Sincerely Yours: Yours by Design, Book 2

Yours by Design #2

by Robin M. Helm

Sincerely Yours (Yours by Design, Book 2) begins immediately after Accidentally Yours (Yours by Design, Book 1). After prayers uttered by both Fitzwilliam Darcy in 1795 and Will Darcy in 2013 result in accidents for both men and a time switch, each Darcy must adjust to his new era and win his Elizabeth.

Genres: Jane Austen, Christian

318 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2014

About the author

Robin Helm's time revolves around music as she plays and teaches. Her books reflect that love, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.

Her latest publication is Lawfully Innocent: A US Marshal Lawkeepers story. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy (Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian angel) and the Yours by Design series (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), Understanding Elizabeth (Darcy must decide how much he's willing to pay to have what he wants), and More To Love (Darcy comments on Elizabeth's weight at the Assembly).

Mrs. Helm is also featured in a series of anthologies with several other like-minded authors. A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine have been Best Sellers on Amazon in several categories. A Very Austen Romance is being planned for February, 2020.

She lives in (usually) sunny South Carolina and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling.

AWARDS:
The Guardian Trilogy
Austenesque Reviews 2013 P & P Variation/Alternate Path Award

Yours by Design series
Austenesque Reviews, Top Ten Time Travel novels
Of Pens and Pages, Top 5 Modern Pride & Prejudice Retellings

A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Books of 2017

A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Anthology, 2018

More to Love: Cover Design Gold Star Award, The Book Designer

Reviews

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 of 3 and you MUST read book 1 before book 2 or you will be completely and utterly lost.

The Yours By design series is a P&P paranormal / time travel / Freaky Friday mind swap across the ages.

Fitzwilliam Darcy of 1795 is a complete tool. Unlikable, nasty, bitter

Will Darcy of 2013 is every Christian gals dream date. Sweet, kind, considerate, caring, devoted, pious, healthy, charitable, generous.

Following dual accidents in different centuries; combined with a prayer / wish, their minds are swapped. Now Nasty Darcy must contend with 2013 while good Darcy can fix things in Georgiana England and repair his relationship with Lizzy

This series allows that there was a Pride & Prejudice book and that Darcy's valet was related to Jane Austen. So Darcy (2013) goes to meet her.

What I liked: Darcy 2013 was relying on the book to make decisions, he has to come to the realization that it was fiction and that Miss Austen took dramatic license with the story. He is surprised at some of the 'real life' changes.

What I wasn't so thrilled with... I really don't care about the modern Darcy (1795). He's an ass and I don't care if he gets right with God or learns humility.

What I really hated - Trigger warning violence against women in 2013 the modern Lizzy Bennet has an ex based on Wickham, she tells Darcy (1795) that she was raped twice by him and never pressed charges and she felt it was her fault. BS and badly done Ms. Helm

So I love the changed P&P part and hate the Modern part which makes it a 3

[SG · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one. I felt it was moving slowly and nothing was really happening. Hoping the third one in the series is better!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing negative about this book is that we all have to wait for the next one. I wasn't sure when I began reading this if it was a finale to the story or only the second of "how many?" but as I read further along it became clear that Ms. Helm was not going to have the climax in this book. I have read her other "Guardian" series and completely loved those 3 books, also. *There may be a few spoilers here but most such are from the first book.*

The tales of these two men who transfer into each other's body after accidents in their own time period (Modern and Regency) are so absorbing! The author gives first one chapter about one man and the next about the other so you learn to expect the switch in the story/time/persons, etc.

Will has a big advantage over Fitzwilliam from Regency times, as he grew up reading P&P and watching the movie...plus he played trivia games about history so he remembers what is going to happen and to whom and can use that knowledge to help his adjustment and the welfare of his life and that of his friends and acquaintances. He comes to realize, however, that life is not all as portrayed in the book by Jane Austen. Personalities are different. Families are not exactly made up of people as told of in the book. And he finds it hard to remember what he is or is not supposed to know/be capable of, as he inhabits a different body, i.e., playing Debussy's Clare de Lune and singing....music not yet written AND no one knew Fitzwilliam could sing.

Fitzwilliam/Fitz is not so lucky in either his knowledge of the time period nor of what "he"/Will is capable of doing nor of his relationships, etc. in the modern age much less talents and skills needed to do things taken for granted by all around him, i.e., drive a car, use a cell phone. Plus he has the added disadvantage of having broken bones, on top of the head injuries shared by both, in his accident so needs to go through rehab, etc. Fitz begins to change due to having a housekeeper who knows what is going on and takes it upon herself to not only love but to also guide this stranger in her dear boy's body.

This tale is a fantastic variation of P&P. It certainly gives us a Christian viewpoint of how to live life but it also gives us the human frailties and how such may affect any of us. There are parts of Liz's past, which are .....well, I won't spoil that part of the story...a must read! I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of three and is not a stand alone story... if you haven't read the first one, this book isn't going to make a whole lot of sense. This book is a bit frustrating - it's essentially the middle of story and there isn't a whole lot going on.

We see Will and Fitzwilliam in their swapped time frames. Will is getting on very well and his romance is going swimmingly (although how he achieved this with so little effort I'm not quite sure). Others appear very accepting of his tale but things are going differently to how Jane Austen wrote them... so what is going on? Fitzwilliam is having a more difficult time but his story progresses just as quickly, despite finding things more difficult. I still don't like him. Not even if he looks like Henry Cavill.

I didn't really enjoy this a great deal... I'll finish the series and hope the last book brings things to a satisfying conclusion. The Christian element to the story is more prominent in this book and it felt more 'preachy' than the last. But - in many ways, religion was more prominent in the 1800's so I can see its value and relevance in some ways.

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours: Yours by Design, Book 2.

This is Book 2 of a wonderful series by Robin M. Helm. I am reading it again, and completely enjoying it all over again. It's a Spiritual/Supernatural version of Pride and Prejudice, and it could be very confusing, if it wasn't for the smooth writing ability of the Author. It begins, with Fitzwilliam Darcy deciding to propose to Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford, in his completely obnoxious way and it turns into his personal disaster. Meanwhile, there is his descendant, Will Darcy, in Modern Times, so to speak, struggling with not feeling like he fits in. Almost, simultaneously,(but is that possible? That's God's mystery and Handiwork in this intriguing story!) Fitzwilliam wishes to never see Elizabeth again and 2013 Will prays to God to meet her, no matter what he has to go through! God answers both their petitions, and we have this unique story. A Great Read.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in the Yours by Design trilogy and that it is necessary to read book 1, Accidentally Yours, prior to reading this one.)

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Austen-Inspired, Time Travel, Christian/Inspirational

SETTING: Alternating between Modern-Day (2012) in Georgia, USA and 1795 in England

MAIN CHARACTERS:

Will Darcy (from the 21st century) is joined by Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Bennet
Fitzwilliam Darcy (from the 18th century) is surrounded by Mrs. Thomas, Lance Bingley, Jane Bennet, and Liz Bennet

SYNOPSIS:

- Two different men living two centuries apart make two similar pleading prayers that result in their switching bodies with each other – think “Freaky Friday” – The Regency Edition. A modern-day man who grew up reading and loving Jane Austen named Will Darcy, finds himself in the body of Fitzwilliam Darcy after his ill-fated Hunsford Proposal. And Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself in the body of Will Darcy who lives in Georgia in the 21st century.

WHAT I LOVED:

- Two Darcys: Need I say more??? Both Darcys are quite different from each other. Will Darcy is very charming and has both the appearance and actuality of “goodness.” His Regency counterpart, Fitzwilliam Darcy, while haughty and arrogant, isn’t the responsible and just Master of Pemberley we all thought he was. The story alternates with each chapter – changing time periods and perspectives – giving readers an equal amount of both Darcy men. ;)

- Things Are Developing: I loved how this book showed more of each Darcy’s development. They acclimated to their new lives (or are trying to), establishing relationships with the people who surround them, and pursued their hearts’ desires. Will is occupied taking care of a bad investment his Regency counterpart made and admitting his errors in judgment to Charles Bingley. And Fitzwilliam Darcy is busy with his physical therapy work and learning how to live in the 21st century.

- I Like Fitzwilliam Darcy Again!: In Accidentally Yours,I found the Regency Darcy to be very unlikable and I was disappointed in some of the things he said and thought. Well, while that is his character make-up at the start of this series, I’m happy to see a gentle transformation starting to take place. His eyes, mind, and heart have been opened and he is truly desiring to change himself and make others happy and proud. I liked seeing Fitzwilliam “Fitz” Darcy’s interactions with his new companions and witnessing the many lessons he has to learn daily about modern society and customs. It kind of reminded me of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory a few times with how he needed to have so many things explained!

- Cute Fitz Moments: Some of my favorite moments in this story are when Fitz (Regency Darcy) does something adorable. In this installment we see him become better friends with his physical therapist/live-in nurse Lance and witness his introduction and first encounters with Liz Bennet. Without spoiling anything I’ll say my favorite scenes were the golf cart incident, Liz’s contraction challenge, and when Fitz experiences confusion over our modern expressions. So many LOLs!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

- I’m Not Into “Pictures of Perfections”: I’ve said this numerous times before, but I just don’t like it when a character is nearly perfect, faultless and flawless, or has nothing to overcome. At this point, I find myself loving the Fitzwilliam Darcy parts of this story more than Will Darcy because he is flawed character learning to be a better man. Will and Elizabeth, on the other hand, are seemingly perfect people with very little to mar their happiness or block their paths.

CONCLUSION:

As you can see, I’m definitely more a fan of this series now than I was after reading the first book! With so many loose threads, this installment definitely left me hanging. I’m eagerly anticipating the third book, Forever Yours, which I hear is coming out soon! Can’t wait to see what happens with these Darcys and their Elizabeths!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Yours by Design trilogy. It jumps in right where book one leaves off as more a second volume of a three volume story than a separate story with its own plot resolution.

The first leg set up the situation, introduced the characters and set the story in motion. This second leg begins with the two Darcys, past and present, settling into their new lives.

Fitzwilliam is getting out of the hospital and getting his first experiences of the modern world with the help of Mrs. Thomas and Lance. Fitzwilliam's whole life has been turned upside down and he soon realizes that instead of freaking out and pitying himself, this is his opportunity to reset his life and begin again. He finds it well worth it to have Mrs. T and Lance as friends and family figures as well as please Liz Bennet who proves that he might not have lost his Elizabeth. Slowly, but surely, he grows away from his old selfish, prideful, and arrogant self.

While in the past, Will is courting his Lizzy with a displeased Mr. Bennet watching him closely, trying to keep bad history from repeating itself, and making a new path without messing up history. Will experiences a surreal moment when he meets Jane Austen herself and it isn't long before he realizes that his 'map' to the past isn't as reliable as he thought when real life departs somewhat from Pride & Prejudice.

This second installment of the series was a refreshing surprise. Maybe it's just me, but I generally find second books in a trilogy an angst-ridden bridge between the two more exciting sections. While I can't speak to the exciting part since I haven't read book three yet, I can say that the angst was minimal. This is most definitely a transitional piece as the author sets up for what is to come, but it has several fun surprises and advances in the plot steadily with relationships building and characters growing. New characters are introduced for one thing and Fitzwilliam finally has his heroine and his romance. That was a nice twist what the author did with the significant deviations for the story so that past and present didn't just echo Jane Austen's original P&P. There is subtle foreshadowing going on so there is a build of tension and anticipating for what is to come in the final installment.

In summation, I had no desire to set the book down and I am excited for what is coming next. I love all the characters and what the author has done with their stories. This one does not stand alone. I would recommend the trilogy for fans of Sweet Time Travel Romance and Inspirational Romance lovers particularly when blended with Austenesque.

My thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this story!

I can't wait to finish my work each day to get back to read. I'm completely hooked! Start reading! You won't regret it!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

read all three novels in this series. Look at my comments on book #1 Accidentally Yours: Yours by Design, Book 1.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours is the second book in Robin M. Helm’s Yours by Design series. Beware, you must read Accidentally Yours, book 1, before reading this book as it has a continuing storyline. For a brief recap of book 1: After an accident, suffered simultaneously, Fitzwilliam Darcy (late 1700s) and Will Darcy (present day) switch places in time. Fitzwilliam wakes up in a modern hospital not understanding modern technology, and Will finds himself in Kent, 1795, Rosings Park.

Sincerely Yours is a fun book to read. First off, watching Fitzwilliam try to maneuver in the modern world is pretty funny! There are so many mannerisms that he just doesn't get or understand. On the other hand, Will has a good grasp of history dealing in the late 1700s and early 1800s. He fits in quickly, but he has other problems to deal with, like trying to repair the damage Fitzwilliam has done to Elizabeth and her family. Plus, he’s finding the real life of the Darcy’s and Bennet’s a bit different than in the book, Pride and Prejudice.

I was so glad to like Fitzwilliam again! I was not a fan of his in the first book. The jolt of suddenly being in the 21st century, being able to see his life through the film versions of Pride and Prejudice, and being a captive audience of Mrs. Thomas and Lance, his nurse and physical therapist, help him become a much better person!

Ooh, and I liked the introduction of the present-day Elizabeth Bennet! She has a sister named Jane and a rake like Wickham (named Greg) in her past. Will Fitzwilliam fall in love with her, and possibly persuade Elizabeth to fall in love with him?

I like the idea of seeing what’s going on in both time periods simultaneously, but I also found that it broke the flow of the story too much for me to get hooked. Maybe it was the limited reading time I had, but it wasn’t until near the end that I became hooked, and now I’m looking forward to the next book to come out!

I enjoyed reading Sincerely Yours, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book of the series, Forever Yours!

FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited months to read this book after reading the first one in the series. It was well worth the wait. I absolutely loved it! Now I must wait awhile to find out how the story ends. I am positive it will again be worth the wait. I love the way Robin writes. I feel like I am right there with the characters. One of the things I loved is the way she describes the things that are different for the men who have changed places and centuries with each other.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly well done

This book, the second of the series, continues the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Will Darcy. Switched in times &places.

Fitzwilliam is becoming more comfortable with his injuries and works hard to overcome them. With Lances help, he survives the machinations of a pretty little lawyer and finally meets "his" Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, Will uncovers a plot by his Aunt Catherine & decides to throw a house party - he invites the Gardiner family and the Bennett family. He & Colonel Fitzwilliam manage to protect the Bennett & other young ladies of Meryton by sending missives to the correct persons. Wickham is being watched. Will finds life is a good bit different than the book & works hard to fit what he has read to what is actually happening.

As we journey back & forth between the two Mr. Darcys, the humor increases. I find myself laughing, chuckling, and sighing throughout. I highly recommend that you read this book after reading the first in the series. An excellent story & worthy of your time. If you love Pride and Prejudice, you will love this series!

Time for me to buy book 3! Oh, you will not wish to put these books down!!

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I loved reading these three books, I Fitzwilliam part more. Fizt and Elizabeth Bennet are far from being perfect and that's why I love them. Will Darcy and Elizabeth on the contrary, always seem to do the right thing(they seem to have no faults), it is a bit too much. Apart from this I enjoyed reading their adventures.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did not hold my attention like the first in the series. I felt like it was probably a set up to the third and final installment of the series, but I found myself bored through much of this one.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skipped quite a bit of it.

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secret behind the prosperity of the family comes to light, and personalities change according to circumstances. Enjoying the story more and more.

[Laura Hartness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice follow-up to Book 1, Accidentally Yours and a very enticing setup for Book 3, Forever Yours. Fitzwilliam remains somewhat robotic, but his appeal has increased in this volume. Will remains a delight, and I look forward to what is in store for all the characters in the final chapter of this series. Full review and giveaway (ends 3/25/2016) on The Calico Critic:

http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2016...