For the readers looking for short, sweet, and quick dive into our dear couple's journey to their happily ever after, here are two Pride and Prejudice variation
Mr Bingley Lends A Hand - When Darcy wrote that infamous letter at Rosings to Elizabeth he said thus of his actions in separating Bingley and Jane - 'Although my motives may seem insufficient to you, I have not yet learned to condemn them'. But what if it so happened that Darcy does learn to condemn his actions very soon and makes amends. And what if Mr. Bingley then decides to return the favour?
In Mr Darcy's Shoes - What if it so happened that while staying at Netherfield Park to tend to her sister Jane, Elizabeth Bennet learns, to her horror, that the arrogant and disagreeable Mr. Darcy is her soul mate? In her distress, she seeks help of the only relative who could help her in this matter - her grandmother. The only problem is that her grandmother is long dead, and when she does come to help Elizabeth, she makes Elizabeth walk in Mr. Darcy's shoes in order to learn why he behaves the way he does, and that perhaps he is indeed her soul mate?
A delightful, sweet, chaste, and romantic collection of two novelettes. In the first, Mr Bingley plays the Matchmaker, and in the second Elizabeth has a soulmark. Heartily recommend.
A delightful, sweet, chaste, and romantic collection of two novelettes. In the first, Mr Bingley plays the Matchmaker, and in the second Elizabeth has a soulmark. Heartily recommend.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Rating: Clean but one scene had a slight hint of impropriety, but nothing descriptive. The only violence was someone receiving a pinch. Angst Level: slight as the reader wondered what was happening. Source: Borrowed from KU [8-15-23] with no expectations of a review. I volunteered to provide my thoughts and opinions on this work. I first read excerpts on the forums and enjoyed it. I was happy to see the completed work published. Fan Points: I seriously needed a new fan! It’s a good thing I bought one the other day. Whew! I was nearly without a fan. Disaster avoided. Whew! Cover Art: Look at that cover. The color is perfect and that lady was a delightful choice. Trope: [1] paranormal fantasy [2] soulmate
“Mr. Darcy… cannot… be… my… soul mate!” quote from the book
This was adorable and so swoon-worthy. Two short stories in one book. Fan points! Heavy sigh. The cover art was fabulous and so pretty. I loved both stories as the author had posted several chapters on the forums. I enjoyed the paranormal trope where one or both of Austen’s couple demonstrated a bit of power. The soulmate trope was especially fun as ODC worked out their differences and tried to understand what was happening. This was so much fun.
Story two was a tiny bit of paranormal fantasy where Elizabeth could communicate with her deceased grandmother. Lizzy had seen a mark on Darcy’s arm and was shocked to realize it matched a mark she also had. Lizzy was horrified when her grandmother confirmed that Mr. Darcy was, in fact, her soulmate. Grandmama then helped her to understand Mr. Darcy better by allowing her to walk in his shoes [literally] during several poignant episodes in his life. You know the ones and a few extra were added for good measure. They were well done and I even fell in love with Mr. Darcy all over again. Heavy sigh.
Having just completed reading this compilation, I am smiling as I leave this review. The first story is four chapters long, including the epilogue. Taking place after the canon Hunsford proposal, this tale is a 'what if' of Darcy immediately trying to remedy his interference with Bingley and Jane. This is a quick and sweet story where Jane and Bingley, in turn, try to help out Darcy with his HEA. The second story is ten chapters long. This tale starts while Jane is ill at Netherfield Park. With her ghostly grandmother as guide, Elizabeth gets to visit points in Darcy's past to understand his behaviour (a salute to A Christmas Carol). On the path to fulfilling their roles as each other's solemate/soulmate, Ms Neha's wonderful writing and sparkling dialogue elicited plentiful laughs from me. I really enjoyed reading ODC's interactions. Like her other stories, I highly recommend these novelettes.
Mr Bingley Lends a Hand: as the short story description tells us, Darcy (after the Hunsford proposal during which he learns his opinion is mistaken as to Jane’s love for Bingley) makes amends and not only tells Bingley of his error but also accompanies him when he goes to the Gardiners’ house with his apology and request for a second chance. Subsequent conversations reveal to Bingley Darcy’s feelings about Elizabeth. So, Charles returns the favor and helps Darcy find opportunities to be in Elizabeth’s company.
Page 41 to page 155: In Mr Darcy’s Shoes: While staying at Netherfield with Jane, Elizabeth is horrified to discover that Mr. Darcy has a strawberry mark identical to her own. Her dead grandmother appears to her and makes her “walk in his shoes”, taking her back in time to several separate events in his life which show his true character. Now realizing the true reasons for his behaviors and also knowing that, indeed, they are soul mates, Elizabeth seeks to get to know him better. Darcy also learns more about Elizabeth, her family and her acquaintances and how his attitude has been noted. Mr. Bennet benefits from Grandmama’s having Elizabeth remind him of his promise to his mother, as he adjusts his attitude and treatment of his wife and also looks at his younger daughters’ behavior with more attention to bringing them in line as to what is proper.
two novelettes in one book that are delightful to read.. I wasn’t too sure whether or not to choose it, but I did and I am glad that I did.. this first one is good, but the second it my favorite.. well worth the read and I will be keeping this one on my library.
a couple of grammatical errors but I usually don’t focus on it, I can read through them and not let it detract me from enjoying the story.
this was the first book I have read from this author and I will look for others if they happen to have more.
I greatly enjoyed these tales where romance is the main character. In the first, Mr. Bingley is the hero and the second is an interesting twist on the soul mate mark. Highly recommended!
The first story was short and sweet. The second, longer story held my attention to the delightful end. I've read haunting variations before but this one stood out for me and I really liked it
The book If it so happened by S. Neha includes two stories, Mr Bingley lends a hand and In Mr Darcy's shoes. Both are very well written and really lovely.
Mr Bingley lends a hand: Returning from Hundsford after he proposed to Elizabeth, Darcy recognises his fault in interfering in Bingley's affairs. To make amends he tells Bingley about his role in separating him and Jane. Bingley is determined to renew his acquaintance with Jane but he also notes that Darcy is somehow distressed. After visiting the Bennet sisters at her uncle's house he is sure that there has something occurred between his friend Darcy and Elizabeth. To help his friend he arranges an opportunity for them to solve their misunderstandings. Will Bingley's scheme be successful? Is there even a chance for love after Elizabeth rejected Darcy?
I like that story Bingley takes mattes in his own hand after hearing of Darcy's interference and that he forgives his friend and even tries to help him to clear his misunderstandings with Elizabeth. Darcy on his part acknowledges his unjustified interference in Bingley's affairs. Agreeing with Elizabeth that it was badly done one of the main points of Elizabeth's rejection is gone and they can take a step towards one another. Elizabeth has now the opportunity to put her prejudice aside and discover the "real" Darcy.
In Mr Darcy's shoes: While staying at Netherfield to tend to her ill sister, Elizabeth discovers that Darcy has an identical soul mark, this means he is her soul mate and they need to marry. But Elizabeth does not like the haughty gentleman and is heartbroken. Her dead grandmother who also had a soul mark comes to her assistance. She makes Elizabeth walk in Mr Darcy's shoes so that Elizabeth is abel to understand Darcy's behaviour better. But can visiting Darcy's past with her grandmother change Elizabeth's point of view? Will she be able to accept that Darcy is her soul mate and seek to form an happy alliance with him?
I like the idea that Darcy and Elizabeth are designed to marry each other and don't have a choice. They are forced to clear their misunderstandings because otherwise they will have an unhappy alliance. In this story Elizabeth's dead grandmother has a means to make Elizabeth understand Darcy better. She gets some glimpses of Darcy's past which formed his character. These events are a great explanation for Darcy's behaviour und could have very well occured before the original the way the author describes them.
I like that after her excursion in Darcy's past Elizabeth soften to Darcy and is able to see him in a better light. She is now curious to know him better and they both form a lovely relationship and are very much at ease (my favourite scene: both giggling at the ball 😉). I like the way their relationship develops, I had such a warm feeling while reading it. In my opinion they experience a perfect courtship.
I highly recommend this book.
If you like a scheming Bingley and some supernatural help for our dear couple you should definitely read this lovely book. It is on KU.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntary leaving a review.
Two novellas: Mr Bingley Lends A Hand and In Mr Darcy's Shoes. Both are light, amusing, and wonderfully romantic. The first novella starts after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage. Darcy and Elizabeth are back in London. Elizabeth is having regrets, not about refusing Darcy's offensive proposal, but about the cruel way in which she rejected him. Darcy has come to grips with the fact that he needs to make some changes in himself, and he starts by informing Bingley that Jane Bennett is in love with him. Bingley wastes no time, pursues Jane at the Gardiner's home, and eventually realizes that Darcy is interested in Elizabeth. Bingley makes it his mission to facilitate the reunion of Darcy and Elizabeth, and Jane gets into the act also.
The next story is about Elizabeth's ability to communicate with her Grandmother Bennett's ghost. While Elizabeth is at Netherfield nursing Jane, she discovers that Darcy has a "soul mark" identical to her own, which indicates that Darcy is her intended. Elizabeth has no very good opinion of Darcy, so she doesn't want to accept this. Grandmother Bennett's ghost takes Elizabeth on a journey, sort of like in Dickens "A Christmas Carol," so that Elizabeth can see for herself why Darcy is the way he is.
This author has a superb sense of humor, and is a master of witty banter. Both stories are filled with lots of lovely romance. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an amusing, interesting, and pleasant way to pass some time.
I could have kept reading. I loved both stories. The first was the shorter and I wanted to just hug FD. The second story was just so wonderful I didn’t want it to end. I just wanted more….
So far there has not been a story by S. Neha that I have not enjoyed(please excuse the double negative). I am always waiting for the next.
Two sweet fairy tales/variations that rvery JAFF would definitley enjoy
The first story in this variation is a short but sweet tale of a what if Mr. Bingley saw his friend’s regard for his beloved’s closest sister and actually acts to give Mr. Darcy assistance in wooing and winning Elizabeth Bennet’s heart. The story is so brief that one would think this is merely as bonus story meant to sweeten this variation.
The second more lengthy story is truly a fairy tale conpke tree with a fairy Grandmother and a chance for Elizabeth to see the ghost fo Darcy’s past. Elizabeth’s experience makes her see the the true nature of the seemingly haughty and arrogant master of Pemberley, and even falls in love with him before they actually get to know each other. This also features a soulmark, this reader believed have been made pooular by another JAFF Elizabeth Adams in her “Meet your Mark”.
Highly recommended for those who appreicate sweet, less to no-angst variations that are short enough for the busy body.
Two stories completely different. Low angst and sweet. The soul mark story (I'm a sucker for those) was very imaginative. Always wonderful to see the vulnerable side of Darcy and an Elizabeth that isn't always to stubborn.
I enjoyed both books they were very good and really well written. I found that I just could not put it down so 2am in the morning I finally put my book down to write this review.
In the first, we find Bingley, while still his usual exuberant self, takes a stand and steps up to help out his friend Darcy to find his own happy ever after.
In the second, we have a light-fantasy aspect to it, with inherited soul marks and communication with a dearly departed. Elizabeth learns to fall in love with Darcy after getting the opportunity to see his past from his perspective.
The author does a great job bringing out the little nuances between the different characters and the couples.
I adored both of them and will definitely add them to my reread pile.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.
This is a collection of two stories. Both are nice but so brief they may feel a bit rushed at times.
The first story has Bingley realizing that Darcy has a tendre for Elizabeth and he makes opportunities for them to meet. The second one combines a soulmark story with a bit of Ghost of Christmas Past. Elizabeth is appalled when she sees that Darcy's soulmark matches hers. Apparently this is something that runs in the Bennet family but I don't think he has realized that it is a soulmark at that point. Her grandmother's ghost helps her see scenes of Darcy's past that portray him in a better, kinder light, and this creates the way to a better understanding between the two.
A pair of novelettes, cute and sweet. Mr. Bingley Lends A Hand - When Darcy corrects his mistake about Jane's affection for Bingley and brings them back together, the latter contrives to repay the kindness. All it takes is a carriage ride in Hyde Park.
In Mr Darcy's Shoes - A fantasy tale, in which Elizabeth discovers that she and Darcy share a soul mark. Horrified that the man she loathes is destined for her, she turns to her deceased grandmother for help. Granny takes Elizabeth to incidences in Darcy's past, in order to understand his behavior.
I thoroughly enjoyed these two stories, they were light but fascinating, a little out of character but not a lot. I imagine Darcy would never giggle at a ball, but he might in a lighter mood and with Lizzy tempting him give in to a light chuckle. Excellent read.