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Saving Miss De Bourgh

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Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet ends in acrimony, but when Elizabeth returns to Longbourn, it is with a changed perspective forced on her by Mr. Darcy’s letter. At Longbourn, Elizabeth cannot but acknowledge that the gentleman’s charges have some merit given the behavior of certain members of her family.

On the heels of her return, however, Elizabeth makes a shocking discovery, for one day, while visiting Meryton with her sisters, she comes across none other than Anne de Bourgh, daughter of the imposing Lady Catherine. Further investigation reveals the truth that Miss de Bourgh is there traveling with the very Mr. Wickham against whom Mr. Darcy had warned her.

Knowing she must do something, Elizabeth persuades Miss de Bourgh of the folly of eloping with the libertine, after which she must navigate the danger Mr. Wickham presents. For the man who has defrauded so many, who attempted to elope with Miss Darcy will not abandon his schemes without a fight.

Into this maelstrom comes Lady Catherine, pursuing her daughter to prevent her from making a huge mistake, and Mr. Darcy, summoned by his aunt to assist. The truth of the matter when revealed provides a much-needed measure of hope to Darcy, for with Elizabeth’s actions to assist his cousin, she may not be so lost to him as he once thought.

Audio CD

Published August 6, 2024

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About the author

Jann Rowland

91 books194 followers
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.

Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.

When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.

Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.

Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9

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5 stars
148 (40%)
4 stars
150 (41%)
3 stars
52 (14%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Ree.
1,357 reviews83 followers
August 20, 2024
Good, but long
Another pretty good story from Jann Rowland. Elizabeth discovers Anne de Bourgh in Meryton waiting in a carriage for Wickham and talks her out of eloping with her. She and Jane get her to Longbourn for refuge, but not before Lydia spills the beans to Wickham about her whereabouts. An entourage from London arrives in search of her that includes Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Bingley and… Lady Catherine.

What I liked best was the portrayals of the secondary characters, especially Mr. Bennet’s large-and-in-charge confrontation with Wickham early in the story. Lots of good teasing among everyone in this book too.

I especially loved Harry Frost’s interpretation of it all in the audiobook. Five stars for Harry!

Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books414 followers
April 19, 2026
A walk into town brings a surprising encounter when a young woman sees a familiar face and suspects there is an elopement in progress. She doesn't hesitate to interfere and, hence, a new P&P variation tale from Jann Rowland begins.

Beginning at the point when the original P&P has Elizabeth Bennet just returned from Hunsford and that disastrous proposal and letter from Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth is feeling rather unsettled after learning her perspicacity about people is not as keenly correct as she once thought. At the same time, Fitzwilliam Darcy is in London wondering just what hit him- he was so cock sure that he'd merely have to crook his finger and he'd have the love of his heart.

Elizabeth discovers that Longbourn is not entirely the same home she left on her visit to Charlotte earlier in the spring. Her father is more willing to listen and her mother is showing some sense. People around her are truly surprising her. Well, perhaps not Lydia and Kitty with their endless pursuit of officers and Lydia's infatuation with the absent Wickham.

Then, on a walk into Meryton to do some window shopping, Elizabeth gets separated from her sisters and spots an unfamiliar carriage waiting along the street. Inside the carriage sits Anne de Bourgh, a sickly woman who is far from her Rosings Park estate in Kent. Elizabeth gets a suspicion about the rumors of Wickham's presence in town, the clandestine appearance of the carriage and Anne, after reading Mr. Darcy's letter about Wickham's attempted elopement with his sister and also knowing that Wickham attempted to court a Meryton girl who had a big inheritance.

Persuading Anne and getting her away from what was probably a desperate Wickham leads to strong suspense. Meanwhile, Darcy's home is invaded by his agitated aunt who got a note from Anne about an elopement. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and a Bingley who has just had his eyes opened to his sisters' treachery about his love life, are hot on the trail to assist Lady Catherine in finding Anne. The trail of clues leads back to Meryton and Wickham, and maybe second chances.

Saving Anne de Bourgh was exciting from the outset and I loved the build up of suspense as Elizabeth and the Bennets work to save Anne from Wickham and Anne's family are working to find her in time. The resolution of this situation occupies the first half of the book while the resolution to the relationship issues took up the second half.

That second half was good, but was a real change of pace and tension from the first half. It was an interesting chess match- slow move style of intricate relationship and character growth shifting- not just for the Darcy and Lizzy's romance, but among family dynamics and for certain individuals to figure out their personal lives. I was most intrigued by the mother-daughter relationship of the de Bourghs and how the Bennet parents figured out parenting, and also the sisterly relationships particularly involving Elizabeth really seeing past the obvious to the subtleties in her own sisters, and by extension to her parents. It ended abruptly, but all the essential plot threads were tied.

It was an altogether fabulous read and by Saving Anne de Bourgh, much more was saved and given a chance for happy. Loved the nuances in character and relationship development and the suspenseful conflict that opened the book.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,274 reviews13 followers
November 10, 2024
A veritable heroine

Our dear Lizzy takes care of the situation and emerges as a champion of good causes. The plot is imaginative and well written. I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters and the changes in some of them.
Profile Image for Gratia.
235 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2024
Wickham is a poor fisherman - he gets nibbles, but no bites

Another imaginative premise from Mr Rowland. I particularly liked Elizabeth and Mary's characters in this story. With a collaboration to stop Wickham, the chase after the eloping heiress is quite a fast-paced adventure. For those who look for justice against the villains, there is a suitable outcome for Wickham and many set-downs of Caroline. I wish there was an epilogue to the book, but I otherwise enjoyed this well-written story. There is great narration in the audiobook by Harry Frost.
Profile Image for Blodeuedd Finland.
3,715 reviews310 followers
August 18, 2024
I can not say no to a Pride and Prejudice variation. I like them in all forms because there is always something different there.

In this one Lizzy gets a bad feeling and manages to rescue Anne de Bourgh from the claws of Mr Wickham. He was a creep as always, and even more so this time. He will get what he deserves.

I liked Anne in this one. She shows some spirit at last. Her mother is tiresome, but dunno how but even Lady Catherine grew on me.

Darcy gets his head around, Bingley is nice as always. Fitzwilliam did not get a lot of room, but hey no everyone can find love. And Miss Bingley was horrible as always.

After some Wickham drama, the stage is set for romance. And everyone lived happily efter after.

I liked how this one turn out. Mary was nicer here. Lydia and Kitty will learn a thing or two. Even Mrs Bennet got calmer.

They are always a joy to listen to. I liked the narrator. I am unsure if I have listened to him before, but he did a good job with male and female voices. He set the mood
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,242 reviews66 followers
August 8, 2024
I rarely listen to an audiobook, without having read the book first. However, you can't go wrong with Harry Frost narrating.

I enjoyed listening to this story unfold. With Elizabeth securing Anne away from eloping with George Wickham, and bringing her to Longbourn, this opens the gates for the rescue party to storm that estate, with Lady Catherine at the forefront.

I enjoyed the dialog, (although this author has gotten into a pattern which at times slows the pace- one character agrees with what was just spoken by the other character, before saying something else).
Wickham is dealt with, but Caroline Bingley shows up. Our manly heros are not going to let her mess with their happiness again.

I love a more complex Lady Catherine and this rendition does not disappoint.

Great story, very entertaining. Awesome audiobook!
199 reviews
October 2, 2024
I enjoy this author’s writing style so I keep reading his books. This story, however, is strange because of the ‘major’ changes to certain characters.
Should I assume that this author has a ‘soft spot’ for Lady Catherine Bourgh?
I understand that these stories are vagaries and such alterations will occur but a complete reversal of personalities and attitudes, in some characters, is too uncomfortable for THIS reader.
Profile Image for Mariska.
683 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2024
Superb!

I do not believe Jann Rowland is capable of producing a mediocre book, as always, I was spellbound as I read Saving Anne de Bourgh. The richness of character everyone has, coupled with the complex nuances they display and develop are blended perfectly with a compelling and wonderful story.
397 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
new twist

Ann DeBourgh runs off with Wickham. . Elizabeth sees her in the carriage and convinces Anne to escape . Anne’s mother and Darcy and fitzwilliam are searching for her. They finally realize that she is with the Bennets. Wickham is arrested and Darcy asks for a second chance to woo Elizabeth. She agrees. No surprise how it ends. I just wish it went on a bit further.
37 reviews
October 2, 2024
Read it!

Read this book. You won't regret it. A long and arduous endeavor on Mr. Darcy's part to reform his character and therefore Elizabeth's opinion of him is very satisfying. Jann Rowland seems to understand women want honest men with integrity. Honest with them and themselves, and the integrity to make sure of it.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 5 books13 followers
August 22, 2024
A lovely story

I really enjoyed this book. After some early drama, a gentle love story unfolds against the backdrop of Lady Catherine’s conversion and her mentoring of Mrs Bennet. Mary and Georgiana come into their own and Mis Bingley’s gets her comeuppance.
40 reviews
September 2, 2024
well!!!!

I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found this book lovely and refreshing. The characters are fun and yet the basic traits are the one we all know. When it ended I wished it hadn’t, I wanted a sequel. There is a 1st for everything, as they say.
51 reviews
October 27, 2024
Sweet, easy read.

Will save this as a favorite.
However, there are numerous spots in the plot that were confusing. Did characters leave the room or not? Did they overhear conversations or not?
Spelling and punctuation were better than many JAFF offerings.
124 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2024
Delightful

Jann Rowland can always be counted on for well written stories, and this was was especially enjoyable. There was character development, good dialogue, several interesting plot twists, and a happy ending for our dear couple.
Profile Image for Ashvini.
213 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2025
its a long book. Could have reduced a bit. E keeps convincing herself how she doesnt love/care for D almost more than 3/4 of the book. it becomes repetitive
Profile Image for Peg.
65 reviews5 followers
Read
September 16, 2025
My biggest overwhelming reaction upon reading this book is a burning desire to smack Caroline Bingley on the nose with a copy of ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’
Profile Image for Louisa Jones.
904 reviews
October 15, 2025
An adaption of Pride and Prejudice with some of the backstory corrected (in my opinion.)
Profile Image for Ashton Butler.
1,127 reviews
October 18, 2025
who needs help

Such a good story. In this variation, Anne de Bourgh has gotten herself in a situation. Elizabeth and her family protect her. Their involvement, out of kindness, makes everyone rethink their stance in society.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews