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Great Uncle Henry: A Pride & Prejudice Vagary
***Please This book will publish on its own with no free previously published book added for Kindle and KU*** Also This is a full-length novel of 110,000+ words.***
Henry Bennet is a second son born in 1739. His father, Thomas Bennet, concentrates all of his energy on his heir, James, who is more than 10 years older than Henry. The father has no use for his daughter, Felicity, who is 6 years Henry’s senior.
By 1765 when Henry is 26, his brother is married, and the wife is expecting. By then Felicity had been married for some years and moved with her husband to the colony of Connecticut in the Americas. Other than a letter to say she has arrived, nothing more is heard from her.
Henry did not choose any of the traditional professions for a second son, he rather had a sense of adventure wanting to travel to make his fortune in India. Until this point, his father had refused to allow him to leave thanks to the entail on Longbourn. To that end he had withheld Henry’s £5,000 legacy. However, now that his heir’s wife is about to birth their first child, the Bennet patriarch releases Henry’s funds.
Off to India Henry goes to find his fortune. This tale starts with his life in India. There, he finds his fortune; the question is how big is it? After about 20 years in India, Henry decides to return to England.
One of the first things Henry does is visit Longbourn. There he finds that his parents, and brother and sister-in-law are no longer alive. He meets Thomas and Fanny Bennet and is singularly unimpressed by both. It is before Jane is born.
We see how he lives in England and how his interactions affect the trajectory of the lives of those around him. Where does he live, and who does he choose as his heir once he decides that his niece and nephew at Longbourn are not worthy? Will he influence the eventual results of the meeting between his grand-niece Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy?
These and many other questions will be answered when you read this book.
Henry Bennet is a second son born in 1739. His father, Thomas Bennet, concentrates all of his energy on his heir, James, who is more than 10 years older than Henry. The father has no use for his daughter, Felicity, who is 6 years Henry’s senior.
By 1765 when Henry is 26, his brother is married, and the wife is expecting. By then Felicity had been married for some years and moved with her husband to the colony of Connecticut in the Americas. Other than a letter to say she has arrived, nothing more is heard from her.
Henry did not choose any of the traditional professions for a second son, he rather had a sense of adventure wanting to travel to make his fortune in India. Until this point, his father had refused to allow him to leave thanks to the entail on Longbourn. To that end he had withheld Henry’s £5,000 legacy. However, now that his heir’s wife is about to birth their first child, the Bennet patriarch releases Henry’s funds.
Off to India Henry goes to find his fortune. This tale starts with his life in India. There, he finds his fortune; the question is how big is it? After about 20 years in India, Henry decides to return to England.
One of the first things Henry does is visit Longbourn. There he finds that his parents, and brother and sister-in-law are no longer alive. He meets Thomas and Fanny Bennet and is singularly unimpressed by both. It is before Jane is born.
We see how he lives in England and how his interactions affect the trajectory of the lives of those around him. Where does he live, and who does he choose as his heir once he decides that his niece and nephew at Longbourn are not worthy? Will he influence the eventual results of the meeting between his grand-niece Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy?
These and many other questions will be answered when you read this book.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2025
About the author
Shana Granderson
70 books71 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 30, 2025
This author is absolutely over the top, with a poor editorial framework, but a lot of confidence in their own illogical viewpoints. Still I could find some value in original plotlines, or candid character descriptions — not this time!
The plot device of a rich uncle is not new, it relies in two elements, 1) a deus ex machina situation in which the rich character throws money or influence to “fix” perceived flaws in Austen’s original universe, and 2) a wealth p*rn situation, through which the reader can see Elizabeth/the Bennets socially elevated through a display of wealth (properties, dresses, carriages, doweries, and so on!)
Both elements were present here, but (in my op) they were presented in the most childish manner possible, with endless repetitive accounts of unbelievably fabulous dowries being distributed through Meryton like candy! Because rich uncle Henry doesn’t just benefit his favourite ward Lizzy, he also furbishes all Bennet girls + the Lucas girls + some long-lost Taylor nieces, with astonishing dowries of +£30,000, £100,000 each! Just wow…
The treatment of properties and ownership is an absolute joke, same as the description of contracts, leases, inheritances, and so on — a reminder that this story is no more than a childish fantasy projection of a sort.
I particularly dislike stories where characters get “punished” in a way that canon Austen doesn’t see a need for it = humiliation, physical harm, physical restraint, violence, and imprisonment. I see it as a petty, poor projection of feelings from the author, and it almost always leans heavily towards misogyny.
In this case cartoonish characters like Caroline or Lady Catherine get set-down, humiliated, or sent to an assylum, while others suddenly redeem themselves after violence is inflicted on them (here, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia).
This sadism extends to Mr. Bennet, who is depicted as a cruel, manipulative sadist by the author, and is also victim of the authors sadism as he gets his “just desserts” by being socially cut by his neighbors, physically restrained, threatened by the law, and deported to the Colonies (away from his home, deprived of his family and possessions).
But do you know what was more painfully comical about that part??? How while Mr. Bennet was being publicly humiliated and DEPORTED right there at the Meryton Assembly, his daughters kept merrily dancing the evening away with their beaux, while their father was forcibly removed by two “gentle giants” who are making some sort of cutesy cameo from other books into this one…
I can’t recommend this book with a straight face, but I can mention it as an example of low quality Austenesque writing, of how Wealth p*rn works as a poorly executed plot device, and as a token sample of how an author with no good advice, guidance, or self-awareness, can still churn several stories and release them into the world !! Amazing…
The plot device of a rich uncle is not new, it relies in two elements, 1) a deus ex machina situation in which the rich character throws money or influence to “fix” perceived flaws in Austen’s original universe, and 2) a wealth p*rn situation, through which the reader can see Elizabeth/the Bennets socially elevated through a display of wealth (properties, dresses, carriages, doweries, and so on!)
Both elements were present here, but (in my op) they were presented in the most childish manner possible, with endless repetitive accounts of unbelievably fabulous dowries being distributed through Meryton like candy! Because rich uncle Henry doesn’t just benefit his favourite ward Lizzy, he also furbishes all Bennet girls + the Lucas girls + some long-lost Taylor nieces, with astonishing dowries of +£30,000, £100,000 each! Just wow…
The treatment of properties and ownership is an absolute joke, same as the description of contracts, leases, inheritances, and so on — a reminder that this story is no more than a childish fantasy projection of a sort.
I particularly dislike stories where characters get “punished” in a way that canon Austen doesn’t see a need for it = humiliation, physical harm, physical restraint, violence, and imprisonment. I see it as a petty, poor projection of feelings from the author, and it almost always leans heavily towards misogyny.
In this case cartoonish characters like Caroline or Lady Catherine get set-down, humiliated, or sent to an assylum, while others suddenly redeem themselves after violence is inflicted on them (here, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia).
This sadism extends to Mr. Bennet, who is depicted as a cruel, manipulative sadist by the author, and is also victim of the authors sadism as he gets his “just desserts” by being socially cut by his neighbors, physically restrained, threatened by the law, and deported to the Colonies (away from his home, deprived of his family and possessions).
But do you know what was more painfully comical about that part??? How while Mr. Bennet was being publicly humiliated and DEPORTED right there at the Meryton Assembly, his daughters kept merrily dancing the evening away with their beaux, while their father was forcibly removed by two “gentle giants” who are making some sort of cutesy cameo from other books into this one…
I can’t recommend this book with a straight face, but I can mention it as an example of low quality Austenesque writing, of how Wealth p*rn works as a poorly executed plot device, and as a token sample of how an author with no good advice, guidance, or self-awareness, can still churn several stories and release them into the world !! Amazing…
April 12, 2026
Great Uncle Henry was a dear, mostly heartwarming story of a second son making good and finally able to return home to family. Naturally, Henry's story wove in with a take on the Pride and Prejudice cast of familiar characters since he's the great uncle of the Bennet girls in Shana Granderson's standalone vagary.
Henry Bennet is as wealthy as King Midas after his time in India includes a rich gold strike, but he's astute when it comes to his fortune and is careful to hide that his wealth isn't modest when he arrives home in Ye Merry Olde England's shores. He plans to be generous with his wealth when it comes to his relations, but soon learns his nephew Thomas and Thomas' wife Fanny are selfish, lazy spinthrifts so he decides to bide his time and consider of making their children his heirs- or maybe the children of his long-lost sister and her family in America. In the meantime, he buys an estate in the north and forms friendships with Darcy of Pemberley and Matlock of Snowhaven.
But his nephew and his wife are making a mess of things including the way they are treating every child after the first one because they aren't sons. Henry takes a hand and falls for the delightful precocious little Elizabeth and has the rearing of her for her formative first several years after her mother rejects her. He takes responsibility to educate her and her next two sisters, but the oldest and youngest heed their mother and reject his overtures because his nephew has led his wife to believe Uncle Henry is a threat to her future for Thomas' own sadistic entertainment.
So, the P&P story changes with the inclusion of Henry, a much more villainous Mr. Bennet, and some additional sides characters and stories. I enjoyed it all and loved Uncle Henry and what he brought to the story and loved seeing him finally get his wish to be surrounded by loving family of whom he is able to shower his generous wealth on.
Henry Bennet is as wealthy as King Midas after his time in India includes a rich gold strike, but he's astute when it comes to his fortune and is careful to hide that his wealth isn't modest when he arrives home in Ye Merry Olde England's shores. He plans to be generous with his wealth when it comes to his relations, but soon learns his nephew Thomas and Thomas' wife Fanny are selfish, lazy spinthrifts so he decides to bide his time and consider of making their children his heirs- or maybe the children of his long-lost sister and her family in America. In the meantime, he buys an estate in the north and forms friendships with Darcy of Pemberley and Matlock of Snowhaven.
But his nephew and his wife are making a mess of things including the way they are treating every child after the first one because they aren't sons. Henry takes a hand and falls for the delightful precocious little Elizabeth and has the rearing of her for her formative first several years after her mother rejects her. He takes responsibility to educate her and her next two sisters, but the oldest and youngest heed their mother and reject his overtures because his nephew has led his wife to believe Uncle Henry is a threat to her future for Thomas' own sadistic entertainment.
So, the P&P story changes with the inclusion of Henry, a much more villainous Mr. Bennet, and some additional sides characters and stories. I enjoyed it all and loved Uncle Henry and what he brought to the story and loved seeing him finally get his wish to be surrounded by loving family of whom he is able to shower his generous wealth on.
December 1, 2025
A mostly original version
But still, an interesting one. I really liked Uncle Henry; this is mainly his story supported by the characters of the original book, and also a good quantity of new and interesting ones. Very enjoyable!
But still, an interesting one. I really liked Uncle Henry; this is mainly his story supported by the characters of the original book, and also a good quantity of new and interesting ones. Very enjoyable!
September 30, 2025
Media rattle at its middling laziness
This story
was tedious at best. Moreover, it lacked any angst or suspense. It's not that it's awful. it's
bland.
This story
was tedious at best. Moreover, it lacked any angst or suspense. It's not that it's awful. it's
bland.
September 22, 2025
Another great A Lady book
Oh, Shana, what delightful Easter eggs you included. I truly enjoy characters that return book after book, ( wouldn't everyone like a Biggs or Johns?) I love it when those that deserve it get their, good or bad. Thank you for the books that keep on giving! Bet you can't just read one!
Oh, Shana, what delightful Easter eggs you included. I truly enjoy characters that return book after book, ( wouldn't everyone like a Biggs or Johns?) I love it when those that deserve it get their, good or bad. Thank you for the books that keep on giving! Bet you can't just read one!
September 22, 2025
Lovely
Another giant cast of characters in the newest variant inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson. Everyone needs an Uncle Henry.
Another giant cast of characters in the newest variant inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson. Everyone needs an Uncle Henry.
May 9, 2026
sweet UncleHenry
Sweet great uncle Henry is one of the most precious characters of any variation I have ever read. His presence this variation changes the course of each of our characters lives, making for a very, very sweet story.
Sweet great uncle Henry is one of the most precious characters of any variation I have ever read. His presence this variation changes the course of each of our characters lives, making for a very, very sweet story.
January 31, 2026
WOW! AMAZING! FANTASTIC!
Ms. Granderson keeps improving with every retelling of P&P she writes. I appreciate that she takes her creativity and shares with us her re-imaginings of the great beloved story from Jane Austen in a way that does not belittle the original, yet honors it. She does not force the events in P&P to happen if her re-imagining has taken a different path.
The premise here is that Mr. Bennet’s grandparents had two sons and a daughter, so there is more Bennet family than in JA’s world. This additional family goes their own way - the daughter to America with her husband, and when Mr. Bennet’s father and mother were expecting, his uncle was finally allowed to live as he wished as the family line would continue. He went to India and made his fortune there.
He returns to England to find his parents had passed, and so had his elder brother. His nephew, (Lizzy’s father, Thomas) had married and is expecting his first child. He had never met Thomas, who is even more indolent and selfish than JA’s original portrayal. The current Mrs. Bennet (Fanny) did not impress him either. While he maintains contact with his remaining family in England, he lives his own life, mostly quietly. He moves north and befriends George Darcy and Lord Matlock.
Jane is born, but events with Lizzy’s birth force him to intervene and become more involved with his Longbourn family. From there the tale of the Bennet family diverges. You will have to read it yourself for what happens next. You will not be disappointed! (Unless you want Lizzy to turn pirate. Sorry, that’s not this story.)
My only complaint, and it is minor, is how Thomas’s character is formed to be the one portrayed here; not much is explored on that. Great Uncle states several times that Thomas’s father (James) would have been disappointed with his son’s behavior. IMHO, a few paragraphs about how Thomas becomes so indolent would be a nice addition. Did James do everything for his son, leaving him to prefer to read and live leisurely instead of taking care of Longbourn? Did James make Thomas do everything while James micromanaged him? As I said, minor complaint, but it would have been nice to know.
Ms. Granderson keeps improving with every retelling of P&P she writes. I appreciate that she takes her creativity and shares with us her re-imaginings of the great beloved story from Jane Austen in a way that does not belittle the original, yet honors it. She does not force the events in P&P to happen if her re-imagining has taken a different path.
The premise here is that Mr. Bennet’s grandparents had two sons and a daughter, so there is more Bennet family than in JA’s world. This additional family goes their own way - the daughter to America with her husband, and when Mr. Bennet’s father and mother were expecting, his uncle was finally allowed to live as he wished as the family line would continue. He went to India and made his fortune there.
He returns to England to find his parents had passed, and so had his elder brother. His nephew, (Lizzy’s father, Thomas) had married and is expecting his first child. He had never met Thomas, who is even more indolent and selfish than JA’s original portrayal. The current Mrs. Bennet (Fanny) did not impress him either. While he maintains contact with his remaining family in England, he lives his own life, mostly quietly. He moves north and befriends George Darcy and Lord Matlock.
Jane is born, but events with Lizzy’s birth force him to intervene and become more involved with his Longbourn family. From there the tale of the Bennet family diverges. You will have to read it yourself for what happens next. You will not be disappointed! (Unless you want Lizzy to turn pirate. Sorry, that’s not this story.)
My only complaint, and it is minor, is how Thomas’s character is formed to be the one portrayed here; not much is explored on that. Great Uncle states several times that Thomas’s father (James) would have been disappointed with his son’s behavior. IMHO, a few paragraphs about how Thomas becomes so indolent would be a nice addition. Did James do everything for his son, leaving him to prefer to read and live leisurely instead of taking care of Longbourn? Did James make Thomas do everything while James micromanaged him? As I said, minor complaint, but it would have been nice to know.
September 23, 2025
love this Uncle!
Have admired this author’s work since first read ..have re-read several of her books. I usually prefer ODC as the driving characters in any five star JAFF read, but this book filled in some gaps of related books focusing on Bennet antecedents; in particular, Uncle Henry. The plot trifurcates the B Family lives/fortunes: some relocating to the colonies, one to India (where Henry builds his fortune), & of course Thomas, all snug/snarky in his ‘library’ remaining @ Longbourn. T Bennet’s compelling need to be the smartest person in any room he’s in while lording it over all who cross his purview (esp his wife) is creepy but believable given the Regency societal norms. Wealthy Uncle Henry pops back into town & from early on, challenges the Bennet parents on their ennui & stupidity & aids several ways to keep Lizzy alive, safe, educated while thwarting the worst of Bennet’s machinations. Agree some plot lines are rather fragile (Fanny’s nerves calmed in one confrontation?) but works for the book length. There’s several HEA’s for the deserving, Wickham walks a better path (ty Author for a reformed Wickham) & and an overall feel-good-wrap up during the Epilogue. No, def not a typical FD/EB story but quite enjoyable! Def recommended to JAFF loyalists.
Have admired this author’s work since first read ..have re-read several of her books. I usually prefer ODC as the driving characters in any five star JAFF read, but this book filled in some gaps of related books focusing on Bennet antecedents; in particular, Uncle Henry. The plot trifurcates the B Family lives/fortunes: some relocating to the colonies, one to India (where Henry builds his fortune), & of course Thomas, all snug/snarky in his ‘library’ remaining @ Longbourn. T Bennet’s compelling need to be the smartest person in any room he’s in while lording it over all who cross his purview (esp his wife) is creepy but believable given the Regency societal norms. Wealthy Uncle Henry pops back into town & from early on, challenges the Bennet parents on their ennui & stupidity & aids several ways to keep Lizzy alive, safe, educated while thwarting the worst of Bennet’s machinations. Agree some plot lines are rather fragile (Fanny’s nerves calmed in one confrontation?) but works for the book length. There’s several HEA’s for the deserving, Wickham walks a better path (ty Author for a reformed Wickham) & and an overall feel-good-wrap up during the Epilogue. No, def not a typical FD/EB story but quite enjoyable! Def recommended to JAFF loyalists.
July 7, 2026
What one person can do
I got the audiobook to go with the e-book and Stevie. Zimmerman’s narration was fantastic and of course made the book even better.
This is a long family history story. We start off learning about several generations prior to Elizabeth including the details about the entail, especially the part that the Collins line is forever disinherited! Majority of this story is focused on Uncle Henry and his life and how it impacts those around him.
If you are looking for a story that has lots of Darcy and Elizabeth together on page time this is not the story for you. They do come together but late in the story. Darcy is one that through help from others has to work through his pride and prejudice issues before meeting Elizabeth. Wickham is an immensely small blip in the overall story and is a redeemed character; I like to see that every so often.
Being a very keen observer, Uncle Henry can see through the selfishness and cruelty that Elizabeth’s father tries to hide behind a sense of humor. Because of this cruelty, Uncle Henry is very invested in ways to help his great nieces and the community around them.
Will you have to suspend belief about the amount of money Uncle Henry has or other things, sure that is what fiction stories are. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Overall, I can easily listen to this story again.
I got the audiobook to go with the e-book and Stevie. Zimmerman’s narration was fantastic and of course made the book even better.
This is a long family history story. We start off learning about several generations prior to Elizabeth including the details about the entail, especially the part that the Collins line is forever disinherited! Majority of this story is focused on Uncle Henry and his life and how it impacts those around him.
If you are looking for a story that has lots of Darcy and Elizabeth together on page time this is not the story for you. They do come together but late in the story. Darcy is one that through help from others has to work through his pride and prejudice issues before meeting Elizabeth. Wickham is an immensely small blip in the overall story and is a redeemed character; I like to see that every so often.
Being a very keen observer, Uncle Henry can see through the selfishness and cruelty that Elizabeth’s father tries to hide behind a sense of humor. Because of this cruelty, Uncle Henry is very invested in ways to help his great nieces and the community around them.
Will you have to suspend belief about the amount of money Uncle Henry has or other things, sure that is what fiction stories are. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Overall, I can easily listen to this story again.
July 17, 2026
Just okay
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unfortunately, I struggled getting through this one. I did finish it because I love Stevie Zimmerman narrations. She doesn’t fail here and is as perfect as this story allows.
The premise isn’t bad, but the book reads more like a logistical or chronological saga. And while there are a lot of couples matches, there’s no romance to speak of. There’s not a single whole page of Elizabeth-Darcy time together with any meaningful dialogue. Darcy doesn’t meet her until the 80% mark (Page 302 of 380). So once we know who Uncle Henry is, how he made his fortune, and how he saves Elizabeth from uncaring parents, it got very boring for me. The are some characters who redeem themselves by the end, and another who ends up in this author’s typical insane asylum. I haven’t even mentioned editing issues. To add to all this, there are just way too many non-canon characters to deal with besides. All in all it was just too much.
I’d love to see this author focus more on one or two couples and thresh out their character development. Also leaning less on narrative prose and more on dialogue would be nice. She does have some good ideas, but most of her stories are just too OTT. I have read a few of this author’s stories that I did enjoy, especially as audiobooks, but I can’t count this book as one of them.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unfortunately, I struggled getting through this one. I did finish it because I love Stevie Zimmerman narrations. She doesn’t fail here and is as perfect as this story allows.
The premise isn’t bad, but the book reads more like a logistical or chronological saga. And while there are a lot of couples matches, there’s no romance to speak of. There’s not a single whole page of Elizabeth-Darcy time together with any meaningful dialogue. Darcy doesn’t meet her until the 80% mark (Page 302 of 380). So once we know who Uncle Henry is, how he made his fortune, and how he saves Elizabeth from uncaring parents, it got very boring for me. The are some characters who redeem themselves by the end, and another who ends up in this author’s typical insane asylum. I haven’t even mentioned editing issues. To add to all this, there are just way too many non-canon characters to deal with besides. All in all it was just too much.
I’d love to see this author focus more on one or two couples and thresh out their character development. Also leaning less on narrative prose and more on dialogue would be nice. She does have some good ideas, but most of her stories are just too OTT. I have read a few of this author’s stories that I did enjoy, especially as audiobooks, but I can’t count this book as one of them.
October 3, 2025
This was a wonderful book in true Shana Granderson style. I adored the character of great-uncle Henry Bennet. He was a wonderful character to center the book around. Make no mistake…he was the main character although Elizabeth shared a starring role with him.
If you enjoy villains, this books has villains galore. The very worst is Mr Thomas Bennet, master of Longbourn. Most of the lesser villains are there, with the exception of Wickham and Mrs Younge who are admirable characters. Also if you love a good redemption story Mrs Bennet and Lydia will fill that bill nicely. Bingley also gets some reformation…but does not get the girl this time.
Other good new characters in the story include the Bennets’ American cousins, Anne de Burgh’s cousin and all the Fitzwilliams. Darcy, thankfully, gets his pride out of the way prior to his meeting with Elizabeth which doesn’t occur until later in the story. Darcy and Elizabeth have their moment, but they are not alone and this is not their story.
It’s a heartwarming tale of family, love, loyalty and forgiveness. I was sucked in from the beginning and enjoyed every word.
If you enjoy villains, this books has villains galore. The very worst is Mr Thomas Bennet, master of Longbourn. Most of the lesser villains are there, with the exception of Wickham and Mrs Younge who are admirable characters. Also if you love a good redemption story Mrs Bennet and Lydia will fill that bill nicely. Bingley also gets some reformation…but does not get the girl this time.
Other good new characters in the story include the Bennets’ American cousins, Anne de Burgh’s cousin and all the Fitzwilliams. Darcy, thankfully, gets his pride out of the way prior to his meeting with Elizabeth which doesn’t occur until later in the story. Darcy and Elizabeth have their moment, but they are not alone and this is not their story.
It’s a heartwarming tale of family, love, loyalty and forgiveness. I was sucked in from the beginning and enjoyed every word.
October 17, 2025
Wonderful
Mr Bennett has an uncle who makes a vast fortune in India, and many years later returns to England to decide which of his relations will be his heir. Uncle Henry immediately rules out Mr Bennett, and refuses to settle anything on Mrs Bennett since she's a terrible mother. Uncle Henry rescues baby Elizabeth from her stupid and cruel parents, raises her for several years, and makes her his heir. Uncle Henry's wealth has far reaching effects on many.
I like this author. Uncle Henry is a likeable new character, with an interesting backstory. The author makes her characters pleasantly forthright, and the villains and annoying people get spectacular comeuppances. I deducted a star because the section of the story regarding Mr Bennett's obsession with getting his cruel amusement at other's expense was way too long and tedious. He became cartoonishly bad, in a creepy and insane kind of way that went on and on. Too much of a bad thing.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it for a satisfying and enjoyable tale.
Mr Bennett has an uncle who makes a vast fortune in India, and many years later returns to England to decide which of his relations will be his heir. Uncle Henry immediately rules out Mr Bennett, and refuses to settle anything on Mrs Bennett since she's a terrible mother. Uncle Henry rescues baby Elizabeth from her stupid and cruel parents, raises her for several years, and makes her his heir. Uncle Henry's wealth has far reaching effects on many.
I like this author. Uncle Henry is a likeable new character, with an interesting backstory. The author makes her characters pleasantly forthright, and the villains and annoying people get spectacular comeuppances. I deducted a star because the section of the story regarding Mr Bennett's obsession with getting his cruel amusement at other's expense was way too long and tedious. He became cartoonishly bad, in a creepy and insane kind of way that went on and on. Too much of a bad thing.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it for a satisfying and enjoyable tale.
September 30, 2025
Be Prepared To Not Sleep!
From the prologue to the epilogue I found this book compelling. The plot drew me in despite the fact that Mr Darcy and Elizabeth don't meet until close to the end. We get to know about life in India as we travel with Great Uncle Henry Bennet. We even find out about Great Aunt Felicity Bennet Taylor who moved to the Americas right after her wedding and what encouraged her to bring her America-born family to England.
Of course, we get to see an amazing child grow up and become an amazing young woman despite her parents' neglect and almost abuse because of Great Uncle Henry. The other non-favorites benefit as well.
Absolutely compelling.
From the prologue to the epilogue I found this book compelling. The plot drew me in despite the fact that Mr Darcy and Elizabeth don't meet until close to the end. We get to know about life in India as we travel with Great Uncle Henry Bennet. We even find out about Great Aunt Felicity Bennet Taylor who moved to the Americas right after her wedding and what encouraged her to bring her America-born family to England.
Of course, we get to see an amazing child grow up and become an amazing young woman despite her parents' neglect and almost abuse because of Great Uncle Henry. The other non-favorites benefit as well.
Absolutely compelling.
October 2, 2025
What a wonderful story!
This was a truly captivating and enjoyable read. I started and finished reading in one day as I couldn’t put it down! The relationship between Great Uncle Henry and Lizzy was heartwarming. The villains were especially bad but were not given much leeway so the angst level was fairly low. William and Lizzy were both reasonable and I enjoyed the addition of the Taylors and Albert de Bourgh to the cast of family members. Finally, thanks to Ms. Granderson for the “Easter eggs” at the beginning of the story and for a terrific story!
This was a truly captivating and enjoyable read. I started and finished reading in one day as I couldn’t put it down! The relationship between Great Uncle Henry and Lizzy was heartwarming. The villains were especially bad but were not given much leeway so the angst level was fairly low. William and Lizzy were both reasonable and I enjoyed the addition of the Taylors and Albert de Bourgh to the cast of family members. Finally, thanks to Ms. Granderson for the “Easter eggs” at the beginning of the story and for a terrific story!
February 9, 2026
Nice tale, Uncle Henry´s influence was felt early on but still did not completely change the personality of the usual characters, and where there was a change, it was explained by the change of circumstances occaisioned by the addition of the character of Great Uncle Henry.
This was an easier read than some of the authors other books, in which the complete goodness of the characters she populates the book with and how she hits you over the head with it, feels more like reading a caricature of a person rather than an actual person. One of my favorites from this author for sure.
This was an easier read than some of the authors other books, in which the complete goodness of the characters she populates the book with and how she hits you over the head with it, feels more like reading a caricature of a person rather than an actual person. One of my favorites from this author for sure.
September 24, 2025
Absolutely Perfect!
I genuinely love that this is a low angst but sweeping story of family love. I am actually envious of Elizabeth having an Uncle Henry, not for his fabulous wealth, but because he fully knows what family and friendship really means and how to nurture and preserve it.
I genuinely love that this is a low angst but sweeping story of family love. I am actually envious of Elizabeth having an Uncle Henry, not for his fabulous wealth, but because he fully knows what family and friendship really means and how to nurture and preserve it.
September 29, 2025
3.25⭐️
This was a good read. There wasn't as much repetition as I have come to expect in one of this authors variations. This was mostly a story of the titular Great Henry and the various clans he was connected to than just the Bennets and Darcy. It was actually a fun read and not as melodramatic as others I have read by the same author.
This was a good read. There wasn't as much repetition as I have come to expect in one of this authors variations. This was mostly a story of the titular Great Henry and the various clans he was connected to than just the Bennets and Darcy. It was actually a fun read and not as melodramatic as others I have read by the same author.
October 2, 2025
Great Uncle Henry
Truly a fun P&P variation. I loved the way the dialog was truthful and left open to interpretation. The story line flowed comfortably lending the the story believable and enjoyable. Ms. Granderson has again entertained and written a story I look forward to rereading in the future.
Truly a fun P&P variation. I loved the way the dialog was truthful and left open to interpretation. The story line flowed comfortably lending the the story believable and enjoyable. Ms. Granderson has again entertained and written a story I look forward to rereading in the future.
October 28, 2025
excellent read.
So I will start with the negatives. It has in my opinion way too many additional characters. And some of them I had trouble keeping track of as a lot of information was dropped very rapidly. However despite that I think this story was very good. And my vengeful soul was touched indeed lol punishments fit the crimes indeed.
So I will start with the negatives. It has in my opinion way too many additional characters. And some of them I had trouble keeping track of as a lot of information was dropped very rapidly. However despite that I think this story was very good. And my vengeful soul was touched indeed lol punishments fit the crimes indeed.
January 31, 2026
Zero Characterization
I’m sorry to be blunt, but this story is severely lacking in believable characters with proper character arcs. Characters are one dimensional and in many cases, cartoonish. It is a fun idea, to think of a wealthy uncle saving the day, but this story lacks nuance.
I’m sorry to be blunt, but this story is severely lacking in believable characters with proper character arcs. Characters are one dimensional and in many cases, cartoonish. It is a fun idea, to think of a wealthy uncle saving the day, but this story lacks nuance.
September 25, 2025
Another Epic!
Shana has given us another great epic story - I like this one as it has the Bennet’s as the prime movers and shakers rather than them finding out they are long lost heirs etc.
Shana has given us another great epic story - I like this one as it has the Bennet’s as the prime movers and shakers rather than them finding out they are long lost heirs etc.
September 30, 2025
If you're looking for a Darcy/Lizzy romance, this is not the one. They don't even meet until like 80% through. Well worth reading and I enjoyed it well, but it won't scratch a love affair itch in the least.
October 5, 2025
Very entertaining.
Enjoyable reading. This author always delivers interesting stories that are well written. Highly recommend to P&P variation readers. Always has our favorite couple see their HEA.
Enjoyable reading. This author always delivers interesting stories that are well written. Highly recommend to P&P variation readers. Always has our favorite couple see their HEA.
October 21, 2025
Great Uncle Henry
Great Uncle Henry really is great. Every one would love such looking after them. Shame on Mr Bennet in this story. I can honestly say, he is not well liked, not even by me. Very good story and a reformed Mrs Bennet, Jane and Lydia.
Great Uncle Henry really is great. Every one would love such looking after them. Shame on Mr Bennet in this story. I can honestly say, he is not well liked, not even by me. Very good story and a reformed Mrs Bennet, Jane and Lydia.
November 10, 2025
Good, but maybe longer than it needed to be? Especially given that only the smallest portion of the story is dedicated to any relationships, let alone Lizzy and Darcy’s. The story is much more about family, and overall really low angst. Good but not gripping.
January 3, 2026
Very enjoyable
I always appreciate a different "trope" as others say. So much of this book is very different. Additional characters make a wonderful inclusion and depth to the story. Uncle Henry had a definition about him that never varied. I applaud the author's creativity.
I always appreciate a different "trope" as others say. So much of this book is very different. Additional characters make a wonderful inclusion and depth to the story. Uncle Henry had a definition about him that never varied. I applaud the author's creativity.
January 21, 2026
Legacy of love and not money
This is such a fun story to read. For once in this story the villain is Mr. Thomas Bennett!! There is a good plot in this story which makes it intriguing.
This is such a fun story to read. For once in this story the villain is Mr. Thomas Bennett!! There is a good plot in this story which makes it intriguing.
February 27, 2026
What a marvelous book
This book is beyond words for me - such a wonderful read. Intense, complex, deftly handled, this book grips you and races along all of the story lines - a masterwork. Ms. Granderson is one of the best of the P&P variation themed books IMHO -
This book is beyond words for me - such a wonderful read. Intense, complex, deftly handled, this book grips you and races along all of the story lines - a masterwork. Ms. Granderson is one of the best of the P&P variation themed books IMHO -
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