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Vain and Useless: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Poor Miss Bingley! Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless her affection for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were already self-destined to another.Miss Caroline Bingley longs to rise above her origins and capture the heart of her brother’s friend, the esteemed Mr Darcy. However, her pretensions are crumbled when she overhears scathing remarks about her social climbing ambitions at a party in London. Humiliated, Caroline seeks refuge in the countryside with her brother, Mr Bingley, hoping for a fresh start and a chance to show her better side.
As she navigates the social circles of Hertfordshire, Caroline finds an unexpected ally in Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a woman known for her wit and independent spirit…and who seems to be catching the eye of Mr Darcy. Where once it might have made her an enemy to the lady, she is determined to be more amiable. Thus, despite their initial differences, the two women forge an unlikely friendship, confiding their hopes and fears for the future.
Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy did not come to Hertfordshire with a mind towards romance. When he begins to feel his danger with Elizabeth, he struggles with his own prejudices and pretensions, even as he watches his friend Bingley do the same for Miss Jane Bennet.
Will true love be able to conquer all?
Enemies to Lovers / Overcoming First Impressions-Friends to Lovers-Slow Burn Romance-Power of Female Friendships-Interfering Relations
As she navigates the social circles of Hertfordshire, Caroline finds an unexpected ally in Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a woman known for her wit and independent spirit…and who seems to be catching the eye of Mr Darcy. Where once it might have made her an enemy to the lady, she is determined to be more amiable. Thus, despite their initial differences, the two women forge an unlikely friendship, confiding their hopes and fears for the future.
Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy did not come to Hertfordshire with a mind towards romance. When he begins to feel his danger with Elizabeth, he struggles with his own prejudices and pretensions, even as he watches his friend Bingley do the same for Miss Jane Bennet.
Will true love be able to conquer all?
Enemies to Lovers / Overcoming First Impressions-Friends to Lovers-Slow Burn Romance-Power of Female Friendships-Interfering Relations
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2026
37 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2025
A rude awakening!
“Caroline, I have attempted to tell you this before. Perhaps today is the day you will at last hear it: wealth buys a certain acceptance, yet breeding trumps all.” (quote from the book)
Poor Miss Bingley, indeed. After overhearing some unkind comments from women she thought were her friends, Caroline has some harsh truths to confront. Not wishing to confront Society anytime soon in London, she decides to travel with her brother to the estate he has leased in Hertfordshire.
“She had wasted years of her life twisting herself into knots to be impress those who would never accept her as an equal, while ignoring those who might have liked her just as she was.” (quote from the book)
I must say, I enjoyed the efforts that Miss Bingley made to make herself more agreeable and her developing friendship with Elizabeth Bennet. With fresh eyes, she sees that even Mr. Darcy’s behaviour was not what it should be. She has the approval of her brother, but the Hursts are of no help. Caroline’s story is woven in with Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey, so you will not be missing out on that!
I quite enjoyed Caroline’s ‘new leaf’. However, I wanted more. I wish we could have had more development on her journey to love.
I recommend this novella and all of Ms. Reynolds novels.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 7, 2026
Well this was quite lovely.
November 13, 2025
Charming Writing, Uneven Focus
3.5 stars rounded up
This novella begins as a promising story of redemption for Caroline Bingley. After overhearing cruel comments at a London ball by so-called friends, she takes a good look at her behaviour with surprising honesty. Following a frank conversation with her brother, she resolves to do better at not judging people she had always considered below her, even though she herself is the daughter of a tradesman.
In Meryton, her efforts lead to a genuine friendship with Elizabeth. Darcy, for his part, at first assumes she is adopting a new tactic to pursue him. But once his interest in Elizabeth blooms, the narrative seems to shift more towards them and into a typical P&P variation, leaning on Canon events. Caroline’s redemption arc is still there, but it no longer feels like the heart of the story. I had expected—and was genuinely looking forward to—a fuller focus on her journey, yet after the strong early chapters, her development appears only in smaller moments with the epilogue finally showing where she ends up.
Frances Reynolds’ writing is always very good, but I came away wishing the book had followed through more fully on its early promise. I still enjoyed it, though, and I loved Darcy’s out-of-place proposal; that made me smile.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars rounded up
This novella begins as a promising story of redemption for Caroline Bingley. After overhearing cruel comments at a London ball by so-called friends, she takes a good look at her behaviour with surprising honesty. Following a frank conversation with her brother, she resolves to do better at not judging people she had always considered below her, even though she herself is the daughter of a tradesman.
In Meryton, her efforts lead to a genuine friendship with Elizabeth. Darcy, for his part, at first assumes she is adopting a new tactic to pursue him. But once his interest in Elizabeth blooms, the narrative seems to shift more towards them and into a typical P&P variation, leaning on Canon events. Caroline’s redemption arc is still there, but it no longer feels like the heart of the story. I had expected—and was genuinely looking forward to—a fuller focus on her journey, yet after the strong early chapters, her development appears only in smaller moments with the epilogue finally showing where she ends up.
Frances Reynolds’ writing is always very good, but I came away wishing the book had followed through more fully on its early promise. I still enjoyed it, though, and I loved Darcy’s out-of-place proposal; that made me smile.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
The author gives us a good blurb as to the premise in this story. Thus it is no surprise in the beginning as we read of Caroline overhearing two "friends" criticize her pretentions to enter society behind her back. So as she travels to Netherfield with her brother, she has decided to refocus.
She soon makes friends with Elizabeth Bennet. Now the story seems to give us more of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy makes that insult and when brought to task seeks ways to get Elizabeth alone so he can apologize.
No real surprises in this story. And we do have an epilogue. A pleasant read.
She soon makes friends with Elizabeth Bennet. Now the story seems to give us more of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy makes that insult and when brought to task seeks ways to get Elizabeth alone so he can apologize.
No real surprises in this story. And we do have an epilogue. A pleasant read.
January 19, 2026
4,5 Rounded up to 5
REview published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Vain and Useless is a P&P variation that follows Caroline Bingley after a social humiliation forces her to confront the limits of her ambitions and rethink her behavior. Seeking a fresh start in Hertfordshire, she abandons her pursuit of Mr. Darcy and forms an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline’s altered conduct shifts familiar social dynamics and encourages Darcy to reflect on his own behavior, which in turn affects the development of the romantic relationships in the story.
I loved the premise of this book and was not disappointed. Caroline Bingley’s transformation was what initially drew me in, and the author handled it in a believable and engaging way. Her decision to stop chasing Mr. Darcy, recognize and correct her own snobbery, and actively help Mr. Bingley establish himself in Meryton felt natural and well motivated. I especially enjoyed witnessing her self-reflection, her changed relationship with her siblings, and most of all, her growing friendship with Elizabeth.
The friendship between Caroline and Elizabeth was one of my favorite aspects of the story. It was unusual but thoughtfully developed, and Caroline became a strong advocate for the Bennet’s while also influencing Darcy in ways that added an interesting layer to his relationship with Elizabeth. I also appreciated how small changes in manners and alliances reshaped familiar scenes such as the Meryton Assembly, the Netherfield visits, and Wickham being dealt with more swiftly. Even Mr. Darcy and Bingley’s relationship was altered due to Caroline, and I loved those changes and their dialogues.
That said, I would have liked a more developed ending. Caroline’s storyline in particular, felt somewhat rushed, which stood out since she is such a pivotal character. Readers should also be aware that the story does not heavily focus on Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance, and while that did not bother me, I felt that Caroline’s own future deserved more page time in compensation.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It offers thoughtful character growth, refreshing relationship dynamics, and a low angst, easy to read take on our favorite novel. I would happily recommend it to readers who can’t get enough of Pride and Prejudice 😊
REview published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Vain and Useless is a P&P variation that follows Caroline Bingley after a social humiliation forces her to confront the limits of her ambitions and rethink her behavior. Seeking a fresh start in Hertfordshire, she abandons her pursuit of Mr. Darcy and forms an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline’s altered conduct shifts familiar social dynamics and encourages Darcy to reflect on his own behavior, which in turn affects the development of the romantic relationships in the story.
I loved the premise of this book and was not disappointed. Caroline Bingley’s transformation was what initially drew me in, and the author handled it in a believable and engaging way. Her decision to stop chasing Mr. Darcy, recognize and correct her own snobbery, and actively help Mr. Bingley establish himself in Meryton felt natural and well motivated. I especially enjoyed witnessing her self-reflection, her changed relationship with her siblings, and most of all, her growing friendship with Elizabeth.
The friendship between Caroline and Elizabeth was one of my favorite aspects of the story. It was unusual but thoughtfully developed, and Caroline became a strong advocate for the Bennet’s while also influencing Darcy in ways that added an interesting layer to his relationship with Elizabeth. I also appreciated how small changes in manners and alliances reshaped familiar scenes such as the Meryton Assembly, the Netherfield visits, and Wickham being dealt with more swiftly. Even Mr. Darcy and Bingley’s relationship was altered due to Caroline, and I loved those changes and their dialogues.
That said, I would have liked a more developed ending. Caroline’s storyline in particular, felt somewhat rushed, which stood out since she is such a pivotal character. Readers should also be aware that the story does not heavily focus on Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance, and while that did not bother me, I felt that Caroline’s own future deserved more page time in compensation.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It offers thoughtful character growth, refreshing relationship dynamics, and a low angst, easy to read take on our favorite novel. I would happily recommend it to readers who can’t get enough of Pride and Prejudice 😊
Review of advance copy
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Caroline Bingley was born the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Her sole aim was to rise in Society and she felt that she was having some success. Ladies of Society welcomed her and she was sure that her brother's friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon offer for her. To be the mistress of his vast estate, Pemberley would be a social pinnacle.
Unfortunately, on the evening of the Northram Ball, Caroline overheard herself being derided in the most scathing of terms. Nothing but a social climbing mushroom.
For the first time, Caroline recognises that her family position in Society may increase, but it will take generations. She is mortified and realises that Darcy, grandson of an Earl, was never going to marry someone like her.
When Charles Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield Park, a much changed Caroline enters Meryton Society. No longer sneering and superior, she is approachable and good company.
Darcy is thoroughly unnerved by her lack of fawning attention, convinced that it is a new stratagem.
She finds an ally in the witty Elizabeth Bennet.
Such a change from the usual portrayal makes an interesting variation that is very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Caroline Bingley was born the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Her sole aim was to rise in Society and she felt that she was having some success. Ladies of Society welcomed her and she was sure that her brother's friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon offer for her. To be the mistress of his vast estate, Pemberley would be a social pinnacle.
Unfortunately, on the evening of the Northram Ball, Caroline overheard herself being derided in the most scathing of terms. Nothing but a social climbing mushroom.
For the first time, Caroline recognises that her family position in Society may increase, but it will take generations. She is mortified and realises that Darcy, grandson of an Earl, was never going to marry someone like her.
When Charles Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield Park, a much changed Caroline enters Meryton Society. No longer sneering and superior, she is approachable and good company.
Darcy is thoroughly unnerved by her lack of fawning attention, convinced that it is a new stratagem.
She finds an ally in the witty Elizabeth Bennet.
Such a change from the usual portrayal makes an interesting variation that is very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
This was a wonderful vagary. Frances Reynolds is a gold-standard author in my opinion and this story definitely does not disappoint.
Caroline Bingley is at a London ball when she overhears ladies of the ton, whom she considered to be friends, talk about her and her pretentious behavior, particularly in regard to her pursuit of Mr Darcy. Caroline is humiliated and confides in her brother, Charles. He convinces her to accompany him to his newly leased estate in Hertfordshire where he hopes they will both find contentment and new friendships. Caroline agrees and comes with an open mind and heart hoping to find true friends and happiness.
Charles explains Caroline’s new attitude to Darcy but he remains suspicious. At the assembly he makes his insult of Elizabeth within the hearing if many in the community. Caroline, however, finds affinity with Elizabeth and a friendship is forged. When she learns of Darcy’s insult she tells Elizabeth that she is surprised at his behavior because he is truly a good and honorable man. Charles later takes Darcy, his sister Louisa and brother-in-law Hurst to task for their bad behavior. Caroline also expresses her dismay in their behavior and urges them to support Charles by making a better impression. Darcy agrees to apologize and Louisa and Hurst remain disagreeable and unwilling to change their behavior.
Darcy apologizes to Elizabeth and another friendship is forged. His behavior slowly changes for the better. Caroline continues to thrive with her new behavior and is much admired. With the changes of Darcy and Caroline there is a much different trajectory to the understanding of Darcy and Elizabeth and their feelings for each other. Wickham and Lady Catherine are quickly managed; Mr Collins takes a bit more time to understand the true lay of the land. Mrs Bennet is a trial but is more an annoyance than a villain. This is a low angst, feel good story. It is well written and well worth reading.
Caroline Bingley is at a London ball when she overhears ladies of the ton, whom she considered to be friends, talk about her and her pretentious behavior, particularly in regard to her pursuit of Mr Darcy. Caroline is humiliated and confides in her brother, Charles. He convinces her to accompany him to his newly leased estate in Hertfordshire where he hopes they will both find contentment and new friendships. Caroline agrees and comes with an open mind and heart hoping to find true friends and happiness.
Charles explains Caroline’s new attitude to Darcy but he remains suspicious. At the assembly he makes his insult of Elizabeth within the hearing if many in the community. Caroline, however, finds affinity with Elizabeth and a friendship is forged. When she learns of Darcy’s insult she tells Elizabeth that she is surprised at his behavior because he is truly a good and honorable man. Charles later takes Darcy, his sister Louisa and brother-in-law Hurst to task for their bad behavior. Caroline also expresses her dismay in their behavior and urges them to support Charles by making a better impression. Darcy agrees to apologize and Louisa and Hurst remain disagreeable and unwilling to change their behavior.
Darcy apologizes to Elizabeth and another friendship is forged. His behavior slowly changes for the better. Caroline continues to thrive with her new behavior and is much admired. With the changes of Darcy and Caroline there is a much different trajectory to the understanding of Darcy and Elizabeth and their feelings for each other. Wickham and Lady Catherine are quickly managed; Mr Collins takes a bit more time to understand the true lay of the land. Mrs Bennet is a trial but is more an annoyance than a villain. This is a low angst, feel good story. It is well written and well worth reading.
January 7, 2026
finally a Caroline worth rooting for…
Never did I ever think to read a book and find myself smiling about, or cheering for, Caroline Bingley but Frances Reynolds said “challenge accepted!!” Haha
This is just a delightful from start to finish! The friendships forged here are beautiful to behold and it made my heart burst with joy on Caroline’s behalf for her to finally know the true gift of female companionship!! Also enjoyed that our beloved characters were quick to speak up…to defend… and to act in ways to further these friendships!! Unexpected behaviors in unexpected places but I love every minute of this book!! Unputdownable light hearted fare from a “must read” author!!
Never did I ever think to read a book and find myself smiling about, or cheering for, Caroline Bingley but Frances Reynolds said “challenge accepted!!” Haha
This is just a delightful from start to finish! The friendships forged here are beautiful to behold and it made my heart burst with joy on Caroline’s behalf for her to finally know the true gift of female companionship!! Also enjoyed that our beloved characters were quick to speak up…to defend… and to act in ways to further these friendships!! Unexpected behaviors in unexpected places but I love every minute of this book!! Unputdownable light hearted fare from a “must read” author!!
January 6, 2026
Well written variation
This author has a knack for writing well, echoing Austen's style herself sometimes. Her writing is all her own though and she has come up with some interesting premises. While I would have preferred more on page time between our dear couple, I knew going into it that the focus was going to be a bit more between Elizabeth and Caroline's unexpected friendship. As with her other
book, The Wallflower, which I also enjoyed, Frances Reynolds took her time to develop beautiful female friendships between strong female leads which I appreciate.
If, however, you prefer a more Darcy/Elizabeth centric book, you might not find this to be quite the thing. It's still an excellently written book.
This author has a knack for writing well, echoing Austen's style herself sometimes. Her writing is all her own though and she has come up with some interesting premises. While I would have preferred more on page time between our dear couple, I knew going into it that the focus was going to be a bit more between Elizabeth and Caroline's unexpected friendship. As with her other
book, The Wallflower, which I also enjoyed, Frances Reynolds took her time to develop beautiful female friendships between strong female leads which I appreciate.
If, however, you prefer a more Darcy/Elizabeth centric book, you might not find this to be quite the thing. It's still an excellently written book.
January 9, 2026
After overhearing a criticism from her supposed friends in London, Caroline Bingley arrives at Netherfield a changed woman, determined to present herself in an agreeable way to the local society. She meets the Bennets and develops a liking for Elizabeth's company. Beyond her duties as hostess for her brother's estate, she ignores Darcy. He is dubious and keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. It started as Caroline's realization of the need to change her attitude and focus, but Darcy and Elizabeth soon became the main protagonists. It would have been nice to see more of Caroline's transformation, but it was a very pleasant, low-angst variation anyway.
January 6, 2026
A very different Caroline
I really enjoyed this more introspective Caroline. The book was very enjoyable and a very nice POV. A mostly light hearted but great story.
I really enjoyed this more introspective Caroline. The book was very enjoyable and a very nice POV. A mostly light hearted but great story.
January 18, 2026
4.5-stars rounded up. I was entertained by this and enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy
A kinder, gentler Caroline Bingley - such an interesting premise! In London, she overhears herself mocked by titled ladies she had thought were her friends. Charles consoles his devastated sister, and the siblings rekindle the previous closeness they'd had before she went to seminary school and developed delusions of grandeur. They agree she needs a fresh start away from her phony "friends," and he encourages her to help establish his household at Netherfield, so she's with him when he first takes possession of his leased estate. Thus, Caroline is amenable to making the acquaintance of the Bennets before the Meryton Assembly and strikes up a friendship with Jane and Elizabeth.
Caroline's changed attitude has a major effect on the rest of the story. She completely abandons her pursuit of Darcy, who is suspicious of her altered behavior, believing it may be a new ploy for his attention. She is more observant than Charles at the assembly and becomes aware of the negative impression Darcy and the Hursts have made. She also knows Darcy has insulted one of the neighborhood's favorite young ladies, her new friend, and duly informs her brother. That leads Charles to take his friend to task, pointing out that Darcy's poor behavior reflects badly on him as he tries to form ties in the community.
Consequently, a chastened Darcy looks for the opportunity to apologize to Elizabeth and makes a greater effort to be sociable in company. Without Caroline nattering snark in his ear, he is less inclined to find fault with the neighborhood. She is quick to realize he's attracted to Elizabeth and actually approves. There are other challenges, so it's not ALL smooth sailing, but it's a relatively low-angst story.
The book is nicely written and edited, and I enjoyed it.
Content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Caroline's changed attitude has a major effect on the rest of the story. She completely abandons her pursuit of Darcy, who is suspicious of her altered behavior, believing it may be a new ploy for his attention. She is more observant than Charles at the assembly and becomes aware of the negative impression Darcy and the Hursts have made. She also knows Darcy has insulted one of the neighborhood's favorite young ladies, her new friend, and duly informs her brother. That leads Charles to take his friend to task, pointing out that Darcy's poor behavior reflects badly on him as he tries to form ties in the community.
Consequently, a chastened Darcy looks for the opportunity to apologize to Elizabeth and makes a greater effort to be sociable in company. Without Caroline nattering snark in his ear, he is less inclined to find fault with the neighborhood. She is quick to realize he's attracted to Elizabeth and actually approves. There are other challenges, so it's not ALL smooth sailing, but it's a relatively low-angst story.
The book is nicely written and edited, and I enjoyed it.
Content is clean.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
A unique premise.
Caroline Bingley overhears some ladies of the ton talking about her behind her back and from that point everything changes. I really enjoyed this new Caroline and how she acted. I wish Elizabeth and Darcy had more page time (the realization of feelings for Elizabeth felt somewhat rushed) but the book itself was very enjoyable
Caroline Bingley overhears some ladies of the ton talking about her behind her back and from that point everything changes. I really enjoyed this new Caroline and how she acted. I wish Elizabeth and Darcy had more page time (the realization of feelings for Elizabeth felt somewhat rushed) but the book itself was very enjoyable
January 10, 2026
I loved this Caroline Bingley!
Here’s a very different Caroline than the one we all know and love to hate. Her influence on Elizabeth completely changes the immediate future for our dear couple.
Here’s a very different Caroline than the one we all know and love to hate. Her influence on Elizabeth completely changes the immediate future for our dear couple.
January 11, 2026
Lovely
Frances Reynolds never fails to deliver an entertaining delightful story. I love stories when changing one character's personality produces a less angst filled yet still satisfying story. Will read it again and again. Looking forward to the next one.
Frances Reynolds never fails to deliver an entertaining delightful story. I love stories when changing one character's personality produces a less angst filled yet still satisfying story. Will read it again and again. Looking forward to the next one.
January 10, 2026
I loved this take on a reformed Caroline Bingley! Her attitude affects many plot lines and I enjoyed the friendship between her and Lizzy! Great variation!
January 15, 2026
Given that I expected Caroline to be the main focus of this book I picked up because of the author.
I should have more faith it was terrific.
I should have more faith it was terrific.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews