Sketching Character in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Oct 10, 2018 J. W. Garrett rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff-pride-and-prejudice, era-6-regency-1811-1820, 2018, source-own

“…Families are Forever, and wondered if the slogan was meant as a promise or a threat.” –Brady Udall, The Lonely Polygamist

Rating: MA: mature audience: crude descriptions of sexual behavior and language, vague descriptions of sexual assault

I have tried to write this review a half-dozen times. I took so long that I had to reread parts of the story in order to refresh my memory. I was so caught up in the story [again] that I couldn’t put it down. I am still not certain how to review this. I loved ...more

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Feb 27, 2016 Talia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved the Lydia storyline. This one is a keeper!

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Oct 02, 2015 Carol Perrin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Sketching Character: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel

Excellent story about the tragic affair that dealt with Wickham's treachery, and her father's reaction to what happened. Only he and Elizabeth know what happened and she's made up her mind to help her sister. Several months after the London group leaves Netherfield, Jane, Elizabeth, and one of her younger sisters leave for London. Her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have found somewhere for the younger sister in Lambton, Derbyshire. In fact, the lady is h Sketching Character: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel

Excellent story about the tragic affair that dealt with Wickham's treachery, and her father's reaction to what happened. Only he and Elizabeth know what happened and she's made up her mind to help her sister. Several months after the London group leaves Netherfield, Jane, Elizabeth, and one of her younger sisters leave for London. Her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have found somewhere for the younger sister in Lambton, Derbyshire. In fact, the lady is her cousin to Mrs. Gardiner. Her aunt assures her that will be taken care of and possibility of light chores, but as soon as the Gardiners leave, she is given difficult and back breaking chores that strip both her dignity and help. When the Mr. Of the house starts touching her and saying horrible things he was going to do to her, she runs away. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is in Kent at the parsonage. Before getting there, the horses get scared because of the thunder and lightning, and when the driver loses control, the carriage flips over do to the muddy road. Sir William Lucas is hurt, but Elizabeth and Maria are shaken up and bruised. Elizabeth was about to walk to Bromley in the rain when an carriage arrives at the scene. My, oh, my. Once Darcy gets over the shock from seeing her, and she remembers how badly she misread him, things smoothed out somewhat. However, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was not the nice man as in most variations. He and his older brother, “Frederick, have taken after their father. All these men have mortified Lady Matlock for almost her entire marriage. Now that the oldest brother married Lady Victoria, he's a changed man. When Darcy is invited to dinner at the Matlocks, the Earl invited two courtesans to dinner with his sons, his daughter, and Lady Victoria. Darcy is not interested, and leaves the home his cousin, Frederick, tells Darcy he is done with his father and brother and moves to his wife's family home. Richard can see that Darcy loves Elizabeth, but at each opportunity makes some remark trying to discredit his cousin. Two days before they were to leave, Anne had her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh sent to the Dowager's house. She is now in charge with running Rosings. Of course Darcy will help, but neither of them wanted to marry each other. Elizabeth and Darcy were in the forest when he and Anne came upon them just when was going to propose. Elizabeth was ready and would have said yes. Jumping up, Darcy admonishes Richard for bringing her out this far and takes her back to Rosings. Richard strikes, telling Elizabeth carefully worded lies that leave Elizabeth furious. She verbally abuses him and stalks off. Not knowing what has happened, Darcy is dejected and drinks him into a stupor. Fitzwilliam shows up saying he was taking him out to see friends. No friend, by the courtesan Matlock tried to have him give into. Luckily, Bingley was there, saw what was happening, and escorts him home. Too late it already reached the news paper. Darcy tries to confront his cousin, but replies that he is too busy with his soldiering to come. Darcy sees what his cousin is about and compares his actions to Wickham. He heads for Pemberley and just as the carriage reaches the front gate, it stops. When Darcy sees who it is, he orders the carriage home and the called immediately. When the Gardiners and Elizabeth arrive to pick up her sister and find her gone, they come down hard on the Baines, family or not. Before dark, the Gardiners go to try to find their niece. Elizabeth knows she is near Pemberley and even though she hurt Darcy, she remembers he told her if she needed him to come. She does travel with the servant, Hannah, and when the door opens, Darcy is so happy to see her. The Gardiners are sent for and all were happy to see her sister alive. Elizabeth and Darcy realizes that they still love each other and once she tells him all of what his cousin said, he is furious. Elizabeth and her family are invited to stay at Pemberley during her sister's confinement. A baby girl is borne, and is immediately placed in another home. Had to be done quickly since Caroline Bingley invited herself and her brother, early to Pemberley along with the Colonel. Immediately upon seeing Elisa, she starts in on trying to make her look bad, but little does she know that Elizabeth and Darcy are betrothed. When announced, poor stupid Caroline retires to herself room with a headache. In a few days, she leaves Pemberley to her own establishment. The Hursts don't want her and neither does Charles. Inviting the men to his study, Darcy finally gets his chance to show Fitzwilliam how he felt about the lies he told. He leaves Pemberley and has been reassigned to Canada. When the special license arrives, Darcy and Elizabeth marry in front of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, her three sisters and Jane's husband. Darcy finds Wickham with the help of Colonel Forster, he leaves Wickham thinking he'll be hung. Good old Bingley, he lost Jane, but still married a Bennet daughter. ...more

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Aug 16, 2016 Sara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff, favorites

This is a very interesting book. Wickham is still the scum of the earth and I wish Darcy was even harsher. This book focuses on Elizabeth and her relationships with her sisters, family. It also focuses on Darcy's family issues, especially the troublesome Fitzwilliams. Not a lot of "action" but lots of sweet and heart-wrenching moments. I really enjoyed the flow and writing of this book. A few grammatical errors but they were not overly distracting. I enjoyed this jealous Richard and wished he ha ...more

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Sep 25, 2016 Talia rated it it was amazing

Had to read this one again since I reread Dearest Friends and then Family Portraits. Still in love! Le sigh!

Reread: Loved this book! Still do.

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Oct 02, 2015 Deborah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ja-read, 2015-austenesque-reading-challenge

I had a difficult time putting this book down.

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May 01, 2017 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wonderful book that sucks you in!

An intriguing book from the get-go! This non-canon P&P had romance, deceit, and unexpected plot twists, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Great book!

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Nov 09, 2015 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Excellent book! Elizabeth and Darcy portray a much sweeter side at Kent due to Elizabeth learning early on about what a cad Wickham is and the banter/dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth was extremely enjoyable with both characters at their most clever. Lydia gets a big limelight in this book and we get to see her learn from her mistakes and turn into a character you actually enjoy reading about. Her jab at Caroline is the absolute best! For those who love Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bennet, nei ...more

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