcy giving her a real brotherly welcome and swinging her around (picture the scene in the 2005 film!). Their bond is just brilliant. There are many instances throughout with sweet scenes between the pair, as Darcy begins to involve his sister in his search for a wife. It really was fantastic.
Unsurprisingly, as this is only the first part of the story, Elizabeth doesn't come back into it until after half way through. But I didn't find this a problem as I thought I might (as I love to see Darcy and Lizzy together) because Georgiana and Darcy were just brilliant together and could really hold the story and my interest in it without the need for Elizabeth. But, she does come back into things and it is sweet when she does, for then comes the charming and gallant Darcy! There are some fun, cute - and slightly awkward! - scenes (including a wet shirt scene!) which take place during Elizabeth's time at Pemberley (why she ends up having to stay there I will not reveal!) and I cannot wait to see them more in company in the next volume. Georgiana and Elizabeth also get on very well, as would be expected, and I look forward to seeing their relationship develop too.
A few other interesting relationships to read about, as it is from Darcy or Georgiana's point of view, was that between the Darcys and the Bingleys.
Caroline shows up, of course, her sights still set on Darcy, but as I said earlier, Miss Marshall makes her seem the better option and I even felt sorry for Caroline at one point - unheard of I know!
There are some tense moments between Darcy and Bingley as the issue of the separation of him and Jane has to be sorted, but also some funny scenes and a nice insight into their relationship as good friends, as well as heartbroken, disappointed lovers!
All I can say is, when is the next instalment coming out!? I really cannot wait to read the next volume to see how it will all resolve, for of course the story leaves you with a few cliff hangers and unanswered questions! The ending was brilliant though, as you learn just why the book is called Mr Darcy's Pledge!
I am completely drawn into this wonderful story and will be reading volume II as soon as it comes out!
First off, this was another very well written variation. The writing style was excellent; it was easy reading, flowed very well and the language was very good. Another thing which I loved about her writing was her talent for description and painting the picture of the surroundings and the scene, creating a really strong image of what's going on - it is perfect for readers who see the story play out like a film in their head as they read, like I do! So for me it was so much fun to read, for with the brilliant descriptions it made the images even stronger! (She also made Pemberley sound even more idyllic than it already was to me, if that is possible!)
As you can probably guess from the blurb, this story is going to have some angst and will most likely annoy you at times! It did me - Darcy can't give up on Elizabeth and go after ANOTHER WOMAN?! But although frustrating at times, it was a fun story.
Elizabeth's blunt rejection of Darcy has hit him hard. Really hard. As he comments himself, "he had been unlucky enough to fall in love with one of the least practical woman in England." As a result, Darcy reverts back to head over heart attitude, not allowing his actions to be ruled by passion. He realises he needs a wife, and he will find one, and go about finding one in the most business-like manner he can - he even starts writing lists of what he requires in a wife! He WILL be organised and make a rational choice, for being controlled by his romantic impulses in the past didn't go well...
Seeing Darcy in this state and truly seeing into his thoughts after the rejection was heart breaking! I felt so sorry for him and I wanted to jump into the book and hug him! (There were also times when, because of his decision to try and forget Elizabeth, I wanted to jump into the book to either shake him or slap him round the face!) I am finding that the more and more variations I read, the more we see into his thoughts, and I pity him and love him more and more! But this was particularly true with this book, as the description of his inner turmoil was so powerfully written! He is so sweet and so very confused as he struggles with the battle of his head vs. his heart!
I really, really fell for Darcy all over again in this variation. As well as seeing him in his dejected state and watching his bumbled attempts to move on and his search for a suitable, appropriate wife, we also get some sweet glimpses into his past and I loved hearing of Darcy's childhood antics! (He also has a great valet, Briggs, who is a forward, but funny and cheeky, servant and has a good relationship with his master, even if Darcy has to throw a cushion at him to keep him in check sometimes! I always love what I call Darcy 'behind the scenes' moments, when he abandons his master of Pemberley mask.)
We are also privy to the journey he experiences after the painful rejection as Elizabeth's words really start to sink in and the humbling and realisation begins. This is also sad to read as he reviews his past behaviour and replays Lizzy's harsh comments in his head over and over and starts to see that she was right.
Another reason why I fell for Darcy in this book was thanks to Georgiana. This book is written completely from the Darcys point of views, and it switches between both Darcy and Georgiana throughout which I really, really enjoyed. It meant we got to know both Darcy and Georgiana really well, as well as see plenty of them together, and I always love to see more of their strong brother and sister relationship which we see glimpses of in the original.
Before I talk more about the siblings together, let me start with Georgiana. She has always been one of my favourite secondary characters so it was very nice to read the sections where we see her thoughts and feelings. We really get to know her well and she goes on her own journey in this story, as she grows more confident (and even teasing, especially of her brother!) and it's fantastic to see. She really made me smile through the story, and there were many times when I was willing her on as she battled certain unwanted visitors - but I won't ruin it for you!
Back to Darcy and Georgiana. I think their relationship was my favourite thing about this book. We really get to see just how close these two are and it was delightful, and really touching. They are just how I imagine them to be; Georgiana running to the window when she hears what she hopes is her brothers carriage, Darcy giving her a real brotherly welcome and swinging her around (picture the scene in the 2005 film!). Their bond is just brilliant. There are many instances throughout with sweet scenes between the pair, as Darcy begins to involve his sister in his search for a wife. It really was fantastic.
Unsurprisingly, as this is only the first part of the story, Elizabeth doesn't come back into it until after half way through. But I didn't find this a problem as I thought I might (as I love to see Darcy and Lizzy together) because Georgiana and Darcy were just brilliant together and could really hold the story and my interest in it without the need for Elizabeth. But, she does come back into things and it is sweet when she does, for then comes the charming and gallant Darcy! There are some fun, cute - and slightly awkward! - scenes (including a wet shirt scene!) which take place during Elizabeth's time at Pemberley (why she ends up having to stay there I will not reveal!) and I cannot wait to see them more in company in the next volume. Georgiana and Elizabeth also get on very well, as would be expected, and I look forward to seeing their relationship develop too.
A few other interesting relationships to read about, as it is from Darcy or Georgiana's point of view, was that between the Darcys and the Bingleys.
Caroline shows up, of course, her sights still set on Darcy, but as I said earlier, Miss Marshall makes her seem the better option and I even felt sorry for Caroline at one point - unheard of I know!
There are some tense moments between Darcy and Bingley as the issue of the separation of him and Jane has to be sorted, but also some funny scenes and a nice insight into their relationship as good friends, as well as heartbroken, disappointed lovers!
All I can say is, when is the next instalment coming out!? I really cannot wait to read the next volume to see how it will all resolve, for of course the story leaves you with a few cliff hangers and unanswered questions! The ending was brilliant though, as you learn just why the book is called Mr Darcy's Pledge!
I am completely drawn into this wonderful story and will be reading volume II as soon as it comes out!
Read
November 3, 2017Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, Volume 1 of The Darcy Novels, is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that caught my eye because it focuses on Mr. Darcy’s attempts to forget Elizabeth Bennet by setting out on a quest to find a wife. After she rejects his disastrous proposal at Hunsford, he returns to Pemberley never having presented Elizabeth with the letter that would have told her the truth about him and cleared up all the misunderstandings. With the help of his sister, Georgiana, who knows nothing of his failed attempts to secure Elizabeth’s hand in marriage, he sets about making a list of the qualities he most desires in a wife and mistress of Pemberley.
Darcy is rattled when Georgiana questions him about the most important quality he seeks in a wife, remembering Elizabeth’s laughter, impertinence, and ability to remain poised in the worst of situations. But he can never have her, and his desperate attempts to purge her from his mind give two young women the wrong idea.
Meanwhile, he must contend with Lord and Lady Matlock’s attempts to marry off Georgiana, and he has to patch up his friendship with Mr. Bingley, who has withdrawn from society after learning of the scheme to prevent him from proposing to Elizabeth’s sister, Jane. When an accident brings Elizabeth to Pemberley, Darcy has a chance to change her opinion of him, but with an assortment of house guests preventing him from speaking to her alone, will he lose his only opportunity to marry for love?
In Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, Monica Fairview lets readers see the events following his failed proposal through Darcy’s eyes. From wounded pride to embarrassment over his behavior to unexpected feelings of hope, readers see Darcy stumble — even emerging from the water à la Colin Firth — and evolve into a man worthy of Elizabeth’s love. There were plenty of heated conversations, misunderstandings, and competition among the ladies to have me alternating between anger and laughter, and I wanted to cheer out loud each time Georgiana amassed the courage to put certain disagreeable people in their rightful places.
Fairview keeps readers interested with her expansion of several secondary characters, particularly Georgiana; the introduction of original characters, from the humorous valet Briggs to the obnoxiously transparent Miss Marshall; and Darcy’s sweet attempts to make himself appealing to Elizabeth. My only complaint is that I finished the book disappointed that I couldn’t start the next installment straight away!
Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, Volume 1 of The Darcy Novels, is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that caught my eye because it focuses on Mr. Darcy’s attempts to forget Elizabeth Bennet by setting out on a quest to find a wife. After she rejects his disastrous proposal at Hunsford, he returns to Pemberley never having presented Elizabeth with the letter that would have told her the truth about him and cleared up all the misunderstandings. With the help of his sister, Georgiana, who knows nothing of his failed attempts to secure Elizabeth’s hand in marriage, he sets about making a list of the qualities he most desires in a wife and mistress of Pemberley.
Darcy is rattled when Georgiana questions him about the most important quality he seeks in a wife, remembering Elizabeth’s laughter, impertinence, and ability to remain poised in the worst of situations. But he can never have her, and his desperate attempts to purge her from his mind give two young women the wrong idea.
Meanwhile, he must contend with Lord and Lady Matlock’s attempts to marry off Georgiana, and he has to patch up his friendship with Mr. Bingley, who has withdrawn from society after learning of the scheme to prevent him from proposing to Elizabeth’s sister, Jane. When an accident brings Elizabeth to Pemberley, Darcy has a chance to change her opinion of him, but with an assortment of house guests preventing him from speaking to her alone, will he lose his only opportunity to marry for love?
In Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, Monica Fairview lets readers see the events following his failed proposal through Darcy’s eyes. From wounded pride to embarrassment over his behavior to unexpected feelings of hope, readers see Darcy stumble — even emerging from the water à la Colin Firth — and evolve into a man worthy of Elizabeth’s love. There were plenty of heated conversations, misunderstandings, and competition among the ladies to have me alternating between anger and laughter, and I wanted to cheer out loud each time Georgiana amassed the courage to put certain disagreeable people in their rightful places.
Fairview keeps readers interested with her expansion of several secondary characters, particularly Georgiana; the introduction of original characters, from the humorous valet Briggs to the obnoxiously transparent Miss Marshall; and Darcy’s sweet attempts to make himself appealing to Elizabeth. My only complaint is that I finished the book disappointed that I couldn’t start the next installment straight away!
October 4, 2016
This is the third time I am reading this book and my first review of it. I need to refresh my memory before re-reading Mr. Darcy's Challenge Volume 2 and the final book in the series which recently came out, Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy Volume 3. It is still as delightfully engaging as ever. This is Darcy's tale from his point of view.
The story starts 3 months after Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford. He is returning to Pemberley determined to find a wife and push all thoughts of the impertinent Miss Elizabeth Bennet from his mind! He must conquer this..."For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of victories. It was one of the few mottoes from Aristotle (or was it Plato?) that Darcy still remembered from the torment of his ancient Greek classes, and he had repeated it over and over again in the last few weeks." Not that it was doing him much good!
Georgiana is excited to have him home, however, his behavior and actions are worrying her. Then when he asks for her help in composing a list of 'Qualities Required in a Wife', she really is concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed Georgiana's part in this story. She starts coming into her own and she develops a rather fierce protectiveness of her brother.
Darcy is a tortured soul in this story with some very comedic results. When Elizabeth and the Gardiners make their entry into the story, Darcy is thrilled to have a second chance to redeem himself. He just gets all tongue-tied and you can feel his frustration not only with himself but with all his guests! I so loved his Pledge...which you will have to read the book to find out!
Now on to Volume 2 - Mr. Darcy's Challenge!
The story starts 3 months after Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford. He is returning to Pemberley determined to find a wife and push all thoughts of the impertinent Miss Elizabeth Bennet from his mind! He must conquer this..."For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of victories. It was one of the few mottoes from Aristotle (or was it Plato?) that Darcy still remembered from the torment of his ancient Greek classes, and he had repeated it over and over again in the last few weeks." Not that it was doing him much good!
Georgiana is excited to have him home, however, his behavior and actions are worrying her. Then when he asks for her help in composing a list of 'Qualities Required in a Wife', she really is concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed Georgiana's part in this story. She starts coming into her own and she develops a rather fierce protectiveness of her brother.
Darcy is a tortured soul in this story with some very comedic results. When Elizabeth and the Gardiners make their entry into the story, Darcy is thrilled to have a second chance to redeem himself. He just gets all tongue-tied and you can feel his frustration not only with himself but with all his guests! I so loved his Pledge...which you will have to read the book to find out!
Now on to Volume 2 - Mr. Darcy's Challenge!
May 24, 2014
Mr. Darcy's Pledge has to be one of my favorite pieces of Austenesque fiction that I've read. I read it just one day; I couldn't put it down. The story is set during the three months between Darcy's first proposal and when Lydie ran away with Wickham. Ms. Fairview takes us on a wonderful journey into Darcy's and his sister, Georgiana's life after he came under the spell of Elizabeth Bennet.
When the story begins, Darcy is completely beside himself trying to erase Elizabeth from his mind. He is impulsive and now obsessed with finding a suitable mistress for Pemberley. There is so much comedy in his actions and behavior. I laughed out loud so many times at his antics. His character in Mr. Darcy's Pledge is so different from Pride and Prejudice. He finally comes to terms with his own dreadful behavior towards Elizabeth and his dastardly proposal to her. He realizes how snobbish he was to Elizabeth and he deeply regrets his behavior. He now wants to rise above it and win her again.
Georgiana, Darcy's sister, is a main character throughout this book. She has come of age and ready to be presented to society. However, her elders seem to want to meddle on how she is to be settled. I really loved watching her overcome her insecurities and shyness to defend herself and her brother. She has real strength of character that really shined throughout the story. By the end, Georgiana and Darcy really bonded and made a formidable team.
Mr. Darcy's Pledge is a wonderful book which I thoroughly enjoyed. It fit perfectly with Pride and Prejudice and I felt Ms. Fairview captured the depths of Darcy's embarrassment, despair, and, finally, hope. I found this book to be funny and romantic. Reading this book made for a very delightful day.
When the story begins, Darcy is completely beside himself trying to erase Elizabeth from his mind. He is impulsive and now obsessed with finding a suitable mistress for Pemberley. There is so much comedy in his actions and behavior. I laughed out loud so many times at his antics. His character in Mr. Darcy's Pledge is so different from Pride and Prejudice. He finally comes to terms with his own dreadful behavior towards Elizabeth and his dastardly proposal to her. He realizes how snobbish he was to Elizabeth and he deeply regrets his behavior. He now wants to rise above it and win her again.
Georgiana, Darcy's sister, is a main character throughout this book. She has come of age and ready to be presented to society. However, her elders seem to want to meddle on how she is to be settled. I really loved watching her overcome her insecurities and shyness to defend herself and her brother. She has real strength of character that really shined throughout the story. By the end, Georgiana and Darcy really bonded and made a formidable team.
Mr. Darcy's Pledge is a wonderful book which I thoroughly enjoyed. It fit perfectly with Pride and Prejudice and I felt Ms. Fairview captured the depths of Darcy's embarrassment, despair, and, finally, hope. I found this book to be funny and romantic. Reading this book made for a very delightful day.
June 6, 2014
Meredith's review gives us a great story synopsis. Darcy is heart broken after Kent and he decides to put all his energy into finding a suitable bride - not someone he will love like Elizabeth but someone equal in rank and position, a marriage in the ton. He starts making a list and it's amusing to see how it changes. I loved the emotional turmoil he goes through in the novel trying to get over Elizabeth. We find out in the midst of this turmoil that he never delivered the letter to Elizabeth explaining his involvement with Jane/Bingley or his past with Wickham. I loved seeing Georgiana shine in this novel. Her fiery personality stands out as she must ensure Darcy doesn't end up married to a particular lady he meets that fits his bill of position and poise. She is even accused of being determined like Lady Catherine. I also enjoyed seeing Darcy finally admit to Bingley that he is not the only one with a broken heart. Just when Darcy thinks he can get over Elizabeth he encounters her with her aunt and uncle in very unique circumstances that will keep them in each other's company for a few days. But just when Darcy has determined he still wants Elizabeth they rush off due to Lydia's elopement. Darcy makes a pledge at the end of the novel and I can't wait to read the second novel in this series to see how he fulfills it and how they find their happily ever later (I anticipate a longer journey since there is no letter in Kent to clear up misunderstandings from the outset).
May 13, 2014
A good Pride and Prejudice variation makes me doubt that Darcy and Lizzy ever will get together.
This is Darcy's book. His is in agony here, he wants her, but she have just said no. So what should he do? Here he tries to find another wife and find out what he really wants, all while pining for her. Awww Darcy, you break my heart.
Darcy tries to see what makes a wife perfect, Georgiana gets some backbone, we meet the Bingleys again, there are wife candidates. And you need not worry, there is Lizzy! But this is part one so more is to come. We still do not know if they end up together or not ;)
I liked seeing it all from Darcy's perspective. It shows how he really is and how he sees her. I also liked how Georgiana was portrayed and it was nice seeing Lizzy from far away.
An enjoyable variation :)
This is Darcy's book. His is in agony here, he wants her, but she have just said no. So what should he do? Here he tries to find another wife and find out what he really wants, all while pining for her. Awww Darcy, you break my heart.
Darcy tries to see what makes a wife perfect, Georgiana gets some backbone, we meet the Bingleys again, there are wife candidates. And you need not worry, there is Lizzy! But this is part one so more is to come. We still do not know if they end up together or not ;)
I liked seeing it all from Darcy's perspective. It shows how he really is and how he sees her. I also liked how Georgiana was portrayed and it was nice seeing Lizzy from far away.
An enjoyable variation :)
December 29, 2015
I really appreciated the first volume of this series! Even if I missed a little Elizabeth point of view it was interesting to see things through Darcy and Georgiana's eyes. I also really liked the way the author sees Caroline Bingley.
On the whole a pleasure to add this volume to my collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations.
On the whole a pleasure to add this volume to my collection of Pride and Prejudice Variations.
January 23, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice story features Darcy's point of view as he laments over his experience with Elizabeth without any hope of getting her back. Luck is on his side and they meet at Pemberley, but he moves a bit to fast to get his hearts desire. Try as he might, he can not let her go.
Parts of the story were quite humerous or touching, but it felt dragged out to me.
Parts of the story were quite humerous or touching, but it felt dragged out to me.
July 11, 2019
This is actually a reread to refresh my memory before Austen in August starts -- I'm not sure why it didn't get marked as read last year, but now I'm wondering what else didn't get logged in my haze of devouring Austen retellings for like the last 5 months of 2018...
Anyway, I enjoyed this take on the story, and am looking forward to the second book!
Anyway, I enjoyed this take on the story, and am looking forward to the second book!
April 11, 2015
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3.5 Austen
Empecé a leer esta historia y no tenía claro si era una variación, una ruta alternativa o un 'volver a contar'. Creo que una mezcla de los tres en este primer volumen, desde el punto de vista de Fitzwilliam, con toques de ciertas variaciones que se incorporan sin desviarse de los hechos de la historia original, partiendo del rechazo de Elizabeth, en Hunsford.
Hay un interesante recorrido de Darcy, sus impresiones y sentimientos después de no ser aceptado como esposo por Elizabeth Bennet. Siente la necesidad de buscar una esposa para intentar olvidarse de sus sentimientos por ella y para ayudarle con su hermana que está por hacer su presentación en la sociedad.
Pero las cosas no van a ser fáciles ni para olvidarla, ni para buscar esposa, ni para sacarla de su vida del todo. Sus acciones van como una ruleta rusa, con sinsentidos y retomas de la cordura constantemente. Se vuelve una lucha constante por tomar control de sus sentidos y no actuar por impulsos, unido a lo que el destino le tiene preparado; se crean situaciones, por momentos, totalmente inverosímiles hasta volverse bastante creíbles, y así continuamente. Fairview, nos lleva por un viaje que no solo Darcy es arrastrado, sino también su hermana y otros personajes que no le harán las cosas fáciles.
Muy revelador cómo Georgiana va conectando, aprendiendo, entendiendo y ayudándose a sí misma y a su hermano, a través de este periplo al que se ve arrastrada (por los devaneos de Darcy), aunque parece resultarle muy provechoso.
Así siguen muchas situaciones que por momentos se tornan sin sentido e incoherentes, pero de repente, dan un giro y nos sorprende con las consecuencias que les lleva a aquello; convirtiendo situaciones inverosímiles en momentos irónicos con consecuencias llenas de humor.
Desde luego, es un libro que brilla por las situaciones enrevesadas, de repente sientes un mal sabor de boca por lo poco creíble que es tal hecho, y luego se transforma en una sonrisa por lo cómica de la situación.
-CUIDADO, SPOILER- Desde luego ver a Darcy perseguido por dos damas con ganas de atraparlo, una de ellas con una madre cinco veces peor que la señora Bennet; unos tíos intentando llevarse a Georgiana lejos de él para casarla con un conde que podría ser su abuelo; y él intentando encontrar un momento a solas con Elizabeth para volver a proponerle matrimonio; puede resultar absurdo pero resulta muy divertido por el cúmulo de situaciones bastante peculiares e irónicas, y más cuando él mismo se las ha buscado.
Este es el primer volumen de una serie pensada para dos o tres libros. Y termina, como todo el recorrido de este libro, con una decisión un tanto impulsiva, por parte de Darcy; para terminar en una situación bastante sui géneris.
Una historia inquietante, irónica, con algunos toques de romance y una constante lucha del espíritu de Darcy ante el sufrimiento de verse rechazado, luego, tener una esperanza de volver a conquistar a su amada, pero la fuga de Lydia y Wickham truncan todo. Y hasta allí este primer libro.
Portada:
Mr. Darcy's Pledge, consta de dos imágenes, una parece ser Pemberley, y la otra la dama que le quita el sueño, unidas en un montaje. Sería razonable que fuera Pemberley porque es donde suceden los hechos más importantes de este primer volumen, y la dama representa a Elizabeth o la futura señora Darcy. Un montaje bastante significativo y llamativo visualmente, con una composición que refuerza esa vistosidad.
July 1, 2016
Revised 12/6/14:
Before reading the sequel to this book Mr. Darcy's Challenge; I realized I had to reread this one since I had no memory of it. I read my original review below and jumped right in; and boy was I sorry.
Mr. Darcy isn't endearing in this version he is irrational and impulsive and scary. He can't follow conversations as he is constantly fantasizing about Elizabeth Bennet. A psychiatrist would have a field day diagnosing him. He's depressed, manic and somewhat dangerous. There was a pop psychology trend many years ago about 'People who love too much'; this Darcy is a poster child for this.
We all know that Darcy improves his behavior between Rosings and meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley. This Darcy obsesses, frets, plans and alternates between giving her up and wanting to propose again.
While the Georgiana character really comes into her own in this story, she doesn't make up for the dangerous instability Darcy exhibits. He stays away from Pemberley, ignores correspondence, asks people to visit then ignores them. Its all rather frightening when you realize that he is the Guardian for a 16 or 17 year old girl.
when fate throws Elizabeth back into his life in a much more dramatic fashion than Miss Austen could have imagined he can't sort through his feelings enough to render aid. He is constantly frozen, tongue tied and awkward. There are several examples of him accidentally harming himself because he is so distracted by his thoughts of Elizabeth.
Unlike the charming Mr. Darcy of P&P this is a scary, unbalanced Darcy who is so obsessed with Elizabeth that all he can think of is getting her to marry him. he is also completely clueless he tells Georgiana i that he will ask Miss Bingley for help finding a wife; as that she is such a good organizer. Apparently unaware of Miss Bingley's designs upon his person.
We ladies often say we want to be loved completely; but this crosses the line from love to obsession and stalking. In P&P we have to assume that Darcy realizes after his rejection in Kent that he really didn't know Elizabeth Bennet at all on reflected upon her faults and his faults and resolved a satisfactory relationship. In Mr. Darcy's pledge he doesn't care about her differences only that he must convince her to marry him.
When the Gardiners and Lizzy flee Derbyshire he immediately seeks to blame his family and friends for their sudden departure rather than asking his staff what occurred.
Below is my original review
Before reading the sequel to this book Mr. Darcy's Challenge; I realized I had to reread this one since I had no memory of it. I read my original review below and jumped right in; and boy was I sorry.
Mr. Darcy isn't endearing in this version he is irrational and impulsive and scary. He can't follow conversations as he is constantly fantasizing about Elizabeth Bennet. A psychiatrist would have a field day diagnosing him. He's depressed, manic and somewhat dangerous. There was a pop psychology trend many years ago about 'People who love too much'; this Darcy is a poster child for this.
We all know that Darcy improves his behavior between Rosings and meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley. This Darcy obsesses, frets, plans and alternates between giving her up and wanting to propose again.
While the Georgiana character really comes into her own in this story, she doesn't make up for the dangerous instability Darcy exhibits. He stays away from Pemberley, ignores correspondence, asks people to visit then ignores them. Its all rather frightening when you realize that he is the Guardian for a 16 or 17 year old girl.
when fate throws Elizabeth back into his life in a much more dramatic fashion than Miss Austen could have imagined he can't sort through his feelings enough to render aid. He is constantly frozen, tongue tied and awkward. There are several examples of him accidentally harming himself because he is so distracted by his thoughts of Elizabeth.
Unlike the charming Mr. Darcy of P&P this is a scary, unbalanced Darcy who is so obsessed with Elizabeth that all he can think of is getting her to marry him. he is also completely clueless he tells Georgiana i that he will ask Miss Bingley for help finding a wife; as that she is such a good organizer. Apparently unaware of Miss Bingley's designs upon his person.
We ladies often say we want to be loved completely; but this crosses the line from love to obsession and stalking. In P&P we have to assume that Darcy realizes after his rejection in Kent that he really didn't know Elizabeth Bennet at all on reflected upon her faults and his faults and resolved a satisfactory relationship. In Mr. Darcy's pledge he doesn't care about her differences only that he must convince her to marry him.
When the Gardiners and Lizzy flee Derbyshire he immediately seeks to blame his family and friends for their sudden departure rather than asking his staff what occurred.
Below is my original review
June 4, 2014
Monica Fairview is one of my favorite Austen Authors. Her novel, The Other Mr. Darcy, is my favorite Austen sequel and I’ve given it as a gift to a few different friends. I was very excited to be given the opportunity to review Monica Fairview’s newest book, Mr. Darcy’s Pledge.
Mr. Darcy’s Pledge is a Pride and Prejudice variation, not a sequel. In this variation, Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, but then withheld his letter of explanation from her and returned to Pemberley. While at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy is determined to bring his sister out in society and to help accomplish this, he knows he needs a wife. He starts a list of all of the qualities he would love to see in a wife, but when meeting a visitor to his neighborhood, the beautiful Miss Marshall, he thinks she may embody everything on his list. Yet the ghost of Elizabeth haunts him and makes him remember many qualities in a wife that Miss Marshall seems to lack. Mr. Darcy also seeks the assistance of the Bingleys on his task. When fate throws Elizabeth his way, what will Mr. Darcy do?
