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Mrs Bennet Makes a Match: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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There is surely something about him to admire. I shall find it and use it to convince Lizzy she loves him—if she does not already.

Can a mother's determined matchmaking make love prevail? When Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to Hertfordshire and Elizabeth Bennet, the woman he loves, their relationship has changed since the previous autumn, when she despised him. Darcy is disappointed to be greeted by coolness, but he believes he understands her prejudice.

Elizabeth Bennet knows that any chance she had of finding happiness in marriage with Mr Darcy has been destroyed by Lydia's elopement. Nothing suggests that he has any desire to rekindle the warmth between them that she felt at Pemberley. As much as they both long for each other, being together only increases the heartache. Mrs Bennet's efforts at matchmaking are not subtle and are, at times, vexing. Will Mrs Bennet's scheme work or will it only push them further apart?

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2023

68 people are currently reading
60 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Marin

32 books92 followers
Lucy Marin developed a love for reading at a young age and whiled away many hours imagining how stories might continue or what would happen if there was a change in the circumstances faced by the protagonists. After reading her first Austen novel, a life-long ardent admiration was borne. Lucy was introduced to the world of Austen variations after stumbling across one at a used bookstore while on holiday in London. This led to the discovery of the online world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction and, soon after, she picked up her pen and began to transfer the stories in her head to paper.

Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,676 reviews77 followers
September 20, 2023
Mrs. Bennet is just a bit more observant than in canon in this charming novella. She is delighted when Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield after staying away for so many months. Unfortunately, he brought that unpleasant Mr. Darcy with him again.

But wait...! Are he and Elizabeth sneaking furtive looks at each other? And why is her usually outspoken daughter so quiet? Perhaps the two have a tendre for each other! Think of it...a handsome man with ten thousand a year interested in marrying her most troublesome daughter! Well, they just need to be nudged along.

She might be more helpful if her "hints" were more subtle and less embarrassing to the couple. She enlists the aid of Mrs. Goulding and her sister, Mrs. Phillips, who are just as obvious.

Mr. Bingley's insistence that Darcy spend additional time in Hertfordshire is the change that provides the three older ladies with more opportunities to push Elizabeth and Darcy together.

The pair suffers through the usual misunderstandings; Elizabeth believes Darcy couldn't possibly stomach Wickham as a brother-in-law, and he believes she can never forgive him for not warning her family about Wickham. Causes lots of awkwardness when they're together.

A wonderful premise, and Ms. Marin clearly has fun with it. She presents the story alternately from Mrs. Bennet's, Elizabeth's, and Darcy's point of view. The author's writing is lovely, as always. The reader can feel the palpable yearning between the lovesick duo.

I was less pleased that the HEA goes on for several chapters - unnecessarily long for such a short book.

Content is clean.

I received a free copy via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews132 followers
October 2, 2023
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: clean
>>Angst Level: low to none: just anxious frustration due to the trials of lovers misunderstanding each other: Good Grief! Speak to each other for goodness’ sake.
>>Source: ARC via Booksprout 9-7-23: I volunteered to leave a review. The views and opinions are my own. This Novelle is part of the Family Matters Series: 18 chapters [4 stars]
>>Timeline: Bingley’s return to Netherfield with his friend Mr. Darcy.

Longbourn drawing room: Mrs. Bennet was pleased and happy with the return of Mr. Bingley. She was thrilled to see her eldest daughter return to demure blushes and not looking so sad and unhappy. As she scanned the room, only Lydia was missing. That made her frown. It was just as well, as she was not happy with the actions of her youngest. Those were thoughts for another day.

Mrs. Bennet looked at her other daughters and smiled. Mary was giving Mr. Bingley a disapproving look as she had not forgiven him for making her sister unhappy. Kitty was just happy to be with everyone. Mrs. Bennet knew she would have to work more closely with Kitty. Then Mrs. Bennet noticed something odd. It was a look. Oh, it was fleeting but it was there nonetheless. It was an exchange that she recognized. Mr. Darcy had glanced at her second daughter and a few seconds later, her Lizzy glanced his way. The looks were sad and the best she could tell, seemed longing. Well, this would bear watching.

Like any good hunting dog, Mrs. Bennet could sniff out a match at ten paces. She was now on the trail. However, Mr. Darcy was different than any suitor she had ever encountered. He was beyond her ken and she would need help.

‘A trio of conspirators’ consisting of Mrs. Bennet, her sister Mrs. Philips, and Mrs. Goulding set out to bring about the match between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. This was hilarious as the meeting of the war counsel was so much fun. These ladies were relentless as they orchestrated the various gatherings to push… um… ensure that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy were together.

This was so cute. Mary was actually the comedic relief for me. Her deadpan looks and comments caught me as funny. She was cute and protective of her sisters. Darcy was adorable and so in love and trying to step carefully around his lady love. Any overt movement or haughty behavior might spook her.

Meanwhile, Lizzy was so in love and trying to step carefully around the object of her affection. She still felt he disdained any contact with her or her family due to her younger sister’s shame. Oh, dear.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,302 reviews78 followers
November 28, 2024
A Matchmaking Mama!
Following Lydia’s elopement, Bingley and Darcy return to Netherfield. When visiting Longbourn again, Elizabeth’s mother notices discreet glimpses between our dear couple and quickly decides there’s more to their relationship than they let on. Knowing Jane and Bingley are all but engaged, she becomes determined to ensure an engagement between her second daughter and Darcy, and enlists the help of her sister and friend, causing vexation for the yet undeclared couple. Despite their love for one another, they don’t communicate which only reinforces their inaccurately perceived misunderstandings of their own situation!

There are no big surprises in this enjoyable, light-hearted, clean and sweet novella, which was a perfectly pleasant diversion for my quiet Sunday afternoon. Nicely done, Lucy Marin!

Recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,215 reviews58 followers
October 4, 2023
Being inside Mrs. Bennet's head is both scary and Fun!

We get three points on view in Lucy Marin's latest book. Elizabeth, Darcy and Mrs. Bennet. Adding Mrs. Bennet's thoughts, calculations and strategies to the mix adds a whole new element to our dear couples plight.

Following Mr. Bingley's return to Netherfield to pursue Jane, with Mr. Darcy in tow, misunderstanding ensues for Elizabeth and Darcy. She thinks he can't possibly marry her because of Wickham and he thinks she blames him because of Wickham. Sound familiar?

Anything but - when Mrs. Bennet gets involved. Her head is not completely in the clouds in regards to her marriage, her home, and all her girls. When General Bennet decides to fix Elizabeth's love life, with the help from a couple of friends, humor and sweet moments multiply.

I loved the glimpses we get into Kitty's well being, but even more so into Mary's (my heart broke for her). They have small roles, but add to the overall emotional balance -or not- of Longbourn. Jane has a small role in this variation, and Mr. Bennet an even smaller one.

This 'will they-won't they finally talk and understand each other' trope is counter balanced by 3 matronly busybodies, who bring the cutest and funniest scenes!

I enjoyed this well written book. It was nice to see the humorous side of this wonderful author!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,665 reviews198 followers
October 8, 2023
There is really no angst in this story. Mrs. Bennet catches Darcy and Elizabeth quickly glancing at each other now that he and Bingley have returned to Hertfordshire. Lydia has eloped but no one knows of Darcy's part in that. Elizabeth is sure he will now never want to be brother-in-law to Wickham nor part of the Bennet's disgrace.

So Mrs. Bennet elicits help from Mrs. Gouding and Mrs. Phillips (2 "l's" as in canon). They not only keep informing Darcy and Elizabeth what good people each are and how they would be a good match. Plus they set the stage for both to be together by planning events, i.e., card parties, for the two to attend.

We read this story from three view points: Darcy's, Elizabeth's and Mrs. Bennet's. We do also read some of Mary's and Kitty's positions.

So this is another sweet retelling of ODC's romance told from an additional viewpoint. Of course, Mrs. Bennet always knew how it would be!
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,333 reviews124 followers
September 8, 2025
There are couples a matchmaker would match every time — and couples who, for no rhyme or reason, rhyme. ~ Robert Brault

We all know Mama Bennet is on the lookout for single men in possession of good fortunes. It seems impossible that she would not have sniffed out a wealthy landowner from Derbyshire.

Finally, that error of judgment has been corrected.

Mrs. Bennet overcomes her initial dislike of that proud, disagreeable man and enlists helpers to promote her second daughter. But will the promotion move the couple closer or part them forever?

