What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadows of the Past: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth is not a Bennet. The circumstances that brought her to Longbourn are shocking. Darcy might be the only person who can help her.
Her past is shrouded in mystery. Having been discovered wounded and wandering a lonely road in Derbyshire twelve years ago, Elizabeth remembers nothing of her life before the Bennets took her in. Whatever shreds of memory she has are hazy and unclear. Content with the love of her adopted family, she never could have imagined the turn her life would take when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is pleased to assist his good friend Charles Bingley as he learns to navigate estate management. That is, until Bingley begins acting peculiarly around one of the daughters of the neighboring estate. He is baffled by Mr. Bingley’s strange fixation with one sister even as he courts another. Darcy, too, finds Miss Elizabeth fascinating, but feels he cannot fully court the lady while Bingley is behaving so oddly.
When her past identity is revealed, Elizabeth must come to understand how to unite who she was with who she is. The mystery of what happened in her father’s house haunts her, and an unknown enemy seeks to finish what he started twelve years prior. Unable to resist her pull, Darcy joins Elizabeth as she learns to navigate her new life. As the danger mounts, he must protect her at all costs or risk losing the lady he loves forever. The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet is heiress to a fortune and an earldom, but is it worth the cost?
Shadows of the Past is a Pride and Prejudice Variation of medium angst. In this multi-trope, clean, Regency Darcy and Elizabeth story, Elizabeth is not a Bennet and has more exalted connections than she knows.
Her past is shrouded in mystery. Having been discovered wounded and wandering a lonely road in Derbyshire twelve years ago, Elizabeth remembers nothing of her life before the Bennets took her in. Whatever shreds of memory she has are hazy and unclear. Content with the love of her adopted family, she never could have imagined the turn her life would take when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is pleased to assist his good friend Charles Bingley as he learns to navigate estate management. That is, until Bingley begins acting peculiarly around one of the daughters of the neighboring estate. He is baffled by Mr. Bingley’s strange fixation with one sister even as he courts another. Darcy, too, finds Miss Elizabeth fascinating, but feels he cannot fully court the lady while Bingley is behaving so oddly.
When her past identity is revealed, Elizabeth must come to understand how to unite who she was with who she is. The mystery of what happened in her father’s house haunts her, and an unknown enemy seeks to finish what he started twelve years prior. Unable to resist her pull, Darcy joins Elizabeth as she learns to navigate her new life. As the danger mounts, he must protect her at all costs or risk losing the lady he loves forever. The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet is heiress to a fortune and an earldom, but is it worth the cost?
Shadows of the Past is a Pride and Prejudice Variation of medium angst. In this multi-trope, clean, Regency Darcy and Elizabeth story, Elizabeth is not a Bennet and has more exalted connections than she knows.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2025
255 people are currently reading
55 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 43 reviews
May 26, 2025
Raised happy, but the past refuses to stay dead.
A wonderfully written and dramatic story.
It's a pleasure to see a kinder version of the whole Bennet family. The Bingleys are also slightly different and it's Charles Bingley who brings Elizabeth's past to light.
Fairly evenly paced, I did find the middle dragged a bit. I would have been happier with some of the Netherfield confusion being shortened.
Still, we get a full immursion of our dear couple meeting and falling in love. With only a tiny glitch of Darcy waffling.
Fantastic version of Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope.
4.5*
A wonderfully written and dramatic story.
It's a pleasure to see a kinder version of the whole Bennet family. The Bingleys are also slightly different and it's Charles Bingley who brings Elizabeth's past to light.
Fairly evenly paced, I did find the middle dragged a bit. I would have been happier with some of the Netherfield confusion being shortened.
Still, we get a full immursion of our dear couple meeting and falling in love. With only a tiny glitch of Darcy waffling.
Fantastic version of Elizabeth is not a Bennet trope.
4.5*
June 19, 2025
Not what I expected ( in a good way)
Normally, I find the E is not a Bennet scenarios cheesy at best and completely ridiculous at worst. The villains are always the same and the plot usually takes a predictable course. This book changed the personality traits of a number of people from our story for the better, without making them saints. E wasn't presented as the most beautiful, accomplished, perfect person that these tales usually attribute to her. Best of all, it was believable!
Normally, I find the E is not a Bennet scenarios cheesy at best and completely ridiculous at worst. The villains are always the same and the plot usually takes a predictable course. This book changed the personality traits of a number of people from our story for the better, without making them saints. E wasn't presented as the most beautiful, accomplished, perfect person that these tales usually attribute to her. Best of all, it was believable!
September 28, 2025
Interesting premise
At eight years old, Elizabeth is discovered by the Bennetts, wounded and dirty, wandering on a road near Yorkshire and Derbyshire. She only knows her first name and her age, but all other memories are erased by trauma. After posting enquiries to try and locate her family, the Bennetts take Elizabeth with them to Longbourn, where Mr Bennett has just unexpectedly become the master due to an accident that took both his father and elder brother. Only a distinctive brooch connects Elizabeth to her lost family, but many years pass and no one claims her. The Bennetts accept her without reservations. In 1811 Bingley and Darcy arrive at Netherfield, and Bingley immediately believes he recognizes Elizabeth as his former childhood playmate and friend, but he doesn't reveal his suspicions right away. Darcy is quickly attracted to Elizabeth, and only goes through a short struggle with himself before he decides to woo her.
We learn in the first few pages of the story that Elizabeth's family met with a violent end. The circumstances surrounding her early acquaintance with Bingley is also disclosed. There are complex circumstances, but the author does a fine job of presenting all of the details understandably. I like these variations in which the Bennett parents are happy and responsible, and the children, including a son and heir, are all well behaved and educated. Even Mr Collins is a decent guy in this version, which is nice. The romance is lovely, and is thankfully lacking the acrimony and struggles of the original P&P. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
At eight years old, Elizabeth is discovered by the Bennetts, wounded and dirty, wandering on a road near Yorkshire and Derbyshire. She only knows her first name and her age, but all other memories are erased by trauma. After posting enquiries to try and locate her family, the Bennetts take Elizabeth with them to Longbourn, where Mr Bennett has just unexpectedly become the master due to an accident that took both his father and elder brother. Only a distinctive brooch connects Elizabeth to her lost family, but many years pass and no one claims her. The Bennetts accept her without reservations. In 1811 Bingley and Darcy arrive at Netherfield, and Bingley immediately believes he recognizes Elizabeth as his former childhood playmate and friend, but he doesn't reveal his suspicions right away. Darcy is quickly attracted to Elizabeth, and only goes through a short struggle with himself before he decides to woo her.
We learn in the first few pages of the story that Elizabeth's family met with a violent end. The circumstances surrounding her early acquaintance with Bingley is also disclosed. There are complex circumstances, but the author does a fine job of presenting all of the details understandably. I like these variations in which the Bennett parents are happy and responsible, and the children, including a son and heir, are all well behaved and educated. Even Mr Collins is a decent guy in this version, which is nice. The romance is lovely, and is thankfully lacking the acrimony and struggles of the original P&P. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
May 26, 2025
The Bennett parents are Worthy
Elizabeth survived by chance and the murders inept ability. She is found by the Bennett Family. This Bennett family has a son and four daughters. Mrs. Bennett Loves all her children which adopting Elizabeth makes her, her child.
This is a family with a hardworking father.
It has its darkness but Darcy and Bingley shines. There are twist with old characters. Some characters have no redemption.
This is a keeper.
Elizabeth survived by chance and the murders inept ability. She is found by the Bennett Family. This Bennett family has a son and four daughters. Mrs. Bennett Loves all her children which adopting Elizabeth makes her, her child.
This is a family with a hardworking father.
It has its darkness but Darcy and Bingley shines. There are twist with old characters. Some characters have no redemption.
This is a keeper.
May 26, 2025
Excellent Not A Bennet Story
I loved this! Filled with excellent and good characters. I love a good Mrs. Bennet and Caroline. Darcy is fairly swoon worthy. It does take half the book for Elizabeth’s identity to be revealed. I was worried it would not be enough page time left for a good story, but I was wrong. I loved it!
I loved this! Filled with excellent and good characters. I love a good Mrs. Bennet and Caroline. Darcy is fairly swoon worthy. It does take half the book for Elizabeth’s identity to be revealed. I was worried it would not be enough page time left for a good story, but I was wrong. I loved it!
May 27, 2025
This is a polished piece of fanfiction that both offers an alternate setting (Lizzy is not a Bennet trope) while also trying to force some canon staples by checking boxes that maybe are not needed (including Collins, Wickham, Charlotte, etc).
This tension presents itself in characters and scenes as well, for example Darcy arrives in good humor to the assembly and dances several dances with the local ladies… but next paragraph he is described as gloomy and sulking out of the blue, just to have him comply to canon. Or seeing Lizzy suddenly offer random “saucy winks” in the middle of serious or sad conversations, because cannon dictates Elizabeth can’t be allowed to become a weepy character after all !
I understand some readers like drama and agst, but I struggle to understand heaps of unnecessary pain (physical or mental); in this case the very beginning opens with a murder scene and knowledge of the murder of a family including father, young mother, and a young boy… WHY you might wander…?! Can Darcy and Lizzy really build a HEA felicity as in canon after such sordidness ?
Also; the massive detailing of wealth, property and titles that lost Lizzy is entitled to make a cameo, but not much else, these serve no purpose in the plot, or even at the ending — it’s just more cosmetic embellishment of a Mary Sue elevation of Little Orphan Lizzy.
This Elizabeth is also mentally scarred, with continuous episodes of long lost memories coming back to her via head pains, nightmares, and emptional turmoil. So much so that even at the very end, Elizabeth still suffers night terrors and emotional unrest.
This tension presents itself in characters and scenes as well, for example Darcy arrives in good humor to the assembly and dances several dances with the local ladies… but next paragraph he is described as gloomy and sulking out of the blue, just to have him comply to canon. Or seeing Lizzy suddenly offer random “saucy winks” in the middle of serious or sad conversations, because cannon dictates Elizabeth can’t be allowed to become a weepy character after all !
I understand some readers like drama and agst, but I struggle to understand heaps of unnecessary pain (physical or mental); in this case the very beginning opens with a murder scene and knowledge of the murder of a family including father, young mother, and a young boy… WHY you might wander…?! Can Darcy and Lizzy really build a HEA felicity as in canon after such sordidness ?
Also; the massive detailing of wealth, property and titles that lost Lizzy is entitled to make a cameo, but not much else, these serve no purpose in the plot, or even at the ending — it’s just more cosmetic embellishment of a Mary Sue elevation of Little Orphan Lizzy.
This Elizabeth is also mentally scarred, with continuous episodes of long lost memories coming back to her via head pains, nightmares, and emptional turmoil. So much so that even at the very end, Elizabeth still suffers night terrors and emotional unrest.
May 27, 2025
Hidden memories
4.5* rounded up
The story captivated me, engrossing me in a narrative that differed from Ms. Stratton's previous works. Like many of her plots, there are canon "villain" characters here that are their better selves or redeem themselves. I enjoyed the way Collins's and Wickham's stories unfolded. I didn't miss Lady Catherine as a major character, but there were times when I saw some of her traits in Lady Maude Montrose.
Elizabeth not-a-Bennet and also being wealthy/titled are two of my favourite tropes. Furthermore, an earlier understanding with Darcy and a whodunnit aspect make this story a truly fulfilling experience!
4.5* rounded up
The story captivated me, engrossing me in a narrative that differed from Ms. Stratton's previous works. Like many of her plots, there are canon "villain" characters here that are their better selves or redeem themselves. I enjoyed the way Collins's and Wickham's stories unfolded. I didn't miss Lady Catherine as a major character, but there were times when I saw some of her traits in Lady Maude Montrose.
Elizabeth not-a-Bennet and also being wealthy/titled are two of my favourite tropes. Furthermore, an earlier understanding with Darcy and a whodunnit aspect make this story a truly fulfilling experience!
May 29, 2025
I generally adore MJ Stratton’s work, but this felt way too drawn out for me. It also felt unbalanced given the blurb’s focus on the danger to Lizzy after it is revealed who she is and that didn’t happen until well over 60% of the way through and then the time to go to town and deal with it was again drawn out. This one just felt needlessly long and overdone to me. I’m honestly only giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because the premise was great & the story was well written.
June 4, 2025
A very dramatic tragic beginning to a story which gives us an injured lost 8 year old Elizabeth.
Alone and bleeding on road in Derbyshire.
Soon she is rescued by a very different Bennet family !
A loving calm Mrs Bennet. Well behaved daughters each with 10,000 pound dowry’s.
Elizabeth is warmly taken in and loved by all. Particularly adored and cared for by Mrs Bennet:)
This is a mysterious page turner that will hold your interest throughout !
Definitely 5 Stars!
Alone and bleeding on road in Derbyshire.
Soon she is rescued by a very different Bennet family !
A loving calm Mrs Bennet. Well behaved daughters each with 10,000 pound dowry’s.
Elizabeth is warmly taken in and loved by all. Particularly adored and cared for by Mrs Bennet:)
This is a mysterious page turner that will hold your interest throughout !
Definitely 5 Stars!
June 9, 2025
This story pulls from quite a few famous stories, including the movie Anastasia. Elizabeth witnessed a crime and is found with no memories by the Bennet family. After trying to find her family they take her home. After falling in love with Darcy, the mystery of who she is and what happened to her must be solved to be safe and find happiness.
June 9, 2025
DNF
Started skimming at 80%
Started skimming at 80%
June 10, 2025
This was an interesting version of “Elizabeth is not a Bennet,” and I enjoyed it.
Read through KU.
Read through KU.
August 31, 2025
Full disclosure: Since I had a hand in editing this book, I won’t give it a full review.
May 26, 2025
Another winner
MJ Stratton has a way with her writing, pulling you in and making it hard to put down. There have been many Elizabeth is not a Bennet story, but this was very unique with a great twist.
MJ Stratton has a way with her writing, pulling you in and making it hard to put down. There have been many Elizabeth is not a Bennet story, but this was very unique with a great twist.
Want to read
March 23, 2025to release July 2025
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. This is Pride and Prejudice meets Anastasia. This is a Pride and Prejudice Variation of medium angst. In this multi-trope, clean, Regency Darcy and Elizabeth story, Elizabeth is not a Bennet and has more exalted connections than she knows.
Elizabeth is not a Bennet, the circumstances that brought her to Longbourn are shocking, and Darcy might be the only person who can help her. Her past is shrouded in mystery, having been discovered wounded and wandering a lonely road in Derbyshire twelve years ago, Elizabeth remembers nothing of her life before the Bennets took her in. Whatever shreds of memory she has are hazy and unclear. Content with the love of her adopted family, she never could have imagined the turn her life would take when Netherfield Park is let at last. Fitzwilliam Darcy is pleased to assist his good friend Charles Bingley as he learns to navigate estate management. That is, until Bingley begins acting peculiarly around one of the daughters of the neighboring estate. He is baffled by Mr. Bingley’s strange fixation with one sister even as he courts another. Darcy, too, finds Miss Elizabeth fascinating, but feels he cannot fully court the lady while Bingley is behaving so oddly. When her past identity is revealed, Elizabeth must come to understand how to unite who she was with who she is. The mystery of what happened in her father’s house haunts her, and an unknown enemy seeks to finish what he started twelve years prior. Unable to resist her pull, Darcy joins Elizabeth as she learns to navigate her new life. As the danger mounts, he must protect her at all costs or risk losing the lady he loves forever. The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet is heiress to a fortune and an earldom, but is it worth the cost? 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. This is Pride and Prejudice meets Anastasia. This is a Pride and Prejudice Variation of medium angst. In this multi-trope, clean, Regency Darcy and Elizabeth story, Elizabeth is not a Bennet and has more exalted connections than she knows.
Elizabeth is not a Bennet, the circumstances that brought her to Longbourn are shocking, and Darcy might be the only person who can help her. Her past is shrouded in mystery, having been discovered wounded and wandering a lonely road in Derbyshire twelve years ago, Elizabeth remembers nothing of her life before the Bennets took her in. Whatever shreds of memory she has are hazy and unclear. Content with the love of her adopted family, she never could have imagined the turn her life would take when Netherfield Park is let at last. Fitzwilliam Darcy is pleased to assist his good friend Charles Bingley as he learns to navigate estate management. That is, until Bingley begins acting peculiarly around one of the daughters of the neighboring estate. He is baffled by Mr. Bingley’s strange fixation with one sister even as he courts another. Darcy, too, finds Miss Elizabeth fascinating, but feels he cannot fully court the lady while Bingley is behaving so oddly. When her past identity is revealed, Elizabeth must come to understand how to unite who she was with who she is. The mystery of what happened in her father’s house haunts her, and an unknown enemy seeks to finish what he started twelve years prior. Unable to resist her pull, Darcy joins Elizabeth as she learns to navigate her new life. As the danger mounts, he must protect her at all costs or risk losing the lady he loves forever. The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet is heiress to a fortune and an earldom, but is it worth the cost? 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.
December 26, 2025
3 stars
Until 70%, it was hovering near 3-4 stars, but after that, dragged so much and honestly there was nothing interesting to read there. I read through them just to finish the book.
Had a few issues which kept me from fully enjoying even the first 70%
1. There were lots of awkward conversations, where its very obvious the only reason for the sentence is to give some new information to the reader about things that are different from canon. It didn't flow naturally in most places, and there were many such instances of it. Wish author found a better way to do it
2. Lots of telling instead of showing. We are just told that Elizabeth and Darcy had a debate / conversation where Elizabeth's intelligent impressed darcy.. Why not actually show? All of the conversations that apparently happened which led to their attachment just happened off page. We are just required to accept it as fact, just because Darcy fell for Elizabeth in original P&P. Darcy is ready to marry someone who may not be even a gentlewoman by birth, but the book doesn't do anything to convince us why Darcy is ready to do this for Elizabeth. It didn't honestly make the romance believable
There are some good things too. The reason i continued is, both E&D in this are actually likeable from the beginning, despite their flaws and fairly accurate to canon too. It's also nice to read an Elizabeth who is equally into Darcy and falling in love. So it was still an enjoyable read for me until 70%
The next 30%, obviously we already know the bad guy is gonna be caught. We also know the identity of the killer. So there is no suspense, and there for, the pov of the killer or the hired hand were just waste of pages. If author focused instead on Elizabeth or Darcy's fear and anxiety more, and how they handle it, i would have enjoyed it much better.
Until 70%, it was hovering near 3-4 stars, but after that, dragged so much and honestly there was nothing interesting to read there. I read through them just to finish the book.
Had a few issues which kept me from fully enjoying even the first 70%
1. There were lots of awkward conversations, where its very obvious the only reason for the sentence is to give some new information to the reader about things that are different from canon. It didn't flow naturally in most places, and there were many such instances of it. Wish author found a better way to do it
2. Lots of telling instead of showing. We are just told that Elizabeth and Darcy had a debate / conversation where Elizabeth's intelligent impressed darcy.. Why not actually show? All of the conversations that apparently happened which led to their attachment just happened off page. We are just required to accept it as fact, just because Darcy fell for Elizabeth in original P&P. Darcy is ready to marry someone who may not be even a gentlewoman by birth, but the book doesn't do anything to convince us why Darcy is ready to do this for Elizabeth. It didn't honestly make the romance believable
There are some good things too. The reason i continued is, both E&D in this are actually likeable from the beginning, despite their flaws and fairly accurate to canon too. It's also nice to read an Elizabeth who is equally into Darcy and falling in love. So it was still an enjoyable read for me until 70%
The next 30%, obviously we already know the bad guy is gonna be caught. We also know the identity of the killer. So there is no suspense, and there for, the pov of the killer or the hired hand were just waste of pages. If author focused instead on Elizabeth or Darcy's fear and anxiety more, and how they handle it, i would have enjoyed it much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
This is an “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” trope. It was enjoyable but the mystery of the story did not resolve until the last few pages. I felt there was no time to enjoy the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy and her changed status that was not fraught with peril. There was a short epilogue but it left me slightly unsatisfied.
In this variation Elizabeth is found by a genteel Mr and Mrs Bennet on a road in Derbyshire with a bad head wound and no memory of her past beyond her Christian name and her age (8 years old). Mr Bennet was a solicitor who had just inherited Longbourn estate following the deaths of his father and elder brother. The kindly Mr and Mrs Bennet decided to keep Elizabeth instead of turning her over to an orphanage and introduced her to their four daughters and son as a cousin. The Bennets had no idea of what happened to Elizabeth for them to find her in such a state and they feared for her safety.
Elizabeth grows up among the Bennet children as another daughter. She has occasional flashes of something terrible but can never remember what happened to her. Then Bingley enters the neighborhood with the Hursts and Darcy. Mrs Hurst takes the role of the haughty Caroline while Caroline is mentioned as having a good nature. We do not meet her until near the end of the story.
Bingley has a part to play in discovering Elizabeth’s true identity. But now that she knows who her true family is, she is in danger from someone who thought she was dead and who wants her eliminated so that she can’t disrupt his plans. How will all this play out before she is safely wed to Darcy?
In this variation Elizabeth is found by a genteel Mr and Mrs Bennet on a road in Derbyshire with a bad head wound and no memory of her past beyond her Christian name and her age (8 years old). Mr Bennet was a solicitor who had just inherited Longbourn estate following the deaths of his father and elder brother. The kindly Mr and Mrs Bennet decided to keep Elizabeth instead of turning her over to an orphanage and introduced her to their four daughters and son as a cousin. The Bennets had no idea of what happened to Elizabeth for them to find her in such a state and they feared for her safety.
Elizabeth grows up among the Bennet children as another daughter. She has occasional flashes of something terrible but can never remember what happened to her. Then Bingley enters the neighborhood with the Hursts and Darcy. Mrs Hurst takes the role of the haughty Caroline while Caroline is mentioned as having a good nature. We do not meet her until near the end of the story.
Bingley has a part to play in discovering Elizabeth’s true identity. But now that she knows who her true family is, she is in danger from someone who thought she was dead and who wants her eliminated so that she can’t disrupt his plans. How will all this play out before she is safely wed to Darcy?
July 17, 2025
Audiobook made even better
4 1/2 stars rounded up
I got the audiobook to go with the e-book. Stevie Zimmerman‘s phenomenal narration made the book even better.
This story kept me pulled in from the beginning as I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth’s family and why. I enjoyed the changes in this variation which you learn right from the get-go that both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are more conscientious and diligent with their family. Mr. Bennet was also a second son that had no expectation of inheriting Longbourn. Another change with this variation was Darcy’s willingness to be more open/courteous with Bingley‘s neighbors as well as a sweet Caroline (yes, you read this correctly!).
Bingley and Darcy spend much time with the Bennet Family and both care for the two eldest sisters. Something continues to tickle Bingley‘s mind about Elizabeth that he can’t put his finger on. This is part of the mystery that does get explained later.
Once the mystery of Elizabeth is revealed things amp up as the past and actions taken 12 years prior are brought to the forefront and Elizabeth safety is in question. Darcy is supportive and protective.
Overall, this was a story well done. There were a couple of things that would’ve been nice to tighten up, but they did not detract from the overall story or the performance by Stevie Zimmerman. This will be one that I will gladly listen to again.
4 1/2 stars rounded up
I got the audiobook to go with the e-book. Stevie Zimmerman‘s phenomenal narration made the book even better.
This story kept me pulled in from the beginning as I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth’s family and why. I enjoyed the changes in this variation which you learn right from the get-go that both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are more conscientious and diligent with their family. Mr. Bennet was also a second son that had no expectation of inheriting Longbourn. Another change with this variation was Darcy’s willingness to be more open/courteous with Bingley‘s neighbors as well as a sweet Caroline (yes, you read this correctly!).
Bingley and Darcy spend much time with the Bennet Family and both care for the two eldest sisters. Something continues to tickle Bingley‘s mind about Elizabeth that he can’t put his finger on. This is part of the mystery that does get explained later.
Once the mystery of Elizabeth is revealed things amp up as the past and actions taken 12 years prior are brought to the forefront and Elizabeth safety is in question. Darcy is supportive and protective.
Overall, this was a story well done. There were a couple of things that would’ve been nice to tighten up, but they did not detract from the overall story or the performance by Stevie Zimmerman. This will be one that I will gladly listen to again.
September 21, 2025
3.5*
A good read but not a great read for me.
I am a sucker for a "not a Bennet" story and so this was an obvious read for me. There are a lot more in this sub-genre than there used to be and although this one had a very obvious difference in theory, it was not actually that different in practise.
I liked the character of Elizabeth which was realistic and the Bennets were a warm and friendly family. A nice Caroline Bingley was a fun change too.
As a Brit I am fully aware of the majority of the books in this genre are written by Americans for Americans and I tend to tune out the language blips that arise from this. However when the very American phrases are in the narrative rather than dialogue they do jar a little and there were white a few in this book (e.g. "No fair" rather than "not fair"; "Cream and sugar" for a cup of tea has never been said by a Brit). There is also a cute joke about being a pi baby which rather falls flat as in the UK we say 14/3 rather than 3/14 to indicate the 14th day in March.
I was not impressed with the use of a gossip columnist called Lady Featherdown which was far too close to one used by a very well known current author of regency novels. This smile a little too close to the wind for me. Similarly, using the names of Bates and Norris offered nothing as they were different characters and just pulled me completely out of th flow of the book.
Overall, I am glad to have read it but it will not make the reread pile.
A good read but not a great read for me.
I am a sucker for a "not a Bennet" story and so this was an obvious read for me. There are a lot more in this sub-genre than there used to be and although this one had a very obvious difference in theory, it was not actually that different in practise.
I liked the character of Elizabeth which was realistic and the Bennets were a warm and friendly family. A nice Caroline Bingley was a fun change too.
As a Brit I am fully aware of the majority of the books in this genre are written by Americans for Americans and I tend to tune out the language blips that arise from this. However when the very American phrases are in the narrative rather than dialogue they do jar a little and there were white a few in this book (e.g. "No fair" rather than "not fair"; "Cream and sugar" for a cup of tea has never been said by a Brit). There is also a cute joke about being a pi baby which rather falls flat as in the UK we say 14/3 rather than 3/14 to indicate the 14th day in March.
I was not impressed with the use of a gossip columnist called Lady Featherdown which was far too close to one used by a very well known current author of regency novels. This smile a little too close to the wind for me. Similarly, using the names of Bates and Norris offered nothing as they were different characters and just pulled me completely out of th flow of the book.
Overall, I am glad to have read it but it will not make the reread pile.
June 16, 2025
Premise: An "Elizabeth is not a Bennet" tale with a side of "improved Bennets". Or improved everyone, really. Wickham's still mostly a jerk. Mostly. There's a murder mystery, too.
What I liked: This was a warm hug of a book with only a little angst. I liked the reasons for the Bennet improvements--Mr Bennet was a second son, and he and his wife spent many years learning to live frugally and are thus well aware of their good fortune to inherit Longbourn and their duty to their children. They also have a son, so no worrying about the entail creates a calmer Mrs B.
Characterization: Better Bennets. Nicer Caroline (though she's not in it for much of the plot). Mrs Hurst takes on Caroline's usual role as the snobby mean girl. Darcy is not insulting. Better Mr Collins.
Spice level: None. Some kisses.
Any non-canon parings: Yes.
Other notes or issues:
What I liked: This was a warm hug of a book with only a little angst. I liked the reasons for the Bennet improvements--Mr Bennet was a second son, and he and his wife spent many years learning to live frugally and are thus well aware of their good fortune to inherit Longbourn and their duty to their children. They also have a son, so no worrying about the entail creates a calmer Mrs B.
Characterization: Better Bennets. Nicer Caroline (though she's not in it for much of the plot). Mrs Hurst takes on Caroline's usual role as the snobby mean girl. Darcy is not insulting. Better Mr Collins.
Spice level: None. Some kisses.
Any non-canon parings: Yes.
Other notes or issues:
November 16, 2025
This is another gem from MJ Stratton. Beginning with a chilling and brutal crime which leaves Elizabeth an orphaned young child, with a head injury and no memory of who she is and what has just occurred.
Elizabeth wanders the streets of Lambton straight into the arms of the Bennets who take her into their family with a determination to love and protect her as one of their own.
While Elizabeth is raised in a happy home, her grandmother, Lady Montrose, has been desperately searching for her. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, she is an heiress and time is running out to allow her to claim her rightful inheritance.
This is a wonderful story in which we see a stable, happy Bennet family and where Darcy and Bingley play significant roles in Elizabeth’s past AND future. It is, as always, well written and it grabs you from start to finish. MJ Stratton is skilled at creating scenes of contentment amid chaos.
Elizabeth wanders the streets of Lambton straight into the arms of the Bennets who take her into their family with a determination to love and protect her as one of their own.
While Elizabeth is raised in a happy home, her grandmother, Lady Montrose, has been desperately searching for her. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, she is an heiress and time is running out to allow her to claim her rightful inheritance.
This is a wonderful story in which we see a stable, happy Bennet family and where Darcy and Bingley play significant roles in Elizabeth’s past AND future. It is, as always, well written and it grabs you from start to finish. MJ Stratton is skilled at creating scenes of contentment amid chaos.
May 28, 2025
Elizabeth is not a Bennet
We get a very good 'whodunnit' with E not a bennet trope. For a change Lizzy is treated as their own children by the Bennets and Mr and Mrs. B are as diligent, careful and caring parents. There is a Bennet heir so no nervous and excitable Mrs. B makes a good change
Its bingley who brings E's past to light. I would have liked few more interactions between E and B once they know the past and their happy childhood together
ODC has ample time together and its lovely to read
We get a very good 'whodunnit' with E not a bennet trope. For a change Lizzy is treated as their own children by the Bennets and Mr and Mrs. B are as diligent, careful and caring parents. There is a Bennet heir so no nervous and excitable Mrs. B makes a good change
Its bingley who brings E's past to light. I would have liked few more interactions between E and B once they know the past and their happy childhood together
ODC has ample time together and its lovely to read
May 26, 2025
Exceptional!
I absolutely love it when Mr and Mrs B are both caring and attentive parents. I also love it when Lydia and kitty are not allowed to be stupid flirts. Most of the characters whom we normally love to hate in the original story either make only a token appearance, no appearance, or actually worthy of respect in this story. I especially love it when Darcy romances Elizabeth from the very beginning and never acts like a pompous jerk.
I absolutely love it when Mr and Mrs B are both caring and attentive parents. I also love it when Lydia and kitty are not allowed to be stupid flirts. Most of the characters whom we normally love to hate in the original story either make only a token appearance, no appearance, or actually worthy of respect in this story. I especially love it when Darcy romances Elizabeth from the very beginning and never acts like a pompous jerk.
June 16, 2025
One of the best
One of the best Elizabeth is not a Bennet tales. She joins the Bennets at eight years old and fits seamlessly into her new family. I especially like this version of the Bennet family; each is a better version of themselves, even Mr Collins. The connection with the Bingleys was believably done. The villains meet satisfying ends. Another good read from Ms Stratton.
One of the best Elizabeth is not a Bennet tales. She joins the Bennets at eight years old and fits seamlessly into her new family. I especially like this version of the Bennet family; each is a better version of themselves, even Mr Collins. The connection with the Bingleys was believably done. The villains meet satisfying ends. Another good read from Ms Stratton.
October 5, 2025
I didn't enjoy this variation for various reasons. The pace is slow. So slow that when Elizabeth meets her grandmother I had completely lost interest. Many scenes set in Hertfordshire are quite repetitive. The recognition scene is clearly inspired by the animated picture "Anastasia" (the dowager countess attitude, the role of her perfume, the secret artefact opened by a small key, the drawing...). That annoyed me quite a lot. I thought this story lacked originality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
Shadows of the past
What a lovely story! It is refreshing to have Mr. Bennet not indolent, Mrs. Bennet behave with propriety and be a loving mother, and, Caroline Bingley be kind and truly friendly. There is still enough bad guys and angst to keep the story moving. Looking forward to more from this author.
What a lovely story! It is refreshing to have Mr. Bennet not indolent, Mrs. Bennet behave with propriety and be a loving mother, and, Caroline Bingley be kind and truly friendly. There is still enough bad guys and angst to keep the story moving. Looking forward to more from this author.
June 24, 2025
Interesting, lively and not too dragged out with angst
I think it helped that there was plenty of E and D interaction throughout. Also that they were interested in each other fairly quickly. It was easier to bear all the death threats! Good read, and exceedingly happy endings for most of the characters.
I think it helped that there was plenty of E and D interaction throughout. Also that they were interested in each other fairly quickly. It was easier to bear all the death threats! Good read, and exceedingly happy endings for most of the characters.
July 6, 2025
Very Enjoyable!
Loved the Elizabeth is not a Bennett trope. Further enjoyed that this variation heavily focused on ODC. Wickham was a minor player and Lydia and Kitty barely played a role, which I like. Not gonna lie, it was interesting seeing Mr and Mrs Bennett actually be normal, loving parents. Enjoyable, well worth it
Loved the Elizabeth is not a Bennett trope. Further enjoyed that this variation heavily focused on ODC. Wickham was a minor player and Lydia and Kitty barely played a role, which I like. Not gonna lie, it was interesting seeing Mr and Mrs Bennett actually be normal, loving parents. Enjoyable, well worth it
May 27, 2025
Literally my only complaint is the hideously obvious Anastasia references in the last quarter. Don't get me wrong, Anastasia is one of my favorite movies, but the references were too overt. They drew me out of the story because they weren't subtle enough to be considered Easter eggs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews