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Happier Than We Deserve

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That terrible event Elizabeth and her family has ever dreaded has come to pass and brought with it changes which none of them could have anticipated. Faced with navigating a whole new world with whole new advantages, are they up to the task? Collecting marriage proposals like handkerchiefs, Elizabeth wonders if she might have spurned her one chance at lasting happiness when she learns that Mr Darcy is not at all who she believed him to be.

Darcy is tired of fighting his feelings. His heart knows what it wants, and that is Elizabeth Bennet. When he learns that Mr Bennet has passed away, he imagines riding in as the white knight, a saviour come to rescue his beloved from a life of poverty. But when he reaches Hertfordshire, something is amiss and he finds that Elizabeth needs no rescuing, thank you very much.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

216 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Halcomb

4 books29 followers
Melissa first discovered Pride & Prejudice at the age of eleven when her aunt was recording the BBC miniseries from TV to VHS and that, as they say, was that. This led her to the novel which, in turn, led to the discovery of Jane Austen's other excellent works, Persuasion being her favorite. She stumbled upon the genre of JAFF in 2019 and was hooked. After reading so many variations and imagining storylines of her own, she began writing them down and, for the first time, discovered her passion in life.

Melissa lives in Alaska with her husband of sixteen years--a very real Darcy without the obscene wealth--their five children, and a great behemoth of a dog, Knightley. When not reading or writing, which is not very often, Melissa enjoys camping in the wild Alaskan frontier, baking, yoga-ing...yoging...doing yoga, and riding her motorcycle in the most beautiful place on earth. And sleeping. Sleeping is the best.

melissahalcomb.author@gmail.com

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5 stars
543 (51%)
4 stars
389 (37%)
3 stars
98 (9%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews125 followers
March 5, 2023
Good story with an extra-strength Jane. Who knew the girl had it in her?

Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2023
I have been away from P&P for a while and this book was a delightful reintroduction.

Low angst and clean. The author finds a way to elevate the Bennet's circumstances without any insanity of Earls, kidnappings or other over the top drama.

Mr. Bennet keeps a fortune secret from his family until his demise.

Jane and Lizzy take charge and get the family up to snuff. When Darcy learns of Mr. Bennet's death he hies off to Meryton to offer a DP@Netherfield which spares us a letter.

The ladies all find love and we all live HEA.

Very sweet and nice.
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
April 3, 2023
Mr. Bennet dies

But what happens next is very original and makes this story a pretty good read. Jane’s character is awesome. She takes over control of the family and is the mother and father the family deserved.

A little more editing and a little less Lizzie and Darcy being such ninnies and I would have given the story 5 stars.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,336 reviews80 followers
May 26, 2025
A Reversal of Bennet Fortunes
4.5* rounded up

Mr. Bennet has kept a great secret for almost all of his marriage, and when his will is read upon his passing and the secret revealed, everything changes for Mrs. Bennet and her daughters. Unlike her father, Jane decides to take over the guidance and education of her sisters, including Elizabeth. This Jane with a backbone was a pleasure to read. The HEA includes three brides—one may surprise you!

I thought the storyline was excellent and very well written. Lots of good dialogue. There were some proofreading misses for which I deducted a half star. I’ve read all of this author’s books and have enjoyed them. This is definitely my favourite so far, and look forward to her next book.

April 1, 2024 - Audiobook
I loved this book when I read it, and the audiobook version is very good too. Danielle Cohen is a new-to-me narrator for JAFF who I really enjoyed. She is very expressive in her narration without being over the top. I felt she performed the wonderful abundance of dialog extremely well. The one thing that could be improved upon, would be to perform a clearer distinction between the voicing of the narration and some voices of the characters.

May 26, 2025 - Audiobook
Second listen. This audiobook is definitely re-listen worthy. I know I’ll listen to this one yet again.
Profile Image for Susan.
227 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2023
What an absolute delight!


This took me through a gamut of emotions. I loved it. I loved the resolved Jane, the improvements to all the Bennet ladies, the sweet romances, the HEAs.

Lovely lovely lovely!
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,695 reviews205 followers
March 15, 2023
There are other variations in which the Bennets either have connections and/or find themselves better off than in canon. However, in this one it is only upon the death of Mr. Bennet that the family discovers that they are very rich, indeed. And with several better accomadations as they now own Netherfield and a house in London.

As other reviews tell us, Jane is appointed the head of the family and she does everything her parents should have done...even making Elizabeth practice the piano. Lydia and Kitty are back in the nursery with a governess to teach them.

Yes, Darcy thinks he is going to rescue the family, after learning of Bennet's death. Upon learning the Bennets' true circumstances he sets out to change all those complaints Elizabeth had about him at Hunsford. Coming to realize Darcy is not the man she judged him to initially be, Elizabeth is determined that she will not jump at a proposal but really get to know Darcy well.

Wickham is part of the story but there are some surprises in that thread. Loved the physical confrontation there. Also, GREAT surprise as to Mrs. Bennet!

Good story. Not a lot of angst but well developed.
Profile Image for Talia.
971 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I don't want to ruin it for anyone but I think it is worth trying it out.

Reread: A really sweet book.

Reread: Still love it.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,558 reviews14 followers
August 18, 2023
An absolutely delightful story

An absolutely delightful and entertaining variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Melissa Halcomb. I hope she writes more lovely stories for us to read.
49 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2023
Great

Started this and couldn't stop till the end! Enjoyed the story line and glad Wickham finally got his! I totally recommend this book.
902 reviews70 followers
April 19, 2024

My Rating: 4.5*

What an absolutely delightful variation!

A unique premise that captured my attention and held it throughout. Mr. Bennet feels he has the last laugh on his family…what a fine joke... when his will is read after his death and a letter is provided to his wife and daughters to read. But no one is laughing, especially Jane.

“I have often found that it is most difficult to do what is correct in the face of opposition, especially when those to whom you are opposed are those whom you love the most.”(quote from the book)

Ah Jane, she takes over as the head of the family and what changes she institutes. Changes that her parents should have made years ago! I loved this Jane! She was glorious in her anger against her father and took charge immediately.

“That he believed he could insult, belittle, and degrade her – and still expect her to accept him! It was beyond all reason!” (quote from the book)

This was a relatively gentle read, but I still cringed when Darcy came calling on the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth, once he heard about the death of Mr. Bennet. I enjoyed the tweaks, twists and turns to their relationship.

“Seeing her mother now, Elizabeth’s heart broke with the realization that after two decades of being a married woman, Francis Gardiner Bennet was only just falling in love for the first time.” (quote from the book)

But I would have to say, I enjoyed Mrs. Bennet’s development. So much so, that I wished there was a bit more focus on her. Surprising, I know. However, this author brought tears to my eyes in how she had me empathizing for her.

All-in-all, I was highly diverted by this delightful story! I definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Tess.
284 reviews
Read
March 6, 2023
Nice take on Lizzy is secretly rich trope. Papa B dies but has lots of money that Jane becomes in charge of. Lizzy and Darcy meet again on more equal footing. Jane is pretty awesome in this one.
3,468 reviews42 followers
November 5, 2023
I was happily engrossed in this story. The late Mr. Bennet had secretly inherited a fortune and after he's dead, the Bennet ladies are pretty well off, to their great surprise. So their mourning is also a period of fundamental changes. Jane inherited Netherfield and as the mistress, she enforces new rules that improve the lives of her sisters and their mother. Darcy was unaware of the inheritance when he proposed to Elizabeth for the first time but there are fortune hunters they need to be wary of, as Mr. Bennet didn't make provisions to protect their dowries from unscrupulous suitors. I liked the way Mrs. Bennet found some happiness and how the girls realized Mr. Bennet's secrecy sucked. Oh and Darcy and Elizabeth had some lovely dialogue. I liked the general flow of the writing. Some very minor editing issues remain.
Steam level: Safe for work.
Profile Image for Barbara K..
757 reviews21 followers
April 19, 2023
This is a low-angst Pride and Prejudice variation, in which I took great delight in the humor. There were also some really touching developments, especially with Mrs. Bennet.

In this variation, Mr. Bennet, unknown to his wife and daughters, inherited a lot of property and money from an uncle when Jane and Elizabeth were very young. He kept it a secret from his wife because he feared she would spend too much of it, and he wanted it as a dowry for his daughters, as well as something for her to live on after his death. So it's a great surprise, after his death, when the Bennet ladies find themselves rather wealthy.

I'm not sure I like how Jane's character changes in this version, but I can understand it. The humor becomes the star of the story for me. I can't believe how much I laughed, especially at a particular letter, which prompted me to laugh so hard it disturbed my spouse. So, while it's not the best P&P variation I've read, and even though some fairly serious events occur in it, this manages to be one of the most fun versions I've read.
210 reviews
March 2, 2023
3.75 stars

The opening premise was new and believable. Of course Mr Bennet would act EXACTLY like that. It was refreshing. Jane grew a backbone, which I also applaud. Georgie and Elizabeth’s meeting was also unique and perfect.

As the book progressed, more familiar tropes took over, and the author gave into the urge to have as many of the usual villains as possible. That was a mistake. Mr Collins added nothing to the plot.

Finally, while the reader could feel the deepening relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane had no chemistry with her beau.
363 reviews8 followers
July 6, 2023
One Thread Pulled? More like a rope!

Mr Bennet leaves behind his ultimate joke after he dies. This happens after the events of the Netherfield Ball and the residents there have fled to London.

You know from the blurb that the remaining Bennets are in better circumstances than they always feared. This affects everyone as Jane takes leadership of the family to improve themselves as ladies of their new status would be expected. This was a favorite part of the story other than the love stories. And of those we are treated to some wonderful moments in a twist of the tale we very rarely read. I can think of only one other time and this one was more romantic.

Darcy and Elizabeth have a rocky road to travel to their HEA but not drenched in angst. I loved it.

Change in circumstances has give Jane a remarkable strength and confidence and she determined she too, along with all of her sisters, deserved to marry the man who loved her for who she was beyond her beauty and fortune. Go Jane!!

This story was so well written. I highly recommend it.
268 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2023
Well done!

Four stars only because of the need for a wee bit of editing. Jane with a spine is a delight.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,229 reviews12 followers
October 29, 2023
An interesting ride

This tale takes our beloved characters and, respecting their traits, weaves an excellent story. I really liked the final pairings of this book.
522 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2023
Very entertaining

An interesting plot variation where the Bennet sisters and their mother end up wealthy only after the death of Mr Bennet. We have some non-canon characters and some fun plot twists, with a strong Jane and a little romance for Mrs. Bennet. I will read this one again!
Profile Image for Lisana Gabriel.
14 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2023
I stayed up all night!

This is by far one of the best I have read in a long time. There was some angst, but a great deal of humor. I only wish the epilogue included info on Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Maybe a sequel?

Well written! I will look forward to more from this author.
494 reviews
April 26, 2023
I loved Jane in this book. And Mrs Bennett. And I like that things didn’t work out with bingley and Jane but he still got a happier ever after. And I liked fitzwilliam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
204 reviews
April 25, 2023
Great read

This was a surprising variation of the the story. The different twists and turns. I found I could not out the book down.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2023
Quite different from the usual story

Mr Bennet is the sole heir to his uncles fortune just after the birth of Elizabeth and decided to hide his fortune from his wife but make investments for their future. Upon his death, shortly after the ball at Netherfield they discovered that they are quite wealthy. Jane owns Netherfield, Elizabeth a home on the coast, Elizabeth and Jane share a townhouse near Darcy's and everyone has 30,000£ dowries! Jane takes control of the family since they are moving into her house and installing a governess and a companion for Mrs Bennet is able to change her family. Upon hearing of the inheritance of course Wickham comes to profess his love for Miss Elizabeth! Unsuccessful he then professed his love for Miss Lydia! Some parts are extremely funny - Elizabeth uses her foot to unman Wickham, Mr Collins gets dragged out of Netherfield bc he's a pompous arse who wants to change estates with the ladies - they don't need the larger estate! Mrs Bennet falls in love for the first time with a well connected man and eventually we have 3 weddings at the same time ! I enjoyed reading this very much.
789 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2023
A different take for ODC and Jane---hey the whole family. But I think everyone would enjoy.
How very strong Jane is, and that Mrs. Bennet is willing to behave to ... oh must not give this away.
Mr. Collins is a snot as usual and so is Miss Bingley. But Jane is not just strong, she proves smart and stands firm. Lydia does her Lydia thing, lol. Ah and our dear, her spirit is the norm and makes you happy.
Profile Image for Maria Maderi.
55 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2023
Great read

This was a very enjoyable read. Loved the way the canon characters were portrayed. Even Mrs Bennets nerves had a short lived part. Would recommend this story.
289 reviews
March 18, 2023
awesome book

I loved this book. The story is fantastic. Has all the notes from the original done in a wonderful way. I couldn’t put the book down.
Profile Image for M.
1,135 reviews
May 1, 2023
Though it could have a bit more emotional depth, the story is pretty engaging and satisfying due to a strong Jane, a more content Mrs B, and a quick hint towards resolution for ODC.

Unfortunately after an good start the author felt the need to add in every possible JAFF trope, many of which didn’t make sense (why is Miss Bingley around when Mr Bingley isn’t and they all hate her? How is ‘must marry rich’ Col F’s resolution compatible with the ‘no one knows we’re heiresses’ storyline?). In the last few chapters, after a sweet interaction between E & D that could have comfortably ended the book, we take a melodramatic turn for the worse - to the point that the last few chapters felt like a different book; so much action, so much ridiculousness. I actually rolled my eyes at the epilogue. A shame.

The services of an editor for spelling, word use etc would be of benefit.
1,202 reviews30 followers
March 17, 2023
Wonderful

I hope this author keeps writing JAFF. I'm looking forward to her next creation. Mr Bennett pulls a fast one on his whole family, and never reveals to them that he inherited a huge fortune and several properties from a beloved uncle. Not until his death, and the reading of his will, do any of them discover that they have nothing to worry about, their future is not just secure, but they're actually wealthy. He bequeaths the properties to Jane and Elizabeth, and a very respectable dowry to each of the ladies, including Mrs Bennett. The reaction to this revelation is mixed.

I particularly like Jane in this version. She becomes mistress of Netherfield, one of the properties acquired by Mr Bennett before his death, and the family moves there, but this is not our usual serene and non-confrontational Jane. She throws off her rose colored glasses, and decides that it's now on her to make her family more respectable. She lays down the law for everyone, including Mrs Bennett and even Elizabeth. I wanted to cheer, and say, "Way to go, girl!!" It's wonderful.

The story begins the January after Netherfield is abandoned by the Bingleys and Darcy. Darcy is still fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth. Elizabeth still dislikes Darcy, but starts to have some misgivings about Wickham. When Darcy finally learns from Lady Catherine that Mr Bennett has died, he believes that Elizabeth is probably destitute, and he resolves to marry her and save her from penury. Darcy goes to Netherfield, and presents his disastrous proposal, and is refused soundly. Because one of the inherited properties is a house in London, the Bennetts and Darcy cross paths again, and Darcy grasps at a second chance.

There are a lot of fun and interesting twists in the Bennett family saga because they now have money and several homes. Although the usual villains are included, several wonderful new characters are introduced. The author has a talent for writing clever and amusing banter, which is nice. The romance is lovely. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and a pleasantly feisty Elizabeth. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.

Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,218 reviews
April 14, 2023
A nice plot but not well written unfortunately

This was a good plot idea and the story mostly progressed well. There was some unnecessary melodrama at the end but other than that it was a good story. I particularly enjoyed the characterisation of Mrs Bennet which was much more sympathetic than the pantomime villain she often becomes in variations such as this.

Unfortunately the writing itself is not good. There are large numbers of errors in use of words and rather more misunderstandings of Regency or even British behaviours. A quality editor could have resolved these.

Sadly a miss for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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