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Inspired Reflections: Three Short Pride and Prejudice Variations
How do you like your Mr. Darcy? There is something for everyone in this collection of short stories.Dreamy? In 'Inspired Reflections', Darcy's dreams inspire him to forget his pride and pursue Elizabeth Bennet.Persistent? After Darcy's horrid proposal, Elizabeth allows him a second chance in 'Hunsford Redux'.Repentant? When Elizabeth prevents him from proposing, he realizes his blunder. Will he overcome her 'Immovable Dislike' and win her hand?
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 7, 2018
This author has carved a nice little niche for herself in my affections. She may not be one of JAFF's heavy hitters, but I usually find her stories to be interesting and well told, and I rarely find a grammar or spelling error. That's true for the three short stories in this anthology, too.
Inspired Reflections (10 Chapters) The first is the longest and also bears the same title as the book, which is a perfect description of the story. During Darcy's time at Netherfield, we all know he and Elizabeth are in the library for some time alone together without exchanging a word. Here, he falls asleep with his book open and has the first of a series of dreams and realistic daydreams inspired by the enticing Miss Elizabeth Bennet. These eventually convince him that he must pursue her despite his previous mental objections. While some of the images get a bit steamy, there's nothing too graphic beyond deep kisses. One includes beating George Wickham to a pulp, which is as satisfying to the reader as it is to Darcy. He's usually disappointed when he awakens to reality--depending upon what he's dreaming!
The supporting storyline is solid, with lots of other interesting scenes. He and Miss Elizabeth encounter each other in the lands of Hertfordshire when she's playing fetch with her dog Dmitri, giving Darcy an opportunity to apologize for his insult at the Meryton assembly. At one point, HE's caught in a downpour and arrives at Longbourn dripping wet and sneezing. Lady Catherine shows up at Netherfield and insults Caroline Bingley, which is another satisfying scene despite the fact that Caroline doesn't really deserve it at that point. Lady C. also inspires the Bennet family, for once, to show some solidarity with Elizabeth.
Hunsford Redux (7 Chapters) Rather than immediately giving her outright refusal to Darcy, Elizabeth first brings up her grievances regarding separating Mr. Bingley and her sister as well as denying Mr. Wickham the living at Kympton. When Darcy sets her straight about the money given in lieu of the living, she is shocked and unable to compose herself. He never receives a definitive answer to his proposal and, with the return of Mr. and Mrs. Collins, he must leave the parsonage uncertain about where he stands with the lady.
The story progresses from there. Elizabeth eventually issues a challenge to Darcy that he woo her and make her fall helplessly in love with her once she arrives in Cheapside, as she will be there with Jane and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner for three weeks. Things don't work out that way, because Darcy acts too impulsively. Mr. Bennet gets involved, and Darcy finds himself groveling for Elizabeth's forgiveness.
Immovable Dislike (5 Chapters) Another story beginning with the Hunsford marriage proposal, which Elizabeth's emphatically refuses. This time, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charlotte go back and forth as intermediaries on Darcy's behalf. Cute ending in Cheapside.
All these stories are nicely constructed, believable, and show the characters to be consistent with Jane Austen's. Great reading when you don't want to get enmeshed in a long book and you're looking for a good, tasty bit of JAFF.
Inspired Reflections (10 Chapters) The first is the longest and also bears the same title as the book, which is a perfect description of the story. During Darcy's time at Netherfield, we all know he and Elizabeth are in the library for some time alone together without exchanging a word. Here, he falls asleep with his book open and has the first of a series of dreams and realistic daydreams inspired by the enticing Miss Elizabeth Bennet. These eventually convince him that he must pursue her despite his previous mental objections. While some of the images get a bit steamy, there's nothing too graphic beyond deep kisses. One includes beating George Wickham to a pulp, which is as satisfying to the reader as it is to Darcy. He's usually disappointed when he awakens to reality--depending upon what he's dreaming!
The supporting storyline is solid, with lots of other interesting scenes. He and Miss Elizabeth encounter each other in the lands of Hertfordshire when she's playing fetch with her dog Dmitri, giving Darcy an opportunity to apologize for his insult at the Meryton assembly. At one point, HE's caught in a downpour and arrives at Longbourn dripping wet and sneezing. Lady Catherine shows up at Netherfield and insults Caroline Bingley, which is another satisfying scene despite the fact that Caroline doesn't really deserve it at that point. Lady C. also inspires the Bennet family, for once, to show some solidarity with Elizabeth.
Hunsford Redux (7 Chapters) Rather than immediately giving her outright refusal to Darcy, Elizabeth first brings up her grievances regarding separating Mr. Bingley and her sister as well as denying Mr. Wickham the living at Kympton. When Darcy sets her straight about the money given in lieu of the living, she is shocked and unable to compose herself. He never receives a definitive answer to his proposal and, with the return of Mr. and Mrs. Collins, he must leave the parsonage uncertain about where he stands with the lady.
The story progresses from there. Elizabeth eventually issues a challenge to Darcy that he woo her and make her fall helplessly in love with her once she arrives in Cheapside, as she will be there with Jane and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner for three weeks. Things don't work out that way, because Darcy acts too impulsively. Mr. Bennet gets involved, and Darcy finds himself groveling for Elizabeth's forgiveness.
Immovable Dislike (5 Chapters) Another story beginning with the Hunsford marriage proposal, which Elizabeth's emphatically refuses. This time, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Charlotte go back and forth as intermediaries on Darcy's behalf. Cute ending in Cheapside.
All these stories are nicely constructed, believable, and show the characters to be consistent with Jane Austen's. Great reading when you don't want to get enmeshed in a long book and you're looking for a good, tasty bit of JAFF.
May 29, 2018
These are three separate P&P what ifs that chop through the obstacles between Darcy and Lizzy and get us to our HEA quickly
The first ends at the Netherfield Ball
The second and third have changes to Hunsford which move the story forward.
Sweet, clean, simple
The first ends at the Netherfield Ball
The second and third have changes to Hunsford which move the story forward.
Sweet, clean, simple
June 8, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Inspired Reflections: This short story was my favorite of the 3. We are in Hertfordshire. I especially loved Darcy's daydreams and dreams at night which teased his senses as he imagined a much closer physical relationship with Elizabeth or imagined confronting Wickham. After E. has spent time at Netherfield nursing Jane, Darcy decides he must pursue her. He encounters Elizabeth on many of her walks. (Each is accompanied by a dog.) Lady Catherine shows up and mistakes Caroline for the upstart Country Miss who is trying to seduce Darcy. Darcy also tries to visit E. and a rain storm has him laid up with a nasty cold for a short time...at Longbourn. The other Bennet sisters are vocal about Mr. Darcy and his courting of Elizabeth.
Hunsford Redux @ 46%: Elizabeth does not give Darcy an answer to his proposal but points out his faults from the beginning at the Assembly. Darcy sets out to set right each of the issues she has brought up and finally gets an approval for a courtship. But then he jumps the gun and is outmaneuvered by Mr. Bennet...and again has an apology to make.
Immovable Dislike @79% This one has Darcy and Elizabeth exchanging angry words upon his proposal. The colonel is the one who sets Darcy right and points out how wrong his proposal was as it listed faults with her family and her lack of dowry and connections. "This is not how you win a lady." Darcy has to grovel and even in attempting to give her "that letter" has to make a second attempt to get her to accept it.
This was 3 variations of ODC's relationship before they came to an understanding. Each is a quick read. There is no angst as we are on familiar ground with that HEA we all expect.
Inspired Reflections: This short story was my favorite of the 3. We are in Hertfordshire. I especially loved Darcy's daydreams and dreams at night which teased his senses as he imagined a much closer physical relationship with Elizabeth or imagined confronting Wickham. After E. has spent time at Netherfield nursing Jane, Darcy decides he must pursue her. He encounters Elizabeth on many of her walks. (Each is accompanied by a dog.) Lady Catherine shows up and mistakes Caroline for the upstart Country Miss who is trying to seduce Darcy. Darcy also tries to visit E. and a rain storm has him laid up with a nasty cold for a short time...at Longbourn. The other Bennet sisters are vocal about Mr. Darcy and his courting of Elizabeth.
Hunsford Redux @ 46%: Elizabeth does not give Darcy an answer to his proposal but points out his faults from the beginning at the Assembly. Darcy sets out to set right each of the issues she has brought up and finally gets an approval for a courtship. But then he jumps the gun and is outmaneuvered by Mr. Bennet...and again has an apology to make.
Immovable Dislike @79% This one has Darcy and Elizabeth exchanging angry words upon his proposal. The colonel is the one who sets Darcy right and points out how wrong his proposal was as it listed faults with her family and her lack of dowry and connections. "This is not how you win a lady." Darcy has to grovel and even in attempting to give her "that letter" has to make a second attempt to get her to accept it.
This was 3 variations of ODC's relationship before they came to an understanding. Each is a quick read. There is no angst as we are on familiar ground with that HEA we all expect.
June 11, 2018
This book presents three short stories:
Inspired Reflections features Darcy having dreams about interacting with Elizabeth starting from when she and her sister were staying at Netherfield. This extra "time" interacting with her forces his thoughts much earlier to how he can not do without her. Luckily there are a few animals that help them and protect them as they find themselves reflecting on each other and their eventual happily ever after.
Hunsford Redux features a much different conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth during the proposal at Hunsford. Elizabeth still rejects him but not as harsh. They are able to calmly discuss their differences the next day which leads to a courtship and a quick letter to Charles explaining himself. Both men then try to outsmart Mr Bennet but learn that their fiance's know best.
Immovable Dislike features Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam helping to get the couple together after the disastrous Hunsford proposal - right under Mr Collins and Lady Catherine's noses.
Inspired Reflections features Darcy having dreams about interacting with Elizabeth starting from when she and her sister were staying at Netherfield. This extra "time" interacting with her forces his thoughts much earlier to how he can not do without her. Luckily there are a few animals that help them and protect them as they find themselves reflecting on each other and their eventual happily ever after.
Hunsford Redux features a much different conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth during the proposal at Hunsford. Elizabeth still rejects him but not as harsh. They are able to calmly discuss their differences the next day which leads to a courtship and a quick letter to Charles explaining himself. Both men then try to outsmart Mr Bennet but learn that their fiance's know best.
Immovable Dislike features Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam helping to get the couple together after the disastrous Hunsford proposal - right under Mr Collins and Lady Catherine's noses.
May 6, 2020
Collection of three sweet short stories.
Inspired Reflections:
Sweet twist to the Netherfield party's sojourn in Meryton. Daydreams and reflection led to an early understanding between ODC.
Hunsford Redux:
Slightly altered utterance and events during the disastrous Hunsford proposal leads to new reflections and a new ending.
Immovable Dislike:
A twist to the Hunsford Proposal. What if the words had been uttered in a different order? Friends and family were helpful on their road to HEA.
Worthwhile
Rated: Chaste
Inspired Reflections:
Sweet twist to the Netherfield party's sojourn in Meryton. Daydreams and reflection led to an early understanding between ODC.
Hunsford Redux:
Slightly altered utterance and events during the disastrous Hunsford proposal leads to new reflections and a new ending.
Immovable Dislike:
A twist to the Hunsford Proposal. What if the words had been uttered in a different order? Friends and family were helpful on their road to HEA.
Worthwhile
Rated: Chaste
December 25, 2019
3.5 stars rounded to 4
The first story has Darcy dreaming about Lizzie, off and on, the entire story. To me it was disruptive to the story and brought nothing to the story.
The other two stories were fun and enjoyable.
Recommended.
The first story has Darcy dreaming about Lizzie, off and on, the entire story. To me it was disruptive to the story and brought nothing to the story.
The other two stories were fun and enjoyable.
Recommended.
October 1, 2021
1. Inspired Reflections - Netherfield Libray hosts Elizabeth and Darcy. Are Darcy dreams real and will he realise his future earlier..
2. Hunsford Redux - The proposal and its aftermath
3. Immovable Dislike - Elizabeth prevents Darcy from proposing, how will this change the future.
Three enjoyable short stories
2. Hunsford Redux - The proposal and its aftermath
3. Immovable Dislike - Elizabeth prevents Darcy from proposing, how will this change the future.
Three enjoyable short stories
March 6, 2022
Three sweet stories which address the issues between Darcy and Elizabeth, two in Kent and one before the ball. They were each a perfect story to read during a lunch break, and they were pleasurable little what ifs. I did not look to find fault, I read the blurb so I knew what to expect, and I enjoyed my time lost in Cassandra's adroitly done amusements.
July 22, 2018
3 great stories
Loved the change in both D& E in these 3 stories. Loved it also cause it centers on the couple. No elopement, no prolonged anguish. Short, simple and sweet.also loved how the Bennett's gathered to defend Lizzy, even Lydia. Awesome book. Plan to buy it
Loved the change in both D& E in these 3 stories. Loved it also cause it centers on the couple. No elopement, no prolonged anguish. Short, simple and sweet.also loved how the Bennett's gathered to defend Lizzy, even Lydia. Awesome book. Plan to buy it
September 4, 2020
Interesting impressive and intriguing
Three very different but amazing takes of Darcy and Elizabeth's love. I enjoyed how the different changes made a new aspect to how it could of been. Highly recommended to all to read.
Three very different but amazing takes of Darcy and Elizabeth's love. I enjoyed how the different changes made a new aspect to how it could of been. Highly recommended to all to read.
July 14, 2018
Three short stories - the first was my favorite of the bunch. The last two were shorter and seemed rushed, and I thought Elizabeth moved from hate to love a bit too easily. But still fun what-ifs.
November 21, 2018
Hollow and bland. Couldn’t even get through the first story.
May 23, 2019
Lovely
An interesting collection of stories inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Cassandra B. Leigh. Enjoyable read
An interesting collection of stories inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Cassandra B. Leigh. Enjoyable read
November 23, 2021
Short and sweet
A good quick read. Each work was very enjoyable. This is perfect for a quick fix of E & D.
A good quick read. Each work was very enjoyable. This is perfect for a quick fix of E & D.
July 16, 2018
An excellent collection of short stories, three sweet Pride and Prejudice variations.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews