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A Most Beloved Sister: a Pride & Prejudice variation
What if Jane Bennet had been born with a chromosome abnormality like Down Syndrome? Find out in this variation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice."
In Regency England, Elizabeth Bennet faces a year of formidable challenges. Her beloved sister Jane, born with a disability, finds herself in the midst of societal pressures that test Elizabeth’s protective instincts. As the Bennet family navigates these hardships, Elizabeth must confront those who would exploit her sister’s condition.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy, burdened with his own family secrets, grapples with his father’s mysterious past and concerns for his sister’s future. His path crosses with the Bennets as he and Elizabeth confront their prejudices and misunderstandings under trying circumstances.
As Elizabeth fiercely defends Jane’s dignity against the encroachments of the Bingley family, Darcy contemplates a revelation that could change everything. In a society where status and decorum often dictate actions, will the truths about the Darcy and Bennet families unite them or drive them apart?
"A Most Beloved Sister" is a compelling tale of loyalty, truth, and the powerful bonds of family in the face of adversity.
Trigger warning: mistreatment of persons born with disabilities.
A Most Beloved Sister is a full-length, sweet regency romance novel of 120,000 words that is a variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.
In Regency England, Elizabeth Bennet faces a year of formidable challenges. Her beloved sister Jane, born with a disability, finds herself in the midst of societal pressures that test Elizabeth’s protective instincts. As the Bennet family navigates these hardships, Elizabeth must confront those who would exploit her sister’s condition.
Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy, burdened with his own family secrets, grapples with his father’s mysterious past and concerns for his sister’s future. His path crosses with the Bennets as he and Elizabeth confront their prejudices and misunderstandings under trying circumstances.
As Elizabeth fiercely defends Jane’s dignity against the encroachments of the Bingley family, Darcy contemplates a revelation that could change everything. In a society where status and decorum often dictate actions, will the truths about the Darcy and Bennet families unite them or drive them apart?
"A Most Beloved Sister" is a compelling tale of loyalty, truth, and the powerful bonds of family in the face of adversity.
Trigger warning: mistreatment of persons born with disabilities.
A Most Beloved Sister is a full-length, sweet regency romance novel of 120,000 words that is a variation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2024
90 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Thomas
27 books60 followersWelcome! I’m Tiffany Thomas, and I’m so glad you are here!
I’m a homeschooling mom of four with Crohn’s disease. Prior to becoming ill, I was a public middle school math teacher for several years.
My husband, Phillip, and I run the blog Saving Talents – which I definitely think you should check out!
I love chocolate, sci-fi, and Jane Austen (obviously). I’m the oldest of 10 kids (6 bio, 4 adopted from foster care).
I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka, Mormon).
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me – I love hearing from my readers! Just sign up for my newsletter and hit “reply” when you get an email from me.
I’m a homeschooling mom of four with Crohn’s disease. Prior to becoming ill, I was a public middle school math teacher for several years.
My husband, Phillip, and I run the blog Saving Talents – which I definitely think you should check out!
I love chocolate, sci-fi, and Jane Austen (obviously). I’m the oldest of 10 kids (6 bio, 4 adopted from foster care).
I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka, Mormon).
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me – I love hearing from my readers! Just sign up for my newsletter and hit “reply” when you get an email from me.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 2, 2024
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. ~ Author Unknown
The prologue sets the scene for Jane’s story: The small babe had a head of blond hair with large eyes that slanted upwards slightly at the edges … The midwife cleared her throat. “She has only one line across each of her palms. And her toes … there’s a large gap between the largest and the second. When you combine that with her eyes … I think she might be defective, sir.”
A defective child! Consigned to the workhouse? Unacknowledged in her family? Considered to have been stillborn?
Not the Bennets’ daughter!
When you judge someone based on a diagnosis, you miss out on their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. ~ Author Unknown
Jane grows as all children grow. She gains a family full of sisters. She is a loved child.
In Jane’s case, her mental disability does not limit her as much as many other children with Down syndrome. She is slower to learn, but she does learn. Her face is unique but still beautiful. She dances.
Then, Netherfield Park is let at last.
Sometimes the things we cannot change end up changing us instead. ~ Author Unknown
The prologue points to a second child in a second family that is born “defective.” That child is not so fortunate in her parentage. That child’s life has affected Fitzwilliam Darcy in many ways, as has the death of his mother at the child’s birth. The elder Mr. Darcy is less open-minded than Mr. Bennet.
Darcy’s insult at the Meryton Assembly reflects his father’s attitude.
Down syndrome happens randomly, like flipping a coin or winning the lottery. ~ Author Unknown
At one time, I was an Adult Family Home Sponsor (similar to Foster care, except my ladies were all adults.) One of the ladies who lived with me for 12 years had Down syndrome. I loved that funny little woman — to the point that people sometimes thought I was her mother, even though she was six years my senior. She had a cute laugh and an outgoing personality and people did not notice the deep lines around her eyes. A lesson for all of us, I’m sure.
My little friend taught me one thing: it is a gift from God to be born so happy.
Today, for some reason, I see how short our lives actually are and how often I forget to look in your eyes and stop time entirely and say, “You have made this life for me.” ~ Brian Andreas
The prologue sets the scene for Jane’s story: The small babe had a head of blond hair with large eyes that slanted upwards slightly at the edges … The midwife cleared her throat. “She has only one line across each of her palms. And her toes … there’s a large gap between the largest and the second. When you combine that with her eyes … I think she might be defective, sir.”
A defective child! Consigned to the workhouse? Unacknowledged in her family? Considered to have been stillborn?
Not the Bennets’ daughter!
When you judge someone based on a diagnosis, you miss out on their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. ~ Author Unknown
Jane grows as all children grow. She gains a family full of sisters. She is a loved child.
In Jane’s case, her mental disability does not limit her as much as many other children with Down syndrome. She is slower to learn, but she does learn. Her face is unique but still beautiful. She dances.
Then, Netherfield Park is let at last.
Sometimes the things we cannot change end up changing us instead. ~ Author Unknown
The prologue points to a second child in a second family that is born “defective.” That child is not so fortunate in her parentage. That child’s life has affected Fitzwilliam Darcy in many ways, as has the death of his mother at the child’s birth. The elder Mr. Darcy is less open-minded than Mr. Bennet.
Darcy’s insult at the Meryton Assembly reflects his father’s attitude.
Down syndrome happens randomly, like flipping a coin or winning the lottery. ~ Author Unknown
At one time, I was an Adult Family Home Sponsor (similar to Foster care, except my ladies were all adults.) One of the ladies who lived with me for 12 years had Down syndrome. I loved that funny little woman — to the point that people sometimes thought I was her mother, even though she was six years my senior. She had a cute laugh and an outgoing personality and people did not notice the deep lines around her eyes. A lesson for all of us, I’m sure.
My little friend taught me one thing: it is a gift from God to be born so happy.
Today, for some reason, I see how short our lives actually are and how often I forget to look in your eyes and stop time entirely and say, “You have made this life for me.” ~ Brian Andreas
May 2, 2024
Emotional
Please make sure to read the author's note at the beginning of the book. You can feel the love and respect the author took to share this P&P variation with us. So many times, we forget what life was truly like in this era and have some readers have difficulty understanding that. Granted, this story didn't dive deep into what hardships were on those who didn't have support but you get a little taste of it. I have read other stories where characters (including Darcy or Elizabeth) struggle with a disability and they are worth reading. In this story, you are introduced to several characters with different abilities (physical, etc), and you can easily become attached to them like those around the characters, and this is where emotions come together. Inclusion is a focus in the story. I enjoyed seeing a few people being asked this: "the Lord looketh not on the countenance, but on the heart. Which, do you think, would He find uglier in this moment?" So many times people need to look in the mirror to inspect their behavior, but unfortunately, just like today there are still many self focused people. One of the other reviews commented about the length of the churching and baby baptism scene. I agree it was a little long but it's something that a reader can easily deal with. Would I read this again? Absolutely. I borrowed it via KU and read it in two days. I have also added it to my wishlist.
Please make sure to read the author's note at the beginning of the book. You can feel the love and respect the author took to share this P&P variation with us. So many times, we forget what life was truly like in this era and have some readers have difficulty understanding that. Granted, this story didn't dive deep into what hardships were on those who didn't have support but you get a little taste of it. I have read other stories where characters (including Darcy or Elizabeth) struggle with a disability and they are worth reading. In this story, you are introduced to several characters with different abilities (physical, etc), and you can easily become attached to them like those around the characters, and this is where emotions come together. Inclusion is a focus in the story. I enjoyed seeing a few people being asked this: "the Lord looketh not on the countenance, but on the heart. Which, do you think, would He find uglier in this moment?" So many times people need to look in the mirror to inspect their behavior, but unfortunately, just like today there are still many self focused people. One of the other reviews commented about the length of the churching and baby baptism scene. I agree it was a little long but it's something that a reader can easily deal with. Would I read this again? Absolutely. I borrowed it via KU and read it in two days. I have also added it to my wishlist.
April 30, 2024
Beautiful
A beautifully written tale of two loving sisters and a Jane with a divergent genetic inheritance. Ms Thomas always offers a surprise, in this case, some imaginative differences in characters, an unexpected pairing, and a less angst ridden HEA. Her research offers insights into what life might have been like in that time for persons with differences.
A beautifully written tale of two loving sisters and a Jane with a divergent genetic inheritance. Ms Thomas always offers a surprise, in this case, some imaginative differences in characters, an unexpected pairing, and a less angst ridden HEA. Her research offers insights into what life might have been like in that time for persons with differences.
May 4, 2024
Jane and Georgiana
Are the focal points of their respective sibling's devotion. Each was born with some "imperfection" and Elizabeth and Darcy face difficult challenges to protect them. I quite liked this Darcy and Elizabeth except for his performance around the second Meryton assembly.
I found the full services for baptism, churching, marriage, and funeral to be quite interesting, although some readers may find those sections tedious.
The story is sometimes uneven, but I think that the unique premises and writing made up for it.
Like with this author's When Summer Never Came, I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of this book.
Are the focal points of their respective sibling's devotion. Each was born with some "imperfection" and Elizabeth and Darcy face difficult challenges to protect them. I quite liked this Darcy and Elizabeth except for his performance around the second Meryton assembly.
I found the full services for baptism, churching, marriage, and funeral to be quite interesting, although some readers may find those sections tedious.
The story is sometimes uneven, but I think that the unique premises and writing made up for it.
Like with this author's When Summer Never Came, I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of this book.
May 1, 2024
3.75 stars
Ms Thomas has blessed us with a movingly original retelling. She casts a new glow on the cause of Jane’s sweet nature, while also giving voice to other characters’ disabilities. Louisa Hurst positively shines in this variation.
This book would merit a full five stars, were it not for the text. Passages from Pride and Prejudice are shoehorned in. I could live with that. The religious overtones almost hobble the story. If anyone has misplaced their copy of the Book of Common Prayer, this book will get you back up to speed. As just one example, Thomas devotes 15 pages for a baptism alone; 14.5 of those are directly from the BoCP. No one needs this much liturgy.
Ms Thomas has blessed us with a movingly original retelling. She casts a new glow on the cause of Jane’s sweet nature, while also giving voice to other characters’ disabilities. Louisa Hurst positively shines in this variation.
This book would merit a full five stars, were it not for the text. Passages from Pride and Prejudice are shoehorned in. I could live with that. The religious overtones almost hobble the story. If anyone has misplaced their copy of the Book of Common Prayer, this book will get you back up to speed. As just one example, Thomas devotes 15 pages for a baptism alone; 14.5 of those are directly from the BoCP. No one needs this much liturgy.
July 2, 2024
This variation provides a glimpse of life where family members are differently abled, whether that is mental or physical. Most misunderstandings between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy surround their comments and behaviors about such individuals. They do find their happily ever after, of course.
That being said there were many obvious editing errors and pages of quotes from the Common Prayer book. Characters were extreme versions of themselves and some had strange conclusions considering their previous behaviors.
That being said there were many obvious editing errors and pages of quotes from the Common Prayer book. Characters were extreme versions of themselves and some had strange conclusions considering their previous behaviors.
May 1, 2024
Interesting read
Emotional variation written by a caring author on a difficult subject. Elizabeth and Darcy ended up with their own HEA, Wickham wasn't the bad guy, Lady Catherine stayed quietly in Kent, Lydia was not a nice person, Mr Bennet, who proved himself very caring for Jane and Elizabeth, eventually the author turned on him, which was disappointing. There was a bit too many church services for my part for a darker romance or any romance.
Emotional variation written by a caring author on a difficult subject. Elizabeth and Darcy ended up with their own HEA, Wickham wasn't the bad guy, Lady Catherine stayed quietly in Kent, Lydia was not a nice person, Mr Bennet, who proved himself very caring for Jane and Elizabeth, eventually the author turned on him, which was disappointing. There was a bit too many church services for my part for a darker romance or any romance.
April 26, 2024
So wonderful!
Such a heartwarming story! The biggest villain was those that didn’t treat the disabled with compassion; and actually Mr. Bennett for his casual neglect; and George Darcy for his cruelty.
Jane brought so many smiles.
Such a heartwarming story! The biggest villain was those that didn’t treat the disabled with compassion; and actually Mr. Bennett for his casual neglect; and George Darcy for his cruelty.
Jane brought so many smiles.
May 2, 2024
Touches the heartstrings
This touches the heart strings. First you feel scared, then love then a combination of sad and hopeful.
Then you feel scared, heartbreak and anger.
You will feel every emotion with this story.
But most of all, love!
We live in better circumstances in our time, but history shows that people were even worse back in their time. There are still mean people today...there is hope.
An excellent read.
This touches the heart strings. First you feel scared, then love then a combination of sad and hopeful.
Then you feel scared, heartbreak and anger.
You will feel every emotion with this story.
But most of all, love!
We live in better circumstances in our time, but history shows that people were even worse back in their time. There are still mean people today...there is hope.
An excellent read.
May 18, 2025
She did her research. Original.
I’m an admirer of this author. She has always offered very good original stories, touching on authentic issues of the Regency era bringing our beloved Austen characters into the real world they would have inhabited. Some of the much harder issues than we are exposed to in canon P&P. And using her Christian faith to guide in some places, and in others show what being part of the church actions, ceremonies and traditions looked like. I found all this fascinating, but I mention it so others can make their own decisions about reading it.
This story is a heartbreaking wrench in many parts as we watch one of our most beloved characters weaken and eventually die. The story is happy and beautifully written before the inevitable starts to happen. And then it was just as beautifully portrayed. Although I cried buckets I wouldn’t have missed it. It’s a wonderful story.
The romance between ODC had a believable arc, they still had their misunderstandings in the beginning. When we find out why Darcy was so dour in the beginning of this tale our hearts go out to him and even more so Georgiana.
The last 20% or so of the book was important, but I would have liked to see it tightened up a bit.
I couldn’t decide which Bennet parent to route for, their personalities changed through the book, and expected more issues to be resolved.
I liked so much about this story; the author’s portrayal of Jane Bennet with her angelic yet simple mind, Louisa Hurst’s role in the story-her relationship with her husband her private pain and fears and the way things happened to bring her husband to turn around his life. I liked that Bingley had a backbone in this tale and did something decisive and early on about his witch of a sister Caroline, making Louisa his hostess. That worked for everyone involved. I wasn’t sure in the beginning but I even liked Wickham’s story here.
There’s much more and I have tried not to spoil too much. I recommend this for JAFF readers or those interested in how various disabilities were treated in Jane Austen’s time. I would like to read it again sometime.
I’m an admirer of this author. She has always offered very good original stories, touching on authentic issues of the Regency era bringing our beloved Austen characters into the real world they would have inhabited. Some of the much harder issues than we are exposed to in canon P&P. And using her Christian faith to guide in some places, and in others show what being part of the church actions, ceremonies and traditions looked like. I found all this fascinating, but I mention it so others can make their own decisions about reading it.
This story is a heartbreaking wrench in many parts as we watch one of our most beloved characters weaken and eventually die. The story is happy and beautifully written before the inevitable starts to happen. And then it was just as beautifully portrayed. Although I cried buckets I wouldn’t have missed it. It’s a wonderful story.
The romance between ODC had a believable arc, they still had their misunderstandings in the beginning. When we find out why Darcy was so dour in the beginning of this tale our hearts go out to him and even more so Georgiana.
The last 20% or so of the book was important, but I would have liked to see it tightened up a bit.
I couldn’t decide which Bennet parent to route for, their personalities changed through the book, and expected more issues to be resolved.
I liked so much about this story; the author’s portrayal of Jane Bennet with her angelic yet simple mind, Louisa Hurst’s role in the story-her relationship with her husband her private pain and fears and the way things happened to bring her husband to turn around his life. I liked that Bingley had a backbone in this tale and did something decisive and early on about his witch of a sister Caroline, making Louisa his hostess. That worked for everyone involved. I wasn’t sure in the beginning but I even liked Wickham’s story here.
There’s much more and I have tried not to spoil too much. I recommend this for JAFF readers or those interested in how various disabilities were treated in Jane Austen’s time. I would like to read it again sometime.
May 30, 2024
Interesting
Jane Bennett is born "different," probably what would be called high functioning Down syndrome, still beautiful, but simple minded with certain telltale physical traits. Elizabeth learns to be her closest protector and advocate. Meanwhile, Darcy's father is cruel to his wife when she gives birth to a daughter with a double harelip. The elder Mr Darcy wants to get rid of the baby, but young Darcy intervenes, and Georgiana is raised out of sight in the dower house at Pemberly. As soon as Darcy's father dies, he moves Georgiana back into the home, but being her guardian is challenging. Darcy comes to Hertfordshire with the Bingleys and Hursts as per usual, delivers the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, and also insults Jane's unusual appearance. Therefore, Elizabeth has no very good opinion of him. He, however, is witness to Elizabeth's caring ways with handicapped people, and he admires her in secret.
I like the subject matter, and really appreciated all of the detail. You can tell that a lot of research and personal knowledge went into this work. It wasn't difficult to accept a less than perfect Jane and Georgiana because such loving care went into all of the descriptions of typical physical and mental issues. I was, however, missing the romance. I didn't feel the chemistry building between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth just seemed to hate Darcy until she suddenly didn't. I couldn't really understand what attracted Darcy to her when she was nothing but awful to him at every turn.
Elizabeth wasn't the only awful person. There were so many that it became a little depressing. Both Mr and Mrs Bennett, Mary, Lydia, Caroline Bingley, Mr Hurst, all of them were awful. Darcy was awful, too, for a while as he kept saying the most insulting things about people with handicaps.
This book could have been shortened significantly, but the author felt the need to include lyrics to entire songs and words to entire religious ceremonies, among other unnecessary things. I got the feeling that she needed to have a certain quota of pages, and used filler content to achieve it. The book is well written and well edited, but I can't really recommend it.
Jane Bennett is born "different," probably what would be called high functioning Down syndrome, still beautiful, but simple minded with certain telltale physical traits. Elizabeth learns to be her closest protector and advocate. Meanwhile, Darcy's father is cruel to his wife when she gives birth to a daughter with a double harelip. The elder Mr Darcy wants to get rid of the baby, but young Darcy intervenes, and Georgiana is raised out of sight in the dower house at Pemberly. As soon as Darcy's father dies, he moves Georgiana back into the home, but being her guardian is challenging. Darcy comes to Hertfordshire with the Bingleys and Hursts as per usual, delivers the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly, and also insults Jane's unusual appearance. Therefore, Elizabeth has no very good opinion of him. He, however, is witness to Elizabeth's caring ways with handicapped people, and he admires her in secret.
I like the subject matter, and really appreciated all of the detail. You can tell that a lot of research and personal knowledge went into this work. It wasn't difficult to accept a less than perfect Jane and Georgiana because such loving care went into all of the descriptions of typical physical and mental issues. I was, however, missing the romance. I didn't feel the chemistry building between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth just seemed to hate Darcy until she suddenly didn't. I couldn't really understand what attracted Darcy to her when she was nothing but awful to him at every turn.
Elizabeth wasn't the only awful person. There were so many that it became a little depressing. Both Mr and Mrs Bennett, Mary, Lydia, Caroline Bingley, Mr Hurst, all of them were awful. Darcy was awful, too, for a while as he kept saying the most insulting things about people with handicaps.
This book could have been shortened significantly, but the author felt the need to include lyrics to entire songs and words to entire religious ceremonies, among other unnecessary things. I got the feeling that she needed to have a certain quota of pages, and used filler content to achieve it. The book is well written and well edited, but I can't really recommend it.
May 12, 2024
Another Gem
Tiffany Thomas never fails to entertain with original ideas and interesting plots. This one in particular I found delightful. I know some complained about the length of and inclusion of the Book of Common Prayer services for churching Louisa and the christening, but not having ever read it or been to a service in England, I found it interesting- even if it was just to marvel at it being longer and more complicated than the Catholic rituals of my youth.
I always look forward to more from this author.
Tiffany Thomas never fails to entertain with original ideas and interesting plots. This one in particular I found delightful. I know some complained about the length of and inclusion of the Book of Common Prayer services for churching Louisa and the christening, but not having ever read it or been to a service in England, I found it interesting- even if it was just to marvel at it being longer and more complicated than the Catholic rituals of my youth.
I always look forward to more from this author.
May 6, 2024
Not sure what put me off this story but something did. I just found it unrealistic to think a marriage could occur inn the circumstances depicted.
And large sections of religious text within a book to me is a bit lazy on the part of the authors who do that sort of thing. Not a favourite for me.
And large sections of religious text within a book to me is a bit lazy on the part of the authors who do that sort of thing. Not a favourite for me.
June 12, 2024
Sad but worth it
A unique glimpse into how people with physical or mental issues were viewed and treated in those days. Also, a stubborn but lovely Elizabeth and a misunderstood Darcy. Sweet story!
A unique glimpse into how people with physical or mental issues were viewed and treated in those days. Also, a stubborn but lovely Elizabeth and a misunderstood Darcy. Sweet story!
May 1, 2024
There was a lot of angst in this story as well as a sweet romance. I recommend it but would warn angst weenies so they are prepared.
May 6, 2024
Good look at the prejudices of the past
I was fascinated by the glimpse into the way people with intellectual and physical disabilities were treated in the Regency period. My only criticism of the book is that there are very long passages from what I assume is the Book of Common Prayer. It was hard to follow, and seemingly not crucial to the movement of the plot, so it felt like space filler to me.
I was fascinated by the glimpse into the way people with intellectual and physical disabilities were treated in the Regency period. My only criticism of the book is that there are very long passages from what I assume is the Book of Common Prayer. It was hard to follow, and seemingly not crucial to the movement of the plot, so it felt like space filler to me.
November 11, 2024
I loved it!
***Trigger warning: mistreatment of persons born with disabilities.***
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 compelling tale of loyalty, truth, and the powerful bonds of family in the face of adversity. What if Jane Bennet had been born with a chromosome abnormality like Down Syndrome? In Regency England, Elizabeth Bennet faces a year of formidable challenges. Her beloved sister Jane, born with a disability, finds herself in the midst of societal pressures that test Elizabeth’s protective instincts. As the Bennet family navigates these hardships, Elizabeth must confront those who would exploit her sister’s condition. Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy, burdened with his own family secrets, grapples with his father’s mysterious past and concerns for his sister’s future. His path crosses with the Bennets as he and Elizabeth confront their prejudices and misunderstandings under trying circumstances. As Elizabeth fiercely defends Jane’s dignity against the encroachments of the Bingley family, Darcy contemplates a revelation that could change everything. In a society where status and decorum often dictate actions, will the truths about the Darcy and Bennet families unite them or drive them apart? 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.
***Trigger warning: mistreatment of persons born with disabilities.***
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 compelling tale of loyalty, truth, and the powerful bonds of family in the face of adversity. What if Jane Bennet had been born with a chromosome abnormality like Down Syndrome? In Regency England, Elizabeth Bennet faces a year of formidable challenges. Her beloved sister Jane, born with a disability, finds herself in the midst of societal pressures that test Elizabeth’s protective instincts. As the Bennet family navigates these hardships, Elizabeth must confront those who would exploit her sister’s condition. Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy, burdened with his own family secrets, grapples with his father’s mysterious past and concerns for his sister’s future. His path crosses with the Bennets as he and Elizabeth confront their prejudices and misunderstandings under trying circumstances. As Elizabeth fiercely defends Jane’s dignity against the encroachments of the Bingley family, Darcy contemplates a revelation that could change everything. In a society where status and decorum often dictate actions, will the truths about the Darcy and Bennet families unite them or drive them apart? 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.
May 6, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
The author does introduce the reader to the premise in this story before the tale begins. However it goes beyond that. We have Elizabeth and Darcy, both, with sisters who have different disabilities. Jane's has not kept her from being out in society and even marrying. Georgiana did not have the family support that Jane did and so has spent much of her life in seclusion.
Late in the story (as another review mentioned), though, the author spent pages on the churching of Louisa Hurst and then the baptism of her baby, Emma Jane. I skipped through those pages as I am familiar with the texts from the ceremonies I have attended myself.
Darcy does insult Jane in this version and Elizabeth is not at all happy with him. It takes a while for him to get around to apologizing and then to reveal his own history.
Wickham's part is very different. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are much the same but events change Lydia's life. Mr. Bennet! indolent as usual but in this version we read a different ending for him. Louisa Hurst has a bigger role and I quite liked her. Even her husband makes some changes as his alcoholism is seen as a "disability".
Sadly, we lose one of our main characters but I won't spoil the story with details here.
The author does give us a link to her research so there is that added feature.
The author does introduce the reader to the premise in this story before the tale begins. However it goes beyond that. We have Elizabeth and Darcy, both, with sisters who have different disabilities. Jane's has not kept her from being out in society and even marrying. Georgiana did not have the family support that Jane did and so has spent much of her life in seclusion.
Late in the story (as another review mentioned), though, the author spent pages on the churching of Louisa Hurst and then the baptism of her baby, Emma Jane. I skipped through those pages as I am familiar with the texts from the ceremonies I have attended myself.
Darcy does insult Jane in this version and Elizabeth is not at all happy with him. It takes a while for him to get around to apologizing and then to reveal his own history.
Wickham's part is very different. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are much the same but events change Lydia's life. Mr. Bennet! indolent as usual but in this version we read a different ending for him. Louisa Hurst has a bigger role and I quite liked her. Even her husband makes some changes as his alcoholism is seen as a "disability".
Sadly, we lose one of our main characters but I won't spoil the story with details here.
The author does give us a link to her research so there is that added feature.
May 15, 2024
Evocative and Touching
A tender, emotional exploration of unconditional love. Truly touching. Great characterizations. Some lovely original characters. And aside from a few copy editing misses, the technical aspects of writing are competently done, unlike many recent books whose authors really need remedial grammar classes.
But...of dubious length. Much of Austen's original text is used, or paraphrasing which substitutes a word here and there. But of greater frustration is the pages and pages of two full and two partial marriage ceremonies, full funeral service, and complete churching and baptism ceremonies quoted verbatim from The Book of Common Prayer. Besides the issue of redundancy, we have an issue of interest. The book I chose to read was a JAFF, not an Anglican prayer book.
It's a way to be better compensated when one is paid cents per page read in KU. But it's a definite interruption to the pacing and flow of prose and plot.
A tender, emotional exploration of unconditional love. Truly touching. Great characterizations. Some lovely original characters. And aside from a few copy editing misses, the technical aspects of writing are competently done, unlike many recent books whose authors really need remedial grammar classes.
But...of dubious length. Much of Austen's original text is used, or paraphrasing which substitutes a word here and there. But of greater frustration is the pages and pages of two full and two partial marriage ceremonies, full funeral service, and complete churching and baptism ceremonies quoted verbatim from The Book of Common Prayer. Besides the issue of redundancy, we have an issue of interest. The book I chose to read was a JAFF, not an Anglican prayer book.
It's a way to be better compensated when one is paid cents per page read in KU. But it's a definite interruption to the pacing and flow of prose and plot.
May 28, 2024
I was excited to read this one as I’m particularly interested in the history of disability. Jane’s portrayal was marred a bit by the ‘magical invalid’ syndrome so prevalent in Victorian literature. This is the trope where a disabled or ill person is the angel of the book, curing all the other characters in the book with their goodness and usually dying (angelically) at the end. The trope actually kind of worked here, though, since canonical Jane Bennet is typically portrayed as magically good and gentle anyway. The fact that the book was set in a period where the magic invalid often showed up in literature probably helped too - it seemed to fit in a way it certainly wouldn’t have in a more modern story. I dropped a star because the book needed another pass through editing. There was a pages and pages long blow-by-blow of a baptism that could and should have been reduced to a sentence or two. But, otherwise a very solid JAFF.
May 25, 2024
Another wonderful story from Ms Thomas
In this story regarding the treatment of those born with disabilities regardless of whether physical or mental we have a painful look into the past. Jane is born with mental issues and Elizabeth is her caretaker and cheerleader. Elizabeth overheard a portion of Darcy's comment to Bingley regarding Jane and her fury knows no bounds. Of course she's misunderstanding him because she doesn't hear his entire statement. We also learn of the disability of Georgiana and her father's terrible treatment of her, Lady Anne, and the entire Wickham family. Once Elizabeth learns what the past events were, her anger towards Darcy evaporated. There are some scenes that are truly horrible - Lydia going through Jane's clothing and stating that once Jane dies she is taking her clothes as they are there to say goodbye to a comatose Jane Bingley.
In this story regarding the treatment of those born with disabilities regardless of whether physical or mental we have a painful look into the past. Jane is born with mental issues and Elizabeth is her caretaker and cheerleader. Elizabeth overheard a portion of Darcy's comment to Bingley regarding Jane and her fury knows no bounds. Of course she's misunderstanding him because she doesn't hear his entire statement. We also learn of the disability of Georgiana and her father's terrible treatment of her, Lady Anne, and the entire Wickham family. Once Elizabeth learns what the past events were, her anger towards Darcy evaporated. There are some scenes that are truly horrible - Lydia going through Jane's clothing and stating that once Jane dies she is taking her clothes as they are there to say goodbye to a comatose Jane Bingley.
February 1, 2025
In this retelling of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", Jane has some level of birth defect that makes her unable to mentally reach adulthood. Her quiet demeanor and sweet smile paired with the same beauty as in the original still attract others to her. But how can such a difference in the eldest daughter affect the lives of the younger Bennett sisters? I suggest you let Tiffany Thomas show you.
I love the kindness and love shown for those who have been born with a difference many might find unacceptable. As always, Thomas keeps her characters relatable and flawed. Another enjoyable "what if" scenario from this author.
I love the kindness and love shown for those who have been born with a difference many might find unacceptable. As always, Thomas keeps her characters relatable and flawed. Another enjoyable "what if" scenario from this author.
May 12, 2024
good idea, but…
While this author has good story ideas, her long windedness leaves A LOT to be desired. Yes, we know that you have done a lot of regency research dear author, however, there is only so many times that one can read a character dishing out food…with silver spoons ( heaven forbid that there are any tin or wooden spoons in the room!- though that might’ve been more interesting ). The story gets choppy with so many unnecessary details and then the interest is lost. Good idea, but poorly executed.
While this author has good story ideas, her long windedness leaves A LOT to be desired. Yes, we know that you have done a lot of regency research dear author, however, there is only so many times that one can read a character dishing out food…with silver spoons ( heaven forbid that there are any tin or wooden spoons in the room!- though that might’ve been more interesting ). The story gets choppy with so many unnecessary details and then the interest is lost. Good idea, but poorly executed.
May 24, 2024
A sweet rendition
A very sweet accounting of Darcy and Elizabeth. Several laughs, more than a few tears, and occasionally some ire. Other than a few typographical errors, my biggest complaint is all of the sermons. Pages upon pages of preaching. It was as if Mary Bennett herself had written some chapters. Honestly, I skipped over them. I can't imagine anyone seeking JAFF for the religious aspects.
A very sweet accounting of Darcy and Elizabeth. Several laughs, more than a few tears, and occasionally some ire. Other than a few typographical errors, my biggest complaint is all of the sermons. Pages upon pages of preaching. It was as if Mary Bennett herself had written some chapters. Honestly, I skipped over them. I can't imagine anyone seeking JAFF for the religious aspects.
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars
Read
June 14, 2024Explores disabilities in the regency era. Great story but kinda weirded out with Bingley being into Jane who “has a child’s mind”
October 5, 2024
Intriguing start. Pacing felt off for me toward the end, but I generally feel that way with most p&p variations. This one is worth a read imo.
September 14, 2025
The scenes with / about Jane were heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. Cried so many times reading this.
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