This week, I would award this seven stars. Why? Because I have read three books in the past two weeks written by authors who padded their works beyond recognition for personal gain rather than for the sake of their story. That was an affront to the reader.
Ms Thomas, bless her heart, did not give in to that urge. She let the story be the story, and I love her for it.
Aside from the revenge stars, this is a solid 4.5 star story. There was just a slight problem with follow through (I can’t quite call them Chekhov’s guns, as they have no bearing on the tale as a whole). For example, Darcy asks Jane to send his apologies to Elizabeth, yet she seemingly never did. I spent a few chapters thinking (hoping?) we’d have a mean Jane, but we didn’t. I also would have liked to see the Gardiner children in any scene beyond the cameo in London. Since they live at Longbourn, I expected them to pop up in at least one scene occurring at Longbourn.
I commend Ms Thomas for her characterization. I don’t think I’ve encountered a viler Mr Darcy, and my revulsion for him was visceral. I also always love to see Mr Phillips with a major (major-ish) role.
Ms Thomas, I thank you again for not giving in to the current fad of Juvaderming your story into oblivion. Good stories don’t need filler. Keep doing what you do so well!
Tiffany Thomas, as always, does not disappoint. Darcy's struggles are different, but no less real. The villainy of Wickham as well is different, but all too real. Even Elizabeth’s situation is unusual, but beautifully drawn. ODC remain true to their characters. Elizabeth is particularly insightful, impertinent, and altogether delightful.
I have read all of Tiffany Thomas’s books and have enjoyed every one. That being said, this one is my absolute favourite!! Good story, very well written, highly recommend.
This variation begins with an historical context that is important not just in terms of plot, but in the overall theme of those who create value and those who destroy it. The writing is first rate -- meticulous but non-showy. There's an impressive but unobtrusive attention to detail. The novel has original, creative and really dramatic events that serve beautifully to enhance deep emotions in the book.
All of Thomas' work is well written and creative, but this is pretty magnificent. A definite re-read.
It captured my interest from the prologue. Wonderful, unique story line, beginning to end. I wish we would have seen a little of the Gardiner children while at Longbourn.
More than Roman treasures Living in a region with many Roman remnants – another villa was discovered in my little village just last year, though the most important place in my region is “Augusta Raurica” with an amphitheater - you certainly understand why I was eager to read this book and I was not disappointed. I flipped through one ore three pages because I am an impatient person and wanted to know what would happen next. And I found 3 favourite scenes: One of these favourite scenes is not the discovery of the treasure as you might think because of my Roman “connections, but how elegantly the authoress dealt with wicked Wickham und put him in the place he deserved 👏The other two favourites are the two proposal scenes – but they are not as you might think! 😊 It is a very enjoyable and clever book!
Loved the careful characterization, the intricate plotting, the romance, the trials and tribulations, and the joyful happy ending. Great commentary on neglectful fathers, embarrassing mothers, and the other common human experiences. Will read it again and again with pleasure.
I always enjoy Tiffany Thomas and this one does not disappoint. The characterizations of George Darcy and George Wickham were difficult to read as it is hard to look at their depravities. And yet, there were so many in upper class England that behaved like this. Many upper class men and women had poor morals. The growth of Darcy and the way he developed.mw was very well done. I also enjoyed Elizabeth. I would have enjoyed reading more of the Gardiner children.
Darcy's has a terrible father who leaves debt and chaos behind when he dies. Darcy is forced to retrench drastically, and is called up to enter the militia for five years of duty. A terrible flood occurs in London, causing the deaths of the Gardiner parents, orphaning their three children. Elizabeth and Uncle Phillips come to sell the Gardiner house and settle the children. While there, Elizabeth accidentally discovers a buried Roman treasure of great value. Darcy is there as an officer during the discovery, and recruits his uncle Lord Matlock to handle the disposal of the treasure. Elizabeth is rewarded for the extraordinary find, and the Gardiner children are provided for. Darcy meets Elizabeth again two years later at the Meryton assembly, and the infamous insult is delivered.
I like this author, and have to give credit for an original premise, as astonishing as it is. Ms Thomas is a good writer and storyteller. Unfortunately, the story got bogged down for me by the huge amount of suffering endured by both Darcy and Elizabeth, for a fair portion of the book. It's difficult to read about children being abused by their parents, verbally and through neglect in both cases, when you want these characters to be way more assertive. For example, why would a brave child like Elizabeth allow her father to pile responsibility on her without complaint? It disappointed me that they both let people walk all over them, depressing.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it half-heartedly.
I enjoyed the book. The beginning was mostly great. It just felt like... ...we lost part of what made this Darcy different in the middle. Where did the history go? Pondering civilizations ruins died as soon as we hit the normal time period. He references his militia experience a bit, why couldn't we learn more about his passion also? ...the Gardiner children disappeared. We have a very traumatic moment with them and then we never get to visit them in person again. Which felt really really odd since they were supposedly living AT Longbourn. ...Elizabeth and her relationship with her father fizzled into complacency instead of resolving, and what happened to Longbourn once she left if she was literally the only one holding it together?
Also notes I had made during reading: Why did Jane not tell Elizabeth what Darcy said after the dance? If she was supposed to have forgotten it, why wasn't that mentioned? There was a repeated scene at the beginning of chapter that changed the wording from the end of the previous chapter- did we just have an unreliable narrator or was it a different perspective and that remembered differently? Mr. Phillips was satisfied that Darcy had been told nothing and then he talks about Netherfield as if Darcy should know that Elizabeth *or the Gardiner children* own it. There were a couple nonsensical points where something seemingly profound or funny was supposedly said... And lastly, Darcy and Richard were to London and back in a day, but from Elizabeth's POV they were there overnight and not back until the next day.
Last of all...I'm tired of random objects, days, etc...having opinions. And- I'm going to say it. The writing style that -- mimics is getting old. I have nothing against authors who actually wrote that way prior to --, but it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth reading it. It was a novelty back in 2021, now it feels modern in a way that doesn't fit the time. I don't usually leave a review without a comment sandwich, good, not great, good. So the good. It was clean. The beginning was interesting, really, I loved the unusual plot. The Wickham arc followed through fairly well. Georgianna is lovely. Mr. Phillips is cool. I love the spark of connection Darcy and Elizabeth have. Jane and Mr. Bingley are exceptionally sweet and less pushover-y in a good way. I would have loved to have seen a little more of their interactions. Lydia's epilogue was gold.
Sadly, this book is probably closer to 4.5 than 5. The focus on the details of the Roman coins aspect of the story took precedence over a couple other storylines that mirrored the events of the original book. I reread a couple chapters to make sure I hadn’t missed them. I feel the actual focus of this variation made up for it though.
In this variant, Elizabeth Bennett has money of her own. And Darcy has had a change of fortune. How will this affect them and everyone around them?
Hidden gold, loss of loved ones, learning to manage
Elizabeth finds hidden Roman gold beneath the flooded cellars of her late Aunt & Uncle Gardiner, benefitting their orphaned surviving children for years to come, & finds herself blessed by Prinny for surrendering the Roman coins & antiquities to the Crown. She meets Col. Fitzwilliam Darcy, while well-splattered with mud from her hair to her shoes, as he advises her & Uncle Philips on the safest path to take. A later meeting has its’ pluses & minuses, as each negotiates their changing lives.
A little history, A little debauchery... A very bad flooding and deaths that require Elizabeth with her Uncle Phillips assistant to look after the Gardeners children and belongings.
A Roman gold piece, rewards and secrets. With Darcy trying in retrenchment. A lot happens and we still see a lot of angst from Wickham, but very little action from Miss Bingley. And our HEAs.
4 stars because there are a few glaring errors and some unnecessary repetition when the perspective switched from Elizabeth to Darcy . I've sent "reports" for a few of themvl via the KU app. Overall I would highly recommend this novel that portrays Elizabeth as an intelligent and interesting character.
Beware! Do not read if you are trying to sleep! This story is probably the best of the 76 P&P variations that I’ve read. You will cry tears of grief and joy. The author most certainly did not fail to entertain! She just keeps on giving and giving. Thank you Tiffany
This was an interesting story with the added twists of Roman treasure being discovered. I enjoyed seeing such personal growth in Darcy as he comes to terms with important choices. Elizabeth is lively as always, yet a voice of discerning reason and personal strength. Overall, a great story to read.
In this adaptation Wickham is the beloved boy of Mr. Darcy's father and can do no wrong. he makes sure Wickham is given all the same education and favors as Darcy and all Darcy gets in return is bullied by both his father and Wickham. Meanwhile Elizabeth discovers a national treasure and is given a huge reward by the crown.
This was a good summer read. It has several plots that keeps you reading. I did not like that her reward was not enough. I did like how Mr Darcy finds out that she is his true love.
I enjoy reading novels that have believable characters. This has those and and a believable plot. (mostly) The proof reading was well done so as not to detract from the story. Editing was also well done. This story was easy to give 5 stars 🌟
So enjoyed this story. But needed to take a star off because of the rushed ending and that it was totally overshadowed by Wickham. He's well known as "the villain" and has his place, I just feel Lizzy didn't get a chance to shine at the end for all she accomplished.
Exceptional writing and a great story. I like how she comprehensively creates her version of the Austen world instead of letting our imagination fill in the blanks just to make a shorter book. This is the second of hers I've read and am still impressed.