What is your favorite starting place when reading a new P&P book?

[Suzanne]

I’ve recently been in the mood for a P&P book that starts out shortly after the disastrous Hunsford proposal, whereby ODC meet again shortly after rather than months and months later. Be it while still in Kent or maybe in London a few weeks later... and just seeing where this goes! (Any recommendations by the way?)
What is everyone’s favorite starting point when reading a new book/story? Do you prefer a fresh start from the beginning with a whole new plot? Or a continuation after a certain point from the original P&P story?

[wosedwew]

Dearest Friends begins in January after the Netherfield party leaves Hertfordshire in November.

[Lucy]

Suzanne,

I have a short story (Mr Darcy Man with a Plan) that has Elizabeth and Darcy meeting in London not long after the disastrous proposal in Kent.

To answer your question about favourite starting points (because I am a fan as well as a writer), I like them all. I’ve tried to think about a more specific favourite, but I really can’t. It can be great to see something change at the initial meeting and how that can influence their entire story, but I also like to see how post-proposal scenarios can alter.

[Suzanne]

wosedwew wrote: "Dearest Friends begins in January after the Netherfield party leaves Hertfordshire in November."

I read this as well and liked it! I’m suchhh a fan of a Jane Bennet BFF but if you can get past this, its an enjoyable read :)

[Suzanne]

Lucy wrote: "Suzanne,

I have a short story (Mr Darcy Man with a Plan) that has Elizabeth and Darcy meeting in London not long after the disastrous proposal in Kent.

To answer your question about favourite s..."


Will add this on my TBR list, thank you for the suggestion!
I’ve read so many wonderfully written books from different starting points and even some with changing one of the other characters personality/character (which when done well, it really works). Once I’m hooked in, it’s hard to put down the book that’s so enjoyable to read. I think ultimately I also enjoy any starting point, though it’s nice to break it up every now and then with a different starting point once you’ve read multiple books in a row that have the same starting place.

[Adele]

I have read several that have started at different places and enjoyed many of them. Some of my favorites:
After the Netherfield Ball-November 26th
Darcy’s Deception -the day after the Hunsford proposal
Being Mrs Darcy starts the evening that Darcy goes to Ramsgate
The coming of Age of Elizabeth Darcy-when Elizabeth is 15 and Darcy 23
A Wilful Misunderstanding-the evening of the assembly
Dear Nameless Stranger-after Hunsford but before a trip to Derbyshire

I thought all of these very clever, with interesting plots and real depth of character, there is great dialogue and the personal interactions, growth and just great craftsmanship in the writing made them all worth being read more than once.

[Suzanne]

Adele wrote: "I have read several that have started at different places and enjoyed many of them. Some of my favorites:
After the Netherfield Ball-November 26th
Darcy’s Deception -the day after the Hunsford pro..."

I’ve read Being Mrs. Darcy - obsessed with this story!! So well written and keeps your attention throughout the whole story. I couldn’t put it down and definitely remember staying up way later than I should reading it, haha! The same for A Wilful Misunderstanding and the Coming of age of Elizabeth. I’ll have to check out the others you recommended!

[Abigail]

In my book By Force of Instinct, Darcy is stopped from leaving Rosings after his first proposal, so he and Elizabeth are forced into each other's company again. The scene where they encounter each other for the first time post-propoal is a particular favorite. But most of my books have started post-Hunsford.

[Suzanne]

Abigail wrote: "In my book By Force of Instinct, Darcy is stopped from leaving Rosings after his first proposal, so he and Elizabeth are forced into each other's company again. The scene where they encounter each ..."

I will have to check out your other books then! I have read By Force of Instinct as well as Mr. Darcy’s Refuge and LOVED them both! You write and capture the characters so well. In both, it seemed like the smallest change made led to this ripple effect that changed the course of the rest of the story. And in such a way that it leaves you guessing where it will go next :)

[L.L.]

I cannot say I have a favorite starting place. I have Rain and Retribution that begins after the Netherfield Ball, Particular Intentions begins when Jane is convalescing at Netherfield, and Undoing as well as Unwavering Trust are alternate universe and begin before canon. My new story is a new ending of sorts and begins after Pemberley. It all depends on the muse and the inspiration :)