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The Darcys of Pemberley #2
Return to Longbourn
What will happen to the Bennet females, now that Mr. Bennet has died?
With Mr. Tristan Collins on his way from America to claim his property, Mrs. Bennet hatches her plan. The new heir to Longbourn simply must marry one of her daughters. Nothing else will do. Will it be Mary or Kitty singled out for this dubious honor? When the gentleman in question turns out to be quite a catch after all, the contest between the sisters is on. Which one will be the next mistress of Longbourn? Or will the dark horse in the race take the prize?
Darcy, Elizabeth, and the rest of the "Pride and Prejudice" cast are back as the socially awkward Mary emerges from the shadows to take center stage in Shannon Winslow’s long-awaited sequel to her best-selling novel, "The Darcys of Pemberley."
Many Austen fans have a soft spot in their hearts for Mary Bennet, wondering if she might have the hidden makings of a heroine. Now, in "Return to Longbourn," we learn what really makes her tick. Find out if she’s destined to be a governess forever, or if she overcomes the misfortune of being "plain" to find love and her own happy ending.
With Mr. Tristan Collins on his way from America to claim his property, Mrs. Bennet hatches her plan. The new heir to Longbourn simply must marry one of her daughters. Nothing else will do. Will it be Mary or Kitty singled out for this dubious honor? When the gentleman in question turns out to be quite a catch after all, the contest between the sisters is on. Which one will be the next mistress of Longbourn? Or will the dark horse in the race take the prize?
Darcy, Elizabeth, and the rest of the "Pride and Prejudice" cast are back as the socially awkward Mary emerges from the shadows to take center stage in Shannon Winslow’s long-awaited sequel to her best-selling novel, "The Darcys of Pemberley."
Many Austen fans have a soft spot in their hearts for Mary Bennet, wondering if she might have the hidden makings of a heroine. Now, in "Return to Longbourn," we learn what really makes her tick. Find out if she’s destined to be a governess forever, or if she overcomes the misfortune of being "plain" to find love and her own happy ending.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 11, 2018
“The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain.” Jennifer Aniston
This is book 2 of 3 within the Darcys of Pemberley series. Book 1 The Darcys of Pemberley followed a short story prequel, Mr. Collins’ Last Supper. This story was Mary Bennet’s perspective or her POV.
Mary became a governess to the Farnsworth family that took over Netherfield Park. She continued in that office, even after the mother died, in order to help the children through their grief. She had become a vital fixture within the Farnsworth family even after Miss Farnsworth [the master’s sister] arrived to serve as hostess for the house. We soon saw signs of Caroline Bingley in her actions, conversations, and treatment of Mary. She ignored a warning from Mary that had serious ramifications.
The author filled the story with nuggets of conversations and dialogue from all of Austen’s works. It was like walking through the mall and finding dollar bills on the floor. There was excitement every time you came upon a new nugget. The author provided an appendix at the end of the story explaining which Austen story it came from. How creative.
Poor Mary was put through the wringer in her love life. To have been ignored all her life only to now have the flood gates to her heart suddenly burst open… was simply too much for her. This was a really strong Mary. We saw the ins and outs of her way of thinking. We were with her as she spun out of control with her emotions. We heard her thoughts when she felt betrayed, embarrassed, ashamed, furious, heartbroken, aghast and finally, weary of heart and spirit.
Mrs. Bennet, her usual selfish attitude, was oblivious to what was going on right in front of her. Kitty was no better in this story. It was her actions that disturbed the pebble that started the avalanche in the first place. She was as insensitive to Mary and her feelings as Lydia would have been. How could she not see what she had done? And then to expect Mary to be OK with it.
I loved how Mary looked with new eyes at the relationships of her elder sisters. The Bingleys and the Darcys became her guide or pattern with which she wanted to base her own relationship upon. The fact that she had escaped to Pemberley reminded me of Mr. Knightly going to his brother. But his brother’s wife [Emma’s sister] reminded him too much of Emma. Mr. Darcy was Mary’s daily reminder of someone she was trying to escape. I thought that was a good comparison. The word descriptions were very detailed in this grief mode Mary was experiencing.
Even though this was based on Austen’s work, I couldn’t help but also see bits and pieces of Jane Eyre. This Mr. Farnsworth was so Rochester like as the tortured soul, gone from home a lot, and even when he was home, he roamed the countryside on his massive horse. His verbal abuse and verbal sparring with Mary was amusing and yet, we wondered at the sensual undertones. I figure the author wanted him to be more like Darcy; however, I kept seeing Rochester. Other examples: The daughter and the governess watching the dancing at a Netherfield house party from the shadows. The Lady Blanche Ingram wanna-be from London, boasting of her marriage plans for the master and laughing as she tells her intent to ship the children off to boarding schools. The speculation with the Meryton gossips that the master of Netherfield would soon marry. Mary stealthily escaping the house in the quiet of the night.
I really loved this story, I liked this Mary. She had depth of feeling we don’t usually see in her character.
This is book 2 of 3 within the Darcys of Pemberley series. Book 1 The Darcys of Pemberley followed a short story prequel, Mr. Collins’ Last Supper. This story was Mary Bennet’s perspective or her POV.
Mary became a governess to the Farnsworth family that took over Netherfield Park. She continued in that office, even after the mother died, in order to help the children through their grief. She had become a vital fixture within the Farnsworth family even after Miss Farnsworth [the master’s sister] arrived to serve as hostess for the house. We soon saw signs of Caroline Bingley in her actions, conversations, and treatment of Mary. She ignored a warning from Mary that had serious ramifications.
The author filled the story with nuggets of conversations and dialogue from all of Austen’s works. It was like walking through the mall and finding dollar bills on the floor. There was excitement every time you came upon a new nugget. The author provided an appendix at the end of the story explaining which Austen story it came from. How creative.
Poor Mary was put through the wringer in her love life. To have been ignored all her life only to now have the flood gates to her heart suddenly burst open… was simply too much for her. This was a really strong Mary. We saw the ins and outs of her way of thinking. We were with her as she spun out of control with her emotions. We heard her thoughts when she felt betrayed, embarrassed, ashamed, furious, heartbroken, aghast and finally, weary of heart and spirit.
Mrs. Bennet, her usual selfish attitude, was oblivious to what was going on right in front of her. Kitty was no better in this story. It was her actions that disturbed the pebble that started the avalanche in the first place. She was as insensitive to Mary and her feelings as Lydia would have been. How could she not see what she had done? And then to expect Mary to be OK with it.
I loved how Mary looked with new eyes at the relationships of her elder sisters. The Bingleys and the Darcys became her guide or pattern with which she wanted to base her own relationship upon. The fact that she had escaped to Pemberley reminded me of Mr. Knightly going to his brother. But his brother’s wife [Emma’s sister] reminded him too much of Emma. Mr. Darcy was Mary’s daily reminder of someone she was trying to escape. I thought that was a good comparison. The word descriptions were very detailed in this grief mode Mary was experiencing.
Even though this was based on Austen’s work, I couldn’t help but also see bits and pieces of Jane Eyre. This Mr. Farnsworth was so Rochester like as the tortured soul, gone from home a lot, and even when he was home, he roamed the countryside on his massive horse. His verbal abuse and verbal sparring with Mary was amusing and yet, we wondered at the sensual undertones. I figure the author wanted him to be more like Darcy; however, I kept seeing Rochester. Other examples: The daughter and the governess watching the dancing at a Netherfield house party from the shadows. The Lady Blanche Ingram wanna-be from London, boasting of her marriage plans for the master and laughing as she tells her intent to ship the children off to boarding schools. The speculation with the Meryton gossips that the master of Netherfield would soon marry. Mary stealthily escaping the house in the quiet of the night.
I really loved this story, I liked this Mary. She had depth of feeling we don’t usually see in her character.
December 28, 2015
I've never been too interested in Mary. She just isn't that likable. She's not as outrageously unlikable as Lydia or Kitty, but her character never appealed to me in the slightest. So why would I want to read a whole book that centered around her instead of Lizzy and (*swoon*) Mr. Darcy?
However, I happened to re-read THE DARCYS OF PEMBERLEY (for about the 4th time, I think), reminding me how gifted a writer Ms. Winslow is. She perfectly mimics Jane Austen's writing style, her characters, happily, are quite consistent with the originals, and her stories are creative and well executed. In looking for a new P&P book to purchase, I realized (for the first time) that RETURN TO LONGBOURN is actually a continuation of that sequel, just with a change in the point of view. I decided to give it a try even though I wasn't expecting to find Mary any more likable as a leading character, particularly if the character was as faithful to the original P&P as it had been previously.
Within the first couple of chapters, I realized how wrong I was. It turns out Mary's got a lot going for her, after all. She's still quite flawed - way too sanctimonious and judgmental at times - but the author masterfully explores the motivations for why she's that way and gives her opportunities to learn about herself and grow, much as Elizabeth did in the original P&P.
There are interesting plot developments reminiscent of the hallowed original P&P. You will probably end up figuring out who Mary is in love with long before she admits it to herself because of the similarities, but by no means is this the identical story with different leading characters.
I especially loved the unexpected marriage proposal and admit that it took me completely by surprise. Plenty of the story also included Lizzy and (*sigh*) Mr. D, who play central roles in the plot, and the other stalwart P&P characters appear, some only briefly (Lady Catherine, Col. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana), and others quite prominently (Kitty, Mrs. Bennet, Charlotte). The new characters introduced in this book are very well drawn and merge seamlessly into Ms. Austen's world.
However, I happened to re-read THE DARCYS OF PEMBERLEY (for about the 4th time, I think), reminding me how gifted a writer Ms. Winslow is. She perfectly mimics Jane Austen's writing style, her characters, happily, are quite consistent with the originals, and her stories are creative and well executed. In looking for a new P&P book to purchase, I realized (for the first time) that RETURN TO LONGBOURN is actually a continuation of that sequel, just with a change in the point of view. I decided to give it a try even though I wasn't expecting to find Mary any more likable as a leading character, particularly if the character was as faithful to the original P&P as it had been previously.
Within the first couple of chapters, I realized how wrong I was. It turns out Mary's got a lot going for her, after all. She's still quite flawed - way too sanctimonious and judgmental at times - but the author masterfully explores the motivations for why she's that way and gives her opportunities to learn about herself and grow, much as Elizabeth did in the original P&P.
There are interesting plot developments reminiscent of the hallowed original P&P. You will probably end up figuring out who Mary is in love with long before she admits it to herself because of the similarities, but by no means is this the identical story with different leading characters.
I especially loved the unexpected marriage proposal and admit that it took me completely by surprise. Plenty of the story also included Lizzy and (*sigh*) Mr. D, who play central roles in the plot, and the other stalwart P&P characters appear, some only briefly (Lady Catherine, Col. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana), and others quite prominently (Kitty, Mrs. Bennet, Charlotte). The new characters introduced in this book are very well drawn and merge seamlessly into Ms. Austen's world.
August 30, 2013
Parts of this imperfect but immensely worthwhile Pride and Prejudice sequel/spin-off are as authentically Austen-esque as I've ever been lucky enough to find. Like Austen's work, the joy isn't so much in the actual plot of the story the author is telling, but in how she's choosing to tell it. At many points, Shannon Winslow writes with the eminent elegance, wit, and sneakily profound insight of which Jane Austen herself would likely approve. I found the pacing a tad uneven: a couple of relationships seemed to move a little jarringly from "nice to meet you" to an extremely strong attachment that felt more told than actually shown and developed, and one could argue that not quite enough actually happened in the first half while a bit *too* much happened in the second. And I'm still oddly ambivalent about the person whom Mary ends up with at the end of the novel.
I was so enamored with the exquisite language and the opportunity to revisit with some of my favorite characters in the history of literature, though, that the above mild criticisms ceased to matter. This is a rich, spirited novel full of wish-I-could-write-like-that prose, sharp wit and keen perception.
I almost never muster up much (if any!) affection or enthusiasm for the many Austen sequels I've sampled, and can safely claim without hyperbole that this one was my very favorite. I'm off to read this author's The Darcy's of Pemberley with the expectation that it will also prove a happy exception to my general anti-sequel rule! Very highly recommended for fellow Jane-ites.
I was so enamored with the exquisite language and the opportunity to revisit with some of my favorite characters in the history of literature, though, that the above mild criticisms ceased to matter. This is a rich, spirited novel full of wish-I-could-write-like-that prose, sharp wit and keen perception.
I almost never muster up much (if any!) affection or enthusiasm for the many Austen sequels I've sampled, and can safely claim without hyperbole that this one was my very favorite. I'm off to read this author's The Darcy's of Pemberley with the expectation that it will also prove a happy exception to my general anti-sequel rule! Very highly recommended for fellow Jane-ites.
February 25, 2022
After reading Book One, I immediately began this second book. It is a wonderful continuation of the Darcys of Pemberley focusing on Mary especially, and Kitty somewhat. All of the other beloved characters from P&P are still there and it’s nice to see how Darcy and Elizabeth were still woven nicely into this story. One’s heart has to break for Mary at times, but she too finally gets her HEA. Mr. Farnsworth made me think of Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre at times. Very well written and I highly recommend it. Read Book One first.
February 25, 2022 - Audiobook
Another excellent and impressive narration by Marian Hussey.
February 25, 2022 - Audiobook
Another excellent and impressive narration by Marian Hussey.
January 6, 2014
Well written, but predictable as Mary Bennett is characterized much like Jane Eyre....
January 18, 2014
Poor Mary. Poor grim, severe, plain Mary. While reading Pride and Prejudice or watching a film adaptation of the book, I’m usually struck by the stark difference between Mary Bennett and her prettier and jollier sisters. We know what happens to Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia, and can assume that Kitty will probably find herself a soldier—but what about Mary? Winslow’s continuation of Pride and Prejudice answers that question in way that stays true to Austen’s characters but also brings in her own style. Mary is still somewhat severe, but she has grown into an accomplished young woman, who uses her rationality to take her future into her own hands. Mary is far more likeable and Winslow does a commendable job teasing out her character.
We learn from the start that Mr. Collins is dead, sending Mrs. Bennett into a tizzy over who the new heir, Mr. Collin’s brother Tristan, should marry. Mrs. Bennett believes Kitty to be the best option, but Kitty and Mary have other ideas. Through a series of misadventures, our heroines—as in any Austen novel—find happiness in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times when the storyline seemed to borrow more from Charlotte Bronte than Austen, but that is a minor critique. I’m usually wary of continuations of Austen’s books, as they may borrow too much or too little from the original work, but Winslow created a fine balance.
We learn from the start that Mr. Collins is dead, sending Mrs. Bennett into a tizzy over who the new heir, Mr. Collin’s brother Tristan, should marry. Mrs. Bennett believes Kitty to be the best option, but Kitty and Mary have other ideas. Through a series of misadventures, our heroines—as in any Austen novel—find happiness in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times when the storyline seemed to borrow more from Charlotte Bronte than Austen, but that is a minor critique. I’m usually wary of continuations of Austen’s books, as they may borrow too much or too little from the original work, but Winslow created a fine balance.
December 26, 2013
A fun story to read, enjoyed it but I thought the author tried to use too many quotations of Jane Austen and after a while I had enough. I don't see the need to quote Jane Austen if someone chooses to write a continuation of one of her novels.
July 25, 2025
I enjoyed this P&P continuation so much! It is a sequel to the Darcys of Pemberly. This book focuses on Mary Bennett (who is fast becoming my favorite Bennett sister). Mary's road to love had many twists and turns. It had me truly guessing who she would end up with....I was so happy to see her get her happy ending:) This author sounds so authentically like Jane Austen. I listened to this book on audible and love the narrator. I highly recommend this book!
April 30, 2019
It's been a while since I've an Austen related book and I have to say I actually enjoyed this onde a lot. I really liked this Mary Bennet and, while I think she could have been spared some heartbreak, I quite enjoyed her realising her true feelings. Some echoes of Jane Eyre here too...
April 13, 2022
A sequel to Pride and Prejudice where Mary Bennet is now in her late twenties, and with her sister Catherine they are still unmarried.
Mary has been working as a governess to the new family at Netherfield for four years. It starts with the death of Mr. Bennet and the arrival of the new heir Tristan Collins from America, (Mr William Collins having died). Will either of the sisters have a happy ending.
Will Mary continue to be happy as a governess or does she wish for love - this is her story.
A delightful and well-written sequel.
Mary has been working as a governess to the new family at Netherfield for four years. It starts with the death of Mr. Bennet and the arrival of the new heir Tristan Collins from America, (Mr William Collins having died). Will either of the sisters have a happy ending.
Will Mary continue to be happy as a governess or does she wish for love - this is her story.
A delightful and well-written sequel.
February 8, 2023
Wonderful!!! Can’t wait for more books by this author. I love that she is so true to the original story line. You get transported to that era into their lives. Loved it!
April 24, 2013
Mary Bennet. Is. An island. Or at least she tries to be... Growing up a home where she was continuously ignored, laughed at, and set down - Mary has built up defensive walls around herself. She prides herself on maintaing power over her emotions, of being impenetrable to the trials and trivialities that surround her. Instead of trying to prove herself as "the most accomplished girl in the neighborhood," Mary has spent the last couple of years achieving some independence by working as a governess to the new family living in Netherfield Park. But when her father passes away and the new owner of Longbourn comes to Meryton, Mary's hard-won composure and self-control is put to the test...
Squee!!! Mary Bennet is such an admirable and loveable heroine in this novel! Experience and serious self-evaluation has helped Mary lose some of her vanity and pride. Working with children and witnessing the blissful unions of her older sisters has softened her rigidity and self-righteousness. I simply loved this reverent and plausible development of Mary Bennet's character. Shannon Winslow did such an incredible job of maintaining the essence of the original Mary Bennet, yet at the same time, transforming her into a fully realized and fleshed-out heroine.
Here are some passages which perfectly display the emotional evolution Mary experiences in this novel:
"Despite her determination to remain cool-headed, uninvited emotions had instantly assailed her...she felt as if the combined pressure would burst her heart wide open, and it seemed impossible that her companions should remain unaware of her painful inner turmoil." - page 116
"In the past, she had been able to moralize over the infamous sins of others with superior self-satisfaction, both because she had maintained a degree of detachment from their plights, and because she had never been tempted to such behavior herself. Could she say the same now?" - page 257
One of my favorite aspects of The Darcys of Pemberley (book one in this series) was the original and well-drawn characters Shannon Winslow created, Ruth Sanditon and Mr. Sanditon. In Return to Longbourn, Ms. Winslow fashions two more engaging and intriguing characters - Tristan Collins, younger brother to William Collins and heir to Longbourn, and Harrison Farnsworth, the taciturn widower of Netherfield Park and Mary's employer. Both characters added some interesting drama, excitement, and romance to the story!
Another aspect of this novel that I was utterly delighted with was the subtle nods to Jane Eyre and Sense and Sensibility. With Mary as a governess, Mr. Farnsworth as an unpredictable and brooding master, and a large house party of fashionable friends I was often reminded of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre (one of my all-time faves). In addition, a story of two unwed, diverse sisters - one impulsive and emotional, the other practical and stoic - felt reminiscent of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. And Tristan Collins, a newly arrived bachelor whose charming facade hides some secrets, seemed to share some similarities with Willoughby!
As you might already guess by reading the above review, I loved Return to Longbourn and recommend it to all fans of Austenesque literature! Reverent, enthralling, and magnificent!
Squee!!! Mary Bennet is such an admirable and loveable heroine in this novel! Experience and serious self-evaluation has helped Mary lose some of her vanity and pride. Working with children and witnessing the blissful unions of her older sisters has softened her rigidity and self-righteousness. I simply loved this reverent and plausible development of Mary Bennet's character. Shannon Winslow did such an incredible job of maintaining the essence of the original Mary Bennet, yet at the same time, transforming her into a fully realized and fleshed-out heroine.
Here are some passages which perfectly display the emotional evolution Mary experiences in this novel:
"Despite her determination to remain cool-headed, uninvited emotions had instantly assailed her...she felt as if the combined pressure would burst her heart wide open, and it seemed impossible that her companions should remain unaware of her painful inner turmoil." - page 116
"In the past, she had been able to moralize over the infamous sins of others with superior self-satisfaction, both because she had maintained a degree of detachment from their plights, and because she had never been tempted to such behavior herself. Could she say the same now?" - page 257
One of my favorite aspects of The Darcys of Pemberley (book one in this series) was the original and well-drawn characters Shannon Winslow created, Ruth Sanditon and Mr. Sanditon. In Return to Longbourn, Ms. Winslow fashions two more engaging and intriguing characters - Tristan Collins, younger brother to William Collins and heir to Longbourn, and Harrison Farnsworth, the taciturn widower of Netherfield Park and Mary's employer. Both characters added some interesting drama, excitement, and romance to the story!
Another aspect of this novel that I was utterly delighted with was the subtle nods to Jane Eyre and Sense and Sensibility. With Mary as a governess, Mr. Farnsworth as an unpredictable and brooding master, and a large house party of fashionable friends I was often reminded of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre (one of my all-time faves). In addition, a story of two unwed, diverse sisters - one impulsive and emotional, the other practical and stoic - felt reminiscent of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. And Tristan Collins, a newly arrived bachelor whose charming facade hides some secrets, seemed to share some similarities with Willoughby!
As you might already guess by reading the above review, I loved Return to Longbourn and recommend it to all fans of Austenesque literature! Reverent, enthralling, and magnificent!
December 19, 2017
I loved how the author developed Mary's character and took us along for the ride as we witnessed Mary's innermost thoughts and revelations. Mary is not addressed by many authors in anything but an aside, i.e., "Oh, and Mary married a parson." Here we get to know Mary as a main character and how she is no longer on the sideline but a central figure in happenings after Mr. Bennet's death.
First, Mary takes action by obtaining employment as a governess. Even though she is not doomed to live in the hedgerows as her mother fears upon her father's death, Mary is not content to spend the rest of her days at her mother's beck and call nor being shuffled from one married sister to another to "be thrown into the path of other rich men". She takes employment which suits her disposition and talents. It was so touching to watch Mary form attachments with her young wards, to be able to make observations about their needs, their talents and their actions. And then to see how Mary determines the best way to address some of these, especially in speaking with their father as an intermediary.
Secondly, Mary is persuaded...no, forced into the same position such as we first witnessed with Elizabeth - to be pushed to put herself forward as a possible mate to the heir to Longbourn. In watching Mary's response to Mr. Tristan Collins, a totally acceptable man (unlike his brother), we are in suspense as to how this relationship is going to develop. Then, he goes off to Pemberley and meets Kitty who has taken refuge there, has hidden herself there because she expects Mr. Collins to be...well...Mr. Collins.
This book begins slowly but as details are supplied and events unfold we are drawn in, we learn to hope and yearn for Mary. We want a happy ending for her and REALLY - we are not sure which man might be best and on the other hand, if she is going to have any choice at all? Mary is not one to rock boats, she seems to accept events and to have a moral to each lesson. BUT in this story we find Mary is human too, with human feelings, with a need for acceptance and with a need for validation. I really like this Mary and I was very happy with her happily ever after.
And Mary is still practicing her piano...and, she is actually receiving some attention in this aspect of her life also...very interesting, my dear.
Well done, Shannon!
First, Mary takes action by obtaining employment as a governess. Even though she is not doomed to live in the hedgerows as her mother fears upon her father's death, Mary is not content to spend the rest of her days at her mother's beck and call nor being shuffled from one married sister to another to "be thrown into the path of other rich men". She takes employment which suits her disposition and talents. It was so touching to watch Mary form attachments with her young wards, to be able to make observations about their needs, their talents and their actions. And then to see how Mary determines the best way to address some of these, especially in speaking with their father as an intermediary.
Secondly, Mary is persuaded...no, forced into the same position such as we first witnessed with Elizabeth - to be pushed to put herself forward as a possible mate to the heir to Longbourn. In watching Mary's response to Mr. Tristan Collins, a totally acceptable man (unlike his brother), we are in suspense as to how this relationship is going to develop. Then, he goes off to Pemberley and meets Kitty who has taken refuge there, has hidden herself there because she expects Mr. Collins to be...well...Mr. Collins.
This book begins slowly but as details are supplied and events unfold we are drawn in, we learn to hope and yearn for Mary. We want a happy ending for her and REALLY - we are not sure which man might be best and on the other hand, if she is going to have any choice at all? Mary is not one to rock boats, she seems to accept events and to have a moral to each lesson. BUT in this story we find Mary is human too, with human feelings, with a need for acceptance and with a need for validation. I really like this Mary and I was very happy with her happily ever after.
And Mary is still practicing her piano...and, she is actually receiving some attention in this aspect of her life also...very interesting, my dear.
Well done, Shannon!
October 19, 2016
I am so cautious of P&P extended stories, but this spin-off was a nice surprise! It is the story of studious Mary Bennett and what paths open for her as she matures and exercises a mind of her own.
Mary is a governess to three children of widower Harrison Farnsworth. He can be rather domineering, but Mary sees that as a challenge and regularly speaks her mind. That’s not usual behavior for a governess, but she truly cares for the children and wants the best for them no matter what. (Very much like Maria did in The Sound of Music.) Mary has become delightfully gutsy!
Enter Tristan Collins, younger brother of P&P’s infamous Mr. Collins who has inherited Longbourn after the deaths of Mr. Bennett, and subsequently Mr. Collins. Unlike his annoying brother, Tristan is a welcome breath of fresh air for the widow, and noticeably very handsome to daughters Mary and Kitty. Tristan is in no hurry to expel Mrs. Bennett from their home. In fact, Mrs. Bennett, ever on the husband-hunt for her daughters sets her sights on him for flirtatious Kitty. Tristan, on the other hand, seems to be charming Mary. Maybe there’s hope for her…
I enjoyed this whole spin-off of Mary Bennett. Shannon Winslow had done an admirable job with a believable story in the same tone of Jane Austen’s Regency England. I never like my favorite P&P being tampered with, but a spin-off of one of the characters is acceptable as long as it is done in tribute and care. Shannon Winslow works hard at, and succeeds in my opinion. I will now read the third book…yeah, I know I’m reading them out of order but this is easily a stand alone if you are familiar with the Bennett family.
Well done, Shannon Winslow!
Mary is a governess to three children of widower Harrison Farnsworth. He can be rather domineering, but Mary sees that as a challenge and regularly speaks her mind. That’s not usual behavior for a governess, but she truly cares for the children and wants the best for them no matter what. (Very much like Maria did in The Sound of Music.) Mary has become delightfully gutsy!
Enter Tristan Collins, younger brother of P&P’s infamous Mr. Collins who has inherited Longbourn after the deaths of Mr. Bennett, and subsequently Mr. Collins. Unlike his annoying brother, Tristan is a welcome breath of fresh air for the widow, and noticeably very handsome to daughters Mary and Kitty. Tristan is in no hurry to expel Mrs. Bennett from their home. In fact, Mrs. Bennett, ever on the husband-hunt for her daughters sets her sights on him for flirtatious Kitty. Tristan, on the other hand, seems to be charming Mary. Maybe there’s hope for her…
I enjoyed this whole spin-off of Mary Bennett. Shannon Winslow had done an admirable job with a believable story in the same tone of Jane Austen’s Regency England. I never like my favorite P&P being tampered with, but a spin-off of one of the characters is acceptable as long as it is done in tribute and care. Shannon Winslow works hard at, and succeeds in my opinion. I will now read the third book…yeah, I know I’m reading them out of order but this is easily a stand alone if you are familiar with the Bennett family.
Well done, Shannon Winslow!
June 2, 2014
Pride and Prejudice Revisted
Pride and Prejudice Revisted
Another delightful tale of the Darcys, Bingleys, and their involvement in the lives of the younger sisters, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. True to the style of Jane Austin, Ms Winslow has envisioned their ongoing lives making what might have happened a true possibility. I definitely recommend this book and the prequel to those who desire to speculate on "the rest of the story."
Pride and Prejudice Revisted
Another delightful tale of the Darcys, Bingleys, and their involvement in the lives of the younger sisters, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. True to the style of Jane Austin, Ms Winslow has envisioned their ongoing lives making what might have happened a true possibility. I definitely recommend this book and the prequel to those who desire to speculate on "the rest of the story."
September 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - it did not read like "fan fiction" at all. The story felt very much like a natural continuation of "Pride and Prejudice". The characters may not be quite as witty, but the twists and turns in the plot are as clever as Jane Austen herself. I would definitely read more by this author and anyone who didn't want " Pride & Prejudice" to end will definitely like this book.
July 12, 2018
Whenever I read or watch Pride and Prejudice I never give much thought to Mary (one of Elizabeth's sisters) as she prefers to stay in the background. However, with this book I got to see her in a different light and I loved it. I love Mary Bennet. I connected with her in ways I never thought I could and she is now one of my favourite Bennet sisters!
I'm so happy this book exists. And I'm utterly sad I read it so quickly but it was addicting. Definitely recommend this one!
I'm so happy this book exists. And I'm utterly sad I read it so quickly but it was addicting. Definitely recommend this one!
November 24, 2015
3.95 stars. I really enjoyed it!
December 26, 2021
As I said after book 1, this is my favorite Austen-related new fiction. I especially enjoyed this book because I like reading about what could possibly happen to Mary Bennet after her sisters are married off. Mary, I think, got short shrift in "Pride and Prejudice" because the main characters covered most of the plotline. Mary is kind of comic relief, the less pretty, less socially adept sister. One of my pet peeves about TV and movie productions is that they show Mary as being a terrible pianist who embarrasses her family with her insistence on "showing off" in company. Actually, I remember Austen saying that Mary is a more competent performer than Elizabeth, but her playing lacks a lightness. Elizabeth is beautiful and charming, so people overlook her occasional mistakes. In this book, Mary has been working as a governess at Netherfield for some years. She has in her care three children that she has become attached to. Her employer, now a widower, is a dark and enigmatic man. The action, as before, travels from Longbourn to Netherfield to Pemberley. The writing is wonderful, the plot believable, and the characters endearing. Too bad this is the end of the story of the Bennet sisters. Kudos to the author.
September 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the style, I think Winslow did a great job reproducing the language of the time (please note that I am Italian, and even if my English is fluent I may not detect imperfections as an English native can do) and to recreate the atmosphere and the characters of Pride and Prejudice. Mrs Bennet is exactly as she should be, and extremely irritating, especially if you listen to the adiobook version as you feel like she's screaming right at you! :) This book is focused on Mary, the middle sister, who seems condemned to be a spinster as she's not pretty or charming like her sisters. An yet here she blossoms, revealing herself to be a strong, worthy, intelligent and modern woman, who works as a governess and likes her independence; who doesn't let others push her around even though she always knows her place.
I think Jane Austen would've liked this book and its portrait of Mary.
I think Jane Austen would've liked this book and its portrait of Mary.
August 5, 2018
I downloaded this book to audible without realizing that I was reading book 2 of a series. I listen to the whole thing and loved it but now it kind of makes sense that there were some parts the author was explaining that surprised me. Was the explanations it wasn't quite necessary to have read the first book but probably would have been helpful. I enjoyed the book immensely and loved the taste of Mary, even though when I started it I didn't remember that it was going to be about Mary and not Darcy and Elizabeth. It was nice to see her getting her moment to shine and her character being explained rather than just deemed silly. I think I will have to go back and read the first book at some point.
November 26, 2017
I chose to “binge” listen to this book as an audiobook on a Saturday when I wasn’t feeling very well and wanted a low-energy activity for the day. And this ended up being the main activity of my whole day. It was 10 hours, and I enjoyed it very much.
As a substitute for Austen, I don’t think that this story holds up to the sparkle, wit, and social commentary of the original “Pride and Prejudice.” However, as a sequel and fan-fiction, it was an inventive story that wove themes of P&P with other Austen works, and even included some Jane Eyre / Sound of Music qualities.
For those who love Austen and want a change from watching the 6 hour A&E P&P, this is a great alternative.
As a substitute for Austen, I don’t think that this story holds up to the sparkle, wit, and social commentary of the original “Pride and Prejudice.” However, as a sequel and fan-fiction, it was an inventive story that wove themes of P&P with other Austen works, and even included some Jane Eyre / Sound of Music qualities.
For those who love Austen and want a change from watching the 6 hour A&E P&P, this is a great alternative.
December 2, 2018
Well done!
Just when you thought you had things figured out, this story throws a curve at you. It was pleasantly surprising. Mary Bennett has a year (or more) of life changing experiences, that set her up for some unexpected changes in her outlook. She is forced to examine her own self righteous attitudes and find the humanity within. Ms. Winslow has done a good job of taking the drab character of Mary Bennett and infusing some drama into her life. This story ultimately feels like a cross between the Lizzy and Darcy romance, and the Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester romance.
Well written, with a minimum of errors in editing.
Just when you thought you had things figured out, this story throws a curve at you. It was pleasantly surprising. Mary Bennett has a year (or more) of life changing experiences, that set her up for some unexpected changes in her outlook. She is forced to examine her own self righteous attitudes and find the humanity within. Ms. Winslow has done a good job of taking the drab character of Mary Bennett and infusing some drama into her life. This story ultimately feels like a cross between the Lizzy and Darcy romance, and the Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester romance.
Well written, with a minimum of errors in editing.
May 10, 2024
I thought this book was good and I was glad to see that Mary got her turn to be in the spotlight. After watching the movie with Kiera Knightly, I thought that Mary was portrayed as someone not unwilling to marry the ridiculous Mr. Collins. From the book, I think the author felt the same.
I recognized quotes from P&P, but the author acknowledges this and it helped to keep the personalities of the characters the same from the original story.
I think Jane Austen would not disapprove of this writing and I suspect there are a good many of us who wished Ms. Austen had written a sequel to P&P, so this will have to do.
I recognized quotes from P&P, but the author acknowledges this and it helped to keep the personalities of the characters the same from the original story.
I think Jane Austen would not disapprove of this writing and I suspect there are a good many of us who wished Ms. Austen had written a sequel to P&P, so this will have to do.
October 13, 2025
*3.5 stars* Are we sure this was written by the same author who wrote book 1? Not only did I not spend the whole time wanting to leap out of a carriage, but I….enjoyed reading it. Maybe because I see myself in Mary, maybe because Elizabeth and Darcy were cast aside as supporting characters, or it’s pro-faith and family without being overtly moralizing, or maybe just because this time there was an actual plot - whatever the reason, thank goodness.
If I were to do go back in time, I would completely skip book 1 and start with this one. Book 1 is not necessary to understand this one and you’ll save yourself a lot of vomit-inducing dialogue between the Darcy’s.
If I were to do go back in time, I would completely skip book 1 and start with this one. Book 1 is not necessary to understand this one and you’ll save yourself a lot of vomit-inducing dialogue between the Darcy’s.
September 13, 2018
At first i was reluctant to read this novella because mary bennet was never my favorite bennet. But i liked the darcys of pemberley and shannon winslow as a writer so i gave it a go. The first six chapters i wasnt that impressed with mary bennet and at times i thought maybe it was a jane eyre novella instead of a pride and prejudice novella. But as i read on i started to like mary and see that all of her self-righteous, moralizing ways was just a front for a lack of confidence and self esteem. Overall i would recommend this book.
April 29, 2019
I ordered this book because I enjoyed The Darcys of Pemberley, and it did not disappoint! This book focuses on Mary Bennet, who is a governess (by choice) for the Farnsworth family at Netherfield. Early on, Mr. Bennet dies, and Mary, Kitty, and Mrs. Bennet are in a bit of an upheaval because Longbourn now falls to Tristan Collins (Mr. Collins' brother) because of the entail. Throughout the story, we see Mary struggling with her position at Netherfield, her feelings for her cousin, and a horrible accident. The ending is a bit predictable, but I enjoyed the story just the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2021
I am not a "Jane-ite"; in fact (dare I admit it?) I have never read Pride and Prejudice. But I found Return to Longbourne quite charming. Shannon Winslow writes in period prose, but with a flowing and confident style that doesn't seem forced. I thoroughly enjoyed her turn of phrase and development of characters, and am now thinking that I need to read the original fount from which these sequels flow. Thanks for nudging me along, Shannon, with your really fun writing!
December 19, 2021
I'm always a fan of a good Mary Bennett variation. While not my favorite (that would be The Other Bennett Sister), this variation provided a satisfying extension to Mary's story. It was not quite my favorite in the series, mostly because I found the final resolution of the romance plot to be a rather strong turnaround from how it began.
July 5, 2023
Great Mary Bennet Story Line
I appreciated this version of Mary’s life after her sisters married and how she came into her own. I felt that the story line also kept the spirit of Jane Austen in her later years with Mary marrying at an older age, to a gentleman older than herself with his own children already.
I appreciated this version of Mary’s life after her sisters married and how she came into her own. I felt that the story line also kept the spirit of Jane Austen in her later years with Mary marrying at an older age, to a gentleman older than herself with his own children already.
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