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A Pemberley Romance #2
Love Changes Everything: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation
Mr. Darcy knows he is immensely privileged. He deserves no less. He has been born to it. Great wealth, good breeding, handsome looks, expensive education. What more can he possibly want? Life is hard for Elizabeth Bennet. Harder than she ever imagined it could be. All her hopes and dreams turned to ashes in the spring. But she still has her pride. Once she has set her mind to a task, nothing will break her resolve — whatever the cost. She is Elizabeth. Proud, independent, clever. She will not accept charity from a proud stranger, thank you very much. So what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object, and Mr. Darcy wishes to convince Miss Elizabeth Bennet that her refusal is costing her dearly? Love Changes Everything is an extended, complex novel of 93,000 words. It is a sweet and clean full-length Regency romance.
- GenresRomance
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 18, 2022
This story dragged for me through the larger part and then there was an abrupt ending.
Yes, Longbourn burns down and we suppose it is due to Lydia as the introduction had her carelessly placing a bonnet near a flame where it catches on fire. (We are never told how the house catches on fire during the night soon after that incident.) Elizabeth carries Kitty out of the burning house while Mary hangs onto her and follows blindly as a burning beam has fallen and hit her face. Lydia dies, Kitty soon is also gone and Mary is not only blind but so horribly scared that her mother refuses to have her living with them. M/M Bennet & Jane move to a small house near the Philips' home. Elizabeth finds an abandoned cottage on Longbourn property and moves there with Mary.
Most of the story centers around how bad off the two sisters are and how little their father supports them. Jane seems to drop out of sight and there are hints that her mother has ordered her not to visit her sisters. Mrs. Bennet is a witch, blaming Elizabeth for not rescuing Lydia. She refuses to have Elizabeth live with her also. Elizabeth's status now becomes that of a maid, taking care of Mary, cooking, cleaning, bringing in wood for the stove and fireplace, etc. She spends time reading to Mary as Mary's blindness causes her to have nothing to do to occupy her time. She does learn to feel her way around the cottage.
Darcy (the hero walking in with his lame horse) falls instantly in love upon meeting Elizabeth and now we have him trying to help out with unwanted...even refused...charity. He resorts to lies (disguise of any sort is my abhorrence) to get her to accept a pianoforte for Mary as a way to exercise her scared hands as they draw into claws with the healing process. The decisive moment in ODC's relationship comes as winter nears and it is obvious that Elizabeth and Mary will not survive if they stay in that cottage. Darcy has a solution and Elizabeth only accepts it as Mary has fallen sick and will die if she remains in the barely heated cottage.
Of course the story does deal with the different social standings of both which are now even more separated. Elizabeth believes she is too far beneath him to ever be considered as anything but a charity case, while Darcy is determined to prove his motives are not so he can puff up his pride about helping out the poor but because he cares and truly wants to protect and provide for her.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Lady Catherine have small roles in this tale.
This story could have been condensed. We do have a few scenes telling us about how happy they are in their newly wed status. There is no epilogue.
Yes, Longbourn burns down and we suppose it is due to Lydia as the introduction had her carelessly placing a bonnet near a flame where it catches on fire. (We are never told how the house catches on fire during the night soon after that incident.) Elizabeth carries Kitty out of the burning house while Mary hangs onto her and follows blindly as a burning beam has fallen and hit her face. Lydia dies, Kitty soon is also gone and Mary is not only blind but so horribly scared that her mother refuses to have her living with them. M/M Bennet & Jane move to a small house near the Philips' home. Elizabeth finds an abandoned cottage on Longbourn property and moves there with Mary.
Most of the story centers around how bad off the two sisters are and how little their father supports them. Jane seems to drop out of sight and there are hints that her mother has ordered her not to visit her sisters. Mrs. Bennet is a witch, blaming Elizabeth for not rescuing Lydia. She refuses to have Elizabeth live with her also. Elizabeth's status now becomes that of a maid, taking care of Mary, cooking, cleaning, bringing in wood for the stove and fireplace, etc. She spends time reading to Mary as Mary's blindness causes her to have nothing to do to occupy her time. She does learn to feel her way around the cottage.
Darcy (the hero walking in with his lame horse) falls instantly in love upon meeting Elizabeth and now we have him trying to help out with unwanted...even refused...charity. He resorts to lies (disguise of any sort is my abhorrence) to get her to accept a pianoforte for Mary as a way to exercise her scared hands as they draw into claws with the healing process. The decisive moment in ODC's relationship comes as winter nears and it is obvious that Elizabeth and Mary will not survive if they stay in that cottage. Darcy has a solution and Elizabeth only accepts it as Mary has fallen sick and will die if she remains in the barely heated cottage.
Of course the story does deal with the different social standings of both which are now even more separated. Elizabeth believes she is too far beneath him to ever be considered as anything but a charity case, while Darcy is determined to prove his motives are not so he can puff up his pride about helping out the poor but because he cares and truly wants to protect and provide for her.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Lady Catherine have small roles in this tale.
This story could have been condensed. We do have a few scenes telling us about how happy they are in their newly wed status. There is no epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2021
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
This is less a Pride and Prejudice variation and more of a fairy tale. I see a greater similarity to Cinderella except, of course, the character names.
Irresponsible Lydia causes a devastating fire at Longbourn. She pays the ultimate price for her carelessness. Elizabeth heroically gets the rest of her family out of the building before the roof caves in, including Kitty, who also dies soon after. Mary's face is horribly disfigured and she's blinded, and Elizabeth sustains some burns herself.
Instead of being grateful for Elizabeth's bravery, Mrs. Bennet steps into an evil stepmother role, blaming her for the death of her favorite child and refusing to live with either her or Mary - her nerves can't handle Mary's disfigurement. Mr. Bennet is a total milquetoast and succumbs to his wife's insistence that he give the two only minimal support. All of Meryton are disgusted with them, but no one really steps up to help Elizabeth.
She and Mary live in a flimsy cottage on the Longbourn property while Mr. & Mrs. B. and Jane move to the relative comfort of the Phillips's house in Meryton. Elizabeth is unfailingly patient, single-handedly nursing her sister and learning to do everything they're accustomed to having servants do - cooking, cleaning, et al. She's absolutely saint-like.
Then, a handsome prince...errr, Mr. Darcy...stumbles across their cottage when he's out riding and his horse loses a shoe. He falls in love with Elizabeth at her first smile and feels compelled to help this beautiful, courageous lady and her sister. This is where we get a little whiff of P&P - he can't possibly marry her, considering her living situation.
It's an okay story despite not really being much of a P&P variation. The writing itself leaves a lot to be desired, though. Over-explanation of the obvious and repetition galore. Odd paragraph breaks. Nothing flows here.
This book is several years old. I read one this author published last year (2020) where the overall quality of the writing, while not excellent, was certainly improved. This story, however, is not one I can recommend.
This is less a Pride and Prejudice variation and more of a fairy tale. I see a greater similarity to Cinderella except, of course, the character names.
Irresponsible Lydia causes a devastating fire at Longbourn. She pays the ultimate price for her carelessness. Elizabeth heroically gets the rest of her family out of the building before the roof caves in, including Kitty, who also dies soon after. Mary's face is horribly disfigured and she's blinded, and Elizabeth sustains some burns herself.
Instead of being grateful for Elizabeth's bravery, Mrs. Bennet steps into an evil stepmother role, blaming her for the death of her favorite child and refusing to live with either her or Mary - her nerves can't handle Mary's disfigurement. Mr. Bennet is a total milquetoast and succumbs to his wife's insistence that he give the two only minimal support. All of Meryton are disgusted with them, but no one really steps up to help Elizabeth.
She and Mary live in a flimsy cottage on the Longbourn property while Mr. & Mrs. B. and Jane move to the relative comfort of the Phillips's house in Meryton. Elizabeth is unfailingly patient, single-handedly nursing her sister and learning to do everything they're accustomed to having servants do - cooking, cleaning, et al. She's absolutely saint-like.
Then, a handsome prince...errr, Mr. Darcy...stumbles across their cottage when he's out riding and his horse loses a shoe. He falls in love with Elizabeth at her first smile and feels compelled to help this beautiful, courageous lady and her sister. This is where we get a little whiff of P&P - he can't possibly marry her, considering her living situation.
It's an okay story despite not really being much of a P&P variation. The writing itself leaves a lot to be desired, though. Over-explanation of the obvious and repetition galore. Odd paragraph breaks. Nothing flows here.
This book is several years old. I read one this author published last year (2020) where the overall quality of the writing, while not excellent, was certainly improved. This story, however, is not one I can recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2020
This almost could have been a one act play. It takes place in almost one place, a short length of time and we don't actually meet many characters.
Artistically, I found it compelling. As a story, there wasn't a ton of depth to it.
And Jane's behavior was far too easily excused. Survivor's guilt, might have kept her away, and unable to be of real assistance and she might have had real difficulty disobeying her mother, but she didn't have ANY problems looking out for her own best interest and happiness moving forward to be happy with Bingley. Only part of the story that was really off for me.
Artistically, I found it compelling. As a story, there wasn't a ton of depth to it.
And Jane's behavior was far too easily excused. Survivor's guilt, might have kept her away, and unable to be of real assistance and she might have had real difficulty disobeying her mother, but she didn't have ANY problems looking out for her own best interest and happiness moving forward to be happy with Bingley. Only part of the story that was really off for me.
January 9, 2018
Well written story
I write many reviews but I never give story overviews for I think that there are many other reviewers that do and do a much better job than I could. I do include spoilers though, so be warned.
I’ve decided to rate the book 3 stars the because the overall plot wasn’t fun to read. The aftermath of a house fire where there are disfigured victims was to sad for me to enjoy the book.
But if that story is one you would like to read then I think you might rate it a 4 or 5 star book. It’s well written, flows nicely and is everything pleasant.
I’m not sure fit in well to the time period though. I’m not sure the local solicitor, especially since he is an uncle would have rented out an estate to Darcy to move the uncle’s nieces to. That might cause gossip and ruin them both.
So if we get past that plot point I would have liked to have gone into more depth about the Bennets feeling about Lizzy and Mary being in a much better abode than they. And perhaps some more depth about if Longbourn was going to be rebuilt and how it would have been financed.
In general I didn’t explore the new situation of the Bennets enough. And after Jane and Bingley were married, were the Bennets moving into Netherfield? How would Mrs. Bennet take to having Jane in Netherfield and Purvis Lodge empty when the Darcys and Mary move to Pemberley.
So I felt the story was underdeveloped.
I write many reviews but I never give story overviews for I think that there are many other reviewers that do and do a much better job than I could. I do include spoilers though, so be warned.
I’ve decided to rate the book 3 stars the because the overall plot wasn’t fun to read. The aftermath of a house fire where there are disfigured victims was to sad for me to enjoy the book.
But if that story is one you would like to read then I think you might rate it a 4 or 5 star book. It’s well written, flows nicely and is everything pleasant.
I’m not sure fit in well to the time period though. I’m not sure the local solicitor, especially since he is an uncle would have rented out an estate to Darcy to move the uncle’s nieces to. That might cause gossip and ruin them both.
So if we get past that plot point I would have liked to have gone into more depth about the Bennets feeling about Lizzy and Mary being in a much better abode than they. And perhaps some more depth about if Longbourn was going to be rebuilt and how it would have been financed.
In general I didn’t explore the new situation of the Bennets enough. And after Jane and Bingley were married, were the Bennets moving into Netherfield? How would Mrs. Bennet take to having Jane in Netherfield and Purvis Lodge empty when the Darcys and Mary move to Pemberley.
So I felt the story was underdeveloped.
June 18, 2022
“When you have endured the worse situations, you build the courage and confidence to cope with any other situations.” –Lailah Gifty Akita
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: MA: due to descriptions of death and grievous injuries.
>>Angst Level: high, OMG! Resentment, hurt pride, hurt feelings, guilt, pain, pain, and more pain.
>>Source: Book 2 of 5: Borrowed KU 5-17-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions are my own.
Trope: AU: Alternate Universe where everything was different.
This story simply hurt my heart and soul. The book blurb gave a hint as to what was about to happen in Knowles’ variation. What happened? Lydia, that’s what!?! The opening scene was a foreshadowing of what was about to occur at Longbourn. Careless and uncaring, Lydia had no idea she was about to be a danger to herself and her family. She was simply Lydia… spoilt, petulant, and out of control. Her mother wouldn’t rein her in nor allow anyone to chide her for her behavior. Well, how’d that work out for you?
This was not a story that looked favorably upon Mr. Bennet. In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen him more henpecked than he was in this story. He was hamstrung at every turn to the point he could hardly render aid when situations were becoming dire. I could never forgive him for his lack of power and lack of action when it was so desperately needed. At every turn, he had to be shamed into acting as he should. Don’t even get me started on Mrs. Bennet. That woman was despicable.
“He’ll never be able to hide his feelings for you when he sees you. That’s the thing with enduring love. It can stay buried, you can deny it, but once you are near that person, those feelings pull you together like a magnetic bond.” –Jacqueline Simon Gunn, Before the Footprints Fade
Darcy was the hero in this story. However, he teetered around propriety fairly closely for the time period. Was he acting out of guilt or offering charity for the sake of his conscience? It was hard to determine. It may have started that way but it soon changed into stronger feelings. Many of his actions were bold and could have ruined the reputations of both girls. Those actions were simply not done. The girls had family and family was supposed to take care of and provide for them… or so they thought.
“…They say love is eternal… They say love is enduring. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails… It is one of my favorite passages in the Bible… There is a quality about that kind of love that transcends our mortal understanding.” –Kaleb Kilton, Bella’s Dilemma
A Pemberley Romance Series: [Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order]
Book 1: A Life Apart
Book 2: Love Changes Everything
Book 3: Compromise and Obligation
Book 4: The Darcy Plot
Book 5: The Darcy Bennet Arrangement
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: MA: due to descriptions of death and grievous injuries.
>>Angst Level: high, OMG! Resentment, hurt pride, hurt feelings, guilt, pain, pain, and more pain.
>>Source: Book 2 of 5: Borrowed KU 5-17-22 with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions are my own.
Trope: AU: Alternate Universe where everything was different.
This story simply hurt my heart and soul. The book blurb gave a hint as to what was about to happen in Knowles’ variation. What happened? Lydia, that’s what!?! The opening scene was a foreshadowing of what was about to occur at Longbourn. Careless and uncaring, Lydia had no idea she was about to be a danger to herself and her family. She was simply Lydia… spoilt, petulant, and out of control. Her mother wouldn’t rein her in nor allow anyone to chide her for her behavior. Well, how’d that work out for you?
This was not a story that looked favorably upon Mr. Bennet. In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen him more henpecked than he was in this story. He was hamstrung at every turn to the point he could hardly render aid when situations were becoming dire. I could never forgive him for his lack of power and lack of action when it was so desperately needed. At every turn, he had to be shamed into acting as he should. Don’t even get me started on Mrs. Bennet. That woman was despicable.
“He’ll never be able to hide his feelings for you when he sees you. That’s the thing with enduring love. It can stay buried, you can deny it, but once you are near that person, those feelings pull you together like a magnetic bond.” –Jacqueline Simon Gunn, Before the Footprints Fade
Darcy was the hero in this story. However, he teetered around propriety fairly closely for the time period. Was he acting out of guilt or offering charity for the sake of his conscience? It was hard to determine. It may have started that way but it soon changed into stronger feelings. Many of his actions were bold and could have ruined the reputations of both girls. Those actions were simply not done. The girls had family and family was supposed to take care of and provide for them… or so they thought.
“…They say love is eternal… They say love is enduring. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails… It is one of my favorite passages in the Bible… There is a quality about that kind of love that transcends our mortal understanding.” –Kaleb Kilton, Bella’s Dilemma
A Pemberley Romance Series: [Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order]
Book 1: A Life Apart
Book 2: Love Changes Everything
Book 3: Compromise and Obligation
Book 4: The Darcy Plot
Book 5: The Darcy Bennet Arrangement
April 3, 2022
sisters love brings joy
After a fire with devastating consequences Elizabeth and Mary forge a new life together. Faced with many challenges the two sisters find happiness when most would be defeated.
This is a sad story. Be prepared to dislike more if the characters than normal.
After a fire with devastating consequences Elizabeth and Mary forge a new life together. Faced with many challenges the two sisters find happiness when most would be defeated.
This is a sad story. Be prepared to dislike more if the characters than normal.
December 28, 2022
Great love story
I loved it a love story for all time. I did not like the Bennets except Mary Jane wad spineless, and Mr Bennet was a terrible husband and father! I loved Darcy and Georgiana, also the colonel!!
I loved it a love story for all time. I did not like the Bennets except Mary Jane wad spineless, and Mr Bennet was a terrible husband and father! I loved Darcy and Georgiana, also the colonel!!
March 31, 2024
In this Pride and Prejudice variation a fire (probably caused by Lydia) results in the destruction of Longbourn and the death of Lydia and Catherine. Mary is blinded and her face burnt. Sent to stay in a cottage Elizabeth and Mary try to cope with little help from their selfish and useless family, until discovered by Darcy.
An entertaining story
An entertaining story
October 30, 2022
The Worse Bennet Parents
I don’t think I’ve read a variation that upset and depressed me at the same time. I never miss Lydia regardless of how she’s written out of the story. Mr Bennet was a spineless child lead by his overbearing stupid wife. Jane was a selfish mannequin who didn’t deserve forgiveness.
I don’t think I’ve read a variation that upset and depressed me at the same time. I never miss Lydia regardless of how she’s written out of the story. Mr Bennet was a spineless child lead by his overbearing stupid wife. Jane was a selfish mannequin who didn’t deserve forgiveness.
August 9, 2020
Tragedy at Longbourn
A fire at Longbourn leaves tragic consequences for Elizabeth and Mary. An accidental meeting results in Darcy offering aid, and eventually an offer of marriage. Another good story from Ms. Knowles. Sweet, clean romance.
A fire at Longbourn leaves tragic consequences for Elizabeth and Mary. An accidental meeting results in Darcy offering aid, and eventually an offer of marriage. Another good story from Ms. Knowles. Sweet, clean romance.
August 13, 2022
4.5 Stars
Darcy- Caring. Lovable. Determined.
Elizabeth- Loyal. Loving. Insecure. Too forgiving.
Mary- Strong.
Mr. Bennet- Worthless. Wuss. Inexcusable.
Jane- Weakling. Undeserving.
Mrs. Bennet- Over indulged. Heartless. Ill-mannered.
Richard- Darcy's ride-or-die.
Georgiana- Sweet.
This is a sweet romance with some unforgivable situations. Darcy does everything he can to win Elizabeth (and Mary.) Elizabeth has a hard time receiving Darcy's attention and assistance, but eventually love wins.
SPOILER. SPOILER. SPOILER.
Now for the unforgivable. First, I should point out that Mrs. Bennet strictures was mostly spoken of, it did not play out on screen...thank goodness. With that being said, I cannot understand how Mr. Bennet would allow his two underage daughters to live alone in the woods, unprotected, no servants and barely enough essentials. He has to be shamed to do the little that he does. And what's his excuse? Mrs. Bennet! So, this man allows his 'favorite' daughter and his blind daughter to be treated like trash just so he can avoid listening to Mrs. Bennet verbal complaints and live in peace. Inexcusable! I hope all his books were burnt to a crisp.
Now we have Jane. I get it. The fire was blazing, she was scared. I don't fault her for that. What I find suspect is Jane not even offering to assist with Mary once a week for an hour or two. Elizabeth practically saved her family and Jane cannot think past herself to at least allow Elizabeth to go for a walk, have some quiet time? Mrs. Bennet doesn't have to know, and if she did, so what. That should at least help Jane feel at peace for not assisting.
The Gardiners, I don't know. It seems everybody in Elizabeth's family, beside Mary has someone to blame for their inability to help. The Gardniers could have mailed packages to Elizabeth and Mary. When Mrs. Gardiner seen Elizabeth wearing her fathers old coat, she could have purchased her one. The speech about I was going to have a talk with the parents should have taken place months ago. They all let Elizabeth and Mary down. Of course none of those things took away from the story. I think I'm upset that Elizabeth was so happy and ready to forgive them. Mrs. Bennet will take a while.
Bottom line, Elizabeth's family sucks, but she has a wonderful new family that has her back.
Darcy- Caring. Lovable. Determined.
Elizabeth- Loyal. Loving. Insecure. Too forgiving.
Mary- Strong.
Mr. Bennet- Worthless. Wuss. Inexcusable.
Jane- Weakling. Undeserving.
Mrs. Bennet- Over indulged. Heartless. Ill-mannered.
Richard- Darcy's ride-or-die.
Georgiana- Sweet.
This is a sweet romance with some unforgivable situations. Darcy does everything he can to win Elizabeth (and Mary.) Elizabeth has a hard time receiving Darcy's attention and assistance, but eventually love wins.
SPOILER. SPOILER. SPOILER.
Now for the unforgivable. First, I should point out that Mrs. Bennet strictures was mostly spoken of, it did not play out on screen...thank goodness. With that being said, I cannot understand how Mr. Bennet would allow his two underage daughters to live alone in the woods, unprotected, no servants and barely enough essentials. He has to be shamed to do the little that he does. And what's his excuse? Mrs. Bennet! So, this man allows his 'favorite' daughter and his blind daughter to be treated like trash just so he can avoid listening to Mrs. Bennet verbal complaints and live in peace. Inexcusable! I hope all his books were burnt to a crisp.
Now we have Jane. I get it. The fire was blazing, she was scared. I don't fault her for that. What I find suspect is Jane not even offering to assist with Mary once a week for an hour or two. Elizabeth practically saved her family and Jane cannot think past herself to at least allow Elizabeth to go for a walk, have some quiet time? Mrs. Bennet doesn't have to know, and if she did, so what. That should at least help Jane feel at peace for not assisting.
The Gardiners, I don't know. It seems everybody in Elizabeth's family, beside Mary has someone to blame for their inability to help. The Gardniers could have mailed packages to Elizabeth and Mary. When Mrs. Gardiner seen Elizabeth wearing her fathers old coat, she could have purchased her one. The speech about I was going to have a talk with the parents should have taken place months ago. They all let Elizabeth and Mary down. Of course none of those things took away from the story. I think I'm upset that Elizabeth was so happy and ready to forgive them. Mrs. Bennet will take a while.
Bottom line, Elizabeth's family sucks, but she has a wonderful new family that has her back.
January 7, 2025
Fire and the devastating aftermath
3 1/2 stars rounded to four
This is a very Elizabeth and Mary front and center story. Longbourn has burned, leaving the entire family homeless. Be warned two of the sisters die and Mary is left in a devastating situation. Elizabeth and Mary are basically banished to a cottage on the far end of the estate because of Mrs. Bennet’s anger and bitterness. Darcy stumbles across them and their cottage at the beginning of his stay with Bingley, but he keeps their existence a secret from the Bingley party. He feels extremely sad and upset at the isolated situation these ladies are in and finds ways to make their life easier. Elizabeth has to deal with many pride issues, including accepting charity as her father is barely supplying them with a necessities. Both Elizabeth and Mary are concerned on what will happen during the winter. Darcy has a plan but not sure how or if Elizabeth will accept it. During this time Darcy has fallen in love with Elizabeth but she keeps her heart guarded due to her current situation. Mr Bennet is very weak willed especially after the fire.
This is an older story (2017) and it could have benefited from some editing and a few things could have been developed better but it was something I could deal with. The ending was good but felt a bit abrupt. Yes, I could see myself reading it again.
3 1/2 stars rounded to four
This is a very Elizabeth and Mary front and center story. Longbourn has burned, leaving the entire family homeless. Be warned two of the sisters die and Mary is left in a devastating situation. Elizabeth and Mary are basically banished to a cottage on the far end of the estate because of Mrs. Bennet’s anger and bitterness. Darcy stumbles across them and their cottage at the beginning of his stay with Bingley, but he keeps their existence a secret from the Bingley party. He feels extremely sad and upset at the isolated situation these ladies are in and finds ways to make their life easier. Elizabeth has to deal with many pride issues, including accepting charity as her father is barely supplying them with a necessities. Both Elizabeth and Mary are concerned on what will happen during the winter. Darcy has a plan but not sure how or if Elizabeth will accept it. During this time Darcy has fallen in love with Elizabeth but she keeps her heart guarded due to her current situation. Mr Bennet is very weak willed especially after the fire.
This is an older story (2017) and it could have benefited from some editing and a few things could have been developed better but it was something I could deal with. The ending was good but felt a bit abrupt. Yes, I could see myself reading it again.
January 27, 2024
I would give this ten stars if I could *****
This was one of the most romantic Darcys I’ve read in a long while and the plot worked perfectly to show off how swoon worthy Darcy was as the Hero of this wonderful tale.
The story starts off with a horrific event and what follows is even worse when we watch Elizabeth care for her Sister, Mary. Longbourn has burned to the ground. Worse than the loss of their home, both Kitty and Lydia perished in the fire in spite of Elizabeth’s valiant efforts to save her sisters. This scene in the book was frightening and tragic. Mary sustained horrible injuries, was left blinded and badly scarred. Mrs Bennet loudly blames Elizabeth for not saving Lydia and to maintain any semblance of peace Mr Bennet sends Elizabeth and Mary to a secluded old cottage with no servants and very little resources to live on. A servant is occasionally sent with some food. Luckily it’s warm enough that there is no need for a fire except in the scullery where Mary is unaware. She now fears fire so much she can’t stand a candle lit. Elizabeth does everything in the cottage. It’s an arduous job in addition to Mary’s care. And they very rarely have the company of Mr Bennet because it causes an uproar with his wife.
Enter now our Hero. A chance meeting, Darcy walking his horse with a missing shoe, and thirsty. Just hoping for a glass of water and directions to Netherfield. And that meeting with a gracious and beautiful woman has Darcy on a different path for the rest of his life. It’s just the beginning of the story and the rest is so, at times wonderful and also heartbreaking.
I highly recommend this book lovers of JAFF. It’s more than one thread pulled and beautifully unique.
This was one of the most romantic Darcys I’ve read in a long while and the plot worked perfectly to show off how swoon worthy Darcy was as the Hero of this wonderful tale.
The story starts off with a horrific event and what follows is even worse when we watch Elizabeth care for her Sister, Mary. Longbourn has burned to the ground. Worse than the loss of their home, both Kitty and Lydia perished in the fire in spite of Elizabeth’s valiant efforts to save her sisters. This scene in the book was frightening and tragic. Mary sustained horrible injuries, was left blinded and badly scarred. Mrs Bennet loudly blames Elizabeth for not saving Lydia and to maintain any semblance of peace Mr Bennet sends Elizabeth and Mary to a secluded old cottage with no servants and very little resources to live on. A servant is occasionally sent with some food. Luckily it’s warm enough that there is no need for a fire except in the scullery where Mary is unaware. She now fears fire so much she can’t stand a candle lit. Elizabeth does everything in the cottage. It’s an arduous job in addition to Mary’s care. And they very rarely have the company of Mr Bennet because it causes an uproar with his wife.
Enter now our Hero. A chance meeting, Darcy walking his horse with a missing shoe, and thirsty. Just hoping for a glass of water and directions to Netherfield. And that meeting with a gracious and beautiful woman has Darcy on a different path for the rest of his life. It’s just the beginning of the story and the rest is so, at times wonderful and also heartbreaking.
I highly recommend this book lovers of JAFF. It’s more than one thread pulled and beautifully unique.
June 12, 2021
An excellent Darcy
An interesting examination of the treatment of disabled persons in society, then and now. Some people are horrified, some people throw money at the problem but avoid facing it, some people are cruel, and some just pretend nothing is wrong. The cast of P&P characters illustrate the possibilities in this alternate universe where Longbourn burns and Lydia and Kitty die.
An interesting examination of the treatment of disabled persons in society, then and now. Some people are horrified, some people throw money at the problem but avoid facing it, some people are cruel, and some just pretend nothing is wrong. The cast of P&P characters illustrate the possibilities in this alternate universe where Longbourn burns and Lydia and Kitty die.
June 13, 2022
I would have rated this 5 stars…..
BUT…. It ended so abruptly and no epilogue. I wanted to know if there was any reconciliation attempts with Mrs.Bennet. The end just felt so rushed. I also wanted to see more of Jane and Lizzy.
Otherwise I quite enjoyed it. Mrs. Bennet was worse than her usual self and I found her treatment oh Lizzy despicable.
This Mr. Darcy was at all times swoon worthy.
BUT…. It ended so abruptly and no epilogue. I wanted to know if there was any reconciliation attempts with Mrs.Bennet. The end just felt so rushed. I also wanted to see more of Jane and Lizzy.
Otherwise I quite enjoyed it. Mrs. Bennet was worse than her usual self and I found her treatment oh Lizzy despicable.
This Mr. Darcy was at all times swoon worthy.
April 7, 2018
This is my new favorite variation to Pride and Prejudice. I loved this book. I found the writing to be excellent and the story line was so different that I could not put it down. Harriet Knowles has made Eizabeth even more amazing and lovable! And Darcy is so wonderful in this version, that if you didn't love him before, you definitely will now. I can't wait to read more from this author!
January 10, 2018
Very developed storyline
The story is very enjoyable,at some points a little slow but you truly get to know the characters. You are heavily invested in their stories. Highly recommend this book to Pride and Prejudice lovers!
The story is very enjoyable,at some points a little slow but you truly get to know the characters. You are heavily invested in their stories. Highly recommend this book to Pride and Prejudice lovers!
December 8, 2020
Another excellent book by Harriet Knowles.
Not the usual cast of characters, or at least not all of them. This left more time for the most important ones. My on two most disliked characters hardly showed up at all. This was a gentle, loving story, which I very much enjoyed.
Not the usual cast of characters, or at least not all of them. This left more time for the most important ones. My on two most disliked characters hardly showed up at all. This was a gentle, loving story, which I very much enjoyed.
July 31, 2021
A little weak
I love JAFF but this one just fell flat for me. It was a sweet story line but Jane and Mr Bennet were so off character. Too much time was spent explaining how self sacrificing Elizabeth was being. I liked the first in this series much better, A Life Apart.
I love JAFF but this one just fell flat for me. It was a sweet story line but Jane and Mr Bennet were so off character. Too much time was spent explaining how self sacrificing Elizabeth was being. I liked the first in this series much better, A Life Apart.
February 14, 2025
Love Changes Everything
This starts with heart ache.. a fire. It destroys more than a home. It tears hearts apart.
Darcy appears out of need for help and becomes a hero, a fine background helper in return. Wonderful story.
This starts with heart ache.. a fire. It destroys more than a home. It tears hearts apart.
Darcy appears out of need for help and becomes a hero, a fine background helper in return. Wonderful story.
February 11, 2018
Long in suffering
There is almost no joy in this book. Terrible writing style. I finished it but with no pleasure. Even the ending was a let down.
There is almost no joy in this book. Terrible writing style. I finished it but with no pleasure. Even the ending was a let down.
May 6, 2024
This book angered me
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