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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.
867 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 13, 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. 👍🏻
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.
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….
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 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 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.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews