What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Waltz: . . . another pride and prejudice journey of love
A chance meeting at the age of fifteen has Elizabeth Bennet dreaming of the handsome Mr. Darcy. But the result of one Fateful night changes everything. Can she ever overcome her insecurities enough to allow herself to be loved?Experience has taught Fitzwilliam Darcy that love is fleeting at best, an impractical emotion that is hardly worth the effort. Will he ever find the courage to finally offer his heart to someone?The Last Waltz may be their last chance for happiness.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
62 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 31, 2016
Dear reader,
I loved this book!
This rich and compelling tale introduces a Darcy who,having witnessed his father's heartbreak at the death of his dearly beloved mother, promises himself a life devoid of love. He has no wish to complicate his life with this emotion,and has happily switched off his heart.
Lizzy,having survived a carriage accident,is a shadow of her former self,restricting herself to the confines of Longbourn,with little, if any interaction with society.
Yes,such is the premise of this enchanting tale,as we are taken on a romantic and deeply touching journey that involves growth,courage, determination and are witness to the profound change love can inspire when its motivations are pure and unselfish.
Peppered with misunderstandings,a meeting of hearts and minds,a deep felt connection,an acceptance of the demands of society and an awareness that love,when it finally pierces your heart,is not to be denied,this tale was enthralling. I savoured every word and loved each minute I devoted to reading it.
I highly recommend it and can only add that if you're looking for a story that will touch your heart,then this is the one for you!
Enjoy!
I loved this book!
This rich and compelling tale introduces a Darcy who,having witnessed his father's heartbreak at the death of his dearly beloved mother, promises himself a life devoid of love. He has no wish to complicate his life with this emotion,and has happily switched off his heart.
Lizzy,having survived a carriage accident,is a shadow of her former self,restricting herself to the confines of Longbourn,with little, if any interaction with society.
Yes,such is the premise of this enchanting tale,as we are taken on a romantic and deeply touching journey that involves growth,courage, determination and are witness to the profound change love can inspire when its motivations are pure and unselfish.
Peppered with misunderstandings,a meeting of hearts and minds,a deep felt connection,an acceptance of the demands of society and an awareness that love,when it finally pierces your heart,is not to be denied,this tale was enthralling. I savoured every word and loved each minute I devoted to reading it.
I highly recommend it and can only add that if you're looking for a story that will touch your heart,then this is the one for you!
Enjoy!
June 19, 2016
I was up most of the night reading this book! While I've read many very good Pride and Prejudice variations in the past few months, this is head and shoulders above the best. It displays the same excellent writing style and creativity as this author's previous contribution to the genre, Thursday's Child. I would wish Ms. Santarsiero would release books more often, but I'm so glad that she doesn't sacrifice quality just to be prolific.
The characters are true to canon and most key scenes of the original do occur in a somewhat similar manner, but a particular event early in the book (no spoilers here!) leaves its mark on Elizabeth so she needs help to emerge from a deep depression. Darcy, as always, tries to resist falling in love with her but is drawn in through Mr. Bennet's efforts to bring her bubbly personality back. Consequently, the story was familiar and yet completely unpredictable. I loved how EVERY element of the story wove together by the end, especially the cryptic note from Lady Clavering to Darcy, which he doesn't understand but the reader does!
The characters are true to canon and most key scenes of the original do occur in a somewhat similar manner, but a particular event early in the book (no spoilers here!) leaves its mark on Elizabeth so she needs help to emerge from a deep depression. Darcy, as always, tries to resist falling in love with her but is drawn in through Mr. Bennet's efforts to bring her bubbly personality back. Consequently, the story was familiar and yet completely unpredictable. I loved how EVERY element of the story wove together by the end, especially the cryptic note from Lady Clavering to Darcy, which he doesn't understand but the reader does!
November 3, 2015
4.5 stars
While I refused to read the other novel by this same author due to the premise, I was enthralled with this one. It was romantic and it handled a different type of prejudice, which is seen even in today's communities. I did read the criticisms about certain historical facts, i.e., the introduction of the waltz into British society but chose to simply enjoy the interaction between our prime characters and the various spins outside of canon.
You may ask: what prejudice? Think about how many of our fellow human beings are treated if they have a deformity, an illness, a lack of intelligence, even a lack of good looks and form. Do we not continue to judge people by their looks, by their athletic abilities, even to include art forms of dance or gymnastics? I could go on and on. But the bottom line is that Elizabeth suffers depression due to how she has been treated and how she expects to be not only treated but even how she expects to be viewed and judged. And there is a mystery as to who is the cause of Lizzie's crippling and the resulting depression she cocoons herself in.
As some of the other reviews inform us, Elizabeth, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner attend a memorial service for Darcy’s father in London. (I did ask myself two questions: did “memorial services” exist in those times and were not women expected to stay at home for funerals? And would the latter be also an expectation for memorial services?) So I had to just accept their attendance there. Mrs. G. knew of the Darcy family and respected their value to her hometown community so went to honor the senior Darcy. Thus the young Elizabeth with her warmth, her smile, and her sparkling eyes meets Darcy as she catches Georgiana in her attempt to run and hide her tears in church, tripping and falling.
The main event carrying this story is a horrible carriage accident a few nights later in which 3 people are injured, but none as seriously as Elizabeth whose leg is crushed. That and several operations over the years take any “normal” physical activity on E.’s part out of the realm of possibilities. When the doctor informs her that her leg is now as good as it is going to get and she is shunned by people who seemed to be her friends, she withdraws and becomes a virtual recluse. Even sweet Jane cannot break through the shell.
All this culminates in Elizabeth’s father demanding she at least show up for the Assembly Dance and he will then demand no further outings for a year. What happens at the dance is very different from canon. Number one is that Mr. Bennet is present. Number two is that it is Elizabeth, not Darcy, who refuses to dance. And the stage is set for Mr. Bennet to slyly make a plan with the help of Darcy to recover her spirits, nothing more, nothing less.
Darcy is faultless in his friendship to Elizabeth (as he views “friendship”). But as others have stated: he has a cold heart, having viewed the devastation his mother’s death wreaked on his father. If this is what love does, he wants no part of it. So in the other part of his life, in London, we read of him courting for the perfect mistress to his estates, someone to bear his heir but to never touch his heart.
This story does have Wickham playing his usual part and then some. He continues to create havoc and to want to revenge himself on Darcy simply for the part their different birth circumstances played in their lives. Mr. Bennet and the Colonel bring some pain as they play their parts in the story.
So we have an Elizabeth who continually fights to suppress the dreams from her teen years of a handsome man who will dance with her and of Darcy who continues to fight feelings which he views as irrational and only leading to heartbreak.
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. Yes, there are some scenes in which passion plays a part, a passion which neither is willing to identify. A very satisfying read altogether!
While I refused to read the other novel by this same author due to the premise, I was enthralled with this one. It was romantic and it handled a different type of prejudice, which is seen even in today's communities. I did read the criticisms about certain historical facts, i.e., the introduction of the waltz into British society but chose to simply enjoy the interaction between our prime characters and the various spins outside of canon.
You may ask: what prejudice? Think about how many of our fellow human beings are treated if they have a deformity, an illness, a lack of intelligence, even a lack of good looks and form. Do we not continue to judge people by their looks, by their athletic abilities, even to include art forms of dance or gymnastics? I could go on and on. But the bottom line is that Elizabeth suffers depression due to how she has been treated and how she expects to be not only treated but even how she expects to be viewed and judged. And there is a mystery as to who is the cause of Lizzie's crippling and the resulting depression she cocoons herself in.
