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The Queen of Rosings Park #1
Mistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Complete in one volume. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is prepared to be very generous when it comes to medical care for her sickly daughter, Anne – generous enough to lure noted physician Dr. Thomas Bennet to give up his London practice and move his family to Rosings Park. But his good income comes with a price: complete dependence on his demanding patroness’s every whim. Now the Bennet family is trapped, reliant on Lady Catherine for their survival. Their patroness controls every aspect of the Bennet household, from the shelves in the closet to the selection of suitors for the five Bennet daughters. Now she has chosen a husband for headstrong Elizabeth Bennet– Mr. George Wickham. But Lady Catherine’s nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, is not so sure about his aunt’s choice. He is fascinated by the compassionate Elizabeth who seems to effortlessly understand everyone around her, including him. Lady Catherine has other plans for Darcy, though, and she forbids Elizabeth to even speak to him. As Anne’s health takes a turn for the worse, Darcy and Elizabeth are thrown together as Dr. Bennet struggles to save Anne’s life. Darcy can no longer deny the truth – he is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. But Lady Catherine will do anything to stop Darcy from marrying her – even if it means Elizabeth will lose everything she loves. Sweet Regency Romance
378 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2015
108 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books321 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 28, 2015
I loved this book. I loved it so much that I stayed up until 5:22 am EDT to finish it in one sitting.
This is a darker P&P variation. In this version the Bennets have never been at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet is a physician, Mrs. Bennet is not Fannie Gardiner; but instead a second wife and the mother of the 3 youngest Bennets. They live at Rosings as that Mr. Bennet is Anne deBourgh's doctor.
Lizzie is a repeated victim of verbal and emotional abuse from her family. The author must have done extensive research because it is disturbingly accurate.
This book also spares us the disinterested cold Darcy since it mostly set a Rosings. This Darcy is beyond marvelous. He is thoughtful, compassionate, caring and wonderful.
The book is really one of my favorite variations.
This is a darker P&P variation. In this version the Bennets have never been at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet is a physician, Mrs. Bennet is not Fannie Gardiner; but instead a second wife and the mother of the 3 youngest Bennets. They live at Rosings as that Mr. Bennet is Anne deBourgh's doctor.
Lizzie is a repeated victim of verbal and emotional abuse from her family. The author must have done extensive research because it is disturbingly accurate.
This book also spares us the disinterested cold Darcy since it mostly set a Rosings. This Darcy is beyond marvelous. He is thoughtful, compassionate, caring and wonderful.
The book is really one of my favorite variations.
April 29, 2018
Intentional or not, I really felt the author blended Pride and Prejudice with elements of a gothic-inspired version of Cinderella. In this case, Elizabeth/Cinderella assists her father, DR. Bennet. He is the second son and therefore does not own an estate. Instead, he is the personal physician to a very immature, demanding Anne de Bourgh, and Elizabeth gets stuck doing grunt work and meekly accepting verbal abuse from Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet (Elizabeth's stepmother in this story), Dr. Bennet and Anne. She's still impertinent and is constantly walking a fine line with those who harass her, but she is unfailingly kind to everyone, insightful about what is needed at the Rosings estate, and manages to discreetly make everyone else's life easier except her own. The only positive relationship she has within her family is with her sister Jane.
Naturally, when Mr. Darcy arrives, he is attracted to her. He recognizes her qualities and also how abused she is by everyone around her. Lady Catherine sniffs out his interest immediately and does her best to put a stop to it. I don't wish to give away any spoilers, but I can't help mentioning that I particularly love that the servants (stand-ins for the mice and little animals who were Cinderella's friends!) rally to help Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Maria Grace's writing is always a pleasure to read, and this book is no exception. You won't find distracting editing errors here. This is Book 1 of a series based on these characters, but it IS a stand-alone story with a very satisfying HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this original spin. There were enough elements from the original Pride and Prejudice to satisfy the majority of JAFF readers, even without Longbourn or Netherfield. Most of the original P&P characters are in the mix and, aside from Dr. Bennet, are generally similar in behavior to the characters in the original. Lady Catherine's character is over the top, as is Mrs. Bennet, Dr. Bennet and Wickham at times, but it seemed appropriate to the gothic/storybook tone of the story.
Naturally, when Mr. Darcy arrives, he is attracted to her. He recognizes her qualities and also how abused she is by everyone around her. Lady Catherine sniffs out his interest immediately and does her best to put a stop to it. I don't wish to give away any spoilers, but I can't help mentioning that I particularly love that the servants (stand-ins for the mice and little animals who were Cinderella's friends!) rally to help Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Maria Grace's writing is always a pleasure to read, and this book is no exception. You won't find distracting editing errors here. This is Book 1 of a series based on these characters, but it IS a stand-alone story with a very satisfying HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this original spin. There were enough elements from the original Pride and Prejudice to satisfy the majority of JAFF readers, even without Longbourn or Netherfield. Most of the original P&P characters are in the mix and, aside from Dr. Bennet, are generally similar in behavior to the characters in the original. Lady Catherine's character is over the top, as is Mrs. Bennet, Dr. Bennet and Wickham at times, but it seemed appropriate to the gothic/storybook tone of the story.
October 15, 2015
I'm always fascinated by the many ways there are to retell or vary the Pride and Prejudice story. Some are very close to canon and others strongly diverge from it. This one is a case of diverging quite a bit. I will tell you now that I was very uneasy as each character was introduced because each and everyone was so very different from the original they are based on. I guess that is the key when I say 'based on'. So I had to make quite a few adjustments before I could settle into the story.
Each character seemed to be an exaggerated form of the original so that every prominent character was a darker version of themselves with the exception of Darcy, Georgiana, and the Gardiners. The story revolves around a much abused, Cinderella-ish Elizabeth Bennet who barely resembles herself as a result. She works to please a father who will never see her worth, stay on the safe side of a volatile and power-mad Lady Catherine and Anne, avoid the machinations of a conniving Wickham, care for those around her, while not giving in to misery and hopelessness at her circumstances. There are true villains out to protect their own self-interests and things take a gothic turn a few times. Darcy is a true knight and not only sees the worth in the down-trodden Elizabeth, but works to be her hero while encouraging her to believe in herself and her own good qualities. It was a lovely thread of light in the otherwise darkness of the book.
I do not want to give the impression that I didn't like the story. Far from it. I was riveted, but I was not into it because of its connection to P&P. In fact, to enjoy it, I pretty much had to pretend that it was coincidental that the characters and places bore the same names. Okay, there were echoes of the original, but it is very much a whole new story and set of characters. It was creative and explored some interesting flaws and strengths that were present in the original characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this one. Austenesque lovers who don't mind a lot of liberties taken and sweet historical romance lovers who like a bit of gothic to their story should give it a try.
Each character seemed to be an exaggerated form of the original so that every prominent character was a darker version of themselves with the exception of Darcy, Georgiana, and the Gardiners. The story revolves around a much abused, Cinderella-ish Elizabeth Bennet who barely resembles herself as a result. She works to please a father who will never see her worth, stay on the safe side of a volatile and power-mad Lady Catherine and Anne, avoid the machinations of a conniving Wickham, care for those around her, while not giving in to misery and hopelessness at her circumstances. There are true villains out to protect their own self-interests and things take a gothic turn a few times. Darcy is a true knight and not only sees the worth in the down-trodden Elizabeth, but works to be her hero while encouraging her to believe in herself and her own good qualities. It was a lovely thread of light in the otherwise darkness of the book.
I do not want to give the impression that I didn't like the story. Far from it. I was riveted, but I was not into it because of its connection to P&P. In fact, to enjoy it, I pretty much had to pretend that it was coincidental that the characters and places bore the same names. Okay, there were echoes of the original, but it is very much a whole new story and set of characters. It was creative and explored some interesting flaws and strengths that were present in the original characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this one. Austenesque lovers who don't mind a lot of liberties taken and sweet historical romance lovers who like a bit of gothic to their story should give it a try.
July 13, 2016
4.5 stars
I read this as a WIP and then having obtained the book when it was published put off writing a review until I reread it. There is little resemblance to canon although we do have most of our main characters from such.
Set at Rosings and then in London the Bennets are living nearby the former as Dr. Bennet has been hired by Lady C. due to Anne’s worsening condition and upon Mr. Collins’ recommendation.
Caroline is barely mentioned. But Lady Catherine plays a major role going so far as to arrange marriages between her physician’s two older daughters as well as between Darcy and Anne (enter Mr. Collins, then Charles Bingley and Wickham). Woebegone to any who attempt to usurp her role as advisor to the masses much less disobey her. Mr. Bennet now has a second wife and is not in possession of an estate...plus he plays a truly cruel role in the life of our dear Elizabeth, using her much like he would a scapegoat. The present Mrs. Bennet favors her three biological daughters over her two step-daughters but Elizabeth never concedes to her plans and thus is daily subjected to reminders of her failures. The Gardiners have been pushed aside as Mrs. Bennet considers people of trade beneath her and her family’s recognition. Aunt Gardiner is above all a staunch supporter of all that is good and as she says to Elizabeth, “…You are too accustomed to sacrificing your happiness to the convenience of others…” we want to hug her and say, “Well done.”
As Debbie B. states in her review this story has echoes of the story of Cinderella. However for me it is much more about how Elizabeth perceives herself above everything else. A worse case of negative self image you may never find in reading. Although Jane is her main friend, even she offers not only no solutions to how Elizabeth is treated and to daily choices Elizabeth is forced to make for all around her but also Jane NEVER stands up for Elizabeth even among the family members. Jane seems to always think that Elizabeth needs to make changes in her opinions and her reactions. Finally at the end we read of Jane saying, “I shall never have your happiness apart from your goodness” in a twist from canon.
Darcy quickly assesses Elizabeth’s relationship to all around her: Lady Catherine, Anne, Dr. Bennet but also the entire staff at Rosings. Long Tom’s reactions to Elizabeth give him an early clue of her goodness. And when he hears her time and again blame herself or give excuses for how others treat her we read, “More (self) criticism? Why do you not let me be the judge of what I will call foolish?” Why did he have to be so persistent? Could he not allow her this? “When one knows fault will be found with them, it is…more manageable if one—” “Offers up what is to be criticized, like a sacrifice? It is less painful than having it torn from you?”
There are situations which do resemble canon, Lydia has not changed. And Jane has her Bingley. But Mary does better in this story.
The servants respond so well after Elizabeth, with no prompts or reminders, keeps attending to their woes secretly so as not to arouse the dragon lady nor to allow her father to heap more dung on her head. Long Tom and his nephew reward Elizabeth in the final chapters with a unique and long lasting recognition.
This is a well done variation which brings us to love both Elizabeth, above all others, and Darcy as he has the wisdom to see all that is good in her character.
I read this as a WIP and then having obtained the book when it was published put off writing a review until I reread it. There is little resemblance to canon although we do have most of our main characters from such.
Set at Rosings and then in London the Bennets are living nearby the former as Dr. Bennet has been hired by Lady C. due to Anne’s worsening condition and upon Mr. Collins’ recommendation.
Caroline is barely mentioned. But Lady Catherine plays a major role going so far as to arrange marriages between her physician’s two older daughters as well as between Darcy and Anne (enter Mr. Collins, then Charles Bingley and Wickham). Woebegone to any who attempt to usurp her role as advisor to the masses much less disobey her. Mr. Bennet now has a second wife and is not in possession of an estate...plus he plays a truly cruel role in the life of our dear Elizabeth, using her much like he would a scapegoat. The present Mrs. Bennet favors her three biological daughters over her two step-daughters but Elizabeth never concedes to her plans and thus is daily subjected to reminders of her failures. The Gardiners have been pushed aside as Mrs. Bennet considers people of trade beneath her and her family’s recognition. Aunt Gardiner is above all a staunch supporter of all that is good and as she says to Elizabeth, “…You are too accustomed to sacrificing your happiness to the convenience of others…” we want to hug her and say, “Well done.”
As Debbie B. states in her review this story has echoes of the story of Cinderella. However for me it is much more about how Elizabeth perceives herself above everything else. A worse case of negative self image you may never find in reading. Although Jane is her main friend, even she offers not only no solutions to how Elizabeth is treated and to daily choices Elizabeth is forced to make for all around her but also Jane NEVER stands up for Elizabeth even among the family members. Jane seems to always think that Elizabeth needs to make changes in her opinions and her reactions. Finally at the end we read of Jane saying, “I shall never have your happiness apart from your goodness” in a twist from canon.
Darcy quickly assesses Elizabeth’s relationship to all around her: Lady Catherine, Anne, Dr. Bennet but also the entire staff at Rosings. Long Tom’s reactions to Elizabeth give him an early clue of her goodness. And when he hears her time and again blame herself or give excuses for how others treat her we read, “More (self) criticism? Why do you not let me be the judge of what I will call foolish?” Why did he have to be so persistent? Could he not allow her this? “When one knows fault will be found with them, it is…more manageable if one—” “Offers up what is to be criticized, like a sacrifice? It is less painful than having it torn from you?”
There are situations which do resemble canon, Lydia has not changed. And Jane has her Bingley. But Mary does better in this story.
The servants respond so well after Elizabeth, with no prompts or reminders, keeps attending to their woes secretly so as not to arouse the dragon lady nor to allow her father to heap more dung on her head. Long Tom and his nephew reward Elizabeth in the final chapters with a unique and long lasting recognition.
This is a well done variation which brings us to love both Elizabeth, above all others, and Darcy as he has the wisdom to see all that is good in her character.
July 12, 2015
With all of the many, many times Maria Grace has been on my blog, it's a bit ridiculous that I still hadn't read anything by her. This was the first, but it will not be the last.
Review to come in August! =)
Review to come in August! =)
July 11, 2021
I don't usually mind when a JAFF re-imagines canon characters, as long as the changes in character make sense with whatever change the author has made to the universe, but this one just felt... off.
Mr Bennet is no longer a gentleman landowner, but is instead a talented physician, who is dependent on the goodwill of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He is also an angry, nasty, abusive father, whose anger and abuse seem to be solely reserved for Lizzy, for no explicable reason (except, presumably, that the author wishes to make Lizzy's situation seem more pitiable).
Mrs Bennet is Mr Bennet's second wife, and the biological mother of Mary, Kitty and Lydia, but not of Jane and Elizabeth. I'm not sure why, or what difference the author thought that made, since we are told many times she dislikes Lizzy the most and has a preference for her youngest children, but that was true of canon Mrs Bennet, too, so it added nothing.
It also felt like the author kept forgetting that she had made this change to Mrs Bennet, since she talks to Charlotte and Lady Catherine about having five children and experiencing childbirth seven times... so even assuming two of her seven children died, what then happened to the other two, if she now only has Mary, Kitty and Lydia, while Jane and Lizzy are the offspring of Mrs Bennet 1.0?
In terms of Mrs Bennet 2.0's treatment of Elizabeth, it was no worse than canon Mrs Bennet, and towards the end she seemed genuinely upset by what was happening to Lizzy, so again, I'm not sure why she was transformed into the 'wicked (but not really) stepmother'. Perhaps it was because the author was trying to create a Cinderella / P&P mash-up?
Anyway, in transforming Elizabeth into Cinderella, this story lost most of its appeal for me.
Canon Elizabeth Bennet is witty and joyful and fiercely loves her flawed family. She is blinded by her prejudices and hurt pride and speaks and acts impulsively, then learns to better herself through self examination and regret. But this book's Cinderella-version of Elizabeth is traumatised by an emotionally abusive father, an uncaring and selfish stepmother, and four sisters (the ugly stepsisters?). She is used as an unpaid servant ('treat the patient, Cinderelli, fetch the tonic, Cinderelli!') by her father, and is miserable until Prince Charming (Mr Darcy) befriends her.
I hated her being so weak and under the thumb, but that's not the whole issue, since I often like a good, angsty P&P. It was something about this Lizzy Bennet that I disliked. The way she was a contradiction of cowed but kind of smugly superior and sure of herself. And the apparently psychic / high-level mentalism skill she now possessed made me crazy, too.
Every sentence Darcy utters, she finishes for him. He is amazed at the wonder of being so understood. How marvelous, it will never get old, he thinks. All I could think was how bloody irritating it would be to be constantly cut off and spoken over like that. I wanted to tell her to shut up and let the poor man speak for himself.
There is a chance I am being more critical of this as a result of the audiobook narrator, who gave Elizabeth a high-pitched, weak, simpering kind of voice that grated on my nerves and made me go from disliking what she was doing and saying and how she acted, to wanting someone to slap the snot out of her. There's a lot to be said for good narration.
I acknowledge this is possibly a harsh rating for a book where there is nothing really wrong; the writing is fine, the story is okay, but for me, the two stars 'it was okay' rating perfectly sums up my feelings about this one. It was just okay.
Mr Bennet is no longer a gentleman landowner, but is instead a talented physician, who is dependent on the goodwill of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He is also an angry, nasty, abusive father, whose anger and abuse seem to be solely reserved for Lizzy, for no explicable reason (except, presumably, that the author wishes to make Lizzy's situation seem more pitiable).
Mrs Bennet is Mr Bennet's second wife, and the biological mother of Mary, Kitty and Lydia, but not of Jane and Elizabeth. I'm not sure why, or what difference the author thought that made, since we are told many times she dislikes Lizzy the most and has a preference for her youngest children, but that was true of canon Mrs Bennet, too, so it added nothing.
It also felt like the author kept forgetting that she had made this change to Mrs Bennet, since she talks to Charlotte and Lady Catherine about having five children and experiencing childbirth seven times... so even assuming two of her seven children died, what then happened to the other two, if she now only has Mary, Kitty and Lydia, while Jane and Lizzy are the offspring of Mrs Bennet 1.0?
In terms of Mrs Bennet 2.0's treatment of Elizabeth, it was no worse than canon Mrs Bennet, and towards the end she seemed genuinely upset by what was happening to Lizzy, so again, I'm not sure why she was transformed into the 'wicked (but not really) stepmother'. Perhaps it was because the author was trying to create a Cinderella / P&P mash-up?
Anyway, in transforming Elizabeth into Cinderella, this story lost most of its appeal for me.
Canon Elizabeth Bennet is witty and joyful and fiercely loves her flawed family. She is blinded by her prejudices and hurt pride and speaks and acts impulsively, then learns to better herself through self examination and regret. But this book's Cinderella-version of Elizabeth is traumatised by an emotionally abusive father, an uncaring and selfish stepmother, and four sisters (the ugly stepsisters?). She is used as an unpaid servant ('treat the patient, Cinderelli, fetch the tonic, Cinderelli!') by her father, and is miserable until Prince Charming (Mr Darcy) befriends her.
I hated her being so weak and under the thumb, but that's not the whole issue, since I often like a good, angsty P&P. It was something about this Lizzy Bennet that I disliked. The way she was a contradiction of cowed but kind of smugly superior and sure of herself. And the apparently psychic / high-level mentalism skill she now possessed made me crazy, too.
Every sentence Darcy utters, she finishes for him. He is amazed at the wonder of being so understood. How marvelous, it will never get old, he thinks. All I could think was how bloody irritating it would be to be constantly cut off and spoken over like that. I wanted to tell her to shut up and let the poor man speak for himself.
There is a chance I am being more critical of this as a result of the audiobook narrator, who gave Elizabeth a high-pitched, weak, simpering kind of voice that grated on my nerves and made me go from disliking what she was doing and saying and how she acted, to wanting someone to slap the snot out of her. There's a lot to be said for good narration.
I acknowledge this is possibly a harsh rating for a book where there is nothing really wrong; the writing is fine, the story is okay, but for me, the two stars 'it was okay' rating perfectly sums up my feelings about this one. It was just okay.
August 14, 2015
This was such a great book and very difficult to put down. This was one of the most dislikable Mr. Bennet I've ever read. In this variation, Mr. Bennet is a personal doctor to Anne deBurgh. He expects Lizzy to be at his beck and call to care for Miss deBurgh, but does not appreciate her. Lizzie's character is more subdued and she tries to not be noticed while doing what's best for people. Due to the emotional abuse she is not the same outspoken witty character, but the essentials of her character are present. Her character is a very realistic portrayal of an emotionally abused person. This is a Lizzie who is emotionally abused and does not have the loving attention of a doting father therefore her character is out of canon and some of the others are as well.. It is a very well written, unique story. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2016
Dear reader,
This story centres around a very different premise to that of our beloved P&P.
Mr Bennet is now doctor to Anne de Bourgh and he and his family 'enjoy' the patroness of Lady C.
Lizzy's father may be the doctor but it is she who is called on to be his assistant in administering medication, collecting potions and tinctures,and indeed,sometimes preempting the very medicines he will need before he realises he needs them himself!
Yes,his Lizzy,his favourite,is treated as a general dog's body,doing the menial tasks that the numerous house maids in Rosings are never asked to do.
Lady C delights in exerting supreme control over all the subjects in her realm and nothing is beneath her notice,not the furniture in the Bennet household,the amount of meat ordered by Mrs Collins or indeed when/if that lady in question should find herself with child!!
Anne suffers from a serious bout of illness and it falls on Dr Bennet to restore her to good health and tasks Lizzy to remain with her,ensuring to her health and entertainment as she slowly recuperates.
Darcy observes Lizzy and is the only person who truly appreciates all that she does for Anne, the staff at Rosings and indeed Georgiana.
He appreciates her intelligence,her uncanny ability to perceive the truth in what people say and do,but also seems keenly aware of body language and is alert to others' covert behaviour and mannerisms.
A meeting of two minds and two hearts,I hear you say? No disparaging remarks,no willful misunderstandings,clearing the way for a romantic proposal,I hear you declare?
Alas no,for one has to remember the 'all seeing,all hearing' Lady C and her evil efforts to force a permanent separation between Darcy and Lizzy.
Will her plans work? What of Wickham and Lydia and their flight to London?
What of Bingley and his angelic,naive and somewhat 'blind'Jane?
I will say no more other than to recommend this book to those who'd like to read a very different variation of P&P.
This story centres around a very different premise to that of our beloved P&P.
Mr Bennet is now doctor to Anne de Bourgh and he and his family 'enjoy' the patroness of Lady C.
Lizzy's father may be the doctor but it is she who is called on to be his assistant in administering medication, collecting potions and tinctures,and indeed,sometimes preempting the very medicines he will need before he realises he needs them himself!
Yes,his Lizzy,his favourite,is treated as a general dog's body,doing the menial tasks that the numerous house maids in Rosings are never asked to do.
Lady C delights in exerting supreme control over all the subjects in her realm and nothing is beneath her notice,not the furniture in the Bennet household,the amount of meat ordered by Mrs Collins or indeed when/if that lady in question should find herself with child!!
Anne suffers from a serious bout of illness and it falls on Dr Bennet to restore her to good health and tasks Lizzy to remain with her,ensuring to her health and entertainment as she slowly recuperates.
Darcy observes Lizzy and is the only person who truly appreciates all that she does for Anne, the staff at Rosings and indeed Georgiana.
He appreciates her intelligence,her uncanny ability to perceive the truth in what people say and do,but also seems keenly aware of body language and is alert to others' covert behaviour and mannerisms.
A meeting of two minds and two hearts,I hear you say? No disparaging remarks,no willful misunderstandings,clearing the way for a romantic proposal,I hear you declare?
Alas no,for one has to remember the 'all seeing,all hearing' Lady C and her evil efforts to force a permanent separation between Darcy and Lizzy.
Will her plans work? What of Wickham and Lydia and their flight to London?
What of Bingley and his angelic,naive and somewhat 'blind'Jane?
I will say no more other than to recommend this book to those who'd like to read a very different variation of P&P.
March 20, 2016
In one word...Gripping! This is a dark and intense variation/twist to Pride and Prejudice. As the book jacket says, Dr. Bennet and his family are under the controlling manipulation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in her quest to heal her daughter, Anne. But she is not the only one who controls and manipulates.
This 'new take' on the Bennet family and their interactions with the guests at Rosings Park leads to new surprises. None more shocking than Elizabeth's. I found this book to be emotionally intense and fraught with uncertainty. Dr. Bennet uses his family for his own personal achievements and Elizabeth has borne the brunt of this as his assistant. Elizabeth is more perceptive in this story and learning to curb her tongue has made for simmering anger just below the surface. Her kindness to the servants has garnered her great loyalty, especially the Butler who I just love. Her kindness to Georgiana brings her to Darcy's attention. Their interactions with each other has her see what it can be like to be respected. Be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled as Elizabeth and Darcy fight for their love.
Wickham and Caroline Bingley still create havoc whenever they open their mouths, but Lady Catherine and Dr. Bennet are the true villans here. This is Book 1 of the Queen of Rosings Park series but it is a stand alone. You are not left hanging...but you are left hoping for more!
This 'new take' on the Bennet family and their interactions with the guests at Rosings Park leads to new surprises. None more shocking than Elizabeth's. I found this book to be emotionally intense and fraught with uncertainty. Dr. Bennet uses his family for his own personal achievements and Elizabeth has borne the brunt of this as his assistant. Elizabeth is more perceptive in this story and learning to curb her tongue has made for simmering anger just below the surface. Her kindness to the servants has garnered her great loyalty, especially the Butler who I just love. Her kindness to Georgiana brings her to Darcy's attention. Their interactions with each other has her see what it can be like to be respected. Be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled as Elizabeth and Darcy fight for their love.
Wickham and Caroline Bingley still create havoc whenever they open their mouths, but Lady Catherine and Dr. Bennet are the true villans here. This is Book 1 of the Queen of Rosings Park series but it is a stand alone. You are not left hanging...but you are left hoping for more!
May 9, 2021
Reread - as audiobook. Did not like the narrator as far as the Elizabeth character dramatization in concerned.
After being psychologically abused most of her life, Elizabeth has a hard time accepting that she is worthy and deserving of love. Darcy and her Gardiner relations work hard to help her with that.
Jane is very difficult to swallow. She is almost as bad as the father in that it takes most of her life to realize how easy she has it, with Elizabeth being the punching bag. Even when she tries to apologize near then end, it seems she kind of needs it to be that way and subconsciously always knew all along.
After being psychologically abused most of her life, Elizabeth has a hard time accepting that she is worthy and deserving of love. Darcy and her Gardiner relations work hard to help her with that.
Jane is very difficult to swallow. She is almost as bad as the father in that it takes most of her life to realize how easy she has it, with Elizabeth being the punching bag. Even when she tries to apologize near then end, it seems she kind of needs it to be that way and subconsciously always knew all along.
November 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
February 10, 2017
Blame everyone but yourself when things get out of hand or go wrong...
This novella is not canon and not even close. Everything is different including the tone of the story. Only the names remain the same and even then I caught myself asking…who is this person?
The author was very subtle in the beginning of our story. Information was not forth coming and we [the reader] have to assume or infer information for ourselves. Nothing was spelled out.
We are not in Hertfordshire, Meryton or Longbourn. We are at Rosings Park, Kent and under the patronage and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman physician and has been hired as personal physician to Anne de Bourgh.
Mrs. Bennet is a second wife and mother to the three younger girls. The two older girls were by his first wife. Elizabeth helps her father with nursing duties and has ingratiated herself with all the staff at Rosings Park. They all adore her and that plays heavily in future events.
The atmosphere at Rosings Park is oppressive due to Lady Catherine’s condescension and attitude of her own self-importance. She rules the world within her domain and no one would dare oppose her.
Wickham is present and full of himself. Lady Catherine thinks he would be good enough for Elizabeth. She, on the other hand, saw right through his smooth delivery. Later she was able to disrupt a budding attraction between him and Georgiana. He [being the scumbag that he is] turns his lecherous eyes toward Lydia…with her mother’s blessings. It does not turn out well.
Dr. Bennet…what can I say about him? If the canon Mr. Bennet was indolent and didn’t stir for his family, this guy was even worse. When he wasn’t at Rosings tending to Anne, he was in his book room ignoring his wife and daughters. Some behaviors never change. He used Elizabeth like a servant, running errands, tending to patient needs…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then, if things went wrong or he was upset he took it out on her and she bore it like a saint.
Mrs. Bennet was similar to the first wife in canon, always looking for ways to marry off the daughters. Jane was of course the most beautiful, Lady Catherine had chosen a Mr. Bingley for her, so no worries about her marriage prospects. Mary was courting and no longer a worry. Kitty was just there, while lively Lydia was her Mama’s favorite. Elizabeth, her least favorite, had already refused Mr. Collins and showed no signs of being interested in Mr. Wickham. What was a mother to do?
The Gardiner’s were wonderful as always. The new Mrs. Bennet did not want to associate with trade so she and Dr. Bennet [with the consent from Lady C] broke connections with the London relatives. How sad. They played a pivotal part in the Darcy Elizabeth relationship later in the story. I just loved them.
Elizabeth was imbued with additional powers in this treatment. In canon, she prided herself on being able to sketch the character of those around her. In this novella, she took observation to an all new level. She could tell by looking at you what you were thinking, what mood you were in, if you felt bad, were feverish, unhappy, embarrassed, unsettled, or lustful. She was the perfect diagnostician and assistant for her father’s medical practice. She was so proficient with his methods, that she could anticipate what he needed when he needed it and would have his tools and meds ready even before he asked for them. At times he found this frustrating; he was the doctor after all. On the other hand, he was so accustomed to her expertise that he expected it rather than appreciate her for her abilities.
Elizabeth also knew what was going on at Rosings. She was attuned to the ebb and flow at the Park and had everyone’s situation in mind both above and below stairs, high and low born. She kept abreast of their aches and pains, illnesses and any sickness that occurred with the manor tenants, or in the general area. She had the true makings of a great mistress.
Then all hell broke out. I can only say this was the most outrageous behavior of Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine that I have ever read. I can’t even mention it without spoiling the reveal. OMG!!!
Darcy was the most romantic, caring, ready to take on the world for Elizabeth that I have ever read. Again, OMG!!! I loved him, his trust, his dedication and devotion to those he loved. Those hero moments that we love. If I don’t quit talking about this, I am going to spoil something. Read it. It is different, it goes against canon, etiquette, propriety was tossed out the window, comportment and all those things that drive purists crazy…they are going to be problems.
Most of Elizabeth’s behavior was not tolerated, allowed or sanctioned in that time period. Not once in this novella did anyone strike Elizabeth for her outbursts. I kept expecting someone to slap her silly for speaking out. In most circumstances, a father or a mother would have snatched her up in a heartbeat and beaten the crap out of her for her disobedience, impertinence, and behavior. That was the way things were back then. She was theirs to do with as they saw fit. Mr. Darcy took a big step coming between a parent and child…even if she was of age.
There were new characters. I adored the servants at Rosings and how they loved and protected Elizabeth. It was a big move on their part and yet they thought of ways to outsmart Lady Catherine. How delightful. They were so cute.
There were words that I had to look up. Chapter 3 “Heaven forfend!” The archaic: avert, keep away, or prevent (something evil or unpleasant).
There were editing problems. I can't list everything...so here are a few.
20% “Elizabeth! That a most indelicate remark.”
38% “He lifted his fingers barley not touching her cheek.”
67% missing period at end of sentence
72% “…she turned her face him…”
74% use of couch [as stated in another review]
This novella is not canon and not even close. Everything is different including the tone of the story. Only the names remain the same and even then I caught myself asking…who is this person?
The author was very subtle in the beginning of our story. Information was not forth coming and we [the reader] have to assume or infer information for ourselves. Nothing was spelled out.
We are not in Hertfordshire, Meryton or Longbourn. We are at Rosings Park, Kent and under the patronage and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman physician and has been hired as personal physician to Anne de Bourgh.
Mrs. Bennet is a second wife and mother to the three younger girls. The two older girls were by his first wife. Elizabeth helps her father with nursing duties and has ingratiated herself with all the staff at Rosings Park. They all adore her and that plays heavily in future events.
The atmosphere at Rosings Park is oppressive due to Lady Catherine’s condescension and attitude of her own self-importance. She rules the world within her domain and no one would dare oppose her.
Wickham is present and full of himself. Lady Catherine thinks he would be good enough for Elizabeth. She, on the other hand, saw right through his smooth delivery. Later she was able to disrupt a budding attraction between him and Georgiana. He [being the scumbag that he is] turns his lecherous eyes toward Lydia…with her mother’s blessings. It does not turn out well.
Dr. Bennet…what can I say about him? If the canon Mr. Bennet was indolent and didn’t stir for his family, this guy was even worse. When he wasn’t at Rosings tending to Anne, he was in his book room ignoring his wife and daughters. Some behaviors never change. He used Elizabeth like a servant, running errands, tending to patient needs…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then, if things went wrong or he was upset he took it out on her and she bore it like a saint.
Mrs. Bennet was similar to the first wife in canon, always looking for ways to marry off the daughters. Jane was of course the most beautiful, Lady Catherine had chosen a Mr. Bingley for her, so no worries about her marriage prospects. Mary was courting and no longer a worry. Kitty was just there, while lively Lydia was her Mama’s favorite. Elizabeth, her least favorite, had already refused Mr. Collins and showed no signs of being interested in Mr. Wickham. What was a mother to do?
The Gardiner’s were wonderful as always. The new Mrs. Bennet did not want to associate with trade so she and Dr. Bennet [with the consent from Lady C] broke connections with the London relatives. How sad. They played a pivotal part in the Darcy Elizabeth relationship later in the story. I just loved them.
Elizabeth was imbued with additional powers in this treatment. In canon, she prided herself on being able to sketch the character of those around her. In this novella, she took observation to an all new level. She could tell by looking at you what you were thinking, what mood you were in, if you felt bad, were feverish, unhappy, embarrassed, unsettled, or lustful. She was the perfect diagnostician and assistant for her father’s medical practice. She was so proficient with his methods, that she could anticipate what he needed when he needed it and would have his tools and meds ready even before he asked for them. At times he found this frustrating; he was the doctor after all. On the other hand, he was so accustomed to her expertise that he expected it rather than appreciate her for her abilities.
Elizabeth also knew what was going on at Rosings. She was attuned to the ebb and flow at the Park and had everyone’s situation in mind both above and below stairs, high and low born. She kept abreast of their aches and pains, illnesses and any sickness that occurred with the manor tenants, or in the general area. She had the true makings of a great mistress.
Then all hell broke out. I can only say this was the most outrageous behavior of Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine that I have ever read. I can’t even mention it without spoiling the reveal. OMG!!!
Darcy was the most romantic, caring, ready to take on the world for Elizabeth that I have ever read. Again, OMG!!! I loved him, his trust, his dedication and devotion to those he loved. Those hero moments that we love. If I don’t quit talking about this, I am going to spoil something. Read it. It is different, it goes against canon, etiquette, propriety was tossed out the window, comportment and all those things that drive purists crazy…they are going to be problems.
Most of Elizabeth’s behavior was not tolerated, allowed or sanctioned in that time period. Not once in this novella did anyone strike Elizabeth for her outbursts. I kept expecting someone to slap her silly for speaking out. In most circumstances, a father or a mother would have snatched her up in a heartbeat and beaten the crap out of her for her disobedience, impertinence, and behavior. That was the way things were back then. She was theirs to do with as they saw fit. Mr. Darcy took a big step coming between a parent and child…even if she was of age.
There were new characters. I adored the servants at Rosings and how they loved and protected Elizabeth. It was a big move on their part and yet they thought of ways to outsmart Lady Catherine. How delightful. They were so cute.
There were words that I had to look up. Chapter 3 “Heaven forfend!” The archaic: avert, keep away, or prevent (something evil or unpleasant).
There were editing problems. I can't list everything...so here are a few.
20% “Elizabeth! That a most indelicate remark.”
38% “He lifted his fingers barley not touching her cheek.”
67% missing period at end of sentence
72% “…she turned her face him…”
74% use of couch [as stated in another review]
June 17, 2015
In this variation, Mr. Bennet is a personal doctor hired by Lady Catherine DeBourgh for her daughter Anne. The entire family lives in Kent and not Hertfordshire. The Darcys, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Wickham, and the Bingleys all travel to Kent for a visit, and that is where they all meet and the story unfolds from there.
For this one, I am going to start with what I did not like first, because I think it's necessary to make everything else make sense.
What I didn't like: Although Elizabeth is a well thought out character...she's not Elizabeth. Dr. Bennet is not Mr. Bennet either. Dr. Bennet is instead a very very mean man (I actually don't mind that character change. I think it's an interesting what-if). However, because he is so horrible, he emotionally abuses Elizabeth quite viciously. My complaint is really that Elizabeth just takes it. There's really no cutting retorts or witty comebacks that I would expect from Elizabeth. She silently takes the verbal abuse from every direction. Because of this she is often very unsure of herself, lacks self-confidence, and even criticizes herself unfairly. In this variation she is actually an excellent judge of character. She can read Darcy immediately, she can sense Wickham's evilness right away, and so on. Once she does escape her situation, she still tries to see a goodness in her parents. She's just...not Elizabeth. There's also a lack of passion between her and Darcy. There is a steadfast love, sure, but I did not feel the passion until very late. Finally, I didn't understand the necessity of making Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia all stepmother/sisters instead of blood relatives.
What I did like: So from above it may seem I didn't like anything at all. That's not the case, and is normally why I list the pros first! However what I did like was Lady Catherine and Anne. They were both perfect villains. Even though Dr. Bennet was not like Mr. Bennet I also thought he did a great job playing the villain. Elizabeth is really put into an impossible situation, and she does go through a lot of crap, and it's nice to see that the servants at Rosings were so supportive. It's also nice to see Darcy so loyal to her, however it would have been nice for him to stick up for Elizabeth to Bennet sooner. Mrs. Bennet is an interesting character. She is not totally evil in reality, but she does not really care about Elizabeth at all. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were of course awesome. The story overall was quite good, and I definitely recommend at least one read through!
For this one, I am going to start with what I did not like first, because I think it's necessary to make everything else make sense.
What I didn't like: Although Elizabeth is a well thought out character...she's not Elizabeth. Dr. Bennet is not Mr. Bennet either. Dr. Bennet is instead a very very mean man (I actually don't mind that character change. I think it's an interesting what-if). However, because he is so horrible, he emotionally abuses Elizabeth quite viciously. My complaint is really that Elizabeth just takes it. There's really no cutting retorts or witty comebacks that I would expect from Elizabeth. She silently takes the verbal abuse from every direction. Because of this she is often very unsure of herself, lacks self-confidence, and even criticizes herself unfairly. In this variation she is actually an excellent judge of character. She can read Darcy immediately, she can sense Wickham's evilness right away, and so on. Once she does escape her situation, she still tries to see a goodness in her parents. She's just...not Elizabeth. There's also a lack of passion between her and Darcy. There is a steadfast love, sure, but I did not feel the passion until very late. Finally, I didn't understand the necessity of making Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia all stepmother/sisters instead of blood relatives.
What I did like: So from above it may seem I didn't like anything at all. That's not the case, and is normally why I list the pros first! However what I did like was Lady Catherine and Anne. They were both perfect villains. Even though Dr. Bennet was not like Mr. Bennet I also thought he did a great job playing the villain. Elizabeth is really put into an impossible situation, and she does go through a lot of crap, and it's nice to see that the servants at Rosings were so supportive. It's also nice to see Darcy so loyal to her, however it would have been nice for him to stick up for Elizabeth to Bennet sooner. Mrs. Bennet is an interesting character. She is not totally evil in reality, but she does not really care about Elizabeth at all. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were of course awesome. The story overall was quite good, and I definitely recommend at least one read through!
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November 3, 2017Quick summary: Maria Grace’s latest variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is her most unique yet. Mistaking Her Character (Book 1 in The Queen of Rosings Park series) imagines that Elizabeth Bennet is the daughter of a doctor, Thomas Bennet, who has been hired by Lady Catherine to care for her daughter, Anne. Elizabeth helps her father care for his patients and has earned the respect of Rosings Park’s servants by caring for them, too. Her kindness, intelligence, and keen eye grab the attention of Mr. Darcy, but Lady Catherine will stop at nothing to control those within her reach — and Elizabeth’s father will do anything to maintain his position, even if it means endangering one of his own.
Why I wanted to read it: Grace is one of my favorite Austenesque authors, so this novel was a must-read for me.
What I liked: Mistaking Her Character is another breath of fresh air among Pride and Prejudice variations. While many of the characters feel familiar, Grace really shakes things up by showing Lady Catherine at her most ruthless and drastically altering the character of Mr. Bennet. Changing the Bennet family’s circumstances dramatically changes the course of events, and I loved not being able to predict what would happen from one chapter to the next. I was surprised by how engrossed I was in the story and how emotional it made me; I seriously wanted to throttle some of these characters, and I loved that it made me have such a reaction.
What I disliked: Absolutely nothing!
Final thoughts: Mistaking Her Character is a solid start to Grace’s new series. It was shocking, exciting, and of course, romantic at times, and had I not been swamped with back-to-school chaos and freelance projects, I would have breezed through this one in a day or two. I hated having to tear myself away to deal with real life. I can’t wait to see where Grace takes these characters next!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Why I wanted to read it: Grace is one of my favorite Austenesque authors, so this novel was a must-read for me.
What I liked: Mistaking Her Character is another breath of fresh air among Pride and Prejudice variations. While many of the characters feel familiar, Grace really shakes things up by showing Lady Catherine at her most ruthless and drastically altering the character of Mr. Bennet. Changing the Bennet family’s circumstances dramatically changes the course of events, and I loved not being able to predict what would happen from one chapter to the next. I was surprised by how engrossed I was in the story and how emotional it made me; I seriously wanted to throttle some of these characters, and I loved that it made me have such a reaction.
What I disliked: Absolutely nothing!
Final thoughts: Mistaking Her Character is a solid start to Grace’s new series. It was shocking, exciting, and of course, romantic at times, and had I not been swamped with back-to-school chaos and freelance projects, I would have breezed through this one in a day or two. I hated having to tear myself away to deal with real life. I can’t wait to see where Grace takes these characters next!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
December 9, 2023
I first read this book on FanFiction.net, and the author later sent me the published version of her series "The Queen of Rosings Park" of which Mistaking Her Character is the first.
I have read hundreds--and I'm serious, probably upwards of 400--variations of Austen's novels, and this particular variation of Pride and Prejudice is easily in my Top Five favorites.
In this variation, Mr. Bennet is "Dr. Bennet," employed as physician to Anne DeBourgh at Rosings Park. Jane and Elizabeth are daughters of his first marriage; Mary, Kitty, and Lydia are from his second marriage to the Mrs. Bennet we know and...well, are amused by. But this Mrs. Bennet has a bit more of a mean streak, especially toward Elizabeth who assists her father in his treatment of the very ill Miss DeBourgh.
Elizabeth did herself no favors when she turned down Mr. Collins' proposal, thus ensuring Charlotte's position as Mrs. Collins. And Mr. Collins kindly recommended his cousin, Dr. Bennet, when Lady Catherine desired to have a full-time physician live in one of the cottages at Rosings Park and kindly allowed his family to reside there as well.
I'll leave the background there to avoid any spoilers, but this variation appealed to me very much with Elizabeth's dedication to her father, who does not treat her well, her glib manner of turning aside Lady Catherine's frequent lectures with her quick tongue, and her and Darcy's immediate attraction.
I have read hundreds--and I'm serious, probably upwards of 400--variations of Austen's novels, and this particular variation of Pride and Prejudice is easily in my Top Five favorites.
In this variation, Mr. Bennet is "Dr. Bennet," employed as physician to Anne DeBourgh at Rosings Park. Jane and Elizabeth are daughters of his first marriage; Mary, Kitty, and Lydia are from his second marriage to the Mrs. Bennet we know and...well, are amused by. But this Mrs. Bennet has a bit more of a mean streak, especially toward Elizabeth who assists her father in his treatment of the very ill Miss DeBourgh.
Elizabeth did herself no favors when she turned down Mr. Collins' proposal, thus ensuring Charlotte's position as Mrs. Collins. And Mr. Collins kindly recommended his cousin, Dr. Bennet, when Lady Catherine desired to have a full-time physician live in one of the cottages at Rosings Park and kindly allowed his family to reside there as well.
I'll leave the background there to avoid any spoilers, but this variation appealed to me very much with Elizabeth's dedication to her father, who does not treat her well, her glib manner of turning aside Lady Catherine's frequent lectures with her quick tongue, and her and Darcy's immediate attraction.
June 13, 2015
This was an enjoyable Pride and Prejudice variation. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Jane Austen fan fiction books. This one was unique in that not only was the storyline a variation of Pride and Prejudice, but some of the main characters were portrayed quite differently than they were in the original.I was able to accept these changes, but other readers should be aware of this and decide how willing they are to accept major personality differences.I am looking forward to the further books in this series.
****Potential Spoiler Alert****
In particular, Mr. Bennett is harsh and nasty in this story, and he is emotionally abusive to Elizabeth. This was difficult for me since his good humor and fondness for Elizabeth in the original are so key. My bottom line is that while I found this jarring and would have preferred it to be otherwise, it was key to this particular variation. Being that it is a variation and not simply a retelling, some creativity by the Author should be expected.I especially enjoyed some of the secondary characters in this book and the writing style which kept the story moving along at a nice place.
****Potential Spoiler Alert****
In particular, Mr. Bennett is harsh and nasty in this story, and he is emotionally abusive to Elizabeth. This was difficult for me since his good humor and fondness for Elizabeth in the original are so key. My bottom line is that while I found this jarring and would have preferred it to be otherwise, it was key to this particular variation. Being that it is a variation and not simply a retelling, some creativity by the Author should be expected.I especially enjoyed some of the secondary characters in this book and the writing style which kept the story moving along at a nice place.
July 1, 2015
I originally read this as installments. I liked it then but I loved it in the book form. I don't know how much was changed but it was a beautifully written book. The author is very skilled. This may be my favorite title by her so far.
August 3, 2016
Need to reread to review.
September 27, 2017
5.0 out of 5 starsMistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice......
By maryann on September 26, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
This is a well thought out plot that will keep you interested til the very end of the novel. I loved all the twists and turns in this book. It was suspenseful, challenging, romantic and well worded.
I thought it was a great idea to portray Elizabeth's father in a different light than usual. I liked the fact that everything in the end turned out well for our beloved couple however they went through many trials and tribulations to get there in the end. Lizzy was her usual self to the fact that she was kind, understanding and showed compassion for those around her.
I also liked the part of the footman and his cousin's part in the novel.
Aunt Catherine and Wickham were the same as usual and I liked the way it ended for them both and they got what they deserved. All the parts of the players fit well for the plot.
This would be an excellent story for a sequel.
Thank you for a very enjoyable read. Well worth the time and money.
By maryann on September 26, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
This is a well thought out plot that will keep you interested til the very end of the novel. I loved all the twists and turns in this book. It was suspenseful, challenging, romantic and well worded.
I thought it was a great idea to portray Elizabeth's father in a different light than usual. I liked the fact that everything in the end turned out well for our beloved couple however they went through many trials and tribulations to get there in the end. Lizzy was her usual self to the fact that she was kind, understanding and showed compassion for those around her.
I also liked the part of the footman and his cousin's part in the novel.
Aunt Catherine and Wickham were the same as usual and I liked the way it ended for them both and they got what they deserved. All the parts of the players fit well for the plot.
This would be an excellent story for a sequel.
Thank you for a very enjoyable read. Well worth the time and money.
October 3, 2016
Maria Grace has done it again!!!
This story is far left of canon, starting with the Bennets living in Kent, Mr Bennet is actually Dr Bennet hired specifically to treat and fawn over Anne de Bourgh, Mrs Bennet is the second wife and mother only to Mary, Kitty and Lydia. As you read there are lots of questions, some of which are answered/explained later while others are not, for instance why is Dr Bennet such a kermudgen towards Elizabeth, yet expects so much from her? He is the hardest on her, so is Mrs Bennet. Though I think if I remember back I think somewhere it may say that Elizabeth most resembled her mother, that explains Mrs Bennet's response but not Dr Bennet's. Dr. Bennet is a good and forward-thinking physician, but his character leaves much to be desired. He blames Elizabeth for everything that goes wrong, for every instance his patroness' ire is raised against them.
In the beginning, the Bennets (Dr and Mrs Bennet, Jane, and Elizabeth) are getting ready for a night at Rosings with Lady Catherine playing matchmaker for Jane and Elizabeth. Lady Catherine is similar to canon feeling all the importance of rearranging everyone's lives to her liking. Mr Darcy is present with Col Fitzwilliam, Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley, and Mr Wickham. Lady Catherine has plans for Jane and Mr Bingley, and for Elizabeth she plans Mr Wickham. Lady Catherine is grossly wrong about Mr Wickham's character, having listened to him and believing his fabrications.
Due to the emotional abuse Elizabeth is not the same outspoken witty character, but the essentials of her character are present. Her character is a very realistic portrayal of an emotionally abused person. This is an Elizabeth who is emotionally abused and does not have the loving attention of a doting father therefore her character is out of canon and some of the others are as well. I found that the romance is sweet and poignant, Regency life is described faithfully, a lot of interesting information is included on Regency medical practices, the loyalty of the Rosings servants (to Elizabeth) is touching, the style is flowing and beautiful, the text is well edited and free of errors, and the protagonist characters are both honorable, caring and courageous.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all JAFFers and regency romance lovers.
This story is far left of canon, starting with the Bennets living in Kent, Mr Bennet is actually Dr Bennet hired specifically to treat and fawn over Anne de Bourgh, Mrs Bennet is the second wife and mother only to Mary, Kitty and Lydia. As you read there are lots of questions, some of which are answered/explained later while others are not, for instance why is Dr Bennet such a kermudgen towards Elizabeth, yet expects so much from her? He is the hardest on her, so is Mrs Bennet. Though I think if I remember back I think somewhere it may say that Elizabeth most resembled her mother, that explains Mrs Bennet's response but not Dr Bennet's. Dr. Bennet is a good and forward-thinking physician, but his character leaves much to be desired. He blames Elizabeth for everything that goes wrong, for every instance his patroness' ire is raised against them.
In the beginning, the Bennets (Dr and Mrs Bennet, Jane, and Elizabeth) are getting ready for a night at Rosings with Lady Catherine playing matchmaker for Jane and Elizabeth. Lady Catherine is similar to canon feeling all the importance of rearranging everyone's lives to her liking. Mr Darcy is present with Col Fitzwilliam, Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley, and Mr Wickham. Lady Catherine has plans for Jane and Mr Bingley, and for Elizabeth she plans Mr Wickham. Lady Catherine is grossly wrong about Mr Wickham's character, having listened to him and believing his fabrications.
Due to the emotional abuse Elizabeth is not the same outspoken witty character, but the essentials of her character are present. Her character is a very realistic portrayal of an emotionally abused person. This is an Elizabeth who is emotionally abused and does not have the loving attention of a doting father therefore her character is out of canon and some of the others are as well. I found that the romance is sweet and poignant, Regency life is described faithfully, a lot of interesting information is included on Regency medical practices, the loyalty of the Rosings servants (to Elizabeth) is touching, the style is flowing and beautiful, the text is well edited and free of errors, and the protagonist characters are both honorable, caring and courageous.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all JAFFers and regency romance lovers.
July 17, 2015
3.5 stars.. Lower scale rating for the awful Bennets.. I honestly can never picture Mr Bennet being that awful to Elizabeth.., even if he was Annes personal physician and dependant on Lady Catherine for his income.. Elizabeth bordered on low self esteem and an unhealthy fear of her father which mad her lack confidence at times and shy away from standing up for herself. However Darcy quickly learns her real character which does come out in defence of herself against Lady Catherine and her father. My higher rating is for Darcy's character. He truly loves Elizabeth and is her fierce protector. I didn't like Annes character either and I didn't understand why the current mrs Bennet was their step mother...why was that necessary for the plot?
July 17, 2017
A must read for those who cant get enough Jane Austen!
I really enjoyed this retelling of Pride and Prejudice! It is a unique retelling, in that Mr. Bennet is a physician with a very short fuse, though still as uninterested in his daughters as ever, except when he needs their help. And the current Mrs. Bennet is mother to only Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, but definitely still dislikes Elizabeth. Maria Grace is excellent at describing and defining characters, and I truly loved her Darcy and Elizabeth! Aunt and Uncle Gardner also!
I really enjoyed this retelling of Pride and Prejudice! It is a unique retelling, in that Mr. Bennet is a physician with a very short fuse, though still as uninterested in his daughters as ever, except when he needs their help. And the current Mrs. Bennet is mother to only Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, but definitely still dislikes Elizabeth. Maria Grace is excellent at describing and defining characters, and I truly loved her Darcy and Elizabeth! Aunt and Uncle Gardner also!
September 22, 2017
Angst plus romance in this Maria Grace book
I truly enjoyed this book yet cringed just as much. Poor Elizabeth Bennet. How she suffered so. It was just sad to imagine a life filled with nothing but criticism. So so happy Darcy popped into her life.
I truly enjoyed this book yet cringed just as much. Poor Elizabeth Bennet. How she suffered so. It was just sad to imagine a life filled with nothing but criticism. So so happy Darcy popped into her life.
June 30, 2018
A bit too melodramatic for my taste at times, but quite pleasant nonetheless. Interesting ideas for a P&P retelling, and I will likely pick the following books in the series.
July 27, 2015
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Maria Grace se caracteriza por crear con los personajes de Orgullo y Prejuicio, historias paralelas o rutas alternativas bastante interesantes. Y en este caso los lleva a todos a Rosing Park donde el señor Bennet no es un caballero sino un médico al servicio exclusivo de Lady Catherine y su enfermiza hija.
Imaginaros a todos los Bennets viviendo cerca de Rosing Park dependientes de la presuntuosa, desdeñosa y altiva Lady Catherine. Como invitados llegan no solo sus sobrinos los Darcys y el coronel Fitzwilliam, sino también los Hurts, los Bingleys y hasta el alevoso y fariseo George Wickkam. Así que en un nuevo escenario y con los mismos personajes y sus mismas características, se juntan. Por supuesto no faltan los Collins y algunos personajes creados por la autora, como los sirvientes, para dar más profundidad a la historia.
En un principio no me gustó este escenario, todos juntos reunidos incluyendo a George Wickham, tengo una particular aversión a este personaje, no me resultaba atractiva esta historia, pero después de leerla, tengo que admitir que Grace sabe jugar con estos personajes y crear todo un entorno entretenido. Dota a esta ruta alternativa de muchos giros de humor, altas dosis de ironía donde Elizabeth nos muestra todo su ingenio y gracia, al igual que el resto de personajes. Así, la autora, nos hace un despliegue de cada personaje, en este escenario distinto pero mostrando todo su potencial: la timidez de Georgiana, la bufonería del señor Collins, el carácter un tanto libertino del coronel Fitzwilliam, el despotismo de las Bourgs, el talante de los Bingleys y los Hurts, etc.
Esquematizar el personaje del señor Bennet como médico es interesante y complejo, la forma en que lo retrata, aquellos defectos que conocemos como caballero de Longbourn, en Orgullo y prejuicio son trasladados al médico, los defectos pueden verse magnificados muy negativamente, creo que rozó la exageración en determinadas situaciones, aunque nada fuera de lo común que no se viera en aquella época, casi rivalizaba con Collins en obediencia a Lady Catherine.
En esta ruta alternativa también encontraréis al sinvergüenza de Wickham intentando engatuzar a Georgiana, coqueteando descaradamente con Lydia, al final estos dos últimos personajes dan un giro interesante. Otros personajes son tocados muy levemente, pero dejan entrever que hay más de ellos por descubrir... También hay un trabajo de investigación, una precisión histórica sobre el tema del láudano, muy usado en aquella época.
Merece darle una oportunidad a esta obra, la autora ha mencionado en alguna entrevista que serán de tres o cuatro volúmenes donde desea desarrollar la historia de cada chica Bennet. Este primero se ha centrado en Elizabeth y Darcy, el segundo volumen lo está publicando en Austen Variations, donde nos narra la historia de Lydia, no digo más porque no quiero cometer spoiler. Estaré muy pendiente de sus sucesivos libros.
Portada:
La portada posee un fondo evocador y representativo de la historia, pero los personajes principales que representan a Elizabeth y Fitzwilliam Darcy son muy dandis, o figurines, y le resta profundidad al contendo de la historia. Quizá la intención sea hacerla más vistosa apelando a los sentidos de estética de los personajes y su pose, pero considero que logra un efecto contrario. El resto de elementos si están bien dispuestos.
Maria Grace se caracteriza por crear con los personajes de Orgullo y Prejuicio, historias paralelas o rutas alternativas bastante interesantes. Y en este caso los lleva a todos a Rosing Park donde el señor Bennet no es un caballero sino un médico al servicio exclusivo de Lady Catherine y su enfermiza hija.
Imaginaros a todos los Bennets viviendo cerca de Rosing Park dependientes de la presuntuosa, desdeñosa y altiva Lady Catherine. Como invitados llegan no solo sus sobrinos los Darcys y el coronel Fitzwilliam, sino también los Hurts, los Bingleys y hasta el alevoso y fariseo George Wickkam. Así que en un nuevo escenario y con los mismos personajes y sus mismas características, se juntan. Por supuesto no faltan los Collins y algunos personajes creados por la autora, como los sirvientes, para dar más profundidad a la historia.
En un principio no me gustó este escenario, todos juntos reunidos incluyendo a George Wickham, tengo una particular aversión a este personaje, no me resultaba atractiva esta historia, pero después de leerla, tengo que admitir que Grace sabe jugar con estos personajes y crear todo un entorno entretenido. Dota a esta ruta alternativa de muchos giros de humor, altas dosis de ironía donde Elizabeth nos muestra todo su ingenio y gracia, al igual que el resto de personajes. Así, la autora, nos hace un despliegue de cada personaje, en este escenario distinto pero mostrando todo su potencial: la timidez de Georgiana, la bufonería del señor Collins, el carácter un tanto libertino del coronel Fitzwilliam, el despotismo de las Bourgs, el talante de los Bingleys y los Hurts, etc.
Esquematizar el personaje del señor Bennet como médico es interesante y complejo, la forma en que lo retrata, aquellos defectos que conocemos como caballero de Longbourn, en Orgullo y prejuicio son trasladados al médico, los defectos pueden verse magnificados muy negativamente, creo que rozó la exageración en determinadas situaciones, aunque nada fuera de lo común que no se viera en aquella época, casi rivalizaba con Collins en obediencia a Lady Catherine.
En esta ruta alternativa también encontraréis al sinvergüenza de Wickham intentando engatuzar a Georgiana, coqueteando descaradamente con Lydia, al final estos dos últimos personajes dan un giro interesante. Otros personajes son tocados muy levemente, pero dejan entrever que hay más de ellos por descubrir... También hay un trabajo de investigación, una precisión histórica sobre el tema del láudano, muy usado en aquella época.
Merece darle una oportunidad a esta obra, la autora ha mencionado en alguna entrevista que serán de tres o cuatro volúmenes donde desea desarrollar la historia de cada chica Bennet. Este primero se ha centrado en Elizabeth y Darcy, el segundo volumen lo está publicando en Austen Variations, donde nos narra la historia de Lydia, no digo más porque no quiero cometer spoiler. Estaré muy pendiente de sus sucesivos libros.
Portada:
La portada posee un fondo evocador y representativo de la historia, pero los personajes principales que representan a Elizabeth y Fitzwilliam Darcy son muy dandis, o figurines, y le resta profundidad al contendo de la historia. Quizá la intención sea hacerla más vistosa apelando a los sentidos de estética de los personajes y su pose, pero considero que logra un efecto contrario. El resto de elementos si están bien dispuestos.
December 31, 2016
This book was a lot darker than I expected. The treatment that Elizabeth faces from nearly every side is despicable, and it makes for a rather different character than the original. However, she retained some of the essential qualities that make her who she is, so I still liked her. Her introduction to Darcy is very different, and so there are none of the misunderstandings from the original. All of the conflict comes from outside sources and somewhat from Elizabeth's reaction to them.
The romance was lovely, but the emotional abuse that Elizabeth suffered made this hard to read much of the time. Dr./Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Catherine are all far worse than normal, and even some of the allied characters (such as Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane) have much more of an edge to them. It was largely counter-balanced by Darcy's deep affection, but that didn't make it easier to swallow.
The big change for the story was, obviously, that Mr. Bennet is a doctor caring for Anne. However, I think some of the most interesting things were the subtler changes:
The romance was lovely, but the emotional abuse that Elizabeth suffered made this hard to read much of the time. Dr./Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Catherine are all far worse than normal, and even some of the allied characters (such as Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane) have much more of an edge to them. It was largely counter-balanced by Darcy's deep affection, but that didn't make it easier to swallow.
The big change for the story was, obviously, that Mr. Bennet is a doctor caring for Anne. However, I think some of the most interesting things were the subtler changes:
June 5, 2015
So this book starts out with the Bennets living in Kent because Mr. Bennet is Anne de Bourgh's doctor. Jane and Elizabeth are the step-daughters to the current Mrs. Bennet. Their mother died when they were younger but the reader is not told how she died. Lady Catherine proclaims herself as the mother hawk of Rosings and takes "care" of everybody within her domain. Personally I saw her as a controlling bitch. And Anne is just a copy of her mother. She seriously tries to get Elizabeth to be her new companion because Mrs. Jenkinson is not as lively as she is. Which I don't understand how she thought that was going to work as Lizzy is a gentleman's daughter and was not seeking a position.
Lady Catherine is still trying to push her daughter off on Darcy in this book even though he has fallen in love with Lizzy. Richard even goes so far as to tell him to marry Anne and to take Elizabeth as his mistress. Then when Anne dies he should marry Lizzy after a three month grieving period. Most of society would have told him to do that but our dear Darcy has morals and refuses to do that. I love Darcy in this book just for that reason.
I will admit that I read a few chapters of this book when it was being released on Austen Variations. However I chose not the read the whole story and I'm glad I didn't. It enabled me to enjoy the story without knowing what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to reading Ms. Grace's next novel.
Lady Catherine is still trying to push her daughter off on Darcy in this book even though he has fallen in love with Lizzy. Richard even goes so far as to tell him to marry Anne and to take Elizabeth as his mistress. Then when Anne dies he should marry Lizzy after a three month grieving period. Most of society would have told him to do that but our dear Darcy has morals and refuses to do that. I love Darcy in this book just for that reason.
I will admit that I read a few chapters of this book when it was being released on Austen Variations. However I chose not the read the whole story and I'm glad I didn't. It enabled me to enjoy the story without knowing what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to reading Ms. Grace's next novel.
March 25, 2021
Elizabeth did not seem like ...Elizabeth? She seemed out of character. As did Darcy. Elizabeth seems to be an excellent judge of character. A little too good. She read Darcy so quickly and thoroughly it didn’t seem to be plausible. She also takes a lot of abuse (verbal and emotional) from Dr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet (and Lady Catherine)... it’s as though they hate her but we don’t understand why. Dr. Bennet is extremely harsh to Elizabeth and never seems to be able to give her a kind word. Very, very harsh. No one in her family stands up for her except the Gardiners. With all this emotional/verbal abuse I am surprised Elizabeth is not emotionally damaged from it. She also seems to acquiesce to Lady Catherine’s demands even when she whole heartedly disagrees and is insulted terribly. Whatever happened to her courage rising with every attempt to intimidate her?
Alas, this story and the characters were just not my cup of tea.
October 15, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, as Bennet is the second son of a gentleman, he has trained as a doctor and now has the patronage of Lady Catherine DeBourgh - being the personal doctor to the unwell Anne. Jane and Elizabeth are not the current daughters of Mrs Bennet, but are the nieces of the Gardiners.
The story starts with the visit to Rosings of Darcy, Miss Darcy, the Colonel, Wickham and the Bingleys, as Lady Catherine is determined to control the lives of all around her.
A very enjoyable re-read of a well-written variation
The story starts with the visit to Rosings of Darcy, Miss Darcy, the Colonel, Wickham and the Bingleys, as Lady Catherine is determined to control the lives of all around her.
A very enjoyable re-read of a well-written variation
December 8, 2025
Very Different Character
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2019
Mr. Bennet is almost disguised as a toady Collins. His character portrayal was mean, but not quite as mean as in some variations I’ve read. He simply would not let up on Elizabeth. Lady Catherine was worse than her usual self. Thank goodness for Darcy, the Gardiners, and a little help from Rosings’ staff. I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humour of Elizabeth and her display of mild ESP perhaps? Watch those dangling prepositions.
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2019
Mr. Bennet is almost disguised as a toady Collins. His character portrayal was mean, but not quite as mean as in some variations I’ve read. He simply would not let up on Elizabeth. Lady Catherine was worse than her usual self. Thank goodness for Darcy, the Gardiners, and a little help from Rosings’ staff. I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humour of Elizabeth and her display of mild ESP perhaps? Watch those dangling prepositions.
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