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With Love's Light Wings
Amid the hills and valleys of Derbyshire live two families embroiled in an enmity spanning decades. For the Darcys of Pemberley consider the Bennets of Longbourn to be untrustworthy and proud, a sentiment their more prominent neighbors return in every particular. Despite the rampant distrust and suspicion, two members of the family dare to view one another in a different light. Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to the Pemberley legacy, sees in Elizabeth Bennet, the second daughter of the Baron of Arundel, a woman who is untainted by the perception his family holds concerning their rivals. In turn, Elizabeth sees in Mr. Darcy a man who is honorable and just, and she soon discovers she can love him with all her heart. As the two become better acquainted, events conspire to keep them apart, for tensions between the two families escalate. Though the two lovers come to see each other as a means of healing between their families, others are unwilling to see past their revulsion. Events threaten to force the lovers apart, and their love becomes forged in the fires of resistance, hardening Elizabeth and Darcy's resolve to do whatever it takes to ensure not only that they are together, but that the hostility between their families is resolved once and for all.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2019
114 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
91 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 28, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
This is a long story and at times it seemed like a rewriting of Romeo and Juliet what with the feuding families. (Don't worry - no deaths)
Everyone lives in Derbyshire except Lady Catherine and Anne. Longbourn borders Pemberley and Netherfield is also close by.
Our Mr. Darcy has a younger brother, Alexander, and his father, Robert, is still alive. Alexander has a more outgoing personality than his older brother plus he has a reputation...earned or not earned.
Lord Arundel is the father of the five Bennet girls. His standing in society is higher than the Darcys. Charlotte's father also has a title and thus she is Lady Charlotte. There are two "Mr. Gardiners" but only one is married. That one is a parson. The other one takes on looking to be a protector to his five nieces.
Basically the story is that while Mr. Darcy and Lord Arundel order their offspring to never associate with "the enemy" no one remembers what the feud was about and we find more than one of those younger family members meeting accidentally or by prearrangement and then forming attachments. Quite a few marriages occur by the end but not all are come by easily and one is an elopement. Wickham is not part of this story so no, he does not run off with Lydia.
Bingley and Jane are engaged early in this story and although Lord Arundel is not happy that Bingley is best friends with Darcy he accepts the fact that Jane will have Darcy as part of her future life due to that friendship between her fiancé and Darcy.
There is little real angst in this story. You know our dear couple is going to get together and have their happy ending. The story is long on changing feelings and considerations given to balancing a desire to obey one's parents vs. finding true love. Several couple are paired very differently from canon.
I have to say that for some reason I was NOT happy with the one event even though the couple in reality was doing basically the same thing as Darcy and Elizabeth. I was just wanting them to have some consequence for their actions. Darcy and Elizabeth, at least, knew they were breaking the rules and felt bad about it and wanted to get it out in the open with their parents. But that is my humble take on this story.
This is a long story and at times it seemed like a rewriting of Romeo and Juliet what with the feuding families. (Don't worry - no deaths)
Everyone lives in Derbyshire except Lady Catherine and Anne. Longbourn borders Pemberley and Netherfield is also close by.
Our Mr. Darcy has a younger brother, Alexander, and his father, Robert, is still alive. Alexander has a more outgoing personality than his older brother plus he has a reputation...earned or not earned.
Lord Arundel is the father of the five Bennet girls. His standing in society is higher than the Darcys. Charlotte's father also has a title and thus she is Lady Charlotte. There are two "Mr. Gardiners" but only one is married. That one is a parson. The other one takes on looking to be a protector to his five nieces.
Basically the story is that while Mr. Darcy and Lord Arundel order their offspring to never associate with "the enemy" no one remembers what the feud was about and we find more than one of those younger family members meeting accidentally or by prearrangement and then forming attachments. Quite a few marriages occur by the end but not all are come by easily and one is an elopement. Wickham is not part of this story so no, he does not run off with Lydia.
Bingley and Jane are engaged early in this story and although Lord Arundel is not happy that Bingley is best friends with Darcy he accepts the fact that Jane will have Darcy as part of her future life due to that friendship between her fiancé and Darcy.
There is little real angst in this story. You know our dear couple is going to get together and have their happy ending. The story is long on changing feelings and considerations given to balancing a desire to obey one's parents vs. finding true love. Several couple are paired very differently from canon.
I have to say that for some reason I was NOT happy with the one event even though the couple in reality was doing basically the same thing as Darcy and Elizabeth. I was just wanting them to have some consequence for their actions. Darcy and Elizabeth, at least, knew they were breaking the rules and felt bad about it and wanted to get it out in the open with their parents. But that is my humble take on this story.
December 28, 2019
Something very different
The geography of P&P is changed. The characters of P&P are changed except for their places un their families. There are a lot of new characters who are never fleshed out and are pretty two dimensional.
But some things never change. Darcy is fascinated by Miss Elizabeth and Lizzy thinks Darcy is overly proud and not a gentleman. The two of them finding their way to each other takes way to many pages and the characters and the scenes have some angst but are not very interesting or compelling.
I would say the book was just so-so.
The geography of P&P is changed. The characters of P&P are changed except for their places un their families. There are a lot of new characters who are never fleshed out and are pretty two dimensional.
But some things never change. Darcy is fascinated by Miss Elizabeth and Lizzy thinks Darcy is overly proud and not a gentleman. The two of them finding their way to each other takes way to many pages and the characters and the scenes have some angst but are not very interesting or compelling.
I would say the book was just so-so.
August 18, 2020
Very Imaginative
With Jann Rowland you can always expect something different. Giving this variation a take on Romeo and Juliet or the Hatfields and the McCoys brings a very non-canon tale to his readers. I cannot object. To me, that’s what variations are all about—making the story different. Glory be! Wickham’s name doesn’t appear once in this book. I couldn’t have been more happy. I may be in the minority, but I enjoy it immensely when the Bennets are titled, have an heir, and are not so indolent or wracked with nerves (respectively), when Bingley displays a mind of his own, and when a book is not filled with the usual misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth. Even Mr. Collins was likable in this very enjoyable story. My one criticism is that proofreading needs improvement.
With Jann Rowland you can always expect something different. Giving this variation a take on Romeo and Juliet or the Hatfields and the McCoys brings a very non-canon tale to his readers. I cannot object. To me, that’s what variations are all about—making the story different. Glory be! Wickham’s name doesn’t appear once in this book. I couldn’t have been more happy. I may be in the minority, but I enjoy it immensely when the Bennets are titled, have an heir, and are not so indolent or wracked with nerves (respectively), when Bingley displays a mind of his own, and when a book is not filled with the usual misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth. Even Mr. Collins was likable in this very enjoyable story. My one criticism is that proofreading needs improvement.
December 30, 2019
I am always positively disposed toward anything Mr Rowland writes. This story was no different for me. I enjoyed all the changes to cannon very much. The only quibble I have is that in a later chapter we jumped from Derbyshire to Hertfordshire which I found disconcerting to say the least.
February 8, 2020
A long standing feud and a son & daughter on either side of the battle meet and fall in love. Does this sound familiar? There is even a balcony scene where they recite the famous Shakespeare lines, but this is not quite Romeo and Juliet. There is lots of threatening and posturing as the young people work to convince the older generations that the feud is pointless - over and over.
I did enjoy the story overall, but I think it could have been shorter.
I did enjoy the story overall, but I think it could have been shorter.
January 12, 2020
Very nice
This author is one of my favorites for JAFF, and this is another good one by him. This is one of those tales that is called a P&P variation, but there is very little resemblance to the original other than character names, and even those are altered somewhat. The family dynamics of the Bennetts, Darcys, Bingleys, and Lucases are altered, and even the locations of their homes are changed, with the exception of Pemberly. This story is very loosely based on P&P.
There is a very obvious similarity of this story to Romeo and Juliet, in that two families have a long standing feud, and it's being challenged when a young couple from opposing sides fall in love. The author has no qualms about borrowing this idea, and even throws in a balcony scene straight out of that story. I had to laugh at that, because it was so obvious. The Bennetts and the Darcys are enemies, even though no one can remember how it all started or why. ODC do not like each other right away, but gradually are attracted, and then fall in love. And they're not the only ones forming relationships. There must be something in the water, because most of the characters seem to be in the mood for romance.
This is a sweet story, even if it's a little corny. Lady Catherine is a real doozy in this one, but she does suffer some good set downs. Jann Rowland is a master storyteller and writer, but there are a fair number of editing errors here, and some especially big mistakes, like saying Hertfordshire when you mean Derbyshire. I think this one could use some proofing.
I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
This author is one of my favorites for JAFF, and this is another good one by him. This is one of those tales that is called a P&P variation, but there is very little resemblance to the original other than character names, and even those are altered somewhat. The family dynamics of the Bennetts, Darcys, Bingleys, and Lucases are altered, and even the locations of their homes are changed, with the exception of Pemberly. This story is very loosely based on P&P.
There is a very obvious similarity of this story to Romeo and Juliet, in that two families have a long standing feud, and it's being challenged when a young couple from opposing sides fall in love. The author has no qualms about borrowing this idea, and even throws in a balcony scene straight out of that story. I had to laugh at that, because it was so obvious. The Bennetts and the Darcys are enemies, even though no one can remember how it all started or why. ODC do not like each other right away, but gradually are attracted, and then fall in love. And they're not the only ones forming relationships. There must be something in the water, because most of the characters seem to be in the mood for romance.
This is a sweet story, even if it's a little corny. Lady Catherine is a real doozy in this one, but she does suffer some good set downs. Jann Rowland is a master storyteller and writer, but there are a fair number of editing errors here, and some especially big mistakes, like saying Hertfordshire when you mean Derbyshire. I think this one could use some proofing.
I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
December 19, 2020
There was much to enjoy about this read (and I did enjoy it for the most part), but there were a couple things which did not sit well and came off as kind of cheap and lazy on the author's part.
Lydia is only 16, the same age as Alexander's sister - Total ICK factor!!! Seriously? In original P&P Lydia's stupidity and selfishness is was gets her to run away with a man, Here we are led to believe she is intelligent and proper, (she obviously isn't and its a total contradiction - you can't be both good and act with propriety and be Bold and Brash, did I mention the selfish...?). A shows about as much maturity as L and we never get to see they mature, only that they tell themselves they are.
Where is the comeuppance? I mean, there was no big bad, the 2 most selfish characters get away with utter crap behavior, with absolutely no consequence, Everyone was ladeedah perfect and paired off 2 by 2 like Noah's ark. There was no strife!
I vacillated between 3 and 4 stars, because there was so much unfulfilled potential, but in the end I did enjoy it while reading so I kept it at 4.
Lydia is only 16, the same age as Alexander's sister - Total ICK factor!!! Seriously? In original P&P Lydia's stupidity and selfishness is was gets her to run away with a man, Here we are led to believe she is intelligent and proper, (she obviously isn't and its a total contradiction - you can't be both good and act with propriety and be Bold and Brash, did I mention the selfish...?). A shows about as much maturity as L and we never get to see they mature, only that they tell themselves they are.
Where is the comeuppance? I mean, there was no big bad, the 2 most selfish characters get away with utter crap behavior, with absolutely no consequence, Everyone was ladeedah perfect and paired off 2 by 2 like Noah's ark. There was no strife!
I vacillated between 3 and 4 stars, because there was so much unfulfilled potential, but in the end I did enjoy it while reading so I kept it at 4.
January 18, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Though not my favorite by this author, I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet tones to the story. Despite the inclusion of all the secondary characters and romances, it was interesting to follow the breadcrumbs that led from one couple to another. This complexity also made this feel more like an anthology than a Darcy and Elizabeth tale. That’s an observation more than a criticism.
My major dissatisfaction is the large number of editing errors from naming the wrong character in a sentence to missing words, extraneous additional words, and grammatical errors. A few errors are inevitable, but there were so many that they became a significant distraction to my enjoyment of the book.
Though not my favorite by this author, I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet tones to the story. Despite the inclusion of all the secondary characters and romances, it was interesting to follow the breadcrumbs that led from one couple to another. This complexity also made this feel more like an anthology than a Darcy and Elizabeth tale. That’s an observation more than a criticism.
My major dissatisfaction is the large number of editing errors from naming the wrong character in a sentence to missing words, extraneous additional words, and grammatical errors. A few errors are inevitable, but there were so many that they became a significant distraction to my enjoyment of the book.
January 29, 2020
Avid Reader
I always enjoy reading this author 's work, and this book is no exception. As always Lydia married first via an elopement with Alexander Darcy, Darcy 's younger brother. He is 25and Lydia is 16. The decades old feud ends with their marriage. The Bennet family are members of the peer and are .ugh more refined . Gone are the salts because Margaret Gardener is now Lady Margaret. In addition, their is a Bennet heir who is saved from drowning by Darcy.
I always enjoy reading this author 's work, and this book is no exception. As always Lydia married first via an elopement with Alexander Darcy, Darcy 's younger brother. He is 25and Lydia is 16. The decades old feud ends with their marriage. The Bennet family are members of the peer and are .ugh more refined . Gone are the salts because Margaret Gardener is now Lady Margaret. In addition, their is a Bennet heir who is saved from drowning by Darcy.
January 10, 2020
A bit repetitive, but a fun read!
Here is a fun twist on the Pride and Prejudice story. Though the author repeats herself occasionally and the surprise at the end is really not surprising in the least, I still enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and close enough to the book to feel authentic. I would recommend to all lovers of p&p fanfic.
Here is a fun twist on the Pride and Prejudice story. Though the author repeats herself occasionally and the surprise at the end is really not surprising in the least, I still enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and close enough to the book to feel authentic. I would recommend to all lovers of p&p fanfic.
February 16, 2020
Interesting variation
Though the editing could be a little more careful and some aspects are predictable, I rather like this shift in the positions of the main players. And while there is still angst, the circumstances are much less dire and all turns out well and happy and bright in the end. I adore a happy story.
Though the editing could be a little more careful and some aspects are predictable, I rather like this shift in the positions of the main players. And while there is still angst, the circumstances are much less dire and all turns out well and happy and bright in the end. I adore a happy story.
March 7, 2021
Rather too error strewn
This story is a novel idea and could have been very interesting, but sadly it really wasn’t. I have read many books written by this author and normally find them interesting and well written but not this one.
The plot drags too much and the editing is not at all good with typos and continuity errors.
This story is a novel idea and could have been very interesting, but sadly it really wasn’t. I have read many books written by this author and normally find them interesting and well written but not this one.
The plot drags too much and the editing is not at all good with typos and continuity errors.
November 9, 2021
The Darcy’s and Bennett’s join the ranks of contentious families as the Hatfields and McCoys, or Montagues and Capulets.
WOW. Just WOW. What an amazing reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved tale, gently blended with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Don’t hesitate reading this one!
WOW. Just WOW. What an amazing reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved tale, gently blended with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Don’t hesitate reading this one!
January 14, 2020
A different spin for our favorite characters
A non canon story that maintains their traits and adds new characters and situations creating a very imaginative tale. Highly recommended!
A non canon story that maintains their traits and adds new characters and situations creating a very imaginative tale. Highly recommended!
April 16, 2020
A cross between P&P and Romeo and Juliet. Very different from the original. This time it is mostly the families that have all the pride and Prejudice and younger brother in each of the families makes for an interesting addition/twist.
January 28, 2020
Certainly not cannon...
May 21, 2020
Very entertaining
This latest novel of this author was very entertaining and original in plot and development I strongly recommend this book.
This latest novel of this author was very entertaining and original in plot and development I strongly recommend this book.
March 14, 2020
First, I want to say that I like this writer very much and have read several of his books that I have loved. This book, however, just did not hold my interest. It took me forever to get through it. I was glad when I finally finished it. It was ok, but just not what I am used to from this author. But, I just started another of his books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews