More Discerning - Volume II - A Pride and Prejudice variation novel: What if ELizabeth were more discerning?

by Kinga Brady, Patricia Holmes (Editor), Dolores Church (Editor)

This tome is the second volume of More Discerning, a Pride and Prejudice variation novel.
The first volume has been read by several thousand people and got several good reviews. Thank you.

In this novel, you find an Elizabeth who recognized Darcy's awkwardness and she noticed his interest in her. Volume I takes the story in an other direction. Darcy still leaves after the ball, but they both know about each other's feelings. The first book finishes with Darcy's struggle with duty and his emotion just over. He decides to embrace love and live.

This book is about his journey back to Elizabeth.
How do they meet again?
How do they handle the world around them?
How do they handle the villains?
Does being more discerning achieve better outcome?
Are they to have a happy ending?

I hope you will enjoy the conclusion of the story as I enjoyed writing it.

I have created a website for the story with information and lots of pictures, links to help you imagine the world of the novel.
morediscerningprideandprejudicefanfiction.webnode.co.uk

Othe Dear Sir, available and Passion and Persistence planning to publish mid March.

Genres: Historical Romance, Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Kinga Brady discovered Pride and Prejudice in grammar school in Hungary, where Austen’s humour, irony, and timeless romance stood out even among the Brontës and other English classics. Years later, after devouring countless Austen variations, she began writing the stories she longed to read herself.

Her first novel, Dear Sir, began as a simple letter, shared at her husband’s suggestion. To her surprise, readers clamoured for more, and the story grew chapter by chapter into a beloved variation. Since then she has written several acclaimed Pride and Prejudice reimaginings, including Passion and Persistence and More Discerning.

Kinga is known for her faithful Regency atmosphere, elegant prose, and bold “what ifs” that reimagine Austen’s characters in surprising ways. Her daring twists have sparked both passionate praise and fierce debate, yet she remains devoted to following the characters wherever they lead — and to sharing stories that delight readers who crave fresh takes on Austen’s world.

She also delights her readers with unique companion websites, filled with historical insights, outtakes, illustrations, and extras to enrich each story. At present, she is completing her first original Regency romance, Whispers of the Heart (sample chapters available online), and working on a new annotated edition of Pride and Prejudice featuring footnotes, chapter analyses, and essays for modern readers.

Facebook pages: Pride and Prejudice - everything to do with it, Kinga Brady Author

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume II picks up the story with no gap from the closing events of Volume I.

More Discerning's variation premise is based on the 'what if' of Elizabeth and the rest of her extended Bennet relations being more discerning just as the title says. This means she's less prejudiced from the outset and figures out rather quickly who're the true gentlemen and who merely appear to be. Her own family are also more on the up and up too. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet keep a better eye on their girls and take more of an interest in their family and their estate.

I really enjoyed seeing how that all played out in volume one which ends at an emotional crisis point. Volume two picks up after and starts a long denouement to a sweet and happy ending. There are a few external conflicts still loose to assail them, but this one I felt the pace lag and it got a little syrupy for my taste. I like a swoony couple as much as the next romance lover, but it starts to lose me when the focus is on them simply mooning over each other and between events. A few times the conflict was resolved oddly to me or too easily after it had to potential to be really good barriers.

But, that said, I did enjoy that this was something of a family saga and told the stories of several extended family and friends and not just Darcy and Lizzy. All in all, I enjoyed both portions of More Discerning and recommend it to those who want a low-angst, family saga, and sweetly romantic swoonfest.

[Gail Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories Book One and Book Two

Loved the story of Lizzy and Darcy's love añd how they came together.likrd how Lady Catherine was handled after all she was not in her right mind some of the time. Did not like the handling of Miss Bingley she didn't have any consequences for the things she did. Loved how the Villain Wickham was finally handled. Love Mr Bingley he was a surprising hero throughout the story. Loved how he handled the villain Wickham.

[Tish Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lizzy we deserve

Kinga is still a new voice in the P&P fiction world, but I think she has found a good home here! Her “Liam and Lilly” face challenges, insecurities, and new emotions together. You’re going to want to be alongside them in the journey!

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragged a bit towards the end. I don't get how Lady C was insane but then completely changed after D talked to her gently. I don't really see how that added to the story or the W side story. I still enjoyed it just not as much as the first book.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lovely

A lovely and thoughtful continuation of a fabulous story. Not too much angst and some very swoon worthy moments. I enjoyed it very much.

[Bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely good story!

I love long and detailed stories and this fits my criteria quite well. We follow the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy along with his newer relationships with her individual family members. Darcy goes out of his way in developing a strong friendship with both of the Philips , even hiring Mr Phillips as another solicitor in regards to his properties in Kent including Rosings. His aunt has mismanaged the estates and he steps in to remove her, sell the estate, and establish a new residence for her and Anne who is addicted to her medication but too fragile to be weaned off it.
Elizabeth has moments of self-esteem problems but he's constantly reassuring her. Mrs Bennet calms down significantly once she's assured that her husband has provided for her through investing with her brother and both Charles and Darcy will make certain she is supported.
I enjoyed this because its a much different Darcy who is quite generous and spends time getting to know the different family members - spending time with each Bennet daughter and encouraging them in their individual interests. Plus he punches Mr Collins ( breaking his nose) after learning he made up lies about Elizabeth after she rejected him.
Its well written and without any serious conflict.

[Sara (onourshelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I had to read this one right away after the first because I was just so excited. This had me giggling and kicking my feet, and while the lovey doveyness could be a bit cringy, and the writing had a few flaws, it overall was very enjoyable.

[lielabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice conclusion to the series

It was an interesting plot, but one marred with rambling narrative and grammatical errors. A little more polishing could have made the story shine.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. A different writing style and a slow start to a very enjoyable story. This novel invites the reader on another adventure, with a little rearrangement of its events. There are two volumes, this is Volume 2. In this novel, you find an Elizabeth who recognized Darcy's awkwardness and she noticed his interest in her. Volume I takes the story in an other direction. Darcy still leaves after the ball, but they both know about each other's feelings. The first book finishes with Darcy's struggle with duty and his emotion just over. He decides to embrace love and live. This book is about his journey back to Elizabeth. How do they meet again? How do they handle the world around them? How do they handle the villains? Does being more discerning achieve better outcome? Are they to have a happy ending? We follow the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy along with his newer relationships with her individual family members. Darcy goes out of his way in developing a strong friendship with both of the Philips, even hiring Mr Phillips as another solicitor in regards to his properties in Kent including Rosings. His aunt has mismanaged the estates and he steps in to remove her, sell the estate, and establish a new residence for her and Anne who is addicted to her medication but too fragile to be weaned off it. Elizabeth has moments of self-esteem problems but he's constantly reassuring her. Mrs Bennet calms down significantly once she's assured that her husband has provided for her through investing with her brother and both Charles and Darcy will make certain she is supported. I enjoyed this because its a much different Darcy who is quite generous and spends time getting to know the different family members - spending time with each Bennet daughter and encouraging them in their individual interests. Plus he punches Mr Collins (breaking his nose) after learning he made up lies about Elizabeth after she rejected him. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.

The story has a website with many interesting pictures, information, and links to help you imagine the novel’s world. You may find it here: https://morediscerningprideandprejudi....
webnode.co.uk/

[Maria Escarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less Pride, Less Prejudice, More Verbosity

This is the second installment of this variation, a most wordy one.

The title seems to be contradictory to what the characters are intended to be…discerning. Both Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are too lovestruck that their romantic exchanges get too sappy most of the time. Its Jane Bennet and the other Bennet family relations who prove to be more discerning. Furthermore, this reader cannot stomach a Mr. Darcy having past affairs with a grasping widow and prostitutes despite him being wordly. This goes against one of the most established truths in P&P Canon: the matter of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s honor and righteousness.

As much as there is enough angst in this story, there are also many loose ends which disappoint. The Collinses, Lucases, de Bourghs, even Caroline Bingley, all loose ends. Although, the story revolves around our beloved couple’s love affair, it is still turnoffish the way the author painstakingly details every small incident or matter, regardless of their insignificance. What could have been a shorter variation stretched out too far, too long; not to mention numerous typographical error, mostly the lack or incorrect use of prepositions. Furthermore, breaking the 4th wall is surprisingly unnerving to read in some parts.

As mentioned in this reader’s review of the first Volume, regardless of the misgivings stated herein, the author ought to be commended for her efforts. As much as she may have to wanted to sound like Edith Wharton with such intricate and thorough decriptions of things mundane, this author seems to just aimed for verbosity more than anything else.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues from Volume I

Volume II covers the engagement period and wedding of the Darcys and the Bingleys. It items with Darcy organizing his return to Meryton but scheduling a detour after he finds out what Lady Catherine did (Volume I). His confrontation with Lady C leads him to some conclusions that he decides to seek out professional help to deal with her.
The men, both now in Meryton, finally propose to their ladies only to have Caroline cause some more trouble, leading the couples to need to spend time on London amongst the Ton. Lizzy takes the town by storm and they return to Hertfordshire to marry after making peace with Lady Catherine.

I loved this two book set and thought it extremely well written and true to the original characters. Will most likely be a re-read for me.

[Alena (Ally) Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Enjoyable continuation of the first book to conclude the saga. The storyline is good, Elizabeth and Darcy both have been written as a little mushy; Elizabeth is portrayed as a strong, assertive personally, then she turns into a more insecure person. Darcy becomes very sentimental and kind of strange with seeing Lady Catherine as a mother figure out of the blue. Col. Fitzwilliam is a minor character, who strangely doesn't seem to know Darcy well.

Some places are a bit choppy as a new paragraph with different characters -- just starts without any lead-in when the new thought starts. There is also some missing words, usually small words, but sentence structure could improve. I know it is a fine balance between modern writing and Austen style.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Discerning is the Pride and Prejudice variation I didn’t know I needed. It keeps the heart of Austen’s world but gives the characters a refreshing depth of insight—especially Elizabeth. Instead of misunderstandings dragged out for pages, this Elizabeth observes, thinks, and grows in the most satisfying ways. Darcy, meanwhile, becomes all the more compelling when seen through this sharper lens.
The prose is elegant, the re-imagined choices feel organic, and the emotional beats land perfectly. It felt like reading Austen but with a touch more warmth and psychological richness. An absolute delight for any true P&P devotee.

[diane cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a reader not a writer.

I enjoyed both books 1&2 .I loved the way you showed Mrs Bennett in a light,she was wonderful. Book one was great and was happy I didn't have to wait to read book two. I had a hard time putting them down. I look forward to reading your next book. D.Cooper

[Pet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit up until 3 am, I just had to read both books in one sitting. I love how this story twists and turns, and how once Darcy gave in to his heart he was 100% all in come what may, he fought for his Lizzy just as she fought for him, for them. It’s a great variation and I hope to be able to read more by this author.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was some unnecessary drama in this one and I kind of feel like she could have just made this into one book instead of adding drama but I still liked the story and you can’t just stop on the first one. The second must be read as well.

[Stonefinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointing. Did not live up to the first book and a few plot points were not fulfilled in the end.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the second half less than the first. It felt a bit disjointed