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Blessed Interference: Pride and Prejudice Variations
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are star crossed lovers. Can devoted servants help love to bloom?
It is December, 1812, and Elizabeth is absolutely furious at Charles Bingley for abandoning her beautiful elder sister, Jane.
In London, Caroline Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy are perfectly pleased that Mr. Bingley is safe from an imprudent marriage. All seems right in their world.
Until Lucy, a lowly servant, acts unexpectedly, resulting in shocking revelations which transform the relationships between the Bennets and the Bingleys and the Darcys.
Mr. Darcy does not protest his friend’s engagement and even accompanies Bingley back to Netherfield ... back to Elizabeth who still draws his eye and heart. She is not worthy of him, and yet, how can he bear to wed another? Again, it is a servant who surprises with the truth.
Darcy struggles to decide – will he walk the path of duty, or will he work to win the lady he adores?
As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘Longbourn's Son’
New story is over 150 pages. This is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
It is December, 1812, and Elizabeth is absolutely furious at Charles Bingley for abandoning her beautiful elder sister, Jane.
In London, Caroline Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy are perfectly pleased that Mr. Bingley is safe from an imprudent marriage. All seems right in their world.
Until Lucy, a lowly servant, acts unexpectedly, resulting in shocking revelations which transform the relationships between the Bennets and the Bingleys and the Darcys.
Mr. Darcy does not protest his friend’s engagement and even accompanies Bingley back to Netherfield ... back to Elizabeth who still draws his eye and heart. She is not worthy of him, and yet, how can he bear to wed another? Again, it is a servant who surprises with the truth.
Darcy struggles to decide – will he walk the path of duty, or will he work to win the lady he adores?
As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full novel ‘Longbourn's Son’
New story is over 150 pages. This is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
About the author
Laraba Kendig
253 books115 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 10, 2026
What if loyal, caring servants chose to step in and set to rights a pair of romances gone off-kilter? Loved a good upstairs-downstairs take on a story? Laraba Kendig allows a pair of serving sisters to take the lead in this heartwarming P&P variation.
Blessed Interference begins at the point in the original P&P when the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park after the ball. From the perspective of a set of twin serving girls, they discuss that they are to be parted since one works as maid at Longbourn and the other is off to London with a big chance to gain expertise as a lady's maid for Miss Bingley. Their cousin is already in service at the Gardiner's home in London.
So, when Jane Bennet feels the loss of Bingley and goes with her aunt and uncle Gardiner to London and then visits Caroline Bingley, Lucy is there to hear the lies Caroline tells Jane. Lucy is also with the help of her cousin able to expose said lies to entertaining and romantic results.
Because of the actions of a servant, Darcy is made aware that his vaunted perspicuity about Jane Bennet was fair and far off and it is through this same servant, he learns that Wickham has done a dark and terribly thing and must be stopped once and for all. When Elizabeth learns of Darcy's return and his setting the record straight about her favorite charming Lt. Wickham, now, she too, must question her ability to sketch characters so the pair must start again. And, it will take Lucy and her sister with the aid of a matchmaking Colonel Fitzwilliam to finally get the pair of lovers on the right course.
Blessed Interference was a light long-novella that had a holiday feel and a whimsy to it that I enjoyed. I loved seeing the servants who see and hear all take part in guiding those upstairs. Loved getting the perspectives of all the principal players to give it a well-rounded story. All and all, just a delight.
BONUS STORY- Longbourn's Son 4 stars
Being in the mood for a little something different in a P&P variation and also keen to try this new to me author, I picked up Longbourn's Son to see what would happen if two connected, but separate events occurred. What if Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had a son? And, what if Mrs. Bennet passed while her youngest children were still little? It roused my curiosity before I even opened to the first page.
So, yes, Luke Bennet is the twin to Kitty and Mr. Bennet is a widower. Mrs. Bennet's last bout with illness hadn't been imaginary and now Jane and Elizabeth share the running of Longbourn and bringing up of their younger siblings. Mr. Bennet was appalled that he mistook his wife's last illness, but the majority of the ill-suited marriage and his own indolence didn't keep him from his library and books for long even with a well-run and calmer household. He is determined, however, to fulfill his wife's deathbed wish to keep Luke safe and sound which leads to friction as a young, active boy resists mollycoddling.
The book advances to the point when the original P&P began. Netherfield Park is leased to Mr. Bingley who brings along his friends, the Darcys. From there, the changes in the Bennets affect the direction of the book, though yes, Darcy does say those infamous offending words at the Meryton Assembly and, yes, one gets a large dose of Caroline Bingley's snobbery, Wickham's dastardlyness, and Lady Catherine's loud and obnoxious strictures. Meanwhile, the reader gets treated to an original storyline of the darling Bennets and Darcys through it all. I do believe I enjoyed this Jane and her relationship and then what came for Charlotte Lucas perhaps most of all, but go Louisa Hurst for standing up to Caroline.
Without spoilering, this is one that cupid does some shuffling and one ends up with some intriguing romantic relationships. Never fear, Darcy and Elizabeth remain sacrosanct.
This turns out to be a relatively low-angst story when it comes to relationship conflict and the bulk of the conflict comes from without which is actually how I generally prefer it. A few characters are over the top and there is a generous dollop of sugar as well as inspirational thoughts, but I enjoyed the sweetness of the story including those several epilogues that gave the reader the future after all was said and done.
All in all, it was a fabulous outing with a new to me author and I will definitely be picking up more of her Austenesque variations. Those who enjoy sweet and inspirational historical romance with an emphasis on family should give this a go.
Blessed Interference begins at the point in the original P&P when the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park after the ball. From the perspective of a set of twin serving girls, they discuss that they are to be parted since one works as maid at Longbourn and the other is off to London with a big chance to gain expertise as a lady's maid for Miss Bingley. Their cousin is already in service at the Gardiner's home in London.
So, when Jane Bennet feels the loss of Bingley and goes with her aunt and uncle Gardiner to London and then visits Caroline Bingley, Lucy is there to hear the lies Caroline tells Jane. Lucy is also with the help of her cousin able to expose said lies to entertaining and romantic results.
Because of the actions of a servant, Darcy is made aware that his vaunted perspicuity about Jane Bennet was fair and far off and it is through this same servant, he learns that Wickham has done a dark and terribly thing and must be stopped once and for all. When Elizabeth learns of Darcy's return and his setting the record straight about her favorite charming Lt. Wickham, now, she too, must question her ability to sketch characters so the pair must start again. And, it will take Lucy and her sister with the aid of a matchmaking Colonel Fitzwilliam to finally get the pair of lovers on the right course.
Blessed Interference was a light long-novella that had a holiday feel and a whimsy to it that I enjoyed. I loved seeing the servants who see and hear all take part in guiding those upstairs. Loved getting the perspectives of all the principal players to give it a well-rounded story. All and all, just a delight.
BONUS STORY- Longbourn's Son 4 stars
Being in the mood for a little something different in a P&P variation and also keen to try this new to me author, I picked up Longbourn's Son to see what would happen if two connected, but separate events occurred. What if Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had a son? And, what if Mrs. Bennet passed while her youngest children were still little? It roused my curiosity before I even opened to the first page.
So, yes, Luke Bennet is the twin to Kitty and Mr. Bennet is a widower. Mrs. Bennet's last bout with illness hadn't been imaginary and now Jane and Elizabeth share the running of Longbourn and bringing up of their younger siblings. Mr. Bennet was appalled that he mistook his wife's last illness, but the majority of the ill-suited marriage and his own indolence didn't keep him from his library and books for long even with a well-run and calmer household. He is determined, however, to fulfill his wife's deathbed wish to keep Luke safe and sound which leads to friction as a young, active boy resists mollycoddling.
The book advances to the point when the original P&P began. Netherfield Park is leased to Mr. Bingley who brings along his friends, the Darcys. From there, the changes in the Bennets affect the direction of the book, though yes, Darcy does say those infamous offending words at the Meryton Assembly and, yes, one gets a large dose of Caroline Bingley's snobbery, Wickham's dastardlyness, and Lady Catherine's loud and obnoxious strictures. Meanwhile, the reader gets treated to an original storyline of the darling Bennets and Darcys through it all. I do believe I enjoyed this Jane and her relationship and then what came for Charlotte Lucas perhaps most of all, but go Louisa Hurst for standing up to Caroline.
Without spoilering, this is one that cupid does some shuffling and one ends up with some intriguing romantic relationships. Never fear, Darcy and Elizabeth remain sacrosanct.
This turns out to be a relatively low-angst story when it comes to relationship conflict and the bulk of the conflict comes from without which is actually how I generally prefer it. A few characters are over the top and there is a generous dollop of sugar as well as inspirational thoughts, but I enjoyed the sweetness of the story including those several epilogues that gave the reader the future after all was said and done.
All in all, it was a fabulous outing with a new to me author and I will definitely be picking up more of her Austenesque variations. Those who enjoy sweet and inspirational historical romance with an emphasis on family should give this a go.
July 26, 2025
When downstairs make a difference upstairs
I liked the aspect of the servant girls, known well to e Bennet ladies, making a big difference to the trajectory of Jane and Elizabeth's lives.
A quick read. I had already read the free enclosed story, so I skipped it.
I liked the aspect of the servant girls, known well to e Bennet ladies, making a big difference to the trajectory of Jane and Elizabeth's lives.
A quick read. I had already read the free enclosed story, so I skipped it.
September 16, 2025
Lovely short story
Most enjoyable variation, with some interferences from unexpected sources. An emotional and engaging read for when you find a little time to expend with our favorite couple.
Most enjoyable variation, with some interferences from unexpected sources. An emotional and engaging read for when you find a little time to expend with our favorite couple.
August 10, 2025
l read Blessed Interference because I liked the idea of a variation centered on the servants pov. I think there is great potential in this particular idea, but the execution was weak and the story quite bland. the first chapters are interesting but the rest is very conventional. I am not sure the author believed in her own story.
July 26, 2025
A simply nice book by Laraba Kendig. There is no real angst or major plot line. A pair of maids (twins) working for the Bingleys and Bennets find opportunities to promote relationships between Jane and Bingley and Elizabeth and Darcy. Instead of months of misunderstandings these two delightful young women are able to get vital information to Bingley and Darcy before either gentleman can do much damage to their budding relationships. Bonus book included.
August 26, 2026
This book is about 150 pages, while the other book included, Longbourn's Son, is over 450 pages. I'm only going to talk about Blessed Interference, as I'm too busy to commit to a long book at this time.
I enjoyed Blessed Interference, but in my opinion, was not quite up to the author's usual standards. I liked the way she worked in the lives of the sisters Lucy and Anne, who were maids at Longbourn and Netherfield, and later Lucy became Miss Bingley's maid at Hurst House.
Not a lot happens, but I loved how, once in London, Lucy and her cousin Beatrice, who worked for the Gardiners, managed to expose Miss Bingley's lies, so that Charles learns about Jane being in London, and that Jane loved him before he left.
Later, at Rosings, Darcy realizes that he loves Elizabeth, and with much coaching and help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, manages to get her to agree to marry him. But the wooing is, in my opinion, just a bit lackluster and not as romantic as it could be. I did like the Epilogue.
I enjoyed Blessed Interference, but in my opinion, was not quite up to the author's usual standards. I liked the way she worked in the lives of the sisters Lucy and Anne, who were maids at Longbourn and Netherfield, and later Lucy became Miss Bingley's maid at Hurst House.
Not a lot happens, but I loved how, once in London, Lucy and her cousin Beatrice, who worked for the Gardiners, managed to expose Miss Bingley's lies, so that Charles learns about Jane being in London, and that Jane loved him before he left.
Later, at Rosings, Darcy realizes that he loves Elizabeth, and with much coaching and help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, manages to get her to agree to marry him. But the wooing is, in my opinion, just a bit lackluster and not as romantic as it could be. I did like the Epilogue.
July 27, 2025
Blessed Interference.
Sometimes one can’t see what others feel is quite obvious. This was an interesting variation novella where much miscommunication and inference were mediated by some very caring servants. A brief story yet enjoyable.
Longbourn’s Son.
This previously released variation made up the majority of the 2 story novel. Having a son in the mix of Bennet children and Mrs. Bennet passing away when the children were young really changed the direction of the story. I found I really enjoyed this “what if” version, seeing quite different aspects of many beloved characters. Wickham just can’t help himself in his wastrel ways, bringing a new scheme to Meryton. With greater focus on the strength and protection of family and community cohesiveness, this was a satisfying story for me to read.
Sometimes one can’t see what others feel is quite obvious. This was an interesting variation novella where much miscommunication and inference were mediated by some very caring servants. A brief story yet enjoyable.
Longbourn’s Son.
This previously released variation made up the majority of the 2 story novel. Having a son in the mix of Bennet children and Mrs. Bennet passing away when the children were young really changed the direction of the story. I found I really enjoyed this “what if” version, seeing quite different aspects of many beloved characters. Wickham just can’t help himself in his wastrel ways, bringing a new scheme to Meryton. With greater focus on the strength and protection of family and community cohesiveness, this was a satisfying story for me to read.
July 25, 2025
enjoyable
This book is a two-for-one kinda deal, a new short novella, basically a what if proper & kind behavior/actions happened in cannon vs how JA wrote in PP…I adore Ms Kendigs many JAFF Variations, and while I enjoyed this novella and reread (prolly 5th time) the added book of Longbourn’s Son (in which Mrs B passes after twins born {Luke/Katherine} and the Bennet Family essentially raised by JB/EB bc Mr B is as in cannon, indolent) but after I finished, it kinda left me w/the feeling of not enough…I was expecting a ‘full course meal’ of Ms Kendigs work, & I was instead given a low fat protein bar?? Just not satisfied? Perhaps if novella more detailed or something, maybe i would feel better? Idk. Truly, I enjoyed this book(s) but def not what I anticipated.
This book is a two-for-one kinda deal, a new short novella, basically a what if proper & kind behavior/actions happened in cannon vs how JA wrote in PP…I adore Ms Kendigs many JAFF Variations, and while I enjoyed this novella and reread (prolly 5th time) the added book of Longbourn’s Son (in which Mrs B passes after twins born {Luke/Katherine} and the Bennet Family essentially raised by JB/EB bc Mr B is as in cannon, indolent) but after I finished, it kinda left me w/the feeling of not enough…I was expecting a ‘full course meal’ of Ms Kendigs work, & I was instead given a low fat protein bar?? Just not satisfied? Perhaps if novella more detailed or something, maybe i would feel better? Idk. Truly, I enjoyed this book(s) but def not what I anticipated.
August 1, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. The title story is only 122 pages of the 483 enumerated.
Basically, the story has two twin maid servants aiding in making sure both Jane and Elizabeth are given the correct information and, further, aid in any arrangements which need to be communicated or set in place. This story follows canon so there is no real surprise nor angst. There is a short epilogue.
The author includes another of her stories, Longbourn's Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variationwhich I already read and reviewed.
Basically, the story has two twin maid servants aiding in making sure both Jane and Elizabeth are given the correct information and, further, aid in any arrangements which need to be communicated or set in place. This story follows canon so there is no real surprise nor angst. There is a short epilogue.
The author includes another of her stories, Longbourn's Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variationwhich I already read and reviewed.
February 4, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down
The first half was great, and I loved the servants' machinations. The second half was disappointing though. Lizzy and Darcy's love story was rushed and clunky. There were scenes that ended after a couple paragraphs to give the suggestion that the couple had a conversation...Sorry but I want the conversation. I don't read romance to have the couple fall in love off screen. Also, for what declarations of love existed, they were awkward and abrupt. I've liked other works from this author but this one wasn't for me.
The first half was great, and I loved the servants' machinations. The second half was disappointing though. Lizzy and Darcy's love story was rushed and clunky. There were scenes that ended after a couple paragraphs to give the suggestion that the couple had a conversation...Sorry but I want the conversation. I don't read romance to have the couple fall in love off screen. Also, for what declarations of love existed, they were awkward and abrupt. I've liked other works from this author but this one wasn't for me.
September 14, 2025
Two wonderful stories, loved them both
Blessed Interference is very enjoyable. I'm sure that I'm showing my age, but it was reminiscent of Upstairs/Downstairs, or perhaps Downton Abbey, getting a glimpse of the lives of some of the staff. And I had not read Longborn Son before. Truly excellent story. The expanded Bennett family was precious. The changes wrought by Fanny's early demise nixed two of the most obnoxious characters in our favorite story, so, all good!
Blessed Interference is very enjoyable. I'm sure that I'm showing my age, but it was reminiscent of Upstairs/Downstairs, or perhaps Downton Abbey, getting a glimpse of the lives of some of the staff. And I had not read Longborn Son before. Truly excellent story. The expanded Bennett family was precious. The changes wrought by Fanny's early demise nixed two of the most obnoxious characters in our favorite story, so, all good!
July 31, 2025
Good title
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy need lots of help with recognizing each other’s worth and rightness for one another. I especially enjoyed the input from Anna, Lucy, and Mrs Hill nudging ODC along. I hadn’t read Longbourn’s Son in quite awhile and had forgotten how much I had enjoyed it.
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy need lots of help with recognizing each other’s worth and rightness for one another. I especially enjoyed the input from Anna, Lucy, and Mrs Hill nudging ODC along. I hadn’t read Longbourn’s Son in quite awhile and had forgotten how much I had enjoyed it.
August 25, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
I liked this book because Caroline Bingley got her into a bad marraige, after she had wanted the title , and he, the money. Not a good foundation for a marraige. Of course that was not the only thing I liked. All the good marriages were enjoyed and of course Caroline disapproved.
As do the all the books I read , this one wasn't long enough!
I liked this book because Caroline Bingley got her into a bad marraige, after she had wanted the title , and he, the money. Not a good foundation for a marraige. Of course that was not the only thing I liked. All the good marriages were enjoyed and of course Caroline disapproved.
As do the all the books I read , this one wasn't long enough!
July 17, 2026
DNF
I got 20% of the way though but just couldn’t make myself finish this. It’s not super well written and feels incredibly juvenile. Plot moves too fast, hardly any time for characters to really feel things and we get no yearning or details. Just BAM “I love you.” BAM engagements. It’s just bad. I’m so sorry.
I got 20% of the way though but just couldn’t make myself finish this. It’s not super well written and feels incredibly juvenile. Plot moves too fast, hardly any time for characters to really feel things and we get no yearning or details. Just BAM “I love you.” BAM engagements. It’s just bad. I’m so sorry.
July 24, 2025
Short but sweet
A short but sweet and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. The new story was 25% of the book while the bonus book “Longbourn’s Heir” was the other 75%.
A short but sweet and low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. The new story was 25% of the book while the bonus book “Longbourn’s Heir” was the other 75%.
July 26, 2025
Delightful story, with a bonus book
It’s always fun to read a favorite story from a different point of view. It’s enlightening to see from the servants side the lives of our favorite characters. Fun story!
It’s always fun to read a favorite story from a different point of view. It’s enlightening to see from the servants side the lives of our favorite characters. Fun story!
August 11, 2025
just as good as the last book I read
Last one I read by this author was also very good indeed. Good enough I didn’t want to return it to the kindle library. This one may rate the same.
Last one I read by this author was also very good indeed. Good enough I didn’t want to return it to the kindle library. This one may rate the same.
February 9, 2026
I enjoyed the inclusion of the servants, I will now be looking out for more inclusion of the servants in stories. The only thing that would make this better is if it was a little longer.
A short charming read.
A short charming read.
August 16, 2026
Great read!
This is one of my favorites of Laraba’s books, and I’ve read a number of them. She sticks close enough to P&P, but changes things up enough to keep the story fresh and interesting. Her books are well written, and she keeps the plot moving.
This is one of my favorites of Laraba’s books, and I’ve read a number of them. She sticks close enough to P&P, but changes things up enough to keep the story fresh and interesting. Her books are well written, and she keeps the plot moving.
July 26, 2025
Short. Sweet. Low angst. But still forces the characters to confront the major issues.
Did Not Finish
July 28, 2025This author's writing is not for me
August 7, 2025
I had not read either of the books included in this volume.
I really likedcthe first.
The second was quite good too.
I really likedcthe first.
The second was quite good too.
August 9, 2025
very enjoyable
Very enjoyable book..sweet characters and loved the new characters. Excellent Pride and prejudice adaptation. I could t put it down.
Very enjoyable book..sweet characters and loved the new characters. Excellent Pride and prejudice adaptation. I could t put it down.
August 9, 2025
Cute story about how twin sisters who are maids come to the rescue of the Bennett girls.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews