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I Never Knew Myself: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet is living a lie.
She’s known since she was fifteen that she isn't truly a Bennet, but who is she? Are the people and places that appear in her dreams just a sign of her active imagination, or are they memories of her true family? Could the stories she'd told Jane when they were children not be stories at all?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is reliving a nightmare.
He hasn’t dreamed of “Ellie” Windham in years, but after meeting Elizabeth Bennet, he is reminded of the day little Ellie was kidnapped. And now he is left to wonder whether he is drawn to more than her fine eyes.
When Darcy realizes that Elizabeth and Ellie might be one and the same, he is anxious to return her to the Windhams, and Elizabeth is no less eager to meet her family. But when the idyllic reunion she longed for goes awry, both Darcy and Elizabeth wonder whether it’s really possible to put a broken family back together again.
Can Darcy help Elizabeth find her place in her first family so she can one day join him in his?
She’s known since she was fifteen that she isn't truly a Bennet, but who is she? Are the people and places that appear in her dreams just a sign of her active imagination, or are they memories of her true family? Could the stories she'd told Jane when they were children not be stories at all?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is reliving a nightmare.
He hasn’t dreamed of “Ellie” Windham in years, but after meeting Elizabeth Bennet, he is reminded of the day little Ellie was kidnapped. And now he is left to wonder whether he is drawn to more than her fine eyes.
When Darcy realizes that Elizabeth and Ellie might be one and the same, he is anxious to return her to the Windhams, and Elizabeth is no less eager to meet her family. But when the idyllic reunion she longed for goes awry, both Darcy and Elizabeth wonder whether it’s really possible to put a broken family back together again.
Can Darcy help Elizabeth find her place in her first family so she can one day join him in his?
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2020
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August 16, 2025
Till this moment, I never knew myself. ~ Jane Austen
What a great title for a story about a kidnapped Elizabeth who grows up parted from her family! Truly, this Elizabeth doesn’t know herself.
She doesn’t know she looks like her Mother.
She doesn’t know why no one believes she has brothers.
She doesn’t know why everyone believes she sailed from India.
Four-year-old Elizabeth Windham is playing in the garden of her country home with her brother, her older cousins, the Fitzwilliam brothers, and a son of family friends, Fitzwilliam Darcy. She wears boys’ clothes – a livery outgrown by Robbie, her older brother. Her infant brother, John, is nearby. Each of the older boys minds one of the younger children. Richard Fitzwilliam plays with Elizabeth and watches as she goes back to the house. A horseman springs from nearby cover and grabs the child. Ellie Windham is gone.
Thomas Bennet is visiting a friend at Cambridge to discuss problems caused by his odious cousin Collins. Even though Thomas has a younger brother, that brother is serving His Majesty in India; a risky occupation. Collins insists he is the heir presumptive since Thomas and his wife have lost their first daughter, Frances, and a stillborn son. The Bennets now have two daughters, Jane and Mary, and it appears Mrs. Bennet will be unable to conceive again. The Bennets desperately need a son – or a nephew.
As Mr. Bennet approaches his carriage, he spies a young boy slip inside the equipage and hide beneath the seat. An angry couple is searching for the child. The child is fearful and shows evidence of multiple abuses. Mr. Bennet will not return the child to these parents. Is this his chance? Can he pass this child off as his brother’s son sent from India to be raised at Longbourn?
Imagine his surprise when he arrives at Longbourn and announces the “child” is his brother’s and learns from the maid that the child is a girl. Would he have kept the child if he had known? Should he have kept the child when his wife never accepts it as one of her own?
Unusual aspects of the story cover those left behind: Elizabeth’s parents, siblings, cousins and their friends.
Like vast clouds of steam from thermal springs in winter the years of things unsaid and now unsayable — admissions, declarations, shames, guilts, fears — rose around them. ~ Annie Proulx
The Windhams’ grief never ends. Ellie’s Mother keeps her daughter’s room and all her possessions for her and even updates the room when Elizabeth would have reached the age of being presented. Her Father grieves and blames himself for not finding his daughter. Did he give up the search too soon?
Guilt is always hungry — don't let it consume you. ~ Terri Guillemets
All three of the older boys entertaining the children that day live with guilt. Fitzwilliam Darcy has dreams of running across a field chasing a horse. He nearly has his hands on the reins but fails to stop the escape. The Viscount ran to the house for help. He blames himself for not cutting across the field as Darcy did. Richard blames himself for not seeing the shortcut that Darcy took until the younger boy was already running. Darcy nearly was successful. Could an older, stronger, faster boy have saved the child?
If malice or envy were tangible and had a shape, it would be the shape of a boomerang. ~ Charley Reese
Mercy Windham, a daughter born after her sister was taken, grows up with malice toward her absent sibling. Why do her parents grieve for a lost daughter? Don’t they see they have a perfect living daughter? How can Mercy cope with a sister returned from the dead?
Never let your emotions rule, but always let them testify. ~ Robert Brault
Quote from the book: “Please take your seats, gentlemen,” she told them. “I have something to say, and then I will leave you to your arguments.” Her chin was held high, her eyes shining with righteous indignation. She was so much like her daughter. “I want you to tell those . . . politicians,” she said quietly. “Tell them that child-stealing is not a joke. It is not something that happens only in novels and it is not something to be brushed off. It does happen, and not just to the poor.” She stared at Uncle Matlock, then at Malcolm, her cheeks flushing red. “Do you believe a poor woman loves her children any less than we love our own? Yet she has even fewer resources to protect them.”
“What happened to us is not usual, Maria,” the earl said quietly. “And it is difficult to push a change in law when one appears to have a personal grudge to avenge.”
“It is personal,” Mrs. Windham said. “And they should know it. Sometimes it happens to families just like ours.” She raised an eyebrow. “Just like theirs.”
Ms. Rachel also enters some facts from English history into her fictional story: Kidnapping was not a felony in Regency England. Nicely dressed children were taken so their clothing could be stolen and released to make do as best they can. Their clothing was easily sold.
Parliament passed “Child-Stealing Bill: An Act for the more Effectual Prevention of Child Stealing” in July of 1814 – a year working out well for this story.
I received an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
Guilt, grief, regret cut deeper than the dimensions of the soul itself. ~ Terri Guillemets
What a great title for a story about a kidnapped Elizabeth who grows up parted from her family! Truly, this Elizabeth doesn’t know herself.
She doesn’t know she looks like her Mother.
She doesn’t know why no one believes she has brothers.
She doesn’t know why everyone believes she sailed from India.
Four-year-old Elizabeth Windham is playing in the garden of her country home with her brother, her older cousins, the Fitzwilliam brothers, and a son of family friends, Fitzwilliam Darcy. She wears boys’ clothes – a livery outgrown by Robbie, her older brother. Her infant brother, John, is nearby. Each of the older boys minds one of the younger children. Richard Fitzwilliam plays with Elizabeth and watches as she goes back to the house. A horseman springs from nearby cover and grabs the child. Ellie Windham is gone.
Thomas Bennet is visiting a friend at Cambridge to discuss problems caused by his odious cousin Collins. Even though Thomas has a younger brother, that brother is serving His Majesty in India; a risky occupation. Collins insists he is the heir presumptive since Thomas and his wife have lost their first daughter, Frances, and a stillborn son. The Bennets now have two daughters, Jane and Mary, and it appears Mrs. Bennet will be unable to conceive again. The Bennets desperately need a son – or a nephew.
As Mr. Bennet approaches his carriage, he spies a young boy slip inside the equipage and hide beneath the seat. An angry couple is searching for the child. The child is fearful and shows evidence of multiple abuses. Mr. Bennet will not return the child to these parents. Is this his chance? Can he pass this child off as his brother’s son sent from India to be raised at Longbourn?
Imagine his surprise when he arrives at Longbourn and announces the “child” is his brother’s and learns from the maid that the child is a girl. Would he have kept the child if he had known? Should he have kept the child when his wife never accepts it as one of her own?
Unusual aspects of the story cover those left behind: Elizabeth’s parents, siblings, cousins and their friends.
Like vast clouds of steam from thermal springs in winter the years of things unsaid and now unsayable — admissions, declarations, shames, guilts, fears — rose around them. ~ Annie Proulx
The Windhams’ grief never ends. Ellie’s Mother keeps her daughter’s room and all her possessions for her and even updates the room when Elizabeth would have reached the age of being presented. Her Father grieves and blames himself for not finding his daughter. Did he give up the search too soon?
Guilt is always hungry — don't let it consume you. ~ Terri Guillemets
All three of the older boys entertaining the children that day live with guilt. Fitzwilliam Darcy has dreams of running across a field chasing a horse. He nearly has his hands on the reins but fails to stop the escape. The Viscount ran to the house for help. He blames himself for not cutting across the field as Darcy did. Richard blames himself for not seeing the shortcut that Darcy took until the younger boy was already running. Darcy nearly was successful. Could an older, stronger, faster boy have saved the child?
If malice or envy were tangible and had a shape, it would be the shape of a boomerang. ~ Charley Reese
Mercy Windham, a daughter born after her sister was taken, grows up with malice toward her absent sibling. Why do her parents grieve for a lost daughter? Don’t they see they have a perfect living daughter? How can Mercy cope with a sister returned from the dead?
Never let your emotions rule, but always let them testify. ~ Robert Brault
Quote from the book: “Please take your seats, gentlemen,” she told them. “I have something to say, and then I will leave you to your arguments.” Her chin was held high, her eyes shining with righteous indignation. She was so much like her daughter. “I want you to tell those . . . politicians,” she said quietly. “Tell them that child-stealing is not a joke. It is not something that happens only in novels and it is not something to be brushed off. It does happen, and not just to the poor.” She stared at Uncle Matlock, then at Malcolm, her cheeks flushing red. “Do you believe a poor woman loves her children any less than we love our own? Yet she has even fewer resources to protect them.”
“What happened to us is not usual, Maria,” the earl said quietly. “And it is difficult to push a change in law when one appears to have a personal grudge to avenge.”
“It is personal,” Mrs. Windham said. “And they should know it. Sometimes it happens to families just like ours.” She raised an eyebrow. “Just like theirs.”
Ms. Rachel also enters some facts from English history into her fictional story: Kidnapping was not a felony in Regency England. Nicely dressed children were taken so their clothing could be stolen and released to make do as best they can. Their clothing was easily sold.
Parliament passed “Child-Stealing Bill: An Act for the more Effectual Prevention of Child Stealing” in July of 1814 – a year working out well for this story.
I received an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
Guilt, grief, regret cut deeper than the dimensions of the soul itself. ~ Terri Guillemets
July 2, 2020
How many lives are effected and how they are affected by the kidnapping of one child are the questions at the center of this unique Pride and Prejudice variation story. Restoration is the beautiful element that is longed for throughout this tale and it was only better still when an infamous encounter begins the romantic catalyst that brings a lost child home.
I have long wanted to try this author's books and it was not long into this one that I knew I had been missing out. The characters are wonderfully drawn with depth that included flaws and winning ways, solid conflict that offered internal as well as external challenges. There was angst without it getting out of balance.
It is a large cast of characters and there are several narration threads all swirling around the main character, Elizabeth Bennet. Even the tender romance with the supportive, loyal and oh so loving William Darcy takes backseat to Elizabeth's coming to terms with all that has happened and is happening to her.
If I had a complaint, it would be maybe that many of the side threads could be a distraction and slow the pacing of the main story to little purpose particularly in the first part of the latter half when things were reshuffling for the end. I admit to being impatient for the final push when it came to a few storylines. However, if you pressed me to what of those side threads to give up, I'm not sure I could. I liked all the characters right where they were even the absurdly spoiled, Mercy, and the cruel, selfish Mrs. Bennet.
The book had several moving pieces that all had to play out before the end. It was put into parts and I appreciated that because I saw Elizabeth's story in the that way as well. I thought each segment of Elizabeth's life rang true and the author didn't stint on the development of each particularly how loss of a child can alter things for a whole family and how a child who was wrenched from family at a young age struggles to fit in and feel wanted.
Beyond the plot and characters was the historical setting. This was a Pride and Prejudice variation. It varies from the beginning of the story and only connects where names, places, and the Regency setting meet. No prior familiarity with the original Austen story required. It has the classic gothic overtones when it comes to the kidnapping, the sinister Collins who will do what it takes to get the Bennet estate, and the way Elizabeth is treated by her 'aunt' Bennet, but the intense part of the story is less action and more relationship and character-driven.
The author also did her homework when it came to Regency era law to form a story. In this case, it was the shocking rule of criminal law in that day that allowed the stealing of the child's clothes to be the bigger criminal offense and not the stealing of the child. Melanie Rachel weaves a heartfelt, emotionally honest story around this element of law. Other legal elements: the entail of an estate to only go to male heirs, the law of primogeniture that allowed only the oldest to inherit the family estate, and marriage settlements that bound a woman's fortune and even herself over as property of her husband- all drive the plot.
All in all, it was a story that touched me emotionally, but also had good thoughtful moments that made me lose myself in a good way. Those who appreciate mild gothic tones, sweet slowburn romance, complex characters, and well drawn historical settings should pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have long wanted to try this author's books and it was not long into this one that I knew I had been missing out. The characters are wonderfully drawn with depth that included flaws and winning ways, solid conflict that offered internal as well as external challenges. There was angst without it getting out of balance.
It is a large cast of characters and there are several narration threads all swirling around the main character, Elizabeth Bennet. Even the tender romance with the supportive, loyal and oh so loving William Darcy takes backseat to Elizabeth's coming to terms with all that has happened and is happening to her.
If I had a complaint, it would be maybe that many of the side threads could be a distraction and slow the pacing of the main story to little purpose particularly in the first part of the latter half when things were reshuffling for the end. I admit to being impatient for the final push when it came to a few storylines. However, if you pressed me to what of those side threads to give up, I'm not sure I could. I liked all the characters right where they were even the absurdly spoiled, Mercy, and the cruel, selfish Mrs. Bennet.
The book had several moving pieces that all had to play out before the end. It was put into parts and I appreciated that because I saw Elizabeth's story in the that way as well. I thought each segment of Elizabeth's life rang true and the author didn't stint on the development of each particularly how loss of a child can alter things for a whole family and how a child who was wrenched from family at a young age struggles to fit in and feel wanted.
Beyond the plot and characters was the historical setting. This was a Pride and Prejudice variation. It varies from the beginning of the story and only connects where names, places, and the Regency setting meet. No prior familiarity with the original Austen story required. It has the classic gothic overtones when it comes to the kidnapping, the sinister Collins who will do what it takes to get the Bennet estate, and the way Elizabeth is treated by her 'aunt' Bennet, but the intense part of the story is less action and more relationship and character-driven.
The author also did her homework when it came to Regency era law to form a story. In this case, it was the shocking rule of criminal law in that day that allowed the stealing of the child's clothes to be the bigger criminal offense and not the stealing of the child. Melanie Rachel weaves a heartfelt, emotionally honest story around this element of law. Other legal elements: the entail of an estate to only go to male heirs, the law of primogeniture that allowed only the oldest to inherit the family estate, and marriage settlements that bound a woman's fortune and even herself over as property of her husband- all drive the plot.
All in all, it was a story that touched me emotionally, but also had good thoughtful moments that made me lose myself in a good way. Those who appreciate mild gothic tones, sweet slowburn romance, complex characters, and well drawn historical settings should pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
Touches Many Emotions
Another great book from Melanie Rachel. After being kidnapped as a little girl, Darcy figures out who Elizabeth really is while she is living as the supposed niece of Mr. Bennet, not his daughter. Mrs. Bennet’s treatment of Lizzy is nothing short of the wicked stepmother role. I really enjoyed this plot. It touched on many emotions, as the there are many moving moments within the book. I loved her true cousins, the Fitzwilliam brothers, Malcolm and Richard. I loved Darcy, of course, who, along with her own brothers, witnessed the fateful day when Elizabeth was taken from her true family. None of them ever forgot and felt guilt for not being able to rescue her. The story focuses on how Elizabeth dealt with living in the Bennet household knowing she never truly belonged, and coming to accept living with her birth family after they are reunited, still unsure of her place. Throughout it all, Darcy is there supporting her. I highly recommend this, along with Melanie’s other books. I believe none will disappoint.
May 14-15, 2022 - Second read
This book was a favourite when I first read it, and I love and appreciate it even more the second time around. If you haven’t yet read this variation, you’re really missing out.
June 20-21, 2024 - Audiobook
How wonderful it is to have this fabulous story on audio, and especially so with JAFF audiobook royalty—Stevie Zimmerman and Harry Frost—narrating it together. Truly outstanding performances in this now treasured audiobook.
Another great book from Melanie Rachel. After being kidnapped as a little girl, Darcy figures out who Elizabeth really is while she is living as the supposed niece of Mr. Bennet, not his daughter. Mrs. Bennet’s treatment of Lizzy is nothing short of the wicked stepmother role. I really enjoyed this plot. It touched on many emotions, as the there are many moving moments within the book. I loved her true cousins, the Fitzwilliam brothers, Malcolm and Richard. I loved Darcy, of course, who, along with her own brothers, witnessed the fateful day when Elizabeth was taken from her true family. None of them ever forgot and felt guilt for not being able to rescue her. The story focuses on how Elizabeth dealt with living in the Bennet household knowing she never truly belonged, and coming to accept living with her birth family after they are reunited, still unsure of her place. Throughout it all, Darcy is there supporting her. I highly recommend this, along with Melanie’s other books. I believe none will disappoint.
May 14-15, 2022 - Second read
This book was a favourite when I first read it, and I love and appreciate it even more the second time around. If you haven’t yet read this variation, you’re really missing out.
June 20-21, 2024 - Audiobook
How wonderful it is to have this fabulous story on audio, and especially so with JAFF audiobook royalty—Stevie Zimmerman and Harry Frost—narrating it together. Truly outstanding performances in this now treasured audiobook.
May 13, 2024
2nd read-thru and just as good! Amazing read.
This story was amazing in its portrayal of what happens to all the victims of a heinous crime.
The first circle - Elizabeth, the second circle - her immediate family and the third circle -those left with the guilt of not being able to save her, even if they were just young children themselves.
We mostly get to know of ODC couple, of course and E's parents and siblings. Personally I found Col. F.'s story the most poignant and heart wrenching.
It was refreshing to not have the focus on the big bad, but on the effect of E's kidnapping on the continuing daily lives of all those affected. Even the love of ODC takes a bit of a back seat to the process the whole family goes through once E is finally recognized.
This story was amazing in its portrayal of what happens to all the victims of a heinous crime.
The first circle - Elizabeth, the second circle - her immediate family and the third circle -those left with the guilt of not being able to save her, even if they were just young children themselves.
We mostly get to know of ODC couple, of course and E's parents and siblings. Personally I found Col. F.'s story the most poignant and heart wrenching.
It was refreshing to not have the focus on the big bad, but on the effect of E's kidnapping on the continuing daily lives of all those affected. Even the love of ODC takes a bit of a back seat to the process the whole family goes through once E is finally recognized.
July 2, 2020
This is an involved storyline wherein the fates of four families are affected due to the kidnapping of a four-year-old child. Ellie Windham is playing dress-up in boys breeches one day while playing outside. With her are older brother Robbie, her cousin Willum Darcy, and her cousins Fitzy and Malcolm Fitzwilliam, as well as her nurse with her younger brother John, who's just a baby. In a gutwrenching episode, a masked horseman suddenly grabs Ellie and takes off in full view of the others, who are unable to stop them. The scene switches to Cambridge, where Thomas Bennet is confiding with a friend, seeking advice about Longbourn's entail. A little later, he's staring at a disheveled, exhausted little boy in his carriage, thinking his problem with the entail may be solved. But when he gets home and introduces the child as his brother's, sent from India to be raised in England, he discovers his error - the child is a girl.
Ellie Windham becomes Lizzy Bennet that day.
As time goes by, we see the adverse effects of her absence on the Windhams. Mrs. Maria Windham is overly protective of all her children after what happened to Ellie, insisting that her sons, Robert and John, have tutors rather than going away to school to prepare them for university. She continues to believe her missing daughter is alive, but her husband Daniel gives up the search when it seems obvious she'll never be found. They have another daughter, Mercy, who's spoiled rotten by her parents.
We also see Lizzy growing up as a member of the Bennets. Her recollections about her brothers and cousins are assumed to be vivid dreams, and her "aunt" Bennet clearly resents her presence in the household. Lizzy is far more active than either Jane or Mary, always running around outside and getting muddy, but Mrs. Bennet blames her at every slight provocation. Mr. Bennet protects her from his wife when he can and fosters her love of reading, and Jane and Mary love her like a sister. When Lizzy is fifteen, Mr. Bennet is forced to tell her the truth about how she came to live with them and that she has no known family, and she is devastated.
Years go by. Mary is still not out, but Jane has married Charles Bingley. His friend Fitzwilliam Darcy meets nineteen-year-old Lizzy Bennet at the Meryton assembly, and the story picks up right after Darcy's insult. In this case, Charles takes him to task, Darcy immediately apologizes, and the Pride and Prejudice story takes off on a completely different trajectory than canon.
The story goes on in serial fashion - that section is about Darcy and Elizabeth falling in love. Another follows which has him suspecting that perhaps Lizzy Bennet is his long-lost cousin Ellie Windham.
After Ellie is reunited with her true family, new problems arise. First Daniel doesn't believe she's his daughter. Her sister Mercy makes her resentment clear and invades her privacy. Her piano master is completely unreasonable, forcing her to practice three hours each day. Her mother makes too many demands on her time, trying to turn her overnight into an "accomplished" young woman to be accepted by London society. And Darcy is frustrated because the Windhams obviously want to spend time with their daughter before they'll allow her to get married.
IMO there too many subplots within this that each has a separate turning point and resolution, then the story moves on to different challenge, and then another, and another, etc. At least neither Mr. Wickham nor Lady Catherine factor into events, since the story is busy enough without them.
In total, the book tells the story of Elizabeth going from a beloved four-year-old in the bosom of her family into the dysfunctional Bennets and then, at the end, finally finding her place in the world after all she's experienced. I always enjoy Ms. Rachel's beautiful writing; she's extremely talented, and the story IS engaging despite not having a central turning point to the entire book.
Ellie Windham becomes Lizzy Bennet that day.
As time goes by, we see the adverse effects of her absence on the Windhams. Mrs. Maria Windham is overly protective of all her children after what happened to Ellie, insisting that her sons, Robert and John, have tutors rather than going away to school to prepare them for university. She continues to believe her missing daughter is alive, but her husband Daniel gives up the search when it seems obvious she'll never be found. They have another daughter, Mercy, who's spoiled rotten by her parents.
We also see Lizzy growing up as a member of the Bennets. Her recollections about her brothers and cousins are assumed to be vivid dreams, and her "aunt" Bennet clearly resents her presence in the household. Lizzy is far more active than either Jane or Mary, always running around outside and getting muddy, but Mrs. Bennet blames her at every slight provocation. Mr. Bennet protects her from his wife when he can and fosters her love of reading, and Jane and Mary love her like a sister. When Lizzy is fifteen, Mr. Bennet is forced to tell her the truth about how she came to live with them and that she has no known family, and she is devastated.
Years go by. Mary is still not out, but Jane has married Charles Bingley. His friend Fitzwilliam Darcy meets nineteen-year-old Lizzy Bennet at the Meryton assembly, and the story picks up right after Darcy's insult. In this case, Charles takes him to task, Darcy immediately apologizes, and the Pride and Prejudice story takes off on a completely different trajectory than canon.
The story goes on in serial fashion - that section is about Darcy and Elizabeth falling in love. Another follows which has him suspecting that perhaps Lizzy Bennet is his long-lost cousin Ellie Windham.
After Ellie is reunited with her true family, new problems arise. First Daniel doesn't believe she's his daughter. Her sister Mercy makes her resentment clear and invades her privacy. Her piano master is completely unreasonable, forcing her to practice three hours each day. Her mother makes too many demands on her time, trying to turn her overnight into an "accomplished" young woman to be accepted by London society. And Darcy is frustrated because the Windhams obviously want to spend time with their daughter before they'll allow her to get married.
IMO there too many subplots within this that each has a separate turning point and resolution, then the story moves on to different challenge, and then another, and another, etc. At least neither Mr. Wickham nor Lady Catherine factor into events, since the story is busy enough without them.
In total, the book tells the story of Elizabeth going from a beloved four-year-old in the bosom of her family into the dysfunctional Bennets and then, at the end, finally finding her place in the world after all she's experienced. I always enjoy Ms. Rachel's beautiful writing; she's extremely talented, and the story IS engaging despite not having a central turning point to the entire book.
July 13, 2022
Excellent Story
Another kidnap story but different in that the main thrust is not about the kidnapping but almost totally about how it affects so many different people.
Every emotion is felt by the reader. Every emotion seems like the emotion the character would and should feel.
Hard story to put down. Recommended highly.
Another kidnap story but different in that the main thrust is not about the kidnapping but almost totally about how it affects so many different people.
Every emotion is felt by the reader. Every emotion seems like the emotion the character would and should feel.
Hard story to put down. Recommended highly.
March 28, 2020
The memories of a child are ignored for the 'truth' told by the adults. But when the 'truth' is changed, what is a young lady suppose to believe...especially about herself?
"Is it sinful to do the wrong thing for the right reason? (quote from the book)
I loved this story. The premise, the way the story unfolded and the strength of Darcy's love made it very difficult to put this book down. This is a journey for all those involved in the loss of Elizabeth. The fear, the guilt, the anger, the reconciliation, the doubts and not only learning who you are but how to comes to terms with it all. The title and book cover are also so apt and very relevant.
"They had been marked, all of them, by the events of a single day in 1796. Richard wondered if there was enough fighting in the world to ever make the pain of it go away." (quote from the book)
This a moving story that is full of family dynamics touching all the emotions; sadness, resentment, anger, laughter, love and forgiveness. This is an Elizabeth who found her strength in overcoming intimidation and adversity and who found a love in Mr. Darcy that will set her free.
"She could have been broken, could have withered like a flower denied sunlight. Instead she had grown strong and hardy, reaching out to seek light where she could find it." (quote from the book)
This is an 'outside the box' Pride & Prejudice variation that takes an element of historical law for its foundation. I was captured right from the beginning.
"Is it sinful to do the wrong thing for the right reason? (quote from the book)
I loved this story. The premise, the way the story unfolded and the strength of Darcy's love made it very difficult to put this book down. This is a journey for all those involved in the loss of Elizabeth. The fear, the guilt, the anger, the reconciliation, the doubts and not only learning who you are but how to comes to terms with it all. The title and book cover are also so apt and very relevant.
"They had been marked, all of them, by the events of a single day in 1796. Richard wondered if there was enough fighting in the world to ever make the pain of it go away." (quote from the book)
This a moving story that is full of family dynamics touching all the emotions; sadness, resentment, anger, laughter, love and forgiveness. This is an Elizabeth who found her strength in overcoming intimidation and adversity and who found a love in Mr. Darcy that will set her free.
"She could have been broken, could have withered like a flower denied sunlight. Instead she had grown strong and hardy, reaching out to seek light where she could find it." (quote from the book)
This is an 'outside the box' Pride & Prejudice variation that takes an element of historical law for its foundation. I was captured right from the beginning.
August 19, 2022
Elizabeth is the niece of Lord and Lady Matlock and is kidnapped as a small child while playing with her brothers, cousins and a young Mr. Darcy.
The event will profoundly influence the fate of several characters and the reader follows flashes of the emotional trauma experienced by the family members, who have to face feelings of loss, grief, guilt and inadequacy.
Elizabeth is raised as the niece of Mr. Bennet until years later, she was reunited with Mr. Darcy which will allow her family to locate their lost daughter.
Wonderful!
The event will profoundly influence the fate of several characters and the reader follows flashes of the emotional trauma experienced by the family members, who have to face feelings of loss, grief, guilt and inadequacy.
Elizabeth is raised as the niece of Mr. Bennet until years later, she was reunited with Mr. Darcy which will allow her family to locate their lost daughter.
Wonderful!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
Good Book
I loved this story, you will cry, and cry laugh a little and finally laugh because you're happy. I loved Darcy, Richard and Malcolm the Viscount. The Bennet except Mrs Bennet were nice. No Lydia no Wickham no Lady Catherine. A Good book!!!!
I loved this story, you will cry, and cry laugh a little and finally laugh because you're happy. I loved Darcy, Richard and Malcolm the Viscount. The Bennet except Mrs Bennet were nice. No Lydia no Wickham no Lady Catherine. A Good book!!!!
October 23, 2020
What If Elizabeth Wasn’t A Bennet?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Elizabeth Bennet’s life is both a secret and a mystery – she knows she is not a Bennet (as she was initially led to believe), but she has no idea who is her real family and where she came from? Since the age of four she has been a apart of the Bennet household, and while her sisters, Jane and Mary, have been her dearest companions and Mr. Bennet has cared for her in his way, Mrs. Bennet’s has always treated her with contempt, animosity, and neglect. Elizabeth looks forward to the day when she can quit Mrs. Bennet’s household forever.
Elizabeth’s life takes a new turn when her sister marries Charles Bingley, and Charles’s friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, crosses her path for the first time. While Mr. Darcy still delivers his infamous insult, it is received a little bit differently by Charles and Elizabeth – who now enjoy a closer connection. Quickly moving past Mr. Darcy’s terrible first impression brings some different exchanges and understandings for these two. And Mr. Darcy feels a powerful pull towards this impertinent miss who continues to delight him in every way. But what happens when she shares her secret? What happens when the mystery is solved?
I absolutely adored this premise! And the opening scenes and emotionally-wrought descriptions had me completely riveted from page one. This story focuses a good deal less on pride and prejudice, and instead features themes of acceptance, forgiveness, healing, and family. And these themes were beautifully and skillfully brought forward. While the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is an integral part of the story, other character relationships play a prominent roll in this premise as well. There are many new and original characters to encounter and learn about, and I enjoyed seeing these characters interact with Jane Austen’s original characters.
One of the aspects of this story I loved the most was they bevy of supportive, caring, emotionally sensitive, and fiercely devoted men. Oh my!!! What a crew! Elizabeth is one lucky lady! Each of these men had their own distinct personality and connection with Elizabeth. And I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationships develop, and feeling my heart expand for all these admirable and lovable men. I was completely moved by the actions, words, and emotions that came from these strong and feeling men in the face of their family’s (and their own) turmoil and heartache – especially Malcolm and Richard. In a time where men would act detached from their families and not have great concern for the women in their lives, this was a splendidly pleasant change.
Another aspect of the story I greatly enjoyed was the revealing portrayal of a family that has gone through trauma and tragedy. Melanie Rachel very perceptively illustrates the various reactions and stages of a family’s grief, acceptance, and healing. It was interesting to see the diversity of reactions – how some characters would try to move on and look ahead, how some would amend their actions and hold loved ones closer, or how some would continue to carry intense guilt, anger, or fear. It was powerful to witness how one incident could impact so many people in so many different ways for such a long time. I was greatly moved by all these characters’ emotional journeys – each one was intuitively depicted, and I enjoyed feeling all the various emotions of sadness, guilt, fear, heartache, doubt, elation, relief, acceptance, and harmony alongside these characters.
Lastly, I loved and admired Elizabeth throughout this whole story. She was unbelievably adorable as a child, completely endearing with her horse Guinevere, and courageously true to her self and forbearing through all the upheavals of her life. Her relationship with Mr. Darcy was filled with many tender and sweet moments. And while part of me did miss some of the bigger romantic tension that normally exists between Darcy and Elizabeth, I understand the author’s choice of having the various family tensions and relationships take higher prominence.
I Never Knew Myself is a poignant and compelling emotional journey laced with the many facets of healing and heartwarming relationships. I applaud Ms. Rachel’s research, creative development of this premise, and sensitive and emotive approach to story-telling. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Elizabeth Bennet’s life is both a secret and a mystery – she knows she is not a Bennet (as she was initially led to believe), but she has no idea who is her real family and where she came from? Since the age of four she has been a apart of the Bennet household, and while her sisters, Jane and Mary, have been her dearest companions and Mr. Bennet has cared for her in his way, Mrs. Bennet’s has always treated her with contempt, animosity, and neglect. Elizabeth looks forward to the day when she can quit Mrs. Bennet’s household forever.
Elizabeth’s life takes a new turn when her sister marries Charles Bingley, and Charles’s friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, crosses her path for the first time. While Mr. Darcy still delivers his infamous insult, it is received a little bit differently by Charles and Elizabeth – who now enjoy a closer connection. Quickly moving past Mr. Darcy’s terrible first impression brings some different exchanges and understandings for these two. And Mr. Darcy feels a powerful pull towards this impertinent miss who continues to delight him in every way. But what happens when she shares her secret? What happens when the mystery is solved?
I absolutely adored this premise! And the opening scenes and emotionally-wrought descriptions had me completely riveted from page one. This story focuses a good deal less on pride and prejudice, and instead features themes of acceptance, forgiveness, healing, and family. And these themes were beautifully and skillfully brought forward. While the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is an integral part of the story, other character relationships play a prominent roll in this premise as well. There are many new and original characters to encounter and learn about, and I enjoyed seeing these characters interact with Jane Austen’s original characters.
One of the aspects of this story I loved the most was they bevy of supportive, caring, emotionally sensitive, and fiercely devoted men. Oh my!!! What a crew! Elizabeth is one lucky lady! Each of these men had their own distinct personality and connection with Elizabeth. And I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationships develop, and feeling my heart expand for all these admirable and lovable men. I was completely moved by the actions, words, and emotions that came from these strong and feeling men in the face of their family’s (and their own) turmoil and heartache – especially Malcolm and Richard. In a time where men would act detached from their families and not have great concern for the women in their lives, this was a splendidly pleasant change.
Another aspect of the story I greatly enjoyed was the revealing portrayal of a family that has gone through trauma and tragedy. Melanie Rachel very perceptively illustrates the various reactions and stages of a family’s grief, acceptance, and healing. It was interesting to see the diversity of reactions – how some characters would try to move on and look ahead, how some would amend their actions and hold loved ones closer, or how some would continue to carry intense guilt, anger, or fear. It was powerful to witness how one incident could impact so many people in so many different ways for such a long time. I was greatly moved by all these characters’ emotional journeys – each one was intuitively depicted, and I enjoyed feeling all the various emotions of sadness, guilt, fear, heartache, doubt, elation, relief, acceptance, and harmony alongside these characters.
Lastly, I loved and admired Elizabeth throughout this whole story. She was unbelievably adorable as a child, completely endearing with her horse Guinevere, and courageously true to her self and forbearing through all the upheavals of her life. Her relationship with Mr. Darcy was filled with many tender and sweet moments. And while part of me did miss some of the bigger romantic tension that normally exists between Darcy and Elizabeth, I understand the author’s choice of having the various family tensions and relationships take higher prominence.
I Never Knew Myself is a poignant and compelling emotional journey laced with the many facets of healing and heartwarming relationships. I applaud Ms. Rachel’s research, creative development of this premise, and sensitive and emotive approach to story-telling. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
August 27, 2022
Loved it. No real pride or prejudice but lots of emotion and great characters.
April 29, 2021
I love 'Lizzy isn't a Bennet' trope and Melanie Rachel’s books, so I was hopeful about this stor and I wasn't disappointed.
The writing is beautiful and the plot was captivating. Rachel really knows how to tell a story: the anticipation, solving the puzzle, the reveal... I will definitely read this story again. The characters had depth and I didn't get much sleep until I finished it.
I have two small issues (that also bothered me in her other books), this author writes plots that has me in raptures but I never quite fall in love with the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. The vibe is: they're lovingly teasing each other... yada yada yada... come on, get on with it, I want to know what happens with Mercy!
Maybe it's the lack of inner conflict between them, or the fast resolution to the insult, I don't know, but for me the story is OMG and the romance is meh.
Another small issue is Elizabeth being kind of Mary Sue-ish, I really enjoyed the other characters (especially the Windham family) they were all perfectly imperfect (even Jane!) but Elizabeth is always so good it's kind of annoying. The only flaw I can think about is her circumstances.
On a final note I would really like more Jaff that has a strong, spirited, and active Elizabeth. In this story I loved that she has a backbone and she answers almost every insult, but in the end she always needs the knight in shining armor (Darcy or Robert or Fitzy or whomever) to fight her battles.
The writing is beautiful and the plot was captivating. Rachel really knows how to tell a story: the anticipation, solving the puzzle, the reveal... I will definitely read this story again. The characters had depth and I didn't get much sleep until I finished it.
I have two small issues (that also bothered me in her other books), this author writes plots that has me in raptures but I never quite fall in love with the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. The vibe is: they're lovingly teasing each other... yada yada yada... come on, get on with it, I want to know what happens with Mercy!
Maybe it's the lack of inner conflict between them, or the fast resolution to the insult, I don't know, but for me the story is OMG and the romance is meh.
Another small issue is Elizabeth being kind of Mary Sue-ish, I really enjoyed the other characters (especially the Windham family) they were all perfectly imperfect (even Jane!) but Elizabeth is always so good it's kind of annoying. The only flaw I can think about is her circumstances.
On a final note I would really like more Jaff that has a strong, spirited, and active Elizabeth. In this story I loved that she has a backbone and she answers almost every insult, but in the end she always needs the knight in shining armor (Darcy or Robert or Fitzy or whomever) to fight her battles.
February 4, 2023
Original
She was kidnapped as a child and the circumstances took her to live with the Bennets. Interesting variations in the story and novel characters and interactions in a page turning tale. Well worth the time!
She was kidnapped as a child and the circumstances took her to live with the Bennets. Interesting variations in the story and novel characters and interactions in a page turning tale. Well worth the time!
December 3, 2025
3,5 Stars
I really liked the first half of the book. It was heart wrenching and some smiling moments. But the second half? sorry but, kinda be forced to live with her birth parents until she‘s of age just so they can spend time with her and get to know her, but in the end never had time to talk to Elizabeth. 3 hours per day of piano lessons and Mrs Windham is not listening when she wants to tell them she is tired.
And her sister?! Let‘s not start there!! I got furious. They believed every story Ellie‘s (Elizabeth) sister told them and chastised Ellie for it. Yeah.
I did get it in one way but in another it also made no sense. You want your daughter with you until she is of age to spend time with her, but you only see her at dinner and you don‘t even take the time to listen to her when she wants to tell you something?! Then why force her to come back and wait 10 months to marry Darcy?
If a parent loses her child,and gets the child back, you would spend with her and listen to her to get to know her and spend every minute.
And the spoiled sister was not punished enough. 🤷♀️
Otherwise, it was well written and I loved the narration.
I really liked the first half of the book. It was heart wrenching and some smiling moments. But the second half? sorry but, kinda be forced to live with her birth parents until she‘s of age just so they can spend time with her and get to know her, but in the end never had time to talk to Elizabeth. 3 hours per day of piano lessons and Mrs Windham is not listening when she wants to tell them she is tired.
And her sister?! Let‘s not start there!! I got furious. They believed every story Ellie‘s (Elizabeth) sister told them and chastised Ellie for it. Yeah.
I did get it in one way but in another it also made no sense. You want your daughter with you until she is of age to spend time with her, but you only see her at dinner and you don‘t even take the time to listen to her when she wants to tell you something?! Then why force her to come back and wait 10 months to marry Darcy?
If a parent loses her child,and gets the child back, you would spend with her and listen to her to get to know her and spend every minute.
And the spoiled sister was not punished enough. 🤷♀️
Otherwise, it was well written and I loved the narration.
April 8, 2023
There are lots of other reviews that provide excellent synopses of this story, so I won't go into a detailed description. It's about an abduction, but unique as abduction stories go. The research of the era is impeccable, the writing is impressive, and the author seems to provide a deep understanding of what the impact of the events might be on not just one family but every family involved in or touched by the aftermath, even people who weren't born yet when it happened. The emotional impact of this story is significant, and I found it deeply touching at times.
It could have been written as an original, standalone story and been every bit as good. It's written instead as a variation on Pride and Prejudice, and that's probably why I came across it, because I would not otherwise have looked for a story precisely like this. I'm, a bit selfishly, glad the author chose to make it a P&P variation for that reason. Highly recommended!
It could have been written as an original, standalone story and been every bit as good. It's written instead as a variation on Pride and Prejudice, and that's probably why I came across it, because I would not otherwise have looked for a story precisely like this. I'm, a bit selfishly, glad the author chose to make it a P&P variation for that reason. Highly recommended!
March 29, 2020
Unputdownable!
A compelling story, including two of my favourite tropes. Kidnapping and Elizabeth of elevated rank.
This was not a story where the dramatic event of a kidnapping was elaborated. It focused on the interpersonal relationships and the consequences such a traumatic event has on the victims, family and friends.
A beautifully written book with clever banter. A deliciously emotional tale that moved me both to tears and to laughter.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste.
PS: I thought the blurb was particularly well written. This book delivers exactly what it says.
A compelling story, including two of my favourite tropes. Kidnapping and Elizabeth of elevated rank.
This was not a story where the dramatic event of a kidnapping was elaborated. It focused on the interpersonal relationships and the consequences such a traumatic event has on the victims, family and friends.
A beautifully written book with clever banter. A deliciously emotional tale that moved me both to tears and to laughter.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste.
PS: I thought the blurb was particularly well written. This book delivers exactly what it says.
June 22, 2024
Wonderful story one to spend time on. I highly recomend this one.
April 6, 2020
A touching story
A touching story about a tiny girl stolen from her family and being found by Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth’s struggles as a “Bennet” with such a mother and then fitting into her birth family. Loved it.
A touching story about a tiny girl stolen from her family and being found by Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth’s struggles as a “Bennet” with such a mother and then fitting into her birth family. Loved it.
March 24, 2020
Awesome
Thus was an amazing story! The loss of a child affects people in so many different ways. The finding of a loss child after many years makes for a interesting story. I really liked this storyline and will look for more from this author
Thus was an amazing story! The loss of a child affects people in so many different ways. The finding of a loss child after many years makes for a interesting story. I really liked this storyline and will look for more from this author
April 2, 2020
Excelsior
I have rarely read a work so well-designed and thoughtfully crafted. At every turn where it could have slipped into the trite or formulaic, Ms Rachel reached into her toolbox and pulled out a nuanced solution that enhanced the engagement with her characters and the story.
I have rarely read a work so well-designed and thoughtfully crafted. At every turn where it could have slipped into the trite or formulaic, Ms Rachel reached into her toolbox and pulled out a nuanced solution that enhanced the engagement with her characters and the story.
March 25, 2020
Wonderful!
This is another great read from Melanie Rachel. It tells the tale of Elizabeth, who was found by Mr Bennet, and who became part of his family. She is told at the age of15 that Mr. Bennet has no idea who her parents are. This is the story of her finding out who she really is and the adjustments it takes to belong to her real family. It is a wonderful story and one I will read again and again.
This is another great read from Melanie Rachel. It tells the tale of Elizabeth, who was found by Mr Bennet, and who became part of his family. She is told at the age of15 that Mr. Bennet has no idea who her parents are. This is the story of her finding out who she really is and the adjustments it takes to belong to her real family. It is a wonderful story and one I will read again and again.
November 26, 2025
Status: Read November 17-26, 2025 via audible edition
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: I enjoyed the first half of the story, the second half not as much. However, the duet narration was great.
My Library Notes:
I Never Knew Myself: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
by Melanie Rachel, Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator), Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 14 pages
Published June 20, 2024 by Thistlethwaite Press, LLC (first published March 22, 2020)
ASIN: B0D5J41K9C
[ duet narration ]
Elizabeth Bennet is living a lie.
She’s known since she was fifteen that she isn't truly a Bennet, but who is she? Are the people and places that appear in her dreams just a sign of her active imagination, or are they memories of her true family? Could the stories she'd told Jane when they were children not be stories at all?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is reliving a nightmare.
He hasn’t dreamed of “Ellie” Windham in years, but after meeting Elizabeth Bennet, he is reminded of the day little Ellie was kidnapped. And now he is left to wonder whether he is drawn to more than her fine eyes. When Darcy realizes that Elizabeth and Ellie might be one and the same, he is anxious to return her to the Windhams, and Elizabeth is no less eager to meet her family. But when the idyllic reunion she longed for goes awry, both Darcy and Elizabeth wonder whether it’s really possible to put a broken family back together again.
Can Darcy help Elizabeth find her place in her first family so she can one day join him in his?
Listening Length: 13 hours and 42 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: I enjoyed the first half of the story, the second half not as much. However, the duet narration was great.
My Library Notes:
I Never Knew Myself: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
by Melanie Rachel, Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator), Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 14 pages
Published June 20, 2024 by Thistlethwaite Press, LLC (first published March 22, 2020)
ASIN: B0D5J41K9C
[ duet narration ]
Elizabeth Bennet is living a lie.
She’s known since she was fifteen that she isn't truly a Bennet, but who is she? Are the people and places that appear in her dreams just a sign of her active imagination, or are they memories of her true family? Could the stories she'd told Jane when they were children not be stories at all?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is reliving a nightmare.
He hasn’t dreamed of “Ellie” Windham in years, but after meeting Elizabeth Bennet, he is reminded of the day little Ellie was kidnapped. And now he is left to wonder whether he is drawn to more than her fine eyes. When Darcy realizes that Elizabeth and Ellie might be one and the same, he is anxious to return her to the Windhams, and Elizabeth is no less eager to meet her family. But when the idyllic reunion she longed for goes awry, both Darcy and Elizabeth wonder whether it’s really possible to put a broken family back together again.
Can Darcy help Elizabeth find her place in her first family so she can one day join him in his?
Listening Length: 13 hours and 42 minutes
March 30, 2023
this was seriously, so good. I mentioned it in a note but one of the things I love the most is that the plot was realistic, it wasn’t some far fetched fairytale from a storybook. And one of my new favorite tropes is when Elizabeth is a distant relation somehow to Darcy or to his family, it really lets the author showcase their friends to lovers progression.
PG-13 mostly for the jokes lol 💀 younger people wouldn’t get them anyway cuz they’re veiled but I highly appreciated them 😌
PG-13 mostly for the jokes lol 💀 younger people wouldn’t get them anyway cuz they’re veiled but I highly appreciated them 😌
April 13, 2020
Loved this book!
June 27, 2024
This was excellent, with a cruel Mrs. Bennet, a loving Darcy, and a family in which the various members were differently shattered by a child's abduction.
March 23, 2020
I'll keep this short and sweet. No spoilers here.
Melanie Rachel has hit one out of the park with this well-written Regency tale. Elizabeth lives peacefully at Longbourn with her "aunt and uncle" Bennet and her two sisters, Jane and Mary. Ostensibly the daughter of Mr. Bennet's brother, now serving in India, Elizabeth has been troubled since early childhood by memories. She cannot account for them and the rest of her family discounts them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, son of one of England's most illustrious families, is also troubled. While barely into his teens, he and two cousins witnessed the cruel abduction of their cousin and sister, a tiny girl of four. The boys, all young, were unable to stop the grown man on his fast horse who took the little girl. All three of them have been plagued by terrible guilt and regret, which have continued into adulthood.
Elizabeth and Darcy are drawn to each other almost from their first meeting. Their interest begins to grow into love. But there are secrets to be uncovered, long-hidden memories to be brought to light. When the truth is revealed, Elizabeth finds her true family and the truth of her past. She will need to adjust to that family, and that truth, before she and Darcy can find happiness together.
You will find yourself wanting to read this intriguing novel again and again
Melanie Rachel has hit one out of the park with this well-written Regency tale. Elizabeth lives peacefully at Longbourn with her "aunt and uncle" Bennet and her two sisters, Jane and Mary. Ostensibly the daughter of Mr. Bennet's brother, now serving in India, Elizabeth has been troubled since early childhood by memories. She cannot account for them and the rest of her family discounts them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, son of one of England's most illustrious families, is also troubled. While barely into his teens, he and two cousins witnessed the cruel abduction of their cousin and sister, a tiny girl of four. The boys, all young, were unable to stop the grown man on his fast horse who took the little girl. All three of them have been plagued by terrible guilt and regret, which have continued into adulthood.
Elizabeth and Darcy are drawn to each other almost from their first meeting. Their interest begins to grow into love. But there are secrets to be uncovered, long-hidden memories to be brought to light. When the truth is revealed, Elizabeth finds her true family and the truth of her past. She will need to adjust to that family, and that truth, before she and Darcy can find happiness together.
You will find yourself wanting to read this intriguing novel again and again
April 27, 2020
A really enjoyable Pride and Prejudice vagary, where Elizabeth is abucted from her family at four-years old, and finds herself taken in and rasied by the Bennet family at Longbourn.
Years later, Fitzwilliam Darcy visits his friend, Mr Bingley, at Netherfield Park and encounters twenty-year old Elizabeth Bennet - who seems oddly familiar to him... Something about her triggers his old recurring nightmare about the day he was unable to prevent the abduction of a little girl...
While this story still has the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy, it is more about Lizzy finding out who she really is, about the pain and suffering the abduction of a child causes so many people, and about how difficult it is to focus on the future in a family that has suffered so much.
The abduction storyline was easily my favourite part of the book, moreso than the romance. I even cried when Colonel Fitzwilliam meets Elizabeth after the guilt he has carried his whole life has come so close to killing him on the battlefield. I loved it.
Overall, a really good P&P variation. Recommended to JAFF fans.
Years later, Fitzwilliam Darcy visits his friend, Mr Bingley, at Netherfield Park and encounters twenty-year old Elizabeth Bennet - who seems oddly familiar to him... Something about her triggers his old recurring nightmare about the day he was unable to prevent the abduction of a little girl...
While this story still has the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy, it is more about Lizzy finding out who she really is, about the pain and suffering the abduction of a child causes so many people, and about how difficult it is to focus on the future in a family that has suffered so much.
The abduction storyline was easily my favourite part of the book, moreso than the romance. I even cried when Colonel Fitzwilliam meets Elizabeth after the guilt he has carried his whole life has come so close to killing him on the battlefield. I loved it.
Overall, a really good P&P variation. Recommended to JAFF fans.
August 16, 2021
I enjoyed this one, though not as much as A Gentleman's Honor. There was something off about the pacing that I never could quite put my finger on. And I wish we had gotten more of Elizabeth's relationship with Jane, Mary, and Charlotte. I think Charlotte got aged up or Elizabeth got aged down, so that one makes sense. But I wish that when Elizabeth was feeling alone and confused, she had relied on her sisters more, through letters or even just wishing they were there. I think Rachel was going for Elizabeth feeling perpetually isolated and out of place, but still.
But I really enjoyed reading it and ignored all other responsibilities until I finished it, so Rachel is doing something right.
But I really enjoyed reading it and ignored all other responsibilities until I finished it, so Rachel is doing something right.
April 13, 2021
Very solid read
Honestly one of the best Austen variations I have ever read - and I have read plenty because they tend to be my favorite palate cleansers whenever I have a reading slump.
The writing is delightfully solid and rich, language skirts cheerfully between period authentic and modern austenesque. Well drawn and fully fleshed characters, believable conflict, romance that does not take over the whole plot and delightful touches of wry humour. Highly recommended.
Honestly one of the best Austen variations I have ever read - and I have read plenty because they tend to be my favorite palate cleansers whenever I have a reading slump.
The writing is delightfully solid and rich, language skirts cheerfully between period authentic and modern austenesque. Well drawn and fully fleshed characters, believable conflict, romance that does not take over the whole plot and delightful touches of wry humour. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2022
This was very well-written, as is usual for a Rachel book, but I found this to be more of a family saga than a pure Lizzie/Darcy story. However, Rachel's extension of the Darcy+Fitzwilliam clan is always a delight, and this was no less true here. While I enjoy the trope of Lizzy not being a Bennet, I came for ODC, not a novel. This is so well-researched and so well-written that it didn't feel like a P&P novel except for the names.
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