Side by Side, Apart in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Apr 22, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

After eleven years of “wedded bliss” Elizabeth suffers a head injury which erases all those years and the happy times of courtship from her memory. Darcy proves how patient, generous and loving he can be in not knowing when their love might be rediscovered or even reestablished. She remembers only up to the Hunsford proposal and her hateful feelings towards this man who is intruding on her privacy. She notices immediately that she is pregnant so at some time she allowed him….but she can’t rememb After eleven years of “wedded bliss” Elizabeth suffers a head injury which erases all those years and the happy times of courtship from her memory. Darcy proves how patient, generous and loving he can be in not knowing when their love might be rediscovered or even reestablished. She remembers only up to the Hunsford proposal and her hateful feelings towards this man who is intruding on her privacy. She notices immediately that she is pregnant so at some time she allowed him….but she can’t remember even how that works.

He sends for M/M Bennet, answers questions and fills in blanks slowly and carefully as she is not only injured but also feeling totally overwhelmed by being in a place and with family (does she really have children?) who are both strange and of unknown qualities to her.

In discussing and explaining the history and circumstances about her family Mary’s marriage becomes a topic. They banter back and forth about whether she married out of love or convenience. Charlotte’s marriage decision is mentioned. At the end Darcy approaches her and (unbeknownst to him) answers a question that has unsettled her. … “But you married for love. I would not have you think otherwise.” She was glad to think of Mrs. Darcy as a woman who loved her husband.

Then as she interacts with her own children (and niece) she ponders how hurt they must feel as she has not made the emotional connection they must feel lacking. Could it be that she then realizes how Darcy must also feel this lack, even though he knows and understands the cause?

And then she begins to wonder where he sleeps but has not the nerve to be embarrassed at asking…what reason might anyone attach to that question? Upon learning where he has been sleeping she invites him to join her in her bed “as she has slept with her sisters with no ill effects” but he reminds her that she thinks of herself a virgin. He…well, now I am going to tell you to read the book.

Oh and you must prepare yourself as Darcy calls Elizabeth to his study and gives her three sealed letters, written in her handwriting. “…These are letters you wrote to me before the births of….” I am sure you can imagine the feelings these arouse in Elizabeth (and in the reader). These are letters that were written in case of the worst scenario. Is this morbid? (Yes, I was blurry eyed reading them myself.) She loved him. She had known that she loved him.

I read this novel first as “Bruises” and am only too happy to reread it so as to post my unguarded recommendation that you read this absorbing and fascinating novel. The exploration into their feelings is oh so well done. ...more

16 likes · Like · see review

Jan 13, 2018 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: pride-and-prejudice, jane-austen

What If a Head Injury Stole Eleven Years of Memories from Elizabeth Darcy?

After almost eleven years of wedded bliss, Elizabeth Darcy wakes up from a head injury not remembering anything beyond the Hunsford proposal. Darcy’s offensive and arrogant proposal and her vehement rejection is the last encounter she remembers with the loathsome man she apparently married many years ago. With four children in their household and one on the way, Elizabeth’s injury and memory-loss are taken very seriously. What If a Head Injury Stole Eleven Years of Memories from Elizabeth Darcy?

After almost eleven years of wedded bliss, Elizabeth Darcy wakes up from a head injury not remembering anything beyond the Hunsford proposal. Darcy’s offensive and arrogant proposal and her vehement rejection is the last encounter she remembers with the loathsome man she apparently married many years ago. With four children in their household and one on the way, Elizabeth’s injury and memory-loss are taken very seriously. She is forced to submit to bedrest to protect her unborn baby and ensure her strength during its delivery. Elizabeth has much to learn about all the events of her life in the past eleven years, but the event she finds most unfathomable is how she became married to the last man in the world she “could ever be prevailed upon to marry”…

Poor Mr. Darcy is forced to revert to one of the most painful times of his life. A time where his love was unreturned and his chances of future happiness seemed very improbable. His wife does not currently return any feelings of love and affection towards him. In fact, she very much mistrusts him, dislikes him, and perpetually assumes the worst about him. And that is where the crux of the problem lies:

“You cannot recall choosing me. You do not recall my making myself acceptable to you. Our joys, our triumphs, our fears, ours suffering are unknown to you. Elizabeth, you are trapped in a life you did not wish for, one you violently rejected.” (page 158)

Gah!!! Isn’t that heart-wrenching?!? And so like Darcy to see how all of this is perceived by her, to understand how she must view him, and to cautiously keep away in accordance with her unspoken wishes. One of the things I loved most about this imaginative and poignant story was witnessing the tender and compassionate actions of a most incomparable Mr. Darcy. A Mr. Darcy that is utterly selfless and giving. A reflective Mr. Darcy that sees the flaws in his own character and upbringing and thoughtfully decides to do differently by his children. How easy it was to once again fall irrevocably in love with Mr. Darcy in this tale!

I applaud Ms. Galvia for dreaming up such a creative premise. Many authors show Darcy and Elizabeth deal with their misunderstandings and conflicts before becoming engaged or as newlyweds, but not many show Darcy and Elizabeth facing some discord and distance after several years of marriage. It was an interesting premise to explore, especially as it uncovers and slowly reveals the past experiences of these two characters. I thought the myriad of Elizabeth’s feelings and reactions such as confusion, doubt, frustration, guilt, pity, respect, and admiration were all eloquently represented. I truly enjoyed the slow progression of Elizabeth’s emotional development. Just because she loved Mr. Darcy in the past doesn’t mean she can easily will herself to do so now. And with her expressive portrayal of Mr. Darcy’s anguish and affection my heart felt his pain and was warmed by his exemplary devotion.

Another element I enjoyed in this tale were all the little details included to give readers some history of the Darcys’ lives up until this point. I loved learning about their children and witnessing their individual personalities and proclivities. And being privy to some of the letters Elizabeth received and wrote was an exceptionally lovely touch; it revealed a lot about the past to Elizabeth and the reader. Nothing in this story was extraneous; it all helped fill in the gaps of the past and complete the picture of Elizabeth’s life.

Emotive, articulate, and exquisitely rendered – Side by Side, Apart is a phenomenal debut release by Ann Galvia! It introduces some realism and turmoil into the Darcys’ lives – which may not be everyone’s cup of tea – but for my part, I often delight in Pride and Prejudice tales that are more inventive and daring. Especially when they are beautifully and thoughtfully composed like this one! I highly recommend!

Austenesque Reviews ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Apr 21, 2016 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-requests, historical-romance-english-welsh, jane-austen-austenesque

What would it be like to wake up from a severe head injury to realize you have lost eleven years of your life? Elizabeth Darcy is now married and has children with the last man in the world she could ever be prevailed upon to marry. Darcy, her children, her servants, and her family all quietly work to help restore her memories and sense of self. It was fascinating, moving, and heartwarming to see this woman find herself and see her husband and family through new eyes.

I have read many amnesia rom What would it be like to wake up from a severe head injury to realize you have lost eleven years of your life? Elizabeth Darcy is now married and has children with the last man in the world she could ever be prevailed upon to marry. Darcy, her children, her servants, and her family all quietly work to help restore her memories and sense of self. It was fascinating, moving, and heartwarming to see this woman find herself and see her husband and family through new eyes.

I have read many amnesia romances and like what they did to a story, but this was unique because it was one of the few that I read for an after the happily ever after situation. It was like a middle-aged woman was getting a re-set right in the middle of a full life. The last memories she has of the man she calls husband is that she can't stand him and now he is her husband, father of her children, and she is pregnant with his child. Elizabeth must figure out how and why while trying to continue on with a life that she cannot remember. She is a mistress of a grand estate, a mother, and a wife. Though she has no feelings for this world and these people, she bravely decides to do her best and go forward.

The story is all from her perspective. It is like a mystery of sorts as she figures out her own life. Her biggest mystery is why did she marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy is taciturn and circumspect. She has to observe him carefully to see that her memory loss is his own deep loss. Slowly she figures out that the arrogant, hateful man she thought he was eleven years before was so very much in the wrong. It is his selfless acts, surprising kindnesses, and obvious love of herself and their children that slowly work on her.

This is a bittersweet tale in that it is a slow go and sad as Elizabeth has to learn to love her children and like and respect let alone love her husband. Nothing is easily discovered even if she questions her ladies' maid, her parents, her sister, her children, and her husband. It was a long road back and I found that as she found her way, I was really cheering her on.

It was a gently-paced story that had an authentic feel to the times. Propriety, language, taste, and activities were all just as would be for the time. It was a picture of family life for a wealthy landed family of Regency times.

Elizabeth is the central figure, but her family and staff were well-drawn. There are several scenes with her children. However, it is the growing romance with her husband that captured my attention most. Darcy is patient with her, but his love and passion are there smoldering and waiting.

So, this was a unique story that I found amazing and sweet. My first time with this author, but I doubt it will be my last. I would recommend this to sweet historical romance, historical fiction, and Austenesque fans quite easily.

My thanks to Meryton Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

13 likes · Like · see review

May 10, 2020 Ceri rated it it was amazing

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

This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: https://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot...

This Pride & Prejudice sequel is set 11 years into the Darcys’ marriage. Elizabeth is alarmed to wake and find two men in her bedroom – she recognises one as Mr Darcy, though she has no idea why he would be there. She learns that she has received a head injury and has been unconscious for 12 hours. The awful truth dawns on her that she is married to Mr Darcy. She cannot understand this, because the l ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Apr 21, 2016 Tina rated it really liked it

I have seen this story posted on AHA before under the name Bruises but I had not read it. Which I'm sort of glad I didn't because then I wouldn't have gone in to the story with fresh eyes. I have to admit that I like this story. It offers a look at the life of the Darcys eleven years after they have gotten married. It was very nice of them to give the kindness that they did to the Wickhams. Of course I would have loved to learn what has happened to the de Bourgh's and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

May 05, 2016 Tamra rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen-fan-fiction

5 stars for the beautiful cover! Even though I read on my iPad 90% Of the time, I still enjoy looking at a beautiful cover. It seems book covers have been neglected, especially in the JAFF genre. What was written inside was just beautiful. I give it four stars because there were too many characters that weren't included. It would have been nice to see our old friends and foes. Overall an excellent read with a fresh new twist. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 14, 2016 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it liked it

Shelves: jaff, kindle, 2016-austenesque-lovers-challenge, p-and-p, kindle-freebie

Status: Read September 12-14, 2016

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)

My Library Notes:

Side by Side, Apart
by Ann Galvia
Kindle Edition, 178 pages
Published April 20, 2016 by Meryton Press
ASIN: B01EKUXFI4

"You see what a strange circumstance it is." She felt some fleeting relief. "You know our acquaintance has not been easy."

Elizabeth Bennet—stubborn, quick to judge but slow to revise her opinions, and entirely prejudiced against the man who had just proposed marriage at Hunsford—awakens to learn she has been in an ac ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 24, 2016 Suzan Lauder rated it it was amazing

Shelves: no-sex-no-violence, loved-it, jaff-regency

Formerly known as Bruises on fanfiction serial posting sites.

Any reviews that say there's a sex scene are thinking of another novel. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 22, 2016 Charlene rated it liked it

Lost

An incredible journey that requires our heroine Elizabeth Darcy to lose her memory after 11 years of marriage. Her memory starts just after the failed proposal. When she awakes from a head trauma she is mortified, upset and confused as to where she is and what happened. This journey takes place with her pregnant with her forth child. As you can surmise there is a lot of angst and personal and emotional journey in finding there way back to each other.

I did enjoy reading this but I felt that t ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

May 04, 2016 Carol Perrin rated it it was amazing

Side by Side Apart

This story is wonderful and sad at the same time. Married to Darcy for eleven years and carrying their fourth child, an unfortunate accident completely erases Elizabeth's feelings and love for Darcy and her children. Angry and confused, she remembers only the early relationship with Darcy when she thought him proud, arrogant, and full of disdain for the feelings of those below his circle. Realizing that both Darcy and their children love her and are concerned of her situation, Side by Side Apart

This story is wonderful and sad at the same time. Married to Darcy for eleven years and carrying their fourth child, an unfortunate accident completely erases Elizabeth's feelings and love for Darcy and her children. Angry and confused, she remembers only the early relationship with Darcy when she thought him proud, arrogant, and full of disdain for the feelings of those below his circle. Realizing that both Darcy and their children love her and are concerned of her situation, Elizabeth begins to try to figure out the last eleven years of her life and regain what she's lost. Darcy, as always, is worried about her health and restrictions are placed on her movements and household concerns are taken over by their servants. Village duties for the three parishes the Darcys are responsible for are given to the wives of the pastors in his gift. Headaches and dizziness prohibits her from walking the many paths around Pemberley. Between her remembered dislike of Darcy and her inability to do anything, Elizabeth is easily frustrated, impertinent, and contradictory. Darcy is gentle and focused on her recovery, but she still resents being his wife. Giving her the letters she wrote before each birth triggers some memories of their happiness, and although she teased him in these letters, they certainly would not make him feel anything but sadness if she died in childbirth. Between Jane and her Aunt Gardiner, they reinforce his love and devotion to her. Slowly she sees what a gentleman he is, recognizes that he loves her beyond her imagination, and her feelings towards him changes to the realization that she loves him. Reading all the love letters he wrote while away from her side, helps trigger memories. Amongst these letters is Elizabeth's hand written copy of the Hunsford letter Darcy wrote. She did what he asked and burned the original, but kept her copy among the others. Past memories are coming back slowly, but she tells him that she loves him. Finally, the happiness is returning, and Darcy returns to their shared bed delighting them both. He tells her not to worry, because he will be instructing her on her charity and household duties as well as reacquainting her with their three children including Wickham's two in their custody. Elizabeth knows that to know herself can only come through her husband. He in return prays that her health will eventually be restored and the memory of their complete love returned to them both. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Apr 23, 2016 Cathy rated it really liked it

Shelves: characters-amnesia, themes-what-if-story, read-in-2016, p-and-p-adaptation, jane-austen-adaptation, rating-four-stars

*** THIS REVIEW ASKS QUESTIONS THAT CONTAIN SPOILERS ***

I really enjoyed this book, having read it in roughly one day (I had to put it down so I could go to work), but I feel like I had more questions at the end of it than answers.

* Spoilers start here *

I liked that Elizabeth and Darcy found their way to each other even though Elizabeth lost her memory, but there were so many other issues brought up involving the children that have no real conclusion. What happened with Eliza's outburst to her c ...more

1 like · Like · see review