Pursued

Leaving Bennet Behind #3

by Sarah Johnson

The Bennet family changed dramatically when Mr Bennet nearly lost his life. The rekindled love between him and his wife encouraged a unifying bond amongst their five daughters. Their story unfolds as each eligible young lady walks down the aisle, taking her husband’s hand and forever leaving the name of Bennet behind. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, has had his share of difficulties in dealing with society, including near scandal that could now cause him more heartache than when the rumors first began two years ago. Why? Miss Mary Bennet. Since the day he first saw her sitting beside the road covered in mud, he has not been able to put her out of his mind, and very soon his heart as well. Despite his determination in pursuing her good opinion, his attentions are not well received. Would the coming Season in London and summer at Pemberley be any different, or would she continue to avoid any further connection?

Genres: Romance, Regency, Fan Fiction, Historical Fiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2015

About the author

Sarah 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.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

And here we are at book 3 of ?? and believe me you need to read the first 2 before you get to this one because of the changes and twists.

Again there are numerous and seemingly important plots carrying on at once:

Jane and Bingley's marriage & Honeymoon
Mr. Collins makes a surprise appearance
Charlotte's depression over her single status and her taking a huge risk
Viscount Primrose's 30th birthday
Mary & the Viscount- can they resolve their issues
Col. Fitzwilliam and the unsolved murders, who is stalking the bennets?
Why did Anne think she saw her father in Gardiner's warehouse
Mrs. Phillips madness
Lady Catherine's headaches and plotting
Who is GW? [spoiler not who you think]
Darcy & Lizzy's impending new arrival
Georgiana's continuing health problems
and Caroline's continuing exile to the North

We again careen from plot to plot to plot barely stopping for a breath. At this point this is less of P&P what if and more of a slightly madcap Regency mystery / thriller.

And at the end we are left with as many questions as answers and no resolution on the horizon.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

As others have stated, you need to read the first two books before starting this one:
'Chosen (Leaving Bennet Behind #1)' Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
'Cherished (Leaving Bennet Behind #2)' Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley

Although all the sisters have a running story in each of the books, we finally have Mary's story and Viscount Primrose's pursuit of her resolved. It has been a long struggle for both of them with misinformation and eavesdropping causing the most problems. However, others work very hard to help them both open their eyes. I have enjoyed the overall development of Mary's growth and Viscount Primrose is definitely worthy of her.

"This aching in her soul was not something she could discuss with anyone." (quote from the book)

The plot line for the villains continues to gain steam and attempts are made on the life of one our beloved characters. More pieces of the puzzle are unveiled and Lady Catherine's headaches seem to be getting worse and causing Anne de Bourgh much concern. There are definitely some very interesting twists and turns revealed in this book that are holding my attention, and I look forward to reading if any become resolved in the next book which is now out "Treasured (Leaving Bennet Behind #4)". This will feature Kitty Bennet and Jonathan Lucas.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Bennet Behind (book series)
Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2020
Simple writing style, but not unpleasant. This is a very good story of each Bennet sister finding their true love and leaving home. With an interesting, but very drawn out sub-plot, so far there are four books, each of which ends with a “to be continued” at the end. This is not my favourite book format. It leaves me wanting after each book, and after having read four of them with still no ending, it is frustrating to say the least. The character portrayals are nothing like canon’s portrayals. As another reviewer said, “who are these people”? That is not to say I don’t like them. This is definitely a “clean, sweet” variation.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to read better than volume #2. It furthers the story of the Bennet sisters and finds Mary finally accepting her love. There is also a huge plot line related to the villains.

This is not a stand alone book.

[Tamara Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be continued......

Yeah, when? There's a lot of loose ends flying around and I want them tied up! PLEASE! To be continued..............lol

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love Sarah Johnson’s Pride and Prejudice variations! In this third book,Mary Bennett has to overcome her she, timid ways to trust her heart. She has heard many seemingly scandalous rumors about Viscount Alexander Primrose, brother to Fitzwilliam and cousin to Darcy. She has to learn to trust him through his actions and not her misconceptions of him.Love wins out in the end. There is also a mystery included in the story concerning Lady Catherine de Bourgh, George Wickham, and an unknown twin brother. Hopefully the next book will clear up this mystery. Johnson sticks with the propriety of the time period, which I love. Can’t wait for her next novel in this series!

[Camille Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the Next Story!?!

I never bothered to rate books 1 & 2 because it would take too long to start the next book! Too exciting to waste the less than 10 minutes to say they were wonderful!! These intricately woven tales have you enjoying not only the love story of ODC but also the extended family. It OK want to continue because you have a vested interest in the lives of Jane, Mary and Charlotte. But what about Lady Catherine's nefarious plot? When will that be revealed? Can't wait till the next one comes out! 😬

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third part of the story the book concentrates on the story of Mary Bennet. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, who we met in volume 1 has fallen for Mary, But she is scared, scared of her feeling, and concerned about the scandalous stories that have been hinted about the Viscount. Can there be a happy ending. And what about the schemes of Lady Catherine, will they finally be discovered. Having a soft spot for Mary Bennet I knew I would enjoy this continuation of the series, as I have. And of course who could not like the characters of the two Fitzwilliam brothers.
Another well-written book in this series.

[Jacqueline Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's next! As much as I liked the series about the Bennett sisters, I am ready to have an ending and an epilogue. Some of the series was frustrating with so much misunderstanding but aft e three year and several rereading I am ready to know what happened with all of the miscreants in the story. Will there be another book?

I recommend this book to anyone who like reading about the Bennett's and like a different slant than the original Jane Austin's story.

[Adelle Stavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD SERIES

Enjoying this series so much that it has Interrupted my queue and takes precedence over items slated to be read. Light reading. There is the threat of danger, but not high on the Angst meter. A warning to those irritated by the need for copy editing - while that has been a minor issue in previous books, this book needs fixing regarding dates that create confusion. Mary cannot be reading a journal entry in July 1812 that is written in October 1812.

[Linda L. Viall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

Absolutely loved these three stories. When one ended couldn't wait to start the next book. Only complaint I have is there are no more to read can't wait until book #4 is published. Characters are true to themselves but just a little bit different to make them more interesting. Plots keep you quite entertained and engaged. Well done!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how together this is

Love how this series keeps you going. Mary and Alex are adorable together. Lady Catherine what are you up to? G.W. And George what are you going to do? We know these three caused some problems. Darcy is handling this well, but Colonel Fitzwilliam is awesome. Great Storyline.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings

I love an HEA storyline dedicated to Mary, but all of Mary's misunderstandings and lack of communication was frustrating and went on way too long.

The investigation held my interest, as well as the Hursts.

Darcy and Elizabeth was a good read even in supporting roles.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally Mary’s wedding! I got bored with her hot and cold attitude towards the viscount… and him bumbling, blushing or brooding because of his unrequited love for Mary (really?)
The only thing that force me to finish the story was to know more about the villains, both with the GW

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good series

Very good series. I don't always like series, as I like closure, but I really have enjoyed every one in this group very much. Still have some cliff hangers, so must rush to the next in this group.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy for an honest review.

Book Blurb: The Bennet family changed dramatically when Mr Bennet nearly lost his life. The rekindled love between him and his wife encouraged a unifying bond amongst their five daughters. Their story unfolds as each eligible young lady walks down the aisle, taking her husband’s hand and forever leaving the name of Bennet behind.

Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, has had his share of difficulties in dealing with society, including near scandal that could now cause him more heartache than when the rumors first began two years ago. Why? Miss Mary Bennet. Since the day he first saw her sitting beside the road covered in mud, he has not been able to put her out of his mind, and very soon his heart as well. Despite his determination in pursuing her good opinion, his attentions are not well received. Would the coming Season in London and summer at Pemberley be any different, or would she continue to avoid any further connection?

The Review: I will admit it has taken me some time to get through the first three books of this series. I guess it's because that there hasn't been a lot of conflict with a villain so far and I do enjoy me some conflict. LOL. That aside once I started reading this book I did get into it a bit more than the other ones in the series. Mainly it's because we do actually get to see a lot more of the villains and their dumb plans. And guess what guys? We see Alex and Mary FINALLY get together. I hate that Caroline came between from the start of the series. Though it was all for nothing as she has been banished to Scarborough with Mrs. Hamilton. I like that both Jane and Elizabeth are pregnant at the same time (but Elizabeth is further along than Jane). And to make it even better Mrs. Gardiner is pregnant as well. I will be happy when Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam can finally be married. Hopefully that will happen in the last two books. I am eagerly waiting for the last two books so we can have the conclusion of Lady Catherine's plotting. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys seeing the entire Bennet get happily ever afters.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

[TaNeshia Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of Pursued (Leaving Bennet Behind Book 3) in exchange for an honest review. Anything you read here is solely my opinion based upon reading said book. This is the third part of the Leaving Bennet Behind Series. If you haven’t read books one or two (Chosen and Cherished) you will need to read them both to have a full understanding of what’s going on. I really loved this book. Since I finished reading book one I was wondering when Mary was going to get her happy ending. Lizzy has Darcy, Jane has Bingley and even the proclaim spencer in the making Charlotte Lucas got married (and to a duke no less). So I was glad when I found out that this book was more so focused on Mary. After the Bingley wedding we don’t really hear much about Caroline. However we know she is scheming on how to get herself a well off and titled beau, while vexing us all in the process. Her plans are for not because she goes back to Scarborough with her aunt. Everything was going good for a while until we hear about Lady Cat. We are given hints they Lady C is probably crazy and fit for Bedlam. In her mind she is going to marry Anne off to Darcy by any means necessary, while also insisting that Anne will marrying Viscount Primrose. Lady Cat assembles her band of misfits (Wickham, Ms. Younge and a few others) to handle Lizzy and discredit or disgrace the Bennets in any way possible. We also find about Wickham’s parentage and the events surrounding it. Wickham Drama with a twist!! After what seems like forever, misunderstandings are cleared up and a proposal is made and accepted. So now that Mary finally got the guy I can’t wait to see what happens next. What will happen to Lady C and her misfits? Will Kitty get her beaux when she is finally out? I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. If you are a fan of Jane Austen and JAFF you will love this series.

[Lisana Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but am only giving it 4 stars (it would be 3.5 if that were an option). I won't add any spoilers, just to say:

-the end seemed really rushed. This book is shorter than 1&2 in the series, and ends with the first real cliffhanger, IMHO. This was completely unexpected for me after having read the prior ones. It's also more than a year since this was written, and I don't see any info from the author about the next book.

-editing seems to have taken a turn for the worse, particularly towards the end. The occasional grammar autocorrect is to be expected, and I was often able to apply the correct meaning, but then I noticed some continuity errors. For example, Mary looks at an entry in her journal about meeting Alex, but the date at the top of her entry is in the future.

All in all, I enjoyed the story, but I feel like too many conflicts have been left to be resolved with no end in sight.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third part of the story the book concentrates on the story of Mary Bennet. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, who we met in volume 1 has fallen for Mary, But she is scared, scared of her feeling, and concerned about the scandalous stories that have been hinted about the Viscount. Can there be a happy ending. And what about the schemes of Lady Catherine, will they finally be discovered. Having a soft spot for Mary Bennet I knew I would enjoy this continuation of the series, as I have. And of course who could not like the characters of the two Fitzwilliam brothers.
Another well-written book in this series.

[Jeanah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the "happiness" that continues throughout this series, but I can't give it a 4 stars because it is a bit unreasonable that all our favorite penniless female characters get such high esteem and regard from all these rich and handsome men. I love it, but it is a bit unbelievable.

I do like seeing Mary placed in a situation where she is also noticed by someone special. I really hope the next installment is coming out soon.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely


Entertaining and very interesting. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the next one in the series!

A very worthy story.