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Abandoned: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
***Trigger This book has some spousal abuse depicted. Only the first instance is described, but not in detail, the rest are referenced. It is
NOT
the central theme of this book.*** Also note: With the eBook I will include a copy of my novel ‘Banished’ for free.*** The new tale is a full-length novel of more than 120,000 words. ***
This story deviates far from canon in the beginning. Except for one, all of the characters in our dear Jane Austen’s masterpiece will (some we love and others we love to hate) make appearances as well as a few of my own who have been introduced in other books I have published.
The tale begins with the compromise of Thomas Bennet by a 17 year-old Fanny Gardiner. No, Bennet is NOT the abuser, even though he detests his wife. Jane, Lizzy, and Mary are born before Bennet is lost when his daughters are respectively not 3 yet, a little past 1, and 3 months of age. At that point, Fanny, who is aware of the entail and who the heir is decides to act.
As would be expected, Clem Collins comes to claim his inheritance and is not happy to find things are not as he expected.
It just so happens that when Bennet passes away and Collins arrives Edward Gardiner and Frank Phillips are away from London and Meryton respectively. This fact unintentionally changes much and leads to the act the book is named for.
The questions of who is abandoned and why, are answered in the first few chapters. The tale then follows the lives of those we have met as well as others who are introduced as we move forward.
The central theme of the book is the love of family, and how family is not always defined by blood, but by love. I promise you that the despicable abuser gets his just reward.
I invite you to join me on this journey of familial love.
This story deviates far from canon in the beginning. Except for one, all of the characters in our dear Jane Austen’s masterpiece will (some we love and others we love to hate) make appearances as well as a few of my own who have been introduced in other books I have published.
The tale begins with the compromise of Thomas Bennet by a 17 year-old Fanny Gardiner. No, Bennet is NOT the abuser, even though he detests his wife. Jane, Lizzy, and Mary are born before Bennet is lost when his daughters are respectively not 3 yet, a little past 1, and 3 months of age. At that point, Fanny, who is aware of the entail and who the heir is decides to act.
As would be expected, Clem Collins comes to claim his inheritance and is not happy to find things are not as he expected.
It just so happens that when Bennet passes away and Collins arrives Edward Gardiner and Frank Phillips are away from London and Meryton respectively. This fact unintentionally changes much and leads to the act the book is named for.
The questions of who is abandoned and why, are answered in the first few chapters. The tale then follows the lives of those we have met as well as others who are introduced as we move forward.
The central theme of the book is the love of family, and how family is not always defined by blood, but by love. I promise you that the despicable abuser gets his just reward.
I invite you to join me on this journey of familial love.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Shana Granderson
60 books72 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 11, 2026
A dramatic turn of events makes up the opening pages of the aptly named Abandoned. A compromise, a cold forced marriage, an entail, and a gentleman's death lead a narcissistic woman to do the unthinkable and changes the lives of her family forever. Shana Granderson's original P&P variation plot captivates in a comfy, low-angst tone for all that it hits on difficult subjects at first.
Abandoned opens with Thomas Bennet forced into a marriage he never wanted and forced to make provisions for children he can only sorrow that he'll never see his girls grow up. He knows the self-centered nature of the woman who compromised him and makes his will accordingly.
When Thomas Bennet dies, his wife Fanny is terrified she'll be kicked out into the hedge rows by the heir, Clem Collins, so she sets out to seduce another husband. Clem Collins is a hard-bitten, worthless man who has no plans to support his deceased cousin's children so to wed him, Fanny plans to dump them on her brother in London. When Edward Gardiner is away (on his wedding and honeymoon, no less), she panics and leaves the little girls and baby in Hyde Park before returning to Longbourn and never telling a soul the truth.
But the girls are found by a family who wanted a daughter and now there are three. They go from abandoned to cherished even while their desperate, despairing uncles and aunts start to give up hope of ever finding them.
Abandoned broaches difficult subjects like spousal abuse, child abuse, child neglect, and child abandonment, but not in detail and doesn't go dark and deep over it. These help drive the emotional and action side of the plot though the focus is found family and romance. I enjoyed seeing how practically growing up together for Darcy and Lizzy and the their families.
There are some dastardly villains in this one, but they get their comeuppance at the appropriate time and there was one who started down the road, but got a redemption story arc instead which I loved to see. My favorite Biggs and John were trusty protectors. It was an all-around heartwarming comfort read.
BONUS
Abandoned
4.5 stars
What if when faced with the unwanted marriage proposal of the estate heir Elizabeth Bennet finds herself banished when she refuses to marry him? What if the person most influencing this horrific decision was her own beloved older sister? Shana Granderson delves into the heart of betrayal and desperate greed juxtaposed against the deep soul-healing warmth of found family, friends, and love.
Banished was a wonderful surprise. I loved seeing the talent of a writer who could put such heart into a story and still make it feel comfy and light in so many ways. There is a Cinderella motif, but its not blatant and there are some good twists when it comes to the villains. One even gets a redemption arc. I enjoyed seeing the various friendships, romance pairings, and seeing Lizzy eventually triumph while surrounded by love.
Definitely one I'll revisit from the author and recommend to those who want to try her work.
Abandoned opens with Thomas Bennet forced into a marriage he never wanted and forced to make provisions for children he can only sorrow that he'll never see his girls grow up. He knows the self-centered nature of the woman who compromised him and makes his will accordingly.
When Thomas Bennet dies, his wife Fanny is terrified she'll be kicked out into the hedge rows by the heir, Clem Collins, so she sets out to seduce another husband. Clem Collins is a hard-bitten, worthless man who has no plans to support his deceased cousin's children so to wed him, Fanny plans to dump them on her brother in London. When Edward Gardiner is away (on his wedding and honeymoon, no less), she panics and leaves the little girls and baby in Hyde Park before returning to Longbourn and never telling a soul the truth.
But the girls are found by a family who wanted a daughter and now there are three. They go from abandoned to cherished even while their desperate, despairing uncles and aunts start to give up hope of ever finding them.
Abandoned broaches difficult subjects like spousal abuse, child abuse, child neglect, and child abandonment, but not in detail and doesn't go dark and deep over it. These help drive the emotional and action side of the plot though the focus is found family and romance. I enjoyed seeing how practically growing up together for Darcy and Lizzy and the their families.
There are some dastardly villains in this one, but they get their comeuppance at the appropriate time and there was one who started down the road, but got a redemption story arc instead which I loved to see. My favorite Biggs and John were trusty protectors. It was an all-around heartwarming comfort read.
BONUS
Abandoned
4.5 stars
What if when faced with the unwanted marriage proposal of the estate heir Elizabeth Bennet finds herself banished when she refuses to marry him? What if the person most influencing this horrific decision was her own beloved older sister? Shana Granderson delves into the heart of betrayal and desperate greed juxtaposed against the deep soul-healing warmth of found family, friends, and love.
Banished was a wonderful surprise. I loved seeing the talent of a writer who could put such heart into a story and still make it feel comfy and light in so many ways. There is a Cinderella motif, but its not blatant and there are some good twists when it comes to the villains. One even gets a redemption arc. I enjoyed seeing the various friendships, romance pairings, and seeing Lizzy eventually triumph while surrounded by love.
Definitely one I'll revisit from the author and recommend to those who want to try her work.
May 12, 2026
Abandoned.
A hidious action begins this story which is really rags to riches trope execpt not so much rags as it turns out but its a fun read.
Banished.
I m pretty sure I read this when it was orginally released but read again because I could.
Both are pretty good stories.
A hidious action begins this story which is really rags to riches trope execpt not so much rags as it turns out but its a fun read.
Banished.
I m pretty sure I read this when it was orginally released but read again because I could.
Both are pretty good stories.
May 13, 2026
What if Mrs. Bennet abandoned Jane, Lizzy and Mary
Very original premise. Luckily a good family found them and raised them as if they were their own children. Long story but the raising of three children is a long time. Thumbs up for the story. 👍🏻
Very original premise. Luckily a good family found them and raised them as if they were their own children. Long story but the raising of three children is a long time. Thumbs up for the story. 👍🏻
May 19, 2026
2.5 i love this author but this was kinda boring...
April 30, 2026
Lovely
A sweet and lovely little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by author Shana Granderson. I liked it.
A sweet and lovely little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by author Shana Granderson. I liked it.
September 6, 2026
Backstory dragged on and on
I got more than halfway through and Elizabeth was only 16 and there was as yet no hint of E&D coming together, so I stopped reading. It was also displaying a very American-evangelical flavour of religious fervour which is not at all to my tastes.
I got more than halfway through and Elizabeth was only 16 and there was as yet no hint of E&D coming together, so I stopped reading. It was also displaying a very American-evangelical flavour of religious fervour which is not at all to my tastes.
May 9, 2026
2.5⭐️
At this point I will read anything this author releases but it is not because the stories are the most amazing, but they just are comforting. I like some of the authors recurring characters and though this is a P&P variation and is supposed to be about Lizzy and Darcy, more often than not the focus is on the back story and this author sure knows how to spin an over the top story. I read for that more than the romance.
At this point I will read anything this author releases but it is not because the stories are the most amazing, but they just are comforting. I like some of the authors recurring characters and though this is a P&P variation and is supposed to be about Lizzy and Darcy, more often than not the focus is on the back story and this author sure knows how to spin an over the top story. I read for that more than the romance.
May 27, 2026
Interesting premise. Kind of a slog to read. We were told in detail that the ladies did or didn’t put on their outerwear every single time they went outside. We were told who was in every room by name every time, when “the aunts” or “the younger generation” or “the Darcys” would have worked just fine. Every character is either the most beautiful, most honorable, most talented, good hearted angel who makes no mistakes and anticipates with accuracy all the bad things that might happen, or they are a scheming crazy narcissist with no redeeming qualities. Even Caroline’s “redemption” (and we were told her name was Caroline Maleficent Bingley at least 3 different times), from selfish delusion, to genuine change had no nuance. She was yelled at, then cried, and was suddenly perfect, no more mistakes, and no desire for the upper ton anymore.
Very surface level, not a lot of character work. The story felt done at the half way mark. But the girls were still around 10 and under, so we had to slog along until they were neatly paired off. Because the payoff is the weddings! I kept thinking of Anne Shirley during the proposals, when she shares her stories with other people in Anne of the Island.
“Mr. Harrison was much harder to please. First he told her there was entirely too much description in the story.
"Cut out all those flowery passages," he said unfeelingly.
Anne had an uncomfortable conviction that Mr. Harrison was right, and she forced herself to expunge most of her beloved descriptions, though it took three re-writings before the story could be pruned down to please the fastidious Mr. Harrison.
"I've left out ALL the descriptions but the sunset," she said at last. "I simply COULDN'T let it go. It was the best of them all."
"It hasn't anything to do with the story," said Mr. Harrison, "and you shouldn't have laid the scene among rich city people. What do you know of them? Why didn't you lay it right here in Avonlea -- changing the name, of course, or else Mrs. Rachel Lynde would probably think she was the heroine."
"Oh, that would never have done," protested Anne. "Avonlea is the dearest place in the world, but it isn't quite romantic enough for the scene of a story."
"I daresay there's been many a romance in Avonlea -- and many a tragedy, too," said Mr. Harrison drily. "But your folks ain't like real folks anywhere. They talk too much and use too high-flown language. There's one place where that DALRYMPLE chap talks even on for two pages, and never lets the girl get a word in edgewise. If he'd done that in real life she'd have pitched him."
"I don't believe it," said Anne flatly. In her secret soul she thought that the beautiful, poetical things said to AVERIL would win any girl's heart completely. Besides, it was gruesome to hear of AVERIL, the stately, queen-like AVERIL, "pitching" any one. AVERIL "declined her suitors."
"Anyhow," resumed the merciless Mr. Harrison, "I don't see why MAURICE LENNOX didn't get her. He was twice the man the other is. He did bad things, but he did them. Perceval hadn't time for anything but mooning."
"Mooning." That was even worse than "pitching!"
"MAURICE LENNOX was the villain," said Anne indignantly. "I don't see why every one likes him better than PERCEVAL."
"Perceval is too good. He's aggravating. Next time you write about a hero put a little spice of human nature in him."
That probably should just have been my review. Call me Mr Harrison.
Very surface level, not a lot of character work. The story felt done at the half way mark. But the girls were still around 10 and under, so we had to slog along until they were neatly paired off. Because the payoff is the weddings! I kept thinking of Anne Shirley during the proposals, when she shares her stories with other people in Anne of the Island.
“Mr. Harrison was much harder to please. First he told her there was entirely too much description in the story.
"Cut out all those flowery passages," he said unfeelingly.
Anne had an uncomfortable conviction that Mr. Harrison was right, and she forced herself to expunge most of her beloved descriptions, though it took three re-writings before the story could be pruned down to please the fastidious Mr. Harrison.
"I've left out ALL the descriptions but the sunset," she said at last. "I simply COULDN'T let it go. It was the best of them all."
"It hasn't anything to do with the story," said Mr. Harrison, "and you shouldn't have laid the scene among rich city people. What do you know of them? Why didn't you lay it right here in Avonlea -- changing the name, of course, or else Mrs. Rachel Lynde would probably think she was the heroine."
"Oh, that would never have done," protested Anne. "Avonlea is the dearest place in the world, but it isn't quite romantic enough for the scene of a story."
"I daresay there's been many a romance in Avonlea -- and many a tragedy, too," said Mr. Harrison drily. "But your folks ain't like real folks anywhere. They talk too much and use too high-flown language. There's one place where that DALRYMPLE chap talks even on for two pages, and never lets the girl get a word in edgewise. If he'd done that in real life she'd have pitched him."
"I don't believe it," said Anne flatly. In her secret soul she thought that the beautiful, poetical things said to AVERIL would win any girl's heart completely. Besides, it was gruesome to hear of AVERIL, the stately, queen-like AVERIL, "pitching" any one. AVERIL "declined her suitors."
"Anyhow," resumed the merciless Mr. Harrison, "I don't see why MAURICE LENNOX didn't get her. He was twice the man the other is. He did bad things, but he did them. Perceval hadn't time for anything but mooning."
"Mooning." That was even worse than "pitching!"
"MAURICE LENNOX was the villain," said Anne indignantly. "I don't see why every one likes him better than PERCEVAL."
"Perceval is too good. He's aggravating. Next time you write about a hero put a little spice of human nature in him."
That probably should just have been my review. Call me Mr Harrison.
June 17, 2026
Abandoned
Fanny Gardiner compromises Thomas Bennett, thinking she'll have the life of a gentlewoman with money. Mr Bennett marries her, knowing that he doesn't have long to live due to a heart ailment, but he doesn't allow her any money or privileges. After birthing Jane, Elizabeth and Mary, Mr Bennett dies, Mrs Bennett attaches herself to Clem Collins the heir, and she abandons her three daughters in Hyde Park because the evil Collins won't pay for any Bennett children. The young children are found by the Holder family, an Earl, his Countess, and their young son, and they're eventually adopted. The Holders are close friends with the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys.
I like this author. Her books are like a guilty pleasure in that although they've become predictable, I still like to read them. She even admits in her book summary that we'll find accessory characters that she's been using regularly in her creations, so much that they've become like old friends. The premise and situations are well worn. The romance is formulaic, always following the same pattern with key words like "intriguing," or "tender regard." The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
Fanny Gardiner compromises Thomas Bennett, thinking she'll have the life of a gentlewoman with money. Mr Bennett marries her, knowing that he doesn't have long to live due to a heart ailment, but he doesn't allow her any money or privileges. After birthing Jane, Elizabeth and Mary, Mr Bennett dies, Mrs Bennett attaches herself to Clem Collins the heir, and she abandons her three daughters in Hyde Park because the evil Collins won't pay for any Bennett children. The young children are found by the Holder family, an Earl, his Countess, and their young son, and they're eventually adopted. The Holders are close friends with the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys.
I like this author. Her books are like a guilty pleasure in that although they've become predictable, I still like to read them. She even admits in her book summary that we'll find accessory characters that she's been using regularly in her creations, so much that they've become like old friends. The premise and situations are well worn. The romance is formulaic, always following the same pattern with key words like "intriguing," or "tender regard." The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
May 6, 2026
always a low angst pleasure
Two novels both clean, low angst, recommend read all ages Triggers: 1st story-child abandonment & quick allusion(s) to D/A, loss of parent. 2nd story-mental cruelty by words w/in family by parent, betrayal by beloved family member, temp loss of home
This author a fav of mine and always dependable for HEA’s & jerk characters changing their attitudes by circumstances & following Christian teachings — which can be kinda gooey, but always enjoyable! Plot: first book has Mrs Fanny Bennet deciding to secure her Mistress position at Longbourn Estate after 1st husbands demise by ‘shedding’ her three young daughters in Hyde Park — being free then to marry Mr Bennets heir (a rather nasty fellow). Luckily a loving noble family of an Earl, the Carringtons, fall in love with the toddlers Jane,Elizabeth & Mary at first sight eventually adopting them & giving them a good life their bio father would want for them. Fanny’s plan succeeds to be mistress of Longbourn after quickly marrying the heir but doesn’t turn out as she envisioned & suffers some D/A & poverty; those circumstances help raise her awareness of how she’s ‘done wrong’ & works to improve herself thru journaling which is vital to story when she passes on. She doesn’t orally confess to abandoning her children. We see always envious Wickham working his usual revenge plans & waits for opportunities for quick payoff vs main character families while Caroline Bingley longs to raise herself from low status by marrying into wealth/nobility, not caring about consequences to our beloved characters. There are several HEA’s, some decent comeuppance(s) going on, and good character development by the epilogue (this author has great detailed epilogues which i love). The 2nd story is based on what happens when our sweet & kind Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry the heir Mr Collins (he is an supremely oily character) & her parents force her outta the house @ her fav sister Jane’s direction as punishment bc Jane is full of envy-since Elizabeth ’Lizzy’ is beloved by everyone in the community and — she is not. EB goes to live with extended family the Gardiners in London, becomes friends with the Fitzwilliam/Darcy daughters & enters the ranks of the Ton (w/a healthy fortune too) with their support. ODC finds each other eventually, crazy ppl get caught & Collins gets what he deserves. Whew.
This new book has been put on my TBRA list.
Two novels both clean, low angst, recommend read all ages Triggers: 1st story-child abandonment & quick allusion(s) to D/A, loss of parent. 2nd story-mental cruelty by words w/in family by parent, betrayal by beloved family member, temp loss of home
This author a fav of mine and always dependable for HEA’s & jerk characters changing their attitudes by circumstances & following Christian teachings — which can be kinda gooey, but always enjoyable! Plot: first book has Mrs Fanny Bennet deciding to secure her Mistress position at Longbourn Estate after 1st husbands demise by ‘shedding’ her three young daughters in Hyde Park — being free then to marry Mr Bennets heir (a rather nasty fellow). Luckily a loving noble family of an Earl, the Carringtons, fall in love with the toddlers Jane,Elizabeth & Mary at first sight eventually adopting them & giving them a good life their bio father would want for them. Fanny’s plan succeeds to be mistress of Longbourn after quickly marrying the heir but doesn’t turn out as she envisioned & suffers some D/A & poverty; those circumstances help raise her awareness of how she’s ‘done wrong’ & works to improve herself thru journaling which is vital to story when she passes on. She doesn’t orally confess to abandoning her children. We see always envious Wickham working his usual revenge plans & waits for opportunities for quick payoff vs main character families while Caroline Bingley longs to raise herself from low status by marrying into wealth/nobility, not caring about consequences to our beloved characters. There are several HEA’s, some decent comeuppance(s) going on, and good character development by the epilogue (this author has great detailed epilogues which i love). The 2nd story is based on what happens when our sweet & kind Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry the heir Mr Collins (he is an supremely oily character) & her parents force her outta the house @ her fav sister Jane’s direction as punishment bc Jane is full of envy-since Elizabeth ’Lizzy’ is beloved by everyone in the community and — she is not. EB goes to live with extended family the Gardiners in London, becomes friends with the Fitzwilliam/Darcy daughters & enters the ranks of the Ton (w/a healthy fortune too) with their support. ODC finds each other eventually, crazy ppl get caught & Collins gets what he deserves. Whew.
This new book has been put on my TBRA list.
May 1, 2026
Abandoned.
This is a different type of Pride and Prejudice variation. It is more of a meandering global story of the Bennetts, Darcys, Matlocks, Gardners, Phillips, Bingleys and many other beloved characters plus several new ones following Jane, Elizabeth and Mary from young childhood to being married with children. While there was some uncomfortable areas early in the story, it was satisfying to see a greater focus on loving and supportive family values. It was interesting hearing so many different perspectives although I found I really missed a greater focus on Darcy and Elizabeth. As a variation I found it interesting to consider, and relatively easy to read.
As a bonus, Banished was included.
I enjoyed reading this variation. Yes it does have a “bad Jane “, but it also reveals her journey of reflection and repentance to become a better person. I found it a bit distressing in a way to see the parents portrayed as they were. It is such a deviation from the classic story….it was hard to get my head around at times. In particular, the level of toxicity of Mrs. Bennett knows no bounds. I enjoyed seeing the unconditional love and support of so many extended friends, family members, and people in the community particularly for Lizzie. Reimagined relationships and how they could grow to be within the circle of so much familial support was a pleasure to experience.
Reflecting on both of these stories, they both shared themes of dysfunctional parents/family, surrogate families/parents and some form of mental illness requiring intervention. Both were interesting yet had some common plot pathways and even reflective phrases at the end by Darcy Elizabeth. I did enjoy the greater focus on Darcy and Elizabeth in Banished as well as how both stories had wonderful summaries of many families several years in the future, revealing their HEA. I thought it interesting to have such similar stories promoted together? Just a thought….
This is a different type of Pride and Prejudice variation. It is more of a meandering global story of the Bennetts, Darcys, Matlocks, Gardners, Phillips, Bingleys and many other beloved characters plus several new ones following Jane, Elizabeth and Mary from young childhood to being married with children. While there was some uncomfortable areas early in the story, it was satisfying to see a greater focus on loving and supportive family values. It was interesting hearing so many different perspectives although I found I really missed a greater focus on Darcy and Elizabeth. As a variation I found it interesting to consider, and relatively easy to read.
As a bonus, Banished was included.
I enjoyed reading this variation. Yes it does have a “bad Jane “, but it also reveals her journey of reflection and repentance to become a better person. I found it a bit distressing in a way to see the parents portrayed as they were. It is such a deviation from the classic story….it was hard to get my head around at times. In particular, the level of toxicity of Mrs. Bennett knows no bounds. I enjoyed seeing the unconditional love and support of so many extended friends, family members, and people in the community particularly for Lizzie. Reimagined relationships and how they could grow to be within the circle of so much familial support was a pleasure to experience.
Reflecting on both of these stories, they both shared themes of dysfunctional parents/family, surrogate families/parents and some form of mental illness requiring intervention. Both were interesting yet had some common plot pathways and even reflective phrases at the end by Darcy Elizabeth. I did enjoy the greater focus on Darcy and Elizabeth in Banished as well as how both stories had wonderful summaries of many families several years in the future, revealing their HEA. I thought it interesting to have such similar stories promoted together? Just a thought….
August 16, 2026
Blessings from abandonment
I borrowed the book via KU but as I love human narrated books better I bought the audiobook, which was fabulously narrated by the awesome Stevie Zimmerman. Her narration always makes a book even better absolutely five stars for her performance. The KU book includes a bonus book which I already own, so I did not bother to read that portion and have not included the review of that story with this.
In this variation, Mr Bennet has no plans to marry due to his health. He ends up being entrapped and marries Fanny. Fanny’s brother and brother-in-law are on Mr Bennet’s side. I loved how Mr Bennet put things into place to protect his daughters. When the perfect storm of Mr Bennet passing and his two supporters (Gardiner and Phillips) were unavailable Mrs Bennet did what she could to secure her place at Longbourn. Unfortunately this is where she abandoned her three daughters (Mary is an infant) alone in a park in London! God’s grace occurred as the family who found them took them into their home and considered them as family.
The life Fanny then has at Longbourn was not anything close to what she envisioned. This is the abuse warning that is mentioned in the book description. This makes me more grateful that Jane, Elizabeth and Mary are safely with a loving family!
This story continues throughout the lives of all the characters including several villains. Could some of this story been trimmed down, yes but for those who enjoy learning about all the characters and how things happen then this would fit exactly for you. Again, the audiobook is worth the listen.
I borrowed the book via KU but as I love human narrated books better I bought the audiobook, which was fabulously narrated by the awesome Stevie Zimmerman. Her narration always makes a book even better absolutely five stars for her performance. The KU book includes a bonus book which I already own, so I did not bother to read that portion and have not included the review of that story with this.
In this variation, Mr Bennet has no plans to marry due to his health. He ends up being entrapped and marries Fanny. Fanny’s brother and brother-in-law are on Mr Bennet’s side. I loved how Mr Bennet put things into place to protect his daughters. When the perfect storm of Mr Bennet passing and his two supporters (Gardiner and Phillips) were unavailable Mrs Bennet did what she could to secure her place at Longbourn. Unfortunately this is where she abandoned her three daughters (Mary is an infant) alone in a park in London! God’s grace occurred as the family who found them took them into their home and considered them as family.
The life Fanny then has at Longbourn was not anything close to what she envisioned. This is the abuse warning that is mentioned in the book description. This makes me more grateful that Jane, Elizabeth and Mary are safely with a loving family!
This story continues throughout the lives of all the characters including several villains. Could some of this story been trimmed down, yes but for those who enjoy learning about all the characters and how things happen then this would fit exactly for you. Again, the audiobook is worth the listen.
May 11, 2026
Abandoned
Another excellent story written by Shana Granderson. Fanny Gardiner reaches a new high for obnoxious behavior in this story. First, she compromises Thomas Bennet who is suffering from the same ailment that killed his father. Hoping to father a son to end the entailed estate, he fathers three daughters before his death. When illiterate and brutal Collins shows up, Fanny cons her way into him marrying her. Because he refuses to pay for her first three daughters, Fanny takes them to London planning to leave them with her brother, Edward. Him not being at home, she abandons the three girls in Hyde Park. Luckily, they are found the next morning by Lord Carrington’s son and eventually are adopted by the couple. After birthing two more daughters, Fanny doesn’t tell him that she cannot have more children. In a drunken fit of rage, Collins is planning the harshest punishment possible. In an effort to save her two young daughters, she sacrifices herself by ending Collins’ life also. The daughters are raised amongst the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families and eventually the close family members become even closer. Many HEA couples in this story especially ODC of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. The usual antagonists appear, but are handled in swift fashion. LCdeB’s letter will tickle your funny bone for sure!
Another excellent story written by Shana Granderson. Fanny Gardiner reaches a new high for obnoxious behavior in this story. First, she compromises Thomas Bennet who is suffering from the same ailment that killed his father. Hoping to father a son to end the entailed estate, he fathers three daughters before his death. When illiterate and brutal Collins shows up, Fanny cons her way into him marrying her. Because he refuses to pay for her first three daughters, Fanny takes them to London planning to leave them with her brother, Edward. Him not being at home, she abandons the three girls in Hyde Park. Luckily, they are found the next morning by Lord Carrington’s son and eventually are adopted by the couple. After birthing two more daughters, Fanny doesn’t tell him that she cannot have more children. In a drunken fit of rage, Collins is planning the harshest punishment possible. In an effort to save her two young daughters, she sacrifices herself by ending Collins’ life also. The daughters are raised amongst the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families and eventually the close family members become even closer. Many HEA couples in this story especially ODC of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. The usual antagonists appear, but are handled in swift fashion. LCdeB’s letter will tickle your funny bone for sure!
May 31, 2026
Abandoned Started Sad, But Was Very Happy!
Living in the present world, abandoned children, and worse, happen all too frequently. This story has a very sad premise, but becomes a very happy storyline for the children as well as those who found and nurtured them. The one who abandoned them even learned a very hard lesson and changed. Not necessarily what would have happened in this day and age.
The subsequent story, Banished, was similar, but had many more flaws. More people were behaving wrongly and while some changed, most just had to receive the harvest for the wickedness they'd sowed. The editing was also poorly done for the first half of the book.
All in all, I still enjoyed this book as I do many of this author's works.
Living in the present world, abandoned children, and worse, happen all too frequently. This story has a very sad premise, but becomes a very happy storyline for the children as well as those who found and nurtured them. The one who abandoned them even learned a very hard lesson and changed. Not necessarily what would have happened in this day and age.
The subsequent story, Banished, was similar, but had many more flaws. More people were behaving wrongly and while some changed, most just had to receive the harvest for the wickedness they'd sowed. The editing was also poorly done for the first half of the book.
All in all, I still enjoyed this book as I do many of this author's works.
May 25, 2026
Another delightful variation by Ms. Granderson
‘Abandoned’ is easily recognizable as being one of Ms. Granderson’s works. ODC do get their HEA, the villains appropriately punished, and everyone is happy and rich at the end. The only thing is that most of the families closely intermarry - Bennet sisters all marrying Fitzwilliam brothers/cousins - this is something to which I would like to a bit more creativity from the author on in future works.
‘Banished’, also included with this copy on KU, is much the same, although ‘Bad Jane’ earns her redemption, as does Caroline Bingley.
‘Abandoned’ is easily recognizable as being one of Ms. Granderson’s works. ODC do get their HEA, the villains appropriately punished, and everyone is happy and rich at the end. The only thing is that most of the families closely intermarry - Bennet sisters all marrying Fitzwilliam brothers/cousins - this is something to which I would like to a bit more creativity from the author on in future works.
‘Banished’, also included with this copy on KU, is much the same, although ‘Bad Jane’ earns her redemption, as does Caroline Bingley.
May 24, 2026
Brilliant book by this author
Another excellent read I read it from cover to cover in 24 hours. This author's books are a must buy for me as I love her character's. In This book Mrs Bennet abandons her three eldest daughters in Hyde Park they are found by .Lady Elaine and her son Jamie they are adopted into the family!. Brilliant read
The free book Banished is another one of her brilliant reads
Another excellent read I read it from cover to cover in 24 hours. This author's books are a must buy for me as I love her character's. In This book Mrs Bennet abandons her three eldest daughters in Hyde Park they are found by .Lady Elaine and her son Jamie they are adopted into the family!. Brilliant read
The free book Banished is another one of her brilliant reads
May 24, 2026
foundlings…
This variation of pride and prejudice, took us down a different path with Mr. Bennet dying very early in the story. Franny is just a self-absorbed as she always is, but without Mr. Bennet’s Control, she become with a loose cannon and in order to save herself she makes a horrible choice to abandon her daughters, but luckily the girls are found and raised within the upper ton of society…
This variation of pride and prejudice, took us down a different path with Mr. Bennet dying very early in the story. Franny is just a self-absorbed as she always is, but without Mr. Bennet’s Control, she become with a loose cannon and in order to save herself she makes a horrible choice to abandon her daughters, but luckily the girls are found and raised within the upper ton of society…
May 16, 2026
The second, old book was better than the first, new book
Abandoned started out with a gripping, exciting story but then it got bogged down in descriptions of courtships and betrothals and emotions and I lost interest. Too many of similar romances. Banished held my interest from start to finish. It was very good, Abandoned not so good.
Abandoned started out with a gripping, exciting story but then it got bogged down in descriptions of courtships and betrothals and emotions and I lost interest. Too many of similar romances. Banished held my interest from start to finish. It was very good, Abandoned not so good.
June 2, 2026
disappointed again
I am drawn to the plots of this author but I cannot finish reading her books. There are too many words and details that add nothing to the story and there is no character development. Her writing style does not encourage me to keep turning the pages., other than to skip tedious detail. I had to stop about the third of the way through.
I am drawn to the plots of this author but I cannot finish reading her books. There are too many words and details that add nothing to the story and there is no character development. Her writing style does not encourage me to keep turning the pages., other than to skip tedious detail. I had to stop about the third of the way through.
June 10, 2026
As usual, this author gives a story where any problems are solved early and easily, many advised altogether, and the Bennet girls are all beautiful, accomplished, and wealthy.
Actually, a bit under 3 stars if I'm honest, because it was all just too smooth. Also the entire thing reads like a summary.
I did feel for the uncles of the girls though, when they were missing.
Actually, a bit under 3 stars if I'm honest, because it was all just too smooth. Also the entire thing reads like a summary.
I did feel for the uncles of the girls though, when they were missing.
July 30, 2026
sometimes hard to read
the stories, both in this book, had serious issues/topics. Mrs Bennet is at her worst but a change at the end. Mr. Bennet is two different men in the stories, first one was the good one of his characterization. Some of it was hard to read, can be triggering. the endings can be characterized as happy(?). Intense reading.
the stories, both in this book, had serious issues/topics. Mrs Bennet is at her worst but a change at the end. Mr. Bennet is two different men in the stories, first one was the good one of his characterization. Some of it was hard to read, can be triggering. the endings can be characterized as happy(?). Intense reading.
May 28, 2026
I have truly enjoyed many of Granderson’s works - this one less so. The amount of prayers was a bit heavy handed, sometimes the story felt a little list-y, telling not showing. In general the plot was nice but the telling got a bit mired in the details.
June 26, 2026
Imaginative
An original story based on some characters of the original that captures the imagination. I found this tale well written and the plot a novel idea, with several enchanting love stories.
An original story based on some characters of the original that captures the imagination. I found this tale well written and the plot a novel idea, with several enchanting love stories.
June 2, 2026
I enjoyed reading this set (two) of books
I like this author and enjoyed these P&P story variants. I will be reading more of her offerings. Thank you for writing these books.
I like this author and enjoyed these P&P story variants. I will be reading more of her offerings. Thank you for writing these books.
October 14, 2026
Loved it
I love this book it was a sweet and clean variation. It has to one of my favorite pride and prejudice variations so far.
I love this book it was a sweet and clean variation. It has to one of my favorite pride and prejudice variations so far.
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