𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

In this variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy does not insult Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton assembly.  They dance, become friends and rapidly fall in love.  Soon they are betrothed.  If it all seems too easy, you would be right! Darcy's fifteen year old sister, Georgiana arrives at Netherfield, delighted to announce that she eloped with George Wickham. They should congratulate her on becoming Mrs Wickham. Unfortunately, Wickham is a friend-turned enemy, who delights in gloating of his power over his young wife. Soon Elizabeth and Darcy must find a way to deal with Wickham, while protecting Georgiana from harm. To add to their woes, Mr Bennet takes a dim view of the scandal and suspends any discussion of a wedding date. Wickham is horrible and Georgiana is staggering dumb.  Darcy is barely restraining himself from violence and is only kept under good regulation by Elizabeth's loving support. Lucy Marin is always worth reading and I am happy to recommend this book. I received...

This variation positions Elizabeth and Mary Bennet as daughters of Thomas Bennet and Lady Olivia, daughter of the Earl of Elmwood.  Their passionate love match came to an abrupt end when Lady Olivia died in childbirth. Thomas is left with a broken heart and two very young daughters. Unfortunately, Thomas turns to drink and neglects his family and estate for several months. Brother in law, Viscount Mavery tries to get through to him, with little success. In such a state, Bennet was vulnerable and finds himself taken advantage of by a solicitor called Gardiner. Thus, he agrees to marry Gardiner's widowed daughter, Fanny Younge. Life at Longbourn is changed forever.  Their stepmother does her best to exclude them, diverting funds to her own children.  Fortunately, the Earl ensures they have the education, appropriate to their rank. By the time Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley arrive in Meryton, Elizabeth is counting down the days until she and Mary go to London for the Season. So Dar...

This variation is set a year after the Netherfield ball, when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy left Hertfordshire without taking their leave. When a cholera epidemic strikes London, the Netherfield party seeks refuge in the countryside of Meryton. Darcy is surprised at the changes he finds.  Elizabeth Bennet, once nervous of horses, is racing around in a brand new curricle.  Where they previously seemed to show a mutual dislike, they now spar with each other, exchanging banter and humour. This lightness is contrasted by the profound changes that events have forced on the Bennet family. This is a delightful variation. Darcy is funny, with a dry wit but is also a profoundly honourable and reliable man.  Elizabeth walks a tightrope, balancing the exuberant curricle driver, with her instinct hide from a world she has realised is a harsh and wicked place. Grace Gibson just keeps getting better. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodr...

A Pride and Prejudice variation, where a Bennet heir was born!  Thomas Bennet married his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Nelson. Soon they welcome their heir, Jonathan.  After eighteen years of happy marriage, Mrs Elizabeth Bennet dies some months after the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth. When Jonathan returns from school, he finds a new Mrs Bennet at Longbourn and it soon becomes obvious that Thomas despises his new wife.  Fanny Bennet is a young vulgar fortune hunter who makes a sorry stepmother to the Bennet offspring. When Jonathan inherits Longbourn, Fanny is determined not to give up her position of Mistress of Longbourn, even when he brings a wife home.  Fanny leaves Longbourn but retains a burning resentment for her step children and a determination to get her position back at any cost.  I really enjoyed this variation. Jonathan is presented as a steadfast older brother and worthy Master of Longbourn.  Having Darcy as Jonathan's acquaintance and s...

Elizabeth Bennet is recently acquainted with the rich and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy.  Darcy has been getting threatening letters, followed by speculative gossip in the papers. When someone announces the (non-existent) betrothal of Elizabeth and Darcy in a London gossip column, the result could be the ruin of Elizabeth and all her sisters.  The only way to preserve her honour is for Darcy to offer an engagement. The plan is to work out who the enemy is, then quietly dissolve the betrothal. Elizabeth is introduced to the judgemental world of the Ton and gets a close view of Society's dark underbelly. The process of solving the puzzle, draws the couple closer but can true love come from such a challenging beginning. Featuring a smart Elizabeth and a swoon worthy Darcy. Ali Scott never disappoints! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

A what-if, centred around the end of Jane's life. Interesting characters, a possibly flawed suitor and a compelling portrayal of the bond between Jane and Cassandra. A Mad Endeavour feels like an authentic immersion into Jane Austen's world. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review