Comical! Entertaining! Playful! What’s not to like?
885 reviews70 followers
September 24, 2023

“He was watching someone with an expression you would use for a dearly loved child…or wife!” (quote from the book)

Was this ever a cute story! Mrs. Bennet does some observing of her guests; namely Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy who have returned to Netherfield Park after the elopement of Lydia and Wickham. She comes to a startling conclusion and is soon on a mission gathering information. However, help is required, and she enlists her sister, Mrs. Philips, and their best friend, Mrs. Goulding. This flock of cackling hens work to throw Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet together while praising the attributes of each of them to the other.

“I do not know what keeps them apart, but I must see the situation put to rights!” (quote from the book)

And what of our darling couple? Well, each misinterpret the other’s words, looks, and actions as they tangle themselves up in yearning for the other. But don’t worry, the hens have it covered!

I must say, Ms. Marin has done a great job portraying Mrs. Bennet’s thoughts! They were not only believable, but the epiphanies Mrs. Bennet had while observing Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy also helped her to see her other daughters more clearly.

I highly recommend this lighthearted and enjoyable novella to all fans of Pride & Prejudice!

I received a copy of this book from Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Lady Mercury.
221 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2023
After Lydia's Elopement everything is normal again at Longbourn. Mr. Bingley is living at Netherfield again and so it's normal that he calls on the Bennet's every day, 'dragging' Mr. Darcy willingly with him.

It starts with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy being at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet sees how Mr. Darcy is staring at Elizabeth but thought nothing of it, rather thought he's disagreeable.
Some days later both gentlemen are invited to Dinner at Longbourn where the book starts for real in a way. Mrs. Bennet is an observing mother towards all her children in this, so she also saw the glances between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. After a lot of thinking Mrs. Bennet comes to the conclusion that they care for each other. Naturally the only possible match for her daughter then is Mr. Darcy, and how is that archived? By playing Matchmaker.

Mrs. Bennet involves 2 others to help ODC to their HEA. (Won't name them. You must read to find out :-D ) There the real fun starts, the trio's not so subtle hints at throwing them together.

And of course Elizabeth and Darcy have their usual misunderstandings. Elizabeth thinks Darcy doesn't want to have Wickham as a brother in law. Darcy on the other hand thinks Elizabeth can never forgive him for not warning the family about Wickham's character.
Btw, I liked this Mrs. Bennet and believe me Dear Readers that's a hard goal to archieve.

I do have some complaints, but only minor.
- I got the feeling that Elizabeth's behaviour sometimes bordered on being uncivil towards Darcy (Her ignoring him etc, short answers.)
- It was sad that Elizabeth didn't confide in Jane about Kent, nor Pemberley.
-And a lot of Jane and Bingley.

I was frustrated though at how long it took for ODC's HEA, it was a little long winded.

As always I do love Lucy Marin's writing, this was now low Angst and a quick read with only 150 pages. Worth Reading!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,170 reviews
September 8, 2025
This was fun - I do love a sympathetic Mrs Bennet

Another success from this author - a must read author for me now.

This is a quick and very satisfying book with plenty of humour and just a pinch of gentle angst. This portrayal of Mrs Bennet is very much as I imagine her from the writings of Austen, generally well-meaning but easily confused. Poor Mr Darcy didn't have a chance once she was on his case but thankfully he didn't want one!

Elizabeth and Darcy did perhaps stretch out their "He loves me, he loves me not" a little more than was necessary but this is a very enjoyable book.
Profile Image for James S.
1,419 reviews
October 3, 2023
Mrs Bennet means to be a matchmaker for Lizzy and Darcy

But really she and her sister and Mrs Goulding trying to work together for Lizzy don’t contribute much besides forcing Lizzy to think about Darcy more often.

The story is ALL about the lack of communication between Lizzy and Darcy and when they do try to talk they talk in polite riddles and misunderstand each other over and over. Finally ODC say two or three sentences and accidentally don’t misunderstand each other.

No bad guys in the story, just people walking around with their heads in a fog.
Profile Image for Kristin O'donoghue.
148 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2023
Rating 4.5 (rounding up on this scale)

As an avid reader of Pride and Prejudice variations, I was very excited to receive an eARC copy of Lucy Marin's upcoming novella release, Mrs. Bennet Makes a Match (release day 10.02.2023). I have read several of Marin's other novels in the Jane Austen fiction space and always thoroughly enjoyed them. This latest story is no exception as I devoured it in one afternoon!

In Mrs. Bennet Makes a Match, Marin provides the reader with the unique perspective of the Bennet matriarch, something which was really interesting to consider. While Mrs. Bennet has all the qualities Austen fans have come to love, and at times be frustrated by, Marin's story adds new layers of complexity and insight into Mrs. Bennet's motivations and the reflections she has about her relationships with her daughters, especially Elizabeth.

This novella picks up when Darcy and Bingley return to Hertfordshire, with Bingley determined to reignite his suit with Jane. Darcy is in utter emotional turmoil as he and Elizabeth desperately try to navigate a series of miscommunications to determine if they can reclaim the fragile bond which they had started to build at Pemberley before Lydia's sudden elopement and subsequent marriage to Wickham shattered everything.

As Darcy and Elizabeth awkwardly, and at times painfully, misinterpret the depth of the other's love and affection, they receive helpful, albeit not so subtle, nudges and hints from a most unexpected champion--Mrs. Bennet. Early in the story, Mrs. Bennet comes to suspect that something has occurred between the serious man from Derbyshire and her second eldest daughter and that each is harboring feelings for the other. From there, Mrs. Bennet is relentless in her pursuit of securing Elizabeth's happiness with Darcy, even if it means helping the couple get out of their own way, with the assistance of some very determined Meryton matrons. Ultimately, our couple is finally able to speak the truths of their hearts clearly to one another and if letting Mrs. Bennet claim victory as matchmaker is the price they must pay for their future together, it's one Darcy and Elizabeth happily allow her to claim!

For such a quick novella, Marin takes her reader on a rollercoaster of emotions as Darcy and Elizabeth experience simultaneously, the joy of being near one another and the torture of the possibility that their chance at love has been lost forever. I really appreciated the depth that Marin gives to Mrs. Bennet's character, as we learn just how pained and affected she was by Lydia's reckless actions, something which we never get to really delve into in the original story. It was also heartwarming to watch Mrs. Bennet's appreciation for her second daughter grow as she considers all Elizabeth has to offer a man like Darcy as a wife and partner. At the end of the day, Mrs. Bennet is many things but first and foremost she is a mother who loves her daughters fiercely and will stop at nothing to secure their happiness.

If you are looking for a quick Austen inspired read that gives you renewed appreciation for what Darcy and Elizabeth must have been navigating post the Lydia affair told at times through the exuberant voice of Mrs. Bennet, then this is a story you need to read!
Profile Image for Rita Deodato.
274 reviews13 followers
October 17, 2024
4,5 Rounded Up to 5

Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...

In this clever twist on Pride and Prejudice, and after Lydia’s elopement has been resolved, Mrs. Bennet notices the furtive glances between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy while he is visiting with Mr. Bingley and begins to suspect there might be more to their relationship than meets the eye. Determined to play matchmaker, she enlists the help of Lady Lucas and Mrs. Goulding to bring the unlikely pair together. Despite Darcy’s distant demeanor and Elizabeth’s spirited nature, Mrs. Bennet is convinced they belong together, but with the shadow of Lydia’s scandal looming and Darcy’s true feelings hidden, her meddling can either unite them or push them further apart.

Even though I usually don’t like stories where Elizabeth and Darcy continuously misunderstand each other, Mrs. Bennet Makes a Match was so entertaining, well written and fast paced that I ended up loving it! Also, the narrative starts with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth already in love with each other which means the author was able to explore their inner struggles and fears of rejection, which is something I do love seeing in Pride and Prejudice variations.

In this novella Mrs. Bennet is at the center of the stage and she is much smarter, observant and even kinder than most people believe her to be. She is the perfect trigger for Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship to move forward as both start to turn to each other to escape her matchmakings, which is incredibly ironic and fun. I absolutely loved her character and would love to see more books portray her like this. I also liked Mary and her small role in this novella.

The book is very engaging, and Lucy Marin’s writing was absorbing so I read it in one single sitting as I could not put it down. It is a funny, light-hearted, fast paced novella that also gives readers a nice touch of romance and I recommend it to all who love a good Darcy and Elizabeth humorous story.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
gave-up
October 23, 2023
This is a unique book that has a trope that gets on my last nerve

The premise that Mrs. Bennet isn't a moron is refreshing and enjoyable

The language feels modern and that's okay

My loss of interest occurred when Lizzy and Darcy both staying in the Meryton area and forced to interact both think the other hates them. Now in canon Darcy goes to London so they can't resolve their errors but here NOTHING is stopping either from speaking their mind

Nothing except Faux-angst

and life is too short for me to spend hours reading Faux-angst

It's not you book it's me
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,185 reviews12 followers
October 4, 2023
Funny

I never expected a Mrs. Bennet able to discern someone else's feelings, but once she had the story becomes pleasant if a little silly.
Profile Image for Talia.
969 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2023
I liked this book a lot. Mrs B's thoughts were very much in keeping with her character.
Profile Image for Melanie.
181 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2023
When Darcy returns to Hertfordshire with his friend Bingley he is greeted by coolness from Elizabeth. He is sure the lady wants nothing to do with him because he has not told everything he knows about Wickham, making Lydia's elopement and wedding only ever possible. Elizabeth on her part is sure the gentleman cannot want to continue the acquaintance because Wickham is now her brother-in-law. Both suffer in silence, ponder about the love and happiness they have lost and pretend indifference. But Mrs Bennet, ever the matchmaking mama, soon discovers that the couple is not as indifferent as they pretend to be. She sees her opportunity to help her daughter to find happiness and an eligible and rich husband. But Mrs Bennet's well-considered schemes seem to separate the couple even more. Will they be able to find happiness due to or despite Mrs Bennet's efforts? Will they find a chance to resolve their misunderstandings?

The book of the author Lucy Marin is very well written and quite funny. I laughed out loud several times about Mrs Bennets ideas and Elizabeth's and Darcy's dislike of them.

The main character of the book is the matchmaking mama Mrs Bennet. I really like stories in which she is "useful" and not only silly. In this story she is very useful. Soon after Darcy's return she discovers that the gentleman and her daughter must like or even love each other. And she decides to do everything in her power to bring them together. And the best Mrs Bennet can do is to form a scheme to pave the way to marriage. And in doing this she is very creative and persistent. I liked her very much in this book and her way to use her skills in favour of Elizabeth. She is even able to overcome her initial dislike of Darcy for Elizabeth's sake.

As for Elizabeth and Darcy ... I often had the wish to shake them both. All their problems could have been solved had they TALKED rather the assumed what the other might think. Therefore they have themselves to blame that Mrs Bennet had to form a scheme to bring them together. If they are not able to resolve their misunderstandings by themselves they will have to endure Mrs Bennet's schemes, I don't have pity for them 😉 But it was quite funny to read how annoyed they both were because of Mrs Bennet.

If, unlike Darcy and Elizabeth, you like a scheming Mrs Bennet pursuing a good aim (bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together) you should definitely read this book.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Gill M.
362 reviews27 followers
November 3, 2023
Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

When Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to Hertfordshire he hopes to win the heart of his beloved, Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth is convinced that Darcy cannot overcome his revulsion, that Elizabeth’s sister is married to his enemy, George Wickham.
She loves Darcy, but is heartbroken that he seems lost to her.

Meanwhile, Darcy feels guilty for not denouncing Wickham and thereby protecting Meryton and specifically Elizabeth’s sister. He attributes her reluctance to talk to him as anger.

Mrs Bennet may not know the particulars, but she recognises a couple in love.

Thus, our matchmaking Mama, enlists her friends to help her stage an intervention!
Whilst her actions are well meant, reality is incredibly annoying.

Our dear couple have to overcome this “help” to find their way to each other.

An enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Barton Sasser.
554 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2025
Status: Read January 13-15, 2025 via kindle edition & audible edition of Mr Darcy's Second Chance: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Trilogy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Edition Read:

Mrs Bennet Makes a Match
by Lucy Marin
Kindle Edition, 150 pages
Published October 2, 2023 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
(first published September 11, 2023)
ASIN: B0C9MXXRMX
[ kindle unlimited ]

There is surely something about him to admire. I shall find it and use it to convince Lizzy she loves him—if she does not already.

Can a mother's determined matchmaking make love prevail? When Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to Hertfordshire and Elizabeth Bennet, the woman he loves, their relationship has changed since the previous autumn, when she despised him. Darcy is disappointed to be greeted by coolness, but he believes he understands her prejudice.

Elizabeth Bennet knows that any chance she had of finding happiness in marriage with Mr Darcy has been destroyed by Lydia's elopement. Nothing suggests that he has any desire to rekindle the warmth between them that she felt at Pemberley. As much as they both long for each other, being together only increases the heartache. Mrs Bennet's efforts at matchmaking are not subtle and are, at times, vexing. Will Mrs Bennet's scheme work or will it only push them further apart?
1,168 reviews29 followers
October 20, 2023
Not my cuppa tea

After the Lydia debacle, and after Darcy and Bingley return to Netherfield, Mrs Bennett happens to notice that Darcy keeps looking at Elizabeth, and Elizabeth sneaks looks at him as well. This is, apparently, enough to set Mrs Bennett off on a campaign to encourage a match between them, even though she's not sure they even like each other. Mrs Bennett solicits the help of Mrs Phillips and Mrs Goulding, and for several weeks Darcy and Elizabeth are bombarded with awkward attempts at matchmaking wherever they meet. Of course, Darcy and Elizabeth already are in love with each other, and only a little misunderstanding stands between them. Their HEA is achieved without the help of any of the three women.

I realize that this book is supposed to be charming and funny, but please don't ask me to find Mrs Bennett, one of the most annoying and stupid characters in the P&P universe, charming and funny. She's nothing but irritating and bossy with no regard for her daughter's happiness. There's really nothing here to make Mrs Bennett any more palatable. I ended up skimming over a great many scenes where the three matrons plead their cases to either Darcy or Elizabeth, and that's never a good sign. I just didn't want to endure all of the inanities that I could predict would gush from their mouths. I don't think I missed anything.

I gave two stars for competent writing and editing. I don't recommend this book, unless you don't mind sitting through Mrs Bennett's stupidity for a few hours.
456 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2023
An excellent short variation

A simple premise with Fitzwilliam Darcy back in Hertfordshire with Charles Bingley, unsure whether he has a chance of obtaining Elizabeth Bennet’s hand in marriage. While Elizabeth feels totally opposite towards Mr. Darcy from what she expressed in Kent. A brief walk and conversation after the gentleman’s arrival in Longbourn causes heightened uncertainties with each other, creating a rift that threatens to separate the lovers.

Who comes to the rescue? Well Mrs. Bennet, of course! And her cohorts composed of two other Hertfordshire matrons with nothing else to do but gossip and matchmake.

This is a fun and enjoyable variation. It emphasizes how lovers can horribly misunderstand each other without effective communication. It also shows how universal it is for parents/mothers/matriarchs to meddle in their children’s lives, more particularly their love lives, to ensure a happily ever after for their offsprings.

Elizabeth Bennet pinning and silently swooning over Mr. Darcy is a remarkable element. Highly recommended.
177 reviews
June 30, 2025
Not badly written or anything but this book had no substance. The realization and interferences by Mrs Bennet were not entertaining or anything and did nothing to help Darcy and Elizabeth in any ways. Their misunderstanding also didn't make any sense, as the conversation was clear enough. Elizabeth was also cold, bordering on rude to Darcy when he tried to talk to her, i don't think Elizabeth would ever behave in that way to someone she loved and she should be smart enough to realise what it means by Darcy lingering in the neighbourhood and repeatedly talking to her. The both say to the other that they are sad their acquaintance in Lambton came to an end, and both somehow think that it means the other wants the connection to end, even though its exactly what they also to say to express their regret.. The more i write this review the more frustrated i become by this nonsensical plot and character actions. I've read and loved other books by this author so it's disappointing this lacks any of the depth found in her other books
Profile Image for Dawn.
652 reviews32 followers
October 12, 2023
This was a short story about Mrs. Bennet and her desire and determination to see her daughters daughters married and the lengths she will go to in order to accomplish this goal. It was a fun read with low angst and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Mrs. Bennet is more perceptive and insightful in this story and picks up on the romantic undercurrents passing between Darcy and Elizabeth. She decides the two could use a nudge in the right direction and decides to recruit help to make sure the match comes to pass. The result is very humorous and sweet, especially since D&E really don't need any outside help, but no one tell Mrs. Bennet that. We wouldn't want to rob her of her victory and the success of her carefully laid plans! I like the way Mrs. B is portrayed in this book. She is still the same Mrs. B, but with a little more depth and I always love stories where she has a genuine affection for her daughters as she does in this book. This was a light and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Patricia Edmisson.
147 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2023
Mrs. Bennet is at her best in this novella. Who is she trying to match? Will she succeed? Will anyone help her? Will her daughter appreciate her interference? Will the men? These questions are answered in this quirky tale.

I enjoyed this story because we see another side of Mrs. Bennet. She is her obnoxious self, but she is so much more attentive to others than in canon. She has two friends who will help her make match for her daughter.

The relationship of Elizabeth and Jane is slightly different. Elizabeth plays her life close to the vest. Darcy is trying to understand if he has another chance with Elizabeth. Will they be able to withstand help from others?

I encourage others to read this story. It will require a couple of hours to read with a cup of tea.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie.
471 reviews34 followers
October 19, 2023
YEARNING. Oh, how our dear couple pines for one another in this story of misunderstandings! It was a fun experience to view Elizabeth and Darcy from the perspective of Mrs. Bennet, and I certainly gained an even greater sympathy for her. She is often considered a mindless and grasping marriage-mart mama, but I've always felt her desperation to see her daughters settled made a lot of sense in the context of the time and place and under the entailment circumstances in which she lived. I enjoyed seeing her thoughtful devotion to all of her daughters—although of course Jane will always be her prettiest one because that's just the plain truth of the matter to her—and her keen-eyed observations of them as well as their gentleman suitors. This is a quick and cozy read for P&P fans.
Profile Image for Adriana.
122 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
Darcy, Elizabeth and the matronly matchmakers

When Mr. Darcy returns with Mr. Bingley to Hertfordshire, he and Elizabeth Bennet believe, for different reasons, that Lydia's marriage to Mr. Wickham would be the reason that would prevent them from being together.
Incredibly, the first person to understand the feelings of this couple, who have great difficulties in making themselves understood and understanding the other's feelings, is Mrs. Bennet.
The problem is that for this arduous task, she will seek help from Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Goulding and this trio of matchmakers, despite enormous goodwill, has zero subtlety.
Guaranteed fun!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
280 reviews
July 3, 2024
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are under the impression noone sees their attractitions.

As they continue to steal a look at the other , Mrs. Bennet has surmised there is an attractition between the two. Thus, she has inlisted a little help from her sister, Mrs. Phillips and dear friend Mrs. Goulding. So, "let the matchmaking begin" Being pushed into each other 's company has forced them to finally admit, at least to themselves, that care deeply for one another . Now the question is, " Who will be the first to broach the subject ?" Sit back and enjoy the back and forth between these two and their interactions with Ladies who wish to help them along.
125 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2023
Elizabeth and Darcy cannot help misunderstanding each other. Apparently, ODC believe that they can read each other's mind, and dwell incessantly upon their negative suppositions. Mrs. Bennet notices the furtive glances and uneasiness between the two and decides that she needs to intervene and promote one to the other to make a splendid match for her second daughter. Throughout this story, we are privy to Mrs. Bennet's thoughts on how to bring these two together. When she enlists her sister Phillips and her long-time childhood friend Mrs. Goulding to help her, merriment abounds.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
316 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2023
Nice, but Somewhat Tedious

Yes, Mrs Bennet decides that Elizabeth and Darcy are in love and should make a match of it. Unfortunately, both seem to think the other may have generous feelings but is not interested in marriage because of the Lydia/Wickham debacle.

The tedious part is how long they misinterpret the looks they exchange! Neither notices the longing in the heart and eyes of the other, but Mrs Bennet and her cohorts do!?!

Well edited, a major point with me, and lovely resolution.
501 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2023
An entertaining Mrs. Bennet

Miscommunication does not bode well for Darcy and Elizabeth, as they meet again after Darcy arranges Lydia's marriage to Wickham and Bingley returns to court Jane. As our dear couple continue to misunderstand each other, Mrs. Bennet decides to make things happen in her own, inimitable, silly, humorous, fashion. This is not my favourite trope, since the characters seem to persist in creating their own angst, but the story is well written and cute.
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221 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2023
Too Short!

I love it when I can write that a book that I've just completed is too short. It means that I enjoyed the author's writing and storyline, and had hoped to continue reading more of it. With Mrs Bennet's inner reflection of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship, it would have been lovely if there was an epilogue to look into their future lives to see if her thoughts would have been borne out.
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