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Recuerda el Pasado
Después de una dolorosa Temporada Social en Londres y de perder Longbourn a manos de su artero hermano, el Almirante Bennet y sus hijos, Jane, Elizabeth, Francis y Philip, acompañados de su fiel compañero de andanzas Piper, se mudan a Alston Hall en Derbyshire donde conocen y hacen amistad con Fitzwilliam Darcy, el viudo padre de dos hijos, George y David, el Coronel Richard Fitzwilliam y la tía de ambos y suegra de Darcy y Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine De Bourgh.
Acompáñelos en esta totalmente diferente historia en la que no puede faltar Wickham y sus intrigas.
Acompáñelos en esta totalmente diferente historia en la que no puede faltar Wickham y sus intrigas.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2014
65 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books321 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 20, 2016
Shiver me timbers; guilt trip and obligations: 3.5 stars
This novella is off canon, way off canon and has a reduced cast of characters. This is not Austen in any form or fashion. Let’s face it. It is a story with characters that have the same name. If you can come to grips with that, then read on for an entertaining story. If you try to mesh Austen’s P&P with this story you will have a difficult time.
When Austen’s characters are used in a story, there are certain expectations and character traits that readers look for, whether conscious or not. JAFF fans know them, expect them and will look for them. It’s OK to go off canon; however, it is risky when the ingrained character traits go off canon as well. It is the difference between a pastel and bold painting. They may be the same subject; however, there is a big difference in the outcome.
The new owner of Alston Hall has arrived to take possession. Thomas Bennet is a retired Admiral of the White, a widower with four children, Jane, Elizabeth and identical twin sons Francis and Philip, along with a manservant/side-kick Piper [I love this guy], and housekeeper Mrs. Hill.
The adjoining property Pemberley, is occupied by Mr. Darcy, also a widower [Anne], his mother-in-law Lady Catherine, his two sons George and David, and Darcy’s sister Georgiana. Wickham is also in this picture and as rapacious as always. Darcy invites the Bennet family to stay at Pemberley while Alston Hall is renovated.
The Bennet household: The Admiral is a force to be reckoned with. Accustomed to having his word as law, he expects…no demands his house run ship-shape and heaven help the one that incites his ire. I liked this guy. He was demanding, but in order to survive the many sea adventures, battles and conflicts, he had to be. He has outlived two wives and they were both love matches. He has a good relationship with his children.
Jane was closer to Austen’s character than any other. She was a beauty, wise, and a peacemaker. She also caught the eye of a certain Colonel in our story.
Elizabeth was almost, but not quite what she could have been. A foundation was laid for her accomplishments, her abilities and her staunch love of family, fortune, connections and strength of character. Frankly…she was too good for the Darcy in this story. And yet, I think the author did her a disservice by underplaying her.
Darcy: who was this guy? He actually came across like a secondary character rather than the lead. He was a shadow of Austen’s Mr. Darcy; not even close to a Colin Firth. There was this note missing in his actions, the way he presented himself, it was lacking in his very being. He allowed Wickham to control, manipulate, and quilt-trip him into ignoring sage advice, filial obligations/protection and sense of what was right and wrong and kowtowed to whatever Wickham wanted. He was the cushion for family to fall back on when they were in trouble or needed help. He tried, whether through guilt or obligation, to help everyone within his sphere of influence. However, it came across as something weak and pathetic rather than heroic. Inviting strangers to stay at Pemberley for an indeterminate amount of time?
Wickham: What a wimp. This was not even Austen’s Wickham. This was a simpering, sneaky, slime of a character that showed up only to cause trouble. His glib responses to his actions and demands for money or compensation were pathetic if not sad. His whole existence [leach that he was] centered around a service rendered to Darcy when they were young. At every opportunity, he tried to divert guilt/blame and his default response was that Darcy owed him. We were given an explanation as to why Wickham was given an education; however, it fell flat and actually reduced the character of young Darcy. Darcy allowed him way too many liberties and that was unacceptable. To the end, he was applying to Darcy’s sympathy and trying to explain away his actions that had put people in danger. It was never his fault.
I wanted to like this story. There were so many directions the author could have taken. Situations were set up only to limply fall to the wayside. Ideas presented yet didn’t come to fruition. I kept wondering…what happened to this or that. They just sort of fizzled out. There was action, drama, hero moments and angst; however, they were sporadic, didn’t mesh and didn’t make up for those missing pieces.
I loved the fact the admiral taught his daughters to defend themselves and Elizabeth had to do that on more than one occasion. However, we were denied her getting to use her skills other than practicing with the children and Colonel Fitzwilliam. [This was a missed opportunity because Wickham was too stupid to gather a gang and fight]
Colonel Fitzwilliam: oh, let’s not forget him. Like the other characters, he too was a shade off from canon. The relationship between Darcy and our dear Colonel was and has always been cousin/brother. This version failed to bring that out. Once again this ‘sense of obligation’ was the elephant in the room. What was the difference between Wickham’s demands, due to guilt and Darcy taking in the Colonel because his family cut him off? I so longed for the relationship that we love between our characters that just was not there. Later in the story, it was revealed that the Colonel [and he was shocked to learn of it] was better off financially than he thought because Darcy had managed and invested his money for him. Are you serious? Once again, an attempt to give Darcy the hero moment.
Lady Catherine: who was this woman? I loved her and she certainly was not canon. This was a no nonsense woman who used intelligence, grace, and her fan to control; however, was not condescending or authoritarian. I liked her and she was necessary to the story.
The boys: The Bennet and Darcy boys were adorable as they forged a lasting friendship. [Here is a future story-line] We were given a glimpse of fatherly advice, parenting styles of the day, lessons to be learned that built character in young men of that age, how to obey parental rules and what happened when you didn’t. It was fairly predictable that their antics would cause trouble and that it would set up the hero moments for Darcy and Bennet, giving them an opportunity to settle their disagreements.
If this had been an ordinary story with different names, it would have been cute and I would have accepted the characters as portrayed. The character of the weak leading male would learn the lesson he was supposed to, change his life from guilt/obligation driven to being the master of his life, as he should, due to the love and influence of an outstanding woman.
There were minimal editing problems, and a puzzle or question I would like settled. When Lady Catherine needed to move quickly [run], she complained about fashion not allowing it. I assumed she was wearing the typical empire waist design that had limited leg room. However, when Elizabeth needed to quickly ride her horse, she chose to ride astride instead of sidesaddle and it was noted that Darcy saw her ankle. What was she wearing? It couldn’t have been a limited movement design like Lady Catherine mentioned. Instead it would need to be a full skirt design in order to accommodate her sitting astride. That would require a lot of material. It was never clarified; not that it matters; however, women note things like that.
This novella is off canon, way off canon and has a reduced cast of characters. This is not Austen in any form or fashion. Let’s face it. It is a story with characters that have the same name. If you can come to grips with that, then read on for an entertaining story. If you try to mesh Austen’s P&P with this story you will have a difficult time.
When Austen’s characters are used in a story, there are certain expectations and character traits that readers look for, whether conscious or not. JAFF fans know them, expect them and will look for them. It’s OK to go off canon; however, it is risky when the ingrained character traits go off canon as well. It is the difference between a pastel and bold painting. They may be the same subject; however, there is a big difference in the outcome.
The new owner of Alston Hall has arrived to take possession. Thomas Bennet is a retired Admiral of the White, a widower with four children, Jane, Elizabeth and identical twin sons Francis and Philip, along with a manservant/side-kick Piper [I love this guy], and housekeeper Mrs. Hill.
The adjoining property Pemberley, is occupied by Mr. Darcy, also a widower [Anne], his mother-in-law Lady Catherine, his two sons George and David, and Darcy’s sister Georgiana. Wickham is also in this picture and as rapacious as always. Darcy invites the Bennet family to stay at Pemberley while Alston Hall is renovated.
The Bennet household: The Admiral is a force to be reckoned with. Accustomed to having his word as law, he expects…no demands his house run ship-shape and heaven help the one that incites his ire. I liked this guy. He was demanding, but in order to survive the many sea adventures, battles and conflicts, he had to be. He has outlived two wives and they were both love matches. He has a good relationship with his children.
Jane was closer to Austen’s character than any other. She was a beauty, wise, and a peacemaker. She also caught the eye of a certain Colonel in our story.
Elizabeth was almost, but not quite what she could have been. A foundation was laid for her accomplishments, her abilities and her staunch love of family, fortune, connections and strength of character. Frankly…she was too good for the Darcy in this story. And yet, I think the author did her a disservice by underplaying her.
Darcy: who was this guy? He actually came across like a secondary character rather than the lead. He was a shadow of Austen’s Mr. Darcy; not even close to a Colin Firth. There was this note missing in his actions, the way he presented himself, it was lacking in his very being. He allowed Wickham to control, manipulate, and quilt-trip him into ignoring sage advice, filial obligations/protection and sense of what was right and wrong and kowtowed to whatever Wickham wanted. He was the cushion for family to fall back on when they were in trouble or needed help. He tried, whether through guilt or obligation, to help everyone within his sphere of influence. However, it came across as something weak and pathetic rather than heroic. Inviting strangers to stay at Pemberley for an indeterminate amount of time?
Wickham: What a wimp. This was not even Austen’s Wickham. This was a simpering, sneaky, slime of a character that showed up only to cause trouble. His glib responses to his actions and demands for money or compensation were pathetic if not sad. His whole existence [leach that he was] centered around a service rendered to Darcy when they were young. At every opportunity, he tried to divert guilt/blame and his default response was that Darcy owed him. We were given an explanation as to why Wickham was given an education; however, it fell flat and actually reduced the character of young Darcy. Darcy allowed him way too many liberties and that was unacceptable. To the end, he was applying to Darcy’s sympathy and trying to explain away his actions that had put people in danger. It was never his fault.
I wanted to like this story. There were so many directions the author could have taken. Situations were set up only to limply fall to the wayside. Ideas presented yet didn’t come to fruition. I kept wondering…what happened to this or that. They just sort of fizzled out. There was action, drama, hero moments and angst; however, they were sporadic, didn’t mesh and didn’t make up for those missing pieces.
I loved the fact the admiral taught his daughters to defend themselves and Elizabeth had to do that on more than one occasion. However, we were denied her getting to use her skills other than practicing with the children and Colonel Fitzwilliam. [This was a missed opportunity because Wickham was too stupid to gather a gang and fight]
Colonel Fitzwilliam: oh, let’s not forget him. Like the other characters, he too was a shade off from canon. The relationship between Darcy and our dear Colonel was and has always been cousin/brother. This version failed to bring that out. Once again this ‘sense of obligation’ was the elephant in the room. What was the difference between Wickham’s demands, due to guilt and Darcy taking in the Colonel because his family cut him off? I so longed for the relationship that we love between our characters that just was not there. Later in the story, it was revealed that the Colonel [and he was shocked to learn of it] was better off financially than he thought because Darcy had managed and invested his money for him. Are you serious? Once again, an attempt to give Darcy the hero moment.
Lady Catherine: who was this woman? I loved her and she certainly was not canon. This was a no nonsense woman who used intelligence, grace, and her fan to control; however, was not condescending or authoritarian. I liked her and she was necessary to the story.
The boys: The Bennet and Darcy boys were adorable as they forged a lasting friendship. [Here is a future story-line] We were given a glimpse of fatherly advice, parenting styles of the day, lessons to be learned that built character in young men of that age, how to obey parental rules and what happened when you didn’t. It was fairly predictable that their antics would cause trouble and that it would set up the hero moments for Darcy and Bennet, giving them an opportunity to settle their disagreements.
If this had been an ordinary story with different names, it would have been cute and I would have accepted the characters as portrayed. The character of the weak leading male would learn the lesson he was supposed to, change his life from guilt/obligation driven to being the master of his life, as he should, due to the love and influence of an outstanding woman.
There were minimal editing problems, and a puzzle or question I would like settled. When Lady Catherine needed to move quickly [run], she complained about fashion not allowing it. I assumed she was wearing the typical empire waist design that had limited leg room. However, when Elizabeth needed to quickly ride her horse, she chose to ride astride instead of sidesaddle and it was noted that Darcy saw her ankle. What was she wearing? It couldn’t have been a limited movement design like Lady Catherine mentioned. Instead it would need to be a full skirt design in order to accommodate her sitting astride. That would require a lot of material. It was never clarified; not that it matters; however, women note things like that.
December 4, 2015
I read this story as a WIP on a blog and truly enjoyed it so purchased it when it was published. BUT I didn't want to write a review until I read the newer version so as to make sure I had a sense of the story in its final edition as well as after it was read front to back in its entirety.
If you don't like to read versions in which the variation is completely different from canon, be warned: this story has few similarities to Pride and Prejudice. Oh, the names of most of the principle characters are there and Pemberley figures in as the main residence but the estate of Alston Hall is new. The characters seem to be almost new creations, other than their names. And there are a few new players who play significant roles: Piper and four children named Francis, Philip, David and George. Mr. Bennet is now a retired Admiral Bennet, a twice-over widower but with only 2 daughters and with identical twin sons.
However in this tale Bennet has lost the estate of Longbourn to a brother and is settling in a new estate…one neighboring Pemberley. And upon finding it in an uninhabitable condition finds he must accept the offer to be the guests of Mr. Darcy and his mother-in-law (and) Aunt…Catherine de Bourgh. But Darcy’s life is complete. Or so he thinks. He has married, he has two sons and he is now a widower, himself. He has no desires for any changes in his life.
But there is one circumstance in his life which I found hard to swallow. Darcy feels a sense of obligation to George Wickham due to George’s not only saving his life years ago but also for intervening and paving the way at university when Darcy’s reticence and awkwardness have made him feel like an outsider. As a reader my hackles were up and I thought of Darcy as a fool here, to accept that George’s motivations were that of a “friend”, and that he continued to know his place in the circles of family and acquaintances, just didn’t sit right. And George’s lechery upon meeting certain young ladies began to make me feel my instincts were correct. But Darcy seeks to place Wickham in a new post as steward due to the fact that Wickham has lost his apprenticeship with Darcy’s attorney in London…more about that in the story was not surprising to me.
Even though this story is a wide departure from canon, I enjoyed it. Cathy: oh, my! And Admiral Bennet – really? As a senior citizen myself I have to say that it was heartwarming to read of a romance for some who have already passed middle age. Yes, some of us can still have stirrings…but enough of that. It was at times comical to learn about how to use one’s fan effectively.
The story seems to emphasize the relationship between Elizabeth with both her father and with Darcy. Jane has little mention in this story and her love interest is NOT a man named Bingley as he and his sisters do not exist here. The admiral has traveled the world and taken his family with him. In doing such he has taught his daughters self defense and they each carry knives with them. Plus the girls are not sheltered in having met many a man and having learned early to judge new acquaintances. You see, each daughter now has not only her looks to recommend her but also a dowry AND the Prince’s friendship with their father to help introduce them into society. So imagine our chagrin when we read of how Elizabeth has been repudiated as she uses her intuition and skills of assessment to refuse more than one suitor who in turn starts gossip to seek revenge for her denial of their suit.
This story also uses the natural exuberance of four young boys, of their daring-do and competitiveness to lead events to a culmination and to show the mettle of several lead actors.
In remembering the past (and in this story it is significant in shaping our characters) we have Adm. Bennet’s loss of Longbourn and the way his daughter was treated by suitors (and the ton) in London. We have Lady Catherine’s experience with her faithless husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relationship with her own father and his being disowned. We have all that went on between Wickham and Darcy growing up and even at university. And for Elizabeth we have how fickle and then treacherous men have revealed themselves in seeking but being denied their suit of her. So although in canon Elizabeth wants to only remember the past as it gives her pleasure, in this story the past has present sway in hers and other’s outlooks and judgments.
This story is one that had enough pleasure for me that I was able to remember it from my past reading of such, even though I may have read a hundred or more stories since my first perusal of this tale. Yes, I recommend it, canon or NOT.
If you don't like to read versions in which the variation is completely different from canon, be warned: this story has few similarities to Pride and Prejudice. Oh, the names of most of the principle characters are there and Pemberley figures in as the main residence but the estate of Alston Hall is new. The characters seem to be almost new creations, other than their names. And there are a few new players who play significant roles: Piper and four children named Francis, Philip, David and George. Mr. Bennet is now a retired Admiral Bennet, a twice-over widower but with only 2 daughters and with identical twin sons.
However in this tale Bennet has lost the estate of Longbourn to a brother and is settling in a new estate…one neighboring Pemberley. And upon finding it in an uninhabitable condition finds he must accept the offer to be the guests of Mr. Darcy and his mother-in-law (and) Aunt…Catherine de Bourgh. But Darcy’s life is complete. Or so he thinks. He has married, he has two sons and he is now a widower, himself. He has no desires for any changes in his life.
But there is one circumstance in his life which I found hard to swallow. Darcy feels a sense of obligation to George Wickham due to George’s not only saving his life years ago but also for intervening and paving the way at university when Darcy’s reticence and awkwardness have made him feel like an outsider. As a reader my hackles were up and I thought of Darcy as a fool here, to accept that George’s motivations were that of a “friend”, and that he continued to know his place in the circles of family and acquaintances, just didn’t sit right. And George’s lechery upon meeting certain young ladies began to make me feel my instincts were correct. But Darcy seeks to place Wickham in a new post as steward due to the fact that Wickham has lost his apprenticeship with Darcy’s attorney in London…more about that in the story was not surprising to me.
Even though this story is a wide departure from canon, I enjoyed it. Cathy: oh, my! And Admiral Bennet – really? As a senior citizen myself I have to say that it was heartwarming to read of a romance for some who have already passed middle age. Yes, some of us can still have stirrings…but enough of that. It was at times comical to learn about how to use one’s fan effectively.
The story seems to emphasize the relationship between Elizabeth with both her father and with Darcy. Jane has little mention in this story and her love interest is NOT a man named Bingley as he and his sisters do not exist here. The admiral has traveled the world and taken his family with him. In doing such he has taught his daughters self defense and they each carry knives with them. Plus the girls are not sheltered in having met many a man and having learned early to judge new acquaintances. You see, each daughter now has not only her looks to recommend her but also a dowry AND the Prince’s friendship with their father to help introduce them into society. So imagine our chagrin when we read of how Elizabeth has been repudiated as she uses her intuition and skills of assessment to refuse more than one suitor who in turn starts gossip to seek revenge for her denial of their suit.
This story also uses the natural exuberance of four young boys, of their daring-do and competitiveness to lead events to a culmination and to show the mettle of several lead actors.
In remembering the past (and in this story it is significant in shaping our characters) we have Adm. Bennet’s loss of Longbourn and the way his daughter was treated by suitors (and the ton) in London. We have Lady Catherine’s experience with her faithless husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relationship with her own father and his being disowned. We have all that went on between Wickham and Darcy growing up and even at university. And for Elizabeth we have how fickle and then treacherous men have revealed themselves in seeking but being denied their suit of her. So although in canon Elizabeth wants to only remember the past as it gives her pleasure, in this story the past has present sway in hers and other’s outlooks and judgments.
This story is one that had enough pleasure for me that I was able to remember it from my past reading of such, even though I may have read a hundred or more stories since my first perusal of this tale. Yes, I recommend it, canon or NOT.
December 8, 2025
A Nice Lady Catherine
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2019
A nice Lady Catherine was definitely a surprise. Interesting story.
October 10, 2022 - Seeing a Goodreads review prompted me to want to read this book, but I saw my old Amazon review, so marked it as read and copied it here. I don’t remember reading this one, so I’ve added it to my re-read stack. My early reviews were rather wanting. 🫣
October 10-11, 2022 - Audiobook
Excellent five-star narration and performance by Elizabeth Klett. I really enjoyed it. The story is very good also, but it’s difficult to see a Darcy heir not be Elizabeth’s child. That said, I did love Darcy’s boys.
January 13-14, 2024 - Audiobook re-listen
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2019
A nice Lady Catherine was definitely a surprise. Interesting story.
October 10, 2022 - Seeing a Goodreads review prompted me to want to read this book, but I saw my old Amazon review, so marked it as read and copied it here. I don’t remember reading this one, so I’ve added it to my re-read stack. My early reviews were rather wanting. 🫣
October 10-11, 2022 - Audiobook
Excellent five-star narration and performance by Elizabeth Klett. I really enjoyed it. The story is very good also, but it’s difficult to see a Darcy heir not be Elizabeth’s child. That said, I did love Darcy’s boys.
January 13-14, 2024 - Audiobook re-listen
October 9, 2022
Almost perfect variation
This is one of my 5 favorite variations. Each person in the book has her/his own well thought out character. Each as there own voice. You can tell who is talking by the words they use, their inflections, etc.
The story is VERY original.
I laughed, cried, had empathy and was fully engaged in the story.
I recommend this book very highly. Do not miss out by not reading it.
This is one of my 5 favorite variations. Each person in the book has her/his own well thought out character. Each as there own voice. You can tell who is talking by the words they use, their inflections, etc.
The story is VERY original.
I laughed, cried, had empathy and was fully engaged in the story.
I recommend this book very highly. Do not miss out by not reading it.
December 12, 2014
In her latest retelling of Pride and Prejudice, author Maria Grace gives readers a refreshingly different Darcy and Elizabeth tale to enjoy. Similar to Ms. Grace’s Given Good Principles series, Remember the Past does not follow the Pride and Prejudice canon – there are altered personalities, new characters, different situations, and less focus on pride, prejudice, and first impressions. These novels are perfect for readers who want something that stands out and is dissimilar to many of the JAFF novels out there. But this novel may not be the favorite of readers who don’t like it when much license is taken with Jane Austen’s characters and plots.
The premise for Remember the Past is wholly unique – Mr. Bennet is actually Admiral Bennet, a widower with a successful career in the navy, substantial wealth, and the father of two daughters and two younger sons. The Bennet family purchased an estate in Derbyshire and are neighbors with those in residence at Pemberley – which includes a widowed Mr. Darcy, his mother-in-law Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Darcy’s two young sons. These two families begin to form fast and strong friendships, and more than one romantic attachment begins to blossom. However, when Darcy’s childhood friend George Wickham is hired as steward for Mr. Bennet’s estate these budding relationships are put to the test…
As stated above, there are quite a few differences with characters and their traits with this Pride and Prejudice retelling. Even though this made some of these characters less recognizable, I did enjoy seeing these unique changes. Instead of being negligent and sarcastic, Admiral Bennet is a blustery and stalwart navy-man who runs his household with military precision. His daughters have connections, dowries, and know how to protect themselves with knifes or swords. And probably the most striking alteration is with Lady Catherine, who is strong-willed but far more loving, kind, and maternal than Jane Austen’s Lady C by far.
One of my favorite elements of the story were the new original characters Maria Grace crafted. I loved the four young boys. Oh, how I love to see Darcy and Elizabeth interact with children. (It melts my heart! :)) I enjoyed witnessing several lovely and tender moments with these young children and our dear couple. I also greatly enjoyed Piper, Admiral Bennet’s man who is gruff and menacing on the outside, but loyal, dependable, and caring inside, he is such an integral part of the Bennet family.
My main issue with this novel and the reason it is not receiving a higher rating is because I felt it was too fast-paced and a little underdeveloped. Yes, fast pacing is a good thing in a story – it means things are exciting and riveting – but if the story proceeds at too quick a pace it can diminish development. And that’s what I felt in this case – Darcy conquered his scruples quickly, the couples in love reached understandings easily, and any obstacles in their path were swiftly overcome. I would have loved to explore deeper into these characters and feel more emotional connection to them. Learning more about their pasts would have helped I think, almost each character has past experiences that impacted their lives. Seeing some flashbacks of these experiences and internal introspection would have aided in making the characters more complex and dimensional.
Imaginative, distinct, and romantic – Remember the Past is a wonderful choice for readers who have read dozens and maybe even hundreds of Pride and Prejudice inspired novels and is looking for something new. :) As always, I love seeing how Maria Grace plays with and creatively alters these beloved characters and their stories! However, my favorites of hers remain the first two books in the Given Good Principles series. :)
The premise for Remember the Past is wholly unique – Mr. Bennet is actually Admiral Bennet, a widower with a successful career in the navy, substantial wealth, and the father of two daughters and two younger sons. The Bennet family purchased an estate in Derbyshire and are neighbors with those in residence at Pemberley – which includes a widowed Mr. Darcy, his mother-in-law Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Darcy’s two young sons. These two families begin to form fast and strong friendships, and more than one romantic attachment begins to blossom. However, when Darcy’s childhood friend George Wickham is hired as steward for Mr. Bennet’s estate these budding relationships are put to the test…
As stated above, there are quite a few differences with characters and their traits with this Pride and Prejudice retelling. Even though this made some of these characters less recognizable, I did enjoy seeing these unique changes. Instead of being negligent and sarcastic, Admiral Bennet is a blustery and stalwart navy-man who runs his household with military precision. His daughters have connections, dowries, and know how to protect themselves with knifes or swords. And probably the most striking alteration is with Lady Catherine, who is strong-willed but far more loving, kind, and maternal than Jane Austen’s Lady C by far.
One of my favorite elements of the story were the new original characters Maria Grace crafted. I loved the four young boys. Oh, how I love to see Darcy and Elizabeth interact with children. (It melts my heart! :)) I enjoyed witnessing several lovely and tender moments with these young children and our dear couple. I also greatly enjoyed Piper, Admiral Bennet’s man who is gruff and menacing on the outside, but loyal, dependable, and caring inside, he is such an integral part of the Bennet family.
My main issue with this novel and the reason it is not receiving a higher rating is because I felt it was too fast-paced and a little underdeveloped. Yes, fast pacing is a good thing in a story – it means things are exciting and riveting – but if the story proceeds at too quick a pace it can diminish development. And that’s what I felt in this case – Darcy conquered his scruples quickly, the couples in love reached understandings easily, and any obstacles in their path were swiftly overcome. I would have loved to explore deeper into these characters and feel more emotional connection to them. Learning more about their pasts would have helped I think, almost each character has past experiences that impacted their lives. Seeing some flashbacks of these experiences and internal introspection would have aided in making the characters more complex and dimensional.
Imaginative, distinct, and romantic – Remember the Past is a wonderful choice for readers who have read dozens and maybe even hundreds of Pride and Prejudice inspired novels and is looking for something new. :) As always, I love seeing how Maria Grace plays with and creatively alters these beloved characters and their stories! However, my favorites of hers remain the first two books in the Given Good Principles series. :)
November 21, 2017
This is not a P&P variation. This is a whole other story told with P&P characters who sometimes and somewhat have things in common with their canon originals. It's practically P&P opposite day. The situation of the Bennet family, their relationship with the Darcys, the role of Wickham, Lady Catherine--all so very different from usual.
And I LOVED it. :-)
When I realized just how different it would be, I honestly didn't expected to enjoy it so much, but it was just such a well-done story that it was impossible to dislike it. The characters were colorful and the plot both exciting and satisfying. Sure, this same story probably could have been told without using our beloved characters, but I think it would have lost something if it had. Half of the fun was getting to see them in these extremely (for most--Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were probably the least affected) different circumstances and try to guess how they might react. Lady Catherine was probably the most different, but she was also one of my favorite characters.
The audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Klett was fabulous. I think this is the third one in a row I've listened to that was done by her, strictly coincidentally, but she's quickly become one of my favorite narrators.
And I LOVED it. :-)
When I realized just how different it would be, I honestly didn't expected to enjoy it so much, but it was just such a well-done story that it was impossible to dislike it. The characters were colorful and the plot both exciting and satisfying. Sure, this same story probably could have been told without using our beloved characters, but I think it would have lost something if it had. Half of the fun was getting to see them in these extremely (for most--Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were probably the least affected) different circumstances and try to guess how they might react. Lady Catherine was probably the most different, but she was also one of my favorite characters.
The audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Klett was fabulous. I think this is the third one in a row I've listened to that was done by her, strictly coincidentally, but she's quickly become one of my favorite narrators.
January 8, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice inspired story uses the characters but is completely out of cannon. That being said, it was a great romance novel. Two neighboring families that fill the voids in each other’s lives and find love through a bit of diversity.
Read
November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
August 20, 2018
I loved it. It is a well written novel with many of the same Jane Austen characters and it shows Mr. Bennet in a different light as a Navy Admiral. I enjoyed seeing him in a more commanding way and also a loving way. Aunt Catherine was written to be more amiable and got along well with everyone. The humor in this novel were the children. I loved the way the author wrote about their antics and how the two sets of boys got along. Especially the saluting of Mr. Bennet and then the Darcy boys started saluting him. There were a few chuckles along the reading.
Maria Grace also showed Elizabeth's perception of Wickham and his ways that lead to his demise.
The story ended with love in the air and that all ends well.
A wonderful and great read!
Maria Grace also showed Elizabeth's perception of Wickham and his ways that lead to his demise.
The story ended with love in the air and that all ends well.
A wonderful and great read!
October 16, 2014
Review originally appeared on Austenprose: http://austenprose.com/2014/09/25/rem...
Complete re-imaginings of Jane Austen’s novels are always interesting fan-fiction works to read. There are essentially no rules or paths that the characters must follow. One of my favorites has been Darcy’s Voyage by Kara Louise. I enjoy how creative some authors get in the trials and tribulations they make their characters endure. With that being said, I was excited to read a new re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice entitled Remember the Past by Maria Grace. With how much I enjoyed Grace’s Given Good Principles series, I knew I was in for a treat.
The Bennet family thought they had everything one would need for a successful season in London. Elizabeth’s father, Admiral Thomas Bennet, has just retired from the navy with a sizable income, and his friends in high places should provide them with enough social standing to make the challenges of entry into London’s high society a non-event. Not all goes as planned, however, when a disaster forces them to flee from the riches of London to the mundane existence of Derbyshire. How can they ever survive such an abysmal area with no one of interest around?
Enter Fitzwilliam Darcy, a widower who finds all of his time devoted to taking care of his two sons. He despises the intrusion that the Bennet family has forced upon his life, and his sons’ insistence on going to meet the Bennet twins makes his aggravation rise to new heights. That is, until he meets Elizabeth, who seems to hold a certain spell on his consciousness. His efforts to help and assist the Bennet family go horribly awry at first, and Darcy finds himself in a deeper hole than when he began to make their acquaintance. Will he be able to see himself out of this mess?
First of all, I really enjoyed Grace’s creative take on the tale. I thought it was interesting that Lizzie and Jane were the only Bennet sisters, and that there were two twin brothers from Mr. Bennet’s second marriage. I liked that there were still traces of Austen’s Mr. Bennet, but there was a freshness brought to his character that was intriguing. Additionally, while Austen’s influence was still present with other characters, it was nice to see a Lady Catherine stripped of her usual officious demeanor and Jane bolstered with more confidence and an outspoken personality. Seeing Lady Catherine dote on Darcy, and imagining Darcy as a father was endearing, even without Elizabeth as the mother of the children (the late Anne de Bourgh was their mother.)
Despite all these changes, take heart that not everything falls far away from Austen purism. Darcy still sees himself as needing to take care of everyone, Elizabeth is still witty and outspoken, and Mr. Bennet is still at times aloof. Fear not, Wickham is still around, and he manages to get in trouble even without Lydia. Grace sprinkles in enough of the familiar, while still allowing room for change and growth to highlight her creativity and abilities in weaving a tale. I believe that this is what she does best, blend old and new together to create a story that has the framework of Austen and her characters, but contains enough new and exciting content to keep me turning the pages. Yes, there were a few moments where I believed the story needed tightening, but overall it was a great read that pulled me in. For those that enjoy a classic Jane Austen re-imagining this is a no-brainer. Grace’s style is not to be missed.
Complete re-imaginings of Jane Austen’s novels are always interesting fan-fiction works to read. There are essentially no rules or paths that the characters must follow. One of my favorites has been Darcy’s Voyage by Kara Louise. I enjoy how creative some authors get in the trials and tribulations they make their characters endure. With that being said, I was excited to read a new re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice entitled Remember the Past by Maria Grace. With how much I enjoyed Grace’s Given Good Principles series, I knew I was in for a treat.
The Bennet family thought they had everything one would need for a successful season in London. Elizabeth’s father, Admiral Thomas Bennet, has just retired from the navy with a sizable income, and his friends in high places should provide them with enough social standing to make the challenges of entry into London’s high society a non-event. Not all goes as planned, however, when a disaster forces them to flee from the riches of London to the mundane existence of Derbyshire. How can they ever survive such an abysmal area with no one of interest around?
Enter Fitzwilliam Darcy, a widower who finds all of his time devoted to taking care of his two sons. He despises the intrusion that the Bennet family has forced upon his life, and his sons’ insistence on going to meet the Bennet twins makes his aggravation rise to new heights. That is, until he meets Elizabeth, who seems to hold a certain spell on his consciousness. His efforts to help and assist the Bennet family go horribly awry at first, and Darcy finds himself in a deeper hole than when he began to make their acquaintance. Will he be able to see himself out of this mess?
First of all, I really enjoyed Grace’s creative take on the tale. I thought it was interesting that Lizzie and Jane were the only Bennet sisters, and that there were two twin brothers from Mr. Bennet’s second marriage. I liked that there were still traces of Austen’s Mr. Bennet, but there was a freshness brought to his character that was intriguing. Additionally, while Austen’s influence was still present with other characters, it was nice to see a Lady Catherine stripped of her usual officious demeanor and Jane bolstered with more confidence and an outspoken personality. Seeing Lady Catherine dote on Darcy, and imagining Darcy as a father was endearing, even without Elizabeth as the mother of the children (the late Anne de Bourgh was their mother.)
Despite all these changes, take heart that not everything falls far away from Austen purism. Darcy still sees himself as needing to take care of everyone, Elizabeth is still witty and outspoken, and Mr. Bennet is still at times aloof. Fear not, Wickham is still around, and he manages to get in trouble even without Lydia. Grace sprinkles in enough of the familiar, while still allowing room for change and growth to highlight her creativity and abilities in weaving a tale. I believe that this is what she does best, blend old and new together to create a story that has the framework of Austen and her characters, but contains enough new and exciting content to keep me turning the pages. Yes, there were a few moments where I believed the story needed tightening, but overall it was a great read that pulled me in. For those that enjoy a classic Jane Austen re-imagining this is a no-brainer. Grace’s style is not to be missed.
June 29, 2016
I’ve usually never attempted to read a P&P fan fiction as I have a feeling that I would end up not liking it. Though this book seems like a P&P fanfic except for the names I didn’t find any similarities, either story wise or character wise. The author has given an entirely new makeover to the story as well as for all the characters and I quite liked it (only if I stop comparing this to JA’s P&P)
Admiral Bennet has two daughters Jane and Lizzy and twin sons and is quite a strict father and unreasonable at times as well, who does not like Darcy for a son in law. The war of words between Lizzy and Darcy’s is quite less compared to Bennet and Darcy’s. The premises was quite different here and the whole story was carried nicely justifying each twists and turns. I loved the language too. It was a simple and sweet story overall and i quite enjoyed listening to it.
Elizebeth Klett has narrated the story exceptionally well with different voice modulation for different characters. I have listened to many of her audio books and loved them all. By far she is one of my favorite narrator.
Thanks to her for sending me the audio copy of this book through audible.
Admiral Bennet has two daughters Jane and Lizzy and twin sons and is quite a strict father and unreasonable at times as well, who does not like Darcy for a son in law. The war of words between Lizzy and Darcy’s is quite less compared to Bennet and Darcy’s. The premises was quite different here and the whole story was carried nicely justifying each twists and turns. I loved the language too. It was a simple and sweet story overall and i quite enjoyed listening to it.
Elizebeth Klett has narrated the story exceptionally well with different voice modulation for different characters. I have listened to many of her audio books and loved them all. By far she is one of my favorite narrator.
Thanks to her for sending me the audio copy of this book through audible.
October 9, 2014
Oh boy what to say!! I loved this book. I first read it on a JAFF website and thoroughly enjoyed it then, but with some of the little tweaks Maria Grace did to it to publish it were great!!! The scene where Mr Bennet comforted Elizabeth after her first run in with Wickham while she is setting up Mr Bennet's office. This story is a fresh aspect and creative. You either like or really dislike Mr Bennet in this story, he has some similar traits as the original, but they are generally more exaggerated and he is a little more gruff/stubborn. Whereas Elizabeth at times appears meek, which is so OOC.
As I said before I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though I usually don't like the stories that have had Darcy married and already having an heir. It seems pointless for why Elizabeth would want to marry without the benefit of her eventual son being the heir. But those two "scamps" are an integral part of the plot, and Maria is just such a great story teller, I had to overlook my discomfort.
Anyone who loves P&P will enjoy reading this book!!!
As I said before I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though I usually don't like the stories that have had Darcy married and already having an heir. It seems pointless for why Elizabeth would want to marry without the benefit of her eventual son being the heir. But those two "scamps" are an integral part of the plot, and Maria is just such a great story teller, I had to overlook my discomfort.
Anyone who loves P&P will enjoy reading this book!!!
March 13, 2016
In this variation it is an Admiral Thomas Bennet, with Jane, Elizabeth and twin sons who are travelling to their new estate in Derbyshire. Moving themselves from a life at sea, London and Longbourne.
They met with Darcy, and his two sons from a marriage with Anne deBourgh, Pemberley also hosts the Colonel and Lady Catherine.
How will they all get on, how will Wickham, friend to Darcy behave.
Not to canon - new characters and new situations unfold.
They met with Darcy, and his two sons from a marriage with Anne deBourgh, Pemberley also hosts the Colonel and Lady Catherine.
How will they all get on, how will Wickham, friend to Darcy behave.
Not to canon - new characters and new situations unfold.
September 22, 2019
It's taken me forever to finish this book... I am rating on the basis of what I was expecting and wanted - a Pride and Prejudice variation.... but I think this should have been written as a stand alone historical romance.
The only resemblance to P & P are the character names. No one behaves as they should. As a story it's well written, entertaining, well considered and flows well. However, I really struggle with Mr Bennet not being a disinterested slightly neglectful father - here he is an Admiral no less. Lady Catherine is nice. So nice she is referred to as 'Cathy'. Mr Bennet only has two daughters, then two sons from a second marriage. Darcy was reasonably happily married to Anne de Bourgh till she died but they had two children together. Elizabeth is just a bit uninteresting and Darcy and Wickham are friends... worse still, Darcy is the only person in the world who doesn't see that Wickham is a scoundrel.
If you've never read Pride and Prejudice, don't know the characters and have no knowledge of how they behave, it is likely you'll love this. It is a good story.... although we don't have flooding ravines in England.... which is a kind of important point in this story. Nor do we have intersections. I'm grumpy with this book. I shouldn't have finished it as I was never going to be happy with it!
The only resemblance to P & P are the character names. No one behaves as they should. As a story it's well written, entertaining, well considered and flows well. However, I really struggle with Mr Bennet not being a disinterested slightly neglectful father - here he is an Admiral no less. Lady Catherine is nice. So nice she is referred to as 'Cathy'. Mr Bennet only has two daughters, then two sons from a second marriage. Darcy was reasonably happily married to Anne de Bourgh till she died but they had two children together. Elizabeth is just a bit uninteresting and Darcy and Wickham are friends... worse still, Darcy is the only person in the world who doesn't see that Wickham is a scoundrel.
If you've never read Pride and Prejudice, don't know the characters and have no knowledge of how they behave, it is likely you'll love this. It is a good story.... although we don't have flooding ravines in England.... which is a kind of important point in this story. Nor do we have intersections. I'm grumpy with this book. I shouldn't have finished it as I was never going to be happy with it!
October 11, 2014
In Jane Austen’s original classic, Pride and Prejudice, we are introduced to the Bennet family with Mr. Bennet, his wife and their five daughters. Austen also presents us with the formidable, wealthy, prideful yet dashing Mr. Darcy, his sister and their relations, both familiar and social. When Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet meet for the first time, it certainly isn’t love at first sight, and they go endure many challenges to ultimately become one of the most beloved couples in all of literature.
In Remember the Past, author Maria Grace takes the basic premises found in Pride and Prejudice and tweaks them just a bit, leading to very different storylines for her characters. This is often referred to as a Pride and Prejudice “diversion”, some of which have been written in a most interesting fashion by various authors, with entertaining results. Others have not always impressed me, so the mere inclusion of Austen’s characters is not a guarantee of a pleasing tale to recommend to my friends and readers. As I’ve read and enjoyed Maria Grace’s work before in Darcy’s Decision and The Future Mrs. Darcy, I had high hopes for her latest work in Remember the Past.
In Maria’s vision of Austen’s world, Darcy is now a widower with two young boys. Mr. Bennet is also a widower twice over, and both men (whether they initially admit it or not) nurse some measure of loneliness, revealing that they are in want of a wife. The Bennet family is no longer solely made up of women; Elizabeth now has two younger brothers with whom to contend as she also keeps an eye on her adoring father, a former admiral. Darcy’s aunt Catherine de Bourgh is still very much a part of the story, but her demeanor is distinctly softer and more sympathetic than Austen’s Lady. I found this Catherine to be a pleasant soul, however she wasn’t as interesting as the haughty original. Lady de Bourgh struggles with issues from her past, causing her memory of them to be quite painful. This informs the title of the novel and is one of the main themes overall.
But as in Pride and Prejudice, Darcy and Elizabeth hold the most attention. Fitzwilliam seems to be smitten with Elizabeth from the outset; there is no mention of her being “not handsome enough” for him. She is even spunkier than Austen’s original, having grown up under the care of her admiral father, learning sword play as well as riding horses astride (as opposed to side saddle). At the same time, Elizabeth is a bit insecure, after a painful social rejection from the ton in London, not long ago. Although the attraction to Darcy is there, she resists it at first and must overcome her insecurities as an eligible maiden.
The dastardly character of George Wickham also takes a major role in the novel, much like in the original text. His behaviors are not precisely the same, but his personal integrity (or lack thereof) and devious nature are still very much intact. He provides quite the foil to Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr. Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Wickham’s presence in their lives brings about much intrigue and excitement to say the least.
I enjoyed Maria Grace’s latest vision of this Austenesque world. The cast of characters remains mostly intact, but their journeys take decidedly different routes. I enjoyed the chemistry that remains between Darcy and Elizabeth, and Admiral Bennet’s relationships were touching and sweet. The journey he takes as a father and a husband were quite interesting, and I enjoyed spending more time with this character, who usually tends to take on a more minor role in this genre. Wickham is deliciously troublemaking, and I liked how Maria developed him as a character. It may be sacrilegious to say, but I felt that his ultimate fate was much more satisfying than the one Austen wrote for him.
Near the conclusion of the novel, dramatic events unfold that positively captured my interest and brought cinematic energy to the story. Due to the fact that this is a “diversion”, I had no idea what kind of fate was in store for the characters. I was on the edge of my seat at one point, taking in quite a perilous scene that could have ended in many different ways. Grace’s choices were realistic and very entertaining.
Side thought: As a mother of two boys, I loved the inclusion of so many little tykes into the story. The Darcy and Bennet boys truly brought a new and welcome flavor to the storyline. It made Darcy not only a dashing gentleman, but an admirable father figure as well. Many women would agree, those traits make men even more attractive as individuals.
A note to my conservative readers: As an Austenesque diversion, the romantic content of Remember the Past is not exactly as implied as it was in Pride and Prejudice. More than one couple’s passions for one another are made perfectly clear. However, Maria Grace’s efforts to keep things tantalizing without becoming overly salacious were well done. I would rate the content as a light PG-13. Everyone remains clothed, and the sanctity of the marriage bed is respected. Salty language is also kept to a minimum. I applaud Maria for her choices in these areas, as her writing is more than strong enough to hold up without overly steamy content.
Just as she did in Darcy’s Decision and The Future Mrs. Darcy, Maria Grace has once again brought to her readers a delightful, entertaining and sweetly romantic story while using Austen’s characters as a launching point for the tale. I give it a hearty recommendation, and look forward to returning to her work in the Given Good Principles series, with All the Appearance of Goodness and Twelfth Night at Longbourn.
In Remember the Past, author Maria Grace takes the basic premises found in Pride and Prejudice and tweaks them just a bit, leading to very different storylines for her characters. This is often referred to as a Pride and Prejudice “diversion”, some of which have been written in a most interesting fashion by various authors, with entertaining results. Others have not always impressed me, so the mere inclusion of Austen’s characters is not a guarantee of a pleasing tale to recommend to my friends and readers. As I’ve read and enjoyed Maria Grace’s work before in Darcy’s Decision and The Future Mrs. Darcy, I had high hopes for her latest work in Remember the Past.
In Maria’s vision of Austen’s world, Darcy is now a widower with two young boys. Mr. Bennet is also a widower twice over, and both men (whether they initially admit it or not) nurse some measure of loneliness, revealing that they are in want of a wife. The Bennet family is no longer solely made up of women; Elizabeth now has two younger brothers with whom to contend as she also keeps an eye on her adoring father, a former admiral. Darcy’s aunt Catherine de Bourgh is still very much a part of the story, but her demeanor is distinctly softer and more sympathetic than Austen’s Lady. I found this Catherine to be a pleasant soul, however she wasn’t as interesting as the haughty original. Lady de Bourgh struggles with issues from her past, causing her memory of them to be quite painful. This informs the title of the novel and is one of the main themes overall.
But as in Pride and Prejudice, Darcy and Elizabeth hold the most attention. Fitzwilliam seems to be smitten with Elizabeth from the outset; there is no mention of her being “not handsome enough” for him. She is even spunkier than Austen’s original, having grown up under the care of her admiral father, learning sword play as well as riding horses astride (as opposed to side saddle). At the same time, Elizabeth is a bit insecure, after a painful social rejection from the ton in London, not long ago. Although the attraction to Darcy is there, she resists it at first and must overcome her insecurities as an eligible maiden.
The dastardly character of George Wickham also takes a major role in the novel, much like in the original text. His behaviors are not precisely the same, but his personal integrity (or lack thereof) and devious nature are still very much intact. He provides quite the foil to Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr. Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Wickham’s presence in their lives brings about much intrigue and excitement to say the least.
I enjoyed Maria Grace’s latest vision of this Austenesque world. The cast of characters remains mostly intact, but their journeys take decidedly different routes. I enjoyed the chemistry that remains between Darcy and Elizabeth, and Admiral Bennet’s relationships were touching and sweet. The journey he takes as a father and a husband were quite interesting, and I enjoyed spending more time with this character, who usually tends to take on a more minor role in this genre. Wickham is deliciously troublemaking, and I liked how Maria developed him as a character. It may be sacrilegious to say, but I felt that his ultimate fate was much more satisfying than the one Austen wrote for him.
Near the conclusion of the novel, dramatic events unfold that positively captured my interest and brought cinematic energy to the story. Due to the fact that this is a “diversion”, I had no idea what kind of fate was in store for the characters. I was on the edge of my seat at one point, taking in quite a perilous scene that could have ended in many different ways. Grace’s choices were realistic and very entertaining.
Side thought: As a mother of two boys, I loved the inclusion of so many little tykes into the story. The Darcy and Bennet boys truly brought a new and welcome flavor to the storyline. It made Darcy not only a dashing gentleman, but an admirable father figure as well. Many women would agree, those traits make men even more attractive as individuals.
A note to my conservative readers: As an Austenesque diversion, the romantic content of Remember the Past is not exactly as implied as it was in Pride and Prejudice. More than one couple’s passions for one another are made perfectly clear. However, Maria Grace’s efforts to keep things tantalizing without becoming overly salacious were well done. I would rate the content as a light PG-13. Everyone remains clothed, and the sanctity of the marriage bed is respected. Salty language is also kept to a minimum. I applaud Maria for her choices in these areas, as her writing is more than strong enough to hold up without overly steamy content.
Just as she did in Darcy’s Decision and The Future Mrs. Darcy, Maria Grace has once again brought to her readers a delightful, entertaining and sweetly romantic story while using Austen’s characters as a launching point for the tale. I give it a hearty recommendation, and look forward to returning to her work in the Given Good Principles series, with All the Appearance of Goodness and Twelfth Night at Longbourn.
April 12, 2021
Pretty good
Good book with a plethora of children. Lady Catherine an interesting personally, I liked missy and the Bennett twins. Good love story!
Good book with a plethora of children. Lady Catherine an interesting personally, I liked missy and the Bennett twins. Good love story!
August 18, 2014
I absolutely loved the premise of this novel. It was so very different. Mr. Bennet is now an Admiral. He has two daughters and two sons. Mr. Darcy did indeed marry Anne and have a couple children. She died in childbirth as one would probably expect. Lady Catherine is very different. The Colonel is much his old self. Even though some of the characters personalities are different some are similar. It's rather fun trying to picture the characters we think we know in different circumstances. Had Darcy married Anne would Lady C be the nicer person we see here? If Bennet had been more of an authoritarian in his home would his children have been different? What would he have been like if a relative had tossed him out of Longbourn? What if wife number one would have died and he remarried? This kept me intrigued to the end and I couldn't put it down. No overt sex mentioned. Wickham is still a scoundrel. Read it you'll like it.
June 10, 2018
Alternate universe? Good story with possibilities but shouldn't have been tied to the P&P canon. Would have been better with unique characters. it was too much of a struggle to wrap my head around the character and situation shifts. P&P variations are one thing. A P&P alternate universe is something else. I'd love to see this story re-released with new character names and given a chance to stand on it's own merits.
January 12, 2018
And they All got their HEA!
I love variations on Jane Austen’s books, and this had to be one of the best! I even love that though the story was so different, the essence of each person was pretty close to the original.
I would definitely recommend this anyone that enjoys these spin-offs, as well as anyone who enjoys regency romances with strong, intelligent women!
I love variations on Jane Austen’s books, and this had to be one of the best! I even love that though the story was so different, the essence of each person was pretty close to the original.
I would definitely recommend this anyone that enjoys these spin-offs, as well as anyone who enjoys regency romances with strong, intelligent women!
August 8, 2016
Great story!!!
An original plot with our beloved characters.
I really enjoyed the changes that the circumstances depicted in this tale inflicted on them.
It made me a fan of Piper and I fell in love with the children.
A truly unique narrative.
An original plot with our beloved characters.
I really enjoyed the changes that the circumstances depicted in this tale inflicted on them.
It made me a fan of Piper and I fell in love with the children.
A truly unique narrative.
March 2, 2015
We are proud to announce that REMMEBER THE PAST by Maria Grace is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 29, 2015
Predictable plot and simplistic scenes between main characters.
February 16, 2020
3.5 stars for this fun, alternate P&P variation! A very different kind of story, good characters.
I didn't enjoy the simplistic writing. but it was a clean, quick read.
I didn't enjoy the simplistic writing. but it was a clean, quick read.
November 17, 2025
A reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.
The story takes place in Derbyshire after admiral Bennet retires from the navy. He has been cheated out of Longbourn and has required an estate close to Pemberley.
The Darcy's and Lady Catherine befriend the Bennets right from the start. Mr Bennet has been married twice and has Jane and Elizabeth and two twin sons.
Mr Darcy has married Anne de Bourgh, who has passed away. They have two sons and Lady Catherine lives with them. She is a great character and person in this story.
Interesting story I recommend it
The story takes place in Derbyshire after admiral Bennet retires from the navy. He has been cheated out of Longbourn and has required an estate close to Pemberley.
The Darcy's and Lady Catherine befriend the Bennets right from the start. Mr Bennet has been married twice and has Jane and Elizabeth and two twin sons.
Mr Darcy has married Anne de Bourgh, who has passed away. They have two sons and Lady Catherine lives with them. She is a great character and person in this story.
Interesting story I recommend it
June 16, 2022
Admiral Thomas Bennet and his two daughters and twin sons are moving to Derbyshire.
This story is a bit of a departure from what we've read in the past however it's no less compelling. You'll enjoy Lady Catherine as she's seen in a different light. Miss Elizabeth is as adventurous as ever. Now add to the mix two sons each for Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy and all the mischief that goes along with them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it in two sessions.
This story is a bit of a departure from what we've read in the past however it's no less compelling. You'll enjoy Lady Catherine as she's seen in a different light. Miss Elizabeth is as adventurous as ever. Now add to the mix two sons each for Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy and all the mischief that goes along with them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it in two sessions.
July 24, 2018
Another cute variation, though some of the characters are very different than they usually are.
January 8, 2019
nice
A good story, but it was not quite a P&P feel. It was their names, but yet it was missing something of their feel. Worth a read otherwise.
A good story, but it was not quite a P&P feel. It was their names, but yet it was missing something of their feel. Worth a read otherwise.
March 21, 2020
Wonderful
Absolutely wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice by Maria Grace. Some interesting twists and I enjoyed it.
Absolutely wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice by Maria Grace. Some interesting twists and I enjoyed it.
October 18, 2020
Read in a blog long ago. I remember I like it.
October 28, 2020
Highly AU, with a little less pride and a bit more drama.
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