I loved this variation. Fairview really knows and loves the Austen characters and writes them so realistically. I love Darcy’s inner turmoil in this book. I also love Georgiana’s bit of spunk when she decides she does not like Miss Marshall and does want Darcy to marry her. The new characters introduced (Mr. Darcy’s Uncle and Aunt, Miss Marshall) are perfectly drawn, interesting, and amusing. I enjoyed this book and read it fairly quickly. I was excited that it is Volume I and there will be another book in this series. I can’t wait to read further!
Overall, Mr. Darcy’s Pledge is an Austen Variation not to be missed!
Book Source: A review copy from Monica Fairview. Thank-you!
This review was originally published on my blog at: http://www.lauragerold.blogspot.com/2...
Mr. Darcy’s Pledge is a Pride and Prejudice variation, not a sequel. In this variation, Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, but then withheld his letter of explanation from her and returned to Pemberley. While at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy is determined to bring his sister out in society and to help accomplish this, he knows he needs a wife. He starts a list of all of the qualities he would love to see in a wife, but when meeting a visitor to his neighborhood, the beautiful Miss Marshall, he thinks she may embody everything on his list. Yet the ghost of Elizabeth haunts him and makes him remember many qualities in a wife that Miss Marshall seems to lack. Mr. Darcy also seeks the assistance of the Bingleys on his task. When fate throws Elizabeth his way, what will Mr. Darcy do?
I loved this variation. Fairview really knows and loves the Austen characters and writes them so realistically. I love Darcy’s inner turmoil in this book. I also love Georgiana’s bit of spunk when she decides she does not like Miss Marshall and does want Darcy to marry her. The new characters introduced (Mr. Darcy’s Uncle and Aunt, Miss Marshall) are perfectly drawn, interesting, and amusing. I enjoyed this book and read it fairly quickly. I was excited that it is Volume I and there will be another book in this series. I can’t wait to read further!
Overall, Mr. Darcy’s Pledge is an Austen Variation not to be missed!
Book Source: A review copy from Monica Fairview. Thank-you!
This review was originally published on my blog at: http://www.lauragerold.blogspot.com/2...
July 8, 2014
In the past Monica Fairview has delighted readers with her continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. In her latest book, Mr. Darcy's Pledge, she gives her readers exactly what they want: more Mr. Darcy.
This book picks up right after Mr. Darcy's disastrous first proposal to Elizabeth Bennett. He returns downtrodden to Pemberley. There he makes up his mind that he must find a wife, and he must find her soon. Also his sister, Georgiana, is now a young women ready for her first season. She is shy and unused to being in a social setting. Mr. Darcy goes to his aunt and uncle for advice, only to learn they plan to marry her off to some duke. Both brother and sister are determined to marry someone they at least respect. But how can they, when convention says otherwise.
You know you've read a good book when you come to the end and still want more. That's how I felt reading this book. It's a first in a series, so there's a guarantee of more Mr. Darcy to come. I love that this book takes place after the proposal. In Pride and Prejudice Austen doesn't let us know what Mr. Darcy is doing during this time period. So this is the perfect scenario for Mr. Darcy's Pledge. I also love that Fairview has included many of the characters from Pride and Prejudice. Especially the characters you love to hate.
This is a great addition for Austenesque fans. I loved reading this book and cannot wait for the next in the series!
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
This book picks up right after Mr. Darcy's disastrous first proposal to Elizabeth Bennett. He returns downtrodden to Pemberley. There he makes up his mind that he must find a wife, and he must find her soon. Also his sister, Georgiana, is now a young women ready for her first season. She is shy and unused to being in a social setting. Mr. Darcy goes to his aunt and uncle for advice, only to learn they plan to marry her off to some duke. Both brother and sister are determined to marry someone they at least respect. But how can they, when convention says otherwise.
You know you've read a good book when you come to the end and still want more. That's how I felt reading this book. It's a first in a series, so there's a guarantee of more Mr. Darcy to come. I love that this book takes place after the proposal. In Pride and Prejudice Austen doesn't let us know what Mr. Darcy is doing during this time period. So this is the perfect scenario for Mr. Darcy's Pledge. I also love that Fairview has included many of the characters from Pride and Prejudice. Especially the characters you love to hate.
This is a great addition for Austenesque fans. I loved reading this book and cannot wait for the next in the series!
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
February 27, 2017
I enjoyed this series but there was too much angst for me. It should not take that long for ODC to get together and the obstacles kept feeling contrived. But, i enjoyed reading and wanted my happy ending so i kept going through all 3 books! It is well written and there is some romance in each book to keep you going. I didn't like that elizabeth does not appear until after half-way through book 1.
May 26, 2014
Interesting twist on the story, while the story keeps some of the actual P&P storyline, it is told mostly from Darcy's perspective with a bit of Georgiana mixed in. It twists up the original a bit but still very satisfying except that this is only the first volume. Felt so close to the end/climax only to get to the "to be continued..." line!
January 25, 2015
"Mr. Darcy’s Pledge earns five stars as the first of a two-book variation to Pride and Prejudice. It starts shortly after the infamous proposal scene, with one key difference: Darcy never gave Elizabeth the fateful letter that changed her opinion of him."
To read the full review, visit http://inspiredbyausten.com/book-revi...
To read the full review, visit http://inspiredbyausten.com/book-revi...
June 18, 2014
This was a very good variation on Pride & Prejudice. It was certainly interesting. This book, in my opinion, would be an excellent reading experience to enjoy along side Pride & Prejudice and on its own.
*won on Goodreads First Reads*
*won on Goodreads First Reads*
June 2, 2021
Not worth my it
Elizabeth doesn't even show up until half way through and once she does, she and Darcy barely interact. Without Elizabeth's actual presence for most of the story, it was tedious to get through. It's simply Darcy's endless ruminations on the loss of Elizabeth and who he thinks he should now marry instead. From the reviews it appears this plodding tendency and lack of Elizabeth's voice gets no better in subsequent books so I will not be continuing the series.
Elizabeth doesn't even show up until half way through and once she does, she and Darcy barely interact. Without Elizabeth's actual presence for most of the story, it was tedious to get through. It's simply Darcy's endless ruminations on the loss of Elizabeth and who he thinks he should now marry instead. From the reviews it appears this plodding tendency and lack of Elizabeth's voice gets no better in subsequent books so I will not be continuing the series.
December 27, 2014
Mr. Darcy's List/L'elenco di Mr. Darcy
Delicata e scorrevole questa what-if novel che si legge tutta d'un fiato.
La storia inizia qualche mese dopo la prima disastrosa proposta di matrimonio di Darcy a Elizabeth in quel di Hunsford.
In questo caso, però, Darcy, pur avendo scritto la lettera per spiegare a Elizabeth le sue ragioni, non ha avuto il coraggio di esporre la sorella al biasimo per essere quasi fuggita con Wickham e non la consegna alla giovane di cui è innamorato.
Ora sa che deve superare la sua infatuazione per Miss Bennet, che non sarà mai sua moglie, ma il pensiero di lei continua a ossessionarlo. Così Darcy torna a Pemberley e fa progetti con la sorella Georgiana, che pure si deve ancora riprendere del tutto dalla scampata fuga con George Wickham.
Darcy sembra piuttosto insicuro, cerca appoggio laddove prima non lo avrebbe mai fatto, dagli zii Fitzwilliam, che si rivelano arroganti e invadenti quanto e forse anche più di Lady Catherine, cercando per entrambi i nipoti un matrimonio opportuno ma, soprattutto, vantaggioso per le loro alleanze nell'ambito dell'aristocrazia.
Darcy chiede anche l'aiuto di Lady Renwick, una vecchia amica della madre, per organizzare la successiva Season a Londra e presentare in società Georgiana. La donna, tuttavia, anche se è lieta di fare da accompagnatrice alla giovane Darcy, in quel momento ha l'incombenza di intrattenere in Derbyshire la nipote, da poco giunta dalla città, Miss Elinor Marshall.
Miss Marshall è una giovane molto graziosa e frequenta lo stesso ambiente di Darcy, per cui lui si ritrova a valutarla in qualità di futura moglie. Darcy ha infatti stabilito che, per togliersi dalla mente e dal cuore Elizabeth, deve prendere moglie, una moglie che abbia tutti i giusti requisiti per essere la signora di Pemberley. Pazienza se non la ama: in fondo nel suo mondo il matrimonio è solo un contratto sociale.
Già, ma quali sono questi requisiti? Il nostro eroe credeva di saperlo ma, dopo aver incontrato Elizabeth, il suo modello ideale di donna è completamente cambiato.
Per non ritrovarsi a utilizzare Miss Bennet come pietra di paragone, decide di compilare una lista con le qualità adatte a Mrs. Fitzwillam Darcy ma, dopo ogni incontro con Miss Marshall o con Caroline Bingley, si ritrova ad aggiungere o a depennare voci dall'elenco in base all'umore e alla momentanea simpatia o antipatia verso la signorina in questione, con grande soddisfazione ogni volta che le voci che aggiunge non fanno parte delle doti di Elizabeth Bennet (che, tuttavia, inconsciamente, continua a essere il modello ideale di donna per lui).
Il romanzo è narrato in terza persona, ma alterna il punto di vista di Darcy a quello di Georgiana. La giovane Miss Darcy, forse perché si trova a interagire soprattutto col fratello o con i Bingley, che sono quasi di famiglia, o forse perché si è ormai quasi lasciata alle spalle la brutta esperienza con Wickham, non è timida come sembra in Orgoglio e pregiudizio, ma una giovane donna intelligente e affettuosa. Georgiana è determinata: se non può essere felice lei, vuole che lo sia almeno il fratello.
Quindi, anche se sa che Miss Bingley non è la donna adatta a William, quando è messa di fronte alla sua istintiva antipatia per Miss Marshall – antipatia che ben presto viene cementata da prove tangibili di un carattere capriccioso al limite dell'insopportabile (che Darcy finge di non vedere) –, preferisce il male minore e spinge il fratello verso di lei. Darcy, invece, cieco davanti all'interesse di Caroline nei suoi confronti – come solo un uomo sa essere – arriva addirittura a chiederle un aiuto per compilare il suo elenco!
Ma ci stiamo avvicinando a fine luglio, inizio agosto. Stando alla cronologia di Orgoglio e pregiudizio, Elizabeth dovrebbe andare a visitare Pemberley con gli zii Gardiner. Lo farà? Come sarà l'incontro, tenendo presente che lui non le ha mai rivelato la sua versione dei fatti sui suoi rapporti con Wickham? Monica Fairview ci ha riservato una variante a sorpresa che non vi svelerò qui (dovrete leggere il libro se vorrete scoprirlo).
Anche se è ambientato in un periodo diverso nella trama di Orgoglio e pregiudizio, la passione di Darcy (nel senso di sofferenza) e i tentativi di togliersi dalla mente Elizabeth mi hanno ricordato il secondo romanzo della serie di Pamela Aidan Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentiluomo, Tra dovere e desiderio, in cui il nostro eroe cercava nel proprio ambiente una donna che lo aiutasse a dimenticare Miss Bennet. Però, al contrario del romanzo della Aidan, in cui la trama prendeva addirittura sfumature gotiche, qui vediamo una situazione plausibilissima e dei personaggi verosimili.
E poi? La storia si interrompe sul più bello, con la fuga di Lydia ma, poiché non vi ho parlato dell'incontro tra Darcy ed Elizabeth né della loro interazione a Pemberley, taccio. E attendo di leggere Mr. Darcy's Challenge (La sfida di Mr. Darcy), il secondo libro della serie The Darcy Novels, per trarre le mie conclusioni finali.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
Delicata e scorrevole questa what-if novel che si legge tutta d'un fiato.
La storia inizia qualche mese dopo la prima disastrosa proposta di matrimonio di Darcy a Elizabeth in quel di Hunsford.
In questo caso, però, Darcy, pur avendo scritto la lettera per spiegare a Elizabeth le sue ragioni, non ha avuto il coraggio di esporre la sorella al biasimo per essere quasi fuggita con Wickham e non la consegna alla giovane di cui è innamorato.
Ora sa che deve superare la sua infatuazione per Miss Bennet, che non sarà mai sua moglie, ma il pensiero di lei continua a ossessionarlo. Così Darcy torna a Pemberley e fa progetti con la sorella Georgiana, che pure si deve ancora riprendere del tutto dalla scampata fuga con George Wickham.
Darcy sembra piuttosto insicuro, cerca appoggio laddove prima non lo avrebbe mai fatto, dagli zii Fitzwilliam, che si rivelano arroganti e invadenti quanto e forse anche più di Lady Catherine, cercando per entrambi i nipoti un matrimonio opportuno ma, soprattutto, vantaggioso per le loro alleanze nell'ambito dell'aristocrazia.
Darcy chiede anche l'aiuto di Lady Renwick, una vecchia amica della madre, per organizzare la successiva Season a Londra e presentare in società Georgiana. La donna, tuttavia, anche se è lieta di fare da accompagnatrice alla giovane Darcy, in quel momento ha l'incombenza di intrattenere in Derbyshire la nipote, da poco giunta dalla città, Miss Elinor Marshall.
Miss Marshall è una giovane molto graziosa e frequenta lo stesso ambiente di Darcy, per cui lui si ritrova a valutarla in qualità di futura moglie. Darcy ha infatti stabilito che, per togliersi dalla mente e dal cuore Elizabeth, deve prendere moglie, una moglie che abbia tutti i giusti requisiti per essere la signora di Pemberley. Pazienza se non la ama: in fondo nel suo mondo il matrimonio è solo un contratto sociale.
Già, ma quali sono questi requisiti? Il nostro eroe credeva di saperlo ma, dopo aver incontrato Elizabeth, il suo modello ideale di donna è completamente cambiato.
Per non ritrovarsi a utilizzare Miss Bennet come pietra di paragone, decide di compilare una lista con le qualità adatte a Mrs. Fitzwillam Darcy ma, dopo ogni incontro con Miss Marshall o con Caroline Bingley, si ritrova ad aggiungere o a depennare voci dall'elenco in base all'umore e alla momentanea simpatia o antipatia verso la signorina in questione, con grande soddisfazione ogni volta che le voci che aggiunge non fanno parte delle doti di Elizabeth Bennet (che, tuttavia, inconsciamente, continua a essere il modello ideale di donna per lui).
Il romanzo è narrato in terza persona, ma alterna il punto di vista di Darcy a quello di Georgiana. La giovane Miss Darcy, forse perché si trova a interagire soprattutto col fratello o con i Bingley, che sono quasi di famiglia, o forse perché si è ormai quasi lasciata alle spalle la brutta esperienza con Wickham, non è timida come sembra in Orgoglio e pregiudizio, ma una giovane donna intelligente e affettuosa. Georgiana è determinata: se non può essere felice lei, vuole che lo sia almeno il fratello.
Quindi, anche se sa che Miss Bingley non è la donna adatta a William, quando è messa di fronte alla sua istintiva antipatia per Miss Marshall – antipatia che ben presto viene cementata da prove tangibili di un carattere capriccioso al limite dell'insopportabile (che Darcy finge di non vedere) –, preferisce il male minore e spinge il fratello verso di lei. Darcy, invece, cieco davanti all'interesse di Caroline nei suoi confronti – come solo un uomo sa essere – arriva addirittura a chiederle un aiuto per compilare il suo elenco!
Ma ci stiamo avvicinando a fine luglio, inizio agosto. Stando alla cronologia di Orgoglio e pregiudizio, Elizabeth dovrebbe andare a visitare Pemberley con gli zii Gardiner. Lo farà? Come sarà l'incontro, tenendo presente che lui non le ha mai rivelato la sua versione dei fatti sui suoi rapporti con Wickham? Monica Fairview ci ha riservato una variante a sorpresa che non vi svelerò qui (dovrete leggere il libro se vorrete scoprirlo).
Anche se è ambientato in un periodo diverso nella trama di Orgoglio e pregiudizio, la passione di Darcy (nel senso di sofferenza) e i tentativi di togliersi dalla mente Elizabeth mi hanno ricordato il secondo romanzo della serie di Pamela Aidan Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentiluomo, Tra dovere e desiderio, in cui il nostro eroe cercava nel proprio ambiente una donna che lo aiutasse a dimenticare Miss Bennet. Però, al contrario del romanzo della Aidan, in cui la trama prendeva addirittura sfumature gotiche, qui vediamo una situazione plausibilissima e dei personaggi verosimili.
E poi? La storia si interrompe sul più bello, con la fuga di Lydia ma, poiché non vi ho parlato dell'incontro tra Darcy ed Elizabeth né della loro interazione a Pemberley, taccio. E attendo di leggere Mr. Darcy's Challenge (La sfida di Mr. Darcy), il secondo libro della serie The Darcy Novels, per trarre le mie conclusioni finali.
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
December 19, 2020
So Good
I loved this book. It was engaging and I became so involved in the story I had trouble putting my kindle down. It is a bit pricey for the amount of pages and I was not to happy that the second book cost over $7. But I brought as she has reeled me in
I loved this book. It was engaging and I became so involved in the story I had trouble putting my kindle down. It is a bit pricey for the amount of pages and I was not to happy that the second book cost over $7. But I brought as she has reeled me in
April 9, 2023
This is the first in a trilogy, and this book feels like it ends in the middle of the story. I didn't love this trilogy as much as I have enjoyed Monica Fairview's other stories.
Things That Worked:
- We see much more of Mr. Darcy's turmoil in how he tries to rebound from Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal. He starts behaving erratically to people around him.
- The scene of Mr. Darcy
added some additional drama and set things up for an interesting house party.
- I appreciated seeing the insight into Georgiana's perspective in this story.
Things That Didn't Work:
- There were parts that felt dragged out that didn't seem to add value to the story. I felt like this was an issue throughout this series.
Things That Worked:
- We see much more of Mr. Darcy's turmoil in how he tries to rebound from Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal. He starts behaving erratically to people around him.
- The scene of Mr. Darcy
added some additional drama and set things up for an interesting house party.
- I appreciated seeing the insight into Georgiana's perspective in this story.
Things That Didn't Work:
- There were parts that felt dragged out that didn't seem to add value to the story. I felt like this was an issue throughout this series.
March 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It's more of a remake from Mr Darcys' view with some changes thrown in. But it stands by itself as an enjoyable book.
Also loved that she threw in the wet shirt scene that make me laugh.
Also loved that she threw in the wet shirt scene that make me laugh.
March 18, 2015
Mr. Darcy's Pledge: A Mr. Darcy Novel ( The Darcy Novels )
Loved Monica's variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. More time is given in this book to the tortured mind and soul after his ill faded marriage proposal at Hunsford. As he plays it over and over in his mind, he begins to pull out statements, words, thoughts that should not have been included in a proposal. Gnawing at him, he decides that he must write a list a characteristics this wife must have. His list starts with ideals that as he rereads, he crosses out, because these really don't matter crumbles up his paper and starts again. As he begins again, he realizes all important ideals fit Lizzy. He also needs a wife to help with Georgiana's coming out Season. Driving around the Lambton area, Darcy remembers his mother's friend Lady Renwick. Lady Renwick seems to be excited to help because her niece, Miss Elinor Marshall, is coming out, and she could help them both. After Georgiana meets Miss Marshall, she is not impressed at all and begins to worry that her brother is thinking of marriage after such a short notice. As he continues his list, He notices every thing he writes down: makes me laugh, teases, compassionate, caring. All these are Lizzy. Darcy makes the mistake of going to Lord and Lady Matlock. As soon as they enter, they're set on finding a match for Georgiana. At seventeen, she doesn't need a season if she marries. Darcy makes up a lie to leave and spends the entire time apologizing for his stupidity. Going back to London, Darcy wants to try and make up with Bingley after their fight. Bingley is in a bigger mess than Darcy, and both men are mentally a wreck. Makes up his mind to go to Gracechurch Street to see the Gardiners hoping that they would convey a message to their nieces. The butler tells him that they are a months trip to the North. Darcy is called back to Pemberley by his steward. Almost home, he runs into a carriage and hay cart wreak. The carriage has flipped on its side. Everyone with his carriage, runs to help the people. Darcy recognizes the hay wagon driver. His horse died flipping some of the hay. When they get to the carriage, Darcy is worried it will slip down the hill. The woman in the carriage stands, Darcy seeing she is injured, gets her out and sets her by the road. She tells him her husband and niece are in the carriage, and her husband was not responding. Her niece is trapped beneath him. Darcy sends in coachman and when they look over the scene inside, they are really worried about the niece underneath her uncle. They finally life him and determine he is alive, but unconscious. Carrying him over to the woman, she begins screaming for Lizzy. A number of thoughts flit through Darcy's mind as he realizes who these people are and who's in the carriage. Sick with worry, he turns to see Lizzy peering out of the window, bloodied, and asks is someone going to help. In the meantime, he has his men put the lady and gentlem an in his carriage. He gets her out and proceeds to carry her the carriage. Her ankle is injured, but says she can hobble. Impertinent and a blockhead for starters, when Darcy sets her down, she stumbles. He and his men get the hay and wagon off the road. Post haste to Pemberley, Darcy is happy to help and have Lizzy under his roof. Things are going well until the Bingleys arrive with Georgiana. Caroline immediately starts in on Elizabeth. Georgiana loves Elizabeth. The next morning, the Matlocks show up and all of Darcy's plans to be with Elizabeth fail. They've found a husband for Georgiana after Darcy told them no. They are indignant and when they find out so is the other couple in trade, they tell him to send them to the inn. He tells them no, they are invited guests. With upset about his refusal for Georgiana's marriage and refusal to have his guests sent away, the miffed Matlocks leave. The next day, Caroline comes up Elizabeth and Georgiana in the garden and again belittles and berates Elizabeth. She tells her that Darcy will never ask her to marry him and she would be the mistress of Pemberley. Lizzy just smiles. Georgiana however tells her brother what occurred, and Darcy finally has to tell Caroline that he will never marry her and loves someone else. She guesses Elizabeth, and he confirms that. He wishes him happiness and joy and tells him she and sister will be leaving in the morning. The next set of visitors really was about to send Darcy into a fit Mrs. Renwick. Mrs. Marshall. Miss Marshall appeared uninvited, and proceeded to occupy his time. Befuddled and angry that he couldn't be with Elizabeth was making his life miserable. The next morning Darcy and Bingley go for a ride. Bingley is jabbering away, and Darcy tells him to stop talking. Darcy is nervous and wants Bingley to help him his proposal, he was going to ask again. By the time they got back, Georgiana tells him Elizabeth and her family have left. When he finally asks the right person, Darcy was to of Elizabeth's special delivery letter and that she was in tears. Off to Longbourn, he wants to help her family. Continued in book 2.
Loved Monica's variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. More time is given in this book to the tortured mind and soul after his ill faded marriage proposal at Hunsford. As he plays it over and over in his mind, he begins to pull out statements, words, thoughts that should not have been included in a proposal. Gnawing at him, he decides that he must write a list a characteristics this wife must have. His list starts with ideals that as he rereads, he crosses out, because these really don't matter crumbles up his paper and starts again. As he begins again, he realizes all important ideals fit Lizzy. He also needs a wife to help with Georgiana's coming out Season. Driving around the Lambton area, Darcy remembers his mother's friend Lady Renwick. Lady Renwick seems to be excited to help because her niece, Miss Elinor Marshall, is coming out, and she could help them both. After Georgiana meets Miss Marshall, she is not impressed at all and begins to worry that her brother is thinking of marriage after such a short notice. As he continues his list, He notices every thing he writes down: makes me laugh, teases, compassionate, caring. All these are Lizzy. Darcy makes the mistake of going to Lord and Lady Matlock. As soon as they enter, they're set on finding a match for Georgiana. At seventeen, she doesn't need a season if she marries. Darcy makes up a lie to leave and spends the entire time apologizing for his stupidity. Going back to London, Darcy wants to try and make up with Bingley after their fight. Bingley is in a bigger mess than Darcy, and both men are mentally a wreck. Makes up his mind to go to Gracechurch Street to see the Gardiners hoping that they would convey a message to their nieces. The butler tells him that they are a months trip to the North. Darcy is called back to Pemberley by his steward. Almost home, he runs into a carriage and hay cart wreak. The carriage has flipped on its side. Everyone with his carriage, runs to help the people. Darcy recognizes the hay wagon driver. His horse died flipping some of the hay. When they get to the carriage, Darcy is worried it will slip down the hill. The woman in the carriage stands, Darcy seeing she is injured, gets her out and sets her by the road. She tells him her husband and niece are in the carriage, and her husband was not responding. Her niece is trapped beneath him. Darcy sends in coachman and when they look over the scene inside, they are really worried about the niece underneath her uncle. They finally life him and determine he is alive, but unconscious. Carrying him over to the woman, she begins screaming for Lizzy. A number of thoughts flit through Darcy's mind as he realizes who these people are and who's in the carriage. Sick with worry, he turns to see Lizzy peering out of the window, bloodied, and asks is someone going to help. In the meantime, he has his men put the lady and gentlem an in his carriage. He gets her out and proceeds to carry her the carriage. Her ankle is injured, but says she can hobble. Impertinent and a blockhead for starters, when Darcy sets her down, she stumbles. He and his men get the hay and wagon off the road. Post haste to Pemberley, Darcy is happy to help and have Lizzy under his roof. Things are going well until the Bingleys arrive with Georgiana. Caroline immediately starts in on Elizabeth. Georgiana loves Elizabeth. The next morning, the Matlocks show up and all of Darcy's plans to be with Elizabeth fail. They've found a husband for Georgiana after Darcy told them no. They are indignant and when they find out so is the other couple in trade, they tell him to send them to the inn. He tells them no, they are invited guests. With upset about his refusal for Georgiana's marriage and refusal to have his guests sent away, the miffed Matlocks leave. The next day, Caroline comes up Elizabeth and Georgiana in the garden and again belittles and berates Elizabeth. She tells her that Darcy will never ask her to marry him and she would be the mistress of Pemberley. Lizzy just smiles. Georgiana however tells her brother what occurred, and Darcy finally has to tell Caroline that he will never marry her and loves someone else. She guesses Elizabeth, and he confirms that. He wishes him happiness and joy and tells him she and sister will be leaving in the morning. The next set of visitors really was about to send Darcy into a fit Mrs. Renwick. Mrs. Marshall. Miss Marshall appeared uninvited, and proceeded to occupy his time. Befuddled and angry that he couldn't be with Elizabeth was making his life miserable. The next morning Darcy and Bingley go for a ride. Bingley is jabbering away, and Darcy tells him to stop talking. Darcy is nervous and wants Bingley to help him his proposal, he was going to ask again. By the time they got back, Georgiana tells him Elizabeth and her family have left. When he finally asks the right person, Darcy was to of Elizabeth's special delivery letter and that she was in tears. Off to Longbourn, he wants to help her family. Continued in book 2.
December 6, 2017
This book doesn’t follow the plot of the story as it happens and takes many variations from the actual plot line. I didn’t enjoy reading it and won’t be continuing the series.
July 18, 2019
A NICE retelling of P&P a most enjoyable read and I look forward to part 2&3 🙂
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October 23, 2022DNF. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this book. Many people will enjoy it a lot, it was just too wordy for me.
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