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More Than You Know: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Fitzwilliam Darcy has spent years guarding a secret—one that could cost him everything.
Resigned to a solitary existence, Darcy has long accepted that love and marriage are luxuries beyond his reach. But when a chance encounter on the Yorkshire moors proves impossible to forget, the life he has so carefully constructed slowly begins to unravel.
Years later, drawn into Hertfordshire society by his friend Charles Bingley, Darcy crosses paths with Miss Elizabeth Bennet—clever, spirited, and unafraid to challenge him at every turn. Yet as his attraction to Elizabeth deepens, so does the fear that winning her affection would mean exposing a truth he has long kept hidden.
Unable to endure the agony of watching Bingley pursue the woman he loves, Darcy flees—but fate has other plans. When unexpected circumstances bring Elizabeth to Pemberley, his restraint is tested like never before.
Torn between duty and desire, Darcy must decide: will he cling to the barriers he has spent a lifetime building, or risk everything for the one woman he cannot forget?
Resigned to a solitary existence, Darcy has long accepted that love and marriage are luxuries beyond his reach. But when a chance encounter on the Yorkshire moors proves impossible to forget, the life he has so carefully constructed slowly begins to unravel.
Years later, drawn into Hertfordshire society by his friend Charles Bingley, Darcy crosses paths with Miss Elizabeth Bennet—clever, spirited, and unafraid to challenge him at every turn. Yet as his attraction to Elizabeth deepens, so does the fear that winning her affection would mean exposing a truth he has long kept hidden.
Unable to endure the agony of watching Bingley pursue the woman he loves, Darcy flees—but fate has other plans. When unexpected circumstances bring Elizabeth to Pemberley, his restraint is tested like never before.
Torn between duty and desire, Darcy must decide: will he cling to the barriers he has spent a lifetime building, or risk everything for the one woman he cannot forget?
398 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 27, 2025
This book boasts an engaging premise that baits and teases its readers, making it difficult to stop turning pages until Mr. Darcy's secret is revealed. By then, you're thoroughly hooked!
This story's sweet meet-cute Prologue introduces us to an obviously troubled Darcy in Yorkshire not long after his father has died. For three mornings in a row, he encounters a captivating, carefree girl of about sixteen walking in the countryside. As they are not properly introduced, he calls her "Miss Rivers" and gives his own name as "William." All he knows about her is that she lives in Hertfordshire and is traveling on holiday with her aunt and uncle. When she and her relations are about to leave the area, he presses for her real name, and she tells him it's...Jane!
The book picks up four years later in Darcy's London home, where a conversation he has with his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, makes it apparent that he has just prevented Wickham from eloping with Georgiana. Also, some mysterious circumstance prevents Darcy from believing he can ever marry (although Richard clearly disagrees), and he has recently informed Lady Catherine of this to make her stop pressuring him about marrying Anne.
Most importantly, Richard brings up Darcy's compulsive, inexplicable search for Jane in Hertfordshire. Darcy doesn't know why, but he needs to be assured the girl he met four years ago is well and happy.
At the colonel's insistence, Darcy accedes to Bingley's pleas to attend an upcoming ball and meet his friend's latest angel. Once there, he's shocked to recognize Bingley's lady as his Jane...
...only she's introduced to him as Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
To the amazement of everyone who knows he always stands on the fringes of the room and never dances, he dances with her. He confirms that, yes, this is the same girl he met in Yorkshire and she's just as enchanting as the young girl in his memory, a cheery light that dispels the darkness he carries. After their dance, he immediately leaves the ball.
That's the crux of the story: the woman Darcy finds more and more bewitching is being wooed by Bingley, and he has no right to interfere both because his friend has the prior claim on her affection and because he cannot marry. Why? It's a serious obstacle-- no mere misunderstanding or misplaced pride-- that isn't revealed until well into the book despite many vague hints that don't give it away.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth like a compass needle to true north, but he doesn't dare get too close. His inconsistent behavior bewilders and also intrigues her. With the book's shifting point of view between the two characters, their mutual attraction and frustration become palpable.
As everyone who's read Pride and Prejudice knows, Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth are similarly outgoing and easy in company, so it stands to reason that they are comfortable together. But where does that leave Jane and Mr. Darcy?
Ms. Altman shows more than tells, relating her story through well-written dialogue and actions. The plot is unpredictable and fresh. (I love that Charlotte gets some love here!) Thankfully, unpredictability doesn't mean it's unbelievable... at least not beyond the types of coincidences that are common in novels. I noted no glaring editing errors.
Highly recommend! Content is clean.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story's sweet meet-cute Prologue introduces us to an obviously troubled Darcy in Yorkshire not long after his father has died. For three mornings in a row, he encounters a captivating, carefree girl of about sixteen walking in the countryside. As they are not properly introduced, he calls her "Miss Rivers" and gives his own name as "William." All he knows about her is that she lives in Hertfordshire and is traveling on holiday with her aunt and uncle. When she and her relations are about to leave the area, he presses for her real name, and she tells him it's...Jane!
The book picks up four years later in Darcy's London home, where a conversation he has with his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, makes it apparent that he has just prevented Wickham from eloping with Georgiana. Also, some mysterious circumstance prevents Darcy from believing he can ever marry (although Richard clearly disagrees), and he has recently informed Lady Catherine of this to make her stop pressuring him about marrying Anne.
Most importantly, Richard brings up Darcy's compulsive, inexplicable search for Jane in Hertfordshire. Darcy doesn't know why, but he needs to be assured the girl he met four years ago is well and happy.
At the colonel's insistence, Darcy accedes to Bingley's pleas to attend an upcoming ball and meet his friend's latest angel. Once there, he's shocked to recognize Bingley's lady as his Jane...
...only she's introduced to him as Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
To the amazement of everyone who knows he always stands on the fringes of the room and never dances, he dances with her. He confirms that, yes, this is the same girl he met in Yorkshire and she's just as enchanting as the young girl in his memory, a cheery light that dispels the darkness he carries. After their dance, he immediately leaves the ball.
That's the crux of the story: the woman Darcy finds more and more bewitching is being wooed by Bingley, and he has no right to interfere both because his friend has the prior claim on her affection and because he cannot marry. Why? It's a serious obstacle-- no mere misunderstanding or misplaced pride-- that isn't revealed until well into the book despite many vague hints that don't give it away.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth like a compass needle to true north, but he doesn't dare get too close. His inconsistent behavior bewilders and also intrigues her. With the book's shifting point of view between the two characters, their mutual attraction and frustration become palpable.
As everyone who's read Pride and Prejudice knows, Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth are similarly outgoing and easy in company, so it stands to reason that they are comfortable together. But where does that leave Jane and Mr. Darcy?
Ms. Altman shows more than tells, relating her story through well-written dialogue and actions. The plot is unpredictable and fresh. (I love that Charlotte gets some love here!) Thankfully, unpredictability doesn't mean it's unbelievable... at least not beyond the types of coincidences that are common in novels. I noted no glaring editing errors.
Highly recommend! Content is clean.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2025
In a word. Beautiful.
“Within a fortnight they would reach their destination, and he would learn his fate – whether he would be granted a chance at an ordinary existence or condemned to an uncertain future.” (quote from the book)
This is a deeply layered novel with emotional impact. One that has Mr. Darcy vowing never to marry but finds himself falling in love and fighting his attraction to the only woman who has haunted him since he met her many years ago.
“The lady – a virtual stranger – had sparked an almost visceral need to know her better, to unravel the mystery of her bright, knowing eyes and easy smile.” (quote from the book)
Just in the Prologue alone, you feel the intensity of their connection made on the windswept moors of Yorkshire. All Mr. Darcy truly knows of her is that she comes from Hertfordshire and a first name. I was captured right along with him.
“And then she looked up, and their gazes locked. Darcy froze. A jolt – sharp and startling – shot through him as recognition struck with blinding clarity.” (quote from the book)
He has found her, quite by accident, though he had been searching every time he passed through Hertfordshire. She is Mr. Bingley’s latest ‘angel’. From here the story unfolds in painful agony for Mr. Darcy as he fights to keep the walls surrounding his heart firmly in place. His duty, his honour and his pride demand it. But why?
As I said earlier, this is a beautiful story. I struggle to explain the intensity of Darcy and Elizabeth’s emotions, the simmering chemistry between them that is lovingly portrayed and the way the story progresses still stays with me days after I have read it. There is so much more within this novel that I enjoyed: a few tweaks to canon, new characters to enjoy, different outcomes for some and wonderful swoon-worthy moments! As for his secret, I had my suspicions.
I highly recommend Ms. Altman’s newest book! It was worth the wait!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 30, 2025
Nope.
Yes, there will be spoilers.
I nearly declined to submit even a rating for this story as I remained ambivalent for much of it and I liked Altman’s To Conquer Pride so well. After all, a dull story not to my taste, if well-written, doesn’t necessarily deserve a less than great review. Then the author had to “go there” with progressive politics.
A thin plot where the author is tediously secretive about Darcy having epilepsy for the majority of the story, with a subplot twist of homosexual overtones thrown in—purely as a means to lecture the reader—gets a ‘no’ from me. Or was the shabby, surface level treatment of a serious medical condition like epilepsy used as a mere vehicle to preach the “love is love” message? Either way—little depth, no romance, no resemblance to canon.
Speaking as a disabled person from birth myself, I find the drawing of equivalence between the stigma of disability and that of sexual preference to be highly offensive.
Yes, there will be spoilers.
I nearly declined to submit even a rating for this story as I remained ambivalent for much of it and I liked Altman’s To Conquer Pride so well. After all, a dull story not to my taste, if well-written, doesn’t necessarily deserve a less than great review. Then the author had to “go there” with progressive politics.
A thin plot where the author is tediously secretive about Darcy having epilepsy for the majority of the story, with a subplot twist of homosexual overtones thrown in—purely as a means to lecture the reader—gets a ‘no’ from me. Or was the shabby, surface level treatment of a serious medical condition like epilepsy used as a mere vehicle to preach the “love is love” message? Either way—little depth, no romance, no resemblance to canon.
Speaking as a disabled person from birth myself, I find the drawing of equivalence between the stigma of disability and that of sexual preference to be highly offensive.
August 5, 2025
Beautifully narrated and a story full of heart.
This is an audiobook review.
Stevie Zimmerman’s warm and polished performance fits the tone of this multi-trope variation beautifully. She really draws out the characters’ emotions—and my own—as she performs their voices. Her well-deserved admiration within the JAFF audiobook community is no surprise; she is truly among the best, making all her works easy to recommend.
More Than You Know opens with a touching, bittersweet prologue: a grieving young Darcy encounters a solitary girl on the Yorkshire moors. He introduces himself as William; Elizabeth says her name is Jane. Neither ever forgets their meeting.
Darcy and Elizabeth's initial youthful encounters fast-forward four years to the Meryton assembly. Their recognition is instant, but Darcy is confused and hurt: she's clearly the same girl, but not Jane.
In the time since their first meeting, Darcy has built walls around himself so high that not even love can breach them. He’s holding on to a secret—one he’s convinced makes marriage for him impossible. This secret casts a shadow over most of the book, but the author uses it to explore his fears, his loneliness, and the choices he feels forced to make for others, not just himself.
I didn’t expect just how tangled the romance aspect of the story would become. Bingley’s courting Elizabeth, but it’s clear that her heart isn’t quite in it. Jane, in turn, harbours feelings for Bingley, but he appears determined to be honourable, given his attentions to Elizabeth and Darcy’s reminders of them. And with Darcy’s obvious love for Elizabeth and his refusal to even consider marriage, you have a surprisingly emotional love triangle—or rather, two overlapping ones. Everyone seems to be misaligned and moving in the wrong direction. I love the unexpected.
Elizabeth isn’t passive, however. She’s observant, brave, and when secrets are revealed, is willing to fight for what matters to her.
There are only explanatory mentions of Wickham in this book; he has no active role but who needs him when there’s a Caroline Bingley to malign Darcy’s reputation? Shocking, right? Charlotte’s part is minor, but I’m happy she gets a happy ending without being stuck with you know who!
Jennifer Altman writes with a lot of heart, and she makes her characters feel real and believable. Though it’s been a long while since her last release, this book was absolutely worth the wait. Even with an epilogue, I still wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye when it ended. I’ll be thinking about this Elizabeth and Darcy journey for a while, quietly hopeful for them.
Highly recommend.
This is an audiobook review.
Stevie Zimmerman’s warm and polished performance fits the tone of this multi-trope variation beautifully. She really draws out the characters’ emotions—and my own—as she performs their voices. Her well-deserved admiration within the JAFF audiobook community is no surprise; she is truly among the best, making all her works easy to recommend.
More Than You Know opens with a touching, bittersweet prologue: a grieving young Darcy encounters a solitary girl on the Yorkshire moors. He introduces himself as William; Elizabeth says her name is Jane. Neither ever forgets their meeting.
Darcy and Elizabeth's initial youthful encounters fast-forward four years to the Meryton assembly. Their recognition is instant, but Darcy is confused and hurt: she's clearly the same girl, but not Jane.
In the time since their first meeting, Darcy has built walls around himself so high that not even love can breach them. He’s holding on to a secret—one he’s convinced makes marriage for him impossible. This secret casts a shadow over most of the book, but the author uses it to explore his fears, his loneliness, and the choices he feels forced to make for others, not just himself.
I didn’t expect just how tangled the romance aspect of the story would become. Bingley’s courting Elizabeth, but it’s clear that her heart isn’t quite in it. Jane, in turn, harbours feelings for Bingley, but he appears determined to be honourable, given his attentions to Elizabeth and Darcy’s reminders of them. And with Darcy’s obvious love for Elizabeth and his refusal to even consider marriage, you have a surprisingly emotional love triangle—or rather, two overlapping ones. Everyone seems to be misaligned and moving in the wrong direction. I love the unexpected.
Elizabeth isn’t passive, however. She’s observant, brave, and when secrets are revealed, is willing to fight for what matters to her.
There are only explanatory mentions of Wickham in this book; he has no active role but who needs him when there’s a Caroline Bingley to malign Darcy’s reputation? Shocking, right? Charlotte’s part is minor, but I’m happy she gets a happy ending without being stuck with you know who!
Jennifer Altman writes with a lot of heart, and she makes her characters feel real and believable. Though it’s been a long while since her last release, this book was absolutely worth the wait. Even with an epilogue, I still wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye when it ended. I’ll be thinking about this Elizabeth and Darcy journey for a while, quietly hopeful for them.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2025
The author tells us in her story description that Darcy has a secret. Although there were many reasons I was drawn into this story, that phrase alone kept me glued to the pages. Several reviewers state that they suspected what the secret was but I truly had no clue.
We do have Darcy and Elizabeth meeting four years before the main story begins, while walking in Yorkshire and then meeting again on several more days. When they finally decide to share their names, he is "William" and she is "Jane".
So four years later we have a twist in that Elizabeth has met Bingley and an engagement is expected by all who have observed their relationship. This Darcy is even more of a recluse; rarely socializing and only dances once...with Elizabeth.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth and jealous of Bingley but makes it very clear that he will never marry. In fact he plans to have Georgiana enter society at a young age and then to move to the continent and never return to England. Why?
We do have other romances but some are different from those of canon. The Gardiners play a part, more so than the Bennets in this variation. And there are several new characters. A Mr. Walsh is a man of interest and rumours whisper as to his relationship with Darcy.
The "secret" is long in being revealed. I was glad to have the topic as a premise. It is one I would never have guessed would be used in a P&P Variation but was well done.
I have read other stories by this author and also enjoyed them I highly recommend this story.
We do have Darcy and Elizabeth meeting four years before the main story begins, while walking in Yorkshire and then meeting again on several more days. When they finally decide to share their names, he is "William" and she is "Jane".
So four years later we have a twist in that Elizabeth has met Bingley and an engagement is expected by all who have observed their relationship. This Darcy is even more of a recluse; rarely socializing and only dances once...with Elizabeth.
Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth and jealous of Bingley but makes it very clear that he will never marry. In fact he plans to have Georgiana enter society at a young age and then to move to the continent and never return to England. Why?
We do have other romances but some are different from those of canon. The Gardiners play a part, more so than the Bennets in this variation. And there are several new characters. A Mr. Walsh is a man of interest and rumours whisper as to his relationship with Darcy.
The "secret" is long in being revealed. I was glad to have the topic as a premise. It is one I would never have guessed would be used in a P&P Variation but was well done.
I have read other stories by this author and also enjoyed them I highly recommend this story.
April 26, 2025
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature teen
>>Angst Level was medium, and gripping. The author had me thinking one thing, and it was something else. Not nice, Altman, not nice.
>>Source: I borrowed this via KU [3-27-25] and volunteered to leave a review. This contains a prologue, 22 chapters, and an epilogue.
>>Trope: Illness
Darcy first meets a young Miss in 1807. They will meet again in 1811. However, Elizabeth was already half in love with the memory of the man from the Yorkshire moor. Unfortunately, by the time his friend, Mr. Darcy, arrived for the Meryton Assembly, she was ‘sort of’ being courted by Mr. Bingley. Oh, dear.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had to put Miss Caroline Bingley on the right track, just not the same one that Darcy was on.
Darcy was a mess. He was holding a secret close to his vest that only a few knew. He was determined to never marry, and as soon as Georgiana was settled, he would leave the country. I was chewing my nails as I tried to figure out what was going on. The hints had me going in a totally different direction. Well done, Altman, not nice, but well done. Today, it would not cause a ripple, but during that period, it would have.
It would take Darcy and Elizabeth time to sort out their love for each other. Lover’s angst is hard to read and endure. The reader can see both sides of the issue, but the characters cannot. They have to work out their problems before they can come together.
>>Rating: Mature teen
>>Angst Level was medium, and gripping. The author had me thinking one thing, and it was something else. Not nice, Altman, not nice.
>>Source: I borrowed this via KU [3-27-25] and volunteered to leave a review. This contains a prologue, 22 chapters, and an epilogue.
>>Trope: Illness
Darcy first meets a young Miss in 1807. They will meet again in 1811. However, Elizabeth was already half in love with the memory of the man from the Yorkshire moor. Unfortunately, by the time his friend, Mr. Darcy, arrived for the Meryton Assembly, she was ‘sort of’ being courted by Mr. Bingley. Oh, dear.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had to put Miss Caroline Bingley on the right track, just not the same one that Darcy was on.
Darcy was a mess. He was holding a secret close to his vest that only a few knew. He was determined to never marry, and as soon as Georgiana was settled, he would leave the country. I was chewing my nails as I tried to figure out what was going on. The hints had me going in a totally different direction. Well done, Altman, not nice, but well done. Today, it would not cause a ripple, but during that period, it would have.
It would take Darcy and Elizabeth time to sort out their love for each other. Lover’s angst is hard to read and endure. The reader can see both sides of the issue, but the characters cannot. They have to work out their problems before they can come together.
June 13, 2025
The author has outdone herself.
Oh my heart. The story grabbed me from the very beginning, and what a wonderful, mysterious, sweet little prologue it was.
We know very soon that something plagues Fitzwilliam Darcy, an illness? Physical or psychological we don’t know yet soon enough we suspect what it is.
Darcy meets Elizabeth again years later at a ball and many complications occur out of this meeting. Elizabeth is as captivated as he is but he leaves immediately after dancing one dance filled with uncomfortable conversation.
Bingley is there at the ball escorting Elizabeth whom he has been calling upon frequently, looking like for everyone to observe they will be courting soon. What? Lizzy and Bingley?
The story then travels along canon scenes with Netherfield being let, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visiting. Miss Bingley clinging and cloying and sneering at Eliza. With the addition of a new character who stays with Darcy everywhere he goes we’re thinking we may know what Darcy is suffering from. Darcy’s avowal to never marry adds to the questions
The plot is so well written. Beautifully edited. The story is incredibly moving sometimes and heartbreaking other times. I cannot express how much I loved it, with all the angst but with all the love too. I loved the way Jane and Bingley’s story worked out. Loved the much better life the author gave Charlotte. And even Miss Bingley.
But of course we’re completely invested in Darcy and Elizabeth and how in the world the author is going to bring them to their happily ever after. And she does! Whew! Sigh. Highly recommend.
Oh my heart. The story grabbed me from the very beginning, and what a wonderful, mysterious, sweet little prologue it was.
We know very soon that something plagues Fitzwilliam Darcy, an illness? Physical or psychological we don’t know yet soon enough we suspect what it is.
Darcy meets Elizabeth again years later at a ball and many complications occur out of this meeting. Elizabeth is as captivated as he is but he leaves immediately after dancing one dance filled with uncomfortable conversation.
Bingley is there at the ball escorting Elizabeth whom he has been calling upon frequently, looking like for everyone to observe they will be courting soon. What? Lizzy and Bingley?
The story then travels along canon scenes with Netherfield being let, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visiting. Miss Bingley clinging and cloying and sneering at Eliza. With the addition of a new character who stays with Darcy everywhere he goes we’re thinking we may know what Darcy is suffering from. Darcy’s avowal to never marry adds to the questions
The plot is so well written. Beautifully edited. The story is incredibly moving sometimes and heartbreaking other times. I cannot express how much I loved it, with all the angst but with all the love too. I loved the way Jane and Bingley’s story worked out. Loved the much better life the author gave Charlotte. And even Miss Bingley.
But of course we’re completely invested in Darcy and Elizabeth and how in the world the author is going to bring them to their happily ever after. And she does! Whew! Sigh. Highly recommend.
August 29, 2025
Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined: he will never marry. But after an unexpected encounter at a Yorkshire moor this resolve begins to crumble.
Years later he accompanies Bingley to the latter’s new estate Netherfield. There he becomes acquainted with the witty Elizabeth Bennet and the more he gets to know her the more he is drawn to her. But he can't risk winning her affection, lest she could discover his secret. And in addition she is courted by his friend Bingley.
Therefore Darcy flees to Pemberley. But unexpected circumstances bring Elizabeth again in his company and his resolve crumbles further.
Will Darcy continue to cling to duty instead of pursuing his heart's interest? Will Elizabeth even return his love? And will he be able to guard his secret?
The book was very well written by the author Jennifer Altman. I was captured from the very first page of the book and it kept my attention until the very last one. Most of the time there was an undertone that was a bit sad because of the impossible love between Darcy and Elizabeth. But this undertone was not oppressive, it felt fitting for the circumstances because most of the book there seems to be no future for their love. It was very well done.
In most books Darcy is my hero because he is the one that needs to convince Elizabeth of his love. This book is different. Because of Darcy’s resolve to never marry it is Elizabeth who needs to persuade Darcy. And she is very brave and determined in this endeavour. I like her resolve and that she is willing to fight for Darcy and their love. Fortunately, due to their encounter years prior, she is not so prejudiced against Darcy. There are some points that need to be talked of but after that there is only Darcy's determination to never marry as an impediment to her love for him. But fortunately that does not stop Elizabeth from pursuing her heart's wish.
Normally it's Darcy who first falls in love. In this variation he is affected by Elizabeth but due to his secret he vowed never to marry. Unfortunately he clings to this notion nearly the whole book despite his growing feelings for Elizabeth. He finally understands that he is in love with her and even knows that she loves him, too, but nevertheless he doesn't change his mind due to his secret. I can understand that this secret impacts his life and that his life is changed to the life he lives in other variations. I can also understand that he is vulnerable, insecure and unsure. But in addition to this he is the stubborn one this time. He stubbornly clings to his vows and is not able to change his mind due to changed circumstances. And in addition to the changed circumstances he has the promises of a life lived in love and loving support at his side to shoulder the secret. So therefore it was him I wanted to shake several times (normally I have this feeling due to Elizabeth's behaviour).
There is a big secret surrounding Darcy. There are some hints to the nature of the secret (my guess in this regard was right 😉) but we get to know the full extent and the nature of it only when Darcy initiates Elizabeth. But even Elizabeth's knowledge doesn't change Darcy's way of thinking.
Due to Darcy's refusal to marry we have the unusual pairing of Elizabeth and Bingley in the beginning. But do not fear, everybody's love interest will finally be as we expect it 😉.
I really enjoyed the marriage proposal in this variation. I will not tell more to not spoil this but it was really unique and wonderful.
There are no real villains in the story, Wickham is already dealt with 😉. The only thing that is able to come between Darcy and Elizabeth is Darcy's secret. Thankfully all is resolved in the end and therefore - despite the premise - Darcy and Elizabeth are to be wed.
If you like to know if Elizabeth will be able to change Darcy's resolve to never marry you should read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
_____
Addition for the audiobook:
The audiobook was narrated by the exceptional Stevie Zimmerman. Audiobooks narrated by her truly never disappoint. This one is no exception, she makes an excellent book even better. I must confess, while reading the book I had her in mind if I could wish for a narrator for the audiobook. Therefore this is a dream coming true for me ;-)
When Stevie Zimmerman narrates an audiobook she always voices the characters with different voices - therefore you are at every point of the story able to tell who is talking to whom. I love that so very much. It’s a feeling like being amongst friends and hearing them talk.
Years later he accompanies Bingley to the latter’s new estate Netherfield. There he becomes acquainted with the witty Elizabeth Bennet and the more he gets to know her the more he is drawn to her. But he can't risk winning her affection, lest she could discover his secret. And in addition she is courted by his friend Bingley.
Therefore Darcy flees to Pemberley. But unexpected circumstances bring Elizabeth again in his company and his resolve crumbles further.
Will Darcy continue to cling to duty instead of pursuing his heart's interest? Will Elizabeth even return his love? And will he be able to guard his secret?
The book was very well written by the author Jennifer Altman. I was captured from the very first page of the book and it kept my attention until the very last one. Most of the time there was an undertone that was a bit sad because of the impossible love between Darcy and Elizabeth. But this undertone was not oppressive, it felt fitting for the circumstances because most of the book there seems to be no future for their love. It was very well done.
In most books Darcy is my hero because he is the one that needs to convince Elizabeth of his love. This book is different. Because of Darcy’s resolve to never marry it is Elizabeth who needs to persuade Darcy. And she is very brave and determined in this endeavour. I like her resolve and that she is willing to fight for Darcy and their love. Fortunately, due to their encounter years prior, she is not so prejudiced against Darcy. There are some points that need to be talked of but after that there is only Darcy's determination to never marry as an impediment to her love for him. But fortunately that does not stop Elizabeth from pursuing her heart's wish.
Normally it's Darcy who first falls in love. In this variation he is affected by Elizabeth but due to his secret he vowed never to marry. Unfortunately he clings to this notion nearly the whole book despite his growing feelings for Elizabeth. He finally understands that he is in love with her and even knows that she loves him, too, but nevertheless he doesn't change his mind due to his secret. I can understand that this secret impacts his life and that his life is changed to the life he lives in other variations. I can also understand that he is vulnerable, insecure and unsure. But in addition to this he is the stubborn one this time. He stubbornly clings to his vows and is not able to change his mind due to changed circumstances. And in addition to the changed circumstances he has the promises of a life lived in love and loving support at his side to shoulder the secret. So therefore it was him I wanted to shake several times (normally I have this feeling due to Elizabeth's behaviour).
There is a big secret surrounding Darcy. There are some hints to the nature of the secret (my guess in this regard was right 😉) but we get to know the full extent and the nature of it only when Darcy initiates Elizabeth. But even Elizabeth's knowledge doesn't change Darcy's way of thinking.
Due to Darcy's refusal to marry we have the unusual pairing of Elizabeth and Bingley in the beginning. But do not fear, everybody's love interest will finally be as we expect it 😉.
I really enjoyed the marriage proposal in this variation. I will not tell more to not spoil this but it was really unique and wonderful.
There are no real villains in the story, Wickham is already dealt with 😉. The only thing that is able to come between Darcy and Elizabeth is Darcy's secret. Thankfully all is resolved in the end and therefore - despite the premise - Darcy and Elizabeth are to be wed.
If you like to know if Elizabeth will be able to change Darcy's resolve to never marry you should read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
_____
Addition for the audiobook:
The audiobook was narrated by the exceptional Stevie Zimmerman. Audiobooks narrated by her truly never disappoint. This one is no exception, she makes an excellent book even better. I must confess, while reading the book I had her in mind if I could wish for a narrator for the audiobook. Therefore this is a dream coming true for me ;-)
When Stevie Zimmerman narrates an audiobook she always voices the characters with different voices - therefore you are at every point of the story able to tell who is talking to whom. I love that so very much. It’s a feeling like being amongst friends and hearing them talk.
May 15, 2025
Enchanting tale of love and understanding
Lovely story with a different set of circumstances, and some interesting original ones, with references to the usual villains but the appearance of only one, and not for long. The love story between our dear couple is remarkable and so very sweet!
Lovely story with a different set of circumstances, and some interesting original ones, with references to the usual villains but the appearance of only one, and not for long. The love story between our dear couple is remarkable and so very sweet!
May 2, 2025
It just dragged on and on
I don't normally give up on a book, but I got halfway through before giving up. The author spends the first half of the book painting Darcy as possibly being gay. It took me reading the only other one star review to determine he has epilepsy. Unfortunately, if he's had seizures, other people would know so all this secrecy is somewhat over kill. Additionally, in that time period, seizures were not well understood medically and people who experienced them were frequently institutionalized.
I don't normally give up on a book, but I got halfway through before giving up. The author spends the first half of the book painting Darcy as possibly being gay. It took me reading the only other one star review to determine he has epilepsy. Unfortunately, if he's had seizures, other people would know so all this secrecy is somewhat over kill. Additionally, in that time period, seizures were not well understood medically and people who experienced them were frequently institutionalized.
April 3, 2025
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
The prologue, set in 1807 is delightful, romantic and whimsical.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is travelling in Yorkshire when he meets The Girl (Elizabeth Bennet). Both are staying in a country village and meet by a stream, while exploring the countryside.
They don't share names but meet for three delightful early morning walks.
The memories are precious to both of them and Darcy has tried to find her for five years.
When we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy in 1811, he carries a dark shadow with him.
We see both his reticence and the concern of his friend Walsh and cousin Fitzwilliam.
Darcy is adamant that he will not marry due to the potential impact on a wife and children.
I wondered if this was going to be Gothic. Fitzwilliam Darcy - Werewolf!
In reality the "shadow" is slightly less mysterious but equally dangerous. A diagnosis that many physicians likened to lunacy.
Darcy fears that if his secret is shared, he may find himself committed to an asylum.
When Darcy meets Elizabeth again, he is drawn to her but remains unwilling to marry.
When Elizabeth attends Pemberley for Christmas, they are thrown together and acknowledge their mutual affection.
She learns his secret and is determined to help him, but struggles with his determination to remain unmarried.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy overcome such obstacles?
Enjoyable story and Darcy's secret keeps you enthralled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
The prologue, set in 1807 is delightful, romantic and whimsical.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is travelling in Yorkshire when he meets The Girl (Elizabeth Bennet). Both are staying in a country village and meet by a stream, while exploring the countryside.
They don't share names but meet for three delightful early morning walks.
The memories are precious to both of them and Darcy has tried to find her for five years.
When we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy in 1811, he carries a dark shadow with him.
We see both his reticence and the concern of his friend Walsh and cousin Fitzwilliam.
Darcy is adamant that he will not marry due to the potential impact on a wife and children.
I wondered if this was going to be Gothic. Fitzwilliam Darcy - Werewolf!
In reality the "shadow" is slightly less mysterious but equally dangerous. A diagnosis that many physicians likened to lunacy.
Darcy fears that if his secret is shared, he may find himself committed to an asylum.
When Darcy meets Elizabeth again, he is drawn to her but remains unwilling to marry.
When Elizabeth attends Pemberley for Christmas, they are thrown together and acknowledge their mutual affection.
She learns his secret and is determined to help him, but struggles with his determination to remain unmarried.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy overcome such obstacles?
Enjoyable story and Darcy's secret keeps you enthralled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2025
inventive plot
This novel is an engaging story with a plot I hadn’t read before, which is saying something if one reads in this genre often. The mystery surrounding Darcy’s “secret” I found a bit eye-rolling at times. That an illness that has been made more benign by modern medicine was at the heart of the mystery took me awhile to accept as believable but that had everything to do with me and not the writing. In fact it seemed the thing that required the greatest suspension of disbelief was that anyone at all was aware of, and accepting of, Elizabeth’s Yorkshire uncle. Although the contrast with Darcy was apropos.
This novel is an engaging story with a plot I hadn’t read before, which is saying something if one reads in this genre often. The mystery surrounding Darcy’s “secret” I found a bit eye-rolling at times. That an illness that has been made more benign by modern medicine was at the heart of the mystery took me awhile to accept as believable but that had everything to do with me and not the writing. In fact it seemed the thing that required the greatest suspension of disbelief was that anyone at all was aware of, and accepting of, Elizabeth’s Yorkshire uncle. Although the contrast with Darcy was apropos.
April 7, 2025
4.25*
What a tangled web we weave. These triangles always stress me out and it always requires me to take breaks rather than reading straight through which I think does me a disservice. I do love her writing though. This was a bit of a twist on canon and my heart bled a bit for them. Not as much as in Faults of Understanding which I just reread (during one of the breaks), but it did bleed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a tangled web we weave. These triangles always stress me out and it always requires me to take breaks rather than reading straight through which I think does me a disservice. I do love her writing though. This was a bit of a twist on canon and my heart bled a bit for them. Not as much as in Faults of Understanding which I just reread (during one of the breaks), but it did bleed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2025
Beautiful
A beautiful and poignant variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Altman. I enjoyed it.
A beautiful and poignant variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Altman. I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. This is a nearly complete rewrite, rather than a variation or revision, of Pride and Prejudice, but I love it. It might have been fine as an original story rather than being based on P&P, but then I might not have read it, and I would not have liked to miss it.
It's not easy to write about any form of disorder or disability without the story veering into the realm of the message story, becoming more about the disorder than about the characters. But this is so well done that it doesn't seem that way at all.
Mr. Darcy has a medical anomaly, one that he fears could ruin the reputation of his sister and family, and even cost him his freedom, if others knew of it. If we think there are stigmas today about certain things, imagine how it was in the early 19th century. Because of his secret malady, he's decided he will never marry. His goal is to get his sister Georgiana through her first Season, find her a decent husband, and then for him to leave Pemberley to her, and exit the country.
Years earlier, though, he met a girl while traveling through Yorkshire. A girl he's never forgotten. Although he didn't learn her surname at that time, he has wondered about her, even searched for her, ever since. One can imagine his surprise when he accompanies his cousin to a ball and meets her again, learns her real name, and then he accompanies Mr. Bingley into Hertfordshire, and learns she lives on the neighboring estate. And she's being courted by Bingley!
I can't do more of a synopsis justice, without making this story seem outlandish or contrived. But the book doesn't read that way, and although the story has its flaws, a couple of things characters do that made me stop and wonder why, all in all it's a romantic and plausible story, and evokes the kinds of feelings I like to get from a P&P variation. It's not high-angst, but there is enough tender angst and romance to make it a completely satisfying read. I love it and recommend it highly.
It's not easy to write about any form of disorder or disability without the story veering into the realm of the message story, becoming more about the disorder than about the characters. But this is so well done that it doesn't seem that way at all.
Mr. Darcy has a medical anomaly, one that he fears could ruin the reputation of his sister and family, and even cost him his freedom, if others knew of it. If we think there are stigmas today about certain things, imagine how it was in the early 19th century. Because of his secret malady, he's decided he will never marry. His goal is to get his sister Georgiana through her first Season, find her a decent husband, and then for him to leave Pemberley to her, and exit the country.
Years earlier, though, he met a girl while traveling through Yorkshire. A girl he's never forgotten. Although he didn't learn her surname at that time, he has wondered about her, even searched for her, ever since. One can imagine his surprise when he accompanies his cousin to a ball and meets her again, learns her real name, and then he accompanies Mr. Bingley into Hertfordshire, and learns she lives on the neighboring estate. And she's being courted by Bingley!
I can't do more of a synopsis justice, without making this story seem outlandish or contrived. But the book doesn't read that way, and although the story has its flaws, a couple of things characters do that made me stop and wonder why, all in all it's a romantic and plausible story, and evokes the kinds of feelings I like to get from a P&P variation. It's not high-angst, but there is enough tender angst and romance to make it a completely satisfying read. I love it and recommend it highly.
September 13, 2025
I have to go with Elizabeth String's review that is titled "It just goes on and on...".
I had already read the author's "Faults of Understanding" and really enjoyed it, so I dived right into this one. Alas, it was soooo tedious! Page after page, I wanted to dump it. But after investing time in it, I hated to DNF it. But honestly...nothing was happening, and it all seemed so same, same, same. It's not enough to write in Austenesque style, with the manners of the day and the correct character attributes! ALL these variations have this problem, but usually I am interested enough in the actual variation (or steamier love scenes, or unexpected plots!) to not expect Austen's wit and observations, too. Jane Austen's books could have been 12oo pages long, and nobody would have minded, because every paragraph was delightful, deeply observant of human nature and society, or just plain funny, making fun of the mores and attitudes of the day. Even the speech, of which she was a part! Jane was so intelligent, so far above us all....
Anyway, the variation in this one, at the start, was that Bingley was courting Elizabeth, having not met Jane yet. And he went ON courting her, but not really? They were an "item" and expected to get married, but he never got to the point, and even Elizabeth did not seem to be worrying about whether to marry him or not, or how she would let him down. It just went on and on. The distraction was Darcy.
So this book has a MAJOR twist concerning Darcy and his mysteriousness......! Unlike any other. But you don't find out until deep into the book. I noted that on page 222, (I have lost the actual page number, but it was somewhere after 200, of a 337 page book) things FINALLY started to pick up and get good! But this was in relation, I think, to Darcy going out in the snow to rescue Elizabeth, and then taking her (all alone! gasp!) to the Dower House instead of the main one.
Another thing in this story I did not like was the introduction of Darcy possibly being gay. Not at ALL out of character for Caroline Bingley to suggest it, though! But I find it (again! In all the historical novels and reproductions) an anachronism, to not only have Elizabeth, a well brought up young lady, KNOW about homosexuality, but be sympathetic and understanding about it. I'm not believing it. People were gay, then, of course, but they were 16 stories underground and in the back of the big, dark closet. I'm sure there were women who lived and died and never knew about it. Most everyone else who did find out about it was repulsed and disgusted. Gay men were beaten up, if not killed. I'm telling you, I grew up in the 60s, did not know about it until the 70s, and did not know anyone who was gay. Liberace was a candidate in my mind. My mother likewise in the 1950s. My father told her, and she wouldn't believe it. Young people today have no idea of how it was!
So, yes, this novel had some interesting plot departures (and it's hard to be original these days with so many!), but most of the book was just so tedious, like it was marking time. I did like the epilogue, although those things go too fast, I can't absorb all the happenings we learn about. Spoilers: And others have mentioned that this one leaves out the first Darcy proposal, the whole Wickham elopement with Lydia---in fact, Lydia is barely mentioned and Wickham never meets the Bennets!---and the whole Mr. Collins asking Elizabeth to marry him! It was Mary he asked! And good girl, she turned him down, too! But Charlotte has a whole OTHER romance, Ms. Altman was good to Charlotte.
And, oooh, the Orangerie.....!
I gave it 3 stars because it finally picked up and caught my interest in the last 100 pages.
I had already read the author's "Faults of Understanding" and really enjoyed it, so I dived right into this one. Alas, it was soooo tedious! Page after page, I wanted to dump it. But after investing time in it, I hated to DNF it. But honestly...nothing was happening, and it all seemed so same, same, same. It's not enough to write in Austenesque style, with the manners of the day and the correct character attributes! ALL these variations have this problem, but usually I am interested enough in the actual variation (or steamier love scenes, or unexpected plots!) to not expect Austen's wit and observations, too. Jane Austen's books could have been 12oo pages long, and nobody would have minded, because every paragraph was delightful, deeply observant of human nature and society, or just plain funny, making fun of the mores and attitudes of the day. Even the speech, of which she was a part! Jane was so intelligent, so far above us all....
Anyway, the variation in this one, at the start, was that Bingley was courting Elizabeth, having not met Jane yet. And he went ON courting her, but not really? They were an "item" and expected to get married, but he never got to the point, and even Elizabeth did not seem to be worrying about whether to marry him or not, or how she would let him down. It just went on and on. The distraction was Darcy.
So this book has a MAJOR twist concerning Darcy and his mysteriousness......! Unlike any other. But you don't find out until deep into the book. I noted that on page 222, (I have lost the actual page number, but it was somewhere after 200, of a 337 page book) things FINALLY started to pick up and get good! But this was in relation, I think, to Darcy going out in the snow to rescue Elizabeth, and then taking her (all alone! gasp!) to the Dower House instead of the main one.
Another thing in this story I did not like was the introduction of Darcy possibly being gay. Not at ALL out of character for Caroline Bingley to suggest it, though! But I find it (again! In all the historical novels and reproductions) an anachronism, to not only have Elizabeth, a well brought up young lady, KNOW about homosexuality, but be sympathetic and understanding about it. I'm not believing it. People were gay, then, of course, but they were 16 stories underground and in the back of the big, dark closet. I'm sure there were women who lived and died and never knew about it. Most everyone else who did find out about it was repulsed and disgusted. Gay men were beaten up, if not killed. I'm telling you, I grew up in the 60s, did not know about it until the 70s, and did not know anyone who was gay. Liberace was a candidate in my mind. My mother likewise in the 1950s. My father told her, and she wouldn't believe it. Young people today have no idea of how it was!
So, yes, this novel had some interesting plot departures (and it's hard to be original these days with so many!), but most of the book was just so tedious, like it was marking time. I did like the epilogue, although those things go too fast, I can't absorb all the happenings we learn about. Spoilers: And others have mentioned that this one leaves out the first Darcy proposal, the whole Wickham elopement with Lydia---in fact, Lydia is barely mentioned and Wickham never meets the Bennets!---and the whole Mr. Collins asking Elizabeth to marry him! It was Mary he asked! And good girl, she turned him down, too! But Charlotte has a whole OTHER romance, Ms. Altman was good to Charlotte.
And, oooh, the Orangerie.....!
I gave it 3 stars because it finally picked up and caught my interest in the last 100 pages.
June 9, 2025
I adore all this author's books equally.
No spoilers, just go read it, ok?
No spoilers, just go read it, ok?
April 18, 2025
I've really enjoyed several of Altman's previous books, but this one didn't agree with me. The premise is that Darcy and Elizabeth meet years before and know each other for three days in Yorkshire before we flash to London 1811 where a reclusive Darcy is trying to put off Richard's attempts to get him to socialize more. After reluctantly agreeing to attend a ball, he runs into Elizabeth who called herself Jane in Yorkshire for literally no reason. Anyway, Darcy learns Elizabeth is basically being courted by Bingley. ODC's early reacquaintance is rocky but Richard and Bingley somehow convince Darcy to go to Hertfordshire where he explores his masochistic desire to be near someone he repeatedly claims he can't have and acts like he's auditioning for a sourpuss competition. The story eventually transitions to Pemberley where most of the E&D relationship develops. Most significantly regarding changes, Altman gives Darcy a new spoiler explanation for his reticence and reluctance to attend parties and dance.
I found the plotting here to be more contrived than most variations. For instance, a problem will get revealed just before a character with a solution to that problem happens to show up. We move locations based off meddling and an authorial "because that's what I want" feeling rather than internal logic. The story relies on a lack of information for conflict so a lot is delayed and kept secret until the dramatic revelation. This is more a strength to Altman's writing, but I didn't think the execution late in the book was very good.
Darcy is a pity-partier and masochist for most of this book. I like some sulking but here it was a bit too much, too long. Also, we get the classic "Darcy is an excellent brother" who somehow neglects the hell out of Georgiana. She is starving for even a morsel of affection, bonding, and encouragement from him and even with his issues, I still thought the conclusions and ideas he has regarding her are unacceptable. He came across very poorly to me as a brother; actions in direct conflict with description is one of my pet peeves. He's not a great brother if he just buys her stuff and sends her to their aunt while spending no time with her; because of his problems, he wants to force her into her society debut so she'll marry asap even though that's not what she wants and everyone says she's not ready. Darcy overall was sympathetic but not likable.
Overall, this book didn't work for me. 6/10 quality, 4/10 enjoyment.
I found the plotting here to be more contrived than most variations. For instance, a problem will get revealed just before a character with a solution to that problem happens to show up. We move locations based off meddling and an authorial "because that's what I want" feeling rather than internal logic. The story relies on a lack of information for conflict so a lot is delayed and kept secret until the dramatic revelation. This is more a strength to Altman's writing, but I didn't think the execution late in the book was very good.
Darcy is a pity-partier and masochist for most of this book. I like some sulking but here it was a bit too much, too long. Also, we get the classic "Darcy is an excellent brother" who somehow neglects the hell out of Georgiana. She is starving for even a morsel of affection, bonding, and encouragement from him and even with his issues, I still thought the conclusions and ideas he has regarding her are unacceptable. He came across very poorly to me as a brother; actions in direct conflict with description is one of my pet peeves. He's not a great brother if he just buys her stuff and sends her to their aunt while spending no time with her; because of his problems, he wants to force her into her society debut so she'll marry asap even though that's not what she wants and everyone says she's not ready. Darcy overall was sympathetic but not likable.
Overall, this book didn't work for me. 6/10 quality, 4/10 enjoyment.
March 24, 2025
Are you well, Mr Darcy?
What is the secret Darcy hiding from even his sister Georgiana? Why it’s his plan to never come back to the English soil? So many questions, and so few clues.
The mystery was carried over half of the book and I was desperate to find it out! My mind had flipped through all the worst scenarios for Elizabeth’s sake and for my own.
I have always enjoyed Jennifer’s story where the women have their say in life rather than being dictated according to the whim of men. In To Conquer Pride, Elizabeth made the choices and acted as she seemed fit since Darcy’s was unable to; and in More than you know, she made it again to challenge the only power of refusal held by women.
The author masters the writing by putting the right words together to make the yearning, the longing, the contradictory, and the uncertainty of heart so vivid and unbearable. In this story, I did find some of the paragraphs repeated, or some sentiments played over and over again; however, instead of feeling off as when it happened in other books, I read them through as the sentences are so beautifully arranged therefore I did not mind reading them again.
Always looking forward to new stories from Jennifer.
What is the secret Darcy hiding from even his sister Georgiana? Why it’s his plan to never come back to the English soil? So many questions, and so few clues.
The mystery was carried over half of the book and I was desperate to find it out! My mind had flipped through all the worst scenarios for Elizabeth’s sake and for my own.
I have always enjoyed Jennifer’s story where the women have their say in life rather than being dictated according to the whim of men. In To Conquer Pride, Elizabeth made the choices and acted as she seemed fit since Darcy’s was unable to; and in More than you know, she made it again to challenge the only power of refusal held by women.
The author masters the writing by putting the right words together to make the yearning, the longing, the contradictory, and the uncertainty of heart so vivid and unbearable. In this story, I did find some of the paragraphs repeated, or some sentiments played over and over again; however, instead of feeling off as when it happened in other books, I read them through as the sentences are so beautifully arranged therefore I did not mind reading them again.
Always looking forward to new stories from Jennifer.
October 5, 2025
What is Darcy’s secret?
4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5
Overall, this is a sweet love story that has Darcy and Elizabeth falling for each other but Darcy has a secret that will keep them apart. This opens up with Darcy and Elizabeth, though neither shares their real name, years prior to canon. Both secretly fall for the other, but after a few days apart, they are separated again until they come across each other years later in a ballroom in London. The sticky part is Elizabeth is unofficially being courted by Bingley. And for those wondering, no, he has not met Jane yet. And those that need the spoiler that yes the appropriate primary canon couples get together. Beyond that there are a fun few twist to canon.
We have several new non-canon characters that are an excellent addition to the story. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have to journey through things especially when Darcy is required to tell Elizabeth about his secret. How will this knowledge change things?
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by the talented Stevie Zimmerman, who allows you to lose yourself in the story. Overall a worthwhile read/listen.
4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5
Overall, this is a sweet love story that has Darcy and Elizabeth falling for each other but Darcy has a secret that will keep them apart. This opens up with Darcy and Elizabeth, though neither shares their real name, years prior to canon. Both secretly fall for the other, but after a few days apart, they are separated again until they come across each other years later in a ballroom in London. The sticky part is Elizabeth is unofficially being courted by Bingley. And for those wondering, no, he has not met Jane yet. And those that need the spoiler that yes the appropriate primary canon couples get together. Beyond that there are a fun few twist to canon.
We have several new non-canon characters that are an excellent addition to the story. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have to journey through things especially when Darcy is required to tell Elizabeth about his secret. How will this knowledge change things?
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by the talented Stevie Zimmerman, who allows you to lose yourself in the story. Overall a worthwhile read/listen.
March 31, 2025
A deeply romantic version
This is a stellar variation from beginning to end; no fluff, no sugar, just carefully constructed, quality writing to drive the story forward.
The book begins with a delightful prologue, so sweet and gentle, and then boom - a totally unexpected sentence right at the end which pulls the reader straight into the rest of the story. And what a story it is. The story is told through elegant, witty dialogue and descriptive prose and with a boldly contained cast of characters. This requires great skill to keep the story fresh with very few characters to hang plot points on but the author pulls it off splendidly.
I can't say that this is always a happy story as it very definitely is not. Elizabeth and Darcy are both conflicted and troubled at times as well as deeply in love. But it is not a mawkish book and even in the sadness there is a realistic level of wit and humour with the characters finding their way through the difficulties.
A fabulous read indeed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a stellar variation from beginning to end; no fluff, no sugar, just carefully constructed, quality writing to drive the story forward.
The book begins with a delightful prologue, so sweet and gentle, and then boom - a totally unexpected sentence right at the end which pulls the reader straight into the rest of the story. And what a story it is. The story is told through elegant, witty dialogue and descriptive prose and with a boldly contained cast of characters. This requires great skill to keep the story fresh with very few characters to hang plot points on but the author pulls it off splendidly.
I can't say that this is always a happy story as it very definitely is not. Elizabeth and Darcy are both conflicted and troubled at times as well as deeply in love. But it is not a mawkish book and even in the sadness there is a realistic level of wit and humour with the characters finding their way through the difficulties.
A fabulous read indeed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2025
Fitzwilliam Darcy – Elizabeth Bennet’s puzzle
Fitzwilliam Darcy is kind, even likable – then aloof, haughty, one could almost hate him
Fitzwilliam Darcy is distant, even harsh – then polite, amiable, one could almost fall in love with him
Who is this Mr. Darcy? – Perhaps all of this? But Why?
The reason is a secret he is carrying almost alone for many years. This secret makes him ashamed of himself and gives him also the strength to hide himself from society. Even love cannot break through his shield and his thought-through principles. But love comes when it wills and only we can decide what we will do with it. Give in to these strong feelings or sacrifice them out of love for the loved-ones?
This book is intense and beautifully written and the cover is representing it perfectly: life is full of colours and LIFE.
I was lucky to get a copy in advance and read it with great interest and pleasure 🙂
Fitzwilliam Darcy is kind, even likable – then aloof, haughty, one could almost hate him
Fitzwilliam Darcy is distant, even harsh – then polite, amiable, one could almost fall in love with him
Who is this Mr. Darcy? – Perhaps all of this? But Why?
The reason is a secret he is carrying almost alone for many years. This secret makes him ashamed of himself and gives him also the strength to hide himself from society. Even love cannot break through his shield and his thought-through principles. But love comes when it wills and only we can decide what we will do with it. Give in to these strong feelings or sacrifice them out of love for the loved-ones?
This book is intense and beautifully written and the cover is representing it perfectly: life is full of colours and LIFE.
I was lucky to get a copy in advance and read it with great interest and pleasure 🙂
March 28, 2025
Secrets and Misunderstandings
In this alternate universe, we have an early, brief meeting between Darcy and Lizzy about four years before he arrives in Meryton as Bingley’s guest at Netherfield. As Bingley has met Elizabeth in London before he ever sees Jane, his possible future alliance with her frustrates Darcy and creates plenty of misunderstandings for everyone as everyone’s inner feelings urge them in different directions from their “proper” behaviors. In addition, Darcy is determined NOT to marry at all (with mysterious, secret reasons) and his close relationships with Colonel Fitzwilliam and his man of business add more misunderstandings for many people, including Lizzy. Poor Georgiana tries to assist, but Darcy’s reserve leaves him isolated. As his “secrets” unfold, we are reminded again of the ignorance prevalent 200 years ago. Of course, there is a happily ever after!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this alternate universe, we have an early, brief meeting between Darcy and Lizzy about four years before he arrives in Meryton as Bingley’s guest at Netherfield. As Bingley has met Elizabeth in London before he ever sees Jane, his possible future alliance with her frustrates Darcy and creates plenty of misunderstandings for everyone as everyone’s inner feelings urge them in different directions from their “proper” behaviors. In addition, Darcy is determined NOT to marry at all (with mysterious, secret reasons) and his close relationships with Colonel Fitzwilliam and his man of business add more misunderstandings for many people, including Lizzy. Poor Georgiana tries to assist, but Darcy’s reserve leaves him isolated. As his “secrets” unfold, we are reminded again of the ignorance prevalent 200 years ago. Of course, there is a happily ever after!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2025
Compelling, with gentle angst and little mystery
I read a lot of variations (a lot) and there aren’t many plots that I haven’t seen in some form before—but this book felt really unique! Not only do we get an initial Elizabeth/Bingley pairing, but we also have a mysterious reason for Darcy deciding not to marry. It’s not super mysterious—I had a couple of theories, and one of them turned out to be right, but it still helped to make me want to turn the page to find out what was really going on!
Excellent writing, with good characterizations. Darcy was maybe a bit more dour/reserved than I personally liked, but it made sense for the situation and world he was in. Also would have enjoyed more Darcy and Elizabeth time in the beginning…but that’s just me being VERY picky.
Well worth the time, and I look forward to reading more by this author!
I read a lot of variations (a lot) and there aren’t many plots that I haven’t seen in some form before—but this book felt really unique! Not only do we get an initial Elizabeth/Bingley pairing, but we also have a mysterious reason for Darcy deciding not to marry. It’s not super mysterious—I had a couple of theories, and one of them turned out to be right, but it still helped to make me want to turn the page to find out what was really going on!
Excellent writing, with good characterizations. Darcy was maybe a bit more dour/reserved than I personally liked, but it made sense for the situation and world he was in. Also would have enjoyed more Darcy and Elizabeth time in the beginning…but that’s just me being VERY picky.
Well worth the time, and I look forward to reading more by this author!
March 31, 2025
I was so pleased to see the release of a new book from this author - as usual, the book is beautifully written.
The descriptions of the countryside in different seasons as well as the (sometimes complex) personalities are so well drawn as to be quite believable, as is the handling of a condition that was misunderstood until quite recently.
It was also a relief to have little reference to characters who are often made portrayed to be completely ridiculous or evil - thank goodness hardly any reference to Mr Collins, Lady Catherine or Wickham and only a relatively little bit of Caroline Bingley!
Finally, the proposal scene towards the end gave a delightful and light-hearted twist to what had been quite an emotional and angst-ridden journey.
The descriptions of the countryside in different seasons as well as the (sometimes complex) personalities are so well drawn as to be quite believable, as is the handling of a condition that was misunderstood until quite recently.
It was also a relief to have little reference to characters who are often made portrayed to be completely ridiculous or evil - thank goodness hardly any reference to Mr Collins, Lady Catherine or Wickham and only a relatively little bit of Caroline Bingley!
Finally, the proposal scene towards the end gave a delightful and light-hearted twist to what had been quite an emotional and angst-ridden journey.
March 31, 2025
Hidden secrets and hidden feelings.
A chance meeting between our dear couple several years before canon, and they can't forget each other. However, when they meet up again, life, baggage and Bingley have gotten in the way.
Darcy is carrying a hidden burden (I had a pretty good idea was it was and who Walsh was to him from fairly early on) His only goal was to marry off Georgiana so he can escape to the continent before his secret ruins her life, too.
Bingley met Elizabeth in town, and pursues her because of something Darcy says. Except, Jane, he can't really hide how his eyes stay on her. And Elizabeth? She agrees to a courtship with Bingley.
Many hidden feelings assist the forward pushing of this story. Pieces of all the characters fall into place later in the story, finally allowing for wrongs to slowly be corrected.
So happy to see another offering from this author again. The writing was beautiful, and I really enjoyed reading it.
I did feel like the murkiness of so much hidden kept me, as the reader, from connecting to the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A chance meeting between our dear couple several years before canon, and they can't forget each other. However, when they meet up again, life, baggage and Bingley have gotten in the way.
Darcy is carrying a hidden burden (I had a pretty good idea was it was and who Walsh was to him from fairly early on) His only goal was to marry off Georgiana so he can escape to the continent before his secret ruins her life, too.
Bingley met Elizabeth in town, and pursues her because of something Darcy says. Except, Jane, he can't really hide how his eyes stay on her. And Elizabeth? She agrees to a courtship with Bingley.
Many hidden feelings assist the forward pushing of this story. Pieces of all the characters fall into place later in the story, finally allowing for wrongs to slowly be corrected.
So happy to see another offering from this author again. The writing was beautiful, and I really enjoyed reading it.
I did feel like the murkiness of so much hidden kept me, as the reader, from connecting to the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2025
What I liked:
- the prologue has quite the hook! *Jane*
- Darcy isn’t too critical about Elizabeth’s background/family
- colonel Fitzwilliam at Netherfield
- no Lydia/Wickham elopement
- Elizabeth is the patient and persistent friend/suitor to a troubled Darcy
- romantic moments between E&D *the orangery at Pemberley*
What I disliked:
- Bingley courting Elizabeth for too long, and Elizabeth welcoming his attentions even though she (and Bingley) loves another
- Darcy is determined to be a bachelor, yet his constantly seeking out Elizabeth didn’t add up. All while we (and Elizabeth) get scarcely any clues about his secret. If you can’t take the suspense, hang on or jump to chapter 16 where all is revealed.
- Darcy wants Georgiana to marry young *at 16*
Overall 3.5 rounded up
- the prologue has quite the hook! *Jane*
- Darcy isn’t too critical about Elizabeth’s background/family
- colonel Fitzwilliam at Netherfield
- no Lydia/Wickham elopement
- Elizabeth is the patient and persistent friend/suitor to a troubled Darcy
- romantic moments between E&D *the orangery at Pemberley*
What I disliked:
- Bingley courting Elizabeth for too long, and Elizabeth welcoming his attentions even though she (and Bingley) loves another
- Darcy is determined to be a bachelor, yet his constantly seeking out Elizabeth didn’t add up. All while we (and Elizabeth) get scarcely any clues about his secret. If you can’t take the suspense, hang on or jump to chapter 16 where all is revealed.
- Darcy wants Georgiana to marry young *at 16*
Overall 3.5 rounded up
March 29, 2025
Elegant and Novel P&P Variation
I've read hundreds of variations and this one is the only one I've ever encountered with this particular conflict. I always appreciate learning interesting history about the recency period and their approach to medicine. I also thought the author had a good level of drama with Darcy's issues without descending into too much love triangle melodrama . This was a well written Elizabeth with integrity. I was very glad she was honest with Bingley.
I've read hundreds of variations and this one is the only one I've ever encountered with this particular conflict. I always appreciate learning interesting history about the recency period and their approach to medicine. I also thought the author had a good level of drama with Darcy's issues without descending into too much love triangle melodrama . This was a well written Elizabeth with integrity. I was very glad she was honest with Bingley.
March 31, 2025
Very Good Story
I always enjoy it when the insult doesn't happen! The portrayal of stigma felt and endured with epilepsy (falling sickness) is truly well crafted and I enjoyed it immensely. I also loved how the Colonel gets Caroline to stop chasing Darcy. Of course I always love it when Charlotte is married to anyone but Mr Collins. Although my favorite part is definitely Elizabeth's wedding proposal.
I always enjoy it when the insult doesn't happen! The portrayal of stigma felt and endured with epilepsy (falling sickness) is truly well crafted and I enjoyed it immensely. I also loved how the Colonel gets Caroline to stop chasing Darcy. Of course I always love it when Charlotte is married to anyone but Mr Collins. Although my favorite part is definitely Elizabeth's wedding proposal.
April 17, 2025
So clever. Two unique challenges and tortures for Darcy to overcome. A romantic and mystical meeting in the prologue sets up his agonized search for the girl who captured his imagination four years before Netherfield. Not only does he suffer when he finds her being courted by Bingley, but he has a closely guarded secret that prevents him from ever marrying.
Elizabeth and Darcy are wondrously depicted here, and the writing is superb. Unputdownable. 5+ stars
Elizabeth and Darcy are wondrously depicted here, and the writing is superb. Unputdownable. 5+ stars
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