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Heiress of Longbourn: Pride and Prejudice Variations
You are quite the most handsome woman of my acquaintance, but I have come to learn that you are so much more than that.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy quickly realizes that Elizabeth Bennet is the most remarkable woman he has ever met, but with unsatisfactory connections, low status, and no money, how could she be a worthy bride?
Elizabeth is stunned when a visitor appears with information about Wickham’s past. After the handsome rogue makes a desperate decision, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to save the Bennets’ reputation, and all the while, their attraction blooms.
Charles Bingley is captivated by Jane, who returns his regard in spite of her mother’s melancholy. As Mrs. Bennet indulges her own selfish fears, she discourages her eldest from marrying. Jane and Bingley are determined to pursue their own happiness but must overcome her mother’s interference.
The entail on Longbourn has been broken. Both friends and family believe they know who will inherit the Bennet estate, but the truth is Mr. Bennet’s own secret, and he is not inclined to tell.
As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘The Golden Daffodil’!
The new story is over 500 pages. Both are sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy quickly realizes that Elizabeth Bennet is the most remarkable woman he has ever met, but with unsatisfactory connections, low status, and no money, how could she be a worthy bride?
Elizabeth is stunned when a visitor appears with information about Wickham’s past. After the handsome rogue makes a desperate decision, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to save the Bennets’ reputation, and all the while, their attraction blooms.
Charles Bingley is captivated by Jane, who returns his regard in spite of her mother’s melancholy. As Mrs. Bennet indulges her own selfish fears, she discourages her eldest from marrying. Jane and Bingley are determined to pursue their own happiness but must overcome her mother’s interference.
The entail on Longbourn has been broken. Both friends and family believe they know who will inherit the Bennet estate, but the truth is Mr. Bennet’s own secret, and he is not inclined to tell.
As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘The Golden Daffodil’!
The new story is over 500 pages. Both are sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
569 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
296 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Laraba Kendig
44 books106 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 7, 2025
This book contains two stories: the second of those I read in August of 2021. The first story, for which this book is named takes up 51% of the pages.
This story contains a very interesting new character and the early parts of the story are centered around him and his brother. George Wickham has a younger identical twin brother, named Alexander, whose traits are the opposite of George's. Ironically, Alexander has been bestowed the living at Kympton, which George claims was denied him by Darcy. I did enjoy how Alexander was able to right the wrong George does (again) to the Bennet family by...yes, attempting to "elope" with Lydia. I won't go into the details here as they are complicated and would spoil the story more than I have already.
Another change from canon is that Longbourn is NOT entailed and we have no Collins in this story. So Mr. Bennet can now leave the estate to a daughter and most assume it will be Jane. This premise causes some other issues, which I will not go into. But, know this...it is not Jane, although in this story Mrs. Bennet pushes to have Jane remain unmarried so that Mrs. Bennet may live with her when she inherits Longbourn, which plan a husband might destroy if he decides to sell off Longbourn.
This story does give us more than just Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love, especially after the truth about Wickham comes out. We also read of the other sisters and even Charlotte finding husbands.
There is a long epilogue and we meets many offspring. I think my favorite part just might be the changes in Lydia's story, although I do always look for romance between Elizabeth and Darcy!
This book is long with the fact that both stories are not short variations. You can read my review of the second story The Golden Daffodil: A Pride and Prejudice Variation on that book's separate posting.
This story contains a very interesting new character and the early parts of the story are centered around him and his brother. George Wickham has a younger identical twin brother, named Alexander, whose traits are the opposite of George's. Ironically, Alexander has been bestowed the living at Kympton, which George claims was denied him by Darcy. I did enjoy how Alexander was able to right the wrong George does (again) to the Bennet family by...yes, attempting to "elope" with Lydia. I won't go into the details here as they are complicated and would spoil the story more than I have already.
Another change from canon is that Longbourn is NOT entailed and we have no Collins in this story. So Mr. Bennet can now leave the estate to a daughter and most assume it will be Jane. This premise causes some other issues, which I will not go into. But, know this...it is not Jane, although in this story Mrs. Bennet pushes to have Jane remain unmarried so that Mrs. Bennet may live with her when she inherits Longbourn, which plan a husband might destroy if he decides to sell off Longbourn.
This story does give us more than just Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love, especially after the truth about Wickham comes out. We also read of the other sisters and even Charlotte finding husbands.
There is a long epilogue and we meets many offspring. I think my favorite part just might be the changes in Lydia's story, although I do always look for romance between Elizabeth and Darcy!
This book is long with the fact that both stories are not short variations. You can read my review of the second story The Golden Daffodil: A Pride and Prejudice Variation on that book's separate posting.
March 16, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This book contains a fascinating element: George Wickham has an identical twin brother, Alexander, whose character is the opposite of his. It leads to a unique spin on the Lydia-and-Wickham storyline.
The writing is uneven. There are many beautifully written passages, but there are also many irrelevant scenes that make the book feel longer than it is. Several edited sentences include extraneous words that were obviously intended to be deleted.
Even with three Epilogues(!!), this book ends at 50%. The rest of the content is another of this author's books, The Golden Daffodil, and four of her short stories.
Content is clean.
This book contains a fascinating element: George Wickham has an identical twin brother, Alexander, whose character is the opposite of his. It leads to a unique spin on the Lydia-and-Wickham storyline.
The writing is uneven. There are many beautifully written passages, but there are also many irrelevant scenes that make the book feel longer than it is. Several edited sentences include extraneous words that were obviously intended to be deleted.
Even with three Epilogues(!!), this book ends at 50%. The rest of the content is another of this author's books, The Golden Daffodil, and four of her short stories.
Content is clean.
April 1, 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. As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘The Golden Daffodil’! Both are sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy quickly realizes that Elizabeth Bennet is the most remarkable woman he has ever met, but with unsatisfactory connections, low status, and no money, how could she be a worthy bride?
Elizabeth is stunned when a visitor appears with information about Wickham’s past. After the handsome rogue makes a desperate decision, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to save the Bennets’ reputation, and all the while, their attraction blooms.
Charles Bingley is captivated by Jane, who returns his regard in spite of her mother’s melancholy. As Mrs. Bennet indulges her own selfish fears, she discourages her eldest from marrying. Jane and Bingley are determined to pursue their own happiness but must overcome her mother’s interference.
The entail on Longbourn has been broken. Both friends and family believe they know who will inherit the Bennet estate, but the truth is Mr. Bennet’s own secret, and he is not inclined to tell. 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. As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘The Golden Daffodil’! Both are sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variations where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy quickly realizes that Elizabeth Bennet is the most remarkable woman he has ever met, but with unsatisfactory connections, low status, and no money, how could she be a worthy bride?
Elizabeth is stunned when a visitor appears with information about Wickham’s past. After the handsome rogue makes a desperate decision, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth must work together to save the Bennets’ reputation, and all the while, their attraction blooms.
Charles Bingley is captivated by Jane, who returns his regard in spite of her mother’s melancholy. As Mrs. Bennet indulges her own selfish fears, she discourages her eldest from marrying. Jane and Bingley are determined to pursue their own happiness but must overcome her mother’s interference.
The entail on Longbourn has been broken. Both friends and family believe they know who will inherit the Bennet estate, but the truth is Mr. Bennet’s own secret, and he is not inclined to tell. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
April 18, 2025
Imaginative twists in Heiress of Longbourn
Darcy and Elizabeth meet in the usual way, including the infamous insult at the assembly. Unbeknownst to many, Elizabeth is the heiress of Longbourn, named in Mr Bennett's will because she is the most intelligent and cynical of his daughters. Mrs Bennett only knows that one of her daughters will inherit, but not which, and she just assumes that it will be Jane as the eldest. The respectability of the whole Bennett family is threatened when Lydia runs off with George Wickham.
The absence of Mr Collins is a welcome twist, but there's a more significant twist regarding George Wickham that profoundly affects the entire story. It all made for a compelling and fresh take on P&P. The romance is lovely, with a swoon worthy Darcy, and a brave and caring Elizabeth who, fortunately, doesn't take forever to see Darcy's wonderful qualities.
This author always writes very well, and the book is also well edited. I recommend it highly.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet in the usual way, including the infamous insult at the assembly. Unbeknownst to many, Elizabeth is the heiress of Longbourn, named in Mr Bennett's will because she is the most intelligent and cynical of his daughters. Mrs Bennett only knows that one of her daughters will inherit, but not which, and she just assumes that it will be Jane as the eldest. The respectability of the whole Bennett family is threatened when Lydia runs off with George Wickham.
The absence of Mr Collins is a welcome twist, but there's a more significant twist regarding George Wickham that profoundly affects the entire story. It all made for a compelling and fresh take on P&P. The romance is lovely, with a swoon worthy Darcy, and a brave and caring Elizabeth who, fortunately, doesn't take forever to see Darcy's wonderful qualities.
This author always writes very well, and the book is also well edited. I recommend it highly.
March 17, 2025
great ideas
i really enjoyed the premise of these stories. But Please, Please, Please, hire a proof reader! there were several times in the first story where it seems the persons hair was one color at the beginning of the paragraph and then totally different by the end! Make up your mind!
i really enjoyed the premise of these stories. But Please, Please, Please, hire a proof reader! there were several times in the first story where it seems the persons hair was one color at the beginning of the paragraph and then totally different by the end! Make up your mind!
March 7, 2025
Interesting
A rather interesting premise in this entertaining and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
A rather interesting premise in this entertaining and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2025
Interesting Concept
The initial book is interesting but the Bennet parents are annoying. Why not allow the recipient to know of the bequest? Why forbid said recipient from marrying? Is Mrs Bennet so mentally deficient that she cannot accept that only what is written in the marriage articles would be permitted to occur? Okay, 'nuff about that.
But the concept is intriguing. Make the most capable and mindful daughter the heiress. She will not allow the hard work of previous the generation to be upended. She will care for all those in her purview well... if taught and encouraged beforehand.
While the cover book is good, the second book, The Golden Daffodil, and its subsequent short stories are absolutely fascinating! Yes, they could have been read before, but rereading the book and adding the short stories that I hadn't read before, made a wonderful read. I truly appreciate this Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh. Add the acting skills of Mrs Jenkinson, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and of course, our darling Lydia Bennet and you have a treasure.
Great editing, rapt storytelling, and excellent theme, especially for those times. I had forgotten how enjoyable it was.
The initial book is interesting but the Bennet parents are annoying. Why not allow the recipient to know of the bequest? Why forbid said recipient from marrying? Is Mrs Bennet so mentally deficient that she cannot accept that only what is written in the marriage articles would be permitted to occur? Okay, 'nuff about that.
But the concept is intriguing. Make the most capable and mindful daughter the heiress. She will not allow the hard work of previous the generation to be upended. She will care for all those in her purview well... if taught and encouraged beforehand.
While the cover book is good, the second book, The Golden Daffodil, and its subsequent short stories are absolutely fascinating! Yes, they could have been read before, but rereading the book and adding the short stories that I hadn't read before, made a wonderful read. I truly appreciate this Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh. Add the acting skills of Mrs Jenkinson, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and of course, our darling Lydia Bennet and you have a treasure.
Great editing, rapt storytelling, and excellent theme, especially for those times. I had forgotten how enjoyable it was.
March 11, 2025
Laraba Kendig’s books are always a sure thing. In this story there is no entail on Longbourn and Mr Bennet is free to leave the estate to whichever daughter he wishes. Mrs Bennet’s assumes Jane is the heiress but, in a twist for our dear Mrs B, she discourages Jane from marrying since she does not trust a daughter’s husband to do the right thing by here in the event of Mr Bennet’s death.
She does try to marry off the rest of her daughters but when the family learns that Jane is not the heiress Mr Bennet refuses to divulge the secret of who is to inherit. This leaves the rest of the Bennet girls unsure of who will inherit and nervous that their mother will insist they do not marry. This results in one daughter taking matters into her own hands so she does not end up unman to please her mother.
She does try to marry off the rest of her daughters but when the family learns that Jane is not the heiress Mr Bennet refuses to divulge the secret of who is to inherit. This leaves the rest of the Bennet girls unsure of who will inherit and nervous that their mother will insist they do not marry. This results in one daughter taking matters into her own hands so she does not end up unman to please her mother.
March 13, 2025
Good read plus bonuses
Loved Heiress of Longbourn. I was dubious at first of the inclusion of a non-canon Wickham twin—who did receive the Kympton living—but it worked out well in the story. Lydia is as usual young and dumb, impulsive and naive, but things end better for her than might have been expected. The uncertainty regarding who is actually the heiress of an unentailed Longbourn added some nice plot twists as well as highlighting the distress of Mrs Bennet who, in modern parlance, just doesn’t get it. I had read The Golden Daffodil previously (shades of The Scarlet Pimpernel) but was pleased to find it and some short sequels as bonuses following the main story.
Loved Heiress of Longbourn. I was dubious at first of the inclusion of a non-canon Wickham twin—who did receive the Kympton living—but it worked out well in the story. Lydia is as usual young and dumb, impulsive and naive, but things end better for her than might have been expected. The uncertainty regarding who is actually the heiress of an unentailed Longbourn added some nice plot twists as well as highlighting the distress of Mrs Bennet who, in modern parlance, just doesn’t get it. I had read The Golden Daffodil previously (shades of The Scarlet Pimpernel) but was pleased to find it and some short sequels as bonuses following the main story.
May 5, 2025
3.5-stars
Mostly entertaining, but I struggled to believe that Mrs. Bennet was so clueless, and I didn’t understand why Bennet persisted in keeping his heir a secret for so long.
I liked the idea of a younger twin for Wickham, but I was disappointed in what happened to him.
I don’t mind all the epilogues. I would prefer multiple chapters of epilogue instead of the marketing trick of forcing a reader to go somewhere else for “bonus” material.
Thanks to the author for NOT sending readers to a website or newsletter signup to get the whole story! I’m rounding up my 3.5-star rating to 4-stars for this reason.
Mostly entertaining, but I struggled to believe that Mrs. Bennet was so clueless, and I didn’t understand why Bennet persisted in keeping his heir a secret for so long.
I liked the idea of a younger twin for Wickham, but I was disappointed in what happened to him.
I don’t mind all the epilogues. I would prefer multiple chapters of epilogue instead of the marketing trick of forcing a reader to go somewhere else for “bonus” material.
Thanks to the author for NOT sending readers to a website or newsletter signup to get the whole story! I’m rounding up my 3.5-star rating to 4-stars for this reason.
September 7, 2025
a long winded read
The story started out ordinary and slow. Though she introduces a slight twist in the Bennet situation the twist changes NOTHING about any of them?! And I quickly got bored and ended up putting it aside in favor of reading other books instead. Six months later I came back finished it and clear it from the library. In the middle, the story started to become a bit more interesting and then it snoozed again. It Definitely is not this author’s best. I hope she is not losing steam. I liked her earlier creations.
The story started out ordinary and slow. Though she introduces a slight twist in the Bennet situation the twist changes NOTHING about any of them?! And I quickly got bored and ended up putting it aside in favor of reading other books instead. Six months later I came back finished it and clear it from the library. In the middle, the story started to become a bit more interesting and then it snoozed again. It Definitely is not this author’s best. I hope she is not losing steam. I liked her earlier creations.
March 21, 2025
A generous offering
I always enjoy Kendig‘s work. And the Heiress of Longburn was no exception. But I got my greatest enjoyment from the bonus novel the League of the Golden Daffodil.. The latter is a lively romp along the lines of Scarlet Pimpernel, but the action takes place in England, not France. The League wreaks revenge on men who abuse women but who cannot be brought to the law. it was great fun.
I always enjoy Kendig‘s work. And the Heiress of Longburn was no exception. But I got my greatest enjoyment from the bonus novel the League of the Golden Daffodil.. The latter is a lively romp along the lines of Scarlet Pimpernel, but the action takes place in England, not France. The League wreaks revenge on men who abuse women but who cannot be brought to the law. it was great fun.
March 19, 2025
Heiress of Longbourn
Laraba always writes a great story. You can't go wrong following her.
This is an amazing tale identical twins in looks but not personality. Lydia is naughty, but finds her happily ever after. Everyone thins Jane is the heiress and Mrs. Bennet doesn't want the heart to marry, because she thinks their husband will sell her home and put her out.
Laraba always writes a great story. You can't go wrong following her.
This is an amazing tale identical twins in looks but not personality. Lydia is naughty, but finds her happily ever after. Everyone thins Jane is the heiress and Mrs. Bennet doesn't want the heart to marry, because she thinks their husband will sell her home and put her out.
May 3, 2025
A different "what if"
By taking away one of the most important points of the original tale, it takes an interesting turn, and adding some original characters and changing some circumstances the story turns into an original one keeping the traits of the original characters. Enjoyable!
By taking away one of the most important points of the original tale, it takes an interesting turn, and adding some original characters and changing some circumstances the story turns into an original one keeping the traits of the original characters. Enjoyable!
March 12, 2025
Excellent storytelling
Once again, Ms. Kendig has crafted a tale full of interest and romance. I must confess that I enjoyed the bonus story more than the featured tale due to its more dramatic nature. Both stories are ones I will happily read again!
Once again, Ms. Kendig has crafted a tale full of interest and romance. I must confess that I enjoyed the bonus story more than the featured tale due to its more dramatic nature. Both stories are ones I will happily read again!
April 19, 2025
In general, I enjoy Ms Kendig's stories despite the fact that they really hit you over head with Christianity and god. It's a bit heavy handed at times. If you can look past that, then it will be an excellent and interesting tale with satisfying epilogues.
June 6, 2025
3.75⭐️
This was 2 books in one. While I liked Longbourn Heiress well enough my favourite was The Golden Daffodil as that had a more unique premise/setting of a secret society helping women. The more surprising fact was who headed the League.
This was 2 books in one. While I liked Longbourn Heiress well enough my favourite was The Golden Daffodil as that had a more unique premise/setting of a secret society helping women. The more surprising fact was who headed the League.
March 18, 2025
Surprise, Wickham is an evil twin.
April 1, 2025
Another Great Retelling
I really enjoy Laraba take on the retelling of Pride and Prejudice, she always has another way of looking at situations and having new characters.
I really enjoy Laraba take on the retelling of Pride and Prejudice, she always has another way of looking at situations and having new characters.
April 3, 2025
Wonderful!
More stores of the League! Please! Thoroughly enjoyable series, and I would love to see it continue! Very well written.
More stores of the League! Please! Thoroughly enjoyable series, and I would love to see it continue! Very well written.
May 1, 2025
This book was sweet and a very enjoyable read. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who loves pride and prejudice.
May 22, 2025
I didn't really enjoy this, I found Mrs Bennet's determined lack of understanding a little annoying! a large part of the book felt like epilogue.
June 24, 2025
I love the League
Excellent book, fun stories where the bad guys get defeated at the hands of strong women. I hope she writes more!
Excellent book, fun stories where the bad guys get defeated at the hands of strong women. I hope she writes more!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews