What do you think?
Rate this book
Body & Soul
Elizabeth Bennet's tolerance for her mother's poor behavior has reached its peak. When Mrs. Bennet enumerates the benefits of her second daughter marrying Mr. Collins, Elizabeth confronts her, declaring a disinclination for the match and pleading with her mother to show sense. Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Bennet does not comply, and the pair go their separate ways for the rest of the evening. Resolved to face the matter on the morrow, Elizabeth is shocked to awaken in the mistress's chambers—trapped in her mother's body!
Mrs. Bennet's spoiled, selfish second daughter has infuriated her once again. Determined to wash her hands of her most headstrong child—at least for the rest of the night—Mrs. Bennet leaves Elizabeth in favor of the splendor of Netherfield's ballroom. Tomorrow is soon enough to confront the girl's distaste for Longbourn's heir. When she awakens the next day in Elizabeth's bed—and in Elizabeth's body—Mrs. Bennet sees the opportunity to fulfil her dream of marrying her most trying daughter to Longbourn's heir.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet must resolve their differences in hopes of returning to their respective selves. Things become more complex when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet become part of the predicament. In this low-angst body swap variation, two couples must overcome their past misunderstandings whilst in search of their happily ever after.
Mrs. Bennet's spoiled, selfish second daughter has infuriated her once again. Determined to wash her hands of her most headstrong child—at least for the rest of the night—Mrs. Bennet leaves Elizabeth in favor of the splendor of Netherfield's ballroom. Tomorrow is soon enough to confront the girl's distaste for Longbourn's heir. When she awakens the next day in Elizabeth's bed—and in Elizabeth's body—Mrs. Bennet sees the opportunity to fulfil her dream of marrying her most trying daughter to Longbourn's heir.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet must resolve their differences in hopes of returning to their respective selves. Things become more complex when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet become part of the predicament. In this low-angst body swap variation, two couples must overcome their past misunderstandings whilst in search of their happily ever after.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
75 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 8, 2025
My rating: 4.5* rounded up to 5*
More than skin deep…
As others have stated, I was expecting a comedy/farce going into this novel. Was I ever delightfully surprised that the story didn’t go in that direction. Instead, it was a reflective story for Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet along with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The majority though is of mother and daughter. I found it sweet and compelling.
“It will not be hard to be you. All I need to do is judge others without knowing them and put on a show of knowing better than anyone else!” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet are arguing during the Netherfield Ball. Elizabeth is adamant she will not accept Mr. Collins’ proposal should he ask. Mrs. Bennet tells her otherwise. They both storm off. The next morning, they are shocked to find they are inhabiting the other’s body. Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. Bennet, is very concerned that her mother, now Elizabeth, will accept Mr. Collins’ offer! How that unfolds was very well done and believable.
“Did he mean to flatter and compliment, or make her feel wanting? It felt strangely like the latter, and she did not like it. It reminded her too much of her feelings every time Mr. Bennet said something cruel.” (quote from the book)
Actually, how the whole story unfolds was very well done. Being inside their heads was not only enlightening but at times very poignant. I came away with great sympathy for Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth gets to see and feel what her mother has had to deal with. And Mrs. Bennet gets to hear and see how her daughters really felt. Both are humbled and determined to do better.
I highly recommend this latest novel of redemption from the talented Ms. Stratton. There is much more within the book than I have touched on. It is one that holds your attention until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 7, 2025
4.25* (Only shy of a 4.5 or higher because it did not make laugh or cry - this was not, overall, that sort of tale, but it did make me smile).
Freaky Friday on steroids.
Thank you Lisa Sartori Bjornson for suggesting the plot bunny and MJ Stratton for such a well executed and fun follow up to the plot bunny.
It was very satisfying to see a 3 dimensional Mrs Bennet. And a remarkably insightful Mrs Bennet - one that prompted Lizzy to look at her own character. Yes, Mrs Bennet's behaviour had not been the best, but it there was no maliciousness in it. Out of all the Freaky Friday victims, she was the most gracious and most humble in her realizations. She was quite likeable and her past relationships explained much. That is not to say that the story was entirely Mrs B. It was shared with Lizzy, Mr Darcy, and Mr Bennet (in that orders proportions). Mr Darcy was remarkably composed and sanguine upon his Freaky Friday realization. But then again, he is Mr Darcy - what else would we expect?
This was fun and very engaging. Don't pass it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Freaky Friday on steroids.
Thank you Lisa Sartori Bjornson for suggesting the plot bunny and MJ Stratton for such a well executed and fun follow up to the plot bunny.
It was very satisfying to see a 3 dimensional Mrs Bennet. And a remarkably insightful Mrs Bennet - one that prompted Lizzy to look at her own character. Yes, Mrs Bennet's behaviour had not been the best, but it there was no maliciousness in it. Out of all the Freaky Friday victims, she was the most gracious and most humble in her realizations. She was quite likeable and her past relationships explained much. That is not to say that the story was entirely Mrs B. It was shared with Lizzy, Mr Darcy, and Mr Bennet (in that orders proportions). Mr Darcy was remarkably composed and sanguine upon his Freaky Friday realization. But then again, he is Mr Darcy - what else would we expect?
This was fun and very engaging. Don't pass it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
More than just a swap.
