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The Sweet Regency Romance Series #9
Blakely Hill
Miss Elizabeth Bennet could not be more pleased for her dear friend Charlotte. Miss Lucas has married an officer of the regiment—Mr. Harry Wheatley, kind, thoughtful, but of middling prospects at best. No matter, Charlotte’s one dear wish was to avoid spinsterhood and she has had the great good luck to marry for love. Happily ensconced in Dorset in her cozy farmhouse, keys jingling around her waist, Charlotte could not know that a letter was on its way that would change everything.
Unexpected by anybody, Mr. Harry Wheatley has just become the next Viscount Blakely, and that makes Charlotte the new Lady Blakely. They will relocate to Blakely Hill, the seat in Derbyshire just nearby the village of Lambton. Elizabeth and Jane are invited to go to Charlotte and assist her in settling into her new household.
Elizabeth finds Mr. Darcy, Blakely Hill’s closest neighbor, a bit dull on first acquaintance. Over time, though, she begins to see that he is a man of intelligence and substance. Their relationship deepens through thoughtful and lively conversation and Elizabeth begins to hope, but unknown to most in the neighborhood, trouble is afoot.
Mr. Wickham has devised a plan to secure his future and, perhaps most dangerous of all, Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet are poised to descend upon Blakely Hill.
Unexpected by anybody, Mr. Harry Wheatley has just become the next Viscount Blakely, and that makes Charlotte the new Lady Blakely. They will relocate to Blakely Hill, the seat in Derbyshire just nearby the village of Lambton. Elizabeth and Jane are invited to go to Charlotte and assist her in settling into her new household.
Elizabeth finds Mr. Darcy, Blakely Hill’s closest neighbor, a bit dull on first acquaintance. Over time, though, she begins to see that he is a man of intelligence and substance. Their relationship deepens through thoughtful and lively conversation and Elizabeth begins to hope, but unknown to most in the neighborhood, trouble is afoot.
Mr. Wickham has devised a plan to secure his future and, perhaps most dangerous of all, Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet are poised to descend upon Blakely Hill.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 10, 2017
This is just a delightful book from beginning to end. Ms. Langley has a way of introducing new characters that are quirky and fun, even those who are tertiary to the primary story. Among others here we meet Lady Saxby (with her ear trumpet and obsession with the clement weather of the 1770s), Mr. Chambers (the butler at Blakely Hill, who rules the other servants with all the airs of a king) and Betty (Charlotte's maid, brought with her from Dorset to Blakely).
The author always comes up with unique situations for Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet to meet, and this is another wonderful variation in that respect. Charlotte Lucas is truly lucky in love when she falls for Harry Wheatley, an unremarkable-looking officer in the regiment with little to offer except a small cottage he owns in Dorset. Not long after the two are very happily wed, Elizabeth receives a letter from Charlotte with the remarkable news that Harry is now a Viscount, as the other heirs in line to inherit unexpectedly died. Charlotte is now Lady Blakely. Blakely Hill, the Viscount's estate, borders Pemberley in Derbyshire. Once the happy couple have settled in, Charlotte invites Elizabeth and Jane to come and visit along with Lady Lucas. The inhabitants of Pemberley and Blakely and the dowager countess living nearby, Lady Saxby, have neighborly gatherings, and Darcy and Georgiana both are quickly charmed by the Bennet sisters, particularly Elizabeth.
The dynamics at Pemberley are interesting. First, Wickham makes Darcy uncomfortable because he continues to freely roam the estate. He hasn't overtly crossed a line to the point where Darcy can ban him, especially since Georgiana thinks of him as another brother. The reader gets to hear Wickham negotiate to receive money to study law in lieu of the living that the elder Mr. Darcy had intended for him, and then the reader is given insight into his actual intentions. Second, the Bingleys come to stay at Pemberley for a while. Consequently, Bingley meets Jane through Darcy. Miss Bingley is her usual snooty self, making snide comments to the Bennets but usually getting verbally slapped back by Elizabeth, to Darcy's great amusement.
Elizabeth in this story doesn't pride herself on her ability to judge others from first impressions; it's actually the opposite. She is aware that she is too quick to make conclusions about new acquaintances but just can't help herself. She recognizes the strange tension between Wickham and Darcy and assumes that it's Darcy's elitism creating his discernible dislike of his boyhood friend. Despite that, Elizabeth does feel an undeniable attraction to Mr. Darcy and tries to keep an open mind about him. The enjoyable time she and Jane share with Charlotte in these new surroundings without their family around to embarrass them grinds to an instant halt when Mrs. Bennet and Lydia show up.
There's a lovely upstairs/downstairs element to the plot, with several scenes below stairs revealing the pecking order and the gossip among the servants about the family they serve. The former Viscount, though a coarse kind of man that Darcy tended to avoid, was still a snob. The servants reflect those long-held values and aren't certain at first what to make of the new Lord and Lady Blakely. In addition, a funny scene shows Betty plied with wine for information that is significant to the romance.
There's a nice dramatic buildup in two areas which intersect nicely for the climax. One is a sense of when and how Wickham is going to finally strike, and the other is whether Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth will survive once he meets her ghastly relatives. All resolve neatly, and the ending is lighthearted yet feels refreshingly real.
Great story!
The author always comes up with unique situations for Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet to meet, and this is another wonderful variation in that respect. Charlotte Lucas is truly lucky in love when she falls for Harry Wheatley, an unremarkable-looking officer in the regiment with little to offer except a small cottage he owns in Dorset. Not long after the two are very happily wed, Elizabeth receives a letter from Charlotte with the remarkable news that Harry is now a Viscount, as the other heirs in line to inherit unexpectedly died. Charlotte is now Lady Blakely. Blakely Hill, the Viscount's estate, borders Pemberley in Derbyshire. Once the happy couple have settled in, Charlotte invites Elizabeth and Jane to come and visit along with Lady Lucas. The inhabitants of Pemberley and Blakely and the dowager countess living nearby, Lady Saxby, have neighborly gatherings, and Darcy and Georgiana both are quickly charmed by the Bennet sisters, particularly Elizabeth.
The dynamics at Pemberley are interesting. First, Wickham makes Darcy uncomfortable because he continues to freely roam the estate. He hasn't overtly crossed a line to the point where Darcy can ban him, especially since Georgiana thinks of him as another brother. The reader gets to hear Wickham negotiate to receive money to study law in lieu of the living that the elder Mr. Darcy had intended for him, and then the reader is given insight into his actual intentions. Second, the Bingleys come to stay at Pemberley for a while. Consequently, Bingley meets Jane through Darcy. Miss Bingley is her usual snooty self, making snide comments to the Bennets but usually getting verbally slapped back by Elizabeth, to Darcy's great amusement.
Elizabeth in this story doesn't pride herself on her ability to judge others from first impressions; it's actually the opposite. She is aware that she is too quick to make conclusions about new acquaintances but just can't help herself. She recognizes the strange tension between Wickham and Darcy and assumes that it's Darcy's elitism creating his discernible dislike of his boyhood friend. Despite that, Elizabeth does feel an undeniable attraction to Mr. Darcy and tries to keep an open mind about him. The enjoyable time she and Jane share with Charlotte in these new surroundings without their family around to embarrass them grinds to an instant halt when Mrs. Bennet and Lydia show up.
There's a lovely upstairs/downstairs element to the plot, with several scenes below stairs revealing the pecking order and the gossip among the servants about the family they serve. The former Viscount, though a coarse kind of man that Darcy tended to avoid, was still a snob. The servants reflect those long-held values and aren't certain at first what to make of the new Lord and Lady Blakely. In addition, a funny scene shows Betty plied with wine for information that is significant to the romance.
There's a nice dramatic buildup in two areas which intersect nicely for the climax. One is a sense of when and how Wickham is going to finally strike, and the other is whether Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth will survive once he meets her ghastly relatives. All resolve neatly, and the ending is lighthearted yet feels refreshingly real.
Great story!
April 19, 2024
Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. – Charlotte Lucas
So Charlotte, our spinster-in-waiting, thought until she was fortunate enough to meet a soldier who suited her perfectly. He owned a small farm with a comfortable cottage and enough income to support them frugally. They had just settled their household when news arrived that all the males in the Conway family had passed and the former soldier had inherited Blakely Hill and a title. It’s off to a new life for Charlotte and Harry. Sir William and Lady Lucas are to visit and they invite Jane and Elizabeth.
The regular P&P characters are supported by a great mix of out-of-canon characters.
I loved deaf Lady Saxby with her ear trumpet and outspoken thoughts: Lady Saxby had been attacking her dinner with relish and Elizabeth wondered at the lady’s fortitude with a fork. Now, she laid it down and shouted toward Miss Bingley, “Well? What’s got you pursing your lips, miss?”
I was also delighted by the Upstairs/Downstairs at Blakely Hill – Mr. Chambers the butler; Mrs. Talkin the housekeeper; and Betty the abigail; could be counted on for opinions on the good folk upstairs. The Wheatleys were very different from the Conways! Charlotte’s abigail Betty assists the servants with understanding her mistress and staff loyalty builds. The Widow’s Cow and tea in the drawing room were mentioned below-stairs with regularity.
Here’s a quote I loved: Mr. Chambers discussing the anticipated arrival of Mrs. Bennet and Lydia: “There is nothing bold about it, Mrs. Talkin,” Mr. Chambers replied, “that is simply a well-known fact. Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are all grace and beauty. I am confident that we can expect nothing less from their mother and sister. This house is to be overflowing with well-bred elegance, as it was always meant to be.”
Uh – maybe not, Mr. Chambers!
My only critique: I doubt Mr. Bennet would have advanced funds for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia to take off on a moment’s notice for a “tour of the Peaks” – never a mention of taking Kitty and Mary on the tour. But the story wouldn’t be complete without the uncouth members of the Bennet family so here they come!
The timeframe here is a bit OOC: Wickham has not yet moved from his father’s cottage and is in and out of Pemberley like he owns the place. Darcy allows it because GW has always been like a brother to Georgiana but he looks forward to his nemesis leaving for law school.
Betty, the abigail, encouraged with liquid refreshment explains it all to Mr. Darcy.
Whoever would have thought the word “ghastly” could lead to HEA?
English Law prohibits a man from marrying his mother-in-law. This is our idea of useless legislation. ~Author Unknown
So Charlotte, our spinster-in-waiting, thought until she was fortunate enough to meet a soldier who suited her perfectly. He owned a small farm with a comfortable cottage and enough income to support them frugally. They had just settled their household when news arrived that all the males in the Conway family had passed and the former soldier had inherited Blakely Hill and a title. It’s off to a new life for Charlotte and Harry. Sir William and Lady Lucas are to visit and they invite Jane and Elizabeth.
The regular P&P characters are supported by a great mix of out-of-canon characters.
I loved deaf Lady Saxby with her ear trumpet and outspoken thoughts: Lady Saxby had been attacking her dinner with relish and Elizabeth wondered at the lady’s fortitude with a fork. Now, she laid it down and shouted toward Miss Bingley, “Well? What’s got you pursing your lips, miss?”
I was also delighted by the Upstairs/Downstairs at Blakely Hill – Mr. Chambers the butler; Mrs. Talkin the housekeeper; and Betty the abigail; could be counted on for opinions on the good folk upstairs. The Wheatleys were very different from the Conways! Charlotte’s abigail Betty assists the servants with understanding her mistress and staff loyalty builds. The Widow’s Cow and tea in the drawing room were mentioned below-stairs with regularity.
Here’s a quote I loved: Mr. Chambers discussing the anticipated arrival of Mrs. Bennet and Lydia: “There is nothing bold about it, Mrs. Talkin,” Mr. Chambers replied, “that is simply a well-known fact. Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are all grace and beauty. I am confident that we can expect nothing less from their mother and sister. This house is to be overflowing with well-bred elegance, as it was always meant to be.”
Uh – maybe not, Mr. Chambers!
My only critique: I doubt Mr. Bennet would have advanced funds for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia to take off on a moment’s notice for a “tour of the Peaks” – never a mention of taking Kitty and Mary on the tour. But the story wouldn’t be complete without the uncouth members of the Bennet family so here they come!
The timeframe here is a bit OOC: Wickham has not yet moved from his father’s cottage and is in and out of Pemberley like he owns the place. Darcy allows it because GW has always been like a brother to Georgiana but he looks forward to his nemesis leaving for law school.
Betty, the abigail, encouraged with liquid refreshment explains it all to Mr. Darcy.
Whoever would have thought the word “ghastly” could lead to HEA?
English Law prohibits a man from marrying his mother-in-law. This is our idea of useless legislation. ~Author Unknown
April 14, 2017
Upstairs, downstairs and in between.
This was an adorable, clean read that was so cute. I loved the upstairs – downstairs banter between the servants. That was the highlight of the story. These guys were delightful, innocent, inquisitive, rude, jealous for their masters, loyal to a point, gossips of the highest order, proud and just plain ornery. I loved them.
“Gossip isn’t scandal and it’s not merely malicious. It’s chatter about the human race by lovers of the same.” Phyllis McGinley
Charlotte Lucas hit the big one in the marriage mart. Although he was plain and his prospects were small, they married for love and were prepared to live happily- ever- after. Their life soon took a turn when his relatives died and he learned he was now heir to Blakely Hill and was a viscount.
Despite the title of the book, and Charlotte’s elevation in the aristocracy, this was not the main story. It was the foundation on which several story threads stood. It supported the stories of Darcy and Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley, Wickham and Georgiana, Darcy and Bingley meeting Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, Elizabeth dealing with her mother and younger sister, Wickham’s plans, and the servants with their comments on the activities of the upstairs. You would think all those stories would be a major traffic jam; however, they weren’t.
Wickham, in this story, was a watered-down version of his usual JAFF self in that he was simply lazy. He spent more time and energy avoiding work than he would if he actually did something. He was constantly placing himself in the right place at the right time to garner a meal or avoid being in Darcy’s presence. Everyone knew what he was up to and no one called him on it. It was funny to see just how far he would go to… get out of doing something or… use a situation that was to the greatest advantage to himself. Darcy called him a leech and I completely agree. He was up to something and Darcy knew it. He was just waiting for a good reason to ban him from Pemberley forever. He nearly waited too long.
Darcy was more silent than even in canon. He didn’t know what to say when he was in Elizabeth’s presence. Because we didn’t have the Meryton Assembly insult, and hadn’t met her family yet, Darcy was able to approach Elizabeth on a level playing field. She was able to see his qualities and liked his sister very much. It was a short distance to falling in love.
Mrs. Bennet and Lydia… OMG! Those two were completely clueless to the havoc they brought to the company. When Elizabeth tried to explain, they both simply blew her off. Poor Elizabeth and Jane had to endure a dinner party with Mrs. Bennet sitting right beside Mr. Darcy. Yeah, it was bad, and Caroline Bingley observed every second of it. However, Elizabeth rose up in righteous indignation on the way home and told her mother and sister just what they had done. That was worth the read.
There were many people from P&P that didn’t actually get page time; however, they were mentioned in the reading of a letter, or of the telling of a story. I didn’t miss them, example: Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins and the rest of the Bennet sisters.
This was light reading with minimal angst and I was so happy for Charlotte. She rarely gets a good story and I was so glad to see her do well in this one.
This was an adorable, clean read that was so cute. I loved the upstairs – downstairs banter between the servants. That was the highlight of the story. These guys were delightful, innocent, inquisitive, rude, jealous for their masters, loyal to a point, gossips of the highest order, proud and just plain ornery. I loved them.
“Gossip isn’t scandal and it’s not merely malicious. It’s chatter about the human race by lovers of the same.” Phyllis McGinley
Charlotte Lucas hit the big one in the marriage mart. Although he was plain and his prospects were small, they married for love and were prepared to live happily- ever- after. Their life soon took a turn when his relatives died and he learned he was now heir to Blakely Hill and was a viscount.
Despite the title of the book, and Charlotte’s elevation in the aristocracy, this was not the main story. It was the foundation on which several story threads stood. It supported the stories of Darcy and Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley, Wickham and Georgiana, Darcy and Bingley meeting Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, Elizabeth dealing with her mother and younger sister, Wickham’s plans, and the servants with their comments on the activities of the upstairs. You would think all those stories would be a major traffic jam; however, they weren’t.
Wickham, in this story, was a watered-down version of his usual JAFF self in that he was simply lazy. He spent more time and energy avoiding work than he would if he actually did something. He was constantly placing himself in the right place at the right time to garner a meal or avoid being in Darcy’s presence. Everyone knew what he was up to and no one called him on it. It was funny to see just how far he would go to… get out of doing something or… use a situation that was to the greatest advantage to himself. Darcy called him a leech and I completely agree. He was up to something and Darcy knew it. He was just waiting for a good reason to ban him from Pemberley forever. He nearly waited too long.
Darcy was more silent than even in canon. He didn’t know what to say when he was in Elizabeth’s presence. Because we didn’t have the Meryton Assembly insult, and hadn’t met her family yet, Darcy was able to approach Elizabeth on a level playing field. She was able to see his qualities and liked his sister very much. It was a short distance to falling in love.
Mrs. Bennet and Lydia… OMG! Those two were completely clueless to the havoc they brought to the company. When Elizabeth tried to explain, they both simply blew her off. Poor Elizabeth and Jane had to endure a dinner party with Mrs. Bennet sitting right beside Mr. Darcy. Yeah, it was bad, and Caroline Bingley observed every second of it. However, Elizabeth rose up in righteous indignation on the way home and told her mother and sister just what they had done. That was worth the read.
There were many people from P&P that didn’t actually get page time; however, they were mentioned in the reading of a letter, or of the telling of a story. I didn’t miss them, example: Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins and the rest of the Bennet sisters.
This was light reading with minimal angst and I was so happy for Charlotte. She rarely gets a good story and I was so glad to see her do well in this one.
September 30, 2017
Sweet variation where Charlotte is luckier and ODC meet in Derbyshire
We so often bemoan poor Charlotte ending up with Mr. Collins. In this variation she meets an officer in the militia and falls in love. She settles with him on a small farm where she anticipates working hard and raising a family.
But, her story gets very interesting when three members of the Blakely family die off quickly and her husband becomes a viscount. Now Lady Blakely, Charlotte invites Jane and Elizabeth to Blakely Hall in Derbyshire. Here they meet the charming neighbors, Mr. and Miss Darcy and soon their visitors, Mr. and Miss Bingley.
Quickly, ODC become enchanted with each other, as there are no embarrassing family or neighbors as would be found in Meryton, Hertfordshire.
But this is too good to last. When the militia leaves Meryton, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia convince themselves that they will have a great deal more fun in Derbyshire and Lady Lucas feels obligated to oblige. Now what will Jane and Elizabeth do?
Wickham and Miss Bingley are their usual nastiness. However, we also meet the downstairs at Blakely Hall as they adjust to the new master and mistress and discuss all the goings on upstairs.
This is a sweet, funny and low angst P&P variation that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are well written and the incidents realistic. And, hurray for a story that rewards Charlotte for finding true love.
We so often bemoan poor Charlotte ending up with Mr. Collins. In this variation she meets an officer in the militia and falls in love. She settles with him on a small farm where she anticipates working hard and raising a family.
But, her story gets very interesting when three members of the Blakely family die off quickly and her husband becomes a viscount. Now Lady Blakely, Charlotte invites Jane and Elizabeth to Blakely Hall in Derbyshire. Here they meet the charming neighbors, Mr. and Miss Darcy and soon their visitors, Mr. and Miss Bingley.
Quickly, ODC become enchanted with each other, as there are no embarrassing family or neighbors as would be found in Meryton, Hertfordshire.
But this is too good to last. When the militia leaves Meryton, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia convince themselves that they will have a great deal more fun in Derbyshire and Lady Lucas feels obligated to oblige. Now what will Jane and Elizabeth do?
Wickham and Miss Bingley are their usual nastiness. However, we also meet the downstairs at Blakely Hall as they adjust to the new master and mistress and discuss all the goings on upstairs.
This is a sweet, funny and low angst P&P variation that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are well written and the incidents realistic. And, hurray for a story that rewards Charlotte for finding true love.
April 11, 2017
This is a wonderful P&P re-imagining; where Charlotte's very average husband becomes a Viscount' Mrs. Bennet is insanely jealous, and Jane & Lizzy travel to Debryshire before they ever heard of Bingley or Darcy.
Dear sensible, calm, clever, Charlotte fell in love with a calm relatively poor Militia Member and moved to a small farm. When fate makes them Viscount Blakely and include an estate in Derbyshire her parents and dear friends, Jane and Lizzy, go visit.
This is in a time after Mr. Darcy Sr.'s death but prior to Wickham's disgrace; he is lurking about making Darcy uncomfortable, Georgianna delighted and every one else a bit confused.
What I Loved: Charlotte's staff would have felt at home at Downton Abbey with a butler who is the social arbitrator for the entire household and where gossip flows faster than tea.
Lizzy & Darcy begin talking right away - Lizzy has learned not to jump to conclusions.
The pacing - this is a short book but chock full of plot. You get story from beginning to end.
Dear sensible, calm, clever, Charlotte fell in love with a calm relatively poor Militia Member and moved to a small farm. When fate makes them Viscount Blakely and include an estate in Derbyshire her parents and dear friends, Jane and Lizzy, go visit.
This is in a time after Mr. Darcy Sr.'s death but prior to Wickham's disgrace; he is lurking about making Darcy uncomfortable, Georgianna delighted and every one else a bit confused.
What I Loved: Charlotte's staff would have felt at home at Downton Abbey with a butler who is the social arbitrator for the entire household and where gossip flows faster than tea.
Lizzy & Darcy begin talking right away - Lizzy has learned not to jump to conclusions.
The pacing - this is a short book but chock full of plot. You get story from beginning to end.
April 24, 2017
The story is nice, if not a little rushed in the end. And I would like more interaction between the main couple and more passionate characters. But I liked the book very much.
April 17, 2017
Delightful story with new, great characters and circumstances. I love Charlotte being happily married to somebody else than Collins. And becoming a viscountess, no less. Lydia and Mrs Bennet's jealousy was very well described. There a lot of witty and sweet interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. She is hasty at forming her opinions, but at least reasonable enough to see errors of her ways quickly.
There is a lot of humor , some of which is supplied by Lady Saxby, and funny conversations below stairs.
My only quibble is, that the story seemed to have taken a shortcut in the last 20% of the book. I would love to read this delightful plot developed a bit more.
4.5 stars. highly recommended.
There is a lot of humor , some of which is supplied by Lady Saxby, and funny conversations below stairs.
My only quibble is, that the story seemed to have taken a shortcut in the last 20% of the book. I would love to read this delightful plot developed a bit more.
4.5 stars. highly recommended.
May 27, 2017
It is a well written novel that shows plain Charlotte Collins getting married to a military man and moving to a little cottage and then being elevated to become a Lady. It is a charming novel showing the closeness of Elizabeth with her dear friend Charlotte and how Jane & Lizzy get to meet the Darcys and Bingleys.
It is a lovely novel without all the confusion of Lady Catherine causing trouble and how to dear friends help Georgianna Darcy overcome her fears and mistakes.
Naturally, there isn't a novel written without finding out about Mrs. Bennet's nerves or Lydia's wild behavior or outspoken mouth.
I thought the part of Lady Blakely's maid added to the humor of the novel along with the staff of Blakely House.
I enjoyed the novel without so many twists and turns.
It is a lovely novel without all the confusion of Lady Catherine causing trouble and how to dear friends help Georgianna Darcy overcome her fears and mistakes.
Naturally, there isn't a novel written without finding out about Mrs. Bennet's nerves or Lydia's wild behavior or outspoken mouth.
I thought the part of Lady Blakely's maid added to the humor of the novel along with the staff of Blakely House.
I enjoyed the novel without so many twists and turns.
May 29, 2017
No Real Angst!
I loved this retelling! Darcy and Lizzy speak openly on varied subjects and we get to hear such discussions. We are privy to their thinking processes so we can conjecture what they will say or do next. All the usual characters are true to form but in less abundance. Yea! The end is somewhat abrupt but overall very enjoyable!
I loved this retelling! Darcy and Lizzy speak openly on varied subjects and we get to hear such discussions. We are privy to their thinking processes so we can conjecture what they will say or do next. All the usual characters are true to form but in less abundance. Yea! The end is somewhat abrupt but overall very enjoyable!
June 12, 2023
Entertaining
Entertaining variation. The writing style is a little different, at first a bit clumsy, by once you get used to it, you can understand that flow. It is written in third person, which I personally enjoy for Regency romance, but also has a character who is basically narrating the below stairs conversations. In my opinion, well done. Enjoy.
Entertaining variation. The writing style is a little different, at first a bit clumsy, by once you get used to it, you can understand that flow. It is written in third person, which I personally enjoy for Regency romance, but also has a character who is basically narrating the below stairs conversations. In my opinion, well done. Enjoy.
April 26, 2023
Light and cute
Witty alternate universe where Charlotte ends up in Derbyshire and Lizzy meets Darcy while visiting there. Funny moments as Lizzy and Caroline exchange opinions and servants comment on the behavior of their employers.
Witty alternate universe where Charlotte ends up in Derbyshire and Lizzy meets Darcy while visiting there. Funny moments as Lizzy and Caroline exchange opinions and servants comment on the behavior of their employers.
January 14, 2026
Blakely Hill
I must say I almost stopped reading at Lidia's disgusting behavior at Pemberley. I cannot imagine how her mother or father would let her continue that way. In the 2000's possibly, but not in the 1800's nor the 1900's. Certainly, this is a different P&P read.
I must say I almost stopped reading at Lidia's disgusting behavior at Pemberley. I cannot imagine how her mother or father would let her continue that way. In the 2000's possibly, but not in the 1800's nor the 1900's. Certainly, this is a different P&P read.
July 7, 2017
Very, very clean read. I would recommend this one to young teens who are interested in Jane Austen fan fiction.
February 19, 2019
2.5
Quite fluffy and light. The timeline & ages are changed up, and the characters are all much nicer (and blander tbh) than the book. A quick KU read.
Quite fluffy and light. The timeline & ages are changed up, and the characters are all much nicer (and blander tbh) than the book. A quick KU read.
March 14, 2019
Lovely
A rather interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different than usual storyline and new characters but enjoyable.
A rather interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different than usual storyline and new characters but enjoyable.
November 23, 2020
All this author’s stories are all light and fun and this was no different. This wasn’t my favorite by this author but it was enjoyable. Not super substantive, but fun.
April 8, 2022
Okay read
I like the change in Darcy's proposal.
In general, I think I'm over Mrs. Bennett and Lydia's outlandish behavior- I normally skim through their foolishness.
I like the change in Darcy's proposal.
In general, I think I'm over Mrs. Bennett and Lydia's outlandish behavior- I normally skim through their foolishness.
August 20, 2022
3.5*
This is a pleasant light read. It is nice to see Charlotte Lucas as the one who has all of the luck rather than just the few remaining scraps (aka Mr Collins).
The biggest problem I had with this book however was that it wasn’t really a romance.
Lydia is such a cheeky imp and whilst I appreciated the firm words Elizabeth had to say to her they suspended reality somewhat.
This is a pleasant light read. It is nice to see Charlotte Lucas as the one who has all of the luck rather than just the few remaining scraps (aka Mr Collins).
The biggest problem I had with this book however was that it wasn’t really a romance.
Lydia is such a cheeky imp and whilst I appreciated the firm words Elizabeth had to say to her they suspended reality somewhat.
April 15, 2017
Fresh
The premise of this book it's so refreshing and engaging that I was compelled to give it five stars despite its needing a significant editing: coordinating conjunctions and kinship used as a proper name being the most egregiously misused. The ending is a bit abrupt, but I smiled all the way through. It is worth reading for the long overdue sit down of Mrs Bennet and Lydia by a much put upon Elizabeth Bennet. A fun read.
The premise of this book it's so refreshing and engaging that I was compelled to give it five stars despite its needing a significant editing: coordinating conjunctions and kinship used as a proper name being the most egregiously misused. The ending is a bit abrupt, but I smiled all the way through. It is worth reading for the long overdue sit down of Mrs Bennet and Lydia by a much put upon Elizabeth Bennet. A fun read.
April 15, 2017
Very cute!
I loved this version of Elizabeth Bennet and this version of Mr. Darcy as well. Smart, fun, and chatty with each other, and not fooled by Mr. Wickham. Plus Charlotte gets her HEA too.
I loved this version of Elizabeth Bennet and this version of Mr. Darcy as well. Smart, fun, and chatty with each other, and not fooled by Mr. Wickham. Plus Charlotte gets her HEA too.
April 17, 2017
Ahh! She had returned in triumph!
Ms Langley is one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variation authors. Her last foray before this however was somewhat disappointing to me. I am so pleased to see her talents return for this story!
She has an excellent knack for humor and creating absolutely adorable new characters. When she hits her mark, she excels in the extreme, and this is another example.
Ms Langley is one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variation authors. Her last foray before this however was somewhat disappointing to me. I am so pleased to see her talents return for this story!
She has an excellent knack for humor and creating absolutely adorable new characters. When she hits her mark, she excels in the extreme, and this is another example.
April 23, 2017
5 Brilliant, Laugh Out Loud Stars
I must have read over 50 (possibly a lot over 50 but I dare not count them) P&P variations since reading the original 4 years ago and have only felt mived to write an actual review on 10/15. I loved it. I found myself thinking "brilliant" numerous times whilst reading, laughing out loud and just generally enjoying myself. I will definitely read more of this author.
I must have read over 50 (possibly a lot over 50 but I dare not count them) P&P variations since reading the original 4 years ago and have only felt mived to write an actual review on 10/15. I loved it. I found myself thinking "brilliant" numerous times whilst reading, laughing out loud and just generally enjoying myself. I will definitely read more of this author.
May 1, 2017
Was glad for the good luck that Charlotte got. Too much Wickham. There wasn't a lot of emotion in this book, so I didn't feel too invested in the characters.
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