Mr. Darcy's Mail-Order Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by J. Dawn King

Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice meets the Wild, Wild West.In 1869, females are in short supply in the west while a single man in want of a wife is rare in the east. When lonely Charles Bingley convinces his good friend, Will Darcy, to write a letter offering marriage to Miss Jane Bennet, she likewise convinces her sister, Elizabeth, to pen the reply.Elizabeth is struck by the beauty of the letter and responds by opening her heart to the Oregon wordsmith, who she believes to be Mr. Bingley.It’s love at first letter—for both the couples. Misunderstandings and bad impressions abound as the true identities of the authors are discovered. In the days following the double wedding, Will and Elizabeth Darcy face challenge after challenge while Mr. and Mrs. Bingley appear to live in wedded bliss.Will Mr. and Mrs. Darcy find their own true love? In this sweet variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we will see open disdain shift to a wary friendship and the wary friendship grow to the tenderest of emotions—or will we?This is a western variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice by best-selling author J. Dawn King.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Historical, Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2016

About the author

I go by the name "Joy". There is a well-published author that uses my full name (including the same middle initial). Imagine that!

I also write as Christie Capps. These are all variations of Pride and Prejudice that are about 100-120 pages in length.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe this is Ms. King's best book to date. While it departs significantly from canon well beyond the alteration of place and time from Regency England to the Oregon frontier of the late 1800s, the essence of this story has recognizable echoes of Pride and Prejudice, particularly in the characterizations of Will Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

The carnage of America's Civil War has devastated a generation of men in the East; the West suffers from a shortage of women willing to travel to the relatively untamed wilderness. In the wake of the war, the Bennet family are suffering financial hardships that the indolent Mr. Bennet stubbornly ignores, so Mr. Gardiner returns from a trip to Oregon promoting a match between Jane and Mr. Bingley and bearing a letter from the gentleman proposing this to his niece. The subsequent letters that flow back and forth make the potential couple even more eager to pursue this course. But the letters are actually written by Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, who are also enchanted by the personality shown in the letters received. Almost as an afterthought, the last letter before Jane heads West includes a proposal to her sister Elizabeth from Mr. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy, and she agrees, hoping that Mr. Bingley's friend has similar qualities to her sister's betrothed.

While Jane and Mr. Bingley are delighted when they finally meet face-to-face, Elizabeth and Darcy have the opposite reaction to each other. Elizabeth has an unfortunate mishap that leaves her looking bedraggled, and then she recognizes Mr. Darcy's unmistakable attraction to Jane and overhears him disparaging her (Elizabeth's) appearance. Each recognizes who the true author of the letters must have been but is deeply disappointed in the reality of the person he/she is to marry. Despite this, both couples are wed by a Justice of the Peace the following morning.

Obviously, Darcy and Elizabeth have a rocky start. He's quiet, gruff and appears ungrateful for the way she immediately takes charge of his household, particularly when he has a serious injury that leaves him dependent upon her care and feeling inadequate as a man. She is oversensitive and reacts to every imagined slight.

The story does a great job of demonstrating the hardships in the timberland of Oregon, even on the prosperous farm, Pemberley, that Darcy owns. Elizabeth is not a pampered mistress with servants attending her while she plans menus and balls. Instead, she works as hard as the men in her husband's employ. But she also has a deep appreciation of the beauty of her surroundings and savors her time at the end of the day sitting on the porch overlooking a magnificent vista, which is described in loving detail.

There are numerous challenges. Along with Darcy's injury, George Wickham is his usual malevolent self, Georgiana comes back to Pemberley after having lived with her aunt and uncle for several years and has a strained relationship with her older brother, a fire has some devastating consequences, and Caroline Bingley and the three unmarried Bennet sisters show up unexpectedly. With all of this adversity, Elizabeth and Darcy draw closer together as a formidable team, and each comes to admire the other and be grateful for their marriage.

The writing is marvelous, with believable characters, natural-sounding dialogue, historically interesting detail, and a good plot. Much as I loved Love Letters from Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella, this is even better. Ms. King's skill as a story-teller continues to impress.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Jeanne does an excellent job with her review, I would like to add a bit to introducing and maybe enticing other readers to read this pleasurable JAFF story.

In writing of a Mail-Order Bride I kept in mind that our author lives in Oregon so her descriptions are from her own experiences and they enable us to well imagine those lush green settings.

In 1869 this nation, especially in the east, is struggling to regain its feet as jobs are few, young men fewer and distrust of neighbors hangs in the air as a nation tries to come together. Mr. Bennet has lost many of the young men he tutored in the classics due to the war so the Bennet family is struggling more that ever. Plus Mrs. Bennet has not a clue as to how to budget the little money they have. Ribbons for Lydia are a must for her way of thinking as she does have 5 daughters to marry off.

The Gardiners have traveled west to Oregon and in bargaining to buy the Goulding property, after the death of that couple’s only child, have met Charles Bingley and filled his head with the idea that their oldest niece would be a perfect match. So Bingley begs his friend, Will Darcy, to write his letter of introduction, which the Gardiners will take back to the Baltimore area with them.

Ironically, as Will has used a poetic quote in writing Charles’ letter, Jane wants to respond in kind and begs Lizzy to write her response letter, knowing Lizzy is well read and can respond in kind. Both ladies are very impressed and well on their way to being in love with the “man who wrote the letter”. Will not only is writing Charles’ letter but also is falling in love with the author of the return correspondence. And he goes against his usual characteristics of being a man who considers well before taking a step and adds a proposal of marriage to the sister of the woman to whom he/Charles has been writing. However, deep down inside he is hoping that Charles will take one look at her and decide that this is not the lady for him! But, if not, maybe the sister is much like this Jane, whose letters call to his spirit.

SPOILER: When the couples finally meet Lizzy looks her worse as her attentions to one set of twins traveling west with them have resulted in her fall into a puddle of water with no chance to change so she looks like a ragamuffin. Darcy stands by his offer. The two couples wed the next morning. Soon it comes out that the letter writer Will and Lizzy fell in love with is not the person they have secretly mourned as now out of reach. Jane and Charles are happy and off to Netherfield. Lizzy has overheard an insult about her appearance so upon reaching Pemberley she directs that her luggage be put in the guest room!

Will and Lizzy struggle to adjust as events occur to put them in irregular circumstances. Each has their regrets: Jane looks just like, not only Will’s beloved mother, but also his dear sister while Lizzy finds her days burdened in an unusual way and also being “forced” to take over the job of cooking for husband as well as for his employees. As the story progresses drought, fire, unexpected company, the imposition of unwanted hired men and more add to the trials this pair of newlyweds undergo.

I enjoyed this couple’s open and honest conversations after the initial dust has settled. We don’t have to await a Hunsford setting to learn how each views the other. Well done. I read this as a WIP and then as a published kindle book.

12-10-18: I am now rereading/listening to this book on Audible while walking in the morning. I finished listening to this today, December 15th, 2018 but there is no where to mark that it was the Audible version. I am counting it as a reread.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author's work. However, I was hesitant to read this variation of my favourite characters based on time period and location. It is considered a western novel taking place in America, and I have found in similar readings that it is not my favourite. I didn't want to be disappointed nor write a bad review based on my own foibles. That being said, I put my faith in Ms. King's writing and some trusted reviewers and took the plunge. My reservations were unfounded and like Lizzy and Jane, I am glad I ventured forth!

Ms. King weaves history, location and reality into a believable tale. The hardships of post-Civil War on the east cost have left the Bennet's struggling. Mr. Bennet has withdrawn even further and Mrs. Bennet's nerves have increased. Having no help from their parents, Jane and Elizabeth have taken over the running of the home. When Mr. Gardiner, their favourite uncle, has returned from a trip out to the Pacific-northwest, he comes back with a letter for Jane. This letter, along with three others, not only captures the attention of Jane but of Elizabeth. Mr. Bingley would like to offer marriage to Jane. But he wasn't the one to write it...Mr. Darcy has. Jane's responses are written by Elizabeth which sets up their first meeting, and the start of their life on the wrong foot as Mr. Darcy has proposed marriage to Elizabeth in the final letter. First impressions are not good and go downhill quickly. However, the journey to understanding through hardship and strife was so rewarding. There was much humour written into the story as well as angst that either leaves you laughing or wanting to knock heads together!

I flew through this novel with ease enjoying a new side to each of the characters in different circumstances. Wickham, Lydia and Caroline however were their usual selves. All of my senses were engaged in this story...I could just smell those peaches!

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go west young lady, go west… and take a chance on love

The Oregon Trail, connecting the Missouri River to the valleys in Oregon, helped bring those seeking a new life and their fortune to the west coast. Over the years, the area was settled and civilized with towns and shops. Men had settled the wilderness, worked their lands, and set up their houses, they need only wives to make them homes. With a shortage of women in the area, they turned their lovelorn hearts and minds back to the east. The women in the east, facing a shortage of men after the war, turned their lovelorn hearts and minds toward the west where they were assured of a home and protection… hopefully.

To the modern sensibilities, the concept of a ‘mail-order bride’ sends shivers down the spine of most women. To those adventurous of soul and with a willingness to gamble, this would not even phase them as they would see the practical side to the offer. It would be a venture that Charlotte Lucas would be more than willing to attempt. But we are talking about Jane and Elizabeth Bennet here.

In most arranged marriages, you have family members doing the match making, and in this case, it was Uncle Gardiner [acting as the mediator] returning from the west carrying a letter of introduction for Jane from one Charles Bingley.

Jane was so moved by his letter that she requested that Elizabeth write back for her as she didn’t feel up to responding to the poetry he quoted. Were you surprised by Charles being able to write such a letter? Spoiler: He didn’t… Darcy did. So, we have a double case of Cyrano de Bergerac, where E&D are both moved by each other’s letters. After months of exchanging letters, Charles proposes and Jane accepts. At the bottom of the letter was a proposal for Elizabeth from a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, friend and neighbor to Charles. Thus, the sisters would be neighbors. They both accepted and headed west for a new life.

This was adorable. Yeah, it leaned a bit modern; however, it was hilarious and so much fun. I loved this Elizabeth. She reminded me so much of Jane Powell in the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Elizabeth was a spit-fire and didn’t take anything off anyone. She worked like a workhorse and managed all within her realm with a tight rein, thank you very much. No one would cross her… if they knew what was good for them.

I need to point out that this was a quick read and one you won’t want to put down. I so appreciated the minimalistic writing as our author didn’t draw out scenes to the point of boredom. She stated what she needed to say and moved on. This approach made the story light in tone and was easy to read. The relations of our characters evolved in a gentle slow manner as the strangers were married with hours of meeting each other. I enjoyed the gentle evolution of our characters as they found they were more alike than they thought. There was a sensuality to our couple but no sex scenes.

JAFF readers have always been fascinated with the relationship between our dear couple. Authors have had to walk a fine line so Darcy was not portrayed as too disdainful, proud and taciturn. Or, showing Elizabeth as too prejudice, stubborn, moody and obstinate. King found that balance where there was a smattering of their worst characteristics, but then let our characters evolve into the perfect blend of what we love best in our couple. I simple adored this E&D. I’m sorry, it hit me just right.

King then did something that most JAFF authors rarely attempt. She allowed Elizabeth to question why Wickham’s penchant for wrongdoing was not exposed to the innocent public. King then had Elizabeth explain why the ‘Failure to Warn’ was harmful to society at large. This was so eloquent and reasonable that I was impressed with the author’s attempt to clarify and state the seriousness of the situation. It was really well done. Like I said, this Elizabeth was one savvy piece of characterization. I really liked her.

We had brief exposure from Caroline Bingley… miss high-and-mighty. She and Lydia locked horns and circled their wagons. It was hilarious. Once again, Elizabeth surprised everyone with her ‘mistress of the house’ stance. Hilarious. OMG!!! Charles Bingley, may be affable and gentle, but where Jane is concerned he is a bear. This was so much fun.

Lydia’s situation was just sad. Such a silly, stupid, girl, and yes, she fell [rather walked] into the clutches of Mr. Wickham with a surprise that I’ve never seen before. OMG!!! What a revelation. I did not see it coming.

The Bennet situation was worse in this work that I’ve ever seen in JAFF. I resent more than ever Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their behavior toward the welfare of their girls. Their outcome was a shock. I didn’t see that coming either. It was too creative and cute to boot. Yeah, you can tell I really liked this story. I needed it after reading high angst stories recently. It gave me a chuckle.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Jeanne does an excellent job with her review, I would like to add a bit to introducing and maybe enticing other readers to read this pleasurable JAFF story.

In writing of a Mail-Order Bride I kept in mind that our author lives in Oregon so her descriptions are from her own experiences and they enable us to well imagine those lush green settings.

In 1869 this nation, especially in the east, is struggling to regain its feet as jobs are few, young men fewer and distrust of neighbors hangs in the air as a nation tries to come together. Mr. Bennet has lost many of the young men he tutored in the classics due to the war so the Bennet family is struggling more that ever. Plus Mrs. Bennet has not a clue as to how to budget the little money they have. Ribbons for Lydia are a must for her way of thinking as she does have 5 daughters to marry off.

The Gardiners have traveled west to Oregon and in bargaining to buy the Goulding property, after the death of that couple’s only child, have met Charles Bingley and filled his head with the idea that their oldest niece would be a perfect match. So Bingley begs his friend, Will Darcy, to write his letter of introduction, which the Gardiners will take back to the Baltimore area with them. Ironically, as Will has used a poetic quote in writing Charles’ letter, Jane wants to respond in kind and begs Lizzy to write her response letter, knowing Lizzy is well read and can respond in kind. Both ladies are very impressed and well on their way to being in love with the “man who wrote the letter”. Will not only is writing Charles’ letter but also is falling in love with the author of the return correspondence. And he goes against his usual characteristics of being a man who considers well before taking a step and adds a proposal of marriage to the sister of the woman to whom he/Charles has been writing. However, deep down inside he is hoping that Charles will take one look at her and decide that this is not the lady for him! But, if not, maybe the sister is much like this Jane, whose letters call to his spirit.

Spoiler: When the couples finally meet Lizzy looks her worse as her attentions to one set of twins traveling west with them have resulted in her fall into a puddle of water with no chance to change so she looks like a ragamuffin. Darcy stands by his offer. The two couples wed the next morning. Soon it comes out that the letter writer Will and Lizzy fell in love with is not the person they have secretly mourned as now out of reach. Jane and Bingley are happy and off to Netherfield. Lizzy has overheard an insult about her appearance so upon reaching Pemberley she directs that her luggage be put in the guest room!

Will and Lizzy struggle to adjust as events occur to put them in irregular circumstances. Each has their regrets: Jane looks just like, not only Will’s beloved mother, but also his dear sister while Lizzy finds her days burdened in an unusual way and also being “forced” to take over the job of cooking for husband as well as for his employees. As the story progresses drought, fire, unexpected company, the imposition of unwanted hired men and more add to the trials this pair of newlyweds undergo.

I enjoyed this couple’s open and honest conversations after the initial dust has settled. We don’t have to await a Hunsford setting to learn how each views the other. Well done. I read this as a WIP and then as a published kindle book.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised Me
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2019
I’d considered this book on and off for awhile simply because I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy an “American Western” type setting. This story however, pulled me in from the first pages, so I’m glad I finally took the time to go ahead and read it. I really loved how there was no waiting to get to the crux of the story. ODC marry quickly, so there’s none of the long misunderstandings and courtship involved, even though Darcy does have a conversation overheard by Elizabeth that hurts. I loved the Pemberley setting as well. For some reason I pictured it like the Ponderosa from the old tv show Bonanza, even though that location was Nevada, not Oregon. Great story, and as usual, JD King, well written.

January 22, 2022 - Audiobook
I still enjoyed this book the second time around. The narration by Wendy Rich Stetson is good, but I found her voice a little hard and expressed a bit too loud. It was hard to distinguish some of the male characters and the young men sounded too old. The reading was fine in the narrative portions.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unattached Frontiersman in Possession of Property in the Pacific Northwest Must be in Want of a Mail-Order Bride!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Retelling

SETTING: Oregon, 1869

MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley

SYNOPSIS: Through her Uncle Gardiner, who has just recently returned from the Pacific Northwest, Jane Bennet receives a letter requesting marriage from an unknown Charles Bingley. Needing help with her reply, Jane turns to her sister Elizabeth who is happy to lend a hand. But after several more exchanges Elizabeth finds herself more than charmed by Mr. Bingley’s correspondence. Oh no! Is she losing her heart to her sister’s suitor!?! Jane isn’t the only one who asked for help, Charles friend, Mr. Darcy, is providing the same service! And it seems he may have fallen for ‘Jane’ Bennet, so much so that he sent a marriage proposal to Jane’s sister! Mr. Darcy secretly hopes Charles will fall in love with Elizabeth at first sight, and that he will be able to claim his heart’s desire…his perfect companion, Jane Bennet…!

WHAT I LOVED:

– Unique and Unusual: Oregon in 1869, mail-order brides, Darcy and Elizabeth both in love with the wrong people?!? Such an original and imaginative recreation of Jane Austen’s beloved story! I love that J. Dawn King took us to such a refreshingly unique setting and situation. While I’ve read many forced marriage/compromised scenarios, mail-order bride scenarios are something quite different. I also loved the humorous mix-up over the letters, it added a small does of angst to the story!

– Frontier Life: I loved the setting for this story! I greatly admire the people who moved out west and established their own homestead. The men who worked outside from sunup to sundown, then women who did everything from gardening, cooking, cleaning, and farm chores all in the same day. It was so interesting to see Jane Austen’s characters – who we usually see with plenty of leisure time and servants – live such a different kind of lifestyle. In addition, Ms. King’s depictions of the lush landscape and natural beauty of Oregon were inviting, picturesque, and serene. I will forever associate this story with porch rocking chairs and peaches… 😉

– Elizabeth: I think Elizabeth was born to live in the untamed wilderness of the west! It takes a lot of hard work and strength of character, and Ms. King shows how well Lizzy handles all the challenges given to her in this new environment. Especially considering how she left her home and family and moved to a foreign territory only to make the heart-wrenching discovery that her husband (that she just met!) is in love with her sister! Rather than be angry or depressed by all these unhappy events, she strives to make her new home and life peaceful and content. Our Lizzy “isn’t formed for ill-humor” or melancholy!

– Falling For Each Other: Poor Darcy and Elizabeth have a lot to deal with in this story! But it is lovely to witness how their hearts turn towards each other and see their affection grow. It isn’t all at once, there is a lovely build up with growing understanding and heartwarming tenderness. I appreciated the contrast between the Darcys’ marriage and the Bingleys’, who fell in love instantly and were blithely happy from the beginning. Some things are better for the struggle.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

– Wickham and Lydia: This is more of a petulant whine really, but I wasn’t too fond of how Lydia and Wickham commandeered a lot of page time from Darcy and Elizabeth just when things were getting good! Ack!

CONCLUSION:

Filled with rugged terrain, rough hardships, and rocky relationships – this unique and enthralling retelling of Pride and Prejudice is one that I thoroughly enjoyed! A perfect choice for readers who enjoy gripping western romance, and definitely my new favorite from J. Dawn King!

Austenesque Reviews

[ana darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the USA in 1869, it is a very different premise from the JAFF that I normally read but I was intrigued after reading the blurb, you can read it here or carry on with my review.

Charles Bingley is lonely and there are not many single women in the west so he sets his cap on the older nice of a Mr Gardiner. However, Charles writes very poorly so he asks his friend Will Darcy to write the letters. Darcy helps him but he does not expect to fall in love with the person who writes those letters and he is also heart-broken as that lady is destined to his friend. Jane Bennet, the addressee of those letters, begs her sister Elizabeth to answer them as she is not able to imitate the quality and feeling of those missives. What happens next is that Elizabeth also falls in love with the writer.

Darcy is desperate and with the last letter, he proposes to Jane’s sister and he is accepted. Let’s say that the first impression is not good at all from both sides because Elizabeth has a little accident and she is not wearing her best dress. Moreover Darcy is just spellbound by Jane and does not pay attention to Lizzy at all. As it happens in Pride and Prejudice, Jane and Charles are made for each other, nothing can separate them.

Soon enough, Darcy and Elizabeth realise that they are the authors of those letters but it is not enough. The following day there is a quick double-wedding and they start the journey home.

Jane + Bingley = love at first sight, happiness

Elizabeth + Darcy = no talking unless is to argue

but…

the following day after their arrival at Pemberley, Darcy has an accident and his leg is broken and his back is painful so he has to be in bed for a few months. Elizabeth starts being the one who takes care of the state and the people in it. Darcy is very grumpy and crabby. Their relationship does not look good as he is not able to even realise everything his wife is doing for the state and for him. Do not forget that he cannot leave his bed at all… (at all, means that he cannot leave the bed at all

[Nicole Clarkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet bit of candy this book was! A most enjoyable means of combating the dreaded 4 AM insomnia. I was useless all of the rest of the morning until I got to finish. Thank you, Joy!

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice variation that unfolds in a post-Civil War America. Rather than finding ourselves in Bath, Portsmouth or London, we are surrounded by the beauty of the Oregon territory; a rich narrative provides us with a satisfying taste of that frontier life and pioneering spirit. The author does a splendid job explaining how the Bennet sisters find themselves in such dire straits which necessitate crossing the country as mail-order brides. I found that I was easily transported and fully engaged... quickly setting aside my need for my usual “Regency fix.”

As others have already pointed out, the delightful mix-up that provokes the initial conflict between the couples reminds one of Cyrano de Bergerac and I loved how the author allowed both Elizabeth and Darcy to be honest about their feelings- at least to themselves. I also appreciated the fact that we weren’t tortured with ongoing angst and frustration for too long; our beloved characters come to realize where their true affections lie. Elizabeth’s character traits from the original P/P shine through, but I delighted in experiencing her Americana mannerisms in this version as well. The way she took on the hardships of running Pemberley- a prosperous yet working farm, showed “true grit.” I had images of Ma Ingalls and Millie from “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”- clever, capable and accomplished women working as hard or harder than their men!

There were story lines that caught me a bit off guard, in particular how Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are portrayed. King paints a dark, almost tragic picture here; I don’t recall another author addressing their less-than-sterling parenting skills quite to this degree, yet it makes sense in this narrative. In my opinion, Lydia fares a bit better in this version, as does Mary- and I was happy to imagine them so. I felt that towards the end, I was given a bit too much information. I found that I was skimming across the sort of genealogical outline of baby names and marriages. All in all, I loved this story as it combined many of my favorites- beloved P/P characters, pioneer spirit, romance and a good, clean read.

[Dung · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Unique P&P retelling set in the Frontier. I did enjoy a stronger Bingley and Jane.

Wickham & Lydia got away too easily in my opinion, but glad that Caroline was not able to get her way.

I wish the Gardiner had a bit more page time as well.

The other reviews do a wonderful job of summarizing the story. Overall, I throughly enjoyed this story and would recommend reading it to any P&P fan.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a wonderful, creative P & P retelling. Set 4 years after the end of the American civil War the Bennets are living a hardscrabble existence in Baltimore, MD with few prospects for success or marriage. When Uncle Gardiner returns from his visit to the Willamette valley with a letter for Jane from a prospective husband Jane is inclined to accept. The letter is lovely, filled with literary allusions and rich descriptions of her future home. Feeling unequal to the task of replying she begs her sister Lizzy to draft her reply. Ala Cyrano de Bergerac Lizzy is falling in love with the author while the author is falling in love with her. Before your head explodes of course Darcy is writing Bingley's letters there isn't a blot to be seen.

When Bingley sends for Jane Darcy impetuously adds a page offering to marry her sister. And soon Jane and Lizzy are off on the Transcontinental railroad to San Francisco to take a steamer ship to Portland. An accident before docking causes Lizzy to look like a drowned rat and Darcy to be dismissive. He is too busy worshiping Jane from afar and being jealous of Bingley. But as a man of his word he will marry Lizzy and make her his wife. Lizzy quickly figures out that Bingley didn't write the letters but she can't transfer her affection easily.

Now married to man she can't stand and who is not in love with her Lizzy makes the best of it but quickly things will happen to force her to nurse him and they are unable to escape the inevitability of their relationship.

I really enjoyed this book, much, much, much more than I expected to.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this P&P trip to the Oregon territory, where the Bennett sisters decide to take their chances as mail order brides. On both sides of the country the letters of introduction exchanged are admired and create expectations.

Upon marriage Elizabeth and Darcy are immediately thrown into a relationship stretching situation. Through their time together and with help from friends, they are able to make it.

All that is told in the backdrop of the beautiful Oregon forests and rivers. With men and women working hard to carve a life from the wilderness. The tenacity of Elizabeth is amazing. Her character makes the book flow and keeps everyone together. She is incredibly honest, not only with others ,but about herself. The usual cast of characters also plays a part in the story but Lizzy shines.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite JAFF reads. I don't know what is it about this book but I just love it. I use it sometimes as an antidote when I've got a book hangover from a prior read (see my review on Nameless by Julie Cooper). I currently live in the PNW and travel to the Portland area quite a bit so I can image what the area looked like in the 1860's. Plus, I've always been attracted to tales of western settlers - that could be because I'm a midwest transplant now who's lived in both Colorado & the PNW so there's that.

Anyway, this is one of my feel good books for a nice little excuse. Minimal angst, no Collins, minimal Miss Bingley.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride and Prejudice reimagined in 1869 western America

I absolutely loved this fabulous story with so many of my favourite traits in a book.
A short and to the point introduction.
Engaging and entertaining, it held my attention in an iron grip.
Plenty of page-time with ODC at odds, hurling insults at each other. (Deliciously emotional!) Darcy growling like an old bear at Elizabeth until her strength and cleverness had him eating humble-pie cooked by Mrs Reynolds (snickering wickedly).
Adored this version of Elizabeth. Strong and independent without being foolishly headstrong.
Loved the word pictures that brought me into Oregon and I could practically smell the rain, masterfully done.

While the east had few eligible gentlemen, the west had a shortage of females. Mr Gardiner sung his eldest niece praises and a few letters were exchanged between Bingley and his angel Jane before the engagement was a fact.
A footnote in the last letter confirmed that his friend Darcy would take on the second eldest but he did no more than lay eyes on her before he heartily regretted his impulse.

Heartily recommend this book!

Rated:Chaste

[Faustine]

I was really looking forward to reading this story, as the plot sounded interesting and different from usual. However the tone and behaviour of ODC was too cheesy for me. And too much tell not enough show. The readers know all the thoughts of all the characters, it’s not fun!

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this author but not so much this book. Probably not her fault but my own aversion to American P & P variations. I really can't point out one thing I loved about this one but I think it will be a popular title for readers who enjoy P & P outside of England.

[Reb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Prejudice retelling set in the Wild West. Ladies are in short supply on the West coast so Bingley convinces Darcy to write a letter to Jane. Jane, enamored, gets Elizabeth to agree to pen the reply. Jane and Elizabeth travel cross-country to meet their suitors. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have developed feelings for the person on the other end of the letters, not realizing that it's each other.

"The die had been cast. They would be tied permanently to each other by morning. He would return to Pemberley hopelessly married to the wrong woman."

Things start out rocky for Will and Elizabeth. I found the forced patient relationship to be overdone and that it happened too soon.

"My life changed much with our marriage, but yours changed only with your accident."

I really enjoyed how the characters were portrayed in this book. Elizabeth was self-aware and able to articulate her thoughts and feelings in a straight-forward way I can only wish to achieve.

“Do you have an opinion on the book?” “Mr. Darcy, in our short acquaintance you must surely be aware that I always have an opinion. Whether or not you agree with my opinions is, in my opinion, unimportant.”
---
“What we both are is determined, I believe. We both have strong opinions and both believe we are in the right when those opinions clash against each other. But know this, Husband, I am fiercely determined to not be the only one in this marriage to make sacrifices and adjustments.”

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Bingley wants a wife. He asks his good friend William Darcy to write a letter to Jane Bennet to become a mail order bride and join him on the Oregon Trail. Jane has Elizabeth write the response to the letter she received from Bingley. 4 letters go back and forth from Jane and Bingley before the decision is final to marry. Darcy ask Jane’s sister Elizabeth to become his mail order bride in the last letter. Elizabeth and Jane travel from Boston to Oregon to begin their lives as mail order brides. Can love prevail? Will Elizabeth and Darcy find out they were the authors of the letters? Will only one sister stay and the other return home? Loved this mail order bride story.

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept

3.5* rounded up. Like the other books that I have read from Ms. King, this is a well-written and novel story. With a little bit of Cyrano de Bergerac incorporated into the title's premise, it is a unique retelling of P&P.
My personal preference remains with variations that are still Regency based. Wendy Rich Stetson did a great job performing the audiobook. The appropriate American accent didn't quite work for me - I think part of the allure of the original for me is the sound of British accents!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny!

This is, without a doubt, one of the best variations I've read. I LOVED this Elizabeth! She rocked! And Mr. Darcy was exactly the way a lone rancher would have been. It was hilarious, real and tender.

[Don Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The research embedded in this book is impressive and opens a new window (using the story of ODC) into the history of the Pacific Northwest. Clear and strong portraits of all of the characters contributes to this well-composed work. Would have enjoyed a slightly wider focus which would have offered us a better contextual world into which Jane and Lizzy travel.

Perhaps it is my age...but I grew up when the rugged individualist hero was in the process of establishing himself on the frontier...not having "already made it." He needs a strong partner to stand by his side. Now, that is the underlying meme in "Mail-order," but to have Pemberley still in the process of being hacked out of the Douglas firs may have made a slightly more intriguing story. I know that there is something in the canon about "small town girl becoming mistress of huge estate," but I have always felt that this was in to highlight Lizzy's insecurity and to establish the Darcy character's rationale for being as P&P opens. Here we have the rugged individualist as wealthy. Why not the rugged individualist discovering that his father counted on Wickham to run the place...and he ran it into the ground? Darcy now must save the family heritage and etcetera.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this a 3.5. I listened to this as an audiobook. The beginning had me chuckling quite a bit as the letter writers were revealed and the letters were exchanged and I knew this was going to be a fun book. I enjoyed how said letter writers developed respect and admiration for one another through their letters. As is true with most of us, the person to person interactions don't exactly live up to those same standards and true to form, ODC have a pretty bumpy beginning. It was fun to see how their relationship developed, especially in light of the unique circumstances. A hiccup I had was that I had a hard time understanding how after the "deception" regarding the letters was revealed, one of our main characters still clung to their misdirected notions and still clung to imagined "feelings" for someone else even though they knew those feelings were inspired from a completely different source. Hope that makes sense, trying not to give anything away. Overall, it was a good book that I enjoyed.

[Francisca Bahamondes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very different from canon. It is set in Post-Civil war America. The Bennets live in Boston and are in reduced circumstances. Mr Bennet is very indolent, way more than in canon. Mrs Bennet is even more nervous and superficial. They are inundated by debts and as a result they have hardly if any servants.
Jane and Elizabeth do most of the chores (even if Jane can't cook to save her life lol, but she is a good housekeeper apart from that). Apart from Mary, the younger girls don't contribute at all to the keeping of the house and they and their mother spend the little money they have on useless things.

Mr Gardiner is planning to move to the West and has found some land in Oregon. When he travels there to check the land and buy, he meets 2 very good hardworking men and immediately thinks about his nieces. He brings some letter and recommends to Jane to be a mail-order bride, he has met this good man called Bingley and he thinks it may be a good husband for her.
He also met Mr Darcy, but Darcy originally was not looking for a wife. Mr Bingley asks Darcy to help him with his letter to Jane, but Darcy, instead of writing as Bingley would, writes as himself but under Bingley's name.

Jane also thinks that she won't be able to answer to the best of her abilities and Elizabeth also answers with her own personality instead of Jane's, but writes for her. Of course, this was going to backfire...as a reader you can see that coming...

Mr Darcy is, after some letter exchanges with "Jane", quite besotted with her, but he knows he cannot get Jane, she is already destined to Bingley and he is writing as Bingley, so he thinks that, as Elizabeth will travel with Jane, he can propose to her and she will be as angelical as Jane sounds. How different 2 sisters could be, right?
Bad idea! He does propose to her via letter, and asks her to be his bride. She accepts.

Jane and Elizabeth travel for days on end to the other side of the country, eventually meeting with their future husbands. Unfortunately, Elizabeth had an incident with her clothing in the boat that brought them to Oregon City, so when Mr Darcy sees her all dishevelled, he is not impressed. He is quite taken with Jane though, but Jane had eyes only for Charles Bingley.

At first, Elizabeth sees Darcy as being handsome and gentlemanly but with his bad attitude, Darcy makes Elizabeth feel rejected, she feels he is mocking her for her appearance, and she can see he is way more attracted to Jane. She doesn't feel jealous of Jane as such, but she feels resentment toward Darcy for offering marriage to her while being attracted to her sister.

They do marry anyway, but she is not taken with him at all, and so, there is no consummation of marriage.

Bingley and Jane are lovestruck at first sight, and even when they confess to each other that her sister and his friend were the ones that were writing the letters, it doesn't bother them. They marry and Bingley takes Jane to his house, and they are deliriously happy, even if Jane cannot cook and they have to order food in the hotel every other day.

Meanwhile, Lizzy struggles with Mr Darcy's disappointment, rejection and rudeness, but she takes the reins at his home straight away and starts cooking marvellously for him (his housekeeper could not cook that well). He is glad but there is no appreciation in his attitude. Lizzy is quite miserable at first.

Unfortunately, disaster struck a couple of days into the marriage and Will Darcy, while at work, has an accident. A tree branch falls on him, breaking his leg. The doctor decrees he cannot get out of bed for 6 weeks. So, Lizzy, as his wife, has to help him with everything, including toileting and washing.
Well, to not over spoil it, the story is very good, it quite took me in. I did take a little break while reading other things, but I liked it quite a lot.
The idea of Elizabeth leaving everything behind to be a mail-order bride for a prideful Will Darcy makes for a very good story. She is strong and resilient, she doesn't mind all the work she has to do as a Pioneer's wife, and even if he takes his time to see her qualities, eventually he starts seeing her for the wonderful woman that she is, and that she can be a partner to him.

There are sweet moments but I wish they would've been more. After some weeks of helping her husband, maybe there should've been more chemistry and and more sweet moments, and more kisses before The Kiss, but that's just my opinion. Romance is behind closed doors.
They solve their differences and after all their struggles, their relationship is better for it.
I think what I like the most of this story comparing to canon, is that there are less misunderstandings because of the time period. Elizabeth has no issues in telling the things as they are to her husband and so differences are solved faster.

4 stars! recommended!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few P&P variations, and this is the first I've read that took Darcy and Elizabeth out of England and plopped them down in the Wild Wild West. The book begins with Mr. Gardiner returning from a trip out west to scope out the new land. He brings a letter for his eldest niece from a rich eligible bachelor, Charles Bingley. In the West, women are scarce and are snapped up as soon as they arrive, and Bingley hopes to make his case early to Jane to see if she might consider coming out West and becoming his bride.

Back east, the Bennets are in dire straights. The Civil War left men scarce, and Mr. Bennet's tutoring isn't bringing in as much income as it used to. Jane and Elizabeth take care of the housework and try to make a meager income stretch to feed and clothe seven people. When Mr. Gardiner brings Bingley's letter to Jane she is quickly enraptured by his description and his beautiful writing. She begs Elizabeth, the more literary of the two, to write a letter for her in response and Elizabeth reluctantly complies. After several letters are exchanged Jane falls deeply in love with Bingley, and unfortunately, in writing and responding to the letters, so does Elizabeth.

Unbeknownst to Jane and Elizabeth, the letters are actually written by Bingley's neighbor, a one Will Darcy. Along with Bingley, Darcy falls for the writer of the letters Bingley receives, and knowing he can't have Jane, Darcy offers marriage to Elizabeth. Jane and Elizabeth begin the trek out West not knowing the misunderstandings that await them.

This was such an interesting premise and the plot was really well done. Some of the characters were a bit different than in canon, Mr. Bennet is indolent and uncaring if his family starves, Caroline is less subtle snark and more scream, and Darcy himself has some anger issues. In the original P&P, Darcy rarely shows anger, only pride, in this novel he seems to be constantly blowing up over trivial things. But, I enjoyed Elizabeth's personality, and Jane's was a sweet surprise. There were some grammatical issues, but not enough to stop me from reading.

I read this book through Kindle Unlimited, and I know I'll be checking it out to reread again and again!

[lori huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original idea

Another winner from this author. As the book summary discloses, in the year 1869, Jane and Elizabeth decide to leave Baltimore, and go west to Oregon to be married to men they've never met, based only upon a recommendation from Uncle Gardiner, and upon the content of four letters written to Jane. Jane thinks that Bingley wrote the letters to her, but they were actually written by Darcy, and conversely, Bingley thinks the responses were written by Jane, but they were actually written by Elizabeth.

Of course, the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy starts off on the wrong foot, with Darcy insulting Elizabeth, and things look particularly grim when Darcy has an accident that results in a badly broken leg, making him dependent on Elizabeth for his care. Only after much heartache and stubborn indignation, a grudging admiration begins to blossom between them. However, there are plenty of outside forces just waiting to throw obstacles in the way of their HEA.

The book has plenty of heartwarming and heartbreaking situations. Darcy starts out as a pretty awful character, but eventually comes around to being his own swoon worthy self. Elizabeth is admirable, a nice strong and capable Lizzy with a big heart, a real pioneer type woman who's ready to take charge. I deducted a star for the almost cartoonish portrays of Caroline Bingley and Lydia. No one on God's green earth would put up with anything like their sassy, whiny, and demanding characters. I felt their personalities were overdone, and deserving of major comeuppances, but I got no satisfaction.

This is a good idea for a premise, and our beloved P&P characters were cleverly adapted for this different universe. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice meets the Wild, Wild West.In 1869, females are in short supply in the west while a single man in want of a wife is rare in the east. When lonely Charles Bingley convinces his good friend, Will Darcy, to write a letter offering marriage to Miss Jane Bennet, she likewise convinces her sister, Elizabeth, to pen the reply.Elizabeth is struck by the beauty of the letter and responds by opening her heart to the Oregon wordsmith, who she believes to be Mr. Bingley.It’s love at first letter—for both the couples. Misunderstandings and bad impressions abound as the true identities of the authors are discovered. In the days following the double wedding, Will and Elizabeth Darcy face challenge after challenge while Mr. and Mrs. Bingley appear to live in wedded bliss.Will Mr. and Mrs. Darcy find their own true love? In this sweet variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we will see open disdain shift to a wary friendship and the wary friendship grow to the tenderest of emotions—or will we?This is a western variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice by best-selling author J. Dawn King.

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 out of 5.0

I don't normally read American Western Frontier books but I did enjoy this one. Darcy and Lizzy still seemed very much within keeping of their character. The book only gets an above average rating from me because I felt that the story had so much more potential than what offered. Their tumultuous beginning was very exciting to read and I greatly anticipated reading the resolution. Their gradual rise to wedded bliss seemed a little lackluster and unremarkable as if a few key scenes and steps were missing.The various side characters living and working in their ranch were also intriguing but apart from a mere cursory introduction there wasn't much mention of them in the latter part of the books. Of course, it's still a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to any Pride and Prejudice fan.

[Debby Sangiovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Highly

Another great work by this author! Not that anyone would be surprised to hear that. J. Dawn King's books never disappoint; they're always brilliantly written, very well edited and always worth the price.

I found the book humorous which I can't usually say about P&P variations.
I loved the way Lydia and Caroline were written! Two of the most spoiled, insincere and self-absorbed girls are even more so in this book but not to a "this is getting obnoxious" or overdone way. Elizabeth is strong just as one would expect and her interactions with Darcy show a cheeky side that was delightful. Jane is the angel she always is until even she's pushed too far past patience with a sister or two.

Overall impression: you won't be disappointed..

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really undecided about my rating on this one. I kept going back and forth between 3 stars and 4 stars.

The fact that Darcy & Elizabeth reveal that they are the true authors of the Charles & Jane letters right from their first meeting made Darcy's disappointment/animosity towards Elizabeth unbelievable. Even if Darcy had been disappointed with Elizabeth's looks, he had still fallen in love with her words. Therefore Darcy's rudeness towards Elizabeth just seemed out of place. IMO It would have made more sense for the reveal to happen after Darcy's accident while they were getting to know each other.

Overall the story was well researched and so beautifully written that it deserved 4 stars.