I’m always surprised when I expect a variation to go in a certain direction—and it doesn’t. When I read that Elizabeth wakes up in her mother’s body, I braced myself for a romp or a farce. But that’s not what this story turned out to be at all. The setup may sound light, and there are those moments, but the author takes it in a much more thoughtful direction—one focused on self-awareness, accountability, and quiet emotional shifts.
Elizabeth receives a shock when she wakes up in her mother’s bed and discovers her body is no longer her own. Through Mrs Bennet’s eyes, she begins to see how the biting and sarcastic wit she’s inherited from her father has affected her mother—and how much it has shaped the way she judges others. In turn, Mrs Bennet wakes in Elizabeth’s body, and begins to understand how others truly see her—and how her behaviour has not only harmed her daughters’ reputations, but altered her own standing in the eyes of her family and community—and especially that of her husband’s. Later in the book, Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy experience the same kind of dislocation, and that turn allows Mr Bennet, in particular, to finally recognise the harm caused to his wife and daughters by years of detachment and mockery.
If you’ve read MJ Stratton before, you’ll know she has a real heart for redemption stories, where people learn from their mistakes and try to make things right. That’s very much the case here, and it’s one of the things I enjoy about her writing. With each new book, I’ve also noticed how her style continues to grow more confident and distinctive.
This variation stood out to me for its sincerity and how it gave secondary characters especially, a real chance to change. If you enjoy JAFF stories that lean into growth and reflection, while not losing sight of a light and sweet romance, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book.
Recommend.
Clean and sweet.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
June 12, 2025 - Audiobook proof
August 3. 2025 - Audiobook (published version)
Harry Frost gives not just his usual outstanding performance, but extra kudos for managing to keep the characters straight at any given time. It shows to his talent and dedication to his craft. Well done!
I’m always surprised when I expect a variation to go in a certain direction—and it doesn’t. When I read that Elizabeth wakes up in her mother’s body, I braced myself for a romp or a farce. But that’s not what this story turned out to be at all. The setup may sound light, and there are those moments, but the author takes it in a much more thoughtful direction—one focused on self-awareness, accountability, and quiet emotional shifts.
Elizabeth receives a shock when she wakes up in her mother’s bed and discovers her body is no longer her own. Through Mrs Bennet’s eyes, she begins to see how the biting and sarcastic wit she’s inherited from her father has affected her mother—and how much it has shaped the way she judges others. In turn, Mrs Bennet wakes in Elizabeth’s body, and begins to understand how others truly see her—and how her behaviour has not only harmed her daughters’ reputations, but altered her own standing in the eyes of her family and community—and especially that of her husband’s. Later in the book, Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy experience the same kind of dislocation, and that turn allows Mr Bennet, in particular, to finally recognise the harm caused to his wife and daughters by years of detachment and mockery.
If you’ve read MJ Stratton before, you’ll know she has a real heart for redemption stories, where people learn from their mistakes and try to make things right. That’s very much the case here, and it’s one of the things I enjoy about her writing. With each new book, I’ve also noticed how her style continues to grow more confident and distinctive.
This variation stood out to me for its sincerity and how it gave secondary characters especially, a real chance to change. If you enjoy JAFF stories that lean into growth and reflection, while not losing sight of a light and sweet romance, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book.
Recommend.
Clean and sweet.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
June 12, 2025 - Audiobook proof
August 3. 2025 - Audiobook (published version)
Harry Frost gives not just his usual outstanding performance, but extra kudos for managing to keep the characters straight at any given time. It shows to his talent and dedication to his craft. Well done!
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Well, this story ended up being a really fun surprise! Initially, when it started, I felt like it was just the dialogue of the Freaky Friday movie transposed with P&P characters. However, it ended up just being the catalyst for a really wonderful redemption story, not just for Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet, who swapped places, but Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet as well.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
What is so interesting is that Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth are initially out to fix what they don't like about one another but end up discovering empathy and friendship. They learn a lot about one another, and they help forward positive changes together.
What was a little odd to me was that Mr. Darcy was already coming along and making some major changes when he and Mr. Bennet body swapped. The couples needed to end up together in whatever form, so with Elizabeth being in Mrs. Bennet's body, they needed to have a courtship that didn't have Mrs. Bennet as the go-between. I also wish we would have had a little more about Mr. Bennet in Darcy's body at Netherfield!
Overall, this was such a fun story and a quick read!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Well, this story ended up being a really fun surprise! Initially, when it started, I felt like it was just the dialogue of the Freaky Friday movie transposed with P&P characters. However, it ended up just being the catalyst for a really wonderful redemption story, not just for Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet, who swapped places, but Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet as well.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
What is so interesting is that Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth are initially out to fix what they don't like about one another but end up discovering empathy and friendship. They learn a lot about one another, and they help forward positive changes together.
What was a little odd to me was that Mr. Darcy was already coming along and making some major changes when he and Mr. Bennet body swapped. The couples needed to end up together in whatever form, so with Elizabeth being in Mrs. Bennet's body, they needed to have a courtship that didn't have Mrs. Bennet as the go-between. I also wish we would have had a little more about Mr. Bennet in Darcy's body at Netherfield!
Overall, this was such a fun story and a quick read!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
August 7, 2025
Can a Freaky Friday body swap change things for the better?
4 1/2 stars rounded up
This was such a fun read that when I finished it the first time I went back and read it again. MJ Stratton did a wonderful job sharing this multi-layered love story with us.
Elizabeth and her mother have an argument during the Netherfield Ball. What they don’t know is this is the start of something that will shake up not only their lives but those around them. Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet have to learn to work together to figure out what happened and what needs to happen to change back to their own bodies. This will not be an easy task but will force each of them to find common ground. They start to see things differently but yet realize what needs to change. Elizabeth, now with the authority of the parent, makes the most drastic changes immediately in the household that she has wanted for so long. The relationships between all of the girls and their mother, collectively and individually reach new understandings.
Mr Bennet is cruel in his treatment to his wife and Elizabeth realizes for the first time how damaging these words are to her mother. Mr. Bennet clearly has lessons he needs to desperately learn. Thunder is heard and the next morning he and Mr. Darcy experience a new reality.
I relished seeing these two couples learn to work together as they each have to do the job / life of their respective counterpart. They all need deal with the emotional baggage / damage they have with each other and those around them. I loved this redemption story that saves one marriage and sets up another for success.
If you couldn’t tell I enjoyed this story immensely. I can easily see myself reading it yet again.
Revised 8/6/2025 Audiobook
The audiobook made this story even better. I got the box set audiobook that was narrated by Stevie Zimmerman & Harry Frost and it was so worth it. I LOVE how Harry Frost was able to do the body switch in our characters and you could still tell that who was who even when hearing the physical character's voices. EXCELLENT JOB!!!
4 1/2 stars rounded up
This was such a fun read that when I finished it the first time I went back and read it again. MJ Stratton did a wonderful job sharing this multi-layered love story with us.
Elizabeth and her mother have an argument during the Netherfield Ball. What they don’t know is this is the start of something that will shake up not only their lives but those around them. Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet have to learn to work together to figure out what happened and what needs to happen to change back to their own bodies. This will not be an easy task but will force each of them to find common ground. They start to see things differently but yet realize what needs to change. Elizabeth, now with the authority of the parent, makes the most drastic changes immediately in the household that she has wanted for so long. The relationships between all of the girls and their mother, collectively and individually reach new understandings.
Mr Bennet is cruel in his treatment to his wife and Elizabeth realizes for the first time how damaging these words are to her mother. Mr. Bennet clearly has lessons he needs to desperately learn. Thunder is heard and the next morning he and Mr. Darcy experience a new reality.
I relished seeing these two couples learn to work together as they each have to do the job / life of their respective counterpart. They all need deal with the emotional baggage / damage they have with each other and those around them. I loved this redemption story that saves one marriage and sets up another for success.
If you couldn’t tell I enjoyed this story immensely. I can easily see myself reading it yet again.
Revised 8/6/2025 Audiobook
The audiobook made this story even better. I got the box set audiobook that was narrated by Stevie Zimmerman & Harry Frost and it was so worth it. I LOVE how Harry Frost was able to do the body switch in our characters and you could still tell that who was who even when hearing the physical character's voices. EXCELLENT JOB!!!
July 4, 2025
Very imaginative!
Such a fun read! The story kept me hooked, and it was pretty well done. There was one part I didn't totally get, but hey, everything worked out in the end.
Such a fun read! The story kept me hooked, and it was pretty well done. There was one part I didn't totally get, but hey, everything worked out in the end.
April 24, 2025
The child is mother to the woman
4.5* rounded up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At first glance, the plot could have been written with gags and the characters being caricatures. It is quite normal for Mrs. Bennet to be portrayed as a loud and garrulous gossip whose biggest goal in life is to marry off her daughters so that she herself has security after her husband dies.
To my surprise and delight, this book reveals a mother who is trying to cope with an unhappy marriage and hoping her daughters do not share her fate. The story is also about understanding, empathy, and the bonds of filial love and romantic love.
Despite the potential for humour in the premise, Ms. Stratton adeptly crafts a poignant and enchanting tale, ensuring a happy ending for all the "good guys."
I was able to read the entire book over the course of a rainy afternoon in the spring, but I will be rereading it in the future—possibly as part of a list for the December holiday season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5* rounded up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At first glance, the plot could have been written with gags and the characters being caricatures. It is quite normal for Mrs. Bennet to be portrayed as a loud and garrulous gossip whose biggest goal in life is to marry off her daughters so that she herself has security after her husband dies.
To my surprise and delight, this book reveals a mother who is trying to cope with an unhappy marriage and hoping her daughters do not share her fate. The story is also about understanding, empathy, and the bonds of filial love and romantic love.
Despite the potential for humour in the premise, Ms. Stratton adeptly crafts a poignant and enchanting tale, ensuring a happy ending for all the "good guys."
I was able to read the entire book over the course of a rainy afternoon in the spring, but I will be rereading it in the future—possibly as part of a list for the December holiday season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2025
A Freaky Friday type body swap x2! A smart fun story where characters learn you don’t really know a person until you walk in their shoes.
