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Worthy of Her Trust: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The reimagined narrative of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" unfolds in an alternate world where Elizabeth Bennet, now Elizabeth Rose Tomlinson, is a wealthy heiress. Orphaned and concealed by her neglectful family, Elizabeth's true identity and inheritance are squandered. Reconnecting with Fitzwilliam Darcy in adulthood, they navigate courtship amidst revelations of her heritage and his role as a trustee. Facing societal expectations and familial deceit, they confront manipulative family members and triumph over obstacles, ensuring justice and personal happiness. Their union sparks positive changes within their social circle, fostering growth, redemption, new relationships, and the birth of children, culminating in enduring bonds that prioritize integrity in Regency England society.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 7, 2024
There are plenty of melodramatic ideas in this Elizabeth-is-not-really-a-Bennett variation. Her mother, Beth Bennet, was Mr. Bennet's sister, and had married a very wealthy gentleman, Frederick Tomlinson. Sadly, Frederick died before their daughter was born, and Beth did not survive childbirth, so the baby, named Elizabeth after her mother, was taken in by her Tomlinson grandparents. Their estate, Briarwood, adjoined Pemberley. Young Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Jonathan Fitzwilliam got to know little Ellie Tomlinson quite well until her grandparents died.
With no living Tomlinson relatives, Ellie's guardianship went to the Bennet side of the family. At the tender age of five, she started living at Longbourn with her uncle Edward Bennet, a bachelor. The Tomlinsons had carefully safeguarded the tiny heiress's future legally - with Mr. George Darcy and a Mr. Elliot as her trustees - and provided generous stipends to support her until such time as she would come into her inheritance, all of which Edward understood. But only a few months after accepting Ellie into his home, he passed away. Thus, Thomas and Fanny Bennet became Master and Mistress of Longbourn and recipients of Ellie's stipend.
It's a Cinderella-ish premise. Ellie becomes Lizzy Bennet. The money intended for her is spent instead on Mr. Bennet's books and dressing Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters, with Lizzy receiving only their cast-offs. She is raised believing she was born out of wedlock to Mr. Bennet's deceased older brother and should be grateful for their benevolence. Bennet's annual reports to the trustee regarding Miss Tomlinson contain only lies, and he becomes bolder as the years pass without Mr. Elliot checking their veracity.
All the above is the backstory. Chapter One starts with the day of the Meryton assembly. Not much pride or prejudice here. Darcy and Elizabeth spend much of the evening talking, and they subsequently meet regularly on her walks. He has no idea she is actually Ellie Tomlinson at first, but he's disturbed by the behavior of the rest of the Bennet family - particularly the way they treat Elizabeth. It doesn't take long for him to suspect the truth and even shorter for him to fall in love with her.
Lots of villains, but there's never a serious threat to what will clearly be a happy ending as soon as Darcy and Elizabeth meet. The reader expects the bad guys' comeuppance without the angst of worrying that they might succeed; the couple and their allies anticipate each plot against them and have countermeasures in place to keep Ellie safe.
The book is overly long, with repetition upon repetition of facts the reader already knows. Lots of telling instead of or in addition to showing. Instead of ending with the joyful Darcy wedding, the HEA goes on (and on and on...) and includes a new storyline regarding control of Rosings.
The author writes well enough, but there are a number of grammatical errors sprinkled about that should have been corrected by a competent editor. There are some Regency glitches, too. (Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Jonathan Fitzwilliam would not both live at Rosings without marrying, even if she's the Mistress there and he's the estate's steward.)
Overall, this reads like a fine story for an online fan fiction site, but it lacks the polish one hopes to find in a published novel.
Content is suggestive but clean.
With no living Tomlinson relatives, Ellie's guardianship went to the Bennet side of the family. At the tender age of five, she started living at Longbourn with her uncle Edward Bennet, a bachelor. The Tomlinsons had carefully safeguarded the tiny heiress's future legally - with Mr. George Darcy and a Mr. Elliot as her trustees - and provided generous stipends to support her until such time as she would come into her inheritance, all of which Edward understood. But only a few months after accepting Ellie into his home, he passed away. Thus, Thomas and Fanny Bennet became Master and Mistress of Longbourn and recipients of Ellie's stipend.
It's a Cinderella-ish premise. Ellie becomes Lizzy Bennet. The money intended for her is spent instead on Mr. Bennet's books and dressing Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters, with Lizzy receiving only their cast-offs. She is raised believing she was born out of wedlock to Mr. Bennet's deceased older brother and should be grateful for their benevolence. Bennet's annual reports to the trustee regarding Miss Tomlinson contain only lies, and he becomes bolder as the years pass without Mr. Elliot checking their veracity.
All the above is the backstory. Chapter One starts with the day of the Meryton assembly. Not much pride or prejudice here. Darcy and Elizabeth spend much of the evening talking, and they subsequently meet regularly on her walks. He has no idea she is actually Ellie Tomlinson at first, but he's disturbed by the behavior of the rest of the Bennet family - particularly the way they treat Elizabeth. It doesn't take long for him to suspect the truth and even shorter for him to fall in love with her.
Lots of villains, but there's never a serious threat to what will clearly be a happy ending as soon as Darcy and Elizabeth meet. The reader expects the bad guys' comeuppance without the angst of worrying that they might succeed; the couple and their allies anticipate each plot against them and have countermeasures in place to keep Ellie safe.
The book is overly long, with repetition upon repetition of facts the reader already knows. Lots of telling instead of or in addition to showing. Instead of ending with the joyful Darcy wedding, the HEA goes on (and on and on...) and includes a new storyline regarding control of Rosings.
The author writes well enough, but there are a number of grammatical errors sprinkled about that should have been corrected by a competent editor. There are some Regency glitches, too. (Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Jonathan Fitzwilliam would not both live at Rosings without marrying, even if she's the Mistress there and he's the estate's steward.)
Overall, this reads like a fine story for an online fan fiction site, but it lacks the polish one hopes to find in a published novel.
Content is suggestive but clean.
February 7, 2024
4.5 *
Read this first in FFN as it came out chapter by chapter and now as a Beta read.
I do love me a bad Mr Bennet (and he was bad), a bad Mrs B (ghastly!) and a bad Bingley. They abound here. This is a Lizzy not a Bennet trope story (where Lizzy is remarkably emotionally functional, insecure but rallies despite the emotional abuse). Darcy is a gem right out of the gate.
Read this first in FFN as it came out chapter by chapter and now as a Beta read.
I do love me a bad Mr Bennet (and he was bad), a bad Mrs B (ghastly!) and a bad Bingley. They abound here. This is a Lizzy not a Bennet trope story (where Lizzy is remarkably emotionally functional, insecure but rallies despite the emotional abuse). Darcy is a gem right out of the gate.
February 28, 2024
The very selfish Benner parents keep their niece, Elizabeth, from her history and her legacy. Elizabeth learns to trust Darcy with her thoughts, feelings, and love.
March 9, 2024
I found the writing very stilted, especially the dialogue, and the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth was weak and underdeveloped.
March 9, 2024
This story has several "Elizabeths" in it. "Our" Elizabeth is Elizabeth Tomlinson. Her parents die shortly after her birth; her grandparents rear her at their estate, Briarwood. Among her playmates are Jonathan Fitzwilliam (later "the colonel") and Fitzwilliam (Will) Darcy. However as Ellie reaches about 5 year of age her grandparents also die and so the Bennet side of her family come into play.
Thomas and Fanny Bennet take on her care but she is now Lizzy Bennet. The neighborhood is led to believe she is the illegitimate daughter of Thomas' brother and is destitute. She wears hand-me-downs, and the stipend the Bennet are given to rear her is spent on the other daughters/her cousins and on Thomas' love of books. The allowance she was to be given is divided among her cousins.
Again we have Bingley leasing Netherfield. However this is a much more spineless man, whose sister, Caroline, goes even further in an attempt to compromise Darcy. Bingley's friendship with Darcy is broken and any "courting" of Jane ends.
So the majority of this story is how amends are made and by whom when Darcy (one of Elizabeth's trustees) unravels just who Lizzie really is. The four cousins do have a part in deciding just what their futures will hold. Elizabeth does not hold grudges against them. However, M/M Bennet suffer severe consequences.
Collins' part borders on evil as Bennet tries to manipulate events so that he and family do not lose Longbourn when he dies. Wickham's part does not play out as in canon and Anne de Bourgh gains control of Rosings.
There are a number of matches made in this story and there is an epilogue.
I really kept expecting more drama. However, everything was handled as legalities were taken and put into writing before Elizabeth/Lizzie/Ellie moved to Longbourn.
Overall an interesting variation. There are no misunderstandings between ODC not does he look down on her for her family or connections. Rather he works to protect her.
Thomas and Fanny Bennet take on her care but she is now Lizzy Bennet. The neighborhood is led to believe she is the illegitimate daughter of Thomas' brother and is destitute. She wears hand-me-downs, and the stipend the Bennet are given to rear her is spent on the other daughters/her cousins and on Thomas' love of books. The allowance she was to be given is divided among her cousins.
Again we have Bingley leasing Netherfield. However this is a much more spineless man, whose sister, Caroline, goes even further in an attempt to compromise Darcy. Bingley's friendship with Darcy is broken and any "courting" of Jane ends.
So the majority of this story is how amends are made and by whom when Darcy (one of Elizabeth's trustees) unravels just who Lizzie really is. The four cousins do have a part in deciding just what their futures will hold. Elizabeth does not hold grudges against them. However, M/M Bennet suffer severe consequences.
Collins' part borders on evil as Bennet tries to manipulate events so that he and family do not lose Longbourn when he dies. Wickham's part does not play out as in canon and Anne de Bourgh gains control of Rosings.
There are a number of matches made in this story and there is an epilogue.
I really kept expecting more drama. However, everything was handled as legalities were taken and put into writing before Elizabeth/Lizzie/Ellie moved to Longbourn.
Overall an interesting variation. There are no misunderstandings between ODC not does he look down on her for her family or connections. Rather he works to protect her.
August 19, 2025
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Tomlinson due to the death of her family, becomes an heiress at the age of 5, and goes to live with her Bennet relation. After her uncle dies, her second uncle, Thomas, with his wife and four daughters inherit Longbourn. The parents treat her badly. Will she have a happy ending. And what of the Bennet daughters.
An entertaining story.
An entertaining story.
March 15, 2024
Good story idea, but the writing!
This book is incredibly tedious to read. I skimmed the last hundred pages just to get to the end. It’s a pity, really, as the story could have been better in different hands.
This book is incredibly tedious to read. I skimmed the last hundred pages just to get to the end. It’s a pity, really, as the story could have been better in different hands.
October 22, 2024
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Beth Bennet from Meryton married well to Frederick Tomlinson. Their daughter Elizabeth Rose, soon becomes an orphan, but is raised by loving grandparents at the family estate Briarwood. As a little girl, she regularly spends time with family friends, the Darcys and Fitzwilliams.
On the death of her grandparents, the now wealthy heiress goes to live with Bennet relations. A substantial stipend follows her, ensuring funds for care appropriate to her station.
Elizabeth's uncle Edward is master of Longbourn and a confirmed batchelor.
He is kind and makes sure that she is well cared for. Unfortunately, his death only months later, turns her world upside down.
Youngest son, Thomas Bennet is master and arrives with his wife and four daughters.
Almost immediately Fanny Bennet redirects resources and care to her daughters.
Over time, Elizabeth is told she is Lizzy Bennet, poor relation and is laughed at if she mentions memories of her other family.
The Bennet's even allow the neighbourhood to believe that Lizzy is Edward Bennet's natural child.
When we meet adult Lizzy, she has no idea of her status and inheritance. Worse Mr Bennet has no plans to tell her.
Fitzwilliam Darcy attends the Meryton assembly and encounters the kind, diffident Elizabeth Bennet. He feels a glimmer of recognition, but can't place her.
They start to meet each other on Oakham Mount and a courtship develops, but things are complicated when Darcy remembers who she really is!
I absolutely loved this. It was really hard to put down.
Featuring a horrible Mr and Mrs Bennet.
Offset by a really sweet Darcy
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Beth Bennet from Meryton married well to Frederick Tomlinson. Their daughter Elizabeth Rose, soon becomes an orphan, but is raised by loving grandparents at the family estate Briarwood. As a little girl, she regularly spends time with family friends, the Darcys and Fitzwilliams.
On the death of her grandparents, the now wealthy heiress goes to live with Bennet relations. A substantial stipend follows her, ensuring funds for care appropriate to her station.
Elizabeth's uncle Edward is master of Longbourn and a confirmed batchelor.
He is kind and makes sure that she is well cared for. Unfortunately, his death only months later, turns her world upside down.
Youngest son, Thomas Bennet is master and arrives with his wife and four daughters.
Almost immediately Fanny Bennet redirects resources and care to her daughters.
Over time, Elizabeth is told she is Lizzy Bennet, poor relation and is laughed at if she mentions memories of her other family.
The Bennet's even allow the neighbourhood to believe that Lizzy is Edward Bennet's natural child.
When we meet adult Lizzy, she has no idea of her status and inheritance. Worse Mr Bennet has no plans to tell her.
Fitzwilliam Darcy attends the Meryton assembly and encounters the kind, diffident Elizabeth Bennet. He feels a glimmer of recognition, but can't place her.
They start to meet each other on Oakham Mount and a courtship develops, but things are complicated when Darcy remembers who she really is!
I absolutely loved this. It was really hard to put down.
Featuring a horrible Mr and Mrs Bennet.
Offset by a really sweet Darcy
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
March 2, 2024
3.75*
A nice idea but too long with too many side stories. I enjoy a good "not a Bennet" story and this is one such. The author mostly had a good handle on money and travel which are the two areas on which so many fall down.
This would be significantly improved by removing the Anne de Bourgh element completely and by paring back the Lydia story. The story took a little too long at the beginning to get going and I felt like I was stuck in place without moving forward at a steady pace. This did improve significantly as the book went on.
A nice idea but too long with too many side stories. I enjoy a good "not a Bennet" story and this is one such. The author mostly had a good handle on money and travel which are the two areas on which so many fall down.
This would be significantly improved by removing the Anne de Bourgh element completely and by paring back the Lydia story. The story took a little too long at the beginning to get going and I felt like I was stuck in place without moving forward at a steady pace. This did improve significantly as the book went on.
February 20, 2024
Worthy of Her Trust by Melissa Anne is a good, solid Pride and Prejudice variation featuring the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” trope. Elizabeth and the denizens of Meryton believe she is the natural child of Mr. Bennet’s brother, but in actually, she is an heiress that is the daughter of Mr. Bennet’s decreased sister and brother-in-law. Mrs. Bennet treats her as a burden, and yet unbeknownst to Elizabeth, her stipend has been supporting Longbourn for years. Darcy and Elizabeth meet at the Meryton Assembly, and there is no insult. He is haughty, but also intrigued by the beautiful Elizabeth. They start meeting during the daily walks, and secrets come to light. I don’t wish to reveal any spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it.
I really enjoyed this book, and would give it 4.5 stars, rounding to five. I wouldn’t have minded a little more angst. The bad guys never really felt like a threat. That made the book a little easier to read, but I still deducted a half star. I do recommend this book. Melissa Anne is a new author to me, and I look forward to her future published works.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book, and would give it 4.5 stars, rounding to five. I wouldn’t have minded a little more angst. The bad guys never really felt like a threat. That made the book a little easier to read, but I still deducted a half star. I do recommend this book. Melissa Anne is a new author to me, and I look forward to her future published works.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
Different Story
I really enjoyed this book. The story is one where Elizabeth is not a Bennet. She is a niece, but when taken I by the Bennets at 5, is told she is a Bennet and to not mention anything else. This is the start of a strange childhood for her as she has memories of life before the Bennets. When she is older she meets Darcy an both experience a sense of familiarity. The story is one where the adult Elizabeth and Darcy untangle between what Elizabeth has been told and what is truth.
I found this book interesting as the real villains in the story are Mr and Mrs Bennet even though the usual ones show up.
Well worth reading. This is going into my favorites folder.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is one where Elizabeth is not a Bennet. She is a niece, but when taken I by the Bennets at 5, is told she is a Bennet and to not mention anything else. This is the start of a strange childhood for her as she has memories of life before the Bennets. When she is older she meets Darcy an both experience a sense of familiarity. The story is one where the adult Elizabeth and Darcy untangle between what Elizabeth has been told and what is truth.
I found this book interesting as the real villains in the story are Mr and Mrs Bennet even though the usual ones show up.
Well worth reading. This is going into my favorites folder.
March 6, 2024
I really liked this variation. I loved how when people tried to thwart Darcy and Elizabeth, they came out ahead because things just fell into place. I am more used to someone getting the better of them and causing more issues for ODC so this was a wonderful surprise. I wish there were more about their night after they were married as their was the allusion to Darcy's experience and I would have liked to know how it played out. So, this is a non-spicy... a mild story. I did like how Darcy's inexperience was explained as it follows the ideas I have of how he would be because of Wickham and his status.
I think it was well done and the only things that were difficult for me was Mr. Bennet being a bad guy. I love him and it was sad for me to read but I get it and it worked for the story. And how Elizabeth was being referred to as impertinent and stubborn but really was meek and a bit flippant when faced with Mrs. Bennet... at least until the end.
I think it was well done and the only things that were difficult for me was Mr. Bennet being a bad guy. I love him and it was sad for me to read but I get it and it worked for the story. And how Elizabeth was being referred to as impertinent and stubborn but really was meek and a bit flippant when faced with Mrs. Bennet... at least until the end.
December 14, 2024
I enjoyed the concept of the story - elizabeth is not a bennet but Mr Bennet's neice, a wealthy heiress but she does not know this.
I dodnt enjoy the writing style, i found it very slow and repetative. A group of people will talk about how they are going to handle a situation, then they experience that situation, then they tell other about what happened. There are several parts where characters simply retell previous parts of the book.
Darcy being a trustee and so involved in her legal and financial matters gave me a little ick. It's not at all written as a controlling or exploitative relationship, but the situation and set up means it very easily could have been and it made me uncomfortable. I also didn't enjoy the lack of grace shown to Lydia, I felt she was unnecessarily vilified and her actions within the book didn't seem to deserve the censure she was given, I also did not like her ending, this did feel uncomfortably controlling.
I dodnt enjoy the writing style, i found it very slow and repetative. A group of people will talk about how they are going to handle a situation, then they experience that situation, then they tell other about what happened. There are several parts where characters simply retell previous parts of the book.
Darcy being a trustee and so involved in her legal and financial matters gave me a little ick. It's not at all written as a controlling or exploitative relationship, but the situation and set up means it very easily could have been and it made me uncomfortable. I also didn't enjoy the lack of grace shown to Lydia, I felt she was unnecessarily vilified and her actions within the book didn't seem to deserve the censure she was given, I also did not like her ending, this did feel uncomfortably controlling.
July 10, 2024
This book is full of irresponsible behavior and villains.
Poor Elizabeth. Her father dies before she is born and her mother dies before her first birthday. She is cared for my her father's parents, but they die when she is 5. Her father's friend Mr. Darcy is her guardian, with Mr. Darcy and another man as trustees of her inheritance.
Mr. Darcy ships the young Elizabeth off to Longbourn, to be raised by her mother's brother, as Lady Anne Darcy is dying. Edward Bennet dies several months later, leaving her in the care of Thomas and Fanny Bennet, who steal from her while treating her as a poor relation, despite the fact that her annual stipend keeps Longbourn afloat.
There are a lot of villains here, but no one in the book ever addresses the senior Mr. Darcy's irresponsible behavior. He is her guardian for about 10 years before his death, and never once visits or sends a letter to her uncle to check on her welfare (Mr. Bennet is unfamiliar with the name Darcy when Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Meryton).
Mr. Elliot, the second trustee, also never checks on Elizabeth and never asks for any proof of how her funds are spent. He is in contact with Mr. Bennet but trusts the word of a man he has never met for 15 years.
Poor Elizabeth. Her father dies before she is born and her mother dies before her first birthday. She is cared for my her father's parents, but they die when she is 5. Her father's friend Mr. Darcy is her guardian, with Mr. Darcy and another man as trustees of her inheritance.
Mr. Darcy ships the young Elizabeth off to Longbourn, to be raised by her mother's brother, as Lady Anne Darcy is dying. Edward Bennet dies several months later, leaving her in the care of Thomas and Fanny Bennet, who steal from her while treating her as a poor relation, despite the fact that her annual stipend keeps Longbourn afloat.
There are a lot of villains here, but no one in the book ever addresses the senior Mr. Darcy's irresponsible behavior. He is her guardian for about 10 years before his death, and never once visits or sends a letter to her uncle to check on her welfare (Mr. Bennet is unfamiliar with the name Darcy when Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Meryton).
Mr. Elliot, the second trustee, also never checks on Elizabeth and never asks for any proof of how her funds are spent. He is in contact with Mr. Bennet but trusts the word of a man he has never met for 15 years.
March 22, 2024
Save your breath to cool your porridge
Shame on me for finishing this book. It is tedious and extremely stupid. However, hope springs eternal- and I kept hoping and hoping it would improve. No such luck.
Shame on me for finishing this book. It is tedious and extremely stupid. However, hope springs eternal- and I kept hoping and hoping it would improve. No such luck.
November 12, 2024
Nice
An "Elizabeth is not a Bennett" story. Elizabeth Tomlinson's parents die when she's very young, and she's raised by loving grandparents, who are friends of the Darcys and the Matlocks. After the grandparents die, George Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian, but he also dies, and she's sent to live with her uncle Bennett in Hertfordshire. Although Elizabeth is an heiress with her inheritance held in trust, she's mistreated by the Bennett parents, and the funds sent to support her care and education are instead confiscated and used for their own purposes. Meanwhile, after Darcy's father dies, he becomes trustee of Elizabeth's estate, Briarwood, and eventually he comes to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn estate management. Elizabeth and Darcy meet at the assembly, though not in the usual way, and they immediately strike up a friendship. It takes Darcy a while to realize just who Elizabeth is, since the Bennetts have insisted she use their surname.
This is a familiar premise, and the story is well constructed and satisfying, in that all of the villains get spectacular comeuppances. The romance is lovely and fairly free of contention, at least between Elizabeth and Darcy. There are plenty of bad guys who want to keep ODC apart for their own nefarious purposes. My only reservation is the laughably imbecilic behavior of a few of the characters. Mrs Bennett, Lydia, and Mr Collins in particular have such exaggerated stupidity that I considered it somewhat over-the-top.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for some satisfying JAFF.
An "Elizabeth is not a Bennett" story. Elizabeth Tomlinson's parents die when she's very young, and she's raised by loving grandparents, who are friends of the Darcys and the Matlocks. After the grandparents die, George Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian, but he also dies, and she's sent to live with her uncle Bennett in Hertfordshire. Although Elizabeth is an heiress with her inheritance held in trust, she's mistreated by the Bennett parents, and the funds sent to support her care and education are instead confiscated and used for their own purposes. Meanwhile, after Darcy's father dies, he becomes trustee of Elizabeth's estate, Briarwood, and eventually he comes to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn estate management. Elizabeth and Darcy meet at the assembly, though not in the usual way, and they immediately strike up a friendship. It takes Darcy a while to realize just who Elizabeth is, since the Bennetts have insisted she use their surname.
This is a familiar premise, and the story is well constructed and satisfying, in that all of the villains get spectacular comeuppances. The romance is lovely and fairly free of contention, at least between Elizabeth and Darcy. There are plenty of bad guys who want to keep ODC apart for their own nefarious purposes. My only reservation is the laughably imbecilic behavior of a few of the characters. Mrs Bennett, Lydia, and Mr Collins in particular have such exaggerated stupidity that I considered it somewhat over-the-top.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for some satisfying JAFF.
March 1, 2024
Not much drama with ODC relationship, lots of family drama.
Elizabeth and Darcy have a good relationship from the beginning. First she helped him with a headache, then they continue meeting in Oakham Mount (first by accident, later by unspoken agreement), where they talked and get to know each other. But something is nagging Darcy's mind, and little by little the pieces are put together.
They already knew each other! in her infancy. How? Because she's not actually a Bennet, but her cousin, and she briefly lived near his state.
Without her knowledge (or anyones besides Mr. & Mrs. Bennet), she has been an heiress her whole life, but her "uncles" had been deceiving her, treating her as a charity case, a burden, and making everyone believe she was the natural child of the former Mr. Bennet (the single older brother of Thomas Bennet). Meanwhile, they had being robbing her stipend to their own pleasure.
But dear Darcy helps her untangle everything, and they totally fall in love in the process. But a lot of people want to prevent their HEA.
You'll want to punch into a pulp Mr. Bennet and slap repeatedly Mrs. Bennet... You'll also want to punch/slap Mr. Bingley and Caroline 😆
- Lizzie is not a Bennet
- Elizabeth is a heiress
- Evil Mr. Bennet
- Ghastly Mrs. Bennet
- Bad Mr. Bingley
- Early resolution for ODC
ARC reader leaving my voluntary and honest review.
Elizabeth and Darcy have a good relationship from the beginning. First she helped him with a headache, then they continue meeting in Oakham Mount (first by accident, later by unspoken agreement), where they talked and get to know each other. But something is nagging Darcy's mind, and little by little the pieces are put together.
They already knew each other! in her infancy. How? Because she's not actually a Bennet, but her cousin, and she briefly lived near his state.
Without her knowledge (or anyones besides Mr. & Mrs. Bennet), she has been an heiress her whole life, but her "uncles" had been deceiving her, treating her as a charity case, a burden, and making everyone believe she was the natural child of the former Mr. Bennet (the single older brother of Thomas Bennet). Meanwhile, they had being robbing her stipend to their own pleasure.
But dear Darcy helps her untangle everything, and they totally fall in love in the process. But a lot of people want to prevent their HEA.
You'll want to punch into a pulp Mr. Bennet and slap repeatedly Mrs. Bennet... You'll also want to punch/slap Mr. Bingley and Caroline 😆
- Lizzie is not a Bennet
- Elizabeth is a heiress
- Evil Mr. Bennet
- Ghastly Mrs. Bennet
- Bad Mr. Bingley
- Early resolution for ODC
ARC reader leaving my voluntary and honest review.
March 4, 2024
An onion of a variation
This variation has so many layers in it. One can only think of an onion where one gradually discovers something more after it is peeled.
The layers in this thorough novel involves so many aspects of the lives of Elizabeth, as well as Fitzwilliam Darcy. In this story, they have a past connection which facilitates the emergence of their respect, admiration and love for each other against all odds.
It is appalling though how the Bennet patriarch and matriarch are painted in the most unflattering and negative light. This is another layer the variation
hinges on.
Finally, despite the low angst between Darcy and Elizabeth in terms of how they reached their understanding, the you-and-me-against-the-world angle is by no means less affecting. Their palpable admiration and affection for each other is heart-tugging and sweet. Their steadfastness in the face of the trials and tribulations they face gives them more character. Darcy is less proud and arrogant while more devoted, and determined in his love, and trustworthy to Elizabeth. While Elizabeth, though seemingly vulnerable and dependent on Darcy at times, comes out confident, compassionate and kind. Finding her footing with Darcy’s love for her somehow makes her finally and completely home.
This variation has so many layers in it. One can only think of an onion where one gradually discovers something more after it is peeled.
The layers in this thorough novel involves so many aspects of the lives of Elizabeth, as well as Fitzwilliam Darcy. In this story, they have a past connection which facilitates the emergence of their respect, admiration and love for each other against all odds.
It is appalling though how the Bennet patriarch and matriarch are painted in the most unflattering and negative light. This is another layer the variation
hinges on.
Finally, despite the low angst between Darcy and Elizabeth in terms of how they reached their understanding, the you-and-me-against-the-world angle is by no means less affecting. Their palpable admiration and affection for each other is heart-tugging and sweet. Their steadfastness in the face of the trials and tribulations they face gives them more character. Darcy is less proud and arrogant while more devoted, and determined in his love, and trustworthy to Elizabeth. While Elizabeth, though seemingly vulnerable and dependent on Darcy at times, comes out confident, compassionate and kind. Finding her footing with Darcy’s love for her somehow makes her finally and completely home.
March 4, 2024
Trust is hard to earn when broken
I had the privilege to be a Bata reader for this story, and I enjoyed it then, but the final product is even better. This is a story where Elizabeth grows up not knowing her real history of her parents. Mr & Mrs Bennet are clearly selfish and really never learn to correct their behavior. I thought it was a cute twist on Canon when Darcy didn't insult Elizabeth at the assembly, but they had a conversation and what a journey it made for everyone. Elizabeth has trust truly broken in her family when the truth is revealed, and she goes through a large emotional upheaval. I'm glad that she had more people around her for support than she even thought. Jane and Mary got a reality check from overhearing their parents arguing. Thinking about that time period, I can easily imagine how this situation could happen, and I'm sure it did and worse for those not truly protected. I am thankful that we get to see our favorite couple come together and have a deep abiding trust with each other. I borrowed this on KU and plan to buy the paperback for my collection.
I had the privilege to be a Bata reader for this story, and I enjoyed it then, but the final product is even better. This is a story where Elizabeth grows up not knowing her real history of her parents. Mr & Mrs Bennet are clearly selfish and really never learn to correct their behavior. I thought it was a cute twist on Canon when Darcy didn't insult Elizabeth at the assembly, but they had a conversation and what a journey it made for everyone. Elizabeth has trust truly broken in her family when the truth is revealed, and she goes through a large emotional upheaval. I'm glad that she had more people around her for support than she even thought. Jane and Mary got a reality check from overhearing their parents arguing. Thinking about that time period, I can easily imagine how this situation could happen, and I'm sure it did and worse for those not truly protected. I am thankful that we get to see our favorite couple come together and have a deep abiding trust with each other. I borrowed this on KU and plan to buy the paperback for my collection.
September 21, 2024
Premise: An Elizabeth is Not A Bennet (well, half of one) story with some Cinderella vibes and a madcap gallery of villains. Mr Bennet's older sister married a wealthy man and gave birth to our Elizabeth. Within five years, she's lost both her parents, her grandparents, and her Bennet uncle (Mr Bennet's older brother). Mr and Mrs Bennet take her in and receive a generous stipend to provide for her education and wellbeing. Being terrible, they spend it on other stuff and tell everyone Lizzy is an illegitimate niece. Mr Darcy to the rescue!
What I liked: The villains are so over the top I love it. Some satisfying comeuppance is delivered.
Characterization: Darcy is less snobby and rude (does not insult Elizabeth at the assembly). Mr and Mrs Bennet are far more selfish and greedy. Bingley is just as social climbing as Caroline.
Smut level: Low. Some passionate kisses and fade to black wedding night.
Any non-canon parings:
Issues: A touch overlong with some tangents that drag the pace a bit. I really wish the trustee had just CHECKED on Elizabeth even once.
What I liked: The villains are so over the top I love it. Some satisfying comeuppance is delivered.
Characterization: Darcy is less snobby and rude (does not insult Elizabeth at the assembly). Mr and Mrs Bennet are far more selfish and greedy. Bingley is just as social climbing as Caroline.
Smut level: Low. Some passionate kisses and fade to black wedding night.
Any non-canon parings:
Issues: A touch overlong with some tangents that drag the pace a bit. I really wish the trustee had just CHECKED on Elizabeth even once.
March 17, 2024
Couldn’t put it down
Well, that was an exciting ride! I must say, this is one of the best I’ve read. I was engaged throughout and was actually excited as I noted 28% read, 35% read, and thought, oh good, lots more of this to go. The pace never lagged, and I could hardly make myself put it down and finally go to bed last night—or should I say this morning since it was after twelve?
Darcy is more likable and Elizabeth less know it all; thumbs up. The wild goose chase makes me chuckle. Mr Collins is suitably boneheaded except for a moment or two when a dim lightbulb comes on in his brain. I wanted to kick Mr Elliot for not once showing up unannounced at the Bennets’ to check on his ward. I do like this version of the Hursts, and it was satisfying to see Mrs Hurst refuse to bow down to her sister’s every whim and desire.
Thank you, thank you, Melissa Anne, for an excellent addition to the genre.
Well, that was an exciting ride! I must say, this is one of the best I’ve read. I was engaged throughout and was actually excited as I noted 28% read, 35% read, and thought, oh good, lots more of this to go. The pace never lagged, and I could hardly make myself put it down and finally go to bed last night—or should I say this morning since it was after twelve?
Darcy is more likable and Elizabeth less know it all; thumbs up. The wild goose chase makes me chuckle. Mr Collins is suitably boneheaded except for a moment or two when a dim lightbulb comes on in his brain. I wanted to kick Mr Elliot for not once showing up unannounced at the Bennets’ to check on his ward. I do like this version of the Hursts, and it was satisfying to see Mrs Hurst refuse to bow down to her sister’s every whim and desire.
Thank you, thank you, Melissa Anne, for an excellent addition to the genre.
March 12, 2024
Great adaptation
This is slightly different from the usual " Elizabeth isn't a Bennet and is an heiress " stories. Elizabeth's mother was Mr Bennet's sister and died along with her husband and his father around the time of Elizabeth was born. At age 5 she ends up with the Bennet family where she's treated as the impoverished " natural " daughter of Mr Bennet's uncle. The money they received for her care was instead spent on his books and dressing the Bennet girls while Elizabeth wore hand me down clothing.
Darcy rescued her and with the assistance of the Matlocks hid her from the Bennet family and Mr Collins.
It was a good story and had numerous subplots which kept me intrigued.
This is slightly different from the usual " Elizabeth isn't a Bennet and is an heiress " stories. Elizabeth's mother was Mr Bennet's sister and died along with her husband and his father around the time of Elizabeth was born. At age 5 she ends up with the Bennet family where she's treated as the impoverished " natural " daughter of Mr Bennet's uncle. The money they received for her care was instead spent on his books and dressing the Bennet girls while Elizabeth wore hand me down clothing.
Darcy rescued her and with the assistance of the Matlocks hid her from the Bennet family and Mr Collins.
It was a good story and had numerous subplots which kept me intrigued.
December 15, 2024
A lovely twist to the classic...
This is such a wonderful variation from Melissa Anne. The descriptions of young Elizabeth (Ellie) with Will and Jon as children are fabulously written.
The angst is what I consider low as it is not the main plot of the storyline, more the background of the events that occur.
The usual villains appear as well as the inclusion of Mr and Mrs Bennet. Mr Bingley is not portrayed in a great light either, being IMO more selfish. They all received their just rewards or lack of them as a result.
This is a wonderful variation for anyone who loves an Elizabeth is not a Bennet plot line!
Harry Frost also does an amazing portrayal of all the characters as always!!!!
This is such a wonderful variation from Melissa Anne. The descriptions of young Elizabeth (Ellie) with Will and Jon as children are fabulously written.
The angst is what I consider low as it is not the main plot of the storyline, more the background of the events that occur.
The usual villains appear as well as the inclusion of Mr and Mrs Bennet. Mr Bingley is not portrayed in a great light either, being IMO more selfish. They all received their just rewards or lack of them as a result.
This is a wonderful variation for anyone who loves an Elizabeth is not a Bennet plot line!
Harry Frost also does an amazing portrayal of all the characters as always!!!!
March 19, 2024
Lovely, Interesting Variation
Best written from this author thus far. The emotional arc for ODC is lovely. The pacing is good, though the time for traveling by horse and carriage is inconsistent and completely unrealistic when the antagonists are sent on their chase. A loss of viewpoint has a couple of instances where the subject of a sentence is misidentified, as obvious through context.
Things happen a little too easily. The protagonists are always a step ahead of the antagonists. Even the depths of Elizabeth's sense of betrayal are ameliorated by a single cathartic episode. A valiant effort.
Best written from this author thus far. The emotional arc for ODC is lovely. The pacing is good, though the time for traveling by horse and carriage is inconsistent and completely unrealistic when the antagonists are sent on their chase. A loss of viewpoint has a couple of instances where the subject of a sentence is misidentified, as obvious through context.
Things happen a little too easily. The protagonists are always a step ahead of the antagonists. Even the depths of Elizabeth's sense of betrayal are ameliorated by a single cathartic episode. A valiant effort.
March 23, 2024
Amazing interesting intriguing emotional
One of the best Elizabeth not a Bennet stories. Interesting and thrilling from beginning to end. I love the "small world" aspect with the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth from the beginning. The Bennet patents are horrible in this. Truly love strong Anne De Bourg storyline. Loved the set down of the Bingley's, yes both!!!
This story was magnificent and hard to put down. Amazingly written and a flowing storyline the keeps you enthralled. Very emotionally charged and a low anguish throughs story. Highly recommended for anyone to read.
One of the best Elizabeth not a Bennet stories. Interesting and thrilling from beginning to end. I love the "small world" aspect with the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth from the beginning. The Bennet patents are horrible in this. Truly love strong Anne De Bourg storyline. Loved the set down of the Bingley's, yes both!!!
This story was magnificent and hard to put down. Amazingly written and a flowing storyline the keeps you enthralled. Very emotionally charged and a low anguish throughs story. Highly recommended for anyone to read.
May 11, 2024
I really liked the how to book was written. Elizabeth not being a Bennet was a really neat idea, and the author did an amazing job with it. The interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy were sweet and funny, and their personalities, I felt, were really captured in this book. I would definitely recommend this book!
Bingley's personality in this totally took me by surprise. I was not expecting how he acted at all. Colonel Fitzwilliam helping Darcy and Elizabeth was so sweet and some of the things he did were awesome!
I loved Darcy and Elizabeth's first meeting. It was so different from the original, and I absolutely love how it was written!
Bingley's personality in this totally took me by surprise. I was not expecting how he acted at all. Colonel Fitzwilliam helping Darcy and Elizabeth was so sweet and some of the things he did were awesome!
I loved Darcy and Elizabeth's first meeting. It was so different from the original, and I absolutely love how it was written!
March 26, 2024
Wow! Who would have thought that Mr. Bennet could be so selfish as well as indolent.
I have always enjoyed the relationship of Mr. Bennet and his favorite daughter, Elizabeth, in this tale, is a niece. One "wow" is because of how she is misused by both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. A bigger "wow" is the scheming on the part of a trusted friend against Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. The bigger "wow" is how Elizabeth's true identity is revealed and by whom. Sit back, relax, and hang on tight. This is a wonderful story. Enjoy!
I have always enjoyed the relationship of Mr. Bennet and his favorite daughter, Elizabeth, in this tale, is a niece. One "wow" is because of how she is misused by both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. A bigger "wow" is the scheming on the part of a trusted friend against Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. The bigger "wow" is how Elizabeth's true identity is revealed and by whom. Sit back, relax, and hang on tight. This is a wonderful story. Enjoy!
May 24, 2025
2.25⭐️
A lot of the plot devices used used in a previous book I read (by the same author) were used here. Which caused me no end of feelings of deja vu. The plot too was a bit too meandering in some cases as this book could easily have been shorter. A lot of the book consisted of repeating the same thing over and over again. And while I like seeing the antagonists get their comeuppance, this book went into a lot of detail that was not necessary. This is the first book in my P&P variation journey that I have disliked as much and hope it is in the minority.
A lot of the plot devices used used in a previous book I read (by the same author) were used here. Which caused me no end of feelings of deja vu. The plot too was a bit too meandering in some cases as this book could easily have been shorter. A lot of the book consisted of repeating the same thing over and over again. And while I like seeing the antagonists get their comeuppance, this book went into a lot of detail that was not necessary. This is the first book in my P&P variation journey that I have disliked as much and hope it is in the minority.
February 28, 2024
4.5 stars. I adored this book. It was the perfect light and sweet read for traveling. I also love stories where Jane doesn’t and up with Bingley and Bingley & Caroline have to learn some hard lessons. I loved the characterization of Mrs Bennet and Lydia SO MUCH. It was really spot on. I initially loved the progression of Elizabeth & Darcy’s relationship, but after they were married it felt like they were secondary & I wanted more dialogue between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
Elizabeth’s life growing up
Wow, what an imagination this author has making her story one of my favorites!
This story is so compelling I couldn’t put down. I was reading it even as my hysterical took me to the home improvement store.
If you are a fan of JAFF and love an imaginative story you will love this. I will say Mr and Mrs Bennet are not good people so enjoy reading!
Wow, what an imagination this author has making her story one of my favorites!
This story is so compelling I couldn’t put down. I was reading it even as my hysterical took me to the home improvement store.
If you are a fan of JAFF and love an imaginative story you will love this. I will say Mr and Mrs Bennet are not good people so enjoy reading!
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