What do you think?
Rate this book
Charitable Endeavors: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s annual spring visit to Rosings is not going as planned. His aunt is behaving like a madwoman, his cousin Anne is sullen, and worst of all, he proposes to the woman he loves and is turned down quite vehemently. Darcy beats a hasty retreat to London, hoping to put the entire visit behind him, and to purge the elusive, lovely Elizabeth Bennet from his thoughts.
Elizabeth is mired in a tumultuous mixture of emotions when it comes to Mr. Darcy. He is highhanded, aggravating, and proud, but he is also perplexing, honest, and surprisingly kind to those in need. Another perplexing individual, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, gives Elizabeth the opportunity to delve into Mr. Darcy’s world of charitable endeavors. Will this show Elizabeth a new side of a man she once adamantly refused to marry?
Charitable Endeavors is a Pride & Prejudice Variation novel of approximately 90,000 words. We hope you enjoy this entertaining and sweet collaboration between Renata McMann and Summer Hanford, who have written over thirty variations together.
Elizabeth is mired in a tumultuous mixture of emotions when it comes to Mr. Darcy. He is highhanded, aggravating, and proud, but he is also perplexing, honest, and surprisingly kind to those in need. Another perplexing individual, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, gives Elizabeth the opportunity to delve into Mr. Darcy’s world of charitable endeavors. Will this show Elizabeth a new side of a man she once adamantly refused to marry?
Charitable Endeavors is a Pride & Prejudice Variation novel of approximately 90,000 words. We hope you enjoy this entertaining and sweet collaboration between Renata McMann and Summer Hanford, who have written over thirty variations together.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
118 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 11, 2024
Reading many of the other reviews I found some strong opinions about this story.
We do have several persons acting out of characters. For example Lydia goes to Brighton and comes back a changed (for the better) teenager. Lady Catherine explains her behavior as a way to force Anne to want to leave Rosings and have a season...and forget her cousin, whom she wants to marry. (In direct defiance of her father and mother.) The Colonel comes back from Brighton looking throughout the country for a lady he has met and wants to marry.
Lady Catherine does take Elizabeth under her wings when E. moves to London to live with Jane & Charles who have married and moved away from Netherfield to escape Mrs. Bennet. We also find Georgiana in London.
Two threads take up the most pages: Elizabeth becomes involved with charities with which Darcy supports and Caroline takes her determination to marry Darcy just a little too far with devastating results. (SPOILER: Imagine, if you will, Caroline in the poorer parts of London looking for a place to reside that she can afford.)
I did like the lessons learned by Caroline and the end result. But they were certainly not in keeping with canon.
Meanwhile Elizabeth sees how far Darcy is willing to go in helping the girls who are accepted into the Dressing Place and Cook Place: the charities he supports. He not only checks out their background/needs to be helped but he also set up contracts as to how any employer may deal with them. He becomes protective of Elizabeth who finds herself also going out into the dregs of London to follow up with some of these girls.
It does take quite some time before each of Our Dear Couple finally take the chance that the other has changed in behaviours or in feelings and communicate. There is an epilogue which I always enjoy.
We do have several persons acting out of characters. For example Lydia goes to Brighton and comes back a changed (for the better) teenager. Lady Catherine explains her behavior as a way to force Anne to want to leave Rosings and have a season...and forget her cousin, whom she wants to marry. (In direct defiance of her father and mother.) The Colonel comes back from Brighton looking throughout the country for a lady he has met and wants to marry.
Lady Catherine does take Elizabeth under her wings when E. moves to London to live with Jane & Charles who have married and moved away from Netherfield to escape Mrs. Bennet. We also find Georgiana in London.
Two threads take up the most pages: Elizabeth becomes involved with charities with which Darcy supports and Caroline takes her determination to marry Darcy just a little too far with devastating results. (SPOILER: Imagine, if you will, Caroline in the poorer parts of London looking for a place to reside that she can afford.)
I did like the lessons learned by Caroline and the end result. But they were certainly not in keeping with canon.
Meanwhile Elizabeth sees how far Darcy is willing to go in helping the girls who are accepted into the Dressing Place and Cook Place: the charities he supports. He not only checks out their background/needs to be helped but he also set up contracts as to how any employer may deal with them. He becomes protective of Elizabeth who finds herself also going out into the dregs of London to follow up with some of these girls.
It does take quite some time before each of Our Dear Couple finally take the chance that the other has changed in behaviours or in feelings and communicate. There is an epilogue which I always enjoy.
January 10, 2026
An interesting ensemble type story
I loved the interaction between Darcy, Elizabeth and Lady Catherine. This Lady Catherine is such a refreshing change.
As far as the rest of the story goes, I didn't enjoy it. However, I do believe most readers will find it interesting.
I loved the interaction between Darcy, Elizabeth and Lady Catherine. This Lady Catherine is such a refreshing change.
As far as the rest of the story goes, I didn't enjoy it. However, I do believe most readers will find it interesting.
June 28, 2025
When Lady Catherine isn’t the problem.
This is a multi-trope variation that leans pretty far into alternate universe territory, especially in how some of the characters are written. The story picks up after Darcy’s failed proposal at Hunsford, and things unfold very differently from canon from that point on.
Lady Catherine is one of the biggest surprises here. She’s not the usual harsh and overbearing figure, but actually takes to Elizabeth who ends up assisting her in a way that works in the story’s context. I really liked this Lady Catherine. Lydia’s transformation is another positive, big surprise—she returns from Brighton much changed and takes steps to improve her conduct and accomplishments. Caroline is a large part of the plot—she goes off in a very dramatic direction that does tie into the title’s theme by the end of the story. Charity work connects almost every major character of this novel, including Darcy, Elizabeth, Lady Catherine, and yes, even Lydia and Caroline.
The romance felt secondary in this variation, but it does gradually build through the work they do helping others. It takes to almost the end of the book for the second proposal to finally happen.
Kymberley Cochrane does a strong narration. Her character voices are easy to tell apart, and she brings an energetic flow and natural quality to the reading. She’s a perfect example of why human voice narration is so important—she really represents. One small thing though—Darcy’s voice felt a bit too sombre, even when he didn’t have to be, but not enough to take away from the overall performance. I’d definitely listen to her again. Five stars for the narration.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - narration
This is a multi-trope variation that leans pretty far into alternate universe territory, especially in how some of the characters are written. The story picks up after Darcy’s failed proposal at Hunsford, and things unfold very differently from canon from that point on.
Lady Catherine is one of the biggest surprises here. She’s not the usual harsh and overbearing figure, but actually takes to Elizabeth who ends up assisting her in a way that works in the story’s context. I really liked this Lady Catherine. Lydia’s transformation is another positive, big surprise—she returns from Brighton much changed and takes steps to improve her conduct and accomplishments. Caroline is a large part of the plot—she goes off in a very dramatic direction that does tie into the title’s theme by the end of the story. Charity work connects almost every major character of this novel, including Darcy, Elizabeth, Lady Catherine, and yes, even Lydia and Caroline.
The romance felt secondary in this variation, but it does gradually build through the work they do helping others. It takes to almost the end of the book for the second proposal to finally happen.
Kymberley Cochrane does a strong narration. Her character voices are easy to tell apart, and she brings an energetic flow and natural quality to the reading. She’s a perfect example of why human voice narration is so important—she really represents. One small thing though—Darcy’s voice felt a bit too sombre, even when he didn’t have to be, but not enough to take away from the overall performance. I’d definitely listen to her again. Five stars for the narration.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - narration
December 30, 2023
This really was more about charities and the like than it was a love story between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Which ever of the authors writes the dialogue does not give the least pretense of writing in a Regency style. Much modern language is used; for example using So? as a complete sentence.
There are also pages from canon which unfortunately illustrates the superiority of Jane Austen’s writing and language.
I almost quit at 69% and wish I would have.
The colonel ends up with Lydia! He is older than canon and she is not. Ugh.
Darcy was a jerk about something to the bitter end of this book.
Which ever of the authors writes the dialogue does not give the least pretense of writing in a Regency style. Much modern language is used; for example using So? as a complete sentence.
There are also pages from canon which unfortunately illustrates the superiority of Jane Austen’s writing and language.
I almost quit at 69% and wish I would have.
The colonel ends up with Lydia! He is older than canon and she is not. Ugh.
Darcy was a jerk about something to the bitter end of this book.
December 23, 2023
Disappointed
This story was more about Caroline then Our Dear Couple. When it did come to ODC, it took too long for them to come together as a couple. When they did, the book ended. No time to savor the delights in their happy ever after.
This story was more about Caroline then Our Dear Couple. When it did come to ODC, it took too long for them to come together as a couple. When they did, the book ended. No time to savor the delights in their happy ever after.
December 24, 2023
Another winner
Yes, this is another winner! Oh what a story of treachery, sorrow and beautiful love. Very balanced in characters and just the right amount of angst to keep you tangled. A must read!
Yes, this is another winner! Oh what a story of treachery, sorrow and beautiful love. Very balanced in characters and just the right amount of angst to keep you tangled. A must read!
January 7, 2024
Caroline heavy story
Caroline needs to marry rich, Darcy, since she has run up big bills to merchants. She comes up with a plan to force the marriage. Lots of the story is about the aftermath.
The other half is about the lack of marriages in the Earl of Matlock’s generation and its implications.
An underlying thread is about how it sucks to not be in the middle class in a country with almost zero safety nets for most of the population.
So lots of things happening but the characters are hard to care about. Not sure why.
Caroline needs to marry rich, Darcy, since she has run up big bills to merchants. She comes up with a plan to force the marriage. Lots of the story is about the aftermath.
The other half is about the lack of marriages in the Earl of Matlock’s generation and its implications.
An underlying thread is about how it sucks to not be in the middle class in a country with almost zero safety nets for most of the population.
So lots of things happening but the characters are hard to care about. Not sure why.
January 7, 2024
Entertaining, but.....
You can count on these two authors for good writing and story creation. After the disastrous proposal at Hunsford Parsonage, we learn that Lady Catherine in this version is completely altered from the original P&P. She had a love match with Sir Lewis Debourgh, supports her late husband's opinion that cousins shouldn't marry, and is a reasonable person. She admires Elizabeth Bennett and believes she would be a perfect match for Darcy. Darcy eventually tells Lady Catherine that he botched his marriage proposal, so Lady Catherine resolves to help bring Elizabeth and Darcy to an understanding.
Lady Catherine is pretty much the central figure in this story. She spends most of her time in London. Jane and Bingley move to London after their marriage to escape Mrs Bennett's attentions, and Elizabeth lives with them. Lady Catherine takes Elizabeth under her wing, and gets her heavily involved with her charitable work, which is extensive. This throws Elizabeth into the path of Darcy, who is also heavily involved in charities. Although ODC are given a lot of screen time, there are a lot of side issues that make this tale almost seem like a three ring circus at times. Anne Debourgh wants to marry a cousin, and mom doesn't approve. Lydia goes to Brighton and comes back a changed person. Caroline Bingley attempts a dastardly plot in order to trap Darcy into marriage. Colonel Fitzwilliam meets a woman he wants to marry, but he can't find her. And on and on. It's a very busy story.
This wouldn't be so bad, but unfortunately the story descends quite early into silliness, and it seems to infect almost every situation throughout the book. I can usually count on an interesting and sensible plot with these authors, but not this time. To compound my disappointment, there's really not a whole lot of romance. While Darcy and Elizabeth both clearly regret Hunsford, it takes them practically forever to admit it to each other. The Colonel Fitzwilliam situation is the farthest thing from romantic that you can imagine, and is, in fact rather icky in my opinion. Caroline Bingley's resolution is completely ludicrous and unbelievable. Anne Debourgh's situation is just plain weird.
However, I have to give credit for good writing and good editing. I know I won't be reading this one again.
You can count on these two authors for good writing and story creation. After the disastrous proposal at Hunsford Parsonage, we learn that Lady Catherine in this version is completely altered from the original P&P. She had a love match with Sir Lewis Debourgh, supports her late husband's opinion that cousins shouldn't marry, and is a reasonable person. She admires Elizabeth Bennett and believes she would be a perfect match for Darcy. Darcy eventually tells Lady Catherine that he botched his marriage proposal, so Lady Catherine resolves to help bring Elizabeth and Darcy to an understanding.
Lady Catherine is pretty much the central figure in this story. She spends most of her time in London. Jane and Bingley move to London after their marriage to escape Mrs Bennett's attentions, and Elizabeth lives with them. Lady Catherine takes Elizabeth under her wing, and gets her heavily involved with her charitable work, which is extensive. This throws Elizabeth into the path of Darcy, who is also heavily involved in charities. Although ODC are given a lot of screen time, there are a lot of side issues that make this tale almost seem like a three ring circus at times. Anne Debourgh wants to marry a cousin, and mom doesn't approve. Lydia goes to Brighton and comes back a changed person. Caroline Bingley attempts a dastardly plot in order to trap Darcy into marriage. Colonel Fitzwilliam meets a woman he wants to marry, but he can't find her. And on and on. It's a very busy story.
This wouldn't be so bad, but unfortunately the story descends quite early into silliness, and it seems to infect almost every situation throughout the book. I can usually count on an interesting and sensible plot with these authors, but not this time. To compound my disappointment, there's really not a whole lot of romance. While Darcy and Elizabeth both clearly regret Hunsford, it takes them practically forever to admit it to each other. The Colonel Fitzwilliam situation is the farthest thing from romantic that you can imagine, and is, in fact rather icky in my opinion. Caroline Bingley's resolution is completely ludicrous and unbelievable. Anne Debourgh's situation is just plain weird.
However, I have to give credit for good writing and good editing. I know I won't be reading this one again.
January 28, 2024
This is a low angst P&P what if that changes up a bunch of canon.
Starting following Mr. Darcy's letter delivery to Miss Elizabeth at Rosings.
He is immediately called on the carpet by Lady C to ask why he hasn't proposed to ... Miss Elizaberth (what what what what)
It seems Sir Louis was strongly opposed to cousin's marrying... and was a successful tradesman like Sir William ...
Anyway Darcy heads back to London to straighten out Bingley which he does and soon Jane and Bingley are getting married..
There is a ton that happens in this book. Miss Bingley is extra noxious Lizzy is pals with Lady C; Lydia doesn't elope with Wickham and instead sets on a course of improvement. Mrs. Bennet is extra dense (like a neutron star)
There are a lot of moving parts that all come together
Starting following Mr. Darcy's letter delivery to Miss Elizabeth at Rosings.
He is immediately called on the carpet by Lady C to ask why he hasn't proposed to ... Miss Elizaberth (what what what what)
It seems Sir Louis was strongly opposed to cousin's marrying... and was a successful tradesman like Sir William ...
Anyway Darcy heads back to London to straighten out Bingley which he does and soon Jane and Bingley are getting married..
There is a ton that happens in this book. Miss Bingley is extra noxious Lizzy is pals with Lady C; Lydia doesn't elope with Wickham and instead sets on a course of improvement. Mrs. Bennet is extra dense (like a neutron star)
There are a lot of moving parts that all come together
December 23, 2023
Interesting variation
This variation is a mix characters charged with changing enough to win their HEAs. There is less love story and more of the respective journeys. I'm A little disappointed that Darcy and Elizabeth figured so lowly in the overall story, but it is very entertaining.
This variation is a mix characters charged with changing enough to win their HEAs. There is less love story and more of the respective journeys. I'm A little disappointed that Darcy and Elizabeth figured so lowly in the overall story, but it is very entertaining.
January 29, 2024
Unusual
An enjoyable story that changes some characters substantially to make for a very imaginative read. I loved this Lady Catherine, and loved the endeavors the characters got into. Interesting sub-story about Caroline.
An enjoyable story that changes some characters substantially to make for a very imaginative read. I loved this Lady Catherine, and loved the endeavors the characters got into. Interesting sub-story about Caroline.
January 9, 2025
Second chances seem to be the theme of this Pride and Prejudice variation, in which not only Mr. Darcy, but several others get a chance to redeem themselves, including some we would never imagine doing so. After Elizabeth's refusal of his suit at Hunsford, Mr. Darcy encounters her again, first at her sister's wedding, and then when she comes to London to live with the Bingleys - her sister Jane and brother-in-law Charles. Darcy takes them on a tour of a charity his mother founded in London, Dresser Place, where young women from reduced circumstances get the opportunity to train as ladies' maids. A short while later, Lady Catherine de Bourgh enlists Elizabeth Bennet to aid her in starting a charity similar to Dresser Place, where young women are trained for employment as cooks. Meanwhile both Anne de Bourgh and Caroline Bingley seem to seethe with envy whenever they are in proximity of Elizabeth Bennet, and Lydia Bennet decides to reform herself, while Miss Bingley plots to entrap Mr. Darcy. Many changes happen, sometimes because a person makes a deliberate choice to do better, and sometimes as a result of an action that doesn't seem so wise at the outset. Unfortunately, some people never change. There is drama here, but also a lot of romance. Highly recommended.
March 20, 2024
This was a lovely variation. The person Miss Caroline Bingley becomes was a welcome change. Seeing Lydia with an HEA didn't hurt. I loved Lady Catherine de Bourgh although she is and remains a force to be reckoned with.
December 30, 2023
I loved this book! Charitable Endeavors may very well be my favorite read from the writing team of Renata McMann and Summer Hanford. When Fitzwilliam Darcy finds Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane in London, he knows he must make amends, helping Bingley to win Miss Bennet's love once again. But when Elizabeth comes to London a few months later with the Bingleys, Darcy wants to prove to Elizabeth that he is a better man and worthy of a second chance with her.
There was just so much to love about this book, so I will just get to it. First, the plot is so well planned and executed, telling the story from several points of view, keeping us well entertained. Next, the authors took us on a journey through the poor streets of London, bringing empathy to those living there. And last, but far from the least, we're the characterizations of the wonderful, favorite characters and the deplorable ones, as well. While Darcy and Elizabeth were charming as they fall in love, it was Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley who stole the show. I loved their portrayals!
I highly recommend this book for all readers.
There was just so much to love about this book, so I will just get to it. First, the plot is so well planned and executed, telling the story from several points of view, keeping us well entertained. Next, the authors took us on a journey through the poor streets of London, bringing empathy to those living there. And last, but far from the least, we're the characterizations of the wonderful, favorite characters and the deplorable ones, as well. While Darcy and Elizabeth were charming as they fall in love, it was Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley who stole the show. I loved their portrayals!
I highly recommend this book for all readers.
March 7, 2024
I know that not every book is for everybody, but I still don't understand how this book got so many rave reviews. I feel like I'm missing something. Some of the characters were so out of character, they were almost unrecognizable. Darcy and Elizabeth get their HEA, but it takes forever to get there. Instead of focusing on their relationship, I got to read all about Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, a bratty Anne de Bourgh, and a Colonel Fitzwilliam who is unlikable and, frankly, gross. Two stars because I finished the book, although I wish I saved myself the time and stopped reading about halfway through.
January 19, 2024
A somewhat random and wandering plot, that gives the sense of being written as a sermon and everyone’s character is drastically changed in order to fit the lesson. I don’t expect much accuracy, historical or otherwise, from this authorial duo as they definitely prioritise storytelling, but this one felt particularly anachronistic. I liked parts of the story and especially some of the original characters, but I never felt quite settled in it, and the ending fell a bit flat.
January 30, 2024
Mixed bag
Too many character changes for the convenience of the plot, fundamentally changing not just personality, but their values and life view.
Lady Catherine is all of a sudden wise, warm, egalitarian, and against cousins marrying?
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a horny cad?
Lydia is worldly and restrained?
I enjoyed seeing Caroline Bingley's change and growth; it was given good of time and development. But other parts had me shaking my head or rolling my eyes in disbelief.
Too many character changes for the convenience of the plot, fundamentally changing not just personality, but their values and life view.
Lady Catherine is all of a sudden wise, warm, egalitarian, and against cousins marrying?
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a horny cad?
Lydia is worldly and restrained?
I enjoyed seeing Caroline Bingley's change and growth; it was given good of time and development. But other parts had me shaking my head or rolling my eyes in disbelief.
January 3, 2024
I have received a free copy of the book and voluntarily leave a review.
This story starts right at Rosings Park, right after Elizabeth rejects Mr Darcy offer of marriage. The Earl of Matlock is desperate to have an heir and since his oldest son has been unable to get one. He is now eager for both Coronel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy to marry. Richard is lovesick after a young mysterious lady, that he has no way of contacting. So Richard is desperately searching, while Darcy tries to draw attention to himself pretending to find a wife, in order to give Richard time for his search.
In the mean time Mr Darcy, Elizabeth and Lady Catherine spend a lot of time at their two schools for ladies maids and cooks. Elizabeth’s opinion on Mr Darcy improves.
This is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice and in a version where Lady Catherine is reasonable character, which I very much enjoyed. She actually encourages Mr Darcy to court Elizabeth. I always find it interesting, when the bad characters get to play a different role. So I found Lady Catherine, Lydia, Mr Hurst and a reformed Miss Bingley very enjoyable. Caroline only reforms at the very end though…. Mrs Bingley ending was very out of character, but I enjoyed it very much.
Though I enjoyed the charitable endevours, and found them very interesting. I do hope, that such charities actually did exist. I found the middle part too drawn out. In my opinion, I could be shortened a bit. If it had, I would have given another star.
All in all a very enjoyable read, which I recommend :-D <3
This story starts right at Rosings Park, right after Elizabeth rejects Mr Darcy offer of marriage. The Earl of Matlock is desperate to have an heir and since his oldest son has been unable to get one. He is now eager for both Coronel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy to marry. Richard is lovesick after a young mysterious lady, that he has no way of contacting. So Richard is desperately searching, while Darcy tries to draw attention to himself pretending to find a wife, in order to give Richard time for his search.
In the mean time Mr Darcy, Elizabeth and Lady Catherine spend a lot of time at their two schools for ladies maids and cooks. Elizabeth’s opinion on Mr Darcy improves.
This is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice and in a version where Lady Catherine is reasonable character, which I very much enjoyed. She actually encourages Mr Darcy to court Elizabeth. I always find it interesting, when the bad characters get to play a different role. So I found Lady Catherine, Lydia, Mr Hurst and a reformed Miss Bingley very enjoyable. Caroline only reforms at the very end though…. Mrs Bingley ending was very out of character, but I enjoyed it very much.
Though I enjoyed the charitable endevours, and found them very interesting. I do hope, that such charities actually did exist. I found the middle part too drawn out. In my opinion, I could be shortened a bit. If it had, I would have given another star.
All in all a very enjoyable read, which I recommend :-D <3
January 7, 2024
4.5 stars rounded to 5
This book is lovely. Beautiful. It has small moments where a character's action or speech is not as well supported as others. It begins as most variations do, grounded in the original story, but it begins to deviate in some really interesting ways, very early on. While LCd'B's changes are less well supported, her new character is a delight.
While Darcy is there being Darcy, doing Darcy things, this story is equally shared by Jane, Lydia, and the Bingley's. I love Very Bad Caroline, and have rarely enjoyed any attempt to give her a very happy ending. But THIS Bad Caroline was very, very bad...and then she made (another) selfish decision that resulted in natural consequences and a believable change in character. By the end of the story I genuinely liked Caroline (Spoiler) neé Bingley.
I loved Lydia's storyline. Loved it. From Brighton onward.
I loved the reinterpretation of Mrs. Younge. Wickham gets very little page time, is entirely a (useful) plot device, and never gets near Lydia.
The Bennet parents are their usual selves and I liked that when the characters left Longbourn, they only got about 2 more pages in the rest of the story. Mary and Kitty are never the focus of this story. They show up briefly at the end looking like Anastasia and Drizzila in the 1950's Disney version of Cinderella.
It's a lovely story. 100% probability I will reread it.
This book is lovely. Beautiful. It has small moments where a character's action or speech is not as well supported as others. It begins as most variations do, grounded in the original story, but it begins to deviate in some really interesting ways, very early on. While LCd'B's changes are less well supported, her new character is a delight.
While Darcy is there being Darcy, doing Darcy things, this story is equally shared by Jane, Lydia, and the Bingley's. I love Very Bad Caroline, and have rarely enjoyed any attempt to give her a very happy ending. But THIS Bad Caroline was very, very bad...and then she made (another) selfish decision that resulted in natural consequences and a believable change in character. By the end of the story I genuinely liked Caroline (Spoiler) neé Bingley.
I loved Lydia's storyline. Loved it. From Brighton onward.
I loved the reinterpretation of Mrs. Younge. Wickham gets very little page time, is entirely a (useful) plot device, and never gets near Lydia.
The Bennet parents are their usual selves and I liked that when the characters left Longbourn, they only got about 2 more pages in the rest of the story. Mary and Kitty are never the focus of this story. They show up briefly at the end looking like Anastasia and Drizzila in the 1950's Disney version of Cinderella.
It's a lovely story. 100% probability I will reread it.
August 11, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s annual spring visit to Rosings is not going as planned. His aunt is behaving like a madwoman, his cousin Anne is sullen, and worst of all, he proposes to the woman he loves and is turned down quite vehemently. Darcy beats a hasty retreat to London, hoping to put the entire visit behind him, and to purge the elusive, lovely Elizabeth Bennet from his thoughts.
Elizabeth is mired in a tumultuous mixture of emotions when it comes to Mr. Darcy. He is highhanded, aggravating, and proud, but he is also perplexing, honest, and surprisingly kind to those in need. Another perplexing individual, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, gives Elizabeth the opportunity to delve into Mr. Darcy’s world of charitable endeavors. Will this show Elizabeth a new side of a man she once adamantly refused to marry? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s annual spring visit to Rosings is not going as planned. His aunt is behaving like a madwoman, his cousin Anne is sullen, and worst of all, he proposes to the woman he loves and is turned down quite vehemently. Darcy beats a hasty retreat to London, hoping to put the entire visit behind him, and to purge the elusive, lovely Elizabeth Bennet from his thoughts.
Elizabeth is mired in a tumultuous mixture of emotions when it comes to Mr. Darcy. He is highhanded, aggravating, and proud, but he is also perplexing, honest, and surprisingly kind to those in need. Another perplexing individual, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, gives Elizabeth the opportunity to delve into Mr. Darcy’s world of charitable endeavors. Will this show Elizabeth a new side of a man she once adamantly refused to marry? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
December 26, 2023
A rare story mainly about Caroline Bingley
Much of this story revolves around the actions of Caroline Bingley and her downfall and subsequent happy ever after.
Elizabeth is in London helping both Darcy's charity ( training young girls to dress hair for the wealthy Ton.) And then assisting Lady Catherine in setting up a charity to train young girls to be cooks in the less wealthy homes. She's living with Charles and Jane Bingley and still a target for the Bingley women! Additionally Lady Catherine is attempting to keep Anne from marrying the youngest son of Lord Matlock because Lord DeBourge didn't approve of cousins marrying and reproducing. Caroline attempted to compromise Darcy and is forced to live with Charles, even though Lydia and Elizabeth are there. Caroline escaped, found cheap housing with Mrs Younge and begins a life without the society she was craving. It's interesting to see Caroline adapting to living poorly and saving every shilling.
I enjoyed this because it shows a side of everyone that is rarely written and A side of how life is for those who work for the wealthy. Imagine being allowed to send and receive one letter a month? Its a story worth reading!
Much of this story revolves around the actions of Caroline Bingley and her downfall and subsequent happy ever after.
Elizabeth is in London helping both Darcy's charity ( training young girls to dress hair for the wealthy Ton.) And then assisting Lady Catherine in setting up a charity to train young girls to be cooks in the less wealthy homes. She's living with Charles and Jane Bingley and still a target for the Bingley women! Additionally Lady Catherine is attempting to keep Anne from marrying the youngest son of Lord Matlock because Lord DeBourge didn't approve of cousins marrying and reproducing. Caroline attempted to compromise Darcy and is forced to live with Charles, even though Lydia and Elizabeth are there. Caroline escaped, found cheap housing with Mrs Younge and begins a life without the society she was craving. It's interesting to see Caroline adapting to living poorly and saving every shilling.
I enjoyed this because it shows a side of everyone that is rarely written and A side of how life is for those who work for the wealthy. Imagine being allowed to send and receive one letter a month? Its a story worth reading!
May 18, 2024
Mr. Darcy and his cousin Richard are under pressure to continue their family's legacy. Simple? No.
The Earl of Matlock is in a panick . Who in the next generation will provide an heir to the Earldom? It's not to his eldest son nor his youngest. That leaves his second, Richard, still reeling from the loss of his wife and son, or perhaps his nephew, Darcy. If not these men he supposes, he'll have to move on to his two neices, Anne or Georgiana. Darcy's been refused by Miss Elizabeth Bennet , Richard has encountered a young woman . He finally wishes to marry only to loose track of her. Stalling for time, Richard asks Darcy to pretend to search for a wife, while at the same time, Darcy is trying to win back Elizabeth. Tensions abound due to the treachery of Miss Bingley and her sister, Mrs. Hurst. Hang on tight. This is going to be a wild ride. Enjoy!
The Earl of Matlock is in a panick . Who in the next generation will provide an heir to the Earldom? It's not to his eldest son nor his youngest. That leaves his second, Richard, still reeling from the loss of his wife and son, or perhaps his nephew, Darcy. If not these men he supposes, he'll have to move on to his two neices, Anne or Georgiana. Darcy's been refused by Miss Elizabeth Bennet , Richard has encountered a young woman . He finally wishes to marry only to loose track of her. Stalling for time, Richard asks Darcy to pretend to search for a wife, while at the same time, Darcy is trying to win back Elizabeth. Tensions abound due to the treachery of Miss Bingley and her sister, Mrs. Hurst. Hang on tight. This is going to be a wild ride. Enjoy!
January 1, 2024
one good turn deserves another
Despite its heavy focus on charity and charities, the plot manages to not fall into a vat of powdered sugar. In fact, the charities were fascinating in their symbiosis, while the act of charity effectively revealed character.
Lady Catherine and Caroline were by far the most compelling characters, and Lydia’s development also deserves praise. While individual characters are interesting, the romantic plot lines most assuredly were not. Anne de Bourgh’s was tedious, even if it helped define Lady Catherine’s nuances. Richard’s lost love storyline defied reason. Even Lizzy and Darcy lacked chemistry.
I’m buying this for my permanent collection because I plan to revisit LCdB and Caroline.
Despite its heavy focus on charity and charities, the plot manages to not fall into a vat of powdered sugar. In fact, the charities were fascinating in their symbiosis, while the act of charity effectively revealed character.
Lady Catherine and Caroline were by far the most compelling characters, and Lydia’s development also deserves praise. While individual characters are interesting, the romantic plot lines most assuredly were not. Anne de Bourgh’s was tedious, even if it helped define Lady Catherine’s nuances. Richard’s lost love storyline defied reason. Even Lizzy and Darcy lacked chemistry.
I’m buying this for my permanent collection because I plan to revisit LCdB and Caroline.
January 10, 2024
SUCH A GOOD BOOK!
WOW JUST WOW! I DONT LIKE TO SPOIL THE BOOK BUT THIS TAKE ON CAROLYN IN A GOOD LIGHT WAS SO WELL DONE . ITS A MUST READ IN MY EYES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN! HAD TO KEEP READING! BUT IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING IT WASN’T A CHORE. I WISH IT WAS ON AUDIBLE I LOVE TO HERE THE CHARACTERS VOICES READ OUT LOUD. Not sure how much moneys envoved in that but I know I buy a lot of my books on audible I own over 1500. I would hope more authors would start putting their books on audible not with the computer that sucks. Use a person. There are some great narrators out there. But read this book it’s great!!!
WOW JUST WOW! I DONT LIKE TO SPOIL THE BOOK BUT THIS TAKE ON CAROLYN IN A GOOD LIGHT WAS SO WELL DONE . ITS A MUST READ IN MY EYES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND AUTHOR. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN! HAD TO KEEP READING! BUT IT WAS SO ENTERTAINING IT WASN’T A CHORE. I WISH IT WAS ON AUDIBLE I LOVE TO HERE THE CHARACTERS VOICES READ OUT LOUD. Not sure how much moneys envoved in that but I know I buy a lot of my books on audible I own over 1500. I would hope more authors would start putting their books on audible not with the computer that sucks. Use a person. There are some great narrators out there. But read this book it’s great!!!
January 24, 2024
2/5 - Disappointing and Frustrating
I wanted to like this, but I had big issues with both the writing and the plot.
As for the writing, it felt unpolished. There was a lot of exposition, which slowed the pace. Also, there was some awkward and confusing phrasing that forced me to go back and reread passages. There were also several cases where a sentence was repeated in close proximity to itself.
For the plot, my issue was that nearly every plotline was unbelievable. Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, Lydia, Lizzy. The choices they make are absolutely ridiculous and defy logic. The book description didn't lead me to expect that at all, which made for a disappointing and frustrating read.
I wanted to like this, but I had big issues with both the writing and the plot.
As for the writing, it felt unpolished. There was a lot of exposition, which slowed the pace. Also, there was some awkward and confusing phrasing that forced me to go back and reread passages. There were also several cases where a sentence was repeated in close proximity to itself.
For the plot, my issue was that nearly every plotline was unbelievable. Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, Lydia, Lizzy. The choices they make are absolutely ridiculous and defy logic. The book description didn't lead me to expect that at all, which made for a disappointing and frustrating read.
February 1, 2024
Elizabeth Bennet has rejected Darcy but Lady Catherine de Bourgh asks him what he is going to to about it. As he works to improve Elizabeth's opinion of him, they end up collaborating on both his mother and Lady Catherine's charitable organizations.
There are a few characters beyond our dear couple who start as usual, take a bit of a turn, and end up with a happily ever after. My favorite part of the story was Lady Catherine herself! Elizabeth and Darcy dance around each other for so much of the book and the end is not about them at all. The title of the book is absolutely spot on based on the plot. I did really enjoy it.
There are a few characters beyond our dear couple who start as usual, take a bit of a turn, and end up with a happily ever after. My favorite part of the story was Lady Catherine herself! Elizabeth and Darcy dance around each other for so much of the book and the end is not about them at all. The title of the book is absolutely spot on based on the plot. I did really enjoy it.
January 25, 2024
P&P with lots twists
I very much enjoyed this. The canon characters were all there with some additional characters added to spice things up. Charles and Jane get their HEA and both have developed spines to deal with their various misbehaving family members. ODC get their HEA, but that seemed to take a bit too long. Lydia has a larger role and is quite interesting. The biggest change was Caroline. Her journey was really the core of the second half of the book. Very entertaining.
I very much enjoyed this. The canon characters were all there with some additional characters added to spice things up. Charles and Jane get their HEA and both have developed spines to deal with their various misbehaving family members. ODC get their HEA, but that seemed to take a bit too long. Lydia has a larger role and is quite interesting. The biggest change was Caroline. Her journey was really the core of the second half of the book. Very entertaining.
January 30, 2024
Interesting
This variation is told from various points of view. Much time is spent with Miss Caroline Bingley and her desires, actions, and the consequences of said actions.
The actions and motivations of our favorite Bennet sister are sometimes solely founded on her own thought processes. But sometimes they are molded quite well by her family and new friends! Elizabeth also gives very good advice to a new friend or two.
There are a few editing errors but nothing egregious. Very enjoyable!
This variation is told from various points of view. Much time is spent with Miss Caroline Bingley and her desires, actions, and the consequences of said actions.
The actions and motivations of our favorite Bennet sister are sometimes solely founded on her own thought processes. But sometimes they are molded quite well by her family and new friends! Elizabeth also gives very good advice to a new friend or two.
There are a few editing errors but nothing egregious. Very enjoyable!
April 1, 2024
It’s a fascinating read, filled with surprises. A lot of it centre’s around charities, the running and building of them which is very cleverly woven in. It highlights Elizabeth’s strong independent spirit, I was not at all fond of the parents in this one, both father and Mother were made horribly extreme and much worse than canon. I loved ODC here their love and respect for each other grew and grew, my favourite characters were what I normally consider the worst in canon, but they were wonderful in this book, namely Lydia and LCdB. Loved how they were fleshed out. It’s a great read.
December 26, 2023
Absolutely Awesome!!!
If you like it when Pride and Prejudice characters have far more depth of character then they originally had, you will love this book!! I always enjoy it when not only do our heroes grow and develop but our annoying ones like Lydia and Caroline also grow exponentially too. As for this version of Lady Catherine? I truly want to be related to her! This book deserves much more than 5 Stars!
If you like it when Pride and Prejudice characters have far more depth of character then they originally had, you will love this book!! I always enjoy it when not only do our heroes grow and develop but our annoying ones like Lydia and Caroline also grow exponentially too. As for this version of Lady Catherine? I truly want to be related to her! This book deserves much more than 5 Stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews