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My Fair Lizzy: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation
A Regency tale ~ Lizzy Bennet, a sassy London shop girl is instantly attracted to Fitzwilliam Darcy, the arrogant, handsome visitor to the Bennets’ struggling Covent Garden flower shop. Darcy insists on purchasing Lizzy’s lucky orchid as a gift for his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Will Lizzy sell her family’s much needed good fortune to the haughty know it all?
Complications arise when Darcy accepts Bingley’s wager to make a sophisticated lady out of the humble flower girl. Can Lizzy endure Darcy’s mentoring in order to save the Bennet family’s flower shop? Will Caroline Bingley tolerate Darcy’s peppery new student? Will Wickham finally bring about Darcy’s ruination?
This is a light-hearted tale of a headstrong, London lass (Lizzy) whose drive to achieve more than life has handed her compels her to accept the position of pawn in a wager between two friends, (Darcy and Bingley). Gumption meets true love.
A fun read for all those who have ever enjoyed George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
This is not your usual Elizabeth Bennet…no offense intended to either Lizzy or the English language. Lizzy’s occasional lapses of proper English should not be mistaken for typos, but rather a touch of cockney! All the characters retain their original personalities and reactions to one another, but the story is not canon. How could it be?
Complications arise when Darcy accepts Bingley’s wager to make a sophisticated lady out of the humble flower girl. Can Lizzy endure Darcy’s mentoring in order to save the Bennet family’s flower shop? Will Caroline Bingley tolerate Darcy’s peppery new student? Will Wickham finally bring about Darcy’s ruination?
This is a light-hearted tale of a headstrong, London lass (Lizzy) whose drive to achieve more than life has handed her compels her to accept the position of pawn in a wager between two friends, (Darcy and Bingley). Gumption meets true love.
A fun read for all those who have ever enjoyed George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
This is not your usual Elizabeth Bennet…no offense intended to either Lizzy or the English language. Lizzy’s occasional lapses of proper English should not be mistaken for typos, but rather a touch of cockney! All the characters retain their original personalities and reactions to one another, but the story is not canon. How could it be?
- GenresAudiobook
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2017
21 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Silkstone
63 books312 followersBarbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series that includes: Wendy and the Lost Boys, London Broil, Cairo Caper, Miami Mummies, Vulgarian Vamp, Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Boxed Set. Her Criminally Funny Fables Romantic Suspense series includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs. For a squirt of paranormal comedy try: Cold Case Morphs. True fiction fan? Try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator.
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
New: Mister Darcy Series
Book One: Mister Darcy's Dogs
Book Two: Mister Darcy's Christmas
Book Three: Mister Darcy's Secret
Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 3, 2017
The concept sounds cute, doesn't it? My Fair Lady (minus the music!) meets Pride and Prejudice. And Ms. Silkstone's trademark silliness finds its way into parts of the story, too. Caroline falling into a frog-shaped piece of topiary when she's sneaking around and looking in a window at Darcy and Elizabeth is a highlight. Somehow, the whole book fell short of the mark for me, though.
While I didn't expect a phonetic cockney accent written out for everything Elizabeth and Jane said, I did expect that their grammar would be poorer. They come across as too well educated. Perhaps that's intentional because, even though Professor Higgins fell in love with a poor flower girl, it's hard to imagine Mr. Darcy doing so. I don't know... maybe the idea of putting these two beloved love stories together isn't as wonderful as it first sounds.
Lizzy, who becomes Professor Darcy's linguistic student, is quick-witted and intelligent, but she also has a major problem with her temper. Not sure why she's given that characteristic, and maybe that's one reason for my lack of enthusiasm.
There are interesting additions to the plot beyond a simple mash-up, especially Wickham's role here. He has the usual history with Georgiana at Ramsgate, but his connection to the Bennet sisters is considerably different. The same with Mr. Bennet, who suffers from depression/PTSD after having been abducted and conscripted to serve in the Navy against his will. He returned to his family a year ago, but he is emotionally unable to take an interest in the small Covent Garden flower shop that supports them, and it's failing. Lizzy and Jane are trying to keep it going, but they don't have their father's expertise. I enjoyed the execution of these and other original ideas more than the things that came from one or the other source book.
Overall, I kinda liked this, but not nearly as much as I was hoping when I picked it up. It could be that my expectations were simply too high, making it hard for me to rate this higher. I look forward to seeing what other readers think.
While I didn't expect a phonetic cockney accent written out for everything Elizabeth and Jane said, I did expect that their grammar would be poorer. They come across as too well educated. Perhaps that's intentional because, even though Professor Higgins fell in love with a poor flower girl, it's hard to imagine Mr. Darcy doing so. I don't know... maybe the idea of putting these two beloved love stories together isn't as wonderful as it first sounds.
Lizzy, who becomes Professor Darcy's linguistic student, is quick-witted and intelligent, but she also has a major problem with her temper. Not sure why she's given that characteristic, and maybe that's one reason for my lack of enthusiasm.
There are interesting additions to the plot beyond a simple mash-up, especially Wickham's role here. He has the usual history with Georgiana at Ramsgate, but his connection to the Bennet sisters is considerably different. The same with Mr. Bennet, who suffers from depression/PTSD after having been abducted and conscripted to serve in the Navy against his will. He returned to his family a year ago, but he is emotionally unable to take an interest in the small Covent Garden flower shop that supports them, and it's failing. Lizzy and Jane are trying to keep it going, but they don't have their father's expertise. I enjoyed the execution of these and other original ideas more than the things that came from one or the other source book.
Overall, I kinda liked this, but not nearly as much as I was hoping when I picked it up. It could be that my expectations were simply too high, making it hard for me to rate this higher. I look forward to seeing what other readers think.
November 11, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
I won this signed paperback book from a blog tour raffle.
Knowing the story of My Fair Lady much of this story simply was not a surprise. I missed a "Freddy" character. I would have liked to have read of Darcy being just a little bit jealous with another man recognizing Lizzy's worth.
Caroline is a character not included in the movie version, My Fair Lady, and this story has to accommodate her...but it becomes a bit exaggerated when the "lady" comes upon Darcy kneeling in front of Lizzy and he has to quickly come up with a reason. While she stews over that lady's role in Darcy's household she goes out of the way to provide one of the humorous scenes written in this story.
The Bennet family, although retaining some of the behaviors on the part of the daughters, are now living in London and barely able to put food on the table. Mr. Bennet, having been conscripted to serve in the navy, is a broken shell of a man and is, at the beginning of the story, only an additional drain on the family. Jane and Elizabeth work in the family's flower shop and even there, with an inability to attract customers, are fearful that the landlord will either throw them out on the street or become successful in his quest to force Jane to "marry" him.
While I found this story interesting enough to keep me turning pages it just never provided the complete humor or twists that I was expecting. Elizabeth's temper spoils one scenario but at the same time provides the impetus to make changes in areas not previously addressed with enough force. Bingley just can't ignore his sister now...especially if he wants Jane.
Lady C., Wickham, and even the colonel have parts to play in this tale. While the colonel has only a cameo appearance our bad boy stirs the pot more vigorously.
I did enjoy this story and found it a quick read today.
I won this signed paperback book from a blog tour raffle.
Knowing the story of My Fair Lady much of this story simply was not a surprise. I missed a "Freddy" character. I would have liked to have read of Darcy being just a little bit jealous with another man recognizing Lizzy's worth.
Caroline is a character not included in the movie version, My Fair Lady, and this story has to accommodate her...but it becomes a bit exaggerated when the "lady" comes upon Darcy kneeling in front of Lizzy and he has to quickly come up with a reason. While she stews over that lady's role in Darcy's household she goes out of the way to provide one of the humorous scenes written in this story.
The Bennet family, although retaining some of the behaviors on the part of the daughters, are now living in London and barely able to put food on the table. Mr. Bennet, having been conscripted to serve in the navy, is a broken shell of a man and is, at the beginning of the story, only an additional drain on the family. Jane and Elizabeth work in the family's flower shop and even there, with an inability to attract customers, are fearful that the landlord will either throw them out on the street or become successful in his quest to force Jane to "marry" him.
While I found this story interesting enough to keep me turning pages it just never provided the complete humor or twists that I was expecting. Elizabeth's temper spoils one scenario but at the same time provides the impetus to make changes in areas not previously addressed with enough force. Bingley just can't ignore his sister now...especially if he wants Jane.
Lady C., Wickham, and even the colonel have parts to play in this tale. While the colonel has only a cameo appearance our bad boy stirs the pot more vigorously.
I did enjoy this story and found it a quick read today.
February 21, 2018
My Fair Lizzy is a combination of My Fair Lady and Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy is more like Dr. Doolittle. He and Bingley bet that he can transform Lizzy to behave and sound like loyalty. This allows Bingley to spend time with Jane :) The plot does feature a bit of evil in the form of George Wickham and an interesting story line for Mr. Bennet.
I did enjoy most of the story but it had an abrupt ending.
I did enjoy most of the story but it had an abrupt ending.
October 17, 2020
Loverly!
January 20, 2018
A humorous story with parts of sadness and tension. It was an enjoyable read.
ODC, OOC put a dampner on the story for me.
Although I have no problem with seeing Darcy as a pedantic, stickler for the English language... Removing his sense of duty for his family and responsibilities, you end up with an arrogant and self-serving, not too loveable man.
Elizabeth fares no better and reducing her to a bad mannered, ill tempered flower girl with no other accomplishment than knowing a lot of flowers did not sit well with me.
Mr Bennet being his indolent self, although not for the same reason as canon, it falls to Elizabeth and Jane to run their rundown flower shop in Covent Garden. Fighting to survive on a day to day basis.
Darcy is about to give lady Catherine some very bad news and are therefore looking for ways to appease her. Venturing into the flower shop he finds more than he bargained for.
There is an instant attraction between both couples but ODC is not showing it outwardly (even to each other) because of the enormous difference in their station.
Friendly bickering between Darcy and Bingley instigate a wager of Darcy being able to turn a urchin to pass for nobility by his excellent teaching skills in language and comportment.
Bingley, wanting more time with the lovely Jane, chooses Elizabeth to be the "urchin".
Miss Bingley, which is as unpalatable as ever, soon puts her nose in their affairs.
Wickham is as depraved as ever but has another role than canon. He is not well liked but that has not diminished his scheming skills. He does get his comeuppance though, in a very satisfying way.
Caroline fares a little better but not by much.
The highlight was the proposal, thoroughly enjoyed that.
The plot was not very plausible but that is not necessarily a deterrent for a good book.
It was fun but not excessively so. It was sad but not heart-wrenching. It had tension but it was not thrilling. For me, this story fell a bit between several chairs, not landing on any.
A good read though...
ODC, OOC put a dampner on the story for me.
Although I have no problem with seeing Darcy as a pedantic, stickler for the English language... Removing his sense of duty for his family and responsibilities, you end up with an arrogant and self-serving, not too loveable man.
Elizabeth fares no better and reducing her to a bad mannered, ill tempered flower girl with no other accomplishment than knowing a lot of flowers did not sit well with me.
Mr Bennet being his indolent self, although not for the same reason as canon, it falls to Elizabeth and Jane to run their rundown flower shop in Covent Garden. Fighting to survive on a day to day basis.
Darcy is about to give lady Catherine some very bad news and are therefore looking for ways to appease her. Venturing into the flower shop he finds more than he bargained for.
There is an instant attraction between both couples but ODC is not showing it outwardly (even to each other) because of the enormous difference in their station.
Friendly bickering between Darcy and Bingley instigate a wager of Darcy being able to turn a urchin to pass for nobility by his excellent teaching skills in language and comportment.
Bingley, wanting more time with the lovely Jane, chooses Elizabeth to be the "urchin".
Miss Bingley, which is as unpalatable as ever, soon puts her nose in their affairs.
Wickham is as depraved as ever but has another role than canon. He is not well liked but that has not diminished his scheming skills. He does get his comeuppance though, in a very satisfying way.
Caroline fares a little better but not by much.
The highlight was the proposal, thoroughly enjoyed that.
The plot was not very plausible but that is not necessarily a deterrent for a good book.
It was fun but not excessively so. It was sad but not heart-wrenching. It had tension but it was not thrilling. For me, this story fell a bit between several chairs, not landing on any.
A good read though...
December 29, 2017
This is my review of the audiobook version as posted on Audible:
I've always liked Pygmalion though I've also always regretted it doesn't end with a happily ever after... I know, I know, it's a classic and Shaw knew what he was doing, still - I'm all for happy endings:) And so now I've got it, thanks to Ms Silkstone, who took two of my favourite characters and put them in the shoes of Eliza and professor Higgins'...
Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley, Georgiana, Caroline... they are all there, all their old selves, retaining their good and bad qualities as we know them from Jane Austen's book, just put in a different situation. What's amazing is that although I can generally predict what to expect, knowing both books so well, the plot is still intriguing and engaging, and there are some nice twists in the story itself.
Some readers could argue that a happy ending in the story of Pygmalion is illogical and contrary to the realities of the times - well, I don't really care:) The way Ms Silkstone weaves her story, the way the characters act make everything possible - so in the case of My Fair Lizzy I accept that fairy tale vibe and just enjoy the book:)
As for the narration by Ms Meisberger, it's perfect as usual. The pace is right, the acting flawless, the interpretation brilliant. I think I've already written it somewhere - she's one of my favourite narrators, a definite master of her profession:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I've always liked Pygmalion though I've also always regretted it doesn't end with a happily ever after... I know, I know, it's a classic and Shaw knew what he was doing, still - I'm all for happy endings:) And so now I've got it, thanks to Ms Silkstone, who took two of my favourite characters and put them in the shoes of Eliza and professor Higgins'...
Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley, Georgiana, Caroline... they are all there, all their old selves, retaining their good and bad qualities as we know them from Jane Austen's book, just put in a different situation. What's amazing is that although I can generally predict what to expect, knowing both books so well, the plot is still intriguing and engaging, and there are some nice twists in the story itself.
Some readers could argue that a happy ending in the story of Pygmalion is illogical and contrary to the realities of the times - well, I don't really care:) The way Ms Silkstone weaves her story, the way the characters act make everything possible - so in the case of My Fair Lizzy I accept that fairy tale vibe and just enjoy the book:)
As for the narration by Ms Meisberger, it's perfect as usual. The pace is right, the acting flawless, the interpretation brilliant. I think I've already written it somewhere - she's one of my favourite narrators, a definite master of her profession:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 14, 2017
This is a really adorable Pride and Prejudice / My Fair Lady mashup! I wouldn't go into it expecting a traditional Pride and Prejudice variation, this book borrows the characters' names but throws them into a whole new setting. The characters aren't exactly true to the original, and the gap between Lizzy and Darcy is even wider, but it's a sweet story I'd recommend.
When the book begins, Lizzy and Jane are running Longbourn Flower Basket for their father. They're struggling to earn enough to support the Bennet family, but their efforts are hampered by their low status and cockney accents. When Bingley and Darcy enter the shop in search of an exotic flower, Bingley is immediately attracted to Jane. Bingley makes a bold dare, if Darcy can pass Lizzy off as a sophisticated lady to Aunt Catherine, he'll acknowledge Darcy as the foremost expert on the English language.
This was a sweet story with some funny moments, especially when Caroline Bingley was involved. I loved seeing the proper Darcy combined with Higgins' posturing, and it was fun to watch Bingley outfox Darcy. Lizzy had plenty of spunk, but also a very quick temper, and watching her match wits with Darcy was a treat. It was a fun listen, and had me smiling through most of the book.
This is the sort of book that needs to be listened to rather than read, as Jannie Meisberger's talented voice acting brings the cockney accents to life. It really added something I would have missed if I'd read it. It was a great performance. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
When the book begins, Lizzy and Jane are running Longbourn Flower Basket for their father. They're struggling to earn enough to support the Bennet family, but their efforts are hampered by their low status and cockney accents. When Bingley and Darcy enter the shop in search of an exotic flower, Bingley is immediately attracted to Jane. Bingley makes a bold dare, if Darcy can pass Lizzy off as a sophisticated lady to Aunt Catherine, he'll acknowledge Darcy as the foremost expert on the English language.
This was a sweet story with some funny moments, especially when Caroline Bingley was involved. I loved seeing the proper Darcy combined with Higgins' posturing, and it was fun to watch Bingley outfox Darcy. Lizzy had plenty of spunk, but also a very quick temper, and watching her match wits with Darcy was a treat. It was a fun listen, and had me smiling through most of the book.
This is the sort of book that needs to be listened to rather than read, as Jannie Meisberger's talented voice acting brings the cockney accents to life. It really added something I would have missed if I'd read it. It was a great performance. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2017
My fair lady with a twust
Darcy and bingley make a wager to transform Lizzy the flower shop girl into a lady. Darcy teaches Lizzy the proper way to speak the English language. At the same time falls in love with her. Bingley has already fallen for Lizzy's sister Jane. But Bngleys sister Caroline won't have it. The plot thickens when she meets the scroundel wickham. What will happen at Darcy's aunt birthday celebration. Can Lizzy pull it oiff? Read on sweet humorous and fun to read
Darcy and bingley make a wager to transform Lizzy the flower shop girl into a lady. Darcy teaches Lizzy the proper way to speak the English language. At the same time falls in love with her. Bingley has already fallen for Lizzy's sister Jane. But Bngleys sister Caroline won't have it. The plot thickens when she meets the scroundel wickham. What will happen at Darcy's aunt birthday celebration. Can Lizzy pull it oiff? Read on sweet humorous and fun to read
March 19, 2018
What fun! It's Pygmalion meets Pride and Prejudice in Regency times written with a grand sense of humor as only La Silkstone can! Lizzy and Darcy meet for the first time in the company of the Bennett sisters flower shop with Bingley and Jane also struck with instant attraction. Darcy is a real prig, but Bingley knows how to get around that with a wager. There's your clue, now stick your nose in and enjoy!
It's worth the credit to get the audio as Jannie Meisberger gets better with each book she narrates, and her sly perky manner is perfect for this delightful offering.
It's worth the credit to get the audio as Jannie Meisberger gets better with each book she narrates, and her sly perky manner is perfect for this delightful offering.
September 9, 2018
Luck and wager
Story with mixed comedy and drama. Not sure if the orchid did bring luck, coz Lady Catherine didn't seem to gain any. Don't know if any lady will accept a second wager when she might be ridiculed/laughed at. Guess the stakes are higher and tempting. Good story over all
Story with mixed comedy and drama. Not sure if the orchid did bring luck, coz Lady Catherine didn't seem to gain any. Don't know if any lady will accept a second wager when she might be ridiculed/laughed at. Guess the stakes are higher and tempting. Good story over all
December 7, 2017
Audiobook Review
Not sure if it’s one of my favourite variations but definitely very entertaining.
As always excellent narrative by Jannie Meisberger
Not sure if it’s one of my favourite variations but definitely very entertaining.
As always excellent narrative by Jannie Meisberger
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews