The Bennet Heir by Melissa Anne. ★★★★★
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 soon friend changes the dynamic between he and Elizabeth, but in a pleasing way.
The machinations of Fanny Bennet and her unlikely conspirators are shocking melodrama and watching them get their just desserts is fun.
An honourable mention goes to the Bennet matriarch, Grandmama Bennet who is as wily as she is wise!
Great fun, but don't start reading at bedtime as you won't want to put it down.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
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