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Blended Bennets
Blended whiskey, blended family. Thomas Bennet is a successful second son, a man
who went into trade when his older brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn. When Harold passes,
Thomas and his two children (James and Elizabeth) return to Longbourn to live with Harold’s
widow (Fanny) and four daughters (Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia). A full length novel that is
a clean, low angst reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
who went into trade when his older brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn. When Harold passes,
Thomas and his two children (James and Elizabeth) return to Longbourn to live with Harold’s
widow (Fanny) and four daughters (Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia). A full length novel that is
a clean, low angst reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 16, 2024
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: clean, as stated in the book blurb
>>Angst Level: low per the author
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [7-17-24] I volunteered to leave a review
>>Cover Art: What a fabulous cover. That is amazing.
>>Trope: [1] Bennet is a 2nd son and in trade [2] and he has a son [3] this is a no-nonsense Bennet [4] a limp-wristed, weepy, helpless Mrs. Bennet. Oh-My-Gosh, that woman got on my last nerve [5] Reformed Wickham
I loved this story. Thomas Bennet was the second son. His brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn when their father died. When Thomas graduated from university, he needed a profession to support himself. He decided he was not cut out for the usual options for second sons: the military, the church, or the law. Instead, he decided to go into trade. He discovered that he enjoyed business and was quite successful. It was while on a scouting trip to Scotland that his fate was decided. Thomas was at a local assembly when he heard a laugh that touched his very soul. She was petite, not considered a classic beauty, smart, and had eyes that made him rethink being a bachelor. They married, made a life for themselves in Scotland, and built a successful business. They had a son [James] and a daughter [Elizabeth]. Years later, his wife died and he had to make himself go on living for his children’s sake.
Fast forward, an express arrived stating his brother was ill and not expected to live. Scotland to Longbourn required several days journey, however, he made it in time to bid farewell to his brother and promised to care for his wife and daughters. Now, Thomas was the new master of Longbourn and Mrs. Bennet and her youngest were having none of his changes. This was an excellent authority figure for the girls. Elizabeth helped Mary run the estate and took over mistress duties. Jane took care of her mother.
The best part of the story was when Lydia bowed up and tried to rule the roost. Thomas Bennet was having none of that and went toe-to-toe with the little harridan. This was so much fun. Mrs. Bennet was a manipulative, whining mess. She controlled Jane through weakness, manipulation, guilt, and passive behavior. As I said, she was a mess. Thomas had to put the kybosh on her ruling Jane’s life through the sick room and guilting her into giving up her desires or wishes so she could take care of her mother. Man, that was hard to see her weave her spell over sweet Jane. However, with the help of her uncle and cousin Elizabeth, Jane soon came into her own.
I enjoyed a reformed Wickham for a change. That was nice. It took a while, a companion for their mother, a governess, girls back in the schoolroom and not out, masters, and a lot of love and support but soon the two families became the Blended Bennets. That was pretty cool.
>>Rating: clean, as stated in the book blurb
>>Angst Level: low per the author
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [7-17-24] I volunteered to leave a review
>>Cover Art: What a fabulous cover. That is amazing.
>>Trope: [1] Bennet is a 2nd son and in trade [2] and he has a son [3] this is a no-nonsense Bennet [4] a limp-wristed, weepy, helpless Mrs. Bennet. Oh-My-Gosh, that woman got on my last nerve [5] Reformed Wickham
I loved this story. Thomas Bennet was the second son. His brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn when their father died. When Thomas graduated from university, he needed a profession to support himself. He decided he was not cut out for the usual options for second sons: the military, the church, or the law. Instead, he decided to go into trade. He discovered that he enjoyed business and was quite successful. It was while on a scouting trip to Scotland that his fate was decided. Thomas was at a local assembly when he heard a laugh that touched his very soul. She was petite, not considered a classic beauty, smart, and had eyes that made him rethink being a bachelor. They married, made a life for themselves in Scotland, and built a successful business. They had a son [James] and a daughter [Elizabeth]. Years later, his wife died and he had to make himself go on living for his children’s sake.
Fast forward, an express arrived stating his brother was ill and not expected to live. Scotland to Longbourn required several days journey, however, he made it in time to bid farewell to his brother and promised to care for his wife and daughters. Now, Thomas was the new master of Longbourn and Mrs. Bennet and her youngest were having none of his changes. This was an excellent authority figure for the girls. Elizabeth helped Mary run the estate and took over mistress duties. Jane took care of her mother.
The best part of the story was when Lydia bowed up and tried to rule the roost. Thomas Bennet was having none of that and went toe-to-toe with the little harridan. This was so much fun. Mrs. Bennet was a manipulative, whining mess. She controlled Jane through weakness, manipulation, guilt, and passive behavior. As I said, she was a mess. Thomas had to put the kybosh on her ruling Jane’s life through the sick room and guilting her into giving up her desires or wishes so she could take care of her mother. Man, that was hard to see her weave her spell over sweet Jane. However, with the help of her uncle and cousin Elizabeth, Jane soon came into her own.
I enjoyed a reformed Wickham for a change. That was nice. It took a while, a companion for their mother, a governess, girls back in the schoolroom and not out, masters, and a lot of love and support but soon the two families became the Blended Bennets. That was pretty cool.
July 19, 2024
If you are like me, there will be stories where you wish Mr. Bennet would turn Lydia over his knee and administer corporal punishment.
This book falls short of spanking, but Lydia gets the most severe comeuppance I can recall. And the most effective.
Definitely my favorite part of the story.
This book falls short of spanking, but Lydia gets the most severe comeuppance I can recall. And the most effective.
Definitely my favorite part of the story.
June 21, 2024
kinda preachy
Don’t get me wrong. I did enjoy the book but the characters worst characteristics were overly exaggerated giving the Nobel character an excuse to explain how wrong they were over and over again. Elizabeth and Mr Bennet were the worst offenders. I do love a good set down but one almost every other chapter was a little too much. Especially when some of them were to the same character and it was like talking to a wall. I’m glad I read it but it’s not one I would reread.
Don’t get me wrong. I did enjoy the book but the characters worst characteristics were overly exaggerated giving the Nobel character an excuse to explain how wrong they were over and over again. Elizabeth and Mr Bennet were the worst offenders. I do love a good set down but one almost every other chapter was a little too much. Especially when some of them were to the same character and it was like talking to a wall. I’m glad I read it but it’s not one I would reread.
March 11, 2026
'What if' Mr. Bennet was a second son and chose to engage (successfully) in trade, a happy marriage and a happy pair of children, a son and daughter? And, what if his older brother were to be the one to marry Miss Gardiner and father only daughters? Oh how this made for an interesting change to the P&P tale. I've enjoyed previous Victoria Lynn variations so I happily took up this one to satisfying results.
Blended Bennets shines a positive light on the emerging middle class of trade, the importance of loving parents and also blended family. There was a stark contrast between the cold, sterile way Darcy's father parented and responded to his widowhood as opposed to Lizzy's father and this contrast affected the story quite strongly. There was also Charles Bingley's early recognition that he needed to take his spoiled sister to task. Added to this already intriguing line of variations was some more startling still when the second sons and not-quite a gentleman group of Colonel Fitzwilliam, James Darcy (Darcy's younger brother), and George Wickham turned out well and are actually catalysts for good to a beleaguered Darcy. Mr. Collins gets an interesting twist to his tale as a further 'what if' speculates on how he would be different if his widowed, caring mother outlived his abusive, ignorant father and was a staple in his life. Miss Bingley and Lady C were excellent comical villainesses.
Oh so much fascinating change and how it formed a new tale! Loved it and loved the salute to trade.
Blended Bennets shines a positive light on the emerging middle class of trade, the importance of loving parents and also blended family. There was a stark contrast between the cold, sterile way Darcy's father parented and responded to his widowhood as opposed to Lizzy's father and this contrast affected the story quite strongly. There was also Charles Bingley's early recognition that he needed to take his spoiled sister to task. Added to this already intriguing line of variations was some more startling still when the second sons and not-quite a gentleman group of Colonel Fitzwilliam, James Darcy (Darcy's younger brother), and George Wickham turned out well and are actually catalysts for good to a beleaguered Darcy. Mr. Collins gets an interesting twist to his tale as a further 'what if' speculates on how he would be different if his widowed, caring mother outlived his abusive, ignorant father and was a staple in his life. Miss Bingley and Lady C were excellent comical villainesses.
Oh so much fascinating change and how it formed a new tale! Loved it and loved the salute to trade.
