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A Very Fine Place: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
“Once may be chance. Twice may be ill luck. But thrice? Thrice, lad, is malice.”
1811. Calcutta. Fitzwilliam Darcy of His Majesty’s War and Colonial Office is stewing in the humid heat, when word comes that his father is dead. He must return to England immediately to take up his inheritance.
Pemberley.
The great house in Derbyshire that has never been his home. Instead, it’s home to the stepmother and half-siblings, Hugh and Georgiana, whom he barely knows.
Pemberley is his now, but an atmosphere of resentment and anger threads through every room. He isn’t welcome. His stepmother is cool towards him, Hugh hates ‘the usurper’… and when a series of incidents threaten Darcy’s life, the only people he can trust are John Reid, his right-hand man throughout his career; Charles Bingley, his aide in India; George Wickham, his cousin and Pemberley’s steward; and Elizabeth Bennet, his stepmother’s penniless niece.
Who is trying to kill him? Will the visit of the Bingley family frighten off the enemy, or just provide more opportunities to get rid of the new master of Pemberley? Most of all, can Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding that will, finally, make Pemberley feel like home?
(British English spelling, grammar and punctuation.)
1811. Calcutta. Fitzwilliam Darcy of His Majesty’s War and Colonial Office is stewing in the humid heat, when word comes that his father is dead. He must return to England immediately to take up his inheritance.
Pemberley.
The great house in Derbyshire that has never been his home. Instead, it’s home to the stepmother and half-siblings, Hugh and Georgiana, whom he barely knows.
Pemberley is his now, but an atmosphere of resentment and anger threads through every room. He isn’t welcome. His stepmother is cool towards him, Hugh hates ‘the usurper’… and when a series of incidents threaten Darcy’s life, the only people he can trust are John Reid, his right-hand man throughout his career; Charles Bingley, his aide in India; George Wickham, his cousin and Pemberley’s steward; and Elizabeth Bennet, his stepmother’s penniless niece.
Who is trying to kill him? Will the visit of the Bingley family frighten off the enemy, or just provide more opportunities to get rid of the new master of Pemberley? Most of all, can Darcy and Elizabeth come to an understanding that will, finally, make Pemberley feel like home?
(British English spelling, grammar and punctuation.)
- GenresFriends To Lovers
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
68 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 2, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
I found this story very interesting and with some angst (which I love) as we have our Darcy becoming the heir to Pemberley. It is not as in canon. This man has been reared by his aunt and uncle when his mother dies. And although his father remarries he continues to reside with the Matlocks. Later he works for the government as an envoy to Canada and India. There he also forms a friendship with a Reid who proves to be most important in keeping Darcy alive.
We find Elizabeth who is distantly related to Mrs. Darcy living at Pemberley as she acts as a kind of companion. Her father has died and Mrs. Darcy has provided a place for the Bennets to live.
George Wickham's character seems very different in this story. Again, he was friends with Darcy growing up and now has taken on the role of steward as his father has become seriously ill.
We read of three events which seem to put Darcy and then Elizabeth in physical danger and the mystery is whether these were accidents or attempts on the life of the heir to Pemberley.
I enjoyed this story.
I found this story very interesting and with some angst (which I love) as we have our Darcy becoming the heir to Pemberley. It is not as in canon. This man has been reared by his aunt and uncle when his mother dies. And although his father remarries he continues to reside with the Matlocks. Later he works for the government as an envoy to Canada and India. There he also forms a friendship with a Reid who proves to be most important in keeping Darcy alive.
We find Elizabeth who is distantly related to Mrs. Darcy living at Pemberley as she acts as a kind of companion. Her father has died and Mrs. Darcy has provided a place for the Bennets to live.
George Wickham's character seems very different in this story. Again, he was friends with Darcy growing up and now has taken on the role of steward as his father has become seriously ill.
We read of three events which seem to put Darcy and then Elizabeth in physical danger and the mystery is whether these were accidents or attempts on the life of the heir to Pemberley.
I enjoyed this story.
October 22, 2025
A nice mystery
In an alternate universe, we find Darcy returning to England from India after having been away for many years as a diplomat and crown employee. His father has passed and he returns as the heir to Pemberley, although he is somewhat estranged from his half brother, half sister, and stepmother. The Bennet sisters are nearby as distant relations to his stepmother, and the stage is set for Lizzy to meet Darcy. As they begin to know each other, a mystery develops as Darcy is endangered multiple times. Nicely written, interesting character development, a couple of sweet romances, and a happy ever after. Very entertaining!
In an alternate universe, we find Darcy returning to England from India after having been away for many years as a diplomat and crown employee. His father has passed and he returns as the heir to Pemberley, although he is somewhat estranged from his half brother, half sister, and stepmother. The Bennet sisters are nearby as distant relations to his stepmother, and the stage is set for Lizzy to meet Darcy. As they begin to know each other, a mystery develops as Darcy is endangered multiple times. Nicely written, interesting character development, a couple of sweet romances, and a happy ever after. Very entertaining!
October 10, 2025
A good Wickham is such a relief for my poor nerves
And yet, my nerves were challenged! Two brothers almost unknown to each other – one even dethroned from possibly being the heir if he is lucky – and the rest of the family also not well acquainted – not an easy situation. But there is not only disturbance, no, there are many kind and peaceful moments, pleasant interactions soothing the emotions. And the authoress pictures these times and scenes so colourfully I saw many pictures, sometimes even a film. And yet: even knowing there was ease, Damocles’s sword was constantly hanging over me knowing Dary would be assaulted at least three times, but when, where and by whom?! And I envisaged possibilities, but nothing happened then and my poor nerves had to suffer a bit longer.
Of course, the riddle was solved in the end – or not???.
May I suggest that you do not read from chapter 26 to the end before arriving there? It might spoil the “enlightenment”.
I was lucky to get a copy in advance – thank you, Mrs. Winter !
And yet, my nerves were challenged! Two brothers almost unknown to each other – one even dethroned from possibly being the heir if he is lucky – and the rest of the family also not well acquainted – not an easy situation. But there is not only disturbance, no, there are many kind and peaceful moments, pleasant interactions soothing the emotions. And the authoress pictures these times and scenes so colourfully I saw many pictures, sometimes even a film. And yet: even knowing there was ease, Damocles’s sword was constantly hanging over me knowing Dary would be assaulted at least three times, but when, where and by whom?! And I envisaged possibilities, but nothing happened then and my poor nerves had to suffer a bit longer.
Of course, the riddle was solved in the end – or not???.
May I suggest that you do not read from chapter 26 to the end before arriving there? It might spoil the “enlightenment”.
I was lucky to get a copy in advance – thank you, Mrs. Winter !
October 30, 2025
Lovely
A very emotional and challenging variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Julia Winter. I enjoyed it.
A very emotional and challenging variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Julia Winter. I enjoyed it.
November 30, 2025
Rich writing and a fascinating premise.
The premise of A Very Fine Place is centred on a reshaped Bennet–Pemberley connection and is handled with care and originality. With the Bennet patriarch dead, the widowed Mrs Bennet and her daughters have been taken in by the Darcys and have lived for some years in one of Pemberley’s tenant cottages—the second Mrs Darcy was a foster cousin to Mr Bennet, and as she was rescued by the Bennets, she has also rescued them from old Mr Collins. It creates an unusual setting that sets this variation apart from the beginning.
Darcy himself is compellingly portrayed, as he has an occupation at the start of the book; he is still a very honourable man. As the first-born son and rightful heir, he has grown up largely away from Pemberley, spending only his summers there and forming few real ties. When news of his father’s death reaches him in India—where he serves the Crown as an envoy—he must return home to a household that is, in many ways, foreign to him. His stepmother is distant, Georgiana is sweet but wary, and Hugh, his stepbrother, is openly resentful at being displaced by the older son he barely knows. Added to this is George Wickham, now reformed and competently managing the estate in his father’s stead, which is an unexpected twist.
I will not give away the details, as part of the pleasure of this novel lies in its element of mystery and intrigue. There are attempts on Darcy’s life, shifting loyalties, and a thread of tension that runs throughout. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship develops at a steady, believable pace, with each stepping in to save the other at key moments in the plot.
I love Julia Winter’s writing style. It’s rich, grounded, and comfortable with period-appropriate vocabulary without ever feeling overdone. Aside from a handful of small errors, the editing is good. I have enjoyed her previous works just as much. I only wish her books were available in audio format.
A very enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
The premise of A Very Fine Place is centred on a reshaped Bennet–Pemberley connection and is handled with care and originality. With the Bennet patriarch dead, the widowed Mrs Bennet and her daughters have been taken in by the Darcys and have lived for some years in one of Pemberley’s tenant cottages—the second Mrs Darcy was a foster cousin to Mr Bennet, and as she was rescued by the Bennets, she has also rescued them from old Mr Collins. It creates an unusual setting that sets this variation apart from the beginning.
Darcy himself is compellingly portrayed, as he has an occupation at the start of the book; he is still a very honourable man. As the first-born son and rightful heir, he has grown up largely away from Pemberley, spending only his summers there and forming few real ties. When news of his father’s death reaches him in India—where he serves the Crown as an envoy—he must return home to a household that is, in many ways, foreign to him. His stepmother is distant, Georgiana is sweet but wary, and Hugh, his stepbrother, is openly resentful at being displaced by the older son he barely knows. Added to this is George Wickham, now reformed and competently managing the estate in his father’s stead, which is an unexpected twist.
I will not give away the details, as part of the pleasure of this novel lies in its element of mystery and intrigue. There are attempts on Darcy’s life, shifting loyalties, and a thread of tension that runs throughout. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship develops at a steady, believable pace, with each stepping in to save the other at key moments in the plot.
I love Julia Winter’s writing style. It’s rich, grounded, and comfortable with period-appropriate vocabulary without ever feeling overdone. Aside from a handful of small errors, the editing is good. I have enjoyed her previous works just as much. I only wish her books were available in audio format.
A very enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
I always look forward to reading a novel by Ms. Winter. The premises are unique, and they are always well written and edited. This latest novel certainly is no different.
“I have not done well by you all, my Lizzy, leaving you to suffer the consequences of my neglect.” (quote from the book)
The Bennets have lost Longbourn after the death of Mr. Bennet. Being offered a home to lease by Mr. Darcy and his second wife (a cousin of Mr. Bennet’s), they depart.
“It is my house, John. It is not yet my home.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has been working in India for the War & Colonial Office and has been away from England for the past five years, when word reaches him that his father has died. He must return and take up the care of his ancestral home. One that he only ever visited from time to time. He is not sure of his welcome as he is not close with his stepmother, his half brother, Hugh, and his half-sister, Georgiana.
“An uncertain welcome awaited him behind those elegantly regular walls.” (quote from the book)
And so, begins this delicious tale of pride, prejudice, petulance, and mystery. With some little reference to canon – an insult – the dynamics of this story held me in their grip. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns and the slow build-up of attraction between Elizabeth and Darcy. The mystery of who was attempting to do away with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy was well done, and the subtle clues sprinkled throughout made for an intriguing read.
I highly recommend this novel, and Ms. Winter’s two others! (Mistress of Netherfield and Worthy) All of which now grace my bookcase!
November 27, 2025
A reluctant heir returns to his family home, unwanted by the family who is there. Treachery ensues.
Darcy’s mother dies at his birth and he is sent to his uncle, Lord Matlock, to raise him. Five years later Mr Darcy Sr remarries but does not bring his first son, Fitzwilliam, home to live with his new family. Darcy continues to be raised by his uncle and Darcy Sr sires another son and daughter. When Fitzwilliam reaches his majority he goes to work for the government in India since his father is still living and running Pemberley on his own.
Meanwhile Mr Bennet dies and Elizabeth and her family, cousins of the new Mrs Darcy, are taken in at Pemberley. Elizabeth lives at the big house as a quasi companion of her cousin while her family lives in a small home nearby. After Mr Darcy Sr dies, Darcy is recalled to become master of Pemberley.
He is unwelcome by his younger brother who is jealous of his position as master. He must establish a relationship with his step-mother and become guardian to his much younger sister, Georgiana. He doesn’t come alone, but brings his aide-de-camp, John Reid, who has been assisting him in India for many years. He feels all alone except for John Reid and cousin and Pemberley steward, George Wickham, who welcomes him home as an almost brother. He also gains the confidence and friendship of Elizabeth.
Someone wants him to leave Pemberley forever and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Accidents begin to occur. Unfortunately Elizabeth is caught up in them, as well. Who is behind such treachery?
Darcy’s mother dies at his birth and he is sent to his uncle, Lord Matlock, to raise him. Five years later Mr Darcy Sr remarries but does not bring his first son, Fitzwilliam, home to live with his new family. Darcy continues to be raised by his uncle and Darcy Sr sires another son and daughter. When Fitzwilliam reaches his majority he goes to work for the government in India since his father is still living and running Pemberley on his own.
Meanwhile Mr Bennet dies and Elizabeth and her family, cousins of the new Mrs Darcy, are taken in at Pemberley. Elizabeth lives at the big house as a quasi companion of her cousin while her family lives in a small home nearby. After Mr Darcy Sr dies, Darcy is recalled to become master of Pemberley.
He is unwelcome by his younger brother who is jealous of his position as master. He must establish a relationship with his step-mother and become guardian to his much younger sister, Georgiana. He doesn’t come alone, but brings his aide-de-camp, John Reid, who has been assisting him in India for many years. He feels all alone except for John Reid and cousin and Pemberley steward, George Wickham, who welcomes him home as an almost brother. He also gains the confidence and friendship of Elizabeth.
Someone wants him to leave Pemberley forever and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Accidents begin to occur. Unfortunately Elizabeth is caught up in them, as well. Who is behind such treachery?
October 23, 2025
Wonderful really well done
October 21, 2025
In this book, you discover that Darcy didn't grow up at Pemberley. He knows he will inherit but doesn't love the place. Instead of waiting until his father dies, he goes to work for the military office in Canada and India. Elizabeth is a cousin to his Stepmother. Her Father dies at the beginning of the book. Her family moves to Derbyshire. She helps the current Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth feels like she doesn't have a home. "...no longer Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn but merely Lizzy Bennet of nowhere-in-particular..." (This was quite sad when I read that line.) However, these events effect who each of them become.
This was the first book I have read from Julia Winters. She is an amazing storyteller. She weaved in a bit of romance, friendships and mystery into an amazing variation.
There is no Lady Catherine and very little Collins. It was a nice break from these two characters.
This would be a wonderful audiobook! (Hint, Hint)
This was the first book I have read from Julia Winters. She is an amazing storyteller. She weaved in a bit of romance, friendships and mystery into an amazing variation.
There is no Lady Catherine and very little Collins. It was a nice break from these two characters.
This would be a wonderful audiobook! (Hint, Hint)
November 11, 2025
A very fine read! This is an unexpected wonder. This well written story will keep you guessing about who wants to end Fitzwilliam Darcy. The additional characters and circumstances surrounding them is a unique take on a Pride and Prejudice variation. I very much enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to all P&P variation devotees. Enjoy!
December 1, 2025
Not for me.
December 25, 2025
I cried at the end!
January 15, 2026
This is a very different take on the Pride and Prejudice story, set in the same period. Here Darcy's father remarried after his mother's death, and he has two half-siblings. When his father dies, Darcy returns from service overseas to a Pemberley that he now owns but didn't grow up in, to the consternation of this step-family. Meanwhile, Mr Bennet has also died and his widow and daughters have been given a home near Pemberley by the second Mrs Darcy, a cousin of Mr Bennet's.
I loved that this was a much-changed plot but with the same characters acting as the originals would have done in their altered situations. The Bingley family are all here, as is George Wickham, though he is no longer a soldier. The story plays out in a surprising but convincing way, and there's even a touch of mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who likes variations and retellings of classics.
I loved that this was a much-changed plot but with the same characters acting as the originals would have done in their altered situations. The Bingley family are all here, as is George Wickham, though he is no longer a soldier. The story plays out in a surprising but convincing way, and there's even a touch of mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who likes variations and retellings of classics.
January 10, 2026
very good, outstanding
This was a great story. I loved all the different characters and different story lines. I really loved that there was no Lady Catherine or more than a few mentions of the Collins family.
This was a great story. I loved all the different characters and different story lines. I really loved that there was no Lady Catherine or more than a few mentions of the Collins family.
February 4, 2026
I suspect this will be in my top ten, maybe top five, reads for 2026!
I would love an audiobook of this (as long as it’s human narration).
I think I need to go read the Heyer novel it’s based on (The Quiet Gentleman).
Read through KU and then purchased.
I would love an audiobook of this (as long as it’s human narration).
I think I need to go read the Heyer novel it’s based on (The Quiet Gentleman).
Read through KU and then purchased.
November 8, 2025
Many new characters and an exciting plot. I loved it! A different but excellent P&P variation is a delight to read.
January 5, 2026
A very fine book indeed
I really enjoyed this one, my second written by this author. The plot is very interesting and the characters are very well written indeed. The original characters are clearly multi-dimensional and the narrative is a delight.
I was very interested and pleased to read at the end of the book that the author was inspired by Heyer as well as Austen. I always imagine that Austen would enjoy the writing of Heyer so this combination pleased me greatly.
I really enjoyed this one, my second written by this author. The plot is very interesting and the characters are very well written indeed. The original characters are clearly multi-dimensional and the narrative is a delight.
I was very interested and pleased to read at the end of the book that the author was inspired by Heyer as well as Austen. I always imagine that Austen would enjoy the writing of Heyer so this combination pleased me greatly.
January 20, 2026
What a terrific book! The romance is gentle and engaging, and the mystery really keeps you reading. This book is well written and creative -- a must-read.
November 13, 2025
A mix of mystery and slow burn, friends to lovers
Our dear couple get off to a rocky start. When Darcy returns from India following his father's death, the insult in canon takes place at Pemberley. With a very different backstory, this Darcy has been nearly alienated from his father's second family.
The Bennets are there after receiving support from the Darcys when Mr Bennet dies. George Darcy's second wife is family and they take pity on the Bennet ladies, saving them from a truly despicable Collins Sr.
Wickham too has a slightly altered history and between him and Darcy's half-brother, it is hard to tell which one wants Darcy dead.
Elizabeth and Darcy work their differences out swiftly and begin a friendship which soon turns to deeper emotions. Adding to them are the lovely dynamics offered by Jane, Lydia, Wickham and Hugh. Most valuable player is an original character: Reid. this man is mature, savvy, loves Darcy like a son or nephew, and is open to finding love at his older age.
Loved the story, loved the mystery-whodunit, loved how Elizabeth and Darcy slowly come to appreciate one another, loved the perfect amount of drama, with the least amount of angst!
I received an advance review copy for free, and voluntarily leave my review.
Our dear couple get off to a rocky start. When Darcy returns from India following his father's death, the insult in canon takes place at Pemberley. With a very different backstory, this Darcy has been nearly alienated from his father's second family.
The Bennets are there after receiving support from the Darcys when Mr Bennet dies. George Darcy's second wife is family and they take pity on the Bennet ladies, saving them from a truly despicable Collins Sr.
Wickham too has a slightly altered history and between him and Darcy's half-brother, it is hard to tell which one wants Darcy dead.
Elizabeth and Darcy work their differences out swiftly and begin a friendship which soon turns to deeper emotions. Adding to them are the lovely dynamics offered by Jane, Lydia, Wickham and Hugh. Most valuable player is an original character: Reid. this man is mature, savvy, loves Darcy like a son or nephew, and is open to finding love at his older age.
Loved the story, loved the mystery-whodunit, loved how Elizabeth and Darcy slowly come to appreciate one another, loved the perfect amount of drama, with the least amount of angst!
I received an advance review copy for free, and voluntarily leave my review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews