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Dark Before Light
Embark on a journey to 1811 England with a captivating story that weaves love, intrigue, and the season’s spirit. As London prepares for Yuletide celebrations, Charles Bingley relinquishes the lease for Netherfield Park. Fitzwilliam Darcy, impatient to see Elizabeth Bennet, seizes the opportunity to become the new leaseholder.
On Christmas Eve, Darcy, accompanied by his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, rides toward Netherfield with a single objective: to win the heart of the spirited Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As Darcy rides ahead, Colonel Fitzwilliam briefly halts in Meryton.
However, the path to love takes an unexpected turn after Elizabeth, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet venture into the woods to gather greenery for holiday decorations. Her thoughtless sisters leave Elizabeth abandoned. Alone and vulnerable, Elizabeth encounters Lieutenant George Wickham, whose behavior deviates sharply from that of a gentleman.
In a tale where darkness threatens to obscure the light, Darcy must confront the unforeseen dangers lurking along a path in the wintry woods. Will Darcy’s love prevail in the face of adversity? Will Elizabeth open her heart?
Explore the magic of the holiday season as Elizabeth and Darcy reach for a future full of happiness and joy. Netherfield Park is a place where Christmas miracles are destined to happen. Delve into this story, where the magic of the holiday season proves that the brightest light can emerge from the darkest moments.
On Christmas Eve, Darcy, accompanied by his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, rides toward Netherfield with a single objective: to win the heart of the spirited Miss Elizabeth Bennet. As Darcy rides ahead, Colonel Fitzwilliam briefly halts in Meryton.
However, the path to love takes an unexpected turn after Elizabeth, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet venture into the woods to gather greenery for holiday decorations. Her thoughtless sisters leave Elizabeth abandoned. Alone and vulnerable, Elizabeth encounters Lieutenant George Wickham, whose behavior deviates sharply from that of a gentleman.
In a tale where darkness threatens to obscure the light, Darcy must confront the unforeseen dangers lurking along a path in the wintry woods. Will Darcy’s love prevail in the face of adversity? Will Elizabeth open her heart?
Explore the magic of the holiday season as Elizabeth and Darcy reach for a future full of happiness and joy. Netherfield Park is a place where Christmas miracles are destined to happen. Delve into this story, where the magic of the holiday season proves that the brightest light can emerge from the darkest moments.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2023
61 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 14, 2024
3.5 Stars
What I liked
- The beginning. Yes, it was dark, but suspenseful.
- A Darcy that does more than talk, ignore, or pay Wickham off.
- Although somewhat lacking in interactions, I still enjoyed Darcy and Elizabeth's love story.
What I didn't like
- Mr. Bennet. He had the audacity to refer to Bingley as a "weak-willed ninny" for letting his sisters rule his life. Yet, Mr. Bennet allows Mrs. Bennet and the two youngest girls to do as they please while he is in his bookroom. Then, he dared to question how Darcy handled the Bingleys. Keep in mind Mr. Bennet never confronted Wickham. He seemed more angry with the Bingleys than Wickham. Even after Elizabeth's attack, Mr. Bennet laughs at his wife and daughters and doesn't mind others joining in. I cringed when Bennet called Darcy 'son.'
- The author tried to paint Mr. Bennet positively halfway through.
- The idea of Darcy leaving Mr. Bennet to see after Netherfied is laughable.
What I liked
- The beginning. Yes, it was dark, but suspenseful.
- A Darcy that does more than talk, ignore, or pay Wickham off.
- Although somewhat lacking in interactions, I still enjoyed Darcy and Elizabeth's love story.
What I didn't like
- Mr. Bennet. He had the audacity to refer to Bingley as a "weak-willed ninny" for letting his sisters rule his life. Yet, Mr. Bennet allows Mrs. Bennet and the two youngest girls to do as they please while he is in his bookroom. Then, he dared to question how Darcy handled the Bingleys. Keep in mind Mr. Bennet never confronted Wickham. He seemed more angry with the Bingleys than Wickham. Even after Elizabeth's attack, Mr. Bennet laughs at his wife and daughters and doesn't mind others joining in. I cringed when Bennet called Darcy 'son.'
- The author tried to paint Mr. Bennet positively halfway through.
- The idea of Darcy leaving Mr. Bennet to see after Netherfied is laughable.
January 16, 2024
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: Per author’s warning due to violence and language. This could be a trigger for some who have experienced assault in any form.
>>Angst Level: Yeah, there was angst.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [1-15-24] short read at 89 pages or 9 chapters.
>>Cover Art: What a beautiful cover. That is exactly how a young lady, who was alone in the woods, would look at hearing the sound of someone approaching.
“There is no denying that there is evil in this world but the light will always conquer the darkness.” –Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of your Ability
I will admit that it was the cover that first drew me to this book. What a cover, that was most excellent. This was a quick read so the violence happened quickly and moved on. It was a short window of time where things changed at Longbourn for the better. Mr. Bennet was handed a reality check that cost him dearly. It was OK.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: Per author’s warning due to violence and language. This could be a trigger for some who have experienced assault in any form.
>>Angst Level: Yeah, there was angst.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [1-15-24] short read at 89 pages or 9 chapters.
>>Cover Art: What a beautiful cover. That is exactly how a young lady, who was alone in the woods, would look at hearing the sound of someone approaching.
“There is no denying that there is evil in this world but the light will always conquer the darkness.” –Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of your Ability
I will admit that it was the cover that first drew me to this book. What a cover, that was most excellent. This was a quick read so the violence happened quickly and moved on. It was a short window of time where things changed at Longbourn for the better. Mr. Bennet was handed a reality check that cost him dearly. It was OK.
January 23, 2024
Lizzy is badly hurt
Short read length. Great cover. Story was pretty good but the writing style was enjoyable. But the story premise was so different I give it 4 stars.
Short read length. Great cover. Story was pretty good but the writing style was enjoyable. But the story premise was so different I give it 4 stars.
January 25, 2024
Interesting
I liked the story, but I would have liked for it to have more dialogues. A short story for a fast read.
I liked the story, but I would have liked for it to have more dialogues. A short story for a fast read.
January 21, 2024
Dark but hopeful
An attack by George Wickham starts this tale off with a bang. It’s a short but good little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wagner.
An attack by George Wickham starts this tale off with a bang. It’s a short but good little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wagner.
January 8, 2024
a good, quick read
the author created a story starting with turmoil and through steadiness and perseverance, all was wrapped up in a nice, neat HEA.. villains, though dealt with swiftly, did not have a huge presence which allowed the story to focus on our favorite characters. The villains actions did shape the story but were relegated to the shadows. good read, I do recommend it.
the author created a story starting with turmoil and through steadiness and perseverance, all was wrapped up in a nice, neat HEA.. villains, though dealt with swiftly, did not have a huge presence which allowed the story to focus on our favorite characters. The villains actions did shape the story but were relegated to the shadows. good read, I do recommend it.
January 7, 2024
A book from one of my favourite authors. Did not disappoint either.
Also the cover is beautiful although can't judge what's inside by it so they tell me.🤣
Also the cover is beautiful although can't judge what's inside by it so they tell me.🤣
January 29, 2024
I loved it!
Heed the author’s warning on the rating at mature, for some situations could be a trigger for those who have experienced trauma from an assault. The violence from the fight scene would not be appropriate for younger readers. Yet, despite the violent beginning this is a gentle story of love triumphing over adversity. It’s a short story yet, engaging. The heroes of our story were Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy arrived just in time to prevent a tragedy and the Colonel arrived and captured a fleeing rogue. What happened next was nail-biting as Elizabeth Bennet fought for her life. The story highlights the sad truth of how a woman, despite being seriously injured, would be blamed for the actions of a despicable man. Bennet would have to face his indolence and Mrs. Bennet would probably never own up to her faults, for she was worried about the impact on all of them, particularly her daughters, confirming that the blame would go to an innocent woman for the actions of a violent man. I am still put out with the younger girls. What became of Charles and Caroline Bingley happened off the page but I was still glad to hear about their circumstances. Caroline reaped a harvest of seeds she planted in her quest for the first circles for she found out, the hard way, that writing letters has consequences and that distance, and oceans, can be overcome by letters. I’m pleased the other villains got their just desserts as well. I must also compliment you on the front cover, it’s beautiful. For me the young lady is a perfect Elizabeth. I highly recommend!
Heed the author’s warning on the rating at mature, for some situations could be a trigger for those who have experienced trauma from an assault. The violence from the fight scene would not be appropriate for younger readers. Yet, despite the violent beginning this is a gentle story of love triumphing over adversity. It’s a short story yet, engaging. The heroes of our story were Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy arrived just in time to prevent a tragedy and the Colonel arrived and captured a fleeing rogue. What happened next was nail-biting as Elizabeth Bennet fought for her life. The story highlights the sad truth of how a woman, despite being seriously injured, would be blamed for the actions of a despicable man. Bennet would have to face his indolence and Mrs. Bennet would probably never own up to her faults, for she was worried about the impact on all of them, particularly her daughters, confirming that the blame would go to an innocent woman for the actions of a violent man. I am still put out with the younger girls. What became of Charles and Caroline Bingley happened off the page but I was still glad to hear about their circumstances. Caroline reaped a harvest of seeds she planted in her quest for the first circles for she found out, the hard way, that writing letters has consequences and that distance, and oceans, can be overcome by letters. I’m pleased the other villains got their just desserts as well. I must also compliment you on the front cover, it’s beautiful. For me the young lady is a perfect Elizabeth. I highly recommend!
June 7, 2024
Spoiler!
Comincio col dire che non amo gli epiloghi!
In questa breve rivisitazione molte pagine sono dedicate all'epilogo che tratta della riunione di tutte le famiglie delle sorelle Bennet per Natale, anni dopo i fatti principali. Stento a credere che al lettore possa interessare sapere il numero di figli che ogni sorella ha avuto, con i rispettivi nomi ed i nomi dei mariti. Cosí come ritengo a nessuno importi di conoscere le mogli e quanti figli hanno i cugini di Darcy.
Sono abbastanza sicura che chi legge le variazioni di orgoglio e pregiudizio lo faccia per incontrare nuovamente Darcy ed Elisabeth, per capire cosa sarebbe successo se fosse stato diverso e non per conoscere il nome del marito di Mary. Ma davvero interessano queste cose???
Detto questo, il resto del romanzo é breve e tratta di una aggressione ai danni di Elizabeth che deve rimanere convalescente nella nuova casa di campagna di Darcy.
Purtroppo la brevità del racconto fa sí che i tratti caratteriali dei personaggi non siano descritti. Tutti noi sappiamo chi sono e quali siano le loro peculiarità, ma se il lettore fosse un neofita del mondo di Darcy e Lizzy si troverebbe davanti a personaggi dai tratti appena accennati.
E questo nonostante le caratteristiche dei loro caratteri siano in realtà le protagoniste del romanzo originale, come si può comprendere dal titolo " orgoglio e pregiudizio".
Siamo lontani anni luce dalla Austen
Comincio col dire che non amo gli epiloghi!
In questa breve rivisitazione molte pagine sono dedicate all'epilogo che tratta della riunione di tutte le famiglie delle sorelle Bennet per Natale, anni dopo i fatti principali. Stento a credere che al lettore possa interessare sapere il numero di figli che ogni sorella ha avuto, con i rispettivi nomi ed i nomi dei mariti. Cosí come ritengo a nessuno importi di conoscere le mogli e quanti figli hanno i cugini di Darcy.
Sono abbastanza sicura che chi legge le variazioni di orgoglio e pregiudizio lo faccia per incontrare nuovamente Darcy ed Elisabeth, per capire cosa sarebbe successo se fosse stato diverso e non per conoscere il nome del marito di Mary. Ma davvero interessano queste cose???
Detto questo, il resto del romanzo é breve e tratta di una aggressione ai danni di Elizabeth che deve rimanere convalescente nella nuova casa di campagna di Darcy.
Purtroppo la brevità del racconto fa sí che i tratti caratteriali dei personaggi non siano descritti. Tutti noi sappiamo chi sono e quali siano le loro peculiarità, ma se il lettore fosse un neofita del mondo di Darcy e Lizzy si troverebbe davanti a personaggi dai tratti appena accennati.
E questo nonostante le caratteristiche dei loro caratteri siano in realtà le protagoniste del romanzo originale, come si può comprendere dal titolo " orgoglio e pregiudizio".
Siamo lontani anni luce dalla Austen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
short but not sweet
I did enjoy this variation. It began in a shockingly dark attack. Everything went positive from that point on ward.
The story moved along fast and many parts were told to you.
I do highly recommend this story for those who can withstand the violence of an attack.
I gave it 5 stars because it stayed true to characters and Bennett women did not marry Fitzwilliam men. I appreciated that.
I did enjoy this variation. It began in a shockingly dark attack. Everything went positive from that point on ward.
The story moved along fast and many parts were told to you.
I do highly recommend this story for those who can withstand the violence of an attack.
I gave it 5 stars because it stayed true to characters and Bennett women did not marry Fitzwilliam men. I appreciated that.
May 8, 2024
it’s ok
It was okay but the first few chapters need some editing due repetitive Diaglogue. How many times do they have to say that Elizabeth should be their first priority? We get it. Other than that I felt it was too quick with no real development of characters. We never heard the inner workings of Lizzy mind after experiencing what she did. Did none of her sisters have an opinion of what happened? Or were they all left in the dark?
It was okay but the first few chapters need some editing due repetitive Diaglogue. How many times do they have to say that Elizabeth should be their first priority? We get it. Other than that I felt it was too quick with no real development of characters. We never heard the inner workings of Lizzy mind after experiencing what she did. Did none of her sisters have an opinion of what happened? Or were they all left in the dark?
January 22, 2024
Meh
A plot-driven narrative style depends on Darcy experiencing a change of heart shortly after the Bingleys and he depart Netherfield. Any character development depends completely on canon and has no surprises. Abrupt violent scenes at the beginning blend rapidly into quiet progression to the end.
A plot-driven narrative style depends on Darcy experiencing a change of heart shortly after the Bingleys and he depart Netherfield. Any character development depends completely on canon and has no surprises. Abrupt violent scenes at the beginning blend rapidly into quiet progression to the end.
March 25, 2024
Very Dark, Then Very Bright
The description of the attack on Elizabeth was quite vivid. It made the perfect justice of Mr Wickham come fast and feel quite good.
The gradual growth of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth made it seem natural and seamless. A few interesting twists but mostly straightforward.
Brief but very likeable.
The description of the attack on Elizabeth was quite vivid. It made the perfect justice of Mr Wickham come fast and feel quite good.
The gradual growth of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth made it seem natural and seamless. A few interesting twists but mostly straightforward.
Brief but very likeable.
January 17, 2025
good short story
Good initial plot. However the Bingley sub plot is nonsense and all the perfect family epilogue is formula. But Darcy going promptly back to Netherfield in search of Elizabeth is refreshing. Also, not having Darcy and Elizabeth Dither endlessly about the others possible misgivings was briliant
Good initial plot. However the Bingley sub plot is nonsense and all the perfect family epilogue is formula. But Darcy going promptly back to Netherfield in search of Elizabeth is refreshing. Also, not having Darcy and Elizabeth Dither endlessly about the others possible misgivings was briliant
January 18, 2024
I enjoyed this, loved how Darcy showed his best side and was there for Lizzy, I also liked that Jane’s story diverted from canon. It does show both Bennet parents for the selfish but still caring beings that they were.
January 20, 2024
Very Good Story
This is a well-written, well-paced story. The good folks are blessed and the bad guys get theirs. It is a short, quick read that I will re-read. Recommend.
This is a well-written, well-paced story. The good folks are blessed and the bad guys get theirs. It is a short, quick read that I will re-read. Recommend.
January 20, 2024
I liked it!
I was expecting something else because of the title, but it was a delightful story nonetheless! I Loved bow everything got wrapped up so neatly! Good job!
I was expecting something else because of the title, but it was a delightful story nonetheless! I Loved bow everything got wrapped up so neatly! Good job!
February 1, 2024
Nice quick read
This is a nice quick read. Horrible Wickham that makes you angry, hurt and anxious. Grateful for heros! And your hea, with a nice epilogue.
This is a nice quick read. Horrible Wickham that makes you angry, hurt and anxious. Grateful for heros! And your hea, with a nice epilogue.
March 28, 2024
I liked this short read. However, I also rolled my eyes quite a lot at the rampant historical inaccuracy and frequent inconsistencies in the plot.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews