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The Good Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
In her latest Pride and Prejudice variation, Christine Combe turns the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” trope on its head—and makes her a Bingley!
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Elizabeth Bingley returns home after four years abroad hopeful of a happy reunion with her family. Her brother Charles welcomes her back with a wide smile and open arms, but her sisters Louisa and Caroline are disdainful of her presence and make snide comments as to her appearance—and at the birthday ball of a friend, where Elizabeth makes her debut in society, Caroline goes so far as to spread malicious gossip about her!
Fitzwilliam Darcy is happy to see his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam after four long years, and is surprised when he recommends a young lady he’s never met to be a friend to Darcy’s young sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth Bingley’s unexpected beauty stuns him, and her intelligence intrigues him, so he agrees to a meeting between his friend Bingley’s sister and his own.
After a confrontation with Caroline leads to a breach in the Bingley family, Charles seeks to take Elizabeth away from London for some peace in the country. They lease Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, and along with a few guests, quickly become acquainted with some of the local families.
The young people find themselves giving serious consideration to what it is they truly want in a partner as love begins to bloom between more than one pair. Their happy time, however, threatens to come to a tragic end when one person’s spiteful nature is directed at Elizabeth, leading Darcy to fear he might have waited too long to declare his affection for her.
_____
Elizabeth Bingley returns home after four years abroad hopeful of a happy reunion with her family. Her brother Charles welcomes her back with a wide smile and open arms, but her sisters Louisa and Caroline are disdainful of her presence and make snide comments as to her appearance—and at the birthday ball of a friend, where Elizabeth makes her debut in society, Caroline goes so far as to spread malicious gossip about her!
Fitzwilliam Darcy is happy to see his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam after four long years, and is surprised when he recommends a young lady he’s never met to be a friend to Darcy’s young sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth Bingley’s unexpected beauty stuns him, and her intelligence intrigues him, so he agrees to a meeting between his friend Bingley’s sister and his own.
After a confrontation with Caroline leads to a breach in the Bingley family, Charles seeks to take Elizabeth away from London for some peace in the country. They lease Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, and along with a few guests, quickly become acquainted with some of the local families.
The young people find themselves giving serious consideration to what it is they truly want in a partner as love begins to bloom between more than one pair. Their happy time, however, threatens to come to a tragic end when one person’s spiteful nature is directed at Elizabeth, leading Darcy to fear he might have waited too long to declare his affection for her.
- GenresFiction
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
92 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 1, 2024
This is the seventh story by this author that I have read. The author's blurb about this story does an excellent job of giving us an outline of what to expect.
I did have a problem keeping in mind that in this story Elizabeth is NOT a Bennet but is the youngest of three Bingley sisters. Charles is their brother.
Elizabeth has joined her aunt who "follows the drum" when her husband is sent to fight in Spain. There, for four years, Elizabeth not only provides emotional and medical support/services to the men in service but also learns to speak excellent Spanish. However when a fever sweeps through her aunt dies. So without a chaperone, Elizabeth must go back to England. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and the cook, Mrs. Martin, are to be her traveling companions: one to chaperone and the other to guide and protect her.
Rejoining her family, Elizabeth is met with all the love and warmth one could expect from Charles, her brother. However, Caroline, (who again had Louisa following her lead) is everything hateful and objectionable towards E. The story soon lets us know that Caroline has hated Elizabeth since her birth. And in this story she takes action to prove just how deep that hatred goes.
We do have Charles leasing Netherfield at one point and soon have several couples forming attachments. Darcy, although finding much to admire in Elizabeth, again, as in canon, fights with himself over what is seen as his duty: to marry for connections and money. Elizabeth has neither.
I enjoyed this story. Caroline's actions provided the only angst for me. There is an epilogue, which I always enjoy.
I did have a problem keeping in mind that in this story Elizabeth is NOT a Bennet but is the youngest of three Bingley sisters. Charles is their brother.
Elizabeth has joined her aunt who "follows the drum" when her husband is sent to fight in Spain. There, for four years, Elizabeth not only provides emotional and medical support/services to the men in service but also learns to speak excellent Spanish. However when a fever sweeps through her aunt dies. So without a chaperone, Elizabeth must go back to England. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and the cook, Mrs. Martin, are to be her traveling companions: one to chaperone and the other to guide and protect her.
