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Showing posts with the label Lucy Marin

Whoever Lives in Love by Lucy Marin ★★★★☆

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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...

The Art of Apology: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Marin. ★★★★☆

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When Fitzwilliam Darcy joins his friend Bingley in Hertfordshire, he is unimpressed by local society.  At the Meryton Assembly he speaks disparagingly about Elizabeth Bennet. In a private conversation, yes. But too loud and with little care who heard.  Elizabeth tries to brush it off but when it becomes clear that her neighbours heard and either pity or scoff at her, it is hard. She is stunned when her lackadaisical father is furious and demands that Darcy make amends. Darcy has rarely been challenged on his behaviour and is shocked by Mr Bennet's attitude. The insult becomes a catalyst for both men.  Bennet realises that he has neglected his daughters and makes some huge changes within the family. Elizabeth is delighted that he is finally dealing with the behaviour of her younger sisters and even Mrs Bennet. Darcy is initially resistant to change but when Bingley also berates him for his churlish manners, he accepts his faults. Time will tell if the captivating Elizabeth...

Affections & Wishes: A Short Story Anthology of Pride and prejudice variations by Amy D’Orazio, Jessie Lewis, Julie Cooper, Mary Smythe, Frances Reynolds, Lucy Marin, Jan Ashton, Barry S Richman & Elsie Fulbrook ★★★★☆

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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

His Family Objects: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Marin. ★★★★★

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  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...

Mrs Bennet Makes a Match: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy Marin. ★★★★☆

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When Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to Hertfordshire he hopes to win the heart of his beloved, Elizabeth Bennet.  Elizabeth is convinced that Darcy cannot overcome his revulsion, that Elizabeth’s sister is married to his enemy, George Wickham. She loves Darcy, but is heartbroken that he seems lost to her. Meanwhile, Darcy feels guilty for not denouncing Wickham and thereby protecting Meryton and specifically Elizabeth’s sister. He attributes her reluctance to talk to him as anger. Mrs Bennet may not know the particulars, but she recognises a couple in love.  Thus, our matchmaking Mama, enlists her friends to help her stage an intervention!  Whilst her actions are well meant, reality is incredibly annoying. Our dear couple have to overcome this “help” to find their way to each other. An enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

A Matter of Prudence by Lucy Marin. ★★★★★

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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...

The Truth About Family by Lucy Marin. ★★★★★

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Elizabeth Bennet was sent to stay with the Dowager Countess Romesley at the age of five. It was meant to be for a few months, until her mother delivered the heir to Longbourn. Mrs Bennet was often spiteful to Elizabeth and her pregnancy made her even worse. However, the invitation to return never came and her family never visited. Elizabeth came to know the Countess’s family; the Fitzwilliams, Darcys and de Bourghs. Most of the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams were friendly, while some were kind but rather distant. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh viewed Elizabeth as inferior and an interloper. Her sister, Lady Anne Darcy agreed. Both were unwelcoming and unpleasant. Mr Hugh Darcy was very kind and his son Fitzwilliam was a close friend of Elizabeth’s. As she grew older, she fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knew nothing could come of it. He was destined for a brilliant, high society match. On one visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth is cast out by Lady Anne Darcy and sent to Lady Cat...

The Marriage Bargain by Lucy Marin ★★★★☆

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Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to the once prestigious Darcy family and inheritor of the once fabulous Pemberley, is facing an unpalatable choice. He either sells Pemberley to pay off debt incurred by several generations of Darcys or enters a marriage of convenience to a wealthy woman. The state of both estate and family reputation means the once “brilliant match” to a Society lady no longer seems possible. He thinks himself in love with Caroline Bingley, but her modest dowry is not enough. His mentor suggests a particular lady, who is connected to trade but extremely wealthy. Elizabeth Bennet also wishes for a marriage of convenience, having been plagued by fortune hunting rakes. A bargain is made and they marry. Darcy’s attitude from the beginning is unpleasant regarding both Elizabeth’s money and status. He is angry that his father and grandfather have left Pemberley with vast debt and much neglected. The Darcy name has lost respect and he has no money. He chooses to marry Elizabeth for h...

Her Sisterly Love by Lucy Marin ★★★★★

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Mr and Mrs Bennet have an acrimonious and increasingly violent marriage. Not only do they do a poor job of raising their youngest daughters but their regular fights cause emotional abuse to their family. From the age of twelve, second daughter Elizabeth takes on the role of protector, guide and support for Mary, Kitty and Lydia. She has some assistance from her elder sister, Jane. However, Jane’s naivety means Elizabeth has to watch out for her too. All of this leads to a sadder, more mature Elizabeth Bennet than we usually meet. When Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire his standoffish behaviour does not recommend him to Elizabeth.  However, as they come to know each other better, a friendship grows. Darcy’s own experience of shouldering responsibility at a young age, gives them something in common. Elizabeth is determined to care for her sisters until they are all married. Unfortunately, this means that she is likely to end up a spinster, given the age difference. As Elizab...

Christmas at Blackthorn Manor: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas by Lucy Marin ★★★★★

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Attending a Christmas house party results in some emotional disturbance for the eldest Bennet sisters. After sixteen months regretting his absence, Elizabeth Bennet is stunned to meet Mr Darcy. Both still love each other, yet each think their love is unrequited due to misunderstandings. Jane, now Mrs Ridley, is intrigued to find her former beau, Mr Bingley is joining the party. She finds herself still in love with him and unable or unwilling to stay away, despite her husband’s presence. Elizabeth and Darcy join forces to prevent Bingley and Jane from causing a scandal. Can they come to understand each other before the party ends? This is excellent. Longing and regret, angst and then happiness at last. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own. Amazon review Goodreads review

The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Lucy Marin ★★★★★

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He has no idea who he really is. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation, which features the trope of Fitzwilliam Darcy, not knowing his true identity. The prologue commences with a 1789 news report of the tragic kidnapping of Fitzwilliam Darcy, infant son of a wealthy and well-connected family. It is reminiscent of the high-profile Lindbergh baby case. The baby’s mother grieves, languishes and dies of a broken heart. His father, George Darcy continues alone, tormented by the burden of his double loss. Chapter one moves us ahead to Hertfordshire, in 1811. William Lucas is the adult son of Sir William Lucas. He has a warm circle of friends and is well liked in the local area. He has an “understanding” with his best friend, Elizabeth Bennet and they keenly await her next birthday when they can become betrothed. They plan to be very happy, living on the small estate at Lucas Lodge. A small but contented life. We are introduced to Frederick Darcy, on old friend of Mr Bennet. He t...