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Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth: Pride and Prejudice Continues
"Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters." —Jane AustenFor centuries, millions of Austen fans have wondered what happened after Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged vows and embarked on their new lives together as one.Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth - the sequel to Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice - affords a wonderfully diverting imagining of our dear couple's early years as man and wife.Discover what happens after the happily-ever-after ending of Pride and Prejudice.
- GenresFictionRegencyHistorical
ebook
First published November 1, 2015
About the author
P.O. Dixon
89 books170 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 7, 2016
This book is in 2 parts that are really two separate stories, although they both chronicle events that happen during the early years of the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth.
The first section centers around the first dinner party being hosted at Pemberley since Elizabeth became its mistress. Uninvited members of the family - both Elizabeth's and Darcy's - show up and complicate matters, embarrassing and challenging them. It's a relief when Mr. and Mrs. Darcy both realize that, essentially, "you cannot be taken advantage of without your permission" is a much better creed to live by than "honor one's family above all" (despite how rude and obnoxious the family is), and the major troublemakers are finally booted out.
The second part introduces Darcy's third cousin, Mr. Bingham, who is wooing Georgiana. He appears to be sincere and Elizabeth approves of him though he doesn't have any status or wealth, but Darcy is suspicious. It seems likely that this is Darcy's overprotectiveness of his little sister at work, or perhaps not. With the Earl of Matlock very ill and Darcy often away to help tend to his uncle's estate, Mr. Bingham is often at Pemberley painting a portrait of Georgiana and leading her to fall in love with him. Eventually, his desperation to win and marry her leads him to make some very unwise decisions.
I recognize the effort taken here to write a sequel that doesn't leave behind those who have never read Pride and Prejudice. However, the fact is that the vast majority of those who read this are already very familiar with the story. Rehashing so much of the original, including full passages culled directly from Ms. Austen's novel, gets annoying. The first section in particular would flow much better without all the reminiscing slowing down the story.
Ms. Dixon's books are always nicely written, as is this one. The second plot has more originality than the first, but both have some creative elements I haven't found in other JAFF. As I mentioned above, there's very little overlap of plot between the two sections except for characters and time frame. (Well, the second starts 9 months after the first ends but still within the newlywed phase of marriage.) I do believe they should have been presented as separate short stories rather than a single novel.
The first section centers around the first dinner party being hosted at Pemberley since Elizabeth became its mistress. Uninvited members of the family - both Elizabeth's and Darcy's - show up and complicate matters, embarrassing and challenging them. It's a relief when Mr. and Mrs. Darcy both realize that, essentially, "you cannot be taken advantage of without your permission" is a much better creed to live by than "honor one's family above all" (despite how rude and obnoxious the family is), and the major troublemakers are finally booted out.
The second part introduces Darcy's third cousin, Mr. Bingham, who is wooing Georgiana. He appears to be sincere and Elizabeth approves of him though he doesn't have any status or wealth, but Darcy is suspicious. It seems likely that this is Darcy's overprotectiveness of his little sister at work, or perhaps not. With the Earl of Matlock very ill and Darcy often away to help tend to his uncle's estate, Mr. Bingham is often at Pemberley painting a portrait of Georgiana and leading her to fall in love with him. Eventually, his desperation to win and marry her leads him to make some very unwise decisions.
I recognize the effort taken here to write a sequel that doesn't leave behind those who have never read Pride and Prejudice. However, the fact is that the vast majority of those who read this are already very familiar with the story. Rehashing so much of the original, including full passages culled directly from Ms. Austen's novel, gets annoying. The first section in particular would flow much better without all the reminiscing slowing down the story.
Ms. Dixon's books are always nicely written, as is this one. The second plot has more originality than the first, but both have some creative elements I haven't found in other JAFF. As I mentioned above, there's very little overlap of plot between the two sections except for characters and time frame. (Well, the second starts 9 months after the first ends but still within the newlywed phase of marriage.) I do believe they should have been presented as separate short stories rather than a single novel.
September 20, 2017
The Georgiana in this sequel was not portrayed as I imagine her. After all she experienced at Ramsgate and her friendship with Elizabeth as her sister-in-law, I had a very difficult time reading about her doing it all over again AND hiding it from her brother and Elizabeth.
While she may be older and with some experiences she acts like the most innocent child in falling for a pretty face mostly based on his claim to be "third" cousin. This seems to excuse any need to check out his story. And the woman and child he claims are his half-sister and her child??? I would be all over that story and checking out the background...just as Darcy does.
Darcy is distracted by having to travel to London to meet with the Colonel. He and others are searching for Wickham.
While Georgiana is not as I would imagine there are also others who seem just a tad off in their demeanor and actions: some are a little abrupt and sharp in their interactions. I did find this an interesting variation and had no problem reading it to the end.
While she may be older and with some experiences she acts like the most innocent child in falling for a pretty face mostly based on his claim to be "third" cousin. This seems to excuse any need to check out his story. And the woman and child he claims are his half-sister and her child??? I would be all over that story and checking out the background...just as Darcy does.
Darcy is distracted by having to travel to London to meet with the Colonel. He and others are searching for Wickham.
While Georgiana is not as I would imagine there are also others who seem just a tad off in their demeanor and actions: some are a little abrupt and sharp in their interactions. I did find this an interesting variation and had no problem reading it to the end.
January 20, 2016
The Darcy's
I total enjoy all of this authors books and this newest book almost felt like it could of been two separate novellas. The first part of the book was about the Darcy's first big event at Pemberley and how they deal with family arriving unannounced and causing problems. The second part of the book dealt with a new villain and it involves poor Georgiana and her tender trusting heart. I did enjoy this book but it fell flat a couple of times but not enough not to recommend this book! I do believe JAFF readers will enjoy this story.
I total enjoy all of this authors books and this newest book almost felt like it could of been two separate novellas. The first part of the book was about the Darcy's first big event at Pemberley and how they deal with family arriving unannounced and causing problems. The second part of the book dealt with a new villain and it involves poor Georgiana and her tender trusting heart. I did enjoy this book but it fell flat a couple of times but not enough not to recommend this book! I do believe JAFF readers will enjoy this story.
January 3, 2016
Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth: Pride and Prejudice Continues
Another great story by Pam Dixon. The Darcys are having their first dinner party. Bad enough for Elizabeth, because it was the first time that they entertained. Unexpected guests continued to arrive without warning. Caroline Bingley invited herself as well as the Bennets, Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and the last to arrive is Lydia Wickham. Caroline was bad enough with her hateful comments, but Lady Catherine's disapproval of everything was the breaking point for Darcy. Add to the mixture Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, and a disaster is not waiting to happen. Throw another person that is claiming he's a third cousin and watch the fireworks. Several guests are escorted out of Pemberley by force, and others took the hint it was time to head back home. The Bingleys buy an estate near Pemberley. Being to kind hearted and never facing conflict, they are constantly with unwelcome guests: Caroline and the Wickhams. Bingley knows that no of the freeloaders are never to be Darcy's guests. Mrs Bennet with her weak mind, cannot understand why Darcy will not help the Wickhams. As bad as Wickham is, he lost his distinguished role at the top of the ladder only to be replaced by the third cousin. The cousin is really a desperate, hateful man which Darcy finds almost too late. The dinner party started it all. A must read to learn just how confusing life can get with some odd family members thrown into the mix.
Another great story by Pam Dixon. The Darcys are having their first dinner party. Bad enough for Elizabeth, because it was the first time that they entertained. Unexpected guests continued to arrive without warning. Caroline Bingley invited herself as well as the Bennets, Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh, and the last to arrive is Lydia Wickham. Caroline was bad enough with her hateful comments, but Lady Catherine's disapproval of everything was the breaking point for Darcy. Add to the mixture Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, and a disaster is not waiting to happen. Throw another person that is claiming he's a third cousin and watch the fireworks. Several guests are escorted out of Pemberley by force, and others took the hint it was time to head back home. The Bingleys buy an estate near Pemberley. Being to kind hearted and never facing conflict, they are constantly with unwelcome guests: Caroline and the Wickhams. Bingley knows that no of the freeloaders are never to be Darcy's guests. Mrs Bennet with her weak mind, cannot understand why Darcy will not help the Wickhams. As bad as Wickham is, he lost his distinguished role at the top of the ladder only to be replaced by the third cousin. The cousin is really a desperate, hateful man which Darcy finds almost too late. The dinner party started it all. A must read to learn just how confusing life can get with some odd family members thrown into the mix.
July 16, 2023
Rating 3.5 (just can't do the .5 above)
If you peruse the Austen-alcove I have here on Goodreads, you will see that I have many a P.O. Dixon book on the shelf. Whenever I am in the mood for a bit of an Austen-fix, P.O. Dixon doesn't disappoint and I have listened to many of the books via audio.
What drew me to this book initially is that it takes place after Darcy and Elizabeth are married and I think like many a P&P lover, we are always curious and wonder about what this couple's married life would have looked like after the fairytale like wedding at the end of Austen's tale. While my heart is always a romantic, my nature is more practical and so I often think that Darcy and Elizabeth would have faced their fair share of challenges as newlyweds, both from external forces but also from the journey they would take to further understand and appreciate the differences in their natures and temperaments. This was most definitely showcased in this novel by P.O. Dixon!
What made this story a 3.5 for me was less about the couple themselves or the writing, which was still beautifully crafted, and had more do with my absolute annoyance with all the family members in this book. I found myself so frustrated for Darcy and Elizabeth, who individually and together, have to continually clean up the messes that their various family make throughout the story. As a reader, you just want the couple to catch a break and be able to savor the life they have with one another. While I feel for Georgiana in the second half of this book, I was also a bit frustrated with her because it's as if the lessons she should have learned the first time around never took root.
I will say that the aspects that I loved the most in this story, are the small moments of intimacy that we get to see between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their unwavering support for one another and the unquenchable passion they have for each other is the stuff that all Austen fans melt for!
If you peruse the Austen-alcove I have here on Goodreads, you will see that I have many a P.O. Dixon book on the shelf. Whenever I am in the mood for a bit of an Austen-fix, P.O. Dixon doesn't disappoint and I have listened to many of the books via audio.
What drew me to this book initially is that it takes place after Darcy and Elizabeth are married and I think like many a P&P lover, we are always curious and wonder about what this couple's married life would have looked like after the fairytale like wedding at the end of Austen's tale. While my heart is always a romantic, my nature is more practical and so I often think that Darcy and Elizabeth would have faced their fair share of challenges as newlyweds, both from external forces but also from the journey they would take to further understand and appreciate the differences in their natures and temperaments. This was most definitely showcased in this novel by P.O. Dixon!
What made this story a 3.5 for me was less about the couple themselves or the writing, which was still beautifully crafted, and had more do with my absolute annoyance with all the family members in this book. I found myself so frustrated for Darcy and Elizabeth, who individually and together, have to continually clean up the messes that their various family make throughout the story. As a reader, you just want the couple to catch a break and be able to savor the life they have with one another. While I feel for Georgiana in the second half of this book, I was also a bit frustrated with her because it's as if the lessons she should have learned the first time around never took root.
I will say that the aspects that I loved the most in this story, are the small moments of intimacy that we get to see between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their unwavering support for one another and the unquenchable passion they have for each other is the stuff that all Austen fans melt for!
December 8, 2022
Sadly very disappointing
This is a sequel rather than a variation and is composed of two related stories set 9 months apart.
The first story is set approximately 1 year after the marriage and centres around a family gathering at Pemberley and a large dinner to launch Elizabeth into Derbyshire society. Various members of both Elizabeth's and Darcy's families descend; both invited and uninvited. There were 3 points in this story which disappointed me. Firstly, the behaviour of Mrs Bennet, Lydia and Lady Catherine were unrealistically ridiculous and would not have gone unchecked to the extent that it did. Secondly, why had it taken a year to launch Elizabeth into Derbyshire society? That just makes no sense to me. Thirdly, excessive amounts of the original text and plot were included in such a short story.
The second story is focussed around Georgiana and a third cousin with whom she is infatuated. This Georgiana showed no signs of having learnt anything at all from the Wickham debacle despite being 4 years older. Trigger warning spoiler
Overall I was very disappointed in this book.
This is a sequel rather than a variation and is composed of two related stories set 9 months apart.
The first story is set approximately 1 year after the marriage and centres around a family gathering at Pemberley and a large dinner to launch Elizabeth into Derbyshire society. Various members of both Elizabeth's and Darcy's families descend; both invited and uninvited. There were 3 points in this story which disappointed me. Firstly, the behaviour of Mrs Bennet, Lydia and Lady Catherine were unrealistically ridiculous and would not have gone unchecked to the extent that it did. Secondly, why had it taken a year to launch Elizabeth into Derbyshire society? That just makes no sense to me. Thirdly, excessive amounts of the original text and plot were included in such a short story.
The second story is focussed around Georgiana and a third cousin with whom she is infatuated. This Georgiana showed no signs of having learnt anything at all from the Wickham debacle despite being 4 years older. Trigger warning spoiler
Overall I was very disappointed in this book.
June 30, 2021
This story follows on from the end of the classic novel, with Darcy and Elizabeth happily married and living at Pemberley detailing the first couple of years of their lives, dealing with their respective relatives including a unknown cousin ingratiating himself into their lives, the scheming and dramas that occur in these families. The story does the characters justice and captures them perfectly. A intelligent, excellent storyline with emotion, drama and a little tension, all brought to life by an excellent narration. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review
February 9, 2018
Basically a two part book. One is the very early part of their marriages is the events surrounding Elizabeth's first big dinner party at Pemberley. With her invited and uninvited guests. The latter include Lydia, Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I felt that this story ended too abruptedly. I wanted to read more of the represcussions of the dinner.
The second is a Georgiana love story and the introduction of a new character. Darcy's distant cousin Mr. Bingham. This second story didn't have quotes from the original and so was a better story.
An enjoyable read.
The second is a Georgiana love story and the introduction of a new character. Darcy's distant cousin Mr. Bingham. This second story didn't have quotes from the original and so was a better story.
An enjoyable read.
July 10, 2021
A continuation of Pride and Prejudice - while I'm not a super fan of Pride and Prejudice I know the overall storyline and was able to enjoy and follow along well enough in this audio. The storyline was good with smooth flow and amazing narration. I loved the family dynamic as well as the exciting twists and danger in this read / listen with a great HEA! Exciting and heartwarming and full of family and where loyalties should lie.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*This review is based on the audio version of this read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*This review is based on the audio version of this read.
September 9, 2023
The author is inventive enough. Alas, he has no gift for writing - all cliches, descriptions instead of action, pathetic exclamations and clumsy dialogues. When a book starts with a phrase "By his own account the happiest man in the world, Fitzwilliam Darcy, a tall, handsome man with chiseled features and noble mien, soon joined his wife outside", you don't have to read any further.
July 3, 2021
I feels true to the original work. It quotes the original more than I would like. I like seeing an idea of what their life would be like after the story ended.
The narrator is good.
The narrator is good.
December 30, 2015
I had a difficult time putting this book down. It begins with the Bennets as well as the Bingleys being invited to Longbourn for the Darcys' first formal dinner party. Unfortunately Lydia, Wickham remains at the inn in Lambdon, and Lady Catherine, with her entourage, show up uninvited. Lydia and Wickham the source of a great deal of trouble for the Darcys. He is manipulative and she is so easy to manipulate. They cause trouble with Geogiana and at the dinner party. All the while, Lady Catherine is trying to discredit Elizabeth. Can you imagine Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine, and Lydia in the same room with Mr. Darcy?
Later, a third cousin of Mr. Darcy comes calling, Mr. Alston Bingham who is a scheming conniver. There is one line in chapter 2 that I absolutely loved, "...Caroline circling Pemberley like a vulture hoping Elzabeth would keel over at any moment..." The book was both suspenseful and hopeful. Parts of it were steadily paced with portions that were fast paced. It kept me wondering what would happen next and how scenes would be resolved. Pam Dixon keeps the pace moving and just when you think all is well....well, it isn't. Another fabulous story by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
Later, a third cousin of Mr. Darcy comes calling, Mr. Alston Bingham who is a scheming conniver. There is one line in chapter 2 that I absolutely loved, "...Caroline circling Pemberley like a vulture hoping Elzabeth would keel over at any moment..." The book was both suspenseful and hopeful. Parts of it were steadily paced with portions that were fast paced. It kept me wondering what would happen next and how scenes would be resolved. Pam Dixon keeps the pace moving and just when you think all is well....well, it isn't. Another fabulous story by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
April 10, 2016
I listened to the Audible audio version of this book. I gave it 5 stars for Pearl Hewitt's narration which was excellent.
"A Nice Continuation With Amazing Narration"
What I loved most about this installment of the Pride and Prejudice novellas was the amazing voice of PEARL HEWITT. I enjoyed the story. At times the dialogue was intense but very, very good. Things don't go over too well when Georgianna falls for the visiting cousin. I like how P.O. DIXON writes these stories. They're full of emotion and passion (not meaning sex) but fierce dialogue.
Pearl Hewitt has a lovely voice which is a force to be reckoned with. She's so much talent as a vocal artist, the sky's the limit. She's brilliant in the Pride and Prejudice stories. She's shown to be both soft in her vocals and when called for she raises the bar. I love the contrast.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
May 3, 2016
I really enjoyed the first 1/3 of this book. Then I started noticing some modern terminology creeping in during the dialogues. Then some of the scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy grew a little racy for a Jane Austen. This brought me out of the story each time it happened. And then the storyline grew increasingly ridiculous and, finally, I didn't like the end product.
The story picks up right after the wedding of Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth is planning a couple of big coming out as mistress of Pemberley parties and their families immediately begin creating havoc. Several family members turn up uninvited. Then unpleasant scenes ensue. Finally, Georgianna comes across a long lost family member who becomes a suitor to her against the will of Darcy. After Mr. Bingham comes one the scene the story becomes a little farfetched for Jane Austen and begins to look more like a cross between a Harlequin romance and a thriller.
Pearl Hewitt did a wonderful narration of a mediocre attempt at Jane Austen.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The story picks up right after the wedding of Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth is planning a couple of big coming out as mistress of Pemberley parties and their families immediately begin creating havoc. Several family members turn up uninvited. Then unpleasant scenes ensue. Finally, Georgianna comes across a long lost family member who becomes a suitor to her against the will of Darcy. After Mr. Bingham comes one the scene the story becomes a little farfetched for Jane Austen and begins to look more like a cross between a Harlequin romance and a thriller.
Pearl Hewitt did a wonderful narration of a mediocre attempt at Jane Austen.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2016
Audiobook - Narration, Pearl Hewitt, really terrific narration. I so enjoyed listening to this book from the beginning to the end. It almost seems wrong for someone else to be writing about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy... Almost, but this is my first foray into this genre of Austin follow-ups and while I firmly believe you should read Austin, this was a really nice continuation.
This is a quick listen detailing the fierce love that exists between Elizabeth and Darcy in the first years of their marriage. Including visits from some of the insufferable's from both families and a courtship for Darcy's lovely little sister Giorgianna.
Entertaining, well written and extremely well narrated.
I really enjoyed it!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
This is a quick listen detailing the fierce love that exists between Elizabeth and Darcy in the first years of their marriage. Including visits from some of the insufferable's from both families and a courtship for Darcy's lovely little sister Giorgianna.
Entertaining, well written and extremely well narrated.
I really enjoyed it!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
June 22, 2016
This is a very well done and interesting continuation of Pride and Prejudice, taking place shortly after the Darcy's marriage. All of the characters stay true to Ms. Austen's original portrayals, bringing much delight, as well as irritants, to the story.
There is a bit of intrigue, and of course, romance. The writing is very good, very "Jane". I enjoyed this story so much, I didn't want it to end.
I listened to the audio version, and the narrator, Pearl Hewitt, is fantastic. She does a great job of bringing the characters to life. Great job, all around.
There is a bit of intrigue, and of course, romance. The writing is very good, very "Jane". I enjoyed this story so much, I didn't want it to end.
I listened to the audio version, and the narrator, Pearl Hewitt, is fantastic. She does a great job of bringing the characters to life. Great job, all around.
April 3, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
Continuing saga of Elizabeth and Darcy. All the characters are back in this romantic mystery drama. Wonderful!!
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
Continuing saga of Elizabeth and Darcy. All the characters are back in this romantic mystery drama. Wonderful!!
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews