A Different Impression: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Melissa Anne

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 29, 2026

Reviews

[Teresita]

I found this a marvelous and original plot. I loved the romance and deep understanding between our beloved couple, as well as the changes in the Bennet family dynamics. The story has a great flow and maintains the reader's interest and attention and it is difficult to put down.

[Terri L. McClelland]

I received an ARC of this book and have volunteered to leave an honest review. I have read both the original and revised versions of this story. You can see the maturity arc of the author’s writing between these two books. I understand the original version was Melissa Anne’s second published book and the changes in her writing style are notable.

This story employs a favorite trope of mine (an instant connection between ODC) and one she uses frequently in her stories. It begins with the Meryton assembly where there is no insult to Elizabeth but rather an act of kindness on her part. Darcy is very intrigued and happens to meet her on a walk the following morning. It’s not an exaggeration to say that sparks are already flying and a romantic relationship soon follows.

Both Bingley and his sister, Caroline, are not on their best behavior. Bingley pays plenty of attention to Jane without any indication of commitment on his part despite hints from Darcy that it’s not appropriate. In the meantime Caroline has a secret and she is not above trickery of the worst kind to obtain what she wants.

Surprisingly, during Darcy and Elizabeth’s courtship, Mr Bennet begins to take an interest in his family, most especially with his reality-challenged wife and his most recalcitrant daughter. Mrs Bennet refuses to accept her least favorite daughter as the love interest of such an important suitor and is not above meddling in their affairs in order to bring about a different outcome. Lydia is wild to ruin her own reputation as well as her sisters. And when Collins shows up to ‘claim his bride,’ Bennet also acts decisively to quell that impertinence. Will his new assertive approach with his family last, though?

Darcy calls for the assistance of his cousin, the Colonel, when Wickham appears in the neighborhood and he is given no chance to get up to his usual mischief. But Lady Catherine is more than capable of taking up the slack in that regard. Lady Catherine is discovered to be not only mismanaging her estate but harboring dark secrets about her daughter’s illness and inheritance and the death of her husband.

Darcy and Elizabeth marry early in the story so there is much romance as well as them becoming a team to overcome all obstacles from their families, society and their own strong natures on their way to their happily ever after.

[C]

This is a rewrite of the original book. I have read both versions - the original one and this updated one and you can see Melissa Anne's growth as a writer. Both stories were great, but in this one the writing is smoother and more confident and there is more depth and research (e.g. what happens to Mr. Collins).

The story kicks off with an immediate spark between Darcy and Elizabeth, the kind of quick connection I always enjoy. And, from the beginning, shows how kind Elizabeth is. Their bond builds fast, and watching them fall for each other is genuinely fun. Some familiar faces (e.g. Caroline Bingley, Wickham, Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine) behave badly, but they are dealt with relatively quickly. There are a few surprises and secrets that come to light.

What surprised me most was how involved Mr. Bennet becomes. He steps up in ways I didn’t expect, especially with his wife’s antics and Lydia’s wild behavior. His new determination adds a twist to the story. Meanwhile, Darcy and Elizabeth face trouble from several directions but they marry early and the book focuses on how they work together as a couple. There is plenty of affection, teamwork, and shared strength as they deal with challenges from relatives, society, and their own personalities. This book is a warm, engaging read with romance, drama, and a satisfying sense of partnership all the way through. I really enjoyed it.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Cheryl]

So Good. I received this as an ARC reader from the author, (who has not written a single book I did not love, so if you are new, Melissa Anne is an excellent choice to start with). I previously read, loved and purchased the original version. I intend to purchase this one as well because the book is just that good, it deserves being bought twice. The author kept the same path in this version, but has cleaned up some unnecessary bits, and clarified others. (The original was one of her very first books! Amazing.). Elizabeth is not her normal proud prejudiced self here. She is kind and thoughtful. And that kindness wins Darcy’s heart before he even knows what he is doing. There are, of course, villains. Some expected, some extreme, some make you sad they turned that way. Through it all, Darcy and Elizabeth face the world together in a loving kind, frequently playful manner. Of course, there are happily ever afters for those deserving, and evil gets dealt with appropriately. Do not hesitate to read this. I guarantee you will enjoy every word.

[Reader Wren]

A really lovely rewriting of a really lovely story!

I’d read this book the first time around and had remembered the altercations involving Mr Bennet later in the story but forgotten which book they were from (my memory is rubbish), so I was super pleased to find I was sent an ARC copy of it!

Slight spoilers:



I always enjoy books where the Bennet family is taken in hand, but this has the added element of discussing the sustainability of those changes given the characters involved and that elevates it from the average take.

The book isn’t just about Darcy and Lizzy, it’s about Bennets as a whole, and taking the time to show that is wonderful.
I also like that we get more insight into the world AFTER the happily ever after wedding moment: those aspects always make it feel more grounded and realistic. Life doesn’t stop at the beginning of a relationship so seeing people navigate hardships together is a real look into how a relationship operates and this doesn’t disappoint!

Would recommend for an intriguing but gentle read with a hot chocolate and some biscuits!

[Linda K Goodwin]

I love all of Melissa’s books. She is an excellent writer and does not disappoint.
Here, Darcy does not provide the insult, and Elizabeth is kind to help with his headache. In turn, Darcy dances with Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte. LOL, not with Caroline, whom tries to pay Darcy and Charles back, but the valet heads this off.
A wonderful love story, that is also sad in the parents, Mr. And Mrs. Bennet’s treatment of Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet almost redeems himself then shows no redemption. Mary is wonderful. Jane is stronger, and Miss Bingley is, well Miss Bingley. LOL. Lydia does redeem herself and proud of her.
Thank you again, Melissa. Even though a rewrite, I love it. Smoothed things out.

Original review: A nice variation from the original. Convenient punishments for the guilty and wrong doers. Sad father and mother examples. A strong Elizabeth, Mary and convinced Jane. Lydia too, redeems herself.
August 21, 2023