May 11, 2025
A view from a VERY different prospective… After a bitter argument at the Netherfield ball Elizabeth and her mother awaken in each other’s body. Not able to discover why or how to reverse the change, each agrees to act as the other. At first Mrs Bennet (acting as Elizabeth) believes she will accept a betrothal from Mr Collins until she gets a first hand experience of how that might affect Elizabeth or any of her other daughters. Meanwhile Elizabeth takes Lydia in hand, no easy task, and finds herself the target of Mr Bennet, who thinks he is aiming his vitriol at his wife and not his beloved daughter. Oh dear! Eventually, after some give and take, Elizabeth and her Mama become close and begin to work together seamlessly for the benefit of the family and each other.
Bennet can’t understand what has happened to his wife and why she seems so much like the woman he originally married. Instead of celebrating that positive change he becomes meaner and more angry. Then he and Darcy change bodies and Bennet learns that he has been directing his cruelty at his beloved Lizzy instead of his wife. All four understand that there are broken relationships that must be mended before any possibility of changing back into themselves occur. It seems Mr Bennet is the last holdout to change and the possibility of reintegration. Can he rediscover the love he once had for his wife? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be forced to live out the rest of their days in the guise of her parents? Freaky Friday indeed!
Bennet can’t understand what has happened to his wife and why she seems so much like the woman he originally married. Instead of celebrating that positive change he becomes meaner and more angry. Then he and Darcy change bodies and Bennet learns that he has been directing his cruelty at his beloved Lizzy instead of his wife. All four understand that there are broken relationships that must be mended before any possibility of changing back into themselves occur. It seems Mr Bennet is the last holdout to change and the possibility of reintegration. Can he rediscover the love he once had for his wife? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be forced to live out the rest of their days in the guise of her parents? Freaky Friday indeed!
August 4, 2025
Mrs Bennet is resolved that her daughter Elizabeth must wed the heir to Longbourn, Mr Collins. At the Netherfield ball she argues with her daughter who wants only to marry for love. Elizabeth is determined to speak again of the matter in the morning but when she awakes the next morning she is trapped in her mother's body.
When Darcy returns to Netherfield he knows he is forever lost to Elizabeth charms. Therefore he begins courting the lady of his heart. Then one morning he wakes up in her father’s body only to discover that the lady he actually courted was not Elizabeth but her mother in Elizabeth's body.
Will both couples find a way to go back to their respective bodies? What will it take to change back? And will Darcy be able to convince Elizabeth that she is the lady of his heart?
The book was very well written by the author MJ Stratton. I always like her variations very much because I enjoy her style of writing. This variation was very funny and had many laugh-out-loud moments for me because of the funny situations the main characters find themselves in.
The body swap brings many witty situations, especially when a character is more behaving like the person trapped inside than the person she is on the outside. You may imagine that at first glance this is especially the case for Mrs Bennet and Elizabeth who seem to have nothing in common. I like that they, due to the body swap, discover that they are not so dissimilar as they think. They get a better understanding why they both act the way they do. I really like that this leads to many important changes in the family, their interaction with others as well as themselves.
I especially enjoyed the changes in Mrs Bennet. Due to Elizabeth's new understanding of her mother and the improvement of some circumstances we are able to see a really likeable Mrs Bennet, a woman who deeply loves and only wants to be loved and tries to protect herself and her insecurities with her well known behaviour. I am so glad that, at the end of the story, she is able to be her true self again and that her life changes for the better. She deserves it so much.
To change things at Longbourn not only Mrs Bennet needs to change, her husband also needs to change a great deal. I was so glad when he finally accomplished this task because sometimes he is really cruel to everyone around him. I like that, due to the body swap with Darcy, he is able to see how family life can be with an involved, attentive, kind and present Mr Bennet. And that he finally comprehends that that is what he wants deep in his heart.
What I also enjoyed was the development of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. First Darcy is courting Mrs Bennet in Elizabeth's body and Elizabeth has the opportunity to closely observe him. She also gets the insides from her mother and is able to see that he does not hate her. Later she even directs her mother how to act in her interest. I like that, later, Darcy and Elizabeth in the bodies of Mr and Mrs Bennet have the opportunity to come to know each other on a much deeper level than otherwise possible and that they can see each other in a sort of everyday life. They get a glimpse of how a future together could be.
There are no real villains in the story, the body swap keeps them all occupied enough 😉.
If you like to know how a body swap between Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet can change Elizabeth's relationship to Mr Darcy you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Darcy returns to Netherfield he knows he is forever lost to Elizabeth charms. Therefore he begins courting the lady of his heart. Then one morning he wakes up in her father’s body only to discover that the lady he actually courted was not Elizabeth but her mother in Elizabeth's body.
Will both couples find a way to go back to their respective bodies? What will it take to change back? And will Darcy be able to convince Elizabeth that she is the lady of his heart?
The book was very well written by the author MJ Stratton. I always like her variations very much because I enjoy her style of writing. This variation was very funny and had many laugh-out-loud moments for me because of the funny situations the main characters find themselves in.
The body swap brings many witty situations, especially when a character is more behaving like the person trapped inside than the person she is on the outside. You may imagine that at first glance this is especially the case for Mrs Bennet and Elizabeth who seem to have nothing in common. I like that they, due to the body swap, discover that they are not so dissimilar as they think. They get a better understanding why they both act the way they do. I really like that this leads to many important changes in the family, their interaction with others as well as themselves.
I especially enjoyed the changes in Mrs Bennet. Due to Elizabeth's new understanding of her mother and the improvement of some circumstances we are able to see a really likeable Mrs Bennet, a woman who deeply loves and only wants to be loved and tries to protect herself and her insecurities with her well known behaviour. I am so glad that, at the end of the story, she is able to be her true self again and that her life changes for the better. She deserves it so much.
To change things at Longbourn not only Mrs Bennet needs to change, her husband also needs to change a great deal. I was so glad when he finally accomplished this task because sometimes he is really cruel to everyone around him. I like that, due to the body swap with Darcy, he is able to see how family life can be with an involved, attentive, kind and present Mr Bennet. And that he finally comprehends that that is what he wants deep in his heart.
What I also enjoyed was the development of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship. First Darcy is courting Mrs Bennet in Elizabeth's body and Elizabeth has the opportunity to closely observe him. She also gets the insides from her mother and is able to see that he does not hate her. Later she even directs her mother how to act in her interest. I like that, later, Darcy and Elizabeth in the bodies of Mr and Mrs Bennet have the opportunity to come to know each other on a much deeper level than otherwise possible and that they can see each other in a sort of everyday life. They get a glimpse of how a future together could be.
There are no real villains in the story, the body swap keeps them all occupied enough 😉.
If you like to know how a body swap between Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet can change Elizabeth's relationship to Mr Darcy you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
This is a really great twist! Mrs. Bennet is usually written as almost a caricature of a person - loud, shrill, grasping, empty-headed. When Elizabeth is put inside Mrs. Bennet's body a la "Freaky Friday", she sees her mother in an entirely new light. Elizabeth finally sees the anxieties and stresses of a mother of five daughters.
There is another body swapping pair that happens later in the story, which I won't spoil here. However, it didn't feel as fleshed out as the Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet swap. I completely understand why the author did it, I just wish more in-story conversation about it would have happened.
All in all, it's a very interesting story and a refreshingly different plot!.
There is another body swapping pair that happens later in the story, which I won't spoil here. However, it didn't feel as fleshed out as the Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet swap. I completely understand why the author did it, I just wish more in-story conversation about it would have happened.
All in all, it's a very interesting story and a refreshingly different plot!.
May 9, 2025
At the beginning of this body swap variation, you can expect how Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth will react to the swap. Beginning the day after the Netherfield ball, Mrs. Bennet as Elizabeth will try to secure a marriage to Mr. Collins, while Elizabeth as Mrs. Bennet will try to fix her family’s lack of propriety.
The first half of the story focuses on the Bennet family dynamics and how the body swap eventually gives way to a change for the better. This to me was the most fascinating part of the story.
Our four central characters will reflect on their flaws and how their behavior affects others. For example, Elizabeth realizes the hurt caused by her own harshness towards her mother, as well as the pain caused by Mr. Bennet’s cruel teasing. Through this understanding, Elizabeth develops a closeness with her mother.
The body swap between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy occurs around 60% of the book. All four characters learn of the swaps almost immediately. We then come to the part where Mr. Bennet has to woo and make amends with his wife. I did find the courting of couples to be a bit on the fluffy side. It is all wrapped up rather quickly. The story shines in the first half of the book, and I would still recommend it for anyone interested in the body swap trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first half of the story focuses on the Bennet family dynamics and how the body swap eventually gives way to a change for the better. This to me was the most fascinating part of the story.
Our four central characters will reflect on their flaws and how their behavior affects others. For example, Elizabeth realizes the hurt caused by her own harshness towards her mother, as well as the pain caused by Mr. Bennet’s cruel teasing. Through this understanding, Elizabeth develops a closeness with her mother.
The body swap between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy occurs around 60% of the book. All four characters learn of the swaps almost immediately. We then come to the part where Mr. Bennet has to woo and make amends with his wife. I did find the courting of couples to be a bit on the fluffy side. It is all wrapped up rather quickly. The story shines in the first half of the book, and I would still recommend it for anyone interested in the body swap trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
I've been on a bit of an Austenesque August ... and when I saw that there was a new "body swap" book available, with the premise of Elizabeth and her mother switching (a true "Freaky Friday") I was intrigued. I've read the "switch" P&P premise before (Through Each Other's Eyes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, BeSwitched: A Pride & Prejudice Variation, Darcy By Any Other Name: A lighthearted Pride and Prejudice Variation and it's always a fun idea.
By the blurb, I knew that not only was there a Lizzy/MrsBennet switch, but a MrBennet/MrDarcy switch. The first 2/3 or so is just the women, and I was thinking to myself that that was all that was required, I was almost dreading the introduction of a second switch. Not just light-hearted, I was enjoying the personal growth from both women, and thought the experiences to be very true/real, something I could appreciate. It was a journey as both women learned about the other, and brought so much more depth to Mrs. Bennet than any other variation I've read. I was pleasantly surprised that I really liked the second switch and the additional nuances it brought.
I was trying to visualize this the whole time ... I was listening to the audiobook, which was well done (narrator Harry Frost). I imagine this was just a bit trickier than usual, voicing Elizabeth as Mrs. Bennet and vice versa. My mind struggled just a bit here and there trying to keep it all straight ;)
In Beswitched - Elizabeth liked being taller (in Darcy's body). Here again, her mother is quite tall (taller even than Lydia, who is the tallest of the Bennet girls).
Digression from cannon ala Bingley ... while there are no background changes, this Bingley isn't persuaded to stay in London and does return to Netherfield/Jane, despite Darcy/Caroline's attempts at influence. Also, I did wonder a bit at Lizzy's being more than happy to foist off Mr. Collins on Charlotte (without discussing it with Charlotte first). In the original, Lizzy was quite appalled at Caroline's acceptance (and here she and her mother are totally behind it, in fact making it happen). And though there is the thought of Mary before that, and while Mrs.Bennet has good intentions ... perhaps Mary, like Charlotte, would have been willing to knowingly enter into the marriage (Mary was not consulted at all either).
The title and cover are unique, as was the story ... I think this will definitely stand out in my memory. The text was included in KindleUnlimited. I bought the audio with with an Audible credit, this book (it is on the shorter side) bundled with two others, which I plan on listening to as well.
Some words I note: ablutions, dearth, snuck
Darcy's horse ... named Horace?
By the blurb, I knew that not only was there a Lizzy/MrsBennet switch, but a MrBennet/MrDarcy switch. The first 2/3 or so is just the women, and I was thinking to myself that that was all that was required, I was almost dreading the introduction of a second switch. Not just light-hearted, I was enjoying the personal growth from both women, and thought the experiences to be very true/real, something I could appreciate. It was a journey as both women learned about the other, and brought so much more depth to Mrs. Bennet than any other variation I've read. I was pleasantly surprised that I really liked the second switch and the additional nuances it brought.
I was trying to visualize this the whole time ... I was listening to the audiobook, which was well done (narrator Harry Frost). I imagine this was just a bit trickier than usual, voicing Elizabeth as Mrs. Bennet and vice versa. My mind struggled just a bit here and there trying to keep it all straight ;)
In Beswitched - Elizabeth liked being taller (in Darcy's body). Here again, her mother is quite tall (taller even than Lydia, who is the tallest of the Bennet girls).
Digression from cannon ala Bingley ... while there are no background changes, this Bingley isn't persuaded to stay in London and does return to Netherfield/Jane, despite Darcy/Caroline's attempts at influence. Also, I did wonder a bit at Lizzy's being more than happy to foist off Mr. Collins on Charlotte (without discussing it with Charlotte first). In the original, Lizzy was quite appalled at Caroline's acceptance (and here she and her mother are totally behind it, in fact making it happen). And though there is the thought of Mary before that, and while Mrs.Bennet has good intentions ... perhaps Mary, like Charlotte, would have been willing to knowingly enter into the marriage (Mary was not consulted at all either).
The title and cover are unique, as was the story ... I think this will definitely stand out in my memory. The text was included in KindleUnlimited. I bought the audio with with an Audible credit, this book (it is on the shorter side) bundled with two others, which I plan on listening to as well.
Some words I note: ablutions, dearth, snuck
Darcy's horse ... named Horace?
August 18, 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. This is a part of the Darcy and Elizabeth Variations series. In this Darcy and Elizabeth low angst Pride and Prejudice variation, two couples must overcome their past misunderstandings whilst in search of their happily ever after. This story is Pride and Prejudice meets Freaky Friday. She's in her mother's body, he's in her father's body.
Elizabeth Bennet's tolerance for her mother's poor behavior has reached its peak. When Mrs. Bennet enumerates the benefits of her second daughter marrying Mr. Collins, Elizabeth confronts her, declaring a disinclination for the match and pleading with her mother to show sense. Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Bennet does not comply, and the pair go their separate ways for the rest of the evening. Resolved to face the matter on the morrow, Elizabeth is shocked to awaken in the mistress's chambers, trapped in her mother's body. Darcy returned to Netherfield Park with his friend Charles Bingley, hoping his presence will prevent the gentleman from making any rash decisions regarding his latest angel. Instead, his attention is once again seized by Elizabeth Bennet, the entirely unsuitable miss with fine eyes and pert opinions. Finally resolved to pursue the lady, he is dismayed to awaken in her father's body, and to learn the lady he had courted for the past few weeks was not herself.
The two couples must resolve their differences in hopes of restoring their souls to their respective bodies. As time passes, worry the situation will never be rectified presses each party to repair all that is broken. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the Darcy and Elizabeth Variations series. In this Darcy and Elizabeth low angst Pride and Prejudice variation, two couples must overcome their past misunderstandings whilst in search of their happily ever after. This story is Pride and Prejudice meets Freaky Friday. She's in her mother's body, he's in her father's body.
Elizabeth Bennet's tolerance for her mother's poor behavior has reached its peak. When Mrs. Bennet enumerates the benefits of her second daughter marrying Mr. Collins, Elizabeth confronts her, declaring a disinclination for the match and pleading with her mother to show sense. Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Bennet does not comply, and the pair go their separate ways for the rest of the evening. Resolved to face the matter on the morrow, Elizabeth is shocked to awaken in the mistress's chambers, trapped in her mother's body. Darcy returned to Netherfield Park with his friend Charles Bingley, hoping his presence will prevent the gentleman from making any rash decisions regarding his latest angel. Instead, his attention is once again seized by Elizabeth Bennet, the entirely unsuitable miss with fine eyes and pert opinions. Finally resolved to pursue the lady, he is dismayed to awaken in her father's body, and to learn the lady he had courted for the past few weeks was not herself.
The two couples must resolve their differences in hopes of restoring their souls to their respective bodies. As time passes, worry the situation will never be rectified presses each party to repair all that is broken. 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.
May 9, 2025
Pride and Prejudice meets Freaky Friday except for on a Wednesday!
I really like how in this variation, Elizabeth and her mother come to understand each other in a way that I haven’t read before. They repair what they didn’t understand which strengthens their relationship and they become closer. There is a saying “you never really understand a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.” This is what happens in this book. The author does a wonderful job with this. Mrs. Bennett is able to see herself in a different way. At first, she doesn’t like how she is perceived by others and begins to change her ways. Her change doesn’t just affect Elizabeth. As she spends time with Mary and Kitty, she is able to understand them as well.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, sees what her mother does for her and her sisters and changes as well. One thing I loved about this book is that she sees the jokes her and her father use to laugh at are hurtful. She realizes the hurt that she caused and changes it. This causes her relationship with her father to be strained.
Mr. Bennett and Mr. Darcy also gets a chance to change their ways. I wish there was more dialogue with this but I get the author was trying to move the story along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really like how in this variation, Elizabeth and her mother come to understand each other in a way that I haven’t read before. They repair what they didn’t understand which strengthens their relationship and they become closer. There is a saying “you never really understand a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.” This is what happens in this book. The author does a wonderful job with this. Mrs. Bennett is able to see herself in a different way. At first, she doesn’t like how she is perceived by others and begins to change her ways. Her change doesn’t just affect Elizabeth. As she spends time with Mary and Kitty, she is able to understand them as well.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, sees what her mother does for her and her sisters and changes as well. One thing I loved about this book is that she sees the jokes her and her father use to laugh at are hurtful. She realizes the hurt that she caused and changes it. This causes her relationship with her father to be strained.
Mr. Bennett and Mr. Darcy also gets a chance to change their ways. I wish there was more dialogue with this but I get the author was trying to move the story along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
I found this delightful. Although I have read other JAFF in which there are body swaps this one gave us Elizabeth and her mother and later Darcy and Mr. Bennet much needed insight into what the one occupying their bodies have dealt with, why and how this felt.
I enjoyed reading of Elizabeth (as her mother) not only taking over meal planning and household management but also making drastic changes in both Lydia and Kitty's lives. Then as she receives the treatment from her father (who thinks she is his wife) she begins to understand how cruel his actions and words have been all the years of their marriage.
Mrs. Bennet (in Lizzy's body) first thinks that she can accept Collins' proposal now. But as she, too, sees things from a different perspective, she soon begins to change her viewpoint as to what is best for each daughter...even neglected Mary.
One of the greatest changes IMHO was the attitude of Mr. Bennet as he lives in Darcy's body. I loved that he makes a reversal in his behavior not only towards his wife but also his daughters.
Yes, Darcy sees the Bennets differently as he stays at Longbourn within Mr. Bennet's body.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. There is much I did not say but that is for other readers to discover.
I found this delightful. Although I have read other JAFF in which there are body swaps this one gave us Elizabeth and her mother and later Darcy and Mr. Bennet much needed insight into what the one occupying their bodies have dealt with, why and how this felt.
I enjoyed reading of Elizabeth (as her mother) not only taking over meal planning and household management but also making drastic changes in both Lydia and Kitty's lives. Then as she receives the treatment from her father (who thinks she is his wife) she begins to understand how cruel his actions and words have been all the years of their marriage.
Mrs. Bennet (in Lizzy's body) first thinks that she can accept Collins' proposal now. But as she, too, sees things from a different perspective, she soon begins to change her viewpoint as to what is best for each daughter...even neglected Mary.
One of the greatest changes IMHO was the attitude of Mr. Bennet as he lives in Darcy's body. I loved that he makes a reversal in his behavior not only towards his wife but also his daughters.
Yes, Darcy sees the Bennets differently as he stays at Longbourn within Mr. Bennet's body.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. There is much I did not say but that is for other readers to discover.
June 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading Body and Soul immensely! I thought the Elizabeth-Mrs Bennet body swap was handled extremely well. I was very much impressed with the author's attention to the characters' feelings and emotional upheavals, and the changes they were going through. The growing understanding between Elizabeth and her mother was very moving. Elizabeth's realization of her father's failings and his belittling behavior toward Mrs Bennet and Mrs Bennet's understanding of her daughters' and especially Elizabeth's apprehensions were enlighting. I also liked how they succeeded solving the predicament they found themselves in by working together and helping each other out of love. Mrs Bennet's perspective on her unhappy marriage and Elizabeth's anger toward her father for the neglect of his family were very poignant in my opinion. This is a very impressive and well written story and I found it very enjoyable and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2025
Role Play! How Fun!!
It is very interesting to see how the characters could and would have behaved in each other’s shoes.
Mrs. Bennet knows her second daughter better than she does herself. She could even act better in place of Elizabeth, which I was so impressed and enjoyed. And Darcy fell under Mrs Bennet’s spell and charm! Imagine that! I was moved to believe that Elizabeth’s wit and quickness may actually inherit from her mother!! To make peace with one’s family is to make peace with oneself.
I did not think the explanation in the form of Lizzy/Mama were necessary; the delivery of the story was very clear that it made perfect sense even without.
It is very interesting to see how the characters could and would have behaved in each other’s shoes.
Mrs. Bennet knows her second daughter better than she does herself. She could even act better in place of Elizabeth, which I was so impressed and enjoyed. And Darcy fell under Mrs Bennet’s spell and charm! Imagine that! I was moved to believe that Elizabeth’s wit and quickness may actually inherit from her mother!! To make peace with one’s family is to make peace with oneself.
I did not think the explanation in the form of Lizzy/Mama were necessary; the delivery of the story was very clear that it made perfect sense even without.
May 13, 2025
Extremely well done!
It would be easy for this trope to become a caricature. But Stratton handled it extremely well. “ Stepping in to another person‘s life,” as the author describes it in her afterword, allows for growth self knowledge and empathy in all four of our major characters. Elizabeth and her mother are the major focus and it is lovely to see their relationship change. The characters are according to canon, until transformed, and the dialogue is both believable and in context. It is a lovely, well written redemption story.
It would be easy for this trope to become a caricature. But Stratton handled it extremely well. “ Stepping in to another person‘s life,” as the author describes it in her afterword, allows for growth self knowledge and empathy in all four of our major characters. Elizabeth and her mother are the major focus and it is lovely to see their relationship change. The characters are according to canon, until transformed, and the dialogue is both believable and in context. It is a lovely, well written redemption story.
May 8, 2025
I love this author and in general I enjoy body swap stories. I was a bit reluctant before starting this book, because of the particulars of whose bodies were swapped. But as I was reading it, the story was pulling me in more and more. I loved the lessons all the characters had a chance to learn and the consequences for the Bennet family which followed. Another great offering by MJ Stratton.
Highly recommended,
May 12, 2025
A very different turnabout.
A very different body switch trope, as Lizzy trades places with Mrs. Bennet and both parties learn compassion and understanding for each other’s foibles, all while improving the family's behaviors, circumventing Collins’ proposals and Darcy’s distancing behaviors. Some funny situations, cute dialogue, and definitely possibly embarrassing moments. A fun read!.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
A very different body switch trope, as Lizzy trades places with Mrs. Bennet and both parties learn compassion and understanding for each other’s foibles, all while improving the family's behaviors, circumventing Collins’ proposals and Darcy’s distancing behaviors. Some funny situations, cute dialogue, and definitely possibly embarrassing moments. A fun read!.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 17, 2025
I loved this story. It had an intriguing storyline. The idea that two characters who could not understand each other's point of view were forced by magic to spend time in each other's shoes was so unique. I love how the author crafted it. It was really entertaining. I enjoyed the author's version of Jane's characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2025
This was a charming story that is very well written. Really enjoyed the switched body scenario. Enjoyed the companionable relationships that occurred because of the switched bodies. A wonderful love story with a great outcome for all of the family and connections. A feel good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2025
Fanciful but I Loved It!!!
Elizabeth is Mrs Bennett and visa vers! Than when it was mending beautifully between the enter Bennett is Mr Darcy and visa versa again! It took til the end for everyone to change back. The storyline was fanciful but written well. I like the communication that HAD to happen for changes to transform each one. NEWSFLASH💡Charles has a backbone-almost!
Elizabeth is Mrs Bennett and visa vers! Than when it was mending beautifully between the enter Bennett is Mr Darcy and visa versa again! It took til the end for everyone to change back. The storyline was fanciful but written well. I like the communication that HAD to happen for changes to transform each one. NEWSFLASH💡Charles has a backbone-almost!
May 25, 2025
Sweet romance. Loved the second chance
It is a sweet romance. I loved that so many relationships were healed.
My only complaint is I would have like to see Mr.Bennet as Mr. DARCY deal with Caroline and Lydia. The first as I think it would have been entertaining and the second to heal that relationship as a father can not a governess
It is a sweet romance. I loved that so many relationships were healed.
My only complaint is I would have like to see Mr.Bennet as Mr. DARCY deal with Caroline and Lydia. The first as I think it would have been entertaining and the second to heal that relationship as a father can not a governess
July 2, 2025
Freaky Friday- Pride and Prejudice version.
I liked that more than I thought I would. I was fearful that Mrs Bennet would accept Mr Collins. Initially, that’s why I didn’t want to read it, but I decided to give it a shot. I was surprisingly amused and entertained. I expected more from the epilogue, but on the whole, I was extremely well pleased.
I liked that more than I thought I would. I was fearful that Mrs Bennet would accept Mr Collins. Initially, that’s why I didn’t want to read it, but I decided to give it a shot. I was surprisingly amused and entertained. I expected more from the epilogue, but on the whole, I was extremely well pleased.
September 2, 2025
A well written variation (as are all this author's novels) with Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet swapping bodies. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between the two ladies as they came to understand each other's point of view. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2025
Fun twist on an old story. It was fun to explore the relationship of the parents along with Elizabeth and Darcy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2025
Delightfully written. Mr. Bennett had a rude awakening that humbled him and in turn made him lovable. Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennett had the best characterization/ transformation. I truly love this book. Please read! I highly recommend.
May 22, 2025
Freaky Friday but it’s Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet. This is probably one of my favorite Mrs. Bennets, and the story highlights how many similarities she actually has with her second daughter. Fun and quick to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews