A few months after Elizabeth's return from Hunsford, Mr. Collins and Charlotte passed away, leaving no male heirs to inherit Longbourn, which broke the entailment. Shortly, Mr. Bennet passed away, transferring ownership of the estate to Jane. Upon hearing of Jane's altered circumstances and her new position as mistress of Longbourn, Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire.
This is a High Angst story. Mr. Bingley is not an honourable man.
This story drew me in from the beginning. Ms DiChiara’s writing grows stronger with each book. I applaud her for taking these characters in different directions: the frckless Bingley is inspired. I am still trying to adjust to the plight of the Gardiners, though.
I will be buying this for my permanent collection.
I am a fan of this author’s stories. The editing and proofreading have improved over her earlier stories.
This was a gripping story that I first read at a fan fiction site, and then I purchased it from Amazon to show my support for the author. Even reading it a second time, and knowing what was coming, I was totally engrossed in the story.
What a heartbreaking way for Jane to lose the scales from her eyes. So many family bonds that we take for granted as being unbreakable in the JAFF universe are sundered. Still there is true and lasting love that is undeniable. I especially loved that Mrs B learned to appreciate Lizzy and Mary.
Lorena DiChiara is one of the most outstanding writers of P&P variations. Her profound character análisis and her very well constructed and realistic stories that are credible and very well in the context of the time. There are not inconsistencies or contradictions, I hope she continue to write this sequels. Thank you for your writtings.
Very human characters, not all good or all bad, as we usually see, with the Bennet family traveling a bumpy road. Happy ever , for most, but not always as anticipated except Darcy and Lizzy. Definitely worth your time.
Warning: This is a High Angst story. Mr. Bingley is not an honourable man.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. A few months after Elizabeth's return from Hunsford, Mr. Collins and Charlotte passed away, leaving no male heirs to inherit Longbourn, which broke the entailment. Shortly, Mr. Bennet passed away, transferring ownership of the estate to Jane. Upon hearing of Jane's altered circumstances and her new position as mistress of Longbourn, Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
I like reading DiChiara's books because they don't always follow the well-worn path of most Pride and Prejudice variations.
A few reviews label Avarice & Betrayal as sad, but my emotions leaned more toward shock and, sometimes, anger. I enjoyed all the characters, and some relationships were forever changed.
What I liked:
- Jane's resilience once she realized the truth.
- I especially enjoyed Bingley and Jane. I always think that Bingley, Jane, and even Charlotte's characters can take on a different slant depending on the circumstances, adding drama without appearing unbelievable.
- There is drama, but not necessarily angst.
My nitpick:
- I saw no reason for Darcy to be out of communication with Elizabeth for so long.
- It appears as if Bingley recouped his money. How did he manage that?
I really like this author’s writing style. She tells stories in chronological order. Not much dialogues, just mostly necessary descriptions. Spoilers ahead: - The Collins died which effectively ended the entail. Jane became an heiress. - Lydia eloped with Wickham and Mr Bennet had to take out loan to pay Wickham off to marry Lydia. Mr B later died of a heart attack. - Bingley learned that Jane now inherited Longbourn, came back to court and marry Jane not knowing about the loan. - Bingley later sold Longbourn to pay the loan and refused to support the Bennets - E and Mary and Mrs Bennet moved to Ramsgate. - ODC met again Ramsgate. - HEA for ODC and also for Jane (B died and J remarried to a better man) Low angst. Poor Jane. Bad Bingley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I believe, despite its darkness, this may be this author's best story yet. Most principle characters get their happy ever after, but the road there is dark for several of them.
I also appreciate the effort the author is making on improving her writing, as English is not her mother tongue.
Yes, Bingley is a b...bad person. But the betrayals, the lies, and the disgusting behavior of several characters makes it a one and done! Not a 'let's read and relive that one' ever again. Sadness dominates throughout. Don't read it if you are a stickler for grammatical precision OR happiness.
This is more a story of four sisters, Lydia is no so much in the variation. It’s more a growth for Jane than Darcy. I do not like how the Gardiners are written. I admit I skipped some chapters the anguish was too much for me. It has two deaths, betrayal , and sickness, however it is a clean read. I do plan to read this again —I want to o know what I missed.
It takes a very gifted writer to write of doom and gloom without it becoming depressing and unpleasant. This writer isn’t that. By the time the Gardiners lost the business, Bingley’s mill burnt to the ground and made him impecunious, Pemberley burning, and the illnesses affecting three Bennett’s and Georgiana Darcy, it was just too much.
3.5* - I liked the story. (I read it on FFN before it was pulled for publication - either through google translate or the draft translation - I don't remember which). It's a little stilted in the telling, and ESL but she does have a flair for drama.