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FOR THE SAKE OF HER HAPPINESS : A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION
“For The Sake of Her Happiness” is a clean, romantic novella of about 30 K words that brings Darcy and Elizabeth together in Kent, in the beauty of Rosings Park. At that point, their relationship is quite similar to the original; however, one small incident will change things completely. What should a private man like Fitzwilliam Darcy do with the torment in his heart, if there is not a single living soul he trusted enough to share it? Writing his turmoil in a diary, of course! But when the haste made him drop the precious possession in the grass and, and someone read it before he realized the loss and returned to claim it, the circumstances changed - for the better. By the time the relationship slowly improved between our dear couple, most distressing news interrupted Elizabeth’s visit and demanded her presence in town. What could Darcy do when the woman he loved suddenly left, with no apparent reason? Follow her and do everything for the sake of her happiness – of course!
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
56 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 1, 2019
This is a frustrating book. There are places where the author's prose is really lovely. Unfortunately, there are just as many distracting, too-easily-spotted editing-type errors that should have been fixed long before publication.
The plot is equally frustrating. The author spends the entire first half of the story essentially re-telling the Hunsford portion of Pride and Prejudice in her own words before we get to any marked deviation in the plot.
The deviation itself is an intriguing one: Darcy keeps a journal, which he carries with him, that contains all his feelings about Elizabeth Bennet. When he finally decides he will propose to her, she is actually ill and unable to see him at the parsonage. Since his thoughts about marrying her are so conflicted, he takes this as a warning sign and changes his mind. No proposal. No rejection. However, Darcy drops his journal on the Rosings grounds after making one additional entry. Of course, Elizabeth is the one who finds it, and she can't resist the temptation to read it.
There's nothing new in the first half of the book, which should have been condensed to a fraction of its length. And much more could have been done with the plot development after the non-proposal and Elizabeth's discovery of Darcy's thoughts. Instead, it's relatively predictable and not too different in essentials from the original.
The result is a very uneven read, especially with all those errors jumping out.
The plot is equally frustrating. The author spends the entire first half of the story essentially re-telling the Hunsford portion of Pride and Prejudice in her own words before we get to any marked deviation in the plot.
The deviation itself is an intriguing one: Darcy keeps a journal, which he carries with him, that contains all his feelings about Elizabeth Bennet. When he finally decides he will propose to her, she is actually ill and unable to see him at the parsonage. Since his thoughts about marrying her are so conflicted, he takes this as a warning sign and changes his mind. No proposal. No rejection. However, Darcy drops his journal on the Rosings grounds after making one additional entry. Of course, Elizabeth is the one who finds it, and she can't resist the temptation to read it.
There's nothing new in the first half of the book, which should have been condensed to a fraction of its length. And much more could have been done with the plot development after the non-proposal and Elizabeth's discovery of Darcy's thoughts. Instead, it's relatively predictable and not too different in essentials from the original.
The result is a very uneven read, especially with all those errors jumping out.
October 12, 2019
The author basically retells Pride and Prejudice, using her own words. The main difference is that Elizabeth finds Mr. Darcy's journal while walking in the groves at Rosings. He has misplaced such and she gives into temptation and reads it. She learns how deep his feelings for her.
So with that information further conversations open up as to Jane and Bingley and as to Darcy's dealings with Wickham. Darcy learns Elizabeth's (and Jane's) true feelings about several matters.
Lydia's elopement is revealed at Hunsford rather than at the Inn in Lambton. Uncle Gardiner has sent his coach and a letter to retrieve Elizabeth. She departs without a word to Darcy but he realizes something must be amiss and makes his way to London on his own. The rest of the story is much as in canon.
So with that information further conversations open up as to Jane and Bingley and as to Darcy's dealings with Wickham. Darcy learns Elizabeth's (and Jane's) true feelings about several matters.
Lydia's elopement is revealed at Hunsford rather than at the Inn in Lambton. Uncle Gardiner has sent his coach and a letter to retrieve Elizabeth. She departs without a word to Darcy but he realizes something must be amiss and makes his way to London on his own. The rest of the story is much as in canon.
September 22, 2022
Where the plot was new, it was enjoyable, and the prose was well done. But there was only one small plot twist, and at least 85% of the story was the same events as the original. That made it disappointing.
June 30, 2019
In this P&P variation we begin with Elizabeth Bennet's visit to Charlotte Collins. The first half of this story is a re-working of the original with the added item that Elizabeth finds and reads Darcy's journal.
I felt that the first half of this novella could easily have been condensed and the second half expanded.
I felt that the first half of this novella could easily have been condensed and the second half expanded.
July 24, 2019
A change in Rosings
3.5
Until the 45% of the book, the story is basically the same as it was written apart from his diary.
3.5
Until the 45% of the book, the story is basically the same as it was written apart from his diary.
September 2, 2019
Is it just me, or does it appear the author sat down with Austen’s P&P and a thesaurus to write this title? At least the first half of the book is exactly the same as the original, but with synonyms replacing Austen’s words. Why not simply start the story where Elizabeth discovers Darcy’s journal?
June 21, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation asks if Elizabeth would behave differently if she had written proof that Darcy love her before he actually said the words? After many meetings in the woods at Hunsford, Elizabeth finds Darcy's diary on a bench. Unable to resist taking a peek, she learns more than she was bargaining for. The result is that is starts to crack through her strong dislike of him allowing for him to break through towards their happily ever after.
July 5, 2019
Interesting use of Language
I don't know if the language is correctly used or not but it is interesting that along with a significant change in the timing of the plot, this author chose to rewrite some of Austen's most beautiful and recognizable phrases. And that, was the most memorable significance of this variation. Some fine phraseology but a true 3 star- take it or leave it, IMHO.
I don't know if the language is correctly used or not but it is interesting that along with a significant change in the timing of the plot, this author chose to rewrite some of Austen's most beautiful and recognizable phrases. And that, was the most memorable significance of this variation. Some fine phraseology but a true 3 star- take it or leave it, IMHO.
June 13, 2019
A modest variation of P&P
The story is a small variation of the original. The what-if what if Darcy kept a journal and lost it and Lizzy found it and read it.
Surprisingly not much changes. She is shocked to find out he loves her. But just as shocked as when she is proposed to in the original. And instead of a letter from Darcy , they walk together and argue about Bingley and Jane. They argue about Wickham. They argue about how her family is perceived. So really, nothing new there.
The next big change is W and L eloped while Lizzy is visiting Charlotte so Mr. Gardiner goes and fetches Lizzy back to London. From this point on, most everything is the same. There wasn’t much angst but really by the time the elopement is finished in the original, there wasn’t much angst either.
A quiet, modest change to the original. There were some places in the story where the characters reacted in odd ways but it wasn’t too off-putting.
The story is a small variation of the original. The what-if what if Darcy kept a journal and lost it and Lizzy found it and read it.
Surprisingly not much changes. She is shocked to find out he loves her. But just as shocked as when she is proposed to in the original. And instead of a letter from Darcy , they walk together and argue about Bingley and Jane. They argue about Wickham. They argue about how her family is perceived. So really, nothing new there.
The next big change is W and L eloped while Lizzy is visiting Charlotte so Mr. Gardiner goes and fetches Lizzy back to London. From this point on, most everything is the same. There wasn’t much angst but really by the time the elopement is finished in the original, there wasn’t much angst either.
A quiet, modest change to the original. There were some places in the story where the characters reacted in odd ways but it wasn’t too off-putting.
September 4, 2021
This book was one of the worst I have ever read in terms of editing. Maybe even the worst. It’s as if the author quickly threw down some words on the laptop and sold them without even a second read. It was clearly not edited by anyone, including the author herself. The idea of the book was a fairly good one, but even that didn’t come through all that well in execution. The book was boring. I feel I’ve been very generous in giving it three stars. I was in a good mood when I finished it.
I won’t bother summarizing the plot and leaving all sorts of spoilers; that’s up to other reviewers. Instead, this is a technical review, to indicate what other reviewers typically don’t comment on.
Multiple punctuation and formatting errors were reported to Amazon. The book was full of what I’d politely call typos that would have been fixed be even the worst editor. For example, the author had a capital letter right in the middle of a sentence. There was a place where the possessive was missed and instead, there was a set of closing quotes in its place and no “s,” then a space, then the closing quotes. The author hasn’t changed chapters on a new page as is appropriate for a novel. This is only three of dozens.
As for items not reported to Amazon, the errors are plenty, great and small. There are missing dialogue tags where they belonged (according to the punctuation) as well as use of words that are not dialogue tags used as dialogue tags. She used the numeral “20” then said “twenty and one” rather than “one and twenty.” Inappropriate plurals “callings,” “wordings,” and “admirations” were used. I noted a few cases of very awkward phrasing, e.g., “grabbed from his bag the personal journal” and “a very good house this presents itself as,” which could easily have been fixed. At one point early in the story, Elizabeth speaks in part sentences. This is too modern for a Regency novel.
The author made a good attempt of scene setting with description of forest in spring at Rosings, Hertfordshire. Only examples in book, though.
The novel was not omniscient narrator point of view (it was in third person multiple POV), yet it was full of head hopping, to the extent that it was annoying. Elizabeth can’t see her own cheeks get pinker.
Filter words were used, resulting in telling rather than showing, in fact, there is a lot of telling in this book. This pulls the reader out of the tightness of the reading experience. Many of us (me included) are tell style writers. As an author, you have to go through and re-write your tell paragraphs to show the protagonists’ reactions in order to better engage your readers. Otherwise, it’s like reading a manual.
Regency errors: luncheon is a quick meal, and tends to be eaten by hand, e.g., pies and pasties. One can not just walk over and introduce one’s self. It’s not done. One must be introduced by someone else, preferably higher. The meal described in this novel is not Regency. There would be many dishes in a course. Elizabeth is not Miss Bennet when Jane is around.
There were not many non-Regency or non-British words: neckline, assessment, socializing, defense, and braided. This is much better than most Regency romances and JAFF novels. There was only one contraction that I found. This is amazing considering the other errors. However, genteel was used in a place where the appropriate word would be gentle.
Rewriting of canon is overdone and not inspired. It took up too much time in the book and should have been summarized more rather than making the attempt to reword Austen’s fine prose. The P&P errors include: Sir Lucas and Sir Williams were used instead of Sir William. Bingley does not own Netherfield, so can’t sell it. Georgina was used quite a few times for Georgiana. Sir Edward Gardiner was mentioned for Mr. Edward Gardiner, who was mostly mentioned properly.
Overall, the writing itself is not inspired. The language is simplistic and the way the sentences are put together—well, for the most part, the prose is dull. The plot is similar—it’s a good story, but the author lacks the skills to tell it in a way that enhances the drama to the point where we feel engaged. The head-hopping doesn’t help—we’re never really part of the protagonists’ minds. In addition, a plethora of italics are used willy-nilly and don’t add value. Had they been used judiciously, they could have shown some key points, but as mentioned above, this book lacks showing and is heavy on telling.
The cover is quite good, even though it shows Darcy handing Elizabeth the letter, something that is not a “thing” in this book. The diary mentioned in the blurb is supposed to be the “thing.” Even so, the cover is eye-catching and would make a reader want to buy the book. This is great, because too many books have blah covers these days.
I barely made it through this novel. At 25%, I was going to quit because of the errors, but forged ahead. The errors were fewer in the last half, though at 65% I was going to quit because it was boring. Then I reminded myself that I wanted to see what happened with that (spoiler alert) diary—turned out it was pretty much nothing too important. This is so sad because there was a huge opportunity for dramatic tension missed here! As it was, this book was mild angst at best. Where was Lady Catherine when you need her? Just kidding. I respect that the author did not pander to fanon and put Lady Catherine in. It annoys me when readers ask for scenes they read over and over when they don’t suit the story. This book didn’t need Lady Catherine. It needed more about that diary.
Overall impression: I won’t be buying another book by Marley Fulton. The book was full of errors and mostly boring. I do hope the author pays attention to this review and gets an editor for her future books for the poor readers who do buy. Otherwise, she’s ripping off her readers big time.
Disclaimer: I’m a JAFF author, and some might consider this review to be a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of the reader and the author.
I won’t bother summarizing the plot and leaving all sorts of spoilers; that’s up to other reviewers. Instead, this is a technical review, to indicate what other reviewers typically don’t comment on.
Multiple punctuation and formatting errors were reported to Amazon. The book was full of what I’d politely call typos that would have been fixed be even the worst editor. For example, the author had a capital letter right in the middle of a sentence. There was a place where the possessive was missed and instead, there was a set of closing quotes in its place and no “s,” then a space, then the closing quotes. The author hasn’t changed chapters on a new page as is appropriate for a novel. This is only three of dozens.
As for items not reported to Amazon, the errors are plenty, great and small. There are missing dialogue tags where they belonged (according to the punctuation) as well as use of words that are not dialogue tags used as dialogue tags. She used the numeral “20” then said “twenty and one” rather than “one and twenty.” Inappropriate plurals “callings,” “wordings,” and “admirations” were used. I noted a few cases of very awkward phrasing, e.g., “grabbed from his bag the personal journal” and “a very good house this presents itself as,” which could easily have been fixed. At one point early in the story, Elizabeth speaks in part sentences. This is too modern for a Regency novel.
The author made a good attempt of scene setting with description of forest in spring at Rosings, Hertfordshire. Only examples in book, though.
The novel was not omniscient narrator point of view (it was in third person multiple POV), yet it was full of head hopping, to the extent that it was annoying. Elizabeth can’t see her own cheeks get pinker.
Filter words were used, resulting in telling rather than showing, in fact, there is a lot of telling in this book. This pulls the reader out of the tightness of the reading experience. Many of us (me included) are tell style writers. As an author, you have to go through and re-write your tell paragraphs to show the protagonists’ reactions in order to better engage your readers. Otherwise, it’s like reading a manual.
Regency errors: luncheon is a quick meal, and tends to be eaten by hand, e.g., pies and pasties. One can not just walk over and introduce one’s self. It’s not done. One must be introduced by someone else, preferably higher. The meal described in this novel is not Regency. There would be many dishes in a course. Elizabeth is not Miss Bennet when Jane is around.
There were not many non-Regency or non-British words: neckline, assessment, socializing, defense, and braided. This is much better than most Regency romances and JAFF novels. There was only one contraction that I found. This is amazing considering the other errors. However, genteel was used in a place where the appropriate word would be gentle.
Rewriting of canon is overdone and not inspired. It took up too much time in the book and should have been summarized more rather than making the attempt to reword Austen’s fine prose. The P&P errors include: Sir Lucas and Sir Williams were used instead of Sir William. Bingley does not own Netherfield, so can’t sell it. Georgina was used quite a few times for Georgiana. Sir Edward Gardiner was mentioned for Mr. Edward Gardiner, who was mostly mentioned properly.
Overall, the writing itself is not inspired. The language is simplistic and the way the sentences are put together—well, for the most part, the prose is dull. The plot is similar—it’s a good story, but the author lacks the skills to tell it in a way that enhances the drama to the point where we feel engaged. The head-hopping doesn’t help—we’re never really part of the protagonists’ minds. In addition, a plethora of italics are used willy-nilly and don’t add value. Had they been used judiciously, they could have shown some key points, but as mentioned above, this book lacks showing and is heavy on telling.
The cover is quite good, even though it shows Darcy handing Elizabeth the letter, something that is not a “thing” in this book. The diary mentioned in the blurb is supposed to be the “thing.” Even so, the cover is eye-catching and would make a reader want to buy the book. This is great, because too many books have blah covers these days.
I barely made it through this novel. At 25%, I was going to quit because of the errors, but forged ahead. The errors were fewer in the last half, though at 65% I was going to quit because it was boring. Then I reminded myself that I wanted to see what happened with that (spoiler alert) diary—turned out it was pretty much nothing too important. This is so sad because there was a huge opportunity for dramatic tension missed here! As it was, this book was mild angst at best. Where was Lady Catherine when you need her? Just kidding. I respect that the author did not pander to fanon and put Lady Catherine in. It annoys me when readers ask for scenes they read over and over when they don’t suit the story. This book didn’t need Lady Catherine. It needed more about that diary.
Overall impression: I won’t be buying another book by Marley Fulton. The book was full of errors and mostly boring. I do hope the author pays attention to this review and gets an editor for her future books for the poor readers who do buy. Otherwise, she’s ripping off her readers big time.
Disclaimer: I’m a JAFF author, and some might consider this review to be a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of the reader and the author.
September 16, 2019
Sweet, calm read
What I most appreciated about this variation is the evenness of plot temperament. It was a calm read even when the characters were struggling, no overblown suspense or theatrics, just distress at events of life. This book is less about events (though there are a few) and more about inner dialogue and interactions between characters. It also does not stray very far from cannon.
Editing: I would suggest another pass, as I felt there were some inconsistencies in tone particularly near the beginning.
Intimate Details: No, this is a Sweet romance.
Recommended: Maybe, if you are looking for something short and easy without strife then this could be a good choice; a reprieve from the realities of everyday life, if you will. If you are looking for something to draw you in and hook you there, then this is not a good choice, it needs a bit more patience than that.
What I most appreciated about this variation is the evenness of plot temperament. It was a calm read even when the characters were struggling, no overblown suspense or theatrics, just distress at events of life. This book is less about events (though there are a few) and more about inner dialogue and interactions between characters. It also does not stray very far from cannon.
Editing: I would suggest another pass, as I felt there were some inconsistencies in tone particularly near the beginning.
Intimate Details: No, this is a Sweet romance.
Recommended: Maybe, if you are looking for something short and easy without strife then this could be a good choice; a reprieve from the realities of everyday life, if you will. If you are looking for something to draw you in and hook you there, then this is not a good choice, it needs a bit more patience than that.
July 17, 2019
DNF. Editorial mistakes are incredibly distracting. Basic spelling and name errors (eg. Bennet was spelled 3 different ways in 2 sentences). Given the sentence phrasing and grammar mistakes, it’s possible English isn’t the author’s first language. Extremely long winded and repetitive. After reading some reviews here I skipped ahead to Chapter 6 where the deviation starts, as the first part is basically a longer version of arriving at Rosings. However within a couple of chapters I gave up.
July 19, 2019
Avid Reader
Elizabeth doesn't realize that Mr. Darcy has intense feelings for her until she read his personal journal, which is dedicated exclusively to her. Although she was angry 😠 about Jane and Wickham, she came to her senses when the truth was revealed. Their is improvement in grammar and word choice.
Elizabeth doesn't realize that Mr. Darcy has intense feelings for her until she read his personal journal, which is dedicated exclusively to her. Although she was angry 😠 about Jane and Wickham, she came to her senses when the truth was revealed. Their is improvement in grammar and word choice.
April 18, 2020
Unbelievable
This book has to be a joke. I’m sure it must have been written by a six year old. I would not have believed that Austen’s beloved work could be turned into a bore. I was only able to get through chapter three before I gave up in disgust. Our poor Jane must be turning over in her grave.
This book has to be a joke. I’m sure it must have been written by a six year old. I would not have believed that Austen’s beloved work could be turned into a bore. I was only able to get through chapter three before I gave up in disgust. Our poor Jane must be turning over in her grave.
June 1, 2019
Aust-en translation...
Too much of the beginning of the story felt like a mere restatement of the original, nearly thought for thought. The journal was an interesting twist, but then it lapsed back into something more like the original.
Too much of the beginning of the story felt like a mere restatement of the original, nearly thought for thought. The journal was an interesting twist, but then it lapsed back into something more like the original.
June 22, 2019
Same o same o
Nothing special about this. The author constantly rephrased conversations from the original and it was very irritating. Instead of copying direct text they rewrote the whole Interaction with considerably less grace and 'simpler' words, paraphrasing it. Elementary.
Nothing special about this. The author constantly rephrased conversations from the original and it was very irritating. Instead of copying direct text they rewrote the whole Interaction with considerably less grace and 'simpler' words, paraphrasing it. Elementary.
August 21, 2019
This variation was much like the original version of P&P and while not as wonderful, it wasn't awful. I am not sure that the author set out to create a novella, or it ended as one because she couldn't develop her plot. I was left wanting and disappointed with the tale.
June 4, 2019
Good story
Nice story that was pretty short. Was a little disappointed that the diary was such a tiny part of the plot. Otherwise well written and fun.
Nice story that was pretty short. Was a little disappointed that the diary was such a tiny part of the plot. Otherwise well written and fun.
June 11, 2019
Interesting
Marley Fulton has penned a rather sweet but enjoyable short variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice
Marley Fulton has penned a rather sweet but enjoyable short variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice
July 10, 2019
Sweet, but not wonderful
I would have liked a few more twists. Additionally, the text suffers from lack of editing. But it doesn't alter the main story too much.
I would have liked a few more twists. Additionally, the text suffers from lack of editing. But it doesn't alter the main story too much.
July 26, 2019
Sterile Story. Boring.
Mr. Darcys loyalty. Story does not move you. Its sterile and perfunctory. The reviews that led me to buy this, were misleading in my opinion
Mr. Darcys loyalty. Story does not move you. Its sterile and perfunctory. The reviews that led me to buy this, were misleading in my opinion
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews