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Handsome, Clever, and Rich
Fans of Jane Austen's Emma, this is the book for you!
What if Elizabeth is not a Bennet by birth, but by marriage?
When Netherfield Park is let at last, the village of Meryton is inveigled in romance, intrigue, and a few less-than-happy reunions. The Bingley siblings return to the home of their youth, an estate purchased just before the death of their father. The neighborhood, especially the Bennet family, is ready to welcome them back with open arms, but Mr. Bingley’s attempt to make a good impression on his community backfires so badly that it is his awkward friend Mr. Darcy who is obliged to salvage the situation in the aftermath of Mr. Bingley insulting Jane Bennet at the Assembly.
Young widow Elizabeth Bennet begins her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy on amiable terms, but the reckless folly of his friend and the regrets from her own past create a bumpy path to Happily Ever After for them.
Not long after an injury obliges Elizabeth to recover at Netherfield Park, her estranged sister finally discovers Elizabeth’s whereabouts, and journeys from Highbury to Meryton in all haste, suitors in tow.
When one unexpected betrothal arises out of necessity, Jane Austen’s most notorious matchmaker is inspired to work her magic at Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge – but she, too, will have met her match in matters of meddling & mischief….
What if Elizabeth is not a Bennet by birth, but by marriage?
When Netherfield Park is let at last, the village of Meryton is inveigled in romance, intrigue, and a few less-than-happy reunions. The Bingley siblings return to the home of their youth, an estate purchased just before the death of their father. The neighborhood, especially the Bennet family, is ready to welcome them back with open arms, but Mr. Bingley’s attempt to make a good impression on his community backfires so badly that it is his awkward friend Mr. Darcy who is obliged to salvage the situation in the aftermath of Mr. Bingley insulting Jane Bennet at the Assembly.
Young widow Elizabeth Bennet begins her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy on amiable terms, but the reckless folly of his friend and the regrets from her own past create a bumpy path to Happily Ever After for them.
Not long after an injury obliges Elizabeth to recover at Netherfield Park, her estranged sister finally discovers Elizabeth’s whereabouts, and journeys from Highbury to Meryton in all haste, suitors in tow.
When one unexpected betrothal arises out of necessity, Jane Austen’s most notorious matchmaker is inspired to work her magic at Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge – but she, too, will have met her match in matters of meddling & mischief….
629 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 8, 2025
Delightful Austen Crossover/Mashup
Elizabeth Bennet, née Woodhouse, is the widow of Benjamin Bennet, former heir to Longbourn, with whom she eloped at the age of fifteen in her desire to escape her father’s indifference and her solitary life at Highbury. In her marriage, Elizabeth was blessed with a son, Thomas, and the genuine love of a new family. She is happy.
The usual Netherfield party arrives, but this time with Colonel Fitzwilliam, George Knightly and Emma Woodhouse in tow. Emma is determined to reconcile with her sister after having been separated for five years. After Elizabeth is injured and carried to Netherfield to recuperate, the fun really begins. The story is long, but it is filled with a pleasing abundance of engaging dialogue, humour and meddling schemes. There’s never a dull moment.
Bringing together the characters of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Jayne Bamber once again reveals she is the undeniable ‘Queen of Mashups’. Combining a clever “not a Bennet” trope—at least not by birth—with the meddling machinations of Emma, makes for a humorous romp with a great cast of beloved characters. Throughout this book, I couldn’t help imagining the story as a film or limited series. It would be very diverting!
Content is clean with kisses only—well, maybe a little grope or two. Contains some errata.
Highly recommend if you enjoy a romp, and if it’s not been your cuppa, this one may change your mind. I’m hoping for an audiobook in the future. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited, but will be purchasing it for my library.
October 6-8, 2023 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Alexandra Lee Smith. If you’re looking for a long listen, this one fits the bill.
Elizabeth Bennet, née Woodhouse, is the widow of Benjamin Bennet, former heir to Longbourn, with whom she eloped at the age of fifteen in her desire to escape her father’s indifference and her solitary life at Highbury. In her marriage, Elizabeth was blessed with a son, Thomas, and the genuine love of a new family. She is happy.
The usual Netherfield party arrives, but this time with Colonel Fitzwilliam, George Knightly and Emma Woodhouse in tow. Emma is determined to reconcile with her sister after having been separated for five years. After Elizabeth is injured and carried to Netherfield to recuperate, the fun really begins. The story is long, but it is filled with a pleasing abundance of engaging dialogue, humour and meddling schemes. There’s never a dull moment.
Bringing together the characters of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Jayne Bamber once again reveals she is the undeniable ‘Queen of Mashups’. Combining a clever “not a Bennet” trope—at least not by birth—with the meddling machinations of Emma, makes for a humorous romp with a great cast of beloved characters. Throughout this book, I couldn’t help imagining the story as a film or limited series. It would be very diverting!
Content is clean with kisses only—well, maybe a little grope or two. Contains some errata.
Highly recommend if you enjoy a romp, and if it’s not been your cuppa, this one may change your mind. I’m hoping for an audiobook in the future. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited, but will be purchasing it for my library.
October 6-8, 2023 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Alexandra Lee Smith. If you’re looking for a long listen, this one fits the bill.
April 10, 2023
Nobody does a JA mash up quite like Jayne Bamber - NO ONE! Not only does she take canon phrases and puts them in the mouth of other characters - she take lines & scenes from the films as well. Happy thought indeed.
In this epic tome (it took me 4 days to get through) she uses one of my favorite JA tropes - Elizabeth not a Bennet. No she's a WOODHOUSE - ahhhhhh! LOVE IT!
There were a few things I wish this book had - a little more of Jane's romance. This would have made the book a bit longer. My biggest wish was that Elizabeth reconciled with her Father. He would have been the ultimate foil to Lady Cat.
In this epic tome (it took me 4 days to get through) she uses one of my favorite JA tropes - Elizabeth not a Bennet. No she's a WOODHOUSE - ahhhhhh! LOVE IT!
There were a few things I wish this book had - a little more of Jane's romance. This would have made the book a bit longer. My biggest wish was that Elizabeth reconciled with her Father. He would have been the ultimate foil to Lady Cat.
April 8, 2023
That was a great mash up of Emma and p and p
What a very different comical turn paging story.. what a great way to through 2 wonderful stories together..in one novel. It was enjoyable funny and well written I enjoyed it emmensly and reccomed it to all ...well done!!!
What a very different comical turn paging story.. what a great way to through 2 wonderful stories together..in one novel. It was enjoyable funny and well written I enjoyed it emmensly and reccomed it to all ...well done!!!
April 18, 2023
Emma and Elizabeth are estranged sisters
I will start out by saying I love the idea of this book. Elizabeth is not a Bennet but married into it at a young age. She has a son, her husbands accidental death and the death of Mr Bennet leave her running the estate for her son.
Darcy and his cousins come to Netherfield to help Bingley. Bingley’s father purchased the estate but after he passed their mother takes the family to London. Bingley and his sisters return after the death of his mother. The changes in the Bingley family really make sense.
Lots of plans go awry because Caroline Bingley’s prejudices and hateful comments.
What I loved was Elizabeth’s history is different. Her sister Emma Woodhouse arrival really brought the differences between the siblings and give more insight as to why Elizabeth reacts to situations past and current. Emma is still annoying and feels confident in her assumptions, true to her original character. It did get on my nerves but Emma was never my favorite character anyway. Darcy is still shy and unable to talk which leads to misunderstandings. I actually liked Mrs Bennet, yes I will admit she was caring if still silly. Emma and the colonel made me laugh allot!
What I didn’t like was the ending. I spent two days getting to know the characters and then left with lots of questions.
I would recommend this story.
I will start out by saying I love the idea of this book. Elizabeth is not a Bennet but married into it at a young age. She has a son, her husbands accidental death and the death of Mr Bennet leave her running the estate for her son.
Darcy and his cousins come to Netherfield to help Bingley. Bingley’s father purchased the estate but after he passed their mother takes the family to London. Bingley and his sisters return after the death of his mother. The changes in the Bingley family really make sense.
Lots of plans go awry because Caroline Bingley’s prejudices and hateful comments.
What I loved was Elizabeth’s history is different. Her sister Emma Woodhouse arrival really brought the differences between the siblings and give more insight as to why Elizabeth reacts to situations past and current. Emma is still annoying and feels confident in her assumptions, true to her original character. It did get on my nerves but Emma was never my favorite character anyway. Darcy is still shy and unable to talk which leads to misunderstandings. I actually liked Mrs Bennet, yes I will admit she was caring if still silly. Emma and the colonel made me laugh allot!
What I didn’t like was the ending. I spent two days getting to know the characters and then left with lots of questions.
I would recommend this story.
April 28, 2023
This was an interesting take on the Elizabeth-isn't-really-a-Bennet idea. I thought the author's idea of having her married into the Bennet family was quite clever and something I have never read in JAFF. The crossover with Austen's Emma was done well by having the Knightly's not only related to the Woodhouse's through marriage, but also being cousins to Darcy and Fitzwillam. The author did a really good job writing William Collins' character, but I really, really disliked Col. Fitzwilliam. For a military man who is supposed to be around 30 years old and faced war and been seriously injured, the way his character was written just did not fit. I cannot understand why he was written as though he were in his mid-teens without a serious thought in his head. I thought he was so annoying as to be intolerable. Emma was not much better. Quite frankly, those two characters almost ruined the book for me. If not for that fact, I would have rated the book 5*.
April 21, 2023
This is probably the best JAFF mashup/crossover I've read. The people from both books are seamlessly integrated into a well crafted story. Humor, romance, and a story that resembles canon in some ways, but follows its own path. Many characters have slightly altered personalities from the book, and end up in unusual pairings. I wouldn't mind reading it again right now.
April 13, 2023
This variation has a very interesting premise, and I enjoyed the crossover plot between Emma and Pride and Prejudice. However, I felt this story was weakened by some poor characterisation, particularly in the character of Elizabeth, who came across as a bitter, angry, immature and resentful individual, which I didn’t enjoy at all. Emma was portrayed excellently, but Mr Knightley was not. I did really enjoy the coupling of Emma and Colonel Fitzwilliam, however, despite this.
Overall, it was a good tale, but I felt its full potential was not explored, despite its very long length.
Overall, it was a good tale, but I felt its full potential was not explored, despite its very long length.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
My Rating: 5+*
Brilliant, Clever, & Emotional!
I am back to praise Ms. Bamber’s clever imagination in this latest mash-up of P&P and Emma! Each time I read one of her books, I say it is my favourite one…this time is no different! I loved it!
“That is what I choose. Tom shall be brought up here, in the home that is to one day be his. I shall remain here always, and devote myself to the truest home, the truest family I have ever known. …but no consideration could possibly tempt me to accept his offer. Nothing could ever persuade me to leave Longbourn.” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth is a Bennet by marriage. But the book opens after the death of her husband and soon after her father-in-law. She is running the estate for her son, and deeply loves Mrs. Bennet and her sisters by marriage. So much so, she has no plans to ever marry again.
“Something felt amiss, some unnameable sense of dread clouded his mind; he was by nature a cheerful man, never prone to such fits of anxiety, and his present unease was deeply uncomfortable.” (quote from the book)
But when the Bingley’s return to Netherfield Park after the death of their mother, Bingley hopes all to be as it was before. He brings with him Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and their cousin, Mr. Knightley; soon to be followed by Emma Woodhouse and the vicar Mr. Elton. They are there to help him with estate management and ease his way back into local society after being away for five years. But all does not go according to plan. Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lucas are refused entry when they come to call and at the Assembly Mr. Bingley insults Jane…let the games begin!
“If you are willing to let me into your life, I swear you shall have no cause to regret it.” (quote from the book)
For me this book was a dramedy. Ms. Bamber has weaved a delightful but moving novel with great emotional depth. The banter, shenanigans and pair-ups were brilliant. But at the core is Elizabeth’s and Emma’s journey to reconciliation and their path to true love. If only Emma would stop meddling! Mr. Darcy steps outside his comfort zone and falls hard for Elizabeth Bennet. More than one gentleman falls for Emma. I laughed, I cried and was completely enthralled with this novel. Miss Bingley is an absolute shrew, Mr. Collins and Mr. Elton are as they ever were, and Lady Catherine eventually has her share in the conversation.
I highly recommend this latest novel by the ‘Queen of Mash-up/Crossovers’.
April 27, 2023
Clever cross over
What a delight. I really enjoyed this smash-up of Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Elizabeth is beautifully realised as is Darcy, and Emma, and... Once in its stride the story, although long, unfolds perfectly. The events are properly character- driven, my favourite conceit. No spoilers, but the pairings of the several lovers are very satisfying and everyone gets their just deserts. Brava Ms Bamber
What a delight. I really enjoyed this smash-up of Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Elizabeth is beautifully realised as is Darcy, and Emma, and... Once in its stride the story, although long, unfolds perfectly. The events are properly character- driven, my favourite conceit. No spoilers, but the pairings of the several lovers are very satisfying and everyone gets their just deserts. Brava Ms Bamber
November 8, 2023
Netherfield Park is led at last. Mr Bingley's arrival is met with impatience from the young widow Elisabeth Bennet and her sisters-in-law. But when Mr Bingley insults Jane at the Meryton Assembly it is up to his friend Mr Darcy to smooth the waves. While doing this he makes the acquaintance of Elizabeth and is immediately drawn to her. After Elizabeth suffers an injury and needs to recover at Netherfield a chance encounter between them in the library leads to their engagement. Everything could be easy because they really like each other, but Elizabeth carries some unsolved issues from her past with her. And when finally Elizabeth's estranged sister Emma Woodhouse stands unannounced in the doorway with a handful of unattached gentlemen in tow they all find themselves in a complete mass. As it is her habit Emma tries to play matchmaker for everyone ... but is with this even torpedoes the engagement of her own sister. Will her matchmaking cost her sister the chance of happiness? And will Emma lose her own heart in all of this?
The book of the author Jayne Bamber was a delight to listen to, it was funny and in many ways unexpected. At the beginning I had some problems with finding into the story. The author changed so many things about Jane Austen's book that I first struggled to keep up with the story. But when I got through these initial problems everything made sense the way she has written the story. I loved to encounter well known sentences uttered from a different person in a very different context - and it definitely sounded as if the person could not have said anything other in this moment. I was extremely impressed.
The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is burdened with many misunderstandings in this story. After they sorted out some problems it is mostly Emma's mischief that creates problems for all around her, including Elizabeth and Darcy. In this story the circumstances between Darcy and Elizabeth are a bit different than in the original book, Elizabeth is more experienced because she was married before. This also means that they have easier access to one another and can also simply enjoy being together.
As for the matches you can expect Emma to do everything in her power to create unrest. Except for the match of Darcy and Elizabeth you can throw your expectations over board... Emma is at her best. For me it was the first time that I was really annoyed with her. In Jane Austen's original story I have no issue with her but here I often wanted to shake her for her interference. But fortunately everything went well in the end.
The audio book is narrated by Alexandra Lee Smith and she has done a lovely job. I like the way she was able to give every person its own personality through her voice and transport the emotions. With her, Emma's mischief and her matchmaking plans were even more funny it would have been when I have simply read it. The audiobook was the longest I have listened to so far but I was at no minute boring or not captivating.
If you like Emma displaying her matchmaking abilities in Hertfordshire and whirling the world of Elizabeth Bennet around you should definitely listen to this audiobook
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the narrator and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book of the author Jayne Bamber was a delight to listen to, it was funny and in many ways unexpected. At the beginning I had some problems with finding into the story. The author changed so many things about Jane Austen's book that I first struggled to keep up with the story. But when I got through these initial problems everything made sense the way she has written the story. I loved to encounter well known sentences uttered from a different person in a very different context - and it definitely sounded as if the person could not have said anything other in this moment. I was extremely impressed.
The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is burdened with many misunderstandings in this story. After they sorted out some problems it is mostly Emma's mischief that creates problems for all around her, including Elizabeth and Darcy. In this story the circumstances between Darcy and Elizabeth are a bit different than in the original book, Elizabeth is more experienced because she was married before. This also means that they have easier access to one another and can also simply enjoy being together.
As for the matches you can expect Emma to do everything in her power to create unrest. Except for the match of Darcy and Elizabeth you can throw your expectations over board... Emma is at her best. For me it was the first time that I was really annoyed with her. In Jane Austen's original story I have no issue with her but here I often wanted to shake her for her interference. But fortunately everything went well in the end.
The audio book is narrated by Alexandra Lee Smith and she has done a lovely job. I like the way she was able to give every person its own personality through her voice and transport the emotions. With her, Emma's mischief and her matchmaking plans were even more funny it would have been when I have simply read it. The audiobook was the longest I have listened to so far but I was at no minute boring or not captivating.
If you like Emma displaying her matchmaking abilities in Hertfordshire and whirling the world of Elizabeth Bennet around you should definitely listen to this audiobook
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the narrator and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2023
Wonderful
A wonderfully original and clever mashup of P&P and Emma, wherein Elizabeth is a Bennett by marriage, and comes from the most unexpected family. I don't want to spoil the fun and reveal too much. Suffice to say that it's brilliant, and offers enough new circumstances and family dynamics to keep you guessing, and to keep your interest.
Romance is definitely in the air, and this is one of those kinds of stories that make you shake your head and think that these Regency era young and wealthy types have way too much time on their hands. The entire book is devoted to the most melodramatic and heart wrenching angst over who loves whom, and who is being misunderstood. This is a re-imagining of P&P and Emma, since a great many of the main characters take a different path than the original. If you're married to Jane Austen's pairings, and are scandalized by anyone shuffling the deck, then this is not the book for you.
I deducted a couple of stars for a couple of reasons. One is the need for editing. There were many instances of a wrong word being used, for example using "raided" instead of "raised". Just a simple typo, but enough of these appear throughout that it interrupts the flow. The other reason is more personal in nature, and that is the amount of screen time given to Emma Woodhouse herself. As much as I adore Jane Austen's creations, I find the character of Emma to be annoying and exasperating, and she's in fine form in this story. A more self absorbed, deceitful and manipulative character you can scarcely conjure. Although the author weaves her in brilliantly, I just don't like her.
The book is very well written. It's a fun mashup, and introduces ideas completely new. I recommend it highly.
A wonderfully original and clever mashup of P&P and Emma, wherein Elizabeth is a Bennett by marriage, and comes from the most unexpected family. I don't want to spoil the fun and reveal too much. Suffice to say that it's brilliant, and offers enough new circumstances and family dynamics to keep you guessing, and to keep your interest.
Romance is definitely in the air, and this is one of those kinds of stories that make you shake your head and think that these Regency era young and wealthy types have way too much time on their hands. The entire book is devoted to the most melodramatic and heart wrenching angst over who loves whom, and who is being misunderstood. This is a re-imagining of P&P and Emma, since a great many of the main characters take a different path than the original. If you're married to Jane Austen's pairings, and are scandalized by anyone shuffling the deck, then this is not the book for you.
I deducted a couple of stars for a couple of reasons. One is the need for editing. There were many instances of a wrong word being used, for example using "raided" instead of "raised". Just a simple typo, but enough of these appear throughout that it interrupts the flow. The other reason is more personal in nature, and that is the amount of screen time given to Emma Woodhouse herself. As much as I adore Jane Austen's creations, I find the character of Emma to be annoying and exasperating, and she's in fine form in this story. A more self absorbed, deceitful and manipulative character you can scarcely conjure. Although the author weaves her in brilliantly, I just don't like her.
The book is very well written. It's a fun mashup, and introduces ideas completely new. I recommend it highly.
June 3, 2023
A glorious blending together of Emma with Pride and Prejudice
Another charming mashup from the queen of the genre. Elizabeth Bennet is a Bennet by marriage (ooh!)and is in act the younger sister of Emma Woodhouse.
The men in the Netherfield Park party include the Colonel and Mr Knightley as well as Darcy and Bingley. Mr Elton is added to the mix to give a little extra flavour.
The shenanigans are plenty and the chaos as Emma and others seek to arrange and disarrange matches.
This is a charming read but it is a very long book and might have benefited from one more pruning to tighten the writing. The Kindle formatting is not great as all the story is within one chapter. These are minor points however and it is a very enjoyable story.
Another charming mashup from the queen of the genre. Elizabeth Bennet is a Bennet by marriage (ooh!)and is in act the younger sister of Emma Woodhouse.
The men in the Netherfield Park party include the Colonel and Mr Knightley as well as Darcy and Bingley. Mr Elton is added to the mix to give a little extra flavour.
The shenanigans are plenty and the chaos as Emma and others seek to arrange and disarrange matches.
This is a charming read but it is a very long book and might have benefited from one more pruning to tighten the writing. The Kindle formatting is not great as all the story is within one chapter. These are minor points however and it is a very enjoyable story.
April 19, 2023
Excellent mash-up of P&P and Emma. Lizzy was a much more xomplex personality; Emma remained as annoying as ever! Great coiples pairings. Wish there was an epilogue as I was completely engaged.
April 22, 2023
Promising start…muddled middle…abrupt finish
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars because I wanted to like it more than I did. There are some bright spots in this novel (clever reassignment of canon pairings and dialogue), but not enough to overcome its weaknesses (redundancy, ridiculousness, and a thoroughly unsatisfying ending). The amount of typos towards the end of the novel, in conjunction with its sudden and silly conclusion (completely ignoring the existence of two main characters to waste pages on the unnecessary insertion of another that had no impact on the plot whatsoever) is a baffling choice that suggests a lack of thoughtful editing. The author writes very well, but this one got away from her.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars because I wanted to like it more than I did. There are some bright spots in this novel (clever reassignment of canon pairings and dialogue), but not enough to overcome its weaknesses (redundancy, ridiculousness, and a thoroughly unsatisfying ending). The amount of typos towards the end of the novel, in conjunction with its sudden and silly conclusion (completely ignoring the existence of two main characters to waste pages on the unnecessary insertion of another that had no impact on the plot whatsoever) is a baffling choice that suggests a lack of thoughtful editing. The author writes very well, but this one got away from her.
April 22, 2023
No Epilogue
Long, drawn out, absolutely boring and no epilogue. Too bad cause I really liked the merger of Emma and P&P. Somewhat bright spot: Col Fitzwilliam and Emma; though I think two mischievous people are not well matched but I always thought George Knightley much too old for her.
Long, drawn out, absolutely boring and no epilogue. Too bad cause I really liked the merger of Emma and P&P. Somewhat bright spot: Col Fitzwilliam and Emma; though I think two mischievous people are not well matched but I always thought George Knightley much too old for her.
January 27, 2025
The main divergences from canon:
Elizabeth is not really a Bennet, she's Emma's sister, who eloped with the Bennets' son when she was 15, became a mother and widowed both at 16, and a few years later the master of Longbourn until her son grows up. Mrs Bennet, without the fear of the hedgerows, is a loving mother, one who adores her daughter-in-law. Elizabeth in turn prefers her in-laws to her Woodhouse family, and hasn't been in contact with them since her elopement, they don't even know where in Hertfordshire she even is, only John Knightley does.
Mr Bingley Sr. bought Netherfield, so Charles, Caroline, and Louisa grew up in Meryton, being friends with the Lucases and Bennets. When Mr Bingley dies, Mrs Bingley takes the family to London, because she has high aspirations, and the friendships are broken as much as Jane's heart.
In the canon timeline, Bingley returns to Netherfield with his sisters and a few friends: Darcy, the Colonel, George Knightley.
But unlike canon, it is Bingley who missteps during the assembly. He already was in the disdained by the neighbourhood, but his insult to the people in the assembly room, and Jane in particular, thanks to Caroline's poison, makes him even more unwelcome and disdained. And so it is Darcy who tries to do damage control, and goes out of his way to be social, thus gets along fine with Elizabeth, even though at first he doesn't know she's Mrs. Bennet, not Miss Bennet.
When Knightley sees Elizabeth, he immediately decides to go confront John Knightley, and then goes to tell the Woodhouses he found Eliza. Predictably, Emma decides to accompany Knightley to Netherfield to meet her sister and confront her, and because apparently Mr Elton is a cousin to the Bingleys, he too decides to go with, Emma being completely oblivious to his advances. (Which during the course of the story become more blatant, and Emma still completely oblivious.)
The whole story (over 600 pages!) is then all about Bingley trying to unsuccessfully get rid of Caroline and get Jane to forgive him (despite not making an actual substantial apology), Caroline scheming, Darcy and Elizabeth quarrelling and making up all the time, the Colonel trying to slow down Emma's assumptions and machinations, etc. etc.
The Bennet family isn't vastly different than canon, they're just shown in a better light without Mrs Bennet's hysterical fear of the future and with the younger girls not being out and listening to Elizabeth due to the non-canon circumstance of a Bennet son and grandson.
It also needs to be said that there is a forced to marry circumstance between Elizabeth and Darcy, but not quite. Elizabeth is injured during a quarrel with Darcy outside, Darcy brings her to Netherfield instead of Longbourn. While she's in the library, medicated and therefore inhibitions lowered, Darcy kisses her, and they're seen. So Darcy does the honourable thing, not that it's any hardship for him, because he's gone on her. They still have a lot of getting to know each other to do, a lot of lessons to learn on the topic of communication, etc., but they prevail.
My favourite parts though are this: Jane doesn't forgive Bingley and rejects him. Her HEA lies with George Knightley. Emma finds her match in Colonel Fitzwilliam. Charlotte shows herself capable of ruling the roost with Charles and Caroline.
I enjoyed reading this story. Especially the part where Jane has some self-respect and rejects Bingley, and the way Emma and Elizabeth clash as sisters. But with almost 700 pages, it gets bogged down at times, so there's that.
Elizabeth is not really a Bennet, she's Emma's sister, who eloped with the Bennets' son when she was 15, became a mother and widowed both at 16, and a few years later the master of Longbourn until her son grows up. Mrs Bennet, without the fear of the hedgerows, is a loving mother, one who adores her daughter-in-law. Elizabeth in turn prefers her in-laws to her Woodhouse family, and hasn't been in contact with them since her elopement, they don't even know where in Hertfordshire she even is, only John Knightley does.
Mr Bingley Sr. bought Netherfield, so Charles, Caroline, and Louisa grew up in Meryton, being friends with the Lucases and Bennets. When Mr Bingley dies, Mrs Bingley takes the family to London, because she has high aspirations, and the friendships are broken as much as Jane's heart.
In the canon timeline, Bingley returns to Netherfield with his sisters and a few friends: Darcy, the Colonel, George Knightley.
But unlike canon, it is Bingley who missteps during the assembly. He already was in the disdained by the neighbourhood, but his insult to the people in the assembly room, and Jane in particular, thanks to Caroline's poison, makes him even more unwelcome and disdained. And so it is Darcy who tries to do damage control, and goes out of his way to be social, thus gets along fine with Elizabeth, even though at first he doesn't know she's Mrs. Bennet, not Miss Bennet.
When Knightley sees Elizabeth, he immediately decides to go confront John Knightley, and then goes to tell the Woodhouses he found Eliza. Predictably, Emma decides to accompany Knightley to Netherfield to meet her sister and confront her, and because apparently Mr Elton is a cousin to the Bingleys, he too decides to go with, Emma being completely oblivious to his advances. (Which during the course of the story become more blatant, and Emma still completely oblivious.)
The whole story (over 600 pages!) is then all about Bingley trying to unsuccessfully get rid of Caroline and get Jane to forgive him (despite not making an actual substantial apology), Caroline scheming, Darcy and Elizabeth quarrelling and making up all the time, the Colonel trying to slow down Emma's assumptions and machinations, etc. etc.
The Bennet family isn't vastly different than canon, they're just shown in a better light without Mrs Bennet's hysterical fear of the future and with the younger girls not being out and listening to Elizabeth due to the non-canon circumstance of a Bennet son and grandson.
It also needs to be said that there is a forced to marry circumstance between Elizabeth and Darcy, but not quite. Elizabeth is injured during a quarrel with Darcy outside, Darcy brings her to Netherfield instead of Longbourn. While she's in the library, medicated and therefore inhibitions lowered, Darcy kisses her, and they're seen. So Darcy does the honourable thing, not that it's any hardship for him, because he's gone on her. They still have a lot of getting to know each other to do, a lot of lessons to learn on the topic of communication, etc., but they prevail.
My favourite parts though are this: Jane doesn't forgive Bingley and rejects him. Her HEA lies with George Knightley. Emma finds her match in Colonel Fitzwilliam. Charlotte shows herself capable of ruling the roost with Charles and Caroline.
I enjoyed reading this story. Especially the part where Jane has some self-respect and rejects Bingley, and the way Emma and Elizabeth clash as sisters. But with almost 700 pages, it gets bogged down at times, so there's that.
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September 20, 2023I have never read and Pride and Prejudice/ Emma mashup before, so I was super curious to pick up this story and, to be honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.
It was certainly an interesting thought experiment. The books was told from four perspectives: Lizzy, Darcy, Emma, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
There was a much different dynamic to the Bennet family having Elizabeth being the second sister by marriage (and mother of the heir). Instead of being Mrs Bennet's least favourite child, Lizzy is the saviour of the family and occupies an honoured position in the family and the community.
In this version, Caroline Bingley is almost comic book bad. Louisa Hurst is mostly sidelined due to her delicate circumstances, which was a good idea, as there were already far too many characters in this story. All the couples (except Darcy and Lizzy) are different.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book. Elizabeth's relationship with her found family is interesting, and it was nice to see her interactions with Emma. It was kind of fun seeing Emma and Lizzy butting heads. I think my favourite relationship in the book was Colonel Fitzwilliam and Emma, but overall I think there were too many characters, and the book was a bit too long.
It was certainly an interesting thought experiment. The books was told from four perspectives: Lizzy, Darcy, Emma, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
There was a much different dynamic to the Bennet family having Elizabeth being the second sister by marriage (and mother of the heir). Instead of being Mrs Bennet's least favourite child, Lizzy is the saviour of the family and occupies an honoured position in the family and the community.
In this version, Caroline Bingley is almost comic book bad. Louisa Hurst is mostly sidelined due to her delicate circumstances, which was a good idea, as there were already far too many characters in this story. All the couples (except Darcy and Lizzy) are different.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book. Elizabeth's relationship with her found family is interesting, and it was nice to see her interactions with Emma. It was kind of fun seeing Emma and Lizzy butting heads. I think my favourite relationship in the book was Colonel Fitzwilliam and Emma, but overall I think there were too many characters, and the book was a bit too long.
April 11, 2024
I generally don’t like it when JAFF authors incorporate Austen’s language verbatim into their stories, and I found it very distracting here to constantly see quotes I recognize shoehorned into the mouths of different characters, frequently in contexts that don’t quite make sense (e.g. at the end, Emma is talking about matchmaking her baby with Elizabeth’s in the future and comes out with, “Are the shades of Hartfield to be thus polluted.” It’s jarring and strange in this context). Also, while this author is generally good, she is no Jane Austen. Continually using Austen’s language invites the comparison, and no modern author can win in that situation.
This book also, like many JAFF unfortunately, constantly drums you over the head with the idea that Elizabeth Bennet is just the most perfect, wonderful, superior, Not Like Any Other Girl, sort of paragon of a human being, and it gets old. If she’s going to be such a raging hypocrite, finding fault with others for doing and saying the same things she does herself, I wanted the other characters to point it out more often. It was satisfying when Charlotte finally did, but the same thing happened over and over with Emma, and Emma would just apologize abjectly while Lizzy abused her from her pedestal of self-righteousness. The scene where Darcy reflects on how brilliant and perspicacious Elizabeth is for seeing through Wickham when Emma falls for his BS is another example. In this book, Elizabeth didn’t even talk to Wickham directly, and she had the opposite of the prejudice against Darcy that she has in canon—of course she didn’t believe him. And if we’re going to judge Emma for believing him, we have to judge Elizabeth in canon for it.
I love Emma and get very excited whenever I see a book based on it among the hundreds of P&P variations, but I was disappointed that the author split up Emma and Mr. Knightley (my personal favorite Austen hero, who was turned here into a stodgy old bore). Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character was… a lot. By the last third of the book, I was shouting at him along with Emma to please be serious for five dang seconds. I wanted to give him a whiskey and a Valium. Just take it down a notch, sir. That said, I definitely enjoyed his and Emma’s romance more than Darcy and Elizabeth’s. At least the narrative recognized Emma and the colonel’s faults. Darcy and Elizabeth’s sections were difficult to read with their mutual smug self-satisfaction.
This book also, like many JAFF unfortunately, constantly drums you over the head with the idea that Elizabeth Bennet is just the most perfect, wonderful, superior, Not Like Any Other Girl, sort of paragon of a human being, and it gets old. If she’s going to be such a raging hypocrite, finding fault with others for doing and saying the same things she does herself, I wanted the other characters to point it out more often. It was satisfying when Charlotte finally did, but the same thing happened over and over with Emma, and Emma would just apologize abjectly while Lizzy abused her from her pedestal of self-righteousness. The scene where Darcy reflects on how brilliant and perspicacious Elizabeth is for seeing through Wickham when Emma falls for his BS is another example. In this book, Elizabeth didn’t even talk to Wickham directly, and she had the opposite of the prejudice against Darcy that she has in canon—of course she didn’t believe him. And if we’re going to judge Emma for believing him, we have to judge Elizabeth in canon for it.
I love Emma and get very excited whenever I see a book based on it among the hundreds of P&P variations, but I was disappointed that the author split up Emma and Mr. Knightley (my personal favorite Austen hero, who was turned here into a stodgy old bore). Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character was… a lot. By the last third of the book, I was shouting at him along with Emma to please be serious for five dang seconds. I wanted to give him a whiskey and a Valium. Just take it down a notch, sir. That said, I definitely enjoyed his and Emma’s romance more than Darcy and Elizabeth’s. At least the narrative recognized Emma and the colonel’s faults. Darcy and Elizabeth’s sections were difficult to read with their mutual smug self-satisfaction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
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. Fans of Jane Austen's Emma, this is the book for you. What if Elizabeth is not a Bennet by birth, but by marriage? When Netherfield Park is let at last, the village of Meryton is inveigled in romance, intrigue, and a few less-than-happy reunions. The Bingley siblings return to the home of their youth, an estate purchased just before the death of their father. The neighborhood, especially the Bennet family, is ready to welcome them back with open arms, but Mr. Bingley’s attempt to make a good impression on his community backfires so badly that it is his awkward friend Mr. Darcy who is obliged to salvage the situation in the aftermath of Mr. Bingley insulting Jane Bennet at the Assembly. Young widow Elizabeth Bennet begins her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy on amiable terms, but the reckless folly of his friend and the regrets from her own past create a bumpy path to Happily Ever After for them. Not long after an injury obliges Elizabeth to recover at Netherfield Park, her estranged sister finally discovers Elizabeth’s whereabouts, and journeys from Highbury to Meryton in all haste, suitors in tow. When one unexpected betrothal arises out of necessity, Jane Austen’s most notorious matchmaker is inspired to work her magic at Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge, but she, too, will have met her match in matters of meddling & mischief. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
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. Fans of Jane Austen's Emma, this is the book for you. What if Elizabeth is not a Bennet by birth, but by marriage? When Netherfield Park is let at last, the village of Meryton is inveigled in romance, intrigue, and a few less-than-happy reunions. The Bingley siblings return to the home of their youth, an estate purchased just before the death of their father. The neighborhood, especially the Bennet family, is ready to welcome them back with open arms, but Mr. Bingley’s attempt to make a good impression on his community backfires so badly that it is his awkward friend Mr. Darcy who is obliged to salvage the situation in the aftermath of Mr. Bingley insulting Jane Bennet at the Assembly. Young widow Elizabeth Bennet begins her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy on amiable terms, but the reckless folly of his friend and the regrets from her own past create a bumpy path to Happily Ever After for them. Not long after an injury obliges Elizabeth to recover at Netherfield Park, her estranged sister finally discovers Elizabeth’s whereabouts, and journeys from Highbury to Meryton in all haste, suitors in tow. When one unexpected betrothal arises out of necessity, Jane Austen’s most notorious matchmaker is inspired to work her magic at Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge, but she, too, will have met her match in matters of meddling & mischief. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 4, 2023
quite good
Disclaimer: Emma is by far my least favorite Austen heroine, and Mr. Knightly is one of my favorite heroes, thus my distaste for the book in general. She doesn’t deserve him. This view may have colored my opinion of this book.
While the last 10% shone with the usual Bamber mashup hilarity, the rest of the book fell flat for me. Poor Mr Knightly is relegated to being old and stodgy and hardly has any interesting lines. While I liked this version of Col Fitzwilliam, I disliked who he ended up with. Emma did not actually grow up or stop meddling, so I retained my dislike of her. While I did enjoy the Lizzy backstory and the way it unfolded, it seemed out of place in this otherwise light-hearted matchmaking-mixup romp. Also, the compromise was just not believable, even with the “medicine.” This would have been a better book all around had it been two distinct stories— the Lizzy Is A Widow serious story, and the Emma Mashup with some other, sillier premise for Lizzy as a separate book. The way it’s written just doesn’t compare to her other mashups in my opinion.
That said, I still enjoyed it, and I still laughed hard enough in the waiting room at my daughter’s appointment for one of the practitioners to pop his head out and ask if he could share the joke. So four stars, despite my quibbles. If you like Emma, or truly dislike Bingley, you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
Disclaimer: Emma is by far my least favorite Austen heroine, and Mr. Knightly is one of my favorite heroes, thus my distaste for the book in general. She doesn’t deserve him. This view may have colored my opinion of this book.
While the last 10% shone with the usual Bamber mashup hilarity, the rest of the book fell flat for me. Poor Mr Knightly is relegated to being old and stodgy and hardly has any interesting lines. While I liked this version of Col Fitzwilliam, I disliked who he ended up with. Emma did not actually grow up or stop meddling, so I retained my dislike of her. While I did enjoy the Lizzy backstory and the way it unfolded, it seemed out of place in this otherwise light-hearted matchmaking-mixup romp. Also, the compromise was just not believable, even with the “medicine.” This would have been a better book all around had it been two distinct stories— the Lizzy Is A Widow serious story, and the Emma Mashup with some other, sillier premise for Lizzy as a separate book. The way it’s written just doesn’t compare to her other mashups in my opinion.
That said, I still enjoyed it, and I still laughed hard enough in the waiting room at my daughter’s appointment for one of the practitioners to pop his head out and ask if he could share the joke. So four stars, despite my quibbles. If you like Emma, or truly dislike Bingley, you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
December 29, 2024
Wow! This book starts out and continues with so many changes to the original Pride and Prejudice tale from the classic Jane Austen! Elizabeth becomes a Bennet when she marries Benjamin Bennet, the son and Heir to Longbourn. Their marriage is short, but produces a son, Thomas, as the new Heir. The Bingley family had lived at Netherfield when the children were young, but moved to London when the father died. Now, they are returning and the neighborhood is thrilled, until the actual event occurs and the family is much altered. There is a wild mix of cousins and friends in their party and it becomes necessary for Mr. Knightly and Mr. Darcy to save the day, along with the gregarious Colonel Fitzwilliam. Bingley is horrid.
We learn that Elizabeth is from Highbury and the youngest sister to Emma. Let the matchmaking begin, as Emma finally learns of Lizzy's location and must go to see her and the nephew she never knew she had. So many high jinx, as she middles in everyone's lives. She is not alone in her efforts.
This is definitely a worthy read. It is well written and so witty! I enjoyed all of the characters, even the utterly unlikeable were great in their own roles. As usual for me, I adored Lizzy. After a start as a young wife, in an elopement at the tender age of 15, she wants a for cautious approach in her next marriage. I appreciated her feelings very much. And, Darcy is truly swoonworthy in this tale!
We learn that Elizabeth is from Highbury and the youngest sister to Emma. Let the matchmaking begin, as Emma finally learns of Lizzy's location and must go to see her and the nephew she never knew she had. So many high jinx, as she middles in everyone's lives. She is not alone in her efforts.
This is definitely a worthy read. It is well written and so witty! I enjoyed all of the characters, even the utterly unlikeable were great in their own roles. As usual for me, I adored Lizzy. After a start as a young wife, in an elopement at the tender age of 15, she wants a for cautious approach in her next marriage. I appreciated her feelings very much. And, Darcy is truly swoonworthy in this tale!
April 18, 2023
I’m not usually fond of mashups and Emma is not a favorite character: that said I loved this!
It got a little talky at times and seemed long. Then I realized it’s over 600 pages. It needs some cutting. There is a lot of repetition and conversations that could be cut. There were problems with verb tenses. There are no chapter breaks which I found really annoying. The word indeed is used 221 times! Yes, indeed, I searched because it was annoying me.
There is also a LOT of humor and the only canon pairing is Darcy and Elizabeth.
Modern language includes smarmy, ‘read the room’ and ‘double down’. The author confuses then/than and baited breath instead of the correct bated breath.
It got a little talky at times and seemed long. Then I realized it’s over 600 pages. It needs some cutting. There is a lot of repetition and conversations that could be cut. There were problems with verb tenses. There are no chapter breaks which I found really annoying. The word indeed is used 221 times! Yes, indeed, I searched because it was annoying me.
There is also a LOT of humor and the only canon pairing is Darcy and Elizabeth.
Modern language includes smarmy, ‘read the room’ and ‘double down’. The author confuses then/than and baited breath instead of the correct bated breath.
May 12, 2023
Clever for certain
It's a good illustration of Emma's character. Imaginative to make Elizabeth a Bennet by marriage. Not sure there wasn't some repeat of dialogue lifted from originals. Was that mostly P&P or am I just not remembering Emma very well as I haven't read anything but P&P variations for a long time? Trouble is, it bogged down. Maybe because focus was split between two main characters? I wouldn't swear to that, just sometimes I was heartily tired of it all. Maybe the language was well imitated and that mired me? Not sure. Well done.
It's a good illustration of Emma's character. Imaginative to make Elizabeth a Bennet by marriage. Not sure there wasn't some repeat of dialogue lifted from originals. Was that mostly P&P or am I just not remembering Emma very well as I haven't read anything but P&P variations for a long time? Trouble is, it bogged down. Maybe because focus was split between two main characters? I wouldn't swear to that, just sometimes I was heartily tired of it all. Maybe the language was well imitated and that mired me? Not sure. Well done.
May 18, 2023
well written
This is a really well written book. The characters were developed and interesting. I normally would have given this a four because the Emma character irritated the crap out of me. :) But she was written appropriately for the character from the novel Emma. So I can’t fault the author for writing her correctly. Especially since I thought I’d like to book Emma and now I’m realizing I didn’t like it. Anyway really good but if you don’t like the novel Emma by Jane Austen. If not, it might be very frustrating
This is a really well written book. The characters were developed and interesting. I normally would have given this a four because the Emma character irritated the crap out of me. :) But she was written appropriately for the character from the novel Emma. So I can’t fault the author for writing her correctly. Especially since I thought I’d like to book Emma and now I’m realizing I didn’t like it. Anyway really good but if you don’t like the novel Emma by Jane Austen. If not, it might be very frustrating
April 9, 2023
Perfect Rom Com
5 Easy Stars for the best Romantic Comedy I have read in years! Emma Woodhouse at her best, and teamed up with Colonel Fitzwilliam who also brings his mischievous A game. With genuine Tour de force ups and downs for all the couples involved, and villains routed in spectacular fashions.
5 Easy Stars for the best Romantic Comedy I have read in years! Emma Woodhouse at her best, and teamed up with Colonel Fitzwilliam who also brings his mischievous A game. With genuine Tour de force ups and downs for all the couples involved, and villains routed in spectacular fashions.
April 23, 2023
Loved it!
This variation on the beloved Elizabeth and Darcy story brings together many different characters from the Austin universe. The author uses several different premises from which to build an intricate and robust story. I thoroughly enjoyed Every minute of this Complex and clever Book. This is 1 book I plan to read over again every year. Thank you Joyce Bamber !
This variation on the beloved Elizabeth and Darcy story brings together many different characters from the Austin universe. The author uses several different premises from which to build an intricate and robust story. I thoroughly enjoyed Every minute of this Complex and clever Book. This is 1 book I plan to read over again every year. Thank you Joyce Bamber !
April 18, 2023
Entertaining
Interesting variation and mash-up! Between Pride and Prejudice and Emma, an enjoyable experience. Well written and developed to blend the characters of both works into a rambling good storyline.
Interesting variation and mash-up! Between Pride and Prejudice and Emma, an enjoyable experience. Well written and developed to blend the characters of both works into a rambling good storyline.
June 7, 2023
Compilation of Jane Austen novels
Liked the few funny comments
Didn't appreciate the mix of characters
The period of the time was completely missing and the outcome lost my interest early on.
Liked the few funny comments
Didn't appreciate the mix of characters
The period of the time was completely missing and the outcome lost my interest early on.
July 19, 2023
Long
Enjoyed the full story. Great mixture of Austen's novels.
Didn't really feel like our original Elizabeth and story felt overly long. Would have like to have seen it condensed in some areas. I kept wanting to get to the end.
Enjoyed the full story. Great mixture of Austen's novels.
Didn't really feel like our original Elizabeth and story felt overly long. Would have like to have seen it condensed in some areas. I kept wanting to get to the end.
May 10, 2024
Not for me
I love Austen. Her books are cleverly written and her characters are well-developed. I bought this book feeling intrigued enough to read the first ten percent. I could not enjoy it well enough to continue. I do not believe that I am the desired target audience.
I love Austen. Her books are cleverly written and her characters are well-developed. I bought this book feeling intrigued enough to read the first ten percent. I could not enjoy it well enough to continue. I do not believe that I am the desired target audience.
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