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Matchmakers & Wallflowers #1
Matching Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation
Their futures seemed determined, until they were not.
One would think that an heiress would have everything she wanted lying at her feet and a cadre of friends to ensure her happiness. However, one would be wrong. Lady Elizabeth Bennet secretly carries a devastating burden and, having spurned too many suitors, is a wallflower by choice. However, if she cannot find a match quickly, not even her money and title will save her from a fate worse than death.
William Darcy, a shopkeeper’s son and distant relation to the Darcy’s of Pemberley, never thought he would part of London’s society, but an unexpected friendship and a fortunate investment has thrust him into the bowels of fine society. It is not, perhaps a place he enjoys being, but it does afford him the prospect of finally restoring to his family what was once stolen.
There is, however, a rather pretty obstacle standing in his path. Lady Elizabeth, the woman with the unforgettable eyes, threatens to upend all of Darcy’s plans, while, unbeknownst to him, he poses a complication in her quest for security and safety. Can two rivals find a solution that brings them both what they want, or will one have to win at the other’s expense?
Matching Pemberley is the first in a new series featuring matchmakers and wallflowers from Rose Fairbanks. If you enjoy sweet stories with unexpected twists, you will love this gender-swap retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Cupid has his work cut out for him, but he may have a bit of help! Buy or download your copy today.
One would think that an heiress would have everything she wanted lying at her feet and a cadre of friends to ensure her happiness. However, one would be wrong. Lady Elizabeth Bennet secretly carries a devastating burden and, having spurned too many suitors, is a wallflower by choice. However, if she cannot find a match quickly, not even her money and title will save her from a fate worse than death.
William Darcy, a shopkeeper’s son and distant relation to the Darcy’s of Pemberley, never thought he would part of London’s society, but an unexpected friendship and a fortunate investment has thrust him into the bowels of fine society. It is not, perhaps a place he enjoys being, but it does afford him the prospect of finally restoring to his family what was once stolen.
There is, however, a rather pretty obstacle standing in his path. Lady Elizabeth, the woman with the unforgettable eyes, threatens to upend all of Darcy’s plans, while, unbeknownst to him, he poses a complication in her quest for security and safety. Can two rivals find a solution that brings them both what they want, or will one have to win at the other’s expense?
Matching Pemberley is the first in a new series featuring matchmakers and wallflowers from Rose Fairbanks. If you enjoy sweet stories with unexpected twists, you will love this gender-swap retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Cupid has his work cut out for him, but he may have a bit of help! Buy or download your copy today.
- GenresNovella
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2021
37 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Rose Fairbanks
61 books112 followersRose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 14, 2021
Source: borrowed from KU [2-13-21]: Rating: clean: angst level: medium: Book 1: Matchmakers & Wallflowers [3.5-stars round to 4-stars]
This story had a complete flip in the stations of our P&P characters. Darcy was a tradesman and Lady Elizabeth was related to earls. I found this rather disconcerting as I tried to follow the story with Elizabeth being so far above Darcy. While Darcy tried to mingle with the ton, he felt the sting of society’s disdain as if the stench of trade was contagious. I rather felt for the poor boy.
Jane was married to Collins. Collins, as Elizabeth’s guardian, had betrothed her to Wickham in order to secure Pemberley part of her inheritance. Meanwhile, Darcy was trying to secure proof and documentation that he also had a claim toward Pemberley. Yeah, this was topsy-turvy. Toward the end, the story felt rushed, and then it ended without an epilogue.
This story had a complete flip in the stations of our P&P characters. Darcy was a tradesman and Lady Elizabeth was related to earls. I found this rather disconcerting as I tried to follow the story with Elizabeth being so far above Darcy. While Darcy tried to mingle with the ton, he felt the sting of society’s disdain as if the stench of trade was contagious. I rather felt for the poor boy.
Jane was married to Collins. Collins, as Elizabeth’s guardian, had betrothed her to Wickham in order to secure Pemberley part of her inheritance. Meanwhile, Darcy was trying to secure proof and documentation that he also had a claim toward Pemberley. Yeah, this was topsy-turvy. Toward the end, the story felt rushed, and then it ended without an epilogue.
February 13, 2021
I have been reading another book for 3 weeks, and getting nowhere. And then this one showed up, perfect! Totally what I needed. Honestly, there is nothing like a bit of pride and prejudice to finally get reading.
Elizabeth is the lady in this one and heir to Pemberley. Darcy is a bookseller who made good money via good friends. They meet, they do not have any pride and prejudice issues, but there is another thing. Collins, ugh, what an ahole. He is the danger here.
It is a short novella. But it packages some drama, some romance and a happily ever after (though I still wonder who...spoiler! But like who! it was not him was it? Oh no one knows what I am muttering, but yes I wonder, conspiracy!
I do need pride and prejudice variations. They help me over reading bumps.
Elizabeth is the lady in this one and heir to Pemberley. Darcy is a bookseller who made good money via good friends. They meet, they do not have any pride and prejudice issues, but there is another thing. Collins, ugh, what an ahole. He is the danger here.
It is a short novella. But it packages some drama, some romance and a happily ever after (though I still wonder who...spoiler! But like who! it was not him was it? Oh no one knows what I am muttering, but yes I wonder, conspiracy!
I do need pride and prejudice variations. They help me over reading bumps.
February 18, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
March 3, 2022
A nice read
I liked this story. It was a different story. Collins was the only villain and Elizabeth was owner of Pemberley.
I liked this story. It was a different story. Collins was the only villain and Elizabeth was owner of Pemberley.
February 19, 2021
The basis for this book is pretty good if you enjoy melodrama, and Ms. Fairbanks's ability to turn a phrase is evident, as usual.
However, there are two major problems with the plot.
The first is that this novella is too far removed from the original Pride and Prejudice to claim this is a variation or even a re-imagining. The only similarities are the character names and estate names. Also, Mr. Darcy and LADY Elizabeth meet at a ball where they each make a poor first impression on the other, but they eventually fall in love - but that's a trope used in plenty of romance novels that aren't P&P variations. The parallels end there, as far as I can tell.
Darcy is at the ball with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charles Bingley, both of whom are more established and sought-out in society than he is. He only recently became wealthy thanks to shrewd investments in a factory with his friends. Darcy also seeks proof that he's the rightful owner to Pemberley, which was stolen from his family generations ago. Unfortunately, he's only known in society as a mere bookstore owner.
Immediately attracted to Lady Elizabeth, Darcy asks her to dance and is rudely refused. She assumes he's a typical grasping social climber, while he deduces she's an arrogant snob. They're both wrong, of course.
What he doesn't learn until after approaching her is that Lady Elizabeth's family now owns Pemberley. With both her parents dead and Elizabeth yet to reach her majority, she is the ward of Lord George Collins, a distant cousin of her father's. Collins is married to Elizabeth's sister Jane, who is dying. He's cruel and greedy, and he blackmails Elizabeth. In exchange for allowing her to stay in the London townhome and nurse her sick sister to the end, she must agree to marry their cousin Mr. Wickham. Collins plans to give Wickham Longbourn (Jane's inheritance) while he takes Pemberley (Elizabeth's).
Elizabeth takes a weekly break from Jane's bedside to visit her good friend and cousin (LOTS of cousins in this story) Anne de Bourgh. There, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy again encounter each other. Discovering that Lord Collins is their mutual adversary, they agree to team up. The plot continues to develop from there.
The other major problem is the ridiculously anti-climactic ending. With the villain apparently having anticipated Elizabeth's attempt to escape, he gleefully thwarts her.
...and then
Huh???
There's only a vague and unsatisfactory explanation. Not cool.
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
However, there are two major problems with the plot.
The first is that this novella is too far removed from the original Pride and Prejudice to claim this is a variation or even a re-imagining. The only similarities are the character names and estate names. Also, Mr. Darcy and LADY Elizabeth meet at a ball where they each make a poor first impression on the other, but they eventually fall in love - but that's a trope used in plenty of romance novels that aren't P&P variations. The parallels end there, as far as I can tell.
Darcy is at the ball with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charles Bingley, both of whom are more established and sought-out in society than he is. He only recently became wealthy thanks to shrewd investments in a factory with his friends. Darcy also seeks proof that he's the rightful owner to Pemberley, which was stolen from his family generations ago. Unfortunately, he's only known in society as a mere bookstore owner.
Immediately attracted to Lady Elizabeth, Darcy asks her to dance and is rudely refused. She assumes he's a typical grasping social climber, while he deduces she's an arrogant snob. They're both wrong, of course.
What he doesn't learn until after approaching her is that Lady Elizabeth's family now owns Pemberley. With both her parents dead and Elizabeth yet to reach her majority, she is the ward of Lord George Collins, a distant cousin of her father's. Collins is married to Elizabeth's sister Jane, who is dying. He's cruel and greedy, and he blackmails Elizabeth. In exchange for allowing her to stay in the London townhome and nurse her sick sister to the end, she must agree to marry their cousin Mr. Wickham. Collins plans to give Wickham Longbourn (Jane's inheritance) while he takes Pemberley (Elizabeth's).
Elizabeth takes a weekly break from Jane's bedside to visit her good friend and cousin (LOTS of cousins in this story) Anne de Bourgh. There, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy again encounter each other. Discovering that Lord Collins is their mutual adversary, they agree to team up. The plot continues to develop from there.
The other major problem is the ridiculously anti-climactic ending. With the villain apparently having anticipated Elizabeth's attempt to escape, he gleefully thwarts her.
...and then
Huh???
There's only a vague and unsatisfactory explanation. Not cool.
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
December 28, 2022
An interesting book where Elizabeth is the heiress and an Earl's daughter and Darcy is the son of a tradesman. It felt like the author did a random drawing of lottery to choose every character's station in life and relationship. So much is topsy turvy. But I appreciate that the author overcame the temptation to write too much so that she can keep the story crisp and short. Though it felt like a few things could have had better explanations (maybe an epilogue?), the story by itself was good and fast.
March 5, 2021
Lady Elizabeth Bennet has faded into the background on purpose in an effort to avoid marriage and prevent her brother-in-law from possessing her inheritance - Pemberley. She just has to hold out until she is of age. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a self made man who believes is the rightful heir of Pemberley. As they meet and meet together to find the real story, they also find real love and save the day.
February 14, 2021
A great flip of circumstances and this author makes it work. My only comment would be the ending seemed rushed and too easy.
September 23, 2022
Totally out of canon...
...But a really interesting concept. He is a lovely character, still uncomfortable in social situations. She belongs to the first circles but has an enchanting personality. The plot is very imaginative. Thoroughly recommended!
...But a really interesting concept. He is a lovely character, still uncomfortable in social situations. She belongs to the first circles but has an enchanting personality. The plot is very imaginative. Thoroughly recommended!
November 15, 2022
Jane's story is a 'no'...
I like to think I have somewhat of an open mind when it comes to P&P variations. The premise was different, but I was willing to wrap my mind around all the changes to be rewarded with a good read. So far, about a third into the book, the storyline was....okay. Darcy and Elizabeth are working together to solve family matters when they realized the attraction on both ends. In my mind, everything that happened up to this point was a setup for whatever drama or evil deeds that will take place next. Instead, out if the blue, I'm told:
1) The villain is dead (off screen)
2) Darcy and Elizabeth marries (off screen)
3) Kitty and Lydia return from years of schooling, but are still silly, flirtatious, and officer crazy.
Numbers 1-3 was happening at a rapid pace. I was like, whatever, just go with it, until the straw that broke the camel's back...
4) Jane. Jane's miraculous recovery...uh!? Shaking my head at this. According to Elizabeth, Jane has been suffering from syphilis for the last five years. At the moment Jane is blind, deaf, and bed-ridden and the doctor said Jane can die any day now. I guess it's my fault for assuming Jane, being sick for 5 years with syphilis, thought Jane experienced sores, foul odor, ulcers over the body, constant pain among other things- you know, syphilis. I'm also thinking she was being treated with mercury, which can also kill. But no, Jane just needed to leave all the stress from the house for a week or so to regain her hearing, sight and strength. Jane is back to normal. There's no mention of sores. My question is why did Elizabeth believe Jane had the pox all these years? Why did the doctor treating Jane all these years allow Elizabeth to believe it or did he believe it too? If Jane was only (but serious) experiencing headaches, loss of hearing and sight, why did the doctor think Jane would die any day? Jane was gone for a week before the family was told it wasn't syphilis. Was the doctor fired?