Rejoining her family, Elizabeth is met with all the love and warmth one could expect from Charles, her brother. However, Caroline, (who again had Louisa following her lead) is everything hateful and objectionable towards E. The story soon lets us know that Caroline has hated Elizabeth since her birth. And in this story she takes action to prove just how deep that hatred goes.
We do have Charles leasing Netherfield at one point and soon have several couples forming attachments. Darcy, although finding much to admire in Elizabeth, again, as in canon, fights with himself over what is seen as his duty: to marry for connections and money. Elizabeth has neither.
I enjoyed this story. Caroline's actions provided the only angst for me. There is an epilogue, which I always enjoy.
November 14, 2024
“You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them… but still move on without them.” –Mandy Hale, The Single Woman-Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass: Embracing Singleness with Confidence
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature teen due to British cursing, attempted kidnapping, and descriptions of a death
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [11-11-24]: I volunteered to leave a review: 30 chapters + epilogue. I first read this on the forums and adored it. I was happy to see it as a published work.
>>Trope: [1] Elizabeth is not a Bennet [2] Bingley finds his backbone and stands his ground [3] Horrid awful, really bad Caroline [4] lots of love at first sight and attachments at Netherfield [5] different pairings for Jane, Bingley, and Charlotte Lucas
>>Mash-up: Watch for them, Austen’s characters, from her other works, were either used or hinted at throughout this story. That was hilarious when I encountered them.
One of my favorite tropes is when Elizabeth is not a Bennet. I was stunned by the twist in this story. It was brilliant and Elizabeth certainly was the good sister. You see, she was the younger Bingley sibling. Yep, Elizabeth was a Bingley. Who would have thought? Well, let me tell you, our dear Caroline hated her youngest sister and the ground she walked on. That declaration sent the story spiraling out of control. Charles had a decision to make and make it he did. OMG! He was wonderful to his baby sister. Elizabeth could hold her own with Caroline in the privacy of their home. However, when dear Caro went public with her disdain at a ball, her jealousy was evident to everyone Things went nova after that.
Fitzwilliam Darcy first met Miss Elizabeth Bingley at a ball. She was beautiful, and witty, and made him smile. However, it was soon evident that her elder sister, Miss Bingley, was not happy she had returned from Spain. After the death of their parents, five years prior, their aunt Elinor came to stay with them during their time of mourning. When that ended, she journeyed to Spain to join her husband, General George Halsey. The then fifteen-year-old Elizabeth went with her. Elizabeth had come to love her father’s sister like a mother and refused to be parted from her. Her aunt and uncle soon came to think of Lizzy as the daughter they never had. She blossomed under their care.
Elizabeth would reside in Spain for four years until a fever ravaged the camp and took the lives of many soldiers and her aunt. The General only had one choice, without a proper chaperone, he would have to send his niece, who he thought of as a daughter, back home. Their cook had also lost her husband and would travel with Elizabeth. Their trusted escort was one of the general’s best men who needed furlough, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Richard adored Elizabeth like a sister and Elizabeth adored Richard like a brother. He would see her safely home or die trying, or so he told his General.
“Angry is just a pen name for sad.” –Sally Hepworth, The Good Sister
Things were strained the moment Elizabeth set foot in the home of Hurst. Bingley saw a new side to his sisters, Caroline and Louisa. He was happy with the return of their younger sister but soon discovered that Caroline was not. Louisa just went along with whatever Caroline said or did.
“As you remove toxic people from your life, you free up space and emotional energy for positive, healthy relationships.” –John Mar Green
Netherfield was a different place with a different mistress in charge of the manor. Watching everything change with the influence of new people attending the assembly, was hilarious. Love at first sight was contagious among the single gentlemen and the different pairings were fun to watch. Elizabeth was magnificent as the younger sister. However, the peace they thought they would have soon changed when Elizabeth went missing.
I will reread this as I adored the story.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature teen due to British cursing, attempted kidnapping, and descriptions of a death
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [11-11-24]: I volunteered to leave a review: 30 chapters + epilogue. I first read this on the forums and adored it. I was happy to see it as a published work.
>>Trope: [1] Elizabeth is not a Bennet [2] Bingley finds his backbone and stands his ground [3] Horrid awful, really bad Caroline [4] lots of love at first sight and attachments at Netherfield [5] different pairings for Jane, Bingley, and Charlotte Lucas
>>Mash-up: Watch for them, Austen’s characters, from her other works, were either used or hinted at throughout this story. That was hilarious when I encountered them.
One of my favorite tropes is when Elizabeth is not a Bennet. I was stunned by the twist in this story. It was brilliant and Elizabeth certainly was the good sister. You see, she was the younger Bingley sibling. Yep, Elizabeth was a Bingley. Who would have thought? Well, let me tell you, our dear Caroline hated her youngest sister and the ground she walked on. That declaration sent the story spiraling out of control. Charles had a decision to make and make it he did. OMG! He was wonderful to his baby sister. Elizabeth could hold her own with Caroline in the privacy of their home. However, when dear Caro went public with her disdain at a ball, her jealousy was evident to everyone Things went nova after that.
Fitzwilliam Darcy first met Miss Elizabeth Bingley at a ball. She was beautiful, and witty, and made him smile. However, it was soon evident that her elder sister, Miss Bingley, was not happy she had returned from Spain. After the death of their parents, five years prior, their aunt Elinor came to stay with them during their time of mourning. When that ended, she journeyed to Spain to join her husband, General George Halsey. The then fifteen-year-old Elizabeth went with her. Elizabeth had come to love her father’s sister like a mother and refused to be parted from her. Her aunt and uncle soon came to think of Lizzy as the daughter they never had. She blossomed under their care.
Elizabeth would reside in Spain for four years until a fever ravaged the camp and took the lives of many soldiers and her aunt. The General only had one choice, without a proper chaperone, he would have to send his niece, who he thought of as a daughter, back home. Their cook had also lost her husband and would travel with Elizabeth. Their trusted escort was one of the general’s best men who needed furlough, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Richard adored Elizabeth like a sister and Elizabeth adored Richard like a brother. He would see her safely home or die trying, or so he told his General.
“Angry is just a pen name for sad.” –Sally Hepworth, The Good Sister
Things were strained the moment Elizabeth set foot in the home of Hurst. Bingley saw a new side to his sisters, Caroline and Louisa. He was happy with the return of their younger sister but soon discovered that Caroline was not. Louisa just went along with whatever Caroline said or did.
“As you remove toxic people from your life, you free up space and emotional energy for positive, healthy relationships.” –John Mar Green
Netherfield was a different place with a different mistress in charge of the manor. Watching everything change with the influence of new people attending the assembly, was hilarious. Love at first sight was contagious among the single gentlemen and the different pairings were fun to watch. Elizabeth was magnificent as the younger sister. However, the peace they thought they would have soon changed when Elizabeth went missing.
I will reread this as I adored the story.
November 16, 2024
3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars
Lizzy is Charles younger sister. So who will take the place of Caroline? We need someone to be mad at Lizzy all the time. Nope, Caroline is meaner and nastier than she usually. I thought this was unlikely and put me off for most the story. Lots of interesting changes in the rest of the book. Few new characters to take the place of the Bennets their circle of acquaintances.
Ok story but it’s a read once Kindle Unlimited book.
Lizzy is Charles younger sister. So who will take the place of Caroline? We need someone to be mad at Lizzy all the time. Nope, Caroline is meaner and nastier than she usually. I thought this was unlikely and put me off for most the story. Lots of interesting changes in the rest of the book. Few new characters to take the place of the Bennets their circle of acquaintances.
Ok story but it’s a read once Kindle Unlimited book.
January 21, 2025
4.5* rounded down.
I didn't realize that I would enjoy the dynamic of Elizabeth being part of the Bingley family until I read this unique variation. And now I want to read more stories with this twist. Ms. Combe actually paired up canon characters with my preferred choice of matches, with Elizabeth and Darcy being the main focus. I love it when Caroline gets her just deserts in JAFF, and this story has a particularly memorable retribution for her ambition. There were some instances of misplaced word provenance, but they did not deter my enjoyment of the overall flow of the book. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are strong, confident, and witty characters, and I wish there were more variations like this one.
I didn't realize that I would enjoy the dynamic of Elizabeth being part of the Bingley family until I read this unique variation. And now I want to read more stories with this twist. Ms. Combe actually paired up canon characters with my preferred choice of matches, with Elizabeth and Darcy being the main focus. I love it when Caroline gets her just deserts in JAFF, and this story has a particularly memorable retribution for her ambition. There were some instances of misplaced word provenance, but they did not deter my enjoyment of the overall flow of the book. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are strong, confident, and witty characters, and I wish there were more variations like this one.
