What do you think?
Rate this book
Lessons in Gratitude: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
An accident after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield brings Darcy's desire to marry Elizabeth quickly but Darcy's pride gets in the way of their felicity and several lessons in gratitude and humility must be learned before they can find happiness. Rated T for sexual innuendo.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2017
38 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 9, 2018
This book confused me. At first it was an almost no angst (.5 on scale of 5) book where the characters miraculously have changes of heart based on "gratitude" lessons. But then there is a weird part where Mr. Collins is not a nice guy and that seems so out of place with the rest of the story. I really didn't know what this book wanted to be. So, i gave it 3 stars because it's not poorly written but I really was just confused by the plot and drastic change of heart that the characters go through where we don't really develop why they are changing. At first i thought maybe it was a book written where "what if all the characters learned to be grateful and how would they act" but then we have this weird bad Collins plot which throws off that idea.
Anyway, read it you will, I did enjoy it just was left confused.
Anyway, read it you will, I did enjoy it just was left confused.
November 19, 2018
Quite the romp
A great beach read. Not too much angst and the story gallops along. Darcy saves Lizzy from drowning and the event changes everybody’s life in the most interesting way.
Epilogue contains a funny entry for Caroline Bingley.
I recommend this book.
A great beach read. Not too much angst and the story gallops along. Darcy saves Lizzy from drowning and the event changes everybody’s life in the most interesting way.
Epilogue contains a funny entry for Caroline Bingley.
I recommend this book.
April 9, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation features a significant event that could have been a compromise. Darcy sees the true measure of the Bennet family in the aftermath and realizes he was wrong. The Bennets additionally look at themselves after receiving such a shock. Darcy decides that he must earn Elizabeth’s love. After he earns it (no spoiler here since this is a P&P variation) the rest of the book is a happily ever after. Most of the usual evil people either become nice right away or are more evil than usual. Everyone loves Elizabeth and she and Darcy love each other - a lot.
January 14, 2018
This sweet, romantic and passionate story, ventures quite far off canon but have some very clever reuse of Austen's words.
For my personal taste, it was a bit heavy on the sugar and overly explained which rendered it rather predictable. Hence the rating.
Elizabeth has an accident and Darcy rescue her.
This has a rather profound impact on the Bennet family, Mrs Bennet in particular who changes personality quite significantly.
After rescuing her, Darcy assume they have to marry but insulting Elizabeth as he mentions the inferiority of her circumstances leaves him with the set down of his life instead a betrothed. Not to mention, the knowledge of her receiving and rejecting a proposal from a viscount...
Seeing the changed behaviour of the Bennet family, Darcy soon regrets his words but so does Elizabeth. An early understanding between ODC ensue.
The villains of this story is mainly Caroline and Mr Collins as there is an interesting twist to Wickham.
Jane and Bingley do marry and there are several other weddings but I will leave something to be discovered...
Enjoyed reading this once but it will not enter my reread list.
For my personal taste, it was a bit heavy on the sugar and overly explained which rendered it rather predictable. Hence the rating.
Elizabeth has an accident and Darcy rescue her.
This has a rather profound impact on the Bennet family, Mrs Bennet in particular who changes personality quite significantly.
After rescuing her, Darcy assume they have to marry but insulting Elizabeth as he mentions the inferiority of her circumstances leaves him with the set down of his life instead a betrothed. Not to mention, the knowledge of her receiving and rejecting a proposal from a viscount...
Seeing the changed behaviour of the Bennet family, Darcy soon regrets his words but so does Elizabeth. An early understanding between ODC ensue.
The villains of this story is mainly Caroline and Mr Collins as there is an interesting twist to Wickham.
Jane and Bingley do marry and there are several other weddings but I will leave something to be discovered...
Enjoyed reading this once but it will not enter my reread list.
December 27, 2017
It's so fluffy!
It's not a bad book, but like another review said, it's too nice. About halfway through the book pretty much everything is resolved and it's just an accounting of what happens to Elizabeth, Darcy and their families. I enjoy fluffy stories as much as angsty ones. But in the end the only person who didn't change and was against the happy couple was Mr. Collins. I'm all for happy endings, but this was just too neatly wrapped up for me. Though I'll say again, it's still a decent book.
It's not a bad book, but like another review said, it's too nice. About halfway through the book pretty much everything is resolved and it's just an accounting of what happens to Elizabeth, Darcy and their families. I enjoy fluffy stories as much as angsty ones. But in the end the only person who didn't change and was against the happy couple was Mr. Collins. I'm all for happy endings, but this was just too neatly wrapped up for me. Though I'll say again, it's still a decent book.
March 12, 2021
Early in the story we have Darcy saving Elizabeth from drowning and then as he carries her back to Longbourn on his horse we have a version of that awful proposal. The Bennets, realizing how close they have come to losing a child make some changes, including sending Lydia back to the nursery. Mrs. Bennet suddenly makes a 180 degree change in character.
Darcy begins to court Elizabeth in earnest and soon she sees Darcy in a different light. There are several courtships in this story. Jane and Bingley have some MA time together, surprisingly. Wickham all of a sudden is a nice guy and his relationship with Darcy returns to more of what it was while they were growing up together.
About half way through the story it really seemed as if the story could have been wrapped up. However, then Collins becomes an issue. He is worse than Wickham ever was...I won't give details here. However he doesn't have anyone fooled and he is dealt with.
Caroline sets up a compromise and I had to laugh at how that turned out. She is dealt with and has her own fate which was really predictable.
There is little angst. We keep reading of Darcy's thoughts about how Elizabeth is so perfect for him. Oh, and he is a "virgin" in this story so some discussions with his cousin and Bingley are included.
The book does need a editor. I found many errors and awkward sentences...some I noted.
Darcy begins to court Elizabeth in earnest and soon she sees Darcy in a different light. There are several courtships in this story. Jane and Bingley have some MA time together, surprisingly. Wickham all of a sudden is a nice guy and his relationship with Darcy returns to more of what it was while they were growing up together.
About half way through the story it really seemed as if the story could have been wrapped up. However, then Collins becomes an issue. He is worse than Wickham ever was...I won't give details here. However he doesn't have anyone fooled and he is dealt with.
Caroline sets up a compromise and I had to laugh at how that turned out. She is dealt with and has her own fate which was really predictable.
There is little angst. We keep reading of Darcy's thoughts about how Elizabeth is so perfect for him. Oh, and he is a "virgin" in this story so some discussions with his cousin and Bingley are included.
The book does need a editor. I found many errors and awkward sentences...some I noted.
February 11, 2018
I think perhaps English is not this author's primary language. There were a lot of difficulties with this book, not to the least of which was grammar, word usage, punctuation, etc.
However, possibly worse than this, is the actual plot line of the book. It covers every character in P&P, and gives EVERYONE a happy ending! Everything was resolved early on in the book, and the rest of the book was spent explaining what happened to everyone.
One thing that really bothered me was the multiple times that it was mentioned that Colonel Fitzwilliam had a mistress and it was common knowledge within the family. That, and the fact that he didn't especially care for her, just used her to scratch an itch.
However, possibly worse than this, is the actual plot line of the book. It covers every character in P&P, and gives EVERYONE a happy ending! Everything was resolved early on in the book, and the rest of the book was spent explaining what happened to everyone.
One thing that really bothered me was the multiple times that it was mentioned that Colonel Fitzwilliam had a mistress and it was common knowledge within the family. That, and the fact that he didn't especially care for her, just used her to scratch an itch.
October 23, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. An accident after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield brings Darcy's desire to marry Elizabeth quickly but Darcy's pride gets in the way of their felicity and several lessons in gratitude and humility must be learned before they can find happiness. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. An accident after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield brings Darcy's desire to marry Elizabeth quickly but Darcy's pride gets in the way of their felicity and several lessons in gratitude and humility must be learned before they can find happiness. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 4, 2018
Needs major editing
I wonder if English is not the author's first language? Many misuses, misspellings, and missing words. Overly verbose, as if providing background for actors to get a feel for their characters. Characters not true to Austen, which would be forgivable if they were believable. Like a fairy tale in some ways because character flaws are instantly remedied as soon as they are pointed out. One wonders how the book managed to go on for so long, but that was evidently so the author could make it salacious. Very unappealing. Give it a pass. Not even sure if a really good editor got hold of it that it would improve.
I wonder if English is not the author's first language? Many misuses, misspellings, and missing words. Overly verbose, as if providing background for actors to get a feel for their characters. Characters not true to Austen, which would be forgivable if they were believable. Like a fairy tale in some ways because character flaws are instantly remedied as soon as they are pointed out. One wonders how the book managed to go on for so long, but that was evidently so the author could make it salacious. Very unappealing. Give it a pass. Not even sure if a really good editor got hold of it that it would improve.
December 26, 2017
Too nice?!?
I had high hopes for this book but geez, everyone just turned over so many 'new leaves' it wasn't believable. The pond rescue seemed a good start: drama, tension, hope. But when Wickham, Lydia, and Lady Catherine recognize the error of their ways it became tiresome. In fact everyone becomes so jolly and pleasant that when the author decides to spice things up, that too becomes boring. Honestly.
I had high hopes for this book but geez, everyone just turned over so many 'new leaves' it wasn't believable. The pond rescue seemed a good start: drama, tension, hope. But when Wickham, Lydia, and Lady Catherine recognize the error of their ways it became tiresome. In fact everyone becomes so jolly and pleasant that when the author decides to spice things up, that too becomes boring. Honestly.
October 5, 2022
Well plotted
I have read only a handful of Kate Speck works, however, I can say this one was the best [IMO].
Darcy and Elizabeth's story was sweet. So glad Mr and Mrs Bennet saw the light and were able to change their ways. I was also happy to all the other couples have their happy endings.
I recommend and will re-read in the future.
Editing was fairly good. There were some pronoun errors but nothing else too distracting.
I have read only a handful of Kate Speck works, however, I can say this one was the best [IMO].
Darcy and Elizabeth's story was sweet. So glad Mr and Mrs Bennet saw the light and were able to change their ways. I was also happy to all the other couples have their happy endings.
I recommend and will re-read in the future.
Editing was fairly good. There were some pronoun errors but nothing else too distracting.
July 30, 2018
After an accident in which Darcy saves Elizabeth life, he makes a mess of his proposal and has to be taught to be humble and accepting of various people.
Bit too sweet for my taste, most people are good, or become good too quickly. Also Elizabeth seems to be perfect, which is too far from canon to be interesting.
Bit too sweet for my taste, most people are good, or become good too quickly. Also Elizabeth seems to be perfect, which is too far from canon to be interesting.
June 5, 2020
Lessons help
This story has an storyline which includes many little plots. Holy cow! The love in this book was incredible. I loved how the Bennets were portrayed. Darcy and his family had come across as average people, liked this very much. Bingley had guts!! Highly recommended to all to read.
This story has an storyline which includes many little plots. Holy cow! The love in this book was incredible. I loved how the Bennets were portrayed. Darcy and his family had come across as average people, liked this very much. Bingley had guts!! Highly recommended to all to read.
January 2, 2018
Okay read, kind of sweet story, but...
So many words used incorrectly, often in plural when not needed or appropriate. Has some good ideas, but please get a good editor/proofreader. Drove me nuts!
So many words used incorrectly, often in plural when not needed or appropriate. Has some good ideas, but please get a good editor/proofreader. Drove me nuts!
January 25, 2018
Avid Reader
The rescue of Elizabeth and the miraculous change in the Bennett parents made this story enjoyable. Wickham,also, was a pleasant surprise. Anne finally got the life that she deserved with Richard. Caroline received her just punishment along with Mr. Collins.
The rescue of Elizabeth and the miraculous change in the Bennett parents made this story enjoyable. Wickham,also, was a pleasant surprise. Anne finally got the life that she deserved with Richard. Caroline received her just punishment along with Mr. Collins.
March 2, 2020
Superhero Lizzy
Elizabeth is a successful matchmaker and medical researcher to cure Anne. She is able to unite ALL families she comes in contact with and after one conversation, she is able to bring about an ahh ha moment so they can become a better human (excluding Caroline)
Elizabeth is a successful matchmaker and medical researcher to cure Anne. She is able to unite ALL families she comes in contact with and after one conversation, she is able to bring about an ahh ha moment so they can become a better human (excluding Caroline)
November 25, 2024
Romantic and wordy
4 stars due to all the wordiness. Some were discussed for too many pages. However the Rescue and Elizabeth & Darcy transformation happened quickly. I enjoyed Richard’s story second best.
I highly recommend this variation!!!♥️
4 stars due to all the wordiness. Some were discussed for too many pages. However the Rescue and Elizabeth & Darcy transformation happened quickly. I enjoyed Richard’s story second best.
I highly recommend this variation!!!♥️
January 31, 2018
No plot
If you took out every time someone said I love you it would reduce this to a magazine article. Character personalities changed without any reasoning
If you took out every time someone said I love you it would reduce this to a magazine article. Character personalities changed without any reasoning
January 31, 2018
Another delightful tale
Just finished reading this story and liked the characters. Great endings and coupling of stories founded in Pride and Prejudice.
Just finished reading this story and liked the characters. Great endings and coupling of stories founded in Pride and Prejudice.
May 24, 2025
This was too saccharine for me. Everything tied up with more than a pretty bow and everyone was deliriously happy and perfect in every way.
November 14, 2025
Lovely except for a few minor, and one major detail.
I have read quite a few of this author’s stories, and she has the unfortunate habit of having one character “turn on a dime” from actions and behavior of a lifetime.
This time it was Lady Catherine again. She completely changed her attitude and behavior in the middle of a conversation with the Viscount. Ms. Speck does not appear to have studied human behavior, and keeps making this mistake in her writing.
While the change in behavior for Mrs. Bennet is a result of a great shock of nearly losing Lizzy in an accident and having Lydia mock that her elder sister’s death would have been a terrific joke, there is no corresponding shock for Lady C. Having the Viscount admit he proposed to Lizzy and she rejected him is not the same level of shock and surprise. It would be more plausible if she were shunned while Anne repudiated her. That would make more sense, especially with Caroline not learning the same lesson after being banished to York. However, the result of her selfishness in this story is satisfying.
I have read quite a few of this author’s stories, and she has the unfortunate habit of having one character “turn on a dime” from actions and behavior of a lifetime.
This time it was Lady Catherine again. She completely changed her attitude and behavior in the middle of a conversation with the Viscount. Ms. Speck does not appear to have studied human behavior, and keeps making this mistake in her writing.
While the change in behavior for Mrs. Bennet is a result of a great shock of nearly losing Lizzy in an accident and having Lydia mock that her elder sister’s death would have been a terrific joke, there is no corresponding shock for Lady C. Having the Viscount admit he proposed to Lizzy and she rejected him is not the same level of shock and surprise. It would be more plausible if she were shunned while Anne repudiated her. That would make more sense, especially with Caroline not learning the same lesson after being banished to York. However, the result of her selfishness in this story is satisfying.
December 17, 2024
3.5*
This was a little too over the top IMO. Lizzy wanted by everyone and their dog... bewitching the rest. Solving Anne's source of illness by discovering a vitamin deficiency? really? Vitamins? and Vitamin B!??? in an age where they still believed in the 4 humours from the Pre-Roman Iron Age!? Vitamins weren't discovered until after WWI - ish. Ya, they figured out the cure to scurvy by then, but had zero clue why citrus worked. grrr.
This was a little too over the top IMO. Lizzy wanted by everyone and their dog... bewitching the rest. Solving Anne's source of illness by discovering a vitamin deficiency? really? Vitamins? and Vitamin B!??? in an age where they still believed in the 4 humours from the Pre-Roman Iron Age!? Vitamins weren't discovered until after WWI - ish. Ya, they figured out the cure to scurvy by then, but had zero clue why citrus worked. grrr.
May 30, 2020
Lovely
Another lovely and interesting variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Speck. I enjoyed it.
Another lovely and interesting variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Speck. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews