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By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything
Promised to one sister. Bewitched by the other.
What if Mr. Thomas Bennet's first-born daughter is promised to the elder Mr. Darcy's first-born son?
Are promises made always promises kept?
Or is a love like Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet's destined to prevail?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story. Grab your copy now!
By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything is a fast-paced, 50,000+ words novel. Also available in paperback (296 pages).
What if Mr. Thomas Bennet's first-born daughter is promised to the elder Mr. Darcy's first-born son?
Are promises made always promises kept?
Or is a love like Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet's destined to prevail?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story. Grab your copy now!
By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything is a fast-paced, 50,000+ words novel. Also available in paperback (296 pages).
298 pages, ebook
First published August 3, 2017
55 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
P.O. Dixon
87 books167 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 9, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Ms. Dixon is undeniably one of the best at writing in what I call "Regency speak," and she proves it once again in By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything. I always love her flowing phrases that have the ring of authenticity, including the dialogue. It's not easy to make conversations sound natural to modern readers and yet mimic the speaking style of that era, which she does so effectively. No grammar, spelling or punctuation errors except for one misspelling of "counsel" (the homonym "council" is used instead) which only stands out because everything else in the book is flawless.
The premise is just brilliant, too. Imagine that Mr. George Darcy and Mr. Bennet are close Cambridge buddies who make a (drunken) agreement that they will encourage Darcy’s heir and Mr. Bennet’s eldest daughter to marry, and this agreement stands throughout the decades. Young Darcy becomes aware that his father is dying and wants to reunite the old friends, so he invites Mr. Bennet and his eldest daughters to come to Pemberley. Lady Catherine unexpectedly attends with Anne de Bourgh, pushing her daughter as the bride MRS. Darcy wanted for her son. And Mr. Bingley is there, which means Caroline shows up, too.
Meanwhile, Darcy feels he is not ready to settle down and marry so he has no intention of considering any of them, including Jane Bennet, but he wants to appease his father. Circumstances leave him with the unenviable task of juggling three ladies with whom he must politely interact without encouraging false marital hopes. Ah, but Mr. Bingley and Jane have an instant attraction to each other, as do Darcy and Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam acts as Darcy's wing man to keep Elizabeth away from him because Darcy does NOT want to give in to his feelings about her. Elizabeth, knowing that Jane and Darcy are destined to marry, has no intention of betraying her sister; she must quash her own warm feelings. The push-and-pull going on with all these parties and their secret agendas makes for very entertaining reading.
Since George Darcy is alive and is not aware of George Wickham’s debauched nature, Wickham is present and makes trouble, as usual. When it becomes obvious that Darcy and Elizabeth are getting too close, Caroline Bingley elicits his help to deceive and create a rift between them… for a generous fee, of course.
And we come to the reason why I felt I couldn’t give this a 5-star rating, or even a full 4-star rating (despite GoodRead's rating restriction). There are three definite holes in the plot, and one is major. I’ll try to explain without giving away too much in the way of spoilers, but all are significant in leading to the resolution.
Caroline is reluctant to give Wickham a piece of jewelry that he will hold until she has access to her money to pay for his services. Afterwards, she doesn’t pay him, so he keeps it. I know there’s no honor among thieves (or immoral schemers), but her attachment to the jewelry appears to the reader to be sincere, as is her intention to pay him. Why does she decide not to pay him so she can recover this family heirloom?
Throughout much of the book, Darcy continuously proclaims to Colonel Fitzwilliam that, despite his feelings for Elizabeth, he doesn’t want to marry ANYONE for a few years. Without any prior indication of a change in his thinking, Darcy starts looking for an opportunity to propose to Elizabeth. Why/when did he change his mind? It’s never explained, and I wonder if a significant scene may have been deleted.
The biggest glitch, though, is that the plan Caroline and Wickham executes relies heavily on knowledge they should not have. Neither of them is shown eavesdropping on a private conversation between two people that would give them this information. Neither of the people speaking confides in anyone else. Yet Wickham and Caroline use this knowledge, and they do so at the perfect time to make it the most effective. How on earth did they know??
Despite these plot errors, I really enjoyed reading this. The story is thoroughly entertaining, and the yearning between Darcy and Elizabeth hits all the right buttons. The writing is just beautiful. This is a quality romance novel.
Ms. Dixon is undeniably one of the best at writing in what I call "Regency speak," and she proves it once again in By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything. I always love her flowing phrases that have the ring of authenticity, including the dialogue. It's not easy to make conversations sound natural to modern readers and yet mimic the speaking style of that era, which she does so effectively. No grammar, spelling or punctuation errors except for one misspelling of "counsel" (the homonym "council" is used instead) which only stands out because everything else in the book is flawless.
The premise is just brilliant, too. Imagine that Mr. George Darcy and Mr. Bennet are close Cambridge buddies who make a (drunken) agreement that they will encourage Darcy’s heir and Mr. Bennet’s eldest daughter to marry, and this agreement stands throughout the decades. Young Darcy becomes aware that his father is dying and wants to reunite the old friends, so he invites Mr. Bennet and his eldest daughters to come to Pemberley. Lady Catherine unexpectedly attends with Anne de Bourgh, pushing her daughter as the bride MRS. Darcy wanted for her son. And Mr. Bingley is there, which means Caroline shows up, too.
Meanwhile, Darcy feels he is not ready to settle down and marry so he has no intention of considering any of them, including Jane Bennet, but he wants to appease his father. Circumstances leave him with the unenviable task of juggling three ladies with whom he must politely interact without encouraging false marital hopes. Ah, but Mr. Bingley and Jane have an instant attraction to each other, as do Darcy and Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam acts as Darcy's wing man to keep Elizabeth away from him because Darcy does NOT want to give in to his feelings about her. Elizabeth, knowing that Jane and Darcy are destined to marry, has no intention of betraying her sister; she must quash her own warm feelings. The push-and-pull going on with all these parties and their secret agendas makes for very entertaining reading.
Since George Darcy is alive and is not aware of George Wickham’s debauched nature, Wickham is present and makes trouble, as usual. When it becomes obvious that Darcy and Elizabeth are getting too close, Caroline Bingley elicits his help to deceive and create a rift between them… for a generous fee, of course.
And we come to the reason why I felt I couldn’t give this a 5-star rating, or even a full 4-star rating (despite GoodRead's rating restriction). There are three definite holes in the plot, and one is major. I’ll try to explain without giving away too much in the way of spoilers, but all are significant in leading to the resolution.
Caroline is reluctant to give Wickham a piece of jewelry that he will hold until she has access to her money to pay for his services. Afterwards, she doesn’t pay him, so he keeps it. I know there’s no honor among thieves (or immoral schemers), but her attachment to the jewelry appears to the reader to be sincere, as is her intention to pay him. Why does she decide not to pay him so she can recover this family heirloom?
Throughout much of the book, Darcy continuously proclaims to Colonel Fitzwilliam that, despite his feelings for Elizabeth, he doesn’t want to marry ANYONE for a few years. Without any prior indication of a change in his thinking, Darcy starts looking for an opportunity to propose to Elizabeth. Why/when did he change his mind? It’s never explained, and I wonder if a significant scene may have been deleted.
The biggest glitch, though, is that the plan Caroline and Wickham executes relies heavily on knowledge they should not have. Neither of them is shown eavesdropping on a private conversation between two people that would give them this information. Neither of the people speaking confides in anyone else. Yet Wickham and Caroline use this knowledge, and they do so at the perfect time to make it the most effective. How on earth did they know??
Despite these plot errors, I really enjoyed reading this. The story is thoroughly entertaining, and the yearning between Darcy and Elizabeth hits all the right buttons. The writing is just beautiful. This is a quality romance novel.
September 10, 2018
Debbie B.'s review is excellent not only for its praise but in that it points out 3 missing points in the story. Those points do not take away from the satisfaction with ODC's HEA but they are true lapses in making the plot by two of our usual villains completely clear.
Although the premise is told as a wish by university friends that the one's oldest son should marry the other's oldest daughter we do read that Darcy and Elizabeth feel an immediate connection when the three Bennets arrive at Pemberley. Each has their reasons for not acting on those feelings but they do find time to become friends, walking and talking together. Meanwhile there are two others who want Darcy's hand. Not that they are any surprise: Anne and Caroline. Anne is mostly a background figure but Caroline is active in her scheme to gain the upper hand. Encouraging her brother's attentions to Jane is just a ploy to divert Jane from Mr. Darcy...Caroline thinks. Wickham has not been banished from Pemberley as in this variation Mr. George Darcy is still alive. Even though the latter is failing in health all around are either unaware or must not say anything as they know it is not that man's wishes that the fact should divert attention away from the plan he and his old university friend, Mr. Bennet, have for their offspring.
Darcy keeps thinking and even saying to his cousin, the colonel, that he has no plans to marry any time soon, even though he pays the required attentions to Jane Bennet. But Charles Bingley is also paying attention to the lady. Jane knows what her father and Mr. Darcy have planned so does she do her "duty"?
This was an interesting and pleasant read. There was a small amount of tension as some letters misdirect attachments.
Although the premise is told as a wish by university friends that the one's oldest son should marry the other's oldest daughter we do read that Darcy and Elizabeth feel an immediate connection when the three Bennets arrive at Pemberley. Each has their reasons for not acting on those feelings but they do find time to become friends, walking and talking together. Meanwhile there are two others who want Darcy's hand. Not that they are any surprise: Anne and Caroline. Anne is mostly a background figure but Caroline is active in her scheme to gain the upper hand. Encouraging her brother's attentions to Jane is just a ploy to divert Jane from Mr. Darcy...Caroline thinks. Wickham has not been banished from Pemberley as in this variation Mr. George Darcy is still alive. Even though the latter is failing in health all around are either unaware or must not say anything as they know it is not that man's wishes that the fact should divert attention away from the plan he and his old university friend, Mr. Bennet, have for their offspring.
Darcy keeps thinking and even saying to his cousin, the colonel, that he has no plans to marry any time soon, even though he pays the required attentions to Jane Bennet. But Charles Bingley is also paying attention to the lady. Jane knows what her father and Mr. Darcy have planned so does she do her "duty"?
This was an interesting and pleasant read. There was a small amount of tension as some letters misdirect attachments.
September 17, 2018
Let's start off with my thoughts that this was a strange story. We are given a P&P what if where George Darcy is still alive. And again I am disappointed that I don't get a real feel for his personality nor a kinder, gentler Fitzwilliam Darcy. The premise, which further strains credulity, is that there are two 'arranged brides' for Master Darcy. His mother agreed to his sickly cousin Anne deBourgh while his father planned to unite him with the eldest daughter of a Mr. Bennet. All of these people will meet at Pemberley. Along with the Bingleys and Hursts and Wickham.
Reader Note: I don't see Bingley and his sisters being welcomed at Pemberley while Mr. Darcy (Sr) is alive and certainly not while Lady C was visiting. In canon Wickham's father survives Mr. Darcy (Sr) by 6 months but in this book he seems to be deceased.
This is presumably the story of love at first site and Darcy is struck by the 'thunderbolt' the moment he lays eyes upon Lizzy. While Lizzy is determined to move heaven and earth to match her sister with Darcy, Jane is much more inclined toward Bingley.
I never really connected with the story. I felt there were too many characters saying too many lines from P&P without really developing a solid plot.
Later the author uses absorbent (able to soak up liquid easily) in place of exorbitant (unreasonably high).
Reader Note: I don't see Bingley and his sisters being welcomed at Pemberley while Mr. Darcy (Sr) is alive and certainly not while Lady C was visiting. In canon Wickham's father survives Mr. Darcy (Sr) by 6 months but in this book he seems to be deceased.
This is presumably the story of love at first site and Darcy is struck by the 'thunderbolt' the moment he lays eyes upon Lizzy. While Lizzy is determined to move heaven and earth to match her sister with Darcy, Jane is much more inclined toward Bingley.
I never really connected with the story. I felt there were too many characters saying too many lines from P&P without really developing a solid plot.
Later the author uses absorbent (able to soak up liquid easily) in place of exorbitant (unreasonably high).
October 14, 2022
Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. ~ Albert Einstein
This is a story of Love at First Sight.
Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy Sr. were good friends during their school years. They made a pact (before either was married with children) that their oldest children would marry.
The oldest Bennet sisters and their father travel to Pemberley to introduce the second generation. Also present at Pemberley are Lady Catherine and her daughter Anne as well as Bingley and his sisters and brother-in-law. Colonel Fitzwilliam is visiting and Wickham arrives to stay with his Godfather. Georgiana returns home. The household is complete.
The Love at First Sight happens when the sisters meet young Darcy but Darcy’s strong attraction is to Elizabeth instead of Jane.
Darcy is determined he is not ready to marry but is surrounded by schemers planning his wedding. Bingley is attracted to Jane and is encouraged by his sister who wants Jane separated from Darcy. Caroline and Wickham are joined in a plot to remove Elizabeth from Pemberley.
I usually like a little more angst than in this story but it is an easy afternoon read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
We choose those we like; with those we love, we have no say in the matter. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
This is a story of Love at First Sight.
Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy Sr. were good friends during their school years. They made a pact (before either was married with children) that their oldest children would marry.
The oldest Bennet sisters and their father travel to Pemberley to introduce the second generation. Also present at Pemberley are Lady Catherine and her daughter Anne as well as Bingley and his sisters and brother-in-law. Colonel Fitzwilliam is visiting and Wickham arrives to stay with his Godfather. Georgiana returns home. The household is complete.
The Love at First Sight happens when the sisters meet young Darcy but Darcy’s strong attraction is to Elizabeth instead of Jane.
Darcy is determined he is not ready to marry but is surrounded by schemers planning his wedding. Bingley is attracted to Jane and is encouraged by his sister who wants Jane separated from Darcy. Caroline and Wickham are joined in a plot to remove Elizabeth from Pemberley.
I usually like a little more angst than in this story but it is an easy afternoon read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
We choose those we like; with those we love, we have no say in the matter. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
August 4, 2017
I absolutely loved it!
Captivating and engaging from start to finish. This novel is sweet and romantic with an undertow of passion. A unique and refreshing plot, as always from Dixon.
Diviating a lot from Canon although you will recognise some sentences in new contexts.
Along with the late Lady Anne and Lady Catherines early conspiracy to have Anne and Fitzwilliam wed, Mr Darcy senior has made a deal that the firstborn son and daughter of his long time friend Mr Thomas Bennet shall wed.
To humour an ailing father, Darcy junior invites the friend and his eldest daughter to Pemberley for the summer although he himself has no intention to wed yet. Until that is, the second eldest daughter of Mr Bennet alights the carriage from Longbourne...
Add Lady Catherine and Anne, who has joined the Pemberley party after hearing rumours of the Bennets visit, and the Bingleys. The battle of the eligible bachelor can begin...
The elder Darcys godson, Mr Wickham, eventually joins the party and miss Bingley gets an accomplice.
Oh, and there's an elopement...
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it!
Captivating and engaging from start to finish. This novel is sweet and romantic with an undertow of passion. A unique and refreshing plot, as always from Dixon.
Diviating a lot from Canon although you will recognise some sentences in new contexts.
Along with the late Lady Anne and Lady Catherines early conspiracy to have Anne and Fitzwilliam wed, Mr Darcy senior has made a deal that the firstborn son and daughter of his long time friend Mr Thomas Bennet shall wed.
To humour an ailing father, Darcy junior invites the friend and his eldest daughter to Pemberley for the summer although he himself has no intention to wed yet. Until that is, the second eldest daughter of Mr Bennet alights the carriage from Longbourne...
Add Lady Catherine and Anne, who has joined the Pemberley party after hearing rumours of the Bennets visit, and the Bingleys. The battle of the eligible bachelor can begin...
The elder Darcys godson, Mr Wickham, eventually joins the party and miss Bingley gets an accomplice.
Oh, and there's an elopement...
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it!
December 18, 2024
I got a little shock!
I read this book as I listened along with the audiobook, a pleasant experience. I always enjoy Pearl Hewitt, who always provides a well executed performance.
Darcy’s father lives, but his health is failing; something Darcy has learned but has kept from his father and everyone else too. Mr. Darcy senior and Mr. Bennet are old friends. In their youth, they agreed that they would arrange for their oldest son and daughter to wed. Easier said than done. Darcy has no plans to marry anyone at the moment. Also, there are many who want to thwart their plans, including Lady Catherine, Miss Bingley, Wickham, and even Jane and Mr. Bingley. The latter two providing me with quite a surprise.
Darcy receives a shock himself when he sees Elizabeth for the first time. He is quite taken with her, and she him, but she would do nothing to harm the happiness of a most beloved sister.
Very nicely done, and I am happy to recommend it.
Kisses only.
I read this book as I listened along with the audiobook, a pleasant experience. I always enjoy Pearl Hewitt, who always provides a well executed performance.
Darcy’s father lives, but his health is failing; something Darcy has learned but has kept from his father and everyone else too. Mr. Darcy senior and Mr. Bennet are old friends. In their youth, they agreed that they would arrange for their oldest son and daughter to wed. Easier said than done. Darcy has no plans to marry anyone at the moment. Also, there are many who want to thwart their plans, including Lady Catherine, Miss Bingley, Wickham, and even Jane and Mr. Bingley. The latter two providing me with quite a surprise.
Darcy receives a shock himself when he sees Elizabeth for the first time. He is quite taken with her, and she him, but she would do nothing to harm the happiness of a most beloved sister.
Very nicely done, and I am happy to recommend it.
Kisses only.
May 23, 2023
Low angst quick read, with prerequisite misunderstanding courtesy of Caroline Bingley and George Wickham.
ODC fall in love despite themselves, but circumstances and people keep them apart.
ODC fall in love despite themselves, but circumstances and people keep them apart.
May 22, 2024
What do I think? Well, that‘s certainly a good question..
It was good but not Ms. Dixon‘s best work in my opinion.
It also only deserves 3 Stars because of several factors which I‘ll tell you in a second.
1. Darcy‘s father is alive (likeable trope,nothing against that), but I found it really sad that Darcy senior had a barely existent role.
2. Darcy Sr. would in my opinion never allow LCdB to behave as if she is the mistress of Pemberley.
3. Elizabeth!! (Wth?) Aarrgh I was sometimes so angry at her. She fell in love at first sight (I actually like that. I‘m a sucker for romances).. and vice versa of course 😉 BUT, it took only small „things“ to suddenly think poorly of him and to the point of being uncivil.
4. where is the sisterly bond? The narrator told us time and again that they tell each other everything, they have a special bond etc.. one might think they talked about their stay or the gentlemen.
For the rest, it was really well done and I enjoyed this Darcy. 😊
Even if I only rated 3 stars, I do however recommend. It is middle angst I think.
With 5 hrs of Audiobook.
1) +|-5 Hrs
2) Clean Content (Kisses only)
3) Middle Angst
4) Pearl Hewitt as Narrator.
Audiobook was okay done. 😊Honestly, she isn‘t the best with other voices etc, but it is also very well done.
It was good but not Ms. Dixon‘s best work in my opinion.
It also only deserves 3 Stars because of several factors which I‘ll tell you in a second.
1. Darcy‘s father is alive (likeable trope,nothing against that), but I found it really sad that Darcy senior had a barely existent role.
2. Darcy Sr. would in my opinion never allow LCdB to behave as if she is the mistress of Pemberley.
3. Elizabeth!! (Wth?) Aarrgh I was sometimes so angry at her. She fell in love at first sight (I actually like that. I‘m a sucker for romances).. and vice versa of course 😉 BUT, it took only small „things“ to suddenly think poorly of him and to the point of being uncivil.
4. where is the sisterly bond? The narrator told us time and again that they tell each other everything, they have a special bond etc.. one might think they talked about their stay or the gentlemen.
For the rest, it was really well done and I enjoyed this Darcy. 😊
Even if I only rated 3 stars, I do however recommend. It is middle angst I think.
With 5 hrs of Audiobook.
1) +|-5 Hrs
2) Clean Content (Kisses only)
3) Middle Angst
4) Pearl Hewitt as Narrator.
Audiobook was okay done. 😊Honestly, she isn‘t the best with other voices etc, but it is also very well done.
August 4, 2017
This new book, By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything by P. O. Dixon is well written and extremely enjoyable. Her written words intertwined with Jane Austen's own words are uniquely done and add to the overall enjoyment of the story. The story revolves around a young George Darcy and Thomas Bennet enjoying the indulgences related to university life. In a haze, the men pledge the future first male of Pemberley to Bennet's future oldest daughter. Nothing binding, but if the young couple agree that they could make a go of being married then they would be. To Derbyshire Mr. Bennet and his two eldest daughters go. During the introductions, Jane's life with the possible Darcy heir doesn't look promising. Their lackluster responses to their introduction is civil, but no sparks fly. Unfortunately, both Darcy and Elizabeth have an immediate response when introduced to each other. Added to this summer guest list are Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her sickly daughter Anne, the Bingleys and Hursts who are already ensconced at Pemberley. Later Georgiana and George Wickham are expected to arrive with caution given to Elizabeth about Wickham from two sources. With Lady Catherine we have the usual superiority of her rank and her forever pushing her sickly daughter at Darcy. Caroline Bingley is as ever the self-important overdressed witchy, bitchy person that she usually is and immediately sets her brother on Jane to eliminate one from the playing field of matrimony to Darcy. Not happy with this outcome, she sets her plans in motion to eliminate Elizabeth as a matrimonial prospect that are more evil and have far more hurtful consequences, but when Caroline crosses her co-conspirator, he confesses all to Darcy for a price, naturally. His father's death compels Darcy to remain at Pemberley, but when Wickham confesses his perfidy, and Bingley asks for help with Netherfield Park, Darcy goes to Meryton not only to help Bingley, but to see Elizabeth. The misunderstandings are quickly taken care of and when Caroline Bingley rushes to Netherfield to see her imagery betrothed, her reward is that she denied admittance to any Darcy residence for her treachery against him and Elizabeth, his real betrothed. Loved it! There were a couple of times I thought Louisa Hurst might have grown a heart, but she was never able to crawl out of Caroline's trash can and think for herself.
October 7, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm decidedly indifferent about it.... this book starts while Mr Darcy Senior is still alive. Fitzwilliam Darcy, aware that his father is ill, invites his old university pal Thomas Bennet to stay with his two eldest daughters. We learn that before these men were married they agreed Darcy's first born son would marry Bennet's oldest daughter. So, the Bennet's arrive at Pemberley so Fitzwilliam can see if Jane is to his liking. Having some knowledge of this Lady Catherine arrives with Anne so Fitzwilliam does not forget his duty (which is a bit weird and doesn't really seem to serve any purpose to the tale). Then, the Bingleys arrive with Caroline still determined to get her man (which is very relevant to the tale yet we miss out on most of it).
I zoomed through this book and enjoyed it while I was going. But now I've finished I don't feel quite happy with it. We are told, repeatedly at the start of the book, that Fitzwilliam is single by choice and seem to miss the bit where his feelings about this change... there is a plot between Caroline and Wickham which the reader is privy to in the beginning but we don't get to see how matters transpire - we hear about it afterwards. I felt a bit short changed to have missed their squabbling! As it was also quite an important part of the plot it seemed a bit odd to leave it out. There is an elopement in this book which is also brushed over with not even so much as a raised eye brow which I also wasn't sure about. Jane is quite central to this story but we don't see that much of her and we don't get any conversation of substance between Elizabeth and Jane. At one point Elizabeth mentioned having been at Pemberley for several months which didn't seem realistic.
Overall, this is a nice, easy read. I think I'm overthinking it. Until I started with the questions I had been enjoying the story. It's predictable and relatively low angst given poor old Mr Darcy is at deaths door. In fact, remembering that, I'm a bit disappointed with Lizzy s behaviour when Darcy asked to speak to her on his return... a bit selfish. I think the key to enjoying this one is not to over think it too much.
I zoomed through this book and enjoyed it while I was going. But now I've finished I don't feel quite happy with it. We are told, repeatedly at the start of the book, that Fitzwilliam is single by choice and seem to miss the bit where his feelings about this change... there is a plot between Caroline and Wickham which the reader is privy to in the beginning but we don't get to see how matters transpire - we hear about it afterwards. I felt a bit short changed to have missed their squabbling! As it was also quite an important part of the plot it seemed a bit odd to leave it out. There is an elopement in this book which is also brushed over with not even so much as a raised eye brow which I also wasn't sure about. Jane is quite central to this story but we don't see that much of her and we don't get any conversation of substance between Elizabeth and Jane. At one point Elizabeth mentioned having been at Pemberley for several months which didn't seem realistic.
Overall, this is a nice, easy read. I think I'm overthinking it. Until I started with the questions I had been enjoying the story. It's predictable and relatively low angst given poor old Mr Darcy is at deaths door. In fact, remembering that, I'm a bit disappointed with Lizzy s behaviour when Darcy asked to speak to her on his return... a bit selfish. I think the key to enjoying this one is not to over think it too much.
October 13, 2022
Good book
I liked the love story but, I wanted the villains to get their comeuppance. Neither Caroline or her hired thug got their due. The epilogue was too short and told nothing!
I liked the love story but, I wanted the villains to get their comeuppance. Neither Caroline or her hired thug got their due. The epilogue was too short and told nothing!
April 16, 2024
Better the first time
This was one of the first P&P variations that I read. I liked the premise that Darcy and Jane were a possible arranged match, with Darcy being attracted more to Elizabeth at their first meeting.
Three years later, I read the story again and listened to the audiobook. The narrator performed the story well, but the story itself did not hold up. This time around, I found Elizabeth to succumb too much to her sensibilities. Both Darcy and Elizabeth fall prey to the manoeuvrings of Caroline Bingley and Wickham. It was odd to me that Elizabeth kept being pleased with Bingley's attentions to her sister while also being confident that Jane would soon be married to Darcy. And her happiness at the elopement in the story really didn't align with societal values at the time.
This was one of the first P&P variations that I read. I liked the premise that Darcy and Jane were a possible arranged match, with Darcy being attracted more to Elizabeth at their first meeting.
Three years later, I read the story again and listened to the audiobook. The narrator performed the story well, but the story itself did not hold up. This time around, I found Elizabeth to succumb too much to her sensibilities. Both Darcy and Elizabeth fall prey to the manoeuvrings of Caroline Bingley and Wickham. It was odd to me that Elizabeth kept being pleased with Bingley's attentions to her sister while also being confident that Jane would soon be married to Darcy. And her happiness at the elopement in the story really didn't align with societal values at the time.
May 7, 2022
This is a Jane Austin knock off. It sounds like a Pride and Prejudice type book.
What if Mr. Thomas Bennet’s first-born daughter is promised to the elder Mr. Darcy’s first-born son?
Are promises made always promises kept?
Or is a love like Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s destined to prevail?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story.
I never read anything by P.O Dixon before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
What if Mr. Thomas Bennet’s first-born daughter is promised to the elder Mr. Darcy’s first-born son?
Are promises made always promises kept?
Or is a love like Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s destined to prevail?
You'll fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again while reading this heartwarming Pride and Prejudice what-if story.
I never read anything by P.O Dixon before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 18, 2018
Old university friends Mr Bennet and the elder Mr Darcy thought it would be a good idea if the son married Bennet's elder daughter. On arranging a visit to Pemberley, Darcy is captivated by the younger sister, Elizabeth. To complicate matters the Bingleys and de Bourghs are also visiting.
An enjoyable story, which has Wickham in good favour with the elder Darcy.
An enjoyable story, which has Wickham in good favour with the elder Darcy.
July 9, 2020
Formulaic.
Kind of a ridiculous way to start a review of a work of P & P fanfic - “formulaic” - as if any of them weren’t! Nevertheless, Dixon has her own pattern of story, and this is another. Read three in a row and you’ll have a hard time distinguishing one from the other. I always feel like I’ve read the book before- it’s unlikely anything new or particularly inventive will happen. So, I read them when that’s the kind of book I want to read. Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine and Wickham will to their best to foil the love affair, but HEA is guaranteed.
*July, 2020 edit:
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
Kind of a ridiculous way to start a review of a work of P & P fanfic - “formulaic” - as if any of them weren’t! Nevertheless, Dixon has her own pattern of story, and this is another. Read three in a row and you’ll have a hard time distinguishing one from the other. I always feel like I’ve read the book before- it’s unlikely anything new or particularly inventive will happen. So, I read them when that’s the kind of book I want to read. Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine and Wickham will to their best to foil the love affair, but HEA is guaranteed.
*July, 2020 edit:
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
September 22, 2017
I got this ebook in a blog giveaway for which I say thank you.
I gave this a clean rating but combined it with mild-content because there was just a bit of innuendo coming from Mr. Darcy's desires/dreams. In truth that was the only thing I didn't like about the book. I don't need to read his private fantasies even if they weren't descriptive.
The rest of the book I enjoyed a great deal. I enjoy reading JAFF but don't very often give a 4 star rating to them. My personal rating system is that Jane Austen gets 5 stars and nobody can really measure up to her so 4 stars is really high. I've given 1 star to some JAFF that I considered so bad I would never consider reading that author again. So my point is, if it has 4 stars I really liked the book. It was a fun "what if" premise.
What if the elder Mr. Darcy still lived and was friends with Mr. Bennett and they had made a pact many years earlier to give their children a chance to marry if they had not already found someone of their own choosing? So a visit to Pemberly is required to introduce Jane to Darcy. Hmmmm That is all wrong but that was the intended situation. Unfortunately, Darcy has no plans to marry anyone but is going along with it to make his father's last days happy, and then he sees Elizabeth. Now he is supposed to court one sister while he is attracted to the other. Add in Lady Catherine's pushing of Anne and Caroline insinuating herself and it is a rather humorous situation for poor Darcy. And poor Bingley doesn't realize that Jane is supposed to be off limits. Yup it just gets complicated.
I liked that Dixon was able to keep the characters authentic to the original even though events didn't transpire as they do in P&P. There is still pride and prejudice and misunderstanding though maybe not so much their own fault as in the original. Wickham is still nefarious and causing trouble. Lady Catherine is still intolerable. Caroline is still snooty as well as devious. I think the one alteration might have been Mrs. Hurst who seemed more likely to see things as they really are rather than how Caroline wanted them to be.
The rest of the Bennetts and family and friends were mentioned but not really a part of the book. The only character that wasn't in the book at all that I kinda missed was Mr. Collins. He wasn't a part of this story and I kept wondering if the author would find a way to fit him in the mix but it didn't happen. It would have been too much I'm sure.
So I liked this one and thought it was a fun read.
I gave this a clean rating but combined it with mild-content because there was just a bit of innuendo coming from Mr. Darcy's desires/dreams. In truth that was the only thing I didn't like about the book. I don't need to read his private fantasies even if they weren't descriptive.
The rest of the book I enjoyed a great deal. I enjoy reading JAFF but don't very often give a 4 star rating to them. My personal rating system is that Jane Austen gets 5 stars and nobody can really measure up to her so 4 stars is really high. I've given 1 star to some JAFF that I considered so bad I would never consider reading that author again. So my point is, if it has 4 stars I really liked the book. It was a fun "what if" premise.
What if the elder Mr. Darcy still lived and was friends with Mr. Bennett and they had made a pact many years earlier to give their children a chance to marry if they had not already found someone of their own choosing? So a visit to Pemberly is required to introduce Jane to Darcy. Hmmmm That is all wrong but that was the intended situation. Unfortunately, Darcy has no plans to marry anyone but is going along with it to make his father's last days happy, and then he sees Elizabeth. Now he is supposed to court one sister while he is attracted to the other. Add in Lady Catherine's pushing of Anne and Caroline insinuating herself and it is a rather humorous situation for poor Darcy. And poor Bingley doesn't realize that Jane is supposed to be off limits. Yup it just gets complicated.
I liked that Dixon was able to keep the characters authentic to the original even though events didn't transpire as they do in P&P. There is still pride and prejudice and misunderstanding though maybe not so much their own fault as in the original. Wickham is still nefarious and causing trouble. Lady Catherine is still intolerable. Caroline is still snooty as well as devious. I think the one alteration might have been Mrs. Hurst who seemed more likely to see things as they really are rather than how Caroline wanted them to be.
The rest of the Bennetts and family and friends were mentioned but not really a part of the book. The only character that wasn't in the book at all that I kinda missed was Mr. Collins. He wasn't a part of this story and I kept wondering if the author would find a way to fit him in the mix but it didn't happen. It would have been too much I'm sure.
So I liked this one and thought it was a fun read.
June 5, 2023
A new month means more Austen-inspired reading to add to my list mixed amongst the other fantasy and romance reads I am planning to enjoy over the coming weeks.
P.O. Dixon is a a frequent author on my Austen Alcove shelf and I have always enjoyed the mix of Pride and Prejudice variations that she offers readers, including stories in a variety of lengths from shorter novellas that can be enjoyed in a weekend to longer format books closer to the length of the original.
This most recent read is a novella style and explores what would have happened if Darcy and Elizabeth had initially met because of a long-standing friendship between their fathers. At the start of the story, we find Mr. Bennett, Jane and Elizabeth traveling to Pemberley to spend time with the Darcy family and to hopefully encourage a match between Darcy and Jane of all things! Needless to say, the almost immediate pull between Darcy and Elizabeth is one that they cannot deny but that both try to fight, each for their own personal reasons.
While I would not change anything about Austen's classic, one area that I always love in variations is when readers have the opportunity to meet one or both of Darcy's parents. In this story, we are introduced to Mr. George Darcy, who hiding a secret about his health, is hoping to enjoy time with his friends and to see his son happily on his way to being settled in life with a partner worthy of his love. It was heart warming to learn more about the man who set the example for one of my favorite literary leading men.
Of course, as is always the way, the path to being together is never smooth for Darcy and Elizabeth, with others like Caroline Bingley and George Wickam conspiring to keep them apart through a series of misdirections and misunderstandings that have our couple questioning how well they really know each other and if the feelings they have for one another are true.
If there was any part that I questioned it was in some of the actions that our beloved Jane took to end up with her Mr. Bingley. I'm not so sure that Jane would have left Elizabeth to manage the consequences of her actions but it was unique to see Jane taking a much stronger and more active role in going after what her heart desires. All in all, this was another sweet and fun read by P.O. Dixon, which I listened to via audiobook.
P.O. Dixon is a a frequent author on my Austen Alcove shelf and I have always enjoyed the mix of Pride and Prejudice variations that she offers readers, including stories in a variety of lengths from shorter novellas that can be enjoyed in a weekend to longer format books closer to the length of the original.
This most recent read is a novella style and explores what would have happened if Darcy and Elizabeth had initially met because of a long-standing friendship between their fathers. At the start of the story, we find Mr. Bennett, Jane and Elizabeth traveling to Pemberley to spend time with the Darcy family and to hopefully encourage a match between Darcy and Jane of all things! Needless to say, the almost immediate pull between Darcy and Elizabeth is one that they cannot deny but that both try to fight, each for their own personal reasons.
While I would not change anything about Austen's classic, one area that I always love in variations is when readers have the opportunity to meet one or both of Darcy's parents. In this story, we are introduced to Mr. George Darcy, who hiding a secret about his health, is hoping to enjoy time with his friends and to see his son happily on his way to being settled in life with a partner worthy of his love. It was heart warming to learn more about the man who set the example for one of my favorite literary leading men.
Of course, as is always the way, the path to being together is never smooth for Darcy and Elizabeth, with others like Caroline Bingley and George Wickam conspiring to keep them apart through a series of misdirections and misunderstandings that have our couple questioning how well they really know each other and if the feelings they have for one another are true.
If there was any part that I questioned it was in some of the actions that our beloved Jane took to end up with her Mr. Bingley. I'm not so sure that Jane would have left Elizabeth to manage the consequences of her actions but it was unique to see Jane taking a much stronger and more active role in going after what her heart desires. All in all, this was another sweet and fun read by P.O. Dixon, which I listened to via audiobook.
March 4, 2018
The book was OK, but really bore no resemblance to Pride and Prejudice beyond the characters' names and a semblance of their personalities. Most of the events that define the original, as well as the unsavory characters, are absent or diluted to the point that no impact is felt. Honestly, the relationships were completely shallow, and events happened too quickly without transitions between them. For example, Elizabeth and Darcy are on a walk, Elizabeth possibly having sprained an ankle, then suddenly it switches to Darcy walking with Jane and Bingley, and a few paragraphs later you realize a few days have passed. The elder Mr. Darcy is ill (but hiding it so well no one realizes) then he suddenly dies with a house full of guests.
There was an error of Miss Bingley being referred to as Miss Bennett, and "cavorting" instead of "consorting" and there are consistency issues - Darcy at one point doubts Bingley's feelings for Jane, then switches to later saying there was no doubt of his constancy. Darcy hopes his dad will live long enough to see his grandkids... But has no intention of marrying anytime soon. Elizabeth trusts Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy, but ignores their cautions on Wickham (despite seeming to think he was off in some ways). Mr Bennett and Mr Darcy are great friends but haven't seen each other and barely corresponded for decades. Jane and Bingley suddenly run off in what would be considered absolutely shocking behavior. It just didn't have a Regency feel at all, and initially I thought it was a modern setting. That makes more sense than rewriting the entire book.
Having read the snippet of another book coming out, I'm even less impressed with the author's writing style. Something about a fire at Longbourne and Elizabeth seeing it while Jane slept through it and the Bingley sisters trying to keep her from going there, and Darcy saving Lydia from the burning building. Sounds absolutely stupid.
There was an error of Miss Bingley being referred to as Miss Bennett, and "cavorting" instead of "consorting" and there are consistency issues - Darcy at one point doubts Bingley's feelings for Jane, then switches to later saying there was no doubt of his constancy. Darcy hopes his dad will live long enough to see his grandkids... But has no intention of marrying anytime soon. Elizabeth trusts Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy, but ignores their cautions on Wickham (despite seeming to think he was off in some ways). Mr Bennett and Mr Darcy are great friends but haven't seen each other and barely corresponded for decades. Jane and Bingley suddenly run off in what would be considered absolutely shocking behavior. It just didn't have a Regency feel at all, and initially I thought it was a modern setting. That makes more sense than rewriting the entire book.
Having read the snippet of another book coming out, I'm even less impressed with the author's writing style. Something about a fire at Longbourne and Elizabeth seeing it while Jane slept through it and the Bingley sisters trying to keep her from going there, and Darcy saving Lydia from the burning building. Sounds absolutely stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
I'm not a huge fan of this author, though I've read a couple of her books that I liked. The issue I had with this book is that I didn't connect with any of the characters. The sole reason for that being that this story is told as if someone where sitting next to you telling you the story instead of reading it in a book. What I mean by that is that, when you tell a story you don't quote exact words (for the most part). You just say "this happened" and "that happened" and "he was very arrogant and she was very quiet...", etc. That's how this book was told, on a very superficial level. It's a house party held over the period of the entire summer. So the house guests start to arrive one by one spanning a few days. As the guests arrive you would expect some dialogue between them, several conversations, different assessments by the lead characters about the different people, etc. Instead you get that Miss Darcy shows up and Elizabeth (in one of her many, many inner musings) comes to the striking conclusion that she's shy, quiet and prefers to play her music. That's it! No more in depth observation than that. You don't get any conversations between them, no character analysis, no sense of who Miss Darcy is. And the few characters who do have a somewhat conversation with Elizabeth do so with very little dialogue and no depth whatsoever. But there is a great deal of inner musings and inner dialogues. Pages and pages of it. It just didn't keep me entertained. Throw into it the fact that Darcy senior and Mr Bennet are SUCH great friends that they've betrothed their offspring to each other, yet they haven't seen each other for over 20 years! Then you have Bingley and his sisters in the same house party as Lady Catherine DeBrough! NEVER would have happened! To top it off, there's this strange section in the end with Wickham and Caroline conspiring to forge letters to E and D, supposedly from each other, in order to keep them apart. That whole scenario was very unbelievable.
January 27, 2022
I picked up this novel in 2021 as I was doing a binge of the seven original Jane Austen novels as well as a few modern re-tellings of some of them. This one did not fit into either category but went into a “what if...” I started it with some skepticism as By Reason, By Reflection, By Everything was set in the same time period with characters from the original Pride and Prejudice (and a few additional characters) so seemed a tough job to make a current “what if” seem like it could have been written by Austen herself. I was pleasantly surprised by Dixon’s effort and actually believe that if Jane Austen had been able to read it she might have agreed that it sounded like a novel variation that she could have written and tucked away in a dresser drawer while she wrote a different draft – the one that so many people love. I believe that By Reason, By Reflection, By Everything might be a great read for younger readers who never read the original P&P. or for Austen lovers who don’t mind a little bit of literary re-telling. Despite liking this novel by Dixon I’m not sure if I will read the sister novels in this series. Reading one was a novelty but others might start to wear a bit thin and become either boring, annoying or both.
June 30, 2022
I haven't read anything by this author before, but I am always up for a good Pride and Prejudice variation, so I was happy to give it a try. The author put a creative and interesting spin on the story and the writing flowed nicely making this a thoroughly entertaining read. In this variation we come to know George Darcy, father of Fitzwilliam, and of his friendship with Elizabeth's father, Thomas Bennett. They made a pact in their younger years that their oldest children would marry. Well, we all know that it's Elizabeth and not Jane who Darcy falls in love with, so this presents an intriguing twist in the story. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and the fresh take on Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship and I easily got swept up in the Regency world. I thought the author also did a nice job of maintaining the authenticity of the characters. Though the story is altered, the general gist is still there, with misunderstanding, pride and prejudice still being the theme. It's a most captivating read from beginning to end. I am always on the lookout for authors that create Austen variations and P.O. Dixon has without a doubt been added to that list. Really enjoyed this!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 8, 2022
A "Pride and Prejudice" variation with a new twist. The friendship between Darcy's father Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth's father Thomas Bennett, and the pact they made in their college days. The pact that their oldest son and daughter would marry. This made for interesting reading and a fresh slant on Darcy and Elizabeth's story.
The author does a wonderful job of maintaining the original integrity of the characters, only adding to, not detracting from the Darcy and Elizabeth we all know and love. Also, time and place are captured brilliantly, you are swept back in time to the regency period, I could almost hear the rustle of the women's skirts or hear the horses in the stables, see the servants serving in a grand ballroom. I was transported back in time and that is exactly as it should be when reading an exceptional piece of fiction. This book did not disappoint.
If you are looking for a new fresh variation of Darcy and Elizabeth's story I recommend this one. I give it 4 plus stars, almost perfection. Don't miss this retelling, it is available now.
Thank you to Books Go Social and to Net Galley for the free
ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
The author does a wonderful job of maintaining the original integrity of the characters, only adding to, not detracting from the Darcy and Elizabeth we all know and love. Also, time and place are captured brilliantly, you are swept back in time to the regency period, I could almost hear the rustle of the women's skirts or hear the horses in the stables, see the servants serving in a grand ballroom. I was transported back in time and that is exactly as it should be when reading an exceptional piece of fiction. This book did not disappoint.
If you are looking for a new fresh variation of Darcy and Elizabeth's story I recommend this one. I give it 4 plus stars, almost perfection. Don't miss this retelling, it is available now.
Thank you to Books Go Social and to Net Galley for the free
ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
September 23, 2018
This book uses the premise that the elder Mr. Darcy is very ill. He has a long-time friendship with Mr. Bennet, and they two make a promise to marry their eldest children, meaning Darcy is to marry Jane. Elizabeth accompanies her sister to Pemberley, and Darcy falls in love with her, rather than with Jane.
I have only read a few of Mrs. Dixon's books, but those I have use multiple points of view. I suspect this is how Jane Austen fact fiction often appears on JAFF sites. I do not visit those sites, simply because I do not want to read the book until it has received several edits. Lots of mistakes draw me out of the story. Mrs. Dixon's books are always well edited, but the multiple POVs, are a bit confusing. This one uses Jane in Chapter 2; Lady Catherine in Ch. 7; Caroline Bingley in Ch. 8; Charles Bingley in Ch. 9; Georgiana Darcy in Ch. 12; Caroline again in Chap. 22; and Lady Catherine again in Ch. 25. I realize it must be harder to tell the tale without the other POVs. I, for one, find them distracting. It is a personal taste. I know some will not think likewise.
I have only read a few of Mrs. Dixon's books, but those I have use multiple points of view. I suspect this is how Jane Austen fact fiction often appears on JAFF sites. I do not visit those sites, simply because I do not want to read the book until it has received several edits. Lots of mistakes draw me out of the story. Mrs. Dixon's books are always well edited, but the multiple POVs, are a bit confusing. This one uses Jane in Chapter 2; Lady Catherine in Ch. 7; Caroline Bingley in Ch. 8; Charles Bingley in Ch. 9; Georgiana Darcy in Ch. 12; Caroline again in Chap. 22; and Lady Catherine again in Ch. 25. I realize it must be harder to tell the tale without the other POVs. I, for one, find them distracting. It is a personal taste. I know some will not think likewise.
August 29, 2020
Do you believe in love at first sight? Or at least strong attraction at every glance? I hope you don't think that's a spoiler because it could be some readers' perception of the greatest flaw in this book. Sometimes you have to go with the flow rather than be all judgmental. I did, and got a really good read out of the deal. The premise--The eldest daughter promised to the eldest son--can't be unique, though I can't recall reading it anywhere before. In any case, it was well applied here.
Editing was seamless with the exception of one glaring homophone. Angst was appropriate for most readers except those who want something exceptionally heart rending--this novel held enough conflict and tension to keep the reader's interest. The author paid homage to Austen in her prose and the style of writing was enjoyable. I read at bed time, and this was one of those books I felt like taking time to read during the day as well.
Disclaimer: I'm also a Jane Austen Fan Fiction author and some might consider my review a conflict of interest. I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. On a personal level, I can't comprehend why an author such as P.O. Dixon chooses to align herself with Austen Authors (at the time of this review). I guess it's a personal choice.
Editing was seamless with the exception of one glaring homophone. Angst was appropriate for most readers except those who want something exceptionally heart rending--this novel held enough conflict and tension to keep the reader's interest. The author paid homage to Austen in her prose and the style of writing was enjoyable. I read at bed time, and this was one of those books I felt like taking time to read during the day as well.
Disclaimer: I'm also a Jane Austen Fan Fiction author and some might consider my review a conflict of interest. I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. On a personal level, I can't comprehend why an author such as P.O. Dixon chooses to align herself with Austen Authors (at the time of this review). I guess it's a personal choice.
September 7, 2017
Reasoning and Reflecting
This was a delightful variation with Mr Darcy nearly promised to Jane but intrigued and inspired by Elizabeth at first sight! He had already decided not to allow his heart to become entangled but while he was safe from his supposed intended, her sister was another story. There are a few grammatical errors but nothing to impact the joyful journey past the nefarious schemes of Miss Bingley and her accomplice, Wickham. Truly no honor among thieves! Bet you'll like it if you're a P&P fan. Bingley is so much better here than in so many variations and even the original!
This was a delightful variation with Mr Darcy nearly promised to Jane but intrigued and inspired by Elizabeth at first sight! He had already decided not to allow his heart to become entangled but while he was safe from his supposed intended, her sister was another story. There are a few grammatical errors but nothing to impact the joyful journey past the nefarious schemes of Miss Bingley and her accomplice, Wickham. Truly no honor among thieves! Bet you'll like it if you're a P&P fan. Bingley is so much better here than in so many variations and even the original!
August 17, 2017
Some of the better
The P. O. Dixon novels are some of the most professional and consistent of the Austen variations. I like the lack of endless, maudlin angst found in many. I also like the lack of saccharine and/or bodice-ripping sexuality in the minds & imaginations of E&D. I did find one anachronism common to several vagaries: wristwatches were not widely available until WWI and even then were considered novelties. I did also find a surprising homonym error: 'bear' for 'bare.' I am happy, however, to recommend this with 4 stars.
The P. O. Dixon novels are some of the most professional and consistent of the Austen variations. I like the lack of endless, maudlin angst found in many. I also like the lack of saccharine and/or bodice-ripping sexuality in the minds & imaginations of E&D. I did find one anachronism common to several vagaries: wristwatches were not widely available until WWI and even then were considered novelties. I did also find a surprising homonym error: 'bear' for 'bare.' I am happy, however, to recommend this with 4 stars.
July 11, 2022
Historia con mucho potencial, pero no fue suficiente
Me gusto la historia, me intrigo el trama tan distinto, pero me pasa con esta autora que siento que le falta desarrollar ciertas partes o profundizar, siempre quedo corto y esta historia no fue la excepción. Tambien me gustaria que mas que pensamiento o recordar situaciones me gusta leerlas en el presente, le da más emoción a la historia, algo que se pierde con tanto pensamiento o recuerdo.
Mientrás leía un capitulo muchas veces quede con la sensación de incompleto.
Me gusto la historia, me intrigo el trama tan distinto, pero me pasa con esta autora que siento que le falta desarrollar ciertas partes o profundizar, siempre quedo corto y esta historia no fue la excepción. Tambien me gustaria que mas que pensamiento o recordar situaciones me gusta leerlas en el presente, le da más emoción a la historia, algo que se pierde con tanto pensamiento o recuerdo.
Mientrás leía un capitulo muchas veces quede con la sensación de incompleto.
May 27, 2023
Mr. Darcy senior and Mr. Bennet thought that it might be a good idea for their eldest offspring to marry. But what do they know? Elizabeth and Jane are brought to Pemberley to get to know Darcy but somehow the Bingleys, Wickham and Lady Catherine are also there to throw spokes in the wheels. I listened to the audiobook while doing something else so I may have been slightly inattentive at times but I enjoyed it. The romantic resolution was rather quick.
July 9, 2018
Good story, would have been better if it was finished
I am tired of stories that spawn multiple books. Nothing is wrapped up in this book. No wedding yet, no finality with Georgiana, Wickham, Lady Catherine and no idea if there is anything to know about the silly Bennet sisters.
I will not buy any sequels to this book.
I am tired of stories that spawn multiple books. Nothing is wrapped up in this book. No wedding yet, no finality with Georgiana, Wickham, Lady Catherine and no idea if there is anything to know about the silly Bennet sisters.
I will not buy any sequels to this book.
September 8, 2018
Ooo, fun!
What if Darcy and Elizabeth's entire relationship took place at Pemberley? Forget Meryton, Longbourn, Netherfield, Hunsford -- but still include Bingley and Jane, Lady Catherine, and that evil duo, Caroline Bingley and George Wickham. How would all these relationships progress? An intriguing premise.
What if Darcy and Elizabeth's entire relationship took place at Pemberley? Forget Meryton, Longbourn, Netherfield, Hunsford -- but still include Bingley and Jane, Lady Catherine, and that evil duo, Caroline Bingley and George Wickham. How would all these relationships progress? An intriguing premise.
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