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Coincidence
In this charming retelling of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy visits his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Kent, where he finds Miss Elizabeth Bennet staying with the newly married Mrs. Collins. As Darcy feels the pangs of buried infatuation begin to resurface, he realizes that Miss Bennet detests him.At first, Darcy is relieved by his seeming escape, realizing that had he not discovered her true feelings, then he might have done the unthinkable and actually proposed. It is not long, however, before he is bewitched by her all over again, and he resolves to change her opinion of him and win her at all costs.Elizabeth Bennet wishes nothing more than to spend time with her friend and determine the true state of Mrs. Collins's happiness without the interference of any of the proud residents of Rosings Park. But she is soon made uncomfortable by the presence of Mr. Darcy, who appears before her at random times, seemingly by coincidence.As they become better acquainted, they learn more not only about each other, but also about themselves. Unfortunately, the path to happiness is not without its trials, and they both must change if they want their ultimate happiness to come to pass.
- GenresRegency
370 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2017
77 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
88 books191 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars
This book did not live up to Mr. Rowland's usual standards, in my opinion. I found myself more or less forcing myself to finish it. I did like the different Lydia and Wickham story towards the end of the book. Plus Mr. Bennet is brought somewhat up to snuff and with seeing him make some new decisions, his wife has found a new favorite daughter.
But even with Darcy overhearing that Elizabeth does NOT like him at all while they are together in Kent, his determination to court her and make changes to his behaviors so as to win her regard just seem to either backfire or fizzle. Elizabeth's accusing him of stalking her was, IMHO, a bit out of character for her. She seems determined in this tale to not only misunderstand his actions but to even take them in the completely opposite way in which they were intended. Stubborn, willful girl!
Changes with Anne de Bourgh met with approval and I was happy to see the improvement in her health and her future happiness. Caroline Bingley is, as usual, in total denial as to where she stands with Darcy and what her chances will ever be with that beleaguered gentleman.
The title did not really play out and where it was referenced seem a bit forced. I have to say also that romantic that I am I would have liked to have read of more sweet kisses, warm embraces, those hypnotic glances across a room and the touch of a hand upon the arm or lower back sending electric impulses up the receiver's spine.
This book did not live up to Mr. Rowland's usual standards, in my opinion. I found myself more or less forcing myself to finish it. I did like the different Lydia and Wickham story towards the end of the book. Plus Mr. Bennet is brought somewhat up to snuff and with seeing him make some new decisions, his wife has found a new favorite daughter.
But even with Darcy overhearing that Elizabeth does NOT like him at all while they are together in Kent, his determination to court her and make changes to his behaviors so as to win her regard just seem to either backfire or fizzle. Elizabeth's accusing him of stalking her was, IMHO, a bit out of character for her. She seems determined in this tale to not only misunderstand his actions but to even take them in the completely opposite way in which they were intended. Stubborn, willful girl!
Changes with Anne de Bourgh met with approval and I was happy to see the improvement in her health and her future happiness. Caroline Bingley is, as usual, in total denial as to where she stands with Darcy and what her chances will ever be with that beleaguered gentleman.
The title did not really play out and where it was referenced seem a bit forced. I have to say also that romantic that I am I would have liked to have read of more sweet kisses, warm embraces, those hypnotic glances across a room and the touch of a hand upon the arm or lower back sending electric impulses up the receiver's spine.
February 7, 2017
This is a clean retelling of some of P&P. It is 414 pages long yet only covers time from Lizzy's visit to Kent until the end of August with a brief epilogue.
So what makes this version different. Here Darcy, upon his first visit to parsonage, discovers that Lizzy doesn't like him one bit. Back at Rosings Darcy & Fitzwilliam decide that their aunt has gone too far in her delusion regarding Anne and Darcy and send for the Earl to get Lady Catherine's attention.
There is no proposal at Hunsford or anywhere else, no out and out rejection and no letter, there will never be a letter. Darcy continues to see Lizzy in London
And eventually at the menagerie Lizzy has a come apart over Darcy following her everywhere and they more or less have much of the proposal from Hunsford in front of the lion cage at the Zoo. Everyone thinks Lizzy is a complete idiot to keep hating Darcy When Jane and Lizzy return to Meryton but having met Georgiana despite having no solid facts she begins to doubt Mr. Wickham. Darcy mopes about London but his cousins and sister encourage him to persevere but become the man Lizzy deserves. The whole bennet family will go to Brighton, Darcy fills in Mr. Bennet about Wickham, Mr. Bennet grows a set. Darcy, Bingley, Anne, Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana will follow. Caroline is stalking Darcy. Brighton gives Lizzy a chance to observe Darcy without abject fury. And since he returned Bingley she is placated. And eventually they all live happily ever after.
I think my main problem with this story is that there are just too many books in one package. The Darcy Lizzy story is enough for its own book, the Col. Fitzwilliam Anne story is enough for one book and the Bennets go to Brighton is enough for one book. But when they are mashed together none is well served and the whole thing feels confusing. At one point later in the book there is a scene of all the non Bennets going to the Bennet's rented house for dinner and then a paragraph starts about Col. Fitzwilliam and Anne wanting to walk in a park which IMHO should have been its own chapter or had some designation.
So what makes this version different. Here Darcy, upon his first visit to parsonage, discovers that Lizzy doesn't like him one bit. Back at Rosings Darcy & Fitzwilliam decide that their aunt has gone too far in her delusion regarding Anne and Darcy and send for the Earl to get Lady Catherine's attention.
There is no proposal at Hunsford or anywhere else, no out and out rejection and no letter, there will never be a letter. Darcy continues to see Lizzy in London
And eventually at the menagerie Lizzy has a come apart over Darcy following her everywhere and they more or less have much of the proposal from Hunsford in front of the lion cage at the Zoo. Everyone thinks Lizzy is a complete idiot to keep hating Darcy When Jane and Lizzy return to Meryton but having met Georgiana despite having no solid facts she begins to doubt Mr. Wickham. Darcy mopes about London but his cousins and sister encourage him to persevere but become the man Lizzy deserves. The whole bennet family will go to Brighton, Darcy fills in Mr. Bennet about Wickham, Mr. Bennet grows a set. Darcy, Bingley, Anne, Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana will follow. Caroline is stalking Darcy. Brighton gives Lizzy a chance to observe Darcy without abject fury. And since he returned Bingley she is placated. And eventually they all live happily ever after.
I think my main problem with this story is that there are just too many books in one package. The Darcy Lizzy story is enough for its own book, the Col. Fitzwilliam Anne story is enough for one book and the Bennets go to Brighton is enough for one book. But when they are mashed together none is well served and the whole thing feels confusing. At one point later in the book there is a scene of all the non Bennets going to the Bennet's rented house for dinner and then a paragraph starts about Col. Fitzwilliam and Anne wanting to walk in a park which IMHO should have been its own chapter or had some designation.
January 30, 2017
Coincidence.
Another excellent story by Jann Rowland. The author does a lot of preparation and thought in the beginning of his stories, to set the mood, so to speak. Then, he adds the interesting changes, or exciting happenings, in such a clever way, it's always surprising. The interesting thing is all his stories are completely different. This one has Darcy meeting Lizzie in the Collins home, when he makes his annual trip with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He immediately realizes that Lizzie doesn't care for him at all! He feels compelled to try to change her opinion and then, the plot thickens! A Good Read!
Another excellent story by Jann Rowland. The author does a lot of preparation and thought in the beginning of his stories, to set the mood, so to speak. Then, he adds the interesting changes, or exciting happenings, in such a clever way, it's always surprising. The interesting thing is all his stories are completely different. This one has Darcy meeting Lizzie in the Collins home, when he makes his annual trip with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He immediately realizes that Lizzie doesn't care for him at all! He feels compelled to try to change her opinion and then, the plot thickens! A Good Read!
January 31, 2017
Well Woven Alt Tale
"Coincidence" presents Rowland's storytelling at its peak. The plot is clear if somewhat predictable for the side characters. Perhaps I have read too many JAFF novels, but given that, there is always a desire for something new. Rowland does that when halfway through the second act (with Darcy circling Lizzy and Bingley beginning to redeem himself), Mr. Bennet decides to listen to Lizzy's concerns about Lydia's trip to Brighton. His solution (to steal from "Middle March") sends the story down unknown channels. No spoilers coming. Read it. 4.75 stars...Near perfect.
"Coincidence" presents Rowland's storytelling at its peak. The plot is clear if somewhat predictable for the side characters. Perhaps I have read too many JAFF novels, but given that, there is always a desire for something new. Rowland does that when halfway through the second act (with Darcy circling Lizzy and Bingley beginning to redeem himself), Mr. Bennet decides to listen to Lizzy's concerns about Lydia's trip to Brighton. His solution (to steal from "Middle March") sends the story down unknown channels. No spoilers coming. Read it. 4.75 stars...Near perfect.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this story overall. Darcy begins courting Elizabeth in Kent but he does it in such a clandestine way, pretending to meet her by accident, that she gets mad at him when she belatedly realizes what he was doing. Then the Bennets as well as Bingley, Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Anne and Georgiana all go to Brighton, where Caroline Bingley is pretty off-the-wall awful but gets a setdown. Wickham has had Colonel Forster bamboozled.
Steam level: "agreeably engaged"
Minor editing misses.
Steam level: "agreeably engaged"
Minor editing misses.
February 15, 2017
Mr. Rowland, as usual, has imagined a creative plot twist with all kinds of potential. His tendency to linger on the thoughts of his characters is exasperating, particularly in this book.
It begins in Kent, where it dawns on Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth Bennet doesn't particularly like him. It's a startling revelation, because he's all geared up to propose. He determines to change her mind about him and schemes to meet her "coincidentally" as often as he can manage.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh recognize his interest and do what they can to further his cause. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh sees it as well and starts to insist a formal engagement announcement between him and her daughter, necessitating that Darcy state once and for all, unequivocally, that he and Anne have no interest in marrying each other. The way that part of the story plays out leads to a different path for Anne's future.
Elizabeth leaves Hunsford and heads to London early to escape Lady Catherine's wrath, with Darcy following right behind her and, once again, making a concerted effort to come across her "accidentally" (with assistance from both his family and hers). The more she sees him and gets insistence from those around her that Mr. Darcy is smitten with her, the more Lizzy digs her heels in and denies it- both to herself and to others.
This goes on for about half of the book, with the point of view going back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their introspection on the same subjects, over and over and over, is just maddening. Elizabeth keeps replaying in her mind all the things she hates about him and her certainty that he disapproves of her. His self-flagellating thoughts about his ineptitude makes the reader want to scream at him to just man up already. By the time Elizabeth confronts Darcy, this reader was thoroughly annoyed with both of them.
The second half of the book, the location moves to Brighton. Mr. Bennet is finally taking a more active role in managing his family and putting forceful limits in place for his two youngest girls. It's a wonderful, interesting plot development until it comes time for Darcy to decide how to handle Mr. Wickham for his actions. The book gets stuck in Darcy's head again as he vacillates between memories of his childhood companion and hatred for the evil man that boy became.
It's a frustrating book, because Mr. Rowland is a talented writer with a very good story to tell. If only he would get out of his characters' heads!
It begins in Kent, where it dawns on Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth Bennet doesn't particularly like him. It's a startling revelation, because he's all geared up to propose. He determines to change her mind about him and schemes to meet her "coincidentally" as often as he can manage.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh recognize his interest and do what they can to further his cause. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh sees it as well and starts to insist a formal engagement announcement between him and her daughter, necessitating that Darcy state once and for all, unequivocally, that he and Anne have no interest in marrying each other. The way that part of the story plays out leads to a different path for Anne's future.
Elizabeth leaves Hunsford and heads to London early to escape Lady Catherine's wrath, with Darcy following right behind her and, once again, making a concerted effort to come across her "accidentally" (with assistance from both his family and hers). The more she sees him and gets insistence from those around her that Mr. Darcy is smitten with her, the more Lizzy digs her heels in and denies it- both to herself and to others.
This goes on for about half of the book, with the point of view going back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their introspection on the same subjects, over and over and over, is just maddening. Elizabeth keeps replaying in her mind all the things she hates about him and her certainty that he disapproves of her. His self-flagellating thoughts about his ineptitude makes the reader want to scream at him to just man up already. By the time Elizabeth confronts Darcy, this reader was thoroughly annoyed with both of them.
The second half of the book, the location moves to Brighton. Mr. Bennet is finally taking a more active role in managing his family and putting forceful limits in place for his two youngest girls. It's a wonderful, interesting plot development until it comes time for Darcy to decide how to handle Mr. Wickham for his actions. The book gets stuck in Darcy's head again as he vacillates between memories of his childhood companion and hatred for the evil man that boy became.
It's a frustrating book, because Mr. Rowland is a talented writer with a very good story to tell. If only he would get out of his characters' heads!
March 8, 2017
Darcy realizes at Kent that Elizabeth dislikes him -- it would be a disaster to propose! His plan is to create coincidental meetings with his love as often as possible until she knows him better and changes her opinion. Elizabeth suspects these meetings are not mere coincidences.
This is the beginning conflict.
There were several things I did like:
1. Papa Bennet -- he actually listens to Elizabeth's concerns about allowing Lydia to go to Brighton and acts
2. Mama Bennet -- she actually understands some of these concerns
3. Anne de Bourg -- with a little help, she finds her way
This is a rather realistic story about what could have happened if people had sense.
I was a disappointed. The story just doesn't take off for me. I missed the conflicts, the anxiety.
Yes, Lydia is an idiot and Wickham rears his handsome head ... but ... even that is handled rather quickly.
Well, not Lydia. Lydia remains an idiot.
Mary Tyler Moore's recent death reminds me of her neighbor Rhoda. On the MTM show, Rhoda is wise-cracking, acerbic New Yorker who doesn't quite fit in with her Minneapolis neighbors. They tried a spin-off with just Rhoda's life. She had moved back to New York and married. They wanted her happily married, soooo ... no wise-cracks, no put-downs of her husband, etc. But the lippy put-downs were what everyone loved about Rhoda and the spin-off didn't make it.
I think that is what's missing here -- all the comic characters behave like normal people -- and the story disappears.
I have read all of Jann Rowland's JAFF and he is one of my favorites but, sorry, I can't give this one more than an OK.
AND ... Not to judge a book by its cover -- but WHO IS THAT BLONDE?
This is the beginning conflict.
There were several things I did like:
1. Papa Bennet -- he actually listens to Elizabeth's concerns about allowing Lydia to go to Brighton and acts
2. Mama Bennet -- she actually understands some of these concerns
3. Anne de Bourg -- with a little help, she finds her way
This is a rather realistic story about what could have happened if people had sense.
I was a disappointed. The story just doesn't take off for me. I missed the conflicts, the anxiety.
Yes, Lydia is an idiot and Wickham rears his handsome head ... but ... even that is handled rather quickly.
Well, not Lydia. Lydia remains an idiot.
Mary Tyler Moore's recent death reminds me of her neighbor Rhoda. On the MTM show, Rhoda is wise-cracking, acerbic New Yorker who doesn't quite fit in with her Minneapolis neighbors. They tried a spin-off with just Rhoda's life. She had moved back to New York and married. They wanted her happily married, soooo ... no wise-cracks, no put-downs of her husband, etc. But the lippy put-downs were what everyone loved about Rhoda and the spin-off didn't make it.
I think that is what's missing here -- all the comic characters behave like normal people -- and the story disappears.
I have read all of Jann Rowland's JAFF and he is one of my favorites but, sorry, I can't give this one more than an OK.
AND ... Not to judge a book by its cover -- but WHO IS THAT BLONDE?
May 2, 2017
Coincidence
Loved this P&P alternative. This story starts out at Hunsford where Darcy over hears a conversation between Elizabeth and Col Fitzwilliam. Upon over hearing there conversation he realizes that Elizabeth doesn't like him. So he sets out to try and change her opinion. He does this by coincidently putting himself into her path and trying to prove his worth. Unfortunately it backfires and the road to HEA is long but worth the trip. Enjoyed this book and was diverted excessively.
Loved this P&P alternative. This story starts out at Hunsford where Darcy over hears a conversation between Elizabeth and Col Fitzwilliam. Upon over hearing there conversation he realizes that Elizabeth doesn't like him. So he sets out to try and change her opinion. He does this by coincidently putting himself into her path and trying to prove his worth. Unfortunately it backfires and the road to HEA is long but worth the trip. Enjoyed this book and was diverted excessively.
October 11, 2017
With the various parties staying at the Parsonage or Rosings, Darcy realises that contrary to his thoughts Elizabeth Bennet does not actually like him, but has no idea why. Finally he decides that he wishes to change her opinion of him. In this variation we see more of Anne de Bourgh and the Colonel, and of course Wickham causes problems.
Probably more of a 3.5 rating
An enjoyable story
Probably more of a 3.5 rating
An enjoyable story
October 20, 2019
I didn’t enjoy everyone dumping on Darcy. He was arrogant and proud but all his good qualities were overlooked and not mentioned. Once again Darcy is to ‘dance like a puppet’ while no one else needs to change. In P&P Darcy makes his changes away from others, unseen and unforced, because HE wants to.
Even as he changes Lizzy is flippant about him and with him. When he finally asks again and is accepted by Lizzy she says all he had to do was ask again. I couldn’t detect love in her.
Even as he changes Lizzy is flippant about him and with him. When he finally asks again and is accepted by Lizzy she says all he had to do was ask again. I couldn’t detect love in her.
March 13, 2017
Darcy discovers in Hunsford that Elizabeth hates him and seeks to changer her opinion through clandestine meetings in the forests of Hunsford. Elizabeth is determined as ever to hate him and avoid his company but when this occurs again in London Elizabeth unleashes her fury on Darcy for all these planned coincidences. Darcy continues to woo her despite her negative reception. My lower rating was based on the fact that I think Elizabeth would start to see the good side of Darcy even in Hunsford and be comfortable enough to ask questions versus brow best him in a public setting in London. It was amusing but not as realistic even if the author built on Elizabeth's propensity to judge (prejudice) unfairly.
July 10, 2017
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy comes to terms with his attraction to Elizabeth but he doesn't know what to do about it as he realizes she doesn't like him. Thus starts a series of strategically planned coincidental meetings between the two orchestrated by Darcy. Unfortunately for him, Elizabeth does not see these meetings as anything more than an irritation. Darcy must learn to court his love in order to win her.
Their interactions include quite a bit of Darcy's cousins and sister as well as a family vacation to Brighton (which was interesting)! Lydia was quite a bitter pill as usual but more so.
Their interactions include quite a bit of Darcy's cousins and sister as well as a family vacation to Brighton (which was interesting)! Lydia was quite a bitter pill as usual but more so.
April 18, 2021
3.5* rounded up. This is a reread. I forgot how goody goody everything was. But it's a sweet, calm story, with almost no angst.
A HEA for almost every body.
A HEA for almost every body.
November 19, 2024
one of Jann Rowland’s better ones
The story starts out at Rosina’s. Elizabeth is visiting her friend Charlotte. MrDarcy and Fitzwilliam are there.darcy awkwardly tries to see if Elizabeth would say yes to him. He goes about wooing all wrong. Anne strikes up a friendship with Elizabeth. The best part of this book is that the earl decides to remove Anne from Rosings. She comes to London and her health starts to improve.
The next time Elizabeth sees Darcy is at Netherfield. Bingley has left his sisters home because they deceived him about Jane being in London.
The Bennetts are going to Brighton to oversee Lydia. SomDarcy and Bingley and Fitzwilliam go to the Earl’s house in Brighton. The two families do many activities together. All works out well.
I though this book was well done
The story starts out at Rosina’s. Elizabeth is visiting her friend Charlotte. MrDarcy and Fitzwilliam are there.darcy awkwardly tries to see if Elizabeth would say yes to him. He goes about wooing all wrong. Anne strikes up a friendship with Elizabeth. The best part of this book is that the earl decides to remove Anne from Rosings. She comes to London and her health starts to improve.
The next time Elizabeth sees Darcy is at Netherfield. Bingley has left his sisters home because they deceived him about Jane being in London.
The Bennetts are going to Brighton to oversee Lydia. SomDarcy and Bingley and Fitzwilliam go to the Earl’s house in Brighton. The two families do many activities together. All works out well.
I though this book was well done
December 23, 2018
Fun Read
In this variation, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth doesn't like him before he makes the dreaded Hunsford proposal. So what does he do instead? He starts orchestrating a bunch of "coincidental" meetings with Elizabeth, to try to improve her opinion of him. Read this book to find out how well that works for him.
Of course, Darcy eventually wins Elizabeth's heart, but what will he need to go through to get there? With great appearances from Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne DeBourgh, this story kept me engaged. Mr. Bennet and Charles Bingley even develop backbones.
A fun, clean read. I definitely recommend it.
In this variation, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth doesn't like him before he makes the dreaded Hunsford proposal. So what does he do instead? He starts orchestrating a bunch of "coincidental" meetings with Elizabeth, to try to improve her opinion of him. Read this book to find out how well that works for him.
Of course, Darcy eventually wins Elizabeth's heart, but what will he need to go through to get there? With great appearances from Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne DeBourgh, this story kept me engaged. Mr. Bennet and Charles Bingley even develop backbones.
A fun, clean read. I definitely recommend it.
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this variation. Darcy was clumsy in his attentions, until he learned his lesson. Lizzy was a bit too stubborn and stuck in her prejudice for quite a while, but we know that sometimes she let her temper rule her behavior. Luckily she started to use her reason, and since then she was shining. I enjoyed all the supporting characters: Bingley, Jane, The Gardiners, Colonel Fitzwilliam and especially Anne.
Mr. Bennet is another great character I loved. He starts using his intelligence and observations skills much earlier in the book, and it leads to a few significant changes.
I recommend this low angst, well written story.
Mr. Bennet is another great character I loved. He starts using his intelligence and observations skills much earlier in the book, and it leads to a few significant changes.
I recommend this low angst, well written story.
October 27, 2021
Mesmerizing!
Another great variation by Mr. Rowland.
This story starts just after Lizzy arrives in Kent. Darcy figures out early that Lizzy doesn’t have a good opinion of him, and he determines to change that. The only problem is that he goes about it in an underhanded way. Things kinda go sideways and south from there.
Anne is rescued from under Lady Catherine’s care; the whole Bennet clan goes to Brighton for the summer; and Lizzy prevents Lydia from eloping with Wickham.
This is well worth the read.
Another great variation by Mr. Rowland.
This story starts just after Lizzy arrives in Kent. Darcy figures out early that Lizzy doesn’t have a good opinion of him, and he determines to change that. The only problem is that he goes about it in an underhanded way. Things kinda go sideways and south from there.
Anne is rescued from under Lady Catherine’s care; the whole Bennet clan goes to Brighton for the summer; and Lizzy prevents Lydia from eloping with Wickham.
This is well worth the read.
January 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this story mainly because we get to spend a holiday with so many of our favourite ‘people’. Some of these people are quite different from how we usually see them and the story is better for it.
I don’t do spoilers so I urge you all to read this because you, like me, love a love story.
I’ve said this before but I hope Mr Rowland gets himself a much better proofreader!!!!!
I don’t do spoilers so I urge you all to read this because you, like me, love a love story.
I’ve said this before but I hope Mr Rowland gets himself a much better proofreader!!!!!
February 26, 2017
Good story!
I liked the story quite a bit and I liked most of the characters, but I actually found Lizzy to be a little off putting after awhile. When Darcy kept "running" into her in the paths at Rosing's or in the nearby village or even in town, she began to act like a petulant child even after she found that she enjoyed Darcy's company or at least his conversations.
Otherwise, well written.
I liked the story quite a bit and I liked most of the characters, but I actually found Lizzy to be a little off putting after awhile. When Darcy kept "running" into her in the paths at Rosing's or in the nearby village or even in town, she began to act like a petulant child even after she found that she enjoyed Darcy's company or at least his conversations.
Otherwise, well written.
October 17, 2019
Always happy to spend time with Mr Rowland rarely gets it wrong in my opinion.
February 27, 2017
3.5 for I loved the Lydia Wickham twist and some of the other plot twists. Couldn't go higher because there was way too much self reflection. It went on and on and on and on..... Also, Elizabeth was way out of character. Yes, she's impertinent but her conversations with Caroline Bingley and Colonel Foster were very unladylike.
February 15, 2017
First the negative (let's just get them out of the way)
1) The cover. A BLONDE Elizabeth?! Please!
2) The continued use of the word 'reticent'. I kept thinking to myself, "oh, there it is again!"
3) Elizabeth in over the first half of the book. I almost quit reading, I disliked her so much. She was full of so much pride and prejudice, I had a hard time understanding HOW Darcy could be in love with her.
Okay, I'm done with the negatives. Now for the positives.
1) Darcy. I didn't feel he was stalky at all. I felt he was doing what he could to try to get Elizabeth to change her mind about him.
2) "How does a man forget a woman, one who has become as essential to him as breathing?" Sigh...
3) The summer at Brighton. I felt that this was a very clever deviation that allowed all of the characters to spend more time together.
4) Anne has a spine!
5) Caroline, Wickham,Lydia, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet. All of them were just so... Well, Caroline and Wickham were bad in a good way, Mrs. Bennet was somewhat toned down, and Mr. Bennet was his usual uninvolved father, but he finally got a clue. I really liked the way the author worked the whole story.
I would have rated this higher, if only Elizabeth hadn't been so bad at the beginning. I did like the length of the book too.
1) The cover. A BLONDE Elizabeth?! Please!
2) The continued use of the word 'reticent'. I kept thinking to myself, "oh, there it is again!"
3) Elizabeth in over the first half of the book. I almost quit reading, I disliked her so much. She was full of so much pride and prejudice, I had a hard time understanding HOW Darcy could be in love with her.
Okay, I'm done with the negatives. Now for the positives.
1) Darcy. I didn't feel he was stalky at all. I felt he was doing what he could to try to get Elizabeth to change her mind about him.
2) "How does a man forget a woman, one who has become as essential to him as breathing?" Sigh...
3) The summer at Brighton. I felt that this was a very clever deviation that allowed all of the characters to spend more time together.
4) Anne has a spine!
5) Caroline, Wickham,Lydia, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet. All of them were just so... Well, Caroline and Wickham were bad in a good way, Mrs. Bennet was somewhat toned down, and Mr. Bennet was his usual uninvolved father, but he finally got a clue. I really liked the way the author worked the whole story.
I would have rated this higher, if only Elizabeth hadn't been so bad at the beginning. I did like the length of the book too.
February 16, 2017
Not wonderful but very good
I'm a pretty tough rater. Many writings will fall under 4 stars for me. Perfectly good books that just weren't GREAT are usually 4s. At the same time, great stories that need editing will too. So don't let my 4 discourage you, reader.
This is very different than a lot of variations in that the What If element truly shines here. Many things change due to one difference and while almost all were very satisfying, Elizabeth really grinds my gears for the first 3/4 of the book. She is the ultimate in wounded pride to the point of ridiculous and it really detracted from my enjoyment. I felt that her feelings were so slow to even turn from negative simply to stretch them out to the end of the book, and it almost made me want to slap her. And I love Liz!!
I'm a pretty tough rater. Many writings will fall under 4 stars for me. Perfectly good books that just weren't GREAT are usually 4s. At the same time, great stories that need editing will too. So don't let my 4 discourage you, reader.
This is very different than a lot of variations in that the What If element truly shines here. Many things change due to one difference and while almost all were very satisfying, Elizabeth really grinds my gears for the first 3/4 of the book. She is the ultimate in wounded pride to the point of ridiculous and it really detracted from my enjoyment. I felt that her feelings were so slow to even turn from negative simply to stretch them out to the end of the book, and it almost made me want to slap her. And I love Liz!!
February 15, 2017
Enjoyable
I have to say that I like Jann Rowland's writing style and the low key way he approaches his stories. His versions of Caroline Bingley and her behavior are my favorite.
I have to say that I like Jann Rowland's writing style and the low key way he approaches his stories. His versions of Caroline Bingley and her behavior are my favorite.
August 27, 2020
This was my first book by Jann Rowland and I really enjoyed reading how everything unfolded as well as how all the characters were written. The story was really fun and interesting and I enjoyed the epilogue at the end as well.
November 16, 2020
Lovely
A rather interesting variation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Events transpired not as usual but it was enjoyable
A rather interesting variation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Events transpired not as usual but it was enjoyable
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