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...

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...

In 1810, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet at Rosings Park in Kent and fall passionately in love. However, the romance comes to an abrupt and brutal end.  Heartbroken, Elizabeth struggles to recover whilst keeping her sadness a secret from her family. Grief is eventually replaced by anger and resentment.  Three years later, Elizabeth is shocked to find that Darcy is to be best man at her sister's wedding.  They are frequently thrust into company with each other, which both find uncomfortable. Elizabeth's behaviour ranges from cool to uncivil to incendiary! While Darcy is trying very hard to redeem himself in her opinion. He also desperately hopes for a second chance. This pride and prejudice variation switches between the events in Kent in 1810 and in Hertfordshire in 1813. This is handled well and despite knowing what is coming, the separation of the couple is agonising to read. I love this variation and I look forward to reading Abigail Sheffield's next book. ...

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 Bennet regrets misjudging Fitzwilliam Darcy and her vociferous rejection of his proposal.  While on a tour of Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, her greatest fear is encountering Mr Darcy.  With some reluctance, she agrees to visit Pemberley, on being assured that the Darcy family are from home. During her tour of the house, Elizabeth encounters a supernatural presence.  At this point, I fully expected a gothic pride and prejudice variation! Darcy arrives home and they meet again. But will the "Shades of Pemberley" help or hinder our dear couple? Delightful story, great characters and a mischievous great Dane puppy. What more could you want? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

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...

Elizabeth Bennet has already refused an offer marriage from her father's cousin, William Collins. Unfortunately, he is persistent. He follows her on her daily walk to make yet another attempt.  Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy appears and makes every effort to stop Mr Collins. Sadly, a falling tree branch and a rainstorm causes all three of them to take shelter in the Bennet boathouse. Fortunately any accusations of impropriety are dismissed, Mr Collins finally gets the message and Elizabeth gets to know that Darcy is a good man. A young relative of Mr Hurst arrives at Netherfield and becomes attached to Elizabeth. Mr Nugent is immature, sport obsessed and tedious.  When Elizabeth declines his offer of marriage, Mr Bennet declares that she will have to accept the next proposal, no matter who makes it. With six months left until she gains her majority, Mr Bennet has that power. How will Elizabeth steer clear of unwanted suitors and will she ever find a man willing to share both love and re...

Amy D'Orazio's latest Pride and Prejudice variation is part gothic horror, part Sleeping Beauty, with a nod to the Pendle witches. The unmarried George Darcy has a mistress. He knows that she has other lovers, when he is away from Town.  She becomes with child, right around the time George wants to marry a "suitable" bride. He arranges for her to be provided for, by marriage to his steward, Mr Wickham, who like George, could be the father of the baby. The pretty little girl grows up wild at Pemberley, after her mother dies. Unfortunately, she is always tainted by her birth. As she grows older and more beautiful, Jessamine is seen as a threat and is banished from Pemberley. She grows up to be bitter and resentful at the Darcy family. She plans an exquisite revenge, with the help of witchcraft. There is a flavour of Sleeping Beauty, in the decay of Pemberley, while the master is trapped. Only pure love can lift the curse!  Can Elizabeth Bennet provide the solution? Jess...

A delightful bouquet of Pride and Prejudice Variations, with something to delight everyone. Some Regency, some modern. The serious, the light-hearted, the magical and the fantasy.  A collection from some of the best JAFF authors writing today. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

After the death of Mr Bennet, Elizabeth finds herself cast out of Longbourn by Mr Collins and Mrs Bennet. Fortunately, her sister Jane goes with her and they settle with their Aunt and Uncle Gardner in Cheapside. Elizabeth is desperate to be independent and not burden the Gardners. Teaching doesn't work out but another option presents itself.  Elizabeth finds herself writing a Society gossip column called Mr Pennywither's Reports. In the persona of an aging valet, she combines gossipy stories with wit, humour and a gentleness not found in more vituperative publications. Fitzwilliam Darcy is an honourable young man, burdened with inheriting the vast Pemberley estate in his early twenties. He is responsible for his much younger sister, Georgiana.  He also must shelter his Cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, who has been brought low by the physical and mental impacts of battle. Decent, hardworking and appearing rather dull. It is a shock to suddenly find himself the focus of the London g...

The Prodigal is an introduction to the world of the Richmond family and a prequel to the Rags to Richmonds regency romance series.  The story begins with James Richmond, the heir to the Tipton earldom, coming home after an enthusiastic celebration of his university graduation.  When summoned to the Earl's study, the heir fears a scolding. However, the interview reveals shocking details of his origins. We then go back to 1794 and meet the Richmond family.  The old Earl Tipton, who is determined to retain the distinction of rank and nobility.  Charles, typical oldest son, all duty and honour.  Damian, a malevolent rake, who enjoys causing any trouble possible.  And finally Robert, youngest son. He is idealistic, in love with Susan, a weaver's daughter and with little patience for his family expectations of a society marriage.  The events that follow, turn the Richmond family upside down.  Amy D'Orazio and Jessie Lewis are wonderful JAFF writers and ...

  Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet have a second chance at love.  After being reunited at Pemberley, they forge a loving relationship.  Even the scandal of Lydia Bennet's elopement with George Wickham, doesn't put Darcy off. Fitzwilliam returns to Meryton with Charles Bingley. Very soon Charles and Jane are betrothed. Both Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth are delighted to be together again. Darcy doesn't want to steal the limelight from Jane and Bingley, so plans to postpone his proposal until he returns from a two week trip to London.  To Elizabeth's dismay, Darcy doesn't return as promised. Bingley expected him back, but only received vague excuses.   After six long weeks he arrives to act as best man for Bingley  Darcy takes Elizabeth aside to explain that his family objects to their marriage and he agrees! His explanation is poorly done and only partly finished when Elizabeth walks away, refusing to listen to further excuses. Georgiana Darcy is ment...

No Improper Pride by Amy D’Orazio The story is set in London after the Hunsford proposal. Darcy has got over his anger at being refused by Elizabeth Bennet. However, he has become bereft and regretful.  His cousin, the inimitable Viscount Saye, has no patience and little sympathy with Darcy. He correctly points out that in leaving Kent, after handing his letter to Elizabeth, Darcy denied her the right of reply.  He drags Darcy out for a walk in Hyde Park.  By coincidence, Elizabeth and her sister Jane are walking with their aunt Gardner and cousins.  After introductions, Darcy is floundering, so Saye takes charge, charming the ladies.  Could this be another chance for Darcy? Will Saye be unbearably outrageous and what will Florizel do? Darcy, Elizabeth and Saye in the hands of Amy D’Orazio! How could it be anything but glorious? Insufficient Vanity by LM Romano When Elizabeth Bennet shared the news of her sister's elopement, she was sure that it put an end to he...

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

This Pride and prejudice variation gives us two main characters who are the complete opposite of canon. George Wickham, old playmate of Fitzwilliam Darcy, becomes dissolute at Cambridge. Drawn into a coterie of young profligate aristocrats, he feels accepted. Until one day, he overhears what they really think of him. An express arrives, urging his return home as his father is dying. These two blows have a profound effect, leaving him much more receptive to his father’s final advice. So George commits to his studies, eventually becoming a law clerk. Whilst working in a solicitor’s office in Ramsgate, he comes across the young heiress, Georgiana Darcy. When he realises that a fortune hunter is plotting an elopement with Georgiana, he foils the plot with her brother’s assistance. Unfortunately, this Georgiana is very far from Jane Austen’s innocent, gullible young lady. She may be only fifteen, but words like devious, manipulative and vengeful come to mind. The presence of a benign, Georg...

At the wedding breakfast of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley, a latecomer is having a very indiscreet conversation, with Bingley’s sisters. Mr Darcy opines that perhaps Charles could have married his first love, despite his suit being rejected. The lady’s very proud father, was regretting his hasty decision. Unfortunately, Jane overhears and decides to flee, so that Charles would not be stuck with her.  Elizabeth Bennet is furious with Darcy and let’s him know it, in no uncertain terms!  Elizabeth’s dramatic exit goes awry, leading to a stumble and the appearance of compromise.  Cue the arrival of Mr Bennet, Sir William Lucas and others. All in their cups and not willing to listen to reason. Darcy is happy to do the honourable thing and marry Elizabeth. However, Mr Bennet decides that Darcy is a rake. As Elizabeth and Darcy come to love each other, they are torn apart by Mr Bennet’s determined efforts to send Elizabeth where she will not be found. This book is a brilliant ...

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...

In this pride and prejudice variation, we know from the outset, that both Charles and Caroline Bingley are manipulative, fortune hunters. They pretend friendship to the fabulously wealthy, Fitzwilliam Darcy.  The plan is to get Caroline married to Darcy, then Charles married to Georgiana Darcy, for her fortune of £30,000.  They are playing a long game, having met Darcy at Cambridge, some years ago. Georgiana is only 15 years old, so patience is required. Fitzwilliam Darcy has avoided many fortune hunters and compromises since he left university. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see what the Bingley siblings are. When Darcy joins Charles at his new estate in Hertfordshire, he meets Elizabeth Bennet. Beautiful, witty, intelligent and the daughter of an impecunious country gentleman. Darcy is rapidly infatuated with Elizabeth, but is mindful of her lower status in society.  The return of William, beloved cousin of the Bennets, raises jealousy in Darcy and he knows his heart is comm...

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 ...