Cherished

Leaving Bennet Behind #2

by Sarah Johnson

The Bennet family changed dramatically when Mr Bennet nearly lost his life. The rekindled love between him and his wife encouraged a unifying bond amongst their five daughters. Their story unfolds as each eligible young lady walks down the aisle, taking her husband’s hand and forever leaving the name of Bennet behind. Charles Bingley’s heart has been captured by the enchanting Jane Bennet, and his dearest wish is to cherish her love for all his days. With the recent marriage of Jane’s sister, Elizabeth, to his dearest friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, changes are bound to come to their friends and family as well. Though winter brings some cold, harsh moments for some, embers of love will spark for others in unexpected ways. Having already faced and overcome tragedy, will a jealous villain be able to change what fate has already set into motion for the now extended Bennet family?

Genres: Romance, Jane Austen, Regency, Fan Fiction, Historical Fiction

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2014

About the author

Sarah Johnson is a professional juggler in the circus of life! Married to her own Mr Darcy for sixteen years, they traveled the world thanks to the US Army. Now back in the civilian life and settled in Texas, where she grew up, they focus on homeschooling their six children and participating in church and community activities. She can often be found writing a manuscript between spills, science labs, and pencil wars, or late into the night when the house is finally still enough for her imagination to run wild! When she has a few spare moments, she enjoys just about anything crafty - scrapbooking, painting, sewing, quilting, crocheting - basically anything except knitting, a craft she swears few left-handers truly ever pick up well.

A devotee of all things Jane Austen, she enjoys exploring the story lines Jane never lived long enough to give the world. She is often found discussing with her online friends the intricacies of the novels we do have from our dearest author. It is these discussions that often lead to the plot bunnies that have now become many stories over the last few years, and hopefully further into the future as well.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a 4 (?+?) book series. I think you really must read the first before this one or between the plot changes, time line changes and name changes you will be horribly confused.

This picks up where the first book ended with a half dozen plots in the air. These include but are not limited to:
Jane and Bingley's engagement
Charlotte's depression over her single status
Mary & the Viscount- why does she hate him so
Col. Fitzwilliam and the unsolved murders
The Hurst's trip to Brighton & lack of children
Mrs. Phillips madness
Lady Catherine's headaches
Who is GW? [spoiler not who you think]
Darcy & Lizzy's honeymoon
Georgiana's continuing health problems
and Caroline's exile to the North
So needless to say in a book that is only 300 pages that is a lot of plot to spread around and at time the story seems to jump from one to another in a haphazard manner. There are some parts where you wonder why are they repeating something I already know and others where you are pleading don't end this scene here. Give me more.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

First and foremost, it is strongly recommended you read the first book in this series 'Chosen (Leaving Bennet Behind #1) before this one. There are many plot lines and confusion will only follow if you don't. The one plot line that is concluded is Jane and Bingley's. All others are still to be resolved.

As things for the Bennet family have changed dramatically, only Jane is as she always was...beautiful, sweet and quiet. Bingley, however, is bit more firm when it comes to his self-centered sister, Caroline. He wants nothing to stand in his way with his 'angel'. Jane just wants to enjoy her courtship.

"I do not wish for a courtship that whisks me off my feet and passes by so quickly I cannot enjoy the moments in the middle." (quote from the book)

Things start picking up steam in the nefarious end of things and Mr. Collins arrives unexpectedly. There is a plot afoot with several villains causing no end of problems. Much is still unclear as to who wants to hurt not only the Bennets but the Darcys!

But all is not doom and gloom. There is good news for the Hursts and Charlotte Lucas surprises everyone! Viscount Primrose is still pursuing Mary despite the walls she has put up.

Overall, an enjoyable continuation, that at times has a bit of repetition. However, I am looking forward to book three and Mary's story.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Bennet Behind (book series)
Simple writing style, but not unpleasant. This is a very good story of each Bennet sister finding their true love and leaving home. With an interesting, but very drawn out sub-plot, so far there are four books, each of which ends with a “to be continued” at the end. This is not my favourite book format. It leaves me wanting after each book, and after having read four of them with still no ending, it is frustrating to say the least. The character portrayals are nothing like canon’s portrayals. As another reviewer said, “who are these people”? That is not to say I don’t like them. This is definitely a “clean, sweet” variation.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from Chosen, Book 2 of Leaving Bennet behind begins just after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy. Continuing with the courtship of Jane and Bingley, while Charlotte Lucas wonders about her fate, and can Mary Bennet ever trust Viscount Primrose. Can Colonel Fitzwilliam finally end his investigation into the death of two of his soldiers and marry the lady he loves. But what are the intentions of Lady Catherine, Collins and Wickham.
A very enjoyable re-read of this well-written book.

[Madenna U · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a continuation of the first in the series. It is not a stand alone work. It will make no sense if you have not read the first. The story continues the romance of Elizabeth and Darcy, contains the wedding of Jane and Bingley, sets up more details about the bad guys and more the prejudice of Mary.

At multiple times I had to put the book down as it reads like a soap opera. I had an overwhelming desire to smack a few characters out of their thoughts.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherished (Leaving Bennet Behind Book 2)

Great continuation from Book 1 that focuses on the wedding of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley. Old problem of someone watching the Bennet home especially Lydia. Caroline Bingley shows up unannounced and unwanted. Being Leap
Year Charlotte tries her luck asking for Mr. Collins’ hand in marriage, but is refused rather vehemently. As Nicholas, the Earl of Ashbourne comes upon her crying, he eventually gets the entire story from her. He tells her that she did not ask everyone to marry her and encourages her to do so. Charlotte finds herself the very willing bride with a very besotted groom in Nicholas. Her younger brother, James, is going to be taught a lesson he’s not soon to forget by her husband to be. Collins continues to be a dimwit and questions are beginning to form about him. Caroline continues her pursuit of Darcy’s cousin, Viscount Primrose who cannot stand to be in the same room with her, and who is in love with Mary Bennet. Caroline has seen this and filled Mary’s head and heart with lies about the viscount. Elizabeth is expecting their first child and Mr. Bennet has guessed what they have not yet revealed. Cannot wait to read Book 3.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of these P & P variations by Sarah Johnson! In this second novel in the trilogy, Elizabeth and Darcy are wed and will be expecting their first child. Bingley finally asks Jane to marry him, and Mary has found a love she thinks she cannot have. There is also a mysterious man that is stalking Lydia, while Colonel Fitzwilliam is quietly following this man. The old with the new evolves in this superb story!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing amazing

Jane and Bingley finally get married. Darcy and Elizabeth are pregnant. Wait, what's up with all the accidents? How is causing the problems? Caroline Bingley was shipped off, but is back. Will she get the husband she wants. You will have to read. Great story

[TaNeshia Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Cherished (Leaving Bennet Behind Book 2) in exchange for an honest review. Anything you read here is solely my opinion based upon reading said book. This is the second part of the Leaving Bennet Behind Series, so if you haven’t read book 1 (Chosen) you will need to read it to have a full understanding of what’s going on. I know a lot of people said that Chosen was very romantic and sappy, but Cherished is not like that at all. This book focuses more on Jane and Bingley and them getting their happily ever after. We see a little more of Wickham, Ms.Younge and Lady Cat, Which I hope to hear more of in book 3. There is a lot more drama going on and Charlotte gets married and not to whom you think. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to read book three to see what becomes of the rest of the unmarried characters. I recommend story to all.

[Tamra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another to be continued, 1 story for the price of 3

Or will it be 4 stories or 5? Another to be continued book. I'm tired of writers and publishers not selling one complete book and giving us a partial story just so you have to purchase yet another book. Finish the darn book before publishing.

[Jeanah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the "happiness" that continues through this series, but I can't give it a 4 stars because it is a bit unreasonable that all our favorite penniless female characters get such high esteem and regard from all these rich and handsome men. I love it, but it is a bit unbelievable.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is an amazing series

I love all the new characters, the romance, intrigue, mystery and more.

A great plot, masterfully developed by a wonderful author!