July 12, 2024
Innovative variation with homophone havoc
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The good stuff:
This a fun story with a unique premise, and I appreciated the author explaining upfront about setting a key element a few decades earlier than it happened in actuality. The story had some twists and turns without gaping plot holes, and several characters made interesting changes earlier in life which led to them playing different roles in the Pride & Prejudice part of the story. Those of us who love to hate Caroline Bingley will enjoy reading everyone else teaching her what's what, and I thought this invalid variation of Mrs Bennet was an interesting departure, very different from but no less ridiculous than the original.
The reasons it wasn't 5 stars:
There were typos. More than a few, some quite startling like "Klympton" for "Kympton". Some problems with punctuation, including questions that ended with full stops and plurals with unneeded apostrophes. And then there was the homophone havoc. "Compliment" was always used when "complement" was meant, "inexpressively" in place of "inexpressibly", "syncopate" for "sycophant", and "opportune" for "importune". And finally, the confusion between "debutant" (male) and "debutante" (female) led to an unintentionally hilarious scene in which Darcy complained at some length that the upper crust of England kept flinging their young-adult sons at him for the purpose of marriage. While I would totally read a Regency-set queering of P&P, this is not that novel.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The good stuff:
This a fun story with a unique premise, and I appreciated the author explaining upfront about setting a key element a few decades earlier than it happened in actuality. The story had some twists and turns without gaping plot holes, and several characters made interesting changes earlier in life which led to them playing different roles in the Pride & Prejudice part of the story. Those of us who love to hate Caroline Bingley will enjoy reading everyone else teaching her what's what, and I thought this invalid variation of Mrs Bennet was an interesting departure, very different from but no less ridiculous than the original.
The reasons it wasn't 5 stars:
There were typos. More than a few, some quite startling like "Klympton" for "Kympton". Some problems with punctuation, including questions that ended with full stops and plurals with unneeded apostrophes. And then there was the homophone havoc. "Compliment" was always used when "complement" was meant, "inexpressively" in place of "inexpressibly", "syncopate" for "sycophant", and "opportune" for "importune". And finally, the confusion between "debutant" (male) and "debutante" (female) led to an unintentionally hilarious scene in which Darcy complained at some length that the upper crust of England kept flinging their young-adult sons at him for the purpose of marriage. While I would totally read a Regency-set queering of P&P, this is not that novel.
August 28, 2024
A sweet story
A lovely retelling of our favorite characters. The backgrounds are different, but the happy ever afters are satisfying.
I would have liked a little Darcy and Elizabeth interaction.
A lovely retelling of our favorite characters. The backgrounds are different, but the happy ever afters are satisfying.
I would have liked a little Darcy and Elizabeth interaction.
July 7, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice variation Thomas Bennet is a successful businessman and estate owner, father to Elizabeth and James. When his older brother Harold dies he becomes the new owner of Longbourn and guardian to his four nieces. Jane and Mary had taken over all the duties because of the idleness and spoilt behaviour of Mrs Francis Bennet, Catherine and Lydia. How will they all react to their new positions.
An entertaining story
(For me not the best pairing for Mary)
(Whiskey with an e is Irish. Scottish is spelt Whisky)
An entertaining story
(For me not the best pairing for Mary)
(Whiskey with an e is Irish. Scottish is spelt Whisky)
August 28, 2024
Interesting plot
By adding siblings to some families, the story is totally changed, with some nods to the original book. There are a couple of characters that could be cheerfully throttled and some that benefit a lot from the changes. Very nice read.
By adding siblings to some families, the story is totally changed, with some nods to the original book. There are a couple of characters that could be cheerfully throttled and some that benefit a lot from the changes. Very nice read.
July 16, 2024
DNF at 83% because I’m bored & don’t care anymore. This is messy and in need of editing. We’ve got odd time jumps. We’ve got repetitive names: James (x3) Harold (x2). Catherine is called Cathy. And we’ve got a Mrs Bennet, Lydia, Caro and Lady Cat who are all are OTP.
The story is repetitive as all hell (see my notes).
If you want a story where there is a lot of yelling (aka being taken to task for bad behavior) to the point where I’m emotionally exhausted this is the book for you.
The story is repetitive as all hell (see my notes).
If you want a story where there is a lot of yelling (aka being taken to task for bad behavior) to the point where I’m emotionally exhausted this is the book for you.
July 16, 2024
Four and a half stars
A re-imagining of P&P wherein Mr Bennett is a second son who goes into trade, amassed his own fortune, marries and settles in Scotland, and has two children, James and Elizabeth. When his older brother dies, as well as his own wife, he returns to Longbourn and takes on the four daughters and the widow. The blended family have many challenges that Thomas Bennett meets with love, firmness of intent, and much needed discipline.
Much of the appeal of this version centers around Thomas Bennett being a strong, wise, and loving man who does right by his family and isn't afraid of hard work. He instills these same values in his children, and values education of both men and women. He's a take-charge kind of guy who encounters problems and solves them with no fuss. You just have to cheer for this man who takes on a surly Lydia and a ridiculous widow Bennett, and deals with them handily.
These aren't the only "villains" in the story, but Thomas Bennett's positive influence on his blended family has far reaching effects, and enables his relations to deal with various adversities. I liked the changes that the author made to various family dynamics, and how she altered certain key characters. It made for a satisfying, fun, and uplifting story. The romance is lovely as well.
I deduct a half star for editing errors. There's too many to ignore, and some are quite blatant, like giving someone the wrong name. The book could use some cleaning up. However, it's well written and satisfying. I recommend it highly.
A re-imagining of P&P wherein Mr Bennett is a second son who goes into trade, amassed his own fortune, marries and settles in Scotland, and has two children, James and Elizabeth. When his older brother dies, as well as his own wife, he returns to Longbourn and takes on the four daughters and the widow. The blended family have many challenges that Thomas Bennett meets with love, firmness of intent, and much needed discipline.
Much of the appeal of this version centers around Thomas Bennett being a strong, wise, and loving man who does right by his family and isn't afraid of hard work. He instills these same values in his children, and values education of both men and women. He's a take-charge kind of guy who encounters problems and solves them with no fuss. You just have to cheer for this man who takes on a surly Lydia and a ridiculous widow Bennett, and deals with them handily.
These aren't the only "villains" in the story, but Thomas Bennett's positive influence on his blended family has far reaching effects, and enables his relations to deal with various adversities. I liked the changes that the author made to various family dynamics, and how she altered certain key characters. It made for a satisfying, fun, and uplifting story. The romance is lovely as well.
I deduct a half star for editing errors. There's too many to ignore, and some are quite blatant, like giving someone the wrong name. The book could use some cleaning up. However, it's well written and satisfying. I recommend it highly.
December 26, 2024
I can forgive much... But misspelling Jane Austens name in an Austen variation is not among the possibilities.
This book needs a lector to shorten some dialogues that are also not at all proper for the time period this is set in. Nevertheless it is enjoyable and sweet enough
This book needs a lector to shorten some dialogues that are also not at all proper for the time period this is set in. Nevertheless it is enjoyable and sweet enough
September 22, 2024
Meh....
Too A.U. for my tastes. Every character was changed. Too much of the depth was missing. I was disappointed, since I really wanted to love it.
Too A.U. for my tastes. Every character was changed. Too much of the depth was missing. I was disappointed, since I really wanted to love it.
July 14, 2024
Unpolished
The premise and the first portion of the book was interesting. Then the pacing started to become uneven. Too fast in some placed, dragging in others. Finally, the editing fell apart. Sentences responding to a character who hadn't spoken, nonsensical word substitutions, and garden variety spelling mistakes so plentiful they pull the reader out of the story. I skimmed the last quarter of the book.
It is definitely angst free, but without any conflicts, it became dull.
The premise and the first portion of the book was interesting. Then the pacing started to become uneven. Too fast in some placed, dragging in others. Finally, the editing fell apart. Sentences responding to a character who hadn't spoken, nonsensical word substitutions, and garden variety spelling mistakes so plentiful they pull the reader out of the story. I skimmed the last quarter of the book.
It is definitely angst free, but without any conflicts, it became dull.
July 21, 2024
A Sweet Story
It was a very sweet story but had some continuity issues and detail confusion. An example is Mary was making a comment about their "blended" family and said "when Dizzy and Uncle Harry came to us". Also, in one paragraph Caroline is Bingley's older sister and in another, she's his younger sister. There were additional characters that really didn't do anything for the story and most characters were rather easily brought around to sensible thoughts. The story rambled and had no real villains.
It was a very sweet story but had some continuity issues and detail confusion. An example is Mary was making a comment about their "blended" family and said "when Dizzy and Uncle Harry came to us". Also, in one paragraph Caroline is Bingley's older sister and in another, she's his younger sister. There were additional characters that really didn't do anything for the story and most characters were rather easily brought around to sensible thoughts. The story rambled and had no real villains.
July 21, 2024
Miss Manners would not approve
It seemed like half the characters in this book spent a great deal of time rudely explaining to others how badly they were behaving. Romance definitely took a back seat. There were enough errors (dropped or extra words) to be distracting.
It seemed like half the characters in this book spent a great deal of time rudely explaining to others how badly they were behaving. Romance definitely took a back seat. There were enough errors (dropped or extra words) to be distracting.
December 14, 2024
4-4.25⭐️
One thing that might not be obvious to people who read the stuff I review here is that I love Pride and Prejudice. It is one of those classics that I agree is a classic because of age and because of the story and romance in it. I have read it multiple times and have watched the adaptation multiple times (both TV series and movie). If I am not mistaken P&P is the first book whose fan fiction I have read. I mean a reinterpretation of the original, be it set in modern times or with zombies. So while I was once again going through the rabbit hole of the internet to find out about books that might interest me and ones that I might read I found this book. I thought why not. Let me get the book and have it join the thousands of other books that have peeked my interest and enter in to my TBR purgatory/limbo.
Then I read 2 great books in a 10 part series and my aversion to reading series in one sitting hit me pretty early (I guess I really like the series and did not want it to end) when this book caught my eye on my kindle. I gave it a chance and read it in less than a day and well into the night or early morning. I liked it. I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. This was a welcome surprise. This book was both very different and similar to the original. While we see all of the same characters, they all seem to be from an alternate dimension or like characters from a bizarro version of P&P What If.
In this version, there are originally 2 Mr. Bennets and it is the younger of the 2 who goes in to trade, moves to Scotland, gets married and is father to not only a son but to our MC, Elizabeth. And the older brother is the one who inherits the Longbourn estate and has 4 children, the other 4 women in the original book. This book was like what if the slightly awful characters actually get their comeuppance or are given a 2nd chance. Have you ever felt that Lydia got off easy in the book, well here she gets disciplined. Mrs Bennet, was not my favourite character in the books, but in the end she gets ehat she wanted - her daughters marrying into rich houses. Here she doesn't. And Wickham's envy of his childhood friends is addressed while he is still young and he and Darcy get a chance to be friends later. And so much more.
It was while I was almost at the end that I realized that we didn't get Lizzie's POV much in the book. We see from almost every main characters eyes but not her. And I have to say I was not let down by that fact. This was mostly a book about Thomas Bennett and his family and not Elizabeth and her family. If you are a P&P fan I highly suggest you read this. It is a bit preachy in parts but so was the OG. This might go in to my reread rotation to be honest.
One thing that might not be obvious to people who read the stuff I review here is that I love Pride and Prejudice. It is one of those classics that I agree is a classic because of age and because of the story and romance in it. I have read it multiple times and have watched the adaptation multiple times (both TV series and movie). If I am not mistaken P&P is the first book whose fan fiction I have read. I mean a reinterpretation of the original, be it set in modern times or with zombies. So while I was once again going through the rabbit hole of the internet to find out about books that might interest me and ones that I might read I found this book. I thought why not. Let me get the book and have it join the thousands of other books that have peeked my interest and enter in to my TBR purgatory/limbo.
Then I read 2 great books in a 10 part series and my aversion to reading series in one sitting hit me pretty early (I guess I really like the series and did not want it to end) when this book caught my eye on my kindle. I gave it a chance and read it in less than a day and well into the night or early morning. I liked it. I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. This was a welcome surprise. This book was both very different and similar to the original. While we see all of the same characters, they all seem to be from an alternate dimension or like characters from a bizarro version of P&P What If.
In this version, there are originally 2 Mr. Bennets and it is the younger of the 2 who goes in to trade, moves to Scotland, gets married and is father to not only a son but to our MC, Elizabeth. And the older brother is the one who inherits the Longbourn estate and has 4 children, the other 4 women in the original book. This book was like what if the slightly awful characters actually get their comeuppance or are given a 2nd chance. Have you ever felt that Lydia got off easy in the book, well here she gets disciplined. Mrs Bennet, was not my favourite character in the books, but in the end she gets ehat she wanted - her daughters marrying into rich houses. Here she doesn't. And Wickham's envy of his childhood friends is addressed while he is still young and he and Darcy get a chance to be friends later. And so much more.
It was while I was almost at the end that I realized that we didn't get Lizzie's POV much in the book. We see from almost every main characters eyes but not her. And I have to say I was not let down by that fact. This was mostly a book about Thomas Bennett and his family and not Elizabeth and her family. If you are a P&P fan I highly suggest you read this. It is a bit preachy in parts but so was the OG. This might go in to my reread rotation to be honest.
September 15, 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. This is a clean, low angst story. Blended whiskey, blended family. Thomas Bennet is a successful second son, a man who went into trade when his older brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn. When Harold passes, Thomas and his two children (James and Elizabeth) return to Longbourn to live with Harold’s widow (Fanny) and four daughters (Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia). Our favourite characters are greatly transformed, spending their time discussing personal growth instead of music, books and issues of the day. Lizzie is a bit of a battle axe who lectures people about their failings and is sure she is the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Mr. Darcy abandons duty and protectiveness after one discussion with her and sends a cruel letter to his younger sister telling her their father never loved them, without considering how it will affect her (very un-Darcy like). The Mrs Bennett storyline is fun the daughters deal with realization that their mother is selfish and self absorbed in a very modern way (and a very different Mrs. B). A new and refreshing take on the Bennets and the Longbourn entail. I loved that there was no bad Wickham and a tolerable Collins. As expected the author wrote a typical Lady Catherine, and a dense Miss Bingley, all well written. My dislikes were the very many repetitions and the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth met too late in the story. Also I would have liked to learn more about the 2 James’ and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I believe there is room for more to this story or perhaps a sequel. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
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 clean, low angst story. Blended whiskey, blended family. Thomas Bennet is a successful second son, a man who went into trade when his older brother, Harold, inherited Longbourn. When Harold passes, Thomas and his two children (James and Elizabeth) return to Longbourn to live with Harold’s widow (Fanny) and four daughters (Jane, Mary, Catherine and Lydia). Our favourite characters are greatly transformed, spending their time discussing personal growth instead of music, books and issues of the day. Lizzie is a bit of a battle axe who lectures people about their failings and is sure she is the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Mr. Darcy abandons duty and protectiveness after one discussion with her and sends a cruel letter to his younger sister telling her their father never loved them, without considering how it will affect her (very un-Darcy like). The Mrs Bennett storyline is fun the daughters deal with realization that their mother is selfish and self absorbed in a very modern way (and a very different Mrs. B). A new and refreshing take on the Bennets and the Longbourn entail. I loved that there was no bad Wickham and a tolerable Collins. As expected the author wrote a typical Lady Catherine, and a dense Miss Bingley, all well written. My dislikes were the very many repetitions and the fact that Darcy and Elizabeth met too late in the story. Also I would have liked to learn more about the 2 James’ and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I believe there is room for more to this story or perhaps a sequel. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
April 8, 2026
I've read and listened to a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations and I usually keep listening hoping to find interest in the story but I'm halfway through chapter 9 and I just can't get interested enough to keep listening. The blurb sounded somewhat promising and I prefer low angst stories in general but this one took so long to get going that at chapter 9 I still feel like I'm in the set up the story stage and I'm just not enjoying it at all. The virtual narration was distressingly slow so I had to speed it up higher than I typically would just to be able to bear it. I read a review that said Lydia gets a comeuppance which I would like to hear but not enough to listen to the book for as many hours as it is. So, I'm done. I have read another book by this author and liked it so it isn't a bad author or anything. This book just didn't mesh well for me.
July 8, 2024
In an oversaturated genre, despite some familiar tweaks to the original story, this still felt new and offered some interesting divergences, which I really appreciate. This may be my favorite version of Mr. Bennet I’ve ever read. Strangely enough, I was actually a little disappointed when the focus of the story shifted from the Bennett family dynamics to the Darcy Elizabeth relationship. It was still enjoyable, but I think the best of this story is in the management and running of Longbourn. In addition to Mr. Bennet, I also think this is probably my favorite George Wickham. One beautiful parallel about the different “blendings” of the story that I would have loved to see more as a thru line, but a thoroughly enjoyable read and definitely a recommended P&P variation.
October 2, 2024
A perfect blend, whether Scotch or family
This is a terrific book for a day or more when you are interested in characters who are significantly different from canon. I especially liked the way Mrs. Bennet was handled and the unusual portrayal of Mr. Wickham.
The rating is actually 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 based on some loose ends at the conclusion of the story. Why was James such an unmotivated estate owner? Was Mary actually in a relationship or even married? What happened to Colonel F., Miss Darcy, Anne, Catherine and Lydia? At times the discussion of ways a family works together and supports each other became a bit repetitive.
Readers who prefer a lot of angst may be disappointed, but I highly recommend this book as a clean, iiiiii.
This is a terrific book for a day or more when you are interested in characters who are significantly different from canon. I especially liked the way Mrs. Bennet was handled and the unusual portrayal of Mr. Wickham.
The rating is actually 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 based on some loose ends at the conclusion of the story. Why was James such an unmotivated estate owner? Was Mary actually in a relationship or even married? What happened to Colonel F., Miss Darcy, Anne, Catherine and Lydia? At times the discussion of ways a family works together and supports each other became a bit repetitive.
Readers who prefer a lot of angst may be disappointed, but I highly recommend this book as a clean, iiiiii.
July 30, 2025
Lovely premise.
A very enjoyable story. Loved all the characters, even the disagreeable ones as they were so disagreeable it was delicious to watch their antics. Miss Bingley, Mrs Harold Bennet, Lady Catherine were all the height of ridiculousness. Lydia Bennet started out as one of these very disagreeable people and her only 14, but Thomas Bennet, her uncle dealt with her antics and her transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
I won’t give the story away but recommend that you read Blended Bennets. You will not be sorry. Quite a few grammar mistakes and misprints which is why I have only 4 stars.
A very enjoyable story. Loved all the characters, even the disagreeable ones as they were so disagreeable it was delicious to watch their antics. Miss Bingley, Mrs Harold Bennet, Lady Catherine were all the height of ridiculousness. Lydia Bennet started out as one of these very disagreeable people and her only 14, but Thomas Bennet, her uncle dealt with her antics and her transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
I won’t give the story away but recommend that you read Blended Bennets. You will not be sorry. Quite a few grammar mistakes and misprints which is why I have only 4 stars.
June 23, 2024
Blended together!
Very enjoyable read. The author has successfully shown how you can turn the storyline to a different conclusion by subtly shifting the personalities of the characters to a more positive point. Darcy and Elizabeth have their HEA with a low angst relationship.
Yes, there are some typos in this story, being most often wrong words and/or missing words leaving a poorly written sentence relying on the reader to interpret what was being said. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable experience.
Very enjoyable read. The author has successfully shown how you can turn the storyline to a different conclusion by subtly shifting the personalities of the characters to a more positive point. Darcy and Elizabeth have their HEA with a low angst relationship.
Yes, there are some typos in this story, being most often wrong words and/or missing words leaving a poorly written sentence relying on the reader to interpret what was being said. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable experience.
June 24, 2024
Bennets seen differently
This is a variation that I admire. The changes of Thomas Bennett and so much more.
I do not like or care for Mrs. Bennet in this variation-there are no redeeming qualities for Franny - none.
The remaining characters are so wholly different and yet the same. Some characters are redeemed while one remains the same.
I enjoyed this variation-I like reading HEA for everyone. Life - real life has enough sorrow.
I recommend this variation for all ages.
This is a variation that I admire. The changes of Thomas Bennett and so much more.
I do not like or care for Mrs. Bennet in this variation-there are no redeeming qualities for Franny - none.
The remaining characters are so wholly different and yet the same. Some characters are redeemed while one remains the same.
I enjoyed this variation-I like reading HEA for everyone. Life - real life has enough sorrow.
I recommend this variation for all ages.
June 28, 2024
A slow story but worst the read
I enjoyed this low angst variation of pride and prejudice. I loved Thomas Bennet in it. He's an active father in this. Lizzy and Darcy are pretty true to the original. The book covers a lot of alternative history for many of the original characters. That being said, I eventually got to the point of when i wondered when our beloved couple would meet. That being said, it was a worthwhile and entertaining wait. Hea for everyone except Mrs. Bennet and Caroline Bingley. But both were worse people in this version.
I enjoyed this low angst variation of pride and prejudice. I loved Thomas Bennet in it. He's an active father in this. Lizzy and Darcy are pretty true to the original. The book covers a lot of alternative history for many of the original characters. That being said, I eventually got to the point of when i wondered when our beloved couple would meet. That being said, it was a worthwhile and entertaining wait. Hea for everyone except Mrs. Bennet and Caroline Bingley. But both were worse people in this version.
July 22, 2024
Thomas Bennet is the 2nd son who has a wonderful relationship with this older brother Harry. It goes off to make his fortune and finds success in blending whiskeys. He also finds love and happiness in the north with his wife, family, and his wife's estate. The death of his brother and his wife leads him back to Longbourn where he creates a loving blended family of his children and his brothers. This loving backdrop contributes to the love stories of the girls.
This story features the best Lydia punishment/discovery I have ever read!
This story features the best Lydia punishment/discovery I have ever read!
July 25, 2024
A Few Errors but Mostly Beautiful!
I loved the backstory of both Bennet brothers. The digression of Frances Bennet is covered lightly, but well, same with the emotional growth of Lydia- Very well done! I also loved the reformation of Mr Wickham... Even before his becoming a reprobate!
It does take a good portion of the book to even have Mr Darcy meet Elizabeth, but they don't take so long to come to an understanding.
There were a few editing errors but nothing major. Great Job!
I loved the backstory of both Bennet brothers. The digression of Frances Bennet is covered lightly, but well, same with the emotional growth of Lydia- Very well done! I also loved the reformation of Mr Wickham... Even before his becoming a reprobate!
It does take a good portion of the book to even have Mr Darcy meet Elizabeth, but they don't take so long to come to an understanding.
There were a few editing errors but nothing major. Great Job!
September 10, 2024
Emotional interesting intriguing
I loved how detailed oriented this author is. I found the blending of families was incredibly written with the humor in abundance. The Longbourn Mrs B was actually worst in this storyline. I do love Elizabeth and Mr B in this story. Elizabeth didn't have that edge to her in this reading, it was nice.
Darcy actually thoughtful, but still condescending. Brought out of that fast. Great Wickham and even Mr C was portrayed as a nice guy.
Interesting, Emotional, funny, very clean and wholesome. Recommended for anyone to read
I loved how detailed oriented this author is. I found the blending of families was incredibly written with the humor in abundance. The Longbourn Mrs B was actually worst in this storyline. I do love Elizabeth and Mr B in this story. Elizabeth didn't have that edge to her in this reading, it was nice.
Darcy actually thoughtful, but still condescending. Brought out of that fast. Great Wickham and even Mr C was portrayed as a nice guy.
Interesting, Emotional, funny, very clean and wholesome. Recommended for anyone to read
January 1, 2026
So good!
A joyful, laugh-out-loud AU that understands Austen’s characters while gleefully turning the volume up on the comedy. Brilliant use of dialogue, impeccable escalation, and deeply satisfying character moments - especially for Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, and even Mr. Collins. Near the end of the book, the reader is treated to a scene in which Lady Catherine's comeuppance has never been funnier, and I loved every ridiculous minute.
Also, Bingley's butler, Clappering, is the quiet hero of the whole book. Trust me, you'll agree when you read it.
12/10!
A joyful, laugh-out-loud AU that understands Austen’s characters while gleefully turning the volume up on the comedy. Brilliant use of dialogue, impeccable escalation, and deeply satisfying character moments - especially for Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, and even Mr. Collins. Near the end of the book, the reader is treated to a scene in which Lady Catherine's comeuppance has never been funnier, and I loved every ridiculous minute.
Also, Bingley's butler, Clappering, is the quiet hero of the whole book. Trust me, you'll agree when you read it.
12/10!
June 29, 2024
a good read
I enjoyed this story. The plot was a good one and one that is not too often used in the pride and prejudice variation world, in my opinion anyway.
I did find that the end of the book felt a bit rushed. I thought the last 2 chapters could have been padded out a bit more as each character arc seemed to be ended quite abruptly.
Overall the writing was good and the overall plot well done. I just think the pacing of the end could have been a bit better
I enjoyed this story. The plot was a good one and one that is not too often used in the pride and prejudice variation world, in my opinion anyway.
I did find that the end of the book felt a bit rushed. I thought the last 2 chapters could have been padded out a bit more as each character arc seemed to be ended quite abruptly.
Overall the writing was good and the overall plot well done. I just think the pacing of the end could have been a bit better
July 4, 2024
Terrific Book
Low angst family saga with the only villains Miss Bingley’s and Lady Catherine, who are more to be laughed at or pitied than feared.
There is a lot of tough love, especially in Lydia’s case, that may shock some readers, but the justice was right and fitting. The love stories run smoothly, full of joy, and the characters are delightful, though less flawed than in the canon. A great read for a cold winter afternoon.
Low angst family saga with the only villains Miss Bingley’s and Lady Catherine, who are more to be laughed at or pitied than feared.
There is a lot of tough love, especially in Lydia’s case, that may shock some readers, but the justice was right and fitting. The love stories run smoothly, full of joy, and the characters are delightful, though less flawed than in the canon. A great read for a cold winter afternoon.
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