Too many questions concerning this.
Like I said, all these things happened at a blink of an eye, but Jane's recovery and killed the story for me.
I like to think I have somewhat of an open mind when it comes to P&P variations. The premise was different, but I was willing to wrap my mind around all the changes to be rewarded with a good read. So far, about a third into the book, the storyline was....okay. Darcy and Elizabeth are working together to solve family matters when they realized the attraction on both ends. In my mind, everything that happened up to this point was a setup for whatever drama or evil deeds that will take place next. Instead, out if the blue, I'm told:
1) The villain is dead (off screen)
2) Darcy and Elizabeth marries (off screen)
3) Kitty and Lydia return from years of schooling, but are still silly, flirtatious, and officer crazy.
Numbers 1-3 was happening at a rapid pace. I was like, whatever, just go with it, until the straw that broke the camel's back...
4) Jane. Jane's miraculous recovery...uh!? Shaking my head at this. According to Elizabeth, Jane has been suffering from syphilis for the last five years. At the moment Jane is blind, deaf, and bed-ridden and the doctor said Jane can die any day now. I guess it's my fault for assuming Jane, being sick for 5 years with syphilis, thought Jane experienced sores, foul odor, ulcers over the body, constant pain among other things- you know, syphilis. I'm also thinking she was being treated with mercury, which can also kill. But no, Jane just needed to leave all the stress from the house for a week or so to regain her hearing, sight and strength. Jane is back to normal. There's no mention of sores. My question is why did Elizabeth believe Jane had the pox all these years? Why did the doctor treating Jane all these years allow Elizabeth to believe it or did he believe it too? If Jane was only (but serious) experiencing headaches, loss of hearing and sight, why did the doctor think Jane would die any day? Jane was gone for a week before the family was told it wasn't syphilis. Was the doctor fired?
Too many questions concerning this.
Like I said, all these things happened at a blink of an eye, but Jane's recovery and killed the story for me.
Read
September 3, 2023This was a nice short read, although I confess I struggled to understand all the different characters relationships to one another at the beginning.
This version has Mr Darcy as a former book keeper who made a fortune in trade (with Richard Fitzwilliam and Charles Bingley as partners), and Lady Elizabeth Bennet (cousin to Anne de Bourgh, Richard Fitzwilliam, and also William Collins).
Once I got into the story, this made an enjoyable enough read; however, the ending wasn't fully developed. I would have liked the complication to have been resolved by the actions of the main characters.
This version has Mr Darcy as a former book keeper who made a fortune in trade (with Richard Fitzwilliam and Charles Bingley as partners), and Lady Elizabeth Bennet (cousin to Anne de Bourgh, Richard Fitzwilliam, and also William Collins).
Once I got into the story, this made an enjoyable enough read; however, the ending wasn't fully developed. I would have liked the complication to have been resolved by the actions of the main characters.
March 2, 2021
Confusing story
This is by far the most confusing story that I have ever read. The relationships between the characters you different and no explanation is given. Elizabeth is a Lady who is related to the Fitzwilliam family somehow. Darcy owns a bookstore and everyone is fighting for Pemberly. No explanation....
Jane is dying of the pox, and deaf and blind but then she's recovered bc her husband is dead??? Please... Far too little explanations, muddled timelines, unexplained events.....It's just a hot mess and definitely not up to what we expect from this writer.
This is by far the most confusing story that I have ever read. The relationships between the characters you different and no explanation is given. Elizabeth is a Lady who is related to the Fitzwilliam family somehow. Darcy owns a bookstore and everyone is fighting for Pemberly. No explanation....
Jane is dying of the pox, and deaf and blind but then she's recovered bc her husband is dead??? Please... Far too little explanations, muddled timelines, unexplained events.....It's just a hot mess and definitely not up to what we expect from this writer.
April 11, 2021
Though not really a Pride & Prejudice variation, as there are too many changes to the original, it was an interesting plot until the end. At that point, things were tied up too neatly, with no explanation, thereby saving the author from writing a more plausible ending. And to say that the cause of Jane's illness was mysterious is an understatement. The ending left me shaking my head and saying, "Oh, come on now!"
April 12, 2021
Too Short
VERY unique plot, but I wish it was a longer read. Some areas I would have liked to have seen explored more. I loved that Mr. Collins' character was nasty and menacing. His authoritarian personality was so well laid out that I wish there had been more of him. The character's relationships to each other and each personality is way off canon in the best possible way. This book is a great read.
VERY unique plot, but I wish it was a longer read. Some areas I would have liked to have seen explored more. I loved that Mr. Collins' character was nasty and menacing. His authoritarian personality was so well laid out that I wish there had been more of him. The character's relationships to each other and each personality is way off canon in the best possible way. This book is a great read.
June 27, 2023
(Novella) Lizzy is a Lady with a title and chooses to be a wallflower but now must marry. Darcy is a shopkeeper's son and using wise investments is climbing back to his distant connection to Pemberley. Jane is married to Colins and is sick/dying. They are related to the Fitzwilliams through their mother. Colins is threatening to marry Lizzy off to Wickham and steal her inheritance: Pemberley
Short but confusing. Claims there would be two more - none written yet.
Short but confusing. Claims there would be two more - none written yet.
June 12, 2024
This variation had all the characters from canon in one way or another but their roles and/or relationships are different in many cases. So that made it an interesting variation. The angst in this story came from different sources than canon and was different than other books I've read but I liked the story. Unexpected twists came at the end. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about those.
Sex: no, references of infidelity, VD
Language: no
Violence: verbal abuse
Sex: no, references of infidelity, VD
Language: no
Violence: verbal abuse
February 22, 2021
Fantastically flipped P&P variation
I absolutely love it when it is Elizabeth’s family that has the money in these books! Cousins and aunts and uncles are all switched around making for a totally different storyline! Rose Fairbanks never disappoints! I only wish this was longer or we could be promised a continuing saga!!
I absolutely love it when it is Elizabeth’s family that has the money in these books! Cousins and aunts and uncles are all switched around making for a totally different storyline! Rose Fairbanks never disappoints! I only wish this was longer or we could be promised a continuing saga!!
February 18, 2021
Lady Jane Bennet has fallen ill after her marriage to cousin Lord William Collins. Lady Elizabeth tends to her sister while trying to find evidence of her claim on the Pemberley estate. Meanwhile tradesman Darcy is trying to trace his claim.
An enjoyable and well-written variation
An enjoyable and well-written variation
March 16, 2021
A little thin
The story seemed a little thin on both character development and plot. The denouement came too neatly and improbably, with no real explanation. Despite a happy ending it was ultimately unsatisfying.
The story seemed a little thin on both character development and plot. The denouement came too neatly and improbably, with no real explanation. Despite a happy ending it was ultimately unsatisfying.
Read
March 18, 2021I feel like part of my kindle unlimited version must have been missing or there is a prequel that I should have read first, so I won't rate it. This is normally a pretty solid author, so something went wrong.
October 13, 2024
I liked the story but it felt rushed and a bit incomplete in places. Certain things were not really justified or explained as well as they should have been. However, it was still a pleasant read overall.
February 18, 2021
Twisting their fate
ODC in very different circumstances but destined to be together. Lots of interesting plot points they are all there but quite different. Enjoy.
ODC in very different circumstances but destined to be together. Lots of interesting plot points they are all there but quite different. Enjoy.
October 12, 2022
4.5 rounded to 5
August 20, 2021
An unusually twist
An interesting variation makes for a very different read. The characters positions in society are switched to a certain extent but other changes give more variety. The decision to write this as a novella has restricted the plot development but it is definitely a recommended read.
An interesting variation makes for a very different read. The characters positions in society are switched to a certain extent but other changes give more variety. The decision to write this as a novella has restricted the plot development but it is definitely a recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews