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A Summer to Remember: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
When Elizabeth Bennet returns to Pemberley after five years, she never expects to find healing from past trauma—or love with the very man who once seemed so proud and disagreeable. As Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers that the spirited girl he barely noticed has become the woman he cannot live without, they must both learn that second chances at happiness are worth every risk.
Reunion/Second Chance Romance - Childhood Acquaintances to Lovers - Forced Proximity - Slow Burn Romance - Love Triangle - Healing/Redemption Romance – Country House regency romance - Matchmaking Relative - Dark Secret/Past Trauma
Reunion/Second Chance Romance - Childhood Acquaintances to Lovers - Forced Proximity - Slow Burn Romance - Love Triangle - Healing/Redemption Romance – Country House regency romance - Matchmaking Relative - Dark Secret/Past Trauma
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2026
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44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A number of different tweaks to Elizabeth's family means a whole different backstory for our beloved heroine. Her mother actively dislikes her and sent her away from Longbourn to live with other relatives for the past several years. Consequently, she has no close relationship with either her father or her sister Jane. At nineteen years old, Elizabeth now lives with Mr. Bennet's well-connected step-sister, Lady Acaster. Fortunately, the older woman has been a lighthearted, affectionate presence through much of this period of Elizabeth's life.
As a close friend to the Darcy family, Lady Acaster had recommended Elizabeth as a suitable playfellow for Georgiana one summer five years ago. Now Lady Acaster's properties in Derbyshire require her attention, and Elizabeth will be returning to Pemberley for the first time since then. Elizabeth's memories are bittersweet; much as she loved Georgiana and continues to idealize Richard Fitzwilliam for his kindness to her, the quiet at Pemberley compared to Longbourn and the Gardiners' home unsettled her. Georgiana was shy and had to be coaxed into play, Mr. Darcy was often too ill to leave his chambers (her visit was shortly before his death), and the younger Mr. Darcy was haughty and cold. The narration also offers subtle hints that Elizabeth experienced something deeply unpleasant there.
Interestingly, Mr. Darcy and Georgiana both look forward to having Miss Bennet in their midst again, remembering her as a lively teenager who spent hours making up games and drawing laughter from her younger companion. When she and her aunt arrive, Darcy is startled to see that the gawky girl he recalls has blossomed into a beautiful young lady but retained her bubbly personality. The more he observes her, the more attracted he feels, but he holds himself aloof since he considers her an unsuitable marriage prospect.
Then Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives. The dynamics instantly shift. Richard and Elizabeth easily fall into the teasing banter they enjoyed together in the past. Lady Acaster recognizes his interest and encourages her niece to do all she can to secure him; Elizabeth enjoys his company but also comes to value Darcy's good qualities. Lord Matlock has sent instructions regarding the match he insists upon for his son, so Darcy tries to tell himself THAT's what's making him uncomfortable about Richard's pointed attentions to Elizabeth.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there are no true villains in the book, although Wickham's prior actions continue to cause ripples despite his physical absence from the story. The main conflict is Darcy grappling with his feelings for Elizabeth and then with his jealousy toward Richard.
All the book's characters are realistically presented. Lady Acaster is delightful. She's less overt than Mrs. Bennet when it comes to her matchmaking but no less persistent. Alterations in Richard's usual personality are nicely explained: he is younger than Darcy, his rank was purchased by his father instead of earned by his own efforts, and his father has never taken him seriously, usually ignoring him in favor of his older profligate brother, and thus Richard is prone to flirting and capricious behavior. In short, he's not as mature as Darcy, rather like a version of Mr. Bingley. Those seeking Pride and Prejudice's Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, the Bingleys, Hurts, or any other Bennets may be disappointed, but I must confess that I didn't miss any of them a bit.
Pemberley provides the setting for the vast majority of the book, offering plenty of opportunities for Darcy and Elizabeth to interact. Ms. Scott's lovely writing conveys both the magnetic draw and the uncertainty they feel toward each other. The pace remains purposeful throughout without ever rushing or dragging. It's a charming, relatively low-angst, completely believable Darcy and Elizabeth story.
Content is clean, but perhaps a trigger warning is warranted for a non-graphic sexual assault that is thwarted.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a close friend to the Darcy family, Lady Acaster had recommended Elizabeth as a suitable playfellow for Georgiana one summer five years ago. Now Lady Acaster's properties in Derbyshire require her attention, and Elizabeth will be returning to Pemberley for the first time since then. Elizabeth's memories are bittersweet; much as she loved Georgiana and continues to idealize Richard Fitzwilliam for his kindness to her, the quiet at Pemberley compared to Longbourn and the Gardiners' home unsettled her. Georgiana was shy and had to be coaxed into play, Mr. Darcy was often too ill to leave his chambers (her visit was shortly before his death), and the younger Mr. Darcy was haughty and cold. The narration also offers subtle hints that Elizabeth experienced something deeply unpleasant there.
Interestingly, Mr. Darcy and Georgiana both look forward to having Miss Bennet in their midst again, remembering her as a lively teenager who spent hours making up games and drawing laughter from her younger companion. When she and her aunt arrive, Darcy is startled to see that the gawky girl he recalls has blossomed into a beautiful young lady but retained her bubbly personality. The more he observes her, the more attracted he feels, but he holds himself aloof since he considers her an unsuitable marriage prospect.
Then Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives. The dynamics instantly shift. Richard and Elizabeth easily fall into the teasing banter they enjoyed together in the past. Lady Acaster recognizes his interest and encourages her niece to do all she can to secure him; Elizabeth enjoys his company but also comes to value Darcy's good qualities. Lord Matlock has sent instructions regarding the match he insists upon for his son, so Darcy tries to tell himself THAT's what's making him uncomfortable about Richard's pointed attentions to Elizabeth.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there are no true villains in the book, although Wickham's prior actions continue to cause ripples despite his physical absence from the story. The main conflict is Darcy grappling with his feelings for Elizabeth and then with his jealousy toward Richard.
All the book's characters are realistically presented. Lady Acaster is delightful. She's less overt than Mrs. Bennet when it comes to her matchmaking but no less persistent. Alterations in Richard's usual personality are nicely explained: he is younger than Darcy, his rank was purchased by his father instead of earned by his own efforts, and his father has never taken him seriously, usually ignoring him in favor of his older profligate brother, and thus Richard is prone to flirting and capricious behavior. In short, he's not as mature as Darcy, rather like a version of Mr. Bingley. Those seeking Pride and Prejudice's Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, the Bingleys, Hurts, or any other Bennets may be disappointed, but I must confess that I didn't miss any of them a bit.
Pemberley provides the setting for the vast majority of the book, offering plenty of opportunities for Darcy and Elizabeth to interact. Ms. Scott's lovely writing conveys both the magnetic draw and the uncertainty they feel toward each other. The pace remains purposeful throughout without ever rushing or dragging. It's a charming, relatively low-angst, completely believable Darcy and Elizabeth story.
Content is clean, but perhaps a trigger warning is warranted for a non-graphic sexual assault that is thwarted.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
At 15, Elizabeth spent the summer at Pemberley, as a companion to Georgiana. Something traumatic happened to her, and she was sent away, thinking it a punishment for her behavior. Although the rest of the Bennet family isn't present in the story, we are told that Mrs. Bennet despises Elizabeth and has sent her to live with various relatives in previous years. Life has not been easy for her. Five years later, she is now with the benevolent and affectionate Lady Acaster, who has inveigled an invitation to spend the summer at Pemberley while she attends to a sale of property.
Elizabeth sees Georgiana's need for emotional support and does everything in her power to help her emerge from her cocoon of suffering. Colonel Fitzwilliam visits, to the delight of the ladies. He brightens the atmosphere with his open and flirtatious personality. Darcy himself is increasingly attracted to Elizabeth and begins to feel jealousy.
The slow realization Darcy and Elizabeth have of each other's merit is realistic and lovely. The dialogue between them is entrancing. I loved Darcy's transition from dark and brooding, to blurting out spontaneous expressions of attraction, to outright swooniness. In fact, I loved the whole book and would read it again. 5+ stars.
Elizabeth sees Georgiana's need for emotional support and does everything in her power to help her emerge from her cocoon of suffering. Colonel Fitzwilliam visits, to the delight of the ladies. He brightens the atmosphere with his open and flirtatious personality. Darcy himself is increasingly attracted to Elizabeth and begins to feel jealousy.
The slow realization Darcy and Elizabeth have of each other's merit is realistic and lovely. The dialogue between them is entrancing. I loved Darcy's transition from dark and brooding, to blurting out spontaneous expressions of attraction, to outright swooniness. In fact, I loved the whole book and would read it again. 5+ stars.
April 25, 2026
Two Cousins, One Elizabeth, and a Second Summer at Pemberley
A Summer to Remember by Ali Scott is a compelling story that pulls Elizabeth, Richard Fitzwilliam, and Darcy into a light-angst, page-turning love triangle.
At age twenty, Elizabeth Bennet has not grown up primarily at Longbourn. Instead, disliked by her mother, she spent much of her youth living with relatives, and when she accompanies her father’s stepsister—her aunt, Lady Acaster—to Derbyshire on business, she returns to Pemberley for the first time in five years. Her earlier stay there as a young companion to Georgiana Darcy left deeper impressions than anyone realized, and her return to a place so bound up with difficult memories is never far from the surface as the story unfolds. You keep reading because you want to know more.
Both Darcy and Richard are at Pemberley during Elizabeth’s visit, and their very different relationships with her create a triangle that runs through much of the story. Richard is attentive and easy in her company. In this variation, he is four years Darcy’s junior and less mature than readers may expect. Meanwhile, Darcy holds himself back when he believes Richard may have already formed an attachment to Elizabeth. And, all the while, Lady Acaster is quite determined to see her niece well married and does her part to push matters along. Think Mrs Bennet ‘lite’.
Elizabeth carries something from that earlier summer that has left her more vulnerable than she lets on, and that thread of hurt and healing is evident with her throughout. Georgiana, too, is present and working through her own demons.
Ali Scott definitely delivers the romantic depth in this short novel. Watching Darcy gradually realize his feelings for her while misreading her connection with Richard touched me, and the slow-burn build-up, coupled with Darcy’s beautifully phrased proposal in particular, made the ending most satisfying. Ali Scott’s prose flows wonderfully as usual, with natural and teasing dialogue, and some awkward moments between the characters written with humour that I loved.
I think you’ll love this one too. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
April 24, 2026 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Erin Evans-Walker. I was completely satisfied by her performance.
A Summer to Remember by Ali Scott is a compelling story that pulls Elizabeth, Richard Fitzwilliam, and Darcy into a light-angst, page-turning love triangle.
At age twenty, Elizabeth Bennet has not grown up primarily at Longbourn. Instead, disliked by her mother, she spent much of her youth living with relatives, and when she accompanies her father’s stepsister—her aunt, Lady Acaster—to Derbyshire on business, she returns to Pemberley for the first time in five years. Her earlier stay there as a young companion to Georgiana Darcy left deeper impressions than anyone realized, and her return to a place so bound up with difficult memories is never far from the surface as the story unfolds. You keep reading because you want to know more.
Both Darcy and Richard are at Pemberley during Elizabeth’s visit, and their very different relationships with her create a triangle that runs through much of the story. Richard is attentive and easy in her company. In this variation, he is four years Darcy’s junior and less mature than readers may expect. Meanwhile, Darcy holds himself back when he believes Richard may have already formed an attachment to Elizabeth. And, all the while, Lady Acaster is quite determined to see her niece well married and does her part to push matters along. Think Mrs Bennet ‘lite’.
Elizabeth carries something from that earlier summer that has left her more vulnerable than she lets on, and that thread of hurt and healing is evident with her throughout. Georgiana, too, is present and working through her own demons.
Ali Scott definitely delivers the romantic depth in this short novel. Watching Darcy gradually realize his feelings for her while misreading her connection with Richard touched me, and the slow-burn build-up, coupled with Darcy’s beautifully phrased proposal in particular, made the ending most satisfying. Ali Scott’s prose flows wonderfully as usual, with natural and teasing dialogue, and some awkward moments between the characters written with humour that I loved.
I think you’ll love this one too. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
April 24, 2026 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by Erin Evans-Walker. I was completely satisfied by her performance.
April 28, 2026
I also read "A Summer to Remember - Bonus Content" which was offered at the end of this story.
Imagine Colonel Fitzwilliam stating that he plans to make Elizabeth his wife within five minutes of meeting her. Thus Darcy tries to hold back on his own feelings for Elizabeth.
We have Elizabeth having spent a summer at Pemberley when she was fifteen years old...sent there to befriend a younger Georgiana, who has no friends. Elizabeth does not want to be there and all her experiences are not good ones. Her own mother does not like her and Elizabeth has been living with other relations. The main one now being Lady Acaster, who is the widow of Mr. Bennet's step-brother. She and Elizabeth act more like parent and child in this story. We read very little of the Bennets.
Elizabeth returns to Pemberley when her aunt has to deal with selling some property she owns in Derbyshire.
SPOILER: Colonel Fitzwilliam has his own problem in his relationship with his father. And now as his older brother, the Viscount, lies severely injured he is called away from Pemberley. So Darcy doesn't have that competition present...but will his cousin return? End of SPOILER.
We do have many scenes in which ODC interact. There is a visit to a folly, a certain dance best performed in the grass, Elizabeth's artistic talent and her need to bring flowers into Pemberley to lighten the atmosphere, etc.
There is really no angst and events progress slowly. I recommend this story. I have read all of this author's P&P variations.
Imagine Colonel Fitzwilliam stating that he plans to make Elizabeth his wife within five minutes of meeting her. Thus Darcy tries to hold back on his own feelings for Elizabeth.
We have Elizabeth having spent a summer at Pemberley when she was fifteen years old...sent there to befriend a younger Georgiana, who has no friends. Elizabeth does not want to be there and all her experiences are not good ones. Her own mother does not like her and Elizabeth has been living with other relations. The main one now being Lady Acaster, who is the widow of Mr. Bennet's step-brother. She and Elizabeth act more like parent and child in this story. We read very little of the Bennets.
Elizabeth returns to Pemberley when her aunt has to deal with selling some property she owns in Derbyshire.
SPOILER: Colonel Fitzwilliam has his own problem in his relationship with his father. And now as his older brother, the Viscount, lies severely injured he is called away from Pemberley. So Darcy doesn't have that competition present...but will his cousin return? End of SPOILER.
We do have many scenes in which ODC interact. There is a visit to a folly, a certain dance best performed in the grass, Elizabeth's artistic talent and her need to bring flowers into Pemberley to lighten the atmosphere, etc.
There is really no angst and events progress slowly. I recommend this story. I have read all of this author's P&P variations.
April 21, 2026
Status: Read April 20-21, 2026 via kindle & audible editions
A Summer to Remember: Bonus Content: Read April 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Editions Read:
A Summer to Remember: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Ali Scott
Kindle Edition, 222 pages
Published April 20, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GDJDZHZF
[ kindle unlimited ]
You must be very careful with my heart, for it belongs to you.
Five years ago, fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet arrived at Pemberley as a friend for young Georgiana Darcy. That bittersweet summer ended in heartbreak, shadowed by events she has tried desperately to forget. Elizabeth returns to Derbyshire with her wealthy aunt—and finds herself face-to-face with the serious, reserved Mr Darcy.
Darcy remembers little of the spirited girl from years past, but the elegant woman before him captivates him completely. As Elizabeth's presence brings his melancholic sister back to life, he begins to see what he has been missing—the beauty, joy, and passion that his grief-stricken existence has lacked.
When Darcy's charming cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrives at Pemberley, childhood friendship reignites, and Elizabeth must navigate the attentions of two very different men. But as old wounds resurface and new feelings blossom, she discovers that the proud Mr. Darcy harbors depths of kindness and devotion that challenge everything she thought she knew.
In a summer filled with second chances, can two wounded souls find the courage to embrace a love neither expected? Or will the shadows of the past prove too powerful to overcome?
A Summer to Remember: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Ali Scott, Erin Evans-Walker (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 7 pages
Published April 17, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GXGSW4WF
[ audible plus catalog ]
Listening Length: 6 hours and 15 minutes
My Library Notes:
A Summer to Remember: Bonus Content
by Ali Scott
ebook, 10 pages
Published April 20, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
[ kindle doc - bookfunnel ]
A Summer to Remember: Bonus Content: Read April 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Editions Read:
A Summer to Remember: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Ali Scott
Kindle Edition, 222 pages
Published April 20, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GDJDZHZF
[ kindle unlimited ]
You must be very careful with my heart, for it belongs to you.
Five years ago, fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet arrived at Pemberley as a friend for young Georgiana Darcy. That bittersweet summer ended in heartbreak, shadowed by events she has tried desperately to forget. Elizabeth returns to Derbyshire with her wealthy aunt—and finds herself face-to-face with the serious, reserved Mr Darcy.
Darcy remembers little of the spirited girl from years past, but the elegant woman before him captivates him completely. As Elizabeth's presence brings his melancholic sister back to life, he begins to see what he has been missing—the beauty, joy, and passion that his grief-stricken existence has lacked.
When Darcy's charming cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrives at Pemberley, childhood friendship reignites, and Elizabeth must navigate the attentions of two very different men. But as old wounds resurface and new feelings blossom, she discovers that the proud Mr. Darcy harbors depths of kindness and devotion that challenge everything she thought she knew.
In a summer filled with second chances, can two wounded souls find the courage to embrace a love neither expected? Or will the shadows of the past prove too powerful to overcome?
A Summer to Remember: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Ali Scott, Erin Evans-Walker (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 7 pages
Published April 17, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0GXGSW4WF
[ audible plus catalog ]
Listening Length: 6 hours and 15 minutes
My Library Notes:
A Summer to Remember: Bonus Content
by Ali Scott
ebook, 10 pages
Published April 20, 2026 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
[ kindle doc - bookfunnel ]
April 20, 2026
Such a lovely and unique variation!
Summers at Pemberley... it sounds divine. Elizabeth's experiences there aren't all happy though, and misconceptions abound. Those tied into her happier memories are reintroduced into her acquaintance while she is forced to confront ghosts of the past.
I really loved the Elizabeth in this variation. She is still clever, but also demonstrates strength under control. She is gracious and a lovely person. She lacks some of the bite from the original, and is more informed of the world rather than viewing an idealized version of it. This allows a natural response to her character from Darcy where he just can't help himself but to love her.
Darcy isn't overly shiny, but nor is he the near villain he can be painted to be with his hautiness. He is so focused on the recovery of Georgiana that it humanizes him. He worries intensely for those in his circle, so much so that he nearly sacrifices his own happiness for that of a beloved rival. There are some really lovely compliments he utters in this story that will make your own stomach flutter!
I really enjoyed this sweet, low angst variation. There is an underlying tension from the past, healing in the present and hope for the future. The love between ODC is everything one could hope in a successful P&P variation.
I received a complimentary copy from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Summers at Pemberley... it sounds divine. Elizabeth's experiences there aren't all happy though, and misconceptions abound. Those tied into her happier memories are reintroduced into her acquaintance while she is forced to confront ghosts of the past.
I really loved the Elizabeth in this variation. She is still clever, but also demonstrates strength under control. She is gracious and a lovely person. She lacks some of the bite from the original, and is more informed of the world rather than viewing an idealized version of it. This allows a natural response to her character from Darcy where he just can't help himself but to love her.
Darcy isn't overly shiny, but nor is he the near villain he can be painted to be with his hautiness. He is so focused on the recovery of Georgiana that it humanizes him. He worries intensely for those in his circle, so much so that he nearly sacrifices his own happiness for that of a beloved rival. There are some really lovely compliments he utters in this story that will make your own stomach flutter!
I really enjoyed this sweet, low angst variation. There is an underlying tension from the past, healing in the present and hope for the future. The love between ODC is everything one could hope in a successful P&P variation.
I received a complimentary copy from Quills and Quartos to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
April 27, 2026
Lovely
Mr Bennett has a wealthy stepsister, Lady Acaster, who takes Elizabeth to live with her when life at Longbourn becomes difficult for Elizabeth. At fifteen, Elizabeth is offered up as a playmate for Georgiana Darcy, whose late mother was a good friend to Lady Acaster, and she spends a summer at Pemberly. Although lonely, she remembers with fondness Georgiana and Richard Fitzwilliam who are kind to her, but her memories of Darcy are of a stiff and disapproving young man. When Elizabeth is twenty, she and Lady Acaster have reason to stay at Pemberly again. In rekindling her acquaintances with Georgiana and the Colonel, Elizabeth learns that she was mistaken in her impressions of Darcy.
I like this author, and I particularly like her depiction of Elizabeth in this version. She's smart and witty, but also extremely lovable. We're given a swoon worthy Darcy whose feelings for Elizabeth are evident early on, even though he makes a half-hearted attempt to fight them. I wasn't so happy with our beloved Colonel, who is portrayed as fairly reckless with ladies' hearts. Then there's the character of Georgiana who is a psychological mess. I deducted a star because Mrs Bennett never gets a comeuppance. Guess this reveals my vindictive side, but the references to her cruelty to Elizabeth seemed to me to demand consequences. However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for lovely romance and some nice melodrama.
Mr Bennett has a wealthy stepsister, Lady Acaster, who takes Elizabeth to live with her when life at Longbourn becomes difficult for Elizabeth. At fifteen, Elizabeth is offered up as a playmate for Georgiana Darcy, whose late mother was a good friend to Lady Acaster, and she spends a summer at Pemberly. Although lonely, she remembers with fondness Georgiana and Richard Fitzwilliam who are kind to her, but her memories of Darcy are of a stiff and disapproving young man. When Elizabeth is twenty, she and Lady Acaster have reason to stay at Pemberly again. In rekindling her acquaintances with Georgiana and the Colonel, Elizabeth learns that she was mistaken in her impressions of Darcy.
I like this author, and I particularly like her depiction of Elizabeth in this version. She's smart and witty, but also extremely lovable. We're given a swoon worthy Darcy whose feelings for Elizabeth are evident early on, even though he makes a half-hearted attempt to fight them. I wasn't so happy with our beloved Colonel, who is portrayed as fairly reckless with ladies' hearts. Then there's the character of Georgiana who is a psychological mess. I deducted a star because Mrs Bennett never gets a comeuppance. Guess this reveals my vindictive side, but the references to her cruelty to Elizabeth seemed to me to demand consequences. However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for lovely romance and some nice melodrama.
April 24, 2026
The story starts in a gloomy, sad note, on different angles >>
1) even as Elizabeth is said to have a considerable dowry, and is ward to her Aunt (Lady X), she has a backstory of neglect, abandonment, and lack of maternal love (manufactured victimhood).
2) Pemberley is described as a somber, dreary home, the place is lifeless, rooms are closed, the remaining family has experienced loss and turmoil.
3) the place holds some mystery bad memories for Elizabeth (from a prior visit 5 years past); something horrible happened to her, giving her palpitations and fainting bouts (much we later find out it was a brief assaault situation by Wickham)
4) Georgiana is described as disturbed in health and spirit, she doesn’t eat well, doesn’t sleep well (there are situations involving somnambulism), and she is supposed to be extremely shy and fearful. For the most part we are led to suspect something particularly dire, but in the end it’s just canon elopement trope, it seems.
5) from the start of the story, Cnel Fitzwilliam’s elder brother, the Earl’s heir, is gravely injured and will probably die (elevating the Cnel). This situation lies in the background, and is brought to the forefront when the heir dies (but mysteriously, no one enters expected mourning period, in dress, behavior, or social commitments).
All the elements listed above give the story a bleak feel, which is not really conductive to a romance blooming — and yet it does ! Emotions and feelings are strangely inconsistent, characters are described as sad, and then they giggle, laugh, or flirt, only to go back to being gloomy on the next paragraph.
Cnel Fitzwilliam is always flirting with Lizzy, and making merry with Georgiana, as his brother is dying & bedridden, and his father (the Earl) is grieving the loss of his son & heir. Later, when the heir dies, the Cnel goes to his family seat for a time, only to come back to Pemberley soon, and start making plans to attend the assembly in Lambton (what???). Mourning customs and “rules” are all disregarded.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth grew from strongly disliking Darcy of old, to admiring & liking current Darcy. And Darcy progresses from snubbing Elizabeth as a non consequential ward, to admiring her as a good friend of the Darcy family. But Darcy was fixated on his cousin courting Elizabeth, so he is not free to pursue Elizabeth until the very end.
As a backdrop, there is this Lady X (Lizzy’s step aunt) who is the facilitator to bring Elizabeth to Pemberley, and who appears and disappears from scene in a very “convenient” manner…
1) even as Elizabeth is said to have a considerable dowry, and is ward to her Aunt (Lady X), she has a backstory of neglect, abandonment, and lack of maternal love (manufactured victimhood).
2) Pemberley is described as a somber, dreary home, the place is lifeless, rooms are closed, the remaining family has experienced loss and turmoil.
3) the place holds some mystery bad memories for Elizabeth (from a prior visit 5 years past); something horrible happened to her, giving her palpitations and fainting bouts (much we later find out it was a brief assaault situation by Wickham)
4) Georgiana is described as disturbed in health and spirit, she doesn’t eat well, doesn’t sleep well (there are situations involving somnambulism), and she is supposed to be extremely shy and fearful. For the most part we are led to suspect something particularly dire, but in the end it’s just canon elopement trope, it seems.
5) from the start of the story, Cnel Fitzwilliam’s elder brother, the Earl’s heir, is gravely injured and will probably die (elevating the Cnel). This situation lies in the background, and is brought to the forefront when the heir dies (but mysteriously, no one enters expected mourning period, in dress, behavior, or social commitments).
All the elements listed above give the story a bleak feel, which is not really conductive to a romance blooming — and yet it does ! Emotions and feelings are strangely inconsistent, characters are described as sad, and then they giggle, laugh, or flirt, only to go back to being gloomy on the next paragraph.
Cnel Fitzwilliam is always flirting with Lizzy, and making merry with Georgiana, as his brother is dying & bedridden, and his father (the Earl) is grieving the loss of his son & heir. Later, when the heir dies, the Cnel goes to his family seat for a time, only to come back to Pemberley soon, and start making plans to attend the assembly in Lambton (what???). Mourning customs and “rules” are all disregarded.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth grew from strongly disliking Darcy of old, to admiring & liking current Darcy. And Darcy progresses from snubbing Elizabeth as a non consequential ward, to admiring her as a good friend of the Darcy family. But Darcy was fixated on his cousin courting Elizabeth, so he is not free to pursue Elizabeth until the very end.
As a backdrop, there is this Lady X (Lizzy’s step aunt) who is the facilitator to bring Elizabeth to Pemberley, and who appears and disappears from scene in a very “convenient” manner…
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Five years ago Elizabeth spent her summer at Pemberley to keep young Georgiana Darcy company. Now, five years later, she and her aunt are again guests at Pemberley. Elizabeth does not look forward to her encounter with the new master - she knows Fitzwilliam Darcy as haughty and disagreeable. But soon she discovers that Darcy is not as disagreeable as she once thought. When Darcy’s cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives everyone thinks that she and the Colonel are the perfect match but Elizabeth is now sure that she requires other qualities in a husband than the Colonel has to offer - but Darcy possesses.
What are Darcy’s feelings towards Elizabeth? Will they find a way to one another? And what about the Colonel?
This variation was very well written by the author Ali Scott. I have read all her stories and I enjoyed them all very much.
At the beginning of the book I felt a bit sad. Not because the story is so sad but because all characters involved have experienced sadness and sad situations. There are also some depressing scenes in the story. But as the story progresses it is Elizabeth in particular who brings light in the world of the Darcys and lifts the sadness step by step. The further the story progresses the more hopeful and filled with laughter and happy moments it becomes.
The story takes place only at Pemberley. As Elizabeth lives with her aunt the inhabitants of Longbourn do not play an active part in all that occurs .The story is only about the Darcys, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and her aunt.
I really liked Darcy and Elizabeth and their growing relationship in this variation.
Elizabeth is forced to live with different relatives due to changes in the Bennet family and now lives permanently with her aunt Lady Acaster. I am glad that this difficult family situation, the missing closeness zu Jane and Mr Bennet and events that occurred in the past didn’t change Elizabeth’s character very much. She is, in my opinion, a bit more quiet and not so impertinent, but nevertheless witty, lively, captivating and utterly enchanting for Darcy ;-)
Darcy, on the other hand, was a bit more melancholic in this version. He has a lot of grief within him and blames himself for being the cause for Georgiana’s fragile health. But on the other hand he is quite open and honest in his interactions with Elizabeth. They talk quite often with one another and spend much time together. But because of his ever present sense of duty Darcy thinks there can be no union between him and Elizabeth, causing their relationship not to progress so smoothly to its natural conclusion as it could have.
I really liked the chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth and their interactions with one another (my favorite scene is definitely their dance amongst sheep and the Andalusian fall - so funny). I like the trust that they have in one another and that they always act with the greatest care for the other. So their love progresses slowly and steadily until they can not imagine living without each other.
Elizabeth’s aunt, Lady Acaster, is a new character. I liked her very much. Yes, she tries to meddle in Elizabeth’s life, but she does it for the right reasons. She loves Elizabeth as if she was her own daughter and acts like a mother. I’m so glad that Elizabeth has her love and support because Mrs Bennet, never very fond of Elizabeth, is, due to the changes in the Bennet family, even less inclined to take care of her least favourite daughter.
I did not overly like Colonel Fitzwilliam in this story. He is a notorious flirt and does not take much seriously. He also tries to provoke Darcy very often and is, in my opinion, quite rude sometimes. He is younger than Darcy in this variation and, in my opinion, this shows in his behaviour. He is definitely not like the steadfast and reliable friend and confidant of Darcy that he normally is. Later in the story he becomes more mature due to certain events but most of the time he reminds me more of a mischievous child than a reliable and responsible Colonel in his Majesty's army.
There is no active villain in this story who tries to interfere in the building relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth, Darcy is capable on his own to prevent an earlier understanding ;- ).
George Wickham has no active role in this story but due to former actions of his he is ever present at Pemberley and therefore quite often spoken of.
If you like to know how a summer, spent at Pemberley five years ago, can influence the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth, you should definitely read this excellent variation.
I highly recommend it.
The book mentions a tried assault of a woman. The assault is not successful and not described in a graphic way but if you have issues with this topic you should probably not read this book.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What are Darcy’s feelings towards Elizabeth? Will they find a way to one another? And what about the Colonel?
This variation was very well written by the author Ali Scott. I have read all her stories and I enjoyed them all very much.
At the beginning of the book I felt a bit sad. Not because the story is so sad but because all characters involved have experienced sadness and sad situations. There are also some depressing scenes in the story. But as the story progresses it is Elizabeth in particular who brings light in the world of the Darcys and lifts the sadness step by step. The further the story progresses the more hopeful and filled with laughter and happy moments it becomes.
The story takes place only at Pemberley. As Elizabeth lives with her aunt the inhabitants of Longbourn do not play an active part in all that occurs .The story is only about the Darcys, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and her aunt.
I really liked Darcy and Elizabeth and their growing relationship in this variation.
Elizabeth is forced to live with different relatives due to changes in the Bennet family and now lives permanently with her aunt Lady Acaster. I am glad that this difficult family situation, the missing closeness zu Jane and Mr Bennet and events that occurred in the past didn’t change Elizabeth’s character very much. She is, in my opinion, a bit more quiet and not so impertinent, but nevertheless witty, lively, captivating and utterly enchanting for Darcy ;-)
Darcy, on the other hand, was a bit more melancholic in this version. He has a lot of grief within him and blames himself for being the cause for Georgiana’s fragile health. But on the other hand he is quite open and honest in his interactions with Elizabeth. They talk quite often with one another and spend much time together. But because of his ever present sense of duty Darcy thinks there can be no union between him and Elizabeth, causing their relationship not to progress so smoothly to its natural conclusion as it could have.
I really liked the chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth and their interactions with one another (my favorite scene is definitely their dance amongst sheep and the Andalusian fall - so funny). I like the trust that they have in one another and that they always act with the greatest care for the other. So their love progresses slowly and steadily until they can not imagine living without each other.
Elizabeth’s aunt, Lady Acaster, is a new character. I liked her very much. Yes, she tries to meddle in Elizabeth’s life, but she does it for the right reasons. She loves Elizabeth as if she was her own daughter and acts like a mother. I’m so glad that Elizabeth has her love and support because Mrs Bennet, never very fond of Elizabeth, is, due to the changes in the Bennet family, even less inclined to take care of her least favourite daughter.
I did not overly like Colonel Fitzwilliam in this story. He is a notorious flirt and does not take much seriously. He also tries to provoke Darcy very often and is, in my opinion, quite rude sometimes. He is younger than Darcy in this variation and, in my opinion, this shows in his behaviour. He is definitely not like the steadfast and reliable friend and confidant of Darcy that he normally is. Later in the story he becomes more mature due to certain events but most of the time he reminds me more of a mischievous child than a reliable and responsible Colonel in his Majesty's army.
There is no active villain in this story who tries to interfere in the building relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth, Darcy is capable on his own to prevent an earlier understanding ;- ).
George Wickham has no active role in this story but due to former actions of his he is ever present at Pemberley and therefore quite often spoken of.
If you like to know how a summer, spent at Pemberley five years ago, can influence the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth, you should definitely read this excellent variation.
I highly recommend it.
The book mentions a tried assault of a woman. The assault is not successful and not described in a graphic way but if you have issues with this topic you should probably not read this book.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“She was not treated unkindly, but it was as though she were a ghost, living a half existence in a life that did not belong to her.” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth Bennet is living with her aunt, Lady Acaster in London, a stepsister to Mr. Bennet. She has been unwanted by her mother for years, not really understanding why. Her father makes no effort to interfere. When her aunt needs to deal with the possible sale of some land her father left her in Derbyshire, she takes Elizabeth with her. Not being able to stay at Lord Matlock’s seat, due to the grievous injuries of his heir, they are offered a welcome at Pemberley. A place Elizabeth had been to for one summer five years prior. One that still haunts her.
“The Miss Bennet of his memory was a girl, all knees and elbows and prone to scrapes. Standing before him was undoubtedly the most bewitching woman he had ever beheld.” (quote from the book)
Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy had made a very good first impression when she came to Pemberley to befriend Georgiana all those years ago. However, she and Georgiana had bonded. She also had bonded with Richard Fitzwilliam. He was her hero during the final days of her summer there. But Elizabeth feels she had been sent away for a reason. One that reflected upon herself. But was she?
“Your intentions are of the purest kind, and I appreciate your concern for my happiness. However, I beg of you to stop your scheming – if for no other reason than I should hate Georgiana to think our renewed friendship was only ever for my own gain.” (quote from the book)
With Richard Fitzwilliam joining everyone at Pemberley, her aunt is intent on securing a happy marriage for Elizabeth. Both Richard and Elizabeth welcome the continued friendship between themselves. Mr. Darcy is working hard at subduing the green-eyed monster from rearing its ugly head. He sees the camaraderie between Richard and Elizabeth. He does all he can to promote their interests. But at what cost?
“Pemberley has a beauty that makes one ache, she thought; it could be the only explanation for the dull pain cleaving in her chest.” (quote from the book)
This was touching and well written variation that captured my attention. The majority of this story takes place at Pemberley. Elizabeth’s memories are not all happy ones from her time here as a young girl. There is also Georgiana’s fragility. What is the cause of it? And Mr. Darcy…he is all that we hope for. I was emotionally invested in this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Elizabeth Bennet is living with her aunt, Lady Acaster in London, a stepsister to Mr. Bennet. She has been unwanted by her mother for years, not really understanding why. Her father makes no effort to interfere. When her aunt needs to deal with the possible sale of some land her father left her in Derbyshire, she takes Elizabeth with her. Not being able to stay at Lord Matlock’s seat, due to the grievous injuries of his heir, they are offered a welcome at Pemberley. A place Elizabeth had been to for one summer five years prior. One that still haunts her.
“The Miss Bennet of his memory was a girl, all knees and elbows and prone to scrapes. Standing before him was undoubtedly the most bewitching woman he had ever beheld.” (quote from the book)
Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy had made a very good first impression when she came to Pemberley to befriend Georgiana all those years ago. However, she and Georgiana had bonded. She also had bonded with Richard Fitzwilliam. He was her hero during the final days of her summer there. But Elizabeth feels she had been sent away for a reason. One that reflected upon herself. But was she?
“Your intentions are of the purest kind, and I appreciate your concern for my happiness. However, I beg of you to stop your scheming – if for no other reason than I should hate Georgiana to think our renewed friendship was only ever for my own gain.” (quote from the book)
With Richard Fitzwilliam joining everyone at Pemberley, her aunt is intent on securing a happy marriage for Elizabeth. Both Richard and Elizabeth welcome the continued friendship between themselves. Mr. Darcy is working hard at subduing the green-eyed monster from rearing its ugly head. He sees the camaraderie between Richard and Elizabeth. He does all he can to promote their interests. But at what cost?
“Pemberley has a beauty that makes one ache, she thought; it could be the only explanation for the dull pain cleaving in her chest.” (quote from the book)
This was touching and well written variation that captured my attention. The majority of this story takes place at Pemberley. Elizabeth’s memories are not all happy ones from her time here as a young girl. There is also Georgiana’s fragility. What is the cause of it? And Mr. Darcy…he is all that we hope for. I was emotionally invested in this story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Old memories cast long shadows
What beautiful and superior writing - this author clearly knows and loves her Austen and clearly rejoices in bringing her characters back to life in her work. In this book we meet with only 4 of Austen's characters, namely Elizabeth, Darcy, Georgiana and the Colonel, plus one new original character, Elizabeth's titled aunt with whom she now lives. Each one is fully rounded and their role carefully crafted. There is plenty of charming dialogue, filled with pathos and humour, as well as neatly written narrative. This book has also clearly been very well-edited. This all comes together to make reading this book a great pleasure.
The plot is definitely off canon, but the characters are not. There has been past sadness, some canon and some not, and this is having a clear impact on each of the characters. They have all developed their own carapace around themselves in order to reduce the risk of further hurt from others, whether family or foe. Through the course of the summer these are peeled away as they slowly open up to each other and reveal their past hurts; some of these hurts are individual actions but in the case of two of them there is also the sense of never having been wanted or truly loved. The impact of these third party behaviours has been expertly written by the author.
This is a serious book but it is not a sad book. There is plenty of hope and joy within; a particular favourite of mine was "The Andalusian Fall"!
In this book, Ali Scott clearly shows us that good things can indeed come in small packages, and that when all the excess words are stripped away what remains truly shines. Well done indeed.
What beautiful and superior writing - this author clearly knows and loves her Austen and clearly rejoices in bringing her characters back to life in her work. In this book we meet with only 4 of Austen's characters, namely Elizabeth, Darcy, Georgiana and the Colonel, plus one new original character, Elizabeth's titled aunt with whom she now lives. Each one is fully rounded and their role carefully crafted. There is plenty of charming dialogue, filled with pathos and humour, as well as neatly written narrative. This book has also clearly been very well-edited. This all comes together to make reading this book a great pleasure.
The plot is definitely off canon, but the characters are not. There has been past sadness, some canon and some not, and this is having a clear impact on each of the characters. They have all developed their own carapace around themselves in order to reduce the risk of further hurt from others, whether family or foe. Through the course of the summer these are peeled away as they slowly open up to each other and reveal their past hurts; some of these hurts are individual actions but in the case of two of them there is also the sense of never having been wanted or truly loved. The impact of these third party behaviours has been expertly written by the author.
This is a serious book but it is not a sad book. There is plenty of hope and joy within; a particular favourite of mine was "The Andalusian Fall"!
In this book, Ali Scott clearly shows us that good things can indeed come in small packages, and that when all the excess words are stripped away what remains truly shines. Well done indeed.
Review of advance copy
Loved it!!
Elizabeth's backstory is somewhat altered, having grown up for the most part, not at Longbourn (Thank you, Mrs Bennet) She is now with Lady Acaster, who is determined to see her happily married.
The story takes them to Pemberley, where Elizabeth had stayed for one summer five years before. We now see a double exposure of Elizabeth now, with her memories of Elizabeth then. There is a mystery behind her memories, as well as a mystery to Georgiana Darcy's malady.
I found this story to be lyrically exquisite. For me it is truly Ms Scott's best yet! The reader feels Elizabeth's pain, when it is spoken of outrightly, but also when its revealed in little hints here and there. She is an abandoned child, with a shaming secret. It takes revelation to free her...
Col Fitzwilliam is Bingleyesque, while Darcy is Hertfordshire Darcy, blowing hot and cold despite being at Pemberley.
This is a slow burn dislike, to friends-ish, to lovers, tale. We get many more of Darcy's thoughts in the process, as it takes Elizabeth a little longer to be open to her own heart.
Loved the writing - the tone... the pace... the craft!
I received a free advanced copy and vpluntarily leave my review.
Elizabeth's backstory is somewhat altered, having grown up for the most part, not at Longbourn (Thank you, Mrs Bennet) She is now with Lady Acaster, who is determined to see her happily married.
The story takes them to Pemberley, where Elizabeth had stayed for one summer five years before. We now see a double exposure of Elizabeth now, with her memories of Elizabeth then. There is a mystery behind her memories, as well as a mystery to Georgiana Darcy's malady.
I found this story to be lyrically exquisite. For me it is truly Ms Scott's best yet! The reader feels Elizabeth's pain, when it is spoken of outrightly, but also when its revealed in little hints here and there. She is an abandoned child, with a shaming secret. It takes revelation to free her...
Col Fitzwilliam is Bingleyesque, while Darcy is Hertfordshire Darcy, blowing hot and cold despite being at Pemberley.
This is a slow burn dislike, to friends-ish, to lovers, tale. We get many more of Darcy's thoughts in the process, as it takes Elizabeth a little longer to be open to her own heart.
Loved the writing - the tone... the pace... the craft!
I received a free advanced copy and vpluntarily leave my review.
April 25, 2026
Elizabeth at Pemberley
For those that are looking for a story with Elizabeth’s time is mostly at Pemberley with Georgiana, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam then this is your story.
This outside of canon story, Elizabeth spends time with her father’s stepsister, her aunt Lady Acaster or other relatives instead of being at Longbourn. Due to this, we don’t spend any time with her family other than her aunt. Her aunt lives in a higher society, thus, Elizabeth is a little bit more versed in society compared to her sisters.
This will be Elizabeth’s second time at Pemberley, the first one being five years prior when she was 15 years old and sent there as a favor to keep a young Georgiana occupied while her father is dying. You get hints of something happening during Elizabeth’s first time there, but we don’t find out the exact details until later. We do have a little bit of a love triangle as both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy decide they both like the grown-up version of Elizabeth.
Overall this was a sweet treat and the audiobook was well done. I can easily see myself reading or listening to this story again.
For those that are looking for a story with Elizabeth’s time is mostly at Pemberley with Georgiana, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam then this is your story.
This outside of canon story, Elizabeth spends time with her father’s stepsister, her aunt Lady Acaster or other relatives instead of being at Longbourn. Due to this, we don’t spend any time with her family other than her aunt. Her aunt lives in a higher society, thus, Elizabeth is a little bit more versed in society compared to her sisters.
This will be Elizabeth’s second time at Pemberley, the first one being five years prior when she was 15 years old and sent there as a favor to keep a young Georgiana occupied while her father is dying. You get hints of something happening during Elizabeth’s first time there, but we don’t find out the exact details until later. We do have a little bit of a love triangle as both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy decide they both like the grown-up version of Elizabeth.
Overall this was a sweet treat and the audiobook was well done. I can easily see myself reading or listening to this story again.
May 5, 2026
I got behind in writing reviews and just wrote a few notes down to write the review later. They weren't helpful for this review though. I liked the narration by Erin Evans-Walker. And the story had some angst.
It also had some potential triggers: Sexual assault, attempted rape prior to the beginning of the book, out of wedlock baby, anxiety.
I liked the story well enough for a 5 star rating but I can't remember specifics about why. This is why I need to write reviews as soon as I finish the book and don't start another until I do.
It also had some potential triggers: Sexual assault, attempted rape prior to the beginning of the book, out of wedlock baby, anxiety.
I liked the story well enough for a 5 star rating but I can't remember specifics about why. This is why I need to write reviews as soon as I finish the book and don't start another until I do.
April 24, 2026
A Pleasant Read
A charming and uncomplicated story that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Since I consider Pride and Prejudice a Darcy & Elizabeth story, I didn't miss the canon characters that were left out.
The story takes place at Pemberley.
A charming and uncomplicated story that I enjoyed from start to finish.
Since I consider Pride and Prejudice a Darcy & Elizabeth story, I didn't miss the canon characters that were left out.
The story takes place at Pemberley.
April 30, 2026
Now that’s a variation!
So loved this for its originality - such a delight to read a whole new background story for our dear couple. Some characters from the canon and some new ones as well. I have enjoyed all of Ali’s stories and this one was no exception. Eager for her next one!
So loved this for its originality - such a delight to read a whole new background story for our dear couple. Some characters from the canon and some new ones as well. I have enjoyed all of Ali’s stories and this one was no exception. Eager for her next one!
April 22, 2026
Excellent¨
A wonderful book - and roses and honeysuckle are my favourite flowers 🌹🪷 🥰
A wonderful book - and roses and honeysuckle are my favourite flowers 🌹🪷 🥰
April 23, 2026
A really cute and well written P&P adaption 🥹
April 24, 2026
A charming variation. Elizabeth is wonderful, and Georgiana's growth as she interacts with Elizabeth is gratifying.
May 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book.
May 2, 2026
Wow such a heartfelt book. A wicked past of Mr. Wickham, a charming Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy eating his heart out to think Elizabeth won’t be his. Very good book with some great moments.
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