This is a short novel of a little less than 62,000 words. As usual for the author, it is sweet and low-angst and written from a Christian perspective.
Mr. Phillips walked into Mr. Bennet’s study and dropped his leather valise onto the large oak desk. “Have you told her yet?” Thomas Bennet looked up sheepishly, “No, I haven’t.” “Why not, Bennet? She will be one and twenty tomorrow. There are legal arrangements to be handled.” Mr. Bennet sighed, “I know, I know. It’s just that we will be opening Pandora’s Box once we make it known. I was hoping that you would tell her.” “No, Bennet, you are her father. You should be the one to tell her. But,” he relented, “I will be here for the disclosure. Shall we?” Soon-to-be twenty-one year old Elizabeth Bennet knocked and entered when she heard her father call, “Come in, Lizzy.” “Have a seat, my dear,” her Papa instructed the favorite of his five daughters. “Your uncle and I have some interesting news for you,” nodding for his brother by marriage to speak. Phillips gave the older man a stern look, but decided he would naturally be the better choice to reveal to his niece that she was to become an heiress on the morrow.
- Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding earlier than in canon, but Darcy has work to do to make up for his cruel remarks.
- The intrigue tapered off towards the end. I don't know if the story was extended to show a glimpse of the other two weddings or not, but it began to drag.
* The author must have forgotten when the Bennet's improvement occurred in the story. There are too many inconsistencies with that storyline.
Early in the story, before the Netherfield part arrived, Lydia's change had already taken place. Lydia was back in the school room, and Kitty was no longer out. Even Mrs. Bennet improved. Their governess arrived a week after the assembly, which the two youngest didn't attend. Darcy never met Lydia at any of the town gatherings.
When the assembly came around, Mrs. Bennet presented herself as a respectable woman. Without the canon Bennets making a bad impression, Darcy and Elizabeth began to spend time with one another.
Later in the story, Darcy, Bingley, and even Richard, at one point, began to comment on the mother and the two youngest girls' poor behavior. This was confusing since the Bennet's conduct was always seen as proper since Lydia's foolishness was discovered.
Early in the story, Darcy, Bingley and Richard met the governess when they paid a visit to Longborn. Later in the story, they talked about the Bennets are supposed to get a governess for Kitty and Lydia, hoping it would calm their wild ways. Towards the end, Darcy and Bingley are 'introduced' to the 'new' governess (although they met her earlier in the story). Now, Darcy and Bingley say there was a positive change in the girls' behavior. This entire mix up was annoying. It's why it 3 stars instead of 4 stars.
I've read several of this author's books, and this most recent release was one that I was able to read quickly. There were aspects of this story that were a little "more" and "less" than usual....
Fewer misunderstandings between ODC Less Wickham Less obsequious Collins Fewer religious references
A few more typos and editing errors A little more angsty A little more spicy A more scheming Caroline More of what happens after ODC's wedding
I don’t like that the books normalizes abuse. Darcy has a fit of anger and is cruel and verbally abusive. He is sorry afterward, but aren’t all abusers? The idea that it will never happen again is wishful thinking. If I had a friend in that situation, I would strongly warn her or him off.
Much to do about nothing. I expected the fact that Elizabeth was an heiress would play a bigger part when Darcy had those problems with "marrying beneath his status". It was kept secret and even when revealed nothing much was made of the fact.
Then there was the behavior of Lydia, in particular! Although the story does have steps being taken not only to give consequences but also to make changes, the matter is mostly dropped. We do get a bit here and there telling us that the behavior of the younger Bennet girls has improved. We hear little of those young ladies throughout most of the story.
We do have Elizabeth making very wise decisions as to how to use the inheritance she was given.
Caroline Bingley plays a large role in that a compromise she plans runs amok and the wrong people are found alone, together. I was glad to read of Caroline's fate as she just did not learn a lesson from her mistakes. However, that incident gives Elizabeth a view of Darcy she did not expect. He has lumped her with all those others who sought him for his wealth and his connections.
Georgiana has a bigger role in this story as she becomes friends with Elizabeth and her sisters. Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam also have larger parts.
The author does use some of her religious beliefs in this story, emphasizing that God has a plan for each of us.
For me this story was slow paced and with little angst. The Darcy's marriage gives us some pages with that romance and advice given about the wedding night. There is an epilogue, so we learn about future children and marriages made among the family and even thoughts from a future Darcy.
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. The characters in this variation have more sense, propriety and pragmatism; even Lydia Bennet is more well-behaved; although the mention of her and other secondary characters were hardly made in passing after giving them some attention. That characteristic gives this variation a more polished and fairy-tale feel to it. The angst comes from the relationships between Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and Caroline Bingley. The proud and disdainful, high and mighty Fitzwilliam Darcy definitely made a huge muddle with his cruel words and dishonorable acts. The melodrama that came out of an intended ruinous compromise caused so much of a rift that reconciliation seemed unlikely. Many readers would probably call on the author for how easily Mr. Darcy got off the hook, but this variation specifically shows Elizabeth Bennet with a strong and forgiving character, without which, Mr. Darcy would not have had his happily ever after. An engaging and emotional variation which many readers would most likely and immensely enjoy. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
A well-manicured variation with much-improved P&P characters of Canon
The characters in this variation have more sense, propriety and pragmatism. Even Lydia Bennet is more well-behaved; although the mention of her and other secondary characters were hardly made in passing after giving them some attention. That characteristic gives this variation a more polished and fairy-tale feel to it.
The angst comes from the relationships between Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and Caroline Bingley. The proud and disdainful, high and mighty Fitzwilliam Darcy definitely made a huge muddle with his cruel words and dishonorable acts. The melodrama that came out of an intended ruinous compromise caused so much of a rift that reconciliation seemed unlikely.
Many readers would probably call on the author for how easily Mr. Darcy got off the hook. But this variation specifically shows Elizabeth Bennet with a strong and forgiving character, without which, Mr. Darcy would not have had his happily ever after. Touching on religion and spirituality is a huge plus to this story.
An engaging and emotional variation which many readers would most likely and immensely enjoy. Highly recommend and on of this author’s remarkable variations
After the death of his only son, the owner of Netherfield is left without an heir. He chooses his kindly neighbor, Elizabeth Bennet, as she has cared for his estate by tending to the needs of his tenants. By the time Elizabeth takes control of her inheritance on her 21st birthday, Mr. Bingley has already leased the estate. Elizabeth decides to keep her ownership of Netherfield a secret, to protect herself from fortune hunters. She plans to use the income from the estate to provide her sisters with dowries.
In this variation, Elizabeth does not need to marry.
My problem with this book is the aftermath of the Netherfield ball. When Darcy and Elizabeth are found alone in a closed room, he insults Elizabeth and her parents, and threatens to share a secret he knows about Lydia. The Bennets are not completely ostracized in Meryton, but they are affected by the scandal.
Forgiveness is a recurring theme in the story. It makes sense that the Bennets eventually forgive Darcy and Bingley. Forgiveness doesnt mean forgetting, however, and Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet both seem to forget how quickly Darcy turned against Elizabeth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am not hugely familiar with this authors work but this one did not really grab me. It was all a little too dull with nothing to make it stand out. There is a lot of saying and very little showing which makes for tiring reading.
Whilst it is generally well edited for typos etc there are some misused words which grated on me. I lot count of the number of times someone said "by the by", made worse by the misspelling of the second "by".
This is another book which seems to think that if two people spend time together alone for a few minutes they are "compromised". Frankly unless her bodice is askew it is a storm in a teacup.
There was a rather strange time lapse error with Darcy suddenly worrying about the Bennet girls behaviour when this had been addressed before he knew them.
Elizabeth receives Netherfield after the owner dies without any heirs because she has been taking care of the tenants for years. She keeps it secret from her family and uses it to add to her sisters dowries. Renting it to Bingley comes the typical chaos known as Caroline. Jealous that Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship is growing closer she attempted to compromise Elizabeth and Mr Collins but its Darcy who is found with Elizabeth in the library. He exploded in anger and doesn't calm down until Rosings when they piece together the true facts. I enjoyed reading this especially as Anne gets Richard so no explosions from Lady Catherine! This writer never fails to give us a good story and this is no exception!
This was lovely and faith based (as many that I read are). I enjoyed that Darcy had to acknowledge faults without being slug hammered repeatedly on the head. Elizabeth was not as perfect but she was wise, thoughtful, and forgiving. My favorite parts of the story was when they were cloud gazing. My not so favorite part is Bingley being stupid about his sisters dowry. There were inconsistencies from the opening of the story to Darcy’s memory of the girls behavior. The author can fix that easily. I highly recommend this Love Story to all ages.
I usually enjoy this author’s work, but this story could have used an editor. While I enjoyed the plot, there were noticeable continuity errors that pulled me out of the story. One example, is that Darcy reflects back on the lack of decorum by the younger girls, but by the time the Netherfield party arrives in Meryton, the Bennets have already addressed that issue. Lydia is back in by then, a governess has been hired, and Elizabeth has taken pains to bring Mary out of her shell. I was still a most enjoyable read.
Lizzy Bennet had always been kind to Captain Connolly simply because she liked him.
As Lizzy grew up ,she continued to care for the Captain's tenants and servants just as she did for those of her family. The Captain, after he moved away, continued to keep tabs on his young friend. Now she has reached her majority, and although he had died three years ago, he made provisions to reward her kindness. This story was quite touching. I enjoyed it very much, I'm sure you will too.
Very well done without being too sweet. Great character development and an enjoyable plot. My only critique, and it is a small one, is that the author never explores Darcy’s reaction to the inheritance. I think it was a lost opportunity, especially considering the title, but I loved this novel and any JAFF will appreciate it. Clean and period-appropriate.
I loved the low angst character driven, full depth scope of this story. It is actually very believable that both of them are truly in love with each other. This was a perfect afternoon read for me.
I really enjoyed this version of P&P! Lizzy and William are two of my favorite characters! I positively loathe Caroline Bingley! She certainly did reap what she sowed!
As advertised, this is a pleasant, low angst, book. Except for one majoring misunderstanding the story was a drawn out series of mundane events (shopping, carriage rides, etc.).
Absolutely lovely and original as I had never read a story in which Darcy compromised Lizzy and proceeded to refuse to marry her. I loved the twist. Well done!
This story is much as usual but with some significant differences. Elizabeth Bennet receives an unexpected inheritance and Caroline Bingley's evil shenanigans have disastrous results.
Want a story that keep you intrigued? Look no farther. Want a story that will break your heart, but pick up the pieces and fix it? Look no farther! Want a story that has a harsh and non loving Darcy, but he changes? Look no farther! This story is emotional, deep, moving, well written, and definitely recommended. This story has a strong Elizabeth. Jane is awful, but learns a little. Loved Mr n Mrs Gardner.
A nice story, but it didn't quite pull me in the way so many of her other books have. This is my second reading just to make sure I didn't miss something the first time around last year.
Lizzy owns Netherfield when she gains her majority before the story, but it's a secret so that her mother and youngest sisters don't importune her for money and gifts. Miss Bingley sees Darcy's attraction to Lizzy and tries to compromise her with Mr. Collins, but things go awry and she is compromised with Darcy. He is so angry and disappointed, he is downright cruel to her and doesn't give her a chance to explain. Later at Rosings/Hunsford, Colonel Fitzwilliam discusses it with Darcy, saying he cannot believe that Elizabeth is the type to try to compromise him. The Colonel, with help from Anne de Bourgh, Darcy lets Elizabeth tell him what happened and is chagrined when he finds out that it was Miss Bingley and not the Bennet family, who engineered the compromise. Colonel Fitzwilliam marries Anne de Bourgh.
Eventually Darcy and Elizabeth reconcile and she allows him to court her unofficially. Darcy cuts Miss Bingley in public, she ends up getting compromised by a penniless lord and has to marry him; he wants her dowry.
Jane forgives Bingley and Darcy's courtship works out, so HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.