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Showing posts from December, 2024

Falling Slowly by Christie Capps. ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet finds Fitzwilliam Darcy insufferably proud and arrogant.  Meanwhile, Darcy is trying, very hard, not to fall in love with her. When Elizabeth slips and suffers a head injury, Darcy's care and kindness forces Elizabeth to re-evaluate her opinion. After months apart, circumstances bring them together at Rosings Park. However, a chance to become better acquainted is blasted by an accident that could have far reaching consequences. The novella can be a tricky medium, with the risk of rushed storylines. Christie Capps shows that she has a deft hand and produces a perfect story of our dear couple! I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Goodreads review

Pride and Circumstance by Ariane Boos. ★★★★☆

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This book is described as a rewrite of Pride and Prejudice, and so it is. However, it is so much more. Really well imagined episodes, that expand upon Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. It took me a little while to get into the story, but it is definitely worth the effort. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  Amazon review Goodreads review

To Marry for Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton. ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet rejects the proposal of her ridiculous cousin, William Collins, heir to her family's entailed estate, Longbourn. Mrs Bennet is outraged at her least favourite daughter's refusal to secure a home for her family, when her father dies. You see, Elizabeth and Jane Bennet have vowed to marry for only the deepest love. Friend, Charlotte Lucas leads Collins away to give Elizabeth some respite (also hoping Mr Collins might offer for her) After entertaining Collins for two days, the Lucas family expect an imminent betrothal. However, Collins discovers information that might allow him to have the beautiful, Jane as his wife.  Charlotte is immediately forgotten. Circumstances lead Jane to marry a man that she does not love. She does however, marry for the love of her family. So very early in the book, Jane is married to a fool, Charlotte is even more firmly on the shelf and Elizabeth is distressed and confused. The ladies' path to security and love is long and sometim...

Abandoned at the Altar by Julie Cooper ★★★★☆

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Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich, handsome member of the Ton, visits his friend Charles Bingley in the country.  Darcy is rapidly infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, but knows that she is far below him in rank and unsuitable to be mistress of his vast estate. After an initial poor opinion, Elizabeth finds herself falling in love with him. She tries to guard her heart but is overjoyed when Fitzwilliam proposes (having become thoroughly carried away!) The wedding is quickly planned and a special license acquired.  A family crisis pulls Darcy away and he sends messages to delay the wedding and reassure Elizabeth of his love. Unfortunately, his trusted messenger has a black heart. No messages are delivered and the whole of Meryton watches as Elizabeth waits at the church in vain. Julie Cooper weaves the tale with familiar characters, but they often take on very different attitudes to those we are accustomed. Dialogue from Pride and prejudice appears from unexpected mouths. I have seen this...

Elizabeth's Christmas Wish by Claudia Lomond. ★★★★☆

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Venturing outside on a cold, clear winter's night, Elizabeth Bennet sees a shooting star. She makes two wishes, seeking happiness for her friend Charlotte and the return of Charles Bingley for her sister Jane.  On seeing a second shooting star, she wishes for a love of her own. All lovely thoughts, but Elizabeth is a rational creature.  She is therefore, stunned when the following day the Netherfield Party returns, with the addition of Georgiana Darcy. Dinners and parties ensue and bring the Bennets to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are inseparable. Elizabeth is delighted with Georgiana's company and starts to think better of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Into the mix is poured an overly strong punch, leading to confession and indiscretion.  The smarmy George Wickham threatens the equanimity of several but is shocked to be met with resistance. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are well written and this novella has a satisfying resolution. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and...

An (Un)believably Artful Theft by Jennifer Joy ★★★★★

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The story pivots around a Rembrandt, stolen from the home of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy. Darcy is determined to find it and restore it to Georgiana. It turns up in a pawn shop in the disreputable Seven Dials. Unfortunately, a grey haired gentleman buys it, the day before Darcy visits the shop. The Bennet family live at Longbourn, their ramshackle estate, with rapidly dwindling funds. Mr Bennet and his daughter, Elizabeth are both talented artists. Mr Bennet has not painted in many years, as he became overwhelmed with trying and failing to manage Longbourn, when tragedy turned a third son into the Master.  Elizabeth paints in secret and sells her art under a pseudonym, the only way she can earn money. Her goal is to save Longbourn and her family. The Rembrandt turns up at Longbourn, where it seems to become the sole focus of Mr Bennet. Netherfield Park is let at last, by Charles Bingley. The Netherfield party includes Bingley's pernicious sisters and their guests, Georgian...

The Art of Apology: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Marin. ★★★★☆

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When Fitzwilliam Darcy joins his friend Bingley in Hertfordshire, he is unimpressed by local society.  At the Meryton Assembly he speaks disparagingly about Elizabeth Bennet. In a private conversation, yes. But too loud and with little care who heard.  Elizabeth tries to brush it off but when it becomes clear that her neighbours heard and either pity or scoff at her, it is hard. She is stunned when her lackadaisical father is furious and demands that Darcy make amends. Darcy has rarely been challenged on his behaviour and is shocked by Mr Bennet's attitude. The insult becomes a catalyst for both men.  Bennet realises that he has neglected his daughters and makes some huge changes within the family. Elizabeth is delighted that he is finally dealing with the behaviour of her younger sisters and even Mrs Bennet. Darcy is initially resistant to change but when Bingley also berates him for his churlish manners, he accepts his faults. Time will tell if the captivating Elizabeth...

Christmas with Elizabeth by Leah Page ★★★★☆

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Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are orphaned at a young age.  Their Aunt Phillips is keen to take in the beautiful Jane.  However, little Elizabeth is unwanted. Rejected by her mother, for not being a boy, she is bound for an orphanage.  Although he is a single man and not yet successful, Uncle Edward Gardiner will not see her abandoned.  He raises Elizabeth alone, for six years. A business associate, the Earl of Effington becomes a friend and then Godfather to Elizabeth. His daughter, Lady Susan becomes her 'sister of the heart'. Edward's marriage to Madelyn completes the Gardiner family. Elizabeth grows up happy, healthy, educated and loved. Elizabeth's only regret is her distant relationship with Jane.  Mrs Phillips is a stupid, shallow woman who has spoilt Jane and taught her to only care about the superficial. In an effort to forge a closer relationship, Elizabeth goes to stay at Longbourn with Jane and her idiot husband, Mr Collins.  While in Meryton she me...