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A Peculiar Engagement
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Anne de Bourgh have been promised in marriage to each other since their birth. They have what might be called a peculiar engagement.As per the events in my Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Darcy’s Rival, Miss de Bourgh is secretly an author and penned this reflection of stories about their engagement as they grew and matured. What was it like to know that one day they would marry? Did they love one another? Did they want to oblige the particular wishes of their mothers and marry? Did Anne grow weary waiting for an offer of marriage?Included in this novel is a special bonus chapter that explains how Mr. Darcy plays a part in Miss de Bourgh finally getting her true happily ever after.after.
188 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2016
13 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Kara Louise
19 books233 followersKara Louise has been writing "Pride and Prejudice" novels since 2001. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, sharing their 5 acres with an ever changing menagerie of animals. They live close to their son, his wife, and their 3 daughters, who are growing up way too fast!
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September 27, 2016
A plant will push through concrete in order to break forth and bloom
We open in the spring of 1811 and Anne de Bourgh and her mother expect the yearly visit from her cousins Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Lady Catherine declares that this will be the year that Fitzwilliam fulfills his duty to the family and offers for her. Anne cringes slightly, her mother makes this statement every year pending their arrival. While Anne waited for her cousins, she reflected and wrote in a journal regarding her life, her feelings and emotions. This was Anne de Bourgh’s story, as penned by her in her journals.
Do not think for a moment that this will be an easy read. Be prepared for a viewpoint, often painful, that we rarely see. Each chapter starts in 1811 with Anne at Rosings Park and follows with her reflections of spring visits, starting at an early age, and moving forward to the current year of 1811. It was the most poignant and revealing insights into the life and times of Anne and her male cousins.
For those that have read Darcy’s Rival, you will have the sense of déjà vu as the author sets this up not as a prequel but an explanation of the behind scenes that really lays a ground work for Darcy’s Rival. I am not sure if that was the intent of the author but it answered many questions I had and sets the stage for what happened in the other book. Both books are stand-a-lone, so no worries if you have not read the other book. I suggest you do, after reading this one especially, as you will see the bridge between the two stories.
The author gave us a look, a glimpse of Anne de Bourgh as never before seen. At age four we see her reflections of her relations on their spring visit to Rosings Park. We see her first impressions of her cousin Fitzwilliam and of her overhearing their mothers plan a wedding that would join the estates. So begins her yearly reflections of her peculiar engagement with her cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire.
OMG! How I despise Lady Catherine…I have always had a scorn for her behavior and treatment of others and this work has pushed me beyond Christian forgiveness. Thank goodness the author only gave us a window of time with her, otherwise, I do not think I could endure her presence beyond that.
Throughout her young years, Anne loved and adored her father and he adored and loved her. That relationship was an oasis [for both of them] in a sea of stress and turmoil that surrounded Lady Catherine. As the young child grew, so did her feelings and understanding. The language used to describe those emotions at each stage in her growth and development was amazing. I loved the use of descriptive words as Anne grew and watched her cousin in anxious anticipation, wondering if this would be the visit where he would propose. And then facing the wrath and scorn of her mother because she failed to garner the offer of his hand. I wanted to scream at Lady Catherine as she insidiously beat down and chided her own child day after day because of her lack of accomplishments, beauty and charms that would entice her cousin.
Over the years, we travail and grieve when both the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families lose a loved one. First Lady Anne Darcy, then Sir Louis de Bourgh, followed by Mr. Darcy senior. Both Anne and Fitzwilliam comfort each other in their loss with letters of condolence that it will touch your heart, but life goes on.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” [NIV] And so too did Anne de Bourgh grow up and come to the realization one day that her cousin was not going to offer for her. As she reflected and searched her grief, she came to the realization that she was not really sure she wanted him to.
