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Mr. Darcy's Debt
Thomas Bennet has died and left his wife and five daughters during the visit of his cousin Mr. Collins who has come to offer marriage as an olive branch to soothe the way when he inherits their home, Longbourn. A deathbed promise from the past saves the ladies and Elizabeth Bennet becomes better acquainted with the wealthy, handsome Mr. Darcy, the man who insulted her at the assembly in Meryton. With the Bennets living at Somersal, a country estate that belongs to the Fitzwilliam family and is only a short distance from Pemberley, the home of Mr. Darcy, their mutual love of riding fosters a love neither Darcy nor Elizabeth can deny. After a terrible accident, Elizabeth believes she must race in the spring to secure her family’s future, much to Mr. Darcy’s dismay. His proposal, given to keep her from racing, is summarily refused as Elizabeth Bennet will not marry from necessity.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 31, 2017
First of all, any resemblence to the original Pride and Prejudice is limited to the character names. Mr. Bennet, sadly, departs this life not long after the beginning of the story. The circumstances of the Bennet family change for the better due to a debt owed the Bennet family by the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families. So we have a mother and her 5 daughters living up in Derbyshire and actually better off than they were at Longbourn with a living father.
Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are virtually unrecognizable in character. Lady C., who is savvy to the "debt" owed the Bennets, is especially different. Mrs. Bennet isn't as silly or full or nerves (they're greatly reduced, although, admittedly, not eliminated). Lydia is still bubbly and energetic but not as selfish, and these changes start to show even before the family gets a governess to rein her and Kitty in. Poor Mary gets very little page space.
Significantly, Elizabeth is also unrecognizable from canon. Intelligent, yes. Occasionally witty. However, she is a bit of a drama queen. It seems that she's always reacting emotionally and looking for Jane to be soothed. Other characters keep information from her to prevent her from being too upset. I couldn't make myself like her much. Also, instead of loving to walk the countryside, she loves to speed her horse through the countryside. Unfortunately, her competitive spirit leads to a serious accident, and there are potential ramifications for her family's future at the cushy "cottage" they're living in.
Elizabeth is convinced she must win the purse at the Lambton horse race in the spring to secure her family's future-- or perhaps because she really adores racing, she's damn good at it and hates being excluded just because it's not fashionable for women to do so. It's questionable for a while what her true motivation is.
Second of all, there's all kinds of non-Regency behavior throughout.
According to this plotline, if a male patient is in bed in a drawing room rather than a guest room, it's perfectly acceptable for unmarried young ladies to spend time alone with him. I don't buy this for a second.
I also have trouble accepting that an Earl's wife would defy him so openly. Men had all the power in marital relationships, and this particular Earl doesn't seem the type to take that lightly.
Thirdly, there's the writing itself. This needs an editor.
The grammar isn't awful, though there are a few run-on sentences that could use some help. Mostly it's the author's compulsion to document virtually every stray thought of every character throughout the story. There's a lot that goes on, but the plot constantly grinds to a standstill as we keep learning what everyone is thinking. Much of it is unnecessary based on either actions or conversations, or it's repeating thoughts the same character had pages earlier.
In particular, Elizabeth's overdone introspection makes her a less than fully credible character. For example, one minute she needs to race because she needs the money for her family. The next minute she's gets the perfect financial solution in the form of a marriage proposal from a man she loves and never expected would offer for her (since she's so far below his social station), but she turns it down because she wants to race so badly and knows he wouldn't approve. What??
As for the rest of the plot, I'm not sold on one of the three couples who marry at the end of the book, but that may be more my preconceived ideas of the two characters. The explanation for his attraction to her is reasonable, and I know such an age difference was not uncommon at the time. However, I still think that his previous life experiences would make him annoyed by her total naivety despite her other charms.
Not a book I can recommend.
Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are virtually unrecognizable in character. Lady C., who is savvy to the "debt" owed the Bennets, is especially different. Mrs. Bennet isn't as silly or full or nerves (they're greatly reduced, although, admittedly, not eliminated). Lydia is still bubbly and energetic but not as selfish, and these changes start to show even before the family gets a governess to rein her and Kitty in. Poor Mary gets very little page space.
Significantly, Elizabeth is also unrecognizable from canon. Intelligent, yes. Occasionally witty. However, she is a bit of a drama queen. It seems that she's always reacting emotionally and looking for Jane to be soothed. Other characters keep information from her to prevent her from being too upset. I couldn't make myself like her much. Also, instead of loving to walk the countryside, she loves to speed her horse through the countryside. Unfortunately, her competitive spirit leads to a serious accident, and there are potential ramifications for her family's future at the cushy "cottage" they're living in.
Elizabeth is convinced she must win the purse at the Lambton horse race in the spring to secure her family's future-- or perhaps because she really adores racing, she's damn good at it and hates being excluded just because it's not fashionable for women to do so. It's questionable for a while what her true motivation is.
Second of all, there's all kinds of non-Regency behavior throughout.
According to this plotline, if a male patient is in bed in a drawing room rather than a guest room, it's perfectly acceptable for unmarried young ladies to spend time alone with him. I don't buy this for a second.
I also have trouble accepting that an Earl's wife would defy him so openly. Men had all the power in marital relationships, and this particular Earl doesn't seem the type to take that lightly.
Thirdly, there's the writing itself. This needs an editor.
The grammar isn't awful, though there are a few run-on sentences that could use some help. Mostly it's the author's compulsion to document virtually every stray thought of every character throughout the story. There's a lot that goes on, but the plot constantly grinds to a standstill as we keep learning what everyone is thinking. Much of it is unnecessary based on either actions or conversations, or it's repeating thoughts the same character had pages earlier.
In particular, Elizabeth's overdone introspection makes her a less than fully credible character. For example, one minute she needs to race because she needs the money for her family. The next minute she's gets the perfect financial solution in the form of a marriage proposal from a man she loves and never expected would offer for her (since she's so far below his social station), but she turns it down because she wants to race so badly and knows he wouldn't approve. What??
As for the rest of the plot, I'm not sold on one of the three couples who marry at the end of the book, but that may be more my preconceived ideas of the two characters. The explanation for his attraction to her is reasonable, and I know such an age difference was not uncommon at the time. However, I still think that his previous life experiences would make him annoyed by her total naivety despite her other charms.
Not a book I can recommend.
October 26, 2017
With most variations I can accept changes in events and/or circumstances. But for whatever reason this story had too many differences and they did not sit well with me. First of all we have characters such as Lydia and Mrs. Bennet, the colonel and Elizabeth herself who act out of characters (OOC).
I guess part of the problem with changes in characters is that the interactions between those actors also changes. The Bennet sisters were just not "the Bennet sisters" for me. And the colonel and Lydia...OH, no.
Then the whole thing with Elizabeth not only being an excellent horsewoman but also with a talent for racing went against the grain for me. That one fact seems to be the cornerstone for this story. And even when it became unnecessary as a way to provide for the Bennet family's future the author held on to this desire and plan and I am now believing it might just be a protest against the times in which this book was set. Women did not rebel in such a manner against family and/or potential spouses. But I have not researched those times. So did women race horses? Were the monetary prizes such as to make it worth their going against propriety?
The beginning ice skating event with its tragic result set the stage for the benevolence later bestowed upon the Bennet family but the undertone of resentment by the head of the Fitzwilliam family made me uneasy. There seemed to be more than one opinion and/or behavior which reflected certain individuals or family members showing resentment against past actions, even if by beloved members of their family.
Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth without much of a battle but, as you may expect, he presents his suit in a manner which gives Elizabeth the opinion that he is not motivated by the reason she would wish.
It all works out in the end. But for me this is definitely a different Elizabeth.
I guess part of the problem with changes in characters is that the interactions between those actors also changes. The Bennet sisters were just not "the Bennet sisters" for me. And the colonel and Lydia...OH, no.
Then the whole thing with Elizabeth not only being an excellent horsewoman but also with a talent for racing went against the grain for me. That one fact seems to be the cornerstone for this story. And even when it became unnecessary as a way to provide for the Bennet family's future the author held on to this desire and plan and I am now believing it might just be a protest against the times in which this book was set. Women did not rebel in such a manner against family and/or potential spouses. But I have not researched those times. So did women race horses? Were the monetary prizes such as to make it worth their going against propriety?
The beginning ice skating event with its tragic result set the stage for the benevolence later bestowed upon the Bennet family but the undertone of resentment by the head of the Fitzwilliam family made me uneasy. There seemed to be more than one opinion and/or behavior which reflected certain individuals or family members showing resentment against past actions, even if by beloved members of their family.
Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth without much of a battle but, as you may expect, he presents his suit in a manner which gives Elizabeth the opinion that he is not motivated by the reason she would wish.
It all works out in the end. But for me this is definitely a different Elizabeth.
April 5, 2018
I am struggling to write my review on this variation of Pride and Prejudice. There were elements I enjoyed:
1. The unique twist on Mr. Thomas Bennet's connections
2. Jane and Bingley's story line - the most reasonable couple in the book
3. I found I liked Mrs. Bennet in this story and had no problem accepting the overall situation
4. Darcy was endearing
There were elements I was frustrated with:
1. Elizabeth and organized horse races where woman compete (I attempted to find historical information on this - gave up and tried to go with the flow)
2. Elizabeth's attitude in general especially regarding the winnings. I just couldn't see how they would have helped overall. (I understand completely a horse mad woman - my daughter is one so that didn't bother me at all nor did her riding habit as there is historical information on that)
3. Lydia's story line but again went with the flow
4. Lack of chaperone in certain situations and lack of proper introductions when Elizabeth and Jane go to Lambton
5. Too saccharine in places
As I write my thoughts out here, I realize I have more frustrations with this book than overall enjoyment. Unfortunately, I will just have to say it is okay.
1. The unique twist on Mr. Thomas Bennet's connections
2. Jane and Bingley's story line - the most reasonable couple in the book
3. I found I liked Mrs. Bennet in this story and had no problem accepting the overall situation
4. Darcy was endearing
There were elements I was frustrated with:
1. Elizabeth and organized horse races where woman compete (I attempted to find historical information on this - gave up and tried to go with the flow)
2. Elizabeth's attitude in general especially regarding the winnings. I just couldn't see how they would have helped overall. (I understand completely a horse mad woman - my daughter is one so that didn't bother me at all nor did her riding habit as there is historical information on that)
3. Lydia's story line but again went with the flow
4. Lack of chaperone in certain situations and lack of proper introductions when Elizabeth and Jane go to Lambton
5. Too saccharine in places
As I write my thoughts out here, I realize I have more frustrations with this book than overall enjoyment. Unfortunately, I will just have to say it is okay.
February 6, 2018
A wonderfully different "what if"
A past good deed sets the Bennet family in a different way, changing a lot of things for the better, but our beloved couple is still as obstinate and headstrong as ever.
A great read!
A past good deed sets the Bennet family in a different way, changing a lot of things for the better, but our beloved couple is still as obstinate and headstrong as ever.
A great read!
February 21, 2017
On the death of Mr. Bennet in October 1811, and the appearance of Mr. Collins it is time that the deathbed promise of Bertram Fitzwilliam is undertaken, a promise because of the actions of a young Thomas Bennet in December 1786. So the present Earl offers the remaining Bennet family the living at Somersal next to Pemberley. This action bring several members of the various families closer together.
An enjoyable tale of the characters from the original, with an easy to read writing style though note there is no Wickham or an interfering Lady Catherine to create havoc.
An enjoyable tale of the characters from the original, with an easy to read writing style though note there is no Wickham or an interfering Lady Catherine to create havoc.
February 20, 2017
Wonderful variation
Loved the fact that Lizzy loved riding horses. Very nice change from the original P&P. Also nice that the Bennets were not thrown into the hedgerows with Mr. Bennet's death. LOVED THIS VARIATION!
Loved the fact that Lizzy loved riding horses. Very nice change from the original P&P. Also nice that the Bennets were not thrown into the hedgerows with Mr. Bennet's death. LOVED THIS VARIATION!
August 3, 2018
None of the characters were consistent with the original and there were many glaring inconsistencies in the storyline and historical inaccuracy. I might have enjoyed it more if it were an original story without the P&P connection.
December 6, 2017
It's not a bad telling of events, albeit nothing like the original. This would be ok I think if the author had written about completely new characters... Taking it for what it as it's fairly interesting alternate ending (from where you meet Collins), but Austen purists will likely take big issue with it. There's a decent amount of repetition that gets a little monotonous too. It lacks a little convincing that Darcy is as heartless as Elizabeth makes him out to be. I'm not a fan of the way the story is told. It flips between characters by the sentence/paragraph sometimes, far too jumpy and messy.
It's an ok read, but didn't convince me I'd want to read any other of the Austen twists.
It's an ok read, but didn't convince me I'd want to read any other of the Austen twists.
November 2, 2017
Better if you read it as just a standard romance novel and not a P&P fanfiction. I don't feel like the portrayal of Elizabeth is the same as Austen's, there's a lot of crying and needless defiance that is fine for a heroine but just doesn't fit Elizabeth's character. I don't buy that Elizabeth could be super into horses and it just never came up in the original novel, this book picks up after Jane's illness where they discuss that the horses for the carriage are needed in the fields, so if Elizabeth was racing prior to this book, she must have been renting or borrowing a horse and that makes no sense. Her impetuousness is more like Kitty or even Lydia, and again I really don't mind it for a heroine, but I feel like the real Lizzy would have little patience for this character.
November 5, 2017
I seemed to have the same reaction to this book as many others who have written reviews. I didn't mind the story but you really have to accept that the characters were not going to behave as their originals. I mean can you even imagine an even keeled, rational Mrs. Bennett or Lydia being a calming influence on anyone? Basically you have to forget everything you know about all the people. Even Lady Catherine is pleasant.
November 1, 2017
Inconsistent
I doubt the writer has ever read Pride and Prejudice, she must be basing it on the movie adaptations. Elizabeth is no horsewoman, Austen's book mentions this before the point where Floyd begins her book. Also the characters actions are not consistent with how Austen's characters would have acted.
I doubt the writer has ever read Pride and Prejudice, she must be basing it on the movie adaptations. Elizabeth is no horsewoman, Austen's book mentions this before the point where Floyd begins her book. Also the characters actions are not consistent with how Austen's characters would have acted.
October 29, 2017
Lizzie was a pill
I didn't like Lizzie's at all throughout this book. She was extremely stubborn and kind of immature. She wanted her own way in everything, which was especially irritating due to the time period.
I didn't like Lizzie's at all throughout this book. She was extremely stubborn and kind of immature. She wanted her own way in everything, which was especially irritating due to the time period.
March 21, 2018
I really enjoy Pride and Prejudice fan fiction but this one falls short of the mark. None of the characters are anything like their Austen counterparts. Mrs. Bennet is suddenly wise and patient. Elizabeth is foolhardy and cares nothing for societal expectations. I mean horse racing? Really? Mr. Collins is not only a fool but also a vicious bully. Georgiana Darcy is silly and childish. While Mary and Kitty remain undeveloped background characters, trying to digest the new Lydia is where I struggled the most. She goes from Austen's silly, self-absorbed, selfish airhead to this authors selfless, devoted, patient, and altruistic Mother-Teresa character. Any fan of the original masterpiece will have a hard time with this one. The premise of the story was also pretty shaky and many of the characters remain under-developed.
I think that this book would have been a lot better as a stand-alone novel. If it had been completely separate from Pride and Prejudice, I think I would have enjoyed it more.
I think that this book would have been a lot better as a stand-alone novel. If it had been completely separate from Pride and Prejudice, I think I would have enjoyed it more.
November 9, 2017
And now for something completely different
This story begins much earlier to provide some background/history for the story. Then we have the arrival of Mr. Collins and his greedy behavior followed by the sudden death of Mr. Bennet. When Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins's pompous proposal, Mr. Collins turns the Bennet family out of the house.
It comes as a surprise to the Bennets to learn that an act of bravery by Mr. Bennet has assured his family of a place to live. And Somersal is quite near Pemberley. A life-altering accident puts the family's living arrangements in peril and Lizzy looks for a way to secure their future.
14
This story begins much earlier to provide some background/history for the story. Then we have the arrival of Mr. Collins and his greedy behavior followed by the sudden death of Mr. Bennet. When Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins's pompous proposal, Mr. Collins turns the Bennet family out of the house.
It comes as a surprise to the Bennets to learn that an act of bravery by Mr. Bennet has assured his family of a place to live. And Somersal is quite near Pemberley. A life-altering accident puts the family's living arrangements in peril and Lizzy looks for a way to secure their future.
14
February 20, 2019
Mr Dawson's Debt: A Tale of Love and Tragedy
When an author can write a decent book of their own, I do not understand why they feel it necessary to call it a 'variation' on another 's work. If this book had different names for the characters and manors it would have been an original and worthy of 5 stars. As it purports to be yet another tale of The Bennett family and Mr Darcy, I found it annoying that nobody was acting as I expected and wanted them to nor was the story following Jane Austin's script. Divorced from the Austen connection, I felt this was a charming story.
When an author can write a decent book of their own, I do not understand why they feel it necessary to call it a 'variation' on another 's work. If this book had different names for the characters and manors it would have been an original and worthy of 5 stars. As it purports to be yet another tale of The Bennett family and Mr Darcy, I found it annoying that nobody was acting as I expected and wanted them to nor was the story following Jane Austin's script. Divorced from the Austen connection, I felt this was a charming story.
February 6, 2018
Don't bother with this one. I finished it because - that's what I do. The characters are wonderful, but they were established long ago by Austen. This author's writing is long-winded, trite, redundant, corny and sticky-sweet, especially at the end. It goes into too much detail, which causes one to skim over those boring paragraphs. It's not true to the 19th century English peerage system either. I don't think those final decisions in this book would float back then.
May 26, 2018
Not quite Austen’s Darcy
I love the creativity! I enjoyed the characters, the direction of the story, and the growing relationship between the main characters. Would I consider it accurate to Austen’s vision, probably not. I felt Darcy was too perfect as a love-smitten man in this telling. I feel the true Austen Darcy would still be a bit more hard to discern, even at his home of Pemberely. But I loved this story and won’t complain about anything.
I love the creativity! I enjoyed the characters, the direction of the story, and the growing relationship between the main characters. Would I consider it accurate to Austen’s vision, probably not. I felt Darcy was too perfect as a love-smitten man in this telling. I feel the true Austen Darcy would still be a bit more hard to discern, even at his home of Pemberely. But I loved this story and won’t complain about anything.
November 18, 2020
Good Read
Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2020
Enjoyable, no-angst variation. No Wickham for a pleasant change. An entirely different beginning, the Bennets having a distant connection to the Fitzwilliam family, who provide a home to Mrs. Bennet and her daughters after Mr. Bennet dies. Elizabeth likes to race horses. Bingley and Jane were excellent in this variation. A surprise attachment for Lydia. I quite liked the story.
Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2020
Enjoyable, no-angst variation. No Wickham for a pleasant change. An entirely different beginning, the Bennets having a distant connection to the Fitzwilliam family, who provide a home to Mrs. Bennet and her daughters after Mr. Bennet dies. Elizabeth likes to race horses. Bingley and Jane were excellent in this variation. A surprise attachment for Lydia. I quite liked the story.
October 31, 2017
Worst P&P variation ever
The author changed the inherent character of not only the main characters but even the lesser ones. Having Elizabeth who loved walking so much suddenly an equestrian of such ability that she is racing is not believable. And she is seen in public wearing breeches!!! None of that would have occurred in that time period.
The author changed the inherent character of not only the main characters but even the lesser ones. Having Elizabeth who loved walking so much suddenly an equestrian of such ability that she is racing is not believable. And she is seen in public wearing breeches!!! None of that would have occurred in that time period.
November 18, 2017
The only thing this book has in common with Pride and Prejudice, is the names of the characters. In the Regency era "Ladies" did not race horses (specially for money), "Ladies" rode sidesaddle, "Ladies" did not sit alone at a gentleman's bedside, there is absolutely no public displays of affection, and I could go on.
November 28, 2017
Good Alternative
This was a very good alternative ending to the Austen classic. Good back story to Mr. Bennet's connection to the Darcy family. In the negative side, I did miss the villainous Wickham. There were also a few liberties taken with behaviours. We never knew before of Elizabeth's riding abilities. Still, a very enjoyable read.
This was a very good alternative ending to the Austen classic. Good back story to Mr. Bennet's connection to the Darcy family. In the negative side, I did miss the villainous Wickham. There were also a few liberties taken with behaviours. We never knew before of Elizabeth's riding abilities. Still, a very enjoyable read.
December 3, 2017
I read this book to completion because I really dislike giving up on a book. I always hold out hope that it will redeem itself. This one didn't unfortunately.
As other reviewers have commented, the portrayal of the main players was so completely out of character from Jane Austen's original and any other depiction I have read of proper behaviour during this period. Not a keeper.
As other reviewers have commented, the portrayal of the main players was so completely out of character from Jane Austen's original and any other depiction I have read of proper behaviour during this period. Not a keeper.
December 4, 2017
Did the 'author' even read the original novel before writing a spin-off? A nice, polite, concerned and accessible Lady Catherine? A Mrs. Bennet who defends her daughters' choice to remain single and refuse to give Mary's hand in marriage? I could only bear it for 4 chapters. Jane Austen must be turning in her grave.
March 16, 2018
If you love horses and pride and prejudice then you might like this more than I did. I felt most of the book missed the drama, suspense and tension of Lizzy and darcys romance that I much loved in Jane Austen’s P&P. I found all the characters to be agreeable, even lady Catherine and the not-so-silly Lydia which missed the essence of Jane Austen’s novel.
September 3, 2019
A nice Austin variation
There are quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations in libraries and this is one of the better ones. I liked the back story of Thomas Bennett, the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams. This gave the story a new twist that made it interesting while still being a wonderful love story. This book is for everyone who likes a romance.
There are quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations in libraries and this is one of the better ones. I liked the back story of Thomas Bennett, the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams. This gave the story a new twist that made it interesting while still being a wonderful love story. This book is for everyone who likes a romance.
October 10, 2021
I totally disliked book. For a regency novel It didn’t fit the period with Elizabeth wearing pants and racing horses and Lydia visiting a man in his room daily even if he was injured. Other than names not even close to Pride and prejudice. Elizabeth was a wanton spoiled girl who showed no leadership or responsibility .
October 30, 2017
Couldn’t even finish it. Darcy is written as over bearing and I got so tired of him. Mrs. Bennett is different but for the better, however unsure why or how she changed. Elizabeth is okay but stubborn of course. Finally had enough of wasting my time reading this odd fanfic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2017
This was an interesting approach. Most fan fiction I read just fills in the blanks of the original story. This one was what I learned is called an AU, or alternate universe. That was surprising. I enjoyed the story overall, but felt that Elizabeth was unusually fixated on racing.
December 4, 2017
I love this book!
Very romantic, nicely written. Mr. Darcy is still the gorgeous hunk that fills the fantasies of a lot of women around the world and Lizzy is still the independent, strong willed lady every girl wants to be when they grow up.
Very romantic, nicely written. Mr. Darcy is still the gorgeous hunk that fills the fantasies of a lot of women around the world and Lizzy is still the independent, strong willed lady every girl wants to be when they grow up.
January 15, 2018
Boring
This Elizabeth was too simmering and agreeable for my taste. To be completely honest, the glacial pace was irritating, and romantic moments were tedious. I skimmed through over half of it.
This Elizabeth was too simmering and agreeable for my taste. To be completely honest, the glacial pace was irritating, and romantic moments were tedious. I skimmed through over half of it.
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