Pemberley: The Next Generation

Longbourn #11

by Margaret Lynette Sharp

Almost one and twenty years have passed since Elizabeth gave birth to her first child – a son, Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy. Since then, another child – a daughter, Juliette Elizabeth – has also entered the world, and has grown into a fine young lady. With her son’s birthday drawing nigh, the Mistress of Pemberley devises a plan to give the younger Fitzwilliam a day to remember.

25 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2018

About the author

My blog: http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...

Margaret Lynette Sharp is an award-winning writer, and the author of over eighty titles, including #1 Amazon Best Seller, 'Longbourn Revisited'. Her work was highly commended during the the 2014 Hurstville Discovery Festival of Community Arts, and published by Hurstville Council in an anthology entitled 'Write Out Loud'. In November 2015 she won a Second Prize, again in the short story section of this same competition, and her title, 'More Than a Mere Bagatelle', has been selected for inclusion in another anthology, 'The Art of Writing'.
She spent her early years in an inner city suburb of Sydney, moving with her family to a leafy, outer suburb at the age of ten.
A self-motivated student who loved to seek out information, she matriculated just before her eighteenth birthday. Her enthusiasm for literature led to further studies, with a particular focus on Short Story Writing
Shortly after the death of her elderly mother whom she cared for, Margaret met and later married Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the creator of the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ. She believes that, without doubt, he was her greatest fan and motivator.
Excelling in English himself, Ron had edited much of her early work. He passed away on 21st July, 2021.

Margaret's books have been read and reviewed by readers from Australia, U.S. and India; the vast majority of reviews have been positive.

In addition, she has three blogs on WordPress, which has received many encouraging comments.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eleventh short story in the Longbourn series. Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy is about to turn twenty one and his parents Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth decide there is no finer way of celebrating than to host a ball. A time for friends and family to come together and relish the special occasion.

This was another well written and most enjoyable read by Aussie author Margaret Lynette Sharp. With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book is a work of fan fiction, it takes you back to the places and characters of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".
With "Pemberley: The Next Generation", Margaret Lynette Sharp has created another nice piece of fan fiction. If you have read "Pride and Prejudice" or even watched the remarkable TV mini series (1980), you recognize the world of Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet. The Longbourn series is centred on Elizabeth, whose warmth and intelligence also made "Pride and Prejudice" special. Her husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy, develops nicely - a tendency the readers could assume at the end of "Pride and Prejudice". It is a short read, taking you back to Pemberley to further extend your Pride and Prejudice and/or Longbourn/Pemberley experiences. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is not quite her usual traditional self, as we know her from our previous encounters be it in the book or in the already mentioned mini series. True to the title, there are some nice turns. Margaret Lynette Sharp again took up the hard challenge of writing fan fiction on a classic by Jane Austen, aptly enhancing the story without changing the characters' ways. If you loved Pride and Prejudice, you will appreciate the additional stories this courageous author has to offer.
"Pemberley: The Next Generation" stays true to its title, it is indeed a lovely - and worthy - continuation of Elizabeth, Darcy, and their story.
This is a book for you if you like "Pride and Prejudice", fan fiction, classic reads, and classic reads' aptly written fan fiction.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pemberley House (Derbyshire, Australia). Elizabeth “Lizzy” Darcy (sister/wife/mother, nee Bennet), informed Fitzwilliam Darcy (husband/father), she would like to host a grand ball for Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy (son/brother) 22nd. birthday.
The guests: Mary Collins (wife, daughter/sister, pianist, nee Bennet), Mr. Collins,
Ms. Emily Collins (24, daughter/sister, pianist), Juliette Elizabeth Darcy (daughter/sister), Colonel Fitzwilliam (brother), Kitty Fitzwilliam (wife), Denny Fitzwilliam (son), Ms. Grace Westhaven, & Lydia had arrived.

After breakfast the guests mingled & walked the grounds admiring the beauty of the surroundings.
Emily & Fitzwilliam Edward were getting to know 1/another.
Weeks later Elizabeth was concerned about her son.
What did a letter from Emily say to Elizabeth?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written down under romance (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great down Aussie romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pemberley: The Next Generation by Margaret Lynette Sharp is a short story that chronicles the happenings surrounding twenty-one-year old Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy’s birthday. His mother, the Mistress of Pemberley, is ecstatic and carefully plans for this beautiful day. Among the guests invited is Emily Collins, a pretty young lady studying in London under a Professor Graystone. Her expertise at the pianoforte is simply mesmerizing and everyone is awaiting her performance during her stay at Pemberley. Excitement hangs in the air as the watchful Elizabeth Darcy and her insightful husband, Mr. Darcy, observe their son’s actions as he selects a partner for his first dance. Pemberley is a story of young romance, its gripping impact that is sometimes surrounded by uncertainty.

Margaret Lynette Sharp's Pemberley: The Next Generation brings out all the fine details of the plot and captures many aspects of the story while still maintaining the short length of the book. The characters are authentic with actual traits and flaws. As the plot develops, the author maintains an element of suspense and the actions of young Fitzwilliam provide an extra element of interest for the reader. I found the storyline to be succinct and fascinating. The watchful eye of Elizabeth Darcy added an avenue for the author to relay aspects of the story to the reader. This showcased the character’s sagacity and allowed me to judge the scenes of the plot from her viewpoint. The story is creative and entrancing. Truly, a must-read for all fans of a short story/novella in the historical romance genre.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pemberley: The Next Generation is the eleventh short story in the Longbourn series, Jane Austin Fan Fiction pieces by Australian author, Margaret Lynette Sharp. Young Fitzwilliam Darcy, son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, is about to turn twenty-one, so his parents decide a Ball is in order. Of course, his younger sister, Juliette will attend, and members of the extended family. Lady Catherine can't make it, but has allowed her protégé, Miss Emily Collins to take a break from her music studies in London. Young Miss Collins has developed into an attractive maiden, and a certain young man appears smitten.

Once again, Sharp easily evokes the style and tone of Austen’s writing, giving the reader a taste of what might have followed in the lives of Lizzy and Darcy and their extended family. There’s plenty of amusing dialogue as certain characters maintain their usual form. Taken in the spirit intended, this is a brief but enjoyable read.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read and review

[Margaret Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story, following from my 'Longbourn' series of Jane Austen Fan Fiction pieces.