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Mr. Darcy's Promise
Jane Austen’s classic Regency story comes alive again in a tale of pride, prejudice, and a promise. Georgiana Darcy makes her way to Netherfield Park to meet the woman her brother so admires. While at first Georgiana’s presence smooths the course of true love between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the ghosts of her past appear to wreak havoc on all of them. Unhappily, Elizabeth finds herself placed in the care of the Darcy family at Pemberley. Assuming he knows the cause of Elizabeth’s distress, Mr. Darcy makes a promise on his gentleman’s honor. The promise, although made with good intentions, becomes nearly impossible to keep for Mr. Darcy, and somewhat vexing for Elizabeth. Some promises are made to be broken but will the ever-trustworthy gentleman let go enough to secure Elizabeth’s heart?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2013
95 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Jeanna Ellsworth
11 books43 followersJeanna is a mother of three daughters, all of whom are well versed in all things Pride and Prejudice. She most definitely would say they are her best friends. She shares her best and worst days with them and they share theirs with her. She also proudly states she is the eighth of thirteen children. When she isn’t scrapbooking, quilting, or cooking, she is thoroughly ignoring her house for a few hours at a time in order to read yet another fan fiction novel. Somewhere between being a mom, a sister, a cook, and a best friend, she squeezes in three 12 hour shifts a week as a Registered Nurse in a Neurological ICU. She raises chickens, helps her daughter run a rabbitry, and gardens as much as she can. In all her still-under-forty years, she has never claimed to be as happy as she is now. Out of this mindset came a surge of creativity that simply had to be written down. Since she finished Mr. Darcy’s Promise, she has stated several times that she has gained something no one can take away from her; hope for her own Mr. Darcy. More than anything, she hopes to prepare her three best friends to look for their own Mr. Darcy and to settle for nothing less.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 4, 2013
Similar to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds, Mr. Darcy’s Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks, and An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn, this Pride and Prejudice variation by debut author Jeanna Ellsworth explores the possibility of Elizabeth being forced into an unwanted and unexpected marriage. However, in this scenario, Elizabeth is completely unaware of Darcy’s true feelings for her. Darcy did not speak of love and ardent admiration in his proposal and she believes he desires this marriage as little as she does…
What does Elizabeth to do when she finds herself married to a man she hardly knows and whisked off far away from her loved ones? She breaks down and sobs uncontrollably, but then determines to accept her fate and build a happy, albeit loveless, marriage with Darcy. (Oh! How I loved these heartrending and deeply emotive scenes!)
What does Elizabeth do when she feels the stirrings of love and admiration for her husband with whom she has only shared a platonic relationship with? She keeps those feelings to herself. (It was such delicious torture to watch Darcy and Elizabeth hide their true feelings and battle their fear, doubt, jealousy, and various misunderstandings!)
One of the features I enjoyed most about this variation was the fact that Darcy did not declare himself to be in love with Elizabeth. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is cognizant of how much Darcy loves and admires her, but in this variation she is left to wonder why he married her. I took much pleasure in watching the budding relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop. Their early awkwardness and tentative friendship grow into a beautiful romance and courtship – quite an unusual start to a marriage!
Other aspects of the story I took pleasure in were the author’s use of symbolism and thematic motifs. Elizabeth’s care and interest in the chickens at Pemberley and her reoccurring dreams reveal a lot about her character and feelings to both the reader and to Darcy. In addition, I appreciated how Jeanna Ellsworth frequently returned to the themes of hope and keeping promises. Both Darcy and Elizabeth hold out hope that their marriage will become more than it is and Darcy makes more than one important promise to Elizabeth…which she frequently teases him about!
This variation is largely Darcy-and-Elizabeth centric, so much so that it feels like the other characters are sometimes forgotten. Characters such as Mary Bennet, Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins are almost never mentioned, and it often felt like Georgiana received too little page time. I know that Darcy and Elizabeth are newlyweds and that they were building a relationship, but Georgiana is a part of their family and it seems like they were too often leaving her alone. Especially since they both knew that something was troubling her. In addition, I did feel that the Wickham plot line came to a very abrupt conclusion. It seems like the Darcys weren’t as impacted by the events that took place as they should have been.
Despite my small quibbles, I found this to be a memorable, endearing, and poignant variation. I loved watching Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love and build a beautiful marriage together. I greatly look forward to reading more from Jeanna Ellsworth!!
Austenesque Reviews
What does Elizabeth to do when she finds herself married to a man she hardly knows and whisked off far away from her loved ones? She breaks down and sobs uncontrollably, but then determines to accept her fate and build a happy, albeit loveless, marriage with Darcy. (Oh! How I loved these heartrending and deeply emotive scenes!)
What does Elizabeth do when she feels the stirrings of love and admiration for her husband with whom she has only shared a platonic relationship with? She keeps those feelings to herself. (It was such delicious torture to watch Darcy and Elizabeth hide their true feelings and battle their fear, doubt, jealousy, and various misunderstandings!)
One of the features I enjoyed most about this variation was the fact that Darcy did not declare himself to be in love with Elizabeth. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is cognizant of how much Darcy loves and admires her, but in this variation she is left to wonder why he married her. I took much pleasure in watching the budding relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop. Their early awkwardness and tentative friendship grow into a beautiful romance and courtship – quite an unusual start to a marriage!
Other aspects of the story I took pleasure in were the author’s use of symbolism and thematic motifs. Elizabeth’s care and interest in the chickens at Pemberley and her reoccurring dreams reveal a lot about her character and feelings to both the reader and to Darcy. In addition, I appreciated how Jeanna Ellsworth frequently returned to the themes of hope and keeping promises. Both Darcy and Elizabeth hold out hope that their marriage will become more than it is and Darcy makes more than one important promise to Elizabeth…which she frequently teases him about!
This variation is largely Darcy-and-Elizabeth centric, so much so that it feels like the other characters are sometimes forgotten. Characters such as Mary Bennet, Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins are almost never mentioned, and it often felt like Georgiana received too little page time. I know that Darcy and Elizabeth are newlyweds and that they were building a relationship, but Georgiana is a part of their family and it seems like they were too often leaving her alone. Especially since they both knew that something was troubling her. In addition, I did feel that the Wickham plot line came to a very abrupt conclusion. It seems like the Darcys weren’t as impacted by the events that took place as they should have been.
Despite my small quibbles, I found this to be a memorable, endearing, and poignant variation. I loved watching Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love and build a beautiful marriage together. I greatly look forward to reading more from Jeanna Ellsworth!!
Austenesque Reviews
August 19, 2014
So I read this book last fall. And totally forgot it. Having just read Pride and Persistence I decided to read it again.
I found the plot very frustrating. the entire story revolves around Lizzy and Darcy thinking one thing but being afraid to speak their minds.
Now this would be fine; except they end up married after Darcy is presumed to have compromised Lizzy.
The whole book is made up of people who live in the same house and are afraid to speak to one another.
Col. Fitzwilliam is notable only for his lame jokes.
I kept thinking I'm going to quit this story and then I would remember I wanted to note my opinion here; so now I won't make the mistake of reading it again.
And there was one glaring error which was when Darcy refers to a chicken weighing less than 3 kilograms. There is no chance that Darcy would have known the weight of a chicken in Kilos when it wasn't even discussed in British government until 1818. This annoyed me more than the Americanisms that so annoy my friends in the UK.
I found the plot very frustrating. the entire story revolves around Lizzy and Darcy thinking one thing but being afraid to speak their minds.
Now this would be fine; except they end up married after Darcy is presumed to have compromised Lizzy.
The whole book is made up of people who live in the same house and are afraid to speak to one another.
Col. Fitzwilliam is notable only for his lame jokes.
I kept thinking I'm going to quit this story and then I would remember I wanted to note my opinion here; so now I won't make the mistake of reading it again.
And there was one glaring error which was when Darcy refers to a chicken weighing less than 3 kilograms. There is no chance that Darcy would have known the weight of a chicken in Kilos when it wasn't even discussed in British government until 1818. This annoyed me more than the Americanisms that so annoy my friends in the UK.
June 15, 2016
Mr. Darcy’s Promise was the book that made me love the forced marriage scenarios, and after reading it, I noticed this type of plot always gets my attention and usually leads to a purchase:)
In this book Mr. Whickam is a vile person, who plans a scheme to compromise Elizabeth and ruin Darcy’s happiness forever, but things don’t go as planned, and it is Mr. Darcy who ends up being caught in a compromising situation.
We all know Mr. Darcy is an honorable gentleman, so after being caught in a compromising situation with Elizabeth, he fulfills his duty and marries her. But of course, this early in the story, Elizabeth is not yet in love with Mr. Darcy, and seems so troubled and sad during the carriage ride from Longbourn to London that Mr. Darcy decides to make her a promise! It is a promise he will not break and that will haunt them both for a long time:)
In this variation we see Elizabeth slowly falling in love with Mr. Darcy and wanting him to love her back. I loved Elizabeth’s worry for Darcy when he went out to help the farmers with the fire, and most of all, I loved when she decided not to let him go alone to Longbourn in search of Whickam. For me, that was pure love and dedication.
We are also made aware of Darcy’s feelings and troubles in this book, and even if this one is not know for the “Let’s torture Darcy club”, it is, in my opinion, one of those where he suffers the most. First he hears Elizabeth saying he is a proud man, to Whickam above all people, then he learns that despite marrying him she does not love him, and after that, he has to spend every day with the woman he loves without being able to touch her or tell her how he really feels. When he discovers a certain letter, my heart ached for him and I could not imagine anything more torturous to happen to Darcy at that moment. Of course that Darcy’s torture is my joy, so that was also one of the best moments in the book for me:)
I loved that Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship evolved slowly, and that they actually had a courtship time. With his promise, Mr. Darcy gave Elizabeth a chance to be courted in a very special way. This special courtship allowed them to have private and romantic moments they would not be allowed if they were actually just engaged, so this book takes advantage of this situation, and we get the better of 2 worlds: a regency novel and some liberties taking place without being considered a breach of propriety.
I would describe this book as cozy if a book can ever be described as such. I say this because we feel very comfortable with the characters at Pemberley. Even if our favorite couple is still struggling to be happy, the majority of scenes take us into a stage of domestic bliss. I found the scenes with the chicks and the parallelism explained in the end of the book adorable. In fact, Mr. Darcy’s Promise is incredible because it appears to be slow paced; we all have our time to enjoy every single second of it, but when we look back it, so much happened! If I were to talk about all the scenes I liked I believe I would stay here until dawn. That being said, I really recommend this book:)
In this book Mr. Whickam is a vile person, who plans a scheme to compromise Elizabeth and ruin Darcy’s happiness forever, but things don’t go as planned, and it is Mr. Darcy who ends up being caught in a compromising situation.
We all know Mr. Darcy is an honorable gentleman, so after being caught in a compromising situation with Elizabeth, he fulfills his duty and marries her. But of course, this early in the story, Elizabeth is not yet in love with Mr. Darcy, and seems so troubled and sad during the carriage ride from Longbourn to London that Mr. Darcy decides to make her a promise! It is a promise he will not break and that will haunt them both for a long time:)
In this variation we see Elizabeth slowly falling in love with Mr. Darcy and wanting him to love her back. I loved Elizabeth’s worry for Darcy when he went out to help the farmers with the fire, and most of all, I loved when she decided not to let him go alone to Longbourn in search of Whickam. For me, that was pure love and dedication.
We are also made aware of Darcy’s feelings and troubles in this book, and even if this one is not know for the “Let’s torture Darcy club”, it is, in my opinion, one of those where he suffers the most. First he hears Elizabeth saying he is a proud man, to Whickam above all people, then he learns that despite marrying him she does not love him, and after that, he has to spend every day with the woman he loves without being able to touch her or tell her how he really feels. When he discovers a certain letter, my heart ached for him and I could not imagine anything more torturous to happen to Darcy at that moment. Of course that Darcy’s torture is my joy, so that was also one of the best moments in the book for me:)
I loved that Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship evolved slowly, and that they actually had a courtship time. With his promise, Mr. Darcy gave Elizabeth a chance to be courted in a very special way. This special courtship allowed them to have private and romantic moments they would not be allowed if they were actually just engaged, so this book takes advantage of this situation, and we get the better of 2 worlds: a regency novel and some liberties taking place without being considered a breach of propriety.
I would describe this book as cozy if a book can ever be described as such. I say this because we feel very comfortable with the characters at Pemberley. Even if our favorite couple is still struggling to be happy, the majority of scenes take us into a stage of domestic bliss. I found the scenes with the chicks and the parallelism explained in the end of the book adorable. In fact, Mr. Darcy’s Promise is incredible because it appears to be slow paced; we all have our time to enjoy every single second of it, but when we look back it, so much happened! If I were to talk about all the scenes I liked I believe I would stay here until dawn. That being said, I really recommend this book:)
March 12, 2019
The story starts at the Netherfield Ball but the dastardly Wickham is in attendance - as is Georgiana as she believes her brother to be attached to the lovely Miss Bennet he has written about. Wickham is up to no good and plots a scheme to compromise Elizabeth only for his plan to be foiled when Darcy is seen in a compromising situation with her instead... they marry and the main part of the story is about the 6 weeks after the wedding.
The main premise of the story is Elizabeth is falling in love with Darcy but doesn't want to tell him as she thinks he was forced to marry her. Darcy is head over heels in love with Elizabeth and couldn't believe his luck he was forced into marriage... but if course neither of them think to share their feelings with the other - despite it being obvious to everyone else.
Sometimes stories like this really annoy me - but there was something really cute about this - lots of insecurities while they get to know each other. I think it's one if you think about too deeply comes apart a bit... like Elizabeth identifying with a mother hen and the riddle talk associated with this. I thought this part of the story was ok to start with but was a little fed up if it by the end. I thought was unlikely the pair of them would play fight in a pile of chicken poop... but I was prepared to suspend my disbelief.
The Colonel has a funny role in thus book... always telling bad jokes. Georgiana's personality was a little inconsistent - sometimes quite decisive, other times hiding out in tears. I wasn't sure about Elizabeth's relationship with her maid either... there is close and then there is inappropriate.
I think, in this case, too much reflection is a bad thing. I really enjoyed it while I was reading it and that's the most important thing!
The main premise of the story is Elizabeth is falling in love with Darcy but doesn't want to tell him as she thinks he was forced to marry her. Darcy is head over heels in love with Elizabeth and couldn't believe his luck he was forced into marriage... but if course neither of them think to share their feelings with the other - despite it being obvious to everyone else.
Sometimes stories like this really annoy me - but there was something really cute about this - lots of insecurities while they get to know each other. I think it's one if you think about too deeply comes apart a bit... like Elizabeth identifying with a mother hen and the riddle talk associated with this. I thought this part of the story was ok to start with but was a little fed up if it by the end. I thought was unlikely the pair of them would play fight in a pile of chicken poop... but I was prepared to suspend my disbelief.
The Colonel has a funny role in thus book... always telling bad jokes. Georgiana's personality was a little inconsistent - sometimes quite decisive, other times hiding out in tears. I wasn't sure about Elizabeth's relationship with her maid either... there is close and then there is inappropriate.
I think, in this case, too much reflection is a bad thing. I really enjoyed it while I was reading it and that's the most important thing!
March 25, 2014
“Mr. Darcy’s promise” is a delightful variation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in which the author imagines a different and more difficult path for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. When the reputation of the lively Miss Bennet is threatened by an old acquaintance from Darcy’s past, the only solution to save her is marriage. What would have happened had Darcy married Elizabeth just to save her reputation? Being not in love with each other, would they have lived happily ever after as they deserved all the same?
What a lovely story! I enjoyed reading Jeanna Ellsworth’s first book and I really appreciated her way to describe my beloved couple, Darcy and Elizabeth. I was very curious to discover this new author because I had heard good things about her, and I was not disappointed. The plot is engaging and it is basically focused on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, there are the other characters as well, but if you expect to see more of them this is not the case. Anyway, it did not bother me because I loved to witness Darcy and Elizabeth’s love growing, so I did not miss the others that much.
I loved so much this version of Darcy! His admirers know how easy it is to fall in love with him, but I can tell if I did not already love him I would surely fall head over heels for this Darcy! He is great. Well, there is a scene where he drinks too much but given the circumstances that moment is understandable. Ms. Ellsworth hero is caring, thoughtful and very sweet. He respects Elizabeth and loves her so deeply I had a lovely time reading about their love story. Besides, he faces many troubles since their marriage does not start as a normal one (I challenge every man to behave as he does with a wife like Elizabeth!) but in the end everything goes smoothly. After all they are Darcy and Elizabeth, it could not be otherwise! I loved his sweetness towards Georgiana, he was always ready to do anything to protect his little sister and since I adore this trait of his nature I am glad it was showed because I think that is one of the best qualities of Darcy. Also, I liked a lot all the moments Darcy shared with his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. In this variation he is very nice and fun and I loved their relationship, maybe because I have always imagined the two of them like that! Darcy brooding and reserved and the Colonel friendly and cheerful. Although, even Darcy shares with us some funny moments, the scenes with the chickens were hilarious!
On the other hand, I have conflicting emotions towards Elizabeth. I liked her, especially in the beginning where she was more similar to the original heroine, with her witty banter and teasing words while speaking with Mr. Darcy, but after the marriage she cried too much. I understand she was in a particular situation because she believed that their union was not a match of love, but I would have liked a stronger personality, I wanted her to be clearer with her husband, after all she felt something special about Darcy even before they married, and even though she did not know how Darcy felt towards her I believe she had to be more hopeful and carefree because there were often hints that not everything was lost. And I am certain that the jovial nature of the original character would have helped her a lot. That is the reason why the scenes I loved most were the ones where I recognized the well-known Elizabeth, the one I admire and who makes me smile because of her decisions and strong-minded opinions.
Overall I think this is a good and poignant “what if” story I would recommend to any Austen addicted like me!
What a lovely story! I enjoyed reading Jeanna Ellsworth’s first book and I really appreciated her way to describe my beloved couple, Darcy and Elizabeth. I was very curious to discover this new author because I had heard good things about her, and I was not disappointed. The plot is engaging and it is basically focused on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, there are the other characters as well, but if you expect to see more of them this is not the case. Anyway, it did not bother me because I loved to witness Darcy and Elizabeth’s love growing, so I did not miss the others that much.
I loved so much this version of Darcy! His admirers know how easy it is to fall in love with him, but I can tell if I did not already love him I would surely fall head over heels for this Darcy! He is great. Well, there is a scene where he drinks too much but given the circumstances that moment is understandable. Ms. Ellsworth hero is caring, thoughtful and very sweet. He respects Elizabeth and loves her so deeply I had a lovely time reading about their love story. Besides, he faces many troubles since their marriage does not start as a normal one (I challenge every man to behave as he does with a wife like Elizabeth!) but in the end everything goes smoothly. After all they are Darcy and Elizabeth, it could not be otherwise! I loved his sweetness towards Georgiana, he was always ready to do anything to protect his little sister and since I adore this trait of his nature I am glad it was showed because I think that is one of the best qualities of Darcy. Also, I liked a lot all the moments Darcy shared with his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. In this variation he is very nice and fun and I loved their relationship, maybe because I have always imagined the two of them like that! Darcy brooding and reserved and the Colonel friendly and cheerful. Although, even Darcy shares with us some funny moments, the scenes with the chickens were hilarious!
On the other hand, I have conflicting emotions towards Elizabeth. I liked her, especially in the beginning where she was more similar to the original heroine, with her witty banter and teasing words while speaking with Mr. Darcy, but after the marriage she cried too much. I understand she was in a particular situation because she believed that their union was not a match of love, but I would have liked a stronger personality, I wanted her to be clearer with her husband, after all she felt something special about Darcy even before they married, and even though she did not know how Darcy felt towards her I believe she had to be more hopeful and carefree because there were often hints that not everything was lost. And I am certain that the jovial nature of the original character would have helped her a lot. That is the reason why the scenes I loved most were the ones where I recognized the well-known Elizabeth, the one I admire and who makes me smile because of her decisions and strong-minded opinions.
Overall I think this is a good and poignant “what if” story I would recommend to any Austen addicted like me!
April 10, 2014
This is a Pride and Prejudice ‘what if’ variation; what if Mr Darcy mentioned Miss Elizabeth Bennet in his letters to his sister from Netherfield and Georgiana came to Netherfield to provide him with support. Thus, Elizabeth sees from very early on that Darcy is a different man to the proud, unfeeling person she believes him to be when she witnesses his interactions with Georgiana. Also, with Georgiana’s encouragement Darcy doesn’t fight particularly hard to fight his attraction to Elizabeth. She is still determined to dislike him, but she feels unwillingly attracted to him.
When Wickham comes to Meryton it doesn’t take him long to determine Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth and he comes up with a plan that backfires spectacularly for him, leading to Darcy being requested by Mr Bennet to propose to Elizabeth. Darcy believes that Elizabeth is extremely unhappy to be marrying him due to her dislike of him, when in fact, she is unhappy to be marrying a man who she believes doesn’t care for her at all. Prior to the marriage he makes her a promise that he won’t touch her unless she wishes it, which of course puts her in a situation where she would have to be pretty bold and forthright with him.. but why would she do that when she feels her husband doesn’t care for her? And with this kind of distraction, could Wickham be causing more trouble?
I had just come into this on the back of a few books that didn’t entice me to read on and I am happy to say that my luck changed with this book, it’s very readable, even if you want to shake the protagonists sometimes! This is a fun, mostly light hearted story. There is no Mr Collins, and I found I could cope with his absence quite happily! There is quite a bit of symbolism, with Lizzy caring for some chickens at Pemberley who are hatching at the wrong time of year. This author’s sister is also an author of Austenesque stories, Karalynne Mackrory, and there is a very sweet nod to her in the mention of a Miss Mackrory, whose name is similar to Caroline.
Although I really enjoyed this book there were a few things for me that didn’t ring true. Some of the timeline was odd – such as I think the Netherfield Ball happened in October, rather than November, then the marriage happened two weeks after that, and around five or so weeks later Lizzy is barefoot in the stream and later than this walking round without a coat on, and I couldn’t help but feel that it would be too cold in North England for any of that. Also, the language had a distinctly American tone to it on many occasions, such as Jane referring to her mother as ‘Momma’ and Mr Darcy wearing vest and pants rather than a waistcoat and breeches.
Some of the behaviour of Elizabeth and Darcy felt uncharacteristic to me – Elizabeth scarcely meets her maid Serafina before she is letting her into confidences, whereas in Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth is a character who I think is pretty secretive, she is the sort to keep her own counsel, and I couldn’t see her being so open with anybody, let alone a servant, when she is trying to act in the manner of the mistress of Pemberley. It also didn’t ring true to me how long it took Darcy to work out her symbolism. She gives him some pretty clear clues, and he is described as ‘clever’ in Pride and Prejudice. I can understand him misinterpreting her feelings, but I think he would have worked it out fairly quickly. Also, the day before Darcy sets out to do something extremely important, he gets drunk because he is embarrassed about something, which struck me as extremely unlikely, albeit amusing, because he is so motivated by duty. For these reasons, I wouldn’t recommend this for somebody who wants to read a book in Austen’s style, but if I thought it was an entertaining, romantic variation. It’s also worth noting that there are no sex scenes in this book, if you prefer to avoid these.
Ms Ellsworth has written another book, ‘Pride and Persistence’ which has a pretty unique premise of Mr Darcy suffering a head injury which leads to memory loss at Hunsford and multiple marriage proposals, and I definitely plan to read this one at some point.
Review originally posted on http://frawli-books.blogspot.co.uk/
When Wickham comes to Meryton it doesn’t take him long to determine Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth and he comes up with a plan that backfires spectacularly for him, leading to Darcy being requested by Mr Bennet to propose to Elizabeth. Darcy believes that Elizabeth is extremely unhappy to be marrying him due to her dislike of him, when in fact, she is unhappy to be marrying a man who she believes doesn’t care for her at all. Prior to the marriage he makes her a promise that he won’t touch her unless she wishes it, which of course puts her in a situation where she would have to be pretty bold and forthright with him.. but why would she do that when she feels her husband doesn’t care for her? And with this kind of distraction, could Wickham be causing more trouble?
I had just come into this on the back of a few books that didn’t entice me to read on and I am happy to say that my luck changed with this book, it’s very readable, even if you want to shake the protagonists sometimes! This is a fun, mostly light hearted story. There is no Mr Collins, and I found I could cope with his absence quite happily! There is quite a bit of symbolism, with Lizzy caring for some chickens at Pemberley who are hatching at the wrong time of year. This author’s sister is also an author of Austenesque stories, Karalynne Mackrory, and there is a very sweet nod to her in the mention of a Miss Mackrory, whose name is similar to Caroline.
Although I really enjoyed this book there were a few things for me that didn’t ring true. Some of the timeline was odd – such as I think the Netherfield Ball happened in October, rather than November, then the marriage happened two weeks after that, and around five or so weeks later Lizzy is barefoot in the stream and later than this walking round without a coat on, and I couldn’t help but feel that it would be too cold in North England for any of that. Also, the language had a distinctly American tone to it on many occasions, such as Jane referring to her mother as ‘Momma’ and Mr Darcy wearing vest and pants rather than a waistcoat and breeches.
Some of the behaviour of Elizabeth and Darcy felt uncharacteristic to me – Elizabeth scarcely meets her maid Serafina before she is letting her into confidences, whereas in Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth is a character who I think is pretty secretive, she is the sort to keep her own counsel, and I couldn’t see her being so open with anybody, let alone a servant, when she is trying to act in the manner of the mistress of Pemberley. It also didn’t ring true to me how long it took Darcy to work out her symbolism. She gives him some pretty clear clues, and he is described as ‘clever’ in Pride and Prejudice. I can understand him misinterpreting her feelings, but I think he would have worked it out fairly quickly. Also, the day before Darcy sets out to do something extremely important, he gets drunk because he is embarrassed about something, which struck me as extremely unlikely, albeit amusing, because he is so motivated by duty. For these reasons, I wouldn’t recommend this for somebody who wants to read a book in Austen’s style, but if I thought it was an entertaining, romantic variation. It’s also worth noting that there are no sex scenes in this book, if you prefer to avoid these.
Ms Ellsworth has written another book, ‘Pride and Persistence’ which has a pretty unique premise of Mr Darcy suffering a head injury which leads to memory loss at Hunsford and multiple marriage proposals, and I definitely plan to read this one at some point.
Review originally posted on http://frawli-books.blogspot.co.uk/
December 19, 2017
Having read all the reviews I must say I agree with the ones who mention how many errors were in this book. Reading it on my kindle I could not pencil the corrections in but I am always annoyed by such. I also didn't care for the whole chicken metaphor. I realize that the author raises chickens herself so she is very knowledgeable about them and has a connection with such but I just could not fit it with my understanding of our couple and the original P&P. And I do make many allowances for variations, but the chicken scenes were not palpable. The swing and the promise, on the other hand, were more creative and fit into the story.
As usual for ODC, there were many misunderstandings....and they seemed to drag out for a long time. How long does a couple have to be married and suffer the sexual tension we read about here and yet, just about never kiss or touch? And he can't get around to explaining nor can she get around to demanding an answer to "why did he marry her?" Then when he takes her dress shopping while in London she misunderstands even from which store he wants her to buy a night gown.
The mud bath/fight was too unrealistic for me, additionally. I could believe the slipping in the stream and getting all wet but the mud and chicken poop (which was not mentioned but had to have been there in reality)...NO!!! The long walk and falling asleep on her first day at Pemberley seems very reminiscent of another author's story. Really, would she have done that so soon after arriving at Pemberley without telling anyone where she was going?
BUT: question - did he get back the gold pocket watch which was a gift from his father and did he recover the four sets of silverware? The recovery of her necklace is explained as he hangs it around her neck for a second time, but I didn't read about the other articles. And how did Georgiana manage to mail those silverware items from Pemberley? Wouldn't the person handling the mail have jiggled the package and then questioned what was in the package?
Georgiana seemed to be two different people in this story. In the beginning she was all happy to show up at Netherfield and make friends with Elizabeth, but when she shows up at Pemberley, she seems to hide out in her room. There is little exploration of this matter. Three characters, Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth, seem to shrug off Georgiana not telling them in full what is wrong. Does no one notice all the letters she is getting and question them? There is no mention of her corresponding with a friend or relative so who do they think is writing her?
On the positive side: I bought and read this book in one day, so obviously I liked it. For me the best part of any JAFF book is sexual tension and angst. This had plenty of both. I am sure I will read it again.
As usual for ODC, there were many misunderstandings....and they seemed to drag out for a long time. How long does a couple have to be married and suffer the sexual tension we read about here and yet, just about never kiss or touch? And he can't get around to explaining nor can she get around to demanding an answer to "why did he marry her?" Then when he takes her dress shopping while in London she misunderstands even from which store he wants her to buy a night gown.
The mud bath/fight was too unrealistic for me, additionally. I could believe the slipping in the stream and getting all wet but the mud and chicken poop (which was not mentioned but had to have been there in reality)...NO!!! The long walk and falling asleep on her first day at Pemberley seems very reminiscent of another author's story. Really, would she have done that so soon after arriving at Pemberley without telling anyone where she was going?
BUT: question - did he get back the gold pocket watch which was a gift from his father and did he recover the four sets of silverware? The recovery of her necklace is explained as he hangs it around her neck for a second time, but I didn't read about the other articles. And how did Georgiana manage to mail those silverware items from Pemberley? Wouldn't the person handling the mail have jiggled the package and then questioned what was in the package?
Georgiana seemed to be two different people in this story. In the beginning she was all happy to show up at Netherfield and make friends with Elizabeth, but when she shows up at Pemberley, she seems to hide out in her room. There is little exploration of this matter. Three characters, Darcy, Col. Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth, seem to shrug off Georgiana not telling them in full what is wrong. Does no one notice all the letters she is getting and question them? There is no mention of her corresponding with a friend or relative so who do they think is writing her?
On the positive side: I bought and read this book in one day, so obviously I liked it. For me the best part of any JAFF book is sexual tension and angst. This had plenty of both. I am sure I will read it again.
January 21, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this variation as the premise of a more confident Georgiana who has noticed the interest her usually reserved brother is showing this particular woman Miss Bennet and taking it upon herself to visit her sounded interesting. It was very high on my to-read list but then the lovely Jeanna Ellsworth contacted me asking if I would review her story for her and I was only to happy to be provided with such an opportunity to read a book I have been wanting to read since I heard of it. And I was not disappointed! (I was provided with a review copy in ebook form however this is my honest and unbiased opinion.)
As I said, I enjoyed this more confident side to Georgiana. She was very sweet and I loved her sisterly relationship which grows between her and Elizabeth. Another great character which was developed in this story was Col Fitzwilliam. He was such fun, constantly telling (pretty bad!) jokes and generally causing amusement wherever he goes! He is one of my favourite characters in the original Pride and Prejudice and I always love to see his character developed further in these variations.
There are a few on going themes throughout this story, one of which was symbolism. There were many times throughout where feelings and emotions or meanings behind actions were disguised very cleverly with the use of symbolism and riddles. The simple act of riding a horse, playing a card game, swinging on a swing or feeding some chickens all suddenly have a double meaning. (Some of these riddles are easy to puzzle out while others are not, but the explanation of the more significant ones are explained beautifully.)
Another theme was (surprise surprise!) promises, and how some promises are made to be broken. Mr Darcy is very much the gentleman to Elizabeth throughout the story and all these promises which he makes become an important part to their relationship (even if some promises are broken very quickly and others kept for too long!)
A lovely new addition to the story was Lizzy's maid Serafina. She became almost like a replacement for her sister Jane who she had to leave behind at Longbourn, who helped her deal with her sudden marriage and comfort her in times of distress (as well as give her some very important relationship advice which I myself might remember for future reference!)
I realise I haven't as yet talked about the main characters of the story, so let me rectify that by beginning with Darcy. I greatly enjoyed this version of Darcy; his sweet and caring side of his nature is shown through his treatment of Elizabeth and also through his treatment of Georgiana, his servants and his tenants - it was nice for this to be expanded on as we are given glimpses of such behaviour in the original story. Another aspect I enjoyed was Darcy's perseverance in trying to win Lizzy heart. He does everything to help her feel comfortable in her new situation and is very patient with the hope that Lizzy's opinion will change. This perseverance and patience result in some very funny and very touching scenes.
Elizabeth goes on an interesting journey through this story and, staying true to the Elizabeth spirit, tries to make the best of a seemingly bad situation. Her acceptance of the loveless marriage she is expecting and her resolve to make the best of it (even if this resolve seems hard to keep at times) was sweet and yet sad to read as we all know of Lizzy's wish to marry for love and love only! (You begin to realise pretty quickly that some of the main problems between the couple would be solved sooner had they been more open with each other, but then again, given their peculiar situation such a conversation would have been difficult to have, not to mention the fact that if such a conversation had taken place then there would be no story!) Later on Darcy too experiences a similar problem to Lizzy of needing to make the most of a bad situation, however I will not give any of the particulars as I do not want to spoil it. Both of their reactions and responses to their problems were touching and show a true strength of character (which I personally think fits with what we would expect from Darcy and Elizabeth), as well as shows a clear desire from each of them to make their relationship work.
Darcy and Elizabeth have a difficult journey through the story - what else would you expect from a practically forced marriage - but watching the relationship between them grow and change was wonderful. Seeing them face many problems together but also begin to get to know and love the other more and slowly become a true married couple made for some great reading! I was pleased to have Darcy and Lizzy and their relationship as the main focus of the story, meaning that most of the scenes were between them. There are some conversations and escapades which will have you laughing while others are wonderfully romantic. Again I will not give away too much but there are fun scenes including a rather amusing shopping trip and a muddy episode with some chickens! Dangerous moments due to a raging fire and the actions of a certain (so called) 'gentleman'. And romantic scenes of near kisses (and actual kisses!), night-time adventures in a barn, the accidental sharing of a bed and dreams being made a reality.
Of course where would a Pride and Prejudice variation be without the infamous Mr Wickham! He plays a very important role in this tale and causes more than his fair share of incidents - nothing new there then! (As always, good will triumph over evil and so Wickham gets what he deserves!)
I thought my happiness gage was going to over flow as I was reading the final few chapters as the superb writing of this story made me feel so drawn into and a part of Darcy and Lizzy's journey that seeing everything finally work out for them I couldn't help but feel so very happy for them (more happy then perhaps I should have been for a pair of fictional characters in a fictional story!)
As I always love to have at the end, there was an epilogue giving brief explanations of what happens to the characters in the story as well as a glimpse into the 'happily ever after' of our beloved hero and heroine.
This story has pride of place on my shelf among my many other variations. This is a superbly written, highly romantic (while staying completely clean), funny and clever exploration of an alternative path for the classic story of Pride and Prejudice which is so loved all around the world.
As I said, I enjoyed this more confident side to Georgiana. She was very sweet and I loved her sisterly relationship which grows between her and Elizabeth. Another great character which was developed in this story was Col Fitzwilliam. He was such fun, constantly telling (pretty bad!) jokes and generally causing amusement wherever he goes! He is one of my favourite characters in the original Pride and Prejudice and I always love to see his character developed further in these variations.
There are a few on going themes throughout this story, one of which was symbolism. There were many times throughout where feelings and emotions or meanings behind actions were disguised very cleverly with the use of symbolism and riddles. The simple act of riding a horse, playing a card game, swinging on a swing or feeding some chickens all suddenly have a double meaning. (Some of these riddles are easy to puzzle out while others are not, but the explanation of the more significant ones are explained beautifully.)
Another theme was (surprise surprise!) promises, and how some promises are made to be broken. Mr Darcy is very much the gentleman to Elizabeth throughout the story and all these promises which he makes become an important part to their relationship (even if some promises are broken very quickly and others kept for too long!)
A lovely new addition to the story was Lizzy's maid Serafina. She became almost like a replacement for her sister Jane who she had to leave behind at Longbourn, who helped her deal with her sudden marriage and comfort her in times of distress (as well as give her some very important relationship advice which I myself might remember for future reference!)
I realise I haven't as yet talked about the main characters of the story, so let me rectify that by beginning with Darcy. I greatly enjoyed this version of Darcy; his sweet and caring side of his nature is shown through his treatment of Elizabeth and also through his treatment of Georgiana, his servants and his tenants - it was nice for this to be expanded on as we are given glimpses of such behaviour in the original story. Another aspect I enjoyed was Darcy's perseverance in trying to win Lizzy heart. He does everything to help her feel comfortable in her new situation and is very patient with the hope that Lizzy's opinion will change. This perseverance and patience result in some very funny and very touching scenes.
Elizabeth goes on an interesting journey through this story and, staying true to the Elizabeth spirit, tries to make the best of a seemingly bad situation. Her acceptance of the loveless marriage she is expecting and her resolve to make the best of it (even if this resolve seems hard to keep at times) was sweet and yet sad to read as we all know of Lizzy's wish to marry for love and love only! (You begin to realise pretty quickly that some of the main problems between the couple would be solved sooner had they been more open with each other, but then again, given their peculiar situation such a conversation would have been difficult to have, not to mention the fact that if such a conversation had taken place then there would be no story!) Later on Darcy too experiences a similar problem to Lizzy of needing to make the most of a bad situation, however I will not give any of the particulars as I do not want to spoil it. Both of their reactions and responses to their problems were touching and show a true strength of character (which I personally think fits with what we would expect from Darcy and Elizabeth), as well as shows a clear desire from each of them to make their relationship work.
Darcy and Elizabeth have a difficult journey through the story - what else would you expect from a practically forced marriage - but watching the relationship between them grow and change was wonderful. Seeing them face many problems together but also begin to get to know and love the other more and slowly become a true married couple made for some great reading! I was pleased to have Darcy and Lizzy and their relationship as the main focus of the story, meaning that most of the scenes were between them. There are some conversations and escapades which will have you laughing while others are wonderfully romantic. Again I will not give away too much but there are fun scenes including a rather amusing shopping trip and a muddy episode with some chickens! Dangerous moments due to a raging fire and the actions of a certain (so called) 'gentleman'. And romantic scenes of near kisses (and actual kisses!), night-time adventures in a barn, the accidental sharing of a bed and dreams being made a reality.
Of course where would a Pride and Prejudice variation be without the infamous Mr Wickham! He plays a very important role in this tale and causes more than his fair share of incidents - nothing new there then! (As always, good will triumph over evil and so Wickham gets what he deserves!)
I thought my happiness gage was going to over flow as I was reading the final few chapters as the superb writing of this story made me feel so drawn into and a part of Darcy and Lizzy's journey that seeing everything finally work out for them I couldn't help but feel so very happy for them (more happy then perhaps I should have been for a pair of fictional characters in a fictional story!)
As I always love to have at the end, there was an epilogue giving brief explanations of what happens to the characters in the story as well as a glimpse into the 'happily ever after' of our beloved hero and heroine.
This story has pride of place on my shelf among my many other variations. This is a superbly written, highly romantic (while staying completely clean), funny and clever exploration of an alternative path for the classic story of Pride and Prejudice which is so loved all around the world.
August 12, 2013
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Wickham tries to compromise Elizabeth knowing Darcy will be willing to pay dearly to save Elizabeth. Thankfully, Darcy spoils his plans, but instead, Darcy is caught in a compromising position with Elizabeth, and they are forced to marry. Knowing Elizabeth is not happy with the situation, Darcy makes a promise that is hard for him to keep, and one that becomes hard for Elizabeth to live with!
When Wickham’s plan fails, he finds another way to seek out his revenge.
I really liked that Georgiana surprises Darcy by showing up at Netherfield unexpectedly. Her curiosity about Elizabeth causes her to do something very out of character and bold for her! I’m so glad she was there to help Darcy come to terms with his feelings for Elizabeth.
A forced marriage is not a good way to start a marriage. Lizzy has no idea that Darcy is in love with her. At first, Darcy’s afraid to tell Elizabeth how he feels. He thinks he needs to give her time to get to know him. And, of course, Elizabeth is not in love with Darcy ...yet. Understandings abound, but slowly they resolve them as they begin to understand each other.
I loved the recurring dream Elizabeth has of the swing under the cedar tree. It was so sweet, and I think it gave her hope for the future. But the metaphor with the chickens I wasn’t too fond of. I do realize that during the 1800’s people weren’t open with their feelings, and it was a way for Lizzy to express herself - all be it in riddles.
With no one to talk to, Elizabeth turns to her maid, Serafina, who wisely guides her through some difficult moments. I loved Serafina! She is loyal to Elizabeth and becomes a good friend to her.
I really enjoyed reading Mr. Darcy’s Promise! If you love Pride and Prejudice variations as much as I do, I think you’ll enjoy this one too! For those who care to know, this is a clean romance.
Disclaimer: I received a paperback of this book for my honest review.
When Wickham’s plan fails, he finds another way to seek out his revenge.
I really liked that Georgiana surprises Darcy by showing up at Netherfield unexpectedly. Her curiosity about Elizabeth causes her to do something very out of character and bold for her! I’m so glad she was there to help Darcy come to terms with his feelings for Elizabeth.
A forced marriage is not a good way to start a marriage. Lizzy has no idea that Darcy is in love with her. At first, Darcy’s afraid to tell Elizabeth how he feels. He thinks he needs to give her time to get to know him. And, of course, Elizabeth is not in love with Darcy ...yet. Understandings abound, but slowly they resolve them as they begin to understand each other.
I loved the recurring dream Elizabeth has of the swing under the cedar tree. It was so sweet, and I think it gave her hope for the future. But the metaphor with the chickens I wasn’t too fond of. I do realize that during the 1800’s people weren’t open with their feelings, and it was a way for Lizzy to express herself - all be it in riddles.
With no one to talk to, Elizabeth turns to her maid, Serafina, who wisely guides her through some difficult moments. I loved Serafina! She is loyal to Elizabeth and becomes a good friend to her.
I really enjoyed reading Mr. Darcy’s Promise! If you love Pride and Prejudice variations as much as I do, I think you’ll enjoy this one too! For those who care to know, this is a clean romance.
Disclaimer: I received a paperback of this book for my honest review.
June 25, 2014
Originally posted on My Kids led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice
This book was truly a surprise, I have been reading JAFF for over a year and recently another blogger, Warmisunqu Austen alerted me to the term "book hangover". I knew what is was but did not know it had a name.
I often experience this hangover, but with this book it was more than that.
I had come across this book before and while I was reading it, I kept trying to think why I had not purchased it (apart from the obvious bankruptcy issues that come with purchasing soooo many books!). It was not until the end that I realised I had been asking the wrong question. What I should have been asking was "why now?". I am a firm believer in the hidden messages in life, the ones that are there to teach us to grow. This book indeed had several for me. This book was more than a Darcy & Elizabeth story it was thought provoking, insightful and very deep in retrospection, which is right up my street, so to have it combined with the Darcys' was a bonus. I read this book at the right time and for the right reasons! (Okay I will share with you one of the obvious reasons, it was that I need to get chickens! Yes chickens!! My other half has been going on & on about getting chickens for over a year and this book has convinced me, I need to give way).
I apologise that I have digressed but this book really stirred me in an unexpected and delightful way!!!
The premise for this book in a nutshell, is that due to Wickham and his scheming ways, Darcy & Elizabeth must marry if her reputation is to be salvaged. A winner with me already, as I love these storylines, I like to see Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy, when she is oblivious to the fact she is already married to the very best of men. Now comes the Promise, Mr Darcy upon misinterpreting Elizabeth's tears in the carriage on their wedding day, promises not to demand his rights as a husband in regards to the conjugal bed. What ensues is a wonderful and unwitting courtship at the beginning of their marriage. The author weaves in riddles (the chickens), life lessons, mystery, drama and a whole heap of misunderstandings.
"He relished the sight of her lovely form in a simple day gown. And now I can see her every morning! For the first time ever he thought, thank you, Wickham, for being so evil to allow me this pleasure!" -Jeanna Ellsworth
Both Darcy and Elizabeth are constantly trying to guess what the other is thinking or feeling and their misunderstandings had you on the verge of always wanting to know what was going to happen next. Surprisingly I thought I would get frustrated with them not working things out sooner but the author very cleverly avoided you feeling that way. I literally could not put this book down! Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Darcy and Wickham had a public show down over Wickhams acusations? Well you are in for a treat!
"Bingley laughed so loudly that the ladies at Longbourn were sure to have heard. “Charming? You had best keep the cock fighting to a minimum if you expect to be charming, my dear friend.”- Jeanna Ellsworth
There was a realism to this story that although fictional, is what makes it so captivating. There was humour, humility and romance. This Elizabeth was lovely and you could really feel she was a good hearted person, no doubt a reflection on the author herself. I really think this has to be one of my favourite JAFF Darcys, he wasn't over the top with sentimentality or someone that it is hard to fathom even exists, he felt real in his actions, words and manner.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was as he aught to be, not overly funny but a jovial military man and a cousin Darcy clearly respects. Georgiana was such a darling and I often felt very sorry for her.
I have found it really hard to write this review because I sincerely do not know how to do it justice. Some books are easy, you comment on the quality of writing, what happens, but to convey how a book makes you feel can be tricky. Yes there were some inconsistencies and grammatical errors but I am not Jeanna's English literature teacher, so I am at liberty to overlook such things. I feel this book is probably understated, because all such observations need to be sweep aside in order to fully appreciate that the author has put her heart and soul into it. The author has really thought about what she wants to convey and the desire to be a better person and help others is where this author's vision is directed. I urge anyone to read this book with an open mind and heart and let the author teach you a thing or two about relationships (and promises lol!).
"Well, I suppose I will need to put a little more heart into it. She gripped the ladder before stretching out her leg and kicking hard against the shelf. The ladder rolled easily some fifteen feet away at great speed, making her hair catch in her open, smiling mouth. Elizabeth laughed, pulling her hair back before she did it in the opposite direction. This time she went even further. She continued to do this, learning along the way that she needed to hold onto the ladder with both hands or risk falling to the floor when it jolted to a halt. She had nearly taken a tumble, but now found herself enjoying the challenge of making it all the way to the end. She was absorbed in attempting to go further and faster when she was interrupted by a voice. “I believe that is yet another thing you have found at Pemberley that I have yet to do,” Mr. Darcy said. She looked down to see him smiling impishly at her. “William! Oh dear, how long have you been watching me?” . . . and seeing that unladylike behavior? She started her descent down the ladder." - Jeanna Ellsworth
The biggest hangover I have had in a while. This book has affected me in a positively satisfying way! I can not thank Jeanna enough for this little treasure of book and have wasted no time in purchasing her new title Pride and Persistence. Even if I had not liked this book, I should have liked it anyway, as my name is featured :)
This book was truly a surprise, I have been reading JAFF for over a year and recently another blogger, Warmisunqu Austen alerted me to the term "book hangover". I knew what is was but did not know it had a name.
I often experience this hangover, but with this book it was more than that.
I had come across this book before and while I was reading it, I kept trying to think why I had not purchased it (apart from the obvious bankruptcy issues that come with purchasing soooo many books!). It was not until the end that I realised I had been asking the wrong question. What I should have been asking was "why now?". I am a firm believer in the hidden messages in life, the ones that are there to teach us to grow. This book indeed had several for me. This book was more than a Darcy & Elizabeth story it was thought provoking, insightful and very deep in retrospection, which is right up my street, so to have it combined with the Darcys' was a bonus. I read this book at the right time and for the right reasons! (Okay I will share with you one of the obvious reasons, it was that I need to get chickens! Yes chickens!! My other half has been going on & on about getting chickens for over a year and this book has convinced me, I need to give way).
I apologise that I have digressed but this book really stirred me in an unexpected and delightful way!!!
The premise for this book in a nutshell, is that due to Wickham and his scheming ways, Darcy & Elizabeth must marry if her reputation is to be salvaged. A winner with me already, as I love these storylines, I like to see Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy, when she is oblivious to the fact she is already married to the very best of men. Now comes the Promise, Mr Darcy upon misinterpreting Elizabeth's tears in the carriage on their wedding day, promises not to demand his rights as a husband in regards to the conjugal bed. What ensues is a wonderful and unwitting courtship at the beginning of their marriage. The author weaves in riddles (the chickens), life lessons, mystery, drama and a whole heap of misunderstandings.
"He relished the sight of her lovely form in a simple day gown. And now I can see her every morning! For the first time ever he thought, thank you, Wickham, for being so evil to allow me this pleasure!" -Jeanna Ellsworth
Both Darcy and Elizabeth are constantly trying to guess what the other is thinking or feeling and their misunderstandings had you on the verge of always wanting to know what was going to happen next. Surprisingly I thought I would get frustrated with them not working things out sooner but the author very cleverly avoided you feeling that way. I literally could not put this book down! Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Darcy and Wickham had a public show down over Wickhams acusations? Well you are in for a treat!
"Bingley laughed so loudly that the ladies at Longbourn were sure to have heard. “Charming? You had best keep the cock fighting to a minimum if you expect to be charming, my dear friend.”- Jeanna Ellsworth
There was a realism to this story that although fictional, is what makes it so captivating. There was humour, humility and romance. This Elizabeth was lovely and you could really feel she was a good hearted person, no doubt a reflection on the author herself. I really think this has to be one of my favourite JAFF Darcys, he wasn't over the top with sentimentality or someone that it is hard to fathom even exists, he felt real in his actions, words and manner.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was as he aught to be, not overly funny but a jovial military man and a cousin Darcy clearly respects. Georgiana was such a darling and I often felt very sorry for her.
I have found it really hard to write this review because I sincerely do not know how to do it justice. Some books are easy, you comment on the quality of writing, what happens, but to convey how a book makes you feel can be tricky. Yes there were some inconsistencies and grammatical errors but I am not Jeanna's English literature teacher, so I am at liberty to overlook such things. I feel this book is probably understated, because all such observations need to be sweep aside in order to fully appreciate that the author has put her heart and soul into it. The author has really thought about what she wants to convey and the desire to be a better person and help others is where this author's vision is directed. I urge anyone to read this book with an open mind and heart and let the author teach you a thing or two about relationships (and promises lol!).
"Well, I suppose I will need to put a little more heart into it. She gripped the ladder before stretching out her leg and kicking hard against the shelf. The ladder rolled easily some fifteen feet away at great speed, making her hair catch in her open, smiling mouth. Elizabeth laughed, pulling her hair back before she did it in the opposite direction. This time she went even further. She continued to do this, learning along the way that she needed to hold onto the ladder with both hands or risk falling to the floor when it jolted to a halt. She had nearly taken a tumble, but now found herself enjoying the challenge of making it all the way to the end. She was absorbed in attempting to go further and faster when she was interrupted by a voice. “I believe that is yet another thing you have found at Pemberley that I have yet to do,” Mr. Darcy said. She looked down to see him smiling impishly at her. “William! Oh dear, how long have you been watching me?” . . . and seeing that unladylike behavior? She started her descent down the ladder." - Jeanna Ellsworth
The biggest hangover I have had in a while. This book has affected me in a positively satisfying way! I can not thank Jeanna enough for this little treasure of book and have wasted no time in purchasing her new title Pride and Persistence. Even if I had not liked this book, I should have liked it anyway, as my name is featured :)
August 30, 2019
A different path, but very rewarding
I found this an interesting concept. I liked the way the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develops and the way they learn to trust and respect one another.
Thoroughly recommended!
I found this an interesting concept. I liked the way the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develops and the way they learn to trust and respect one another.
Thoroughly recommended!
September 23, 2019
This is a strong contendor for the prize of worst Austen variation *ever*. The style is unpolished, childish, badly planned and immature. This Lizzy is an insecure, silly, emotionaly unstable, mentally 12 year old who cries all the time, seeks comfort everywhere and behaves inconsistently. This Darcy is an emotional 14 year old, unsure of everything, building secrets and misunderstanding all about.
There is a sort of forced marriage early on and the main tension is when/if they will ever sleep together; this was very very creepy because how young, insecure and immature both characters are... they are definitely not ready to go there !! Also, they are both constantly asking the servants for advice and discussing private affairs with them... Lizzy asks her maid for advice on how to approach her huband intimately, what a good Mrs. Darcy should do in her role and how to behave... this all knowing maid somehow is saying this whinning child is the best mistress ever, with a cute supposed faint French accent, even though she was born and raised at Pemberley because her mom was the former Mrs. Darcy's maid too...
This narration "evolves" (not really, it doesn't) in two parallel realms -- current action, what characters do, and the sphere of character's thoughts and fantasies... both are absolutely independent, and though they transpire at the same time, they say and mean complety different things. Also, when loong paragraphs explaining in detail and without any nuance their thinking process, action seems to suspend itself and actually stop, to be resumed later after neverending awkward pauses and "are you well? What are you thinking? Where did your mind go?".
This book was all the opposite of "show, not tell" -- it kept telling us situations and ideas that were directly contrary to characters' actions... and it was not ironic or on purpose...
Overall, this was really, really terrible.
I would not recommend this to my worst enemy, and I seriously need all the time I spent on this back... it did not get better at any point.
There is a sort of forced marriage early on and the main tension is when/if they will ever sleep together; this was very very creepy because how young, insecure and immature both characters are... they are definitely not ready to go there !! Also, they are both constantly asking the servants for advice and discussing private affairs with them... Lizzy asks her maid for advice on how to approach her huband intimately, what a good Mrs. Darcy should do in her role and how to behave... this all knowing maid somehow is saying this whinning child is the best mistress ever, with a cute supposed faint French accent, even though she was born and raised at Pemberley because her mom was the former Mrs. Darcy's maid too...
This narration "evolves" (not really, it doesn't) in two parallel realms -- current action, what characters do, and the sphere of character's thoughts and fantasies... both are absolutely independent, and though they transpire at the same time, they say and mean complety different things. Also, when loong paragraphs explaining in detail and without any nuance their thinking process, action seems to suspend itself and actually stop, to be resumed later after neverending awkward pauses and "are you well? What are you thinking? Where did your mind go?".
This book was all the opposite of "show, not tell" -- it kept telling us situations and ideas that were directly contrary to characters' actions... and it was not ironic or on purpose...
Overall, this was really, really terrible.
I would not recommend this to my worst enemy, and I seriously need all the time I spent on this back... it did not get better at any point.
March 24, 2017
I always like variations that force Darcy and Elizabeth to marry before they've learned all their lessons and how to love each other as they should, and this was no exception. I also always like getting to see more of Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam and his bad jokes were awesome. The author did a good job with showing how Elizabeth and Darcy gradually come to understand one another's feelings, though I do think that Elizabeth came around to her feelings a little too quickly to feel realistic. She kept her expected fierceness and impertinence, though, so I can't complain too much. And Wickham's discovery and comeuppance was especially enjoyable.
January 14, 2020
Beautifully written but the storyline was a bit grating
Beautifully written and sweet forced marriage scenario.
But... I found the storyline somewhat grating. Both are in love but they do not talk to each other and interpret everything the other says or does in the worst possible way. Perhaps I have too little patience but it became grating before I reached the halfway point.
Enters with Georgiana making a surprise visit to her brother at Netherfield. She was particularly well portraited in this story and I liked this twist very much.
A debacle at the Netherfield ball enforced the marriage between our dear couple and the rest of the story evolved mostly around the development of their relationship after this troublesome start. I was not fond of how that was achieved but it was well written.
Richard made an appearance and played a vital role in the Wickham debacle that had a twist compared to canon. Richard was another character that I particularly liked in this book.
In addition, chickens played a vital role which was unique to this book. I have reared chickens myself although I am not quite as mesmerized with them as Elizabeth was...
Recommend for those who are particularly fond of misunderstandings.
Rated: chaste.
Beautifully written and sweet forced marriage scenario.
But... I found the storyline somewhat grating. Both are in love but they do not talk to each other and interpret everything the other says or does in the worst possible way. Perhaps I have too little patience but it became grating before I reached the halfway point.
Enters with Georgiana making a surprise visit to her brother at Netherfield. She was particularly well portraited in this story and I liked this twist very much.
A debacle at the Netherfield ball enforced the marriage between our dear couple and the rest of the story evolved mostly around the development of their relationship after this troublesome start. I was not fond of how that was achieved but it was well written.
Richard made an appearance and played a vital role in the Wickham debacle that had a twist compared to canon. Richard was another character that I particularly liked in this book.
In addition, chickens played a vital role which was unique to this book. I have reared chickens myself although I am not quite as mesmerized with them as Elizabeth was...
Recommend for those who are particularly fond of misunderstandings.
Rated: chaste.
Read
March 22, 2024DNF. I liked the plot, ie Lizzy not knowing Darcy loves her, but there’s so much telling it gets boring.
March 5, 2016
Even if this is not my favourite Pride and Prejudice variation, I have to admit it was a pleasurable reading. It's quite fast paced, a part from some parts which are a little slow, and presents some interesting twist from the original plot of Pride and Prejudice which I'm glad the author explored.
I was a little baffled by the constant change in point of view at the beginning. Maybe it's just me, because I'm not used anymore to the omniscent narrator, but I found it a little confusing. After the first few chapters, this swing between point of views reduces significantly and the reading becomes easier. I'm not against multiple points of view, but I tend to prefer novels where entire chapters or at least scenes are told from the same point of view and the thoughts and motives of the other characters are let to the reader to interpret or imagine.
The other thing I didn't quite appreciate were some features I found out of character. Elizabeth was a little too whining, Mr. Darcy a little too uncaring towards Georgiana, Mr. Bennet a little too insightful with regard to Elizabeth's feelings, Colonel Fitzwilliam a little too much of a jester, and Georgiana was really resourceful - almost bold - one moment and close and frightened the other (but maybe this is just a more realistic portrayal of a teenager). I also find it weird and somehow tiresome the fact that Elizabeth and Darcy keep thinking the right thing but wait for three quarters of the book to speak their mind openly. I never thaught about them as hesitant and fearful characters.
Wickham and Denny were pictured in a very interesting way, I would have liked to read more from their point of views, which were fresher than the others. The same can be said about Mrs. Reynolds and both Elizabeth's lady's maid and Darcy's vallet.
On the whole it was entertaining but, as I said, not my favourite Pride and Prejudice variation.
I was a little baffled by the constant change in point of view at the beginning. Maybe it's just me, because I'm not used anymore to the omniscent narrator, but I found it a little confusing. After the first few chapters, this swing between point of views reduces significantly and the reading becomes easier. I'm not against multiple points of view, but I tend to prefer novels where entire chapters or at least scenes are told from the same point of view and the thoughts and motives of the other characters are let to the reader to interpret or imagine.
The other thing I didn't quite appreciate were some features I found out of character. Elizabeth was a little too whining, Mr. Darcy a little too uncaring towards Georgiana, Mr. Bennet a little too insightful with regard to Elizabeth's feelings, Colonel Fitzwilliam a little too much of a jester, and Georgiana was really resourceful - almost bold - one moment and close and frightened the other (but maybe this is just a more realistic portrayal of a teenager). I also find it weird and somehow tiresome the fact that Elizabeth and Darcy keep thinking the right thing but wait for three quarters of the book to speak their mind openly. I never thaught about them as hesitant and fearful characters.
Wickham and Denny were pictured in a very interesting way, I would have liked to read more from their point of views, which were fresher than the others. The same can be said about Mrs. Reynolds and both Elizabeth's lady's maid and Darcy's vallet.
On the whole it was entertaining but, as I said, not my favourite Pride and Prejudice variation.
May 12, 2015
This is another 3.5 for me. I thought this was a cute variation, but it missed the mark in some respects.
I loved watching them fall in love, and feel insecure about it. I think Elizabeth takes way too long to realize she's in love with Darcy though, and although I loved the symbolism of the Chickens, I didn't think it was necessary to explain the symbolism. But the scenes were adorable.
This book was very Elizabeth and Darcy centric. Although I love them, it felt weird without some of the antagonists playing any part in it (like Lady Catherine or Collins). I also didn't really understand why they took so long to figure out what was going on with Georgianna. It was like the girl is crying, and depressed, and doesn't want to sit with them, and they take days to actually sit with her to discuss what's going on. Then she gets better, and then things get worse again, but they never talk to her about it again. They are just content to let her sit in her room, alone and ignored. It was...weird.
But I really did like this variation. It was a cute love story, and well-written. I will read it again!
I loved watching them fall in love, and feel insecure about it. I think Elizabeth takes way too long to realize she's in love with Darcy though, and although I loved the symbolism of the Chickens, I didn't think it was necessary to explain the symbolism. But the scenes were adorable.
This book was very Elizabeth and Darcy centric. Although I love them, it felt weird without some of the antagonists playing any part in it (like Lady Catherine or Collins). I also didn't really understand why they took so long to figure out what was going on with Georgianna. It was like the girl is crying, and depressed, and doesn't want to sit with them, and they take days to actually sit with her to discuss what's going on. Then she gets better, and then things get worse again, but they never talk to her about it again. They are just content to let her sit in her room, alone and ignored. It was...weird.
But I really did like this variation. It was a cute love story, and well-written. I will read it again!
February 13, 2014
I absolutely loved this book!! There was just enough angst, but not to much to undo me. This retelling of PnP was so well written and captivating that I couldn't put it down. The way she wrote Mr Darcy was so romantic and and real, you could see his love and devotion but also you could see his faults. Elizabeth was written well, though like other stories, she was written to be such an independent strong woman but crumbles when it comes to issues of the heart. Sometimes that is what frustrates me, but is still love Elizabeth. One thing I liked about the Mr Bennet in this story was that he wasn't completely blind where it came to seeing the emotions of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth, though still was lackadaisical with parenting skills. I am happy that for once the angst scenes weren't focused on the imbecilic and naive Lydia. I think that any JAFF fanatics will adore this rendition of PnP. I highly recommend this and can't wait to read more by Jeanna Ellsworth.
February 25, 2014
Did not finish. Completely unreadable.
Did not finish. Completely unreadable.
Absolutely awful writing. I think I got 8 or 9% in before I had to stop. This author needs to take a basic writing course. The phrase "show, don't tell" exists for a reason, and so does the injunction against headhopping. The writing is tedious, the characters insipid and ridiculous. There are so many errors, just in the short amount I was able to read, errors in grammar, usage, language, dialect...This author may have read P&P many times, but she certainly hasn't paid attention to Austen's style, and reading a book many times doesn't qualify anyone to crank out a reboot and call themselves an expert. An editor may have been able to fix this hot mess, but it would have been a monumental task, and one that most editors would refuse to tackle. Save your time and money and read something else.
Did not finish. Completely unreadable.
Absolutely awful writing. I think I got 8 or 9% in before I had to stop. This author needs to take a basic writing course. The phrase "show, don't tell" exists for a reason, and so does the injunction against headhopping. The writing is tedious, the characters insipid and ridiculous. There are so many errors, just in the short amount I was able to read, errors in grammar, usage, language, dialect...This author may have read P&P many times, but she certainly hasn't paid attention to Austen's style, and reading a book many times doesn't qualify anyone to crank out a reboot and call themselves an expert. An editor may have been able to fix this hot mess, but it would have been a monumental task, and one that most editors would refuse to tackle. Save your time and money and read something else.
July 26, 2013
A lovely variation of Pride and Prejudice. This story is about how Elizabeth is compromised by Wickham and Darcy steps in and marries Elizabeth. The story is then about how the love develops between the two in the first six weeks of their marriage. I love the story about the chickens and the swing. A romantic novel without the graphic sex scenes. You will miss Lord and Lady Matlock, Aunt Catherine DeBourgh, Mr. Collins, and the elopement of Lydia. Georgina is not as innocent as we always think. If you like An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn you will like this one.
December 24, 2014
Ok as much as I love Pride and Prejudice, I read this just for the fun of it. I really enjoyed seeing a new perspective on this classic. It does have some twists that I did not expect. If you are a Jane Austen fan you will enjoy this take on Elizabeth and Darcy's life. 3.5 stars.
March 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
January 14, 2018
I did like parts of this story very much but other aspects not so much. Georgianna didn't work for me. She was too much of a "watering pot" and not enough forth coming with her brother. After her experience with Wickham I would expect her to go to Darcy with anything related to Wickham. Darcy didn't seemed concerned enough over Georgianna's behavior and and after the climax with Wickham, Georgianna isn't even mentioned. Did she not learn what happened? I would think Darcy could have put her fears to rest.
The changing of POV was a little unnerving at first but I kinda liked it because we got to know what everyone was thinking.
I loved Serafina though I'm not sure how realistic her relationship with Elizabeth was.
As always seems to be the case in so many romance novels the biggest problem is lack of communication and reading the wrong thing into other's actions. Darcy and Elizabeth did this through the entire book. I find myself wanting to scream, "Just tell each other!"
But the biggest problem I have is the constant sexual tension. Even though there is no sex in the book, a huge portion of this book is talking about the fact that there is no sex. There is repetitious thought process about their physical desire going on much of the time. The book could have been a lot shorter if that were condensed down. I think it is much harder to write a good romance that doesn't include sex or the constant reminding of physical attraction. Enough already.
I'm not sure if this is tagged as a Christian lit book but there is a brief section with religious thought.
So, I liked enough of the story to read the whole book but not well enough to desire to read it again.
The changing of POV was a little unnerving at first but I kinda liked it because we got to know what everyone was thinking.
I loved Serafina though I'm not sure how realistic her relationship with Elizabeth was.
As always seems to be the case in so many romance novels the biggest problem is lack of communication and reading the wrong thing into other's actions. Darcy and Elizabeth did this through the entire book. I find myself wanting to scream, "Just tell each other!"
But the biggest problem I have is the constant sexual tension. Even though there is no sex in the book, a huge portion of this book is talking about the fact that there is no sex. There is repetitious thought process about their physical desire going on much of the time. The book could have been a lot shorter if that were condensed down. I think it is much harder to write a good romance that doesn't include sex or the constant reminding of physical attraction. Enough already.
I'm not sure if this is tagged as a Christian lit book but there is a brief section with religious thought.
So, I liked enough of the story to read the whole book but not well enough to desire to read it again.
March 16, 2015
Enjoyed this variation of Jane Austen 's Pride and Prejudice. Joanna Ellsworth stayed fairly true to Austen 's characters, but added unexpected twists to each character throughout the story. Darcy falls for Elizabeth almost right after his remark at the Meryton Assembly. Days later, Elizabeth comes to Netherfield to take care of Jane. Georgiana shows up at Netherfield with Mrs. Annesley because she wants to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young lady Darcy has written about. He never mentions ladies especially in the many letters he's written to her. She has lied to Mrs. Annesley saying her brother requested her to come. He was happy to see her, but told her the lied didn't make him happy. She meets Elizabeth and immediately bonds with her. When Elizabeth and Jane go back to Longbourn, Georgiana convinces Miss Bingley to visit the Bennets at Longbourn. When they arrive, only Jane and Elizabeth are in the parlor, Kitty and Lydia have walked into Meryton to meet the soldiers. Foolish Lydia and Kitty enter parlor with Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham. Georgiana loses color, becomes agitated, and runs crying to the carriage. Even Caroline is shocked at her behavior. Darcy and Bingley had just arrived back from hunting when the carriage pulled up to Netherfield and not seeing Georgiana exit the carriage, and then he hears sobbing. She is hysterical, and Darcy believes that one of the Bennets has done something crass to her. Wanting to confront them, he calls for his horse. Bingley talks him out of going and wants him to talk to his sister. Standing at her door, Georgiana won't let him in. He then asks her if Elizabeth said something to upset her. She comes to the door, angry that he can even think that. She tells him that she's the sweetest young lady of her acquaintance. When he asks Caroline what happened, she says she doesn't know, but Georgiana was rude. He keeps at her until she tells the whole story about being introduced to two members of the military: Lieutenants Denny and Wickham. Knowing that his sister is enjoying Elizabeth's company, Darcy heart is already taken by Elizabeth, and he convinces himself that he will offer for her hand. After riding around Netherfield and Longbourn's fields, Darcy heads to Longbourn to talk to Elizabeth. He sees her walking with Wickham, overheads their conversation, and realizes that she hates him. Elizabeth is also not comfortable with Wickham. Darcy decides he cannot live without her and decides he needs to prove that he can be charming. The next day, they visit Longbourn and upon entering Bingley heads to Jane, Darcy to Elizabeth. Takes him a few minutes to notice Wickham's presence. They have a very heated discussion in which Darcy points out his not so finer points. Mr. Bennet joined the group when Wickham was announced, and when the two gentlemen from Netherfield arrive, he expects to have a unique afternoon. Darcy asks Elizabeth for the first set at the Netherfield Ball. She's surprised, but accepts. Wickham asks her for the first set, but is told it's already taken. He sneers, and an evil plan is hatched. Darcy also secures the dinner dance with Elizabeth. Between Wickham's glare and her mother's big mouth, Elizabeth is uneasy. Darcy asks Elizabeth to watch over Georgiana when she's not dancing, and when Wickham approaches her and Georgiana, Elizabeth sees her lose he color and composure again in Wickham's presence. He asks Georgiana for the last set, and Elizabeth tells him she was expecting that dance with him. He's pleased with himself, because that's what he wanted. He convinces Elizabeth to go out on the terrace, because the last dance was rather peppy, and they are hot. She agrees and Wickham's evil plan falls into place. His plan is to compromise Elizabeth and when Mr. Bennet finds them, Darcy will pay him to not marry her. The evil, good for nothing scoundrel knows Darcy loves her and uses this to get money. However, his plan doesn't work because Darcy comes out and pulls Wickham off of Elizabeth and comforts her when is sobbing so hard she's shaking. This is when Mr. Bennet walks out onto the terrace. Elizabeth tries to explain what happened, but he will not listen. He tells her she has no choice but to marry Darcy. Darcy is happy, because that's what he wanted anyway. Within two weeks, they are husband and wife. He tells her, he will not ask for anything she's not ready to give. He loves her dearly, but he knows she doesn't return his love. After a week in London, they head to Pemberley. When Georgiana arrives, she is upset, sad, and miserable. Valuables start disappearing from Pemberley: Darcy's solid gold watch his father gave him, some of the silverware, and Elizabeth's heirloom necklace. Elizabeth finally gets Georgiana to talk. Wickham has been writing to her since before she left Netherfield. Elizabeth sees the threats in the letter, but when Darcy accidentally finds it, he reads it as a jealous, angry husband. When Darcy has to apologize once again, and reads all the letters he sent, Richard convinces him he's got to trap him to end this once and for all. He plans to go to Meryton to address the issue, and Elizabeth will not let him leave without her. Wickham is not there and eventually learns from Denny where he is. Not good, he is headed for Pemberley. Express letter is sent to Richard, and the Darcys head home. The Pemberley staff is on the lookout for Wickham and when he tries to run up the steps, Richard grabs the back of his coat, throws him on the ground, and Sparks puts a pitchfork to his chest. Richard disarms him and ties him up and puts him in Darcy's study. Darcy and Elizabeth arrive at Pemberley and as they're walking up the steps, they hear a shot. With six men surrounding him, Wickham tries to escape by using a knife, by Richard is faster with his firearm and shoots him in the chest. No more threats. And finally both Darcy and Elizabeth confess their undying love for one another. After 6 weeks of marriage, they finally consummate their marriage. I can picture Colin Firth as Darcy in this story.
July 13, 2024
Georgianna surprises Darcy at Netherfield after reading his letter mentioning Lizzy. She tries to encourage their attachment. However Wickham is in town and Georgianna is unnerved. Darcy is his usual, confusing self (Lizzy sees how he is around Wickham vs. his sister). Wickham picks up on Darcy's feelings and attempts to compromise Lizzy in hopes that Darcy will pay. However Darcy comes upon them and comforts her, which is what compromise Mr. Bennet and compay comes across. They are forced into a marriage. Lizzy still believes Darcy does not like her, and they miscommunicate. Wickham tries to extract money from Georgianna. On their travels to stop him they finally communicate their love for each other.
April 24, 2018
I bought this novel and read it when it first came out, (first edition in book form.) Left a review but it is no longer here. So I re-read it again and I thought it was pretty much about promises made and promised kept. Many promises were made and some were kept and others slightly broken.
However, all in all, I thought it was an okay book and don't know if this was one of the author's first novels but as I have read others published later, I liked those much more. It was a delightful read the second time around.
However, all in all, I thought it was an okay book and don't know if this was one of the author's first novels but as I have read others published later, I liked those much more. It was a delightful read the second time around.
June 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book and some of the humorous (and not so humorous) turns it took. Sometimes it was a touch unbelievable but I could wrap my head around most of the scenarios. My favorite passage is when Elizabeth explains to Darcy how life resembles a tree swing, with the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the weightlessness of reading the zenith. It described my feelings to a T!
March 20, 2017
Great P&P variation
Another great story by Jeanna Ellsworth. Misunderstandings, assumptions, and miscommunication f galore in this P&P variation. But, admits all of the verbal and silent chaos, the path to true love eventually is paved with hearts.
Another great story by Jeanna Ellsworth. Misunderstandings, assumptions, and miscommunication f galore in this P&P variation. But, admits all of the verbal and silent chaos, the path to true love eventually is paved with hearts.
September 2, 2017
Not the Elizabeth I recognized
This was just one misunderstanding after another, so it was boring. No surprises. I knew right where the part about the letter was going. And good grief that nonsense about the chickens was silly.
This was just one misunderstanding after another, so it was boring. No surprises. I knew right where the part about the letter was going. And good grief that nonsense about the chickens was silly.
November 28, 2017
What a frustrating read. Annoying characters who make stupid decisions and constantly doubt what others say for no logical reason. I couldn’t finish it.
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