As some of the other reviews inform us, Elizabeth, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner attend a memorial service for Darcy’s father in London. (I did ask myself two questions: did “memorial services” exist in those times and were not women expected to stay at home for funerals? And would the latter be also an expectation for memorial services?) So I had to just accept their attendance there. Mrs. G. knew of the Darcy family and respected their value to her hometown community so went to honor the senior Darcy. Thus the young Elizabeth with her warmth, her smile, and her sparkling eyes meets Darcy as she catches Georgiana in her attempt to run and hide her tears in church, tripping and falling.
The main event carrying this story is a horrible carriage accident a few nights later in which 3 people are injured, but none as seriously as Elizabeth whose leg is crushed. That and several operations over the years take any “normal” physical activity on E.’s part out of the realm of possibilities. When the doctor informs her that her leg is now as good as it is going to get and she is shunned by people who seemed to be her friends, she withdraws and becomes a virtual recluse. Even sweet Jane cannot break through the shell.
All this culminates in Elizabeth’s father demanding she at least show up for the Assembly Dance and he will then demand no further outings for a year. What happens at the dance is very different from canon. Number one is that Mr. Bennet is present. Number two is that it is Elizabeth, not Darcy, who refuses to dance. And the stage is set for Mr. Bennet to slyly make a plan with the help of Darcy to recover her spirits, nothing more, nothing less.
Darcy is faultless in his friendship to Elizabeth (as he views “friendship”). But as others have stated: he has a cold heart, having viewed the devastation his mother’s death wreaked on his father. If this is what love does, he wants no part of it. So in the other part of his life, in London, we read of him courting for the perfect mistress to his estates, someone to bear his heir but to never touch his heart.
This story does have Wickham playing his usual part and then some. He continues to create havoc and to want to revenge himself on Darcy simply for the part their different birth circumstances played in their lives. Mr. Bennet and the Colonel bring some pain as they play their parts in the story.
So we have an Elizabeth who continually fights to suppress the dreams from her teen years of a handsome man who will dance with her and of Darcy who continues to fight feelings which he views as irrational and only leading to heartbreak.
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. Yes, there are some scenes in which passion plays a part, a passion which neither is willing to identify. A very satisfying read altogether!
October 15, 2021
Precious Story
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2019
Oh I just loved this book and this author. She tells her stories of ODC in a way that really touch my heart and emotions, which is what I seek in a good story. This is the second book of hers I’ve read in as many days. My eyes could not help but sting with tears several times reading this delightful and heartrending story of Elizabeth who grappled with the effects of a tragic accident, and a Darcy who refused to ever let love touch his heart.... until...
Read it.
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2019
Oh I just loved this book and this author. She tells her stories of ODC in a way that really touch my heart and emotions, which is what I seek in a good story. This is the second book of hers I’ve read in as many days. My eyes could not help but sting with tears several times reading this delightful and heartrending story of Elizabeth who grappled with the effects of a tragic accident, and a Darcy who refused to ever let love touch his heart.... until...
Read it.
August 2, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised to kind of like this. A different take on the variations, but a good balance of drama and emo
2023 - Forgot about the accident and the fallout. Elizabeth character does a great job going through the process of emotional and mental healing.
Didn't appreciate all the easy touchy feeling (literally) no one acted in propriety.
2023 - Forgot about the accident and the fallout. Elizabeth character does a great job going through the process of emotional and mental healing.
Didn't appreciate all the easy touchy feeling (literally) no one acted in propriety.
June 15, 2016
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
I had read Pat Santarsiero’s Thursday’s Child a while back, and even though it might be a controversial book, especially for Janeite purists, I really enjoyed it, I liked the way she developed the characters and the way she created their interactions.
I was, therefore, very curious towards The Last Waltz.
This book is not as controversial as Thursday’s Child, it is in fact very different, and so I think it will appeal to a wider audience.
In the Last Waltz Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy briefly meet in London when she is 15 and will re-encounter each other at the Meryton Assembly. The book will follow the course of events we see in Pride and Prejudice, but of course Mrs. Santarsiero’s premise will change the events we already know too well.
The incident that will change everything in the story is the carriage accident Elizabeth has after that brief encounter with Mr. Darcy, and that leaves her with a limp. This will change who she is, and those searching for playful and sociable Lizzy will not find her. This is something some people might not like. In this book we do not see the regular portrayal of our beloved characters. We see what their characters might have been if something with a considerable impact had affected them. I understand some might not enjoy this idea, but I surely do.
I enjoyed seeing the way Pat Santarsiero developed Elizabeth’s character. It is very interesting to see her overcoming some of her inner struggles, just as it is interesting to see it is Mr. Darcy who keeps wanting her to dance. I also enjoyed the way some roles were reversed, namely having Elizabeth suffer for what she believe is an unrequited love. Why should it always be Mr. Darcy suffering from this?
There are some very romantic scenes in this book that I enjoyed. I almost cried when Elizabeth first talked to Mr. Darcy after the Meryton Assembly and at the end of the book their dance was so romantic I wanted to re-read the scene several times.
I would have prefer if there were no intimate scenes in the book as I always prefer a version without them, but it was an important part of the book that made Mr. Darcy very romantic and helped develop the story line, so it did not prevented me from liking it.
I also believe their first encounter could have been more developed as it is very important in the course of the story and I personally do not feel that it could have made such an impression on all characters involved in it.
But overall I really enjoyed this book. I like the way the writer lets the scenes flow. Even though this book relates one year in the characters’ lives we never feel bored while reading it. Pat Santarsiero has what I believe to be a very good sensitivity to what the readers want to read, and so the scenes are always very well balanced and described in accordance to their own importance for the readers.
There was also something I really enjoyed in this book. There is another romantic pair in the book (that I shall not reveal to avoid spoilers) that is always a favourite of mine, so it was a plus for me
I had read Pat Santarsiero’s Thursday’s Child a while back, and even though it might be a controversial book, especially for Janeite purists, I really enjoyed it, I liked the way she developed the characters and the way she created their interactions.
I was, therefore, very curious towards The Last Waltz.
This book is not as controversial as Thursday’s Child, it is in fact very different, and so I think it will appeal to a wider audience.
In the Last Waltz Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy briefly meet in London when she is 15 and will re-encounter each other at the Meryton Assembly. The book will follow the course of events we see in Pride and Prejudice, but of course Mrs. Santarsiero’s premise will change the events we already know too well.
The incident that will change everything in the story is the carriage accident Elizabeth has after that brief encounter with Mr. Darcy, and that leaves her with a limp. This will change who she is, and those searching for playful and sociable Lizzy will not find her. This is something some people might not like. In this book we do not see the regular portrayal of our beloved characters. We see what their characters might have been if something with a considerable impact had affected them. I understand some might not enjoy this idea, but I surely do.
I enjoyed seeing the way Pat Santarsiero developed Elizabeth’s character. It is very interesting to see her overcoming some of her inner struggles, just as it is interesting to see it is Mr. Darcy who keeps wanting her to dance. I also enjoyed the way some roles were reversed, namely having Elizabeth suffer for what she believe is an unrequited love. Why should it always be Mr. Darcy suffering from this?
There are some very romantic scenes in this book that I enjoyed. I almost cried when Elizabeth first talked to Mr. Darcy after the Meryton Assembly and at the end of the book their dance was so romantic I wanted to re-read the scene several times.
I would have prefer if there were no intimate scenes in the book as I always prefer a version without them, but it was an important part of the book that made Mr. Darcy very romantic and helped develop the story line, so it did not prevented me from liking it.
I also believe their first encounter could have been more developed as it is very important in the course of the story and I personally do not feel that it could have made such an impression on all characters involved in it.
But overall I really enjoyed this book. I like the way the writer lets the scenes flow. Even though this book relates one year in the characters’ lives we never feel bored while reading it. Pat Santarsiero has what I believe to be a very good sensitivity to what the readers want to read, and so the scenes are always very well balanced and described in accordance to their own importance for the readers.
There was also something I really enjoyed in this book. There is another romantic pair in the book (that I shall not reveal to avoid spoilers) that is always a favourite of mine, so it was a plus for me
January 24, 2016
A heart-warming P&P variation
What happens when ODC meets 5 yrs ahead of the events in P&P? What kind of impact can their having met at the memorial for Mr Darcy's father have had on their future? What would happen if an accident would change one of ODC's life forever, therefore having an emotional/mental/physical effect on how they engage in the world?
The Last Waltz is very different than most variations I've ever read. Maybe it's because I'm an Occupational Therapist, and the physical imperfections were the main theme, but it was just a great read. I loved this vulnerable Elizabeth, and a Darcy who declares he will never allow anyone to touch his heart (comes from his sorrow watching his father grieve for his mother). Mr Darcy is so sweet!! Everything he did for her in the background was because he cared for his "friend", yet professing he can not love anyone!! Can we say denial?!?! Just makes it all the more sweet!!
I found many passages in this book to highlight, but my favorite was this: “Quite the opposite, Miss Bennet; I have been resisting a temptation almost since my first arrival in Hertfordshire.”
Mr Darcy said to Elizabeth. Swoon!!!!
Oh, and I ADORE Mr Bennet in this variation!!! He is a loving father, yet sneaky with obtaining Mr Darcy's assistance in a matter of importance. But ohhhhh, the backlash that comes when this matter is made known!!!!
I must commend Ms Santarsiero on writing an amazing and entertaining book. This is easily in my top 20 P&P variations. It was well written, intriguing, captivating, emotional and entertaining. I can easily recommend this to all JAFFers, there is only a brief mention of a physical altercation between a scoundrel and a damsel in distress.
What happens when ODC meets 5 yrs ahead of the events in P&P? What kind of impact can their having met at the memorial for Mr Darcy's father have had on their future? What would happen if an accident would change one of ODC's life forever, therefore having an emotional/mental/physical effect on how they engage in the world?
The Last Waltz is very different than most variations I've ever read. Maybe it's because I'm an Occupational Therapist, and the physical imperfections were the main theme, but it was just a great read. I loved this vulnerable Elizabeth, and a Darcy who declares he will never allow anyone to touch his heart (comes from his sorrow watching his father grieve for his mother). Mr Darcy is so sweet!! Everything he did for her in the background was because he cared for his "friend", yet professing he can not love anyone!! Can we say denial?!?! Just makes it all the more sweet!!
I found many passages in this book to highlight, but my favorite was this: “Quite the opposite, Miss Bennet; I have been resisting a temptation almost since my first arrival in Hertfordshire.”
Mr Darcy said to Elizabeth. Swoon!!!!
Oh, and I ADORE Mr Bennet in this variation!!! He is a loving father, yet sneaky with obtaining Mr Darcy's assistance in a matter of importance. But ohhhhh, the backlash that comes when this matter is made known!!!!
I must commend Ms Santarsiero on writing an amazing and entertaining book. This is easily in my top 20 P&P variations. It was well written, intriguing, captivating, emotional and entertaining. I can easily recommend this to all JAFFers, there is only a brief mention of a physical altercation between a scoundrel and a damsel in distress.
January 27, 2016
"The intimacy of dancing...romantic, exhilarating, thrilling" a sixteen year old Elizabeth is exuberant in her reaction to her first time attending a dance with her sister, Jane and Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Her thoughts are consumed with Mr. Darcy as she is dancing, for she had recently met him after helping Georgiana during the memorial service she, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner attended in honour of the late Mr. Darcy. However, the trauma Elizabeth endures after the parish dance causes her to lose her' joie de vivre'.
My reaction to this book was visceral. My heart ached for Elizabeth as the prejudice of society was so pointed. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to be pitied so she avoided life much to Jane's and Mr. Bennet's dismay. Mrs. Bennet was cruel and dismissive as Elizabeth was no longer 'perfect'. Mr. Darcy was understanding but he kept his heart tightly locked away. The road to each other was filled with obstacles that each had to overcome and the journey for me was fantastic. Some scenes were so endearing (the first walk together), exquisite (horse scene), brilliant (Mr. Collins on the balcony LOL), frustrating (I spoke out loud 'you're nuts!'). I could go on and on but I hope you will read this book for yourself to find out. However, Elizabeth's dreams are worth the read themselves!
Thank you Ms. Santarsiero and I hope you have more in store for us in the near future!
My reaction to this book was visceral. My heart ached for Elizabeth as the prejudice of society was so pointed. The last thing Elizabeth wanted was to be pitied so she avoided life much to Jane's and Mr. Bennet's dismay. Mrs. Bennet was cruel and dismissive as Elizabeth was no longer 'perfect'. Mr. Darcy was understanding but he kept his heart tightly locked away. The road to each other was filled with obstacles that each had to overcome and the journey for me was fantastic. Some scenes were so endearing (the first walk together), exquisite (horse scene), brilliant (Mr. Collins on the balcony LOL), frustrating (I spoke out loud 'you're nuts!'). I could go on and on but I hope you will read this book for yourself to find out. However, Elizabeth's dreams are worth the read themselves!
Thank you Ms. Santarsiero and I hope you have more in store for us in the near future!
Read
February 15, 2016Are we willing to overcome our prejudices and fears when faced with the prospect of finding true love?
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Over the summer, I had the pleasure of reading “Thursday’s Child,” by Pat Santarsiero. With its controversial plot and fine writing style, I found myself admiring Ms. Santarsiero’s work. When “The Last Waltz” was published, I knew it would be on my shorter TBR list.
“The Last Waltz” was a thoughtful, romantic and intriguing “Pride and Prejudice” variation that kept me turning the pages of this book quite late into the night. The story begins in 1806, where fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet meets a grieving Fitzwilliam Darcy and his young sister, Georgiana, as she is visiting London with her sister Jane and her Aunt Gardiner. As they attend the funeral mass for Mr. George Darcy of Pemberley, Elizabeth is struck by Darcy’s deep sorrow, and finds Fitzwilliam Darcy, the young heir to Pemberley, to be an amiable and courteous gentleman. As he leaves the church to attend to his new duties, Fitzwilliam is left with the memory of a fine pair of eyes, which belong to the young Ms. Elizabeth Bennet.
At the same time, a young George Wickham drinks his whiskey, while staging his future moves in his ongoing game of revenge against Fitzwilliam Darcy. Concerned for his own future now that his beloved godfather has passed, Wickham must set himself on a path towards his own promising future. Yet, what type of future can that possibly be for a man without the will or the skill to pursue his own valuable living?
However, life quickly takes a very sharp turn for the Bennet sisters, who find themselves the victims of a carriage accident on the streets of London. As the sisters are rescued from the scene, they are left to face their injuries. While one sister recovers quickly from her injuries, the other is left with a life-altering injury.
Five years later, we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy, who is a man greatly altered by the tragedies and deceptions he has endured in his young life. As he seeks to settle himself into his duties and responsibilities, we meet the young lady he is courting, Ms. Alyssa Marston. Though beautiful, lively and a suitable match for the young Mr. Darcy, he finds his heart unattached to Ms. Marston. This is mainly due to his earlier decision to avoid the perils and disappointments that are sometimes associated with allowing yourself to love someone else. So, it is with an unengaged heart, and his commitment as a gentleman, that Mr. Darcy joins his friend, Mr. Bingley, in Hertfordshire, to help him familiarize himself with the responsibilities associated with his newly leased estate, Netherfield.
Once in Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy meets the two eldest Bennet sisters, and once again he finds himself attracted to Elizabeth. He sees her beauty as enchanting as ever, yet her soul seems quite altered. What could have occurred in the past five years to cause her to appear so distant and guarded?
Naturally, it’s not only Darcy who recognizes these changes in Elizabeth. These are changes that Mr. Bennet has been painfully aware of for the past several years. As Mr. Bennet is somewhat acquainted with Elizabeth’s earlier infatuation with Mr. Darcy, he seeks Darcy out to help him revive Elizabeth’s spirits, along with her former confidence. What Mr. Bennet could not predict is the turmoil that Darcy and Elizabeth will face as they find themselves dancing against a passionate storm of conflicting emotions that will set them on a rocky path towards their own personal quests for love and acceptance.
Our pair meets up again in Kent, and here Darcy is primarily alone, due to a delay in the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam. This was one of my favorite parts of the story, as we are able to experience Darcy and Elizabeth during plenty of close interactions, without the story’s focus being placed on the other characters also here in Kent. It is somehow questionable how they are both able to escape the prying eyes of Aunt Catherine, as well as how two single people could meet alone they way that they did in Kent, but I found myself so interested in watching their relationship unfold, I was able to overlook these improprieties. When Colonel Fitzwilliam does finally arrive in Kent, his actions move the story into another new direction.
This romantic and heart-warming variation set into motion a dance between two reluctant lovers, who find themselves performing some very unfamiliar dance moves. Though the story has many plot elements that stayed true to canon, Ms. Santarsiero choreographed a “Pride and Prejudice” variation that offered numerous new twists and turns for our characters. While taking liberties with the story’s events, she stayed true to Austen’s characterizations of her characters, while at the same time, fleshing out some new characters that added to the overall enjoyment of this story.
The Wickham storyline was well written and engaging. I loved how Ms. Santarsiero handled his mischievous, deviant behaviors to not only place Darcy in danger but to also create an alternate path for him that was gripping, energizing and plausible. I found Wickham to be cunning, deceitful and greedy, until the very bitter end of this story. Oh, how evil George Wickham he can be!
Ms. Marston was a well developed new character, who added a different perspective to this story. Her courtship with Darcy allowed us to experience Darcy from a different angle. Beautiful, clever, and hiding from her own family’s deep, dark secrets, Ms. Marston is a woman not to be trifled with, whether it’s with Elizabeth Bennet or another worthy foe. Perhaps what she cannot offer Fitzwilliam Darcy, she can offer to another willing person?
“The Last Waltz” is a beautifully written story, with a steadily paced plot, flawed and complex characters, who often live in that murky shade of gray we love to experience, combined with plenty of new dance moves. I loved the way the waltz was incorporated into the storyline, as not only an intimate and passionate experience between two people but also as a culminating experience to a long-awaited dream. After reading this story, can one not hope for their own special waltz with Mr. Darcy?
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Over the summer, I had the pleasure of reading “Thursday’s Child,” by Pat Santarsiero. With its controversial plot and fine writing style, I found myself admiring Ms. Santarsiero’s work. When “The Last Waltz” was published, I knew it would be on my shorter TBR list.
“The Last Waltz” was a thoughtful, romantic and intriguing “Pride and Prejudice” variation that kept me turning the pages of this book quite late into the night. The story begins in 1806, where fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet meets a grieving Fitzwilliam Darcy and his young sister, Georgiana, as she is visiting London with her sister Jane and her Aunt Gardiner. As they attend the funeral mass for Mr. George Darcy of Pemberley, Elizabeth is struck by Darcy’s deep sorrow, and finds Fitzwilliam Darcy, the young heir to Pemberley, to be an amiable and courteous gentleman. As he leaves the church to attend to his new duties, Fitzwilliam is left with the memory of a fine pair of eyes, which belong to the young Ms. Elizabeth Bennet.
At the same time, a young George Wickham drinks his whiskey, while staging his future moves in his ongoing game of revenge against Fitzwilliam Darcy. Concerned for his own future now that his beloved godfather has passed, Wickham must set himself on a path towards his own promising future. Yet, what type of future can that possibly be for a man without the will or the skill to pursue his own valuable living?
However, life quickly takes a very sharp turn for the Bennet sisters, who find themselves the victims of a carriage accident on the streets of London. As the sisters are rescued from the scene, they are left to face their injuries. While one sister recovers quickly from her injuries, the other is left with a life-altering injury.
Five years later, we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy, who is a man greatly altered by the tragedies and deceptions he has endured in his young life. As he seeks to settle himself into his duties and responsibilities, we meet the young lady he is courting, Ms. Alyssa Marston. Though beautiful, lively and a suitable match for the young Mr. Darcy, he finds his heart unattached to Ms. Marston. This is mainly due to his earlier decision to avoid the perils and disappointments that are sometimes associated with allowing yourself to love someone else. So, it is with an unengaged heart, and his commitment as a gentleman, that Mr. Darcy joins his friend, Mr. Bingley, in Hertfordshire, to help him familiarize himself with the responsibilities associated with his newly leased estate, Netherfield.
Once in Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy meets the two eldest Bennet sisters, and once again he finds himself attracted to Elizabeth. He sees her beauty as enchanting as ever, yet her soul seems quite altered. What could have occurred in the past five years to cause her to appear so distant and guarded?
Naturally, it’s not only Darcy who recognizes these changes in Elizabeth. These are changes that Mr. Bennet has been painfully aware of for the past several years. As Mr. Bennet is somewhat acquainted with Elizabeth’s earlier infatuation with Mr. Darcy, he seeks Darcy out to help him revive Elizabeth’s spirits, along with her former confidence. What Mr. Bennet could not predict is the turmoil that Darcy and Elizabeth will face as they find themselves dancing against a passionate storm of conflicting emotions that will set them on a rocky path towards their own personal quests for love and acceptance.
Our pair meets up again in Kent, and here Darcy is primarily alone, due to a delay in the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam. This was one of my favorite parts of the story, as we are able to experience Darcy and Elizabeth during plenty of close interactions, without the story’s focus being placed on the other characters also here in Kent. It is somehow questionable how they are both able to escape the prying eyes of Aunt Catherine, as well as how two single people could meet alone they way that they did in Kent, but I found myself so interested in watching their relationship unfold, I was able to overlook these improprieties. When Colonel Fitzwilliam does finally arrive in Kent, his actions move the story into another new direction.
This romantic and heart-warming variation set into motion a dance between two reluctant lovers, who find themselves performing some very unfamiliar dance moves. Though the story has many plot elements that stayed true to canon, Ms. Santarsiero choreographed a “Pride and Prejudice” variation that offered numerous new twists and turns for our characters. While taking liberties with the story’s events, she stayed true to Austen’s characterizations of her characters, while at the same time, fleshing out some new characters that added to the overall enjoyment of this story.
The Wickham storyline was well written and engaging. I loved how Ms. Santarsiero handled his mischievous, deviant behaviors to not only place Darcy in danger but to also create an alternate path for him that was gripping, energizing and plausible. I found Wickham to be cunning, deceitful and greedy, until the very bitter end of this story. Oh, how evil George Wickham he can be!
Ms. Marston was a well developed new character, who added a different perspective to this story. Her courtship with Darcy allowed us to experience Darcy from a different angle. Beautiful, clever, and hiding from her own family’s deep, dark secrets, Ms. Marston is a woman not to be trifled with, whether it’s with Elizabeth Bennet or another worthy foe. Perhaps what she cannot offer Fitzwilliam Darcy, she can offer to another willing person?
“The Last Waltz” is a beautifully written story, with a steadily paced plot, flawed and complex characters, who often live in that murky shade of gray we love to experience, combined with plenty of new dance moves. I loved the way the waltz was incorporated into the storyline, as not only an intimate and passionate experience between two people but also as a culminating experience to a long-awaited dream. After reading this story, can one not hope for their own special waltz with Mr. Darcy?
October 25, 2015
This was another random find, that quickly became another favorite of mine! I found this while browsing goodreads, but was unsure because the description isn't too clear. I am not going to put any real spoilers in this, but try to at least describe it better. However, if you want a more vague description of this book, you may want to skip my review. But no spoilers, I promise!
In this variation Darcy and Elizabeth do briefly meet five years previously. Elizabeth helps Georgiana, and though they only have a brief discourse Elizabeth and Darcy make a deep impression on each other. 15-year-old Elizabeth allows herself to have fantasies of the handsome and wonderful Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy finds her exuberance and love of life heartwarming.
About a week later Elizabeth is involved in a carriage accident, which unfortunately gives her a limp. The excited, happy, and exuberant Elizabeth loses hope and as she sees men of her acquaintance become embarrassed of her, she becomes a shell. Her depression is deep, and it pains me to read (but it is wonderfully written). Jane and her father no longer know how to talk to her or handle her. She hasn't left the house in six months for even a simple walk!
Darcy's life on the other hand takes him down another path. He learns how to become a very successful estate owner, but he has completely closed his heart. After bearing his father's devastation after his wife's death, Darcy vows never to fall in love. Instead he spends his time courting women that he has no real emotional attachment to.
The pair's paths ultimately pass again as Mr. Darcy comes to stay with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth is persuaded to go to the Meryton Assembley, and instead of cutting remarks and a horrible first impression, their first meeting is much more complex.
What I loved: What I loved most is something that's just been making me so angry in other books! Other books make Elizabeth so cruel and mean to Darcy. In P&P Elizabeth has reasons to be upset with Darcy, but she doesn't take it too far, and she doesn't keep hating him when misconceptions are cleared! Anyway - there was nothing like that in here. The only time Elizabeth was perhaps a little rude was when she was being very self-guarded and was suffering from horrible self-esteem. She had been hurt, and she didn't want to give him that opportunity. She was sometimes mean to her sister and dad, but she was severely depressed. God, my heart broke so much for both her and Darcy. You want to shake some sense into both of them, but at the same time, you feel their pain. This story was just so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time!
There were so many surprise twists along the way! There were a few times I definitely gasped while reading! Wickham was a real dirt bag. Lady Catherine didn't play a real significant role, but was still involved. The character Miss Marsten was one of those characters who was more of a shade of grey, and I love those characters.
I guess overall this book just spoke to me in many ways. Elizabeth's feelings of utter defeat, Darcy's resistance to love in an attempt to never be hurt, the feeling that you may never experience the love you need and require. I just adored this variation.
What I wasn't so fond of: Umm...uhh...hmmm...well there's a few spelling mistakes. That's all I got.
Highly recommended, and I will read again!
In this variation Darcy and Elizabeth do briefly meet five years previously. Elizabeth helps Georgiana, and though they only have a brief discourse Elizabeth and Darcy make a deep impression on each other. 15-year-old Elizabeth allows herself to have fantasies of the handsome and wonderful Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy finds her exuberance and love of life heartwarming.
About a week later Elizabeth is involved in a carriage accident, which unfortunately gives her a limp. The excited, happy, and exuberant Elizabeth loses hope and as she sees men of her acquaintance become embarrassed of her, she becomes a shell. Her depression is deep, and it pains me to read (but it is wonderfully written). Jane and her father no longer know how to talk to her or handle her. She hasn't left the house in six months for even a simple walk!
Darcy's life on the other hand takes him down another path. He learns how to become a very successful estate owner, but he has completely closed his heart. After bearing his father's devastation after his wife's death, Darcy vows never to fall in love. Instead he spends his time courting women that he has no real emotional attachment to.
The pair's paths ultimately pass again as Mr. Darcy comes to stay with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth is persuaded to go to the Meryton Assembley, and instead of cutting remarks and a horrible first impression, their first meeting is much more complex.
What I loved: What I loved most is something that's just been making me so angry in other books! Other books make Elizabeth so cruel and mean to Darcy. In P&P Elizabeth has reasons to be upset with Darcy, but she doesn't take it too far, and she doesn't keep hating him when misconceptions are cleared! Anyway - there was nothing like that in here. The only time Elizabeth was perhaps a little rude was when she was being very self-guarded and was suffering from horrible self-esteem. She had been hurt, and she didn't want to give him that opportunity. She was sometimes mean to her sister and dad, but she was severely depressed. God, my heart broke so much for both her and Darcy. You want to shake some sense into both of them, but at the same time, you feel their pain. This story was just so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time!
There were so many surprise twists along the way! There were a few times I definitely gasped while reading! Wickham was a real dirt bag. Lady Catherine didn't play a real significant role, but was still involved. The character Miss Marsten was one of those characters who was more of a shade of grey, and I love those characters.
I guess overall this book just spoke to me in many ways. Elizabeth's feelings of utter defeat, Darcy's resistance to love in an attempt to never be hurt, the feeling that you may never experience the love you need and require. I just adored this variation.
What I wasn't so fond of: Umm...uhh...hmmm...well there's a few spelling mistakes. That's all I got.
Highly recommended, and I will read again!
October 25, 2015
The Last Waltz:...another pride and prejudice journey of love
An enjoyable story about Elizabeth and Darcy. The story opens with Mrs. Gardiner, Jane, and Elizabeth attending the memorial service for elder Mr. Darcy in London. During the service, Georgiana's sadness turn to uncontrollable sobs. Running from Darcy's side as she nears the back of the church, she stumbles and is caught by Elizabeth. Darcy is drawn to fifteen year old Elizabeth for her kindness and her bright eyes, but he has sworn he will never marry for love because of how his mother's death caused his father so much grief that everything at Pemberley was ignored. Jane and Elizabeth attend a ball in London with the Gardiners. The Gardiners stay to help clean the church that the ball was held, sending the girls home in the carriage. The unthinkable happens when fast moving carriage causes their carriage to flip over. Jane survives with little damage, but Elizabeth was not so lucky. All the confidence, wit, smiles, and laughter have disappeared. She doesn't walk the countryside, ride anymore, dance, or goes to any social gatherings. Fast forward five years when Bingley arrives at Netherfield with his friend from London. Going to the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth encounters Darcy. When his eyes meet her eyes, they recognize one another. As much as she's fantasize about him, she hopes he doesn't approach her. When she refuses to dance with him, he is upset. Mr. Bennet knowing that she was drawn to the young man, asks to speak with him. Darcy agrees with Mr. Bennet's plan to help Elizabeth. They both respond to each other, but Elizabeth has no hope when he leaves for London. Darcy returns to his "perfect" match, Miss Alyssa Marston. A marriage of convenience is what awaits him with Miss Marston, but he would not love her because he saw what love did to his father. Unbeknownst to Darcy, his perfect match was unfaithful to him. When he finds out and with whom she has been unfaithful, Darcy leaves her to her own misery. Regardless of what variation you read, misunderstandings keep these two apart. She thinks he's married to Miss Marston, and he thinks she's married Mr. Collins. Colonel Fitzwilliam opens his mouth once again, but not about Jane and Bingley, but about his relief leaving Netherfield. Elizabeth refused his proposal, because he mentioned nothing of love. The plot thickens as time marches on. The story continues with a kidnapping and murder, but happiness for Elizabeth and Darcy.
An enjoyable story about Elizabeth and Darcy. The story opens with Mrs. Gardiner, Jane, and Elizabeth attending the memorial service for elder Mr. Darcy in London. During the service, Georgiana's sadness turn to uncontrollable sobs. Running from Darcy's side as she nears the back of the church, she stumbles and is caught by Elizabeth. Darcy is drawn to fifteen year old Elizabeth for her kindness and her bright eyes, but he has sworn he will never marry for love because of how his mother's death caused his father so much grief that everything at Pemberley was ignored. Jane and Elizabeth attend a ball in London with the Gardiners. The Gardiners stay to help clean the church that the ball was held, sending the girls home in the carriage. The unthinkable happens when fast moving carriage causes their carriage to flip over. Jane survives with little damage, but Elizabeth was not so lucky. All the confidence, wit, smiles, and laughter have disappeared. She doesn't walk the countryside, ride anymore, dance, or goes to any social gatherings. Fast forward five years when Bingley arrives at Netherfield with his friend from London. Going to the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth encounters Darcy. When his eyes meet her eyes, they recognize one another. As much as she's fantasize about him, she hopes he doesn't approach her. When she refuses to dance with him, he is upset. Mr. Bennet knowing that she was drawn to the young man, asks to speak with him. Darcy agrees with Mr. Bennet's plan to help Elizabeth. They both respond to each other, but Elizabeth has no hope when he leaves for London. Darcy returns to his "perfect" match, Miss Alyssa Marston. A marriage of convenience is what awaits him with Miss Marston, but he would not love her because he saw what love did to his father. Unbeknownst to Darcy, his perfect match was unfaithful to him. When he finds out and with whom she has been unfaithful, Darcy leaves her to her own misery. Regardless of what variation you read, misunderstandings keep these two apart. She thinks he's married to Miss Marston, and he thinks she's married Mr. Collins. Colonel Fitzwilliam opens his mouth once again, but not about Jane and Bingley, but about his relief leaving Netherfield. Elizabeth refused his proposal, because he mentioned nothing of love. The plot thickens as time marches on. The story continues with a kidnapping and murder, but happiness for Elizabeth and Darcy.
March 20, 2016
THE LAST WALTZ by Pat Santarsiero
This story starts six years before canon P&P. Darcy and Elizabeth briefly meet at a memorial service for his late father in London. Life is good for Elizabeth at that time. Whilst staying with her Aunt and Uncle, she and Jane attend their first assembly in London. Shortly after this, tragedy strikes and life is never the same for Elizabeth again. Fast forward six years and Darcy is contemplating marriage to someone who isn't Elizabeth! Whilst thinking it over, he goes to Hertfordshire with Bingley and to the Meryton Assembly we all know so well. Darcy and Elizabeth meet again but under somewhat different circumstances to canon.
I don't write long or 'spoilery' reviews but as always, the path to true love still refuses to run smoothly for Darcy and Elizabeth on the way to their HEA. There's no explicit sexual content, though there are several quite passionate love scenes, so I can recommend this book for all audiences.
I really enjoyed this book, despite like others, having a few queries about some historical details. It certainly had a different wrinkle to the circumstances. Definitely one to read if you haven't already.
This story starts six years before canon P&P. Darcy and Elizabeth briefly meet at a memorial service for his late father in London. Life is good for Elizabeth at that time. Whilst staying with her Aunt and Uncle, she and Jane attend their first assembly in London. Shortly after this, tragedy strikes and life is never the same for Elizabeth again. Fast forward six years and Darcy is contemplating marriage to someone who isn't Elizabeth! Whilst thinking it over, he goes to Hertfordshire with Bingley and to the Meryton Assembly we all know so well. Darcy and Elizabeth meet again but under somewhat different circumstances to canon.
I don't write long or 'spoilery' reviews but as always, the path to true love still refuses to run smoothly for Darcy and Elizabeth on the way to their HEA. There's no explicit sexual content, though there are several quite passionate love scenes, so I can recommend this book for all audiences.
I really enjoyed this book, despite like others, having a few queries about some historical details. It certainly had a different wrinkle to the circumstances. Definitely one to read if you haven't already.
October 10, 2015
No no no recency England was not like this
We could get seriously drunk with a "historical error drinking game". No, Mr Bennett would not ask another gentleman to pretend to court his daughter. No, this is the wrong era for a waltz. No, the waltz did not receive acceptance Prior to the Napoleonic wars. Nonononono
We could get seriously drunk with a "historical error drinking game". No, Mr Bennett would not ask another gentleman to pretend to court his daughter. No, this is the wrong era for a waltz. No, the waltz did not receive acceptance Prior to the Napoleonic wars. Nonononono
February 26, 2016
This is more like 3.5 stars, but I rounded up because the things I liked ultimately outweighed the the things that were mildly off putting.
There was a severe overuse of ellipses, even in the book title itself, and also some strange uses of italics in dialogue that seemed to emphasize words oddly. There were a few places where the story skipped more time than felt natural, particularly after Elizabeth left Lambton to return to Longbourn--the transition was so abrupt that I had to reread to make sure I hadn't missed anything. And some of the liberties that Darcy takes with Elizabeth seemed out of character and were hard for me to stomach.
Even given all of that, though, I enjoyed this story a great deal. I was intrigued by this version of Elizabeth with somewhat crushed spirits, and it made for a partial role reversal with Darcy being the one to draw her out. I do find it rather far-fetched how it came about in the first place, but the concept made that worth overlooking. I enjoyed how many of the situations and conversations from the original still took place, but with alterations. I especially loved the change to her conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam that originally revealed Darcy's separation of Jane and Bingley. I wish Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana had gotten some more development (it felt already fully formed before it came onscreen), but it was nice to see anyway.
Overall a nice story that I would recommend.
There was a severe overuse of ellipses, even in the book title itself, and also some strange uses of italics in dialogue that seemed to emphasize words oddly. There were a few places where the story skipped more time than felt natural, particularly after Elizabeth left Lambton to return to Longbourn--the transition was so abrupt that I had to reread to make sure I hadn't missed anything. And some of the liberties that Darcy takes with Elizabeth seemed out of character and were hard for me to stomach.
Even given all of that, though, I enjoyed this story a great deal. I was intrigued by this version of Elizabeth with somewhat crushed spirits, and it made for a partial role reversal with Darcy being the one to draw her out. I do find it rather far-fetched how it came about in the first place, but the concept made that worth overlooking. I enjoyed how many of the situations and conversations from the original still took place, but with alterations. I especially loved the change to her conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam that originally revealed Darcy's separation of Jane and Bingley. I wish Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana had gotten some more development (it felt already fully formed before it came onscreen), but it was nice to see anyway.
Overall a nice story that I would recommend.
May 7, 2020
Could not keep reading it. DNF at ~15%
It was just very off and I lost count at the number cringe worthy moments.... all within only the first 15% if the book.
So Elizabeth goes to London 5 years before, meets Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy at the funeral of Darcy’s dad. For all of 5 MINUTES ONLY SHE MEETS MR. DARCY. Yet she thinks of him for 5 whole years!?
And she gets into a carriage accident that left her with a leg injury that required two operations over a 4 year span. When after the 2nd operation she still has a limb and cannot walk well, she stops going to social events, stops dancing, won’t go out anymore, lost all her liveliness.... honestly it feels like the OPPOSITE of how Elizabeth would handle this. Elizabeth would have found a way to NOT let this bring her down and be resilient.... not turn into the empty shell of the character she has become.
Then she sees Mr. Darcy at the Meryton Assembly when her father forced her to attend this time.
But Mr. Bennet is not satisfied as she did not participate or engage in the event. So what does he do? He meets with Mr. Darcy, tells him of the Elizabeths inhury and that she feels she is not worthy of a gentleman’s attention, TELLS DARCY THAT ELIZABETH ONCE SPOKE OF HIM 5 YEARS PRIOR, and them asks Darcy to practically fake court his daughter to show her that she can be loved still...
First, no way would Mr. Bennet ask Mr. Darcy to pretend to court/befriend his daughter to bring up her spirits.
What on earth....
It was just very off and I lost count at the number cringe worthy moments.... all within only the first 15% if the book.
So Elizabeth goes to London 5 years before, meets Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy at the funeral of Darcy’s dad. For all of 5 MINUTES ONLY SHE MEETS MR. DARCY. Yet she thinks of him for 5 whole years!?
And she gets into a carriage accident that left her with a leg injury that required two operations over a 4 year span. When after the 2nd operation she still has a limb and cannot walk well, she stops going to social events, stops dancing, won’t go out anymore, lost all her liveliness.... honestly it feels like the OPPOSITE of how Elizabeth would handle this. Elizabeth would have found a way to NOT let this bring her down and be resilient.... not turn into the empty shell of the character she has become.
Then she sees Mr. Darcy at the Meryton Assembly when her father forced her to attend this time.
But Mr. Bennet is not satisfied as she did not participate or engage in the event. So what does he do? He meets with Mr. Darcy, tells him of the Elizabeths inhury and that she feels she is not worthy of a gentleman’s attention, TELLS DARCY THAT ELIZABETH ONCE SPOKE OF HIM 5 YEARS PRIOR, and them asks Darcy to practically fake court his daughter to show her that she can be loved still...
First, no way would Mr. Bennet ask Mr. Darcy to pretend to court/befriend his daughter to bring up her spirits.
What on earth....
November 29, 2015
I don't want to start out this review by being negative but I have to get this off my chest. I really think that the author should have done some research into the Regency era. It bothers me that Darcy compromised Lizzy a bunch of times in this book and should have offered for her hand way before he did. But towards the end of the book he was concerned that with Wickham kidnapping Lizzy that she would be considered compromised no matter what. He really should have thought the numerous times he put her in a compromising situation and thought nothing about it. Seriously! And why does Georgiana almost always end up with Colonel Fitzwilliam? Nope, that's disgusting to me. Why would you want to marry someone who is closely related to you? Oh and the Waltz was considered a scandalous dance back then. Add to the fact that it wasn't introduced to Britain until the year 1813 and this book takes place mainly in 1811 well you can see the problem right? Plus most engagements didn't last almost a whole year before a couple wed if they were affluent. I need to stop.
Okay, enough ranting. While obviously I did find things wrong with this book strangely enough it was rather addicting. I mean I only started it last night and I have already finished it.
Okay, enough ranting. While obviously I did find things wrong with this book strangely enough it was rather addicting. I mean I only started it last night and I have already finished it.
October 14, 2015
Long way to waltz
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was a roller coaster of really liking the story and being annoyed. There is a lot of misunderstanding,but at times it seemed a bit much. In this alternative Darcy meets Elizabeth much earlier. It is at the death of mr Darcy. Elizabeth is only 15. Anyway it's only a brief meeting and they don't meet again till Bingley lets Netherfield. Prior to this years earlier Elizabeth was in a carriage accident and was hurt badly and as a result has a limp. This changes things in that she lacks confidence and she has a lower self esteem.
I feel this story could of been so much better it definitely has potential. Also the style of the writing was not in the style of the period. It is most definitely not cannon.
To sum it up, I did enjoy this book but.....
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was a roller coaster of really liking the story and being annoyed. There is a lot of misunderstanding,but at times it seemed a bit much. In this alternative Darcy meets Elizabeth much earlier. It is at the death of mr Darcy. Elizabeth is only 15. Anyway it's only a brief meeting and they don't meet again till Bingley lets Netherfield. Prior to this years earlier Elizabeth was in a carriage accident and was hurt badly and as a result has a limp. This changes things in that she lacks confidence and she has a lower self esteem.
I feel this story could of been so much better it definitely has potential. Also the style of the writing was not in the style of the period. It is most definitely not cannon.
To sum it up, I did enjoy this book but.....
April 9, 2016
Elizabeth meets Darcy abd Georgiana when she is 15 at a memorial for their father and her kindness makes an impression on them both. But within a week an accident changes her life. Darcy's reaction to how the death of his mother affected his father has changed him as well, resulting in our two main characters being quite different, but as the story progresses these differences seem to be what draws them together, and draw out what both have hidden inside.
June 28, 2023
There are many inaccuracies in this - historically, socially, geographically, even practically. Plus Americanisms in the language. These are jarring but the story is still enjoyable if you can ignore them, very much so until Lambton. Then I felt there was a huge jump in time, unnecessary conflict between ODC, a lot of back and forth on scene timelines, and not enough detail. I found the ending unsatisfying - it felt rushed.
December 17, 2019
3.5 rounded up. This was an enjoyable book with a sweet love story between our couple as they try to overcome the usual obstacles as well as some new ones. The story was well written and well developed.
January 6, 2016
I loved it. It was a good thing I was a bit under the weather yesterday so I could keep reading.
March 5, 2016
Life shook them...
Each of them lost something vital, together they got it back.
Enchanting story, worth your money and your time.
Lovely!!
Each of them lost something vital, together they got it back.
Enchanting story, worth your money and your time.
Lovely!!
January 6, 2019
This has been on my mile-long wish list for as long as the book has been in publication. And I wanted to read it based on Pat Santasiero's previous book: Thursday's Child, which is so full of angst and yet so beautiful. I think readers who rejected that book based on the subject matter have been exposed to so many very angsty plots since then that Thursday's Child won't trouble them nearly as much as they think it will.
But this book is wonderful, and talk about angst. Elizabeth's scars and infirmity have winnowed her spirit down to a mere shadow of her previous self. The sadness of this is real and understood from the beginning. She has fought and struggled to overcome the results of the accident and following operations and their recovery valiantly. But she's told she can expect no more progress. It's heart wrenching to watch her, Jane and Mr. Bennet deal with this outcome where she's just given up.
Darcy who shows up in Hertfordshire to visit Bingley and distance himself from town and his courting of a lady who looks perfect, but he can't make up his mind about. In this the premise that he doesn't want anything to do with love runs a little thin. With her he wants to feel desire before marrying her. And then as his 'friendship' with Elizabeth grows and grows he continues to claim he won't marry for love and has none to give. So what's a girl whose young dreams and fantasies are coming true as he basically courts her to think? 'He won't have her because of her limp. She's not perfect.'
Our favorite characters to love and hate are there. Caroline is perfectly nasty, conniving, and takes snide, derogative, and heartless comments to Elizabeth to heights that are pretty thin of air. Wickham is about as evil as possible and happily meets a satisfying end. Georgianna and Col. Fitzwilliam have their parts to play, Georgie's being her sweet self, friend and corespondent to Elizabeth and helpful to her brother and cousin later. The Colonel has some serious shoe leather to remove from his mouth. But he gets to help later in the book. Not as much as he'd wanted to. But it's all part of the plot.
I loved it, I will want to reread it. And now I want to reread Thursday's Child.
But this book is wonderful, and talk about angst. Elizabeth's scars and infirmity have winnowed her spirit down to a mere shadow of her previous self. The sadness of this is real and understood from the beginning. She has fought and struggled to overcome the results of the accident and following operations and their recovery valiantly. But she's told she can expect no more progress. It's heart wrenching to watch her, Jane and Mr. Bennet deal with this outcome where she's just given up.
Darcy who shows up in Hertfordshire to visit Bingley and distance himself from town and his courting of a lady who looks perfect, but he can't make up his mind about. In this the premise that he doesn't want anything to do with love runs a little thin. With her he wants to feel desire before marrying her. And then as his 'friendship' with Elizabeth grows and grows he continues to claim he won't marry for love and has none to give. So what's a girl whose young dreams and fantasies are coming true as he basically courts her to think? 'He won't have her because of her limp. She's not perfect.'
Our favorite characters to love and hate are there. Caroline is perfectly nasty, conniving, and takes snide, derogative, and heartless comments to Elizabeth to heights that are pretty thin of air. Wickham is about as evil as possible and happily meets a satisfying end. Georgianna and Col. Fitzwilliam have their parts to play, Georgie's being her sweet self, friend and corespondent to Elizabeth and helpful to her brother and cousin later. The Colonel has some serious shoe leather to remove from his mouth. But he gets to help later in the book. Not as much as he'd wanted to. But it's all part of the plot.
I loved it, I will want to reread it. And now I want to reread Thursday's Child.
December 29, 2017
This was a lovely book. It was one of those stay-up-all-night-until-I'm-finished-with-the-book books. The pacing was excellent. I felt that I was just being swept along in the story. The author does a fine job of describing things so you can see what she's writing, but not so descriptive as to bog down the writing.
Lizzie and Darcy meet shortly after his father dies and she's just a young teenager. She's full of life and exuberance. Darcy was drawn to that. They went their separate ways. A tragic accident changes Lizzie's life, as well as her outlook on life. I really appreciated how the author described Lizzie before and after the accident. I really got a feel for how Lizzie would never look at things the same way again.
Darcy knew what was expected of him, and was moving toward a Ton marriage, not believing in such a thing as love. When he and Lizzie encounter one another again, I could feel his turmoil.
Wickham was in this story more than I would have liked, but I LOVE how Lizzie was not taken in by him at all. I've always thought she was smarter than to be fooled by him.
The changes in both Darcy and Lizzie throughout the book were wonderful, and everything happening seemed to make perfect sense.
I have some other P&P variations to read. I only wish I had saved this one for last!
Lizzie and Darcy meet shortly after his father dies and she's just a young teenager. She's full of life and exuberance. Darcy was drawn to that. They went their separate ways. A tragic accident changes Lizzie's life, as well as her outlook on life. I really appreciated how the author described Lizzie before and after the accident. I really got a feel for how Lizzie would never look at things the same way again.
Darcy knew what was expected of him, and was moving toward a Ton marriage, not believing in such a thing as love. When he and Lizzie encounter one another again, I could feel his turmoil.
Wickham was in this story more than I would have liked, but I LOVE how Lizzie was not taken in by him at all. I've always thought she was smarter than to be fooled by him.
The changes in both Darcy and Lizzie throughout the book were wonderful, and everything happening seemed to make perfect sense.
I have some other P&P variations to read. I only wish I had saved this one for last!
February 2, 2021
Emotional interesting moving
What an inspirational and emotional story on never giving up on love. Darcy and Elizabeth had a lot more difficulties, but found away to each other. Darcy meet Elizabeth early in life, but because of his thoughts never wanted to live someone else. Elizabeth danced with Darcy in her younger years, but because of circumstances have up on life. Wickham is a lot worse and despicable. Love Georgina's love interest. Terrific ending. Highly recommended for all to read.
What an inspirational and emotional story on never giving up on love. Darcy and Elizabeth had a lot more difficulties, but found away to each other. Darcy meet Elizabeth early in life, but because of his thoughts never wanted to live someone else. Elizabeth danced with Darcy in her younger years, but because of circumstances have up on life. Wickham is a lot worse and despicable. Love Georgina's love interest. Terrific ending. Highly recommended for all to read.
August 8, 2023
A wonderful read
An interesting take on the Elizabeth and Darcy romance. It starts years before with a meeting of ODC and a tragic accident that leaves the formerly exuberant Elizabeth with a limp and loss heart breaking loss of confidence. Bingley and Darcy appear at Netherfield and a concerned father making an unusual request. Usual cast, with a few extras. There are of course, misunderstandings and Wickham is more a villan than a rake. Would enjoy hearing on audible. Stephanie Zimmerman please!
An interesting take on the Elizabeth and Darcy romance. It starts years before with a meeting of ODC and a tragic accident that leaves the formerly exuberant Elizabeth with a limp and loss heart breaking loss of confidence. Bingley and Darcy appear at Netherfield and a concerned father making an unusual request. Usual cast, with a few extras. There are of course, misunderstandings and Wickham is more a villan than a rake. Would enjoy hearing on audible. Stephanie Zimmerman please!
October 17, 2021
Oh my! What a story! Have you read a book in which even though you want to know what happens next, you don't want the story to move because it might end ? This is such a book. I loved this Elizabeth with her insecurities and vulnerability. And Darcy! I couldn't decide whether to hit him over the head or give him a hug. Lovely writing without any slumps in the rendering. It's a pity the author only wrote just two books. I would love to read many more by her.
January 15, 2023
Very entertaining
Another excellent variation by this author. Her lengthy books are well written with a developed storyline for the main characters and underlying sub- characters and storyline. There is no rush to finish as some authors insist on a specific number of words. Even the villain got what was coming to him. Caroline Bingley wasn't overly written, which was a relief. Very nicely done. Enjoy.
Another excellent variation by this author. Her lengthy books are well written with a developed storyline for the main characters and underlying sub- characters and storyline. There is no rush to finish as some authors insist on a specific number of words. Even the villain got what was coming to him. Caroline Bingley wasn't overly written, which was a relief. Very nicely done. Enjoy.
April 12, 2025
Elizabeth has been injured in a carriage accident and has avoided social gatherings ever since, because she can't bear people's pity. She has a crush on Darcy and Darcy seems to have some interest in her but she feels like she's not worthy of him because of her limp, and he's said some stupid things about not wanting to marry for love. He's got a ton woman that he is interested in (who never seems to be chaperoned in any way), and Wickham meddles.
I enjoyed it
I enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews