What do you think?
Rate this book
Whispered Kisses: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation
A Pride & Prejudice novella variation. Elizabeth Bennet is a romantic at heart—a dreamer and a writer. While in London, she begins receiving flowers anonymously. Her romantic sensibilities are heightened, leading her mind to create an image of who the giver could be. She soon returns to her home in Hertfordshire with only her memories and thoughts as her constant companions. Months go by without anything, and then, with the news of a visitor to the neighborhood, she once again receives a posy of flowers just before the neighborhood Assembly. Will her romantic dreams of the gentleman’s character tell a true tale or just leave her heart reeling for a love only possible in her fantasies?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2015
28 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Johnson
10 books43 followersSarah Johnson is a professional juggler in the circus of life! Married to her own Mr Darcy for sixteen years, they traveled the world thanks to the US Army. Now back in the civilian life and settled in Texas, where she grew up, they focus on homeschooling their six children and participating in church and community activities. She can often be found writing a manuscript between spills, science labs, and pencil wars, or late into the night when the house is finally still enough for her imagination to run wild! When she has a few spare moments, she enjoys just about anything crafty - scrapbooking, painting, sewing, quilting, crocheting - basically anything except knitting, a craft she swears few left-handers truly ever pick up well.
A devotee of all things Jane Austen, she enjoys exploring the story lines Jane never lived long enough to give the world. She is often found discussing with her online friends the intricacies of the novels we do have from our dearest author. It is these discussions that often lead to the plot bunnies that have now become many stories over the last few years, and hopefully further into the future as well.
A devotee of all things Jane Austen, she enjoys exploring the story lines Jane never lived long enough to give the world. She is often found discussing with her online friends the intricacies of the novels we do have from our dearest author. It is these discussions that often lead to the plot bunnies that have now become many stories over the last few years, and hopefully further into the future as well.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 21, 2015
The only downfall I saw, was that it was too short!!!
What can I but that Ms Johnson has done it again! She is such a gem and I always look forward to reading her stories.
Whispered Kisses was just so sweet, that if I wasn't a romantic at heart I might just groan (or do worse). I loved how Darcy was so romantic with sending the flowers anonymously, every girls' dream, then found her again to woo her. I was at first frustrated that he didn't act on his love, but then remembered the circumstances and let him off the hook.
I think the only thing I had trouble with was Mr Wickham's character, only because it is so polar opposite of what we are used too.
Thank you again Ms Johnson and I can't wait to see what next you have up your sleeve. I will highly recommend this book and any written by Ms Johnson to all JAFFers!!!
What can I but that Ms Johnson has done it again! She is such a gem and I always look forward to reading her stories.
Whispered Kisses was just so sweet, that if I wasn't a romantic at heart I might just groan (or do worse). I loved how Darcy was so romantic with sending the flowers anonymously, every girls' dream, then found her again to woo her. I was at first frustrated that he didn't act on his love, but then remembered the circumstances and let him off the hook.
I think the only thing I had trouble with was Mr Wickham's character, only because it is so polar opposite of what we are used too.
Thank you again Ms Johnson and I can't wait to see what next you have up your sleeve. I will highly recommend this book and any written by Ms Johnson to all JAFFers!!!
July 29, 2016
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet: 4.5 stars
This is a quick read at only 121 pages and can be read in a couple of hours or less. We have Elizabeth in a London park when a young boy hands her a posy of flowers. He does not explain who sent them only that they were to make her smile. The blue flowers are of a type that she has never seen before and when she attempts to identify them, no shop owner has ever seen them either. This goes on until the time Elizabeth tells the boy that she will be leaving London soon. The boy follows her and overheard her tell the coachman they need to get started if they are to make Meryton in good time. The boy heads off to inform his master.
Elizabeth arrives home to the bosom of her family. It seems that Elizabeth is a writer and spends her time [like most writers] in her head concocting story ideas and then writing them down. During one of her long walks Elizabeth sees the same London delivery boy bringing her another posy of flowers. They are not the blue flowers that she received from London but wild flowers. She decides to put them in her hair for the Meryton Assembly Ball they are attending that night.
Mr. Bingley, who has let Netherfield, has returned from a recent trip to London and brought with him a party of relatives and friends to the Meryton Assembly. As readers of JAFF we suspect who is sending the flowers and who will be in the Bingley party when they arrive at the Ball.
The tone of the book is romantic and sweet even though the pace moves the action fairly quickly. With only 8 chapters, that doesn’t leave much time to sort out the rising action. You suddenly find yourself at the climax and then the falling action to the conclusion. At some point you want to yell, “Wait! What the heck happened.” There were many surprises with characters and I was surprised at how the author handled them.
The action with Wickham was a total surprise. I’ve not seen it done before. Being of a suspicious nature, I kept waiting for the ax to fall. Our trust issues with the Wickham character spans hundreds of books where his behavior ranges from slightly annoying to an outright maniac with murderous tendencies. The riff between Darcy and Wickham was evident as soon as they encounter each other in Elizabeth’s presence. Her curious nature regarding their riff has her putting herself in danger as she agreed to meet Wickham alone. She then decided to mediate between him and Darcy as she wants to hear both sides of their story. This was so dangerous. If we had been in a theater, this is the point where someone would yell out, “Don’t do it. Don’t go there alone.”
The end result of that encounter was a total shock and surprise. Due to the rushed nature of this short work, it truly felt rushed. To resolve something that had been going on for years in such a short time did not feel plausible. Darcy own nature would have resisted… his good opinion once lost… was just shot down in one attempt. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this work.
I loved the language, the feel of the story as it evolved. I liked how the author used Elizabeth’s own words to convey emotions, feelings and desires. I liked the tone of the story. Elizabeth, the writer, created a plethora of words in describing her perfect admirer. She had it all worked out in her head. She knew just how it would be to the point she was looking forward to meeting him. Her descriptions were swoon worthy and I loved hearing her thoughts play out. Yeah, it was good.
This is a quick read at only 121 pages and can be read in a couple of hours or less. We have Elizabeth in a London park when a young boy hands her a posy of flowers. He does not explain who sent them only that they were to make her smile. The blue flowers are of a type that she has never seen before and when she attempts to identify them, no shop owner has ever seen them either. This goes on until the time Elizabeth tells the boy that she will be leaving London soon. The boy follows her and overheard her tell the coachman they need to get started if they are to make Meryton in good time. The boy heads off to inform his master.
Elizabeth arrives home to the bosom of her family. It seems that Elizabeth is a writer and spends her time [like most writers] in her head concocting story ideas and then writing them down. During one of her long walks Elizabeth sees the same London delivery boy bringing her another posy of flowers. They are not the blue flowers that she received from London but wild flowers. She decides to put them in her hair for the Meryton Assembly Ball they are attending that night.
Mr. Bingley, who has let Netherfield, has returned from a recent trip to London and brought with him a party of relatives and friends to the Meryton Assembly. As readers of JAFF we suspect who is sending the flowers and who will be in the Bingley party when they arrive at the Ball.
The tone of the book is romantic and sweet even though the pace moves the action fairly quickly. With only 8 chapters, that doesn’t leave much time to sort out the rising action. You suddenly find yourself at the climax and then the falling action to the conclusion. At some point you want to yell, “Wait! What the heck happened.” There were many surprises with characters and I was surprised at how the author handled them.
The action with Wickham was a total surprise. I’ve not seen it done before. Being of a suspicious nature, I kept waiting for the ax to fall. Our trust issues with the Wickham character spans hundreds of books where his behavior ranges from slightly annoying to an outright maniac with murderous tendencies. The riff between Darcy and Wickham was evident as soon as they encounter each other in Elizabeth’s presence. Her curious nature regarding their riff has her putting herself in danger as she agreed to meet Wickham alone. She then decided to mediate between him and Darcy as she wants to hear both sides of their story. This was so dangerous. If we had been in a theater, this is the point where someone would yell out, “Don’t do it. Don’t go there alone.”
The end result of that encounter was a total shock and surprise. Due to the rushed nature of this short work, it truly felt rushed. To resolve something that had been going on for years in such a short time did not feel plausible. Darcy own nature would have resisted… his good opinion once lost… was just shot down in one attempt. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this work.
I loved the language, the feel of the story as it evolved. I liked how the author used Elizabeth’s own words to convey emotions, feelings and desires. I liked the tone of the story. Elizabeth, the writer, created a plethora of words in describing her perfect admirer. She had it all worked out in her head. She knew just how it would be to the point she was looking forward to meeting him. Her descriptions were swoon worthy and I loved hearing her thoughts play out. Yeah, it was good.
March 21, 2015
This was a very short read on loan from Joy Dawn King and that loan is a story in itself. I read the "Sample" on Amazon about 3 weeks ago and found it intriguing but the wait was only bearable as Amazon was untangling some "loan" issues because I had other books on my shelf.
I loved the use of the hybrid blue flowers being delivered anonymously...by a young lad, Mr. Reynolds, who remains true to his master's admonishments not to reveal anything about the sender or the flowers. And as the story develops and we learn the reason why the flowers are sent we must sigh! It is not just as a beau to a lady he admires but as to one who has been an "angel" and lifted him from the depths of depression. And then we meet ***** (can't spoil this) who is depressed from the same event. Can it be? Here the author imbues traits on one of JA's villain's which are hard to swallow for lovers of canon. So you have to allow for a change in character here to enjoy this short story.
Darcy's joy in his pursuit of Elizabeth is so much more uplifting than in many books. There is not the clash of personalities or misunderstandings that we read of in canon and some variations.
The reason for the title, as others have said, comes late in the novella, but touches your heart.
This is very enjoyable short story and the first I have read by this author. I must read others.
I loved the use of the hybrid blue flowers being delivered anonymously...by a young lad, Mr. Reynolds, who remains true to his master's admonishments not to reveal anything about the sender or the flowers. And as the story develops and we learn the reason why the flowers are sent we must sigh! It is not just as a beau to a lady he admires but as to one who has been an "angel" and lifted him from the depths of depression. And then we meet ***** (can't spoil this) who is depressed from the same event. Can it be? Here the author imbues traits on one of JA's villain's which are hard to swallow for lovers of canon. So you have to allow for a change in character here to enjoy this short story.
Darcy's joy in his pursuit of Elizabeth is so much more uplifting than in many books. There is not the clash of personalities or misunderstandings that we read of in canon and some variations.
The reason for the title, as others have said, comes late in the novella, but touches your heart.
This is very enjoyable short story and the first I have read by this author. I must read others.
August 22, 2016
I originally read Whispered Kisses on one of the JAFF fandom websites and enjoyed it very much. The author has added writing to Elizabeth's accomplishments, and an imagination that runs much more to the romantic. In addition, Mr. Darcy has experienced a serious tragedy prior to our introduction to him, and this changes his entire perspective on Elizabeth and the Bennet family.
In this variation, Elizabeth is in London and starts to receive unexpected floral nosegays delivered to her by Joseph Reynolds on behalf of his master. Elizabeth is not told the name of the master, nor does she recognize the flowers she has received. They are an unusual blue flower with a lovely scent. She is greatly intrigued yet wonders at the propriety of allowing the unknown admirer to address her in this manner. In her writing she imagines the man who is sending her the flowers.
To Elizabeth's shock and amazement, when she returns to Meryton, she continues to receive the floral tributes. Her assumption is the gentleman who has been sending them must be amongst Mr. Bingley's party at Netherfield. Will she meet him at the Assembly?
The story is lovely and sad, but does not involve too much pride or prejudice on the part of Elizabeth. Darcy's pride and prejudice is completely wrapped up in Mr. Wickham, and this story has a surprising twist. The story is well written and evokes a kind of ethereal romantic atmosphere not common in JAFF. I like this more "head in the clouds" Elizabeth and the tragic Mr. Darcy. Highly recommended.
In this variation, Elizabeth is in London and starts to receive unexpected floral nosegays delivered to her by Joseph Reynolds on behalf of his master. Elizabeth is not told the name of the master, nor does she recognize the flowers she has received. They are an unusual blue flower with a lovely scent. She is greatly intrigued yet wonders at the propriety of allowing the unknown admirer to address her in this manner. In her writing she imagines the man who is sending her the flowers.
To Elizabeth's shock and amazement, when she returns to Meryton, she continues to receive the floral tributes. Her assumption is the gentleman who has been sending them must be amongst Mr. Bingley's party at Netherfield. Will she meet him at the Assembly?
The story is lovely and sad, but does not involve too much pride or prejudice on the part of Elizabeth. Darcy's pride and prejudice is completely wrapped up in Mr. Wickham, and this story has a surprising twist. The story is well written and evokes a kind of ethereal romantic atmosphere not common in JAFF. I like this more "head in the clouds" Elizabeth and the tragic Mr. Darcy. Highly recommended.
October 23, 2017
What if Elizabeth Bennet had a secret admirer while visiting in London with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner before Netherfield was let. What if Elizabeth enjoyed writing stories and imagined a certain gentleman as being that secret admirer.
This novella provides these answers with less pride and prejudice than canon. It is a mixture of sweetness and sadness that tugs at the heart. I must say, I did enjoy how the title is incorporated into the story.
May 1, 2022
This is a sweet low angst variation. There are no villains in this story except misunderstandings but thankfully not between ODC. Enjoyable!
September 13, 2015
While in London with her uncle and aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth Bennet starts receiving flowers from an anonymous suitor. She enjoys being courted that way, and tries to imagine who the mysterious man can be. But her short vacation soon arrives to an end, and this lovely tradition along with it. The surprises are not over though, because her secret admirer follows her in Hertfordshire and Elizabeth’s heart is full of joy and sweet hopes. Will this man be her perfect match?
I loved the first half of this novella. It was exciting, sweet and very romantic. The idea of an anonymous suitor for Elizabeth was lovely. I really enjoyed reading about Elizabeth’s hopes and wishes, and it was very easy to relate to her emotions. I was certain it was going to be a great read. But the second half was not as engaging as the beginning. The terrible loss Darcy suffered made everything a little sad, and though it was still an enjoyable read, I was not completely satisfied. I confess I expected something more light-hearted.
There were some very beautiful quotes, and that was definitely one of the aspects I loved the most about this book. They were sweet and thought-provoking and I always love it when I feel inspired by some beautiful words. Darcy was incredibly romantic and his courtship of Elizabeth, though different from the typical ones, was tender and heartwarming. However, I did not like some aspects of Elizabeth’s personality. I prefer it when the authors depict her as a lively girl, and in this story I did not see her true nature. She was a little too pensive, and she did not seem the real Elizabeth. I know that this kind of books are somehow original stories, but I usually prefer it when the characters have more things in common with the ones Jane Austen created.
Overall, “Whispered Kisses” was a good story I would recommend to Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts. The meaning of the title is delightful and you can only understand it, if you read it till the very last page!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I loved the first half of this novella. It was exciting, sweet and very romantic. The idea of an anonymous suitor for Elizabeth was lovely. I really enjoyed reading about Elizabeth’s hopes and wishes, and it was very easy to relate to her emotions. I was certain it was going to be a great read. But the second half was not as engaging as the beginning. The terrible loss Darcy suffered made everything a little sad, and though it was still an enjoyable read, I was not completely satisfied. I confess I expected something more light-hearted.
There were some very beautiful quotes, and that was definitely one of the aspects I loved the most about this book. They were sweet and thought-provoking and I always love it when I feel inspired by some beautiful words. Darcy was incredibly romantic and his courtship of Elizabeth, though different from the typical ones, was tender and heartwarming. However, I did not like some aspects of Elizabeth’s personality. I prefer it when the authors depict her as a lively girl, and in this story I did not see her true nature. She was a little too pensive, and she did not seem the real Elizabeth. I know that this kind of books are somehow original stories, but I usually prefer it when the characters have more things in common with the ones Jane Austen created.
Overall, “Whispered Kisses” was a good story I would recommend to Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts. The meaning of the title is delightful and you can only understand it, if you read it till the very last page!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
January 8, 2016
Very nice short story that touches on just the right notes and mysterious flowers. My favorite part was Joseph Reynolds and a wonderful secondary character.
March 1, 2015
ugh, I want my money back. I have read a ton of P&P variations and well I think this is one of the worst. I wouldn't have finished it if it weren't for the fact that it was so short. I couldn't stop reading because even though it was getting on my last nerve I wanted it to redeem itself. But it never did. I think my main complaint is the fact that all the characters were so out of character.
March 29, 2016
Truly lovely!
A short, but really sweet tale. It has kept me smiling and sighing throughout. Low on angst but full of uplifting moments. Give it a try, it will lighten your day too.
A short, but really sweet tale. It has kept me smiling and sighing throughout. Low on angst but full of uplifting moments. Give it a try, it will lighten your day too.
January 9, 2018
Not a story for me
Nothing wrong with a variation with lots of story changes. I just couldn’t enjoy the story with the changes.
Darcy and his father were at fault for freezing a Wickham out. Georgiana dies from illness. Wickham has a change of heart is a good guy.
Not my cup of tea.
Nothing wrong with a variation with lots of story changes. I just couldn’t enjoy the story with the changes.
Darcy and his father were at fault for freezing a Wickham out. Georgiana dies from illness. Wickham has a change of heart is a good guy.
Not my cup of tea.
May 1, 2025
I might have given this 5 stars except it ended so abruptly that I was seriously disappointed with it. That said, it was overall a very sweet story. I loved hearing the story about how the special flowers got the name Whispered Kisses. There were some things that were not fleshed out enough, and certainly way too many loose ends and missed opportunities for us to see the happiness of ODC.
May 1, 2022
I found this to be very bittersweet.
I loved this short story. And while I wish that Georgiana had a happier ending, her experience set up the story for E and D… and W. I liked it very much indeed.
I loved this short story. And while I wish that Georgiana had a happier ending, her experience set up the story for E and D… and W. I liked it very much indeed.
March 1, 2023
Did not enjoy. Mistakes. Half baked plot. Dead Georgiana (again) morose Darcy.
December 21, 2015
Whispered Kisses Review-
In exchange for an honest review I received a complimentary copy of Whispered Kisses. Anything you read hear is solely my opinion after reading said book. This book is Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation that takes place in the regency era. This story starts off with Elizabeth having her season in London with the Gardiners'. Elizabeth doesn't get to have much of a season because of her aunt being child and has been quite ill. Elizabeth does go out to a few events but spends a but of her time at the park. Some times alone and some times she is with the Gardiner children. Little does Lizzie know that she has a secret admirer that has been watching her for a while. Normally Lizzie is happy and smiling but due to her aunt being ill she is sad. Our mystery man notices that she isn't smiling anymore, and begins to send her flowers anonymously just to see her smile again. The flowers are sent by one of the mystery man's servant, a little boy name Joseph. Elizabeth does her best during every deliver to get more information from Joseph about who his master is and more information about these mysterious flowers that aren't sold anywhere. On her last day in London Lizzie makes one last attempt but Joseph does not budge. She mention that she will be heading home soon. Joseph eavesdrops on her to find out where she lives. He finds out Meryton. A while later when its least expect Lizzie gets another delivery of flowers. The mystery man has found her. To find out who he is and how it end, you have to read it for yourself. I think Mrs. Johnson a great job with this novella. It was short and sweet, I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read more from Sarah Johnson. Take a chance and find out what happens. I guarantee you will enjoy this story too.
In exchange for an honest review I received a complimentary copy of Whispered Kisses. Anything you read hear is solely my opinion after reading said book. This book is Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation that takes place in the regency era. This story starts off with Elizabeth having her season in London with the Gardiners'. Elizabeth doesn't get to have much of a season because of her aunt being child and has been quite ill. Elizabeth does go out to a few events but spends a but of her time at the park. Some times alone and some times she is with the Gardiner children. Little does Lizzie know that she has a secret admirer that has been watching her for a while. Normally Lizzie is happy and smiling but due to her aunt being ill she is sad. Our mystery man notices that she isn't smiling anymore, and begins to send her flowers anonymously just to see her smile again. The flowers are sent by one of the mystery man's servant, a little boy name Joseph. Elizabeth does her best during every deliver to get more information from Joseph about who his master is and more information about these mysterious flowers that aren't sold anywhere. On her last day in London Lizzie makes one last attempt but Joseph does not budge. She mention that she will be heading home soon. Joseph eavesdrops on her to find out where she lives. He finds out Meryton. A while later when its least expect Lizzie gets another delivery of flowers. The mystery man has found her. To find out who he is and how it end, you have to read it for yourself. I think Mrs. Johnson a great job with this novella. It was short and sweet, I loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read more from Sarah Johnson. Take a chance and find out what happens. I guarantee you will enjoy this story too.
May 9, 2015
So after going back and re-reading this novella for the second time I can honestly say that I still love it. I so enjoy how Elizabeth kept trying to find out the name of the flower and couldn't get anywhere with it because Darcy's mother had bred the flower herself. I like how Wickham wasn't a bad person in this story, he honestly fell in love with Georgiana and wanted to marry her. The only snag in their plans with that Darcy told him no without even hearing them out. It's sad that she ended up dying of scarlet fever and in their grief both of them blame the other. A happy resolution was struck between them with Darcy paying for Wickham to go back to school. And of course you know that Elizabeth and Darcy ended up together how could they not?
February 27, 2015
Short story that begins in London where Elizabeth gets flowers from a secret admirer which we know is Darcy although they haven't met in Hertfordshire yet...seeks very strange for what we feel we know about Darcy's character and Elizabeth seems like a different person to me.. Darcy is in mourning and finds solace in Elizabeths smiles.. Elizabeth falls in love with a man she doesn't even know which seems too fanciful to me.
October 31, 2016
Charming novella by Sarah Johnson
A poignant story illustrating how love heals. In this variation, Darcy's world, which has been filled with a ton of tragedy, finally receives an unexpected ray of hope when he sees Elizabeth and her smile. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found the most interesting aspect to be when Elizabeth promoted a reunion between Darcy and Wickham . An unexpected highlight! A wonderful story by Sarah Johnson.
A poignant story illustrating how love heals. In this variation, Darcy's world, which has been filled with a ton of tragedy, finally receives an unexpected ray of hope when he sees Elizabeth and her smile. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found the most interesting aspect to be when Elizabeth promoted a reunion between Darcy and Wickham . An unexpected highlight! A wonderful story by Sarah Johnson.
March 3, 2015
Quick, but great read.
Loved this short book. Would have loved for it to be longer! Not my first Sarah Johnson book and she didn't disappoint with it. You could really feel the love come through for our two favorite characters.
Loved this short book. Would have loved for it to be longer! Not my first Sarah Johnson book and she didn't disappoint with it. You could really feel the love come through for our two favorite characters.
November 7, 2015
In this Pride and Prejudice novella variation set before Bingley arrives in Netherfield, Elizabeth is visiting the Gardiners, and receives a bunch of flowers from a secret admirer while visiting a park.
March 12, 2015
This was a very sweet story.
September 18, 2016
I enjoyed this sweet story and wish it had been longer. I loved Sophie Andrews Narration, ass well.
January 25, 2022
Felt a bit too heavy for such a small book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews