Mary, Mary, Oh So Contrary

The Adventures of Miss Mary Bennet #2

by S.M. Klassen

Even Mary's recent success in publishing cannot take away the sting of a regal visitor or the distress of a difficult decision. But she has little time to fret about her future before a summons arrives from Pemberley, where Mary's closest friend, Georgiana Darcy, is ill. While at Pemberley, Mary overhears shocking news about the man Georgiana loves, and an outraged, fully-recovered Miss Darcy is determined to prove him innocent. She enlists Mary's aid, and their inquiries put them in peril, giving Mr. Darcy good reason to tell his wife that their sisters might need a firmer hand in the future. When the Darcy party returns to Hertfordshire, Mary receives a second summons-this time from Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who is determined to dictate the course of Mary's next novel, to see that Mary becomes a governess, and to have Georgiana married to a wealthy, elderly widower with three children. While at Rosings, Mary is once again thrown into the company of a gentleman who causes her to rethink her determination to remain a spinster.

Genres: Regency

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2014

Reviews

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Wish I had known about this series earlier. Fun read for Mary B fans.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I must conclude that people do not always remain the same, and frequently act contrarily to one’s expectation.” (quote from the book)

I thoroughly enjoyed this continuing novel of Miss Mary Bennet, her friendship with Georgiana and their adventures. I strongly recommend reading Volume I ‘Mary, Mary, Not So Ordinary’ as this book picks up immediately after it.

Mary has found a way to support herself and is slowly moving away from her idea of not marrying. She asks Elizabeth about love and how she knew that Mr. Darcy was the one. But her path to love is impeded and heartbreak may be on the horizon. However, distractions abound when Mary overhears a conversation about spies!

Again, Ms. Klassen’s writing had me riveted to the story bringing out all my emotions. I laughed, I cried and held my breath at times. As in the first book, there are insightful diary entries, letters and day-to-day interactions of the Bennets, Bingleys, and Darcys! And we even have Lady Catherine insisting on her share of the conversation! Poor Mary and Georgiana!

Now on to Volume III.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this Pride & Prejudice sequel with have in Book Two the continuing adventures of the new Miss Mary Bennet as she is summoned to Pemberley to help an ill Georgiana. Where they discover a shocking plot.
This is a delightful well-written story about my favourite Bennet, Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this story again

[Tlotem · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5*

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one as much as the last one. It was funny and Mary was surprised me with her ingenuity. I wasn't crazy about how the author dealt with the romance in this book and had the h sacrifice her happiness and possibly someone else's just because his mother asked her to for financial reasons, but the ending of this book was quite nice. I'm curious to see how the author deals with Mary's love life or lack thereof. She's managed to surprised me more than once now and I find that I quite like that aspect of her storytelling.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This highly readable middle novel of the Mary, Mary trilogy continues Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy's story with the revelation that a gentleman of their acquaintance is a spy. Mary and Georgiana set out to prove his innocence, and Regency-era hijinks ensue.

This novel is less focused on the adventure element (in this case, unmasking a spy) than its predecessor, which I find to be an improvement. Instead we have more time to spend with Elizabeth and Jane and their new households, Kitty Bennet as she grows into womanhood, and Mary and Georgiana's ever-shifting cast of admirers. I found myself always interested in what would happen next, and when I reached the last page of this book I immediately downloaded the next in the series.

[PJ Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Direct Hit

This is another hit and I am so looking forward to the next in the series. S.M. I lessen has stuck with a great story that repeatedly follows or allows us to see Jane System's themes. Also has other plot scans scenes from other of Jane's books. Really enjoyed it. Though I did have a bit of trouble with some minor characters.

[Myereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

This is Book 2 of the ‘Mary, Mary,…’ series. Even though Mary had a major transformation in book 1, both book 1 and 2 are fun to read. I never was all that interested in Georgiana, however in this series I hope to see more of her.

[Blanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read and good sequel to the last book, Mary Bennet's first brush with Napoleon's spies and American revolutionists.

[Ash Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful book by #SMKlassen which honors the Jane Austen tradition, as Pride and Prejudice continues…can’t wait to read vol I and III !

[Charlene S. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are great!

I am loving this series! I hope there are many more!
But hos stupid can Lydia be?! She and Silicon an in Jamaica??

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all three, but this one would have to be my favorite.