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Netherfield Returns #2
Mr. Hurst's Return
When Mr. Hurst returns to Netherfield just days before Christmas, the last thing anyone expects is for him to change the lives of those around him—least of all Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Once dismissed as idle and indifferent, Hurst surprises society by showing both wisdom and heart. As he observes the strained relations between his friends and the Bennet family, he begins to intervene in quiet but decisive ways. His efforts, born of regret and newfound purpose, set in motion a chain of events that might mend what pride and misunderstanding once tore apart.
In a season of reflection and renewal, even the most unlikely gentleman can become a catalyst for love.
Mr. Hurst’s Return is a heart-warming Pride and Prejudice variation that proves redemption, friendship, and courage can sometimes be found where they are least expected. It is Book Two in the Netherfield Returns series, a collection of standalone novels exploring how each member of the Netherfield party finds a second chance at love.
Once dismissed as idle and indifferent, Hurst surprises society by showing both wisdom and heart. As he observes the strained relations between his friends and the Bennet family, he begins to intervene in quiet but decisive ways. His efforts, born of regret and newfound purpose, set in motion a chain of events that might mend what pride and misunderstanding once tore apart.
In a season of reflection and renewal, even the most unlikely gentleman can become a catalyst for love.
Mr. Hurst’s Return is a heart-warming Pride and Prejudice variation that proves redemption, friendship, and courage can sometimes be found where they are least expected. It is Book Two in the Netherfield Returns series, a collection of standalone novels exploring how each member of the Netherfield party finds a second chance at love.
- GenresFictionFan Fiction
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
105 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
87 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 11, 2025
For this P&P Variation taking place over the holidays, the author asks the question, 'What if' one of the Netherfield party returns after the others left? What if he isn't as dense as he's led everyone to believe? Will Mr. Hurst be the catalyst for altering the path for several of Austen's P&P characters?
Though Mr. Hurst's Return is listed as book two in the Netherfield Returns series, it is indeed a standalone. The books in this series all share the same 'what if' theme question of what will happen if just one of the Netherfield characters returns after they shut up the house and leave.
I was intrigued by this particular book because, in this case, the returning character is Mr. Hurst. As anyone familiar with the P&P story knows, he is a minor character and not an especially promising one with his boorish manners and predilection for drink, food, cards, and hunting.
However, with a little tweaking to the character, Jann Rowland, has Mr. Hurst being all those things, but also something more. The man doesn't care for the social scene so deliberately cultivates a persona that will repel people from forcing him to be social and he may prefer certain creature comforts, but he isn't blind to what is going on around him- in fact, he's rather entertained by the folly of others.
So, without warning, just before Christmas, Hurst returns to Netherfield, preferring the quiet of his brother-in-law's leased house to the broiling hot bed of emotions back at his own London townhouse when his wife and, particularly, her sister, are trying to convince Bingley to give up Jane Bennet and that Miss Bennet never cared for him. And, Caroline Bingley is especially waspish because nothing came of hosting the very eligible Mr. Darcy at Netherfield nor dogging his heels in London. The man and his sister are unavailable to the likes of Carol Bingley.
Mr. Hurst might be a low-key personality, but in the small neighborhood of Meryton, all the neighbors know he is there and wonder why. And, in the case of some of the Bennets, wonder if they can use this to Jane's advantage by getting his help discovering news of Bingley or even getting Bingley to return. Jane is gracious, but silently heartbroken over Bingley's absence after being so attentive and caring all the fall.
I loved that though Lizzy is her sparkling, brilliant best, Hurst is pivotal in holding a mirror up showing the errs her snap judgments about people have revealed. He makes her uncomfortable because she can't read and dismiss him- and he's a lot like her own father who has now befriended and invited the gentleman to have a regular invitation to Longbourn.
Will Hurst decide that action needs to be taken once he gets the lay of the land at Longbourn? It sure was fun to see what resulted over the course of New Year's and Twelfth Night as the neighborhood social circle grew once again.
Mr. Hurst's Return thoroughly delighted me for over half, but, as I'm not a fan of a crazy, absurd Caroline Bingley being the source of conflict, I was less keen on the latter half. Plus, I found minor points nagging at me that were just glossed over or never adequately explained and the ending was a rushed job especially when there was a time jump where the romance conflict resolved off page.
All in all, Mr. Hurst's Return was a cozy, low-angst holiday affair that I was satisfied to read with a few niggles to prevent it from being a top read.
Though Mr. Hurst's Return is listed as book two in the Netherfield Returns series, it is indeed a standalone. The books in this series all share the same 'what if' theme question of what will happen if just one of the Netherfield characters returns after they shut up the house and leave.
I was intrigued by this particular book because, in this case, the returning character is Mr. Hurst. As anyone familiar with the P&P story knows, he is a minor character and not an especially promising one with his boorish manners and predilection for drink, food, cards, and hunting.
However, with a little tweaking to the character, Jann Rowland, has Mr. Hurst being all those things, but also something more. The man doesn't care for the social scene so deliberately cultivates a persona that will repel people from forcing him to be social and he may prefer certain creature comforts, but he isn't blind to what is going on around him- in fact, he's rather entertained by the folly of others.
So, without warning, just before Christmas, Hurst returns to Netherfield, preferring the quiet of his brother-in-law's leased house to the broiling hot bed of emotions back at his own London townhouse when his wife and, particularly, her sister, are trying to convince Bingley to give up Jane Bennet and that Miss Bennet never cared for him. And, Caroline Bingley is especially waspish because nothing came of hosting the very eligible Mr. Darcy at Netherfield nor dogging his heels in London. The man and his sister are unavailable to the likes of Carol Bingley.
Mr. Hurst might be a low-key personality, but in the small neighborhood of Meryton, all the neighbors know he is there and wonder why. And, in the case of some of the Bennets, wonder if they can use this to Jane's advantage by getting his help discovering news of Bingley or even getting Bingley to return. Jane is gracious, but silently heartbroken over Bingley's absence after being so attentive and caring all the fall.
I loved that though Lizzy is her sparkling, brilliant best, Hurst is pivotal in holding a mirror up showing the errs her snap judgments about people have revealed. He makes her uncomfortable because she can't read and dismiss him- and he's a lot like her own father who has now befriended and invited the gentleman to have a regular invitation to Longbourn.
Will Hurst decide that action needs to be taken once he gets the lay of the land at Longbourn? It sure was fun to see what resulted over the course of New Year's and Twelfth Night as the neighborhood social circle grew once again.
Mr. Hurst's Return thoroughly delighted me for over half, but, as I'm not a fan of a crazy, absurd Caroline Bingley being the source of conflict, I was less keen on the latter half. Plus, I found minor points nagging at me that were just glossed over or never adequately explained and the ending was a rushed job especially when there was a time jump where the romance conflict resolved off page.
All in all, Mr. Hurst's Return was a cozy, low-angst holiday affair that I was satisfied to read with a few niggles to prevent it from being a top read.
October 28, 2025
Hurst, unlikely catalyst
An excellent what if as Mr Hurst sets in motion a string of events resulting in another path to happily ever afters. Well, there’s always Wickham, but who cares about him?
An excellent what if as Mr Hurst sets in motion a string of events resulting in another path to happily ever afters. Well, there’s always Wickham, but who cares about him?
October 28, 2025
I love a good setdown
I may be petty, but I do love it when Miss Bingly gets her comeuppance! Our characters from canon gets makeover and I may say, some at better for it. Light, enjoyable reading, it is a fun, low angst evening read!
I may be petty, but I do love it when Miss Bingly gets her comeuppance! Our characters from canon gets makeover and I may say, some at better for it. Light, enjoyable reading, it is a fun, low angst evening read!
November 27, 2025
Review will follow when the audiobook is released in 2026.
November 8, 2025
Another solid variation by Jann Rowland. This is part of a series, Book 1 being “Mr Darcy’s Return,” but they are separate stories and reading in order is not necessary. The unlikely hero of this tale is none other than Mr Hurst. The story begins after the Netherfield ball, following the departure of the Bingley party and Darcy back to London.
Just before Christmas Mr Hurst appears on his own at Netherfield with no apparent explanation. At a holiday event at Lucas Lodge he and Mr Bennet (a fellow anti social sympathizer) find themselves in conversation and a slightly unusual friendship is formed. The Hurst in this variation is fairly perceptive and notices that Jane appears downcast. He also notices when Wickham, who has had too much to drink, accosts a shocked Elizabeth. He is invited by Bennet to spend Christmas at Longbourn, where he continues to notice Jane’s sadness. After discussing his observations with Bennet, he sends letters to both Bingley and Darcy informing them of the situation in Hertfordshire. Both Bingley and Darcy decide to return and, after some honest communication between themselves and the ladies, begin to court Jane and Elizabeth’s good opinion. Mr Bennet also begins to involve himself in his daughters’ affairs. Darcy brings Georgiana to Netherfield to meet Elizabeth and her sisters and to act as Bingley’s nominal hostess.
Bingley’s sisters are unaware of where Hurst, Bingley and Darcy have gone, but when their location is discovered Caroline has a tantrum for the ages and decides she is going to retrieve Darcy by fair means or foul. When she arrives in Hertfordshire there is no attempt at good behavior. She is ready to make her wishes a reality no matter what she has to do to get her way.
So, will Darcy and Bingley find love in Hertfordshire or will Caroline achieve her long-held desires? Will the ever boring Hurst be the one who makes a happily ever after possible for our dear couples? Anything’s possible with Mr Hurst’s return.
Just before Christmas Mr Hurst appears on his own at Netherfield with no apparent explanation. At a holiday event at Lucas Lodge he and Mr Bennet (a fellow anti social sympathizer) find themselves in conversation and a slightly unusual friendship is formed. The Hurst in this variation is fairly perceptive and notices that Jane appears downcast. He also notices when Wickham, who has had too much to drink, accosts a shocked Elizabeth. He is invited by Bennet to spend Christmas at Longbourn, where he continues to notice Jane’s sadness. After discussing his observations with Bennet, he sends letters to both Bingley and Darcy informing them of the situation in Hertfordshire. Both Bingley and Darcy decide to return and, after some honest communication between themselves and the ladies, begin to court Jane and Elizabeth’s good opinion. Mr Bennet also begins to involve himself in his daughters’ affairs. Darcy brings Georgiana to Netherfield to meet Elizabeth and her sisters and to act as Bingley’s nominal hostess.
Bingley’s sisters are unaware of where Hurst, Bingley and Darcy have gone, but when their location is discovered Caroline has a tantrum for the ages and decides she is going to retrieve Darcy by fair means or foul. When she arrives in Hertfordshire there is no attempt at good behavior. She is ready to make her wishes a reality no matter what she has to do to get her way.
So, will Darcy and Bingley find love in Hertfordshire or will Caroline achieve her long-held desires? Will the ever boring Hurst be the one who makes a happily ever after possible for our dear couples? Anything’s possible with Mr Hurst’s return.
November 6, 2025
Good story but some issues.
I enjoyed the story but misspelled words and inconsistencies caused several breaks in the flow of the story. One chapter will have an event happening in front of multiple witnesses, and a few chapters later it is stated that the details of the event were unknown to those same witnesses. It happened more than once. With a good editor and some minor rewrites, I would definitely give the book 4-5 stars.
I enjoyed the story but misspelled words and inconsistencies caused several breaks in the flow of the story. One chapter will have an event happening in front of multiple witnesses, and a few chapters later it is stated that the details of the event were unknown to those same witnesses. It happened more than once. With a good editor and some minor rewrites, I would definitely give the book 4-5 stars.
October 29, 2025
A Pleasant Surprise
An interesting take on the events after the Neatherfield ball.
Mr Hurst returns to Neatherfield alone, and sees how things are progressing. He decides to inform Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy of a few things he has learned, bringing them both back to Meryton.
Of course, the usual villains are around, although not all act as usual. My favorite was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
An interesting take on the events after the Neatherfield ball.
Mr Hurst returns to Neatherfield alone, and sees how things are progressing. He decides to inform Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy of a few things he has learned, bringing them both back to Meryton.
Of course, the usual villains are around, although not all act as usual. My favorite was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
December 16, 2025
Entertaining
After the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, leaving Jane broken hearted and Elizabeth angry, Mr Hurst suddenly returns to Netherfield before Christmas. Only Bingley is aware of Hurst's whereabouts. Hurst befriends the Bennetts, to their surprise, and in time is the catalyst for encouraging the return to Hertfordshire for both Bingley and Darcy. Hurst proves that he's more than the dull man he's shown to the world, and gives many his subtle insights and nudges in the right direction.
I like this author. He's a reliably good writer and storyteller. This JAFF variation is particularly interesting since Mr Hurst almost always has a completely thankless role in the P&P universe, but in this version he's more-or-less a hero. His influence is felt widely, even though it's subtle. I deducted a star for a couple of reasons. One is the clinical nature of the romances. There's so much discussion and analysis of everyone's feelings and intentions that much of the soft and fluttery romantic feelings are absent. Also, the major villain in this tale, Caroline Bingley, is so cartoonishly bad that it becomes bizarre and ludicrous.
However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
After the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, leaving Jane broken hearted and Elizabeth angry, Mr Hurst suddenly returns to Netherfield before Christmas. Only Bingley is aware of Hurst's whereabouts. Hurst befriends the Bennetts, to their surprise, and in time is the catalyst for encouraging the return to Hertfordshire for both Bingley and Darcy. Hurst proves that he's more than the dull man he's shown to the world, and gives many his subtle insights and nudges in the right direction.
I like this author. He's a reliably good writer and storyteller. This JAFF variation is particularly interesting since Mr Hurst almost always has a completely thankless role in the P&P universe, but in this version he's more-or-less a hero. His influence is felt widely, even though it's subtle. I deducted a star for a couple of reasons. One is the clinical nature of the romances. There's so much discussion and analysis of everyone's feelings and intentions that much of the soft and fluttery romantic feelings are absent. Also, the major villain in this tale, Caroline Bingley, is so cartoonishly bad that it becomes bizarre and ludicrous.
However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
November 14, 2025
An interesting conceit
Without having to do a radical revision of Mr Hurst’s character, Rowland create a perfectly believable premise for his plot. It is interesting to watch things unfold, though I did find the romantic development between Lizzie and Darcy to be somewhat lacking. Moreover, there is a gap between Lizzie and Darcy‘s courtship and the time when their betrothal is presented as a fait accompli.
Without having to do a radical revision of Mr Hurst’s character, Rowland create a perfectly believable premise for his plot. It is interesting to watch things unfold, though I did find the romantic development between Lizzie and Darcy to be somewhat lacking. Moreover, there is a gap between Lizzie and Darcy‘s courtship and the time when their betrothal is presented as a fait accompli.
October 29, 2025
Very Well Written
Not only was the premise original, the prose that developed it was well executed. I always enjoy a novel where the words do not detract from the story. The main characters were well developed and I always like it when some of the antagonists are more realistic. I enjoyed the depictions of Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins.
Not only was the premise original, the prose that developed it was well executed. I always enjoy a novel where the words do not detract from the story. The main characters were well developed and I always like it when some of the antagonists are more realistic. I enjoyed the depictions of Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins.
November 19, 2025
What was the plot?!?
Jann Rowland has written many great books - this is not one of them. There is no real plot line, dialogue is predictable and repetitive, and towards the end, there's an unexplained jump in time and voila! D&E are betrothed. Never mind that there was no proposal noted and that their continous dialogue throughout the book was uninspiring.
Jann Rowland has written many great books - this is not one of them. There is no real plot line, dialogue is predictable and repetitive, and towards the end, there's an unexplained jump in time and voila! D&E are betrothed. Never mind that there was no proposal noted and that their continous dialogue throughout the book was uninspiring.
November 30, 2025
Weirdly rushed ending
The end felt extremely rushed. The first 3/4sof the book were long and detailed, only to have the last 1/4 jump forward in fits and starts, months passing between the paragraphs with major events occurring offscreen.
Not up to the standard of this author's other works.
The end felt extremely rushed. The first 3/4sof the book were long and detailed, only to have the last 1/4 jump forward in fits and starts, months passing between the paragraphs with major events occurring offscreen.
Not up to the standard of this author's other works.
December 14, 2025
Very Well Done
This is one of the very few (of the 300+) variations I have read that makes Mr Hurst an intelligent, interesting character. Very well done! He gives the impression of being an indolent souse and while he still preferred indolence, he was capable of deep, sober thought and prompt action. But I like many of Mr Rowland's variations and this one does not disappoint!
This is one of the very few (of the 300+) variations I have read that makes Mr Hurst an intelligent, interesting character. Very well done! He gives the impression of being an indolent souse and while he still preferred indolence, he was capable of deep, sober thought and prompt action. But I like many of Mr Rowland's variations and this one does not disappoint!
November 23, 2025
Wahooooo!!!
This is a triumph! I’ve read two or three books that have Mr. Hurst as the unexpected hero, and they were highly diverting reads…extremely entertaining. This one is as well. Great job, Mr. Rowland.😊
This is a triumph! I’ve read two or three books that have Mr. Hurst as the unexpected hero, and they were highly diverting reads…extremely entertaining. This one is as well. Great job, Mr. Rowland.😊
November 29, 2025
Mr Hurst's Return
Enjoyed the strength if Mr Hurst, and how he left his wife and Caroline out of where he was going. Also that he convinced Darcy and Bingley to follow. He was a good friend to Bennet and progressed the love matches.
Enjoyed the strength if Mr Hurst, and how he left his wife and Caroline out of where he was going. Also that he convinced Darcy and Bingley to follow. He was a good friend to Bennet and progressed the love matches.
October 31, 2025
interesting
An interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Rowland. I liked it.
An interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Rowland. I liked it.
November 6, 2025
Ever reliable Mr Rowland I love this mans work enjoy reading his books very very much. Highly recomended by me.
November 17, 2025
interesting
This had all the same lines from the original P&P but in a different setting. The villains were there but only Caroline was truly horrible.
This had all the same lines from the original P&P but in a different setting. The villains were there but only Caroline was truly horrible.
December 17, 2025
Excellent read!
Truly excellent read! Kept me hopping! Its 2:49 in the morning - I could not put it down!! Whenever the next book comes iut, I am sure to be just as obsessed!
Truly excellent read! Kept me hopping! Its 2:49 in the morning - I could not put it down!! Whenever the next book comes iut, I am sure to be just as obsessed!
December 22, 2025
Nice, pleasant read.
Most of the conflicts seem to be resolved too easily, but other than that this is a good blustery-day-stay-inside-with a cup of tea/cocoa style of story.
Most of the conflicts seem to be resolved too easily, but other than that this is a good blustery-day-stay-inside-with a cup of tea/cocoa style of story.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews