𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Elizabeth Bennet's rather terrifying grandmother was dying.  She was said to be gifted with second sight and Elizabeth wanted to ask for a prediction on the name of her future husband. So twelve year old Lizzie drags her older sister Jane to the lady's bedside. Knowing that name, colours her relationships with the men she meets in Society, as she grows to womanhood. When a new tenant arrives at Netherfield Park, excitement rises. Could this be the long awaited future husband? Unfortunately, Mr Bingley has the right name, but is only interested in Jane. His friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy views Jane as an appropriate wife for himself and seeks to woo her.  Darcy and Lizzie agree to help each other to reach their goals, but an attraction between them causes them confusion and vexation.  The novelty of Darcy pursuing Jane, and Elizabeth thinking she wants Charles is well handled, with a pleasing denouement. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. A...

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...

Fitzwilliam Darcy met and fell in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, during a brief visit to Hertfordshire in 1811.  Unfortunately, her lack of social position, connexions and dowry make her an unlikely wife for a wealthy man.  Her vulgar mother, poorly behaved sisters and ties to trade provide a seemingly insurmountable barrier for a man who must fulfil the demands of his aristocratic family. After one dance at the Netherfield ball, Darcy flees to London, determined not to succumb to his infatuation. In retrospect, life for Elizabeth Bennet seems to take a downturn after the ball.  She rejects a ridiculous proposal from her cousin William Collins, to her mother's chagrin.  Her sister Jane is heartbroken after Mr Bingley left Netherfield, without a word.  All this is nothing to the sorrow to come.  The combination of a young girl's folly, a scoundrel and a winter storm results in tragedy and the ruin of the Bennet family.  They are shunned by both gentry...

When Thomas Bennet dies, his estate is entailed to a Mr Collins. His wife and daughters will lose both home, status and income. Mr Bennet is unwell and Mrs Bennet is scared that death is not far away. She diligently cares for him and ensures that he takes the tonic recommended by the apothecary. A tonic that makes him amiable and compliant. The unctuous Mr Collins is visiting, with a plan to wed one of the Bennet sisters. Unfortunately, he is focused on Elizabeth, who has nothing but contempt for him.  Fitzwilliam Darcy is thoroughly infatuated with Elizabeth, but is leaving Hertfordshire because she is not suitable to be Mrs Darcy.  He learns that Collins intends to propose. Unfortunately, Mrs Bennet has drugged Elizabeth with her father's tonic.  When Darcy arrives at Longbourn, he finds Collins and Mrs Bennet dragging Elizabeth to church for an immediate wedding. She is too out of her wits to know or object.  Darcy is left with only one choice. He must abduct Eliz...

Soon after arriving in Evermore on sea, Elizabeth Bennet is exploring the cliffs when she comes upon a gentleman.  It is none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man she thought never to meet again.  Darcy is at first shocked, upon meeting Elizabeth again. By his civility and warmth, he and Elizabeth soon overcome their misunderstandings and become friends. Elizabeth rapidly finds that she cannot imagine life without him. Interference is ably provided by Darcy's "helpful" cousin, Viscount Emerson, who brings Lady Catherine and Anne De Bourgh to Evermore. Honourable mention should go to Mrs Bennet, who is trying to match Elizabeth with a cat obsessed, mummy's boy! What more could you ask for? This is just exquisite.  Full of the salty tang of the sea and that delightful sense of anticipation and excitement one gets when arriving at the coast. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

In this Austenesque novella, the action takes place in London.  Mr Edward Gardiner, uncle of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, has been made a Baronet for services to Crown and Country. He invites his nieces to accompany him for the Season.  At the first ball they attend, Fitzwilliam Darcy delivers his infamous slight, dismissing Elizabeth as only tolerable. Unfortunately, the impact is much more devastating than if uttered at a country assembly. Elizabeth soon finds herself relegated to the Wallflowers, for if a man of consequence has dismissed her, Society will follow his lead.  Sadly, the rakes and lechers seem attracted by Elizabeth’s marginalised position. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s unofficial wallflower society, having spirited discussions with other ladies, slighted by Society. I cried for Elizabeth, as she is disillusioned following her exposure to the dark underbelly of the Ton. It is so well written. Darcy has to do a great deal to redeem himself, but fortunately, he is det...

Jane Bennet becomes unwell whilst visiting Netherfield Park.  Surprisingly, Mrs Bennet is delighted! Why worry about a trifling cold? After all, more time in the house of the amiable and wealthy, Mr Bingley must lead to a proposal. Elizabeth Bennet is worried for her sister, so she walks to Netherfield Park to check on her. Unfortunately, the trifling cold, turns out to be smallpox. Elizabeth has been exposed, so enters quarantine with Jane.  Smallpox spreads through the area, so many households are quarantined. Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy have both been inoculated against smallpox, so undertake to assist the apothecary in monitoring the outbreak. As Jane grows worse, Elizabeth feels very alone. Support comes from an unexpected person. Elizabeth had thought Mr Darcy unpleasant and haughty, but he shows himself to be kind and the best of men. Whilst Elizabeth struggles at Netherfield, Longbourn has five people sick. Mary, though healthy is burdened with caring for several patients,...

Elizabeth Bennet rejects the proposal from Mr Collins, her father’s heir. Mr Bennet supports her decision. Mrs Bennet views the match as essential to keeping a roof over her family, after the death of Mr Bennet. Both Elizabeth and Mr Bennet think Mr Collins is a slimy, sanctimonious fool. Unfortunately, the following day Mr Bennet changes his mind, having discovered his heart is rapidly failing. Elizabeth is horrified at the prospect of marrying a man she could not respect and grief stricken at the imminent loss of her beloved Papa. She hopes someone will rescue her, but eventually resigns herself to her fate. Fitzwilliam Darcy is in love with Elizabeth but has a duty to his family. Only a well connected and/or rich wife will do. However, on hearing of Elizabeth’s betrothal, he decides he would rather be happy than dutiful. Arriving minutes before Elizabeth enters the church, Darcy makes a passionate proposal, to a rather stunned Elizabeth. While Elizabeth has never liked Mr Darcy, he ...

As Elizabeth Bennet tours Pemberley, she feels anxious about running into the owner, Mr. Darcy. Having rejected his proposal of marriage, she assumes he must loathe her. However, when they do cross paths, she is pleasantly surprised to find that he harbours no ill feelings towards her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is unaware that her reunion with the master of Pemberley is regarded with suspicion by one very significant member of the household. To this person, very few are good enough for Darcy and Elizabeth is dismissed as a fortune hunter to be repelled. Darcy is astonished to discover Miss Bennet’s presence in his home, and even more surprised to learn that her opinion of him has significantly improved.  He begins to contemplate resuming his efforts to win her affection, but unforeseen obstacles emerge that could jeopardize their chances of happiness. Pemberley is under threat. What starts as a small crack, grows bigger, eventually threatening an entire wing. This also serves as a m...

Whilst walking on the Rosings estate, Elizabeth Bennet literally runs into Fitzwilliam Darcy (a man she views as haughty and arrogant). She reluctantly accepts his offer to escort her back to the Hunsford Parsonage. Their journey is interrupted by a shocking threat from the skies. Suddenly propriety and misunderstandings are irrelevant. Survival becomes their only priority. First, they must deal with a violent enemy, then Elizabeth must use her knowledge of healing to keep Darcy alive. The couple also wrestle with the consequences of spending two nights together in the woods. The story ranges from gripping suspense, angst, sorrow and of course, a happy ever after! This is really good. I enjoy ODC in peril, especially from Napoleon. Lyndsay Constable is fast becoming a favourite author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.   Amazon review   Goodreads review

At fifteen, heiress Georgiana Darcy was romanced by a fortune hunting scoundrel. Believing it was true love, she consented to an elopement. Her devoted brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy saved her from ruin, but she was left heartbroken. Darcy invited his close friends, the Bingley family to join them for the summer, to provide distraction. Georgiana developed an infatuation for Charles Bingley. Darcy viewed the match favourably as he knows his closest friend is a decent, if immature young man. As master of the great estate of Pemberley, Darcy is used to taking charge. He decides to mold Charles into a responsible landowner and husband for Georgiana. Thus, Netherfield Park is leased and Charles starts to learn estate management. He also meets the local families and becomes enamoured of the beautiful, Jane Bennet. Elizabeth Bennet is determined to forward the match by managing her unruly, embarrassing family. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam Darcy is equally determined to thwart the match, to preserv...

Elizabeth Bennet walks out one morning, still smarting from the insult thrown at her by a stranger, at the Meryton assembly. That stranger is Fitzwilliam Darcy, rich, connected and incredibly haughty. Although they were still not introduced, both of their lives were about to change forever. When a storm descends during her walk, Elizabeth starts to make her way home. Darcy comes across her and insists that, as a gentleman he must escort her home. Despite her repeated objections, she finds herself on Darcy’s horse, being firmly held by him. A flash of lightning spooks the horse and the two land in an unconscious heap. Unfortunately, a search party finds them, still lying together and thus, Elizabeth is compromised. So Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry, for the sake of her and her family’s reputation. Poor Elizabeth never does get an introduction, nor does she get a proposal. Darcy is cold and resentful at having to marry someone so far below his station. We follow Elizabet...

Pride, prejudice & international intrigue! The Bennet girls are orphaned following a carriage accident. Elizabeth and Jane have worked hard to secure a future at Longbourn for all the sisters, with an initial investment provided by their Uncle Gardiner. Elizabeth is celebrated in Town as beautiful, bright and witty. She is being courted by a peer and is desired by many. Darcy watches her from afar and wants her for his own, but his own scandal has him on the fringes of the Ton. When Uncle Gardiner is threatened with ruin, Darcy offers his aid in exchange for Elizabeth’s hand. Accepting his proposal upends her life in unimaginable ways and plunges her into a tale of love, violence, intrigue and betrayal. This was brilliant story, with a gripping storyline. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon   Amazon review Goodreads