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One More Chance

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Pride and Prejudice variation.
What if Elizabeth Bennet had been given opportunity to prolong her stay in Derbyshire at the friends' house for several months? Having Darcy as her close neighbour can she fall in love with him? Will she be able to look over her own prejudice and apprehension, and see a worthy man who loves, and desires her?

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

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59 people want to read

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Ola Wegner

32 books47 followers

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5 stars
49 (19%)
4 stars
84 (33%)
3 stars
98 (38%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
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7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,708 reviews207 followers
March 9, 2019
Having read this story as a Work in Progress I was pleased to see it also available on kindle Unlimited. Upon reading Claudine's review on her blog Just Jane 1813, I decided to pull up the story and skim through it so that I could have it fresh in my mind. (Reading the chapters as postings days apart and between other reading activity might blur the events in a book for me.)

It was enjoyable reading the many diary entries Darcy posts beginning with his trip to Hertfordshire with Bingley. We read of his first opinions concerning Elizabeth, her sisters, her parents and the relationship between Bingley and Jane. All goes much as in canon but then we read of their renewal of their acquaintance at Rosings and Hunsford. And here things occur in a slightly different manner. Lady Catherine insists that the Hunsford party stay overnight due to the bad turn in the weather. And when she hears groans in the night Elizabeth arises to determine who is suffering and if she can be of help. Well, of course, Darcy comes upon her and insists that she allow him to escort her back to her bedroom...but as they are at her door, about to part he cannot resist...and the next day he claims compromise. BUT Elizabeth has a few choice words to say about this. THAT letter is delivered into her hands the next day but she refuses to read it and they soon part company.

Then the trip with the Gardiners comes about but here again plans change. They visit in Forney Lodge near Lambton with Aunt Gardiner's childhood friend, who is lonely as her sons are at school and her husband is gone with his business daily. So when the Gardiners depart Elizabeth is invited to stay: a chance for her to have more leisure time away from her family and a chance for Mrs. Forney to have some pleasant company.

The Forney Lodge is situated near the border of Pemberley property so you can imagine that Elizabeth might come into the company of that property's owner again. Here the story evolves with mixed emotions for Elizabeth and determination for Darcy. As he says, “However, I do believe that I was given one more chance to regain her favour and that I may be successful in my quest. Am I correct?” She smiled. “Perhaps.”

This was another interesting and sweet variation about the courtship of our dear couple. Oh, there are some subplots: Wickham has a different destiny here as well as having his character exposed sooner than in canon and Lady Catherine is shown to have no scruples in her dealings and maneuverings concerning her daughter and the estate of Rosings. Plus we are allowed some further pleasure with an epilogue.

This is another recommendation I can join in bringing to the JAFF community's attention. I am sure you will enjoy it as I did. (There is one scene which is for a more mature audience.)

3/8/19: I reread this story today.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,689 reviews84 followers
January 9, 2016
I usually enjoy Ola Wegner's books, and this was no exception. There's a nice balance between angst, romance and new twists on the familiar Pride and Prejudice story.

In this case, Elizabeth has extended time in Kent after refusing Darcy's proposal and actually spends a night at Rosings, where she and Darcy accidentally encounter each other alone late at night. At this point, she has not read his letter, assuming it would only be more insults. He impulsively kisses her, and she continues to reject his advances. Upon returning to Longbourn, Jane encourages her to finally see what Darcy's letter has to say, and Elizabeth is appalled at her own shortsightedness regarding his character.

Subsequently, Elizabeth also has extended time in Lambton, staying at the home of good friends of the Gardiners, Mr. and Mrs Forney. This provides the opportunity for repeated interactions with both Darcy and Georgiana as well as Anne de Bough, who has left Rosings.

It turns out Wickham is in the neighborhood, and that storyline progresses much differently than I expected. Anne de Bough's story is also different than canon.

I felt that all the characters were reasonably consistent with Jane Austen's and given believable motivation for their actions. The writing is very good with minimal editing errors that I noticed. I was entertained and enjoyed the progression of the romance here. Good book!
Profile Image for Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813.
182 reviews9 followers
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February 15, 2016
Can Elizabeth allow Darcy to have another chance to prove his love to her?

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review of this book.

Reading new JAFF authors is always an experience I cherish because I admire the way another writer approaches Austen’s work to create a story that is truly their own. I also love finding a new JAFF author to follow and one that I will look forward to reading more books by in the future. Even though Ola Wegner has written several JAFF books, this was the first one I have read by her. After reading “One More Chance” in one sitting, I am pleased I gave this author a chance to impress me with her very sweet and emotional journey that she created in this story between Darcy and Elizabeth.

As we begin this story, we are privy to reading the journal entries of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Amongst these pages, we read his private, intimate musings as he describes his unpredictable, yet growing attraction for the young, country miss named Elizabeth Bennet. These entries, written during his first stay at Netherfield, were such a great lead into this story, because while we are often made aware of Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth in many JAFF books, reading these journal entries felt a bit more up close and personal, since they almost read like they were personal letters. Oh, how he struggled with his feelings in this part of the story!

Following canon, Darcy and Elizabeth meet again in Kent, where Elizabeth is staying with the Collinses and Darcy is with Colonel Fitzwilliam, visiting his family at Rosings Park. Once again, struggling to gain control over his feelings towards Elizabeth, Darcy convinces himself to deliver his ill-fated proposal of marriage to Elizabeth, and just like in Austen’s book, he is turned down by Elizabeth, which leaves him quite upset and frustrated. This time, however, both of them remain in Kent and find themselves, once again, in each other’s company. Can Darcy manage to redeem himself in Elizabeth’s eyes, or will he continue to allow his overwhelming feelings for Elizabeth to overrule his good sense? Before leaving Rosings, they take part, once again, in a tumultuous conversation, where Darcy tells Elizabeth, “We shall marry.” Never one to be willfully controlled by another, she tells him that not only will she not marry him, she hasn’t even read the letter he gave her… Good-bye, Mr. Darcy!

Once they return to their own homes, cooler heads seem to prevail, as Darcy and Elizabeth reconsider their actions in Kent. After spending time away from each other, they reflect upon their relationship and start to head towards their own separate futures. For Elizabeth, this means taking a trip during the summer with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, where they eventually wind up Derbyshire. During this time, Lydia also goes away, traveling to Brighton as the guest of Colonel Foster and his wife, while Jane remains at Longbourn with her

Once in Derbyshire and visiting with Mrs. Gardiner’s friends, Elizabeth finds herself enchanted with this breathtaking county and its picturesque landscapes. After Mrs. Gardiner decides to return home, Elizabeth chooses to stay with Mrs. Gardiner’s friend and deepen their own friendship. This doesn’t mean she winds up visiting Pemberley and becoming reacquainted with Darcy again, does it?

I really enjoyed the way both Darcy and Elizabeth struggled to redeem themselves in each other’s eyes. While they were both confident and strong individuals, they both also showed a certain vulnerability towards each other that added to the story’s tender and loving tone. Having Elizabeth stay in Derbyshire allowed their relationship to continue to develop in a gradual manner. Yet, they still faced obstacles and misunderstandings that keep them apart from each other. As they unraveled their misunderstandings with each other, the path to their future seemed to become clearer. Could Elizabeth’s feelings ever grow into the type of love that Darcy yearns for and will they be able to establish a love built on trust, hope and shared intimacies?

Throughout the story, there were a few subplots that added interest to the overall story. However, the storyline involving Anne de Bourgh and her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was just a bit too cruel for me to enjoy in this book. I thought the relationship Anne had with her cousins and her role in their lives was well done, but I usually don’t enjoy when Lady Catherine’s actions are truly evil towards her own daughter.

I enjoyed the journal entries throughout this book and how these entries were interwoven throughout the text to bring an additional point of view into the story. The letters exchanged between the characters was also a nice touch, as I believe this decision allows a variation to feel a bit truer to canon. The inclusion of letters was a keystone in Austen’s own work, as they played an important role in developing the structure of Austen’s texts. Austen knew the value of conveying key elements of her plot through letter writing and how her character’s letters could be included within a story to clear up misconceptions and reveal a person’s true nature.

“One More Chance” was a variation that played well upon many parts of Austen’s own story, yet it was infused with enough of its own originality to feel like its own story. With the exception of Lady Catherine, I felt the characters were amiable, especially the characters of Darcy and Elizabeth. The book also contained a lot of interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, which I typically prefer when I read a variation.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews141 followers
August 20, 2017
“Having a second chance makes you want to work even harder.” Tia Mowry

I was really surprised in this book. I didn’t expect to like it as well as I did. Editing problems aside… I really liked the new characters in Derbyshire. This side road to canon was a good journey toward the HEA [happy-ever-after] for ODC [our dear couple].

Of course, we have the stubborn Elizabeth exacting her will and getting herself into trouble. She was determined to walk five-miles when the Darcy carriage was being sent to escort her. So, she takes off walking and gets lost in the woods… in the fog. However, it does set up that hero moment we all love.

We have a desolate Wickham who inserts himself into the story-line and causes problems. Darcy to the rescue. Things happen rather quickly as we are given a glimpse into the thinking process of Wickham… I felt dirty afterwards.

After the disastrous Hunsford proposal, Lizzy did not read Darcy’s letter right away. She read it much later when she was with Jane… and aloud. Now Jane knows of Darcy’s influence on Bingley, and on Bingley’s allowing himself to be influenced by others.

Lydia is Lydia… she goes to Brighton with the militia. She disgraced herself and the Colonel sent her back home. Wickham had already left the militia while they were still in Meryton… before she even went to Brighton. His creditors were after him, his debts of honor had piled up and more than one father was looking for him. So… he skipped town. I don’t know if the author realized this was a hanging offense, because not much attention was given to it. This was a time of war and if a soldier was AWOL [absent-without-leave], they would hang him when he was found.

Rating: PG-17, the sensual scenes were not graphic, but extremely steamy. The language was suggestive and I didn’t appreciate it one bit. The fact it was prior to their wedding was unacceptable. I thought it totally unnecessary to the story. It was just thrown in and I don’t think it was needed at all. The fact she was trying to resist and he just kept on… was distasteful to me. It was not romantic one bit. Earlier in the story he kissed her in Kent and she slapped him for the advances. Gawd, she considered herself compromised. Now… he practically undresses her in his study. Good grief…
Profile Image for Anna Fitzwilliam.
230 reviews27 followers
July 21, 2017
Despite some inconsistencies, I really enjoyed this book.

After have read some books of this author, I can say that she is really truthful to her characters. She can write a Darcy and Elizabeth that really look their age and this is very refreshing.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2017
This is a strange P&P retelling that didn't capture my heart. Lizzy is kind of annoying and bitchy. The tale begins the day after Mr. Darcy's disastrous proposal. When he drops off his letter in front of a sleeping Elizabeth she petulantly refuses to read it for weeks and weeks.
When she and Jane finally do she is denied her chance to set down Wickham, as he doesn't come to dinner. A few weeks later the merchants and fathers of Meryton conclude that Wickham is a bad man. Lydia is sent back from Brighton for snogging with Denny but is ultimately safe.

Lizzy goes off with the Gardiners to Lambton, she tours Pemberley without encountering Darcy. She and her aunt are staying with an old friend whose land abuts Pemberley. Eventually she encounters Georgiana and Darcy and Bingley. And when Darcy repeats his proposal she ... rejects him again and says "Can't we just be friends?" OFFS

After she finally agrees to meet him, they anticipate their vows, Darcy's father's favorite horse goes to horsey heaven, he rids the country of Wickham, everyone goes to Meryton for Christmas, Anne deBourgh is rescued from her controlling mother... and they all lived happily ever after ...
Profile Image for Erika.
397 reviews23 followers
February 16, 2016
A cute retelling of P&P with less angst.

To start with I love reading Ms Wegner's stories!!! They are all so different and imaginative that have a way to draw you in. In One More Chance, we start with journal entries from Darcy. I love this aspect, because like most stories, the focus is generally on the heroine, but with these journal entries we get to see what Darcy is thinking and feeling well. The entries catch us up until they are in Kent, after the disaster!!!

I do have to say that I was not a big fan of this Elizabeth, to me she was more cruel then ever. Without the full facts, her own stubborn fault, she continues to misunderstand Darcy. This is why I knocked it to a 4 star instead of 5 star. Though I do have to say that in general I liked this Darcy more than others in the the gazillions of JAFF books I've read. What I did have trouble with in regards to Darcy was that even after the first set down, he seems to still misread Elizabeth, and at times just acted without thought. Though there is one point (Loc 2039) where Elizabeth is being fickle (and a bit of a tease in my eyes), Darcy had enough and he grew distant. I internally cheered for him.

As always, Ms Wegner's story is well written and captivating. I started it this morning and read it through at all my down times today. There is one general scene that is a PG13 rating and it's a bit pre-marital relations, not to worry she was still a virgin at the alter, just some touching (him) and heavy kissing (both). I would recommend this story to all JAFFers.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books161 followers
May 24, 2020
A twist to the Derbyshire visit

Entered at Kent with backstory from their interactions in Meryton through Darcy's diary entries. Twists to Lydia and Mr Wickham was had before Elizabeth's trip with the Gardiners. From then on, the story ventured off canon and was a sweet read but it was halfway through the book before the"interesting" bits occurred.

Worthwhile

Rated: Mature
148 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2017
I totally enjoyed the journey that Ms. Wegner wrote of Darcy and Elizabeth finally understanding and getting to know each other. Along this journey, their were mistakes made on both parties to find true love. However, along this journey, they showed their devotion to their loved ones along with their loyalty.
I thought the plot was different and it made the story interesting. Again, we have Lady Catherine involved to cause problems both Darcy stood his ground and keep his promise to protect his cousin and that did not mean marrying her.
I thought it was a lovely novel to read and most enjoyable.
Profile Image for James S.
1,438 reviews
March 10, 2019
Quite a gentle story

The majority of the book is setting up the circumstances that allow Darcy to win Elizabeth after all his botched attempts. Then the delicate wooing and courting commence.

That doesn’t sound very interesting but it’s well written. Not any horrible deaths or accidents. Not much interference from other characters but still a fun read.

The subplot of Lady Cat and cousin Anne is original and surprising.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for ana darcy.
314 reviews8 followers
May 6, 2019
Pretty ungentlemanly proposal in Kent.
Elisabeth staying longer in Derbyshire helps.
Poor Anne de Bourgh.
Profile Image for Charlene.
474 reviews
April 9, 2016
One more chance

Okay where to begin. Well in this alternative nothing seems the same. Wickham really doesn't play a big role and the chance meeting at Pemberley is missed, only to have Georgianna discover Elizabeth. So Darcy does get one more chance to redeem himself but I really wasn't to crazy for this Darcy. He was pouty, high handed, winney, and just not my Darcy. Plus I'm sorry to say there were a lot of errors. The book needs to be edited a little more. I found it distracting.
Profile Image for Christine.
345 reviews44 followers
June 22, 2016
Goodness me...

Very poor attempt at a P&P variation, which surprised me as this is a very prolific author in this genre. Darcy is a whining bully, Elizabeth is basically an idiot and the whole thing made me feel slightly dirty reading it. Out of curiosity I looked at the reviews for some of the author's other books and they have convinced me that I will not be reading any more of her books as nasty Darcy, unlikeable Lizzy and poorly written and inappropriate sex scenes are just her usual writing style.
3,506 reviews43 followers
August 24, 2023
This story is post Hunsford. When Elizabeth travelled to Derbyshire with the Gardiners she made the acquaintance of a woman who asked her to stay for a while. So she spends a few months in the neighbourhood of Pemberley and eventually meets Miss Darcy during her rambles so Darcy also learns of her residence in the area. He considers this his second chance to win her affections.

The story was okay, a bit bland perhaps. The writing style evoked little emotion in this reader, mostly I just found the characters a bit sulky... Elizabeth didn't want Darcy until she thought that he was going to marry someone else and then she's suddenly so desperate for his love she loses her sense of direction. She made a point that she needed to meet him to tell him something and then repeatedly forgets.
Minor editing issues.
Steam level: Briefly implied activities, further details unavailable.
Profile Image for Lisa.
205 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2019
There are books you wish wouldn't end,

this is not one of them.
It needed better editing. The story was a bit of a mish-mash. The characters from the original, watered down, if acknowledged at all. The author couldn't keep the narrative straight. I'm done places it dragged, others was to quick to get the full intent. When it was finally getting to the engagement and wedding, it was rushed. The actual wedding never took place. Instead, an epilogue taking place two years later. It made little sense to the story, felt tacked on. It's a G rated story. It was not the usual sweet romance of the original either. I will not be reading it again. I'm fact, I will be permanently removing it from my kindle. I don't recommend it.
Profile Image for Lisa  Montgomery.
949 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2018
I wish there was someway to give this book a 3.7 and not a 4, but a 3 is too low for my rating. This story has the old adage of "boy loses girl" and then "boy gets girl." There is a lot packed into this tale, from jealousy to acceptance to Wickham's continued despicable character.
The editing was better than in "Matchmakers," which I read the previous two days, but there were still some distractions that a good Beta reader might fix, i.e., using "Hurts" for "Hurst"; "she could only hope to never again seeing his face"; "He owns hundred of pounds"; "Us women are taught"; "much more lighter," etc.
Profile Image for Lit Reader.
478 reviews35 followers
March 12, 2019
Nicely told, some lovely scenes, some absolutely illogical. Clumsy writting -- clues and details all around that lead to nothing in the story arch, small misunderstandings that serve no purpose, an intimate sex totally disconected from everything before & after, and with the characters. Characters behaving in out of form manner, developing strange traits that are uncomfortable and not matching the plot either...
Profile Image for Susan.
7,330 reviews69 followers
February 11, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth is invited to stay in Derbyshire with friends of the Gardiners after they have returned to London. Though this story does begin at Rosings and Darcys' proposal. The differences to canon with a few of the characters I actually liked a lot.
So overall an enjoyable well-written story.
1,391 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2020
Enjoyable read

I truly love how Elizabeth left Darcy wanting more in the beginning. I enjoyed reading how upset Darcy became, really enjoyed the diary entries. The description of went happened in Derbyshire and beyond was incredible. The ending is surprising, it was sad and happy. Highly recommended to read to all. Great storyline and well written
145 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2020
Enjoyable

Was not sure I wanted to read this book looking at the reviews but it was an enjoyable read and a good variation. Many twists that were believable. Long to see Pemberely for myself if such an estate exists.
Profile Image for Holly.
273 reviews10 followers
July 2, 2018
Quick read

This book is an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. It’s not a great work of literature, but an enjoyable fan fiction story.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,573 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2019
Lovely

A rather sweet, lovely and enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by talented Ola Wegner
Profile Image for Tess.
284 reviews
Read
January 20, 2023
Similar to canon except you get journal entries from Darcy and a weird Catherine poisons Anne subplot
Profile Image for Carol Perrin.
607 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2016
One More Chance

Enjoyed this variation very much. We still have Elizabeth and Darcy misunderstanding each other per normal for these two, including the set down at the Meryton Assembly, Wickham's treachery, and the Hunsford refusal. The letter that Darcy had written explained much to Elizabeth; however, she figured she'd never see him again. Darcy was suffering in the meantime, but he still thought about her a lot. Returning to Pemberley, he keeps thinking that he's seen Elizabeth walking or running across his grounds toward Lambton. Elizabeth walks to the edge of the property by the woods to stare at the beautiful estate. One morning Georgiana comes upon her, and although neither speak much, Georgiana wants to know her. When Elizabeth finally returns to the observation spot, Georgiana this time talks. When she finds out that she is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana is ecstatic. She recognises her name from her brother's letters. Darcy finds out that he was seeing Elizabeth, and when he finds out that she is staying with her Aunt Gardiner's friend, Mrs. Forney, he thinks the Bennets are in financial trouble since she's taken the job of a companion. Finally convinces him that she is a guest of Mrs. Forney through her aunt's relationship with Mrs. Forney. When Elizabeth gets lost in the woods due to the fog, the Forneys as well as Darcy are besides themselves. One of Darcy's men find her and right behind his man was Darcy. So relieved to be found, she cries into Darcy's chest while he held her tightly to him. So relieved to be in his arms, fright did not overtake her went he set her on his horse, because she rode in his arms pulled tightly to his chest. In her mind she knew she was foolish, but was so bothered by the presence of Anne de Bourgh, she was trying to pull Darcy's attention from Anne to her. She realized that she loved him now that it seemed to late. But when she finds out that's not why she is at Pemberley, she knows if he asks her again to marry him, she will not turn him down. Before leaving for Longbourn, they are betrothed. When Darcy, Georgiana, and Anne finally reach Longbourn, the Bennets welcome them in all graciousness. Mrs. Bennet is expecting, hoping for the long awaited heir. When their son Thomas is born, Mrs. Bennet is not much smarter, but a whole lot calmer. Lady Catherine shows up at Netherfield demanding to see her daughter. She is confronted by Darcy, and he tells her that was not going to happen. For Christmas, the Bennets, Bingleys, Gardiners, Hursts, and Forneys are coming for the Holidays. Elizabeth and Darcy decided not to have children right away giving them time together as a couple and time for her to learn how to be Mistress of Pemberley, and after several years, Elizabeth is due to have the heir of Pemberley in the coming year.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bennet.
742 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2016
Ola Wegner has written a few of my favorite P&P variations but this one did not feel up to her normal work. Part is due to the length it's disappointing to sacrifice your execution because you want everything tied up with a neat little bow at the end. I really kept waiting for Wickham to do something...anything. It is all written from both D&E's pov. I liked that. Darcy writes thoughts and feelings in a diary I usually like when they do this but it really just was a way to serve as a flash back of sorts. The beginning follows the same hesitation patterns of the original with some new angles mixed in. I just wish they wouldn't have been kept apart so long and then it's skimmed over with an epilogue two years after they've wed. I was really looking for OW normal fair but her last couple books are'nt what they used to. Moonlighting was one of my favorites. Enjoy!
165 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2016
Sadly disappointing

I was thrilled when I discovered that this author had produced a new book, as I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the others. Sadly I was very disappointed as it is just a slightly different telling of the original P&P. Very few changes have been written and nothing new and exciting happens. I didn't like how Elizabeth virtually changes her character towards the end of the book.
Profile Image for Katherine.
453 reviews39 followers
February 25, 2016
I didn't think that Darcy was quite accurately portrayed in this rendition. He acted without his usual restraint and even behaved "ungentlemanly" towards Elizabeth despite her protests hence my lower rating.
I liked the portrayal of Georgiana in this novel and I found Anne difficult to get to know. I expected more depth to Anne considering the circumstances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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