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A Fortuitous Fall: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Love is in the air as truth is proclaimed and secrets are revealed. How will those affected find their happily ever afters?
Sometimes one false step causes startling consequences. Mr. Collins is knocked unconscious while dancing at Netherfield and requires medical care. This, in turn, prevents the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy from leaving for London after the ball. The situation grows only more complicated when Mr. Collins wakes up - changed.
With a thoroughly odd Mr. Collins at Netherfield recovering from his injuries; Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and the Bennet family find themselves together frequently. Love is in the air between Jane and Bingley, Darcy fights his attraction for Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham lurks in the background.
Sometimes one false step causes startling consequences. Mr. Collins is knocked unconscious while dancing at Netherfield and requires medical care. This, in turn, prevents the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy from leaving for London after the ball. The situation grows only more complicated when Mr. Collins wakes up - changed.
With a thoroughly odd Mr. Collins at Netherfield recovering from his injuries; Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and the Bennet family find themselves together frequently. Love is in the air between Jane and Bingley, Darcy fights his attraction for Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham lurks in the background.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2020
202 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Laraba Kendig
40 books102 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 30, 2025
We function on a dozen different levels of intelligence. ~ Bergen Evans
“Pride & Prejudice” meets “Rainman” — but who is the idiot savant?
Usually, the idiot of the piece is William Collins and, indeed, “A Fortuitous Fall” begins with that premise. The Bennet family (plus one) arrives at the Netherfield Ball as usual. Mr. Collins begins the first dance with his unsuspecting intended as usual. Mr. Collins is clumsy as usual.
Unusually, Mr. Collins collides with Mr. Bingley and falls over backward, unconscious to the world.
Collins remains at Netherfield for the night without waking. In the morning, he regains consciousness and everyone notices some differences.
Some people take more care to hide their wisdom than their folly. ~ Jonathan Swift
In canon, we learn that Collins, Sr., was illiterate and miserly. We now learn of his abusiveness. Young William Collins was prevented from reading anything other than the Bible — which he learned in full. William feared his father’s punishments and yearned to learn.
When Rev. Collins arises from his unconscious state, he shows a different personality. Yes, this is a Mr. Collins with multiple personalities when so often he doesn’t have even one. He is so far removed from the bumbling idiot that his genius shows. Daily he surprises the other residents of Meryton. As in “Rainman” the altered Collins lacks all subtlety in his speech.
For example, this is a quote given to the fair Miss Bingley: ‘As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman without discretion.’ Miss Bingley seemed offended, somehow.
I enjoyed this unique approach to Rev. Collins and recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn't. ~ Emerson M. Pugh
“Pride & Prejudice” meets “Rainman” — but who is the idiot savant?
Usually, the idiot of the piece is William Collins and, indeed, “A Fortuitous Fall” begins with that premise. The Bennet family (plus one) arrives at the Netherfield Ball as usual. Mr. Collins begins the first dance with his unsuspecting intended as usual. Mr. Collins is clumsy as usual.
Unusually, Mr. Collins collides with Mr. Bingley and falls over backward, unconscious to the world.
Collins remains at Netherfield for the night without waking. In the morning, he regains consciousness and everyone notices some differences.
Some people take more care to hide their wisdom than their folly. ~ Jonathan Swift
In canon, we learn that Collins, Sr., was illiterate and miserly. We now learn of his abusiveness. Young William Collins was prevented from reading anything other than the Bible — which he learned in full. William feared his father’s punishments and yearned to learn.
When Rev. Collins arises from his unconscious state, he shows a different personality. Yes, this is a Mr. Collins with multiple personalities when so often he doesn’t have even one. He is so far removed from the bumbling idiot that his genius shows. Daily he surprises the other residents of Meryton. As in “Rainman” the altered Collins lacks all subtlety in his speech.
For example, this is a quote given to the fair Miss Bingley: ‘As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman without discretion.’ Miss Bingley seemed offended, somehow.
I enjoyed this unique approach to Rev. Collins and recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn't. ~ Emerson M. Pugh
April 2, 2021
“The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.” –Oscar Wilde, The Artist as Critic: Critical Writings of Oscar Wilde
Rating: clean: 21-chapters + epilogue: excerpt from next book with author pages: Angst Level: low-to-medium: heart-wrenching and emotionally charged: Source: Borrowed KU [3-30-21]: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
Netherfield Ball: Mr. Collins was overjoyed to have secured the promise of the first dance with his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and was determined to stay by her side for the remainder of the ball. His long-range plans included asking for her hand in marriage the next morning following the ball. He was confident she would accept, thus, solidifying the family’s place at Longbourn should the unthinkable happen to Mr. Bennet. He would then take his bride to Hunsford and Lady Catherine would visit her. Such were his plans. However, you know what they say about the best-laid plans… one slip during that ill-fated first dance suddenly had Mr. Collins laid out on the floor unconscious. Mr. Darcy saw the whole thing as he had been watching Miss Elizabeth from the side of the Assembly. What happened next changed everything.
“When a great genius appears in the world you may know him by this sign; that the dunces are all in confederacy against him. [Thoughts on Various Subjects]” –Jonathan Swift, Abolishing Christianity and Other Essays
What I liked: I loved this story. ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down]. I liked how the author allowed Elizabeth to come to conclusions on her own. OK, she had a bit of help from Jane; however, she was allowed to be intelligent. Jane was also pretty smart and had a HEA of her own. Darcy took his jolly good time but once he made up his mind, things changed for him as well.
This was a simple story and yet, it was heart-wrenching at the same time. I don’t usually feel sorry for Mr. Collins, but I did in this one. There were several story threads happening at once. In this corner, we had the girls [the three eldest Bennet sisters and Charlotte]. And, in this corner, we had the guys [Darcy, Bingley, another guy, and Collins]. In spite of that, the story threads never became tangled and I liked how nearly all came to a pleasant conclusion. It still needs to be said that there was a mild or soft cliffhanger. The story ended at 84% on my reading device with a 3-chapter excerpt for the next book: The Enigmatic Mr. Collins, and several author pages.
One little niggling edit: Mr. Bennet’s name: he was Thomas but in Ch 12 he was called James.
“The role of genius is not to complicate the simple, but to simplify the complicated.” –Criss Jami, Killosophy
Rating: clean: 21-chapters + epilogue: excerpt from next book with author pages: Angst Level: low-to-medium: heart-wrenching and emotionally charged: Source: Borrowed KU [3-30-21]: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
Netherfield Ball: Mr. Collins was overjoyed to have secured the promise of the first dance with his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and was determined to stay by her side for the remainder of the ball. His long-range plans included asking for her hand in marriage the next morning following the ball. He was confident she would accept, thus, solidifying the family’s place at Longbourn should the unthinkable happen to Mr. Bennet. He would then take his bride to Hunsford and Lady Catherine would visit her. Such were his plans. However, you know what they say about the best-laid plans… one slip during that ill-fated first dance suddenly had Mr. Collins laid out on the floor unconscious. Mr. Darcy saw the whole thing as he had been watching Miss Elizabeth from the side of the Assembly. What happened next changed everything.
“When a great genius appears in the world you may know him by this sign; that the dunces are all in confederacy against him. [Thoughts on Various Subjects]” –Jonathan Swift, Abolishing Christianity and Other Essays
What I liked: I loved this story. ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down]. I liked how the author allowed Elizabeth to come to conclusions on her own. OK, she had a bit of help from Jane; however, she was allowed to be intelligent. Jane was also pretty smart and had a HEA of her own. Darcy took his jolly good time but once he made up his mind, things changed for him as well.
This was a simple story and yet, it was heart-wrenching at the same time. I don’t usually feel sorry for Mr. Collins, but I did in this one. There were several story threads happening at once. In this corner, we had the girls [the three eldest Bennet sisters and Charlotte]. And, in this corner, we had the guys [Darcy, Bingley, another guy, and Collins]. In spite of that, the story threads never became tangled and I liked how nearly all came to a pleasant conclusion. It still needs to be said that there was a mild or soft cliffhanger. The story ended at 84% on my reading device with a 3-chapter excerpt for the next book: The Enigmatic Mr. Collins, and several author pages.
One little niggling edit: Mr. Bennet’s name: he was Thomas but in Ch 12 he was called James.
“The role of genius is not to complicate the simple, but to simplify the complicated.” –Criss Jami, Killosophy
June 23, 2021
DNF 53%
Just couldn’t really get into the story though I reaaaally tried to give it a chance to like it. I did not really like Mr. Darcy here nor was he true to character. And I still don’t understand when/how he fell in love with Lizzy. Some things were just not believable. After Mr Collins has a MINOR fall (he essentially tripped and fell to the ground while dancing, hitting his head), he wakes up and suddenly is completely changed in personality (he is somehow now “intelligent” and not annoying or a a suck up) with some mini breakthru return to that odious annoying Mr. Collins. Mr. Darcy thinks Mr. Collins is unquestionably brilliant, enough to even divulge private matters to seek his advice. Really? And somehow he thought that Bingley’s sisters truly cared about his sisters?? Just no.
Meanwhile 53% into the book and we’ve BARELY gotten much interaction between ODC. They were all minor interactions at best so far. Alas… I had to give up on the book :(
Just couldn’t really get into the story though I reaaaally tried to give it a chance to like it. I did not really like Mr. Darcy here nor was he true to character. And I still don’t understand when/how he fell in love with Lizzy. Some things were just not believable. After Mr Collins has a MINOR fall (he essentially tripped and fell to the ground while dancing, hitting his head), he wakes up and suddenly is completely changed in personality (he is somehow now “intelligent” and not annoying or a a suck up) with some mini breakthru return to that odious annoying Mr. Collins. Mr. Darcy thinks Mr. Collins is unquestionably brilliant, enough to even divulge private matters to seek his advice. Really? And somehow he thought that Bingley’s sisters truly cared about his sisters?? Just no.
Meanwhile 53% into the book and we’ve BARELY gotten much interaction between ODC. They were all minor interactions at best so far. Alas… I had to give up on the book :(
November 9, 2021
This story ended at 85% on my Kindle. We are then given a "sneak peek" of The Enigmatic Mr. Collins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation the sequel to this story.
The author's blurb tells us that Mr. Collins suffers a fall, injuring his head, while dancing at the Netherfield Ball. When he awakens he looks the same but is a totally different man: Darcy later calls him a genius. And he now calls his former self "that other Mr. Collins". He now also insults Lady Catherine and she overhears him. He is able, however, to discuss his need to select a wife and accepts Elizabeth's informing him that she will not be that person.
So Collins is recovering at Netherfield, Caroline is quite put out and wants him gone, especially as he insults her also. (These insults are all the truth but when told in a blunt manner...quite insulting.) Darcy decides to take Collins to Pemberley as he realizes that the living at Hunsford would no longer be a comfortable position for Collins. Darcy has a living he offers to Collins. Darcy also invites both Mary Bennet and Charlotte Lucas, who seem to be good candidates for Collins' wife. Elizabeth is asked to come also; both Mary and Charlotte want her company.
So it is at Pemberley that we read of not only Mr. Collins finding a mate. There is much discussion among the parties (which include a steward-in-training) as to what one should be marrying for: wealth, connections, accomplishments...or love and compatibility? So it is that Darcy has some input into his thoughts about Elizabeth's suitability to become his wife.
Wickham makes an appearance but he is taken out of the action early in the story...not by eloping with Lydia, either.
I enjoyed this story, especially as this Mr. Collins was written so differently from all that I have read about in other JAFF stories.
The author's blurb tells us that Mr. Collins suffers a fall, injuring his head, while dancing at the Netherfield Ball. When he awakens he looks the same but is a totally different man: Darcy later calls him a genius. And he now calls his former self "that other Mr. Collins". He now also insults Lady Catherine and she overhears him. He is able, however, to discuss his need to select a wife and accepts Elizabeth's informing him that she will not be that person.
So Collins is recovering at Netherfield, Caroline is quite put out and wants him gone, especially as he insults her also. (These insults are all the truth but when told in a blunt manner...quite insulting.) Darcy decides to take Collins to Pemberley as he realizes that the living at Hunsford would no longer be a comfortable position for Collins. Darcy has a living he offers to Collins. Darcy also invites both Mary Bennet and Charlotte Lucas, who seem to be good candidates for Collins' wife. Elizabeth is asked to come also; both Mary and Charlotte want her company.
So it is at Pemberley that we read of not only Mr. Collins finding a mate. There is much discussion among the parties (which include a steward-in-training) as to what one should be marrying for: wealth, connections, accomplishments...or love and compatibility? So it is that Darcy has some input into his thoughts about Elizabeth's suitability to become his wife.
Wickham makes an appearance but he is taken out of the action early in the story...not by eloping with Lydia, either.
I enjoyed this story, especially as this Mr. Collins was written so differently from all that I have read about in other JAFF stories.
November 21, 2020
This is what would be a clever idea for a novella or short story dragged kicking and screaming into a full length [ends at 92% on my Kindle] story.
Mr Collins hits is head and awakens altered. Mr. Darcy becomes his champion. Wickham gets his comeuppance or is punished
Mr Collins hits is head and awakens altered. Mr. Darcy becomes his champion. Wickham gets his comeuppance or is punished
November 13, 2020
Mr. Collins changes
An accident at a dance changes Mr. Collins. For my tastes not a very interesting story. It seemed rushed. Not terrible, just ok.
An accident at a dance changes Mr. Collins. For my tastes not a very interesting story. It seemed rushed. Not terrible, just ok.
October 16, 2020
This Pride and Prejudice variation begins at the Netherfield Ball. During Mr. Collins' dance with Lizzy Bennet, he clumsily collides with Mr. Bingley, and then falls, knocking himself unconscious. When he doesn't immediately come to, Mr. Darcy, who witnessed the accident, takes charge, advising Bingley that the local apothecary should be called for, and Mr. Collins is taken to a bedchamber. Eventually Darcy summons his own physician from London.
When Collins regains consciousness, he is like a different person. He even talks about the "other" Mr. Collins, in fact two of them, his prior persona and his father, who was abusive and forbade him to read any books but the Bible and religious texts. Darcy soon realizes the man is a genius whose intelligence was buried beneath the obnoxious personality we have all come to know as Mr. Collins. The way that this happened, as Mr. Collins tells it and experiences it, is tragic, but then the story gradually lightens, mainly due to the new Mr. Collins' eccentricity and social bumbling, until it becomes quite funny at times, as Mr. Collins' real personality comes into its own. There are various romances that develop in this story, though some seem a bit more practical than romantic. But the way they all come about is certainly entertaining. I like the parts that Mr. Bennet, Mary Bennet, and Charlotte Lucas play in this variation.
What I enjoyed most is that this story is such a departure from other JAFF stories, so refreshing and funny. It's delightful, in spite of seeming a bit silly, or awkward, or unbelievable at times. For pure entertainment value and freshness, I highly recommended it.
When Collins regains consciousness, he is like a different person. He even talks about the "other" Mr. Collins, in fact two of them, his prior persona and his father, who was abusive and forbade him to read any books but the Bible and religious texts. Darcy soon realizes the man is a genius whose intelligence was buried beneath the obnoxious personality we have all come to know as Mr. Collins. The way that this happened, as Mr. Collins tells it and experiences it, is tragic, but then the story gradually lightens, mainly due to the new Mr. Collins' eccentricity and social bumbling, until it becomes quite funny at times, as Mr. Collins' real personality comes into its own. There are various romances that develop in this story, though some seem a bit more practical than romantic. But the way they all come about is certainly entertaining. I like the parts that Mr. Bennet, Mary Bennet, and Charlotte Lucas play in this variation.
What I enjoyed most is that this story is such a departure from other JAFF stories, so refreshing and funny. It's delightful, in spite of seeming a bit silly, or awkward, or unbelievable at times. For pure entertainment value and freshness, I highly recommended it.
October 12, 2020
Original but unsatisfactory
This is one of the most original Pride and Prejudice variations I’ve ever read. Credit goes to the author who thought of bettering the character of Mr. William Collins, who is usually viewed as silly and villainous in majority variations. However, this variation broke one cardinal rule of Pride and Prejudice variations, which is focusing on the romance between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Highlighting the newly-improved Mr. Collins and his eccentricities rather than FD and EB makes this unsatisfactory and disappointing. Because our beloved couple became somewhat of a subplot rather than the main attraction, their exchanges seem flimsy, shallow and lacking in depth. At a time when the reader ought to feel excitement and giddiness when FD proposes to EB, and when the latter accepts, this reader didn’t really feel much but frustration/dissatisfaction. What makes this variation creditable is also what makes it dismissible.
This is one of the most original Pride and Prejudice variations I’ve ever read. Credit goes to the author who thought of bettering the character of Mr. William Collins, who is usually viewed as silly and villainous in majority variations. However, this variation broke one cardinal rule of Pride and Prejudice variations, which is focusing on the romance between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Highlighting the newly-improved Mr. Collins and his eccentricities rather than FD and EB makes this unsatisfactory and disappointing. Because our beloved couple became somewhat of a subplot rather than the main attraction, their exchanges seem flimsy, shallow and lacking in depth. At a time when the reader ought to feel excitement and giddiness when FD proposes to EB, and when the latter accepts, this reader didn’t really feel much but frustration/dissatisfaction. What makes this variation creditable is also what makes it dismissible.
May 14, 2021
Original idea. I liked the story but didn’t love it. Mr. Collins was very interesting and I enjoyed his reformation & his wise insight, but I didn’t feel much of a connection to the the story or characters. There wasn’t much interaction or chemistry between D&E or anyone else for that matter.
October 24, 2020
What fun!
I've read other JAFF wherein Mr Collins' life takes a different trajectory, but this premise is wonderfully original and surprising. He takes a tumble at the Netherfield ball, strikes his head hard, is unconscious, and wakes up a changed man. He remembers his life, but is suddenly a genius, with unfiltered and blunt speech, and freedom from the chains of his abusive childhood. His change from groveling, oily sycophant, to highly intelligent and honest brainiac, affects everyone around him is strange and far reaching ways.
Perhaps the most profoundly affected is, surprisingly, Mr Darcy. Since the accident occurred at Netherfield, Collins is compelled to spend his recovery in that house, and Darcy becomes fascinated with the alteration and the sheer brilliance of Collins, and takes special interest in his care. Darcy's kindness and care towards Collins isn't lost on Elizabeth, and her poor opinion of Darcy starts to undergo a shift for the better.
As always with this author, there are a lot of religious references in the book, but since Mr Collins is the focus, and he's a clergyman, the story avoids the preachiness of some of her other work. I have no objection to religious references when they're a sensible part of a story, as long as it doesn't cross a line into blatant evangelizing.
It's lovely how the author manages to show the far reaching effects that one seemingly insignificant man can have on so many other people, just by suddenly becoming honest and forthright, in a world where men and women typically hide behind their beliefs of propriety. This is an enjoyable book, where there are villains, but they're dealt with handily. It's well written, well edited, and heartwarming. I recommend it highly.
I've read other JAFF wherein Mr Collins' life takes a different trajectory, but this premise is wonderfully original and surprising. He takes a tumble at the Netherfield ball, strikes his head hard, is unconscious, and wakes up a changed man. He remembers his life, but is suddenly a genius, with unfiltered and blunt speech, and freedom from the chains of his abusive childhood. His change from groveling, oily sycophant, to highly intelligent and honest brainiac, affects everyone around him is strange and far reaching ways.
Perhaps the most profoundly affected is, surprisingly, Mr Darcy. Since the accident occurred at Netherfield, Collins is compelled to spend his recovery in that house, and Darcy becomes fascinated with the alteration and the sheer brilliance of Collins, and takes special interest in his care. Darcy's kindness and care towards Collins isn't lost on Elizabeth, and her poor opinion of Darcy starts to undergo a shift for the better.
As always with this author, there are a lot of religious references in the book, but since Mr Collins is the focus, and he's a clergyman, the story avoids the preachiness of some of her other work. I have no objection to religious references when they're a sensible part of a story, as long as it doesn't cross a line into blatant evangelizing.
It's lovely how the author manages to show the far reaching effects that one seemingly insignificant man can have on so many other people, just by suddenly becoming honest and forthright, in a world where men and women typically hide behind their beliefs of propriety. This is an enjoyable book, where there are villains, but they're dealt with handily. It's well written, well edited, and heartwarming. I recommend it highly.
November 19, 2020
Loved it!
What a wonderful variation! Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins are soooo interesting; I have crush on both of them. (Snicker) Kudos to your daughters/editors for a great job, though I suspect they had a good manuscript to read. There were a couple of errors, but they are so minor I don’t even remember what they are.
Congratulations on characterizations I hadn’t seen before. While I Am Jael is good, this is my new favorite barely surpassing Banished Uncle. Keep writing—when you can find the time.
What a wonderful variation! Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins are soooo interesting; I have crush on both of them. (Snicker) Kudos to your daughters/editors for a great job, though I suspect they had a good manuscript to read. There were a couple of errors, but they are so minor I don’t even remember what they are.
Congratulations on characterizations I hadn’t seen before. While I Am Jael is good, this is my new favorite barely surpassing Banished Uncle. Keep writing—when you can find the time.
June 28, 2024
This is as much Mr. Collins's story as it is Darcy and Elizabeth's. I really liked this story. Villains are disposed off quickly and efficiently. That leaves you to enjoy all the other characters leisurely and there are many. If only all idiots can be made intelligent with a bump to their head, there will be many buyers for baseball bats.
May 13, 2021
In this P&P variation, while attending the Netherfield Ball, Collins has an accident and his submerged personality comes to the fore. That of a very intelligent gentleman though a straight talker. Will this change his marriage plans. Darcy offers his help.
An enjoyable variation though once again another disappointing pairing for Mary.
An enjoyable variation though once again another disappointing pairing for Mary.
October 29, 2021
Pride goeth before a fall
This lovely story opens at the Netherfield ball. Mr. Collins is firm in his belief that Elizabeth Bennet will soon be his wife. In fact, he has already reserved the first dance with her. As the music begins, the couple take to the floor. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins is no Fred Astaire, and his gyrations cause difficulties for everyone.
When someone bumps into Mr. Collins, he is propelled toward Elizabeth. As she steps back, Mr. Collins is standing on her hem, and a ripping sound is heard. Mr. Collins loses his balance and falls to the floor.
The unconscious man is carried to a bedchamber. When he regains consciousness, his personality has changed drastically.
33
This lovely story opens at the Netherfield ball. Mr. Collins is firm in his belief that Elizabeth Bennet will soon be his wife. In fact, he has already reserved the first dance with her. As the music begins, the couple take to the floor. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins is no Fred Astaire, and his gyrations cause difficulties for everyone.
When someone bumps into Mr. Collins, he is propelled toward Elizabeth. As she steps back, Mr. Collins is standing on her hem, and a ripping sound is heard. Mr. Collins loses his balance and falls to the floor.
The unconscious man is carried to a bedchamber. When he regains consciousness, his personality has changed drastically.
33
October 19, 2020
Most original!
Kendig’s story of the man hidden behind Mr, Collin’s obsequiousness and stupidity’s both poignant and creative. Though Collins is the fulcrum on which the plot turns, we do have three other HEA. Kendig writes very well and her stories are well edited. She is on my must read lead.
Kendig’s story of the man hidden behind Mr, Collin’s obsequiousness and stupidity’s both poignant and creative. Though Collins is the fulcrum on which the plot turns, we do have three other HEA. Kendig writes very well and her stories are well edited. She is on my must read lead.
February 3, 2021
How many times can you call Darcy master of Pemberley?
Really, why cant the author just call him Darcy or He? And can she not decide if she's hoing to call Mr. Bennet Thomas or James?
Really, why cant the author just call him Darcy or He? And can she not decide if she's hoing to call Mr. Bennet Thomas or James?
October 19, 2020
Different
Another wildly different variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it
Another wildly different variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it
December 28, 2020
Very strange Mr Collins and a fun story
Mr Collins falls as a result of his poor dancing skills and developed a head injury while at Netherfield . When he awakes he's not the pompous windbag who praises Lady Catherine non stop but a brilliant scholar with perfect memory . As a child his father had beaten him over his love of reading so he hid that part of himself.
The fun part is his blunt comments because his social skills are not developed. He needs a wife to help him adjust. He's blunt with Elizabeth in that they would not suit. Of course Charlotte is perfect for him.
The best event in this story is Colonel Fitzwilliam kidnapping Wickham and press ganging him onto a ship sailing for the Caribbean for a few years! That saves many women and young girls from heartache and the merchants from his debts! Loved action finally being taken!
Mr Collins falls as a result of his poor dancing skills and developed a head injury while at Netherfield . When he awakes he's not the pompous windbag who praises Lady Catherine non stop but a brilliant scholar with perfect memory . As a child his father had beaten him over his love of reading so he hid that part of himself.
The fun part is his blunt comments because his social skills are not developed. He needs a wife to help him adjust. He's blunt with Elizabeth in that they would not suit. Of course Charlotte is perfect for him.
The best event in this story is Colonel Fitzwilliam kidnapping Wickham and press ganging him onto a ship sailing for the Caribbean for a few years! That saves many women and young girls from heartache and the merchants from his debts! Loved action finally being taken!
June 12, 2024
A good plot stretched too thin - 3.5*
A difficult book to review - a very good plot idea but it is enough plot for a novella not for a novel. Mr Collins rather blunt conversation was funny initially but became a little tired when repeated again and again. The romance element was really rather unromantic. Maybe the author should have been a little bolder and just left them ut altogether and allowed them to happen "off-the page" instead.
The book finished at 83% on my Kindle followed by an excerpt from the sequel to this book. It might have been better if they had been published together as a duology.
A difficult book to review - a very good plot idea but it is enough plot for a novella not for a novel. Mr Collins rather blunt conversation was funny initially but became a little tired when repeated again and again. The romance element was really rather unromantic. Maybe the author should have been a little bolder and just left them ut altogether and allowed them to happen "off-the page" instead.
The book finished at 83% on my Kindle followed by an excerpt from the sequel to this book. It might have been better if they had been published together as a duology.
June 1, 2025
I believe I read the extended version ….. This story really shed a much more positive light on Mr. Collins. How very entertaining to consider this “drastic change” in his personality! I really loved how this change had a significant domino effect in the lives and love interests of so many beloved characters. As the story continues to the point the next generation is beginning to “come out”, it showcased longstanding progress, openness to change in ideas, perceptions and even social class expectations while embracing ideas on family, love, health and happiness. Another wonderful story to dive into and enjoy.
March 21, 2021
Ms Kendig likes to infuse her novels with religious undertones, interpolating biblical scripture and Christian concepts. I knew that from reading other variations of hers, so I was forewarned. While "A Fortuitous Fall" has more of that than usual, it isn't annoying. After all, the book centers around William Collins, the Bennet cousin and heir to Longbourn, who is the vicar of Hunsford Parish. At least he used to be, before taking a fall at the Netherfield ball and waking up quite changed. The change is so startling that it affects the lives of everyone around him.
July 31, 2021
This story took place during the first dance of Nether field Ball, where unfortunately Mr Collins fell down during the dance, and somehow his other side, presumably the side that he had suppressed due to difficult childhood came out. I can say that the main idea is rather refreshing, as I have been binge reading as many Pride and Prejudice variations as I could this year, this the 4 stars. But don't worry, Mr Collins wasn't the main character, and in general the story progressed to where it should and will always be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2020
I simply adore Happily Ever Afters!
This was a delightful read! HEAs all around with little angst and much humor. What an intriguing concept and twist on P&P. There are not many variations that make Mr. Collins enjoyable. Yet another wonderful story by Laraba Kendig. Thank you and keep them coming!
This was a delightful read! HEAs all around with little angst and much humor. What an intriguing concept and twist on P&P. There are not many variations that make Mr. Collins enjoyable. Yet another wonderful story by Laraba Kendig. Thank you and keep them coming!
November 1, 2020
An Interesting perspective
I like this idea of a blow to the head changing Mr. Collins' personality. I wondered at first if, given time, Lizzy might have considered accepting him after all, but I suppose while she can respect this new Collins and have intelligent conversations with him, she still would not be romantically inclined toward him.
I like this idea of a blow to the head changing Mr. Collins' personality. I wondered at first if, given time, Lizzy might have considered accepting him after all, but I suppose while she can respect this new Collins and have intelligent conversations with him, she still would not be romantically inclined toward him.
December 26, 2020
Enjoyable alternate 2nd half to Pride & Prejudice
This is a delightful story beginning with a remarkable change in Mr. Collins' behavior and personality after he has a concussion. Mr. Darcy's response reveals his character to Elizabeth and the Bennets.
The characters we know and love from P&P remain basically the same, though three of them evolve for the better.
This is a delightful story beginning with a remarkable change in Mr. Collins' behavior and personality after he has a concussion. Mr. Darcy's response reveals his character to Elizabeth and the Bennets.
The characters we know and love from P&P remain basically the same, though three of them evolve for the better.
December 9, 2021
Extremely funny, with a truly unique Mr. Collins
Four and a half stars, rounded up to five. The "odd" version of Mr. Collins really sold me on this book, along with the huge amount of humor. The ending was perhaps a bit too sugary, but if that's my only complaint, I can't complain much. A very fun story!
Four and a half stars, rounded up to five. The "odd" version of Mr. Collins really sold me on this book, along with the huge amount of humor. The ending was perhaps a bit too sugary, but if that's my only complaint, I can't complain much. A very fun story!
May 21, 2022
What fun was found within this book! I did not do research into it, and picked it from one of the titles long waiting my eyes, and it was worth every second I spent reading it! I laughed out loud more than twice, and I thought that it was just pure amusement and fun, and I commend the author for being so original in her cause/effect!
October 13, 2020
A pleasant read
I enjoyed this book. The ending was abrupt, but other than that I enjoyed Mr. Collins' character. I appreciate how the author introduced Christian material, it seemed to flow naturally with the character and not forced.
I enjoyed this book. The ending was abrupt, but other than that I enjoyed Mr. Collins' character. I appreciate how the author introduced Christian material, it seemed to flow naturally with the character and not forced.
October 26, 2020
Fabulous
Most entertaining read. Mr. Collins makes a great character in this variation he is so entertaining in a positive way that you can’t help loving him and you definitely don’t want to stop reading until the end and when that happens you wish there was more.
Most entertaining read. Mr. Collins makes a great character in this variation he is so entertaining in a positive way that you can’t help loving him and you definitely don’t want to stop reading until the end and when that happens you wish there was more.
November 30, 2020
Disappointed in the ending
This was a solid book, which is why I have it three stars but I was really disappointed with the abrupt ending. The pace throughout the book was rather quick, but I am always happy with a chance for the characters to enjoy being in love.
This was a solid book, which is why I have it three stars but I was really disappointed with the abrupt ending. The pace throughout the book was rather quick, but I am always happy with a chance for the characters to enjoy being in love.
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