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The Same Noble Line: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
He can have Pemberley or his honour—but not both.
Haunted by his own suspicions and revelations in his grandfather's journals, Fitzwilliam Darcy uncovers a devastating the indolent Mr. Thomas Bennet may be Pemberley's rightful heir. The estate that has defined Darcy's family for generations could slip from his grasp—and into the hands of a man whose own estate suffers from neglect.
Already bewitched by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy returns to Hertfordshire to investigate, accompanied by his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and sister Georgiana. But pursuing Elizabeth now seems impossible, for how can he court her while concealing that her father might be entitled to everything Darcy possesses?
As each visit to Longbourn deepens his attachment, Darcy watches his options narrow. To reveal his secret would make him appear a fortune hunter in her eyes, while his continued silence might make him complicit in denying her family its due.
Meanwhile, Pemberley's fate—and his own future—hang in the balance.
Haunted by his own suspicions and revelations in his grandfather's journals, Fitzwilliam Darcy uncovers a devastating the indolent Mr. Thomas Bennet may be Pemberley's rightful heir. The estate that has defined Darcy's family for generations could slip from his grasp—and into the hands of a man whose own estate suffers from neglect.
Already bewitched by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy returns to Hertfordshire to investigate, accompanied by his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and sister Georgiana. But pursuing Elizabeth now seems impossible, for how can he court her while concealing that her father might be entitled to everything Darcy possesses?
As each visit to Longbourn deepens his attachment, Darcy watches his options narrow. To reveal his secret would make him appear a fortune hunter in her eyes, while his continued silence might make him complicit in denying her family its due.
Meanwhile, Pemberley's fate—and his own future—hang in the balance.
342 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 19, 2025
Super angsty, but good
After the Netherfield ball, after the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, Darcy is haunted by a particular entry in his grandfather Darcy's journal, and a particular expression on Mr Bennett's face at the Netherfield ball. He questions whether Mr Bennett could be a lost twin brother to his own father. Being Darcy, his sense of honor compels him to investigate, to the chagrin of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who agrees to assist, as well as Georgiana. They return to Hertfordshire, along with Bingley who is only too happy to continue his pursuit of Jane Bennett. The investigation becomes even more complicated when Darcy learns that Jane and Elizabeth are not truly Bennetts, but actually have some noble connections.
This is an interesting premise with some mysteries that are not cleared up until the very end of the story. The main focus of the tale is Darcy's sense of honor which could result in the loss of everything for him. Even though Darcy struggles with his strong attraction to Elizabeth, his investigation casts a pall on every interaction of ODC, since he's never sure whether he's the true heir of Pemberly, or not. I like this author, and she does a superb job with this premise, but the romance suffers under the pressure of Darcy's uncertainty. Of course ODC have their HEA, but this isn't a lighthearted story. There is an epilogue, and even a bonus epilogue, but the question of Jane and Elizabeth's noble connections is never addressed..
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an engaging, but angsty tale.
After the Netherfield ball, after the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, Darcy is haunted by a particular entry in his grandfather Darcy's journal, and a particular expression on Mr Bennett's face at the Netherfield ball. He questions whether Mr Bennett could be a lost twin brother to his own father. Being Darcy, his sense of honor compels him to investigate, to the chagrin of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who agrees to assist, as well as Georgiana. They return to Hertfordshire, along with Bingley who is only too happy to continue his pursuit of Jane Bennett. The investigation becomes even more complicated when Darcy learns that Jane and Elizabeth are not truly Bennetts, but actually have some noble connections.
This is an interesting premise with some mysteries that are not cleared up until the very end of the story. The main focus of the tale is Darcy's sense of honor which could result in the loss of everything for him. Even though Darcy struggles with his strong attraction to Elizabeth, his investigation casts a pall on every interaction of ODC, since he's never sure whether he's the true heir of Pemberly, or not. I like this author, and she does a superb job with this premise, but the romance suffers under the pressure of Darcy's uncertainty. Of course ODC have their HEA, but this isn't a lighthearted story. There is an epilogue, and even a bonus epilogue, but the question of Jane and Elizabeth's noble connections is never addressed..
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an engaging, but angsty tale.
February 24, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. The author gives us a link to a Bonus Epilogue and so I am on the read that.
In this story Darcy is stuck "between a rock and a hard place." He has found evidence in family journals that his father's older twin brother disappeared along with the midwife who delivered him. And so when he meets Mr. Bennet and sees family resemblances he knows that 1.) He may have to turn Pemberley over to that man if he finds evidence he is the missing heir and 2.) If he does so he will have literally, no way to support a wife (Elizabeth...as he is drawn to her.) or a family. He has a few investments and can become a barrister as he has studied law.
So the story has Darcy discussing Bennet's family background with him and going off on a search for possible evidence known by a vicar who knew Bennet's father.
Darcy has shared this problem only with the Colonel and with Georgiana.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is puzzled by Darcy's behavior as he tries to hold off on letting his feelings show.
The Bonus Epilogue is not listed separately. In this 15 page epilogue we read of Mrs. Bennet's insistence that only her receipt for hot cross buns can be used and that she must supervise the cook's preparation.
In this story Darcy is stuck "between a rock and a hard place." He has found evidence in family journals that his father's older twin brother disappeared along with the midwife who delivered him. And so when he meets Mr. Bennet and sees family resemblances he knows that 1.) He may have to turn Pemberley over to that man if he finds evidence he is the missing heir and 2.) If he does so he will have literally, no way to support a wife (Elizabeth...as he is drawn to her.) or a family. He has a few investments and can become a barrister as he has studied law.
So the story has Darcy discussing Bennet's family background with him and going off on a search for possible evidence known by a vicar who knew Bennet's father.
Darcy has shared this problem only with the Colonel and with Georgiana.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is puzzled by Darcy's behavior as he tries to hold off on letting his feelings show.
The Bonus Epilogue is not listed separately. In this 15 page epilogue we read of Mrs. Bennet's insistence that only her receipt for hot cross buns can be used and that she must supervise the cook's preparation.
February 21, 2025
A fresh and intriguing plot.
Avid followers of Austen fan fiction will love one of the most unique premises I’ve ever come across in a Pride and Prejudice variation. The Same Noble Line by Melanie Rachel presents a compelling inheritance mystery that gives more complexity than the typical romance plot. Darcy’s attempt at solving a question of family history keeps him on edge as he grapples with questions of honour, duty, and love. The story pulls past events that affected the Darcy and Bennet families into the present, letting their consequences build naturally without overshadowing the characters’ personal struggles or overlooking the traits and personalities of our favourite couple and their family members.
The ‘not-a-Bennet’ trope is one of my favourites, and while it’s not the main focus of this book, it brings a different dynamic to the Bennet family. I loved Mr. Bennet—still loving his book room, but not as indolent as in some stories. I also loved how Darcy and his two cohorts, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, came to appreciate the Bennets, despite the lively ways of some. The dialogue throughout is engaging, and the emotional aspects of the romance are touching, especially during Darcy’s serious illness. My ‘tears’ meter trended up during this time. Darcy’s struggle and potential loss is made all the more poignant by his dreams of a future with Elizabeth:
“A family. He had begun to dream of children who looked like Elizabeth, with her liveliness and wit. It might possibly kill him to give up even the dream of them. Of her.” —quote from book
Darcy, always honourable and selfless, fights within himself to do the right thing, even if it risks losing Pemberley. After much digging, accompanied by Colonel Fitzwilliam, his worry seems for naught and all begins to look well for the Darcys, but a new revelation may change everything Darcy had hoped for. His fears are perfectly captured in this line:
“His fears bore down on him, twisting his thoughts into a tangle of duty, honour, and love.” —quote from book
The close ties and love that bind Darcy and his cousin and sister provided some of my favourite moments, with the latter two acting as both his protectors and his advocates, urging him toward the happiness he deserves. You won’t miss the characters from Kent much, nor Wickham, who is dealt with well enough.
Melanie Rachel’s writing is always solid; her stories draw out tension and hold your attention in a way that keeps you turning the pages from beginning to the final paragraph. This entirely fresh take on Darcy’s journey will keep you enthralled—a must-read.
Highly recommend.
Sweet, clean romance.
Avid followers of Austen fan fiction will love one of the most unique premises I’ve ever come across in a Pride and Prejudice variation. The Same Noble Line by Melanie Rachel presents a compelling inheritance mystery that gives more complexity than the typical romance plot. Darcy’s attempt at solving a question of family history keeps him on edge as he grapples with questions of honour, duty, and love. The story pulls past events that affected the Darcy and Bennet families into the present, letting their consequences build naturally without overshadowing the characters’ personal struggles or overlooking the traits and personalities of our favourite couple and their family members.
The ‘not-a-Bennet’ trope is one of my favourites, and while it’s not the main focus of this book, it brings a different dynamic to the Bennet family. I loved Mr. Bennet—still loving his book room, but not as indolent as in some stories. I also loved how Darcy and his two cohorts, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, came to appreciate the Bennets, despite the lively ways of some. The dialogue throughout is engaging, and the emotional aspects of the romance are touching, especially during Darcy’s serious illness. My ‘tears’ meter trended up during this time. Darcy’s struggle and potential loss is made all the more poignant by his dreams of a future with Elizabeth:
“A family. He had begun to dream of children who looked like Elizabeth, with her liveliness and wit. It might possibly kill him to give up even the dream of them. Of her.” —quote from book
Darcy, always honourable and selfless, fights within himself to do the right thing, even if it risks losing Pemberley. After much digging, accompanied by Colonel Fitzwilliam, his worry seems for naught and all begins to look well for the Darcys, but a new revelation may change everything Darcy had hoped for. His fears are perfectly captured in this line:
“His fears bore down on him, twisting his thoughts into a tangle of duty, honour, and love.” —quote from book
The close ties and love that bind Darcy and his cousin and sister provided some of my favourite moments, with the latter two acting as both his protectors and his advocates, urging him toward the happiness he deserves. You won’t miss the characters from Kent much, nor Wickham, who is dealt with well enough.
Melanie Rachel’s writing is always solid; her stories draw out tension and hold your attention in a way that keeps you turning the pages from beginning to the final paragraph. This entirely fresh take on Darcy’s journey will keep you enthralled—a must-read.
Highly recommend.
Sweet, clean romance.
February 28, 2025
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching — C. S. Lewis
Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of Pemberley, faces a dilemma. He may not be the master of Pemberley after all.
He discovers evidence that his father’s twin brother may not have been stillborn as the family believed.
Mr. Bennet, the father of Elizabeth Bennet, the woman Darcy hopes to marry, may be his uncle, the first-born son of Darcy’s grandparents.
I follow three rules: do the right thing; do the best you can; and always show people you care. — Lou Holtz
Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, joins to investigate the infant's disappearance. Information from a clergyman seems correct.
Of course, solving the mystery is only the first step. The decision to do the right thing remains.
Oh, and then, he must also show people he cares.
I loved this “not a Bennet” story.
Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest. — Mark Twain
Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of Pemberley, faces a dilemma. He may not be the master of Pemberley after all.
He discovers evidence that his father’s twin brother may not have been stillborn as the family believed.
Mr. Bennet, the father of Elizabeth Bennet, the woman Darcy hopes to marry, may be his uncle, the first-born son of Darcy’s grandparents.
I follow three rules: do the right thing; do the best you can; and always show people you care. — Lou Holtz
Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, joins to investigate the infant's disappearance. Information from a clergyman seems correct.
Of course, solving the mystery is only the first step. The decision to do the right thing remains.
Oh, and then, he must also show people he cares.
I loved this “not a Bennet” story.
Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest. — Mark Twain
February 19, 2025
Drama and introspection
While I expected High drama and Angst, what I enjoyed was far more emotionally touching.
Yes here is the question of honor and financial loss or gain, but this is a tale of finding one's place in life, love and family.
The growth between our dear couple is warm and real. However, they also grow more as individuals. Especially Darcy.
There are many moments of deep reflection, with humorous scene a'la Col. F and a few from Georgiana.
Simply lovely. A slightly different offering from a favorite author!
While I expected High drama and Angst, what I enjoyed was far more emotionally touching.
Yes here is the question of honor and financial loss or gain, but this is a tale of finding one's place in life, love and family.
The growth between our dear couple is warm and real. However, they also grow more as individuals. Especially Darcy.
There are many moments of deep reflection, with humorous scene a'la Col. F and a few from Georgiana.
Simply lovely. A slightly different offering from a favorite author!
March 10, 2025
I felt there should have been more
The author introduced all these possible antagonists but very quickly resolved them. Examples: Mr. Bingley's sisters don't make a fuss or follow Mr. Darcy back to Netherfield; the Earl of Essex situation is left dangling. There are numerous nuisance typos. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the main story, but even that got resolved quickly in the end.
The author introduced all these possible antagonists but very quickly resolved them. Examples: Mr. Bingley's sisters don't make a fuss or follow Mr. Darcy back to Netherfield; the Earl of Essex situation is left dangling. There are numerous nuisance typos. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the main story, but even that got resolved quickly in the end.
February 19, 2025
Such a good read. Bonus epilogue too
February 18, 2025
Melanie Rachel is a must buy author for me. Her books just keep getting better with each new addition to her shelf. I enjoy it when people use popular lines or themes in creative new ways and she nailed it. I absolutely love how well written the story was and she had me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the end. I devoured it without setting the book down once. Treat yourself to a fantastic and mysterious romance adventure story that will make you feel good. I am now eager to see what she comes up with for the next one.
February 6, 2025
The Same Noble Line by Melanie Rachel is a wonderful, intriguing variation with a unique storyline. The book starts soon after the Netherfield Ball, with Darcy in London consulting his grandfather’s journal. He wonders whether Mr. Bennet is actually his father’s long thought dead older twin brother. If he is, then Mr. Bennet would be the owner of Pemberley. Wait, what?!?!? That is the start of this roller coaster, and it just gets better from there.
I loved that this book had a wonderful romance between Elizabeth and Darcy that grew organically, as the author showed us and didn’t just tell us. In addition, the Bennets are a loving family that is still consistent with canon. I confess the use of "mamma" instead of "mama" threw me, but I consulted the source, and Jane Austen used mamma in Pride & Prejudice. Melanie Rachel clearly knows better than me!
This is a wonderful variation that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
I loved that this book had a wonderful romance between Elizabeth and Darcy that grew organically, as the author showed us and didn’t just tell us. In addition, the Bennets are a loving family that is still consistent with canon. I confess the use of "mamma" instead of "mama" threw me, but I consulted the source, and Jane Austen used mamma in Pride & Prejudice. Melanie Rachel clearly knows better than me!
This is a wonderful variation that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
February 20, 2025
Good Story
The story is interesting but not exciting, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
What I liked:
- The storyline felt fresh. It mostly takes place in Meryton.
- I enjoyed watching the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop.
- With the absence of characters like Caroline, Collins, or Lady Catherine and only a small dose of Wickham, Rachel could focus solely on the Bennets and the Darcys. I believe she did an excellent job with all the characters, particularly Elizabeth, who can sometimes be difficult to like depending on the interpretation. This version of Elizabeth felt natural.
- I appreciated the closeness between Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth and the strong bond between Darcy, Richard, and Georgiana.
What I didn't like:
- I must go to another site for the "bonus" epilogue. I didn't. I'm noticing more authors doing this. I'm not a fan of the practice. However, I like Rachel's work and will read what I downloaded on Kindle.
The story is interesting but not exciting, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
What I liked:
- The storyline felt fresh. It mostly takes place in Meryton.
- I enjoyed watching the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop.
- With the absence of characters like Caroline, Collins, or Lady Catherine and only a small dose of Wickham, Rachel could focus solely on the Bennets and the Darcys. I believe she did an excellent job with all the characters, particularly Elizabeth, who can sometimes be difficult to like depending on the interpretation. This version of Elizabeth felt natural.
- I appreciated the closeness between Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth and the strong bond between Darcy, Richard, and Georgiana.
What I didn't like:
- I must go to another site for the "bonus" epilogue. I didn't. I'm noticing more authors doing this. I'm not a fan of the practice. However, I like Rachel's work and will read what I downloaded on Kindle.
February 23, 2025
I always read Melanie Rachel's period P&P variations. The farfetched plot of this one did not appeal to me at first but I gradually warmed up to it. The romance is fine but the interest clearly lies elsewhere. I liked this Mr Bennet, this tortured Darcy not so much. At some point I thought his stubbornness was rather foolish. I would have sided with the Colonel on this one. The stakes were too high.
March 19, 2025
In this variation on Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy has a mystery to solve, after he realizes at the Netherfield ball how very much Mr. Bennet resembles his own father. He returns to London with Bingley in order to reread an entry in his grandfather's journal.
Once the entire Netherfield party has returned to London, Mr. Darcy decides he has to go back to Meryton. The reason confounds his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy believes Mr. Bennet might be the true heir to Pemberley. He bases this suspicion on the entry in his grandfather's journal, which his own father insisted he read before he died. It tells of his father's birth, the second of twin boys, and the disappearance of the elder twin. At that time, Pemberley was entailed, so the older twin would have inherited. If Mr. Bennet is that lost twin, that means he is the legal owner of the estate.
His cousin wants Darcy to forget about it, to not risk his own future and Georgiana's by looking into this. But Darcy's honor won't allow him to let it go until he knows for sure.
This is an angst-filled story, and very well written to keep the suspense going. I loved the ending, and the epilogue. There is a second epilogue which is really a short story in itself, I believe (I have downloaded but not yet read it). But the story is complete within the book.
Once the entire Netherfield party has returned to London, Mr. Darcy decides he has to go back to Meryton. The reason confounds his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy believes Mr. Bennet might be the true heir to Pemberley. He bases this suspicion on the entry in his grandfather's journal, which his own father insisted he read before he died. It tells of his father's birth, the second of twin boys, and the disappearance of the elder twin. At that time, Pemberley was entailed, so the older twin would have inherited. If Mr. Bennet is that lost twin, that means he is the legal owner of the estate.
His cousin wants Darcy to forget about it, to not risk his own future and Georgiana's by looking into this. But Darcy's honor won't allow him to let it go until he knows for sure.
This is an angst-filled story, and very well written to keep the suspense going. I loved the ending, and the epilogue. There is a second epilogue which is really a short story in itself, I believe (I have downloaded but not yet read it). But the story is complete within the book.
February 27, 2025
Excellent
Occasionally the plot slows a little, but overall, this is a terrific novel. The characters are very well drawn, the dialogue is witty, and sometimes touching, and the question of honour runs like steel throughout, driving the action, discerning character and ultimately defining the manner of the man. And there is a real twist in the tale just when it seems we have come to the denouement.
Occasionally the plot slows a little, but overall, this is a terrific novel. The characters are very well drawn, the dialogue is witty, and sometimes touching, and the question of honour runs like steel throughout, driving the action, discerning character and ultimately defining the manner of the man. And there is a real twist in the tale just when it seems we have come to the denouement.
February 26, 2025
She did it again
Melanie Rachel has crafted another fabulous story that kept me glued to my Kindle when other things should have taken precedence. And now I have to buy the paperback for my library.
Melanie Rachel has crafted another fabulous story that kept me glued to my Kindle when other things should have taken precedence. And now I have to buy the paperback for my library.
July 18, 2025
excellently written
This novel replenished my heart and soul. It Was an incredibly well written story. I’ve been thoroughly diverted and well entertained.
Definitely worth reading.
5star plus
This novel replenished my heart and soul. It Was an incredibly well written story. I’ve been thoroughly diverted and well entertained.
Definitely worth reading.
5star plus
April 5, 2025
He lives by his honor.
A totally engaging topic, well written. It kept me glued to the story from the beginning. I would gladly read it again.
A totally engaging topic, well written. It kept me glued to the story from the beginning. I would gladly read it again.
pride-prejudice-variations
June 13, 2025Mr. Darcy without Pemberley?
Fitzwilliam Darcy is facing a crisis. Certain evidence has surfaced that could change his life entirely. Is he destined to lose Pemberley?
This is an intelligent and entertaining story from beginning to end. While our favorite characters are present, the story is completely original and very thought-provoking.
6
Fitzwilliam Darcy is facing a crisis. Certain evidence has surfaced that could change his life entirely. Is he destined to lose Pemberley?
This is an intelligent and entertaining story from beginning to end. While our favorite characters are present, the story is completely original and very thought-provoking.
6
April 7, 2025
“To the family we’re born with…
and the one we make along the way.” —Higgins, Ted Lasso
Ms Rachel turns Higgins’ quote on its head. The tale was a little confusing to unravel all the strands (including a unneeded reference to an earl who never materializes), but well worth it, because it meant spending time with this blooming, loving family.
I’m impressed by Ms Rachel’s restraint, because she so easily (and logically) could have brought Caroline in to wreak havoc—but she didn’t. She let the drama stand on its own.
KU read; buying for my permanent collection.
and the one we make along the way.” —Higgins, Ted Lasso
Ms Rachel turns Higgins’ quote on its head. The tale was a little confusing to unravel all the strands (including a unneeded reference to an earl who never materializes), but well worth it, because it meant spending time with this blooming, loving family.
I’m impressed by Ms Rachel’s restraint, because she so easily (and logically) could have brought Caroline in to wreak havoc—but she didn’t. She let the drama stand on its own.
KU read; buying for my permanent collection.
August 15, 2025
loved this variation!
June 4, 2025
Darcy’s integrity leads him back to Hertfordshire to determine if Mr Bennet is his lost uncle. In the meantime, he cannot hide his feelings for Elizabeth. The story reads like a mystery as things are revealed, but I didn’t feel as though I was trying to solve anything. I really enjoyed the themes of recognizing the family you have made instead of just the one you were born into.
March 28, 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. He can have Pemberley or his honour, but not both.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy uncovers a long-buried family secret in his grandfather’s journal, everything he thought he knew about his inheritance is thrown into question. If Mr. Thomas Bennet indeed has a claim to Pemberley, Darcy’s estate may fall into the hands of a man who barely tends his own. Determined to uncover the truth, Darcy returns to Hertfordshire in search of answers only to find himself increasingly captivated by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. How can he court her while guarding a secret that could upend both their lives? If he remains silent, he deceives the woman he longs to win, but if he speaks, he risks losing Pemberley, and her good opinion along with it.
The more he learns about the Bennets, however, the more he realizes that he may not know them, any of them, as well as he believed. There are whispers of past sorrows, of obligations quietly fulfilled, and of bonds that run deeper than blood. As Darcy navigates duty, honour, and a most inconvenient attraction, one truth becomes clear, and that is the past refuses to stay buried, and the future may hold possibilities he never anticipated. 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.
P.S.
Don’t forget to click the link at the end of the book to download a bonus epilogue.
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. He can have Pemberley or his honour, but not both.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy uncovers a long-buried family secret in his grandfather’s journal, everything he thought he knew about his inheritance is thrown into question. If Mr. Thomas Bennet indeed has a claim to Pemberley, Darcy’s estate may fall into the hands of a man who barely tends his own. Determined to uncover the truth, Darcy returns to Hertfordshire in search of answers only to find himself increasingly captivated by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. How can he court her while guarding a secret that could upend both their lives? If he remains silent, he deceives the woman he longs to win, but if he speaks, he risks losing Pemberley, and her good opinion along with it.
The more he learns about the Bennets, however, the more he realizes that he may not know them, any of them, as well as he believed. There are whispers of past sorrows, of obligations quietly fulfilled, and of bonds that run deeper than blood. As Darcy navigates duty, honour, and a most inconvenient attraction, one truth becomes clear, and that is the past refuses to stay buried, and the future may hold possibilities he never anticipated. 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.
P.S.
Don’t forget to click the link at the end of the book to download a bonus epilogue.
February 22, 2025
Here is a family of heart vs blood. The ties that bring the Bennet family together as one are surprising and we learn that Mr Bennet, even though still indolent by nature, is a very honorable man. Darcy has just discovered that his claim to Pemberley may be invalid but it is unknown except to himself, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who urges Darcy not to pursue the answers that may leave him with nothing. If Pemberley doesn’t belong to Darcy can he still pursue Elizabeth if he has no home and no future? Will Darcy’s honor require him to do the right thing and reveal what he has uncovered or can he put aside what he knows to be true for Pemberley and his own sake?
I don’t believe Melanie Rachel could write a bad story if she tried. Her stories are all thought provoking and inspiring. I will definitely be rereading this one.
I don’t believe Melanie Rachel could write a bad story if she tried. Her stories are all thought provoking and inspiring. I will definitely be rereading this one.
February 7, 2025
Honour above all
4.5* rounded up
I was completely engrossed. What had me so engaged was the gradual revelations of the obstacles that Fitzwilliam Darcy was facing. Reading the book was akin to uncovering the fundamental elements of Darcy's character. There is mild angst in this journey to an HEA, but that contributed to my absorption in the plot. Within the pages of this story, I found mystery, romance, and the constituent bonds of family. I really enjoyed the writing, the dialogue, and the portrayal of the canon characters' wittiest and most honourable selves. I hope this is available in print—I want it on my bookshelves!
4.5* rounded up
I was completely engrossed. What had me so engaged was the gradual revelations of the obstacles that Fitzwilliam Darcy was facing. Reading the book was akin to uncovering the fundamental elements of Darcy's character. There is mild angst in this journey to an HEA, but that contributed to my absorption in the plot. Within the pages of this story, I found mystery, romance, and the constituent bonds of family. I really enjoyed the writing, the dialogue, and the portrayal of the canon characters' wittiest and most honourable selves. I hope this is available in print—I want it on my bookshelves!
February 21, 2025
WOW! Fantastic storyline and beautifully written.
I had to take short breaks from reading because the suspense was just too much.
I loved this book. Honour reigns supreme in this one and from more characters than we normally expect. Wonderful surprises. Lots of love and warm family moments.
I very much appreciate Ms Rachel for keeping Lady Catherine’s and Caroline Bingley’s craziness away from the story. I believe a combination of the constant suspense AND extreme angst would have been too much for me. THANK YOU THANK YOU.
I had to take short breaks from reading because the suspense was just too much.
I loved this book. Honour reigns supreme in this one and from more characters than we normally expect. Wonderful surprises. Lots of love and warm family moments.
I very much appreciate Ms Rachel for keeping Lady Catherine’s and Caroline Bingley’s craziness away from the story. I believe a combination of the constant suspense AND extreme angst would have been too much for me. THANK YOU THANK YOU.
March 9, 2025
From which warren did this magical plot bunny spring? Watership Down? It's a unique concept that I don't think has been explored before. Is Darcy the true heir to Pemberley? His sense of honor forces him to explore the possibility that he might not be, despite the fact that it would turn his world upside down. In the process of unraveling the mystery, he learns valuable lessons about what matters most in life. While not the swooniest Darcy, he is probably the most honorable. I was pleasantly tugged along by the story and surprised by the ending.
February 19, 2025
Honor or possession?
Quite a drama in dealing with a stunning discovery regarding the real heir to Pemberley. An engaging read that kept me up way too late and consumed the following morning; couldn’t put it down. Great character development. My only complaint is the bonus epilogue to sign up for and download; I prefer a story complete. The bonus epilogue didn’t seem to fit anyway. Otherwise, I loved the story.
Quite a drama in dealing with a stunning discovery regarding the real heir to Pemberley. An engaging read that kept me up way too late and consumed the following morning; couldn’t put it down. Great character development. My only complaint is the bonus epilogue to sign up for and download; I prefer a story complete. The bonus epilogue didn’t seem to fit anyway. Otherwise, I loved the story.
February 24, 2025
enjoyable
Like others have said, it’s a new twist. It’s a good mystery that works out in the end. I didn’t care that Lizzy and Janes grandparents did not get a lot of attention. It wasn’t the point of the story. I also appreciated a Mrs. Bennet who loved all the girls as her own no matter their blood. While I enjoy a bad stepmother story, her being a truly good woman can be refreshing in this space. Same with all the Bennets. A nice @good Bennets » story.
Like others have said, it’s a new twist. It’s a good mystery that works out in the end. I didn’t care that Lizzy and Janes grandparents did not get a lot of attention. It wasn’t the point of the story. I also appreciated a Mrs. Bennet who loved all the girls as her own no matter their blood. While I enjoy a bad stepmother story, her being a truly good woman can be refreshing in this space. Same with all the Bennets. A nice @good Bennets » story.
February 22, 2025
Very Wonderful!!
I always love it when Darcy learns to like the Bennet's without needing to be set down by Lizzy. I very much enjoyed all of the emotions Darcy experienced and the fact that Wickham is dealt with before he harms the family. The low angst but great story telling kept me reading long past bedtime.
I always love it when Darcy learns to like the Bennet's without needing to be set down by Lizzy. I very much enjoyed all of the emotions Darcy experienced and the fact that Wickham is dealt with before he harms the family. The low angst but great story telling kept me reading long past bedtime.
February 28, 2025
Interesting Pretzel of a Story
Yes, Mr Bennet was born a Darcy. No, Elizabeth is NOT Mr Darcy's cousin. Yes, it takes a long time to confirm and understand the entire convoluted story. No, you won't be sorry if you read it.
The efforts Darcy makes to be sure of his suspicions are amazing and endearing. But the resolution of the story is well worth going through them all.
Yes, Mr Bennet was born a Darcy. No, Elizabeth is NOT Mr Darcy's cousin. Yes, it takes a long time to confirm and understand the entire convoluted story. No, you won't be sorry if you read it.
The efforts Darcy makes to be sure of his suspicions are amazing and endearing. But the resolution of the story is well worth going through them all.
March 6, 2025
A good read, imaginative
This one quote sums it up perfectly (this may be a spoiler?): "honour is not measured by maintaining principles when they serve our interests, but by upholding them precisely when they might threaten everything we hold dear." Well-written, enjoyable variation with depth.
This one quote sums it up perfectly (this may be a spoiler?): "honour is not measured by maintaining principles when they serve our interests, but by upholding them precisely when they might threaten everything we hold dear." Well-written, enjoyable variation with depth.
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