Chance and Circumstance in Austen Variations

Oct 27, 2017 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

I reread this lovely story for pleasure and in order to write a more complete review as I was not up to such when I read it earlier.

I have read all of Kara's stories and enjoyed them. This is one of her best IMO. I loved reading of the additional misunderstandings that stood between Darcy and Elizabeth. Some due to the fact that Bingley meets Elizabeth first and has the chance to be charmed by her wit, her humor and her intelligence and, knowing Bingley, you also know that he is not shy to infor ...more

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Oct 30, 2017 wosedwew rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-reviews, owned-books, 2021, 2025, 2017, 2019

What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are but how you deal with incompatibility. ~ Leo Tolstoy

In canon, Elizabeth Bennet liked and respected Charles Bingley -- at least until he left Jane after the Netherfield Ball.

But what if Jane is traveling with the Gardiners when the Bingley party arrives in Hertfordshire? What if Jane has met an attractive man during her travels? What if Darcy must return to London temporarily and is not present during the initial meeting What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are but how you deal with incompatibility. ~ Leo Tolstoy

In canon, Elizabeth Bennet liked and respected Charles Bingley -- at least until he left Jane after the Netherfield Ball.

But what if Jane is traveling with the Gardiners when the Bingley party arrives in Hertfordshire? What if Jane has met an attractive man during her travels? What if Darcy must return to London temporarily and is not present during the initial meeting between Elizabeth and Bingley? How much would Elizabeth and Bingley like each other if left on their own for a romance to develop?

Sometimes it's a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence. ~ David Byrne

Bingley and Elizabeth dance, laugh, and dance again at the Meryton Assembly, leading to speculation in the neighborhood and especially at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet immediately envisions her second daughter living at Netherfield. When she learns Jane will return home with a suitor she rejoices and plans weddings.

Enter Mr. Collins who intends to marry one of the Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet puts her two eldest daughters out of his reach, insisting they both will soon be married. Both Jane and Elizabeth have some misgivings about their compatibility with their respective suitors but they delay discouraging the men because neither wants to be pushed toward Mr. Collins.

Intelligence and wisdom are certainly compatible; however they are rarely seen in each other’s company. ~ Craig D. Lounsbrough

Darcy’s arrival at Netherfield coincides with Bingley’s infatuation. Darcy is also attracted to Elizabeth and believes she is not compatible with his friend because she is more intelligent and athletic than Bingley. But how can he discourage his friend without insulting him?

This story is well-written, well-edited and kept my attention to the end. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness - and call it love - true love. ~Robert Fulghum ...more

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Feb 20, 2018 Dung rated it really liked it

Shelves: austen-inspried

Interesting plot twists with the delay of Jane being away from home and Mr. Bingley meeting Elizabeth first. Enjoyed the story.

The conflicts were resolved a bit too quickly and to everyone’s benefit. I wouldn’t mind a bit more angst but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story.

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Jan 16, 2018 Elin Eriksen rated it liked it

Kara Louise has written several of my favourite books and I was intent on this being my next one but I am somewhat disappointed. Although a good read with some lovely heart-wrenching scenes it also had some scenes that either made no sense or was a bit bland. In the the end it made an average good read but not engaging enough to be excellent.

Jane is on a trip with the Gardiner's when Bingley and his entourage enters the Meryton society.
Bingley and Elizabeth flirts a lot but it's clear quite earl Kara Louise has written several of my favourite books and I was intent on this being my next one but I am somewhat disappointed. Although a good read with some lovely heart-wrenching scenes it also had some scenes that either made no sense or was a bit bland. In the the end it made an average good read but not engaging enough to be excellent.

Jane is on a trip with the Gardiner's when Bingley and his entourage enters the Meryton society.
Bingley and Elizabeth flirts a lot but it's clear quite early on that although Elizabeth's heart is not in it, she keeps up the charade to thwart the Bingley sisters and to keep Collins at arms length. I felt Elizabeth was overly sure of herself and her mocking others with her father did not sit well with me although I realise it may not be OOC.
Darcy realises his feelings and flees just as Jane is introduced to Bingley. Bingley swiftly changes his affections to Jane but when he writes to his friend about his engagement his unreadable letter makes Darcy assume he is marrying Elizabeth. This was my favourite part of the book as Darcy's anguish was heart-wrenching to read...
Unable to face the love of his life marrying his best friend, he shuns the wedding and travels to Portsmouth to be with his Fitzwilliam family.
Richard returns injured from the war and Darcy is occupied with helping his recovery when a letter from his distressed sister arrives. Lady Catherine has practically hijacked her from town as punishment for Darcy not showing up at his usual Easter visit. Insensed with his aunt he rides off to tell her off and save his sister. Along the way he gets the brilliant idea that proposing to his cousin would be perfect punishment for his aunt in addition to drive Elizabeth out of his heart. ( The last sentence might be correctly perceived as irony...) Mary has married Mr Collins and Elizabeth is visiting the personage. A chance encounter with Georgiana renders them fast friends and Mr Darcy's sister has some interesting stories to tell about her brother.
First figuring out Mr Wickham's character, then some highly astonishing revelations about Mr Darcy... Realising the great mans love for her makes her aware of her own budding feelings but as it is, it's too late. Darcy has reached Rosings and has proposed to his cousin.
After this grating debacle it will, unlikely as it may seem, end in a HEA for ODC. It will have a new but not too exciting twist on Lydia/Wickham and there is a short, not too informative epilogue.

All in all a good read but nothing that would end up on my reread list. ...more

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Sep 21, 2018 Gerry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, historical

Mr. Bingley in Love with Elizabeth Bennet!

“I have enjoyed getting to know your sister, Miss Elizabeth, as well. She is lively, witty, and such delightful company.” He laughed. “And she loves to walk!”

Mr. Bingley, Ch. 11 , pg. 113, para. 2

The Cast:

Elizabeth Bennet - A lively, intelligent young lady and such a good walker. She meets Mr. Bingley while walking on Oakmount and the sparks fly.

Jane Bennet - A sweet, endearing young woman who, while traveling the Lake Countries with her Aunt and Uncle, ...more

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Aug 21, 2022 Kimbelle Pease rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jaff-read, 2022-jaff-challenge

A confuddle unfuddled is often not done quite so easily from so many angles and with so many couples, but it was sweetly done, the anxiety was not overly done, and the love was emanating from the pages as things got set to rights. It was an enjoyable read, and a fun change from the normal paths taken.

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