Promises to Keep: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Mary Jane Ballew, Tiffany Detweiler (Illustrator)

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a handsome young guy who has it all; or does he? His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh doesn’t think so. She knows the life he lives as a successful businessman in the tech world is empty and devoid of any real meaningful relationships. After attempting to share with him, his mother's last wish, and failing miserably, she comes up with a plan to help her nephew whether he wants it or not. Lady Catherine plan is a simple one, to shake up her nephew’s life she hires the young and clever Miss Elizabeth Bennet to write her memoirs. With each day that passes Lady Catherine grows more determined to help her nephew and keep a promise, she made a long time ago. Darcy has built up walls around his heart that have been impenetrable until the lovely Elizabeth with her captivating smile came into his life. How will their story end in Promises to Keep?

798 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2018

Reviews

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a modern Pride and Prejudice variation wrapped up in a flashback. Lady Catherine (who is nice in this story) hires Elizabeth Bennet to ghost write her memoirs. This puts Elizabeth in the path of Darcy, whom she had already met at party where he was very rude (Think the Meryton Assembly). The Elizabeth/Darcy plot mostly follows cannon with its over the top Mom, Caroline, Wickham, etc. but with a modern twist, more Georgiana and a few less points of angst. The stories that Catherine shares about her sister weaves its way throughout and at times influences the characters. The love felt in the flashbacks was amazing. If this story has a moral, it is remember the joy because it is worth it.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Storyline
I definitely loved this variation and storyline; a very different one for sure. I adored this Lady Catherine and the multiple love stories intertwined throughout. A delightful and at times very moving read. I hated to see it end. I’d have given this a 5, but some of the grammar was just off-putting to me. If this could be improved, the writing would be very good indeed. I still highly recommend it.

[Faustine]

DNF. It’s not bad but too wordy for me.
The storyline and the characters are good, though.

[Lisa E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern day version

Evidently I liked it anyway. But will have to reread ti figure out why. Redemptions? I think, however, quick romances back in 1800s were fine: no divorce. But today's loose society would benefit from a longer, innocent engagement.

[M]

DNF

Only read a few chapters. Author is not for me.