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The Essence of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation
Their sisters brought them together. Will an enemy keep them apart?
Elizabeth Bennet has been asked to attend her sister in London. She heeds the call, unaware of the ulterior motive behind the request.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister has a new friend, a country girl with good connections. He approves the friendship, not knowing his sister is planning his future.
Darcy and Elizabeth do just as their sisters hoped for – they fall in love. When Elizabeth returns to Hertfordshire, Darcy accompanies her to speak to her father.
Two people from Darcy’s life follow the couple to Hertfordshire, intent on coming between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy puts them in their places and they go on their way.
One of those people, however, is out for revenge and plans to use Elizabeth to hurt Darcy. When she goes missing, Darcy tears the county apart looking for her. Will he find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?
The Essence of Love is a Pride and Prejudice variation that will keep you turning the pages. If you like scheming sisters, dastardly villains, and love at first sight, you’ll love this standalone novella from Zoe Burton. Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, curl up in your favorite reading spot, and lose yourself in the world of Darcy and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Bennet has been asked to attend her sister in London. She heeds the call, unaware of the ulterior motive behind the request.
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister has a new friend, a country girl with good connections. He approves the friendship, not knowing his sister is planning his future.
Darcy and Elizabeth do just as their sisters hoped for – they fall in love. When Elizabeth returns to Hertfordshire, Darcy accompanies her to speak to her father.
Two people from Darcy’s life follow the couple to Hertfordshire, intent on coming between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy puts them in their places and they go on their way.
One of those people, however, is out for revenge and plans to use Elizabeth to hurt Darcy. When she goes missing, Darcy tears the county apart looking for her. Will he find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?
The Essence of Love is a Pride and Prejudice variation that will keep you turning the pages. If you like scheming sisters, dastardly villains, and love at first sight, you’ll love this standalone novella from Zoe Burton. Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, curl up in your favorite reading spot, and lose yourself in the world of Darcy and Elizabeth.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2016
36 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 27, 2016
“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” Max Muller 3.5-stars
This was a quick novella [at 81 pages] and able to be read in a little over an hour. I couldn’t put it down anyway so it was a good thing. The action moved quickly, problems were overcome and resolutions were reached in quick-step fashion. However, that also caused problems with scenes feeling rushed. I would just be getting into the action when it would be over. Romantic scenes were rushed to the point of them feeling sterile and bland instead of romantic. I wanted more face time with ODC [our dear couple].
I liked this story even though there were problems. Purist will have a cow because the non-canon characters were OOC [out of character], failed to follow propriety of the era, used language a bit modern, and turned and looked the other way in regard to etiquette. However, every once in a while, you just need a quick D&E [Darcy and Elizabeth] fix and this was that novella. It was so cute.
The author redid the first meeting of ODC and that set the stage for them meeting on equal ground. Darcy was not upset due to being in strange company and therefore never made his famous insult.
Elizabeth was not affronted due to said insult and thus, saw Mr. Darcy as an acquaintance of her sister’s. Without the pride and prejudice, they were able to meet and find the equal ground between them. That gave them the opportunity to explore what they did have in common. Now, their relationship could begin. It was so cute. I loved the addition of another Aunt and Uncle with sense. Lord and Lady Watts, a Bennet connection, through Mr. Bennet’s sister. Since the Longbourn entail followed sons, this connection did not affect the heir, Mr. Collins.
Villains: We didn’t have page time with Caroline, she was already forced out [reason revealed later, OMG!!!]. Wait until you hear. Lady Catherine rushed to Longbourn to make her sentiments known. This marvelous scene could have been fleshed out more. Due to the minimalistic writing of this encounter, we were denied Anne’s comments or wishes in supporting her cousin Darcy. That would have been awesome. Wickham, slime bag, rat bastard was such a coward that he attempted an act of revenge so egregious that Darcy was forced to contact our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, though not villains, each in their own way, did not protect their daughter. Mr. Bennet, through neglect, and Mrs. Bennet, not understanding Lizzy, thus disregarded her. Mr. Darcy was not best pleased by their actions and let his thoughts and feelings on the subject be known.
The last scene of this story was so awesome… I lost my breath. I have always loved Colonel Fitzwilliam… but this man… absolutely took my breath. OMG!!! I am still stunned. Amazing ending! Oh – my – gosh!!!
Revise review: I had stated that there were 81 pages in my 1st paragraph and someone commented on my Amazon review that there were in fact 158 pages... I stand corrected and wish to note that. Apparently, there is a discrepancy between e-format and print copy.
This was a quick novella [at 81 pages] and able to be read in a little over an hour. I couldn’t put it down anyway so it was a good thing. The action moved quickly, problems were overcome and resolutions were reached in quick-step fashion. However, that also caused problems with scenes feeling rushed. I would just be getting into the action when it would be over. Romantic scenes were rushed to the point of them feeling sterile and bland instead of romantic. I wanted more face time with ODC [our dear couple].
I liked this story even though there were problems. Purist will have a cow because the non-canon characters were OOC [out of character], failed to follow propriety of the era, used language a bit modern, and turned and looked the other way in regard to etiquette. However, every once in a while, you just need a quick D&E [Darcy and Elizabeth] fix and this was that novella. It was so cute.
The author redid the first meeting of ODC and that set the stage for them meeting on equal ground. Darcy was not upset due to being in strange company and therefore never made his famous insult.
Elizabeth was not affronted due to said insult and thus, saw Mr. Darcy as an acquaintance of her sister’s. Without the pride and prejudice, they were able to meet and find the equal ground between them. That gave them the opportunity to explore what they did have in common. Now, their relationship could begin. It was so cute. I loved the addition of another Aunt and Uncle with sense. Lord and Lady Watts, a Bennet connection, through Mr. Bennet’s sister. Since the Longbourn entail followed sons, this connection did not affect the heir, Mr. Collins.
Villains: We didn’t have page time with Caroline, she was already forced out [reason revealed later, OMG!!!]. Wait until you hear. Lady Catherine rushed to Longbourn to make her sentiments known. This marvelous scene could have been fleshed out more. Due to the minimalistic writing of this encounter, we were denied Anne’s comments or wishes in supporting her cousin Darcy. That would have been awesome. Wickham, slime bag, rat bastard was such a coward that he attempted an act of revenge so egregious that Darcy was forced to contact our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, though not villains, each in their own way, did not protect their daughter. Mr. Bennet, through neglect, and Mrs. Bennet, not understanding Lizzy, thus disregarded her. Mr. Darcy was not best pleased by their actions and let his thoughts and feelings on the subject be known.
The last scene of this story was so awesome… I lost my breath. I have always loved Colonel Fitzwilliam… but this man… absolutely took my breath. OMG!!! I am still stunned. Amazing ending! Oh – my – gosh!!!
Revise review: I had stated that there were 81 pages in my 1st paragraph and someone commented on my Amazon review that there were in fact 158 pages... I stand corrected and wish to note that. Apparently, there is a discrepancy between e-format and print copy.
October 6, 2018
A swift and pain-free romance with a little debacle but not a particularly angsty one.
Perfect when you are in the mood for fast-paced fluff.
Mary was staying in London with her aunt when she ran into miss Darcy and they became friends. The two sisters starts scheming a bit to marry off their siblings...
After the engagement was a fact Elizabeth was kidnapped. The villain met with a very satisfying fait towards the end though. Love when the perpetrator gets his comeuppance.
Additionally, there was a fabulous setdown of Mrs Bennet. (Snickering wickedly).
As a fast-paced, quick read it naturally did not plunge into to any depth and was perhaps a little overly explained but I know other readers prefer when you are left guessing but little...
Recommend
Perfect when you are in the mood for fast-paced fluff.
Mary was staying in London with her aunt when she ran into miss Darcy and they became friends. The two sisters starts scheming a bit to marry off their siblings...
After the engagement was a fact Elizabeth was kidnapped. The villain met with a very satisfying fait towards the end though. Love when the perpetrator gets his comeuppance.
Additionally, there was a fabulous setdown of Mrs Bennet. (Snickering wickedly).
As a fast-paced, quick read it naturally did not plunge into to any depth and was perhaps a little overly explained but I know other readers prefer when you are left guessing but little...
Recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
This story is a easy, short, wonderful novella. The story begins as Mary is visiting with her god mother Lady Watts. Mary is in a bookstore and meets and begins a friendship with Georgiana Darcy. When Mary finally meets Darcy, she feels he will be a good match with Elizabeth. Now, Mary and Georgiana conspire to get Darcy and Elizabeth together. Once Darcy meets Elizabeth he is head over heels in love with her. Their courtship begins. We have a small appearance of Lady Catherine. There is no Caroline in this story. Bingley does lease Netherfield and meets Jane. Wickham does make an appearance and it always is a pleasure to see him get his just due. I wonderful story with happy endings...you will not be disappointed.
June 25, 2024
Mary gets to know Georgiana while spending time with her titled godmother. They think Darcy and Elizabeth would be well suited so they matchmake. And what do you know, it was pretty instalove at first sight for our dear couple. Thereafter there is some understated courting, a Lady Catherine rant that goes nowhere, a villainous Wickham plot that ends in some bloodshed, and Mrs. Bennet lacking empathy. Everything happened a bit too quickly to care.
Steam level: Nope, but there is some violence.
Steam level: Nope, but there is some violence.
April 21, 2021
Simple and sweet
This is one of those JAFF books, written in a very elementary way, where everything happens conveniently, and all is wrapped up neatly. In this one, the circumstances of the meeting of ODC are changed completely, eliminating altogether the defining characteristics of certain important characters. Mary Bennett is visiting her godmother, a viscountess, and a Bennett relation, in London. Therefore, the Bennetts have noble connections. During her visit she encounters Georgiana Darcy at a book store, and they become bosom buddies before they're ready to leave the store. Through Miss Darcy, Mary meets Mr Darcy, and immediately determines that he would be a perfect match for her sister, Elizabeth. Mary then, without first getting permission, writes to Elizabeth to invite her to London so that she can arrange a meeting between Darcy and Elizabeth.
This is a greatly altered Mary, who conveniently tosses out her sermonizing and her pompous behavior, in favor of being a giggling matchmaker, reminiscent of Lydia's rather silly behavior. Darcy is not the Darcy we know. Gone is the extreme caution, the arrogance, the severe facial expressions. He conveniently is besotted by Elizabeth at first sight, and thinks about proposing to her after only one encounter.
The usual villains are accounted for. Caroline Bingley is referenced but never seen. Lady Catherine, after learning about the betrothal of Darcy and Elizabeth, makes an attempt to accost Elizabeth, but is conveniently prevented from her tirade. Wickham is the only villain who gets the chance to do damage, and he's a rather cartoonish, Snidely Whiplash-like bad guy, who gets a surprisingly harsh comeuppance.
This isn't great literature, and I really don't recognize a lot of these characters from P&P. Although written in a simple, beginner-like way, it's a sweet, romantic story. I recommend it as a mildly pleasant way to pass a few hours.
This is one of those JAFF books, written in a very elementary way, where everything happens conveniently, and all is wrapped up neatly. In this one, the circumstances of the meeting of ODC are changed completely, eliminating altogether the defining characteristics of certain important characters. Mary Bennett is visiting her godmother, a viscountess, and a Bennett relation, in London. Therefore, the Bennetts have noble connections. During her visit she encounters Georgiana Darcy at a book store, and they become bosom buddies before they're ready to leave the store. Through Miss Darcy, Mary meets Mr Darcy, and immediately determines that he would be a perfect match for her sister, Elizabeth. Mary then, without first getting permission, writes to Elizabeth to invite her to London so that she can arrange a meeting between Darcy and Elizabeth.
This is a greatly altered Mary, who conveniently tosses out her sermonizing and her pompous behavior, in favor of being a giggling matchmaker, reminiscent of Lydia's rather silly behavior. Darcy is not the Darcy we know. Gone is the extreme caution, the arrogance, the severe facial expressions. He conveniently is besotted by Elizabeth at first sight, and thinks about proposing to her after only one encounter.
The usual villains are accounted for. Caroline Bingley is referenced but never seen. Lady Catherine, after learning about the betrothal of Darcy and Elizabeth, makes an attempt to accost Elizabeth, but is conveniently prevented from her tirade. Wickham is the only villain who gets the chance to do damage, and he's a rather cartoonish, Snidely Whiplash-like bad guy, who gets a surprisingly harsh comeuppance.
This isn't great literature, and I really don't recognize a lot of these characters from P&P. Although written in a simple, beginner-like way, it's a sweet, romantic story. I recommend it as a mildly pleasant way to pass a few hours.
October 25, 2016
The Essence of Love: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation
Excellent story. No Hunsford proposal, no Caroline, no Collins, and no improper pride or prejudice from ODC. In this story, Mary and Georgiana met in London and became friends. When Mary was introduced to Fitzwilliam Darcy, she immediately sees a match for Elizabeth. Elizabeth is brought to London, introduced to Darcy, and the rest is history. Love at first sight. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and wicked Wickham were still around to antagonize everyone. With Lady Catherine's interference, Mr. Bennet was ready to have her thrown out of Longbourn and Anne was still chuckling at Elizabeth's response to Lady Catherine so her and her big mouth went back to Kent quickly. Wickham tries once more to take his revenge against Darcy and is almost successful, but fate saves Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam finally catches up with Wickham in the back alleys of London and takes care of the scoundrel once and for all.
Excellent story. No Hunsford proposal, no Caroline, no Collins, and no improper pride or prejudice from ODC. In this story, Mary and Georgiana met in London and became friends. When Mary was introduced to Fitzwilliam Darcy, she immediately sees a match for Elizabeth. Elizabeth is brought to London, introduced to Darcy, and the rest is history. Love at first sight. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and wicked Wickham were still around to antagonize everyone. With Lady Catherine's interference, Mr. Bennet was ready to have her thrown out of Longbourn and Anne was still chuckling at Elizabeth's response to Lady Catherine so her and her big mouth went back to Kent quickly. Wickham tries once more to take his revenge against Darcy and is almost successful, but fate saves Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam finally catches up with Wickham in the back alleys of London and takes care of the scoundrel once and for all.
October 2, 2018
3.5⭐️ The first half of the story was too perfect, there was no conflicts and our couples fell in love without any doubt.
I prefer a little more angst towards their understanding of each other. There was a bit of angst and climax in the story, but was also quickly resolved.
Enjoyable story, quick read and low angst.
I prefer a little more angst towards their understanding of each other. There was a bit of angst and climax in the story, but was also quickly resolved.
Enjoyable story, quick read and low angst.
April 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this story and loved how Georgiana and Mary were written and seeing their friendship. It was fun to watch the two of them act as matchmakers for Elizabeth and Darcy. I also really liked the inclusion of having an aunt from Mr. Bennets' side of their family acting as Mary's godmother and having Mary and Elizabeth staying with her in London for awhile. All the characters were well written and I enjoyed reading about and seeing how this story progressed. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
September 21, 2023
In this variation Mary Bennet is visiting her godmother and aunt, Lady Watts, when she meets Georgiana Darcy in a bookshop and they become friends. Mary believing that Darcy and Elizabeth would be suited contrives to invite Elizabeth to London. But not all is smooth to that happy ending.
Is this variation there is no Caroline Bingley or Mr. Collins, but there is Wickham and his deeds.
An enjoyable story. Read the re-write.
Is this variation there is no Caroline Bingley or Mr. Collins, but there is Wickham and his deeds.
An enjoyable story. Read the re-write.
June 24, 2023
I like P&P stories that are more of a departure than a variation. This one was the former. It’s Mary Bennet who befriends Georgiana Darcy while Mary is visiting London. Mary notices immediately that Georgiana’s brother would be the perfect match for her sister, Elizabeth. Both girls set about to make it happen. It was a very cute. And, in this incarnation, while Aunt and Uncle Gardiner are still in the picture, it’s Mary’s other Aunt (who is also her godmother), Mr. Bennet’s sister, with whom Mary is staying while in London. This Aunt and Uncle are peers of the realm, titled and landed. Therefore, in Darcy’s mind, there are no obstacles or issues with Georgiana befriending a young lady with the “proper connections”. Elizabeth visits with Mary, Jane visits with the Gardiners, Darcy is immediately smitten with Elizabeth, a dinner party is planned which is where Jane meets Bingley for the first time. Zoe Burton’s books are a hit or miss when it comes to editing; some of her books are an easy, smooth read while her other books are littered with grammatical errors, misspellings and horrible mistakes like referring to Elizabeth as he, and so on. The author also has a habit of taking a part of the story that could be its own chapter and summing it up in one paragraph as an afterthought. For example, at the end of the book both couples are talking after the double wedding (no real spoiler there) and Jane mentions that she is eager to meet Charles’ other family members, having already met Caroline and the Hursts. Charles jokes that what she really means is that she wants to see if the rest of the family is like. This paragraph follows: “Bingley laughed. He had told Jane the story of his younger sister and how she was found in Darcy’s bed one night by a servant, who informed Mrs. Hurst, who took her husband, brother and Darcy with her to confront her sister, exposing her and her machinations to the entire household.” It’s told as a little blurb and nothing more. Several of the characters in her books, characters who should have more “screen time”, are relegated to the background. If that. Which is probably why Zoe Burton’s books are so short. It leaves the reader with a sense of a story that isn’t properly and fully fleshed out. Still, it’s an entertaining read.
November 17, 2023
Shortness compromising substance
This was an enjoyable yet low-angst variation. As much as this reader enjoyed it, she feels that the brevity and summarization of many circumstances compromised the substance of the whole story.
It’s endearing the way the beloved couple’s sisters did the matchmaking and that the couple met before the Meryton Assembly. That is one scenario many JAFF readers would like to imagine. It is a bit of a turn off that the fiery and impertinent Elizabeth Bennet seems to shrink away after falling in love with the imposing Fitzwilliam Darcy. And Wickham surely got his comeuppance but as he was not publicly faced with his crimes against Elizabeth Bennet, that was a letdown.
A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This was an enjoyable yet low-angst variation. As much as this reader enjoyed it, she feels that the brevity and summarization of many circumstances compromised the substance of the whole story.
It’s endearing the way the beloved couple’s sisters did the matchmaking and that the couple met before the Meryton Assembly. That is one scenario many JAFF readers would like to imagine. It is a bit of a turn off that the fiery and impertinent Elizabeth Bennet seems to shrink away after falling in love with the imposing Fitzwilliam Darcy. And Wickham surely got his comeuppance but as he was not publicly faced with his crimes against Elizabeth Bennet, that was a letdown.
A 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Read
December 21, 2023This was a short, sweet, novella, in which Darcy and Lizzy meet in town. Away from the vulgar example of her matchmaking mother and silly younger sisters (and with the addition of an aunt on her father's side, who is a member of the peerage), the path to true love runs smoothly.
Instant attraction turns to instant love, and Darcy and Lizzy are engaged in due course. The second half of the novel introduces a minor complication (Lady Catherine), a major complication (Wickham), and an annoying complication (Mrs Bennet), all of whom are dealt with in short order.
If you are looking for a quick, low-angst story to while away a few hours, this might be the one for you.
Instant attraction turns to instant love, and Darcy and Lizzy are engaged in due course. The second half of the novel introduces a minor complication (Lady Catherine), a major complication (Wickham), and an annoying complication (Mrs Bennet), all of whom are dealt with in short order.
If you are looking for a quick, low-angst story to while away a few hours, this might be the one for you.
June 12, 2024
I liked the different Mary character. She is pushed into it by her Godmother but once there it appears she rather likes the differences. It is fun to see her be a normal teen.
E&D are both likeable and their relationship happens easily. Kind of a nice change.
Most of this book is low angst and kind of fluffy fun. There is a brief part toward the end that was kinda scary for a bit. And while that ended okay, the very end was kinda yucky. I didn't like that part at all. He should have gone to trial and be dealt with justly rather having the way things happened. The end result is the same more or less but do it legally.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
E&D are both likeable and their relationship happens easily. Kind of a nice change.
Most of this book is low angst and kind of fluffy fun. There is a brief part toward the end that was kinda scary for a bit. And while that ended okay, the very end was kinda yucky. I didn't like that part at all. He should have gone to trial and be dealt with justly rather having the way things happened. The end result is the same more or less but do it legally.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
Read
February 28, 2024Low angst and fast.
A good unusual beginning putting Mary in the forefront. Matchmaker Mary has found the perfect match for Elizabeth. Instantly. Instantly ODC are fast tracked into an engagement.
Wickham shows up to punish Darcy. Elizabeth is the victim. Darcy moves heaven and earth and then lines out mama Bennett.
Not a bad book but very vanilla. I looked forward to it just ending.
A good unusual beginning putting Mary in the forefront. Matchmaker Mary has found the perfect match for Elizabeth. Instantly. Instantly ODC are fast tracked into an engagement.
Wickham shows up to punish Darcy. Elizabeth is the victim. Darcy moves heaven and earth and then lines out mama Bennett.
Not a bad book but very vanilla. I looked forward to it just ending.
April 14, 2020
Mary and Georgiana are the two "heros" to start. Mary is staying in London and becomes best friends with Georgiana. This friendship leads to more acquaintances of the two. Sweet and adorable story on how Darcy and Elizabeth meet, court, and marry. Mrs Bennet is just as thoughtless and Wickham is horrible. Highly recommended to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Swooning!
Although, Darcy's character was well written and was decisive; I loved the colonel. I've always been a Richard fan. I just love how he is always ready to step in to take care of the nasty. And Wickham was nasty.
Although, Darcy's character was well written and was decisive; I loved the colonel. I've always been a Richard fan. I just love how he is always ready to step in to take care of the nasty. And Wickham was nasty.
October 27, 2023
3.5 Stars
It is a light, no-angst story in which Darcy and Elizabeth are immediately smitten (I love those).
Wickham makes an appearance and looks to bring pain to Darcy.
Richard also makes a brief appearance. What can I say? It's his best role yet 🤫
It is a light, no-angst story in which Darcy and Elizabeth are immediately smitten (I love those).
Wickham makes an appearance and looks to bring pain to Darcy.
Richard also makes a brief appearance. What can I say? It's his best role yet 🤫
March 11, 2025
Beautifully done
Nicely done. Low angst. Quickly to the point. I felt ODC's love. Could of added more of Bingley and Jane's romance, though. That couple seemed rushed. FYI, I will most likely reread this again.
Nicely done. Low angst. Quickly to the point. I felt ODC's love. Could of added more of Bingley and Jane's romance, though. That couple seemed rushed. FYI, I will most likely reread this again.
October 23, 2016
A quick read that is based on the two premises that the Bennets have connections to the ton and that Darcy and Elizabeth meet in London, facilitating a much quicker and smoother courtship. The story starts with Mary in London with her godmother/aunt, an accidenral meeting with Georgiana leads to their friendship, and a matchmaking plot to introduce Elizabeth to Darcy. Problems arise once everyone returns to Meryton.
This is a Collins and Caroline free story, both only mentioned tangentially. The real villain, of course, is Wickham.
This is a Collins and Caroline free story, both only mentioned tangentially. The real villain, of course, is Wickham.
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