This description by the author was most excellent. We were gently pulled from the melancholy of potential loss into a new paradigm that was liberating and freeing to a caged soul. It was delightful as Anne began a new reality that in a sense freed her from the controlling bondage of her mother. Her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, was a most excellent lady and her son [a publisher] was just as excited to publish a work that Anne had penned earlier. With the encouragement and guidance of a lady of sense and a man of reason, Anne began to take the steps into the light of a new freedom. It was like watching the liberation of a prison camp as reality sets in that the occupant was now free.
There were lighter moments as Anne penned a list of qualities or requirements she felt were necessary for the wife of her cousin Darcy. It was hilarious as it painted a picture of someone that we know all too well. The ending was exciting. There was a twist that startled me as I was thinking it was one way and the author fooled me and took it another. Sneaky, you have to watch authors…they like to do that. However, I thought it excellent and perfectly logical. Excellent job. I enjoyed it.
We open in the spring of 1811 and Anne de Bourgh and her mother expect the yearly visit from her cousins Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Lady Catherine declares that this will be the year that Fitzwilliam fulfills his duty to the family and offers for her. Anne cringes slightly, her mother makes this statement every year pending their arrival. While Anne waited for her cousins, she reflected and wrote in a journal regarding her life, her feelings and emotions. This was Anne de Bourgh’s story, as penned by her in her journals.
Do not think for a moment that this will be an easy read. Be prepared for a viewpoint, often painful, that we rarely see. Each chapter starts in 1811 with Anne at Rosings Park and follows with her reflections of spring visits, starting at an early age, and moving forward to the current year of 1811. It was the most poignant and revealing insights into the life and times of Anne and her male cousins.
For those that have read Darcy’s Rival, you will have the sense of déjà vu as the author sets this up not as a prequel but an explanation of the behind scenes that really lays a ground work for Darcy’s Rival. I am not sure if that was the intent of the author but it answered many questions I had and sets the stage for what happened in the other book. Both books are stand-a-lone, so no worries if you have not read the other book. I suggest you do, after reading this one especially, as you will see the bridge between the two stories.
The author gave us a look, a glimpse of Anne de Bourgh as never before seen. At age four we see her reflections of her relations on their spring visit to Rosings Park. We see her first impressions of her cousin Fitzwilliam and of her overhearing their mothers plan a wedding that would join the estates. So begins her yearly reflections of her peculiar engagement with her cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire.
OMG! How I despise Lady Catherine…I have always had a scorn for her behavior and treatment of others and this work has pushed me beyond Christian forgiveness. Thank goodness the author only gave us a window of time with her, otherwise, I do not think I could endure her presence beyond that.
Throughout her young years, Anne loved and adored her father and he adored and loved her. That relationship was an oasis [for both of them] in a sea of stress and turmoil that surrounded Lady Catherine. As the young child grew, so did her feelings and understanding. The language used to describe those emotions at each stage in her growth and development was amazing. I loved the use of descriptive words as Anne grew and watched her cousin in anxious anticipation, wondering if this would be the visit where he would propose. And then facing the wrath and scorn of her mother because she failed to garner the offer of his hand. I wanted to scream at Lady Catherine as she insidiously beat down and chided her own child day after day because of her lack of accomplishments, beauty and charms that would entice her cousin.
Over the years, we travail and grieve when both the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families lose a loved one. First Lady Anne Darcy, then Sir Louis de Bourgh, followed by Mr. Darcy senior. Both Anne and Fitzwilliam comfort each other in their loss with letters of condolence that it will touch your heart, but life goes on.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” [NIV] And so too did Anne de Bourgh grow up and come to the realization one day that her cousin was not going to offer for her. As she reflected and searched her grief, she came to the realization that she was not really sure she wanted him to.
This description by the author was most excellent. We were gently pulled from the melancholy of potential loss into a new paradigm that was liberating and freeing to a caged soul. It was delightful as Anne began a new reality that in a sense freed her from the controlling bondage of her mother. Her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, was a most excellent lady and her son [a publisher] was just as excited to publish a work that Anne had penned earlier. With the encouragement and guidance of a lady of sense and a man of reason, Anne began to take the steps into the light of a new freedom. It was like watching the liberation of a prison camp as reality sets in that the occupant was now free.
There were lighter moments as Anne penned a list of qualities or requirements she felt were necessary for the wife of her cousin Darcy. It was hilarious as it painted a picture of someone that we know all too well. The ending was exciting. There was a twist that startled me as I was thinking it was one way and the author fooled me and took it another. Sneaky, you have to watch authors…they like to do that. However, I thought it excellent and perfectly logical. Excellent job. I enjoyed it.
April 1, 2017
This is a poignant companion novel to 'Mr. Darcy's Rival' that I have been looking forward to reading for sometime. I do recommend that you read 'Mr. Darcy's Rival' first as it helps to bring further depth to this one. It will make you wish you could shield Anne from her mother. In 'Mr. Darcy's Rival' Anne reveals to Elizabeth that she is an author who recently had her first book published under the pseudonym of N.D. Berg unbeknownst to her mother and with the help of her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, and her publisher son, Johnathan Jenkinson.
In 'A Peculiar Engagement' we get to see Anne's story from her point of view which not only tugs at your heartstrings but has you admiring her strength of character. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a mother who doesn't love or show affection for one's child. Lady Catherine de Bourgh only sees Anne as a means to an end...the joining of Rosings and Pemberley estates. Since birth, Anne has been told she is engaged to her cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, her father, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, who dearly loves his child, has told her he wants her to marry for love. I just loved the time they spent together and all that he taught her.
Living a circumscribed life due to severe asthma, Anne's imagination and feelings for her cousin take root within her heart. Thankfully, Anne finds an outlet for imagination by recording her stories and her thoughts each time Darcy and his family arrive to visit. This is how we learn more about Anne, Darcy and her years under the control of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This is also how Anne comes to realize that Darcy will never marry her. However, with perseverance and the help of her companion, Anne finds that she just might have her happily ever after.
I am so glad that Ms. Louise has given Anne de Bourgh her own story! I highly recommend it!
In 'A Peculiar Engagement' we get to see Anne's story from her point of view which not only tugs at your heartstrings but has you admiring her strength of character. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a mother who doesn't love or show affection for one's child. Lady Catherine de Bourgh only sees Anne as a means to an end...the joining of Rosings and Pemberley estates. Since birth, Anne has been told she is engaged to her cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, her father, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, who dearly loves his child, has told her he wants her to marry for love. I just loved the time they spent together and all that he taught her.
Living a circumscribed life due to severe asthma, Anne's imagination and feelings for her cousin take root within her heart. Thankfully, Anne finds an outlet for imagination by recording her stories and her thoughts each time Darcy and his family arrive to visit. This is how we learn more about Anne, Darcy and her years under the control of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. This is also how Anne comes to realize that Darcy will never marry her. However, with perseverance and the help of her companion, Anne finds that she just might have her happily ever after.
I am so glad that Ms. Louise has given Anne de Bourgh her own story! I highly recommend it!
October 6, 2016
Top Drawer Continuation
Ms Louise has once again brought her "A Game" in this delightful P&P variation. An adjunct to her equally strong "Mr Darcy's Rival", "Peculiar Engagement" deepens the back story of all of the characters' lives. Strong work and an enjoyable well-written read.
Ms Louise has once again brought her "A Game" in this delightful P&P variation. An adjunct to her equally strong "Mr Darcy's Rival", "Peculiar Engagement" deepens the back story of all of the characters' lives. Strong work and an enjoyable well-written read.
September 30, 2016
Here we have a great companion book to the excellent Mr. Darcy's Rival (which earned 5 stars from me). It presents Anne de Bourgh's story starting from childhood up to the summer of 1812. Much of this book is supposedly Anne's autobiographical story, which is also titled A Peculiar Engagement, and figures as a significant story element in Mr. Darcy's Rival.
Anne's story supposedly changed the names to be unrecognizable in order to protect the de Bourgh and Darcy families but, to avoid reader confusion, Ms. Louise keeps the "autobiographical" names intact. It bounces back and forth between the turning point year of 1811 and associated reminiscences of Anne's youth. At the end, Ms. Louise then adds an addendum chapter to Mr. Darcy's Rival. Anne's story deviates from her own experience at that point, so this addendum chapter describes what "really" happens to her. (My explanation here makes it sound more complicated than it is; this actually works quite well.) It's a clever and unusual plot device.
Anne may not be accomplished on the pianoforte or at drawing or needlework, and she may be sickly, but she begins writing stories at a young age and has a gift with spinning tales. Unfortunately, this talent would NOT be appreciated or encouraged by her domineering mother, so she keeps it a secret.
It is frankly depressing to see what a stifling influence Lady Catherine exerts over her daughter. Not only does she constantly disparage Anne, showing no motherly warmth or affection at all, but the unbearable stress Anne feels whenever Lady C. is near exacerbates the poor girl's breathing problems. She frequently finds herself short of breath, making her mother annoyed rather than arousing any sympathy. Lewis de Bourgh tries his best to compensate for Lady C's coldness but, as much as he loves his daughter, his more passive personality is no match for his iron-willed wife. At age 9, Anne begins her first story, The Girl in the Turret, which she continues writing and revising over the years. She and Sir Lewis often hide from the matriarch up in the turret of Rosings, sharing his telescope to view the far reaches of the property. His sudden death is a devastating blow, as she loses her only source of parental encouragement or tenderness.
Naturally, the myth that Darcy will marry Anne is a constant refrain Lady C. parrots repeatedly, and we learn a lot about the various stages of Anne's relationship with her cousin over the years... well, with both of her cousins, including Richard Fitzwilliam. Since she has learned never to question her mother's edicts, at first she assumes that marriage to Darcy is undoubtedly in her future. Over the years, especially once they're adults, she senses his reluctance and fears her mother's wrath, since she knows the blame will land on her if he doesn't acquiesce.
Fortunately, Anne's companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, recognizes her writing talent and urges her to continue developing her ability. But does Anne have the necessary fortitude to defy her mother and determine her own future?
I really enjoyed this character study of Anne. As always, Ms. Louise does a marvelous job creating believable characters and constructing an entertaining story around them. There is some romance included here. In order to avoid spoilers (for those who haven't read Mr. Darcy's Rival), I won't say more than that it is possibly a little too predictable, but it's still satisfying. You should be aware that Mr. Darcy is very much a secondary character and Elizabeth doesn't appear directly at all; this is ANNE's story.
While I'm on that subject, I don't think it's necessary to read Mr. Darcy's Rival to understand and enjoy what's going on in this book, although you do have to know the story of Pride and Prejudice and recognize that this is an alternate viewpoint of a variation on that tale. But why wouldn't you read it? It's a great book, too!
Anne's story supposedly changed the names to be unrecognizable in order to protect the de Bourgh and Darcy families but, to avoid reader confusion, Ms. Louise keeps the "autobiographical" names intact. It bounces back and forth between the turning point year of 1811 and associated reminiscences of Anne's youth. At the end, Ms. Louise then adds an addendum chapter to Mr. Darcy's Rival. Anne's story deviates from her own experience at that point, so this addendum chapter describes what "really" happens to her. (My explanation here makes it sound more complicated than it is; this actually works quite well.) It's a clever and unusual plot device.
Anne may not be accomplished on the pianoforte or at drawing or needlework, and she may be sickly, but she begins writing stories at a young age and has a gift with spinning tales. Unfortunately, this talent would NOT be appreciated or encouraged by her domineering mother, so she keeps it a secret.
It is frankly depressing to see what a stifling influence Lady Catherine exerts over her daughter. Not only does she constantly disparage Anne, showing no motherly warmth or affection at all, but the unbearable stress Anne feels whenever Lady C. is near exacerbates the poor girl's breathing problems. She frequently finds herself short of breath, making her mother annoyed rather than arousing any sympathy. Lewis de Bourgh tries his best to compensate for Lady C's coldness but, as much as he loves his daughter, his more passive personality is no match for his iron-willed wife. At age 9, Anne begins her first story, The Girl in the Turret, which she continues writing and revising over the years. She and Sir Lewis often hide from the matriarch up in the turret of Rosings, sharing his telescope to view the far reaches of the property. His sudden death is a devastating blow, as she loses her only source of parental encouragement or tenderness.
Naturally, the myth that Darcy will marry Anne is a constant refrain Lady C. parrots repeatedly, and we learn a lot about the various stages of Anne's relationship with her cousin over the years... well, with both of her cousins, including Richard Fitzwilliam. Since she has learned never to question her mother's edicts, at first she assumes that marriage to Darcy is undoubtedly in her future. Over the years, especially once they're adults, she senses his reluctance and fears her mother's wrath, since she knows the blame will land on her if he doesn't acquiesce.
Fortunately, Anne's companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, recognizes her writing talent and urges her to continue developing her ability. But does Anne have the necessary fortitude to defy her mother and determine her own future?
I really enjoyed this character study of Anne. As always, Ms. Louise does a marvelous job creating believable characters and constructing an entertaining story around them. There is some romance included here. In order to avoid spoilers (for those who haven't read Mr. Darcy's Rival), I won't say more than that it is possibly a little too predictable, but it's still satisfying. You should be aware that Mr. Darcy is very much a secondary character and Elizabeth doesn't appear directly at all; this is ANNE's story.
While I'm on that subject, I don't think it's necessary to read Mr. Darcy's Rival to understand and enjoy what's going on in this book, although you do have to know the story of Pride and Prejudice and recognize that this is an alternate viewpoint of a variation on that tale. But why wouldn't you read it? It's a great book, too!
November 28, 2016
Sometimes you have a hard time getting into a good book. You ask yourself, what is making it hard for me to read this book? For me, A Peculiar Engagement was a really well done story, but I felt sad reading it right from the beginning, so found myself putting it down and leaving it for days at a time.
A Peculiar Engagement is Ann De Bourgh's perspective on her lifelong relationship with the man she has always loved - Fitzwilliam Darcy. And, of course, from all our years of reading P&P and variations, we know that he does not see her in the same way. Thus, I felt sad reading about her feelings for Darcy as her love for him grew through the years. However, Ann does have her happy ending, despite the sorrow she experiences in her life. And, we learn that Ann has become a gifted author.
A very satisfying tale, as long as you can get past the misery of Ann's life to the point where is all is happily resolved. It is so well-written. Definitely recommended.
A Peculiar Engagement is Ann De Bourgh's perspective on her lifelong relationship with the man she has always loved - Fitzwilliam Darcy. And, of course, from all our years of reading P&P and variations, we know that he does not see her in the same way. Thus, I felt sad reading about her feelings for Darcy as her love for him grew through the years. However, Ann does have her happy ending, despite the sorrow she experiences in her life. And, we learn that Ann has become a gifted author.
A very satisfying tale, as long as you can get past the misery of Ann's life to the point where is all is happily resolved. It is so well-written. Definitely recommended.
October 3, 2016
My wife has made me a fan of "Jane Austen" books and thus I love not just Jane Austen, but all of the story lines that are being written by other very excellent authors in the same genre.
This book is about Anne De Bourgh, Lady Catherine's daughter.
Anyone familiar with Pride and Prejudice will be familiar with Anne and her mother. This novel gives the background to Anne's childhood and upbringing and how her life develops. Obviously it is just my wife's opinion and thoughts since we do not have anything from Jane Austen herself to lead us to these conclusions.
I found the book delightful and think you will as well.
Enjoy!
This book is about Anne De Bourgh, Lady Catherine's daughter.
Anyone familiar with Pride and Prejudice will be familiar with Anne and her mother. This novel gives the background to Anne's childhood and upbringing and how her life develops. Obviously it is just my wife's opinion and thoughts since we do not have anything from Jane Austen herself to lead us to these conclusions.
I found the book delightful and think you will as well.
Enjoy!
October 27, 2019
Let me start by saying that Kara Louise has been in my favorite author list since the first book I read by her. As such, I had high hopes for this book. I am sorry to say that I was sorely disappointed by the lack of sophisticated prose that is usually present when this author puts pen to paper. I can not say that I would recommend this book. It seemed simple minded to me. So sorry as I know less positive reviews are not welcome.
October 10, 2016
Although this is a sweet and imaginative story, one in which each chapter begins in a “present day” (1810 to 1812) but then reflects to younger days beginning in the Spring of 1788 when she is only 4 years old, it is not as much a romance, IMO, as it is a tale which fills in the life of and life as viewed from Anne’s POV.
We know from the author’s previous book, Mr. Darcy’s Rival, that Anne is the author of a novel and in this book we read of her relationship with her dear father, their visits to the turret where they use a telescope to view the estate and, in one childhood episode, help to rescue lost boys. Furthermore, Anne journalizes visits from her two cousins, Richard and Fitzwilliam, and her relationship with both.
She also paints herself as a girl and/or a young woman who is persuaded by her mother that she WILL marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. From her viewpoint we read of the Darcy family coming to visit and then the loss of Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy and the letter her namesake sends to her cousin to console him and then when she, in turn, loses her dear father, the letter, Fitzwilliam Darcy sends her.
Looming as a major part of this story is the treatment Anne suffers at the hands of her own mother: the elderberry tea…then wine forced upon her to calm her coughs, the lessons from Masters for dance, for playing the pianoforte, for singing and for art, which result in relentless browbeating when no progress, no success, is gained.
Time after time we read how Anne observes the man “she is to marry”, wondering if he looks upon her with favor. Indeed, sadly as she sees him gain in stature and looks and “falls in love” with him we read of the reticence and disdainful behavior that Darcy has learned in his interactions with society and marriage minded mamas and which he carries into Lady Catherine’s drawing room.
There are small parts concerning one George Wickham and his place in their younger days and then additionally we read the death of Mr. Darcy and of the appointed guardianship of Georgiana and Lady Catherine’s reflections and words about that niece.
Mrs. Jenkinson and then her son, John, come to the rescue, so to speak, as the lady encourages Anne’s adventures into authorship and 2 novels and he publishes both. Anne’s meeting this man leads to a positive step on her part and even to a very surprising solution to her desires.
The story seems to wind down but suddenly we learn that we have not read the real story as our author, Kara Louise, gives us the final word. This is Anne’s story and it takes some turns in adulthood which may just surprise the reader. It can be read as a standalone but Mr. Darcy’s Rival gives it more substance in the picture as a whole.
We know from the author’s previous book, Mr. Darcy’s Rival, that Anne is the author of a novel and in this book we read of her relationship with her dear father, their visits to the turret where they use a telescope to view the estate and, in one childhood episode, help to rescue lost boys. Furthermore, Anne journalizes visits from her two cousins, Richard and Fitzwilliam, and her relationship with both.
She also paints herself as a girl and/or a young woman who is persuaded by her mother that she WILL marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. From her viewpoint we read of the Darcy family coming to visit and then the loss of Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy and the letter her namesake sends to her cousin to console him and then when she, in turn, loses her dear father, the letter, Fitzwilliam Darcy sends her.
Looming as a major part of this story is the treatment Anne suffers at the hands of her own mother: the elderberry tea…then wine forced upon her to calm her coughs, the lessons from Masters for dance, for playing the pianoforte, for singing and for art, which result in relentless browbeating when no progress, no success, is gained.
Time after time we read how Anne observes the man “she is to marry”, wondering if he looks upon her with favor. Indeed, sadly as she sees him gain in stature and looks and “falls in love” with him we read of the reticence and disdainful behavior that Darcy has learned in his interactions with society and marriage minded mamas and which he carries into Lady Catherine’s drawing room.
There are small parts concerning one George Wickham and his place in their younger days and then additionally we read the death of Mr. Darcy and of the appointed guardianship of Georgiana and Lady Catherine’s reflections and words about that niece.
Mrs. Jenkinson and then her son, John, come to the rescue, so to speak, as the lady encourages Anne’s adventures into authorship and 2 novels and he publishes both. Anne’s meeting this man leads to a positive step on her part and even to a very surprising solution to her desires.
The story seems to wind down but suddenly we learn that we have not read the real story as our author, Kara Louise, gives us the final word. This is Anne’s story and it takes some turns in adulthood which may just surprise the reader. It can be read as a standalone but Mr. Darcy’s Rival gives it more substance in the picture as a whole.
December 20, 2016
A beautiful writing with Anne as the first role and point of view. She shares with us her memories from youth to adulthood with a loving father, an authoritarian, abusive and cold mother and a distant and kind cousin who she is supposed to marry. What a horrible youth she had, fortunately she is gifted at writing and can put all her misery on paper and with a twist of her mind imagine a better story. She is a kind and very sensible girl and woman, very appealing and endearing character. I highly recommend this book.
October 2, 2016
This book from Anne's point of view is wonderful. It was interesting to think of the peculiar engagement from her point of view and also to learn more about Darcy growing up.
September 29, 2016
I really adored this book that concentrates on Anne deBourgh. This is an insightful look into the life and loves of dear, sweet, sickly Anne. How her father's premature death and her mother's disdain formed her character. How she escaped from what could be defined as abuse through writing and how it set her free.
Along the way we are offered segments from the Darcy family visits, how Lady Catherine terrorized Georgiana and why Mr. Collins predecessor left.
This is a companion piece to another book by the author which parallels these affairs. At one point this book and that detour and she reverts to the other book. so it is a bit like a choose your ending.
Along the way we are offered segments from the Darcy family visits, how Lady Catherine terrorized Georgiana and why Mr. Collins predecessor left.
This is a companion piece to another book by the author which parallels these affairs. At one point this book and that detour and she reverts to the other book. so it is a bit like a choose your ending.
November 16, 2016
Peculiar engagement
This is Miss Anne DeBourge's story. She basically narrates from her earliest yrs how and what she felt about the wished for engagement between her and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This is also the back story of Ms Louise's previous novel " Mr Darcy's Rival". We see Anne and are introduced to her writing. This story is about all that she wrote. Loved Anne and her story so worth reading.
This is Miss Anne DeBourge's story. She basically narrates from her earliest yrs how and what she felt about the wished for engagement between her and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This is also the back story of Ms Louise's previous novel " Mr Darcy's Rival". We see Anne and are introduced to her writing. This story is about all that she wrote. Loved Anne and her story so worth reading.
December 27, 2017
Interesting Companion Story
I love how this book really gets into the mind of Anne DeBourgh. It's interesting how it fills in the blanks of Mr. Darcy's Rival and really helps to put Anne's situation in perspective. You won't want to read one book without reading the other! Great read!
I love how this book really gets into the mind of Anne DeBourgh. It's interesting how it fills in the blanks of Mr. Darcy's Rival and really helps to put Anne's situation in perspective. You won't want to read one book without reading the other! Great read!
October 26, 2016
Great job, Sis!
The threads of this story were intricately woven and filled in many missing details. It was charming and a must read for P&P fans.
The threads of this story were intricately woven and filled in many missing details. It was charming and a must read for P&P fans.
October 21, 2018
Highly recommend.
October 11, 2016
I waited to review A Peculiar Engagement. I really loved hearin Anne's view on her mother, Darcy, and her engagement. I thought the storyline seemed familiar when I realized it was Anne's side of Kara Louise's novel Mr. Darcy's Rival. What a gray read. I went back and read Mr. Darcy's Rival again. kara Louise is one of my favorite authors.
December 28, 2016
This book is the "flip side" of Mr. Darcy's Rival in which Anne de Bourgh, daughter of Lady Catherine, places a copy of her book, written and published under the name "N.D. Berg" without her mother's knowledge and with the assistance of her companion and her companion's son, in the carriage as Elizabeth (properly chaperoned) and Mr. Darcy leave Rosings.
The book that Anne wrote in the above-mentioned book is this one, A Peculiar Engagement. So we get to see precisely what Anne wrote (and Elizabeth read) about her admiration of Darcy but her falling in love with another man, one definitely *not* of her mother's choosing. It's a fascinating look at a variation of Pride and Prejudice through Anne's sharp, author's eyes, but Anne also reveals the cold, unfeeling treatment she endures from her mother, her deep love for her father, and the abiding support and comfort of her companion.
A very different Austen variation, A Peculiar Engagement is an insightful read, a story of tragedy and loss, and the triumph of a quietly strong spirit, one few, if any, recognized in quiet, often ill, Anne deBourgh.
The book that Anne wrote in the above-mentioned book is this one, A Peculiar Engagement. So we get to see precisely what Anne wrote (and Elizabeth read) about her admiration of Darcy but her falling in love with another man, one definitely *not* of her mother's choosing. It's a fascinating look at a variation of Pride and Prejudice through Anne's sharp, author's eyes, but Anne also reveals the cold, unfeeling treatment she endures from her mother, her deep love for her father, and the abiding support and comfort of her companion.
A very different Austen variation, A Peculiar Engagement is an insightful read, a story of tragedy and loss, and the triumph of a quietly strong spirit, one few, if any, recognized in quiet, often ill, Anne deBourgh.
October 14, 2016
Outstanding!
A beautifully written heartfelt and very emotional story. I'm a big fan of Kara's books they are all superb and this one is outstanding.
I enjoyed the way Kara alternates between the past and present. Makes Anne's journey so captivating. Anne's thoughts and feelings were so raw and real. There were so many heartbreaking moments for sweet Anne during her younger years. Her feelings for Darcy. Her mother's constant disdain.
I enjoyed reading about the closeness she shared with her dear father. Also knowing she had some solace with her writing.
Thank goodness for Mrs Jenkinson. I smiled with Anne when she read her beautiful letter from John declaring his love and admiration. A wonderfully told story and a highly recommend read. Makes me want to read Mr Darcy's Rival again too!
A beautifully written heartfelt and very emotional story. I'm a big fan of Kara's books they are all superb and this one is outstanding.
I enjoyed the way Kara alternates between the past and present. Makes Anne's journey so captivating. Anne's thoughts and feelings were so raw and real. There were so many heartbreaking moments for sweet Anne during her younger years. Her feelings for Darcy. Her mother's constant disdain.
I enjoyed reading about the closeness she shared with her dear father. Also knowing she had some solace with her writing.
Thank goodness for Mrs Jenkinson. I smiled with Anne when she read her beautiful letter from John declaring his love and admiration. A wonderfully told story and a highly recommend read. Makes me want to read Mr Darcy's Rival again too!
October 16, 2016
A Different P&P Heroine
This well written to "Mr Darcy's Rival" is about the history between Anne De Bourgh and Fitzwilliam Darcy from her first memory of meeting him until shortly after he has disastrously proposed to Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet is never seen in the book although she is referred to often. No Bennet's, Gardiners, Bingleys, or Wickhams . No London, Meryton, or Pemberley. All things I previously thought of as must-haves for a good P&P variation.
While not as long as Ms. House's other works, this short novel is a delight to read.
This well written to "Mr Darcy's Rival" is about the history between Anne De Bourgh and Fitzwilliam Darcy from her first memory of meeting him until shortly after he has disastrously proposed to Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet is never seen in the book although she is referred to often. No Bennet's, Gardiners, Bingleys, or Wickhams . No London, Meryton, or Pemberley. All things I previously thought of as must-haves for a good P&P variation.
While not as long as Ms. House's other works, this short novel is a delight to read.
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