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A Bouquet of Bennets, Mary's Story
A Bouquet of Bennets is a five book series in which each of the Bennet sisters marries William Collins for different reasons. Each book is a stand-alone novel, the first being the story of least regarded Bennet, Mary.
When William Collins visits Longbourn, he is immediately drawn to Miss Mary Bennet, despite Mrs. Bennet’s determination that he will wed Elizabeth. As in canon, Bingley leases Netherfield, bringing his family and Darcy into Hertfordshire. Unlike canon, it is through Mary and Jane Bennet that Darcy discovers how poorly he has behaved and it is at the urging of Colonel Fitzwilliam that he begins to make the changes in manners and even in character that would allow him to approach a woman worthy of being pleased.
I hope you enjoy Mary’s story and will be equally pleased at the second bouquet, featuring Jane Bennet, due out in February 2024.
When William Collins visits Longbourn, he is immediately drawn to Miss Mary Bennet, despite Mrs. Bennet’s determination that he will wed Elizabeth. As in canon, Bingley leases Netherfield, bringing his family and Darcy into Hertfordshire. Unlike canon, it is through Mary and Jane Bennet that Darcy discovers how poorly he has behaved and it is at the urging of Colonel Fitzwilliam that he begins to make the changes in manners and even in character that would allow him to approach a woman worthy of being pleased.
I hope you enjoy Mary’s story and will be equally pleased at the second bouquet, featuring Jane Bennet, due out in February 2024.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2023
33 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 25, 2023
2.5 Stars
Mary is the focus of this story in the beginning. Although there were a few promising moments early on, the story began to drag.
Unfortunately, the women, excluding Elizabeth, morphed into picture-perfect beings overnight, able to handle any and all things related to running a household or tenant matters with flawless decorum and a kick-butt attitude (Jane) if needed (even Mary pulled a Lady Catherine). This included Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Mary, Catherine/Kitty, Lydia, Charlotte, and Anne. They went from zero to ten before I had time to blink. It's one of those stories where everyone becomes instant friends and a natural in...fill in the blank. This pretty much killed the story for me.
Yes, Darcy is a jerk. His change was easy to accept because he knows how to behave when he deems the people are up to his standards.
Mary's take on the Netherfield party was spot-on. That and the colonel's response was the best part of the book.
Sidenote- I know this is somewhat Mary's story, but for those interested, Elizabeth and Darcy's last interaction was in chapter six. They didn't speak again until the 94% mark, so don't expect a sweet coming together when Darcy proposes because there was no chemistry.
Mary is the focus of this story in the beginning. Although there were a few promising moments early on, the story began to drag.
Unfortunately, the women, excluding Elizabeth, morphed into picture-perfect beings overnight, able to handle any and all things related to running a household or tenant matters with flawless decorum and a kick-butt attitude (Jane) if needed (even Mary pulled a Lady Catherine). This included Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Mary, Catherine/Kitty, Lydia, Charlotte, and Anne. They went from zero to ten before I had time to blink. It's one of those stories where everyone becomes instant friends and a natural in...fill in the blank. This pretty much killed the story for me.
Yes, Darcy is a jerk. His change was easy to accept because he knows how to behave when he deems the people are up to his standards.
Mary's take on the Netherfield party was spot-on. That and the colonel's response was the best part of the book.
Sidenote- I know this is somewhat Mary's story, but for those interested, Elizabeth and Darcy's last interaction was in chapter six. They didn't speak again until the 94% mark, so don't expect a sweet coming together when Darcy proposes because there was no chemistry.
January 27, 2025
An interesting concept for a P&P variation series snagged my curiosity and I had to try this new to me author. Victoria Lynn is exploring with each book what happens when she tells a series of standalone stories of what happens when she has each Bennet sister marry her own iteration of their estate's future heir, Mr. Collins.
As I said, the idea of having the common thread be marriage to Mr. Collins and the bride in each be the five Bennet sisters caught my interest. In the original Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Collins holds only one potential attraction for the sisters- marriage to him would secure the family's comfort in the even of Mr. Bennet's death, but Mr. Collin's himself was weak, silly, and pompous.
But, Victoria Lynn not only varied who Mr. Collin's original marriage partner is, but also varied the plot scenarios and the personality and background of Mr. Collins and the other characters to a certain extent. A Bouquet of Bennets, Mary's Story does a good job of keeping some of the original romantic pairings without overpowering Collins and Mary. This pair are the brilliant catalysts making plans and making the right things happen. They are a love at first sight situation, but it didn't seem far-fetched the way the other sisters and father were turned off by him and Mary was kind and friendly and interested.
So, the others have their character flaws, strengths, or plot conflicts exaggerated a bit and it does drastically change the course of some story threads, but not Darcy and Lizzy's... much. Darcy is obnoxiously arrogant and he is on the verge of true villainy. Lizzy's prejudice is a razor-sharp and teeters close to meanness. This forces them to need help finding their way not just in romance, but character growth.
I thought Mary was too perfect all things considered, but I relished seeing her take charge and shine along with William Collins who is a surprise for the Bennet clan.
Mostly plot-driven, but still with areas of character growth, the story focuses on Mary and Collins covertly for parts and working in the background as the others find their way, too. There was a lot of moving parts, but this stayed cohesive like a family saga might. After seeing Mary get her story, I am in need of the next Bennet sister's story.
As I said, the idea of having the common thread be marriage to Mr. Collins and the bride in each be the five Bennet sisters caught my interest. In the original Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Collins holds only one potential attraction for the sisters- marriage to him would secure the family's comfort in the even of Mr. Bennet's death, but Mr. Collin's himself was weak, silly, and pompous.
But, Victoria Lynn not only varied who Mr. Collin's original marriage partner is, but also varied the plot scenarios and the personality and background of Mr. Collins and the other characters to a certain extent. A Bouquet of Bennets, Mary's Story does a good job of keeping some of the original romantic pairings without overpowering Collins and Mary. This pair are the brilliant catalysts making plans and making the right things happen. They are a love at first sight situation, but it didn't seem far-fetched the way the other sisters and father were turned off by him and Mary was kind and friendly and interested.
So, the others have their character flaws, strengths, or plot conflicts exaggerated a bit and it does drastically change the course of some story threads, but not Darcy and Lizzy's... much. Darcy is obnoxiously arrogant and he is on the verge of true villainy. Lizzy's prejudice is a razor-sharp and teeters close to meanness. This forces them to need help finding their way not just in romance, but character growth.
I thought Mary was too perfect all things considered, but I relished seeing her take charge and shine along with William Collins who is a surprise for the Bennet clan.
Mostly plot-driven, but still with areas of character growth, the story focuses on Mary and Collins covertly for parts and working in the background as the others find their way, too. There was a lot of moving parts, but this stayed cohesive like a family saga might. After seeing Mary get her story, I am in need of the next Bennet sister's story.
October 2, 2023
Unusual
An unusual variation in which the overlooked sister takes center stage and our dear couple are side characters. Mary gets her turn in the sun.
An unusual variation in which the overlooked sister takes center stage and our dear couple are side characters. Mary gets her turn in the sun.
December 5, 2024
3.25-3.5
February 18, 2024
The Mary takes charge book I've been wanting
The book gives snippets of the Bennet girls' early life in which you find Mary learning that Mrs Bennet isn't necessarily being mean to her in purpose - she's terrified of the entail. While the others accept this and move on Mary actually thinks about and allows it to shape several things going forward. So when Mr. Collins arrives, she's slightly different than in canon... and Mr. Collins is different as well (which he has to be for the story to work). When Mr. Collins proposes to Marry and is accepted, the house is in an uproar. During that time, Mary let's the family have it with both barrels. No one is spared from the set downs she gives because everyone keeps asking why. From this conversations many things change, including the future of Longbourn.
I loved seeing the characters grow and Mary getting her share of the spotlight. The changes in the whole family were well down and made sense with the storyline. I also liked how Mr Collins dealt with Lady Catherine. And Mary was not the only one shaking things up. The colonel and Anne de Bourgh did a great job as well.
If you like a strong Mary, those conversations that really shake things up, or some good set downs, then definitely get this book.
The book gives snippets of the Bennet girls' early life in which you find Mary learning that Mrs Bennet isn't necessarily being mean to her in purpose - she's terrified of the entail. While the others accept this and move on Mary actually thinks about and allows it to shape several things going forward. So when Mr. Collins arrives, she's slightly different than in canon... and Mr. Collins is different as well (which he has to be for the story to work). When Mr. Collins proposes to Marry and is accepted, the house is in an uproar. During that time, Mary let's the family have it with both barrels. No one is spared from the set downs she gives because everyone keeps asking why. From this conversations many things change, including the future of Longbourn.
I loved seeing the characters grow and Mary getting her share of the spotlight. The changes in the whole family were well down and made sense with the storyline. I also liked how Mr Collins dealt with Lady Catherine. And Mary was not the only one shaking things up. The colonel and Anne de Bourgh did a great job as well.
If you like a strong Mary, those conversations that really shake things up, or some good set downs, then definitely get this book.
dnf
March 3, 2024I admit I absolutely hate Mary and Collins (parsons, clerks) pairings but decided to read this on my free subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
But Collins is too close to Canon for this to be enjoyable or continued.
But Collins is too close to Canon for this to be enjoyable or continued.
October 22, 2023
Brava, Mary Bennett!!
The middle Bennett daughter takes charge in this tale, and directly affects many others for the better. The book starts as per usual, with the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, Darcy's poor behavior, and Bingley's pursuit of Jane. Mr Collins arrives, and gives a poor first impression, but Mary can see that he's only nervous and insecure. Mary makes it her mission to put Mr Collins at ease, and they fall in love. Mrs Bennett can't accept that it's Mary and not Elizabeth that Mr Collins wants, but Mary confronts both of her parents and causes some much needed changes to occur with everyone in her family.
This was a fun and satisfying tale because the characters were much more forthright than in the usual Regency era fare, and some of the villains got the most spectacular setdowns and comeuppances. It's also nice when the Bennett daughters aren't so ridiculous as in the original P&P. Jane is given more backbone, Mary is allowed to be pretty and educated, and the two youngest daughters are redeemed. Even Mrs Bennett comes around.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a wonderfully satisfying and enjoyable way to pass some time.
The middle Bennett daughter takes charge in this tale, and directly affects many others for the better. The book starts as per usual, with the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, Darcy's poor behavior, and Bingley's pursuit of Jane. Mr Collins arrives, and gives a poor first impression, but Mary can see that he's only nervous and insecure. Mary makes it her mission to put Mr Collins at ease, and they fall in love. Mrs Bennett can't accept that it's Mary and not Elizabeth that Mr Collins wants, but Mary confronts both of her parents and causes some much needed changes to occur with everyone in her family.
This was a fun and satisfying tale because the characters were much more forthright than in the usual Regency era fare, and some of the villains got the most spectacular setdowns and comeuppances. It's also nice when the Bennett daughters aren't so ridiculous as in the original P&P. Jane is given more backbone, Mary is allowed to be pretty and educated, and the two youngest daughters are redeemed. Even Mrs Bennett comes around.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a wonderfully satisfying and enjoyable way to pass some time.
October 16, 2023
Was Pollyanna this Noble, wise, and kind?
While some excellent plot points are enjoyed, character's internal monologues are redundant to dialogue, interrupting pacing and adding no new insights. Lead characters are overly good, wise, and noble. They magically fix all wrongs and come up with solutions for deficiencies in others' respective purviews.
Punctuation is error filled (many run ons) to the point where I mentally inserted my own - though, where thoughts began and ended were obvious.
This needs a good editor to make it tighter with better plot progression and a copy editor to fix all the viewpoint and punctuation issues.
While some excellent plot points are enjoyed, character's internal monologues are redundant to dialogue, interrupting pacing and adding no new insights. Lead characters are overly good, wise, and noble. They magically fix all wrongs and come up with solutions for deficiencies in others' respective purviews.
Punctuation is error filled (many run ons) to the point where I mentally inserted my own - though, where thoughts began and ended were obvious.
This needs a good editor to make it tighter with better plot progression and a copy editor to fix all the viewpoint and punctuation issues.
November 5, 2023
Mary was always the Bennet sister best suited for Mr. Collins. I enjoyed their relationship and the way they arranged for the wellbeing of their family. Mr. Collins was much more than he appeared at first glance.
A dower house at Longbourn makes no sense. Mrs. Bennet would not be afraid of the hedgerows if there was a dower house; she might not be able to afford servants but she would have a place to live.
I agree with other reviewers that the changes to most characters happens too quickly and too perfectly. Regardless, I will read the rest in the series. I'm interested to see how the author makes a match of Mr. Collins and each Bennet sister.
A dower house at Longbourn makes no sense. Mrs. Bennet would not be afraid of the hedgerows if there was a dower house; she might not be able to afford servants but she would have a place to live.
I agree with other reviewers that the changes to most characters happens too quickly and too perfectly. Regardless, I will read the rest in the series. I'm interested to see how the author makes a match of Mr. Collins and each Bennet sister.
October 18, 2023
Absolutely Excellent!!
5 Stars is an inadequate rating for such a fabulous story. I always love it when Mrs Bennet is allowed to become her better herself. I love it even more when Lydia is prevented from shaming her family. And I enjoy it still further when Jane is allowed to roar and all of the girls grow into wonderful beings. Add in a Mr Collins who is not cringeworthy, and the genuine love between him and Mary and you have a book beyond worthy of reading and owning.
5 Stars is an inadequate rating for such a fabulous story. I always love it when Mrs Bennet is allowed to become her better herself. I love it even more when Lydia is prevented from shaming her family. And I enjoy it still further when Jane is allowed to roar and all of the girls grow into wonderful beings. Add in a Mr Collins who is not cringeworthy, and the genuine love between him and Mary and you have a book beyond worthy of reading and owning.
October 4, 2023
Next, please, and hurry!
I thoroughly enjoyed an astute Mary and a Collins who is more than he appears. Darcy’s overhearings are certainly to a purpose, and Elizabeth’s snap impressions do not serve her well. I’m greatly looking forward to the rest of this series. Well done, Ms Lynn.
I thoroughly enjoyed an astute Mary and a Collins who is more than he appears. Darcy’s overhearings are certainly to a purpose, and Elizabeth’s snap impressions do not serve her well. I’m greatly looking forward to the rest of this series. Well done, Ms Lynn.
April 15, 2024
Just okay
This book was just okay. I'm glad Mary came into her own, but why couldn't she have a nice looking Mr. Collins? It's not fair that only Lizzy and Jane get nice looking husbands. And can I say yet again that I am so over Elizabeth Bennet?!?!
This book was just okay. I'm glad Mary came into her own, but why couldn't she have a nice looking Mr. Collins? It's not fair that only Lizzy and Jane get nice looking husbands. And can I say yet again that I am so over Elizabeth Bennet?!?!
October 1, 2024
I enjoyed the story, though the ending was quite abrupt. My nit-picking would also like to say that despite this being titled "Mary's Story" it's more focused on the ripples that span out from her marrying Mr Collins, rather than focusing on Mary herself.
October 18, 2025
Mary is charming, and Mr. Collins much improved. The Bennets act together to assure a sound future for all. Very nicely done.
November 13, 2023
Great book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews