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The Heart of Bennet Hollow
An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s
Pride and Prejudice
by the award-winning author of
The Lady and the Lionheart
.
New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.
William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.
Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.
An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. LaddA clever, clean love storySouthern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper BashamIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.
William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.
Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.
An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. LaddA clever, clean love storySouthern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper BashamIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
67 people are currently reading
4762 people want to read
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October 20, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
New River, Virginia, 1904
Bennet Hollow is the only home Lizbeth Bennet has ever known and probably will ever know. Money is scarce and with four other sisters who she wants to make sure have secure futures, Lizbeth longs to help her family in any way she can so they won’t have to lose their home. But when the coal mine is up for sale and coal barons show up, including a handsome, rich, and eligible young bachelor who seems to care about the residents of her small town, Lizbeth realizes that her fears might become a reality.
Arriving at New River, focused on business and planning to possibly leave as the new owner of New River’s coal mine, William Drake keeps his distance from the townspeople as much as he can so his caring heart won’t get in the way of purchasing what he wants. Especially the residents of a piece of land that is threatened by the purchase of the mine, particularly Bennet Hollow. But his plan begins to crumble after an awkward first meeting with a pretty young woman by the name of Lizbeth Bennet. William’s heart begins to beat differently, as do his reasons for wanting to purchase the mine. Can he do what is right for not only himself but for New River, while earning Lizbeth’s love and trust?
STORY TIME!
As I was doom-scrolling on Instagram, I came across a reel about a retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the Appalachians. My interest is piqued because I love P&P. The cover pops up and I squint hard at the screen, about ready to fall into it. Gosh, the cover looks familiar, I think to myself. I scramble to NetGalley and go to my list of October books in 2025, my eyes widening at the title and cover. The Heart of Bennet Hollow. It’s already out, but the request button is beckoning me to just click it and see what happens. So I do, and a day or two later, I get an email, saying my request was accepted. Ha-ha! Success! And that’s how I got the privilege to read this book. The end. 😂
All right, this was a cute and wholesome story! 🥰 They weren’t kidding when they said this was a P&P retelling. Although there were a lot of similarities to Austen’s novel, this one was unique in its own way with mules, coal mines, and trains. I’m not going to lie, the movie October’s Sky constantly came to mind for some reason as I read this book. I guess it's because there’s a coal mine, but I don’t know how and why my mind works the way it does either. 😅😂
Anyway, the writing was really good and the dialogue wasn’t forced or stiff. The characters had strengths, they had weaknesses, and they grew as the story progressed. The plot was actually quite interesting and since I’m kinda familiar with coal mines and all that (you know why 😂), it was fun to read about how they mined back in the day before electricity was introduced to spare the poor animals and make the workers’ lives easier. What I liked the most, though, was that we get both Lizbeth’s and William’s perspective and there weren’t many if any filler chapters to drag this story in the dirt. I honestly was kinda surprised there weren't more elements of faith incorporated into the story, but there was enough for you to appreciate their faith and trust in God, especially William’s. I wanted more, but I’m happy with what I got. ☺👍🏼
The reason why I didn’t give this five stars is because I wanted more…depth? I felt like I knew the characters at a surface level, mainly Lizbeth. I cared just a little bit more about William’s side of the story than I did Lizbeth’s. Even then, I wanted to know about their hearts, their aspirations, and their lives at a deeper level, especially this being 41 chapters long.
All in all, this was a sweet romance, and I totally recommend it! 🤎
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
#TheHeartofBennetHollow #NetGalley
New River, Virginia, 1904
Bennet Hollow is the only home Lizbeth Bennet has ever known and probably will ever know. Money is scarce and with four other sisters who she wants to make sure have secure futures, Lizbeth longs to help her family in any way she can so they won’t have to lose their home. But when the coal mine is up for sale and coal barons show up, including a handsome, rich, and eligible young bachelor who seems to care about the residents of her small town, Lizbeth realizes that her fears might become a reality.
Arriving at New River, focused on business and planning to possibly leave as the new owner of New River’s coal mine, William Drake keeps his distance from the townspeople as much as he can so his caring heart won’t get in the way of purchasing what he wants. Especially the residents of a piece of land that is threatened by the purchase of the mine, particularly Bennet Hollow. But his plan begins to crumble after an awkward first meeting with a pretty young woman by the name of Lizbeth Bennet. William’s heart begins to beat differently, as do his reasons for wanting to purchase the mine. Can he do what is right for not only himself but for New River, while earning Lizbeth’s love and trust?
STORY TIME!
As I was doom-scrolling on Instagram, I came across a reel about a retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the Appalachians. My interest is piqued because I love P&P. The cover pops up and I squint hard at the screen, about ready to fall into it. Gosh, the cover looks familiar, I think to myself. I scramble to NetGalley and go to my list of October books in 2025, my eyes widening at the title and cover. The Heart of Bennet Hollow. It’s already out, but the request button is beckoning me to just click it and see what happens. So I do, and a day or two later, I get an email, saying my request was accepted. Ha-ha! Success! And that’s how I got the privilege to read this book. The end. 😂
All right, this was a cute and wholesome story! 🥰 They weren’t kidding when they said this was a P&P retelling. Although there were a lot of similarities to Austen’s novel, this one was unique in its own way with mules, coal mines, and trains. I’m not going to lie, the movie October’s Sky constantly came to mind for some reason as I read this book. I guess it's because there’s a coal mine, but I don’t know how and why my mind works the way it does either. 😅😂
Anyway, the writing was really good and the dialogue wasn’t forced or stiff. The characters had strengths, they had weaknesses, and they grew as the story progressed. The plot was actually quite interesting and since I’m kinda familiar with coal mines and all that (you know why 😂), it was fun to read about how they mined back in the day before electricity was introduced to spare the poor animals and make the workers’ lives easier. What I liked the most, though, was that we get both Lizbeth’s and William’s perspective and there weren’t many if any filler chapters to drag this story in the dirt. I honestly was kinda surprised there weren't more elements of faith incorporated into the story, but there was enough for you to appreciate their faith and trust in God, especially William’s. I wanted more, but I’m happy with what I got. ☺👍🏼
The reason why I didn’t give this five stars is because I wanted more…depth? I felt like I knew the characters at a surface level, mainly Lizbeth. I cared just a little bit more about William’s side of the story than I did Lizbeth’s. Even then, I wanted to know about their hearts, their aspirations, and their lives at a deeper level, especially this being 41 chapters long.
All in all, this was a sweet romance, and I totally recommend it! 🤎
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
#TheHeartofBennetHollow #NetGalley
April 15, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘}
“𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛.”
🍂 Release Date: October 7, 2025 🍂
.
.
.
I was super excited to be given the opportunity to read this Pride and Prejudice retelling, which is written by an author that I throughly enjoy! This story took place in the coal town of New River, Virginia, which turned out to be such a cozy setting! I felt like this book very accurately captured the heart and soul of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
I found the characters in this book to be very likable, keeping the story both lighthearted and engaging. Beings the year was 1904, the characters did have some pretty heavy mountain drawls, which might be off-putting for readers who struggle to enjoy books with heavy accents.
I did find myself wishing that William Drake, the rendition of Darcy, would be a bit more moody and broody. This story was told in a third person, dual pov, and I think if it had been told in a single pov, it might have given that tension and angst I found missing between the main characters. All that to say, I did find the rest of the characters to be perfect as they were! Honestly, I think I even liked the Mrs. Bennet in this story better than the original 🤭
The romance found in the pages of this book captured some of the sweetest moments between the main characters! I loved the retelling of the scene where Drake (Darcy) spills his feelings to Lizzy, only to be turned down 🤭 I think I will always love this scene, no matter how many times it may be retold! Brydolf as Bingley was literal perfection! He brought his character to life throughout this story, and his relationship with Jayne was just as sweet as can be ♥️
Read it for:
🍂 Pride and Prejudice retelling
🍂 Cozy mountain town setting
🍂 Engaging characters
🍂 The sweetest romance
🍂 Protective MMC
🍂 Close-knit family
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘}
“𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛.”
🍂 Release Date: October 7, 2025 🍂
.
.
.
I was super excited to be given the opportunity to read this Pride and Prejudice retelling, which is written by an author that I throughly enjoy! This story took place in the coal town of New River, Virginia, which turned out to be such a cozy setting! I felt like this book very accurately captured the heart and soul of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
I found the characters in this book to be very likable, keeping the story both lighthearted and engaging. Beings the year was 1904, the characters did have some pretty heavy mountain drawls, which might be off-putting for readers who struggle to enjoy books with heavy accents.
I did find myself wishing that William Drake, the rendition of Darcy, would be a bit more moody and broody. This story was told in a third person, dual pov, and I think if it had been told in a single pov, it might have given that tension and angst I found missing between the main characters. All that to say, I did find the rest of the characters to be perfect as they were! Honestly, I think I even liked the Mrs. Bennet in this story better than the original 🤭
The romance found in the pages of this book captured some of the sweetest moments between the main characters! I loved the retelling of the scene where Drake (Darcy) spills his feelings to Lizzy, only to be turned down 🤭 I think I will always love this scene, no matter how many times it may be retold! Brydolf as Bingley was literal perfection! He brought his character to life throughout this story, and his relationship with Jayne was just as sweet as can be ♥️
Read it for:
🍂 Pride and Prejudice retelling
🍂 Cozy mountain town setting
🍂 Engaging characters
🍂 The sweetest romance
🍂 Protective MMC
🍂 Close-knit family
.
.
.
I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.
August 15, 2025
This is an adorable nod to Pride and Prejudice. Set in the Appalachian Mountains in 1904, the Bennett family, with five daughters, lives in Bennet Hollow. Their dad is a geologist working for the coal mines. Mr. William Drake seeks to buy the mine. When he meets Lizbeth Bennet, he finds he can't get her off his mind. She, however, isn't impressed with him and his broody, solemn manner. I enjoyed this sweet romance and recommend it to all Pride and Prejudice lovers.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.
October 7, 2025
The Heart of Bennet Hollow was a lovely read! Being born and raised in the coalfields of Appalachia and growing up with mining as a way of life, this story was very close to my heart
I am partial to books that showcase my Appalachian heritage and Joanne does a wonderful job bringing that time period to life by painting a vivid picture of the benefits and the drawbacks of coal towns. Mining families were and still are proud and hardworking, making a living from the land and passing that love and knowledge down to each generation.
This story will also captivate those who love Jane Austin. Lizbeth and William give this story its heart, while the coal mining community gives it soul.
A beautiful story from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I am partial to books that showcase my Appalachian heritage and Joanne does a wonderful job bringing that time period to life by painting a vivid picture of the benefits and the drawbacks of coal towns. Mining families were and still are proud and hardworking, making a living from the land and passing that love and knowledge down to each generation.
This story will also captivate those who love Jane Austin. Lizbeth and William give this story its heart, while the coal mining community gives it soul.
A beautiful story from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
A charming, sweet, clean romance, a well-written story, easy to read, rich in details, and full of adventures.
Lizbeth Bennet is determined to save her family’s farm and secure a future for herself and her sisters. In their Appalachian coal-mining town, money is scarce, and holding on to the farm without losing pieces of her family’s legacy feels nearly impossible.
William Drake comes to town with one goal: focus on business and avoid getting too close to the locals—especially those whose land is tied up with the mine, like the Bennets. But as he works through legal disputes, William finds it harder to balance profit with doing what’s right for the community. His resolve weakens even more when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.
Though their first encounter is far from smooth, Lizbeth and William keep crossing paths. Slowly, Lizbeth begins to see more in William than the pride and distance she first noticed. Just as their fragile friendship starts to grow, however, a startling revelation shakes her trust, reminding her that appearances can be deceiving, and hearts are not so easily guarded.
The most captivating part for me was the vivid description of the coal mine—when the men stepped into the hoist cage and descended into the bowels of the earth, the atmosphere felt strikingly real. Overall, this is a good story told through a dual POV. That said, the writing at times felt a little repetitive, with a few scenes that stretched believability. I also missed the sharp humor and wit that make Austen’s characters sparkle. Still, if you enjoy historical romance and have a fondness for Pride and Prejudice, this book offers a familiar echo while standing as its own story...Releases Oct 7.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."
"Light is at hand, if she simply turned her mind and heart in that direction. The peace in humility and the healing of new beginnings."
Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for the eARC.
Lizbeth Bennet is determined to save her family’s farm and secure a future for herself and her sisters. In their Appalachian coal-mining town, money is scarce, and holding on to the farm without losing pieces of her family’s legacy feels nearly impossible.
William Drake comes to town with one goal: focus on business and avoid getting too close to the locals—especially those whose land is tied up with the mine, like the Bennets. But as he works through legal disputes, William finds it harder to balance profit with doing what’s right for the community. His resolve weakens even more when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.
Though their first encounter is far from smooth, Lizbeth and William keep crossing paths. Slowly, Lizbeth begins to see more in William than the pride and distance she first noticed. Just as their fragile friendship starts to grow, however, a startling revelation shakes her trust, reminding her that appearances can be deceiving, and hearts are not so easily guarded.
The most captivating part for me was the vivid description of the coal mine—when the men stepped into the hoist cage and descended into the bowels of the earth, the atmosphere felt strikingly real. Overall, this is a good story told through a dual POV. That said, the writing at times felt a little repetitive, with a few scenes that stretched believability. I also missed the sharp humor and wit that make Austen’s characters sparkle. Still, if you enjoy historical romance and have a fondness for Pride and Prejudice, this book offers a familiar echo while standing as its own story...Releases Oct 7.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."
"Light is at hand, if she simply turned her mind and heart in that direction. The peace in humility and the healing of new beginnings."
Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for the eARC.
September 23, 2025
That was a really sweet and very well done Pride and Prejudice retelling!
Squeaky clean too! 🧡🧡
4 stars!
review to come
April 8, 2025
I love Joanne Bischof's writing and her charming settings and characters. This story follows the original very closely, yet remains unique in story and setting due to the mining aspect. However, I just finished a reread of Pride and Prejudice, so that made it very hard to stay invested in a story I already know the ending of. That's why I ended up skimming most of this story, but one day when Jane Austen isn't as fresh in my mind, I will reread this one fully.
September 29, 2025
This book was autumnal perfection. Bennett Hollow makes for a dreamy setting. I have not read Pride and Prejudice but this book makes me want to jump into it. I knew after reading The Lady and the Lionheart that I would likely love anything this author writes. I’m so happy I pre-ordered it.
March 29, 2025
This book is amazing! It was nostalgic for me because it had some Pride and Prejudice references. The storyline was also unique because it is set in the coal town of New River. The Bennett farm is idyllic and picturesque! And The Pemberley, ooh la la, I'd love to travel in that rail car!
The characters are wonderful! By the end of the book, I felt as if they were family. Lizbeth is one of my favorites! She's helpful, loving, and caring. She's kind-hearted, especially towards her mules. William is 😍! I love how he has a change of heart and decides to do what's best for the community and not just himself. Pa Bennett is level-headed and wise! Shout out to Eugene and Sassafras! 🫏
The most intriguing part to me was the description of the coal mine. As the men entered the hoist cage and prepared to go into the bowels of the earth, I inwardly shuddered. But Lizbeth's sampler brought me comfort. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are wonderful! By the end of the book, I felt as if they were family. Lizbeth is one of my favorites! She's helpful, loving, and caring. She's kind-hearted, especially towards her mules. William is 😍! I love how he has a change of heart and decides to do what's best for the community and not just himself. Pa Bennett is level-headed and wise! Shout out to Eugene and Sassafras! 🫏
The most intriguing part to me was the description of the coal mine. As the men entered the hoist cage and prepared to go into the bowels of the earth, I inwardly shuddered. But Lizbeth's sampler brought me comfort. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2025
If you are looking for a P&P retelling that stays very close to the original beats but with small differences in the plot to match up with the Appalachian coal mining setting, this is absolutely it. I personally had trouble staying engaged from time to time because I already knew what was going to happen, knowing the original story so well. But the last quarter was unique enough and written with Joanne's excellent emotional intelligence that any boredom fled.
A key verse that the main character is stitching into her sampler provides a faith thread woven throughout that is kept central in the reader's mind. Readers of clean romance can enjoy it for not being heavy-handed in that aspect, however.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read an ecopy in exchange for an honest review. all opinions are my own!
A key verse that the main character is stitching into her sampler provides a faith thread woven throughout that is kept central in the reader's mind. Readers of clean romance can enjoy it for not being heavy-handed in that aspect, however.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read an ecopy in exchange for an honest review. all opinions are my own!
July 24, 2025
The Heart of Bennet Hollow is a sweet, wholesome mish-mash of Austen's Pride and Prejudice and the beauty of the Appalachia.
Reading this book felt like snuggling into a fuzzy blanket by a warm, crackling fire. 🥰 The characters are friends (or enemies 😅) that you'll find in beloved classics. The spin on the timeline and plot was delightful and refreshing!
Content: none :)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Reading this book felt like snuggling into a fuzzy blanket by a warm, crackling fire. 🥰 The characters are friends (or enemies 😅) that you'll find in beloved classics. The spin on the timeline and plot was delightful and refreshing!
Content: none :)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 1, 2025
besties i finally finished. i liked this book well enough but it took me like 2 weeks to read? 😭 (nvm way longer i think😭😭)
it was super sweet and the pride and prejudice similarities were great—not exactly the same but more like inspired.
the only thing i didn’t love was that lizzie didn’t hate william at all. this was NOT the same p+p love story, so the angst and drama fell flat for me between them. she just had a simple misunderstanding and got over it so quick, and william literally did nothing wrong here 💀. there was literally no reason to be mad at him. where was the “she’s not tolerable enough to tempt me”????
the tea was lukewarm, i fear.
but it was still a nice read. i enjoyed the familiar characters and new setting!
thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review (:
it was super sweet and the pride and prejudice similarities were great—not exactly the same but more like inspired.
the only thing i didn’t love was that lizzie didn’t hate william at all. this was NOT the same p+p love story, so the angst and drama fell flat for me between them. she just had a simple misunderstanding and got over it so quick, and william literally did nothing wrong here 💀. there was literally no reason to be mad at him. where was the “she’s not tolerable enough to tempt me”????
the tea was lukewarm, i fear.
but it was still a nice read. i enjoyed the familiar characters and new setting!
thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review (:
October 9, 2025
Because my husband's a coal miner, any book that has that profession immediately piques my interest. Add in a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Sign me up!
The author did a great job showing the difference in Lizbeth's and Mr. Drake's living situations. The relationship between Lizzie and Jayne was beautiful. And I actually liked "Darcy" more than Lizzy in this retelling. To me, he was more personable.
I did find it to be a bit slow at times, and didn't love how the author spun a couple of the story lines. I felt that probably 40-50 pages could have been reduced due to wordiness, but all in all a good retelling.
If you love retellings and Pride and Prejudice, you just may love this one too!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
3.5 stars rounded up
The author did a great job showing the difference in Lizbeth's and Mr. Drake's living situations. The relationship between Lizzie and Jayne was beautiful. And I actually liked "Darcy" more than Lizzy in this retelling. To me, he was more personable.
I did find it to be a bit slow at times, and didn't love how the author spun a couple of the story lines. I felt that probably 40-50 pages could have been reduced due to wordiness, but all in all a good retelling.
If you love retellings and Pride and Prejudice, you just may love this one too!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
3.5 stars rounded up
September 30, 2025
This compelling story is a perfect blend of Appalachian flavor and Pride and Prejudice vibes making it an engaging, heartwarming read. Set in Virginia in the early 1900s, it offers a vivid snapshot of life in Appalachian coal country. The smoothly flowing, though slow-paced, plot kept me engaged from beginning to end. Outstanding, unforgettable characters touched my heart. I could feel their physical and emotional struggles. I enjoyed the way Lizabeth and William's romantic relationship blooms against seemingly impossible social and economic odds and despite their preconceived notions about each other. I appreciate the gentle faith thread nicely woven throughout the story offering hope amidst the uncertainty. This book is sure to delight Inspirational Historical Romance fans. I highly recommend it.
I read an advanced copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read an advanced copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this #gifted book!*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: The Heart of Bennett Hollow
Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt
Genre: Historical Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: Lizbeth Bennett is a young woman growing up in the Appalachian town of New River, Virginia, and while her family is far from wealthy, the farm and each other is all they need. But when the coal mine that sustains the community is up for sale, the Bennett family farm is threatened with new ownership. Unless this mysterious new buyer can somehow save it. When Williams Drake first arrives, the town thinks him better than everyone else there, and he doesn’t quite know how to relate to this quaint coal mining town and its residents. But when a certain Bennett sister starts to crack through his walls, he finds himself not only interested in winning the bid for the coal mine but also Lizbeth’s heart. Will the two be able to set their differences aside to save the farm and find love in their future?
Analysis: First, I must admit that I’ve never completely read Pride and Prejudice, but I have seen the 2005 movie and thoroughly enjoy it 🤗 So this book was a delightful surprise! It’s way outside my normal wheelhouse, but this is such a sweet Appalachian retelling of a beloved story! The beginning felt quite a bit like the original story, but how do you change the beginning of such an icon? I enjoyed getting to know these characters with an American flare and accents. And the last quarter was really different and fun! Who knew one could love a mule so much?! 😂 you’ll just have to read this one for yourself to see if you can relate! If you’re looking for a cozy comfort read for fall, give this one a try 🤎
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: The Heart of Bennett Hollow
Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt
Genre: Historical Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: Lizbeth Bennett is a young woman growing up in the Appalachian town of New River, Virginia, and while her family is far from wealthy, the farm and each other is all they need. But when the coal mine that sustains the community is up for sale, the Bennett family farm is threatened with new ownership. Unless this mysterious new buyer can somehow save it. When Williams Drake first arrives, the town thinks him better than everyone else there, and he doesn’t quite know how to relate to this quaint coal mining town and its residents. But when a certain Bennett sister starts to crack through his walls, he finds himself not only interested in winning the bid for the coal mine but also Lizbeth’s heart. Will the two be able to set their differences aside to save the farm and find love in their future?
Analysis: First, I must admit that I’ve never completely read Pride and Prejudice, but I have seen the 2005 movie and thoroughly enjoy it 🤗 So this book was a delightful surprise! It’s way outside my normal wheelhouse, but this is such a sweet Appalachian retelling of a beloved story! The beginning felt quite a bit like the original story, but how do you change the beginning of such an icon? I enjoyed getting to know these characters with an American flare and accents. And the last quarter was really different and fun! Who knew one could love a mule so much?! 😂 you’ll just have to read this one for yourself to see if you can relate! If you’re looking for a cozy comfort read for fall, give this one a try 🤎
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 11, 2025
Well, that was lovely. My new favorite P&P adaptation
April 14, 2025
[Thank you to @netgalley and to Tyndale Fiction for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
Calling all Pride and Prejudice fans!
The Heart of Bennet Hollow is a 1904 era Appalachian Pride and Prejudice retelling, set in a coal mining town in New River, Virginia.
I love Jane Austen and am pretty picky when it comes to retellings of my favorite classics. I must say: I absolutely adored this title! The author did such a wonderful job bringing familiar characters to life in a way that honored the originals and their stories. The setting of the story was so creative and well researched historically. I was so impressed at how recognizable each character was, even so far removed from the original story’s setting and circumstances. I loved all of the ways the author was able to include aspects of Pride of Prejudice in this story all, while also telling a brand-new story. Well done, Joanne DeWitt!
This is a clean/Christian title.
Highly recommend!
Calling all Pride and Prejudice fans!
The Heart of Bennet Hollow is a 1904 era Appalachian Pride and Prejudice retelling, set in a coal mining town in New River, Virginia.
I love Jane Austen and am pretty picky when it comes to retellings of my favorite classics. I must say: I absolutely adored this title! The author did such a wonderful job bringing familiar characters to life in a way that honored the originals and their stories. The setting of the story was so creative and well researched historically. I was so impressed at how recognizable each character was, even so far removed from the original story’s setting and circumstances. I loved all of the ways the author was able to include aspects of Pride of Prejudice in this story all, while also telling a brand-new story. Well done, Joanne DeWitt!
This is a clean/Christian title.
Highly recommend!
May 6, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Anyone who likes "Pride and Prejudice" will surely like this retelling. As a big fan of Jane Austen's work, I enjoyed reading "The Heart of Bennet Hollow".
Telling their story, Lizbeth and William present their lives at the beginning of the 20th century, in the small mining town of New River. From the first meeting, sparks fly between the two, laced with witty banter that reminds us of the original work.
The story is very well written, easy to read, rich in details and adventures of our favorite main characters.
A quote that was beautifully written and that I liked: "...light is at hand, if she simply turned her mind and heart in that direction. The peace in humility and the healing of new beginnings." I also liked that their story takes place throughout the year, filled with realistic descriptions of two young people falling in love through the seasons - gently.
I give the book a well-deserved 5 stars.
Anyone who likes "Pride and Prejudice" will surely like this retelling. As a big fan of Jane Austen's work, I enjoyed reading "The Heart of Bennet Hollow".
Telling their story, Lizbeth and William present their lives at the beginning of the 20th century, in the small mining town of New River. From the first meeting, sparks fly between the two, laced with witty banter that reminds us of the original work.
The story is very well written, easy to read, rich in details and adventures of our favorite main characters.
A quote that was beautifully written and that I liked: "...light is at hand, if she simply turned her mind and heart in that direction. The peace in humility and the healing of new beginnings." I also liked that their story takes place throughout the year, filled with realistic descriptions of two young people falling in love through the seasons - gently.
I give the book a well-deserved 5 stars.
June 26, 2025
A huge thank you to author Joanne Bischof DeWitt who actually sent me this arc ecopy herself I truly appreciate it. Now this new release is set to be released in October by Tyndale publishing. The best thing about this novel is that it is a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that is set in Virginia in the early twentieth century. This novel does an excellent job of staying true to the orginal Pride and Prejudice characters. I will admit that I was impressed with this book when I orginally heard about it and the fact that I got the opportunity to read it made my good opinion only stronger.
Now in 1904 we are introduced to Lizbeth Bennett who lives on her family's farm in the coal mining town of New River. However in this day in age money is very scarce and the Bennetts fear losing their land. The fear only gets bigger when the coal mine is put up for sale. Lizbeth is determined to keep her family home from being taken
William Drake happens to be one of the visiting coal barons. He is different from the other barons as he is more focused on the business matters rather than socializing with the town. He realizes that it is going to hard to find a positive financial gain and it gets even more complicated when he meets Lizbeth and the two always seem to be running into each other. Will these two manage to find a compromise with their future.
I recieved an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Now in 1904 we are introduced to Lizbeth Bennett who lives on her family's farm in the coal mining town of New River. However in this day in age money is very scarce and the Bennetts fear losing their land. The fear only gets bigger when the coal mine is put up for sale. Lizbeth is determined to keep her family home from being taken
William Drake happens to be one of the visiting coal barons. He is different from the other barons as he is more focused on the business matters rather than socializing with the town. He realizes that it is going to hard to find a positive financial gain and it gets even more complicated when he meets Lizbeth and the two always seem to be running into each other. Will these two manage to find a compromise with their future.
I recieved an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
October 2, 2025
This was a delightful retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Set in Appalachia in the early 1900s (with Pemberley as a fancy train car!), it tells the story of Lizbeth, the second daughter of a geologist in a town where the coal mine is for sale and several coal barons have arrived to bid on it, including William Drake. There are enough tweaks to the characters to adjust to the different time period and location to give the tale some freshness and to remove some of the more irritating personality traits.
I enjoyed every bit of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.
This is Christian fiction so expect prayer and discussions about God.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed every bit of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.
This is Christian fiction so expect prayer and discussions about God.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 1, 2025
The Heart of Bennet Hollow is utterly charming in every way. I loved this Pride and Prejudice retelling and how both country and city characters had something to offer and something to learn. 5 stars!
Dewitt has written a book with a gentle hand reminiscent of those from an earlier time period that revolved around family and community. The Bennet family with their five girls will win readers over with their devotion to each other and their farm. They don't have a lot of money but are rich in love. The newcomers Mr. Drake and Mr. Brydolf are quite well off and looking to further expand their riches but soon their interests are piqued by attraction and love in small town New River.
I love a good quote but in this instance a Bible verse is front and center,
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
Joanne Bischof DeWitt has written some fabulous books in the past like The Sons of Blackbird Mountain and The Lady and the Lionheart. The Heart of Bennet Hollow is in the same league and highly recommended. I appreciate Tyndale House Publishers, via NetGalley, making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Dewitt has written a book with a gentle hand reminiscent of those from an earlier time period that revolved around family and community. The Bennet family with their five girls will win readers over with their devotion to each other and their farm. They don't have a lot of money but are rich in love. The newcomers Mr. Drake and Mr. Brydolf are quite well off and looking to further expand their riches but soon their interests are piqued by attraction and love in small town New River.
I love a good quote but in this instance a Bible verse is front and center,
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
Joanne Bischof DeWitt has written some fabulous books in the past like The Sons of Blackbird Mountain and The Lady and the Lionheart. The Heart of Bennet Hollow is in the same league and highly recommended. I appreciate Tyndale House Publishers, via NetGalley, making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
March 30, 2025
This is a new to me author and I enjoyed the retelling of the Pride and Prejudice in this book. Set in the Appalachian coal mining town, the story is told in a way it is easy to envision the coal mines and rail cars. It also draws your attention that the family home will not be given up without a fight as wealthy men come in to buy the land.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
September 3, 2025
Fans of Pride & Prejudice retellings might really enjoy this 1904 Appalachian story of Lizbeth Bennet, and her four sisters. I got a kick out of how the author was creative with some of the original names and key aspects of the story, while putting her own slightly unique spin on it. I also appreciate the clean romance and commitment to wholesomeness. This is a book moms of older teen daughter could be comfortable giving their daughter to read!
Pride & Prejudice is dear to my heart. I love the story itself; having grown up watching the adaptations, the characters feel like dear friends. That being said, a retelling of this age-old story is a hard sell for me personally. I tend to prefer books that have subtle nods to the original & classic rom-com-ness of Austen’s writing, instead of trying to outright redo it just in another time and place.
But for other readers, they might feel a comfort in reading a familiar story that boasts a unique feel!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Pride & Prejudice is dear to my heart. I love the story itself; having grown up watching the adaptations, the characters feel like dear friends. That being said, a retelling of this age-old story is a hard sell for me personally. I tend to prefer books that have subtle nods to the original & classic rom-com-ness of Austen’s writing, instead of trying to outright redo it just in another time and place.
But for other readers, they might feel a comfort in reading a familiar story that boasts a unique feel!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
September 30, 2025
The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt is based on the much loved Pride and Prejudice. This story is a gem. The bones of Pand P are there, the familiar characters are there, the tension is there but the author has made it uniquely her own with an Appalachian flair.
I learned a lot about the mountain coal industry and culture that other stories have not brought out. The setting was key to the story. I fell in love with the romance of sisters Jane and Lizzy. Their suitors were men of integrity. The Bennet family was very close and mimicked Jane Austen’s well. .
The descriptions of New River, Virginia, the mine and the rail car brought the story to life. The characters and their faith journey were memorable as they matured in their outlook.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice will enjoy this take on the story in the mountains of Virginia in 1904.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
I learned a lot about the mountain coal industry and culture that other stories have not brought out. The setting was key to the story. I fell in love with the romance of sisters Jane and Lizzy. Their suitors were men of integrity. The Bennet family was very close and mimicked Jane Austen’s well. .
The descriptions of New River, Virginia, the mine and the rail car brought the story to life. The characters and their faith journey were memorable as they matured in their outlook.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice will enjoy this take on the story in the mountains of Virginia in 1904.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
September 26, 2025
This is the PERFECT book to curl up with as autumn settles in! The story offers a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, rich with vivid descriptions that make it feel like you're stepping into a welcoming world. It also has that sense of reconnecting with old friends—those beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice.
The author does a brilliant job of blending the timeless charm of the original classic with a fresh, modern twist, all while subtly weaving in Christian themes.
And let’s not forget the draw of a quiet, brooding hero who only softens for the one woman who truly understands him. Highly recommend this one for those looking for a thoughtful, heartwarming read!
“If it was a quiet love she was accepting from William Drake, one of whispered sentiments, soft touches, and stolen glances, then it would be all the more satisfying. One she yearned for from him and no other.”
The author does a brilliant job of blending the timeless charm of the original classic with a fresh, modern twist, all while subtly weaving in Christian themes.
And let’s not forget the draw of a quiet, brooding hero who only softens for the one woman who truly understands him. Highly recommend this one for those looking for a thoughtful, heartwarming read!
“If it was a quiet love she was accepting from William Drake, one of whispered sentiments, soft touches, and stolen glances, then it would be all the more satisfying. One she yearned for from him and no other.”
September 18, 2025
The Heart of Bennet Hollow is a captivating historical fiction novel that beautifully echoes the essence of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more. This charming novel, reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice set in 1900s rural Virginia, seamlessly weaves Christian themes and the endearing presence of a lovable donkey. Written in dual POV, the engaging main characters draw readers in, crafting a sweet and clean historical romance. Fans of Austen will undoubtedly adore this book, making it a highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers | Tyndale Fiction, and NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers | Tyndale Fiction, and NetGalley.
April 22, 2025
An Appalachian Pride and Prejudice retelling? Yes, please!
The Pride and Prejudice references made me smile from the first chapter. Familiar aspects have been mixed with a new time period and fresh twists. This book is mainly set in a small coal town in 1904–1905, and although many parts are familiar, a reader still wonders how this particular tale will unfold.
Some elements of the story feel amplified, like the differences between their worlds. The chasm between them almost feels insurmountable. Yet, at the same time, some of their “pride and prejudice” appears to be less so than in the original. This leads to interesting scenarios.
Much can be said about this historically rich take on a beloved story. The scenes come alive with details, some of which are difficult to read. Life was far from easy back then. However, these details also convey the gritty spirit of the characters.
William Drake struggles with being socially awkward, endearing himself to the reader with his POV. He’s also a thoughtful hard worker and a man of faith. As for his interactions with Lizbeth, they are lovely. His resistance to his growing affections for her are, as expected, futile!
Lizbeth Bennet is a sweet and caring FMC, but there are differences between her and the original character, most notably in the latter’s witty manner. For me, this Lizzy felt more contemplative and perceptive.
Content:
- Clean/ Wholesome
- Faith themes
Sensitive Content:
- Mention that a young man began working in the mine at age twelve
- The roles of animals, particularly mules, in coal mines during this time period
My thoughts tended to wander at times—I could not pin down the cause—but this snag improved after the thirty-five percent mark. The last fourteen percent was especially interesting.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this imaginative take on the familiar story, smiling often at the clever variations. The ending is sweet and perfect!
*Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a complimentary eARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Pride and Prejudice references made me smile from the first chapter. Familiar aspects have been mixed with a new time period and fresh twists. This book is mainly set in a small coal town in 1904–1905, and although many parts are familiar, a reader still wonders how this particular tale will unfold.
Some elements of the story feel amplified, like the differences between their worlds. The chasm between them almost feels insurmountable. Yet, at the same time, some of their “pride and prejudice” appears to be less so than in the original. This leads to interesting scenarios.
Much can be said about this historically rich take on a beloved story. The scenes come alive with details, some of which are difficult to read. Life was far from easy back then. However, these details also convey the gritty spirit of the characters.
William Drake struggles with being socially awkward, endearing himself to the reader with his POV. He’s also a thoughtful hard worker and a man of faith. As for his interactions with Lizbeth, they are lovely. His resistance to his growing affections for her are, as expected, futile!
Lizbeth Bennet is a sweet and caring FMC, but there are differences between her and the original character, most notably in the latter’s witty manner. For me, this Lizzy felt more contemplative and perceptive.
Content:
- Clean/ Wholesome
- Faith themes
Sensitive Content:
- Mention that a young man began working in the mine at age twelve
- The roles of animals, particularly mules, in coal mines during this time period
My thoughts tended to wander at times—I could not pin down the cause—but this snag improved after the thirty-five percent mark. The last fourteen percent was especially interesting.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this imaginative take on the familiar story, smiling often at the clever variations. The ending is sweet and perfect!
*Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a complimentary eARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2025
Thank you to the authors Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for an early review copy of this book.
In this turn-of-the-century (20th), Appalachian retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet Lizbeth (Lizzy) Bennet and Willam Drake along with Jayne Bennet and Callum Brydolf. Jayne and Lizzy are the oldest daughters of a geologist turned farmer in a mining community in Virginia. William Drake rolls into town along with his lawyer friend (Callum) to look into buying the mine. The mine comes with some complications. Once William meets Lizzy, he begins to the change his thought process…
This retelling is a story that would be a good read even if you did not recognize it for what it is. It is a great historical romance that has light faith content. DeWitt stays true to the heart of the story of Pride and Prejudice without repeating the story word for word. She makes changes that don’t affect the plot line of the story. Her creativity shines through. There were a just a couple of things that I wish would have been more fleshed out. The George Wickham character and the Lady Catherine de Bourgh character could have used some more detail. As was stated, this is a great story historical romance that takes two people from different backgrounds and shows how they find common ground.
I would recommend this book for Christian fiction readers who love historical fiction, especially if they also love Jane Austen. I would say if a person is looking for heavy faith content then this book is not the one for them or if they don’t like Pride and Prejudice then maybe skip this book.
#TheHeartofBennetHollow #NetGalley
In this turn-of-the-century (20th), Appalachian retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet Lizbeth (Lizzy) Bennet and Willam Drake along with Jayne Bennet and Callum Brydolf. Jayne and Lizzy are the oldest daughters of a geologist turned farmer in a mining community in Virginia. William Drake rolls into town along with his lawyer friend (Callum) to look into buying the mine. The mine comes with some complications. Once William meets Lizzy, he begins to the change his thought process…
This retelling is a story that would be a good read even if you did not recognize it for what it is. It is a great historical romance that has light faith content. DeWitt stays true to the heart of the story of Pride and Prejudice without repeating the story word for word. She makes changes that don’t affect the plot line of the story. Her creativity shines through. There were a just a couple of things that I wish would have been more fleshed out. The George Wickham character and the Lady Catherine de Bourgh character could have used some more detail. As was stated, this is a great story historical romance that takes two people from different backgrounds and shows how they find common ground.
I would recommend this book for Christian fiction readers who love historical fiction, especially if they also love Jane Austen. I would say if a person is looking for heavy faith content then this book is not the one for them or if they don’t like Pride and Prejudice then maybe skip this book.
#TheHeartofBennetHollow #NetGalley
August 11, 2025
Sweet Pride and Prejudice retelling!
Confession—Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and I’ve read it numerous times. I love Austen’s writing, all the nuanced details and characters; so while I attempted to read this book with an open mind, I must admit that I am absolutely biased 🤣
This book 1. Takes the overall plot, characters, pacing and storyline of P&P, 2. Changes the setting and most of the names, 3. Adds a completely different subplot.
If I’m reviewing this book based on how it relates to P&P (which is hard not to do), it’s hard to say what I think about it because Austen set the bar so high. For example—It’s really difficult for me not to compare this Lisbeth Bennett to THE Elizabeth Bennett.
If I review this book more objectively (which I think is probably the ideal way to approach this book), I found this to be a lovely, well-written book that historical fiction fans and animal lovers will adore!
Age recommendation: teen/adult. No explicit content. Themes animal mistreatment present. Positive themes of forgiveness and perseverance throughout.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! All thoughts expressed here are my own.
Confession—Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and I’ve read it numerous times. I love Austen’s writing, all the nuanced details and characters; so while I attempted to read this book with an open mind, I must admit that I am absolutely biased 🤣
This book 1. Takes the overall plot, characters, pacing and storyline of P&P, 2. Changes the setting and most of the names, 3. Adds a completely different subplot.
If I’m reviewing this book based on how it relates to P&P (which is hard not to do), it’s hard to say what I think about it because Austen set the bar so high. For example—It’s really difficult for me not to compare this Lisbeth Bennett to THE Elizabeth Bennett.
If I review this book more objectively (which I think is probably the ideal way to approach this book), I found this to be a lovely, well-written book that historical fiction fans and animal lovers will adore!
Age recommendation: teen/adult. No explicit content. Themes animal mistreatment present. Positive themes of forgiveness and perseverance throughout.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! All thoughts expressed here are my own.
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