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The Reintroduction of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Elizabeth Bennet moves with her widowed sister and niece to an estate in Derbyshire, she does not expect to find herself captivated by the mysterious steward of Pemberley. Though cautioned not to spend more time in his company than she ought, Elizabeth finds she cannot stay away from him.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father lost half the family fortune to a pair of swindlers and the rest to gaming and investments that gave no returns. He knows he is no good for the daughter of a baronet, but he falls for the lively Elizabeth in spite of every reason he should not.
When the two determine their mutual attraction cannot be denied, Darcy decides to accept the challenge of re-entering society more for the sake of Elizabeth’s reputation than his own. Because both know it won’t be easy for him to regain the good opinion of the ton, Darcy goes to his noble relations to seek their assistance and Elizabeth joins him in London to support his efforts.
Of course, the expectation of whispers and snobbery is scant preparation for facing down the harshest critic of them all: one’s own family.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father lost half the family fortune to a pair of swindlers and the rest to gaming and investments that gave no returns. He knows he is no good for the daughter of a baronet, but he falls for the lively Elizabeth in spite of every reason he should not.
When the two determine their mutual attraction cannot be denied, Darcy decides to accept the challenge of re-entering society more for the sake of Elizabeth’s reputation than his own. Because both know it won’t be easy for him to regain the good opinion of the ton, Darcy goes to his noble relations to seek their assistance and Elizabeth joins him in London to support his efforts.
Of course, the expectation of whispers and snobbery is scant preparation for facing down the harshest critic of them all: one’s own family.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 23, 2021
Pemberley is bankrupt
After the death of Anne Darcy, Mr Darcy is never quite the same. After people stealing from him, after unwise investments return ziltch, after gambling doesn’t refill the coffers, Mr Darcy dies and the mansion is closed.
What is Darcy to do? A really good story is told. There are many good people, many evil people and many innocent children. I cried, I was angry and I had reasons to cheer.
I enjoyed the story a great deal.. I may buy a permanent copy of it.
After the death of Anne Darcy, Mr Darcy is never quite the same. After people stealing from him, after unwise investments return ziltch, after gambling doesn’t refill the coffers, Mr Darcy dies and the mansion is closed.
What is Darcy to do? A really good story is told. There are many good people, many evil people and many innocent children. I cried, I was angry and I had reasons to cheer.
I enjoyed the story a great deal.. I may buy a permanent copy of it.
September 5, 2021
Lord Disley, Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle (on his mother's side) was a hero in this story...in MHO. When George Darcy is swindled out of much of his financial worth by his steward, Mr. Wickham, and that man's son, George Wickham, and he turns to bad investments and gambling to try to recoup his loses, Disley forces him to sign Pemberley over to him for safekeeping for Fitzwilliam. Shortly after this George Darcy dies. Lord Disley also then takes Georgiana into his household and rears her with his daughter. He even gives Fitzwilliam an allowance. Fitzwilliam goes to live in a cottage where Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds join him as he ekes out a living, as a tenant on "his" own estate. The debts owed against Pemberley are still outstanding and it will be years before Pemberley is free and clear.
Lord Disley comes up with a plan, to which Fitzwilliam agrees, to lease Pemberley out, restore some of the servants to their previous positions and give Fitzwilliam a position as the steward...a step up from his position. Fitzwilliam takes an alias as the steward and later this becomes a bone of contention when Elizabeth learns who he really is.
Jane Bingley, widowed due to illness claiming her husband's life, and with a small daughter to raise, decides to move away from Netherfield as the memories there are overpowering. She takes Elizabeth with her as she leases Pemberley. Mr. Bennet is a baronet and more in control of his own estate and his daughters.
As the blurb tells us Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love and decide that he must reenter society.
This story has George Darcy with two brothers, Robert and Alexander. Robert is trouble in that he resents the fact that Pemberley is being saved for Fitzwilliam and works against his nephew rejoining the ton. Alexander has ended his career in the navy and no one has heard from him for several years.
We also have Theodore (not Richard) Fitzwilliam who marries Anne de Bourgh but theirs isn not a love story of the romantic kind. He wants Anne to experience being a married woman and getting out from under her mother's domination...as her health is failing and she is not expected to live long. So his love is more in friendship. Anne is another heroine in this story.
There are so many threads to this story that I cannot even hint at some. Lord Disley and his position in society are a force in helping Darcy regain his position. However as the blurb hints there are those in Darcy's family who are the greatest obstacle. We also read as more than ODC find a happy ending or find fulfillment in their lives...or even deaths.
This was a long and interesting story. Although it seemed to end abruptly. I highlighted many of the errors.
Lord Disley comes up with a plan, to which Fitzwilliam agrees, to lease Pemberley out, restore some of the servants to their previous positions and give Fitzwilliam a position as the steward...a step up from his position. Fitzwilliam takes an alias as the steward and later this becomes a bone of contention when Elizabeth learns who he really is.
Jane Bingley, widowed due to illness claiming her husband's life, and with a small daughter to raise, decides to move away from Netherfield as the memories there are overpowering. She takes Elizabeth with her as she leases Pemberley. Mr. Bennet is a baronet and more in control of his own estate and his daughters.
As the blurb tells us Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love and decide that he must reenter society.
This story has George Darcy with two brothers, Robert and Alexander. Robert is trouble in that he resents the fact that Pemberley is being saved for Fitzwilliam and works against his nephew rejoining the ton. Alexander has ended his career in the navy and no one has heard from him for several years.
We also have Theodore (not Richard) Fitzwilliam who marries Anne de Bourgh but theirs isn not a love story of the romantic kind. He wants Anne to experience being a married woman and getting out from under her mother's domination...as her health is failing and she is not expected to live long. So his love is more in friendship. Anne is another heroine in this story.
There are so many threads to this story that I cannot even hint at some. Lord Disley and his position in society are a force in helping Darcy regain his position. However as the blurb hints there are those in Darcy's family who are the greatest obstacle. We also read as more than ODC find a happy ending or find fulfillment in their lives...or even deaths.
This was a long and interesting story. Although it seemed to end abruptly. I highlighted many of the errors.
September 28, 2024
Good Premise
I enjoyed the premise of this story, but couldn’t quite warm up to Elizabeth’s portrayal. I found her often pushy, and speaking up when it really wasn’t her place to do so. Another trait I didn’t like was how she sometimes prevented Darcy from speaking. He’d been weakened enough by his circumstances, and her doing this weakened him even further to me.
While the love story between ODC existed, I found it wasn’t very romantic or emotional. A love story can still be passionate without including mature content, but to me there was none in this story. In fact, the most moving and evocative moments in this book were those surrounding Anne.
I found the writing good, but it needed better proofreading and editing. Bottom line, a good story with flaws.
September 28, 2024 - Audiobook
Harry Frost never fails to provide an outstanding performance. Five-stars for the narration.
I enjoyed the premise of this story, but couldn’t quite warm up to Elizabeth’s portrayal. I found her often pushy, and speaking up when it really wasn’t her place to do so. Another trait I didn’t like was how she sometimes prevented Darcy from speaking. He’d been weakened enough by his circumstances, and her doing this weakened him even further to me.
While the love story between ODC existed, I found it wasn’t very romantic or emotional. A love story can still be passionate without including mature content, but to me there was none in this story. In fact, the most moving and evocative moments in this book were those surrounding Anne.
I found the writing good, but it needed better proofreading and editing. Bottom line, a good story with flaws.
September 28, 2024 - Audiobook
Harry Frost never fails to provide an outstanding performance. Five-stars for the narration.
August 23, 2021
Rare Treatment of Plot and characters
I rarely write reviews being an author in the same genre as Me Combe. However this work captivated me with a powerful story using an inversion of fortunes as a core mobilizer. I loved that the "reveal" of identity and love came at the end of the first act so the talented author could test and stress that affection for the balance of the novel. Well done!
I rarely write reviews being an author in the same genre as Me Combe. However this work captivated me with a powerful story using an inversion of fortunes as a core mobilizer. I loved that the "reveal" of identity and love came at the end of the first act so the talented author could test and stress that affection for the balance of the novel. Well done!
August 10, 2021
A very interesting concept.
Darcy was humbled by his father's mistakes 5 years before ever meeting Elizabeth. So it is a very different man (fake name included) who ultimately meets her when she and Jane arrive at Pemberley.
Jane is a young widow with a 2 year old daughter, following Bingley's untimely death. They met when both were still quite young.
The Bennet's have some consequence as he was gifted a Baronet 15 and this was also a catalyst for even more alterations in that household. He makes a effort with the estate and his daughters. The 2 youngest not out and with a governess.
Into all this ODC meet, Elizabeth of higher standing, but they slowly fall in love, unbeknownst to themselves. When E finds out the truth of who exactly Darcy is, she is at first angry at being deceived. Very quickly they come to an understanding and decide to take D's future in to their own hands by going to London to partake again in society.
The Fitzwilliam family help, the Darcy family is a nightmare. Anne, married to Col. F and pregnant is at death's door and ODC courtship does NOT go according to plan.
So many topics touching on quite difficult subjects are counterbalanced by the lightness with which this story is written. At times perhaps too lightly written. It tended towards over-explaining. However, aside from allusion to violence and some kissing, this would be appropriate for all ages.
Personally, I found it refreshing to not have Darcy's proud hauteur hammered over my head for a change and no blown up drama based on a tiny misunderstanding of communication between D&E.
Darcy was humbled by his father's mistakes 5 years before ever meeting Elizabeth. So it is a very different man (fake name included) who ultimately meets her when she and Jane arrive at Pemberley.
Jane is a young widow with a 2 year old daughter, following Bingley's untimely death. They met when both were still quite young.
The Bennet's have some consequence as he was gifted a Baronet 15 and this was also a catalyst for even more alterations in that household. He makes a effort with the estate and his daughters. The 2 youngest not out and with a governess.
Into all this ODC meet, Elizabeth of higher standing, but they slowly fall in love, unbeknownst to themselves. When E finds out the truth of who exactly Darcy is, she is at first angry at being deceived. Very quickly they come to an understanding and decide to take D's future in to their own hands by going to London to partake again in society.
The Fitzwilliam family help, the Darcy family is a nightmare. Anne, married to Col. F and pregnant is at death's door and ODC courtship does NOT go according to plan.
So many topics touching on quite difficult subjects are counterbalanced by the lightness with which this story is written. At times perhaps too lightly written. It tended towards over-explaining. However, aside from allusion to violence and some kissing, this would be appropriate for all ages.
Personally, I found it refreshing to not have Darcy's proud hauteur hammered over my head for a change and no blown up drama based on a tiny misunderstanding of communication between D&E.
August 8, 2021
…and we need to go to London why?
2.5 stars
40% through
“Jane—I can hardly challenge Mr. Darcy to try and re-enter the society that abandoned him in his hour of greatest need and not face down the lions of the ton at his side.” Reader, there is NO reason that Darcy needs to reenter society. None. He hasn’t restored his fortune yet, meaning he has nothing to shove in the ton’s faces. More to the point, Darcy hates society. Elizabeth has never been part of that world, and Darcy’s success in Society is not going to sway Mr Bennet one way or the other in allowing Darcy to marry Lizzy because Mr Bennet hates London, too.
Friends, what we have here is filler.
If I finish this book, I will update.
2.5 stars
40% through
“Jane—I can hardly challenge Mr. Darcy to try and re-enter the society that abandoned him in his hour of greatest need and not face down the lions of the ton at his side.” Reader, there is NO reason that Darcy needs to reenter society. None. He hasn’t restored his fortune yet, meaning he has nothing to shove in the ton’s faces. More to the point, Darcy hates society. Elizabeth has never been part of that world, and Darcy’s success in Society is not going to sway Mr Bennet one way or the other in allowing Darcy to marry Lizzy because Mr Bennet hates London, too.
Friends, what we have here is filler.
If I finish this book, I will update.
September 10, 2023
A very different and interesting story. That said, the writing lacks depth of emotions and the characters are not very relatable even Darcy and Elizabeth. I'm sure many things in the story, like two single women living by themselves in a mansion, a whole bunch of people (including adult males) barging into a room where a woman is feeding her baby, a couple often left alone without choperonage and many others. Could have been better.
September 13, 2021
The heart wants what the heart wants. Elizabeth Bennet is instantly attracted to the steward at her widowed sister's rented estate - Pemberley. Fitzwilliam Darcy is working incognito as the steward at his historic estate which his father all be destroyed before his death. A small child the catalyst for her to learn his true identity, and his love for her takes them both to London to reintroduce him to society. Together they learn the true meaning of family as they plan to marry and work to restore the Darcy legacy.
April 14, 2022
An original variation
Engaging tale where the circumstances that surround our favorite characters are totally different from canon with unexpected consequences, but they still retain the traits and personalities of the originals.
Engaging tale where the circumstances that surround our favorite characters are totally different from canon with unexpected consequences, but they still retain the traits and personalities of the originals.
August 11, 2021
Great Story
I liked the story but I didn't like the villains not being hung. Liked Darcy and the Bennets were ok in this story. I love a poor Darcy he is always so strong and manly and always courageous. Lady Catherine crazy miss Bingley her usual nasty self. Good love story!!
I liked the story but I didn't like the villains not being hung. Liked Darcy and the Bennets were ok in this story. I love a poor Darcy he is always so strong and manly and always courageous. Lady Catherine crazy miss Bingley her usual nasty self. Good love story!!
August 20, 2021
Very Good Book
This was a sweet story about th he loss of Darcys's estate through others deceit and desperation. Darcy learns the lesson of determining a persons worth, not by title, social status or wealth, but by honesty, loyalty and integrity of people no matter class.
This was a sweet story about th he loss of Darcys's estate through others deceit and desperation. Darcy learns the lesson of determining a persons worth, not by title, social status or wealth, but by honesty, loyalty and integrity of people no matter class.
August 30, 2021
Too long
The author is a good writer and storyteller, that isn't the problem with this book. This book could have easily been half as long with some judicious and ruthless editing, and I like a storyline to make sense. To call this a P&P variation is a stretch, since our dear couple are drastically altered, as well as many other characters. Mr Bennett is a baronet, so he's Sir Thomas Bennett and his wife is Lady Bennett. The girls all have respectable dowries. Jane is a widow with a young daughter, having been briefly married to Charles Bingley before his death.
Meanwhile, Mr Darcy Sr. loses his fortune after being swindled by the Wickhams, and takes his own life. Young Darcy can't afford to live at Pemberly manor, so he lives in a tenant cottage on the grounds, with some small financial support from his uncle the earl.
Elizabeth's character was a turn-off for me. She has a better social standing, and she has the imperious behavior to go with it. She, Jane, and Jane's daughter come to live as renters at Pemberly, and Elizabeth immediately starts ordering people around and making alterations to the place, even though it's Jane who is paying the bills. She's not at all like the witty but humble Lizzy that we love. Darcy's character, too, is a disappointment. One of his defining characteristics is his scrupulous honesty, but in this version he starts out his acquaintance with Jane and Elizabeth with a blatant lie. Not very promising.
I was frustrated that the author devoted pages and pages to nit-picky details about insignificant things, but completely glossed over the most important thing, which was the development of the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. Suddenly they're declaring their love for each other, and I don't even know how it happened. And yet, the author gives detail after detail about what's eaten at dinner, what someone is wearing, how the maid brings in and out the tea service, how the butler answers the door, in what order people disembark from carriages, etc. Extremely frustrating.
The premise and storyline were difficult to swallow. I was wishing, while reading, that this would have been an independent and original story, not one using the names and locations from P&P. Variations are always welcome, but I feel that the integrity of the original characters should be preserved, particularly our most beloved Elizabeth and Darcy. When those two act like lesser humans, it's a letdown.
I can't really recommend this.
The author is a good writer and storyteller, that isn't the problem with this book. This book could have easily been half as long with some judicious and ruthless editing, and I like a storyline to make sense. To call this a P&P variation is a stretch, since our dear couple are drastically altered, as well as many other characters. Mr Bennett is a baronet, so he's Sir Thomas Bennett and his wife is Lady Bennett. The girls all have respectable dowries. Jane is a widow with a young daughter, having been briefly married to Charles Bingley before his death.
Meanwhile, Mr Darcy Sr. loses his fortune after being swindled by the Wickhams, and takes his own life. Young Darcy can't afford to live at Pemberly manor, so he lives in a tenant cottage on the grounds, with some small financial support from his uncle the earl.
Elizabeth's character was a turn-off for me. She has a better social standing, and she has the imperious behavior to go with it. She, Jane, and Jane's daughter come to live as renters at Pemberly, and Elizabeth immediately starts ordering people around and making alterations to the place, even though it's Jane who is paying the bills. She's not at all like the witty but humble Lizzy that we love. Darcy's character, too, is a disappointment. One of his defining characteristics is his scrupulous honesty, but in this version he starts out his acquaintance with Jane and Elizabeth with a blatant lie. Not very promising.
I was frustrated that the author devoted pages and pages to nit-picky details about insignificant things, but completely glossed over the most important thing, which was the development of the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. Suddenly they're declaring their love for each other, and I don't even know how it happened. And yet, the author gives detail after detail about what's eaten at dinner, what someone is wearing, how the maid brings in and out the tea service, how the butler answers the door, in what order people disembark from carriages, etc. Extremely frustrating.
The premise and storyline were difficult to swallow. I was wishing, while reading, that this would have been an independent and original story, not one using the names and locations from P&P. Variations are always welcome, but I feel that the integrity of the original characters should be preserved, particularly our most beloved Elizabeth and Darcy. When those two act like lesser humans, it's a letdown.
I can't really recommend this.
August 8, 2021
Great variation!
Loved this story! We had our main characters plus some new ones. The story flowed perfectly. It was a page turner to be sure. I would definitely recommend and read this story again!
Loved this story! We had our main characters plus some new ones. The story flowed perfectly. It was a page turner to be sure. I would definitely recommend and read this story again!
August 8, 2021
Loved jt
A few typos but excellent story couldn't put it down ......kept you on your toes well formatted you sit and wait to see what happens next WELL DONE EXCELLENT
A few typos but excellent story couldn't put it down ......kept you on your toes well formatted you sit and wait to see what happens next WELL DONE EXCELLENT
June 16, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Elizabeth Bennet moves with her widowed sister and niece to an estate in Derbyshire, she does not expect to find herself captivated by the mysterious steward of Pemberley. Though cautioned not to spend more time in his company than she ought, Elizabeth finds she cannot stay away from him. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father lost half the family fortune to a pair of swindlers and the rest to gaming and investments that gave no returns. He knows he is no good for the daughter of a baronet, but he falls for the lively Elizabeth in spite of every reason he should not. When the two determine their mutual attraction cannot be denied, Darcy decides to accept the challenge of re-entering society more for the sake of Elizabeth’s reputation than his own, because both know it won’t be easy for him to regain the good opinion of the ton; so Darcy goes to his noble relations to seek their assistance and Elizabeth joins him in London to support his efforts. Of course, the expectation of whispers and snobbery is scant preparation for facing down the harshest critic of them all, one’s own family. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Elizabeth Bennet moves with her widowed sister and niece to an estate in Derbyshire, she does not expect to find herself captivated by the mysterious steward of Pemberley. Though cautioned not to spend more time in his company than she ought, Elizabeth finds she cannot stay away from him. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father lost half the family fortune to a pair of swindlers and the rest to gaming and investments that gave no returns. He knows he is no good for the daughter of a baronet, but he falls for the lively Elizabeth in spite of every reason he should not. When the two determine their mutual attraction cannot be denied, Darcy decides to accept the challenge of re-entering society more for the sake of Elizabeth’s reputation than his own, because both know it won’t be easy for him to regain the good opinion of the ton; so Darcy goes to his noble relations to seek their assistance and Elizabeth joins him in London to support his efforts. Of course, the expectation of whispers and snobbery is scant preparation for facing down the harshest critic of them all, one’s own family. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
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September 12, 2022DNF
Could not get on board with the backstory - the more details given the less sense it made. I don’t think the author understands how Regency society, finances, etc work.
In the first few chapters we find a number of interesting ideas - £500 is only enough to have 2 UNPAID servants and to be unable to shave, though even common labourers manage to shave on £20 a year. Mr Bingley was able to purchase an estate and elevate his income from £5000 to £8000 because of rents, insinuating he didn’t touch his capital to purchase Netherfield. He also inherits aged 19 apparently. I was confused by why Mr Bennet, as a landowner not a merchant, would even be mayor of the nearby town, never mind why if he was elevated in place of Sir William it was as a baronet rather than a knight. The logic to Darcy’s backstory is also strange and the actions he takes/the Earl suggests stretch credulity.
I have no problem with crazy ideas but they need a fast pace to avoid too many questions or else the confusion just spoils the story. This writer gives lots of irrelevant and questionable details and the story is very slow. It would have been much easier to read imo if we started off with ‘Darcy runs Pemberley but due to debt, rents out the house (because houses were let not estates) which is taken by Mrs Bingley’ & action.
Could not get on board with the backstory - the more details given the less sense it made. I don’t think the author understands how Regency society, finances, etc work.
In the first few chapters we find a number of interesting ideas - £500 is only enough to have 2 UNPAID servants and to be unable to shave, though even common labourers manage to shave on £20 a year. Mr Bingley was able to purchase an estate and elevate his income from £5000 to £8000 because of rents, insinuating he didn’t touch his capital to purchase Netherfield. He also inherits aged 19 apparently. I was confused by why Mr Bennet, as a landowner not a merchant, would even be mayor of the nearby town, never mind why if he was elevated in place of Sir William it was as a baronet rather than a knight. The logic to Darcy’s backstory is also strange and the actions he takes/the Earl suggests stretch credulity.
I have no problem with crazy ideas but they need a fast pace to avoid too many questions or else the confusion just spoils the story. This writer gives lots of irrelevant and questionable details and the story is very slow. It would have been much easier to read imo if we started off with ‘Darcy runs Pemberley but due to debt, rents out the house (because houses were let not estates) which is taken by Mrs Bingley’ & action.
October 1, 2023
3.75*
Overall I enjoyed this book - there are a number of wealthy Bennet stories out there but this is one of a very small set where Darcy is decidedly not wealthy. This made for a very interesting variation. The change in situation gives Elizabeth rather more self-assurance than canon and Darcy rather less.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between them and I always enjoy reading a book where they are "together against the world". The character of Darcy's uncle, the earl, was excellent.
I felt that the ending went on a bit too long, especially in two places,
Overall I enjoyed this book - there are a number of wealthy Bennet stories out there but this is one of a very small set where Darcy is decidedly not wealthy. This made for a very interesting variation. The change in situation gives Elizabeth rather more self-assurance than canon and Darcy rather less.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between them and I always enjoy reading a book where they are "together against the world". The character of Darcy's uncle, the earl, was excellent.
I felt that the ending went on a bit too long, especially in two places,
September 4, 2023
Darcy rises from the ashes
The book opens with a widowed Jane and her sister Elizabeth leasing Pemberley after it has fallen into debt because the Wickhams stole the Darcy fortune from Fitzwilliam's father. Darcy is still feeling the hit to his pride even though he has been living as a tenant on Pemberley land and only receiving an allowance from his uncle. He agrees to act as steward but insisted on hiding his identity. Enter Elizabeth and instant attraction. They fall for each other and when suddenly confronted with who he is Elizabeth gets angry with his deception. However through their discussions afterward Elizabeth challenges him to reenter society and she will help. Off to London and there is a whirlwind of angry relatives, supporting friends, and new acquaintances leading to a complex storyline of how Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to his former prestige.
The book opens with a widowed Jane and her sister Elizabeth leasing Pemberley after it has fallen into debt because the Wickhams stole the Darcy fortune from Fitzwilliam's father. Darcy is still feeling the hit to his pride even though he has been living as a tenant on Pemberley land and only receiving an allowance from his uncle. He agrees to act as steward but insisted on hiding his identity. Enter Elizabeth and instant attraction. They fall for each other and when suddenly confronted with who he is Elizabeth gets angry with his deception. However through their discussions afterward Elizabeth challenges him to reenter society and she will help. Off to London and there is a whirlwind of angry relatives, supporting friends, and new acquaintances leading to a complex storyline of how Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to his former prestige.
March 21, 2022
Mr. Darcy Pitiful
It was hard for me to wrap my head around this one. I just find it hard to believe that Bingley would have so much money to allow Jane to lease Pemberly. Why in the world would she lease such a huge house for her, her daughter and Lizzy? Made no sense.
I can see Mr. Darcy staying on a cottage near his home after he had to close it down but to disguise himself as the steward. Not buying it. He was pitiful. I really did not see how Lizzy fell in love with him. It appeared he planned to avoid the child and Lizzy. She only found out his deception by accident.
Let me not even get into Anne basically matchmaking her husband and Jane on her death bed.
Not a good adaptation in my opinion.
It was hard for me to wrap my head around this one. I just find it hard to believe that Bingley would have so much money to allow Jane to lease Pemberly. Why in the world would she lease such a huge house for her, her daughter and Lizzy? Made no sense.
I can see Mr. Darcy staying on a cottage near his home after he had to close it down but to disguise himself as the steward. Not buying it. He was pitiful. I really did not see how Lizzy fell in love with him. It appeared he planned to avoid the child and Lizzy. She only found out his deception by accident.
Let me not even get into Anne basically matchmaking her husband and Jane on her death bed.
Not a good adaptation in my opinion.
August 11, 2021
Unique and interesting story
Wonderful story that reverses roles (to some extent). Darcy has lost his fortune and Mr. Bennet is now Sir Thomas with the Bennet girls having a reasonable dowry. I was hesitant to read this story as I expected a lot of angst as ODC worked towards their HEA. While there was some angst, it did not cause either Elizabeth or Darcy to waiver in their love.
Potential angst was dealt with quickly and many times the reader only learns what happened after the fact. Overall a very good starry that was fun to read.
Wonderful story that reverses roles (to some extent). Darcy has lost his fortune and Mr. Bennet is now Sir Thomas with the Bennet girls having a reasonable dowry. I was hesitant to read this story as I expected a lot of angst as ODC worked towards their HEA. While there was some angst, it did not cause either Elizabeth or Darcy to waiver in their love.
Potential angst was dealt with quickly and many times the reader only learns what happened after the fact. Overall a very good starry that was fun to read.
February 15, 2022
Mixed feelings
I cannot say I loved this book. I thought of quitting several times but I sick e with it. I want to stay if by saying it was not a dad story. It just was not "MY" preference. I prefer when authors stick to the original premise. I didn't like this weak Darcy And Elizabeth came off to eager, yet in that scene with Caroline she was downright rude. She also was not witty. everything was so convenient with this story, down to the uncle showing up to save the day. I think Anne was my favorite character as she felt more like an Elizabeth in the way she spoke.
I cannot say I loved this book. I thought of quitting several times but I sick e with it. I want to stay if by saying it was not a dad story. It just was not "MY" preference. I prefer when authors stick to the original premise. I didn't like this weak Darcy And Elizabeth came off to eager, yet in that scene with Caroline she was downright rude. She also was not witty. everything was so convenient with this story, down to the uncle showing up to save the day. I think Anne was my favorite character as she felt more like an Elizabeth in the way she spoke.
August 10, 2021
A different path to HEA
A very different universe has Darcy struggling with the aftermath of the loss of all his fortune due to his father being swindled. Jane and Elizabeth end up renting Pemberley and romance grows from there. An interesting plot variation,with most of the usual characters, but plenty of change-ups. Romance, sorrow, mystery, angst, and happy ending!
A very different universe has Darcy struggling with the aftermath of the loss of all his fortune due to his father being swindled. Jane and Elizabeth end up renting Pemberley and romance grows from there. An interesting plot variation,with most of the usual characters, but plenty of change-ups. Romance, sorrow, mystery, angst, and happy ending!
August 14, 2021
A very good story
This story is very orginal but nonetheless very very good.
Minor editing towards the end are unusual because before then there were none.
But the story wonderful and quite rich in emotion. Well worth the 5 stars.
This story is very orginal but nonetheless very very good.
Minor editing towards the end are unusual because before then there were none.
But the story wonderful and quite rich in emotion. Well worth the 5 stars.
August 21, 2021
Wonderful
An interesting premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed her other two books. I hope she keeps writing new stories for me to appreciate.
An interesting premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed her other two books. I hope she keeps writing new stories for me to appreciate.
August 31, 2021
It was long and drawn out in some places which meant a quick wrap up of a major problem at the end which left me unimpressed. Combe also borrows names and situations of those characters from a couple of Austen's other books, it was ok but not needed.
Bottom line..., it was just ok.
Bottom line..., it was just ok.
September 4, 2021
I like this author, but this particular book from her left me flat. It was okay, but not really exciting and way too descriptive of pillows, rooms, and their clothes. I wanted to read more about ODC's romance. They started courting....but there was none of that.
September 6, 2021
an interesting play on the characters. love stories like this where D&E get together early and we get to see them in their engagement, but would have liked to have a bit more of the early courtship to see how they feel for each other. what happened on all those walks?! :)
September 11, 2021
B for effort
I liked that so many people died because isnt that what life was like back then? But the finances become a little squirrelly after they marry. So the plot is maybe not perfectly fleshed out, but is interesting.
I liked that so many people died because isnt that what life was like back then? But the finances become a little squirrelly after they marry. So the plot is maybe not perfectly fleshed out, but is interesting.
December 15, 2021
4.5 stars. I enjoyed very much reading the book, which provides a very interesting alternative story. Lots of new characters, I loved the treatment of Jane, and finally found a book that treats Lady Catherine the way she deserves!
June 21, 2022
Not my cup of tea - it was all going reasonably well until Darcy and Elizabeth journeyed to London and then I was just skimming through to the end. I didn’t feel the love between ODC and the plot regarding Anne de Bourgh was just tasteless.
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