From This Day Forward - The Darcys of Pemberley in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

May 18, 2016 J. W. Garrett rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

P&P Family Reunion, Joana Starnes style: 4.5 stars

Be prepared for a lot of relatives. They waltz in an out of scenes like a breath of fresh air or the gust of an ill wind. So relax and flow with that breeze and ride the currents into the story of the early days/years of the marriage of Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth.

We have our usual cast of Austen characters and many new family members and friends. Those of us who are married can relate to Elizabeth as she traverses the family mill and her attempt P&P Family Reunion, Joana Starnes style: 4.5 stars

Be prepared for a lot of relatives. They waltz in an out of scenes like a breath of fresh air or the gust of an ill wind. So relax and flow with that breeze and ride the currents into the story of the early days/years of the marriage of Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth.

We have our usual cast of Austen characters and many new family members and friends. Those of us who are married can relate to Elizabeth as she traverses the family mill and her attempts to learn, remember and sort out all the names and connections within Darcy’s family. We walk with her as she is thrust into society, where she has no clue what to expect and feels totally unprepared. Starnes takes us through her struggle as she becomes the Mistress of Darcy House in London, earning the respect of the housekeeper and servants. She then heads to Pemberley and into the care of Mrs. Reynolds.

We watch her interact with the various family members, maneuver that tight-rope of social commitments, visits, balls, gossip and family feuds. Oh, how some of us can relate to that last one. She strategically calms Darcy’s ire against his relations with their crude comments and blatant actions against her, and attempts to bridge the gap as warring factions risk a forever break in connections.

Elizabeth impresses Darcy at every turn as she constantly demonstrates her mettle and wisdom in handling situations. As with any new marriage, the road is not always smooth. They have to learn how to exist or coexist within this new environment for both of them. She, to learn to trust him and his decisions. He, to learn to include her in some of those decisions. It is a marriage and a commitment no different than today.

I loved how Starnes brought out the best in Georgiana and her relationship with Elizabeth and Darcy. She grew up right before our eyes. It was amazing to see how Starnes handled it. It was a smooth transition and didn’t jump from her being the shy reclusive girl to an engaged woman within a few pages [as often happens in other JAFF]. No, we watched the natural progression as she moved through the stages of her development, presentation at court, launch into society, balls, courtships, struggles with deciding what she wanted in life and then making a decision she could live with. Well done Starnes.

Elizabeth attempted to reinstate past Christmas Holiday traditions at Pemberley. She tried to mesh her family with friends and relations of Darcy. Caroline Bingley had to be included as she was staying with Charles and Jane Bingley. I swear, that woman should be barred from all Darcy holdings for life. She was awful. In spite of her snide remarks and attitude, the Season activities were a complete success and launched Elizabeth as hostess of Pemberley.

With any marriage there will be trying times and disappointments. We travel through the angst with Darcy and his Elizabeth as they suffer the most difficult of disappointments after an accident on the stairs. Elizabeth’s very life is then put in jeopardy and Darcy suffers the various levels of Hell until she recovers. Any who have suffered a loss can relate to the degree of suffering they traverse. We grieve with them as they struggle to find their footing during this difficult time. Georgiana suffers with her brother and sister and finally finds the strength she needs from a shoulder she feels she can safely lean on for the rest of her life. It is the ray of sunshine behind the dark cloud of despair.

Starnes leads us through the many historical military actions of the times by newspaper accounts, and stores [and personal thoughts] related by our dear Colonel. Darcy and a younger Fitzwilliam brother head out to retrieve our dear Colonel after the family has received word that he has been seriously injured. We are privy to Darcy’s planning prowess as he plans for their departure in step by step preparations from sending for the doctor, relief horses along the way, bandages, medical supplies and a conveyance to transport. His commands and advance planning was amazing. Due to his quick response and degree of planning, they managed to secure the retrieval of our injured Colonel. Starnes pulled in historical references pointing to that timely departure and what happened after they left the area. It was amazing as Starnes revealed battlefield success and failures that is such a part of British history. War truly is hell.

The situation that arises between Darcy and his cousin, as he recovers, was heart breaking. We’ve always had clues in P&P; it was alluded to, and even considered, but due to lack of fortune was not possible. In this story, Starnes moved it front and center and, like the elephant in the room, Darcy and our dear Colonel had to deal with it. Such gentlemen, such strength of character, such love between the cousin/brothers, such an emotional blow, I wanted to cry.

Darcy and his Elizabeth continued together as the hands of time moved on. The epilogue was awesome. As Elizabeth observed her Darcy [with a bit of gray in his hair], she looked around at their children and the children of all those around them. She smiled as she observed the direction Cupid’s arrow was taking with the children. The list of connections with the characters will amaze.

The family gathering Starnes describes is very much like my own family reunion. My generation is no longer the little ones running around. Our children and their children carry on after us. Where did the time go? Minus .5 star for minimal errors, confusion with names, connections, and dialogue [not always clear who was talking]. Other than that, I loved this book.
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Aug 23, 2017 Teresita rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff

I really loved this story. The way in which they learned to live together, how Georgiana was integrated, how they overcame problems and nurtured their love.

The new characters are very interesting and add to the enjoyment of the story.

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