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From Pemberley to Gretna Green: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Elizabeth Bennet is devastated by her sister’s elopement. Mr. Darcy’s ardent love for her leaves him no choice but to act.

Mr. Darcy has finally accepted that he wishes only for Elizabeth, and when they meet at Pemberley, he speaks plainly of his devotion. Despite their uncertain future, he is determined to assist the Bennet family – surely no young lady, however foolish, deserves to be Mrs. Wickham. And Darcy has a plan.

Jane falls prey to bewilderment and anger as Bingley returns to Hertfordshire. He hopes to renew their courtship, but Jane’s world was shaken by his departure and the cruelty of his sisters, and her views of those around her have changed considerably.

In the months since Elizabeth rejected his proposal, she has realized she cares greatly for Mr. Darcy. As they travel along the Great North Road to Gretna Green, they are able to enjoy one another’s companionship and conversation. But not everyone is pleased by Darcy’s involvement.

Over 500 pages. This is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings.

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

201 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Laraba Kendig

44 books107 followers
I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

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5 stars
294 (47%)
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214 (34%)
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93 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Ree.
1,334 reviews80 followers
June 7, 2024
A twist on Lydia’s elopement
Another good, no-angst read from Laraba Kendig. When Darcy finds Elizabeth after reading Jane’s letters about Lydia’s elopement with Wickham, he tells her then that he will find them, and undertakes to do just that. What ensues is a trip to Gretna with a twist, accompanied by crowd, but with an absent Wickham who ran when initially confronted by Darcy. Lydia learns some lessons.

My review is for the audiobook, which was expertly and most enjoyably narrated by the one and only Harry Frost.
139 reviews21 followers
June 6, 2024
It's a really fun read. Fast paced throughout, with an excellent plot and enjoyable characters. Quite a bit of humor as well. I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
April 19, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation beginning late in the original story at the point when Elizabeth is traveling with her aunt and uncle during the summer and are staying in Lambton where she encounters Fitzwilliam Darcy once again right about the time she learns her youngest sister ran off with George Wickham.

Because the variation starts when it does and the way it does, this is probably not a good fit for those not already familiar with the original P&P story.

From Pemberley to Gretna Green may seem like there wouldn't be much story to tell enough to fill a novel and I wondered where it would take the story. Well, sure enough, it did some off roading after the initial lead in to the story. Darcy not only goes hunting for Wickham and Lydia, but he never intends for Lydia to be forced to marry the reprobate. Lydia is given a different choice for her life and a chance to change and grow from her early foolishness which her older sister Lizzy realizes is really on the shoulders of her parents for leaving Lydia in ignorance and misguided.

At the same time, there are several other major plot threads going. For one, Lizzy and Darcy have a different road (ha, good pun since this book is all about the road and road trips) to love because of the new circumstances. Secondly, Jane discovers she is not just hurt and disillusioned after her treatment from the Bingleys, but she's angry- angry at them, angry at her mother, and angry she let herself be duped- and determines that she will no longer be so credulous about people so Bingley doesn't have it easy when he wants to try again with her. And, most surprising of all, is the plot thread of Caroline Bingley forced by another person's stunning words to really look at herself, how she has been acting, and face the truth rather than what she wishes to be the truth.

From Pemberley to Gretna Green, like many others by this author expands into a family saga not just a simple, sweet romance set in the P&P world. The theme most prominent is redemption and I was there for it. This was gently paced with few spikes of strong drama, but it was relaxing and upbeat for a good comfy escape read.
Profile Image for Gratia.
226 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2024
Reformations of character

There is very little conflict between Darcy and Elizabeth in this variation, and any strife is from external sources. As a result, the changes in Lydia, Jane, and Caroline Bingley's characters drive the "interest" in the plotline. I'm not a fan of these canon characters, so I didn't find this book to be Ms Kendig's best. 
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,222 reviews12 followers
July 29, 2024
A very novel concept

I enjoyed the plot changes and how they are developed. The different scenes are so well written, one almost feels a part of them. The way Wickham was disposed of and the Colonel's choice are nice surprises. A three parts epilogue left me satisfied with the glimpse it provides of the lives of our beloved characters.
Profile Image for Tess.
284 reviews
Read
June 23, 2024
The Bachelor on the road to Scotland for Lydia
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2024
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Elizabeth Bennet is devastated by her sister’s elopement. Mr. Darcy’s ardent love for her leaves him no choice but to act. Mr. Darcy has finally accepted that he wishes only for Elizabeth, and when they meet at Pemberley, he speaks plainly of his devotion. Despite their uncertain future, he is determined to assist the Bennet family, surely no young lady, however foolish, deserves to be Mrs. Wickham, and Darcy has a plan. Jane falls prey to bewilderment and anger as Bingley returns to Hertfordshire. He hopes to renew their courtship, but Jane’s world was shaken by his departure and the cruelty of his sisters, and her views of those around her have changed considerably. In the months since Elizabeth rejected his proposal, she has realized she cares greatly for Mr. Darcy. As they travel along the Great North Road to Gretna Green, they are able to enjoy one another’s companionship and conversation. But not everyone is pleased by Darcy’s involvement. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,690 reviews202 followers
June 15, 2024
374 pages on my KIndle for PC.

This story details a different "solution" for Lydia in her "eloping" with Wickham. Darcy relates to E. that he will find Wickham & Lydia when she receives that letter from Jane while at Pemberley on tour with the Gardiners, so she knows he is off on a mission. Darcy finds them, slaps Wickham, challenging him to a duel. That man grabs Lydia's reticule and flees. (You will like Wickham's fate.)

So Darcy with the help of the colonel comes up with another way to save the Bennet family from ruin.

What entails is a group, (Yes, a group) of people traveling to Gretna Green together. Along the way, more than just Lydia come to learn much about those they are traveling with as well as themselves.
I don't want to spoil the story by detailing who is traveling together and what they learn in their slow path north.

However, know this, Jane takes off her "rose-colored glasses" when Bingley returns, all apologies, to Netherfield. She does not trust him, thinking he will allow his sisters to have sway in their lives if they should marry.

This was an interesting read with several epilogues to relate future children and relationships. I enjoyed it.
184 reviews
July 17, 2024
🗣️: No swearing or harsh language
📖: A Variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I LOVE this version so much!!! The details add depth to an already wonderful story. I liked the way the author indicated time and place at the beginning of a change of scene. Conversations between the characters were heartfelt and real. I appreciate authors showing characters honest flaws, desire to change, change over time and also implementing quick ah-ha moments.
♥️: Zero spice - very PG. True to Jane Austen’s writing.
#️⃣: I would recommend for 13 and up. There are a couple conversations about Lydia running away with Wickham and what happened that expound a touch further than the original story. There is also references to Lizzy and Jane speaking to their Aunt rather than their mother about the night of the wedding. In all these instances it was still very PG. All conversations were never crude and approached from a faith based desire to keep intimate relations sacred and between husband and wife.
📣I would recommend to friends who enjoy Jane Austen. This variation took the story to a place I might love just a touch more than the original. 🤏🏼
👧🏼: I will definitely encourage my young daughters read this along with all my friends.
Profile Image for JenBsBooks.
2,623 reviews71 followers
July 30, 2025
This one was just ehhh for me ... we were in the head of too many characters along the way (not only Darcy and Elizabeth, but Jane, Bingley, Lydia, Mary, Caroline ...) It was just too broad. This picked up after the botched proposal/Lydia's elopement, with Darcy taking an even more active (and obvious) role in fixing things. I didn't really believe the fix though ... that Lydia would go for it (if she thought she was in love) or the trio of gentlemen willing to take her on for life (for pay, but having her be "ruined" and possibly pregnant with another man's child?) And that they could really get away with the scheme without rumors and ruination.

This was a HAE for everyone ... it felt a little TOO much so. And while not labeled Christian, and not overtly so, there were some God/scripture references.

Beyond that ... while I know Harry Frost is renowned for narrating P&P audios ... this was my first, and perhaps my last? I didn't care for any of the female voices at all.

Audio included in Plus. Kindle in KU.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,212 reviews
August 2, 2025
An interesting twist on the Wickham debacle - 3.5*

This was an enjoyable story exploring a different solution to the Wickham and Lydia situation. The Anne de Bourgh solution made me smile and it was nice to see a happy Lydia.

This is a low angst story with a smooth solution for all parties. It is as a result far too long (3 chapters of epilogues is just too many for me) however and rather too littered with modern language and clear Americanisms. I enjoy this author's work but I do tend to find it is overwritten and as a result some of the similes are a bit off and would benefit from another edit. Examples include herds of and sheep (wrong collective noun) and rustling muslin (this is a soft fabric and definitely doesn't rustle). The author also seems to have a strange obsession with fires in rooms. I lost count of the number of times I was taken out of the story as the fire needed to be described and its purpose explained again and again.

The narration by Harry Frost is excellent and elevates the story.
Profile Image for Mustang.
310 reviews
August 29, 2024
Automatic purchase!
When you combine Laraba Kendig and Harry Frost it’s an automatic choice for me! This Darcy is truly in love with Elizabeth and will do whatever is necessary to make sure that they can be together. The growth in Lydia is encouraging and it makes one think that if a few things that if changed in canon what a different story it would have been but that’s what we all get to enjoy as so many talented writers bring us new perspectives to our favorite Pride and Prejudice classic. Many times when you see anything suggesting Gretna Green it’s a mad dash but this one is much slower with much character growth during that time. This will easily be a regular re-read / listen.
268 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2024
A delightful read

I’ve just read it in one sitting. Ms Kendig’s divergences from canon worked quite well . Darcy and Elizabeth are bonded since her visit to Pemberley. Foolish naive Lydia is offered a better option than marrying Wickham, and her rapid growing up is well written. Caroline and Jane are both unexpected. Wickham gets his comeuppance in a different but appropriate way. Anne takes matters into her own hands. Mrs Bennet and Lady Catherine, well, some things never change!
Profile Image for Bex.
462 reviews
October 8, 2024
What do you do when you can’t sleep in the middle of the night? Read of course.

A low angst P&P variation that ties things up nicely for everyone, and in which the only irredeemable characters are George Wickham and Lady Catherine. For me, it was almost too sedate though. It never felt like the ending was ever in doubt, despite the threat of scandal. I’m also personally not a fan of time jump epilogues, they tend to depress me even if their contents are positive. Not at all poorly written, just not really to my taste.
2,536 reviews46 followers
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed watching Darcy and Elizabeth resolve the story conflicts together, though Darcy is the obvious strategist. It seemed as though all the characters got to grow, learn and even had redemptive arcs. Except Wickham. He never learns his lesson. Caroline and Lydia both have amazing growth arcs. I loved all the HEAs. And I loved how Jane handles Bingley when he comes back. And I loved that Bingley acknowledges his fault in leaving Jane without it being pointed out to him. It was an enjoyable read.
2,450 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2024
A Complete Story

I really enjoyed this P&P variation. Told from multiple points of view of beloved characters, each of their stories and perspectives evolve and unfold in tandem with different points of connection throughout. I think seeing actual remorse and personal growth in several characters made the story more realistic and substantial. As well, seeing how things turned were beginning for the next generation of children also was very satisfying.
31 reviews
June 18, 2024
good read

I always enjoy her stories
Everyone always lives happily ever after, there was some things that were highly improbable, I found it hard to believe that Mr Bennet would take 10.000 pounds from Darcy to marry off his daughter , it was too high a price to take from someone not yet married to Elizabeth, and Jane taking her time to decide to marry was not believable, her endings are too predictable, everything is always perfect at the end .
388 reviews
July 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book It had a totally different twist than many of the Pride and Produdice varietions. Lydia runs away with Wickham, but the ending is much better. Darcy is already in love with Elizabeth and arranges for Lydia to have a better outcome.
of course, all the girls marry well with a surprising match between Fitzwilliam and Caroline Bingley. i enjoyed the book and went through in 2 days!
7 reviews
August 23, 2024
a refreshing version of the JAFF stories

I found this version a refreshingly charming variation of Jane Austin’s original novel. I liked the creative resolution to the potentially ruinous elopement of Lydia’s elopement with the dastardly Mr.Wickham. The redemption of Caroline’s character was also a charming surprise. But the love story of our very favorite couple is a satisfactory (and sigh-worthy) conclusion to it all.
521 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2024
A story of several journeys

Set just as Lizzy learns of Lydia's elopement with Wickham, the story follows the paths of all our favorite characters as they find futures very different from canon. Without spoilers, be prepared for kindness, thoughtlessness, forgiveness, wickedness, romance, enlightenment, love, and growing up.
622 reviews
June 17, 2024
A lot of epilogues

Not complaining about the epilogues, they have just distracted me from remembering the story. The solution for Lydia seems overly simple. Would she really have matured that quickly? I hope so. She got better than she deserved. Lots to like, as usual for this author.
Profile Image for Alena (Ally) Scott .
491 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2024
What a journey!

Entertaining variation. The storyline was involved, the trip to Gretna Green a bit slow, but the story came together well. The additional characters added depth and the unexpected turns in the story made it much more interesting. It was not the usual re-write of the original. Well done!
268 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2024
Lydia elopes! or does she?

A charming story that takes a different path than the original, when Darcy finds Lydia and Wickham in London and challenges the rogue to a duel.

What happens next is very befuddling to Lydia (and exasperating too many others) but all turns out for the best.
Profile Image for Lis Mott.
28 reviews
February 2, 2025
I thought this was a very interesting alternative story for Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship as well as Lydia’s story after she ran away with Wickham. I thought the idea was well presented and the story very engaging. I started reading it while under a Kindle subscription but after canceling my subscription I bought the book so I could finish reading it.
Profile Image for Mariska.
663 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2024
Fantastic!!

This is far more than an epic tale of a cross country and cross nation trip to get married. This is a story of great personal growth for a great many characters. I personally love how each one has grown.
122 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2024
Long but lovely

I enjoy books that show character development, and this did not disappoint. I do think it was a bit padded with too many superfluous details, with detailed descriptions of scenery and meals.
198 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2024
Another Really Excellent Read From This Author

Her books are a must read on my list so when I see a new book it get an email saying that there is a new book out by her I jump at the chance at reading it,and I must say I have not been disappointed.
90 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2024
Interesting storyline with some twist

This was an enjoyable read. The twists come as canon characters find partners in some new pairings, never fear Darcy and Elizabeth find their HEA.
45 reviews
June 17, 2024
From Pemberley to Gretna Green

I throughly enjoyed this book. I’m so thankful Laraba Kendig wrote what was happening to each character and not just the view of only one or two characters. She tied everything together.
527 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2024
Wonderful Retelling

As I read Laraba retellings I'm charmed by the storyline so creative but staying close to the original. Couldn't put it down. Really liked Lydia and Caroline's turn arounds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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