Folly and Forgiveness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Lizzy Brandon

Loss, Lies, Lessons . . . Love?

Elizabeth Bennet’s insistence on marrying for love has unintended consequences when she defies her mother and refuses Mr. Collins. With Longbourn left in mourning, Elizabeth must work through her guilt and grief, only to discover how little she has understood anyone around her. As others prepare for weddings, Elizabeth is left to wonder how she will find love when her judgment is so abominable. Though she tries, can she really change?

Fitzwilliam Darcy knows the Master of Pemberley has a duty to find a suitable bride. As tempted as he is by Elizabeth, she is far from suitable. When Mr. Bingley refuses to leave Hertfordshire, Darcy finds himself staying as well to protect his friend, then staying to protect Elizabeth from Mr. Wickham's increasing attentions. Darcy struggles to balance claims of his heart against claims of duty, only to learn he faces another obstacle. The more he speaks with Elizabeth, the more he fears that making an offer may not be sufficient to make her his wife.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen adaptations, vagaries, fan fiction, and sequels, then open a sample of Folly and Forgiveness now.

Folly and A Pride and Prejudice Variation is a full-length novel of over 100,000 words.

Genres: Regency, Romance, Historical

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2017

About the author

Lizzy Brandon once attempted to switch sections of a Brit Lit course after seeing Pride and Prejudice on the reading list. How could a book with such a boring title possibly compete with Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, or Frankenstein? Luckily, her request was denied and she was introduced to Jane Austen’s amazing world of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Years later, Lizzy was thrilled to discover the world of Pride and Prejudice sequels and variations where her favorite characters could live on with countless adventures. After enjoying reading variations for years, she decided to try writing one of her own. Folly and Forgiveness is Lizzy Brandon’s first, but hopefully not last, novel.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new author to add to my Favorite Authors List and that is Lizzy Brandon. This book, her first book too, is just wonderful! She finds a new wrinkle to add to the P&P what if universe and masterfully weaves a tale that almost makes you wonder why JA didn't think of it.

This is a book about loss, grief, mourning, recovery, rebirth and forgiveness.

Her Wickham is the most evil, vile, creature without going over the top as some authors are apt to do. His dialogue is scathingly brilliant while being mostly polite. He is a manipulator par excellence and the language will make your flesh crawl.

This book has a lot of introspection, self evaluation and soul searching done inside the characters heads. But it works in a way others fail.

This is a book I didn't want to end, there is a brief epilogue that really didn't wrap up anywhere near enough for me. But that is the secret of a good book leave the reader wanting more.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this variation. Elizabeth gets put through the wringer in this one, and it's less because of yearning after Mr. Darcy (it takes her a LONG time to get to that place!) and much more because she is dealing with inner demons.

Immediately after Elizabeth's contentious confrontation with her mother over her refusal to marry Mr. Collins, tragedy strikes the Bennet family. It leaves Elizabeth guilt-ridden and starts her on a path of soul searching that goes on throughout the story. Considering how much she always prided herself on her ability to judge others, Elizabeth is rocked by the realization that she has made some very grave errors. This starts with the way she's always viewed her parents, but it continues as Mr. Collins and Mary actually make a love match, which Elizabeth at first finds incomprehensible. Mr. Wickham also shows his true colors earlier, adding yet another to her list of miscalculations.

By the time she goes to visit Mr. and Mrs. Collins in Kent and encounters Mr. Darcy there, Elizabeth is well aware that Mr. Darcy never wronged Mr. Wickham. She still dislikes him because of his obvious disdain for most of her family and his haughty treatment of anyone not of his social sphere.

It's a very different approach, and I found it interesting to see Elizabeth back on her heels as much as Mr. Darcy. She's dealing with guilt, questioning her judgement, and then examining whether or not she believes she's worthy of being loved.

Gotta love Mrs. Gardiner who, as always, shows her wisdom guiding her troubled niece. Even though Anne de Bourgh doesn't get a lot of time in the book, she's given more personality than usual. I really enjoyed the resolution of the Lydia-and-Wickham storyline, which is a solution I've only seen a few times and always appreciate. Darcy is an absolute hero throughout and proves to be insightful about Elizabeth, though he has trouble recognizing his own problem of scowling when he thinks he's looking pleasant!

The story is well written. I am happy to report I caught no significant grammar or spelling gaffes. My only criticism is that some of the introspection is overdone and occasionally repetitive. Much of it is necessary with this particular storyline, but there are times when it goes too long describing Elizabeth's thoughts.

Aside from that, I think it's a wonderful story.

(By the way, there's no sexual content.)

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A human life is a story told by God. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

This is a story of Darcy and Elizabeth.

And yet, in many ways, the human whose life story is told is Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth refuses a proposal from Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet supports her refusal. Mrs. Bennet cajoles Elizabeth to reconsider. A tragedy follows.

Elizabeth must recover from her grief … and her guilt.

Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death. ~ Coco Chanel


For me, one of the best things about this book was the sympathetic portrayal of both Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennet calmly (for her) gives Elizabeth all the very good reasons she should accept marriage to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth defies her mother and begins to leave the garden. Then she hears Jane calling wildly.

After Mrs. Bennet’s death, we eavesdrop on a scene with Mr. Collins and Mary. We develop a whole new respect for Mr. Collins as he speaks of the death of first his mother when he was very young and much later his father. It is the beginning of understanding between Mary and Mr. Collins.

Quote from the book: Elizabeth had known her sister was happy, but had not realized she was truly in love. Even more shocking, Elizabeth had not thought Mr. Collins capable of the type of tenderness and affection she had just witnessed. The pompous man who had proposed to her had seemed unaware of what love even was. If he was unaware at the time, he had since learned with Mary. Elizabeth lifted a hand to cover her grin and waited a few more moments. She had misjudged the man. Her smile faltered. She had misjudged many men of late. Were any of her judgments valid?

The worst guilt is to accept an unearned guilt. ~ Ayn Rand

Quote from the book: “Oh Lizzy, you cannot blame yourself for what happened to your mother, though I can see how such a thought would be comforting.”
“Comforting?”
“Yes, comforting. If you are to blame, then you must have control over the results of all of your actions. Guilt is a far more comfortable feeling than helplessness. The truth is that terrible things can happen in an instant no matter how careful you are. Accepting that truth is far more terrifying than the relative discomfort of blaming yourself for an accident.”

Early in the story, Darcy sees similarities between his personality and Jane’s – the reserve, the hidden emotions. He and Jane overhear a conversation at Mrs. Bennet’s funeral lunch: the Bingley sisters snipe at all the Bennets, including Jane and especially her deceased mother. Jane excuses herself from the room and Darcy observes her sobbing at their cruelty before regaining her serene countenance and returning to the guests. Darcy develops respect for Jane and stops influencing Bingley against her. Elizabeth does not know this and believes the worst of him.

But life must go on and it goes on at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet makes plans to marry again, hoping for a son, even though his daughter is to be Mrs. Collins. The Bennet daughters must accept the changes a new Mrs. Bennet will bring to their home.

Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again. ~Rosa Parks

As in canon, Elizabeth visits the Collins newlyweds. The Hunsford proposal – coming at the wrong time – is not a disaster in itself but is not acceptable.

Kitty and Lydia both go for a holiday at Brighton. Elizabeth and Jane both accompany Aunt and Uncle Gardiner on the journey north. At Pemberley, Elizabeth becomes acquainted with Georgiana and spends much time with Darcy.

This book is nothing if not introspective. Darcy broods on his flaws and errors in behavior. Elizabeth deals with multiple misjudgments she has made: especially her Mother, Wickham and Darcy.

Quote from the book: Such fortune might have been hers as well, but Elizabeth had thrown away her opportunity by assuming she understood Mr. Darcy. She had understood the public version of the man, perhaps, but had not known the private version. She had seen glimpses of this other version at Rosings, but had not realized there was more to that man. Not until seeing him at Pemberley had she understood him.

Quote from the book: Elizabeth thought back to her final conversation with her mother. She had thought her mother was being overdramatic and had not taken her words seriously. Elizabeth had not realized the level of her mother’s fear. Others had told her of the terror that ruled her mother’s life, but Elizabeth had never seen it while her mother lived. She had always assumed her mother to be melodramatic and the attacks on her nerves to be largely imaginary. She could add her mother to the list of people she had misjudged.

Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. ~ Jane Austen

Don’t suppose this story is entirely doom and gloom: Darcy and Elizabeth discuss fruit and vegetables while at Pemberley, assigning personalities to various samples of plant life. Miss Bingley, for example, is a pineapple: uselessly fine, prickly; extremely high maintenance and quite sour if not picked early enough.

I chortled when Mrs. Gardiner applied the perfect setdown to the Bingley sisters – I always enjoy a Caroline squelch!

This is a well-written and edited (proofreaders: my unsung heroes) story from a new author who gifted me a copy of her book with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

Sorrow like rain makes roses and mud. ~Austin O'Malley (1858–1932), Thoughts of a Recluse, 1898

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

What If Mrs. Bennet Did Indeed Never Speak to Elizabeth Again?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins the day after the Netherfield Ball

WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS:

- Lizzy Brandon is a new author for me, and I’m always game to try new authors!
- The excerpt I read on Amazon stopped at such a surprising cliffhanger and showed that this story was taking a new direction, I was curious to read more.
- To be honest, I love the lyricalness of alliterative titles! 😉

WHAT I LOVED:

- Unique Premise: In this story something terrible unexpectedly happens just after the Netherfield Ball and it sends our characters on a whole new course. It was interesting to see how this change affects not just our central characters, but the lives of many secondary characters as well. One of the first changes it produces is that Darcy and Bingley do not immediately leave for London and instead remain in Meryton.

- Some New Developments: With a premise that instigates a lot of change, there were some surprising new developments in the lives of Charlotte Lucas, Mary Bennet, and Lydia Bennet. I really enjoyed these new alterations and paths. Some I did see coming, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment – I instead enjoyed the novelty of these changes and how skillfully and plausibly the author executed them.

- Mr. Darcy: A protective Darcy who rescues Elizabeth?!? Be still my heart! But Darcy’s heroic actions are not the only thing to love about him in this tale… And I can’t decide which I loved most – Darcy’s inner thoughts filled with admiration and yearning for Elizabeth, his playful and revealing conversations with Elizabeth where he refers to himself as ‘the villain’ and tells about a magic rock, or his adorable awkwardness as he attempts to scowl less and become a more sociable man. I loved him for all the reasons above!

- Reflection and Comprehension: I enjoyed how this variation focused on how people often make mistaken judgments about each other. Lizzy is the most guilty of doing this, and I liked seeing her eyes open about the different people in her lives. She isn’t just wrong about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. I admire how she learns to look at people with “new filters” and realizes that she shouldn’t judge people based on their actions because she doesn’t always understand or know the emotions and thoughts that underlie those actions. I enjoyed seeing Lizzy do a lot of soul-searching and admired her ability to acknowledge her own failings.

- Titular Themes: I loved how the author subtly and seamlessly alludes to the words in the title. She does it frequently throughout the book, and it never feels forced or too blunt. My greatest compliment to the author is that her clever and apt use of title and theme is very much in the style of Jane Austen.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

- Some Tiny Quibbles: I enjoyed a lot about this story, but just a few aspects that prevented me from giving it 5 stars such as Lizzy doubting/misinterpreting Darcy’s thoughts/feelings one too many times and the inclusion of some conversations from Jane Austen’s original text that didn’t completely feel like belong (i.e. Lizzy teasing Darcy about the Meryton Assembly after he already apologized and explained his actions).

CONCLUSION:

What a terrific debut release for Lizzy Brandon! With an original premise, some surprising twists, strong thematic motifs, and admirable character development this is a Pride and Prejudice variation I think many readers will enjoy! I am all anticipation to see what Ms. Brandon will write next!

Austenesque Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this variation, Elizabeth puts herself through the wringer after an angry exchange with her mother, who is insisting she must marry Mr. Collins following his proposal at Longbourn. Her mother then falls and later dies as a result of her injuries. Elizabeth finds herself questioning her relationship with and understanding of her mother as neighbors, relatives and even her father relate the good memories they have of Mrs. Bennet plus how she had changed over the years. Elizabeth spends many moments looking inward and drawing from how she judged her own mother opines on how she is not as intelligent as she thought. She judges to quick judgments and does not allow that there is more than one way to look at a person's character or even that there may be reasons for behaviors of which she has no knowledge.

We have two marriages early in this story for Mr. Collins, Charlotte, Mr. Bennet and Mary Bennet. As Elizabeth has her own opinions about those relationships we read of her changing her mind when she hears both women reflect on either why they will marry or tell of how happy that marriage has made them. Again E. has self reproach at her perception. Wickham's behaviors bring the most harsh blow to Elizabeth's psyche.

Darcy's thoughts are not far from canon: he admires the lady but she will not do...her family, her connections prevent him from realizing love in marriage early in our tale. Sadly, when he realizes his errors he can't seem to put into action or words a way to have Elizabeth not only see his admiration but also to know that his change in behaviors and in his relationship all are due to her and her words to him.

This story does have a different resolution for Lydia (which has been written before). I am always happy to have W. not receiving a reward for his debauchery. Anne de Bourgh actually has some words to say. The colonel is present and adds his reflections to the situation. A pleasant story, all in all. This is a sweet tale for a general audience.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the author's first book, unless it's under another name. Reads very wordy if you are looking for action but it's not an action book. It's that rare P&P variation where Lizzy has as much changing to work on as Darcy does. Thumbs up to that if for no other reason.

And I LOVE how Wickham was handled.

Quite a few character changes

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A human life is a story told by God. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

This is a story of Darcy and Elizabeth.

And yet, in many ways, the human whose life story is told is Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth refuses a proposal from Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet supports her refusal. Mrs. Bennet cajoles Elizabeth to reconsider. A tragedy follows.

Elizabeth must recover from her grief … and her guilt.

Guilt is perhaps the most painful companion of death. ~ Coco Chanel


For me, one of the best things about this book was the sympathetic portrayal of both Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins. Mrs. Bennet calmly (for her) gives Elizabeth all the very good reasons she should accept marriage to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth defies her mother and begins to leave the garden. Then she hears Jane calling wildly.

After Mrs. Bennet’s death, we eavesdrop on a scene with Mr. Collins and Mary. We develop a whole new respect for Mr. Collins as he speaks of the death of first his mother when he was very young and much later his father. It is the beginning of understanding between Mary and Mr. Collins.

Quote from the book: Elizabeth had known her sister was happy, but had not realized she was truly in love. Even more shocking, Elizabeth had not thought Mr. Collins capable of the type of tenderness and affection she had just witnessed. The pompous man who had proposed to her had seemed unaware of what love even was. If he was unaware at the time, he had since learned with Mary. Elizabeth lifted a hand to cover her grin and waited a few more moments. She had misjudged the man. Her smile faltered. She had misjudged many men of late. Were any of her judgments valid?

The worst guilt is to accept an unearned guilt. ~ Ayn Rand

Quote from the book: “Oh Lizzy, you cannot blame yourself for what happened to your mother, though I can see how such a thought would be comforting.”
“Comforting?”
“Yes, comforting. If you are to blame, then you must have control over the results of all of your actions. Guilt is a far more comfortable feeling than helplessness. The truth is that terrible things can happen in an instant no matter how careful you are. Accepting that truth is far more terrifying than the relative discomfort of blaming yourself for an accident.”

Early in the story, Darcy sees similarities between his personality and Jane’s – the reserve, the hidden emotions. He and Jane overhear a conversation at Mrs. Bennet’s funeral lunch: the Bingley sisters snipe at all the Bennets, including Jane and especially her deceased mother. Jane excuses herself from the room and Darcy observes her sobbing at their cruelty before regaining her serene countenance and returning to the guests. Darcy develops respect for Jane and stops influencing Bingley against her. Elizabeth does not know this and believes the worst of him.

But life must go on and it goes on at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet makes plans to marry again, hoping for a son, even though his daughter is to be Mrs. Collins. The Bennet daughters must accept the changes a new Mrs. Bennet will bring to their home.

Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again. ~Rosa Parks

As in canon, Elizabeth visits the Collins newlyweds. The Hunsford proposal – coming at the wrong time – is not a disaster in itself but is not acceptable.

Kitty and Lydia both go for a holiday at Brighton. Elizabeth and Jane both accompany Aunt and Uncle Gardiner on the journey north. At Pemberley, Elizabeth becomes acquainted with Georgiana and spends much time with Darcy.

This book is nothing if not introspective. Darcy broods on his flaws and errors in behavior. Elizabeth deals with multiple misjudgments she has made: especially her Mother, Wickham and Darcy.

Quote from the book: Such fortune might have been hers as well, but Elizabeth had thrown away her opportunity by assuming she understood Mr. Darcy. She had understood the public version of the man, perhaps, but had not known the private version. She had seen glimpses of this other version at Rosings, but had not realized there was more to that man. Not until seeing him at Pemberley had she understood him.

Quote from the book: Elizabeth thought back to her final conversation with her mother. She had thought her mother was being overdramatic and had not taken her words seriously. Elizabeth had not realized the level of her mother’s fear. Others had told her of the terror that ruled her mother’s life, but Elizabeth had never seen it while her mother lived. She had always assumed her mother to be melodramatic and the attacks on her nerves to be largely imaginary. She could add her mother to the list of people she had misjudged.

Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. ~ Jane Austen

Don’t suppose this story is entirely doom and gloom: Darcy and Elizabeth discuss fruit and vegetables while at Pemberley, assigning personalities to various samples of plant life. Miss Bingley, for example, is a pineapple: uselessly fine, prickly; extremely high maintenance and quite sour if not picked early enough.

I chortled when Mrs. Gardiner applied the perfect setdown to the Bingley sisters – I always enjoy a Caroline squelch!

This is a well-written and edited (proofreaders: my unsung heroes) story, revised from a book published in 2017. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

Sorrow like rain makes roses and mud. ~Austin O'Malley (1858–1932), Thoughts of a Recluse, 1898

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book where reflection occurs quite a bit. The usually strong Elizabeth Bennet had much to ponder as she blames herself for her mother's death , Mr. Darcy, and her confidence. The odd twist of Mr. Benmet remarrying made for a different plot twist, though slightly awkward. For your best friend to marry your dad would make anyone contemplate life in general. An overall great book.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*
Well written with a good plot that follows the timeline of canon but with twists, albeit not the most romantic story I have read.
No major faults but a bit reflection-heavy, a tad predictable and lacked that certain je ne sais quoi that will grip your attention in an iron fist from start to finish. All in all an enjoyable read.

Entering after Mr Collins proposal the morning after the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth has a terrible quarrel with her mother and Mrs Bennet storms off, trips and falls down the stairs...
The Netherfield party is appraised of the incident and comes to offer their support. Mrs Bennet died after a few days but being in company with the Bennet's causes Darcy to discover something in Jane that will lead to a faster understanding between Jane and Bingley.
Mr Wickham is all too ready to comfort the greif struck and guilt ridden Elizabeth and Mr Darcy's warnings falls on deaf ears.
Amongst the sorrow, Mary finds her true love and Mr Bennet engage in the future security of his daughters by remarrying to try for the all important son. In the meantime, Wickham shows his true colours, luckily there is a knight in shining armour to rescue Elizabeth.
Visiting Mary in Kent, Darcy's feelings are revealed but it's really lady Catherine that make Elizabeth flee back to Hertfordshire or a bit of both I suppose...
Both Jane and Elizabeth are on the journey north with the Gardiner's and a visit to Pemberley is planned as Jane's fiance is in residence. The letter from the new Mrs Bennet, cuts their visit short and the Lydia/Wickham debacle has a new twist.
Their way to an understanding felt lacking in romance to me but there will be an HEA and a short epilogue afterwards.

An enjoyable read.

[Iris McNeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!

I loved this book! I was lucky enough to have a whole day free so I hardly had to put it down. This is a real page turner. I will be looking forward to more from this talented author.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth was too judgemental for me in this book. I just couldn't get into it. I liked the Wickham scene though so I think I will bump it up to 4 stars. I found the book a bit boring.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked some things and really disliked others. Elizabeth is particularly stubborn and stupid in this. Also WAY too much Wickham and Lydia was even worse than usual.

There was some humor which I enjoyed. The last 15% felt like fake angst. Some modern language including ‘take it under advisement’.

Very few typos which is really nice to see. This a new author I will look forward to reading in the future.

Also it’s extremely forgettable because I read it in 2017 and had no memory of it.

[Mary Langton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much introspection by far.

Whilst this was essentially a decent story but I found it too long and drawn out. A bit of introspection is a good thing, but when it goes on and on with the same thoughts repeated over and over ad nauseam then it all becomes a bit boring. Even whole sentences were repeated at times! On the plus side ... the language was free of Americanisms (although I noticed a 'gotten' towards the end).

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was well-written but I didn't like Lizzie through most of the book. And Mr. Bennett and Charlotte? Just ewww! The author did a good job of displaying Mr. Bennett's lackadaisical attitude toward parenting. The Lydia-Wickham story line was interesting, though pretty far-fetched.

[Gail Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Loved it glad no Lydia and Wickham marriage. Like it when he gets his just rewards. This book will be read again by me.

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great first endeavor!!

This is such an enthralling and different variation of my favorite book that I am absolutely floored to see it is the author’s first publication! A main character dies suddenly in the beginning and it changes everything and everyone in very realistic and fascinating ways. Few canon events still occur, but so many meaningful epiphanies and experiences take their place that nothing is ever lacking or exactly the same.

I love a story you can really sink your teeth into and chew and taste like a new entree. This was so thoroughly written and the details blend so beautifully. The result is truly satisfying! I applaud the obvious hard work and planning that went into this story and look forward to reading Ms Brandon’s next release when it comes!

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, well written P & P variation. It was refreshing not to have to deal with the spelling and grammatical errors so common in today's Ebooks. This could have been five stars if not for the looooong, drawn out self reflection on Lizzie and Darcy's part. I found myself thinking yeah, yeah we already know all this... I ended up skimming those parts. At one point I wondered if I may have read one too many P & P variations therefore, no longer enjoying them but nope. I still love P & P variations, those self reflections were just too long! Definitely worth a read, just skim over those parts.

[Lisa Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am prone to do, although I enjoyed the story, I simply wish it had been a more compact one. When there are whole chapters where the reader is inside the main characters heads and nothing of important happen, then it is time to make changes. Every good creative writing teacher would tell a student to "show" the action, not "tell" it. This book is 45 chapters. It should be more compact.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book... it starts with Mr Collins proposal and after refusing him and arguing with her mother, tragedy strikes as Mrs Bennet falls down the stairs and dies. Mr Bennet decides he needs an heir so the story changes direction as a consequence.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this story. The way Darcy and Elizabeth come to know each other is really sweet. The proposal at Rosings, though different, is really heartbreaking. There is some great humour, particularly when others make observations to Darcy about his behaviour that he doesn't agree with. It's funny to see his reaction when he comes to understand how others see him. I really enjoyed where Darcy reveals his past with Wickham in a fairytale format. Could be one of my most favourite book moments!

There are also some darker moments, times of introspection and difficult realisations associated with this. Despite this, it all feels quite safe and I always felt confident of a happy after after for everyone concerned!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this variation. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are very introspective as they find each other. The conversations with the two of them where they talk about each other in the third person are a little stretched, but otherwise, I like how they resolve their differences and I am happier for Lydia.

The only problem - what was the sex of Charlotte's baby? I expected to know from the epilogue.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t bad and overall I enjoyed it. It would have been better if it didn’t drag along at such a slow pace. That is my only complaint, I started getting bored more than once wishing the pace would accelerate. The characters were true to their originals and it’s a plot that I haven’t often encountered in P&P variations where we lose Mrs. Bennet early on. It was plausible and I especially liked the evolution of Darcy’s character.

[Suzan Lauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be a five-star book. The story arc, characterization, flow, continuity, and ending are all cleverly done, there's moderate angst, twists I haven't seen before, wonderful quotable lessons learned, and a decent development of the romance between D&E given the circumstances of the premise. I'm not going to give a synopsis; you can read that in other reviewers' book reports.

Yet how could I enjoy a book so full of non-Regency words, I asked myself. Then I got to the end, and the explanation for the editing problem came to light. This was a first novel. My first novel, complete with a great editor, had similar problems, though not anywhere to the extent this one did. The author counted on a beta team who were probably just not prepared for the demands of a book that would go out and be critiqued by readers who were much more savvy to British and Regency language, and much more sensitive to being knocked out of their reading experience when they saw a word that clearly wasn't from the period.

I argued with myself as to whether to list them here, but I do with everyone else, so here goes. Non-Regency words and expressions: fiance, assessment, normal/normally, snob, heartrate, assessing, bored, staff, cryptic,"wedding breakfast," "run ragged," "written him off"; words used in ways they were not used in the Regency: headed/heading/head, snorted, check (on, with). Americanisms: toward for towards, "I will" for "I shall," gotten, visit with. Other editing issues: misuse of a word: loathe should have been loath; improper plurals for words ending in "s;" filter words; and a small amount of head hopping.

A couple of issues bugged me in the story. I hate it when Georgiana and Elizabeth trade first names too early. In fact, I've been told that in reality, they would never trade first names unless related by marriage already. Of course, in most JAFF they call each other by first name as they become friends. Just not the moment they meet. The other item that was problematic was that after a horrific thunderstorm, not only would paths be terribly muddy, but grass would be saturated, making a picnic a poor suggestion. Even gravel paths would be slippery.

I'm not crazy about the cover of the book. The bottom looks like either a swollen and rushing river or clouds, neither of which work for the story. The top with the great house and shadowy silhouette is better, but not that eye-catching in comparison with all those other books out there. I do know that the author used the silhouette as a sort of a signature on later books, so that's a bit of a good thing--to make her work recognizable.

All of the above being said, this is a pretty darn good book for a first novel. You'll like it. I've read another book by this author and liked it and will continue to read books by Lizzy Brandon.

Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and for that reason, some might feel my reviews of JAFF books could be a conflict of Interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial and intended to be helpful to both reader and author.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story

I liked this plot, a new and interesting angle. Not the usual drama but it still has some great angsty scenes. Highly recommended.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. Mrs Bennet dies accidentally and Elizabeth struggles with grief and guilt. Mr. Darcy is confusing.

Other characters find happiness in their own way, including Mary, Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet, Miss Lucas, possibly even Lydia.

The only exception is Mr. Wickham who behaves even more vile than usual, involving an attempted sexual assault.

[MaryR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rocky

No pun intended when you read this story. It is a fair plot that desperately needs a heavy editing and a copywriter. In parts, it is crisp and clear. Other places, it is repetitive, error-filled, and forces the reader to skip whole portions. Could have been more enjoyable.

[E. Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good 1st novel

Some good interior thoughts and interesting twists on the original. Even got the pocket watch detail right. I just wish someone had edited out the ‘mayhaps.’

[LowBrowReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and well-written Jane Austen variation. Beautiful language, well-reasoned plot and great development of characters. People dont change or alter their perceptions overnight.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling follows the events of the original story pretty closely but has a few twists that change things up a bit. I really liked Mary. She may have been my favorite character. Both Darcy and Elizabeth spend a good deal of time in introspection figuring out their pride and prejudices. I liked that Mr. Bennet could finally see that he needed to act to remedy the things he had neglected. And I liked the explanations of why Mrs. Bennet was the way she was. It made sense.
The differences in this retelling were interesting to think about but the pacing of the story was slow so sometimes the book felt too long.

Potential triggers: sexual assault
Sex: implied (Wickham & Lydia)
Language: no
Violence: yes, sexual assault, fists

[Jean Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The author has a wonderful writing style that developed the characters well and grabs your attention immediately! Early in this book, Elizabeth argues with her mother, refusing to marry Mr. Collins. Almost immediately after their argument, Mrs Bennet falls down the stairs and later dies. Elizabeth is devasted and blames herself. Her guilt consumes her. Wickham is even more wicked in this tale, than in most, and sees her weakness. Fortunately, Darcy believes he must watch over her, even though he can never marry her. His duty to his family and name will not allow him to do so....or could he?

[Kimbelle Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amusing that someone asked about one of the plots in this book just as I was reading it for this 2022 TBR challenge, for the other suggestions, while good in their own rights and ways, was good. I do understand why some people did not enjoy this book, Mr. Darcy worked too hard for Elizabeth, Wickham was a pervasive evil, and Mrs. Bennet was killed early after a fight, but I thought the whole of the book was well written, that the characters were exactly as most would expect, and the one or two turns for the characters that could not be seen from a hundred pages previous were mostly pleasant. While not strictly and wholly sweet, I am glad I added it to my list!