November 23, 2024
Elizabeth Bingley finds her match in Darcy with very little pride and no prejudice between them. An large chat of characters surrounds the Bingley family as they deal with jealousy and rather evil sister, Caroline.
The story was interesting but few characters had any flaws.
The story was interesting but few characters had any flaws.
October 25, 2024
This one is a no for me
While I enjoyed the author’s other works, this one fell flat in so many ways. It wasn’t a bad idea, but it just went horribly wrong in execution. So many out of character/out of time issues, a lot of angst that went nowhere, and flat, unbelievable characters. A disappointment.
While I enjoyed the author’s other works, this one fell flat in so many ways. It wasn’t a bad idea, but it just went horribly wrong in execution. So many out of character/out of time issues, a lot of angst that went nowhere, and flat, unbelievable characters. A disappointment.
December 30, 2025
In this Pride and prejudice variation he youngest Bingley sister, Elizabeth, has returned from four years living with her aunt and uncle, General Halsey, in Spain, to live again with her siblings much to the annoyance of Caroline. How will this affect the Bingleys and their guests and neighbours when they move to Netherfield.
(An entertaining variation would be to have an accompaniment to this story detailing the story of the other courtships)
An enjoyable story
(An entertaining variation would be to have an accompaniment to this story detailing the story of the other courtships)
An enjoyable story
November 8, 2024
Nice, but kinda blah
Elizabeth is the youngest Bingley, whose brother Charles loves her dearly, but who is treated poorly by her two older sisters Louisa and Caroline. After four years spent in Spain with her uncle, a general in the army, and her aunt, his wife, the aunt dies and Elizabeth is sent back to England to reunite with her family. After Caroline actively tries to sabotage Elizabeth's reputation in society, Charles and Elizabeth decide to completely break ties with her, and no longer support her. Through her brother, Elizabeth meets Darcy, his sister Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well as others who show her true friendship and support. Louisa, after some discussion with her husband Hurst, decides to also cut Caroline, and repair her relationship with Elizabeth.
Although the book is written well enough, the story felt flat to me, the situations described in too much of a clinical way. The romantic relationships are all rushed, with almost all of them based on nothing more than an introduction. Even Georgiana, at fifteen years old in the story, sees a man and glances at him several times, and Darcy and Elizabeth are already speculating on his compatibility with her. It started to feel kind of ridiculous how a look and a smile had two people planning their weddings. There was no development, no give and take, no earning of affection, and I missed that romantic element.
The story could have been shortened significantly with judicious editing of tedious detail that did nothing to further the plot. The integrity of the story would not have suffered from the removal of descriptions of how coats were put on, who had their tea first, who handed who out of which carriage, etc, etc. A certain amount of detail enhances a story and sets the time and tone, but too much makes a reader feel like she's slogging through muck, with the urge to start skimming, and that's not a good thing. It's an interesting and original premise, and I recommend the book with reservations.
Elizabeth is the youngest Bingley, whose brother Charles loves her dearly, but who is treated poorly by her two older sisters Louisa and Caroline. After four years spent in Spain with her uncle, a general in the army, and her aunt, his wife, the aunt dies and Elizabeth is sent back to England to reunite with her family. After Caroline actively tries to sabotage Elizabeth's reputation in society, Charles and Elizabeth decide to completely break ties with her, and no longer support her. Through her brother, Elizabeth meets Darcy, his sister Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well as others who show her true friendship and support. Louisa, after some discussion with her husband Hurst, decides to also cut Caroline, and repair her relationship with Elizabeth.
Although the book is written well enough, the story felt flat to me, the situations described in too much of a clinical way. The romantic relationships are all rushed, with almost all of them based on nothing more than an introduction. Even Georgiana, at fifteen years old in the story, sees a man and glances at him several times, and Darcy and Elizabeth are already speculating on his compatibility with her. It started to feel kind of ridiculous how a look and a smile had two people planning their weddings. There was no development, no give and take, no earning of affection, and I missed that romantic element.
The story could have been shortened significantly with judicious editing of tedious detail that did nothing to further the plot. The integrity of the story would not have suffered from the removal of descriptions of how coats were put on, who had their tea first, who handed who out of which carriage, etc, etc. A certain amount of detail enhances a story and sets the time and tone, but too much makes a reader feel like she's slogging through muck, with the urge to start skimming, and that's not a good thing. It's an interesting and original premise, and I recommend the book with reservations.
December 5, 2024
Completely original
It's interesting to see all the traits of Elizabeth Bennet in someone with the surname Bingley. A very interesting plot and the original characters and pairings are totally unexpected, excepting our dear couple.
It's interesting to see all the traits of Elizabeth Bennet in someone with the surname Bingley. A very interesting plot and the original characters and pairings are totally unexpected, excepting our dear couple.
October 21, 2024
unusual premise and greatly enjoyable
I really liked this book. I will add it to my list of jaff to reread. Caroline was even worse than usual.
I really liked this book. I will add it to my list of jaff to reread. Caroline was even worse than usual.
January 13, 2025
Three plus? It had a few typos that were missed in editing. It was a fun read, but improbable in places. I felt I really had to stretch my limits in places to buy in.
November 18, 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 another variation where Elizabeth is not a Bennett, and in this tale she is a Bingley instead. Elizabeth Bingley returns home after four years abroad hopeful of a happy reunion with her family. Her brother Charles welcomes her back with a wide smile and open arms, but her sisters Louisa and Caroline are disdainful of her presence and make snide comments as to her appearance, and at the birthday ball of a friend, where Elizabeth makes her debut in society, Caroline goes so far as to spread malicious gossip about her. Fitzwilliam Darcy is happy to see his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam after four long years, and is surprised when he recommends a young lady he’s never met to be a friend to Darcy’s young sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth Bingley’s unexpected beauty stuns him, and her intelligence intrigues him, so he agrees to a meeting between his friend Bingley’s sister and his own. After a confrontation with Caroline leads to a breach in the Bingley family, Charles seeks to take Elizabeth away from London for some peace in the country. They lease Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, and along with a few guests, quickly become acquainted with some of the local families. The young people find themselves giving serious consideration to what it is they truly want in a partner as love begins to bloom between more than one pair. Their happy time, however, threatens to come to a tragic end when one person’s spiteful nature is directed at Elizabeth, leading Darcy to fear he might have waited too long to declare his affection for her. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
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 another variation where Elizabeth is not a Bennett, and in this tale she is a Bingley instead. Elizabeth Bingley returns home after four years abroad hopeful of a happy reunion with her family. Her brother Charles welcomes her back with a wide smile and open arms, but her sisters Louisa and Caroline are disdainful of her presence and make snide comments as to her appearance, and at the birthday ball of a friend, where Elizabeth makes her debut in society, Caroline goes so far as to spread malicious gossip about her. Fitzwilliam Darcy is happy to see his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam after four long years, and is surprised when he recommends a young lady he’s never met to be a friend to Darcy’s young sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth Bingley’s unexpected beauty stuns him, and her intelligence intrigues him, so he agrees to a meeting between his friend Bingley’s sister and his own. After a confrontation with Caroline leads to a breach in the Bingley family, Charles seeks to take Elizabeth away from London for some peace in the country. They lease Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, and along with a few guests, quickly become acquainted with some of the local families. The young people find themselves giving serious consideration to what it is they truly want in a partner as love begins to bloom between more than one pair. Their happy time, however, threatens to come to a tragic end when one person’s spiteful nature is directed at Elizabeth, leading Darcy to fear he might have waited too long to declare his affection for her. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
January 23, 2025
A well-woven story of Elizabeth as a Bingley sister
Although one would initially think it rather far-fetched for Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice would be a member of the Bingley family, the author did a believable, fine, and thorough job in establishing this premise. Not only is Elizabeth a Bingley but also the exemplary sister. It’s no wonder the fastidious Mr. Fritillary Darcy easily fell in love with her.
Given that, there is not much conflict in terms of how their romance came about. One would have hoped that there is more pride and prejudice between the two. But it seems the author is also determined to make Mr. Darcy amiable and more likable.
Little focus is given to the characters in Meryton, if only to enhance the fate that the characters are faced due to the return of Elizabeth Bingley to her family.
What is rather disturbing is Caroline Bingley: her behaviors, unreasonable envy, nefarious ways, as well as how she was treated and how her story ended in the end.
Rather hoped for a shorter version, but still a worthwhile read, if only for its novelty in making a central character a part of a secondary family in Canon.
A three and a half stars rounded up to four
Although one would initially think it rather far-fetched for Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice would be a member of the Bingley family, the author did a believable, fine, and thorough job in establishing this premise. Not only is Elizabeth a Bingley but also the exemplary sister. It’s no wonder the fastidious Mr. Fritillary Darcy easily fell in love with her.
Given that, there is not much conflict in terms of how their romance came about. One would have hoped that there is more pride and prejudice between the two. But it seems the author is also determined to make Mr. Darcy amiable and more likable.
Little focus is given to the characters in Meryton, if only to enhance the fate that the characters are faced due to the return of Elizabeth Bingley to her family.
What is rather disturbing is Caroline Bingley: her behaviors, unreasonable envy, nefarious ways, as well as how she was treated and how her story ended in the end.
Rather hoped for a shorter version, but still a worthwhile read, if only for its novelty in making a central character a part of a secondary family in Canon.
A three and a half stars rounded up to four
November 22, 2024
This is the best "Elizabeth is not a Bennet" story I have read. I loved it mostly because I love stories where Charles Bingley had a backbone and stands up for Lizzy, and here she is his youngest sister. He is the only sibling she has a good relationship with.
I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of other Austen characters, such as Mr. Knightly and the brother of Fanny Price.
The original characters did not distract from the regular lineup.
There were a few spots that did not make sense for the time setting, such as Darcy carrying an injured Elizabeth when her brother was standing right next to them.
I also enjoyed the cameo appearances of other Austen characters, such as Mr. Knightly and the brother of Fanny Price.
The original characters did not distract from the regular lineup.
There were a few spots that did not make sense for the time setting, such as Darcy carrying an injured Elizabeth when her brother was standing right next to them.
November 18, 2024
Quite a twist
I could not stop reading this variation. While this variation is Elizabeth isn’t a Bennet. It was not some other type of foundling or long lost so and so. Elizabeth and Caroline being sisters was so twisted and I wished Caroline was better.
I enjoyed learning about Elizabeth’s new background and the new romance but same enduring love story. There were more twist than just Elizabeth. I was so surprised and not disappointed.
I hope you read this variation too!
I could not stop reading this variation. While this variation is Elizabeth isn’t a Bennet. It was not some other type of foundling or long lost so and so. Elizabeth and Caroline being sisters was so twisted and I wished Caroline was better.
I enjoyed learning about Elizabeth’s new background and the new romance but same enduring love story. There were more twist than just Elizabeth. I was so surprised and not disappointed.
I hope you read this variation too!
October 29, 2024
Just WOW!
One of the best 'Elizabeth is not a Bennet' stories I think I have ever read! I love how not only is she not a Bennet, but she was not even raised by them and still is an amazing person. Her deep connection with Charles is touching, and I love how she is able to gain worthy friends by being true to herself in every way. I especially enjoyed seeing her tell Colonel Fitzwilliam she would never marry him and he can only agree with her and deepen their friendship.
One of the best 'Elizabeth is not a Bennet' stories I think I have ever read! I love how not only is she not a Bennet, but she was not even raised by them and still is an amazing person. Her deep connection with Charles is touching, and I love how she is able to gain worthy friends by being true to herself in every way. I especially enjoyed seeing her tell Colonel Fitzwilliam she would never marry him and he can only agree with her and deepen their friendship.
November 5, 2024
Good premise that got lost
I really dislike when authors cannot come up with original names for auxiliary characters. This story used so many Jane Austen names plus Hiddleston as an extra so she might like the Loki actor. Also I get very aggravated when they fall in love instantly. The time continuum was off in places too. Problems got resolved too easily. I did like that Elizabeth was a Bingley and not all couples ended up as expected.
I really dislike when authors cannot come up with original names for auxiliary characters. This story used so many Jane Austen names plus Hiddleston as an extra so she might like the Loki actor. Also I get very aggravated when they fall in love instantly. The time continuum was off in places too. Problems got resolved too easily. I did like that Elizabeth was a Bingley and not all couples ended up as expected.
November 6, 2024
A Welcome Twist
Always looking for unique plots as I have read over 1000 P&P variations. This one did not disappoint! I love the twist it gives making Elizabeth a Bingley and giving some of our dear characters different choices for their life partners. I greatly enjoyed this variation and look forward to more from this author.
Always looking for unique plots as I have read over 1000 P&P variations. This one did not disappoint! I love the twist it gives making Elizabeth a Bingley and giving some of our dear characters different choices for their life partners. I greatly enjoyed this variation and look forward to more from this author.
November 10, 2024
Very good
A very well written vagary that takes the Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope, mashing it with a touch of Cinderella, where Lizzy is the youngest of three sisters and the older two disdain her. In this case, Lizzy has public opinion on her side and her romance, and the three other HEA, are achieved with virtually no angst.
A very well written vagary that takes the Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope, mashing it with a touch of Cinderella, where Lizzy is the youngest of three sisters and the older two disdain her. In this case, Lizzy has public opinion on her side and her romance, and the three other HEA, are achieved with virtually no angst.
November 18, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Good story, but it drives me crazy when an OG character is given a name change. It serves no purpose. Ugh! In this case Matlock > Disley.
I'm sure I've complained about name changes before (I have a particular dislike of Disley) so I will leave it at that.
I did enjoy when the villains got their just deserts. IMO, it doesn't happen enough in these variations.
Good story, but it drives me crazy when an OG character is given a name change. It serves no purpose. Ugh! In this case Matlock > Disley.
I'm sure I've complained about name changes before (I have a particular dislike of Disley) so I will leave it at that.
I did enjoy when the villains got their just deserts. IMO, it doesn't happen enough in these variations.
May 14, 2025
The Goid Sister
Wow what a story. This Elizabeth is a Bingley. She is the youngest and Caroline has been jealous from the moment Elizabeth was born.
This is a very well written and different variation that I did very much enjoy. Death, fevers, and nice relationships from multiple Jane Austen stories.
Wow what a story. This Elizabeth is a Bingley. She is the youngest and Caroline has been jealous from the moment Elizabeth was born.
This is a very well written and different variation that I did very much enjoy. Death, fevers, and nice relationships from multiple Jane Austen stories.
October 31, 2024
An intriguing alternative
This was the first story I have read where Elizabeth is a Bingley rather than a Bennet and is very well done in writing, plotting, and characterization. A little stately, some excellent villains, and a fine romance.
This was the first story I have read where Elizabeth is a Bingley rather than a Bennet and is very well done in writing, plotting, and characterization. A little stately, some excellent villains, and a fine romance.
November 7, 2024
An excellent and unusual variation.
A completely different take on the story with various characters’ stories told.
Main characters: Elizabeth Bingley, Charles, Darcy, Col Fitwilliam, Charlotte, Mary, Jane and another suitor.
A completely different take on the story with various characters’ stories told.
Main characters: Elizabeth Bingley, Charles, Darcy, Col Fitwilliam, Charlotte, Mary, Jane and another suitor.
November 28, 2024
2.5*
I will not finish. I liked it well enough on FanFiction website, but the errors I found endearing as an unpublished fan fiction, are not so in a published book. I just could not read passed them.
I will not finish. I liked it well enough on FanFiction website, but the errors I found endearing as an unpublished fan fiction, are not so in a published book. I just could not read passed them.
October 29, 2024
Not A Bennet
I always enjoy variations where Elizabeth is not a natural Bennet. This one had the added bonus of Jane not marrying Bingley.
I always enjoy variations where Elizabeth is not a natural Bennet. This one had the added bonus of Jane not marrying Bingley.
November 1, 2024
Once the premise of the story is accepted ie Lizzy is a Bingley, its a really good read.
November 26, 2024
Cute but a little predictable
This book was cute but read more like a fan fiction story. It also took me longer to read because it did not catch my attention much.
This book was cute but read more like a fan fiction story. It also took me longer to read because it did not catch my attention much.
March 6, 2025
I loved all of the little nods to the other books. It made reading this story so much more fun.
March 6, 2025
interesting
this was a total departure from what I usually expect of P&P books. Interesting as it was, I cant say I enjoyed it. just too much off kilter to me.
this was a total departure from what I usually expect of P&P books. Interesting as it was, I cant say I enjoyed it. just too much off kilter to me.
May 27, 2025
3.25⭐️
Elizabeth as part of the Bingley clan was a pleasant change. A good story.
Elizabeth as part of the Bingley clan was a pleasant change. A good story.
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