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Serendipity: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation
Darcy remembers the perfect love between his parents and believes it can be his. He trusts in destiny— with a little help from serendipity—to find the love of his life.
Serendipity: A fortunate happenstance or a pleasant surprise.
Elizabeth, informed by the example of her parents’ marriage, refuses to believe in destiny. The concept of serendipity is an affront to her logic. She will not marry except for true love and thinks she can control her own fate if she is very cautious. Will she and Mr. Darcy find their Happily Ever After?
Serendipity: A fortunate happenstance or a pleasant surprise.
Elizabeth, informed by the example of her parents’ marriage, refuses to believe in destiny. The concept of serendipity is an affront to her logic. She will not marry except for true love and thinks she can control her own fate if she is very cautious. Will she and Mr. Darcy find their Happily Ever After?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2016
63 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Silkstone
63 books313 followersBarbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 28, 2020
Fate...serendipity...Darcy has been counseled by his father that his heart will tell him immediately when he has met the one who will give him a marriage such as that his father and mother enjoyed.
So it is ironic that Elizabeth actually falls into Darcy's arms at his entrance into the modiste's shop in Meryton. He has no problem recognizing that this is "the one" while Elizabeth feels a draw but is so much more cautious about marriage. After all her parents' relationship is not exactly a good example. She is determined that she will have time to come to know any man who might be interested in marriage. She also realizes the negatives of her situation: her family, her lack of fortune and her lowly connections.
Enter Collins and herein Mrs. Bennet is so much more evil in her plan to have him marry Elizabeth: a plan which would have him "discipline" Elizabeth into being an obedient wife, subservient to her mother who would keep her role as the "Mistress" of Longbourn. Mrs. B. even puts a spy into place so as to insure that Elizabeth does NOT escape a situation in which Collins might propose and Mama can swear that E. accepted.
Of course we have other villains: the usual Wickham and Lady C. Be warned though that both are much more forceful in their determination to gain their way. Mr. Bennet finally has a turn about in his role as husband and father and that fact is due to ...well here I will say...read this story and be happily surprised as to who that person is.
So it is ironic that Elizabeth actually falls into Darcy's arms at his entrance into the modiste's shop in Meryton. He has no problem recognizing that this is "the one" while Elizabeth feels a draw but is so much more cautious about marriage. After all her parents' relationship is not exactly a good example. She is determined that she will have time to come to know any man who might be interested in marriage. She also realizes the negatives of her situation: her family, her lack of fortune and her lowly connections.
Enter Collins and herein Mrs. Bennet is so much more evil in her plan to have him marry Elizabeth: a plan which would have him "discipline" Elizabeth into being an obedient wife, subservient to her mother who would keep her role as the "Mistress" of Longbourn. Mrs. B. even puts a spy into place so as to insure that Elizabeth does NOT escape a situation in which Collins might propose and Mama can swear that E. accepted.
Of course we have other villains: the usual Wickham and Lady C. Be warned though that both are much more forceful in their determination to gain their way. Mr. Bennet finally has a turn about in his role as husband and father and that fact is due to ...well here I will say...read this story and be happily surprised as to who that person is.
February 6, 2017
I loved this funny variation, with a really outspoken Lizzy and a romantic Darcy who believes in destiny. The comic situations and intentional silliness balances moderate load of angst and nastiness of some characters.
Mrs. Bennet is a scheming harpy, and some readers might find her too evil. But I enjoyed the take on her character, showing her as a master manipulator. I liked an unusual cure for her nerves, and Mr. Bennet finding out, how to be a man again.
My biggest and favorite surprise was a twist on Elizabeth and Mr. Collins' conversation. I was glad he got his HEA as well. Lydia has her bad moments, but she learns to make wiser decisions instead of following her mother's lead. I always appreciate this twist in JAFF.
Watch out for brocade garments and a little, white fox.
Mrs. Bennet is a scheming harpy, and some readers might find her too evil. But I enjoyed the take on her character, showing her as a master manipulator. I liked an unusual cure for her nerves, and Mr. Bennet finding out, how to be a man again.
My biggest and favorite surprise was a twist on Elizabeth and Mr. Collins' conversation. I was glad he got his HEA as well. Lydia has her bad moments, but she learns to make wiser decisions instead of following her mother's lead. I always appreciate this twist in JAFF.
Watch out for brocade garments and a little, white fox.
November 2, 2016
"I believe when destiny plays with a sense of humor, it is called serendipity.”
And such is the theme of this beautiful and delightful book by Barbara Silkstone. When he was young, Darcy'so father not only told him to marry for love, but that fate would have a way to bring him to his soul mate like two magnets, and that he would instantly know she was the one. Darcy has believed in this ever since, so he knows his "running" into Elizabeth is that first moment of serendipity. She, on the other hand, is also formed by viewing her parents' less than stellar marriage, and while still believing in love, thinks it cannot happen in a moment, but only over a great deal of time. He does his best to convince her while not frightening her away. Fate tosses out clues while obstacles keep cropping up, the worst being her mother! But Fate also proves she will have her way as well, even against Lady Catherine.
This is a bit more serious in places than other of the author's books, by its very nature, but it is never truly dark or angsty. It is also very sweet. If your view on life has become a bit cynical or tarnished, it will give you a pick me up, and maybe even a bit of light and hope.
And such is the theme of this beautiful and delightful book by Barbara Silkstone. When he was young, Darcy'so father not only told him to marry for love, but that fate would have a way to bring him to his soul mate like two magnets, and that he would instantly know she was the one. Darcy has believed in this ever since, so he knows his "running" into Elizabeth is that first moment of serendipity. She, on the other hand, is also formed by viewing her parents' less than stellar marriage, and while still believing in love, thinks it cannot happen in a moment, but only over a great deal of time. He does his best to convince her while not frightening her away. Fate tosses out clues while obstacles keep cropping up, the worst being her mother! But Fate also proves she will have her way as well, even against Lady Catherine.
This is a bit more serious in places than other of the author's books, by its very nature, but it is never truly dark or angsty. It is also very sweet. If your view on life has become a bit cynical or tarnished, it will give you a pick me up, and maybe even a bit of light and hope.
November 2, 2016
Darcy and Elizabeth Serendipity
Another great story by Barbara Silkstone. I enjoy the way she weaves totally different stories with our characters, while sticking to the basic personalities that Jane Austen set forth. Then changes them around ever so slightly to fit in with all of her different plots! It really is clever and great fun to read. Nice to see Mrs. Bennet getting some form of punishment for a change! Great and also a fun read.
Another great story by Barbara Silkstone. I enjoy the way she weaves totally different stories with our characters, while sticking to the basic personalities that Jane Austen set forth. Then changes them around ever so slightly to fit in with all of her different plots! It really is clever and great fun to read. Nice to see Mrs. Bennet getting some form of punishment for a change! Great and also a fun read.
January 4, 2017
Darcy and Lizzy Serendipity
This story was absolutely delightful. I enjoyed the plot, personification of the characters just reading it. The sharp and fast paced wit enhanced the story flow. Barbara Silkstone has become a favorite with her Darcy and Elizabeth series, I eagerly anticipate the next in the series
This story was absolutely delightful. I enjoyed the plot, personification of the characters just reading it. The sharp and fast paced wit enhanced the story flow. Barbara Silkstone has become a favorite with her Darcy and Elizabeth series, I eagerly anticipate the next in the series
March 11, 2017
When love feels like magic, you call it destiny. When destiny has a sense of humor, you call it serendipity.--author unknown
Destiny with a sense of humor -- Serendipity!
A light-hearted love story -- Darcy falls at once but Elizabeth fears a marriage like her parents and avoids her destiny.
Loved the sympathetic portrayal of Mr. Collins in this book!
We don't see much of Lady Catherine but she was evil when she arrived.
The author makes good points in the story about the similarity between Mrs. B and Lady C.
I was disappointed with Lydia's comeuppance -- Must be my evil nature that I always want to see Papa B bend her over his knee.
But at least Mama Bennet was suitably contained!
Destiny with a sense of humor -- Serendipity!
A light-hearted love story -- Darcy falls at once but Elizabeth fears a marriage like her parents and avoids her destiny.
Loved the sympathetic portrayal of Mr. Collins in this book!
We don't see much of Lady Catherine but she was evil when she arrived.
The author makes good points in the story about the similarity between Mrs. B and Lady C.
I was disappointed with Lydia's comeuppance -- Must be my evil nature that I always want to see Papa B bend her over his knee.
But at least Mama Bennet was suitably contained!
January 21, 2019
Well written but episodic
I love the author’s writing style normally but it was a bit ‘set the pins up and knock them down one be one’ in this story.
Wickham was amoral, Mrs. Bennet was a cold conniving matriarch and Lady Catherine was even worse.
The war between Lizzy and Darcy was logic and rationality on Lizzy’s side and serendipity and fate for Darcy’s viewpoint. As in most P&P variations both Lizzy and Darcy’s personalities derive from their most beloved but flawed parent. Neither ever seem to realize they should leave their past behind and become their own person. Lizzy, being 20, has some justification for not having matured yet but Darcy being so much older and having experienced so much always seems flawed by still depending so much on his father’s teachings.
But usually Lizzy is the catalyst starts Darcy’s journey of becoming his own man. Often Lizzy comes to that journey late in a book if at all. This story arc is different. Darcy doesn’t change much at all and Lizzy definitely changes more than he does. It was a nice change of pace.
I enjoyed the book a lot. I recommend it.
I love the author’s writing style normally but it was a bit ‘set the pins up and knock them down one be one’ in this story.
Wickham was amoral, Mrs. Bennet was a cold conniving matriarch and Lady Catherine was even worse.
The war between Lizzy and Darcy was logic and rationality on Lizzy’s side and serendipity and fate for Darcy’s viewpoint. As in most P&P variations both Lizzy and Darcy’s personalities derive from their most beloved but flawed parent. Neither ever seem to realize they should leave their past behind and become their own person. Lizzy, being 20, has some justification for not having matured yet but Darcy being so much older and having experienced so much always seems flawed by still depending so much on his father’s teachings.
But usually Lizzy is the catalyst starts Darcy’s journey of becoming his own man. Often Lizzy comes to that journey late in a book if at all. This story arc is different. Darcy doesn’t change much at all and Lizzy definitely changes more than he does. It was a nice change of pace.
I enjoyed the book a lot. I recommend it.
April 21, 2018
Story Doesn’t Fit the Period or Fit The Characters
I waited a long time to read this story. I am very disappointed. First the behavior of the characters were nothing like the originals in Pride & Prejudice. The original characters were very reserved, their love story developed over time. In this story Darcy basically declares his love for Elizabeth almost immediately after meeting her. In addition the behavior of the people of the regency period was also reserved. They would never tell family secrets so easily. The story was very juvenile with very little character development or story development. It was a very superficial tale. I cannot Recommend it to anyone, but especially someone who loves Pride & Prejudice. It was a chore to finish, I was ready to quit after reading about 25% of the story, but I finished the book. Don’t waste your time or money.
I waited a long time to read this story. I am very disappointed. First the behavior of the characters were nothing like the originals in Pride & Prejudice. The original characters were very reserved, their love story developed over time. In this story Darcy basically declares his love for Elizabeth almost immediately after meeting her. In addition the behavior of the people of the regency period was also reserved. They would never tell family secrets so easily. The story was very juvenile with very little character development or story development. It was a very superficial tale. I cannot Recommend it to anyone, but especially someone who loves Pride & Prejudice. It was a chore to finish, I was ready to quit after reading about 25% of the story, but I finished the book. Don’t waste your time or money.
July 28, 2018
Much better than the Emma-involved tale
Still a few wholeheartedly lifted passages from either Austen or the Emma tale (must I find the same words in all her books?) Plenty of not believable situations and discontinuities. But I actually laughed aloud twice! And, harsh as some of the characters and scenes were, I enjoyed this tale. Could be a bit better polished, if author relied on herself instead of Jane Austen. But there was a twist of Austen's words which I enjoyed.
Still a few wholeheartedly lifted passages from either Austen or the Emma tale (must I find the same words in all her books?) Plenty of not believable situations and discontinuities. But I actually laughed aloud twice! And, harsh as some of the characters and scenes were, I enjoyed this tale. Could be a bit better polished, if author relied on herself instead of Jane Austen. But there was a twist of Austen's words which I enjoyed.
January 26, 2020
I would give this a 3.5. It was a very different Darcy with a lot of focus on "fate and destiny" and little on duty and expectations. I'm not sure any characters were true to how Austen wrote them with the exception of maybe Jane and Bingley. It was still enjoyable and at in many ways had an almost fairy tale feel to it.
February 11, 2017
Silkstone, Darcy, and a twist: what's not to like? The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but that can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs! There is situational and verbal humor, a really interesting plot, and an even more devastating Mr Darcy!
Jannie Meisberger is the fun narrator for this one, too.
Jannie Meisberger is the fun narrator for this one, too.
February 5, 2017
Every book that Barbara Silkstone writes puts a smile on my face. The characters are so charming.
Darcy is sure that he will find the love of his life. His parents had a beautiful marriage and he knows there is someone out there for him. It is his destiny.
Elizabeth will never marry but for true love. The marriage of her parents is anything but happy.
When Darcy and Elizabeth literally run into each other, Darcy knows that it is love at first sight. Lizzy is not so sure but she can not get Darcy out of her mind. The path they take to be together is so awesome..
I'm looking forward to what Barbara Silkstone comes up with next....
I know it will be a GREAT!!
Darcy is sure that he will find the love of his life. His parents had a beautiful marriage and he knows there is someone out there for him. It is his destiny.
Elizabeth will never marry but for true love. The marriage of her parents is anything but happy.
When Darcy and Elizabeth literally run into each other, Darcy knows that it is love at first sight. Lizzy is not so sure but she can not get Darcy out of her mind. The path they take to be together is so awesome..
I'm looking forward to what Barbara Silkstone comes up with next....
I know it will be a GREAT!!
April 14, 2017
2.5 stars. I wanted to like this book but the changes in most of the characters were too much. I just couldn't come to terms with a smiling, laughing Darcy talking of serendipity and destiny and pronouncing his love at first sight.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews