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Hypothetically Married: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
What does an aging country attorney know about raising five young women? Apparently not enough, for the first of them to wed is the youngest, and her husband is a schemer. Trying to do better for his remaining wards, Mr. Phillips moves them to London. Elizabeth is happy enough to visit London with her uncle and sisters, until town life throws her into the company of Mr. Darcy. She met him the autumn before, when he and his friends visited Hertfordshire, and found him thoroughly disagreeable. Now, it seems she must be in his company nearly every day. Darcy is aware that Miss Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t care for him, which suits him perfectly. After all, he has no intention of courting the aggravating country miss. Even so, he must see her often and they develop a tentative friendship. Both make it clear to each other that it is friendship, not love. As those around them seek their help for their romantic relationships, Darcy and Elizabeth are steadfast in avoiding romantic involvement with each other. Or are they? This is a Pride and Prejudice variation novel of approximately 59,000 words. Renata McMann and Summer Hanford began writing Pride and Prejudice Variations together in 2014 and have since become immersed in the amazing world Jane Austen created. Whether you’re a fan of Darcy and Elizabeth specifically or of clean Regency Romance in general, you will enjoy both McMann’s ability to imagine variations of this classic love story and Hanford’s skill in turning these variations of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and their enduring love into entertaining stories.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 8, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I wondered about the title. How could one be hypothetically married? But that word "hypothetical" is used by various characters as they seek advice from Darcy and/or Elizabeth in attempting to determine how their love interest may be thinking or even why they acted or might act given a certain scenario. You know, "Let's pretend John does love me but he is too shy to act and his friend, Richard, has given him totally wrong advice as to why I would not allow him to kiss me at the dance. How should I act if John now asks me out?'
So this rom-com sets up ODC as the go-to couple when Jane and Bingley, Kitty and Fitzwilliam, etc. need guidance. And then we have the totally OOC Lady Catherine in the midst of all this folderol having a relationship with Uncle Phillips? This man is an enigma. His physical description is off-putting but two widowed ladies seem to find his friendship something to be sought. He does show some insight and acts with resolve when situations arise which endanger the future comfort and place for his wards, the Bennet sisters. There are some new characters who are given parts in the pairings to be made here.
This story did keep my attention but there is little angst and much is quite predictable. That, however, did not lessen my enjoyment in reading this story. Well done.
I wondered about the title. How could one be hypothetically married? But that word "hypothetical" is used by various characters as they seek advice from Darcy and/or Elizabeth in attempting to determine how their love interest may be thinking or even why they acted or might act given a certain scenario. You know, "Let's pretend John does love me but he is too shy to act and his friend, Richard, has given him totally wrong advice as to why I would not allow him to kiss me at the dance. How should I act if John now asks me out?'
So this rom-com sets up ODC as the go-to couple when Jane and Bingley, Kitty and Fitzwilliam, etc. need guidance. And then we have the totally OOC Lady Catherine in the midst of all this folderol having a relationship with Uncle Phillips? This man is an enigma. His physical description is off-putting but two widowed ladies seem to find his friendship something to be sought. He does show some insight and acts with resolve when situations arise which endanger the future comfort and place for his wards, the Bennet sisters. There are some new characters who are given parts in the pairings to be made here.
This story did keep my attention but there is little angst and much is quite predictable. That, however, did not lessen my enjoyment in reading this story. Well done.
May 6, 2018
This is a light-hearted story that has a Shakespearean comedy-like plot. You must suspend your disbelief at the unlikelihood of it all. Nevertheless, it's nicely written (as the novellas by these authors always are) and makes for a sort, pleasant, realatively angst-free read.
All the really serious stuff is in the backstory, as Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Philips have died. The Longbourn entail has been broken (as Mr. C. died BEFORE Mr. B.), so the estate stayed with the Bennet sisters. Mr. Philips deemed it best to sell it in order to provide generous dowries for the girls. Circumstances have required that they live with him rather than the Gardiners. When the militia came to town, Mr. Wickham easily ensnared Lydia, expecting a huge monetary windfall once he compromised and had to marry her.
Thus, this book's first scene is Mr. Philips presenting Wickham with the marriage settlement, which doesn't turn out to be as generous as Wickham expected. The wedding goes forward (as well as another wedding of Mary to Philips' clerk, Mr. Whitestone.) However, Wickham's debts of honor are left unpaid, and Mr. Philips moves with his three unmarried nieces to live with the Gardiners (who are now able to house them) for a while to protect the girls from potential resulting unpleasantness.
Although Mr. Philips is only a country solicitor, he has friends among the gentry from his days at Cambridge including, apparently, Lewis de Bourgh. Here is where suspension of disbelief really becomes necessary, as Lady Catherine becomes a frequent visitor and allows her daughter Anne to become friends with the Bennet sisters.
The story really hits its stride when Anne, Elizabeth, Jane and Kitty begin walking regularly at Hyde Park together, and eventually Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam join them, as well as new character Mr. Searle. The latter is very wealthy but all his money comes from trade. Bingley DID lease Netherfield as part of the backstory, so he and Darcy have a somewhat similar history with the Bennet sisters in Hertfordshire as in canon.
What's fun is the comedy of Regency manners that emerges, as the gentlemen and ladies pair up and try to gauge the romantic interest of their respective partners. The other three couples all end up eliciting help from Elizabeth and Darcy to learn if their amorous feelings are returned.
I do find Lady Catherine's out of character behavior troublesome, because her behavior is so inconsistent with everything she says. She still critcizes everything and all her comments reflect her class consciousness, yet she continues to socialize with Mr. Philips, the Gardiners and Mrs. Searle (Mr. Searle's widowed mother) and allows her daughter to hang out with the three Bennet girls without her direct supervision. She appears in public- to an opera- with this group. I believe the authors created the dichotomy in her character intentionally, but I'm not sure it works.
Editing-wise, counsel is misspelled as council multiple times throughout the book. There are also Darcy's peculiar handkerchief initials: D.G.D.
The bottom line, though, is that I found it to be a delightful little tale. I certainly recommend it.
All the really serious stuff is in the backstory, as Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Philips have died. The Longbourn entail has been broken (as Mr. C. died BEFORE Mr. B.), so the estate stayed with the Bennet sisters. Mr. Philips deemed it best to sell it in order to provide generous dowries for the girls. Circumstances have required that they live with him rather than the Gardiners. When the militia came to town, Mr. Wickham easily ensnared Lydia, expecting a huge monetary windfall once he compromised and had to marry her.
Thus, this book's first scene is Mr. Philips presenting Wickham with the marriage settlement, which doesn't turn out to be as generous as Wickham expected. The wedding goes forward (as well as another wedding of Mary to Philips' clerk, Mr. Whitestone.) However, Wickham's debts of honor are left unpaid, and Mr. Philips moves with his three unmarried nieces to live with the Gardiners (who are now able to house them) for a while to protect the girls from potential resulting unpleasantness.
Although Mr. Philips is only a country solicitor, he has friends among the gentry from his days at Cambridge including, apparently, Lewis de Bourgh. Here is where suspension of disbelief really becomes necessary, as Lady Catherine becomes a frequent visitor and allows her daughter Anne to become friends with the Bennet sisters.
The story really hits its stride when Anne, Elizabeth, Jane and Kitty begin walking regularly at Hyde Park together, and eventually Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam join them, as well as new character Mr. Searle. The latter is very wealthy but all his money comes from trade. Bingley DID lease Netherfield as part of the backstory, so he and Darcy have a somewhat similar history with the Bennet sisters in Hertfordshire as in canon.
What's fun is the comedy of Regency manners that emerges, as the gentlemen and ladies pair up and try to gauge the romantic interest of their respective partners. The other three couples all end up eliciting help from Elizabeth and Darcy to learn if their amorous feelings are returned.
I do find Lady Catherine's out of character behavior troublesome, because her behavior is so inconsistent with everything she says. She still critcizes everything and all her comments reflect her class consciousness, yet she continues to socialize with Mr. Philips, the Gardiners and Mrs. Searle (Mr. Searle's widowed mother) and allows her daughter to hang out with the three Bennet girls without her direct supervision. She appears in public- to an opera- with this group. I believe the authors created the dichotomy in her character intentionally, but I'm not sure it works.
Editing-wise, counsel is misspelled as council multiple times throughout the book. There are also Darcy's peculiar handkerchief initials: D.G.D.
The bottom line, though, is that I found it to be a delightful little tale. I certainly recommend it.
May 1, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4
This is a clever P&P what if that makes so many changes I don't know where to begin. How many people need to die to make the Bennet daughters sort of wealthy? Apparently 3. Due to many deaths and other occurrences the 5 Bennet daughters are living in Meryton with their Widowed Uncle Phillips. And this time he's not a drunken sot.
Almost as soon as the girls are out of mourning there are men circling and Lydia makes sure she is the first to marry, Wickham... in a dual ceremony with her sister Mary. After the wedding Uncle Phillips packs up his remaining nieces and hies off to London and the Gardiners.
Once there the girls meet Miss Anne de Bourgh and her mother who both are given a better treatment than most P&P what ifs. Soon the remaining Bennets are strolling in Hyde Park with Anne and her two ginger body guards Bruce & Brice. This gives them the opportunity to encounter Darcy, Bingley, Col. Fitzwilliam and a new character Mr. Searle, a recently minted Gentleman who stinks of the shop.
Lizzy still dislikes Darcy because of his 'Not handsome' comment at the assembly although she now knows that he was spot on about Wickham. Still these two 'friends' end up as walking partners while the others couple up. This leads to numerous 'hypothetical' conversations where they have to work together to make sure the others hook up correctly. Bingley fears Jane doesn't love him, Kitty fears she has put the Col. off with some ill timed comments and Searle is afraid Anne thinks he only wants her for her estate. All this time both components of ODC think the other disinterested while they are slowly falling in love.
There is a subplot about Lydia and Wickham which I found dreadful and an expose of Miss Darcy which was unnecessary and harsh.
I found two irksome errors one was Darcy gives Lizzy a handkerchief that has the initials F.G.D. but later when she looks at it the initials are D.G.D. ?? I got nuthin'
In the epilogue we are told
"Kitty’s two were at home, as she and Richard had finally bought a small townhouse in a respectable neighborhood a few years back."
and then a little while later
"In return, Richard lived rent free in the Fitzwilliam’s London house, with the servants’ wages paid by his brother. The only disadvantage was that Kitty and Richard had to put up with his brother visiting for about a month every year."
In addition to being confusing in this book his brother was the Earl who would need to be in London when Parliament was in session which was longer than a month.
Lastly I would like to know how much money the Bennet sisters ended up with following the sale of the estate.
This is a clever P&P what if that makes so many changes I don't know where to begin. How many people need to die to make the Bennet daughters sort of wealthy? Apparently 3. Due to many deaths and other occurrences the 5 Bennet daughters are living in Meryton with their Widowed Uncle Phillips. And this time he's not a drunken sot.
Almost as soon as the girls are out of mourning there are men circling and Lydia makes sure she is the first to marry, Wickham... in a dual ceremony with her sister Mary. After the wedding Uncle Phillips packs up his remaining nieces and hies off to London and the Gardiners.
Once there the girls meet Miss Anne de Bourgh and her mother who both are given a better treatment than most P&P what ifs. Soon the remaining Bennets are strolling in Hyde Park with Anne and her two ginger body guards Bruce & Brice. This gives them the opportunity to encounter Darcy, Bingley, Col. Fitzwilliam and a new character Mr. Searle, a recently minted Gentleman who stinks of the shop.
Lizzy still dislikes Darcy because of his 'Not handsome' comment at the assembly although she now knows that he was spot on about Wickham. Still these two 'friends' end up as walking partners while the others couple up. This leads to numerous 'hypothetical' conversations where they have to work together to make sure the others hook up correctly. Bingley fears Jane doesn't love him, Kitty fears she has put the Col. off with some ill timed comments and Searle is afraid Anne thinks he only wants her for her estate. All this time both components of ODC think the other disinterested while they are slowly falling in love.
There is a subplot about Lydia and Wickham which I found dreadful and an expose of Miss Darcy which was unnecessary and harsh.
I found two irksome errors one was Darcy gives Lizzy a handkerchief that has the initials F.G.D. but later when she looks at it the initials are D.G.D. ?? I got nuthin'
In the epilogue we are told
"Kitty’s two were at home, as she and Richard had finally bought a small townhouse in a respectable neighborhood a few years back."
and then a little while later
"In return, Richard lived rent free in the Fitzwilliam’s London house, with the servants’ wages paid by his brother. The only disadvantage was that Kitty and Richard had to put up with his brother visiting for about a month every year."
In addition to being confusing in this book his brother was the Earl who would need to be in London when Parliament was in session which was longer than a month.
Lastly I would like to know how much money the Bennet sisters ended up with following the sale of the estate.
February 28, 2020
At fourteen you don't need sickness or death for tragedy. ~ Jessamyn West
Remember adolescent love? Remember being in junior high school when Rob asked Susan to find out if Rachel liked him? Then you will understand this plot!
The Bennet, Phillips and Gardiner families have had enough of tragedy. First Mrs. Bennet dies; then Mr. Bennet; and then Mrs. Phillips. The Gardiners already have extended family living in their home because Aunt Gardiner’s brother had lost his family's home in a fire. The only solution is for the five Bennet sisters to reside with the Phillips after Mr. Bennet’s passing and continue after the loss of Aunt Phillips.
We don’t see much of Uncle Phillips in these JAFF tales but in this story he is a hero who single-handedly takes on the Bennets. He upsets the traditional pairings of Lydia/Kitty and Jane/Elizabeth by having Elizabeth share a room with Kitty and Jane share with Mary. Kitty and Mary have improved outlooks and interests by this arrangement. Hoping the youngest will receive a lesson about her own insignificance, Lydia is assigned a small room on her own.
The family is a haven in a heartless world. ~ Attributed to Christopher Lasch
Mr. Collins died before Mr. Bennet’s passing. Longbourn has been sold and the proceeds divided among the sisters. This creates enough dowry for bad boy Wickham to marry brainless Lydia. I loved Uncle Phillips interview with Wickham. The old country attorney sets the scoundrel straight about Lydia’s inheritance.
Mary has also married. After the wedding, Uncle Phillips takes the remaining Bennets to London where the Gardiners finally have room in their home.
In the midst of all the deaths, the canon events of Pride and Prejudice have occurred. A chance meeting in Hyde Park results in four pairings. Darcy and Elizabeth create hypothetical situations to determine if these couples are in love or just part of the crowd. Young love blooms.
But two older ladies are also present. Will mature love bloom as well?
“Hypothetically Married” is an amusing little tale with a great final word! I chortled audibly at the ending. I think I even snorted. Loved it!
If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable — each segment distinct. ~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin
Remember adolescent love? Remember being in junior high school when Rob asked Susan to find out if Rachel liked him? Then you will understand this plot!
The Bennet, Phillips and Gardiner families have had enough of tragedy. First Mrs. Bennet dies; then Mr. Bennet; and then Mrs. Phillips. The Gardiners already have extended family living in their home because Aunt Gardiner’s brother had lost his family's home in a fire. The only solution is for the five Bennet sisters to reside with the Phillips after Mr. Bennet’s passing and continue after the loss of Aunt Phillips.
We don’t see much of Uncle Phillips in these JAFF tales but in this story he is a hero who single-handedly takes on the Bennets. He upsets the traditional pairings of Lydia/Kitty and Jane/Elizabeth by having Elizabeth share a room with Kitty and Jane share with Mary. Kitty and Mary have improved outlooks and interests by this arrangement. Hoping the youngest will receive a lesson about her own insignificance, Lydia is assigned a small room on her own.
The family is a haven in a heartless world. ~ Attributed to Christopher Lasch
Mr. Collins died before Mr. Bennet’s passing. Longbourn has been sold and the proceeds divided among the sisters. This creates enough dowry for bad boy Wickham to marry brainless Lydia. I loved Uncle Phillips interview with Wickham. The old country attorney sets the scoundrel straight about Lydia’s inheritance.
Mary has also married. After the wedding, Uncle Phillips takes the remaining Bennets to London where the Gardiners finally have room in their home.
In the midst of all the deaths, the canon events of Pride and Prejudice have occurred. A chance meeting in Hyde Park results in four pairings. Darcy and Elizabeth create hypothetical situations to determine if these couples are in love or just part of the crowd. Young love blooms.
But two older ladies are also present. Will mature love bloom as well?
“Hypothetically Married” is an amusing little tale with a great final word! I chortled audibly at the ending. I think I even snorted. Loved it!
If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable — each segment distinct. ~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin
May 3, 2018
A Fun Read
This book is a charming read and I loved all of the hypothetical situation discussions that were held. I found that I chuckled a few times as I read it. There are so many happy ever afters. A very enjoyable read.
This book is a charming read and I loved all of the hypothetical situation discussions that were held. I found that I chuckled a few times as I read it. There are so many happy ever afters. A very enjoyable read.
April 17, 2024
Mr. Philips gets a leading role.
This was a very enjoyable variation; different, with Mr. Philips as the guardian of the Bennet sisters after the death of their parents. The ‘hypothetical’ premise also provided an entertaining and engaging story. Catherine Bilson’s narration is also very good. Recommend.
This was a very enjoyable variation; different, with Mr. Philips as the guardian of the Bennet sisters after the death of their parents. The ‘hypothetical’ premise also provided an entertaining and engaging story. Catherine Bilson’s narration is also very good. Recommend.
May 15, 2018
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, the Miss Bennet's are being raised by Mr Philips as Mr & Mrs Bennet and Mrs Philips are deceased. An incident with Lydia brings them to town were they meet Anne de Bourgh who in turn puts 3 of the sisters in contact with Bingley and Darcy again (after having met them in Meryton). As the group of cousins, sisters and friends spends more and more time together, Darcy and Elizabeth become those two people who help everyone else get the answers to their relationship questions - hypothetically. All the while, not realizing that they are becoming more than friends themselves. There are some interesting character relationships & developments among this playful game leading to a very happily ever after for most involved.
July 19, 2019
Interesting premise, with the Bennets sisters orphaned and under the care of their Uncle Philips, but the pacing was quite slow.
May 4, 2019
Interesting concept
This story changes all the circumstances but keeps the main traits of the characters. We meet some new ones, and get to know some others in more depth.
Excellent!
This story changes all the circumstances but keeps the main traits of the characters. We meet some new ones, and get to know some others in more depth.
Excellent!
July 14, 2019
Another one that I loved this week. Loved the original story and well, everything.
Reread: Terrific!
Reread: Loved it!
Reread: Terrific!
Reread: Loved it!
May 22, 2022
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Hypothetically Married is a sweet, angst free and engrossing Pride & Prejudice variation where the authors explore the idea of having Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet dead before the story begins. With this change, and because Mr. Collins dies before Mr. Bennet, the Bennet sisters become heiresses of the Longbourn estate, but they are deprived of their parents and for that reason dependent on their uncle’s guidance.
The story was tremendously altered in an inventive manner, but without having farfetched plotlines. The simple innovation presented in this book was refreshing, it is still a regency story the readers are comfortable with, but it does make us wonder how the change will impact the outcome of the book. Besides, this change gave us the opportunity not only to meet new interesting characters, but also to learn more about some secondary characters that are not usually very relevant in Pride & Prejudice variations, such as Mr. Phillips and Kitty.
This is not the first book I’ve read where the Bennet sisters are orphans, but it is the first time I see them under the charge of Uncle Phillips and not Uncle Gardiner. In fact, the first chapter of this book is told from Mr. Phillips perspective which is something I had never seen before and I must praise Renata McMann and Summer Hanford not only for giving the spotlight to this character, but also for making him so likeable! Mr. Phillips was definitely an interesting character and as I was reading this book I couldn’t help to feel that this is what a Jane Austen variation should be like! His character intrigued me through the entire story, he is kind, wise and pivotal for the happiness of his nieces. I loved the wise teachings he gave to them, the choices he made concerning Lydia, and the influence he appeared to have over Lady Catherine. The relationship between these two characters was a mystery until the end, and I always thought it could go both ways 😊
Mr. Phillips was one of the selling points in this book for me, but definitely not the only one. The book also starts with Lydia’s marriage, so it takes care of the Lydia/Wickham problem right in the beginning, which is always a plus in my perspective. To be honest, I was relieved to see I wouldn’t have to go through the elopement story once more. But I was also pleasantly surprised to see this couple still had a role in the story, especially as it was not only a surprising, but also a redeeming one.
I also liked the openness with which Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy talked to one another and how that openness was disguised with all the hypothetical scenarios they were discussing. Instead of having ridiculous misunderstandings, these characters talk to one another and learn the facts from one another. I find that interesting because they are both intelligent characters and I would expect them to have that ability in all stories. In this book the reader will witness many different romances forming between the many different couples we see walking in the park, or talking in the parlor, but the stage is taken by Elizabeth and Darcy who develop a sweet friendship that grows into an ardent love. I loved their dialogues, their mutual effort at matchmaking and how their relationship developed.
Summing up, there simply wasn’t anything I disliked in this story, every single detail was lovely and I highly recommend it to readers who like angst free romances between Elizabeth and Darcy.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Hypothetically Married is a sweet, angst free and engrossing Pride & Prejudice variation where the authors explore the idea of having Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet dead before the story begins. With this change, and because Mr. Collins dies before Mr. Bennet, the Bennet sisters become heiresses of the Longbourn estate, but they are deprived of their parents and for that reason dependent on their uncle’s guidance.
The story was tremendously altered in an inventive manner, but without having farfetched plotlines. The simple innovation presented in this book was refreshing, it is still a regency story the readers are comfortable with, but it does make us wonder how the change will impact the outcome of the book. Besides, this change gave us the opportunity not only to meet new interesting characters, but also to learn more about some secondary characters that are not usually very relevant in Pride & Prejudice variations, such as Mr. Phillips and Kitty.
This is not the first book I’ve read where the Bennet sisters are orphans, but it is the first time I see them under the charge of Uncle Phillips and not Uncle Gardiner. In fact, the first chapter of this book is told from Mr. Phillips perspective which is something I had never seen before and I must praise Renata McMann and Summer Hanford not only for giving the spotlight to this character, but also for making him so likeable! Mr. Phillips was definitely an interesting character and as I was reading this book I couldn’t help to feel that this is what a Jane Austen variation should be like! His character intrigued me through the entire story, he is kind, wise and pivotal for the happiness of his nieces. I loved the wise teachings he gave to them, the choices he made concerning Lydia, and the influence he appeared to have over Lady Catherine. The relationship between these two characters was a mystery until the end, and I always thought it could go both ways 😊
Mr. Phillips was one of the selling points in this book for me, but definitely not the only one. The book also starts with Lydia’s marriage, so it takes care of the Lydia/Wickham problem right in the beginning, which is always a plus in my perspective. To be honest, I was relieved to see I wouldn’t have to go through the elopement story once more. But I was also pleasantly surprised to see this couple still had a role in the story, especially as it was not only a surprising, but also a redeeming one.
I also liked the openness with which Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy talked to one another and how that openness was disguised with all the hypothetical scenarios they were discussing. Instead of having ridiculous misunderstandings, these characters talk to one another and learn the facts from one another. I find that interesting because they are both intelligent characters and I would expect them to have that ability in all stories. In this book the reader will witness many different romances forming between the many different couples we see walking in the park, or talking in the parlor, but the stage is taken by Elizabeth and Darcy who develop a sweet friendship that grows into an ardent love. I loved their dialogues, their mutual effort at matchmaking and how their relationship developed.
Summing up, there simply wasn’t anything I disliked in this story, every single detail was lovely and I highly recommend it to readers who like angst free romances between Elizabeth and Darcy.
July 10, 2019
Funny and lovely Pride and Prejudice Variation
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was different , wonderful characters, and some hilarious moments. I standby my No Spoilers rule because the book deserves to be read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was different , wonderful characters, and some hilarious moments. I standby my No Spoilers rule because the book deserves to be read!
July 29, 2024
It happened in Hyde Park
People walking and riding in Hyde Park. Since it’s a P&P variation most of them are characters we know. The author’s don’t disappoint us very often and once again they’ve crafted a lovely story.
It makes me wonder though, how many couples throughout the last 225 years have found Hyde Park central to their courting story? I bet the karma there is...strong.
People walking and riding in Hyde Park. Since it’s a P&P variation most of them are characters we know. The author’s don’t disappoint us very often and once again they’ve crafted a lovely story.
It makes me wonder though, how many couples throughout the last 225 years have found Hyde Park central to their courting story? I bet the karma there is...strong.
August 5, 2018
This book was delightful light reading and quite funny! But at the same time it went much deeper than humor.
The course of love today seems to frequently either teeter on the edge of friendship or plunge right into it or through it. When people are considering dating someone who is already a friend, there's always that question of whether a rejection or a failed romance will poison the friendship. That divide between friendship and romance is a leap, a risk. Whether to make that leap forms the major theme of this Pride and Prejudice variation.
Jane Austen explored friendship between sisters quite a lot in her books, but I'm not sure how much she explored friendship between a man and woman. It was a rare kind of friendship in her day, except between people who grew up together or were somehow related, and there always seemed to be a risk, within those friendships, of impropriety, or betrayal, or heartbreak.
In Regency England, middle and upper class couples who married were seldom friends before they became engaged. From all I've read of the period, the etiquette and morals of the time didn't even allow a pair to touch one another except wearing gloves, and that only in social settings. That was the reason dancing was so important, as it gave people a chance to pair off and try each other on, in a sense, even though they had to do it in a crowded room.
Well here's a story that allows for some male-female friendships to form, and respects that place where you begin to wonder if it's worth it to take a relationship beyond friendship, and it does it with humor and cleverness.
The story begins with a complicated twist of the original Pride and Prejudice plot. The Bennet sisters' parents have both died, and more recently so has their Aunt Phillips. Their Uncle Phillips is now their sole guardian. Mr. Collins also died, before Mr. Bennet, so the entail is broken and Longbourn has been sold, the proceeds divided to provide comfortable though not lavish dowries for the five sisters. The ball at Netherfield is long past, and Jane has not heard from Mr. Bingley again. Mary is about to marry Mr. Phillip's legal clerk, and Lydia has compromised herself with Mr. Wickham, so those two are also to marry, though Wickham makes demands regarding the settlement. When they marry and move to London, Wickham leaves outstanding gaming debts with his fellow militia officers.
Mr. Phillips decides that it's best for him and the remaining three unmarried sisters to remove to London until the militia leaves Meryton, in order to avoid any unpleasantness relating to Wickham's debts. They plan to live with the Gardiners for a while.
Once in London, Mr. Phillips sets out to make social connections so that his nieces have some marriage options. He was an old school friend of the late Sir Lewis de Bourgh, so one of the people he contacts in Town is Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Lady Catherine likes Mr. Phillips, and she decides that her daughter Anne should befriend his nieces, an introduction is made, and Anne and the Bennet sisters start regularly walking in Hyde Park, along with two strapping footmen who follow Anne everywhere. All this takes time to set up, so we're about a quarter of the way into the book before Mr. Darcy even makes an appearance. At first that bothered me, but it was well worth the wait.
The four women make an impression on many of the men who see them in the park, but no one can gain an introduction with the bodyguard footmen always in attendance. Finally Colonel Fitzwilliam's general asks him to find out who the young women accompanying his cousin Miss de Bourgh are, describing them rather vulgarly as "three diamonds and a sack of gold," because the general has a nephew who needs to find a well-off bride. Colonel Fitzwilliam recruits Mr. Darcy's aid in learning who the women are, and Mr. Bingley comes along too. Another friend of Darcy's joins them in the park, and the four men start walking regularly with the four women. Then the real fun begins, with Lady Catherine being her obnoxious self, and even ... well you'll have to read it to find out.
The title refers to some of the roundabout methods people resort to in order to learn if it's worth taking that leap from a comfortable friendship into possible romance, and just when hypothetical questions and asking for a friend had started to get a little old for me, all of a sudden things were happening that I don't want to give away, because it's so much fun to read for yourself. This is 5-star entertainment.
The course of love today seems to frequently either teeter on the edge of friendship or plunge right into it or through it. When people are considering dating someone who is already a friend, there's always that question of whether a rejection or a failed romance will poison the friendship. That divide between friendship and romance is a leap, a risk. Whether to make that leap forms the major theme of this Pride and Prejudice variation.
Jane Austen explored friendship between sisters quite a lot in her books, but I'm not sure how much she explored friendship between a man and woman. It was a rare kind of friendship in her day, except between people who grew up together or were somehow related, and there always seemed to be a risk, within those friendships, of impropriety, or betrayal, or heartbreak.
In Regency England, middle and upper class couples who married were seldom friends before they became engaged. From all I've read of the period, the etiquette and morals of the time didn't even allow a pair to touch one another except wearing gloves, and that only in social settings. That was the reason dancing was so important, as it gave people a chance to pair off and try each other on, in a sense, even though they had to do it in a crowded room.
Well here's a story that allows for some male-female friendships to form, and respects that place where you begin to wonder if it's worth it to take a relationship beyond friendship, and it does it with humor and cleverness.
The story begins with a complicated twist of the original Pride and Prejudice plot. The Bennet sisters' parents have both died, and more recently so has their Aunt Phillips. Their Uncle Phillips is now their sole guardian. Mr. Collins also died, before Mr. Bennet, so the entail is broken and Longbourn has been sold, the proceeds divided to provide comfortable though not lavish dowries for the five sisters. The ball at Netherfield is long past, and Jane has not heard from Mr. Bingley again. Mary is about to marry Mr. Phillip's legal clerk, and Lydia has compromised herself with Mr. Wickham, so those two are also to marry, though Wickham makes demands regarding the settlement. When they marry and move to London, Wickham leaves outstanding gaming debts with his fellow militia officers.
Mr. Phillips decides that it's best for him and the remaining three unmarried sisters to remove to London until the militia leaves Meryton, in order to avoid any unpleasantness relating to Wickham's debts. They plan to live with the Gardiners for a while.
Once in London, Mr. Phillips sets out to make social connections so that his nieces have some marriage options. He was an old school friend of the late Sir Lewis de Bourgh, so one of the people he contacts in Town is Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Lady Catherine likes Mr. Phillips, and she decides that her daughter Anne should befriend his nieces, an introduction is made, and Anne and the Bennet sisters start regularly walking in Hyde Park, along with two strapping footmen who follow Anne everywhere. All this takes time to set up, so we're about a quarter of the way into the book before Mr. Darcy even makes an appearance. At first that bothered me, but it was well worth the wait.
The four women make an impression on many of the men who see them in the park, but no one can gain an introduction with the bodyguard footmen always in attendance. Finally Colonel Fitzwilliam's general asks him to find out who the young women accompanying his cousin Miss de Bourgh are, describing them rather vulgarly as "three diamonds and a sack of gold," because the general has a nephew who needs to find a well-off bride. Colonel Fitzwilliam recruits Mr. Darcy's aid in learning who the women are, and Mr. Bingley comes along too. Another friend of Darcy's joins them in the park, and the four men start walking regularly with the four women. Then the real fun begins, with Lady Catherine being her obnoxious self, and even ... well you'll have to read it to find out.
The title refers to some of the roundabout methods people resort to in order to learn if it's worth taking that leap from a comfortable friendship into possible romance, and just when hypothetical questions and asking for a friend had started to get a little old for me, all of a sudden things were happening that I don't want to give away, because it's so much fun to read for yourself. This is 5-star entertainment.
April 30, 2018
Great Story
Good book very interesting ,the Bennet parents along with Mrs Phillips are gone. Mr Phillips is guardian to the girls, many exciting things happen loved it. Ready for your next Ms McMann .
Good book very interesting ,the Bennet parents along with Mrs Phillips are gone. Mr Phillips is guardian to the girls, many exciting things happen loved it. Ready for your next Ms McMann .
June 15, 2018
Avid Reader
So many hypothetical situations based on people's inability to communicate completely without fear. Uncle Philips was the only one who seemed to be able to do so. He won his last without any problems. The group of eight manages to find their happily ever after. The Gardeniers were great as always. Since Uncle Philips felt that he had failed Lydia, so he had to do better by Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty. Mary and Lydia married the same day. Of course, Lydia married Wickham after being compromised,but all is not as it seems.
So many hypothetical situations based on people's inability to communicate completely without fear. Uncle Philips was the only one who seemed to be able to do so. He won his last without any problems. The group of eight manages to find their happily ever after. The Gardeniers were great as always. Since Uncle Philips felt that he had failed Lydia, so he had to do better by Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty. Mary and Lydia married the same day. Of course, Lydia married Wickham after being compromised,but all is not as it seems.
September 5, 2024
An extremely fun story.
January 14, 2022
Wonderful
Mr Phillips takes on the five Bennett daughters after the deaths of first Mrs Bennett, then Mr Bennett, and then Mrs Phillips. The Longbourn estate is sold, giving each of the girls a dowry that Uncle Phillips manages for them. As soon as the word gets out that the girls have dowries, Wickham compromises Lydia for her money, and they're married. In an attempt to safeguard the rest of the girls from scandal, Uncle Phillips moves them to London, to the Gardiners home. Uncle Phillips starts to contact people he knows who might know gentlemen that the girls can meet. Among his old acquaintance is Lady Catherine DeBourgh, whose late husband attended school with Mr Phillips. Through her, the girls meet Anne DeBourgh, and eventually Darcy, Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
In most versions of P&P variations, Mr and Mrs Phillips are laughable and vulgar, a pitiable couple of questionable intelligence. I love Uncle Phillips is this story. He's still a country attorney, but a courageous and steadfast uncle to the orphaned Bennett girls, one who fiercely defends and protects them. It's refreshing to see him as a wonderful man, and a clever one at that.
This is a fun story, with loads of romance. The development of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is painfully slow, but oh so satisfying. Darcy, having left Hertfordshire after the Netherfield ball with the Bingleys, discovers to his surprise that Elizabeth doesn't like him. He embarks on an attempt to win her friendship, and they become good friends and confidants. The two of them are instrumental in bringing many other couples together, always believing that the other only wants friendship.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Mr Phillips takes on the five Bennett daughters after the deaths of first Mrs Bennett, then Mr Bennett, and then Mrs Phillips. The Longbourn estate is sold, giving each of the girls a dowry that Uncle Phillips manages for them. As soon as the word gets out that the girls have dowries, Wickham compromises Lydia for her money, and they're married. In an attempt to safeguard the rest of the girls from scandal, Uncle Phillips moves them to London, to the Gardiners home. Uncle Phillips starts to contact people he knows who might know gentlemen that the girls can meet. Among his old acquaintance is Lady Catherine DeBourgh, whose late husband attended school with Mr Phillips. Through her, the girls meet Anne DeBourgh, and eventually Darcy, Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
In most versions of P&P variations, Mr and Mrs Phillips are laughable and vulgar, a pitiable couple of questionable intelligence. I love Uncle Phillips is this story. He's still a country attorney, but a courageous and steadfast uncle to the orphaned Bennett girls, one who fiercely defends and protects them. It's refreshing to see him as a wonderful man, and a clever one at that.
This is a fun story, with loads of romance. The development of the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is painfully slow, but oh so satisfying. Darcy, having left Hertfordshire after the Netherfield ball with the Bingleys, discovers to his surprise that Elizabeth doesn't like him. He embarks on an attempt to win her friendship, and they become good friends and confidants. The two of them are instrumental in bringing many other couples together, always believing that the other only wants friendship.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
August 10, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
What does an aging country attorney know about raising five young women? Apparently not enough, for the first of them to wed is the youngest, and her husband is a schemer. Trying to do better for his remaining wards, Mr. Phillips moves them to London. Elizabeth is happy enough to visit London with her uncle and sisters, until town life throws her into the company of Mr. Darcy. She met him the autumn before, when he and his friends visited Hertfordshire, and found him thoroughly disagreeable. Now, it seems she must be in his company nearly every day.
Darcy is aware that Miss Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t care for him, which suits him perfectly; after all, he has no intention of courting the aggravating country miss. Even so, he must see her often and they develop a tentative friendship; but both make it clear to each other that it is friendship, not love. As those around them seek their help for their romantic relationships, Darcy and Elizabeth are steadfast in avoiding romantic involvement with each other, or are they? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
What does an aging country attorney know about raising five young women? Apparently not enough, for the first of them to wed is the youngest, and her husband is a schemer. Trying to do better for his remaining wards, Mr. Phillips moves them to London. Elizabeth is happy enough to visit London with her uncle and sisters, until town life throws her into the company of Mr. Darcy. She met him the autumn before, when he and his friends visited Hertfordshire, and found him thoroughly disagreeable. Now, it seems she must be in his company nearly every day.
Darcy is aware that Miss Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t care for him, which suits him perfectly; after all, he has no intention of courting the aggravating country miss. Even so, he must see her often and they develop a tentative friendship; but both make it clear to each other that it is friendship, not love. As those around them seek their help for their romantic relationships, Darcy and Elizabeth are steadfast in avoiding romantic involvement with each other, or are they? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
August 5, 2018
As I read a lot of JAFF, I was happy to discover a story where Elizabeth Bennet's Uncle Phillips becomes a main character. I do not recall seeing this scenario previously, and I found the concept enticing. I have read several books from this pair, and I do enjoy their writing style. There is a slight touch of humor in just the right places.
There are some historical errors:
Sir Lewis was not a baron. "Sir" indicates the man was a baronet (not a part of the peerage) or a man who was knighted (as was Sir William Lucas).
Calling of the banns was usually only for the poor. Darcy, with £10,000 per year, could afford the cost of an ordinary license, which cost about 15 shillings.
Engagement announcements were not put in the newspapers. Occasionally, if the couple held some importance, an announcement of their marriage was made, but that was after the event, not before.
A special license to marry was only obtained from the Archbishop of Canterbury at Doctors Commons in London. They were limited to the nobility, the aristocracy, Judges, and clerics and barristers considered to be of high rank. The cost 20 guineas plus a £5 Stamp Duty for the paper.
An entailed property cannot be sold until the entailment is broken. An entailment was good until the grandson of the land owner became 21. Therefore, it was good for approximately 50 years, but it could be renewed when the above mentioned grandson has a grandson who turns 21. It could last for ever.
There are some historical errors:
Sir Lewis was not a baron. "Sir" indicates the man was a baronet (not a part of the peerage) or a man who was knighted (as was Sir William Lucas).
Calling of the banns was usually only for the poor. Darcy, with £10,000 per year, could afford the cost of an ordinary license, which cost about 15 shillings.
Engagement announcements were not put in the newspapers. Occasionally, if the couple held some importance, an announcement of their marriage was made, but that was after the event, not before.
A special license to marry was only obtained from the Archbishop of Canterbury at Doctors Commons in London. They were limited to the nobility, the aristocracy, Judges, and clerics and barristers considered to be of high rank. The cost 20 guineas plus a £5 Stamp Duty for the paper.
An entailed property cannot be sold until the entailment is broken. An entailment was good until the grandson of the land owner became 21. Therefore, it was good for approximately 50 years, but it could be renewed when the above mentioned grandson has a grandson who turns 21. It could last for ever.
June 12, 2025
well-written but not entirely thought out
It took me until about 3/4 of the way through the book until I realized why I’d found myself unable to enjoy this portrayal of Mr. Darcy. This Darcy seems just not that into Elizabeth. Unlike in canon, here (because both of the Bennett parents have passed away and Longborn has been sold) Elizabeth has both a dowry and a lack of Mrs. Bennett coarsely trumpeting her matrimonial aspirations to the neighborhood. Mr. Phillips is an intelligent and considerate guardian whose most egregious trait is his lack of fashionable dress.
Yet Darcy still disentangles Bingley from Jane and completely dismisses Elizabeth as an acceptable matrimonial prospect. It makes him seem only shallowly attracted to Lizzy and even more snobbish than in the original. In P&P, Mrs. And Mr. Bennett and 3/5 of the Bennet sisters really are nightmare in-laws. Without those complications, Darcy’s initial repudiation of Elizabeth paints him in a harsher light than I believe the author’s intended.
It took me until about 3/4 of the way through the book until I realized why I’d found myself unable to enjoy this portrayal of Mr. Darcy. This Darcy seems just not that into Elizabeth. Unlike in canon, here (because both of the Bennett parents have passed away and Longborn has been sold) Elizabeth has both a dowry and a lack of Mrs. Bennett coarsely trumpeting her matrimonial aspirations to the neighborhood. Mr. Phillips is an intelligent and considerate guardian whose most egregious trait is his lack of fashionable dress.
Yet Darcy still disentangles Bingley from Jane and completely dismisses Elizabeth as an acceptable matrimonial prospect. It makes him seem only shallowly attracted to Lizzy and even more snobbish than in the original. In P&P, Mrs. And Mr. Bennett and 3/5 of the Bennet sisters really are nightmare in-laws. Without those complications, Darcy’s initial repudiation of Elizabeth paints him in a harsher light than I believe the author’s intended.
May 18, 2018
Hypothetically Decent
The different setting and situation of the characters was different than the usual P&P variations. That was just okay for me. It would not have turned me off at all, however. What was difficult to get over was the whole hypothetical scenario. It felt high school-like and juvenile. There was not the richer/deeper character development that I enjoy and this was very low on romance between ODC. In this genre, there are often times scenes that just don't feel consistent with the Regency period, particularly those involving Lady Catherine or Caroline Bingley. This work was no exception to that. Some scenes were just too unbelievable for me to even find it humorous. I would not say it was a complete waste of time, thus the 3 stars, and it was part of the Kindle Unlimited program. Overall, not my favorite work from these authors.
The different setting and situation of the characters was different than the usual P&P variations. That was just okay for me. It would not have turned me off at all, however. What was difficult to get over was the whole hypothetical scenario. It felt high school-like and juvenile. There was not the richer/deeper character development that I enjoy and this was very low on romance between ODC. In this genre, there are often times scenes that just don't feel consistent with the Regency period, particularly those involving Lady Catherine or Caroline Bingley. This work was no exception to that. Some scenes were just too unbelievable for me to even find it humorous. I would not say it was a complete waste of time, thus the 3 stars, and it was part of the Kindle Unlimited program. Overall, not my favorite work from these authors.
July 18, 2018
A London Story of Courtship
I think this story is really a 3.5 out of 5. It is clearly above a 3 but not quite a four.
Elizabeth and her sisters visit London and interacts regularly with Darcy, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. New characters are in the mix and old characters are true to form. The resultant story is interesting until the end when it sort of fizzles. It is by no means a great story or even romantic story. In addition some of the social norms of the time period are ignored. For example, Wickham makes a public confession as if it’s a good move for everyone. In reality, it would have resulted in a great scandal during the regency period. The author doesn’t seem to know this. Overall I enjoyed the story but felt the ending didn’t live up to the the rest of the story.
I think this story is really a 3.5 out of 5. It is clearly above a 3 but not quite a four.
Elizabeth and her sisters visit London and interacts regularly with Darcy, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. New characters are in the mix and old characters are true to form. The resultant story is interesting until the end when it sort of fizzles. It is by no means a great story or even romantic story. In addition some of the social norms of the time period are ignored. For example, Wickham makes a public confession as if it’s a good move for everyone. In reality, it would have resulted in a great scandal during the regency period. The author doesn’t seem to know this. Overall I enjoyed the story but felt the ending didn’t live up to the the rest of the story.
January 6, 2020
I have really enjoyed some of Renate McMann and Summer Hanford's other variations, but this one was a bit lackluster for me. Darcy and Elizabeth just did not have quite the same spark they often have. Both of their characters seemed more sedate than usual. I think the plot was just not quite fully fleshed out in parts. I think a lot of this was because the book starts after Darcy and Bingley have already left Netherfield so we miss a lot of those early interactions. I wanted to see those. I also wanted more rime with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Kitty to fully buy-in to that storyline. Plus, Mary and Lidia were barely in it. The whole premise surrounding Darcy and Elizabeth using "hypothetical" conversations to play matchmaker for their family/friends was cute, but then the final couple did not benefit from that tactic. I was expecting a friend to ask Darcy about Elizabeth and vice-versa using a "hypothetical" question. That would have helped really tie the book together for me. But alas, no. The couple just talks to each other directly.
Overall, the book was nice, but I did not enjoy it as much as McMann and Hanford's other variations. Although, I did enjoy the refreshing take on Wickham where he is actually attempting to redeem himself.
Overall, the book was nice, but I did not enjoy it as much as McMann and Hanford's other variations. Although, I did enjoy the refreshing take on Wickham where he is actually attempting to redeem himself.
November 13, 2022
Highly unlikely but enjoyable nevertheless
This is a well-written and cleverly witty variation which gives happily-ever-after for many couple, save for Lady Catherine.
That said, this reader has a couple of misgivings about it: 1) more time for secondary characters means less time for Darcy and Elizabeth, which is highly essential to a P&P variation, in her humble opinion; and 2) people as reticent and proper as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would not be talking of hypotheticals, thus making this story highly unlikely that they would be talking hypotheticals to circumvent propriety’s dictates.
Nevertheless, it is still recommended for P&P fans who love humorous situations and enjoyable witty banter between Darcy and Elizabeth, which most surely leads to declarations of love and affection.
This is a well-written and cleverly witty variation which gives happily-ever-after for many couple, save for Lady Catherine.
That said, this reader has a couple of misgivings about it: 1) more time for secondary characters means less time for Darcy and Elizabeth, which is highly essential to a P&P variation, in her humble opinion; and 2) people as reticent and proper as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would not be talking of hypotheticals, thus making this story highly unlikely that they would be talking hypotheticals to circumvent propriety’s dictates.
Nevertheless, it is still recommended for P&P fans who love humorous situations and enjoyable witty banter between Darcy and Elizabeth, which most surely leads to declarations of love and affection.
May 28, 2018
This was an interesting tale and captured my imagination from the very beginning... the opening lines see Mr Phillips in discussion with Wickham regarding Lydia's financial arrangements in their marriage. Both Mr and Mrs Bennet are dead, as is Collins, leaving the estate sold and the sisters wealthy heiresses, with Phillips caring for them in a parental capacity.
This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously... there are significant plot lines that are completely unrealistic but are really enjoyable if you are prepared to go with it! The title of the book refers to a number of hypothetical conversations about situations to iron out misunderstandings which was really good fun!
This is a light, easy read with lots of lovely humour and an interesting range of characters.
This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously... there are significant plot lines that are completely unrealistic but are really enjoyable if you are prepared to go with it! The title of the book refers to a number of hypothetical conversations about situations to iron out misunderstandings which was really good fun!
This is a light, easy read with lots of lovely humour and an interesting range of characters.
January 20, 2024
Frustratingly fabulous. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are helping others find love.
By proposing a series of hypothetical scenarios for their friends and family, Darcy and Elizabeth help others to recognize their true feelings all the while dancing around their own. Without the influence of late mother, the five Misses Bennet find their own matches with the support of their widowed Uncle Phillips, their guardian. Surprisingly, some find their backbones, while some find the fortitude to face their shortcomings and correct their course. I found myself laughing, cheering, and yelling at some rather obtuse individuals, actions, or lack there of. Enjoy! I certainly did.
By proposing a series of hypothetical scenarios for their friends and family, Darcy and Elizabeth help others to recognize their true feelings all the while dancing around their own. Without the influence of late mother, the five Misses Bennet find their own matches with the support of their widowed Uncle Phillips, their guardian. Surprisingly, some find their backbones, while some find the fortitude to face their shortcomings and correct their course. I found myself laughing, cheering, and yelling at some rather obtuse individuals, actions, or lack there of. Enjoy! I certainly did.
March 25, 2020
I loved this variation!!!
All the while I was reading it, I kept imagining it as a much longer book, complete with the first part of the story (which we don't get because it starts with Lydia's wedding) and a much more filled out post of this actual story.
While I appreciate these writers sweet books, I am always left with the feeling that they were written for people only learning English as a second language. Far too simple for my personal taste.
I would have loved for this to be rewritten as an epic, with more of the back story and a lot mire tension and drama before everything gets so prettily resolved.
In any case, this is worth a read, you won't regret it!
All the while I was reading it, I kept imagining it as a much longer book, complete with the first part of the story (which we don't get because it starts with Lydia's wedding) and a much more filled out post of this actual story.
While I appreciate these writers sweet books, I am always left with the feeling that they were written for people only learning English as a second language. Far too simple for my personal taste.
I would have loved for this to be rewritten as an epic, with more of the back story and a lot mire tension and drama before everything gets so prettily resolved.
In any case, this is worth a read, you won't regret it!
August 3, 2022
3.5 stars
Wring basically all but one drop of angst out of this plot and this is what you’re left with. Cheeseball galore.
It’s chalk-full of hypotheticals where Darcy and Lizzy end up being the means to bring their friends and family together as matches until finally, lo and behold, the only unmarried individuals are them too.
You can guess with relative ease as to how it all ends up.
Sweet and not nearly as taxing to the heart or brain as I wanted it to be, I liked this enough but it’s not re-read worthy for me.
Wring basically all but one drop of angst out of this plot and this is what you’re left with. Cheeseball galore.
It’s chalk-full of hypotheticals where Darcy and Lizzy end up being the means to bring their friends and family together as matches until finally, lo and behold, the only unmarried individuals are them too.
You can guess with relative ease as to how it all ends up.
Sweet and not nearly as taxing to the heart or brain as I wanted it to be, I liked this enough but it’s not re-read worthy for me.
May 22, 2018
Really 4.5 stars rounded up, highly recommend
I do believe this is their best book so far, and they have written many! I could hardly put it down and stayed up entirely too late last night to finish it. Very original, solid read. Now if they can just fix several wrong words used, like “wane” should have been “wan”, and some others, but otherwise well-edited. And the title is so apropos, but not quite how I at first thought, hypothetically speaking, of course!
I do believe this is their best book so far, and they have written many! I could hardly put it down and stayed up entirely too late last night to finish it. Very original, solid read. Now if they can just fix several wrong words used, like “wane” should have been “wan”, and some others, but otherwise well-edited. And the title is so apropos, but not quite how I at first thought, hypothetically speaking, of course!
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