Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Mar 27, 2016 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-books

Dear reader,

When you pick up a book penned by Ms Webb you are set on a tumultuous journey filled with adventure,danger and excitement all happily centred on ODC.

This book included all of the above and so much more! Set five years after the fateful events in Kent,we become instantly embroiled in the affairs of Bingley and Darcy, as the latter endeavours to safeguard the interests of the former-both physically and financially.

Having agreed to do as such,he unwittingly encounters a certain govern ...more

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Apr 12, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

I own all of Brenda’s novels and even in reading this one while it was a Work In Progress (WIP) had determined that this newest one would join the others on my kindle. I was then lucky enough to win a copy from a raffle. All her tales are 5 star stories for me and have or will be read multiple times.

While rereading this in its entirety there were so many scenes of such poignancy that I was rendered blurry eyed. But this is one of my ways of rating a book and/or movie…how many tissues did I use f I own all of Brenda’s novels and even in reading this one while it was a Work In Progress (WIP) had determined that this newest one would join the others on my kindle. I was then lucky enough to win a copy from a raffle. All her tales are 5 star stories for me and have or will be read multiple times.

While rereading this in its entirety there were so many scenes of such poignancy that I was rendered blurry eyed. But this is one of my ways of rating a book and/or movie…how many tissues did I use for this one? I didn’t keep count.

This story begins five years after Hunsford. Darcy, in honoring the need to provide his family with an heir to continue the line, to take care of his estates, his tenant and his employees makes a choice to offer his hand to someone available (a marriage of convenience) but not the choice of his heart as that is not even possible. He has earned many a gray hair, in seclusion from society, burying himself in his work and trying to forget his refused proposal but also in attempting to correct all the faults Elizabeth laid at his door. However, a long-time childhood friend, Millicent (Lady Markham), a widow with two children, in being offered his hand, wisely demands that they delay any final decision to wed for a year, as she intuitively knows his heart is not hers. Having been in love with Darcy dating back many years she is hoping that the plan to be in each other’s company during that time will warm his feelings towards her AND help him get over what Millie is sure is a broken heart from some previous attachment.

Shortly thereafter Darcy, ever a man of honor (and this trait is one Brenda portrays so well in her writings), responds to a request from an old friend and acquaintance…even though that friendship has laid dormant all those years. Yes, Bingley calls for his help. This one act sets in motion the coming together of ODC and the intrigue begins.

First we have the situation with the Bingleys: Jane is pregnant, Charles is extremely ill with a cough and with stomach problems. He looks to be at death’s door. And on top of all this Charles’ businesses have taken a dive…a dive which seems to have an onset with his taking his cousin into the business. The doctor has recommended a respite for his health to be taken in southern climes, on the Mediterranean, but Charles must put his family, his estate and his business into trusted hands while away. Darcy is the man.

Secondly, (and here is the underlying reason for all those years of a friendship on ice) Elizabeth is now residing with her sister and has with her Emily, a “daughter” and she goes by the name of Mrs. Gardiner. She claims to also be a widow. Those who know P&P will understand why Jane asked Bingley to cut ties with Darcy after Elizabeth reveals all to Jane: all her feelings, the proposal, her stinging refusal and then that “letter” from Darcy and his part in keeping Jane and Bingley apart.

We learn that events in canon have taken a different turn after Hunsford. Lydia was not rescued, M/M Bennet are not with us and Elizabeth has taken a position to support herself. THERE the second problem entangles itself in not only Elizabeth’s life but also then embroils the Colonel and some of his cohorts, Bow Street Runners and Darcy and is partly taken from history itself; Lord Castlereagh, in service for the crown, is in danger from Elizabeth’s former employer, Count Van Lynden…a man intent on tracking her down for several reasons.

Part of what I loved about this story is how deeply Darcy feels; how once confronted with seeing Elizabeth again he acknowledges where his heart lays and how he rants and raves against circumstances keeping them from uniting, time and again. But he remains a man of honor even when passions ignite and bring them to an edge. “Lock your door, Elizabeth.” Five years have passed; he knows the value now of seizing the moment b/c we don’t know what the morrow will bring. And he also has to consider Millie and their understanding. Does Millie become a foe (like Caroline) or can she accept what she sees for herself in Darcy’s eyes?

This story like the author’s other novels has more than one story line to keep us glued to the pages: several romances develop, an ongoing pregnancy, a “kidnapping”, political intrigue with an assassination plot, murder, poisoning, betrayal and embezzlement all intertwined so well. And one last thing that warmed my heart: we read of our dear characters offering up prayers for the health and safety of each other as danger, mayhem, wounds and illnesses lurk like shadows over the welfare of loved ones. (Although a Christian, I don’t like preaching or sermons, i.e. Mary Bennet’s tendency, to intrude on the progress of a story but this was done perfectly…and with meaning.)

Put this book at the top of your TBR pile if not in your hands immediately, dear friends. You must love it. ...more

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Mar 27, 2016 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: p-and-p, jaff, kindle-unlimited, 2016-austenesque-lovers-challenge, physical-library

3.5 Stars

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Mar 28, 2016 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: just-jane-1813-pride-prejudice-va, just-jane-1813-triangles

How will a promise made to Charles Bingley alter Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives five years after Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford?

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

If you’re looking for a JAFF retelling that takes you down a long, curvy, and utterly romantic path, then Brenda Webb’s new release should be placed on your TBR list! After writing several popular JAFF stories, Ms. Webb is back with her latest Darcy and Elizabeth sto How will a promise made to Charles Bingley alter Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives five years after Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford?

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

If you’re looking for a JAFF retelling that takes you down a long, curvy, and utterly romantic path, then Brenda Webb’s new release should be placed on your TBR list! After writing several popular JAFF stories, Ms. Webb is back with her latest Darcy and Elizabeth story, titled “Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept,” and I’m here to say that Brenda Webb packs all of her best moves into this story. Similar to her other books, Brenda takes a non-canon approach to this epic tale, peppering her story with a whole new cast of villains and obstacles along the way.

Fast forward five years since Darcy’s infamous Hunsford proposal to Elizabeth, where he finds himself still struggling to put the pieces of his personal life solidly back together. Knowing that he must eventually marry and that many “suitable” ladies are willing to become the future Mistress of Pemberley, he decides to enter into an informal agreement with an old friend, Lady Markham. As a mother and a young widow with lingering romantic feelings for Darcy, Lady Markham is eager to enter into this agreement, with the hopes that it ultimately will lead to her marriage with Darcy.

After some discussion, Darcy and Lady Markham decide to spend more time in each other’s company to determine the future of their relationship. However, her long-standing friendship with Darcy has made her all too aware that Darcy’s eyes reveal that he is guarding a long-held secret ever since his return several years ago from Kent; he’s still torn apart inside over his love for Elizabeth Bennet.

After settling into this new arrangement with Lady Markham, Darcy receives a letter from Charles Bingley, an old friend that he hasn’t seen in five years. Soon, Darcy learns that Bingley is quite ill and that he needs Darcy to fulfill a promise he made to Bingley several years ago. Can Darcy reenter the Bingley’s lives without facing Elizabeth Bennet again, and if he does come face to face with her all of these years later, what will the outcome be for both of them?

“Darcy & Elizabeth: A Promise Kept,” sweeps us up into an epic story that skillfully weaves together multiple storylines while bringing several interesting new characters into the fold. As Darcy tries to help Charles Bingley save his family, along with his business, it soon becomes apparent that foul play is involved. However, the cast of criminals is larger than initially expected, taking Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and their associates down multiple pathways in their quest to help the Bingley family. At the bottom of this, Darcy must also figure out how Mrs. Elizabeth Gardiner, née Bennet, fits into this picture and how his plans with Lady Markham will alter all of their lives.

Brenda Webb spins a story that is action-packed, while at the same time giving her readers a great romance story that has all of the sweetness and longing associated with lovers who find themselves rekindling the greatest love of their lives. Never one to take us on a simple journey, Brenda Webb finds a way to orchestrate several engrossing storylines and pull them together in unexpected ways. This is a story that will allow you to become immersed in a maze of deceit and revenge, while savoring the bonds that families build together based on respect, trust, and love. ...more

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Apr 15, 2016 Charlene rated it really liked it

A promise leads to true Love

What can I say, I loved every minute of this story. It starts out about five years after Hunsford and because of a promise that Darcy makes to Bingley, our ill fated lovers get a second chance.

Now this story is not all romance but actually fraught with lots of obstacles and angst. But all this sadness makes for a wonderful journey and just to let you know the villains are all new and really cause lots of problems. And there are also new characters that you will love ...more

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Apr 12, 2016 Tina rated it really liked it

I will start by saying that I own every book Brenda Webb has written so I had to buy this one. And just like with all her other novels this one does not disappoint. I went into this book wanting to hate the woman who Darcy has entered into a secret agreement with but I ended up liking her. Especially as she doesn't try to cling to Darcy all that much after she finds out that William and Elizabeth love each other. As a added bonus we don't just get one plot to separate our lovers in this story we ...more

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Mar 28, 2016 Teresita rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jaff

Unforgettable...

In keeping his promise he started them on the path to happiness; but not before, in true Brenda Webb style, they overcame and conquer some seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

A word of advice... don't start reading if you have something important to do, you may end up not doing it!! ...more

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Oct 23, 2017 Dung rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-owned-kindle-ibook, austen-inspried

4.5⭐️ Brenda Webb always creates such imaginative plots and subplots while weaving them all together. It's definitely a page turner.

Would of loved for some of the subplots to have a little more page time and clarification. Can't wait to read more of her stories. ...more

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Oct 29, 2016 Candy rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review, romance, regency

I enjoyed Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept very much! What if, after Darcy’s proposal, Darcy and Elizabeth don’t see each other for another five years?

When Darcy returned to London after Kent, he confessed to Bingley about hiding the truth about Jane being in London, and that he learn that Jane really did love him. Soon after Jane and Bingley are married, Bingley told Darcy that he was no longer welcome at his home, and they broke off all contact to protect Elizabeth from ever having to be i I enjoyed Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept very much! What if, after Darcy’s proposal, Darcy and Elizabeth don’t see each other for another five years?

When Darcy returned to London after Kent, he confessed to Bingley about hiding the truth about Jane being in London, and that he learn that Jane really did love him. Soon after Jane and Bingley are married, Bingley told Darcy that he was no longer welcome at his home, and they broke off all contact to protect Elizabeth from ever having to be in Darcy’s company again. But before they parted ways, a promise was made:

“I wrote Charles after he broke off our friendship and promised that if he should ever need me, he had only to ask.” - Darcy Fitzwilliam

Now Bingley is calling Darcy on that favor. Being deathly sick, Bingley asks Darcy to watch over his business and look after his family while he goes to a clinic in Spain in hopes for a recovery.

A lot had happened to Elizabeth in those five years. Her parent’s died, Mr. Collins inherited Longbourn, her sister’s had married, and she took a position as a governess for Count and Countess Von Lynden. The Count was an evil man and had banished his wife to Scotland. Elizabeth went with the Countess, and while there the Countess dies, leaving her precious daughter, Emily, in Elizabeth’s care with a promise to protect her. So, to hide the girl from her father, Elizabeth claimed her as her own and becomes the widow Mrs. Gardiner, governess to the Bingley children.

The excitement and anxiety begin when Darcy and Elizabeth are forced back into one another's lives, and Emily’s father comes looking for her. Darcy whisks Elizabeth and Emily off to the safety of Pemberley. Will those old feelings return? And what happens when the lady Darcy has a secret arrangement with shows up at Pemberley, too?

Colonel Fitzwilliam is investigating a plot to assassinate Viscount Castlereagh. Is Count Von Lynden somehow involved?

You'll find romance and intrigue in Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept! With money and merchandise mysteriously disappearing from Bingley’s warehouse, and an assassination plot uncovered. Plus, Elizabeth’s life may be in jeopardy! Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are determined to get to the bottom of it!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author for my honest review. ...more

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