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Found in the Snow: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Better connections, a visit to Derbyshire and a chance find on a snowy morning sets Elizabeth Bennet along a different path than the one given to us by Jane Austen. In this variation, the familiar cast of characters is augmented by the introduction of Lizzy’s great-aunt by marriage, Lady Helena Mosse, who hopes to give her great-nieces more opportunities to make good matches than they would find in Meryton. A snowy encounter leads to a new acquaintance, but is it the kind of opportunity Lady Helena hoped for? Because of the chance encounter, Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy in the winter before the canon visit to Meryton, but their initial interactions are just as rocky. Can Mr. Darcy change his ways and become more approachable? Does he want to? Can Elizabeth forgive his early insults and learn to see him for the man he truly is? Will Kitty find her own way when separated from Lydia? Is Georgiana in danger even when protected by her friends? All these questions and more will be answered in this clean and generally low-angst variation on the story we know and love. One more will be answered as well – what was it really that Lizzy found in the snow?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 11, 2019
To begin positively, this author does have a nice writing style and, although there are a few editing-type errors, the spelling and grammar generally are correct. She has quite a few intriguing plot ideas.
However, I can't recommend this book, which is badly in need of a content editor. I struggled to finish because it gets bogged down with unnecessary details with nothing to drive the reader forward. It meanders from one difficulty to another, becoming what I call a "chronology" rather than a focused novel. There is frequent repetition where characters relay detailed information about events that were already thoroughly described. (As an example, we read multiple times that Lydia destroyed all of Kitty's things in a childish fit of rage.) The reader also must muddle through accounts of various characters' thoughts instead of actions relaying them. One of the first rules of good writing is to "show, don't tell," but we're "told" quite often throughout this book.
As the book begins, nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet goes to stay with her Aunt Gardiner's mother, Lady Helena, in Derbyshire. On one of her rambles through the snow, she happens across Georgiana, who is running from someone and she's cold, wet, and seriously ill. Elizabeth brings her back to her aunt's estate. Darcy, arriving to confirm the unidentified girl is his missing sister, is understandably frantic. Georgiana is unconscious and unable to confirm he is really her brother, neither of the ladies knows Darcy by sight, and Georgiana had been terrified of a pursuer when she was found. When Elizabeth and Lady Helena deny Darcy access to the girl, he's rude and insulting. Although they get past that bad first impression, Darcy unintentionally causes offense with his aloof demeanor that is his habitual armor in society.
The story goes on (with various tangents), and eventually the evildoers are caught (after Georgiana has been abducted and saved a second time). Elizabeth and Darcy are about to marry, and so are Jane and Mary. Instead of wrapping things up here with a nice little HEA, the book is little more halfway through.
While there had been numerous tangents in the first part of the book, it's at this point where the story really loses its way. It takes far too long for justice to be dispensed to the villains. Kitty becomes Lady Helena's new companion and is resolved to learn how to be a lady rather than following Lydia's poor example. Lydia is completely out of control, even more than in canon.
This is one of those books that proves the importance of a good editor. I see potential in this author's imagination and writing ability, but she needs to learn to weave her various ideas together more cohesively, avoid all the repetition, and avoid doing so much "telling."
However, I can't recommend this book, which is badly in need of a content editor. I struggled to finish because it gets bogged down with unnecessary details with nothing to drive the reader forward. It meanders from one difficulty to another, becoming what I call a "chronology" rather than a focused novel. There is frequent repetition where characters relay detailed information about events that were already thoroughly described. (As an example, we read multiple times that Lydia destroyed all of Kitty's things in a childish fit of rage.) The reader also must muddle through accounts of various characters' thoughts instead of actions relaying them. One of the first rules of good writing is to "show, don't tell," but we're "told" quite often throughout this book.
As the book begins, nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet goes to stay with her Aunt Gardiner's mother, Lady Helena, in Derbyshire. On one of her rambles through the snow, she happens across Georgiana, who is running from someone and she's cold, wet, and seriously ill. Elizabeth brings her back to her aunt's estate. Darcy, arriving to confirm the unidentified girl is his missing sister, is understandably frantic. Georgiana is unconscious and unable to confirm he is really her brother, neither of the ladies knows Darcy by sight, and Georgiana had been terrified of a pursuer when she was found. When Elizabeth and Lady Helena deny Darcy access to the girl, he's rude and insulting. Although they get past that bad first impression, Darcy unintentionally causes offense with his aloof demeanor that is his habitual armor in society.
The story goes on (with various tangents), and eventually the evildoers are caught (after Georgiana has been abducted and saved a second time). Elizabeth and Darcy are about to marry, and so are Jane and Mary. Instead of wrapping things up here with a nice little HEA, the book is little more halfway through.
While there had been numerous tangents in the first part of the book, it's at this point where the story really loses its way. It takes far too long for justice to be dispensed to the villains. Kitty becomes Lady Helena's new companion and is resolved to learn how to be a lady rather than following Lydia's poor example. Lydia is completely out of control, even more than in canon.
This is one of those books that proves the importance of a good editor. I see potential in this author's imagination and writing ability, but she needs to learn to weave her various ideas together more cohesively, avoid all the repetition, and avoid doing so much "telling."
March 7, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This story has many high points as there are a number of issues: some intersect and others are stand alone events and/or problems or simply parallel happenings. Jane is staying with the Gardiners in London for her season and actually gets a number of proposals...but she also meets Bingley there. The issue in canon where he leaves Netherfield and submits to the influence of Darcy and his sisters never arises here. He never leases that estate.
Elizabeth is staying with her great aunt (Aunt Gardiner's mother), Lady Helena Mosse (a widow) at Mossyrock, in Derbyshire, and is introduced into society by that relative. While out walking Elizabeth comes upon a young lady stumbling through the woods, mumbling something about "...do not let him find me"! After the girl falls unconscious Elizabeth throws her over her shoulders and takes her back to Mossyrock. Not knowing who she is but also not wanting to advertise that they have an unknown girl in their care so that whomever she fears does not show up and cause more harm Elizabeth and Lady Helena refuse to allow Darcy to see the girl when he shows up unexpectedly. He is even more insulting than in canon and leaves in a huff. Later he returns and has taken time to gather proof of his identification as well as brings his own physician along. It is Georgiana, as he feared. He does apologize but Elizabeth takes it as an insincere token so that is a issue addressed in their relationship. Elizabeth later comes up with a hand signal to alert Darcy when he has "his stone face" on which is offensive in company.
The story has not only Wickham who might be a suspect for imposing on G. but also a Darcy cousin, Timothy, who has spent most of his life taunting and bedeviling Darcy. A series of accidents occur at Pemberley which divert Darcy's attention from being his sister as the story goes on. Mrs. Younge is one of the characters in this story BUT Ramsgate is first visited by Elizabeth and her great-aunt and thus Darcy allows Georgiana and Mrs. Younge to go there also but when he has to leave her there due to matters at Pemberley he does ask Lady Helena and Elizabeth to keep an eye on Georgiana and to send for him if anything is needed. Of course, Wickham happens! Darcy has not warned Georgiana about Wickham, although Elizabeth knows, and so Wickham acts hastily and is off to Gretna Green - not via seduction but rather with kidnapping. And the chase is on.
Parallel to the above, Mr. Collins has come to Longbourn. This time his attention is diverted to Mary. And while he is being considered for the position at Hunsford by Lady Catherine, Darcy has a curacy in Lambton available and persuades Collins that it is a better offering. Mary turns out to be able to gently mold Collins so that part of the story is much happier for all.
As things progress between Darcy and Elizabeth, Kitty is invited to also come and stay with Lady Helena and becomes close friends with Georgiana. Ironically Kitty decides that she does not want to be "out" and withdraws from society to take time to improve her accomplishments and to learn better how to act in society.
Lydia is another story and a worse horror in this variation. The three gentlemen (who are to become brothers through marriage) consult together and come up with a solution to this fifth sister.
Mr. Bennet is even more of a disappointment in this story than in canon. There is not point at which he takes blame nor apologizes to Lizzy saying that he sees how correct she was in hindsight.
This is a long story. ODC comes together about half way through the story but there are all these other threads: Timothy (his mental health as well as how he acts towards Darcy), Wickham, Mrs. Younge, the damage to Pemberley, the race to Scotland, gossip and how to divert it, Mary finding her place as a curate's wife and learning to care for the parishioners, etc.
I enjoyed this story and know I read it before it was published but am not sure of the dates so that is a guess. (I wonder if the title was changed as I do keep a list of all I read both published and unpublished.)
This story has many high points as there are a number of issues: some intersect and others are stand alone events and/or problems or simply parallel happenings. Jane is staying with the Gardiners in London for her season and actually gets a number of proposals...but she also meets Bingley there. The issue in canon where he leaves Netherfield and submits to the influence of Darcy and his sisters never arises here. He never leases that estate.
Elizabeth is staying with her great aunt (Aunt Gardiner's mother), Lady Helena Mosse (a widow) at Mossyrock, in Derbyshire, and is introduced into society by that relative. While out walking Elizabeth comes upon a young lady stumbling through the woods, mumbling something about "...do not let him find me"! After the girl falls unconscious Elizabeth throws her over her shoulders and takes her back to Mossyrock. Not knowing who she is but also not wanting to advertise that they have an unknown girl in their care so that whomever she fears does not show up and cause more harm Elizabeth and Lady Helena refuse to allow Darcy to see the girl when he shows up unexpectedly. He is even more insulting than in canon and leaves in a huff. Later he returns and has taken time to gather proof of his identification as well as brings his own physician along. It is Georgiana, as he feared. He does apologize but Elizabeth takes it as an insincere token so that is a issue addressed in their relationship. Elizabeth later comes up with a hand signal to alert Darcy when he has "his stone face" on which is offensive in company.
The story has not only Wickham who might be a suspect for imposing on G. but also a Darcy cousin, Timothy, who has spent most of his life taunting and bedeviling Darcy. A series of accidents occur at Pemberley which divert Darcy's attention from being his sister as the story goes on. Mrs. Younge is one of the characters in this story BUT Ramsgate is first visited by Elizabeth and her great-aunt and thus Darcy allows Georgiana and Mrs. Younge to go there also but when he has to leave her there due to matters at Pemberley he does ask Lady Helena and Elizabeth to keep an eye on Georgiana and to send for him if anything is needed. Of course, Wickham happens! Darcy has not warned Georgiana about Wickham, although Elizabeth knows, and so Wickham acts hastily and is off to Gretna Green - not via seduction but rather with kidnapping. And the chase is on.
Parallel to the above, Mr. Collins has come to Longbourn. This time his attention is diverted to Mary. And while he is being considered for the position at Hunsford by Lady Catherine, Darcy has a curacy in Lambton available and persuades Collins that it is a better offering. Mary turns out to be able to gently mold Collins so that part of the story is much happier for all.
As things progress between Darcy and Elizabeth, Kitty is invited to also come and stay with Lady Helena and becomes close friends with Georgiana. Ironically Kitty decides that she does not want to be "out" and withdraws from society to take time to improve her accomplishments and to learn better how to act in society.
Lydia is another story and a worse horror in this variation. The three gentlemen (who are to become brothers through marriage) consult together and come up with a solution to this fifth sister.
Mr. Bennet is even more of a disappointment in this story than in canon. There is not point at which he takes blame nor apologizes to Lizzy saying that he sees how correct she was in hindsight.
This is a long story. ODC comes together about half way through the story but there are all these other threads: Timothy (his mental health as well as how he acts towards Darcy), Wickham, Mrs. Younge, the damage to Pemberley, the race to Scotland, gossip and how to divert it, Mary finding her place as a curate's wife and learning to care for the parishioners, etc.
I enjoyed this story and know I read it before it was published but am not sure of the dates so that is a guess. (I wonder if the title was changed as I do keep a list of all I read both published and unpublished.)
May 5, 2019
Lizzy goes to Derbyshire before P&P begins
Lizzy goes to Derbyshire early so not much of the story is canon. The new story is a fun read and the characters are much the same.
This is a new author to me. The writing reflects the newness but the story is engaging.
I recommend this book.
Lizzy goes to Derbyshire early so not much of the story is canon. The new story is a fun read and the characters are much the same.
This is a new author to me. The writing reflects the newness but the story is engaging.
I recommend this book.
March 7, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation allows our dear couple to find each other away from Meryton. Elizabeth is visiting Aunt Gardiner's mother in Derbyshire and on one of her walks she finds a young lady in the snow. She is frozen and mumbling about keeping away from a man. Elizabeth nurses the young lady back to health, not knowing who she is. Darcy, upon hearing that his sister is missing, visits and wearing his "lord of the manner" persona insults everyone in an attempt to confirm if the sick girl is his missing sister. Not the insult at the assembly (in cannon) but close and more direct. From there the situation can only go up. Away from family, our dear couple finds common ground and Darcy is forced to examine his believes on society. All that is simply the start of the story!
Evil cousins, over the top mothers, an annoying baby sister, lazy fathers and lots of loving family tell a story of how love and true affection & attention can bring out the best in people. It is amazing how you feel about yourself when you feel appreciated.
Evil cousins, over the top mothers, an annoying baby sister, lazy fathers and lots of loving family tell a story of how love and true affection & attention can bring out the best in people. It is amazing how you feel about yourself when you feel appreciated.
February 23, 2019
Avid Reader
An excellent read that will holding your breath in some places in the book. Elizabeth and all of her sisters have a role as well as Georgina. The story does focus primarily on Darcy and Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet is really extremely lazy. He moves for nothing except a book.
An excellent read that will holding your breath in some places in the book. Elizabeth and all of her sisters have a role as well as Georgina. The story does focus primarily on Darcy and Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet is really extremely lazy. He moves for nothing except a book.
February 27, 2019
Lovely story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were true the story was different enough to be enjoyed. Even Collins was an amazing character. I especially enjoyed how Wickham was treated. It made it easy to accomplish Lydia marriage.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were true the story was different enough to be enjoyed. Even Collins was an amazing character. I especially enjoyed how Wickham was treated. It made it easy to accomplish Lydia marriage.
January 20, 2021
I rated this 4* but actually it should be 3.5* It was a bit too long for me, not that I don't like long books, I just felt it could be tightened up. Each story thread had value, but probably should've been saved for another book. I recommend Sheila Majczan's review above.
An alternate meeting trope for ODC. Plenty of angst, plenty of loving and responsible (to a fault) hero Darcy, and caring brave heroine Elizabeth. A near death rescue of Georgiana running away from an unknown captor. And the consequent vigilance of Lizzy nursing her back to health. A dramatic opening to the story, indeed. There are some pretty awful villains in this story, that trip to Ramsgate (this time with Lizzy, Kitty, and their great aunt also visiting nearby and already friends with the Darcys,) and another rescue.
Kitty gets rescued from Lydia's influence and it doesn't take long for her to recognize that the world she lived in back home at Longbourn wasn't the way to achieve what she wanted for herself, once she decided who she was and what she wanted for herself. She and Georgiana becoming close friends helped them both.
Some readers hate to see any of the Bennet sisters marry Collins, but in this story Mary née Bennet and Collins make quite an effective pair. Since he never takes the Hunsford position his groveling sycophantic personality gets undercut, and Darcy's offer of the curacy in Lambton, on Elizabeth's behalf lets him grow in ways we couldn't begin to envision from canon. It takes a bit, well, quite a bit for Darcy to quash down Collins' excessive gratitude and one way he does it, was genius in my opinion. Darcy, by this time already aware of his previous haughtiness via Elizabeth, treats Collins as a member of the family and gives him a part in his, Bingley's, and Gardiner's plans. What Collins gains from this cannot be dismissed. Even though a smaller role for her, I loved Jane in this story, too.
As reported by others, this Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are at their worst here. Gads. The new brothers by marriage and Mr. Gardiner come up with a great plan to take care of Lydia's increasingly outrageous behavior in order to prevent an inevitable scandal, which is pretty interesting to watch.
Anne de Bourgh's story as part of this saga was great, sad, but great.
This was the first of Jaeza Rayleigh's books I've read, and I plan to read more. I think she should be encouraged to continue writing and improving if she loves this genre. I noticed that a couple of reviewers said they had read this online before publication. That is one method of beta reading. But if a story is published a chapter or two at a time, with encouragement from readers, but without help of a final group of beta readers, (I have no idea if this was the case, none!) then the rambling story that gets put out online doesn't always translate perfectly to publication...ahem...just like my review. I DO want to encourage her, because the story is good. Loved the epilogue. I just can't say I couldn't put it down.
An alternate meeting trope for ODC. Plenty of angst, plenty of loving and responsible (to a fault) hero Darcy, and caring brave heroine Elizabeth. A near death rescue of Georgiana running away from an unknown captor. And the consequent vigilance of Lizzy nursing her back to health. A dramatic opening to the story, indeed. There are some pretty awful villains in this story, that trip to Ramsgate (this time with Lizzy, Kitty, and their great aunt also visiting nearby and already friends with the Darcys,) and another rescue.
Kitty gets rescued from Lydia's influence and it doesn't take long for her to recognize that the world she lived in back home at Longbourn wasn't the way to achieve what she wanted for herself, once she decided who she was and what she wanted for herself. She and Georgiana becoming close friends helped them both.
Some readers hate to see any of the Bennet sisters marry Collins, but in this story Mary née Bennet and Collins make quite an effective pair. Since he never takes the Hunsford position his groveling sycophantic personality gets undercut, and Darcy's offer of the curacy in Lambton, on Elizabeth's behalf lets him grow in ways we couldn't begin to envision from canon. It takes a bit, well, quite a bit for Darcy to quash down Collins' excessive gratitude and one way he does it, was genius in my opinion. Darcy, by this time already aware of his previous haughtiness via Elizabeth, treats Collins as a member of the family and gives him a part in his, Bingley's, and Gardiner's plans. What Collins gains from this cannot be dismissed. Even though a smaller role for her, I loved Jane in this story, too.
As reported by others, this Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are at their worst here. Gads. The new brothers by marriage and Mr. Gardiner come up with a great plan to take care of Lydia's increasingly outrageous behavior in order to prevent an inevitable scandal, which is pretty interesting to watch.
Anne de Bourgh's story as part of this saga was great, sad, but great.
This was the first of Jaeza Rayleigh's books I've read, and I plan to read more. I think she should be encouraged to continue writing and improving if she loves this genre. I noticed that a couple of reviewers said they had read this online before publication. That is one method of beta reading. But if a story is published a chapter or two at a time, with encouragement from readers, but without help of a final group of beta readers, (I have no idea if this was the case, none!) then the rambling story that gets put out online doesn't always translate perfectly to publication...ahem...just like my review. I DO want to encourage her, because the story is good. Loved the epilogue. I just can't say I couldn't put it down.
November 15, 2020
This book took me a long time to get through, though some of that may have been due to the election distracting me. But it still seemed like a very long and slow-moving book, as well as a complete departure from the original story, with new characters and no familiar events, some old characters missing or changed. While not as much as in some Pride and Prejudice variations, there was a bit too much of Lizzy wanting to change Darcy, not just his arrogant and prideful attitudes and behavior, but also who he is at heart, an introvert. To me the beauty of the original story is that Darcy did a lot of self-reflection, and changed his own outlook, but not his character or personality. As an introvert myself, I don't like the idea that someone who doesn't like social events or doesn't smile all the time is defective somehow. So maybe the low rating is partly my own prejudice about that. I can't complain at all about the actual writing and editing, and I like Lizzy's great-aunt by marriage, though I found Darcy's evil cousin a bit two-dimensional.
May 10, 2019
Borrowed.
June 21, 2019
3 1/2 stars Kindle Unlimited
April 23, 2019
Wordy, but nice
This is a complete variation in that circumstances are completely altered and only the characters and their personalities are borrowed from the original P&P. Great aunt Helena is introduced, mother to Elizabeth 's Aunt Gardiner, and she takes Elizabeth under her wing to remove her from a somewhat toxic home life. Jane is with the Gardiner's in London, where she meets Bingley without any help from Darcy. Aunt Helena has Elizabeth at her home in Derbyshire, about 20 miles from Pemberly. Elizabeth finds Georgiana one day, in the snow, cold and near death, fleeing some unknown villain. Because Georgiana is unconscious and delirious, her identity is unknown until Darcy comes looking for her. There is a rocky first meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy, but while Georgiana recovers they come to know each other better.
There are some shocking personalities in the story. Darcy has a cousin, Timothy Darcy, who has a malignant envy of what Darcy has and is constantly vandalizing Pemberly and trying to kidnap Georgiana. Mr. Bennett is portrayed as the worst father imaginable, completely lazy and uncaring of his family or his home. Mrs. Bennett is flighty and senseless, but almost to the point of lunacy, and has a disturbing lack of love for Elizabeth, Mary and Kitty. Lydia is completely out of control, to the point that the older siblings eventually take action to prevent her ruining the family. Lady Catherine has a sadistic need to keep Anne ill so that she can be controlled. Wow!I
The difficult home life that the Bennett daughters endure is kind of depressing. Like everyone in the story says, it's amazing that they (except Lydia) emerged able to grow into acceptable and sensible young ladies. There is a scene in which Jane gives Mrs. Bennett a piece of her mind. That alone is worth reading the book.
As in the other book I read by this author, I felt there was a lot of useless repetition of dialogue and descriptions. The writing could have been more concise and the book shorter. There were also so many editing errors, words missing or misused, that it became very noticeable. Still, it's a good story with some exciting drama. I recommend it with these reservations.
This is a complete variation in that circumstances are completely altered and only the characters and their personalities are borrowed from the original P&P. Great aunt Helena is introduced, mother to Elizabeth 's Aunt Gardiner, and she takes Elizabeth under her wing to remove her from a somewhat toxic home life. Jane is with the Gardiner's in London, where she meets Bingley without any help from Darcy. Aunt Helena has Elizabeth at her home in Derbyshire, about 20 miles from Pemberly. Elizabeth finds Georgiana one day, in the snow, cold and near death, fleeing some unknown villain. Because Georgiana is unconscious and delirious, her identity is unknown until Darcy comes looking for her. There is a rocky first meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy, but while Georgiana recovers they come to know each other better.
There are some shocking personalities in the story. Darcy has a cousin, Timothy Darcy, who has a malignant envy of what Darcy has and is constantly vandalizing Pemberly and trying to kidnap Georgiana. Mr. Bennett is portrayed as the worst father imaginable, completely lazy and uncaring of his family or his home. Mrs. Bennett is flighty and senseless, but almost to the point of lunacy, and has a disturbing lack of love for Elizabeth, Mary and Kitty. Lydia is completely out of control, to the point that the older siblings eventually take action to prevent her ruining the family. Lady Catherine has a sadistic need to keep Anne ill so that she can be controlled. Wow!I
The difficult home life that the Bennett daughters endure is kind of depressing. Like everyone in the story says, it's amazing that they (except Lydia) emerged able to grow into acceptable and sensible young ladies. There is a scene in which Jane gives Mrs. Bennett a piece of her mind. That alone is worth reading the book.
As in the other book I read by this author, I felt there was a lot of useless repetition of dialogue and descriptions. The writing could have been more concise and the book shorter. There were also so many editing errors, words missing or misused, that it became very noticeable. Still, it's a good story with some exciting drama. I recommend it with these reservations.
May 22, 2019
This was a delightful read especially with the exciting beginning. Elizabeth rescues Miss Darcy who has escaped two kidnappers. Amazingly Lizzy puts Georgianna over her back then treks in the snow to Lady Helena's cottage where she has been staying. It is there that Darcy and Elizabeth meet and find reasons to misunderstand each other. Darcy insults Elizabeth in an even more offensive way than at Meryton Assembly which begins her dislike of him. That and his aloof manners and high class superiority complex were off putting. There are several interesting new characters and wonderful new explorations of existing ones! I especially enjoyed Anne's part in this novel. There is so little written about her, she is much better understood in this variation. I have one complaint that narrowed my 5 stars to 4. There is absolutely no romance or passion in Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship! Not even after marriage! Without getting trashy, there should have been a way to describe Elizabeth's wedding night which is never mentioned even after the fact. I would have liked more romance and passion between these two beloved characters. But an enjoyable read none the less.
May 8, 2019
Tedious, but not unpleasant.
This work is a bit tedious in its descriptions of virtually everything, including how the carriage the doctor drove was appointed. (An example, but perhaps not precisely from the story.)
However, it is a pleasant tale, if a bit too detailed. I’d guess a good hundred pages were unnecessary. The author is quite thorough in telling a tale of how most, but not all of the significant characters from canon lived until the end of their days, and there were no loose ends in all that detail. The focus is on how each of the Bennet sisters meet and marry, with Lizzy’s story at the center.
If you like a low angst, chaste story all wrapped up in a neat and tidy package, this one’s for you.
This work is a bit tedious in its descriptions of virtually everything, including how the carriage the doctor drove was appointed. (An example, but perhaps not precisely from the story.)
However, it is a pleasant tale, if a bit too detailed. I’d guess a good hundred pages were unnecessary. The author is quite thorough in telling a tale of how most, but not all of the significant characters from canon lived until the end of their days, and there were no loose ends in all that detail. The focus is on how each of the Bennet sisters meet and marry, with Lizzy’s story at the center.
If you like a low angst, chaste story all wrapped up in a neat and tidy package, this one’s for you.
March 26, 2019
Totally believable and wonderful variation
I have read 100s of variations and this will now be in the TOP TEN of my list. Fantastic character building and as I said...very believable. Finally a book with the daughters all finding love. There was such camaraderie among the Darcys and the Bennett daughters through the years. Anne and Charlotte are happily portrayed in the end. All of the villains received their comeuppances in the most delicious ways. A.MUST.READ. I now need to go find more books by this author!
I have read 100s of variations and this will now be in the TOP TEN of my list. Fantastic character building and as I said...very believable. Finally a book with the daughters all finding love. There was such camaraderie among the Darcys and the Bennett daughters through the years. Anne and Charlotte are happily portrayed in the end. All of the villains received their comeuppances in the most delicious ways. A.MUST.READ. I now need to go find more books by this author!
March 25, 2019
An excellent P&P alternative. Introduced a few new characters which is always refreshing and Kitty was really brought out of her shell. The story did a really nice job keeping the conflict lurking just behind the forefront so you were kept thinking about it, trying to solve it. The actual culmination and resolution of the conflict was predictable, yet surprising enough to be really, truly satisfying. Excellent read!
March 10, 2019
Really 3 and 1/2
A pleasant story that could have been much more if one felt emotionally connected to the characters. Low angst. Each dilemma was simply stated and quickly dealt with. For me, the story of Darcy and Elizabeth is the long build up to a great love and respect. That didn't happen here.
A pleasant story that could have been much more if one felt emotionally connected to the characters. Low angst. Each dilemma was simply stated and quickly dealt with. For me, the story of Darcy and Elizabeth is the long build up to a great love and respect. That didn't happen here.
March 29, 2019
Found in the Snow: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Loved this story with some very interesting new characters. The story starts with Elizabeth being able to escape her Longbourn home to visit her Aunt Gardiner's mother, Lady Helena Mosse, in Derbyshire. While living at Mossyrock, Lady Helena's estate, and out for one of her lengthy walk, she discovers a young girl in the snow and carries her home. You know what's coming right? Enter the arrogant, pompous Master of Pemberley looking for his missing sister, Georgiana. Darcy has his Meryton Assembly and Hunsford proposal moment in Lady Helena's drawing room rolled up in one mind blowing diatribe. No one knows why Georgiana ran away, since her only words indicated that she needed "him" to be kept away from her. He's turned away, and after Lady Helena's harsh words about his behaviour being more like his cousin Timothy Darcy, he returns to Pemberley to rethink his remarks about Elizabeth. Thank goodness, because she and Georgiana become close friends. Unfortunately, there is Ramsgate complete with traitorous Mrs. Younge and slimy George Wickham. Not much of Caroline Bingley or Lady Catherine. Jane and Bingley are a couple as well as Mary and Collins and the two couples wind up in Derbyshire with the Darcys, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. Bingley is never at Netherfield. Georgiana's kidnapping is ingeniously covered up, and the perpetrators handled effectively. The brothers - Darcy, Charles, and Collins, handle the out of control, Lydia, very efficiently, with help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, since both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do nothing to rein her in from her wild, foolish ways. Kitty develops into a sweet young lady when she accompanies Lady Helena and Elizabeth to Ramsgate. Loved Darcy's transformation after her was set down by Lady Helena. Loved the relationship between Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty. So enjoyed seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance. Especially rejoiced when Anne de Bourgh is liberated from Rosings and brought to live at Pemberley with Elizabeth and Darcy. All in all, a darn good story!
Loved this story with some very interesting new characters. The story starts with Elizabeth being able to escape her Longbourn home to visit her Aunt Gardiner's mother, Lady Helena Mosse, in Derbyshire. While living at Mossyrock, Lady Helena's estate, and out for one of her lengthy walk, she discovers a young girl in the snow and carries her home. You know what's coming right? Enter the arrogant, pompous Master of Pemberley looking for his missing sister, Georgiana. Darcy has his Meryton Assembly and Hunsford proposal moment in Lady Helena's drawing room rolled up in one mind blowing diatribe. No one knows why Georgiana ran away, since her only words indicated that she needed "him" to be kept away from her. He's turned away, and after Lady Helena's harsh words about his behaviour being more like his cousin Timothy Darcy, he returns to Pemberley to rethink his remarks about Elizabeth. Thank goodness, because she and Georgiana become close friends. Unfortunately, there is Ramsgate complete with traitorous Mrs. Younge and slimy George Wickham. Not much of Caroline Bingley or Lady Catherine. Jane and Bingley are a couple as well as Mary and Collins and the two couples wind up in Derbyshire with the Darcys, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. Bingley is never at Netherfield. Georgiana's kidnapping is ingeniously covered up, and the perpetrators handled effectively. The brothers - Darcy, Charles, and Collins, handle the out of control, Lydia, very efficiently, with help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, since both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do nothing to rein her in from her wild, foolish ways. Kitty develops into a sweet young lady when she accompanies Lady Helena and Elizabeth to Ramsgate. Loved Darcy's transformation after her was set down by Lady Helena. Loved the relationship between Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty. So enjoyed seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance. Especially rejoiced when Anne de Bourgh is liberated from Rosings and brought to live at Pemberley with Elizabeth and Darcy. All in all, a darn good story!
December 2, 2024
what a gem 💎
Chose this book based on jacket blurb & new author for me…soo happy i did. Admit some dialogue is stodgy (not sure the word to use, indifferent? Blah?) and too heavy for scenes BUT it alway felt genuine to character. This is a lovely piece of work, change of scenes/locales handled well, and easy to enjoy. Bennet parents as vexing as I’ve evah read by their indolence and favoritism, Kitty & Mary delightful surprises, Jane and Bingly not heavyweights in the story but loving cannon characters; Lydia is as cannon but perhaps worse (clutching my JAFF pearls:-) storyline centers on EB living w/Aunt Maddie’s mom-Lady H, taken under her wing so to speak, living w/her at her great Aunt’s Estate near Derbyshire. During one of EB’s famous walks discovers a young, very ill girl, nearly incoherent, floundering in heavy snow—-and so begins the tale of EB finding the HEA she deserves with a rather curmudgeonly, taciturn character known to all of us as the most gorgeous 19th century good kinda guy, Fitzwilliam
Darcy. You will find lovely character development/maturation, worked thru misunderstandings, improvised signals, lovely family dynamic interactions (Collins so not an
a$$hat!) and funny top of the point rescues for major character(s). Cypher but necessary character Ann DeBourgh makes a surprising front of the story appearance too which I heartily recommend her plotting story! My only complaint is Lydia never getting her comeuppance, the Bennet parents basically never improve and Catherine DeBourgh should’ve been whipped! Oh, & George Wickham under the control of someone else in this story. Loved this book & author will search for more of author’s work. Angst is manageable, true love is represented as real world experiences, and nicely done for all involved characters that deserve a chance at a happy life. Will read again. Well done!
Chose this book based on jacket blurb & new author for me…soo happy i did. Admit some dialogue is stodgy (not sure the word to use, indifferent? Blah?) and too heavy for scenes BUT it alway felt genuine to character. This is a lovely piece of work, change of scenes/locales handled well, and easy to enjoy. Bennet parents as vexing as I’ve evah read by their indolence and favoritism, Kitty & Mary delightful surprises, Jane and Bingly not heavyweights in the story but loving cannon characters; Lydia is as cannon but perhaps worse (clutching my JAFF pearls:-) storyline centers on EB living w/Aunt Maddie’s mom-Lady H, taken under her wing so to speak, living w/her at her great Aunt’s Estate near Derbyshire. During one of EB’s famous walks discovers a young, very ill girl, nearly incoherent, floundering in heavy snow—-and so begins the tale of EB finding the HEA she deserves with a rather curmudgeonly, taciturn character known to all of us as the most gorgeous 19th century good kinda guy, Fitzwilliam
Darcy. You will find lovely character development/maturation, worked thru misunderstandings, improvised signals, lovely family dynamic interactions (Collins so not an
a$$hat!) and funny top of the point rescues for major character(s). Cypher but necessary character Ann DeBourgh makes a surprising front of the story appearance too which I heartily recommend her plotting story! My only complaint is Lydia never getting her comeuppance, the Bennet parents basically never improve and Catherine DeBourgh should’ve been whipped! Oh, & George Wickham under the control of someone else in this story. Loved this book & author will search for more of author’s work. Angst is manageable, true love is represented as real world experiences, and nicely done for all involved characters that deserve a chance at a happy life. Will read again. Well done!
July 24, 2023
An different first meeting
Elizabeth has moved in with her great aunt, the widowed genteel mother of Mrs. Gardiner. She finds Georgiana fleeing frightened and ill in the snow early one morning. She and Darcy have another bad first impression but slowly improve their relationship as Georgiana recovers. What follows is how Elizabeth traveling with her great aunt and Jane staying in London effect various events in the story. Wickham and Mrs. Younge have a similar role, Darcy has an evil cousin, and there is minimal interaction with Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine although they are talked about frequently.
The storyline was interesting, moved well, and was an acceptable usage of canon characters. I particularly liked Kitty in this book. Mr Collins was more reasonable and Mary given more personality. I was happy with how long it was because I was fond if the characters. Highly recommend.
Elizabeth has moved in with her great aunt, the widowed genteel mother of Mrs. Gardiner. She finds Georgiana fleeing frightened and ill in the snow early one morning. She and Darcy have another bad first impression but slowly improve their relationship as Georgiana recovers. What follows is how Elizabeth traveling with her great aunt and Jane staying in London effect various events in the story. Wickham and Mrs. Younge have a similar role, Darcy has an evil cousin, and there is minimal interaction with Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine although they are talked about frequently.
The storyline was interesting, moved well, and was an acceptable usage of canon characters. I particularly liked Kitty in this book. Mr Collins was more reasonable and Mary given more personality. I was happy with how long it was because I was fond if the characters. Highly recommend.
March 12, 2019
Much better
This version from Ms. Raleigh is much better written than her previous book. Better writing and editing. New characters including a delightful great aunt. A nice twist to how Darcy and Elizabeth meet, and a more interesting Kitty. Jane disappears in this version, only appearing at the edges of the story. A little long in the narrative - could actually have been 2, even 3 stories. Lydia and Anne could have each been a sequel. Descriptions are beautiful but make the story drag some. Still, a worthwhile read.
This version from Ms. Raleigh is much better written than her previous book. Better writing and editing. New characters including a delightful great aunt. A nice twist to how Darcy and Elizabeth meet, and a more interesting Kitty. Jane disappears in this version, only appearing at the edges of the story. A little long in the narrative - could actually have been 2, even 3 stories. Lydia and Anne could have each been a sequel. Descriptions are beautiful but make the story drag some. Still, a worthwhile read.
March 16, 2019
Falls a little flat
How lucky for Lizzy to have Aunt Helena. I like Kitty, Georgiana, the solution for Lydia, the explanation for why Collins isn't so bad, but Mr and Mrs Benet are too flat, unchanging. I think they are better more complex, contradictory. Would a man who is truly lazy have educated Lizzy? Would a man who was compromised really let his daughters do the same? It must be the writing that lacks something. Exciting things happen yet I did not get emotional over this book. Always think that is what I want in a book, yet now I feel "meh".
How lucky for Lizzy to have Aunt Helena. I like Kitty, Georgiana, the solution for Lydia, the explanation for why Collins isn't so bad, but Mr and Mrs Benet are too flat, unchanging. I think they are better more complex, contradictory. Would a man who is truly lazy have educated Lizzy? Would a man who was compromised really let his daughters do the same? It must be the writing that lacks something. Exciting things happen yet I did not get emotional over this book. Always think that is what I want in a book, yet now I feel "meh".
April 18, 2020
Pleasantly surprised
I have read over fifty variations of Pride and Prejudice, my favorite story. This is one of the best I have read. It was different in many ways, rather than just slight variations like most. I really liked the different take on many of the characters. Mr. Collins, for instance, was quite likeable. This is the first time I have encountered that, and it made for a much more pleasant read. I liked everything about the book.
I have read over fifty variations of Pride and Prejudice, my favorite story. This is one of the best I have read. It was different in many ways, rather than just slight variations like most. I really liked the different take on many of the characters. Mr. Collins, for instance, was quite likeable. This is the first time I have encountered that, and it made for a much more pleasant read. I liked everything about the book.
July 19, 2020
This was a great book.Elizabeth came to the rescue of Mr darcys sister georgiana when she was taking a walk. Also,Mrs.Bennett should have been happy that her least favorite daughter found a husband without her assistance,but instead berates and insults her in the presence of Mr. Darcy, who was disgusted with his mother in law 's behavior. Mr. Bennett took action of removing his wife from the wedding breakfast after his daughter Jane berated her mother about her and her sister lydia's behavior.
December 5, 2023
In one word, boring. I don’t think Elizabeth and Darcy had any chemistry other than like maybe one scene.
Then once I got turned off the book I just got irritated by everything the characters did. it’s like when you hate someone and you judge them for doing things that you wouldn’t judge them for doing if you liked them. Idk that makes sense, but that’s the feeling I got. I just hated everything they did.
Then once I got turned off the book I just got irritated by everything the characters did. it’s like when you hate someone and you judge them for doing things that you wouldn’t judge them for doing if you liked them. Idk that makes sense, but that’s the feeling I got. I just hated everything they did.
March 21, 2019
Loved the Title and the Story
This was an excellent story covering many characters well fleshed out and intricately woven in becoming part of the story. It is the kind of story, so well written, that I believe I will read it again and possibly again. Also I think it could be the basis for several series of stories and movies. Not unlike Gone With the Wind. Joyann Montgomery
This was an excellent story covering many characters well fleshed out and intricately woven in becoming part of the story. It is the kind of story, so well written, that I believe I will read it again and possibly again. Also I think it could be the basis for several series of stories and movies. Not unlike Gone With the Wind. Joyann Montgomery
June 2, 2019
Interesting idea
Somehow the style did not convey the period convincingly. Character dialogue could benefit from review to ensure it is more true to period and character personality. That said the author ties up all the ends and happily fulfils the need many of us have to see all the characters settled. I did enjoy Jane giving Mrs Bennett a set down ☺
Somehow the style did not convey the period convincingly. Character dialogue could benefit from review to ensure it is more true to period and character personality. That said the author ties up all the ends and happily fulfils the need many of us have to see all the characters settled. I did enjoy Jane giving Mrs Bennett a set down ☺
January 11, 2020
Welcome surprise
Though the story begins predictably, it rapid!y becomes combination of .mystery, awkward love, family dynamics and the impact of mental illness on loved ones and others The writer subtle combined all story elements into a seamless tale of this historical period. This is definitely a goodread.
Though the story begins predictably, it rapid!y becomes combination of .mystery, awkward love, family dynamics and the impact of mental illness on loved ones and others The writer subtle combined all story elements into a seamless tale of this historical period. This is definitely a goodread.
March 15, 2019
Great story with a different twist
Great story with a different twist. Elizabeth rescues Georgiana and takes her to her great aunts house near Derbyshire. This was enjoyable to read and I recommend it.
Great story with a different twist. Elizabeth rescues Georgiana and takes her to her great aunts house near Derbyshire. This was enjoyable to read and I recommend it.
April 7, 2019
Long but good
A very different twist on a most loved story. High points: no Caroline, and very little Lady Catherine to deal with. Mrs Bennet is still as daft as ever but Mr. Bennet is more slothful as I’ve ever seen! Enjoy!
A very different twist on a most loved story. High points: no Caroline, and very little Lady Catherine to deal with. Mrs Bennet is still as daft as ever but Mr. Bennet is more slothful as I’ve ever seen! Enjoy!
March 7, 2019
Lovely
A rather different variation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. Storyline veers wildly from canon but it's a lovely journey.
A rather different variation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. Storyline veers wildly from canon but it's a lovely journey.
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