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Awakened Hearts
A what if ...
Mary Bennet, the plainest of the Bennet sisters, took a vast deal of pride in her accomplishments. But she was deeply hurt when her father scolded her publicly for her exhibition at the Netherfield ball. She began to see herself as her family saw her and folded in upon herself, becoming less self-righteous and far less inclined to preach or display.
More than two years later, the now-reticent but far more pleasant Mary is invited to Pemberley, where she makes the acquaintance of Georgiana Darcy, newly returned from her first Season, and Georgiana's rather dashing cousin, Henry Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Morley.
The shy, awkward Mary learns the joy of true friendship, developing close bonds with Georgiana, Elizabeth and Henry, but her newly awakening heart is preparing her for something more than friendship.
A gentle romance with a touch of drama and much humour. Suitable for middle teens and upwards due to references to the marriage bed.
Mary Bennet, the plainest of the Bennet sisters, took a vast deal of pride in her accomplishments. But she was deeply hurt when her father scolded her publicly for her exhibition at the Netherfield ball. She began to see herself as her family saw her and folded in upon herself, becoming less self-righteous and far less inclined to preach or display.
More than two years later, the now-reticent but far more pleasant Mary is invited to Pemberley, where she makes the acquaintance of Georgiana Darcy, newly returned from her first Season, and Georgiana's rather dashing cousin, Henry Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Morley.
The shy, awkward Mary learns the joy of true friendship, developing close bonds with Georgiana, Elizabeth and Henry, but her newly awakening heart is preparing her for something more than friendship.
A gentle romance with a touch of drama and much humour. Suitable for middle teens and upwards due to references to the marriage bed.
- GenresHistorical
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2017
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2017
I have to say this is by far the best Pride and Prejudice sequel focused on Mary that I've read. I think it's either fan fiction or a self-published author because it doesn't have a cover and seems to only be available through Amazon Kindle.
The story takes place about two years after the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice. Sometime between the end of Pride and Prejudice and the beginning of this book, Mary has realized how pompous she sounds and becomes painfully aware of her shortcomings. The book describes how she isn't really aware that most of her shyness and social anxiety, which leads her to be standoffish or rude, is mainly rooted in low self-esteem. At the beginning of the story, Mary is invited to Pemberly to visit Elizabeth and her new nephew, Elizabeth desiring to develop a closer bond with her sister. While at Pemberly, Mary makes the aquintaince of Georgiana and Colonel Henry Fitzwilliam (both of whom made appearance in Pride and Prejudice). Through these two and her sister Elizabeth, Mary begins to gain confidence and work through the issues that hold her back. Over the course of the book, Mary and Henry become closer and eventually fall in love. Henry is also dealing with issues throughout the book as he transitions from being the second son to being the only heir after his brother dies, and he has to take command of an estate and come to terms with his new lifestyle.
I thought this was an amazing well written book for starters. I never would have pegged it for a person's first work. There are no, or minimal, spelling and grammar errors and the story flowed fantastically. The emotional development throughout the story was phenomenal and the descriptions of Mary's life paint an amazingly vivid picture of what it can be like to grow up invisible. Furthermore, the struggles that Mary goes through are extremely relateable, particularly for me, and I emotionally connected with the book on a level I don't usually do. The interactions between the characters was also natural and developed at a realistic pace. Furthermore, you get to read from a few different characters' perspectives which adds more interest to how others view Mary and Henry throughout the book.
I actually felt that I was reading a continuation of Pride and Prejudice, not a book that was written more than a hundred years later. The vocabulary and phrasing wasn't the same as Austen, but it also wasn't completely modern. It seemed to be a wonderful blend of the two that gave you the same feel as reading Austen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved Pride and Prejudice and likes to read sequels, particularly those about Mary. It is an entirely clean book so it is suitable for all ages. The only references to sexual intercourse were made using "the marriage bed" and "her [wifely] duty", and it was only described as a pleasant experience. Overall a fantastic historical light romance with strong emotional pull.
The story takes place about two years after the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice. Sometime between the end of Pride and Prejudice and the beginning of this book, Mary has realized how pompous she sounds and becomes painfully aware of her shortcomings. The book describes how she isn't really aware that most of her shyness and social anxiety, which leads her to be standoffish or rude, is mainly rooted in low self-esteem. At the beginning of the story, Mary is invited to Pemberly to visit Elizabeth and her new nephew, Elizabeth desiring to develop a closer bond with her sister. While at Pemberly, Mary makes the aquintaince of Georgiana and Colonel Henry Fitzwilliam (both of whom made appearance in Pride and Prejudice). Through these two and her sister Elizabeth, Mary begins to gain confidence and work through the issues that hold her back. Over the course of the book, Mary and Henry become closer and eventually fall in love. Henry is also dealing with issues throughout the book as he transitions from being the second son to being the only heir after his brother dies, and he has to take command of an estate and come to terms with his new lifestyle.
I thought this was an amazing well written book for starters. I never would have pegged it for a person's first work. There are no, or minimal, spelling and grammar errors and the story flowed fantastically. The emotional development throughout the story was phenomenal and the descriptions of Mary's life paint an amazingly vivid picture of what it can be like to grow up invisible. Furthermore, the struggles that Mary goes through are extremely relateable, particularly for me, and I emotionally connected with the book on a level I don't usually do. The interactions between the characters was also natural and developed at a realistic pace. Furthermore, you get to read from a few different characters' perspectives which adds more interest to how others view Mary and Henry throughout the book.
I actually felt that I was reading a continuation of Pride and Prejudice, not a book that was written more than a hundred years later. The vocabulary and phrasing wasn't the same as Austen, but it also wasn't completely modern. It seemed to be a wonderful blend of the two that gave you the same feel as reading Austen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved Pride and Prejudice and likes to read sequels, particularly those about Mary. It is an entirely clean book so it is suitable for all ages. The only references to sexual intercourse were made using "the marriage bed" and "her [wifely] duty", and it was only described as a pleasant experience. Overall a fantastic historical light romance with strong emotional pull.
March 21, 2025
In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, she is determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
An entertaining re-read, again. And again.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
An entertaining re-read, again. And again.
March 4, 2022
This is actually a re-read - in fact I have read it countless times, I just haven't reviewed it previously. In the world of JAFF at least, it is one of the very few books that I wish I could award more than 5 stars.
I love reading P&P variations featuring Mary Bennet but good ones are very hard to find; Awakened Hearts is definitely one of the very best, plus it pairs her with Colonel Fitzwilliam, my favourite match, in a way which is both touching and convincing. When the book starts, Mary appears to have come to terms with the fact that she will never marry because she considers herself too plain and dull; she is convinced her future lies in becoming a companion or governess but when she is invited to Pemberley she decides to accept and enjoy herself for a time before she starts trying to sort out her future. Once in Derbyshire she meets Georgiana, with whom she becomes firm friends and Henry, once Colonel Fitzwilliam now Viscount Morley after the death of his brother, who changes Mary's future completely.
I don't think it is a spoiler to say that the story is of the courtship and marriage of Mary and Henry. It is quite touching to see Mary blossoming and her growing love for the Viscount. henry is simply wonderful; he adores Mary and does everything he can to make her believe in herself and in them. Another reviewer complains that Mary is too difficult and the Colonel shouldn't put up with her; but Mary has spent years being belittled and crushed by everyone, including (ESPECIALLY) by those who are supposed to love and support her, she is not going to turn into a ray of sunshine overnight, especially when she herself does not initially believe that Henry can really love her. Surely that is pretty logical?
I think it must be pretty obvious that I adore this book; if you are also a Mary lover, all I can say is please read it, you will not find much that is better
I love reading P&P variations featuring Mary Bennet but good ones are very hard to find; Awakened Hearts is definitely one of the very best, plus it pairs her with Colonel Fitzwilliam, my favourite match, in a way which is both touching and convincing. When the book starts, Mary appears to have come to terms with the fact that she will never marry because she considers herself too plain and dull; she is convinced her future lies in becoming a companion or governess but when she is invited to Pemberley she decides to accept and enjoy herself for a time before she starts trying to sort out her future. Once in Derbyshire she meets Georgiana, with whom she becomes firm friends and Henry, once Colonel Fitzwilliam now Viscount Morley after the death of his brother, who changes Mary's future completely.
I don't think it is a spoiler to say that the story is of the courtship and marriage of Mary and Henry. It is quite touching to see Mary blossoming and her growing love for the Viscount. henry is simply wonderful; he adores Mary and does everything he can to make her believe in herself and in them. Another reviewer complains that Mary is too difficult and the Colonel shouldn't put up with her; but Mary has spent years being belittled and crushed by everyone, including (ESPECIALLY) by those who are supposed to love and support her, she is not going to turn into a ray of sunshine overnight, especially when she herself does not initially believe that Henry can really love her. Surely that is pretty logical?
I think it must be pretty obvious that I adore this book; if you are also a Mary lover, all I can say is please read it, you will not find much that is better
March 3, 2018
I read this when it was still on fanfiction.net a couple years ago and was completely taken in by this beautifully and elaborately done story about Mary Bennet and how she matures, finds love and finds herself a couple years after Pride and Prejudice has finished. I got nostalgic today after rewatching the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film (aka the best film ever made) and searched for this "fanfic" for half an hour until finding (and immediately buying) it on Amazon, so I can't wait to reread this glorious story.
October 16, 2017
Loved just the way you are
I liked that Iin this book Mary did not magically become just like Elizabeth. This was her love story.. and though some of her parts were softened, she bloomed into a more fully realized version of who she was... A sweet story, with an interesting, believable premise.
I liked that Iin this book Mary did not magically become just like Elizabeth. This was her love story.. and though some of her parts were softened, she bloomed into a more fully realized version of who she was... A sweet story, with an interesting, believable premise.
May 31, 2019
A lovely Mary Bennet story. Originally read on fanfiction.net, and when I needed a reread, found that it was taken off and up for purchasing. Finally broke the other day and bought it. So happy that I did. This has to be one of my favourite Pride and Prejudice sequels, and my absolute favourite Mary story.
February 21, 2021
I didn't care for this Mary
Mary Bennet is my favorite Bennet sibling. I always felt there was an untold story waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, this Mary Bennet was not very likable. She was easily offended, rude or shy. I can understand those emotions, but when it happens every single chapter until almost the 90% mark it makes for a very tiring book. Lord Morley is a saint. The focus was more on Mary's mindset and since I didn't care for her actions. It would have been nice to see more of Mary and Morley playful encounter that was displayed at the coaching inn throughout the book. I guess I couldn't understand why he chose Mary.
Mary Bennet is my favorite Bennet sibling. I always felt there was an untold story waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, this Mary Bennet was not very likable. She was easily offended, rude or shy. I can understand those emotions, but when it happens every single chapter until almost the 90% mark it makes for a very tiring book. Lord Morley is a saint. The focus was more on Mary's mindset and since I didn't care for her actions. It would have been nice to see more of Mary and Morley playful encounter that was displayed at the coaching inn throughout the book. I guess I couldn't understand why he chose Mary.
July 22, 2018
Great story. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters
Great story. I enjoyed the changes in Mary and her interaction with Henry, Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana.
This story kept my interest and was well worth reading.
Great story. I enjoyed the changes in Mary and her interaction with Henry, Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana.
This story kept my interest and was well worth reading.
May 4, 2025
sweet! glad I finally got to read it. full review to come.
EDIT:
- i used to reread the chapters on ff dot net so often but couldn't get my hands on all kindle copy
until recently and ooh boy this is a book after my own heart
- Mary's prickly and defensive and short and scared because she's been hurt by the dismissiveness of her family, it's a vicious cycle of things but the gentle way Henry draws her out of her shell
- the warmth they show each other
- the way they balance each other out - i love that we see both povs
- (hate the epilogue note of mr b getting remarried to charlotte though my beloathed)
- do love that wickham died and lydia got remarried and was happier for it
EDIT:
- i used to reread the chapters on ff dot net so often but couldn't get my hands on all kindle copy
until recently and ooh boy this is a book after my own heart
- Mary's prickly and defensive and short and scared because she's been hurt by the dismissiveness of her family, it's a vicious cycle of things but the gentle way Henry draws her out of her shell
- the warmth they show each other
- the way they balance each other out - i love that we see both povs
- (hate the epilogue note of mr b getting remarried to charlotte though my beloathed)
- do love that wickham died and lydia got remarried and was happier for it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2020
Interesting
A rather interesting little variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I love seeing Mary get attention and enjoyed this story.
A rather interesting little variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I love seeing Mary get attention and enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews