What do you think?
Rate this book
Believing in Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet's life is forever altered by Mr. Collins' most foolish act. Now, with her family scattered and her place in the world uncertain, she has no one to rely on but her dear friend Charlotte. Elizabeth longs for security of her own, but will never compromise her values to obtain it. Nor will she have to, if she can simply bring herself to believe in Mr. Darcy.
Audible Audio
Published July 21, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 2, 2020
I have become a huge fan of this duo of authors. They write such wonderful, well-constructed novella-length stories with unique premises that are carried out to perfection. There's no wasted character, conversation or scene; each detail contributes something significant to the primary storyline.
Ms. McCann and Ms. Hanford have done it again here. The story opens in Kent just after Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth and she has forcefully rejected him. When Mr. and Mrs. Collins return to the personage from Rosings, events immediately start rolling, beginning with the cleric's sudden (but not unexpected to the reader) death overnight.
Before this is discovered in the morning, Elizabeth does receive and does read Mr. Darcy's letter defending himself from her accusations. While this does not change her overall negative opinion of Mr. Darcy, she does recognize her error in believing Wickham so readily.
Circumstances lead Darcy to act as the executor for Mr. Collins' will. A surprising development brings him back to Hertfordshire to negotiate agreements between Mrs. Collins and another potential heir to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet is particularly hateful throughout this entire book, blaming everyone else (especially Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) for all her problems and generally turning herself into a pariah among her Hertfordshire neighbors because she's so unpleasant to be around.
Even though the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth is sort of on the fringes rather than being the central storyline, I love the way their relationship plays out. I am pleased that the other Bennet sisters also get their places in the sun here rather than just hanging around the periphery like wallpaper. Even the members of the Lucas family get strong character development. Mary King has an important role, too.
There are many interesting, unanticipated twists throughout the book. All are logical and completely believable. The writing itself, as always, is of the very highest quality. You just can't find better JAFF than this.
Ms. McCann and Ms. Hanford have done it again here. The story opens in Kent just after Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth and she has forcefully rejected him. When Mr. and Mrs. Collins return to the personage from Rosings, events immediately start rolling, beginning with the cleric's sudden (but not unexpected to the reader) death overnight.
Before this is discovered in the morning, Elizabeth does receive and does read Mr. Darcy's letter defending himself from her accusations. While this does not change her overall negative opinion of Mr. Darcy, she does recognize her error in believing Wickham so readily.
Circumstances lead Darcy to act as the executor for Mr. Collins' will. A surprising development brings him back to Hertfordshire to negotiate agreements between Mrs. Collins and another potential heir to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet is particularly hateful throughout this entire book, blaming everyone else (especially Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) for all her problems and generally turning herself into a pariah among her Hertfordshire neighbors because she's so unpleasant to be around.
Even though the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth is sort of on the fringes rather than being the central storyline, I love the way their relationship plays out. I am pleased that the other Bennet sisters also get their places in the sun here rather than just hanging around the periphery like wallpaper. Even the members of the Lucas family get strong character development. Mary King has an important role, too.
There are many interesting, unanticipated twists throughout the book. All are logical and completely believable. The writing itself, as always, is of the very highest quality. You just can't find better JAFF than this.
April 8, 2017
3.5 rounded up to 4.
This is an angsty and sad P&P what if. Beginning at Hunsford parsonage follow Darcy's disastrous proposal; when the Collins and Maria return home Mr. Collins performs an act of absurdity so bizarre one almost wants to laugh in defense of his noble patroness. Alas Mr. Collins will not be long for this world and Lady Catherine will be so affronted that she wants Mrs. Collins gone, gone, gone before anyone can think that Lady Catherine might be responsible for Mr. Collins' untimely demise.
Mr. Darcy steps into the role of executor and helps Mrs. Collins and her guests return to Meryton - which somewhat warms Lizzy's opinion. But for every step forward there seem to be two steps back. Soon Mr. Darcy is back in Meryton and the Bennets lives are irreparably changed. But Lizzy still isn't convinced that she can love him or if she should.
The story is very unique and very creative. Mrs. Bennet is an utter shrew. Jane is mostly absent from the story more of a plot device than a character. Following Lydia's elopement and recovery things will happen that will have you shaking your head and your kindle. This story does a good job of developing the Lucas family.
This is an angsty and sad P&P what if. Beginning at Hunsford parsonage follow Darcy's disastrous proposal; when the Collins and Maria return home Mr. Collins performs an act of absurdity so bizarre one almost wants to laugh in defense of his noble patroness. Alas Mr. Collins will not be long for this world and Lady Catherine will be so affronted that she wants Mrs. Collins gone, gone, gone before anyone can think that Lady Catherine might be responsible for Mr. Collins' untimely demise.
Mr. Darcy steps into the role of executor and helps Mrs. Collins and her guests return to Meryton - which somewhat warms Lizzy's opinion. But for every step forward there seem to be two steps back. Soon Mr. Darcy is back in Meryton and the Bennets lives are irreparably changed. But Lizzy still isn't convinced that she can love him or if she should.
The story is very unique and very creative. Mrs. Bennet is an utter shrew. Jane is mostly absent from the story more of a plot device than a character. Following Lydia's elopement and recovery things will happen that will have you shaking your head and your kindle. This story does a good job of developing the Lucas family.
April 12, 2017
The title of this story gives us exactly what Elizabeth learns to work through as time after time she hears or opines negative opinions about Darcy’s character, only to later learn that she is totally wrong and/or someone has lied to her or given her misleading information.
Yes, the time and place are the evening subsequent to her set-down of Mr. Darcy after his disastrous Hunsford proposal. At the parsonage, we read and shake our heads in disbelief, as the sycophant Mr. Collins, exasperated with his cousin’s and his wife’s unwillingness to take the dose of unidentified syrup for the latter’s recent problem of disrupted sleep, downs the dose himself. He then demands Elizabeth will apologize to Lady C. and leave the next day! We, the readers, are not surprised that he is found dead the next morning but only after Elizabeth has taken her walk and received the letter of explanation from Darcy.
Darcy is forced by circumstances to step in as executor of Mr. Collins’ Will and we soon learn that there is the possibility of two male heirs to the entailed Longbourn estate. BUT Darcy negotiates a plan that is acceptable to both sides of the argument and part of this agreement means waiting approximately six months until events come to a conclusion. As other reviews mention: Mrs. Bennet is soon despised by all to an even greater degree than in canon due to her words and acts here.
The sisters are soon scattered and Lydia’s elopement comes to be. I truly loved how the authors give us the “behind every great man is a woman” scenario as we learn of Lady Lucas’s abilities. She takes Elizabeth in for two reasons: she is Charlotte’s friend and she saved Charlotte’s life.
Elizabeth throughout the story begins her own journey of change and it is not just in her opinions about Darcy. She has a discussion with John Lucas which clarifies her viewpoint about love and she also learns to better understand the past decision Charlotte made in accepting Mr. Collins’ proposal of marriage. Yes, sometimes you just do what has to be done and life can make those decisions for you. Elizabeth is humbled but she learns and changes.
Darcy and Elizabeth are not together a lot in this story. Darcy has responsibilities to his estate and to the mill he owns. That business venture comes with a bad reputation for mill owners, as women and children are hired and many mill owners mistreat and/or overwork the employees and allow dangerous conditions to exist.
Another new character, with a living near Pemberley in Kent, works with Darcy and shares with him a sense of doing the right thing for others. (Even if there is no reward but maybe a down side to the good deeds.)
Throughout the tale we read time and again as Darcy acts generously but refuses to divulge his acts to anyone. He does not brag. This is something he relates that his family and friends, knowing him, will just have to know he does. Matthew 6: 3 - But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.
I have to say that these two authors presented well developed twists in the plot and in the behaviors of our characters. While many times readers have to just accept and go with an unusual twist, herein the authors worked it all out very believably.
We do have an epilogue. I missed hearing the details about children although it was mentioned that there were those in the lives of ODC. In this tale I also enjoyed reading as more than just Jane and Elizabeth came to a happily ever after. Well done.
Yes, the time and place are the evening subsequent to her set-down of Mr. Darcy after his disastrous Hunsford proposal. At the parsonage, we read and shake our heads in disbelief, as the sycophant Mr. Collins, exasperated with his cousin’s and his wife’s unwillingness to take the dose of unidentified syrup for the latter’s recent problem of disrupted sleep, downs the dose himself. He then demands Elizabeth will apologize to Lady C. and leave the next day! We, the readers, are not surprised that he is found dead the next morning but only after Elizabeth has taken her walk and received the letter of explanation from Darcy.
Darcy is forced by circumstances to step in as executor of Mr. Collins’ Will and we soon learn that there is the possibility of two male heirs to the entailed Longbourn estate. BUT Darcy negotiates a plan that is acceptable to both sides of the argument and part of this agreement means waiting approximately six months until events come to a conclusion. As other reviews mention: Mrs. Bennet is soon despised by all to an even greater degree than in canon due to her words and acts here.
The sisters are soon scattered and Lydia’s elopement comes to be. I truly loved how the authors give us the “behind every great man is a woman” scenario as we learn of Lady Lucas’s abilities. She takes Elizabeth in for two reasons: she is Charlotte’s friend and she saved Charlotte’s life.
Elizabeth throughout the story begins her own journey of change and it is not just in her opinions about Darcy. She has a discussion with John Lucas which clarifies her viewpoint about love and she also learns to better understand the past decision Charlotte made in accepting Mr. Collins’ proposal of marriage. Yes, sometimes you just do what has to be done and life can make those decisions for you. Elizabeth is humbled but she learns and changes.
Darcy and Elizabeth are not together a lot in this story. Darcy has responsibilities to his estate and to the mill he owns. That business venture comes with a bad reputation for mill owners, as women and children are hired and many mill owners mistreat and/or overwork the employees and allow dangerous conditions to exist.
Another new character, with a living near Pemberley in Kent, works with Darcy and shares with him a sense of doing the right thing for others. (Even if there is no reward but maybe a down side to the good deeds.)
Throughout the tale we read time and again as Darcy acts generously but refuses to divulge his acts to anyone. He does not brag. This is something he relates that his family and friends, knowing him, will just have to know he does. Matthew 6: 3 - But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.
I have to say that these two authors presented well developed twists in the plot and in the behaviors of our characters. While many times readers have to just accept and go with an unusual twist, herein the authors worked it all out very believably.
We do have an epilogue. I missed hearing the details about children although it was mentioned that there were those in the lives of ODC. In this tale I also enjoyed reading as more than just Jane and Elizabeth came to a happily ever after. Well done.
October 14, 2019
Happy the man who dies before he prays for death. ~Publilius Syrus
After the Hunsford proposal, Darcy volunteers for a duty which should have been Lady Catherine’s and thus he remains part of the Bennet family’s life. Elizabeth and Darcy have opportunities for observation and communication over the next several months.
When some men die it is as if you had lost your pen-knife, and were subject to perpetual inconvenience until you could get another. Other men's going is like the vanishing of a great mountain from the landscape, and the outlook of life is changed forever. ~Phillips Brooks
Two characters die – Elizabeth saves Charlotte’s life but at a cost. Elizabeth’s world is broken, never able to be re-assembled. She moves to Lucas Lodge with Charlotte. The entire Lucas family is a tremendous support for Elizabeth and Charlotte. We see Sir William and Lady Lucas as multi-dimensional people, not as the caricatures they often are.
Mr. Collins enters the picture and resides at Longbourn. He finds one of the Bennet daughters attractive. (WHAT!!!)
A theft occurs at Longbourn near the middle of the book.
I had a theory about the perpetrator and was sorry that issue was never addressed. Other than that little quibble, this was a well-written, enjoyable (maybe not the right word in light of the grief) love story.
Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break. ~William Shakespeare
After the Hunsford proposal, Darcy volunteers for a duty which should have been Lady Catherine’s and thus he remains part of the Bennet family’s life. Elizabeth and Darcy have opportunities for observation and communication over the next several months.
When some men die it is as if you had lost your pen-knife, and were subject to perpetual inconvenience until you could get another. Other men's going is like the vanishing of a great mountain from the landscape, and the outlook of life is changed forever. ~Phillips Brooks
Two characters die – Elizabeth saves Charlotte’s life but at a cost. Elizabeth’s world is broken, never able to be re-assembled. She moves to Lucas Lodge with Charlotte. The entire Lucas family is a tremendous support for Elizabeth and Charlotte. We see Sir William and Lady Lucas as multi-dimensional people, not as the caricatures they often are.
Mr. Collins enters the picture and resides at Longbourn. He finds one of the Bennet daughters attractive. (WHAT!!!)
A theft occurs at Longbourn near the middle of the book.
I had a theory about the perpetrator and was sorry that issue was never addressed. Other than that little quibble, this was a well-written, enjoyable (maybe not the right word in light of the grief) love story.
Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break. ~William Shakespeare
April 12, 2017
“Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” Voltaire
Off canon variation set during Elizabeth’s visit with her friend Charlotte in Kent. The time-frame was shortly after the disastrous proposal, and Elizabeth’s reading of Darcy’s letter. Charlotte was having trouble sleeping and Lady C gave Mr. Collins some medication and explicit directions on how to administer it. When he attempted to give it to Charlotte before she went to bed, Elizabeth felt it was wrong and jerked it away and wouldn’t let her friend take it.
Collins had faithfully followed Lady Catherine’s directions on the dosage and was horrified that Elizabeth would question his patroness. In his disgust and anger, he demanded his cousin apology to his patroness the very next morning and then her immediate removal from the parsonage. He would no longer tolerate her staying with them if she would dare question the wisdom of Lady Catherine. To prove his complete trust in his patroness, Mr. Collins drank the medication and promptly went to bed. Mr. Collins learned a very hard lesson, that there is a big difference between 6 spoonfuls of laudanum and 6 drops.
This set into motion a series of events that would be far reaching for our story. Darcy was called on by his aunt to help Charlotte remove from the parsonage. When they arrived at Hertfordshire, everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Longbourn soon experienced an additional tragedy that answered Mrs. Bennet’s worst nightmare. She brought on a lot of her troubles by her own actions and that mouth of hers. Her nightmare increased when she learned that Mr. Collins had a younger brother. He was a clergyman from the north near Lambton and Pemberley.
“Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
I have never disliked anyone as much as I did Mrs. Bennet in this story. She had ears, but didn’t hear; eyes, but didn’t see. She only heard what she wanted to hear and saw only what she wanted to see. I could forgive her actions and attribute them to her grief; however, I don’t believe that she grieved for a second, other than the loss of her position. Her feelings of entitlement were so outrageous that, over time, it became ridiculous. Way to go Bingley! You needed to stop that run-a-way train of thoughts before she got a good head of steam behind her. That was so cool.
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” Gilbert K. Chesterton
Elizabeth finally came to the conclusion that she loved Darcy. About time… this was wasted time, took too long, was convoluted, disjointed and jumpy. She was all over the landscape and, once again, Wickham was allowed to plant seeds of dissension in her head and heart. Have I said I don’t like him yet? Well, I don’t. It took her a while before she decided to trust Darcy and not fall for the lies. Dah!
I was wrung out by the time it ended. There was little time with ODC together. Come on, give us D&E page time. I did like her declaration at the Netherfield dinner table. We never get to see Mr. Darcy championed in public. I wanted Mrs. B shot down and for her to go up in a fiery blaze. Elizabeth would be the only sister able to rein in her mother. That woman needed a set-down big time.
The tone of the story changed at about the halfway point… from that of the beginning. The ending felt rushed and I was a bit disappointed in not having a lot of page time with ODC. There was a nice epilogue seven years later. It was a clean read, although there were several scandalous marriages set in place. Nothing happened… well on paper nothing happened. We are talking about Lydia and Wickham… you know. I’m still not sure I approve of Wickham at the end. That seemed a bit strange.
Off canon variation set during Elizabeth’s visit with her friend Charlotte in Kent. The time-frame was shortly after the disastrous proposal, and Elizabeth’s reading of Darcy’s letter. Charlotte was having trouble sleeping and Lady C gave Mr. Collins some medication and explicit directions on how to administer it. When he attempted to give it to Charlotte before she went to bed, Elizabeth felt it was wrong and jerked it away and wouldn’t let her friend take it.
Collins had faithfully followed Lady Catherine’s directions on the dosage and was horrified that Elizabeth would question his patroness. In his disgust and anger, he demanded his cousin apology to his patroness the very next morning and then her immediate removal from the parsonage. He would no longer tolerate her staying with them if she would dare question the wisdom of Lady Catherine. To prove his complete trust in his patroness, Mr. Collins drank the medication and promptly went to bed. Mr. Collins learned a very hard lesson, that there is a big difference between 6 spoonfuls of laudanum and 6 drops.
This set into motion a series of events that would be far reaching for our story. Darcy was called on by his aunt to help Charlotte remove from the parsonage. When they arrived at Hertfordshire, everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Longbourn soon experienced an additional tragedy that answered Mrs. Bennet’s worst nightmare. She brought on a lot of her troubles by her own actions and that mouth of hers. Her nightmare increased when she learned that Mr. Collins had a younger brother. He was a clergyman from the north near Lambton and Pemberley.
“Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
I have never disliked anyone as much as I did Mrs. Bennet in this story. She had ears, but didn’t hear; eyes, but didn’t see. She only heard what she wanted to hear and saw only what she wanted to see. I could forgive her actions and attribute them to her grief; however, I don’t believe that she grieved for a second, other than the loss of her position. Her feelings of entitlement were so outrageous that, over time, it became ridiculous. Way to go Bingley! You needed to stop that run-a-way train of thoughts before she got a good head of steam behind her. That was so cool.
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” Gilbert K. Chesterton
Elizabeth finally came to the conclusion that she loved Darcy. About time… this was wasted time, took too long, was convoluted, disjointed and jumpy. She was all over the landscape and, once again, Wickham was allowed to plant seeds of dissension in her head and heart. Have I said I don’t like him yet? Well, I don’t. It took her a while before she decided to trust Darcy and not fall for the lies. Dah!
I was wrung out by the time it ended. There was little time with ODC together. Come on, give us D&E page time. I did like her declaration at the Netherfield dinner table. We never get to see Mr. Darcy championed in public. I wanted Mrs. B shot down and for her to go up in a fiery blaze. Elizabeth would be the only sister able to rein in her mother. That woman needed a set-down big time.
The tone of the story changed at about the halfway point… from that of the beginning. The ending felt rushed and I was a bit disappointed in not having a lot of page time with ODC. There was a nice epilogue seven years later. It was a clean read, although there were several scandalous marriages set in place. Nothing happened… well on paper nothing happened. We are talking about Lydia and Wickham… you know. I’m still not sure I approve of Wickham at the end. That seemed a bit strange.
November 8, 2020
I would have given this 5 stars had the author tempered Mrs Bennet or changed the reactions to her behavior. Hard to believe they would tolerate her at all. Also, way too much talk about money. Those two points made it a bit hard to get through. Expect no whirlwind, sigh-worthy romance here but still an entertaining story.
2nd reading: I bumped it up to 5 stars. I enjoyed the whole thing so much more this time and was able to overlook the two points listed above. Cleverly done.
3rd: Still liked it. It is an enjoyable quick read.
4th: Super great!
5th: Great!
2nd reading: I bumped it up to 5 stars. I enjoyed the whole thing so much more this time and was able to overlook the two points listed above. Cleverly done.
3rd: Still liked it. It is an enjoyable quick read.
4th: Super great!
5th: Great!
October 3, 2017
I enjoyed this story, as I have many from these authors. I liked the addition of a younger Collins brother, and I enjoyed Elizabeth's more rational turn here, in thinking through things before judging Darcy. However, I did feel like there was a lot of story crammed into this for its length, which made parts feel rather shallow. The core story was nice, though, and it was a quick read.
April 13, 2017
Strong Outing For McMann and Hanford
"Believing in Darcy" sends ODC's adventures down a new and unusual channel. There are enough new touches that I am loath to offer up specific examples for fear of creating spoilers. However, there is one act of Mr Collins for which the readers should shout "thank you" to McMann and Hanford...They turn his obsequious listening to Lady C into a marvelous plot mover. The book does not happen without this...For then we get Darcy moving deeper into Elizabeth's life from an expected direction. This is a book rich in character development. The plot is inventive, but Canonical in it's intent. I have only one kvetch...It involves the theft of the silver, the fact that the thief knew where to look, two sets of footprints outside of the window, and the conversation that it had to have been done by someone local. And then...Nothing comes of it. Grumble...Could have been a great device for another resolution. Five stars less .25.
"Believing in Darcy" sends ODC's adventures down a new and unusual channel. There are enough new touches that I am loath to offer up specific examples for fear of creating spoilers. However, there is one act of Mr Collins for which the readers should shout "thank you" to McMann and Hanford...They turn his obsequious listening to Lady C into a marvelous plot mover. The book does not happen without this...For then we get Darcy moving deeper into Elizabeth's life from an expected direction. This is a book rich in character development. The plot is inventive, but Canonical in it's intent. I have only one kvetch...It involves the theft of the silver, the fact that the thief knew where to look, two sets of footprints outside of the window, and the conversation that it had to have been done by someone local. And then...Nothing comes of it. Grumble...Could have been a great device for another resolution. Five stars less .25.
September 12, 2023
Good variation
My favorite team of writers released another interesting and imaginative story. There are a few unexpected twists, and two characters deaths, but at the end everyone gets what they deserved. And plenty of HEA to go around.
I loved Charlotte, The Lucases and Mr. Collins (you have to find out for yourself, no spoilers). The description of Mrs Bennet was fantastic, she was a selfish manipulator who believed she was entitled to have everything her way. It's how I always imagined her behavior under difficult circumstances.
The mill issue was very interesting and spot on. The fear of progressing development of industry was like the fear of the boogie man.
Good story, highly recommended. 4.5 stars for me.
My favorite team of writers released another interesting and imaginative story. There are a few unexpected twists, and two characters deaths, but at the end everyone gets what they deserved. And plenty of HEA to go around.
I loved Charlotte, The Lucases and Mr. Collins (you have to find out for yourself, no spoilers). The description of Mrs Bennet was fantastic, she was a selfish manipulator who believed she was entitled to have everything her way. It's how I always imagined her behavior under difficult circumstances.
The mill issue was very interesting and spot on. The fear of progressing development of industry was like the fear of the boogie man.
Good story, highly recommended. 4.5 stars for me.
May 3, 2017
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mrs Bennet is a selfish, thoughtless, and outspoken person and seems to work at ostracizing her children. This is felt more than usual because of the tragedy and upheaval in the family. Each Bennet daughter finds her place while the book centers around Elizabeth coming to terms with her feelings for Darcy. Darcy in turn realizes through his love of Elizabeth some places where he was lacking in his own life. Together they learn about themselves and have a beautiful happily ever after.
The pace of the book was wonderful and the plot was very creative! I must also say that Charlotte and Lady Lucas is amazing in this story.
The pace of the book was wonderful and the plot was very creative! I must also say that Charlotte and Lady Lucas is amazing in this story.
January 26, 2018
This was a thrilling read, a bit annoying but engaging and captivating.
Enters the evening of the first proposal from P&P. Mr Collins dies during the night due to a error done by lady Catherine. The grand lady does not admit her fault which makes Mr Darcy take on the responsibility of executor of Mr Collins will.
Returning to Longbourne, Elizabeth discover that her father is dying and he passes shortly after. My trouble with this story was how the inheritance of Longbourne was done, it does not ring true to me... My other issue was Elizabeth continuing to think the worst of Mr Darcy even after resieveing the letter at Hunsford.
That said , I could not put it down and there were new twists to the Lydia/Wickham debacle. Loved Bingley in this story, he grows a backbone... Mr Hurst was a pleasant surprise and showed an astute mind.
Kitty also made a good impression.
Mrs Bennet however, was on her worst behaviour.
There is an epilogue but it's rather short. Always want to read of ODC's happiness.
Heartily recommend this book!
Enters the evening of the first proposal from P&P. Mr Collins dies during the night due to a error done by lady Catherine. The grand lady does not admit her fault which makes Mr Darcy take on the responsibility of executor of Mr Collins will.
Returning to Longbourne, Elizabeth discover that her father is dying and he passes shortly after. My trouble with this story was how the inheritance of Longbourne was done, it does not ring true to me... My other issue was Elizabeth continuing to think the worst of Mr Darcy even after resieveing the letter at Hunsford.
That said , I could not put it down and there were new twists to the Lydia/Wickham debacle. Loved Bingley in this story, he grows a backbone... Mr Hurst was a pleasant surprise and showed an astute mind.
Kitty also made a good impression.
Mrs Bennet however, was on her worst behaviour.
There is an epilogue but it's rather short. Always want to read of ODC's happiness.
Heartily recommend this book!
September 19, 2020
My Rating: 3.5*
This Pride & Prejudice variation starts off immediately after the Hunsford proposal. As Mr. and Mrs. Collins, along with Maria Lucas, return from an evening spent with Lady Catherine, Elizabeth needs to conceal her distress from them. But she is not the only one concealing information. Charlotte, too, has her own secret. Despite all this, when Mr. Collins insists that Charlotte take the medicine Lady Catherine prescribed for her to sleep better, Elizabeth interferes feeling that it would do more harm than good. Mr. Collins takes umbrage and insists there is no harm in taking it. So to prove it, he gives himself the medicine. What follows will alter the lives of many and will Elizabeth start believing in Darcy?
"It isn't safe. I can't let you do this, even to appease Lady Catherine." (quote from the book)
Despite the slow start of this story for me, I did enjoy it. There were several inventive twists. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, but overall, I liked the growth and development of several characters.
June 2, 2017
This is a novel that shows the real Mr. Darcy, always doing and caring for others without anyone knowing it was him. Also, it shows the doubt of Elizabeth and always not putting her trust in Mr. Darcy and thinking of the opposite of what he really is as a person.
It is well written, interesting and held my interest.
I think it is a worthwhile read with a few twists here and there. It even shows the Lucas family in a different light and it is for the better.
I did appreciate the twists and turns at the times they occurred in the novel.
Well done Renata !
It is well written, interesting and held my interest.
I think it is a worthwhile read with a few twists here and there. It even shows the Lucas family in a different light and it is for the better.
I did appreciate the twists and turns at the times they occurred in the novel.
Well done Renata !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2017
Another great JAFF story by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford. I thoroughly enjoed the entire story, though will note that Mrs. Bennett was especially grating on the nerves. Almost wanted to skim. However, the rest of the story made up for her horrid behavior. Elizabeth Bennett learned how to trust, to refrain from judging, and to believe in Mr. Darcy. A hard lesson for people in general. Overall wonderful read.
August 3, 2026
Audiobook review.
This book is a complete pleasure to listen to. The storyline and the characters are terrific and delightfully entertaining, and Elizabeth’s character development is amazing. Mrs. Bennett and Lydia are even more selfish than in the previous books, I loved when Mr. Bingley put his foot down! Benjamin Fife’s narration is exceptional, he really brought the story to life.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
This book is a complete pleasure to listen to. The storyline and the characters are terrific and delightfully entertaining, and Elizabeth’s character development is amazing. Mrs. Bennett and Lydia are even more selfish than in the previous books, I loved when Mr. Bingley put his foot down! Benjamin Fife’s narration is exceptional, he really brought the story to life.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 1, 2020
This story starts out strangely, with the death of one of the characters, accidentally but at the fault of Lady Catherine. Elizabeth saves one of the characters, to the detriment of the one who does die. Darcy steps in to assist with the final arrangements on behalf of the widow, and shortly another character also dies, placing Darcy in a strange predicament and at odds with Elizabeth.
The whole Bennet family must be shuffled off here and there, and Mrs. Bennet is of course inconsolable...especially because no one wants to stay with her and listen to her complaining day in and out. It's a very different and highly-interesting variation of Pride and Prejudice and it's quite, quite intriguing...and not predictable at all.
The whole Bennet family must be shuffled off here and there, and Mrs. Bennet is of course inconsolable...especially because no one wants to stay with her and listen to her complaining day in and out. It's a very different and highly-interesting variation of Pride and Prejudice and it's quite, quite intriguing...and not predictable at all.
April 19, 2017
This book was okay. It was well-written, but there was hardly any interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. It seemed that she decided that she was in love with him when she saw all the good deeds he did, not through any time they had spent together. And Mrs. Bennet was in it entirely too much, I wanted to smack her!
April 27, 2017
The plot was interesting and had potential that was not really achieved. The version I had (kindle format) had several glaring grammatical errors. A number of the characters were poorly defined. Their actions were inconsistent in the book. I am fine with characters being portrayed differently than in Austen's work, but some of the individuals were more caricatures than realistic people.
December 2, 2018
Story enjoyable but there were a few issues: spelling/grammatical errors (on the kindle version); the writing could be a bit wooden; and the characters lacked some depth. A little bland, but inoffensive enough.
May 5, 2020
I enjoyed this P&P variation. There was a lot different about the story yet enough of the original story line in it to be recognizable though things don't happen the same way as the original. It was a clever what if.
The book filled out the characters in the Lucas family more than any variation I've read which made it interesting. There were some characters that left me surprised by the interpretation by the author. Mrs. Bennett is far worse than ever. Lady Catherine somewhat contrite at times though still proud. Wickham willing to earn his keep?! And Collins even more stupid that usual. Loved his brother though. Timid characters willing to stand up for themselves... The interpretations were thought provoking.
The story was interesting and had some unexpected twists. The book is well titled as that is exactly what Elizabeth had to learn to do - believe in Darcy.
I was in the mood for some P&P and I'm glad I picked up this variation.
No sex, language or violence
The book filled out the characters in the Lucas family more than any variation I've read which made it interesting. There were some characters that left me surprised by the interpretation by the author. Mrs. Bennett is far worse than ever. Lady Catherine somewhat contrite at times though still proud. Wickham willing to earn his keep?! And Collins even more stupid that usual. Loved his brother though. Timid characters willing to stand up for themselves... The interpretations were thought provoking.
The story was interesting and had some unexpected twists. The book is well titled as that is exactly what Elizabeth had to learn to do - believe in Darcy.
I was in the mood for some P&P and I'm glad I picked up this variation.
No sex, language or violence
August 17, 2021
Great story
This book is filled with shock after shock. As soon as you get use to one stunning occurrence, another thing happens causing you to scream, “Arghhh!” But the authors do it in such a way that is so entertaining and engaging. So many new twists in the story. For instance, in addition to Pemberley and its farm Mr. Darcy owns a mill?! That’s a new idea I have never read before. very interesting! Loved it, wished it were longer and hoping for a sequel (fingers crossed)
This book is filled with shock after shock. As soon as you get use to one stunning occurrence, another thing happens causing you to scream, “Arghhh!” But the authors do it in such a way that is so entertaining and engaging. So many new twists in the story. For instance, in addition to Pemberley and its farm Mr. Darcy owns a mill?! That’s a new idea I have never read before. very interesting! Loved it, wished it were longer and hoping for a sequel (fingers crossed)
February 17, 2023
Too little too late with a too cynical Elizabeth for the most part
There is too little romance in this variation which caused the most disappointment. The bulk of the story portrays Elizabeth Bennet as a cynical and bitter lady who previously rejected a marriage proposal by Mr. Darcy. It is only towards the last quarter of the novelette that EB begins to believe in Darcy, while the latter keeps on pining for and proving to Elizabeth what a good guy he is. This is a lackluster variation and a disappointment coming from the well-known and respected dynamic duo of JAFF.
There is too little romance in this variation which caused the most disappointment. The bulk of the story portrays Elizabeth Bennet as a cynical and bitter lady who previously rejected a marriage proposal by Mr. Darcy. It is only towards the last quarter of the novelette that EB begins to believe in Darcy, while the latter keeps on pining for and proving to Elizabeth what a good guy he is. This is a lackluster variation and a disappointment coming from the well-known and respected dynamic duo of JAFF.
February 25, 2024
You can you come to know a person and believe in them if you look beyond the surface.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is given a glimpse of who Fitzwilliam Darcy really is once she stops judging him before she has all the facts. You'll meet some new friends in the Merryton and Longborne communities. Some of our favorite characters are given a chance to better themselves, and sadly some simply won't. Enjoy!
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is given a glimpse of who Fitzwilliam Darcy really is once she stops judging him before she has all the facts. You'll meet some new friends in the Merryton and Longborne communities. Some of our favorite characters are given a chance to better themselves, and sadly some simply won't. Enjoy!
July 15, 2025
3.5*
An enjoyable read.
There were a few holes in the plot in relation to inheritance laws and some places where these laws seemed in danger of being ignored before being pulled back from the brink. A tidying up of this would improve the book.
There is an unnecessary rabbit hole plot revolving around the ownership of a mill. It didn't seem to drive the story forward and served as a distraction.
An enjoyable read.
There were a few holes in the plot in relation to inheritance laws and some places where these laws seemed in danger of being ignored before being pulled back from the brink. A tidying up of this would improve the book.
There is an unnecessary rabbit hole plot revolving around the ownership of a mill. It didn't seem to drive the story forward and served as a distraction.
April 18, 2018
A nice, enjoyable read. I could’ve done with more romance and time spent between Elizabeth and Darcy. I had a problem with the way Mrs Bennet was the utter villain of the story. Even Lady Catherine was sensible compared to her. I think the author went too far in making Mrs B awful and little sympathy was given to her situation.
Did Not Finish
June 4, 2020This P&P variation begins after the Hunsford proposal. But soon Mr Collins is dead and Elizabeth returns to Longbourn to find Mr Bennet dying.
I read over 50% of the novel, but at the point it seemed that Mary Bennet was going to marry their Uncle Phillip's clerk so I gave up as this storyline does not interest me.
I read over 50% of the novel, but at the point it seemed that Mary Bennet was going to marry their Uncle Phillip's clerk so I gave up as this storyline does not interest me.
March 24, 2021
Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins combine their stupidity with lethal results. Later Mr. Bennet dies of a disease. There is uncertainty about who inherits Longbourn but the Bennet ladies are scattered in several homes. Elizabeth has to work out why it is that she turns out to be wrong every time she assumes the worst of Darcy.
I liked this a lot.
I liked this a lot.
July 14, 2021
Another great book from this duo!
Darcy and Elizabeth were both wonderfully written, I would have preferred them to spend more time together, but the plot was very believable with the exception of Mrs. Bennet who's negative characteristics were way overdone making her a detestable character.
Darcy and Elizabeth were both wonderfully written, I would have preferred them to spend more time together, but the plot was very believable with the exception of Mrs. Bennet who's negative characteristics were way overdone making her a detestable character.
January 5, 2018
There are lots of twists and turns in the JAFF offering, but the authors make the attempt to keep the "history" behind the story accurate. I would give it a 3.8 if it were possible to do so. I did think some of the phrases sounded a bit too modern, such as "safety net."
March 8, 2020
Emotional charged
This book has so many different feelings written in to it makes it hard to pick just one. Truly a great storyline, with twist and turns through out. Highly recommended to read, but be ready to laugh or shed a tear.
This book has so many different feelings written in to it makes it hard to pick just one. Truly a great storyline, with twist and turns through out. Highly recommended to read, but be ready to laugh or shed a tear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews