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Lady Beth Fitzwilliam #1
Lady Beth Fitzwilliam: Part 1 - Kidnapped: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
The Earl and Countess of Matlock have lost two children before, in, or soon after childbirth (in the case of one) since the birth of their second son, Richard. There was a miscarriage between her first and second sons. Lady Matlock is once again expecting and the Earl knows that she will not survive another dead child as each time her recovery has been longer and her depression deeper.
The Bennets of Longbourn are blessed with their second daughter who, Mrs. Frances Bennet is convinced, will be the son who will eventually end the entail. In her disappointment that she is not a son, Fanny demands that her daughter be sent to a tenant who has recently had her own son. In order to placate his wife, Mr. Thomas Bennet agrees, fully believing his wife will relent within a day or two.
Lord and Lady Matlock were visiting her childhood estate, in Bedfordshire, as Lady Elaine’s mother is on her deathbed. Shortly after the death, the couple moves to an inn where Lady Elaine goes into labour.
She gives birth to another stillborn daughter on the same day Fanny Bennet delivers Elizabeth. Her labour was many hours in duration and Lady Elaine passed out before she was told her daughter is not living.
Lord Matlock goes for a ride to think of how he is to tell his beloved wife, knowing that this could well be the end of her as she would not recover from losing a fourth baby. He finds himself near a tenant cottage on Longbourn’s land, and sees a lady walking in front of her home with a newborn in arms.
In the first part of our story we examine how the kidnapping changes all of those affected by it. How will the Bennets react? How will Fanny overcome the guilt of her daughter’s kidnapping? How will their extended family react? Will Fanny be blamed?
We also see the effects on the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families when Lady Elizabeth Tiffany Fitzwilliam, called Beth, is introduced into their lives. She effects the de Bourghs, in unexpected ways as well.
There are some of the villains we expect from canon, and some we do not expect. This book covers the time period from Lizzy’s birth until she is eighteen
The Bennets of Longbourn are blessed with their second daughter who, Mrs. Frances Bennet is convinced, will be the son who will eventually end the entail. In her disappointment that she is not a son, Fanny demands that her daughter be sent to a tenant who has recently had her own son. In order to placate his wife, Mr. Thomas Bennet agrees, fully believing his wife will relent within a day or two.
Lord and Lady Matlock were visiting her childhood estate, in Bedfordshire, as Lady Elaine’s mother is on her deathbed. Shortly after the death, the couple moves to an inn where Lady Elaine goes into labour.
She gives birth to another stillborn daughter on the same day Fanny Bennet delivers Elizabeth. Her labour was many hours in duration and Lady Elaine passed out before she was told her daughter is not living.
Lord Matlock goes for a ride to think of how he is to tell his beloved wife, knowing that this could well be the end of her as she would not recover from losing a fourth baby. He finds himself near a tenant cottage on Longbourn’s land, and sees a lady walking in front of her home with a newborn in arms.
In the first part of our story we examine how the kidnapping changes all of those affected by it. How will the Bennets react? How will Fanny overcome the guilt of her daughter’s kidnapping? How will their extended family react? Will Fanny be blamed?
We also see the effects on the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families when Lady Elizabeth Tiffany Fitzwilliam, called Beth, is introduced into their lives. She effects the de Bourghs, in unexpected ways as well.
There are some of the villains we expect from canon, and some we do not expect. This book covers the time period from Lizzy’s birth until she is eighteen
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2022
105 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books63 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 13, 2022
We are warned that this story is a cliffhanger so have the second book available. The title alone informs us that Elizabeth/Beth/Lizzie is known as a Fitzwilliam.
Lord Matlock's wife has lost several children at birth and as another one is born dead; he fears his wife will not survive the tragedy. So, when by chance he happens upon a baby girl whose family "does not want her", he rationalizes that fate put him there to rescue her and so Elizabeth Bennet becomes a "Fitzwilliam".
And here I have one observation: this Elizabeth is too perfect. She gets along with and is loved by everyone. She becomes a chess champion...just about unbeatable. She grows up interacting with her two older brothers and her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, in a close and loving relationship. There are no misunderstandings, although Elizabeth still likes to debate books read or various issues with her cousin.
Lord Matlock, her father, is very alert to various times when his family might interact with the Bennets and makes up reasons for avoiding the contact. Even so there are comments about how Elizabeth's eyes are similar to those of Bennet family members, especially "Cathy".
As the first book nears the end clues lead to the mystery for the Bennet family's kidnapped daughter being unraveled. And as a reader I am wondering if Lord Matlock is going to be punished or excused.
There are several marriages in this story, but the pairings are different from canon. The Collins family history varies greatly. Anne de Bourgh is OOC, and Wickham comes to focus on revenge as he sees needed.
Lord Matlock's wife has lost several children at birth and as another one is born dead; he fears his wife will not survive the tragedy. So, when by chance he happens upon a baby girl whose family "does not want her", he rationalizes that fate put him there to rescue her and so Elizabeth Bennet becomes a "Fitzwilliam".
And here I have one observation: this Elizabeth is too perfect. She gets along with and is loved by everyone. She becomes a chess champion...just about unbeatable. She grows up interacting with her two older brothers and her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, in a close and loving relationship. There are no misunderstandings, although Elizabeth still likes to debate books read or various issues with her cousin.
Lord Matlock, her father, is very alert to various times when his family might interact with the Bennets and makes up reasons for avoiding the contact. Even so there are comments about how Elizabeth's eyes are similar to those of Bennet family members, especially "Cathy".
As the first book nears the end clues lead to the mystery for the Bennet family's kidnapped daughter being unraveled. And as a reader I am wondering if Lord Matlock is going to be punished or excused.
There are several marriages in this story, but the pairings are different from canon. The Collins family history varies greatly. Anne de Bourgh is OOC, and Wickham comes to focus on revenge as he sees needed.
August 3, 2022
“You are trying to kidnap what I have rightfully stolen, and I think it is ungentlemanly.” –William Goldman, The Princess Bride
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: trigger warnings due to violence, domestic violence, murder, deaths of major and minor characters, heinous crimes committed, trigger warnings due to the deaths of children, and those who have suffered a disappointment. Language: mild cursing
>>Angst Level: medium: stressors increased as the dynamics within the two families changed forever
>>Religious Element: Characters pray for guidance, forgiveness, and God’s will in their lives. This would be consistent with people of faith as they suffer through tragedy.
>>Source: Borrowed KU 6-21-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. This is book one of two. They are not standalone. In book one, the reader is left with a major cliffhanger. Book two picks up where that cliffhanger left off.
>>Trope: Not raised Bennet. You know going in that a baby was stolen.
This author is well known for writing stories that are AU [alternate universe] and out of the box from the canon account. A favorite concept is taking characters who are good and turning them into bad characters. Or taking someone who is bad and making them good. The flip side to that coin is taking someone that was evil in canon and turning them into something truly heinous in this story. However, everyone has the opportunity to redeem their behavior. If they do, they will be included in the fellowship or conclave of friends, relations, and acquaintances. That affords them the condescension of the higher circles, access to wealth that blows the mind, and friendship and comradery with other characters. If they don’t, they will be banished, given the cut direct, become a pariah in society, poor, or die a horrible death. The creative comeuppance is only limited to the author’s imagination. I am always amazed at this author’s creative bent. As this author perfects their writing style, there still remains a lot of telling rather than showing and the repetition of facts, actions, and dialogue. I still enjoy the story plot.
The marriage pairings are like cards with the male and female characters on them. They are tossed into the air and where they land is anyone’s guess. We had several strange pairings but nothing that would make the reader cringe. In fact, I was impressed with the author’s logic in the couples as they began to pair off. Of course, the serious JAFF reader expects Darcy and Elizabeth [or whatever name she goes by] to get together. Otherwise, what is the point?
As the story opens, we are given a brief history of the Bennet family. We then focused on the current family of Thomas Bennet as they began to have their children. After the birth of Jane, Fanny Bennet was just sure she was carrying the heir to Longbourn. She would not have to worry about the hedgerows when she provided her husband with the desired son and heir. At this point, we are following the canon account with the disappointment of Fanny Bennet when she was told she has birthed another daughter. In her outrage, she refused to nurse the child and demanded the babe be sent to the tenants who had recently birthed a child and could be the nursemaid. It would be several hours before Bennet was able to calm his distraught wife into allowing the child to return to the manor.
Meanwhile, the reader witnessed a heinous crime where the babe [Elizabeth Bennet] disappeared from the tenant’s cottage. After an extensive search, it was feared the babe was lost forever. Our story centers around who perpetuated the crime, why it was committed, and what methods were utilized to cover it up.
Book one covers the first eighteen years in the life of Miss Elizabeth Bennet or as she is known in another part of the country, Lady Beth Fitzwilliam. We also see the changes that are put in place at Longbourn that change the dynamics of the Bennet family forever. Would they have happened had Miss Elizabeth remained at Longbourn? Would we then have the canon account? No one knows for sure. That is left up to the reader to decide. It is a perplexing question that will stay with the reader through both books.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: trigger warnings due to violence, domestic violence, murder, deaths of major and minor characters, heinous crimes committed, trigger warnings due to the deaths of children, and those who have suffered a disappointment. Language: mild cursing
>>Angst Level: medium: stressors increased as the dynamics within the two families changed forever
>>Religious Element: Characters pray for guidance, forgiveness, and God’s will in their lives. This would be consistent with people of faith as they suffer through tragedy.
>>Source: Borrowed KU 6-21-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. This is book one of two. They are not standalone. In book one, the reader is left with a major cliffhanger. Book two picks up where that cliffhanger left off.
>>Trope: Not raised Bennet. You know going in that a baby was stolen.
This author is well known for writing stories that are AU [alternate universe] and out of the box from the canon account. A favorite concept is taking characters who are good and turning them into bad characters. Or taking someone who is bad and making them good. The flip side to that coin is taking someone that was evil in canon and turning them into something truly heinous in this story. However, everyone has the opportunity to redeem their behavior. If they do, they will be included in the fellowship or conclave of friends, relations, and acquaintances. That affords them the condescension of the higher circles, access to wealth that blows the mind, and friendship and comradery with other characters. If they don’t, they will be banished, given the cut direct, become a pariah in society, poor, or die a horrible death. The creative comeuppance is only limited to the author’s imagination. I am always amazed at this author’s creative bent. As this author perfects their writing style, there still remains a lot of telling rather than showing and the repetition of facts, actions, and dialogue. I still enjoy the story plot.
The marriage pairings are like cards with the male and female characters on them. They are tossed into the air and where they land is anyone’s guess. We had several strange pairings but nothing that would make the reader cringe. In fact, I was impressed with the author’s logic in the couples as they began to pair off. Of course, the serious JAFF reader expects Darcy and Elizabeth [or whatever name she goes by] to get together. Otherwise, what is the point?
As the story opens, we are given a brief history of the Bennet family. We then focused on the current family of Thomas Bennet as they began to have their children. After the birth of Jane, Fanny Bennet was just sure she was carrying the heir to Longbourn. She would not have to worry about the hedgerows when she provided her husband with the desired son and heir. At this point, we are following the canon account with the disappointment of Fanny Bennet when she was told she has birthed another daughter. In her outrage, she refused to nurse the child and demanded the babe be sent to the tenants who had recently birthed a child and could be the nursemaid. It would be several hours before Bennet was able to calm his distraught wife into allowing the child to return to the manor.
Meanwhile, the reader witnessed a heinous crime where the babe [Elizabeth Bennet] disappeared from the tenant’s cottage. After an extensive search, it was feared the babe was lost forever. Our story centers around who perpetuated the crime, why it was committed, and what methods were utilized to cover it up.
Book one covers the first eighteen years in the life of Miss Elizabeth Bennet or as she is known in another part of the country, Lady Beth Fitzwilliam. We also see the changes that are put in place at Longbourn that change the dynamics of the Bennet family forever. Would they have happened had Miss Elizabeth remained at Longbourn? Would we then have the canon account? No one knows for sure. That is left up to the reader to decide. It is a perplexing question that will stay with the reader through both books.
April 30, 2022
Avid Reader
I pre=ordered this book, and it wasn't delivered to my Kindle like the "Take Charge" series , which I thought was odd. Anyway, I once I saw that it was available for purchase, I bought it and read it. I knew most of the content with the exception of Caroline Bingley showing up uninvited at Darcy and Elizabeth 's engagement ball. Well, she was not allowed into the house. She was into the side entrance after she understood how wrongheaded she has spent her life thinking she could get Darcy to marry her. That was hilarious. Baby Elizabeth was kidnapped because a peer of the realm lost his daughter at birth and feared his wife would not be able to handle another death. Thomas Bennet passed by the culprit while looking for his newborn infant daughter. It will be 18 years before he finds out who took her and why. Bingley and William Collins will benefit from knowing Thomas Bennet and Charlotte Lucas but not in the usual way. Mrs. Bennet will become the best version of herself, and Jane will leave her rose-colored glasses behind. Mary will never become a sermonizer. Two sons will join the Bennet family and break the entail.
I pre=ordered this book, and it wasn't delivered to my Kindle like the "Take Charge" series , which I thought was odd. Anyway, I once I saw that it was available for purchase, I bought it and read it. I knew most of the content with the exception of Caroline Bingley showing up uninvited at Darcy and Elizabeth 's engagement ball. Well, she was not allowed into the house. She was into the side entrance after she understood how wrongheaded she has spent her life thinking she could get Darcy to marry her. That was hilarious. Baby Elizabeth was kidnapped because a peer of the realm lost his daughter at birth and feared his wife would not be able to handle another death. Thomas Bennet passed by the culprit while looking for his newborn infant daughter. It will be 18 years before he finds out who took her and why. Bingley and William Collins will benefit from knowing Thomas Bennet and Charlotte Lucas but not in the usual way. Mrs. Bennet will become the best version of herself, and Jane will leave her rose-colored glasses behind. Mary will never become a sermonizer. Two sons will join the Bennet family and break the entail.
May 8, 2022
Same story with a shuffle of characters
I was halfway into the story when I realized that I dislike this author. First she either has trouble coming up with character names, really has a thing for the rock group Queen, or both. Mr Frederick Mercury? Again really? Secondly, all the main characters end up being related. Darcy's parents don't usually die in her books and even the worst villains either have a sudden change of heart or die. Thomas and Fanny Bennett become paragons of society and are secretly wealthy because Mr. Bennett invests with Mr. Gardiner...along with everyone else in the story! She uses a similar premise but just plays the shell game with characters.
I was halfway into the story when I realized that I dislike this author. First she either has trouble coming up with character names, really has a thing for the rock group Queen, or both. Mr Frederick Mercury? Again really? Secondly, all the main characters end up being related. Darcy's parents don't usually die in her books and even the worst villains either have a sudden change of heart or die. Thomas and Fanny Bennett become paragons of society and are secretly wealthy because Mr. Bennett invests with Mr. Gardiner...along with everyone else in the story! She uses a similar premise but just plays the shell game with characters.
July 13, 2024
2.5*
I gave this one 3* overall rather than the 2* it merited as I chose to read it knowing it would not be good writing.
This author has a following and well done to her for that. But, her books are not well written unfortunately. They are riddled with errors of language and are not period-complaint. The characters are generally very two-dimensional. They are also, essentially, all the same plot.
On a plus and to give credit where due, the author has improved her writing style from her earliest books.
I gave this one 3* overall rather than the 2* it merited as I chose to read it knowing it would not be good writing.
This author has a following and well done to her for that. But, her books are not well written unfortunately. They are riddled with errors of language and are not period-complaint. The characters are generally very two-dimensional. They are also, essentially, all the same plot.
On a plus and to give credit where due, the author has improved her writing style from her earliest books.
March 15, 2024
Engaging!
A difficult to put down tale, it captures the interest from the beginning. Completely out of canon, it weaves the threads of intrigue with an original story. I can't wait to read the second half!
A difficult to put down tale, it captures the interest from the beginning. Completely out of canon, it weaves the threads of intrigue with an original story. I can't wait to read the second half!
April 28, 2022
Enjoyed it
Another delightfully enjoyable and action packed variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
Another delightfully enjoyable and action packed variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
May 23, 2022
Excellent storyline, but......
Shana G. has a wonderful premise for a story. Mrs Bennett, in true silly and flighty form, is absolutely convinced that the second child she's carrying is going to be the all important son and heir to break the entail on Longbourn. When she gives birth to another daughter, in a fit of pique and disbelief, she orders the child taken away and given to a tenant on their land. Meanwhile, the Earl of Matlock 's wife is nearby, giving birth to a stillborn daughter, one in a long line of dead children, and the Earl is worried for his wife's health and sanity in the face of another disappointment. He kidnaps the newborn Bennett child from the tenant farm, and brings her to his wife to pass off as their own . When Mrs Bennett relents and wants her baby back, the kidnapping is discovered, but it's too late to recover her.
This is a very complex story, and a very good one. The kidnapping serves to profoundly change the Bennetts, who all become more cautious and more wise. The Matlock family's lives are all brightened by the enchanting little girl. Little Beth seems to enchant everyone who comes into her orbit, including Lady Catherine, which causes Anne DeBourgh to become deeply jealous and resentful. Beth grows up to be the best and the brightest at everything.
Of course the kidnapping, and Lord Matlock's guilty conscience, hang over all that occurs in the eighteen years that this book covers. This is an epic tale, but it was rendered incredibly dry and unemotional by the author's style of writing. The story is presented with hardly any dialogue, in a very matter-of-fact way. We are told the story, rather than experiencing it through the interaction of characters. There are smatterings of dialogue here and there, but very little. It's kind of like having someone tell you about a movie, rather than seeing it for yourself on the screen. It's sort of like reading a history book - very dry.
I plan on reading the next installment. I just wish it would be different.
Shana G. has a wonderful premise for a story. Mrs Bennett, in true silly and flighty form, is absolutely convinced that the second child she's carrying is going to be the all important son and heir to break the entail on Longbourn. When she gives birth to another daughter, in a fit of pique and disbelief, she orders the child taken away and given to a tenant on their land. Meanwhile, the Earl of Matlock 's wife is nearby, giving birth to a stillborn daughter, one in a long line of dead children, and the Earl is worried for his wife's health and sanity in the face of another disappointment. He kidnaps the newborn Bennett child from the tenant farm, and brings her to his wife to pass off as their own . When Mrs Bennett relents and wants her baby back, the kidnapping is discovered, but it's too late to recover her.
This is a very complex story, and a very good one. The kidnapping serves to profoundly change the Bennetts, who all become more cautious and more wise. The Matlock family's lives are all brightened by the enchanting little girl. Little Beth seems to enchant everyone who comes into her orbit, including Lady Catherine, which causes Anne DeBourgh to become deeply jealous and resentful. Beth grows up to be the best and the brightest at everything.
Of course the kidnapping, and Lord Matlock's guilty conscience, hang over all that occurs in the eighteen years that this book covers. This is an epic tale, but it was rendered incredibly dry and unemotional by the author's style of writing. The story is presented with hardly any dialogue, in a very matter-of-fact way. We are told the story, rather than experiencing it through the interaction of characters. There are smatterings of dialogue here and there, but very little. It's kind of like having someone tell you about a movie, rather than seeing it for yourself on the screen. It's sort of like reading a history book - very dry.
I plan on reading the next installment. I just wish it would be different.
May 21, 2022
Elizabeth is taken as a baby
Oh, I love books where Elizabeth is not raised as a Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet’s rash decision sends the newborn Elizabeth out to a tenant for feeding. Lord Matlock’s loss of another child make a rash decision, taking the baby and raising her as his daughter.
What happens to all the families, although heartbreaking make each family better than canon. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see how it all works out.
Oh, I love books where Elizabeth is not raised as a Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet’s rash decision sends the newborn Elizabeth out to a tenant for feeding. Lord Matlock’s loss of another child make a rash decision, taking the baby and raising her as his daughter.
What happens to all the families, although heartbreaking make each family better than canon. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see how it all works out.
May 3, 2022
Great first book in the series
I read some of this story as the writer was creating her wonderful tale and am pleased that its partially complete. It's a variation of the Elizabeth isn't really a Bennet tales. In this case, she's kidnapped by the Earl when her mother has sent her to a tenant to raise because she's not a male. She's raised in the Fitzwilliam family with Darcy as her cousin. The older Darcy's are still alive, along with Mr Wickham ( the Steward and father of horrible George). Mr Bennet, in his grief decided to take control of Longbourne and raise his families situation with more annual income, more property, and much of his income invested with Gardiner to the point of becoming very wealthy. He takes Mr Lucas's position as Mayor and is rewarded by the King as a peer. The entire family changes, sons are born and Mrs Bennet becomes calm and rational!
There's a large amount of new characters and new relationships - Charlotte married Bingley! By the end the truth is coming out - too many people who know Elizabeth Fitzwilliam are meeting Cathy Bennet and her mother and realizing how much they look alike. The Earl rushes Elizabeth and Darcy to get married before the entire story comes out. As for the kidnapping - at this time the penalty for stealing the clothing was higher than the actual kidnapping of a child and one of the characters associated with the Fitzwilliams was working to change it not knowing that the Earl was guilty! The same day Elizabeth becomes a Darcy, Mr Bennet gets a letter telling him who stole his infant daughter. Explosions are sure to be happening on page 1 of the next book! Great story and I don't like having to wait for the next book!!
I read some of this story as the writer was creating her wonderful tale and am pleased that its partially complete. It's a variation of the Elizabeth isn't really a Bennet tales. In this case, she's kidnapped by the Earl when her mother has sent her to a tenant to raise because she's not a male. She's raised in the Fitzwilliam family with Darcy as her cousin. The older Darcy's are still alive, along with Mr Wickham ( the Steward and father of horrible George). Mr Bennet, in his grief decided to take control of Longbourne and raise his families situation with more annual income, more property, and much of his income invested with Gardiner to the point of becoming very wealthy. He takes Mr Lucas's position as Mayor and is rewarded by the King as a peer. The entire family changes, sons are born and Mrs Bennet becomes calm and rational!
There's a large amount of new characters and new relationships - Charlotte married Bingley! By the end the truth is coming out - too many people who know Elizabeth Fitzwilliam are meeting Cathy Bennet and her mother and realizing how much they look alike. The Earl rushes Elizabeth and Darcy to get married before the entire story comes out. As for the kidnapping - at this time the penalty for stealing the clothing was higher than the actual kidnapping of a child and one of the characters associated with the Fitzwilliams was working to change it not knowing that the Earl was guilty! The same day Elizabeth becomes a Darcy, Mr Bennet gets a letter telling him who stole his infant daughter. Explosions are sure to be happening on page 1 of the next book! Great story and I don't like having to wait for the next book!!
July 3, 2022
This is definitely an interesting idea. I love the premise, how much everyone's lives are changed by this one event, the sweet love arcs, and all the characters (thought I don't like how all the titled people have multiple names - I know it's normal but it makes it very hard to keep track of who the heck you're talking about when they're constantly being refered to by a different name).
Anywho! What I do not love is how slow it moves. This absolutely did not need to be two books. I don't know if this had an editor but it either needed one or else they really needed to cut some stuff out. There's a lot of unnecessary stuff bogging it down. Like, to the point that by the end of book 1 I no longer care what happens in book 2 if I have to slog through pages upon pages of descriptions of menial activities, what people are eating, what people are wearing, who spoke to whom, etc... It's just too much and does nothing to progress the story.
Ultimately it's a really great take on P&P but it drags way too much for my tastes.
Anywho! What I do not love is how slow it moves. This absolutely did not need to be two books. I don't know if this had an editor but it either needed one or else they really needed to cut some stuff out. There's a lot of unnecessary stuff bogging it down. Like, to the point that by the end of book 1 I no longer care what happens in book 2 if I have to slog through pages upon pages of descriptions of menial activities, what people are eating, what people are wearing, who spoke to whom, etc... It's just too much and does nothing to progress the story.
Ultimately it's a really great take on P&P but it drags way too much for my tastes.
May 1, 2022
Gripping!!!
From crying with Fanny Bennet, and seeing her entire family change for the better while living a life of grief. To seeing how an infusion of joy alters 3 other families for the better; we see how the want of a nail can lead to the loss of one kingdom, while a different horse gets a new nail and ultimately saves it's kingdom.
This is a page turner that only gets set down for basic necesities such as food, and exhausted sleep. I can't wait for the second book to be released.
From crying with Fanny Bennet, and seeing her entire family change for the better while living a life of grief. To seeing how an infusion of joy alters 3 other families for the better; we see how the want of a nail can lead to the loss of one kingdom, while a different horse gets a new nail and ultimately saves it's kingdom.
This is a page turner that only gets set down for basic necesities such as food, and exhausted sleep. I can't wait for the second book to be released.
April 29, 2022
This story is similar to the discarded daughter series. I understand the Earl wanting his wife to be happy. But kidnapping an infant to do so is wrong. At least she was treated well and was loved t those who knew her since she was a baby. I feel sorry for the bennets because they didn't get to see her grow up t get married. The anger Mr. Bennet at the end of the story is to be expected. Hope the second book is as good as this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2022
brilliant
I normally go for stories where Lizzie is not a Bennett so I thought it would be good to see if from a different side.
ms granderson has created another work full of suspense that has kept me hooked to the very end, my only issue…. I read this so far in advance of the follow up being released and I will have to wait to see how it ends
I normally go for stories where Lizzie is not a Bennett so I thought it would be good to see if from a different side.
ms granderson has created another work full of suspense that has kept me hooked to the very end, my only issue…. I read this so far in advance of the follow up being released and I will have to wait to see how it ends
May 21, 2022
Along for the ride
This storyline is only the 2nd time I've read about an abduction of Elizabeth. It had twists and turns that kept me on edge. Would her real family find out who took her? So many close calls! I really liked it. I pre-ordered the 2nd book! Well spent time and enjoyable.
This storyline is only the 2nd time I've read about an abduction of Elizabeth. It had twists and turns that kept me on edge. Would her real family find out who took her? So many close calls! I really liked it. I pre-ordered the 2nd book! Well spent time and enjoyable.
April 29, 2022
Omg loved it
Very good story it flowed throughout...can't wait to read part 2 it was a definate cliffhanger...I recommend this book to all who love a sort of story with 2 families so close..but yet so far
Very good story it flowed throughout...can't wait to read part 2 it was a definate cliffhanger...I recommend this book to all who love a sort of story with 2 families so close..but yet so far
May 21, 2022
Nice read!
There is a fairly similar story out there with a sort of similar tale! What I really liked about this tale is it is a narrative with minimal dialog. Much more interesting and faster to read, at least for me! Can't wait for the followup tale! Well done!!!
There is a fairly similar story out there with a sort of similar tale! What I really liked about this tale is it is a narrative with minimal dialog. Much more interesting and faster to read, at least for me! Can't wait for the followup tale! Well done!!!
May 26, 2022
Lady Beth-Elizabeth
This rendition was/is complicated through the over use is full names and or nicknames. One must often re-read a sentence a number of times to ascertain the person in the dialogue.
An Editor.is needed.
The plot is good 👍. However, I will not read the series.
This rendition was/is complicated through the over use is full names and or nicknames. One must often re-read a sentence a number of times to ascertain the person in the dialogue.
An Editor.is needed.
The plot is good 👍. However, I will not read the series.
July 8, 2023
All I can say is Brilliant
This story is one of the best I have read in a long time Elizabeth is kidnapped as a babe in arms and she is brought up as lady Beth the story of her life is continued in book 2.
This story is one of the best I have read in a long time Elizabeth is kidnapped as a babe in arms and she is brought up as lady Beth the story of her life is continued in book 2.
March 3, 2024
It feels like Mr Collins wrote this whole thing because it's really boring af. Instead of telling the story, the author explains the story in the dullest way possible. Her other stories are the same as well.
May 9, 2022
Suspenseful plot
Well written book. A nice alternative to the usual pride and prejudice book variations. I did get a few names confused but a good read
Well written book. A nice alternative to the usual pride and prejudice book variations. I did get a few names confused but a good read
May 21, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up to 3, for the effort.
But I will not read Vol.2 - this one was boring enough, I do not care to know what happens to the characters.
But I will not read Vol.2 - this one was boring enough, I do not care to know what happens to the characters.
February 8, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice variation newly born, rejected Elizabeth Bennet is kidnapped by Lord Marlock. He reasoned that as her wife had just given birth to another stillborn child she would give up. How does this event affect the future lives of the Bennets, Fitzwilliams and Darcys.
An entertaining variation.
An entertaining variation.
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