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Open Your Eyes
When Elizabeth Bennet meets with Mr. Wickham in Meryton, he informs her of his past dealings with Mr. Darcy. During the course of this conversation, Elizabeth realizes that Mr. Wickham is perhaps not all he seems to be and that there may be more to the man than amiable manners and a handsome countenance. Though she decides she does not want to be involved with either of the men, she finds that it is not easy to extricate herself from the situation. One of the men turns out to be strangely compelling, and the other is intent upon inducing her to acknowledge that his version of events is correct. The further she is drawn into their intrigues, the more Elizabeth realizes that she may have misjudged the situation . . . and that her powers of observation might not be completely faultless in all cases. This tale of love and courtship tells the story of what might have happened had Elizabeth only opened her eyes and used some of her vaunted ability to sketch characters shortly after the beginning of her acquaintance with Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2014
89 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
88 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 12, 2016
Male perspective on P&P:
I was blown away with Mr. Rowland’s perspective on Austen’s P&P. His writing the male POV gave new insights into the thinking and rationale of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet, our dear Colonel and even Wickham. It was well known that Austen didn’t write about what she didn’t know; therefore, she did not write the male POV.
Having said that, Rowland also did an excellent job in presenting Elizabeth’s POV. Her thoughts and introspection were provoking as she came to terms with her plight in the marriage market, her family’s social standing, her lack of dowry and her family connections to trade. She and Mr. Darcy had a score to settle and Rowland allowed them time to go through the process and didn’t rush them into instant love that often grates the nerves. We witnessed the evolution from her dislike and his disdain to their solving their misunderstandings by having those conversations we always wanted them to have, and then allowing time for the heart to catch up with the head. I thought he did an excellent job. There were still places where I wanted the story to go a different direction but, hey…I’m not the author and he has the final say.
I appreciated the fact that Rowland didn’t go dark and dirty with Wickham. This could have been really bad had he allowed Wickham to go to the depths with his revenge on Darcy. I cringed during every scene where Wickham was in the presence of Elizabeth, or his interactions with Lydia. I was scared to death that Wickham would go over the line and commit some devastating immoral conduct that would have ruined the Bennet family. It was alluded to, but, thankfully, Rowland didn’t go there.
Mr. Bennet was a pleasant surprise. When he was appraised with the threats to Meryton and his family, he rose in righteous indignation and acted accordingly. I liked seeing him take a more active role in his family. It paid off in the end and he learned a hard lesson that he had ignored his younger daughters long enough. Rowland did an excellent job as he explained the character differences between the older and younger sisters and possibly what brought that about. Jane and Elizabeth were greatly influenced by the combined attentions of their father and their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. By the time the other girls came along…Mr. B was overwhelmed by their chaos and sheer numbers and pulled back from interacting with them. I don’t think I’ve seen that observation before and thought it pretty profound.
The Bennet family dynamics were really different in Rowland’s variation. Yeah, we still had silly younger girls, Mrs. B still had episodes of nerves [although those diminished when Mr. B stood up and took command], and gossip still made the Meryton world go round. Rowland made a point in demonstrating how a father’s role could make or break a family. He emphasized that the father figure was so important to his daughters and that it made a difference in their behavior. Lydia was a perfect example. Her journey was amazing as she grew up right before our eyes. Mary was another example of listening to what was going on around her and having the courage to stand up for what she believed to be true and then to take a stand for what she wanted or, in this case, what she didn’t want. Way to go Mary. Elizabeth realized that she could have an influence on her younger sisters and hoped that it was not too late to curb their vivacious and loud behavior.
Mr. Collins was still a toad and his behaved was even more repulsive than canon. He really was a jerk and successfully botched his attempts at garnering the hand of his cousin(s)…any cousin. He just wouldn’t listen. An angry Lady Catherine stormed Longbourn with him in tow after he returned to Kent empty handed of a bride prospect. Lady C insulted the community, the Bennet house, the family, their honor, their society and the very air they breathed. She was deliciously awful. She dragged Anne with her to Longbourn and we were given a glimpse of her that showed she was on top of things and was certainly not as sickly as she portrayed.
The best part was when Rowland pitted Lady C against Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth may not have been Mrs. B’s favorite daughter; however, no one was going to verbally attack her child and in her own house. It was exhilarating as Lady C and Mrs. B went head to head over Elizabeth’s prospects with Mr. Darcy. Yeah, it was good. Way to go Mrs. B. She was awesome. You don’t mess with a cub when the mamma bear is nearby. Talk about the clash of the titans.
Bingley family: Charles was the same. This time Darcy was on hand when Jane received the nasty note from Caroline about them leaving and never returning. He encouraged Jane to have faith and she believed him and did. Caroline was herself and still striving to secure Darcy. She was really a minor character and only present to make faces, snide remarks, and display disdain for Elizabeth, the entire Bennet family, and Meryton/Hertfordshire society. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were the same and minor characters.
Our dear Colonel came into the story late and, even though he was in the regulars, was instrumental in dealing with Wickham. As a friend of Colonel Forster's, he knew there were certain rules that had to be followed regarding how they handled Wickham and what they could do with him. Justice was served but the reveal was so incredible I couldn’t believe it as it was one I’ve not seen before. There was an epilogue.
****SPOILER**** **** End Spoiler****
I realize that the author has the final say and that is why he is the author and I am not, so I have to respect his reasons. Editing was a problem and a bit jolting at times, missing words, etc.
I was blown away with Mr. Rowland’s perspective on Austen’s P&P. His writing the male POV gave new insights into the thinking and rationale of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet, our dear Colonel and even Wickham. It was well known that Austen didn’t write about what she didn’t know; therefore, she did not write the male POV.
Having said that, Rowland also did an excellent job in presenting Elizabeth’s POV. Her thoughts and introspection were provoking as she came to terms with her plight in the marriage market, her family’s social standing, her lack of dowry and her family connections to trade. She and Mr. Darcy had a score to settle and Rowland allowed them time to go through the process and didn’t rush them into instant love that often grates the nerves. We witnessed the evolution from her dislike and his disdain to their solving their misunderstandings by having those conversations we always wanted them to have, and then allowing time for the heart to catch up with the head. I thought he did an excellent job. There were still places where I wanted the story to go a different direction but, hey…I’m not the author and he has the final say.
I appreciated the fact that Rowland didn’t go dark and dirty with Wickham. This could have been really bad had he allowed Wickham to go to the depths with his revenge on Darcy. I cringed during every scene where Wickham was in the presence of Elizabeth, or his interactions with Lydia. I was scared to death that Wickham would go over the line and commit some devastating immoral conduct that would have ruined the Bennet family. It was alluded to, but, thankfully, Rowland didn’t go there.
Mr. Bennet was a pleasant surprise. When he was appraised with the threats to Meryton and his family, he rose in righteous indignation and acted accordingly. I liked seeing him take a more active role in his family. It paid off in the end and he learned a hard lesson that he had ignored his younger daughters long enough. Rowland did an excellent job as he explained the character differences between the older and younger sisters and possibly what brought that about. Jane and Elizabeth were greatly influenced by the combined attentions of their father and their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. By the time the other girls came along…Mr. B was overwhelmed by their chaos and sheer numbers and pulled back from interacting with them. I don’t think I’ve seen that observation before and thought it pretty profound.
The Bennet family dynamics were really different in Rowland’s variation. Yeah, we still had silly younger girls, Mrs. B still had episodes of nerves [although those diminished when Mr. B stood up and took command], and gossip still made the Meryton world go round. Rowland made a point in demonstrating how a father’s role could make or break a family. He emphasized that the father figure was so important to his daughters and that it made a difference in their behavior. Lydia was a perfect example. Her journey was amazing as she grew up right before our eyes. Mary was another example of listening to what was going on around her and having the courage to stand up for what she believed to be true and then to take a stand for what she wanted or, in this case, what she didn’t want. Way to go Mary. Elizabeth realized that she could have an influence on her younger sisters and hoped that it was not too late to curb their vivacious and loud behavior.
Mr. Collins was still a toad and his behaved was even more repulsive than canon. He really was a jerk and successfully botched his attempts at garnering the hand of his cousin(s)…any cousin. He just wouldn’t listen. An angry Lady Catherine stormed Longbourn with him in tow after he returned to Kent empty handed of a bride prospect. Lady C insulted the community, the Bennet house, the family, their honor, their society and the very air they breathed. She was deliciously awful. She dragged Anne with her to Longbourn and we were given a glimpse of her that showed she was on top of things and was certainly not as sickly as she portrayed.
The best part was when Rowland pitted Lady C against Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth may not have been Mrs. B’s favorite daughter; however, no one was going to verbally attack her child and in her own house. It was exhilarating as Lady C and Mrs. B went head to head over Elizabeth’s prospects with Mr. Darcy. Yeah, it was good. Way to go Mrs. B. She was awesome. You don’t mess with a cub when the mamma bear is nearby. Talk about the clash of the titans.
Bingley family: Charles was the same. This time Darcy was on hand when Jane received the nasty note from Caroline about them leaving and never returning. He encouraged Jane to have faith and she believed him and did. Caroline was herself and still striving to secure Darcy. She was really a minor character and only present to make faces, snide remarks, and display disdain for Elizabeth, the entire Bennet family, and Meryton/Hertfordshire society. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were the same and minor characters.
Our dear Colonel came into the story late and, even though he was in the regulars, was instrumental in dealing with Wickham. As a friend of Colonel Forster's, he knew there were certain rules that had to be followed regarding how they handled Wickham and what they could do with him. Justice was served but the reveal was so incredible I couldn’t believe it as it was one I’ve not seen before. There was an epilogue.
****SPOILER**** **** End Spoiler****
I realize that the author has the final say and that is why he is the author and I am not, so I have to respect his reasons. Editing was a problem and a bit jolting at times, missing words, etc.
February 7, 2016
This is a time compressed version of P&P with less pride and less prejudice and much less angst than the source material or most variations and sequels.
Our tale begins with Lizzy meeting Wickham and despite her dislike for Mr. Darcy she chooses not to immediately believe his tale of woe. Instead spends days; literally days, pondering the two Gentlemen from Derbyshire. All this is occurring during the period of Mr. Collins' visit to Longbourn and thus her utter distraction and disinterest turns Mr. Collins from Lizzy to Mary.
At the Netherfield Ball Darcy & Lizzy have a calmer and nicer dance followed by a long public chat which allows Lizzy to conclude that she was right to distrust Wickham. Her family is less offensive; Mrs. Bennet is capable of seeing and hearing reason. Mr. Bingley returns promptly. Lady Catherine appears and is dispatched by a tag team effort.
Charlotte is all but missing from this version, as are the Gardiners. Even Caroline is mostly tame.
A kinder, gentler, nicer, faster P&P. The last bit got a little slow. 4.75 stars
Our tale begins with Lizzy meeting Wickham and despite her dislike for Mr. Darcy she chooses not to immediately believe his tale of woe. Instead spends days; literally days, pondering the two Gentlemen from Derbyshire. All this is occurring during the period of Mr. Collins' visit to Longbourn and thus her utter distraction and disinterest turns Mr. Collins from Lizzy to Mary.
At the Netherfield Ball Darcy & Lizzy have a calmer and nicer dance followed by a long public chat which allows Lizzy to conclude that she was right to distrust Wickham. Her family is less offensive; Mrs. Bennet is capable of seeing and hearing reason. Mr. Bingley returns promptly. Lady Catherine appears and is dispatched by a tag team effort.
Charlotte is all but missing from this version, as are the Gardiners. Even Caroline is mostly tame.
A kinder, gentler, nicer, faster P&P. The last bit got a little slow. 4.75 stars
November 11, 2016
An Older Entry Read With New Eyes
Discovered this gem by Hand Rowland while going through the blacklists. As with most of his work, he Ives stronger credit for possessing insight to every Bennet female. And why not? Mr. B. was discerning enough to marry Mrs. B. And...each of the girls doesn't from a blend of his wit and eye and her love of family. Oh, Lady Catherine is sufficiently sulphurous, Collins appropriately oleaginous and Wickham fully his ever loving slim self. Worthy plot, too, without wearing too much on the reader.
Discovered this gem by Hand Rowland while going through the blacklists. As with most of his work, he Ives stronger credit for possessing insight to every Bennet female. And why not? Mr. B. was discerning enough to marry Mrs. B. And...each of the girls doesn't from a blend of his wit and eye and her love of family. Oh, Lady Catherine is sufficiently sulphurous, Collins appropriately oleaginous and Wickham fully his ever loving slim self. Worthy plot, too, without wearing too much on the reader.
January 19, 2023
How would P&P have played out if E didn't believe Wickham the first time they conversed and if she didn't hold on to her resentment at being so insulted by D at the assembly.
This version expands on that idea giving us a view into how E & D's relationship might have grown.
I know this received mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it. While it is a more laid back version, it was well written and had little changes to some of the characters to make it interesting.
This version expands on that idea giving us a view into how E & D's relationship might have grown.
I know this received mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it. While it is a more laid back version, it was well written and had little changes to some of the characters to make it interesting.
December 19, 2017
This is the second book by this author that I have read. As others have said this book has done away with all the misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy.
The biggest change from canon is that Elizabeth is not as impulsive in her judgments or words. She has become much more insightful, taking her time to ponder the words and actions of not only Darcy but also Wickham. And as she picks up on a contradiction from the mouth of Wickham she steps back and realizes that he is not honest. But in doing that she also decides to reconsider her opinions about Darcy. On what does she base her contempt of this man besides his remark at the assembly? But does this mean she is any more fond of him or that she just now has a better opinion?
Then there is Darcy, a man of not only honor but also one who feels that he must guard the Bennet family from Wickham as he knows of what Wickham is capable. Darcy is a different man here. He is open with Elizabeth, relating how he feels and the background of his relationship with Wickham, and then also talking to someone who has the ability to let the entire town of Meryton know to be on guard and taking steps the protect those important to those he holds in high regard repeatedly.
The Bennet family dynamics are changed in this variation. Elizabeth takes steps to not only improve her relationship with her three younger sisters but also to do what their parents should be doing - talk to, listen to, guide and admonish gently about their place in society and their relationship(s) with men. And we see a change in those sisters.
Lady Catherine continues to be Lady Catherine. But Mr. Collins is worse than ever but shots himself in the foot by his own loud and obsequious platitudes to various Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet shows some sense and is protective of her daughters....all her daughters. And her husband gets up off his duff...finally.
Bingley and his sisters are true to form but here, too, Darcy has a view to support not separate. Col. Fitzwilliam has a small role in dealing with Darcy's nemesis.
I read this in one day and did find a few minor errors but generally the editing was well done. I do love sexual tension and some angst between ODC but this was missing here and thus the 4 stars. Even so, this is a well done read for JAFF lovers.
The biggest change from canon is that Elizabeth is not as impulsive in her judgments or words. She has become much more insightful, taking her time to ponder the words and actions of not only Darcy but also Wickham. And as she picks up on a contradiction from the mouth of Wickham she steps back and realizes that he is not honest. But in doing that she also decides to reconsider her opinions about Darcy. On what does she base her contempt of this man besides his remark at the assembly? But does this mean she is any more fond of him or that she just now has a better opinion?
Then there is Darcy, a man of not only honor but also one who feels that he must guard the Bennet family from Wickham as he knows of what Wickham is capable. Darcy is a different man here. He is open with Elizabeth, relating how he feels and the background of his relationship with Wickham, and then also talking to someone who has the ability to let the entire town of Meryton know to be on guard and taking steps the protect those important to those he holds in high regard repeatedly.
The Bennet family dynamics are changed in this variation. Elizabeth takes steps to not only improve her relationship with her three younger sisters but also to do what their parents should be doing - talk to, listen to, guide and admonish gently about their place in society and their relationship(s) with men. And we see a change in those sisters.
Lady Catherine continues to be Lady Catherine. But Mr. Collins is worse than ever but shots himself in the foot by his own loud and obsequious platitudes to various Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet shows some sense and is protective of her daughters....all her daughters. And her husband gets up off his duff...finally.
Bingley and his sisters are true to form but here, too, Darcy has a view to support not separate. Col. Fitzwilliam has a small role in dealing with Darcy's nemesis.
I read this in one day and did find a few minor errors but generally the editing was well done. I do love sexual tension and some angst between ODC but this was missing here and thus the 4 stars. Even so, this is a well done read for JAFF lovers.
February 4, 2015
Just loved Mr Darcy!!!
If there was a Mr Darcy to love it would be this one. He was so open, loving and persistent!!
I loved that just changing a few little things in a story can change so much. For instance, Elizabeth being able to catch the discrepancies in Wickham's story, allowing her to step back and re-evaluate everything. Mr Darcy being more willing to expose Wickham at the Netherfield Ball when Elizabeth challenged him. Elizabeth taking the time to reform Lydia, Kitty and Mary (though I do believe that Jane, as the eldest, should have done so as well), thus allowing Lydia to have more of a conscious and Mary stepping outside of herself.
Oh and the relationship between Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy, so nice to see a Mr Bennet that actually is accepting of Mr Darcy. I so enjoyed this Mrs Bennet, in essence she is the same as in P&P, but with some effort by Elizabeth in talking to her mother, Mrs Bennet was changed for the better. Though she was not completely without her nerves."
The only issue I came away with was how one minute Elizabeth would be waxing then the next waning on her roller coaster if emotions about Mr Darcy. She disproved all the obstacles yet still was so wishy washy at times.
I highly recommend this book for any and all JAFFers.
If there was a Mr Darcy to love it would be this one. He was so open, loving and persistent!!
I loved that just changing a few little things in a story can change so much. For instance, Elizabeth being able to catch the discrepancies in Wickham's story, allowing her to step back and re-evaluate everything. Mr Darcy being more willing to expose Wickham at the Netherfield Ball when Elizabeth challenged him. Elizabeth taking the time to reform Lydia, Kitty and Mary (though I do believe that Jane, as the eldest, should have done so as well), thus allowing Lydia to have more of a conscious and Mary stepping outside of herself.
Oh and the relationship between Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy, so nice to see a Mr Bennet that actually is accepting of Mr Darcy. I so enjoyed this Mrs Bennet, in essence she is the same as in P&P, but with some effort by Elizabeth in talking to her mother, Mrs Bennet was changed for the better. Though she was not completely without her nerves."
The only issue I came away with was how one minute Elizabeth would be waxing then the next waning on her roller coaster if emotions about Mr Darcy. She disproved all the obstacles yet still was so wishy washy at times.
I highly recommend this book for any and all JAFFers.
April 23, 2019
A more discerning Elizabeth
While keeping their basic traits, our favorite characters are more reflective. This allows them to be more perceptive and see through many things that pass them by in the original story and evolve in a very different tale.
While keeping their basic traits, our favorite characters are more reflective. This allows them to be more perceptive and see through many things that pass them by in the original story and evolve in a very different tale.
November 25, 2018
Strong story. Lizzy meets Wickham and first conversation puts her on guard. Later she thinks both Darcy AND Wickham are pretty unlikeable, so she hopes they will leave her alone. But against her will, she keeps running into them and is getting enmeshed into a tug of war between them and she’s the rope.
Excellent beginning to a very good story.
I recommend the book.
Excellent beginning to a very good story.
I recommend the book.
July 28, 2014
In this version Darcy quickly reveals his dealings with Wickham to Elizabeth and then in turn her father. Now that Elizabeth is no longer blinded by the prejudice Wickham ingrained into her of Darcy, she is more open to learning about the real Darcy. Quickly he will make amends for his rude comment about her beauty and Elizabeth will find herself courted by Darcy before she even realizes it although she is apprehensive to agreeing to a courtship initially. I was surprised with how easily Darcy fell for Elizabeth in this version. I expected some struggle to overcome his feelings but instead it's Elizabeth we wait for. Wickham was a real nuisance in this novel. He was so determined to make Elizabeth think well of him and took it a bit too far for me that I found it unrealistic. Apart from Wickham, the path to Elizabeth's happiness comes about quite easily. I enjoyed how the tables turned on the confrontation with lady Catherine and this version of Mrs Bennet was comical but realistic. Cute easy read..
July 19, 2016
This Pride and Prejudice variation begins with the introduction of the Bennet daughters to Wickham in Meryton. Elizabeth is a more sensible being as she questions the revelations of Wickham, and continues as she gives advice to her younger sisters and as she speaks more rational to her mother about Mr Collins - what if she opened her eyes to her surroundings how would the story change.
A very enjoyable tale.
A very enjoyable tale.
December 14, 2022
Quite interesting
This is an interesting take on what could have helped Elizabeth to see the light about Darcy and Wickham more swiftly.
This is an interesting take on what could have helped Elizabeth to see the light about Darcy and Wickham more swiftly.
October 29, 2014
I loved this variation story....I will be reading it again. Wickham was Wickham, but Mr. Collins! Loved to hate him. And Mary...great to see her with spirit. My only complaint, wait... I don't have one!
April 2, 2016
Enjoyable and well-written, but just a little bit too easy. Everyone is so nice (even Lydia!) and Elizabeth and Darcy come to an understanding so quickly I thought I'd missed something. It was also decidedly missing anything resembling passion, which was disappointing.
January 22, 2018
Elizabeth doubt Wickham from the begining. Boring, no sweet or romantic moments.
November 5, 2020
Elizabeth sees through Wickham
What if Elizabeth saw through Wickham from the beginning, and Darcy admits to his desires from the beginning? A different and enjoyable look at how things might have been oppositely from canon. I very much liked seeing an Elizabeth who, while not so quite obstinate and headstrong, still was intelligent and independent, and—a Darcy who was not so quite arrogant and proud, but still a protective and loving gentleman and suitor. And, in this case quite sweet and romantic. I also loved the relationships Elizabeth developed with Lydia and Mary. Collins and Lady Cat were still annoying, but Mr. Rowland makes their parts interesting and diverting.
Really nice story. Highly recommend.
What if Elizabeth saw through Wickham from the beginning, and Darcy admits to his desires from the beginning? A different and enjoyable look at how things might have been oppositely from canon. I very much liked seeing an Elizabeth who, while not so quite obstinate and headstrong, still was intelligent and independent, and—a Darcy who was not so quite arrogant and proud, but still a protective and loving gentleman and suitor. And, in this case quite sweet and romantic. I also loved the relationships Elizabeth developed with Lydia and Mary. Collins and Lady Cat were still annoying, but Mr. Rowland makes their parts interesting and diverting.
Really nice story. Highly recommend.
January 16, 2025
a new twist on the original
Jann Rowland continues to,come up with unique and interesting twists on the original story. In each book, some of the characters are reworked. Bingley goes to town and his sisters try to dissuade him from offering for Jane. Here Mr. Darcy stays behind in Netherfield courting Elizabeth. This, Bingley does return. Though it takes awhile for Elizabeth to change her mind about Mr. Darcy it all as always Ed’s happily.
Jann Rowland continues to,come up with unique and interesting twists on the original story. In each book, some of the characters are reworked. Bingley goes to town and his sisters try to dissuade him from offering for Jane. Here Mr. Darcy stays behind in Netherfield courting Elizabeth. This, Bingley does return. Though it takes awhile for Elizabeth to change her mind about Mr. Darcy it all as always Ed’s happily.
Read
October 31, 2020Sweet
Elizabeth is more perceptive in this novel than in original and it leads to less angst. Darcy also capitulates to his feelings faster. Mr. Bennett is more protective and so is Mrs. Bennett. Situations are believable. And fewer editing mistakes than I have come to expect from this author (or did I pay less attention? )
Elizabeth is more perceptive in this novel than in original and it leads to less angst. Darcy also capitulates to his feelings faster. Mr. Bennett is more protective and so is Mrs. Bennett. Situations are believable. And fewer editing mistakes than I have come to expect from this author (or did I pay less attention? )
January 25, 2022
Enjoyable
I was caught up in this book from the beginning. I find that I enjoy variations where Elizabeth and Darcy are friends and he becomes friends with her family as well. I also enjoyed this characterization of Mrs. Bennett ,Lydia, Mary. He kept some of the original characteristics but added more depth to their character.
I was caught up in this book from the beginning. I find that I enjoy variations where Elizabeth and Darcy are friends and he becomes friends with her family as well. I also enjoyed this characterization of Mrs. Bennett ,Lydia, Mary. He kept some of the original characteristics but added more depth to their character.
November 14, 2022
Pleasantly Entertaining
A pleasant, low angst story. There are a few unusual word choice/ verb usages, but the story is otherwise well written with entertaining dialogue. Everyone (except the villains) is more intelligent, sensible, and emotionally open than canon, even Lydia. Definitely worth reading.
A pleasant, low angst story. There are a few unusual word choice/ verb usages, but the story is otherwise well written with entertaining dialogue. Everyone (except the villains) is more intelligent, sensible, and emotionally open than canon, even Lydia. Definitely worth reading.
August 25, 2017
Another fun Austenation from Jann Rowland. The premise in this one basically smoothed out all the missteps and miscommunications that drove the action in Pride and P. Made for rather a restful read!
October 29, 2017
Very Eye Opening
In this variation Elizabeth recognizes the inconsistencies of Wickham's professed wrongs coming from the hands of Mr Darcy. This puts her on guard to watch for such whenever he spoke. It does not take long for her opinions about both men to begin changing. Whereas Wickham had seemed all goodness and politeness, while Darcy had seemed stern, impolite, and terse when not taciturn, her new understanding of Mr Wickham rendered him insincere and perhaps even wicked.
After being given Mr Darcy's explanation of events between the two men, Elizabeth is sure that the goodness and truthfulness was all firmly on Mr Darcy's side. With help from her father, she is determined to protect her sisters from such a nefarious character; but will they listen?
Add the inanities of Mr Collins, who cannot decide which sister upon whom to bestow the privilege of a proposal, the interference of one Lady Catherine de Bourg, and the silliness of Lydia and you are in for a delightful time. I truly appreciated the fact that Elizabeth didn't fall for Wickham's lies in this variation. This gives her pride in her abilities to read people an actual basis. Mrs Bennet's conversation with Lady Catherine is hilarious, not to be missed.
In this variation Elizabeth recognizes the inconsistencies of Wickham's professed wrongs coming from the hands of Mr Darcy. This puts her on guard to watch for such whenever he spoke. It does not take long for her opinions about both men to begin changing. Whereas Wickham had seemed all goodness and politeness, while Darcy had seemed stern, impolite, and terse when not taciturn, her new understanding of Mr Wickham rendered him insincere and perhaps even wicked.
After being given Mr Darcy's explanation of events between the two men, Elizabeth is sure that the goodness and truthfulness was all firmly on Mr Darcy's side. With help from her father, she is determined to protect her sisters from such a nefarious character; but will they listen?
Add the inanities of Mr Collins, who cannot decide which sister upon whom to bestow the privilege of a proposal, the interference of one Lady Catherine de Bourg, and the silliness of Lydia and you are in for a delightful time. I truly appreciated the fact that Elizabeth didn't fall for Wickham's lies in this variation. This gives her pride in her abilities to read people an actual basis. Mrs Bennet's conversation with Lady Catherine is hilarious, not to be missed.
January 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book a great deal, but the point of variation took it past the point of believability a lot of times, so I had to drop a star for that. Elizabeth was just a little too good at reasoning out the motivations behind everything people said or figuring out just the right thing to say to her sisters that would get the best result. Basically, it was the JAFF version of how I play video games: by looking up the dialogue choices online first to see where they lead, so I can get the story I want! It's cheating, but still also enjoyable.
I feel like I've read this before. I don't know if there was an unpublished version online from the days before I tracked that, or if I got this from kindle unlimited awhile back and just forgot to review it. Or maybe didn't finish it. Or maybe it was really similar to another story. I dunno. It was the Collins proposal scene that cemented it, because I remembered well before there was any indication how it would go.
I feel like I've read this before. I don't know if there was an unpublished version online from the days before I tracked that, or if I got this from kindle unlimited awhile back and just forgot to review it. Or maybe didn't finish it. Or maybe it was really similar to another story. I dunno. It was the Collins proposal scene that cemented it, because I remembered well before there was any indication how it would go.
October 25, 2016
So all the angst was purposely taken out of the story in this book and the story definitely suffers for it. This approach to the story takes the entire arc out of the equation and book just flat-lines.
March 30, 2020
Beware of everything
In this variation you find a smoother side of Darcy and a angrier Wickham. The story flow smoothly from beginning to end. The emotional issues you need to pay attention to. Highly recommend this book to read
In this variation you find a smoother side of Darcy and a angrier Wickham. The story flow smoothly from beginning to end. The emotional issues you need to pay attention to. Highly recommend this book to read
November 16, 2020
Lovely
Another off cannon look at Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by author Jann Rowland. A rather enjoyable look at what would happen if Elizabeth didn’t fall for Wickham’s lies.
Another off cannon look at Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by author Jann Rowland. A rather enjoyable look at what would happen if Elizabeth didn’t fall for Wickham’s lies.
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