The Trouble to Check Her: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Queen of Rosings Park Book 2) in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Mar 26, 2016 Debbie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jaff

It is helpful to understand that this is a sequel to Mistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, although this is a stand-alone novel and it is not absolutely necessary to read the previous book. You will want to keep in mind, though, that Mr. Bennet was transformed to DOCTOR Bennet and previously was the private doctor caring for Anne DeBourgh at Rosings. He also was far from being a benign but disinterested parent; instead, he has rained criticism and disdain upon all his daughte It is helpful to understand that this is a sequel to Mistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, although this is a stand-alone novel and it is not absolutely necessary to read the previous book. You will want to keep in mind, though, that Mr. Bennet was transformed to DOCTOR Bennet and previously was the private doctor caring for Anne DeBourgh at Rosings. He also was far from being a benign but disinterested parent; instead, he has rained criticism and disdain upon all his daughters, although he still never disciplined them properly. Lydia disgraced herself in somewhat similar fashion to the original, having allowed Mr. Wickham to have his way with her. Doctor Bennet washed his hands of her, and Lizzy and Mr. Darcy have taken over guardianship. They enroll her in Mrs. Drummond's school for wayward girls in the hopes that Lydia will learn discipline and proper manners there.

The Trouble to Check Her: A Pride and Prejudice Variation begins with Lydia's arrival at the school. She is appalled to learn she has to wear a mob cap, lose the designation of "Miss Bennet," do the chores of a common servant, and apply herself to lessons in a variety of subjects. Mrs. Drummond is a force to be reckoned with, though, and Lydia fears having the headmistress' cane used on her for infraction of the rules, so Lydia does her best to conform while inwardly seething over this unfair treatment. Her friends, Amelia and Joan, feel the same, but she is stuck with Juliana as a roommate. Juliana is sweet and docile, somewhat similar in personality to Jane but not as self-centered (again, a deviation in Jane's character found in the previous book). Juliana also happens to be pregnant, meaning that Lydia often has to do extra work that her roommate is unable to do.

While Lydia chafes at the regimen, she gradually comes to appreciate the opportunity to develop her artistic and musical talents. The new music instructor, Mr. James Amberson, who is Mrs. Drummond's nephew, gently encourages her, but he has secrets of his own. Things get really interesting as an arranged marriage is in the works for Annabelle Fitzgilbert, one of Lydia's schoolmates, with Sir Anthony, but they have some issues to work out between them. Lydia also faces a medical emergency.

I've read and enjoyed all of Maria Grace's novels, and this is no exception. Her writing is superb. Lydia grows as a character from a selfish, immature girl to a humble, mannerly young lady in gradual and believable fashion, and all the supporting players are given three-dimensional personalities. Considering how rarely Lydia gets a book of her own, it's fun to see her given the spotlight and made a sympathetic character. ...more

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Jul 22, 2018 Ceri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-sequel, austen-inspired, austenesque-no-sex-scenes, sweet-romance, 2016-austeneseque-challenge

This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm.

This book is a follow-on to ‘Mistaking Her Character’, which is a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation that I haven’t yet read, but I understand that in that variation, Mr Bennet is Dr Bennet, the private physician to Anne de Bourgh. He is a harsher and less forgiving man than Mr Bennet of canon. Here, Lydia has had a failed elopement with George Wickham but this hasn’t led to their marriage. In ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Darcy admits that his origi This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm.

This book is a follow-on to ‘Mistaking Her Character’, which is a ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation that I haven’t yet read, but I understand that in that variation, Mr Bennet is Dr Bennet, the private physician to Anne de Bourgh. He is a harsher and less forgiving man than Mr Bennet of canon. Here, Lydia has had a failed elopement with George Wickham but this hasn’t led to their marriage. In ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Darcy admits that his original intention was to remove Lydia from Wickham, not bring about the marriage, so I thought this was an excellent springboard for a variation:

‘He saw Wickham, and afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia. His first object with her, he acknowledged, had been to persuade her to quit her present disgraceful situation, and return to her friends as soon as they could be prevailed on to receive her, offering his assistance as far as it would go. But he found Lydia absolutely resolved on remaining where she was. She cared for none of her friends; she wanted no help of his; she would not hear of leaving Wickham; she was sure they should be married some time or other, and it did not much signify when. Since such were her feelings, it only remained, he thought, to secure and expedite a marriage.’ – from ‘Pride & Prejudice’ by Jane Austen

At first glance Lydia doesn’t seem like heroine fodder; she is flighty, silly, selfish, and she has forward manners but I always felt a little sorry for her. In ‘Pride & Prejudice’ the direction of her life is changed forever by a foolish decision made at the tender age of just 15 – it’s a high price to pay for teenage stupidity. Whose fault is it that she is so forward and over-confident? Her parents of course. Personally, I think we can absolve Mrs Bennet from a lot of the blame; she is a person of little natural refinement or taste and genuinely doesn’t see Lydia’s faults, but Mr Bennet does see her faults and is too apathetic and indolent to take the trouble to check her. Had he done so, who knows how differently she may have turned out.

When we first meet Lydia, en route to Mrs Drummell’s school for girls she is feeling extremely hard done by and unrepentant.

“You do not know—”

“I do not need to. Every girl who comes to this school has virtually the same story. Any many who would put you in position to be sent here, is no gentleman.”

Lydia tossed her head and sniffed. “Well, you are simply wrong. I am not like any of the others.”

However, held in check by fear of corporal punishment she complies with the rules and little by little a different girl emerges. She starts to understand herself and is humbled by what she sees.

Applying herself for the first time, Lydia realises that she has untapped talents; she is a gifted artist and can be a competent musician. Most helpfully of all, she also begins to realise that the most fun and attractive people in company are not always the most faithful friends and those who seem more dutiful and less exciting at first may prove to be better friends in the long run.

I loved the gradual growth in her character as she matured from a heedless, silly girl into a woman humbled by the realisation of the magnitude of her previous actions.

‘Lydia’s cheeks burned. Once she had gone into town and Mama pulled her and Kitty aside, pointing out a group of very pretty girls surrounded by a cloud of young men. She warned them to stay away from those ‘ladybirds’ as their reputations were tarnished and they were not fit company for good society. Could that be what those women were saying now—or worse?’

Lydia begins to wonder whether she will ever be worthy of being loved, but with the regard of true friends, and a growth in self-esteem related to becoming an accomplished lady she at last learns how to be a true friend herself and put the needs of others before her own. This was a real coming of age story, and I very much enjoyed seeing the least promising Bennet sister finally tapping some of her potential. I’d recommend this book and I’d rate it as a 4½ star read.

*I was provided with an ebook of this story by the author for my honest review. ...more

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Apr 27, 2016 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen, pride-and-prejudice

4.5 stars! Lydia Bennet Improves Upon Acquaintance

(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in Maria Grace’s The Queen of Rosings Park series. And while it is a stand alone novel, it is better to read this series in order because as fans of Maria Grace may already know, she has a penchant for altering situations and personalities!)

So yeah…I was so eager to read this book that I didn’t realize it was the second book of a series! oops! (Oh well, wouldn’t be the fi 4.5 stars! Lydia Bennet Improves Upon Acquaintance

(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in Maria Grace’s The Queen of Rosings Park series. And while it is a stand alone novel, it is better to read this series in order because as fans of Maria Grace may already know, she has a penchant for altering situations and personalities!)

So yeah…I was so eager to read this book that I didn’t realize it was the second book of a series! oops! (Oh well, wouldn’t be the first time this has happened!) While I had some questions about what happened in book 1, what I did know and understand quickly was that Lydia’s attempted elopement with Wickham was unsuccessful, Mr. Bennet has disowned Lydia (and apparently has a harsh and hurtful nature!), and the newly married Darcys thought it was in Lydia’s best interest for her to attend a boarding school for young women who have lost their virtue.

As you can imagine, Lydia is not at all thrilled with this decision. She feels hurt, alone, and unloved. Mrs. Drummond’s school horrifies her – all lessons and charitable work, no fun, frivolity, or flirting. However, when Lydia stops dwelling on her own complaints of ill-use and learns more about those around her, a new awareness and understanding develops within her. She learns that her options for her future are severely limited – most girls at the school hope for an arranged marriage or position as a governess, companion, or maid. Even though the stain on her reputation has cost her better opportunities and prospects, Lydia is determined to improve, despite her uncertain and bleak future.

One area Lydia has found great solace is her art – both with drawing and playing the piano. Lydia learns a lot about herself at Mrs. Drummond’s school. She learns that she isn’t stupid and empty-headed, that she has natural artistic abilities, and that when she can’t find the correct words she can express her more complex emotions with a pencil or piano keys. Mr. Amberson, the new music master, recognizes Lydia’s talents and helps her develop them. Which leads to something of a different nature developing within Lydia’s heart…

Oh la! Do you find Lydia infuriating, immature, and overly indulged? Don’t worry, she doesn’t remain this way for long. Maria Grace’s Lydia has some depth and hidden qualities to her. I really liked how Ms. Grace illustrated a gradual and plausible improvement of Lydia’s character. Even with her changed perceptions there would be a moment or two where her selfishness or desire to complain would flair up, and I found that to be very believable. In addition, I also enjoyed how Ms. Grace portrayed Lydia as having some insecurities and a lack of confidence in her abilities. Knowing how she was treated by her sisters and parents, this is also very believable.

Aside from seeing Lydia improve upon acquaintance, the other aspect of the story I loved was this new world and set of characters introduced my Maria Grace. Mrs. Drummond, the teachers of her school, the other students – all were interesting, memorable, and well-drawn. I especially loved Miss Fitzgilbert and Mr. Ambrose and was so happy to see both these characters featured prominently. Moreover, my heart swelled to see Lydia learn to appreciate and value people that she didn’t before. The relationships she developed with friends, teachers, and family members were heartwarming and gratifying.

Even if you are not a fan of Lydia and believe she has no good qualities to speak of, I entreat you to give this story a try. Maria Grace takes one of the least favorable characters in Pride and Prejudice and creates a sympathetic and delightful tale filled with heart, friendship, and music.

Now to get my hands on Book 1 – Mistaking Her Character! ...more

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May 30, 2016 J. W. Garrett rated it it was amazing

Shelves: era-6-regency-1811-1820, 2016, jaff-pride-and-prejudice

Book 2 The Queen of Rosings Park: OMG!!!

I put off reading this book 2 in The Queen of Rosings series by Maria Grace for the simple fact I didn’t care about the Lydia character and didn’t think I cared about what happened to her. I finally decided to bite the bullet and simply get it out of my TBR pile. Oh, my goodness, was I ever wrong.

I would suggest not skipping over book one. It is possible to read this as a stand-a-lone; there are enough hints at the back story to let the reader know what h Book 2 The Queen of Rosings Park: OMG!!!

I put off reading this book 2 in The Queen of Rosings series by Maria Grace for the simple fact I didn’t care about the Lydia character and didn’t think I cared about what happened to her. I finally decided to bite the bullet and simply get it out of my TBR pile. Oh, my goodness, was I ever wrong.

I would suggest not skipping over book one. It is possible to read this as a stand-a-lone; there are enough hints at the back story to let the reader know what has gone on before. Having said that, if this were read first…you will definitely want to read book one in order to better understand the hints, flashbacks and reflections Lydia has regarding her parents, sisters and even Wickham.

Book one focused on Elizabeth, but it also laid the foundation for the character of Dr. and Mrs. Bennet and that... is the main thread that runs through both books. Based on that, it would be best to start with book one…Mistaking Her Character. This second book focuses completely on Lydia with references to the rest of the family and their dynamics. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy do not appear again until the end.

Our story opens with a recalcitrant Lydia being shipped off to Mrs. Drummond’s boarding school for girls who have lost their virtue. She is not best pleased with her situation. She is rude to everyone, and blames all for her ill treatment. It proceeds as you would think. There is the usual resistance to doing chores that she feels are beneath her. She rebels and sulks using tactics that normally worked at home only to discover they will not work at Mrs. Drummond’s. No one cares what she thinks or feels. She is there to improve.

As we progress through our story we see the dynamics within the society of the other students as they too have had to adjust to their surroundings. Many have come from families within the various levels of society. They have shamed their families and have been cast aside in order to improve their situation/attitude. For some, if they improve, they will be received back into their family and society. If they fail to improve, then they will be dead to their family and forced into a life of service.

There are friends to be made in spite of her placement. Annabelle and Juliana are delightful characters. I just loved them. There are also those Caroline Bingley types that just grate the nerves and never seem to learn their lesson no matter the opportunities placed before them. They will always crash and burn. It was amazing to watch these girls do just that…and make life miserable for those around them.

You know we have to proceed through the angst and the sullen attitude that Lydia is known for. However, as we journey with her we see the façade surrounding her began to crack and crumble. Soon we begin to see a glimpse of a Lydia we have never known before. We are also privy to the affects her family had on her development. I was touched by how she perceived her place within the Bennet family. I ached with her as she began to realize the lax parenting from her mother and father. It was touching to watch as she began to emerge from the depths of her character and to surface as a new creation, a new Lydia that we could like and love.

Mr. Amberson was the music teacher that unlocked the door to Lydia’s creativity. How many times has a teacher had the privilege of unlocking the potential within their students? How delightful that we got to see this happen with Lydia. I was so moved by how the author evoked such powerful descriptive words to show us what was truly within Lydia Bennet. OMG!!! I was blown away. It was so moving being swept away with her art, her music and as love blossomed within a heart so sensitive to those around her.

I was mesmerized by the writing at this point. It was so different from the first of the book I couldn’t believe it was the same author. I simply could not put it down. I finally had to go to bed and finished it the next morning. OMG!!! I cannot tell you how expressive and emotional the glimpse we were given as Lydia and James [Amberson] played the pianoforte together…it was sensual, sexual, emotion evoking and I was almost embarrassed as we were privy to such soul rendering feelings that words could not express. I was speechless and moved to tears, it was so beautiful. Well done Maria Grace.

Perhaps this writing is too close to Father’s Day and I am too emotional. I so resent Dr. Bennet after reading these books. It is not canon and Dr. Bennet is definitely not our gentle Mr. Bennet. This man is someone completely different and his behavior is reprehensible. I cannot like him. I will not like him and his actions put into motion all that has happened to his family. It is sad and heartbreaking as Lizzy and Lydia reconcile and discuss what has gone on within their family since Lydia left. I wanted to cry for them.

As we draw to the close of our story, Elizabeth and Lydia have an opportunity to discuss their sisters. Jane, in canon, was always portrayed as so perfect. Grace pulls back the outer layer that surrounds Jane and reveals the true inner core of what motivates her. It is shocking and yet so revealing. I hurt for these sisters. I am humbled by what Grace has written and…[it must be the hormones]…I simply want to cry my eyes out for them. WOW!!! What a story and I almost missed it.

...more

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Mar 26, 2016 Tina rated it really liked it

I will start off by saying that Lydia has never been one of my favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice. But Ms. Grace has done a fantastic of redeeming the youngest Bennet daughter in my eyes. I've always believed that Lydia and Wickham were never a good fit and that they should have ended up with different partners. The idea of Lydia being sent off to school to better herself has always in my mind been a good idea. Actually I think Kitty needs to be sent too but that's just my opinion.

In ...more

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Aug 09, 2016 Talia rated it it was amazing

Loved! So terrific!

Reread: Probably my favorite Lydia story. Disappointed that at the end of the next book in the series she is portrayed more flighty again. This book though gets her just right.

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Mar 13, 2016 Anji rated it it was amazing

Shelves: z-2016-austenesque-challenge, beta-proofread, austenesque-regency, austenesque-pride-and-prejudice

THE TROUBLE TO CHECK HER by Maria Grace

Like quite a few people, I first read this when it was posted weekly as a Work in Progress on Jane Austen Variations. It was then known as Mrs. Drummond's School for Girls. The events follow on directly from those in Mistaking Her Character. You don't have to have read that first but it does help to set the context. Instead of Wickham and Lydia being forced to marry, Darcy pays for her to attend a school for "fallen girls" for two years. Lydia is given the THE TROUBLE TO CHECK HER by Maria Grace

Like quite a few people, I first read this when it was posted weekly as a Work in Progress on Jane Austen Variations. It was then known as Mrs. Drummond's School for Girls. The events follow on directly from those in Mistaking Her Character. You don't have to have read that first but it does help to set the context. Instead of Wickham and Lydia being forced to marry, Darcy pays for her to attend a school for "fallen girls" for two years. Lydia is given the ultimatum of reforming her ways during that time or eventually spending the rest of her life as servant of some sort. This book is Lydia's story.

At the school, we meet an assortment of girls from privileged backgrounds who, for varied reasons, have fallen from the expected standards of their upbringing. Some are sympathetic characters, some aren't. The latter most definitely include Lydia at the opening of the book. She's still the silly, self-indulgent person we all know and (mostly) dislike from the earlier book and from canon.

At her very first meeting with Mrs. Drummond, the realisation begins to dawn on Lydia that life will never be the same again. No more balls and parties, no over-indulgent mother for whom she can do no wrong. Punishment for wrong doing at the school is caning. Right from the start, she discovers, to her horror, that she's expected to carry out household tasks such as cleaning her room! New girls have to wear mob caps and are called by their first names. They have to earn the right to remove those caps and to be called by the more respectful name of Miss ------. Her days are spent in a combination of lessons at the school and charitable works in the local community.

Some of her class mates, namely Joan and Amelia, are very like herself and can't understand why they're being punished in this way. Others are more sympathetic and Lydia discovers on her first night that her room mate, Joana, is pregnant. The events surrounding the outcome of Joana's pregnancy could so easily have happened to Lydia herself. Along the way, we also become acquainted with Lady Annabelle, another of Mrs. Drummond's girls, and Mr. Amberson, the music teacher who seems to have an insight into part of Lydia's character that even she herself doesn't understand.

Can Lydia see where she's gone wrong and make the necessary changes in herself? This book is that story. When I first started reading this as a WIP, I still wanted to give Lydia a good shake, or even a slap, as she was so annoying. However, Maria Grace gradually achieved the almost impossible task of making me root for her, wanting her to find herself and possibly even find love as well.

Personally, I think this is possibly Maria Grace's best work to date.

...more

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