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...

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, the second son of Earl Fitzwilliam, knows that he should marry a woman of the Ton. His family expect breeding and connections. He needs wealth, as he will inherit nothing. As Richard is about to return to fight in Spain, he chooses love and a woman to comfort and care for him. He meets Elizabeth Bennet at a dance. She is beautiful, intelligent and lively. A whirlwind courtship occurs. Elizabeth is from minor gentry, with no dowry so the Matlock's are appalled.  Only his cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy stands by him. After only a week of marriage they set off for Spain. The adjustment from newly wed to army wife is hard, but Elizabeth hopes to settle in to it, especially as she is already with child. Then it is over. After only six weeks of marriage, she is a destitute widow.  She eventually manages to get home, but the trauma and privations that she faced have changed her forever heart, mind and soul. She has a profound distrust of men having power over ...

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...

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

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 ...

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...

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...

During a sight seeing trip to Bodden Chapel, a landslide threatens Elizabeth Bennet’s life.  Fitzwilliam Darcy leaps to protect her and the pair are buried alive together in a tiny space under rubble and soil. The description of this is intense and claustrophobia inducing! Being buried with an injured, semi-conscious gentleman overnight is viewed as a compromise, so marriage is essential to repair reputation. We follow Elizabeth’s thoughts as she comes to terms with impending  marriage to a man she was determined to dislike. In addition, she feels guilty that in saving her, Darcy received a head injury which resulted in blindness. I adored this book. The initial drama was compelling, the slow thawing of Elizabeth’s feelings about Darcy, together with his efforts to draw her closer to him were absorbing and the angst of the misunderstanding made me cry! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon...

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