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A Mutual Accord: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In this Austenesque Adventure, the courtships of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, as well as Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, begin the day after the Netherfield Ball. A new sense of understanding between the couples paves the way for early declarations of affection, setting them on the path to happiness sooner than expected. However, as romance blossoms, unexpected family matters take center stage.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, known for her imperious nature, is suddenly redeemed in the eyes of her family when it is revealed that she is gravely ill. Her vulnerability and quiet regret soften her character, drawing her estranged relatives closer. Elizabeth, Lydia, and Georgiana join Lady Catherine in Eastbourne as she consults a specialist about a dangerous but necessary medical procedure. However, what begins as a journey to provide comfort and companionship quickly turns into a mysterious web of intrigue and danger.
The enigmatic Count of St Germain appears unexpectedly, offering aid. His presence raises unsettling questions about time, immortality, and hidden secrets.
Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam, working undercover for the War Office, is investigating reports of espionage and treason in Eastbourne. To complicate matters, an old enemy appears to be involved with the very spies and traitors Fitzwilliam seeks to expose.
When Darcy disappears, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Lydia, and Colonel Fitzwilliam find themselves in grave danger when they stumble upon illicit dealings during their search for him. then help arrives from an unusual quarter. In this tale of love, intrigue, and adventure, the characters find their heart's desire, and also confront a plot that threatens the security of the kingdom.
This Austenesque Adventure is 120,000 words.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, known for her imperious nature, is suddenly redeemed in the eyes of her family when it is revealed that she is gravely ill. Her vulnerability and quiet regret soften her character, drawing her estranged relatives closer. Elizabeth, Lydia, and Georgiana join Lady Catherine in Eastbourne as she consults a specialist about a dangerous but necessary medical procedure. However, what begins as a journey to provide comfort and companionship quickly turns into a mysterious web of intrigue and danger.
The enigmatic Count of St Germain appears unexpectedly, offering aid. His presence raises unsettling questions about time, immortality, and hidden secrets.
Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam, working undercover for the War Office, is investigating reports of espionage and treason in Eastbourne. To complicate matters, an old enemy appears to be involved with the very spies and traitors Fitzwilliam seeks to expose.
When Darcy disappears, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Lydia, and Colonel Fitzwilliam find themselves in grave danger when they stumble upon illicit dealings during their search for him. then help arrives from an unusual quarter. In this tale of love, intrigue, and adventure, the characters find their heart's desire, and also confront a plot that threatens the security of the kingdom.
This Austenesque Adventure is 120,000 words.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2025
111 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2025
Interesting
The Netherfield party arrives in Meryton in the usual way. However, Darcy learns at the assembly that the Bennett matron isn't so bad, and cares about her daughters. Darcy makes a more favorable impression at the start, and quickly comes to esteem Elizabeth, while Bingley is quickly enamored of Jane. Both men enter courtships, Lady Catherine shows up at Longbourn to object, and everyone learns that Lady Catherine has a very serious health issue which threatens to shorten her life. A surgical procedure is sought for her that may help, and a large party journeys to Eastbourne to investigate its usefulness.
This is a swashbuckling and very complex story. A recurring storyline throughout is regarding the Comte de St. Germain, A mysterious figure who apparently never ages, is present for many important events throughout history, and who just happens to know Lady Catherine. He figures largely into the circumstances of all the characters in our story in fantastical ways. Not only do we have the relationship of ODC, the Comte, and the health of Lady Catherine as plot points, but we also have a French invasion, the Wickham situation, the characters from "Emma" stirring things up, and a better than usual Mr Collins. I felt as if my head was spinning at times.
For all of the storylines going on at once, the story really drags once the French get involved in Eastbourne. The accounts of secret meetings and spies just became tedious after awhile, and the action got bogged down. I started skimming the book, and that's never a good sign. Kudos to the author for an imaginative and interesting premise, and for good writing and editing. However, the romance really suffers for all of the issues jam packed into the story, and ODC definitely take a back seat to many other things. I recommend the book with reservations.
The Netherfield party arrives in Meryton in the usual way. However, Darcy learns at the assembly that the Bennett matron isn't so bad, and cares about her daughters. Darcy makes a more favorable impression at the start, and quickly comes to esteem Elizabeth, while Bingley is quickly enamored of Jane. Both men enter courtships, Lady Catherine shows up at Longbourn to object, and everyone learns that Lady Catherine has a very serious health issue which threatens to shorten her life. A surgical procedure is sought for her that may help, and a large party journeys to Eastbourne to investigate its usefulness.
This is a swashbuckling and very complex story. A recurring storyline throughout is regarding the Comte de St. Germain, A mysterious figure who apparently never ages, is present for many important events throughout history, and who just happens to know Lady Catherine. He figures largely into the circumstances of all the characters in our story in fantastical ways. Not only do we have the relationship of ODC, the Comte, and the health of Lady Catherine as plot points, but we also have a French invasion, the Wickham situation, the characters from "Emma" stirring things up, and a better than usual Mr Collins. I felt as if my head was spinning at times.
For all of the storylines going on at once, the story really drags once the French get involved in Eastbourne. The accounts of secret meetings and spies just became tedious after awhile, and the action got bogged down. I started skimming the book, and that's never a good sign. Kudos to the author for an imaginative and interesting premise, and for good writing and editing. However, the romance really suffers for all of the issues jam packed into the story, and ODC definitely take a back seat to many other things. I recommend the book with reservations.
March 29, 2025
I liked the traitor plot. However the mysterious gentleman was extraneous and pages 100 to 200 of this 400 page book seemed to be more about day to day life of everyone than moving the plot forward. Pacing was missing from just this section and everything started moving forward after page 200, as it should. I would have liked any amount of romance and passion for ODC. Intimate scenes are not necessary but 2 chastened kisses and no passionate conversations are not representative of the love that endured in the original book.
May 31, 2025
A Regency action story!
This is one amazing tale! From the variation from the original to the completely unrelated but wonderfully linked second part depicting a powerful intrigue with surprising events that lead our beloved characters to be rendered heroes and save the day.
This is one amazing tale! From the variation from the original to the completely unrelated but wonderfully linked second part depicting a powerful intrigue with surprising events that lead our beloved characters to be rendered heroes and save the day.
February 6, 2025
Action packed
A very action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Caroline Cartier. There were a lot of plot threads in motion but they came together in the end. I liked it.
A very action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Caroline Cartier. There were a lot of plot threads in motion but they came together in the end. I liked it.
February 18, 2025
Decent
There were good and slow parts to this book.
What I liked:
- The author put her own stamp on the early scenes in Meryton.
- An early understanding for Darcy and Elizabeth.
- I liked the new characters as well as the changes made to the old ones.
My least favorite:
- Although D&E come to an early understanding, they do not spend a lot of time together once the courtship begins because either:
1) Darcy couldn't, for some reason, keep Caroline from attaching herself to his person.
2) Although they are living in the same house, there is never time for a private conversation.
3) Darcy has to leave for business.
4) It's never the right time.
There were good and slow parts to this book.
What I liked:
- The author put her own stamp on the early scenes in Meryton.
- An early understanding for Darcy and Elizabeth.
- I liked the new characters as well as the changes made to the old ones.
My least favorite:
- Although D&E come to an early understanding, they do not spend a lot of time together once the courtship begins because either:
1) Darcy couldn't, for some reason, keep Caroline from attaching herself to his person.
2) Although they are living in the same house, there is never time for a private conversation.
3) Darcy has to leave for business.
4) It's never the right time.
July 27, 2025
This was an intricately plotted, somewhat long story. It was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it.
Although there was a touch of the paranormal, it never became the focus the story. There were parts of the second half where Darcy and Elizabeth were in the background, but I still liked it a lot.
4.5-stars rounded up.
Although there was a touch of the paranormal, it never became the focus the story. There were parts of the second half where Darcy and Elizabeth were in the background, but I still liked it a lot.
4.5-stars rounded up.
February 22, 2025
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. In this tale of love, intrigue, and adventure, the characters find their heart's desire, and also confront a plot that threatens the security of the kingdom.
The courtships of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, as well as Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, begin the day after the Netherfield Ball. A new sense of understanding between the couples paves the way for early declarations of affection, setting them on the path to happiness sooner than expected. However, as romance blossoms, unexpected family matters take center stage.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, known for her imperious nature, is suddenly redeemed in the eyes of her family when it is revealed that she is gravely ill. Her vulnerability and quiet regret soften her character, drawing her estranged relatives closer. Elizabeth, Lydia, and Georgiana join Lady Catherine in Eastbourne as she consults a specialist about a dangerous but necessary medical procedure. However, what begins as a journey to provide comfort and companionship quickly turns into a mysterious web of intrigue and danger.
The enigmatic Count of St Germain appears unexpectedly, offering aid. His presence raises unsettling questions about time, immortality, and hidden secrets. Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam, working undercover for the War Office, is investigating reports of espionage and treason in Eastbourne. To complicate matters, an old enemy appears to be involved with the very spies and traitors Fitzwilliam seeks to expose. When Darcy disappears, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Lydia, and Colonel Fitzwilliam find themselves in grave danger when they stumble upon illicit dealings during their search for him; then help arrives from an unusual quarter. 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. In this tale of love, intrigue, and adventure, the characters find their heart's desire, and also confront a plot that threatens the security of the kingdom.
The courtships of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, as well as Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, begin the day after the Netherfield Ball. A new sense of understanding between the couples paves the way for early declarations of affection, setting them on the path to happiness sooner than expected. However, as romance blossoms, unexpected family matters take center stage.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, known for her imperious nature, is suddenly redeemed in the eyes of her family when it is revealed that she is gravely ill. Her vulnerability and quiet regret soften her character, drawing her estranged relatives closer. Elizabeth, Lydia, and Georgiana join Lady Catherine in Eastbourne as she consults a specialist about a dangerous but necessary medical procedure. However, what begins as a journey to provide comfort and companionship quickly turns into a mysterious web of intrigue and danger.
The enigmatic Count of St Germain appears unexpectedly, offering aid. His presence raises unsettling questions about time, immortality, and hidden secrets. Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam, working undercover for the War Office, is investigating reports of espionage and treason in Eastbourne. To complicate matters, an old enemy appears to be involved with the very spies and traitors Fitzwilliam seeks to expose. When Darcy disappears, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Lydia, and Colonel Fitzwilliam find themselves in grave danger when they stumble upon illicit dealings during their search for him; then help arrives from an unusual quarter. 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.
April 30, 2025
Hang onto your hats!
Make sure to read the forward before you start chapter one. This will give many details that help set up some important things. I found this story to be in two parts: the first dealing with life around Longbourn and the second part is their sojourn by the sea. I did like at the beginning that Darcy realizes his negative behavior and how he is misjudging people. I also enjoyed how Elizabeth and her sisters were able to make Mary shine for Mr Collins. Loved Lydia getting a wake-up call! When the seaside trip starts then everything is sped up, so this is where you hold onto your hats.
I got the audio book to go with the ebook, and I'm so glad I did. Having the two amazing narrators, Elizabeth Grace and Harry Frost, made this story truly come to life. Their joint narration was fantastic, and because of them, I will easily listen to this story repeatedly.
Make sure to read the forward before you start chapter one. This will give many details that help set up some important things. I found this story to be in two parts: the first dealing with life around Longbourn and the second part is their sojourn by the sea. I did like at the beginning that Darcy realizes his negative behavior and how he is misjudging people. I also enjoyed how Elizabeth and her sisters were able to make Mary shine for Mr Collins. Loved Lydia getting a wake-up call! When the seaside trip starts then everything is sped up, so this is where you hold onto your hats.
I got the audio book to go with the ebook, and I'm so glad I did. Having the two amazing narrators, Elizabeth Grace and Harry Frost, made this story truly come to life. Their joint narration was fantastic, and because of them, I will easily listen to this story repeatedly.
February 5, 2025
A Remarkable, engaging, creative and so much more!
Wow! This P&P variation, from the first page to the last word in the acknowledgments, was riveting, emotional, clever, and engaging. I loved it! I don’t care for reviews that retell the plots, but I will say that the integration of characters from other Jane Austen novels was perfect, and the historic framework, mystery, and detail is just brilliant. Be prepared to traverse a gamut of emotions as you cheer, cry, boo and hiss your way through this masterpiece. Note to the author: Please do write that other novel. The character in question is worthy of a series.
If the reader wants to know what I refer to, then read this book. I can’t wait to see more from Ms. Cartier.
Wow! This P&P variation, from the first page to the last word in the acknowledgments, was riveting, emotional, clever, and engaging. I loved it! I don’t care for reviews that retell the plots, but I will say that the integration of characters from other Jane Austen novels was perfect, and the historic framework, mystery, and detail is just brilliant. Be prepared to traverse a gamut of emotions as you cheer, cry, boo and hiss your way through this masterpiece. Note to the author: Please do write that other novel. The character in question is worthy of a series.
If the reader wants to know what I refer to, then read this book. I can’t wait to see more from Ms. Cartier.
March 24, 2025
Two, or maybe three, good stories mashed into one
The first narrative stream is the romance, and it is very well done, after all beginning that just seems to retell the original plot for some chapters. Once the variations begin, almost all relation to the original disappears. Then the narrative morphs into a rattling spy story. Both plots are interwoven with the legend of the Comte de German. He is the least convincing character in the story, and I believe the plots would function just as well without him. He is interesting, but not really relevant. The other characters are well done, the dialogue is great and the author tells a great yarn. I’m all in favour of full length novels, but this would have made two substantial books.
The first narrative stream is the romance, and it is very well done, after all beginning that just seems to retell the original plot for some chapters. Once the variations begin, almost all relation to the original disappears. Then the narrative morphs into a rattling spy story. Both plots are interwoven with the legend of the Comte de German. He is the least convincing character in the story, and I believe the plots would function just as well without him. He is interesting, but not really relevant. The other characters are well done, the dialogue is great and the author tells a great yarn. I’m all in favour of full length novels, but this would have made two substantial books.
July 1, 2025
There’s a lot going on in this book. Tons of characters from other JA books all intertwined in bits history and lots of excitement, not a lot of romance really though ODC get together courting pretty early on in the book but though they individually appear a lot in different situations there’s no real feel of them falling in love because they don’t get any them time, it’s all action and history, outside characters problems happening around them but no Darcy and Elizabeth or Bingley and Jane getting to know each other time, Mary and Collin’s get more together time than anyone else. And while I do like some action and history in my romance, I’d prefer it to fall a lot more on the romance side than the other.
February 3, 2025
Truly Wonderful!!
This book hit almost all of my 'love this' points. 1) Darcy gets out of his own way fairly swiftly. 2) Darcy really romances Elizabeth. 3) Both Lady Catherine and Mr Collins are respectable and likeable. 4) Lydia becomes a good person. 5) there is an epic adventure. There are other things but you get the idea. This is a great story, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
This book hit almost all of my 'love this' points. 1) Darcy gets out of his own way fairly swiftly. 2) Darcy really romances Elizabeth. 3) Both Lady Catherine and Mr Collins are respectable and likeable. 4) Lydia becomes a good person. 5) there is an epic adventure. There are other things but you get the idea. This is a great story, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
February 11, 2025
A very good book with an innovative plot and some new characters. A very likeable Collins. Plenty of angst. minor note - I appreciated that the author specified norman bonnets and a sempstress bonnet so that I could look them up to see what they looked like. Much more interesting than saying they got new bonnets.
February 16, 2025
I'm feeling a bit discombobulated. I'm uncomfortable with the comte's storyline, and to be honest, the author's intention. One can forgive ignorance. Promoting malicious rhetoric is another matter.
As far as JAFF content: Combining so many characters from various novels- including Gaskell's "Cranford," which is obviously not Austen- was a bit much for my taste.
This was not for me.
As far as JAFF content: Combining so many characters from various novels- including Gaskell's "Cranford," which is obviously not Austen- was a bit much for my taste.
This was not for me.
February 20, 2025
Not the usual outcome
For particular characters. I will not spoil it for the reader but it was very nice to see how particular characters got over themselves and became functioning members of society!
And finally nice to see a good ending result to "Wicky" although at first I was 🫣 but the storyline worked perfectly with this result! Well played out Ms Cartier!!
For particular characters. I will not spoil it for the reader but it was very nice to see how particular characters got over themselves and became functioning members of society!
And finally nice to see a good ending result to "Wicky" although at first I was 🫣 but the storyline worked perfectly with this result! Well played out Ms Cartier!!
April 21, 2025
A man who never ages, a French plot, a handful of traitors and some plucky people populate this very different P&P vagary. It features the most deserving Bennet daughters achieving their HEAs and coming to know their hearts early on in the story. If you have a yen for an adventurous tale, this book is for you.
February 22, 2025
Excellent!
Great story. Loved the mystery. Not enough of ODC interactions. This was my first read of this author. I would recommend to all Pride and Prejudice variation enthusiasts! Thank you goes out to this author for the great entertainment!
Great story. Loved the mystery. Not enough of ODC interactions. This was my first read of this author. I would recommend to all Pride and Prejudice variation enthusiasts! Thank you goes out to this author for the great entertainment!
April 16, 2025
grand adventure told not shown
The story itself is great fun. I wish the author would write in a showing fashion instead of simply telling everything. It reads like a detailed story outline rather than a novel.
The story itself is great fun. I wish the author would write in a showing fashion instead of simply telling everything. It reads like a detailed story outline rather than a novel.
July 16, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4. Although the storyline is interesting, the author bogs the story down with too many characters and two much repetitive discussion and thoughts. This easily could have been trimmed to bring the book to a more entertaining length.
September 8, 2025
A MUTUAL ACCORD
What a lovely and decidedly different P&P variation. I was impressed by the story as much as the characters. I especially enjoyed the more magically imagined parts. It truly is excellent!
What a lovely and decidedly different P&P variation. I was impressed by the story as much as the characters. I especially enjoyed the more magically imagined parts. It truly is excellent!
February 16, 2025
Great drama
Whatever is going on in Eastbourne where most of the Bennet ladies and friends are visiting? Great collection of characters, mysteries, and surprises.
Whatever is going on in Eastbourne where most of the Bennet ladies and friends are visiting? Great collection of characters, mysteries, and surprises.
April 21, 2025
Interesting plot.
Characters from other Austen novels have minor roles in the story.
I listenened to the audio version, which I enjoyed
Characters from other Austen novels have minor roles in the story.
I listenened to the audio version, which I enjoyed
July 18, 2025
just too long
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews