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The Keeper: Mary Bennet's Extraordinary Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Laraba Kendig, author of The Longbourn Inheritance says of The Keeper:A delightful journey through time as Mary Bennet, the ‘plain’ sister from Jane Austen’s immortal ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ is made Keeper of a magical wardrobe. A powerful read.
As Meryton burns, a new character is forged and refined. Love ignites in the fiery ashes and smolders until the couple can be reunited.
Mary Bennet spent her life fighting to be herself. If only she knew what that was. For years, trying to be exceptional, she buried her nose in the fusty musings of Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. With Jane and Elizabeth wed and gone, Mary must find her way as Longbourn’s eldest daughter.
A young woman of deep faith and inquisitive mind waits to unfurl her wings. Even as Miss Bennet overcomes her troubled adolescence, a mysterious man appears on the night of a great calamity. His secret—and her love—grows from a magical cabinet—the Bennet Wardrobe!
About the Bennet Wardrobe Series: The Wardrobe sends Bennets on time travels where they can learn what they must. Explore how the Bennet sisters’ love stories echo through time in all eight books. A Time Travel Pride and Prejudice Variation.
Some doors open to cloaks and bonnets, others to unknown futures.
This full-length novel contains a few scenes of physical and sexual violence.
Readers rank The Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey Five Stars
Rita blogs in “From Pemberley to Milton”:
The Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey is a captivating novel which is so different from anything ever written in the genre, that it occupied a place that was unexplored until this moment. I hope this is a trend that came to stay because it is indeed compelling, fresh and stimulating.
I highly recommend this book to readers who want something a little different than usual and that will stimulate them as readers. This is not the average JAFF book, and the author was able to think outside of the box, so if you’re looking for something that differs from the regular boring plot while following the entire Bennet family’s story, this is the book for you.
LisaMarie 137 writes of The
Mary was a character I felt had been mostly skipped over or mocked in P&P, so the idea of her getting her own story was intriguing. To have her get such an adventure was even better! Once the story got past the world establishment, it just keeps moving constantly. It was a story I just couldn't stop until I had finished it! Looking forward to more in the series!
A Careful Reader comments about Volume One of the Wardrobe
I absolutely love all of Don Jacobson‘s books. He combines excellent narrative skills and description with interesting speculative fiction. As a historian, he adds wonderful historical detail. Also an exciting narrative. Looking forward to more titles.
As Meryton burns, a new character is forged and refined. Love ignites in the fiery ashes and smolders until the couple can be reunited.
Mary Bennet spent her life fighting to be herself. If only she knew what that was. For years, trying to be exceptional, she buried her nose in the fusty musings of Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. With Jane and Elizabeth wed and gone, Mary must find her way as Longbourn’s eldest daughter.
A young woman of deep faith and inquisitive mind waits to unfurl her wings. Even as Miss Bennet overcomes her troubled adolescence, a mysterious man appears on the night of a great calamity. His secret—and her love—grows from a magical cabinet—the Bennet Wardrobe!
About the Bennet Wardrobe Series: The Wardrobe sends Bennets on time travels where they can learn what they must. Explore how the Bennet sisters’ love stories echo through time in all eight books. A Time Travel Pride and Prejudice Variation.
Some doors open to cloaks and bonnets, others to unknown futures.
This full-length novel contains a few scenes of physical and sexual violence.
Readers rank The Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey Five Stars
Rita blogs in “From Pemberley to Milton”:
The Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey is a captivating novel which is so different from anything ever written in the genre, that it occupied a place that was unexplored until this moment. I hope this is a trend that came to stay because it is indeed compelling, fresh and stimulating.
I highly recommend this book to readers who want something a little different than usual and that will stimulate them as readers. This is not the average JAFF book, and the author was able to think outside of the box, so if you’re looking for something that differs from the regular boring plot while following the entire Bennet family’s story, this is the book for you.
LisaMarie 137 writes of The
Mary was a character I felt had been mostly skipped over or mocked in P&P, so the idea of her getting her own story was intriguing. To have her get such an adventure was even better! Once the story got past the world establishment, it just keeps moving constantly. It was a story I just couldn't stop until I had finished it! Looking forward to more in the series!
A Careful Reader comments about Volume One of the Wardrobe
I absolutely love all of Don Jacobson‘s books. He combines excellent narrative skills and description with interesting speculative fiction. As a historian, he adds wonderful historical detail. Also an exciting narrative. Looking forward to more titles.
- GenresFantasy
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2023
64 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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June 27, 2024There are books that come along and seem imbued with magic. Whether it is the world of the story, the characters, the connections between characters, or just that little something extra, there is magic. Now, wasn't I pleasantly surprised when The Keeper turned out to be something of all this and had actual time-travel magic for good measure.
The Bennet Wardrobe much in the spirit of other great literary means of magical travel offers one family an opportunity to experience the world of the future just by making a wish and stepping forward. There are regulations and it all isn't roses and unicorns just because they can sally forth into the future through their magical wardrobe. Quite the possibilities, though...
In essence, this first book had the ponderous job of introducing the reader to a new world, the characters, and bring home a solid story. The Keeper managed to do all these things. It took a bit to get going as it wove through the history of the wardrobe and set up the family situation for the moment the heroine appeared on the scene. It was something of a telling rather than showing in the early pages, but I didn't mind. It suited things to bring over a hundred years of history and the backdrop together in this way and I was still able to emotionally connect and, yes, gulp back a few tears for some of the sorrows of the past.
Once, Mary Bennet that more obscure and pedantic third Bennet daughter of Pride & Prejudice fame entered stage left, I was fully engaged with the story. I've always had a soft spot for our Mary so I enjoyed seeing the duckling to swan routine take place before my eyes as Mary finds herself and settles comfortably in her own skin and within her own family.
The timing of this one when it becomes Mary's story is right after the events of Austen's Pride & Prejudice so its something of a sequel variation. There are a blend of Austen's characters and the author's original ones. The author's take on Austen's characters are rather original without going too far so that I couldn't recognize them. I loved that balance. There is a blend of sequel story taking the reader through the events of lives living the events of history in Napoleonic then Industrial Revolution era England. Historic details are there and added flavor and color to the setting without taking over and distracting from the plot.
There are plenty of pages to The Keeper that allow for the narration to develop not only the story of the family legacy with the Wardrobe and Mary, herself, but further to the whole family and its extending connections into a family saga.
I enjoyed the time of Mary making her own family connections for the first time, particularly as a daughter with her father and then strengthening her relationship with sisters and friends. Her epiphany moment on top of Oakham Mount was marvelous and so her remaking was believable as was the woman who emerged from then on. She has a romance that stays in the background as she matures into a woman of inner strength and beauty while pondering the secret her Edward is keeping. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and for others. Mary taking on Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins was a particularly triumphant. And speaking of that pair? They gave me the heebie jeebies like a good villain will do.
As I said, this felt more like a family saga and it most certainly was the foundation story to launch a series. Mary's story is there, but other stories are more than hinted at. I look forward to getting each of those fascinating younger Bennet sister's stories. I was taken with the blend of magical time travel and Austenesque sequel. The Keeper was engaging, emotionally touching, and well-written making me eager to push forward with what comes next. I can heartily recommend this book to those who love a little magic and a good grasp of historical context in their Austenesque.
The Bennet Wardrobe much in the spirit of other great literary means of magical travel offers one family an opportunity to experience the world of the future just by making a wish and stepping forward. There are regulations and it all isn't roses and unicorns just because they can sally forth into the future through their magical wardrobe. Quite the possibilities, though...
In essence, this first book had the ponderous job of introducing the reader to a new world, the characters, and bring home a solid story. The Keeper managed to do all these things. It took a bit to get going as it wove through the history of the wardrobe and set up the family situation for the moment the heroine appeared on the scene. It was something of a telling rather than showing in the early pages, but I didn't mind. It suited things to bring over a hundred years of history and the backdrop together in this way and I was still able to emotionally connect and, yes, gulp back a few tears for some of the sorrows of the past.
Once, Mary Bennet that more obscure and pedantic third Bennet daughter of Pride & Prejudice fame entered stage left, I was fully engaged with the story. I've always had a soft spot for our Mary so I enjoyed seeing the duckling to swan routine take place before my eyes as Mary finds herself and settles comfortably in her own skin and within her own family.
The timing of this one when it becomes Mary's story is right after the events of Austen's Pride & Prejudice so its something of a sequel variation. There are a blend of Austen's characters and the author's original ones. The author's take on Austen's characters are rather original without going too far so that I couldn't recognize them. I loved that balance. There is a blend of sequel story taking the reader through the events of lives living the events of history in Napoleonic then Industrial Revolution era England. Historic details are there and added flavor and color to the setting without taking over and distracting from the plot.
There are plenty of pages to The Keeper that allow for the narration to develop not only the story of the family legacy with the Wardrobe and Mary, herself, but further to the whole family and its extending connections into a family saga.
I enjoyed the time of Mary making her own family connections for the first time, particularly as a daughter with her father and then strengthening her relationship with sisters and friends. Her epiphany moment on top of Oakham Mount was marvelous and so her remaking was believable as was the woman who emerged from then on. She has a romance that stays in the background as she matures into a woman of inner strength and beauty while pondering the secret her Edward is keeping. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and for others. Mary taking on Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins was a particularly triumphant. And speaking of that pair? They gave me the heebie jeebies like a good villain will do.
As I said, this felt more like a family saga and it most certainly was the foundation story to launch a series. Mary's story is there, but other stories are more than hinted at. I look forward to getting each of those fascinating younger Bennet sister's stories. I was taken with the blend of magical time travel and Austenesque sequel. The Keeper was engaging, emotionally touching, and well-written making me eager to push forward with what comes next. I can heartily recommend this book to those who love a little magic and a good grasp of historical context in their Austenesque.
August 31, 2025
This was not my thing, which was the point of my reading it. I won a copy from the author a couple of years ago and continually felt guilty for not reading it. I am a devoted Darcy and Elizabeth fan, and rarely read secondary character P&P variations. This, however, was excellent. I read and listened in combination.
The Keeper is a fantasy variation, giving Mary center stage. The Bennets are the keepers of a wardrobe that provides them a means of time travel. As each Bennet in turn reaches their majority, they are provided information about the wardrobe, and it is Mary’s turn. Mr. Bennet is the current keeper, but is aware he will need to name a successor before he dies. Mr. Collins, who will inherit Longbourn, is unacceptable. Mary accepts the challenge to become the next keeper.
Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as Jane and Bingley, play very minor, however important, supportive roles. Kitty stumbles upon the wardrobe’s capabilities accidentally, thus also plays a minor, supportive role. Along with Mary, Lydia comes forward. As money has no longer become an issue for them, all of the characters take on the important issues of the day to serve the world. All of this combined leads to love, adventure, new characters, and historical connections.
I strongly recommend this variation and look forward to the next in the series. Thank you, Don.
Ps. I forgot to mention that Amanda Berry did an amazing job narrating the audio book.
The Keeper is a fantasy variation, giving Mary center stage. The Bennets are the keepers of a wardrobe that provides them a means of time travel. As each Bennet in turn reaches their majority, they are provided information about the wardrobe, and it is Mary’s turn. Mr. Bennet is the current keeper, but is aware he will need to name a successor before he dies. Mr. Collins, who will inherit Longbourn, is unacceptable. Mary accepts the challenge to become the next keeper.
Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as Jane and Bingley, play very minor, however important, supportive roles. Kitty stumbles upon the wardrobe’s capabilities accidentally, thus also plays a minor, supportive role. Along with Mary, Lydia comes forward. As money has no longer become an issue for them, all of the characters take on the important issues of the day to serve the world. All of this combined leads to love, adventure, new characters, and historical connections.
I strongly recommend this variation and look forward to the next in the series. Thank you, Don.
Ps. I forgot to mention that Amanda Berry did an amazing job narrating the audio book.
June 6, 2025
Very intriguing story. The Bennets receive a wardrobe with an interesting attribute. It can transport any person of Bennet blood into the future to a time that has something they need.
Christopher Bennet commissions a wardrobe to be built by a master craftsman and when it is delivered it’s more than he expected. He is also given a specific set of rules by which the wardrobe can be used by a Bennet of blood relation and no other. There must always be a keeper of the wardrobe in each generation in order that Bennets will always know of the wardrobe’s ability when they reach their majority and so that Bennets who make use of it will have their way eased when they arrive in the future. In her generation, after Jane and Elizabeth are married, Mr Bennet passes the wardrobe into Mary’s keeping.
What follows is a time twisting adventure where some Bennets are out of their time. They may return to the exact moment they left, although the aging process continues in the future, or stay in the future, again with certain rules that bind them.
This is a book much easier read than explained. I had it on a back burner for a long time until I read the author’s sub stack about why he wrote this series and included an excerpt from one of the books. It’s an amazing book, loaded with historical context and well-researched. I’m glad I finally read it and I highly recommend it.
Christopher Bennet commissions a wardrobe to be built by a master craftsman and when it is delivered it’s more than he expected. He is also given a specific set of rules by which the wardrobe can be used by a Bennet of blood relation and no other. There must always be a keeper of the wardrobe in each generation in order that Bennets will always know of the wardrobe’s ability when they reach their majority and so that Bennets who make use of it will have their way eased when they arrive in the future. In her generation, after Jane and Elizabeth are married, Mr Bennet passes the wardrobe into Mary’s keeping.
What follows is a time twisting adventure where some Bennets are out of their time. They may return to the exact moment they left, although the aging process continues in the future, or stay in the future, again with certain rules that bind them.
This is a book much easier read than explained. I had it on a back burner for a long time until I read the author’s sub stack about why he wrote this series and included an excerpt from one of the books. It’s an amazing book, loaded with historical context and well-researched. I’m glad I finally read it and I highly recommend it.
August 30, 2023
Mary’s extraordinary journey was indeed extraordinary! This, the first book of the Bennet Wardrobe Series was a wonderful introduction to the Bennet Wardrobe story lines of the Darcy’s, Bingleys, Gardiners, Bennet’s And Fitzwilliam’s families, through the story which was full of drama, intrigue, happiness, sadness and yet it held so much promise of more to come.
Don Jacobsen brings the families through his story telling and Amanda Berry’s narration (in the audiobook version), makes the many beloved characters not only come to life, but make them true friends for every listener and reader of this series.
To follow each sister of the Bennet family, this time Mary, and a little of Lydia, was like finding missing friends, and also learning about a character who many readers know little of, from Austen’s original book.
I was also very pleased to follow Mary, and her way to the love of Edward and the future through her position of Keeper of the Wardrobe.
Don Jacobsen brings the families through his story telling and Amanda Berry’s narration (in the audiobook version), makes the many beloved characters not only come to life, but make them true friends for every listener and reader of this series.
To follow each sister of the Bennet family, this time Mary, and a little of Lydia, was like finding missing friends, and also learning about a character who many readers know little of, from Austen’s original book.
I was also very pleased to follow Mary, and her way to the love of Edward and the future through her position of Keeper of the Wardrobe.
May 12, 2025
I received the audiobook for free for signing up for the authors news letter.
I started this audio several times and stopped again. Finally I listened to all of it, but it didn't really have my full attention all the time.
I find that the author is a skilled writer, and have liked his books previously. I can't point a finger to, why this one didn't catch my attention.
Normally I prefer Darcy and Elizabeth centered stories, but I always like that Mary get a good part. I always felt, that she hard a very hard lot being the plainest and the middle sister with no best friend.
I started this audio several times and stopped again. Finally I listened to all of it, but it didn't really have my full attention all the time.
I find that the author is a skilled writer, and have liked his books previously. I can't point a finger to, why this one didn't catch my attention.
Normally I prefer Darcy and Elizabeth centered stories, but I always like that Mary get a good part. I always felt, that she hard a very hard lot being the plainest and the middle sister with no best friend.
November 21, 2024
This is a very awe inspiring book. Mix up Lewis's Wardrobe with Dr Who, magic and pur history!
A beautiful mix and circle it with the wonderful characters from Jane Austen. Add the morals values and life styles...pure love!
This is my second read through. Read years ago. Still as amazing. Love Don's writing skills.
A beautiful mix and circle it with the wonderful characters from Jane Austen. Add the morals values and life styles...pure love!
This is my second read through. Read years ago. Still as amazing. Love Don's writing skills.
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September 13, 2024Where is the progress tracker?
May 1, 2025
Book 1 sets the stage
This first book in the series has set the stage and I’m looking forward to seeing what was hinting at and the stories that come from it.
This first book in the series has set the stage and I’m looking forward to seeing what was hinting at and the stories that come from it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews