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Hope Trilogy #1
Hope For Mr. Darcy
Still shaken from his horrible proposal, Elizabeth Bennet falls ill at the Rosings Parsonage upon reading Fitzwilliam Darcy’s letter. In her increasingly delirious state, unfathomable influences inspire her to write an impulsive response. The letter gives Mr. Darcy hope in a way that nothing else could.
As her illness progresses, Darcy is there at her side, crossing boundaries he has never crossed, declaring things he has never declared. A unique experience bridges them over their earlier misunderstandings, and they start to work out their differences. That is, until Elizabeth begins to recover.
Suddenly, Elizabeth is left alone to wonder what exactly occurred between the two of them in her dreamlike state. And for the first time since meeting the man from Pemberley, she finds herself hoping for Mr. Darcy to return and rekindle what once was.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is the first volume of the Hope Series Trilogy, a Regency variation series based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This trilogy promises hope will always light our way through the darkness of unrequited love, but eventually bringing tremendously gratifying outcomes for our three favorite characters: Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana Darcy.
As her illness progresses, Darcy is there at her side, crossing boundaries he has never crossed, declaring things he has never declared. A unique experience bridges them over their earlier misunderstandings, and they start to work out their differences. That is, until Elizabeth begins to recover.
Suddenly, Elizabeth is left alone to wonder what exactly occurred between the two of them in her dreamlike state. And for the first time since meeting the man from Pemberley, she finds herself hoping for Mr. Darcy to return and rekindle what once was.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is the first volume of the Hope Series Trilogy, a Regency variation series based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This trilogy promises hope will always light our way through the darkness of unrequited love, but eventually bringing tremendously gratifying outcomes for our three favorite characters: Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana Darcy.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2016
83 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Jeanna Ellsworth
11 books43 followersJeanna is a mother of three daughters, all of whom are well versed in all things Pride and Prejudice. She most definitely would say they are her best friends. She shares her best and worst days with them and they share theirs with her. She also proudly states she is the eighth of thirteen children. When she isn’t scrapbooking, quilting, or cooking, she is thoroughly ignoring her house for a few hours at a time in order to read yet another fan fiction novel. Somewhere between being a mom, a sister, a cook, and a best friend, she squeezes in three 12 hour shifts a week as a Registered Nurse in a Neurological ICU. She raises chickens, helps her daughter run a rabbitry, and gardens as much as she can. In all her still-under-forty years, she has never claimed to be as happy as she is now. Out of this mindset came a surge of creativity that simply had to be written down. Since she finished Mr. Darcy’s Promise, she has stated several times that she has gained something no one can take away from her; hope for her own Mr. Darcy. More than anything, she hopes to prepare her three best friends to look for their own Mr. Darcy and to settle for nothing less.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 9, 2022
3.5 stars
I realize I am going against the flow here but reviews are a matter of opinion. This one was just not hitting the mark with me. It is the first of three as the title tells us.
While there is no doubt of the author's, Jeanna's, faith, which is evident in her other books also, I found in this book it came across as preaching. For instance: there is a long sermon just before the middle. Then there is much to do about a near-death experience and "walking to or towards the sun or the son (the light in real life versions). Near death experiences do interest me and I have bought and read several true stories in novel form so I am not calling this unrealistic. I just was uncomfortable with it as written in this book.
Yes, Elizabeth has turned Mr. Darcy down and then is given his letter to read but sickens before even returning to the Hunsford parsonage as she walked and read that epistle.
In addition our heroine's reactions to the letter from Mr. Darcy and her sudden reversal of opinion due to a combination of the near death event she was undergoing and of the "voice" of Mr. Darcy calling her back and giving her an admonishment about unfinished business just didn’t sit right in my mind. I’m sorry; I am sure this was a touching passage for many but I have to report on how my feelings responded to the writings. It didn’t pull me in…it didn’t enthrall me. I had to put this book down and delayed getting back into reading it as it just wasn't keeping my interest.
When ODC finally reaches the point when they have reconciled their differences there is much “billing and cooing”. For me it was redundant. I thought it was more of the same, too much “I love you”, “You are my life” “My life is nothing without you” over and over again.
I truly am not against Christian values being written into stories but this version didn’t appeal to me and I am sorry to say that but I must be honest.
We have here a story to be continued and it was NOT a stand-alone novel; there is a mystery to be solved, a friend in need and a wedding to yet come.
I realize I am going against the flow here but reviews are a matter of opinion. This one was just not hitting the mark with me. It is the first of three as the title tells us.
While there is no doubt of the author's, Jeanna's, faith, which is evident in her other books also, I found in this book it came across as preaching. For instance: there is a long sermon just before the middle. Then there is much to do about a near-death experience and "walking to or towards the sun or the son (the light in real life versions). Near death experiences do interest me and I have bought and read several true stories in novel form so I am not calling this unrealistic. I just was uncomfortable with it as written in this book.
Yes, Elizabeth has turned Mr. Darcy down and then is given his letter to read but sickens before even returning to the Hunsford parsonage as she walked and read that epistle.
In addition our heroine's reactions to the letter from Mr. Darcy and her sudden reversal of opinion due to a combination of the near death event she was undergoing and of the "voice" of Mr. Darcy calling her back and giving her an admonishment about unfinished business just didn’t sit right in my mind. I’m sorry; I am sure this was a touching passage for many but I have to report on how my feelings responded to the writings. It didn’t pull me in…it didn’t enthrall me. I had to put this book down and delayed getting back into reading it as it just wasn't keeping my interest.
When ODC finally reaches the point when they have reconciled their differences there is much “billing and cooing”. For me it was redundant. I thought it was more of the same, too much “I love you”, “You are my life” “My life is nothing without you” over and over again.
I truly am not against Christian values being written into stories but this version didn’t appeal to me and I am sorry to say that but I must be honest.
We have here a story to be continued and it was NOT a stand-alone novel; there is a mystery to be solved, a friend in need and a wedding to yet come.
March 4, 2017
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Maya Angelou
I had read about this series on one of the web sites and knew that there would be three in the set. I simply had not decided if I wanted to read it or not when Amazon had a free offer on the first book.
This started like the basic P&P story in Kent, post Hunsford proposal, with Elizabeth reading Darcy’s letter. From that point on, we deviate from canon, when Elizabeth become distraught after reading the letter several times. Meanwhile, Darcy frantically packed in order to leave Rosings the next day.
Elizabeth becoming ill before she could make it back to the parsonage. Mr. Collins was out of town and Mrs. Collins was frantic with worry as she watched the approaching storm. Hours later, Elizabeth managed to make it back to the parsonage; however, she was feverish and delirious as she ranted that she needed to apologize to Mr. Darcy, that she wanted to see him, and she needed to write a letter. Nothing made sense to Mrs. Collins and she sent a servant to Rosings asking for Mr. Darcy and the apothecary. Our dear Colonel managed to convince Darcy to return to the parsonage. What they found was a delirious Elizabeth burning up with fever and talking about walking toward the sun.
Religious connotations: Yes, there was a religious reference to a near-death experience. The reviews have been across the board regarding this section. I personally was not offended, in fact I was fascinated by the depictions of what Elizabeth saw as she walked toward the sun. You can skip over it, but there are people who have had experiences of being somewhere else [whether Heaven or not] while extremely ill. This was not meant to proselytize but to give an account of just how sick Elizabeth really was. There was also a sermon given during a funeral that also spoke of a religious nature. Again, you can skip over it.
I enjoyed the story. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. In fact, I found didn’t want to put it down. There were also several story threads that will be picked up in the following books.
There were romantic places that will rip your heart out and places where you will roll your eyes. It is a hard line to walk between being romantic and saccharine. It was still cute as we had page time with ODC.
There were several things that sort of caught my eye: Lady Anne de Bourgh? Usually we say Bravo for a male or mixed group, and Brava for a single female performer, fiancé for an engaged male, and fiancée for an engaged female.
*** SPOILER *** *** End Spoiler ***
This was clean, quick read… especially when you can’t put it down. I did think the cover looked more like a Bingley than a Darcy. I realize it is hard to find a good Darcy looking model; however, the upturned corners of his mouth are just too ready to burst into a smile. That is a Bingley and there is nothing dark and brooding about him.
I had read about this series on one of the web sites and knew that there would be three in the set. I simply had not decided if I wanted to read it or not when Amazon had a free offer on the first book.
This started like the basic P&P story in Kent, post Hunsford proposal, with Elizabeth reading Darcy’s letter. From that point on, we deviate from canon, when Elizabeth become distraught after reading the letter several times. Meanwhile, Darcy frantically packed in order to leave Rosings the next day.
Elizabeth becoming ill before she could make it back to the parsonage. Mr. Collins was out of town and Mrs. Collins was frantic with worry as she watched the approaching storm. Hours later, Elizabeth managed to make it back to the parsonage; however, she was feverish and delirious as she ranted that she needed to apologize to Mr. Darcy, that she wanted to see him, and she needed to write a letter. Nothing made sense to Mrs. Collins and she sent a servant to Rosings asking for Mr. Darcy and the apothecary. Our dear Colonel managed to convince Darcy to return to the parsonage. What they found was a delirious Elizabeth burning up with fever and talking about walking toward the sun.
Religious connotations: Yes, there was a religious reference to a near-death experience. The reviews have been across the board regarding this section. I personally was not offended, in fact I was fascinated by the depictions of what Elizabeth saw as she walked toward the sun. You can skip over it, but there are people who have had experiences of being somewhere else [whether Heaven or not] while extremely ill. This was not meant to proselytize but to give an account of just how sick Elizabeth really was. There was also a sermon given during a funeral that also spoke of a religious nature. Again, you can skip over it.
I enjoyed the story. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. In fact, I found didn’t want to put it down. There were also several story threads that will be picked up in the following books.
There were romantic places that will rip your heart out and places where you will roll your eyes. It is a hard line to walk between being romantic and saccharine. It was still cute as we had page time with ODC.
There were several things that sort of caught my eye: Lady Anne de Bourgh? Usually we say Bravo for a male or mixed group, and Brava for a single female performer, fiancé for an engaged male, and fiancée for an engaged female.
*** SPOILER *** *** End Spoiler ***
This was clean, quick read… especially when you can’t put it down. I did think the cover looked more like a Bingley than a Darcy. I realize it is hard to find a good Darcy looking model; however, the upturned corners of his mouth are just too ready to burst into a smile. That is a Bingley and there is nothing dark and brooding about him.
August 23, 2016
There were parts of this book I liked and others I could live without. Starting at Hunsfords the morning Lizzy accepts Mr. Darcy's letter she wanders in the rain and falls ill, or falls ill and wanders in the rain... regardless she is quite ill, delusional and calling for Mr. Darcy. Luckily Mr. Collins is traveling for Lady Catherine [what ever] so Mrs. Collins is able to get the two gentlemen to her parlor where Lizzy lies ill. In her illness Lizzy envisions herself in beautiful garden headed toward the sun (The Son) which is meant to represent a near death experience. In fact the author breaks the 4th wall and uses that term which I am fairly sure no one especially a county apothecary every heard of in 1811.
Immediately after Lizzy comes out of a seizure she shies away from Darcy and like a petulant child he storms off convinced she hates him and won't listen to reason from his cousin. I had a hard time believing an adult of 8 and 20 would be this stupid and hardheaded... I will not deny that Darcy's absenting himself adds to the plot but it could have been handled in a way that was less bone headed.
Another aspect of the story I was disappointed in was the way Darcy & Bingley dealt with Caroline. I know Caro is supposed to be a baddie but come on she's not a serial killer. They trick her into giving them the Gardiner's direction by implying that Darcy has come to propose to her and even late in the story Col. Fitzwilliam does a similar turn of phrase.
And lastly is that Lizzy's heaven is Pemberley it is contrived and absurd.
Immediately after Lizzy comes out of a seizure she shies away from Darcy and like a petulant child he storms off convinced she hates him and won't listen to reason from his cousin. I had a hard time believing an adult of 8 and 20 would be this stupid and hardheaded... I will not deny that Darcy's absenting himself adds to the plot but it could have been handled in a way that was less bone headed.
Another aspect of the story I was disappointed in was the way Darcy & Bingley dealt with Caroline. I know Caro is supposed to be a baddie but come on she's not a serial killer. They trick her into giving them the Gardiner's direction by implying that Darcy has come to propose to her and even late in the story Col. Fitzwilliam does a similar turn of phrase.
And lastly is that Lizzy's heaven is Pemberley it is contrived and absurd.
August 16, 2016
Tough review for me as I love Jeanna and her books and the writing is excellent but for me, and I know this is for me, there was just a bit too much of the religious aspect in there and I hadn't been anticipating that as I hadn't read any reviews prior to reading the novel; it's Jeanna, so I will read it. I loved the premise and how Darcy reacted to what happens to Elizabeth and generally enjoyed the story but I did feel a bit preached at a few times. I did also get a bit tired of how many times Elizabeth and Darcy repeated endearments to each other later in the book. I know! I hear some of you say that I complain that there is often not enough of that, but I like a balance. I am sure for many this book sits perfectly for them. but not quite for me this time. It's still 4* and does not mean I am not looking forward to the next in the series, I will definitely be reading them all!
May 8, 2022
I adore this! I read it a few years ago and it cheered me right up. It's light and sweet
April 15, 2018
So the beginning of this story is wonderful. It's not 100% canon or in keeping with propriety but sometimes that's ok and it was really engaging. Like others have mentioned after Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding it's very mushy and gushy, but again, sometimes that's ok, and it didn't really bother me.
What bothered me, to distraction, was the creation of the OC (original character) Avelina Gardiner. There is absolutely no reason for this character to exist, let alone have such an important role in the story. She's 14, but sometimes reads as an 8-year-old, and sometimes much older than 14. There's no reason why a 14-year-old cousin would be tagging along with Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy, etc. IMO she is a borderline Mary Sue character. Elizabeth and Jane have 3 other sisters who could have played this role. Heck, even Maria Lucas or Georgiana could have for some of it and it would have been believable. It got to the point where this character seemed pushed into these scenes that I literally started scanning when I saw her name, I couldn't keep reading her precociousness. Elizabeth said and I quote: "Avelina, you are remarkable! I have been trying to make sense of the garden for weeks without and luck! I talked to Jane, Charlotte, and your mother, but you, who are but fourteen, have offered insight that none of those others were able to! [...]" (63%) That was the exact moment where I stopped caring about this character, and it became almost a cloud on the story.
I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this series, but I really hope that Avelina goes back to her parents home in London.
What bothered me, to distraction, was the creation of the OC (original character) Avelina Gardiner. There is absolutely no reason for this character to exist, let alone have such an important role in the story. She's 14, but sometimes reads as an 8-year-old, and sometimes much older than 14. There's no reason why a 14-year-old cousin would be tagging along with Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy, etc. IMO she is a borderline Mary Sue character. Elizabeth and Jane have 3 other sisters who could have played this role. Heck, even Maria Lucas or Georgiana could have for some of it and it would have been believable. It got to the point where this character seemed pushed into these scenes that I literally started scanning when I saw her name, I couldn't keep reading her precociousness. Elizabeth said and I quote: "Avelina, you are remarkable! I have been trying to make sense of the garden for weeks without and luck! I talked to Jane, Charlotte, and your mother, but you, who are but fourteen, have offered insight that none of those others were able to! [...]" (63%) That was the exact moment where I stopped caring about this character, and it became almost a cloud on the story.
I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this series, but I really hope that Avelina goes back to her parents home in London.
September 24, 2016
What If Elizabeth Became Ill After Reading Darcy’s Letter?
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Christian/Inspirational Romance
SERIES: Hope Series Trilogy #1
TIME FRAME: The day after Darcy’s Hunsford proposal
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Charlotte Collins
SYNOPSIS: After reading Darcy’s letter Elizabeth gets caught in the rain and falls ill with a bad fever. Charlotte calls upon the gentlemen from Rosings to help her friend whose frightful illness does not seem to be abating. Even though he has just been soundly rejected by the woman he loves, Darcy comes to her while she is sick and shows the tenderest love and concern. Is he just setting up his heart for more disappointment or does Elizabeth’s comfort in his company mean there is cause to hope?
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Premise: I immediately fell in love with this premise! I love that in her delirium Lizzy inadvertently exposed her private thoughts – especially her changing feelings and emotional turbulence regarding Darcy’s letter. I liked seeing Lizzy immediately feel remorse and recognize Darcy’s pain, and I was curious to see how her feelings towards Darcy would change once her fever had passed.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam: I’m already falling in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam in this series! I love how Colonel Fitzwilliam is there for everyone in this book – he aids the Bennet family in countless ways, convinces Darcy to have hope, and lends support and friendship to Mrs. Collins. I also really enjoyed the close I-know-you-better-than-you-know-yourself relationship between Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Fitzwilliam has shrewd observational skills that he adeptly utilizes to figure out his cousin’s heart. And Darcy is not far behind, he easily picks up on Fitzwilliam’s changed manner and quickly deduces the cause.
- A Mysterious Ledger: This little bit of intrigue added a lovely new element to the story! I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but this ledger alludes to a secret business operation. Who does the ledger belong to and what does it mean? We learn the answer to first in this book, but the second question remains unanswered. I’m guessing this mystery will continue in the next installment.
- Charlotte Collins: I love when Charlotte is in the spotlight! She was so adorable in this story, blaming her heightened romanticism and anxiety on her pregnancy. And I admired her strength and grace while dealing with the reality of her horribly unhappy marriage. I look forward to seeing her character in the spotlight even more in the next installment of the Hope Series, Hope for Fitzwilliam.
- Anne and Lydia: I loved the new developments and different twists for each of these characters! Their actions were surprising in this variation and definitely deserve some applause!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Overt Instead of Subtle: I did sometimes find the themes of hope and faith to be a little too overt for my tastes in this story. I love these themes and I’m fond of stories that have inspirational messages and faith journeys. In To Refine Like Silver and Inspired by Grace I thought Ms. Ellsworth’s inspirational messages to be beautiful, subtle, and seamlessly woven into the story. But in this story sometimes the inclusion of these themes felt disjointed and a little too obvious.
- Familiarity: I don’t mind suspending my disbelief and allowing for some impropriety (holding hands, sneaking kisses), but I felt that in some parts of this story there started to be a bit too much bending of the rules of propriety. Such as Darcy and Lizzy kissing in front of others, Lizzy teasing one of Darcy’s servants after she just met him, and Georgiana referring to Mr. Bingley as ‘Bingley.’
CONCLUSION:
I greatly enjoyed this first installment of the Hope Series Trilogy and the new and inventive direction Ms. Ellsworth steered these characters in. Even though there were some aspects I wasn’t too fond of, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Ellsworth’s signature creativity, humor, and heart – elements I always find in all her works. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Christian/Inspirational Romance
SERIES: Hope Series Trilogy #1
TIME FRAME: The day after Darcy’s Hunsford proposal
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Charlotte Collins
SYNOPSIS: After reading Darcy’s letter Elizabeth gets caught in the rain and falls ill with a bad fever. Charlotte calls upon the gentlemen from Rosings to help her friend whose frightful illness does not seem to be abating. Even though he has just been soundly rejected by the woman he loves, Darcy comes to her while she is sick and shows the tenderest love and concern. Is he just setting up his heart for more disappointment or does Elizabeth’s comfort in his company mean there is cause to hope?
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Premise: I immediately fell in love with this premise! I love that in her delirium Lizzy inadvertently exposed her private thoughts – especially her changing feelings and emotional turbulence regarding Darcy’s letter. I liked seeing Lizzy immediately feel remorse and recognize Darcy’s pain, and I was curious to see how her feelings towards Darcy would change once her fever had passed.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam: I’m already falling in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam in this series! I love how Colonel Fitzwilliam is there for everyone in this book – he aids the Bennet family in countless ways, convinces Darcy to have hope, and lends support and friendship to Mrs. Collins. I also really enjoyed the close I-know-you-better-than-you-know-yourself relationship between Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Fitzwilliam has shrewd observational skills that he adeptly utilizes to figure out his cousin’s heart. And Darcy is not far behind, he easily picks up on Fitzwilliam’s changed manner and quickly deduces the cause.
- A Mysterious Ledger: This little bit of intrigue added a lovely new element to the story! I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but this ledger alludes to a secret business operation. Who does the ledger belong to and what does it mean? We learn the answer to first in this book, but the second question remains unanswered. I’m guessing this mystery will continue in the next installment.
- Charlotte Collins: I love when Charlotte is in the spotlight! She was so adorable in this story, blaming her heightened romanticism and anxiety on her pregnancy. And I admired her strength and grace while dealing with the reality of her horribly unhappy marriage. I look forward to seeing her character in the spotlight even more in the next installment of the Hope Series, Hope for Fitzwilliam.
- Anne and Lydia: I loved the new developments and different twists for each of these characters! Their actions were surprising in this variation and definitely deserve some applause!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Overt Instead of Subtle: I did sometimes find the themes of hope and faith to be a little too overt for my tastes in this story. I love these themes and I’m fond of stories that have inspirational messages and faith journeys. In To Refine Like Silver and Inspired by Grace I thought Ms. Ellsworth’s inspirational messages to be beautiful, subtle, and seamlessly woven into the story. But in this story sometimes the inclusion of these themes felt disjointed and a little too obvious.
- Familiarity: I don’t mind suspending my disbelief and allowing for some impropriety (holding hands, sneaking kisses), but I felt that in some parts of this story there started to be a bit too much bending of the rules of propriety. Such as Darcy and Lizzy kissing in front of others, Lizzy teasing one of Darcy’s servants after she just met him, and Georgiana referring to Mr. Bingley as ‘Bingley.’
CONCLUSION:
I greatly enjoyed this first installment of the Hope Series Trilogy and the new and inventive direction Ms. Ellsworth steered these characters in. Even though there were some aspects I wasn’t too fond of, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Ellsworth’s signature creativity, humor, and heart – elements I always find in all her works. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
June 9, 2016
This story caught my eye ever since an excerpt was published a fair while ago, giving us a tantalising snippet of what was to come by means of a great scene between Mr Darcy and his cousin, where the latter takes the first to task and very nearly orders him about as if he were one of his recruits – which Mr Darcy badly needed. So I was eagerly awaiting for this book to be published, and what a joy it was to read it! This is one of the novels that, for the last 3 days, kept me reading till 3-5 am during which time I only cooked one dinner, barely spoke to my husband and didn’t let the kindle out of my hand for more than a few hours of blissfully exhausted sleep. I’m planning to say that in the reviews for each of those three, they all kept me awake at more or less the same time, so it must be said!
What I particularly loved about this variation was the warm feeling it brings. Just as the title suggests, it was a book full of hope. Hope, love and faith, to be precise. In most of the variations I read, and in all of those that I write, there is great scope for angst and miscommunication and people and circumstances serve to delay our dear characters’ happily ever after and better understanding. Not so in this book, although there is angst aplenty and some scary and absolutely heartbreaking moments. But after a relatively short period of doubt, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy get to understand each other and their own feelings and build on them rather than continuing to fight or doubt them, and faith supports them greatly on this journey of discovery. They are open, affectionate, gentle and teasing, and their interactions are a delight.
Equally delightful to me was Mr Darcy’s interaction with his cousin. We all love Colonel Fitzwilliam and how he takes his stubborn cousin to task, but here they were absolutely adorable. Quick repartee, snappy comments, forceful remarks and even a well-deserved episode of near-fisticuffs. And the well-meaning Colonel along with his all-too-willing ally give Darcy not just the hope, but also the push he needs (favour which I was delighted to see Darcy eventually return).
It was very uplifting to read about other advice and insight Darcy got along the way. Mr Cress’s words were so poignant and meaningful, and what a beautiful way to put it, that if you want to see where you are going, you must take the light with you!
I also loved Darcy’s interactions with Mr Bennet, and how the two gentlemen came to understand their similarities and differences. As for the scene where Darcy comes to apply for Mr Bennet’s consent, it’s simply priceless!
Lydia was also a welcome change from her usual self, in two major respects. But I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment, so you’ll have to read about it. Suffice to say that she’s rather more careful and very feisty. It’s ever so nice to see her redeemed. The poor kid, she’s only 16. How many flighty 16 year-olds we know, who actually grow to be very nice and sensible people? I loved how Lydia was allowed that chance, and how there was hope for a better fate for Charlotte. Miss Anne de Bourgh cut an impressive figure and, to my enormous surprise, I actually ended up feeling sorry for Miss Bingley! Looking forward to the continuation of this trilogy, would love to see how the others reach their happily ever after.
What I particularly loved about this variation was the warm feeling it brings. Just as the title suggests, it was a book full of hope. Hope, love and faith, to be precise. In most of the variations I read, and in all of those that I write, there is great scope for angst and miscommunication and people and circumstances serve to delay our dear characters’ happily ever after and better understanding. Not so in this book, although there is angst aplenty and some scary and absolutely heartbreaking moments. But after a relatively short period of doubt, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy get to understand each other and their own feelings and build on them rather than continuing to fight or doubt them, and faith supports them greatly on this journey of discovery. They are open, affectionate, gentle and teasing, and their interactions are a delight.
Equally delightful to me was Mr Darcy’s interaction with his cousin. We all love Colonel Fitzwilliam and how he takes his stubborn cousin to task, but here they were absolutely adorable. Quick repartee, snappy comments, forceful remarks and even a well-deserved episode of near-fisticuffs. And the well-meaning Colonel along with his all-too-willing ally give Darcy not just the hope, but also the push he needs (favour which I was delighted to see Darcy eventually return).
It was very uplifting to read about other advice and insight Darcy got along the way. Mr Cress’s words were so poignant and meaningful, and what a beautiful way to put it, that if you want to see where you are going, you must take the light with you!
I also loved Darcy’s interactions with Mr Bennet, and how the two gentlemen came to understand their similarities and differences. As for the scene where Darcy comes to apply for Mr Bennet’s consent, it’s simply priceless!
Lydia was also a welcome change from her usual self, in two major respects. But I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment, so you’ll have to read about it. Suffice to say that she’s rather more careful and very feisty. It’s ever so nice to see her redeemed. The poor kid, she’s only 16. How many flighty 16 year-olds we know, who actually grow to be very nice and sensible people? I loved how Lydia was allowed that chance, and how there was hope for a better fate for Charlotte. Miss Anne de Bourgh cut an impressive figure and, to my enormous surprise, I actually ended up feeling sorry for Miss Bingley! Looking forward to the continuation of this trilogy, would love to see how the others reach their happily ever after.
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed this story as I have enjoyed all of Jeanna's books. It was very difficult to put it down.
After the Darcy's first proposal Elizabeth becomes deathly ill. Once Darcy finds out, even though Elizabeth tuned down his proposal of marriage the day before, he is at her side aiding her in her recovery. I love the feeling of hope this book instilled, showing that we each have a place in life. Jeanna's faith shines through the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth as the story progresses.
We find out that Mr. Collins is not the paragon of virtue everyone believes him to be. That Anne has an inner strength that we are unaware of. We also come to realize how necessary Darcy and Elizabeth come to be to each other. There are a few twists and turns that Jeanna takes that make this story very endearing.
I would recommend this story to any lover of JAFF. I am looking forward to the release of the audiobook.
After the Darcy's first proposal Elizabeth becomes deathly ill. Once Darcy finds out, even though Elizabeth tuned down his proposal of marriage the day before, he is at her side aiding her in her recovery. I love the feeling of hope this book instilled, showing that we each have a place in life. Jeanna's faith shines through the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth as the story progresses.
We find out that Mr. Collins is not the paragon of virtue everyone believes him to be. That Anne has an inner strength that we are unaware of. We also come to realize how necessary Darcy and Elizabeth come to be to each other. There are a few twists and turns that Jeanna takes that make this story very endearing.
I would recommend this story to any lover of JAFF. I am looking forward to the release of the audiobook.
June 12, 2016
Hope for Mr. Darcy is Volume I of a three book series.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I found it to be an enlightening and spiritual variation of Elizabeth and Darcy's journey to each other along with a dash of mystery regarding Mr. Collins. It takes place after Mr. Darcy's failed proposal at Hunsford cottage.
It is well written and engaging with the main theme throughout being of hope...hope for love, life and peace. Mrs. Collins (Charlotte) and Colonel Fitzwilliam play pivotal roles in this story. 'Believe what you wish' becomes an important phrase between the Colonel and Darcy.
Caroline Bingley, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, Wickham and Lydia each have their part to play. However, you really are cheering on both Anne and Lydia and feeling sorry for Miss Bingley!
I look forward to reading Volume II - Hope for Fitzwilliam and to see if the mystery surrounding Mr. Collins is further resolved.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I found it to be an enlightening and spiritual variation of Elizabeth and Darcy's journey to each other along with a dash of mystery regarding Mr. Collins. It takes place after Mr. Darcy's failed proposal at Hunsford cottage.
It is well written and engaging with the main theme throughout being of hope...hope for love, life and peace. Mrs. Collins (Charlotte) and Colonel Fitzwilliam play pivotal roles in this story. 'Believe what you wish' becomes an important phrase between the Colonel and Darcy.
Caroline Bingley, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, Wickham and Lydia each have their part to play. However, you really are cheering on both Anne and Lydia and feeling sorry for Miss Bingley!
I look forward to reading Volume II - Hope for Fitzwilliam and to see if the mystery surrounding Mr. Collins is further resolved.
November 1, 2016
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Other reviewers have already done a great job of expressing my thoughts about this book. I like the basic storylines (there are more than one) and characterizations, and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
However, I do think the religious aspect was overdone and took away from the flow of the book. The way certain phrases and ideas repetitively popped up became annoying rather than inspiring. The author's message would have been more effectively conveyed had she used more subtlety.
Other reviewers have already done a great job of expressing my thoughts about this book. I like the basic storylines (there are more than one) and characterizations, and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
However, I do think the religious aspect was overdone and took away from the flow of the book. The way certain phrases and ideas repetitively popped up became annoying rather than inspiring. The author's message would have been more effectively conveyed had she used more subtlety.
April 30, 2018
The morning after the Hunsford proposal Elizabeth is caught in a storm. While under the influence of a fever she dreams, and is attended to by Darcy. But of course misunderstanding happen. Can they solve their problems and be happy. Can Darcy's actions bring Bingley and Jane together. And what of Charlotte Collins.
There are some blatent Christian aspects to the story, which can be skimmed. Overall an enjoyable story
There are some blatent Christian aspects to the story, which can be skimmed. Overall an enjoyable story
May 7, 2016
Love This Faith -Based Sequel; Among the Very Best
This is one of the best Pride and Prejudice Sequels. It has lots of heart and inspiration and is professionally written and edited. It goes to the very heart and soul of Elizabeth and Darcy. It also has a mystery about Mr. Collins who dies and Charlotte who was an abused wife and tried to keep it hidden. You can see it ending with a love developing in Col. Fitzwilliam's heart for Charlotte, but there are practical considerations, but so far there is nothing for Charlotte to live upon, for certain.
In this sequel, Elizabeth falls very ill after refusing Mr. Darcy but takes and reads his letter first and immediately realizes she is wrong but writes a letter to him afterwards, which Col. Fitzwilliam is given for him. It is quite garbled as she was falling ill but it gives him hope. She is so ill, from some strange fever that killed most people but she dreams or has an out of body experience where she is in a garden with a bright light and the Son drawing her at the same time Darcy is calling her back to her family saying she is needed back in the world. Mr. Darcy runs when she is disoriented on first coming out of the fever, before he knows she wants him back shortly afterwards. Charlotte and Col. Fitzwilliam help a little to bring them together and this becomes a tender, love story that rapidly progresses to engagement and marriage.
In this version Lydia elopes, but does not give herself to Mr. Wickham and he is thankfully put in debtor's prison while Lydia returns to her family without any one much knowing what happened. I always like versions where she does not marry a rake, but here she even realizes what he is. You are left longing to see the wedding and aftermath more. The mystery ledger of Mr. Collins and Darcy trying to solve it to help Charlotte is left hanging. Jane does marry Mr. Bangles, too. How well, this author can develop dialogue and emotions, and get to the heart of her characters. I am glad Caroline is left in the background here. She developes Avalina Gardiner, the Gardiner oldest child and daughter in this book. It does show faith in Christ and love, which is an element you do not usually see. LIzzy and Darcy are both touched by love, hope, and faith. There are some other people curious about LIzzy's experience like apothecary. It is rather quietly done as is often the case in real life when something like that happens. Anyway you are left eager to read book 2, as the foundation for it is laid at the same time LIzzy and Darcy find themselves the love of one another's life.
This like Refined Like Silver and her other books are among those I will cherish and read again and again. I highly recommend this. If you are looking for a book with heart, a bit of mystery, deep love, and even faith.
This is one of the best Pride and Prejudice Sequels. It has lots of heart and inspiration and is professionally written and edited. It goes to the very heart and soul of Elizabeth and Darcy. It also has a mystery about Mr. Collins who dies and Charlotte who was an abused wife and tried to keep it hidden. You can see it ending with a love developing in Col. Fitzwilliam's heart for Charlotte, but there are practical considerations, but so far there is nothing for Charlotte to live upon, for certain.
In this sequel, Elizabeth falls very ill after refusing Mr. Darcy but takes and reads his letter first and immediately realizes she is wrong but writes a letter to him afterwards, which Col. Fitzwilliam is given for him. It is quite garbled as she was falling ill but it gives him hope. She is so ill, from some strange fever that killed most people but she dreams or has an out of body experience where she is in a garden with a bright light and the Son drawing her at the same time Darcy is calling her back to her family saying she is needed back in the world. Mr. Darcy runs when she is disoriented on first coming out of the fever, before he knows she wants him back shortly afterwards. Charlotte and Col. Fitzwilliam help a little to bring them together and this becomes a tender, love story that rapidly progresses to engagement and marriage.
In this version Lydia elopes, but does not give herself to Mr. Wickham and he is thankfully put in debtor's prison while Lydia returns to her family without any one much knowing what happened. I always like versions where she does not marry a rake, but here she even realizes what he is. You are left longing to see the wedding and aftermath more. The mystery ledger of Mr. Collins and Darcy trying to solve it to help Charlotte is left hanging. Jane does marry Mr. Bangles, too. How well, this author can develop dialogue and emotions, and get to the heart of her characters. I am glad Caroline is left in the background here. She developes Avalina Gardiner, the Gardiner oldest child and daughter in this book. It does show faith in Christ and love, which is an element you do not usually see. LIzzy and Darcy are both touched by love, hope, and faith. There are some other people curious about LIzzy's experience like apothecary. It is rather quietly done as is often the case in real life when something like that happens. Anyway you are left eager to read book 2, as the foundation for it is laid at the same time LIzzy and Darcy find themselves the love of one another's life.
This like Refined Like Silver and her other books are among those I will cherish and read again and again. I highly recommend this. If you are looking for a book with heart, a bit of mystery, deep love, and even faith.
March 9, 2017
Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them
Romance -- Spirituality -- Mystery -- what more could I ask?
Elizabeth falls desperately ill following the Hunsford proposal.
In her delirium she travels to the Sun with Darcy, or is she traveling to the Son?
ODC suffers through their usual misunderstandings on their trip to HEA.
All these stories are the same and yet all are different. A unique mystery is central here and doesn't resolve in Book 1.
I'm waiting anxiously for Book 2 -- Hope for Fitzwilliam!
I recommend the series to all JAFF readers.
(headline quote is from Vincent McNabb)
Romance -- Spirituality -- Mystery -- what more could I ask?
Elizabeth falls desperately ill following the Hunsford proposal.
In her delirium she travels to the Sun with Darcy, or is she traveling to the Son?
ODC suffers through their usual misunderstandings on their trip to HEA.
All these stories are the same and yet all are different. A unique mystery is central here and doesn't resolve in Book 1.
I'm waiting anxiously for Book 2 -- Hope for Fitzwilliam!
I recommend the series to all JAFF readers.
(headline quote is from Vincent McNabb)
January 29, 2018
This is not at all badly written and my 2 stars are mainly due to the fact that going in I had no idea I had stumbled upon JAFF - Inspirational Edition. I came out a bit dizzy from the number of times I was hit over the head with the Bible. There are a lot of Messages in that book and the author is not a bit subtle about them.
As I said, it is probably not a bad book but I will not ever be in its target audience. It's a bit like expecting a good comforting friend for an icecream-drowned pity party, opening the door and finding a Jehovah's Witness on the other side of it instead.
As I said, it is probably not a bad book but I will not ever be in its target audience. It's a bit like expecting a good comforting friend for an icecream-drowned pity party, opening the door and finding a Jehovah's Witness on the other side of it instead.
June 3, 2016
What if Elizabeth gave Darcy reason to hope that she could learn to or does love him after she declined his proposal. After some initial difficulties they are happy and love for almost the entire book. The mystery that is a trend through the book to create the trilogy plot line is pretty just enough. It does have a religious overtones but not so much that it overtakes the story.
June 15, 2016
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Hope for Mr. Darcy is more than an Austen inspired romance, it is a book that will lead us in a journey of hope and belief in something grander than ourselves.
The entire book will use metaphors to show the reader that we all have a place in the world, a role to fulfill before leaving this plain of existence, and that love is the right inducement to make us choose a fulfilling life.
After reading Mr. Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth falls terribly ill and in her delirious state writes Mr. Darcy a letter that will give him the hope he thought was lost. She loses conscience and calls for Mr. Darcy who will be at her side during those terrifying hours. While Mr. Darcy is at the Hunsford Parsonage by her side, Elizabeth remains in a delirious state and her mind takes her to a garden where she finds Mr. Darcy. The time they spend together at the garden (in Elizabeth’s mind because in fact they remain at the parsonage) will change Elizabeth’s perception of Mr. Darcy and of her role in life.
The belief in something grander than ourselves is a vast part of this book which has a big religious component, so readers need to be aware of this aspect when reading the book. It requires either the belief in God or an open spirit to truly get immersed in Hope for Mr. Darcy, but if you can accept the premise, than you will enjoy it immensely. I know I did.
The book is a clean romance which is something I always appreciate, and has some minor twists in the minor characters that I have also enjoyed; Mr. Darcy’s kindness towards Mary was interesting and as we rarely see these two characters talk it was a nice addition; and Lydia’s reaction towards Wickham was without a doubt a refreshing change.
Mrs. Ellsworth also provided me great pleasure in what concerns Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins, but even though Mr. Collins deserved what he was given, I confess I started to feel sorry for Caroline… maybe she will find her own happiness in the next books of the trilogy.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is the first volume of the Hope Series Trilogy, a Regency variation series focused on Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana Darcy and from I could tell from the first volume, the trilogy will not be composed by separate stories, but the continuation of the story under the perspective of another character. The transition between the books is extremely well done, to the point of frustrating me to have to wait a few months to see what Mr. Darcy will find in Liverpool
Hope for Mr. Darcy is more than an Austen inspired romance, it is a book that will lead us in a journey of hope and belief in something grander than ourselves.
The entire book will use metaphors to show the reader that we all have a place in the world, a role to fulfill before leaving this plain of existence, and that love is the right inducement to make us choose a fulfilling life.
After reading Mr. Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth falls terribly ill and in her delirious state writes Mr. Darcy a letter that will give him the hope he thought was lost. She loses conscience and calls for Mr. Darcy who will be at her side during those terrifying hours. While Mr. Darcy is at the Hunsford Parsonage by her side, Elizabeth remains in a delirious state and her mind takes her to a garden where she finds Mr. Darcy. The time they spend together at the garden (in Elizabeth’s mind because in fact they remain at the parsonage) will change Elizabeth’s perception of Mr. Darcy and of her role in life.
The belief in something grander than ourselves is a vast part of this book which has a big religious component, so readers need to be aware of this aspect when reading the book. It requires either the belief in God or an open spirit to truly get immersed in Hope for Mr. Darcy, but if you can accept the premise, than you will enjoy it immensely. I know I did.
The book is a clean romance which is something I always appreciate, and has some minor twists in the minor characters that I have also enjoyed; Mr. Darcy’s kindness towards Mary was interesting and as we rarely see these two characters talk it was a nice addition; and Lydia’s reaction towards Wickham was without a doubt a refreshing change.
Mrs. Ellsworth also provided me great pleasure in what concerns Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins, but even though Mr. Collins deserved what he was given, I confess I started to feel sorry for Caroline… maybe she will find her own happiness in the next books of the trilogy.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is the first volume of the Hope Series Trilogy, a Regency variation series focused on Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana Darcy and from I could tell from the first volume, the trilogy will not be composed by separate stories, but the continuation of the story under the perspective of another character. The transition between the books is extremely well done, to the point of frustrating me to have to wait a few months to see what Mr. Darcy will find in Liverpool
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November 3, 2017Hope for Mr. Darcy is the first of three books in Jeanna Ellsworth’s Hope Series of Pride and Prejudice variations. The book opens at Hunsford after Elizabeth Bennet has read Mr. Darcy’s letter. She realizes she was wrong about him and feels guilty for the way she rejected his marriage proposal. Elizabeth’s close friend, Charlotte Collins, finds Elizabeth delirious in the rain, insisting she must write to Mr. Darcy and to her sister, Jane. Fearing for Elizabeth’s health, Charlotte sends for Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, at Rosings. As Darcy cares for Elizabeth in the early stages of her illness, he is given reason to hope that he could have another chance with her — and plenty of reason to worry, as in her delirium she is walking with him in a garden toward the sun.
After a misunderstanding causes him to lose hope once more, Darcy flees to London while Charlotte and Richard conspire to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together again. Darcy is given the chance to provide himself honorable and kind when Charlotte is left a widow with no home of her own and a baby on the way. As he pieces together the mystery surrounding one of Mr. Collins’s ledgers, he also must face his guilt as scandal threatens to ruin the Bennet family and try to prevent Richard from succumbing to his own lack of hope.
In Hope for Mr. Darcy, Ellworth creates a beautiful love story for Darcy and Elizabeth, gives Charlotte a chance to ponder and possibly move beyond her mistake in marrying Collins, introduces the delightfully sweet Avelina Gardiner, and paves the way for the second book in the series, Hope for Fitzwilliam. I love seeing Jane Austen’s secondary characters get a chance in the spotlight, and I really enjoyed the friendship between Charlotte and Richard as they join forces to ensure that Darcy and Elizabeth find happiness.
The Christian aspects of the story are obvious and might be a bit much for some readers. However, I thought Ellsworth did a good job working them into the story in a believable fashion, and no matter your religious beliefs, I think anyone could find Ellsworth’s message of hope to be comforting and inspirational.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is a strong start to the series, and I am eagerly anticipating both Fitzwilliam’s and Georgiana Darcy’s stories.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
After a misunderstanding causes him to lose hope once more, Darcy flees to London while Charlotte and Richard conspire to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together again. Darcy is given the chance to provide himself honorable and kind when Charlotte is left a widow with no home of her own and a baby on the way. As he pieces together the mystery surrounding one of Mr. Collins’s ledgers, he also must face his guilt as scandal threatens to ruin the Bennet family and try to prevent Richard from succumbing to his own lack of hope.
In Hope for Mr. Darcy, Ellworth creates a beautiful love story for Darcy and Elizabeth, gives Charlotte a chance to ponder and possibly move beyond her mistake in marrying Collins, introduces the delightfully sweet Avelina Gardiner, and paves the way for the second book in the series, Hope for Fitzwilliam. I love seeing Jane Austen’s secondary characters get a chance in the spotlight, and I really enjoyed the friendship between Charlotte and Richard as they join forces to ensure that Darcy and Elizabeth find happiness.
The Christian aspects of the story are obvious and might be a bit much for some readers. However, I thought Ellsworth did a good job working them into the story in a believable fashion, and no matter your religious beliefs, I think anyone could find Ellsworth’s message of hope to be comforting and inspirational.
Hope for Mr. Darcy is a strong start to the series, and I am eagerly anticipating both Fitzwilliam’s and Georgiana Darcy’s stories.
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
May 31, 2018
I always love Jenna Ellsworth's variations of Austen's novels; they are well-written, romantic without being too detailed, contain great character development and exciting plot twists, and contain subtle Christian themes.
Much like Georgia McCall's Obligation and Redemption, the Christian themes are at the heart of the novel, but not in a clingy, saccharine-sweet manner. And while these themes pervade the novel, they add to the plot and the character development rather than detracting from it. For the most part, I have not been a fan of Christian romance novels, but Hope for Mr. Darcy was a delightful read. Much lighter and more accessible than McCall's novel (which I just finished reading before starting this book), it doesn't have the depth and angst of Obligation and Redemption, but Hope for Mr. Darcy, like all of Ellsworth's books, is a wonderful variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice and should be enjoyed by all devotees of continuations and variations of Austen's novels, whether the readers are Christians or not. And I am looking forward with great anticipation to the second and third volumes in this trilogy series.
Much like Georgia McCall's Obligation and Redemption, the Christian themes are at the heart of the novel, but not in a clingy, saccharine-sweet manner. And while these themes pervade the novel, they add to the plot and the character development rather than detracting from it. For the most part, I have not been a fan of Christian romance novels, but Hope for Mr. Darcy was a delightful read. Much lighter and more accessible than McCall's novel (which I just finished reading before starting this book), it doesn't have the depth and angst of Obligation and Redemption, but Hope for Mr. Darcy, like all of Ellsworth's books, is a wonderful variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice and should be enjoyed by all devotees of continuations and variations of Austen's novels, whether the readers are Christians or not. And I am looking forward with great anticipation to the second and third volumes in this trilogy series.
June 16, 2016
Loves hope
In this P&P alternate story we start out in Hunsford just after Darcy has delivered the letter. It has begun to rain and Charlotte is waiting for Lizzy to return. She hears a noise and when she investigates she finds Lizzy outside in the rain babbling incoherently. Anyway she brings her inside but Lizzy is starting to run a fever and being delirious she requests to see Mr Darcy insistently. What takes place is a roller coaster of emotions for both Lizzy and Darcy. Does she forgive him, and does he still love her. Things remain unsettled as both leave Kent separately and make there separate way. This Lizzy is very reflective after having a near death illness. And Darcy is berating himself about how he proposed and acted to Elizabeth. The journey was interesting and seemed at times long. My only thing I was not to comfortable with is the Christian values and references. I'm Christian myself but I felt that this story was just a little to heavy handed in that regard. My rating is 3 1/2 stars.
In this P&P alternate story we start out in Hunsford just after Darcy has delivered the letter. It has begun to rain and Charlotte is waiting for Lizzy to return. She hears a noise and when she investigates she finds Lizzy outside in the rain babbling incoherently. Anyway she brings her inside but Lizzy is starting to run a fever and being delirious she requests to see Mr Darcy insistently. What takes place is a roller coaster of emotions for both Lizzy and Darcy. Does she forgive him, and does he still love her. Things remain unsettled as both leave Kent separately and make there separate way. This Lizzy is very reflective after having a near death illness. And Darcy is berating himself about how he proposed and acted to Elizabeth. The journey was interesting and seemed at times long. My only thing I was not to comfortable with is the Christian values and references. I'm Christian myself but I felt that this story was just a little to heavy handed in that regard. My rating is 3 1/2 stars.
June 4, 2016
Elizabeth gets drenched in the rain when reading Darcy's letter at Hunsford and return barely coherent and determined to write Darcy a letter in response. A bad fever makes her hallucinate and Darcy comes to her aid to prevent her from walking into the sun (you learn later what her heaven pictures in her feverish state). Darcy is able to speak to her, hold her hand, caress her face while she responds to his love but when she lashes out at him for attempting to compromise her, Darcy fleas. Charlotte and the Colonel must help these two find their way back to each other and when they slowly do we get to know Charlotte and the Colonel quite well too and the Collins story develops more. Happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth but wide open for Charlotte so can't wait for he release of the second novel to read!
October 17, 2016
3.75 stars. A very enjoyable read and hands down a very clever storyline in the letters written between the engaged Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett in the latter part of the story. Definitely Has a Christian theme but honestly, that doesn't bother me. Faith was a vital part of everyday life back then...sadly it isn't anymore. With that said, the part of the dream, theme.... Was just a little too cheesy for my taste. Mr. Collins portrayal as an abusive tyrant didn't sit well with me either. It's still a great read and I'm about to start Hope for Fitzwilliam. I still despise books being published in volumes, but since it's offered on Kindle unlimited I won't gripe too much. I still believe a story should be completed before publishing and not put out in volumes.
August 4, 2018
An inspirational retelling of P&P. It begins the morning after the disastrous Hunsford proposal when Darcy gives Elizabeth his letter. Elizabeth gets caught in a storm and immediately falls ill. In her delirium she asks for Darcy and he’s so much in love that he can’t leave her side even with her harsh response to his proposal still ringing in his ears. You have to suspend a little belief for some of the social rule bending in this one but I think it well worth it. There are some loose ends that I think will carry over to the second book.
December 18, 2020
Very Enjoyable Spiritual Story
I really enjoyed this book. The spiritual aspect of it is different from most variations, but not over the top so as to feel too preachy. Nicely done.
I really enjoyed this book. The spiritual aspect of it is different from most variations, but not over the top so as to feel too preachy. Nicely done.
February 18, 2017
This book was well-written, but for the most part it simply wasn't to my taste. Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy changes very rapidly. Darcy learns his "lessons" from Elizabeth's refusal very quickly. The religious elements had no subtlety and felt forced into the story. The revelations revealed about Mr. Collins seemed either overdone or simply poorly placed sequel bait. Ditto the attraction between . Once Elizabeth and Darcy come together, they are overly sappy, and there are no real obstacles for them to overcome. Even the recovery of Lydia in London has the gritty edges removed.
It's not a bad story, and for some it might hit all of the right notes, but it simply didn't for me.
It's not a bad story, and for some it might hit all of the right notes, but it simply didn't for me.
March 8, 2021
One of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I've ever read
One of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I have ever read! In flawless perfection, Hope for Mr. Darcy answers the question "what if Elizabeth Bennet had answered Mr. Darcy's letter and given him hope sooner?" I loved Ms. Ellsworth's portrayal of Heaven as a garden, and the strong Christian imagery and themes throughout the book.
The story puts some interesting twists on the usual plot, including an untimely death that opens the door for an uncommon fanfiction pairing and sets the stage for a mystery that will unfold in the successive books. Also, we see how the earlier discovery of some information leads one character to be saved from the fate that they had to suffer in the original novel.
I wholeheartedly recommend this delightful variation on Pride and Prejudice for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and Christian historical romances.
One of the best Pride and Prejudice variations I have ever read! In flawless perfection, Hope for Mr. Darcy answers the question "what if Elizabeth Bennet had answered Mr. Darcy's letter and given him hope sooner?" I loved Ms. Ellsworth's portrayal of Heaven as a garden, and the strong Christian imagery and themes throughout the book.
The story puts some interesting twists on the usual plot, including an untimely death that opens the door for an uncommon fanfiction pairing and sets the stage for a mystery that will unfold in the successive books. Also, we see how the earlier discovery of some information leads one character to be saved from the fate that they had to suffer in the original novel.
I wholeheartedly recommend this delightful variation on Pride and Prejudice for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and Christian historical romances.
May 7, 2016
Middling
In some ways this is a credible variation of the P&P theme, others it is just too unbelievable and stretches the imagination just a little too much. There are also quite a few Americanisms in the book and I don't believe that the author has done enough research into the language of the era. In this respect she is not at all true to Jane Austen, but this is true of how she deals with the whole of Elizabeth's illness, on which the whole book hangs. It's a real pity this wasn't picked up by the publishers.
To sum up it was a readable romance, but the vocabulary and the behaviour of the characters wasn't always of the period, which is a great pity.
In some ways this is a credible variation of the P&P theme, others it is just too unbelievable and stretches the imagination just a little too much. There are also quite a few Americanisms in the book and I don't believe that the author has done enough research into the language of the era. In this respect she is not at all true to Jane Austen, but this is true of how she deals with the whole of Elizabeth's illness, on which the whole book hangs. It's a real pity this wasn't picked up by the publishers.
To sum up it was a readable romance, but the vocabulary and the behaviour of the characters wasn't always of the period, which is a great pity.
January 31, 2019
Inspiring romance!
This is an inspiring story that lives up it's title 'Hope for Mr. Darcy '. I loved reading of how hope was created for everyone that touched Elizabeth's life like Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane, Bingley, Lydia, Kitty, Georgiana and Darcy. The dialogue was so absorbing and detailed. Mr. Collins had his deserved end and Aunt Catherine was her usual self. I am looking forward to the next book in the Hope series.
This is an inspiring story that lives up it's title 'Hope for Mr. Darcy '. I loved reading of how hope was created for everyone that touched Elizabeth's life like Charlotte, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane, Bingley, Lydia, Kitty, Georgiana and Darcy. The dialogue was so absorbing and detailed. Mr. Collins had his deserved end and Aunt Catherine was her usual self. I am looking forward to the next book in the Hope series.
May 18, 2016
This is such a beautiful, spiritual and inspiring read, so full of faith, trust and hope. I had intended to read this on the plane but I was curious and eager to read it that I finished it before my trip. I just could not put this down. There were so many touching and romantic moments that made me cry and a few funny moments as well. It is a truly wonderful read and I can't wait for the next one! This is a highly recommended JAFF!
May 6, 2016
Wonderful!
This was a wonderful variation with a journey for Elizabeth and Darcy that was touching and moving. And for once, Wickham does not get his revenge!
This was a wonderful variation with a journey for Elizabeth and Darcy that was touching and moving. And for once, Wickham does not get his revenge!
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