Forever Yours, Yours by Design, Book 3

Yours by Design #3

by Robin M. Helm

In Forever Yours, the third and final volume of the Christian Regency/Modern Yours by Design series, both Will and Fitzwilliam Darcy seek to overcome the obstacles threatening to separate them from their respective Elizabeths.


Could it be possible for people who grew up in time periods over two hundred years apart to be happy together? Can a Regency man love a modern woman? Can a modern man adjust to a Regency woman?


In this series, modern Will Darcy and Regency Fitzwilliam Darcy switch places in time (just after Fitzwilliam has been refused by Elizabeth Bennet). The series chronicles their adjusting to their new time periods as they make new lives for themselves.

Genres: Time Travel, Contemporary

ebook

First published April 4, 2015

About the author

Robin Helm's time revolves around music as she plays and teaches. Her books reflect that love, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.

Her latest publication is Lawfully Innocent: A US Marshal Lawkeepers story. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy (Darcy is Elizabeth's guardian angel) and the Yours by Design series (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), Understanding Elizabeth (Darcy must decide how much he's willing to pay to have what he wants), and More To Love (Darcy comments on Elizabeth's weight at the Assembly).

Mrs. Helm is also featured in a series of anthologies with several other like-minded authors. A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine have been Best Sellers on Amazon in several categories. A Very Austen Romance is being planned for February, 2020.

She lives in (usually) sunny South Carolina and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling.

AWARDS:
The Guardian Trilogy
Austenesque Reviews 2013 P & P Variation/Alternate Path Award

Yours by Design series
Austenesque Reviews, Top Ten Time Travel novels
Of Pens and Pages, Top 5 Modern Pride & Prejudice Retellings

A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Books of 2017

A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
More Agreeably Engaged, Favorite Anthology, 2018

More to Love: Cover Design Gold Star Award, The Book Designer

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Yours by Design series offering up a little something different for the Pride & Prejudice story. Modern day, Will Darcy, has swapped bodies with his famous ancestor Fitzwilliam Darcy and both Darcy men are doing the best they can in their new circumstances 200 years from their original time. It's tender, heartwarming, and intense as both men experience growth, romance, faith, and exciting times in this finale that had me flipping pages quickly to see how they would prevail against their respective cunning enemies.

This book is part of a trilogy and must be read in order.

Will and Fitzwilliam's stories parallel each other in past and present. Will is poised to have all he could have hoped for even as he still has his work cut out for him convincing Elizabeth's father to give his blessing, keep her sisters out of trouble, and defend against betrayal from inside and without at Pemberley.

Fitzwilliam is finally getting his feet under him. But at the same time, he is at his lowest when Liz struggles to believe the truth about him and his pride may get in the way of a second chance. He, too, has the job of defeating an enemy if he is to bring happiness to his beloved lady and her family.

Throughout this series, I have enjoyed the alternating chapters that tell the two stories that run parallel just a couple centuries apart. If I had a complaint about the first two stories, it would be that they are rather tame, but that would not be the case with this one. This book provides the culmination of many things including the machinations of the Darcy enemies. Character and romance develop came along at a steady pace so that in this book the focus turned to the action. The author knows how to set up and write a superb finale.

The tone is still sweet romance and inspirational in the themes, but the author doesn't shy away from the grittier, darker side of human nature in the villains of this story. It's a nice balance.

In the end, I enjoyed both the stories of Will in the past and Fitzwilliam in the future for two different reasons. Will didn't have internal growth to do, but he had to fight hard to use his knowledge of the future carefully, deal with Elizabeth's father and interfering friends and relations, and handle several situations simultaneously. He had to prove strong against external factors that would separate him from the heroine.
Fitzwilliam's conflict was different. He had internal growing to do and then he was tested hard because his Liz was as flawed in her own way as he was. As to the romances, I connected more with the modern one I think because they both did need to grow.

To wrap it up, this was a fantastic, engaging book/series that I would recommend to sweet time travel romance or inspirational fiction fans, but particularly those who adore Austenesque reads.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't recommend reading this without reading the previous two books in this series. I kept looking for this final book to wrap up two parallel universe stories of ODC in which Will and Fitzwilliam change bodies and centuries following a prayer by each and then an accident. Will knows what to expect as he has sent himself letters through the centuries with dates of delivery stated and has been raised by his Nana Rose and his housekeeper to know what history is expected, to both read the book version and watch the movie version of P&P, etc. But Fitzwilliam has left behind basically, a mess of haughtiness, manners, disdain and mismanagement on top of which certain parties have been conniving behind his back. And Fitzwilliam has NO idea where he is or how to handle modern day people, fashions, technology, etc. And even the Elizabeth of modern times is not the Elizabeth he left behind.

So in this final book we see the culmination and in keeping with canon our three miscreants (Aunt/Lady C., Caroline/Karlyn and Wickham/Whitman) hold true in their mischief - NO, make that their evil! Robin Helm gives us a very exciting thriller as we go from one story to the next. And I love her quotes at the head of each chapter - EVEN ONE FROM OLAF IN FROZEN – how up-to-date! The chase to find "Wickham and his lady bird" (names changed in modern day) is much more dramatic and with more severe consequences than Jane Austen gave us. But - Oh, so satisfying in the showdown. I do have to say and I don't think that this is a SPOILER but Robin does bring into this story the very real evil in our present day world - the trafficking of humans in sex trades. And in addressing that we have modern technology and policing systems getting involved - just too thrilling!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are of different personalities somewhat. I especially liked how the families came together to guard and plan in the one arena. AND I loved Jane and Lance in their foresight and how they not only protected Elizabeth but also gave her choices in seeking justice. This couple is so very acute in their outlook and planning.

And, once again, I have to compliment Robin on how she mixes her faith into these books without preaching at us. When the parallel stories came near the conclusion I could not help but get tears in my eyes. The endings are sweet and poignant, set over the time zones, reflecting the care and love of family and each other for Will/Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. The cover photo reflects a very wonderful expression of the love of one for the other – the little story behind that necklace is not to be missed.

Yes, put these three books high on your list of books to be read.

[Gristalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much better than the 2nd book! Loved it!

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this the third book in the Yours by Design trilogy and that it is necessary to read Book 1: Accidentally Yours and Book 2: Sincerely Yours prior to reading this one.)

If you are unfamiliar with the Yours By Design trilogy by Robin Helm, it is a time/body swap series that illustrates what happens if a modern-day descendant of a Mr. Darcy were to swap bodies with the real Fitzwilliam Darcy of 1795 after he makes his ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. All three books of this series follow both Darcys (yes, there are two!!) as they adjust to their new lives in different time periods and countries. Both men seek love and happiness, and both men fall in love with a woman named Elizabeth. Modern-day Will Darcy needs to convince Regency Era Elizabeth Bennet that he is an honorable man worthy of her love and completely different from his ancestor who treated her with arrogance, conceit, and disdain. And Regenecy Era Fitzwilliam Darcy, who encounters and falls in love with modern-day Liz Bennet, has the difficult task of overcoming his flaws and misconceptions and helping Liz move on from her painful past.

Taking on a trilogy that has dual plots, takes place during two different time periods, and infuses themes of faith and God is no small feat! I’m greatly impressed with how well all these different aspects of the story where combined and how skillfully Ms. Helm executed them all. I loved the premise of the time/body swap – it worked and was believable. I thought the alternating chapters and dual story-line easy to follow and engaging. And I felt the Christianity elements to be well-balanced and inspiring.

I loved how this story showed us a reverse time-swap. So many times we see a hero or heroine brought back in time to another time period or body. This series showed us what happens when a person/character from Jane Austen’s Era travels to our world. I loved seeing Regency Darcy adapt to our modern world – our technologies, modern conveniences, relaxed customs, freedoms. Witnessing Regency Darcy’s reactions, adjustments, and attempts to adapt to our world were equal parts adorable and laugh out loud funny.

I also loved the culmination of these two romances we’ve seen begin and develop throughout the first two books of this series. Seeing both Darcys and their Elizabeths grow closer was heart-warming and sweet. However, both couples face opposition and dilemma when our not-so-favorite antagonist makes his final move to destroy their happiness and further his own aims. Yes, unfortunately double the Darcy means double the Wickham… And since the dual plots alternate with each chapter there is a good chunk of the book where Wickham (or Greg Whitman) and their dastardly deeds both receive a lot of consecutive page time.

When comparing the two story-lines, I often found myself much more interested and engaged by Regency Darcy and Modern-day Liz. These characters felt real, their issues and challenges were understandable and accessible, and their personal growth was inspiring. They have struggles and baggage, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing them overcome all their internal and external obstacles. While Modern-day Will Darcy and Regency Elizabeth had a loving and beautiful romance, I felt their world seemed a little too perfect and easy. Will Darcy has sooooo many advantages over Fitzwilliam Darcy. The knowledge he has of the future and the extensive preparations made for his life made me feel that their lives were a little too convenient and problem-free.

Looking for a take on Pride and Prejudice that is challenging, inventive, and thought-provoking? Love stories with time-travel or body/time swap premises? Then I recommend Robin Helm’s Yours By Design trilogy to you, my friends! When you read Ms. Helm’s books you cannot help but feel they come straight from her heart and soul, and that is truly what I love most about her writing!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final instalment if a 3 book series and is not a stand alone story. We see the outcomes for Will and Fitzwilliam as their stories conclude.

I really struggled to finish this book. This is the same story spread over 3 books so it is a long story. The chapters alternate between past and present and I'm not sure I liked this... it felt like we didn't spend long enough with either character. In the final book I found myself more interested in Fitzwilliam's story, even though I spent most of these books disliking him. I liked Will much much more and I liked his Elizabeth too.

All the books start with a quote at the beginning of each chapter. I really those. I don't know what else to say, I can't really say I've enjoyed these books. I wouldn't read them again but I don't really know why. They are well written but the language was a bit 'off' at times, and I felt Fitzwilliam got the hang of modern life a bit too easily to be convincing.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Forever Yours by Robin M. Helm. This is the third and final book in the Yours by Design series. Beware! This is a continuing storyline, and you need to read Accidentally Yours (Bk 1) and Sincerely Yours (Bk 2) before reading Forever Yours. But lucky you, they are all out now so you can read them all without having to wait!!

They say history repeats itself and in this case it does…or close to it! I liked the clever way Ms. Helm modernized certain events from Regency Pride & Prejudice to fit into the present day. Because in the 21st century, who would care if Lydia and Wickham ran off and eloped?!

The story begins in Book 1 with Fitzwilliam Darcy and Will Darcy suffering an accident at the same time…only 200 years apart, and during the accident they switch places. Fitzwilliam wakes up in a modern hospital not understanding modern technology, and Will finds himself in Kent, 1795, Rosings Park.

As the story progresses, and the excitement builds, I found that the switching back and forth between centuries and men began to wear on me. It broke the flow of the story way too much for me. There are two different stories going on here; Will in the 1800s and Fitzwilliam in the 21st century. I really feel like maybe it would have been better to write two books - one for each man.

It's interesting how the character development throughout the books changed my opinion of them. For example, I did not like Fitzwilliam in the first book. At all. But by the third book, he was as I liked him to be. I felt the same about Lance Bingley. I felt he was just plain rude in the beginning.

My favorites from the Regency period were Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Bennet. I was surprised by Mrs. Bennet. She was much kinder, and she really cared about Elizabeth.

I enjoyed Forever Yours! In the end, the stories wrap up nicely, with much excitement in both centuries!

FTC Disclaimer: I received a paperback of the book from the author for my honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins were book two leaves off. Both Darcy's are trying to get used to life in another era while wooing their respective Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline is still a bad seed no matter what time era she lives him. I have to say that I prefer Lance (modern Bingley) to his regency counterpart. Charles (regency Bingley) just turned into this person we never knew once he had to woo Jane away from Colonel Fitzwilliam. While the regency ladies are planning both a ball and a wedding, the men along with Elizabeth are trying to stop Lydia from eloping with Wickham. In the other era the gang is trying to save Mary from being sold into a slavery ring by Greg Whitman. How will everything end? You should read it to find out.

I have to I loved this book the best out of the whole trilogy. I finally got to experience the whole story of both set of couples. I also like the fact that both villains got what they deserved. Not so much Greg as his cowardly butt decided to squeal and get a reduced sentence. I feel he should have gotten the full sentence and he should have still helped to retrieve all those other victims. It was really sweet that his Grandmother Rose's pearls were designed by Will and passed down to each Darcy bride so that she can wear them on her wedding day. Overall I really enjoyed reading this final book in the series and I will definitely read the series again sometime in the future. Keep up the good work Robin.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ending to a great series. If you love Jane Austin and both Historical and Contemporary in addition to Inspirational you will love this series. Fitzwilliam Darcy from the 1700's has a bump on the head and trades places with Modern day Will Darcy. I love the creativity of this author as well as the inspirational thread as she wove the story together. This was very well written. This series is best read in the order it was written. Each book picks up where the last one left off. I love this author and I am looking forward to reading any future books she writes.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

ENOUGH already!! I just wanted to be finished. I feel like I've been reading about these two couples for weeks.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This was the final book in this Yours by Design trilogy. In my opinion, the first book was the best. The second was somewhat boring and this one was better and held my attention, but there were just too many, I don't know if you would call them coincidences or parallels, but it started getting to the point of being so unbelievable that is was bordering on ridiculous. I also felt that the further I read, the more absolutely perfect Will Darcy was to the point of being completely unrelatable and annoyingly inhuman. The man was incapable of making a mistake. I like my characters a little more believable. I also found that both of the Darcy men who had swapped places seemed to have little trouble adjusting to a completely different time period where speech, manners and their whole way of life would be completely different from what they are accustomed to.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. The characters are definitely memorable and some very familiar. I highly recommend that you read them in order, as they were meant to be.

Find out what happens to Wickham, as well as his future counterpart. Learn about Caroline Bingley's biggest temper tantrum. Find the true nature of the Missus Bennetts. What will happen with Jane, the Colonel, and Bingley of the past; and Jane and Lance of the future.

The past & future have been magically woven by this very talented author! If you are a Jane Austen fan, you will become a Robin M. Helm fan.

[Kim Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but . . .

The world building is very good, the plot line is intricate and perhaps a little too convoluted. There are lots of creative initiatives and it’s well written, but there is a but. At time the narrative dragged; the characters’ piety spills over into proselytising, and Will is too perfect. Ultimately, I found Fitzwilliam more interesting because he is actually challenged to learn and grow.

[Mandy Boerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooooved this series.

I don’t feel that I can rate just this book (although it might be my favorite of the series) because you really need to read all three. Loved the plot twists and turns, the new and familiar characters and all the changes. This was an amazing series with a satisfying ending. It kept me intrigued and on my toes.

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride and prejudice on another level. Quite intriguing.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

look at my info for book #1. All three books are wonderful. Will read again.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yours by Design Series: Accidentally Yours (1), Sincerely Yours (2), and Forever Yours (3)

What a clever story these three books were. Actually, I could say two stories, because author has used a paranormal happening to weave two sets of main characters together into one very related family story. Fitzwilliam Darcy in 1795 Recency England was not quite the gentleman as was portrayed in Jane Austen's original Pride and Prejudice. In the interwoven story, Will Darcy of 2013 was descended from the Darcys of Recency time. Will Darcy at 28 years old in modern times has just lost his grandmother, Nana Rose. He promises her that he will find his Elizabeth. Meanwhile, the recency Fitzwilliam Darcy has just handed Elizabeth Bennet his letter which was written with anger and hate. As he rides away in anger, the very non-religious Fitzwilliam, prays that he hopes to God never to see Elizabeth Bennet again. The 2013 Will at the same time as Fitzwilliam's accident is hit by a car, and his prayer was that he was born in the wrong era and wished to God he could go back to meet someone like Elizabeth Bennet, because she was the kind of woman he was looking for. The paranormal aspect of this story, has the two Darcy men switching time periods. As their accidents and prayers happened at the same moment in time continuum, Fitzwilliam wakes up in 2013's world, and Will wakes up in 1795 Recency England. The author conveniently gives each man friends within their new time period that will help them face their very different life. So now Will is the ancestor of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Fitzwilliam is now his descendant. As Will Darcy's new life unfurled, many of Austen's story changes. Wickham was not the only evil in his life. In Fitzwilliam Darcy's new life, besides himself, there's only the one evil, his Elizabeth's ex boyfriend, Greg Whitman, who has hurt his Elizabeth badly. About every other chapter was the stories from the different time periods. In the end the bad characters are caught and both Will and his Elizabeth Bennet, and Fitzwilliam and his Elizabeth Bennet marry with love. Very interesting the way the author has handled the two men in their different time periods. Most entertaining time travel story I've read in awhile. I'm guess the content added to the pleasure of her books.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

A marvelously written tale that takes you from one era to another without mixing you up. I really loved the characters and the "changes" in it. It makes you want to keep on reading.