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Escaping Shadows
Fitzwilliam Darcy had been raised to be the perfect Darcy heir. He thought he had succeeded. And then his sister eloped with George Wickham, and he was faced with scandal, terror for his sister’s well being, and an awareness of how his father’s ghost judged him for his failures. He went to Netherfield Park to escape the stares of the ton , but he quickly found himself entranced by Elizabeth Bennet’s beautiful eyes, and her vivacious and joyful manners. Elizabeth Bennet found the intense sad man with striking eyes fascinating as soon as Fitzwilliam Darcy entered the assembly room. Even though it was ridiculous, she soon found herself blushing like she’d just come out, and dreaming of a possible future with him. But Darcy’s determination to not fail his father’s memory again may destroy their hope to find happiness. And at the same time, Georgiana Wickahm must escape from her husband’s terrible plans for her…
A compelling and heartwarming new Pride and Prejudice variation from the
A compelling and heartwarming new Pride and Prejudice variation from the
286 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2023
93 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 7, 2023
The title on my PC Kindle copy is "Embracing Shadows"...strange!
For me, what stood out is that both Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, suffer from their father's "pounding" into their psyche that only certain behaviors, opinions and connections are worthy of the family. One reason given (as we read in the Prologue) of why Georgiana elopes with Wickham is that she longs for freedom, to be independent of her father's expectations. Although we also read that she knows Wickham is not the man for her but she has made her choice and she sticks by it until....
Thus although she is married Georgiana's is no longer accepted in high society. As the story goes on we find that her situation is so much worse than just that lose of standing. This story gives us Wickham but also Mr. and Mrs. Younge having much to do with Georgiana's fate.
However, we do have Elizabeth having met Darcy, as in canon Bingley leases Netherfield. We have all those doubts and reasons Darcy gives himself that he can't marry Elizabeth but then we have a proposal. No, it is not in the same setting nor are the words exactly that same but the meaning is there. Of course she turns him down.
This author does give us a new thread in how Elizabeth and Georgiana meet and how Elizabeth learns of the connection between this young woman whom she calls Mrs. Georgiana and the man with whom she is coming to fall in love.
There is a lot of thought given by more than one character as to the affects parenting can have on how a person turns out, how a person feels about themselves, their self-worth. Ending his story at 95% on the book Mr. Underwood gives us some pages on his own thoughts not all having to do with this particular novel. I have read some 17 of his stories and appreciate that he donates to Doctors without Borders.
I did enjoy this story although at times I have to reread a sentence to figure out what or who was being referred to, etc. Some punctuation at times seemed needed or a change in structure to refer back to the correct proper noun.
For me, what stood out is that both Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, suffer from their father's "pounding" into their psyche that only certain behaviors, opinions and connections are worthy of the family. One reason given (as we read in the Prologue) of why Georgiana elopes with Wickham is that she longs for freedom, to be independent of her father's expectations. Although we also read that she knows Wickham is not the man for her but she has made her choice and she sticks by it until....
Thus although she is married Georgiana's is no longer accepted in high society. As the story goes on we find that her situation is so much worse than just that lose of standing. This story gives us Wickham but also Mr. and Mrs. Younge having much to do with Georgiana's fate.
However, we do have Elizabeth having met Darcy, as in canon Bingley leases Netherfield. We have all those doubts and reasons Darcy gives himself that he can't marry Elizabeth but then we have a proposal. No, it is not in the same setting nor are the words exactly that same but the meaning is there. Of course she turns him down.
This author does give us a new thread in how Elizabeth and Georgiana meet and how Elizabeth learns of the connection between this young woman whom she calls Mrs. Georgiana and the man with whom she is coming to fall in love.
There is a lot of thought given by more than one character as to the affects parenting can have on how a person turns out, how a person feels about themselves, their self-worth. Ending his story at 95% on the book Mr. Underwood gives us some pages on his own thoughts not all having to do with this particular novel. I have read some 17 of his stories and appreciate that he donates to Doctors without Borders.
I did enjoy this story although at times I have to reread a sentence to figure out what or who was being referred to, etc. Some punctuation at times seemed needed or a change in structure to refer back to the correct proper noun.
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June 14, 2023Too much angst for me, very depressing!
June 22, 2023
Good story, disappointing editing and use of AI
I enjoyed this story, but was disappointed in the numerous proofreading errors. I know Mr. Underwood can do better and I’ve read most of his books. I always look forward to his next release. I was extremely disappointed to learn from reading the Afterword in this novel, that AI was used in the writing of it. I think authors should make it clear on covers and book descriptions when AI is used in any way, giving the readers the choice to decide whether or not they want to read a book that utilises this modern tool.
“However, AI assistants are already a flexible and powerful tool, and one I extensively used while writing and editing this novel.”—quote from the book’s Afterword.
I have said I will not knowingly purchase a book that uses AI and I intend to stick to that. In this case, it wasn’t until I read his comments about AI that I discovered its use. I read this with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I enjoyed this story, but was disappointed in the numerous proofreading errors. I know Mr. Underwood can do better and I’ve read most of his books. I always look forward to his next release. I was extremely disappointed to learn from reading the Afterword in this novel, that AI was used in the writing of it. I think authors should make it clear on covers and book descriptions when AI is used in any way, giving the readers the choice to decide whether or not they want to read a book that utilises this modern tool.
“However, AI assistants are already a flexible and powerful tool, and one I extensively used while writing and editing this novel.”—quote from the book’s Afterword.
I have said I will not knowingly purchase a book that uses AI and I intend to stick to that. In this case, it wasn’t until I read his comments about AI that I discovered its use. I read this with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 30, 2023
one of his best
Timothy Underwood is on my automatic buy list, and several of his works, including Colonel Darcy, Mr Bennett’s Daughter, Disability and Determination, and the Missing Prince, are among my all-time favorite P&P variations. “Escaping Shadows” may have to be added to that list.
I began with the impression that Mr Darcy’s father’s ghost was an actual ghost who followed Darcy around berating him. This is not the case. The story is far more subtle, delving into the deep emotional trauma parents can inflict upon their children, and the journey of increasing awareness, both of self and of the way the world actually is, necessary to break free of said trauma and become one’s own person. Overall I thought it was a well-done examination of this emotional topic, though I do wish he had gone deeper into Georgiana’s particular fears. They were touched on and I felt I understood them, but they were more an “oh, yeah...this, too” addition than real substance.
One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Mr Bennett shines. If you like a loving Mr Bennett, this book is worth the read just for that alone.
This is a book heavy with emotion, though not really angst. You could read it quickly and enjoy the ride, as, per usual with Underwood books, this one has good flow and plenty going on to keep the reader’s interest. Or, you could slow down and really think about what you are reading. Each of us has parental figures, and many of us are parents. If we let it, I think this book can open our eyes and help us become better people.
Timothy Underwood is on my automatic buy list, and several of his works, including Colonel Darcy, Mr Bennett’s Daughter, Disability and Determination, and the Missing Prince, are among my all-time favorite P&P variations. “Escaping Shadows” may have to be added to that list.
I began with the impression that Mr Darcy’s father’s ghost was an actual ghost who followed Darcy around berating him. This is not the case. The story is far more subtle, delving into the deep emotional trauma parents can inflict upon their children, and the journey of increasing awareness, both of self and of the way the world actually is, necessary to break free of said trauma and become one’s own person. Overall I thought it was a well-done examination of this emotional topic, though I do wish he had gone deeper into Georgiana’s particular fears. They were touched on and I felt I understood them, but they were more an “oh, yeah...this, too” addition than real substance.
One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Mr Bennett shines. If you like a loving Mr Bennett, this book is worth the read just for that alone.
This is a book heavy with emotion, though not really angst. You could read it quickly and enjoy the ride, as, per usual with Underwood books, this one has good flow and plenty going on to keep the reader’s interest. Or, you could slow down and really think about what you are reading. Each of us has parental figures, and many of us are parents. If we let it, I think this book can open our eyes and help us become better people.
June 11, 2023
Slowly but surely
He finds his way to her. A really well written story, with very interesting developments and new circumstances. Thoroughly recommended!
He finds his way to her. A really well written story, with very interesting developments and new circumstances. Thoroughly recommended!
June 11, 2023
Misery
The author is a good wordsmith. So if you like the story this is a 4.5 star book. For me the angst, the tone, the underlying misery was too much.
What-if Darcy doesn’t save Georgiana at Ramsgate but instead she elopes? She is a Wickham now, not a Darcy. Same person, yet not the same. We readers are often irate with Lydia’s story but Georgiana’s elopement impacts very important people and little can be done for her because she is owned by a gambler, spindrift, drunkard narcissist.
The impact on Darcy is a nearly story length dirge of depression. The HEA for everyone is a bit too easy and convenient making it a bit of a let down for me.
The most interesting part of the book was reading about the author experimenting with using an AI and deciding its best use was for the AI becoming a “phrase” thesaurus. I’m sure half of the high schoolers and all the college kids are finding this out now, also.
If you like angst the story is for you. If aren’t ok with lots of angst it might still be for you because the in depth exploration of Georgiana becoming Mrs. Wickham is something we don’t see often.
The author is a good wordsmith. So if you like the story this is a 4.5 star book. For me the angst, the tone, the underlying misery was too much.
What-if Darcy doesn’t save Georgiana at Ramsgate but instead she elopes? She is a Wickham now, not a Darcy. Same person, yet not the same. We readers are often irate with Lydia’s story but Georgiana’s elopement impacts very important people and little can be done for her because she is owned by a gambler, spindrift, drunkard narcissist.
The impact on Darcy is a nearly story length dirge of depression. The HEA for everyone is a bit too easy and convenient making it a bit of a let down for me.
The most interesting part of the book was reading about the author experimenting with using an AI and deciding its best use was for the AI becoming a “phrase” thesaurus. I’m sure half of the high schoolers and all the college kids are finding this out now, also.
If you like angst the story is for you. If aren’t ok with lots of angst it might still be for you because the in depth exploration of Georgiana becoming Mrs. Wickham is something we don’t see often.
May 29, 2023
A compelling variation
Although this is indeed an Elizabeth and Darcy story, Georgiana's plight plays a most important part. We see HER thinking, which so frequently we do not, and we understand how her constrained and proper upbringing led her to an elopement she regretted even before the Scottish rite. The role of "pride" is preeminent in this variation, and the reader is privileged to watch both Georgiana and Darcy, in their own ways, learn to get past their pride to focus instead on love.
Although this is indeed an Elizabeth and Darcy story, Georgiana's plight plays a most important part. We see HER thinking, which so frequently we do not, and we understand how her constrained and proper upbringing led her to an elopement she regretted even before the Scottish rite. The role of "pride" is preeminent in this variation, and the reader is privileged to watch both Georgiana and Darcy, in their own ways, learn to get past their pride to focus instead on love.
June 29, 2023
Just an ok read for me. The first 50% to 60% was excellent but I felt it got a bit sloppy towards the end. We don't get the reunion of the siblings - E & G on their way to D but then all of a sudden we spend way too much time book shopping with Papa & D...what? Why? I would have loved to read the description of the argument of the villians as they turned on each other as well as the final confrontation. The epilogue could have been scraped - why is Lydia's fate even mentioned in that? She's barely in the story.
I’ve liked other works from this author more.
I’ve liked other works from this author more.
June 11, 2023
Excellent book. I loved the way E is written. I wish the author had shown us one scene which he completely skipped. I still loved it.
June 13, 2023
Wonderful
This author is an automatic purchase for me. Sad to read that he won't be writing so many books in the future. Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham to Scotland, and is married before anyone can prevent it. This causes Darcy to endure the taint of scandal, and a sullied family name. He arrives at Netherfield, sad and depressed, knowing his sister is lost to him, but also knowing that he and Colonel Fitzwilliam control the distribution of her fortune until she turns twenty-five, a fact which has angered Wickham and the Younges, to whom he owes a lot of money.
ODC meet as per usual at the Meryton assembly, but in this version Elizabeth has a sixth sense about Darcy's severe expression, and she just knows he's unhappy and deserves her compassion. They strike up a friendship rather quickly, as she's a good and sympathetic listener, and he finds himself telling her some personal things, such as a little about Georgiana's situation. They start falling in love before too long, but Darcy is strongly influenced by the ghost of his father, sternly insisting that he uphold the Darcy name in society, and not connect himself to the low born Elizabeth. We find out that it's this same strict upbringing that compelled Georgiana to escape her strictly proscribed life by eloping with Wickham.
The story almost goes off the rails because of some pretty fantastic coincidences involving Elizabeth and Georgiana. However, it's such an angsty and compelling story that I just had to go with it in order to discover the resolution, and it's very well done. This author is a clever and witty person who knows how to insert a little subtle humour when you most need it. The banter between characters is wonderful, and prevents the story from descending into too much melancholy. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
This author is an automatic purchase for me. Sad to read that he won't be writing so many books in the future. Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham to Scotland, and is married before anyone can prevent it. This causes Darcy to endure the taint of scandal, and a sullied family name. He arrives at Netherfield, sad and depressed, knowing his sister is lost to him, but also knowing that he and Colonel Fitzwilliam control the distribution of her fortune until she turns twenty-five, a fact which has angered Wickham and the Younges, to whom he owes a lot of money.
ODC meet as per usual at the Meryton assembly, but in this version Elizabeth has a sixth sense about Darcy's severe expression, and she just knows he's unhappy and deserves her compassion. They strike up a friendship rather quickly, as she's a good and sympathetic listener, and he finds himself telling her some personal things, such as a little about Georgiana's situation. They start falling in love before too long, but Darcy is strongly influenced by the ghost of his father, sternly insisting that he uphold the Darcy name in society, and not connect himself to the low born Elizabeth. We find out that it's this same strict upbringing that compelled Georgiana to escape her strictly proscribed life by eloping with Wickham.
The story almost goes off the rails because of some pretty fantastic coincidences involving Elizabeth and Georgiana. However, it's such an angsty and compelling story that I just had to go with it in order to discover the resolution, and it's very well done. This author is a clever and witty person who knows how to insert a little subtle humour when you most need it. The banter between characters is wonderful, and prevents the story from descending into too much melancholy. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
June 8, 2023
Very good story with some questionable chapters
I tend to favor stories when Georgiana has to deal with the consequences of an elopement only because so many variations (canon included) coddle her so much that it never feels like she learned anything. In this variation, not only does she face the consequences, she is determined, sometimes to a fault, to meet them head-on.
The good
- At least the first half of the book was wonderful. I like how Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship progressed.
The bad
-I started to skip scenes once I got to chapter 15.
-I know both chapters three and five had scenes where Darcy speaks Georgiana and Wickham's names numerous times to Elizabeth and how things unfolded between Wickham and the Darcys, including the elopement. For Elizabeth to not pick up on Georgiana being Darcy's sister once she learned that her full name is Georgiana Wickham and she eloped was hard to accept. Too many clues not to catch on.
Disappointing
-Once the danger had passed, I was left reading about Darcy and Mr. Bennet discussing books.
-Epilogue. I'm not sure why Georgiana would want her daughter to grow up known as a servant's daughter (Wickham, a stewart's son, and Georgiana, a governess).
I tend to favor stories when Georgiana has to deal with the consequences of an elopement only because so many variations (canon included) coddle her so much that it never feels like she learned anything. In this variation, not only does she face the consequences, she is determined, sometimes to a fault, to meet them head-on.
The good
- At least the first half of the book was wonderful. I like how Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship progressed.
The bad
-I started to skip scenes once I got to chapter 15.
-I know both chapters three and five had scenes where Darcy speaks Georgiana and Wickham's names numerous times to Elizabeth and how things unfolded between Wickham and the Darcys, including the elopement. For Elizabeth to not pick up on Georgiana being Darcy's sister once she learned that her full name is Georgiana Wickham and she eloped was hard to accept. Too many clues not to catch on.
Disappointing
-Once the danger had passed, I was left reading about Darcy and Mr. Bennet discussing books.
-Epilogue. I'm not sure why Georgiana would want her daughter to grow up known as a servant's daughter (Wickham, a stewart's son, and Georgiana, a governess).
December 26, 2025
A variation where Georgiana Darcy successfully elopes with Wickham.
In this variation Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham and is married at Gretna Green with Mr and Mrs Younge as witnesses. Wickham has promised them £10,000 of Georgiana’s dowry to assist him with getting access to her to court her and to help with the elopement. Standing at the anvil Georgiana realizes she has made a terrible error but believes that she must go through with the marriage as she has been thoroughly ruined. Unfortunately for Wickham, he isn’t aware that her guardians have structured her fortune so that he has no direct access to all the funds. Georgiana may only access the interest on her funds on a quarterly basis and she must present herself to the bank in person to receive her money.
Darcy is devastated by her elopement with Wickham and has, for all intents and purposes, cut her from his life. Harkening back to his father’s expectations he knows she has disgraced the Darcy name and, no matter the pain, he has no choice but to accept that she is out of his life. He goes to Hertfordshire with Bingley in order to forget his situation. There he meets the entrancing Elizabeth Bennet.
He manages to avoid fully insulting her at an assembly, but when coerced to ask for a dance he is refused. After apologies to each other Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a warm friendship that soon develops into love. Darcy is still a prisoner of his father’s rigid expectations and though he proposes to Elizabeth at the Netherfield ball, she refuses him knowing that he would come to despise himself for going against those expectations and marrying so low.
Georgiana Wickham, in the meantime, is in a world of trouble. Wickham and the Younges are scheming to get her money in full and Wickham has been threatened if he doesn’t deliver the promised amount to the Younges. He does apply to Darcy along with Georgiana and though Darcy does agree to give Wickham the money, Georgiana refuses. She has left the world of the Darcys behind and will never live in that rigid environment again. However her refusal places her in the gravest of danger.
Elizabeth and Jane go to London where they rescue a young woman fleeing for her life. The woman refuses to identify herself, except by first name, or make contact with any family member. Darcy and Bingley make contact with the Bennet sisters, but Darcy immediately disappears to deal with a dire situation. When he eventually returns, Elizabeth learns that his sister and Wickham have disappeared.
What has happened to Georgiana and Wickham? How can Darcy retrieve his sister from whatever danger she is in? Who is the mysterious young woman who is being protected by the Gardiners? Will Darcy ever be able to defy his father’s expectations for the woman he loves? Well worth reading!
In this variation Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham and is married at Gretna Green with Mr and Mrs Younge as witnesses. Wickham has promised them £10,000 of Georgiana’s dowry to assist him with getting access to her to court her and to help with the elopement. Standing at the anvil Georgiana realizes she has made a terrible error but believes that she must go through with the marriage as she has been thoroughly ruined. Unfortunately for Wickham, he isn’t aware that her guardians have structured her fortune so that he has no direct access to all the funds. Georgiana may only access the interest on her funds on a quarterly basis and she must present herself to the bank in person to receive her money.
Darcy is devastated by her elopement with Wickham and has, for all intents and purposes, cut her from his life. Harkening back to his father’s expectations he knows she has disgraced the Darcy name and, no matter the pain, he has no choice but to accept that she is out of his life. He goes to Hertfordshire with Bingley in order to forget his situation. There he meets the entrancing Elizabeth Bennet.
He manages to avoid fully insulting her at an assembly, but when coerced to ask for a dance he is refused. After apologies to each other Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a warm friendship that soon develops into love. Darcy is still a prisoner of his father’s rigid expectations and though he proposes to Elizabeth at the Netherfield ball, she refuses him knowing that he would come to despise himself for going against those expectations and marrying so low.
Georgiana Wickham, in the meantime, is in a world of trouble. Wickham and the Younges are scheming to get her money in full and Wickham has been threatened if he doesn’t deliver the promised amount to the Younges. He does apply to Darcy along with Georgiana and though Darcy does agree to give Wickham the money, Georgiana refuses. She has left the world of the Darcys behind and will never live in that rigid environment again. However her refusal places her in the gravest of danger.
Elizabeth and Jane go to London where they rescue a young woman fleeing for her life. The woman refuses to identify herself, except by first name, or make contact with any family member. Darcy and Bingley make contact with the Bennet sisters, but Darcy immediately disappears to deal with a dire situation. When he eventually returns, Elizabeth learns that his sister and Wickham have disappeared.
What has happened to Georgiana and Wickham? How can Darcy retrieve his sister from whatever danger she is in? Who is the mysterious young woman who is being protected by the Gardiners? Will Darcy ever be able to defy his father’s expectations for the woman he loves? Well worth reading!
July 1, 2023
Interesting variation
Whether you like the story or not, keep reading what is in the book after the P&P variation ends! I mostly liked Escaping Shadows. Darcy is very haunted for good reasons but he and Elizabeth fall in love early on. I like the way he really was not responsible for Bingley leaving, instead Bingley's wishy-washiness is truly responsible. I am impressed by Georgiana's determination. I also like the philosophical discussions. Sometimes the language seemed annoying to me, perhaps everyone spoke like Bingley? But perhaps that is an accurate representation of Regency dialogue?
Whether you like the story or not, keep reading what is in the book after the P&P variation ends! I mostly liked Escaping Shadows. Darcy is very haunted for good reasons but he and Elizabeth fall in love early on. I like the way he really was not responsible for Bingley leaving, instead Bingley's wishy-washiness is truly responsible. I am impressed by Georgiana's determination. I also like the philosophical discussions. Sometimes the language seemed annoying to me, perhaps everyone spoke like Bingley? But perhaps that is an accurate representation of Regency dialogue?
June 20, 2023
One of his best. Never disappoints
I loved this variation . The main premise is that Georgina Darcy has sloped with Whickham and reached Gretna Green before Darcy and feels she must marry him as she is now ruined.
Darcy has felt the ridicule of his sister 's marriage to the son of Pemberely's Steward the late Mr Wickham.
I have read each of Timothy's books . This is one of my favourites.
It also shows the way that Mr Bennett has patented his children is not as careless as some might have thought.
I loved this variation . The main premise is that Georgina Darcy has sloped with Whickham and reached Gretna Green before Darcy and feels she must marry him as she is now ruined.
Darcy has felt the ridicule of his sister 's marriage to the son of Pemberely's Steward the late Mr Wickham.
I have read each of Timothy's books . This is one of my favourites.
It also shows the way that Mr Bennett has patented his children is not as careless as some might have thought.
July 3, 2023
Good story poorly written
I enjoyed the storyline, but it was not well written. The dialog was choppy at times with many half-finished sentences and random exclamations of "oh!" thrown in. There were often missing words from sentences. On a few occasions, the wrong name was used (apparently the Bennets traveled to the Netherfield ball in the Bingley carriage). I kept reading because I wanted to see where the story went, but I was constantly bothered by the writing. It was okay, but would have been much better written by a better writer.
I enjoyed the storyline, but it was not well written. The dialog was choppy at times with many half-finished sentences and random exclamations of "oh!" thrown in. There were often missing words from sentences. On a few occasions, the wrong name was used (apparently the Bennets traveled to the Netherfield ball in the Bingley carriage). I kept reading because I wanted to see where the story went, but I was constantly bothered by the writing. It was okay, but would have been much better written by a better writer.
June 6, 2023
Interesting
A well written story, but not without errors, usually the wrong name for a person speaking making it somewhat awkward. Also, constant repetition phases, which is okay once in a while -- but in this story all too often! Author may have been too distracted while writing since some of it was off on a tangent and again repetitive, which compels the reader to gloss over it. Really needed a red pen taken to it!
A well written story, but not without errors, usually the wrong name for a person speaking making it somewhat awkward. Also, constant repetition phases, which is okay once in a while -- but in this story all too often! Author may have been too distracted while writing since some of it was off on a tangent and again repetitive, which compels the reader to gloss over it. Really needed a red pen taken to it!
June 13, 2023
A very satisfying read!
The best part for me was that the evil people all perished! I love the interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth. Beth Gardner is my favourite character. She's adorable. Mr. Bennett was so full of wisdom. I wish that more was written on the reunion of the siblings and cousin. Nevertheless , I highly recommend this book., I truly love all your books! Keep it coming and I'll keep on reading!!!
The best part for me was that the evil people all perished! I love the interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth. Beth Gardner is my favourite character. She's adorable. Mr. Bennett was so full of wisdom. I wish that more was written on the reunion of the siblings and cousin. Nevertheless , I highly recommend this book., I truly love all your books! Keep it coming and I'll keep on reading!!!
June 27, 2023
Mr Underwood never disappoints
I really liked this tale. Lizzy and Darcy meet at the Meryton assembly. It isn't a happy meeting but an earnest one. Daddy's sister, instead of being rescued from elopeing does actually makes it to Scotland and is married before the anvil. The course of her life,how Miss Elizabeth fits and her common sense influences Georgiana's reconciliation makes up a fair part of the tale. Recommended
I really liked this tale. Lizzy and Darcy meet at the Meryton assembly. It isn't a happy meeting but an earnest one. Daddy's sister, instead of being rescued from elopeing does actually makes it to Scotland and is married before the anvil. The course of her life,how Miss Elizabeth fits and her common sense influences Georgiana's reconciliation makes up a fair part of the tale. Recommended
July 1, 2023
Sympathy amidst anguish
I was drawn to Elizabeth’s sympathy toward a very sad Darcy and interested to see how it would progress. I liked the story line very much even though there was a lot of heartache.
I was disappointed to not be able to read about Darcy finding Georgiana at the Gardners. Also, it was the first time a character in a book had a disturbing mannerism. Darcy put his “hand to his mouth” so many times it was irritating. Over all it was a good read.
I was drawn to Elizabeth’s sympathy toward a very sad Darcy and interested to see how it would progress. I liked the story line very much even though there was a lot of heartache.
I was disappointed to not be able to read about Darcy finding Georgiana at the Gardners. Also, it was the first time a character in a book had a disturbing mannerism. Darcy put his “hand to his mouth” so many times it was irritating. Over all it was a good read.
September 18, 2023
Escaping Shadows: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story
Very enjoyable. A slow burn, if you will. Georgiana and Wickham play a large role in the story. However, it is Elizabeth and Darcy who are the chief focus.
Darcy's has to fight demons from the past, while Lizzy decides to battle her own misconceptions.
The love story stands out as a true testament as to how far one can go in life, before, giving over your past to venture to new beginnings.
Very enjoyable. A slow burn, if you will. Georgiana and Wickham play a large role in the story. However, it is Elizabeth and Darcy who are the chief focus.
Darcy's has to fight demons from the past, while Lizzy decides to battle her own misconceptions.
The love story stands out as a true testament as to how far one can go in life, before, giving over your past to venture to new beginnings.
July 16, 2023
I’m astonished at how much I love this!
Jane Austin has been my favorite author since I first read Pride and Prejudice. I chose Escaping the Shadows with a very jaundiced eye. I expected to be disappointed. I’m happy to say I was wrong. The characters I love were resurrected, with skill and grace. The story was believable and tender. Have no fear. Jump in. It’s delightful.
Jane Austin has been my favorite author since I first read Pride and Prejudice. I chose Escaping the Shadows with a very jaundiced eye. I expected to be disappointed. I’m happy to say I was wrong. The characters I love were resurrected, with skill and grace. The story was believable and tender. Have no fear. Jump in. It’s delightful.
May 31, 2023
Excellent
Heavy angst the 1st 25%,Followed by romance, adventure, fright, more romance, more angst, and a lovely happily ever after. Plenty of coincidence but Jane Austen loved coincidence. Tremendous insight into the dangers of perfectionist parenting.
Heavy angst the 1st 25%,Followed by romance, adventure, fright, more romance, more angst, and a lovely happily ever after. Plenty of coincidence but Jane Austen loved coincidence. Tremendous insight into the dangers of perfectionist parenting.
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. But then, in the end of the book, there was an author note that said they used chatGPT (AI) to assist in the story, and I have moral problems with that, so I can't recommend.
June 29, 2023
sometimes hard to get through
While I appreciated the premise of the story, I felt that it dragged on a bit too much at places and some of the emotions and actions of the characters didn’t ring true.
While I appreciated the premise of the story, I felt that it dragged on a bit too much at places and some of the emotions and actions of the characters didn’t ring true.
November 3, 2023
Oh, so good!
I own nearly every novel by Timothy Underwood, and this one was just as wonderful as the rest. Well-rounded characters, thought out plotting, and really good writing. On to the next!
I own nearly every novel by Timothy Underwood, and this one was just as wonderful as the rest. Well-rounded characters, thought out plotting, and really good writing. On to the next!
June 7, 2023
I enjoyed most of this book. No spoilers…but I have two critiques: 1. There is no need of the profanity, ever! 2. The author completely skipped the entire emotional climax! Very unfulfilling.
June 16, 2023
Not bad. but good!
This story was kinda good. Did not enjoy all the double sentences, weird. Have enjoyed many of Timothy Underwood’s books, this one not a favorite.
This story was kinda good. Did not enjoy all the double sentences, weird. Have enjoyed many of Timothy Underwood’s books, this one not a favorite.
July 5, 2023
Escaping Shadows
I enjoyed this story very much. I just wish we could have been witness to the reunion. I was anticipating that scene and was disappointed it was skipped over.
I enjoyed this story very much. I just wish we could have been witness to the reunion. I was anticipating that scene and was disappointed it was skipped over.
August 14, 2023
Interesting premisses.
But such a peculiar way of building sentences, it seems to be an attempt at a specific style, but I feel it is falling short.
But such a peculiar way of building sentences, it seems to be an attempt at a specific style, but I feel it is falling short.
May 14, 2025
Dusk makes gargoyles of the shadows... ~ R. D. Lawrence
“Escaping Shadows” begins with an uncomfortable scene: young Georgiana Darcy is at Gretna Green, regretting her elopement, dreading her marriage, and unable to refuse the “ceremony”. Not only is George Wickham present but also Mr. and Mrs. Younge, who are more frightening than Wickham.
His sister’s marriage changes the world for Fitzwilliam Darcy.
He arrives in Meryton, under the shadow of Georgiana’s scandal. Helpless to save her, he must rise above the shame. His father has left a legacy of instructions on the pride of the Darcy family. A Darcy does not behave contrary to his father’s beliefs.
In the morning we must sweep out the shadows. ~ Gaston Bachelard
Darcy’s self-talk is a central plot point in the story. Can he take what he liked of his father’s teaching, and leave the rest? Can he become his own man?
As the story develops, Georgiana sees the danger that surrounds her. She also must make her own decisions.
IMHO, the only flaw in the plot is the length of time it takes Elizabeth Bennet to put two stories together and realize that it is one story with two points of view. This was not the clever Elizabeth I like to see. That issue won’t keep me from 5 Stars.
By day each soul must walk within its shadow.
Only night can make us whole again...
~ Nicholas Gordon
“Escaping Shadows” begins with an uncomfortable scene: young Georgiana Darcy is at Gretna Green, regretting her elopement, dreading her marriage, and unable to refuse the “ceremony”. Not only is George Wickham present but also Mr. and Mrs. Younge, who are more frightening than Wickham.
His sister’s marriage changes the world for Fitzwilliam Darcy.
He arrives in Meryton, under the shadow of Georgiana’s scandal. Helpless to save her, he must rise above the shame. His father has left a legacy of instructions on the pride of the Darcy family. A Darcy does not behave contrary to his father’s beliefs.
In the morning we must sweep out the shadows. ~ Gaston Bachelard
Darcy’s self-talk is a central plot point in the story. Can he take what he liked of his father’s teaching, and leave the rest? Can he become his own man?
As the story develops, Georgiana sees the danger that surrounds her. She also must make her own decisions.
IMHO, the only flaw in the plot is the length of time it takes Elizabeth Bennet to put two stories together and realize that it is one story with two points of view. This was not the clever Elizabeth I like to see. That issue won’t keep me from 5 Stars.
By day each soul must walk within its shadow.
Only night can make us whole again...
~ Nicholas Gordon
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