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Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Where the Heart Lives
Tragedy. Truth. Triumph.
Tragedy at Longbourn forces Miss Elizabeth Bennet to face certain truths about her family, compelling her to chart her own course in life.
Mr. Darcy long admired Elizabeth even though her family’s lack of propriety, their want of connections and fortune, and his sense of their inferiority prevented him from forming any serious designs on her.
Will Elizabeth’s new path in life allow Darcy to overcome all his objections, leading them straight into each other’s arms? Or will other family obstacles keep them apart?
Tragedy at Longbourn forces Miss Elizabeth Bennet to face certain truths about her family, compelling her to chart her own course in life.
Mr. Darcy long admired Elizabeth even though her family’s lack of propriety, their want of connections and fortune, and his sense of their inferiority prevented him from forming any serious designs on her.
Will Elizabeth’s new path in life allow Darcy to overcome all his objections, leading them straight into each other’s arms? Or will other family obstacles keep them apart?
246 pages, ebook
Published February 25, 2017
37 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
P.O. Dixon
89 books170 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 1, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Elizabeth awakens at Netherfield at night and sees the sky lit up in the direction of her home. This happens right at the onset of this interesting variation. She gets up to learn that Bingley and Darcy and most of Netherfield's male servants have gone to Longbourn, which IS on fire, to provide whatever help they can. Elizabeth insists upon going there herself, and she finds her home in ruins although her family, except for Lydia, is safe. At that point, Darcy stumbles out of the fire holding her youngest sister.
It's a very dramatic opening scenario, and the story continues in an intriguing direction from there. Mrs. Bennet is certain that Darcy must be in love with Lydia to have put himself at such risk. She also considers the fact that he was carrying her daughter to be a compromise requiring marriage. You can just imagine how embarrassing the behavior of the mother and daughter becomes with this expectation. The Bennet family temporarily splits up between Netherfield (where Elizabeth and Jane have already been staying due to Jane's illness), the Longbourn dower house (which was not affected in the fire) and the Phillips' household. Mr. Bennet is more indolent and infuriating than usual, to the point that the storyline involving Mr. Collins, who arrives soon after to survey the damage, plays out much differently than in canon. A deal is struck between the two men that Collins will assist in the cost of rebuilding Longbourn as long as he marries one of the two eldest daughters. Since Jane is expected to marry Mr. Bingley (though he hasn't yet declared himself), Elizabeth is expected to be the sacrificial lamb, as she learns after the Netherfield ball.
What a setup! It makes for compelling reading through to the last page. Georgiana plays a significant role here, and there's plenty of good interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth. It's well written, as usual for this author. Good stuff!
Elizabeth awakens at Netherfield at night and sees the sky lit up in the direction of her home. This happens right at the onset of this interesting variation. She gets up to learn that Bingley and Darcy and most of Netherfield's male servants have gone to Longbourn, which IS on fire, to provide whatever help they can. Elizabeth insists upon going there herself, and she finds her home in ruins although her family, except for Lydia, is safe. At that point, Darcy stumbles out of the fire holding her youngest sister.
It's a very dramatic opening scenario, and the story continues in an intriguing direction from there. Mrs. Bennet is certain that Darcy must be in love with Lydia to have put himself at such risk. She also considers the fact that he was carrying her daughter to be a compromise requiring marriage. You can just imagine how embarrassing the behavior of the mother and daughter becomes with this expectation. The Bennet family temporarily splits up between Netherfield (where Elizabeth and Jane have already been staying due to Jane's illness), the Longbourn dower house (which was not affected in the fire) and the Phillips' household. Mr. Bennet is more indolent and infuriating than usual, to the point that the storyline involving Mr. Collins, who arrives soon after to survey the damage, plays out much differently than in canon. A deal is struck between the two men that Collins will assist in the cost of rebuilding Longbourn as long as he marries one of the two eldest daughters. Since Jane is expected to marry Mr. Bingley (though he hasn't yet declared himself), Elizabeth is expected to be the sacrificial lamb, as she learns after the Netherfield ball.
What a setup! It makes for compelling reading through to the last page. Georgiana plays a significant role here, and there's plenty of good interplay between Darcy and Elizabeth. It's well written, as usual for this author. Good stuff!
June 21, 2018
I read the begining of this novel at P.O. Dixons Web sight and was looking forward to it being released. Though there is a fire at Longbourne, I loved the begining.
Mr Darcy is a knight in shining armour not that it is appreciated properly by several of the Bennets.
It is perfect for when you are in the mood for a short, clean and low angst read.
I enjoyed it very much but to give it another star it needed more depth and development of the plot.
Mr Darcy is a knight in shining armour not that it is appreciated properly by several of the Bennets.
It is perfect for when you are in the mood for a short, clean and low angst read.
I enjoyed it very much but to give it another star it needed more depth and development of the plot.
February 25, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
A fire destroys Longbourn while Elizabeth and Jane are at Netherfield. Darcy rescues Lydia who races back into the burning structure to retrieve her new bonnet. Mrs. Bennet is sure he rescued her b/c he admired her and is now proclaiming a wedding will soon come. But the next day, (not to be put off by the news that the estate has burned down) Mr. Collins arrives and this time, Mr. Bennet, who has neglected his financial security all these years, proclaims that Elizabeth must marry him to save the family. She leaves...is robbed...and saved when Mr. Darcy bumps into her at the inn, where she is determined to find employment.
This short story has Darcy fighting his feelings while at the same time finding himself in the position, more then once, of rescuing or helping Elizabeth. When he finally decides upon a proposal (that awful Hunsford one) Georgiana overhears him practicing what he plans to say and thus she rescues him.
Elizabeth meets Darcy again in Kent. M/M Collins, Lady Catherine, Elizabeth and Darcy have a few words to say here and there while ODC is on their way to a HEA.
This short & sweet story was a quick read. There is a little angst and one coupling may surprise you.
A fire destroys Longbourn while Elizabeth and Jane are at Netherfield. Darcy rescues Lydia who races back into the burning structure to retrieve her new bonnet. Mrs. Bennet is sure he rescued her b/c he admired her and is now proclaiming a wedding will soon come. But the next day, (not to be put off by the news that the estate has burned down) Mr. Collins arrives and this time, Mr. Bennet, who has neglected his financial security all these years, proclaims that Elizabeth must marry him to save the family. She leaves...is robbed...and saved when Mr. Darcy bumps into her at the inn, where she is determined to find employment.
This short story has Darcy fighting his feelings while at the same time finding himself in the position, more then once, of rescuing or helping Elizabeth. When he finally decides upon a proposal (that awful Hunsford one) Georgiana overhears him practicing what he plans to say and thus she rescues him.
Elizabeth meets Darcy again in Kent. M/M Collins, Lady Catherine, Elizabeth and Darcy have a few words to say here and there while ODC is on their way to a HEA.
This short & sweet story was a quick read. There is a little angst and one coupling may surprise you.
May 2, 2017
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Where the Heart Lives (The Pride and Prejudice Variations Collection)
As always, I enjoy P. O. Dixon's characterization of Elizabeth and Darcy. Even better, there was no Wickham present in this story, little of Caroline Bingley (just enough to know she's still a witch), and hardly any foolishness from Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Jane's situation was unfortunate, but she deserved what she got. Elizabeth missed that nonsense by standing up for herself and separating herself from her family. Doing so, she eventually gained another more important family to her immediate self, better helping her Bennet family than if she had given in to her father and mother's cruel demands. Loved Georgiana's strong influence of her brother in this story. Though she used Elizabeth to relay her message, she stood up against a possible marriage of convenience and was able to persuade Darcy to rethink the dreadful Hunsford proposal wording. Took a while to get there, but the HEA was met with fewer disastrous misunderstandings throughout their whole acquaintance.
As always, I enjoy P. O. Dixon's characterization of Elizabeth and Darcy. Even better, there was no Wickham present in this story, little of Caroline Bingley (just enough to know she's still a witch), and hardly any foolishness from Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Jane's situation was unfortunate, but she deserved what she got. Elizabeth missed that nonsense by standing up for herself and separating herself from her family. Doing so, she eventually gained another more important family to her immediate self, better helping her Bennet family than if she had given in to her father and mother's cruel demands. Loved Georgiana's strong influence of her brother in this story. Though she used Elizabeth to relay her message, she stood up against a possible marriage of convenience and was able to persuade Darcy to rethink the dreadful Hunsford proposal wording. Took a while to get there, but the HEA was met with fewer disastrous misunderstandings throughout their whole acquaintance.
March 3, 2017
not worth the price
good grief. if you are going to write something based in the recency era TRY to write it with consideration of the societal norms and rules. you know, just a little, please. not worth the price. too short. too bad.
good grief. if you are going to write something based in the recency era TRY to write it with consideration of the societal norms and rules. you know, just a little, please. not worth the price. too short. too bad.
March 14, 2017
So everything that happened in this book was very predictable. I get that this book wasn't even quite 200 pages but did it have to be so rushed? As soon as they say something about a future situation it pretty much happens. I would have loved to see this book more fleshed out and DEAR GOD WHY DID SHE HAVE JANE END UP WITH MR. COLLINS? We can't have him up end with the religious daughter. Nope let's sacrifice Jane so that she can't end up with Mr. Bingley. There isn't really even any conflict in this book other than Elizabeth running away from home because she doesn't want to marry Mr. Collins and the fire.
I really did try to like this tale but ultimately I was left disappointed.
Rating: 3½ stars out of 5
I really did try to like this tale but ultimately I was left disappointed.
Rating: 3½ stars out of 5
March 12, 2017
A book that stumps you
It was a dissapointing story from this author. The spineless coward Mr.Bingley. A father who worried more about his books than saving his family!
It was a dissapointing story from this author. The spineless coward Mr.Bingley. A father who worried more about his books than saving his family!
March 13, 2017
This story starts with an interesting alternative, as others have explained. I enjoyed Darcy's heroics in saving Lydia (even though it was Lydia...) and agreed that Mrs. Bennet would likely have tried to use that to her advantage (along with the assumption that Mrs. Bennet would have believed any young man would fall in love with her favorite daughter). I also appreciated that Elizabeth would be open in her gratitude toward Mr. Darcy.
What made this story less enjoyable for me was the lack of time we get with Elizabeth and Darcy. I imagine this is difficult for JAFF, considering we have all read the book itself as well as a million variations. There must be a fine line between regurgitating what you feel we all know, trying to make it fresh, and trying to stay close to the original story line. I'd say this work errs too close to the assumption that we don't need to rehash the old story. I think part of the reason I take issue with that is Elizabeth and Darcy are under different circumstances, and so they need more development than the author has given in this work. I know Darcy values Elizabeth's wit and charm, but we don't see that side of Elizabeth - partly because that occurred before this story, at Netherfield. Yes, we're intimately familiar with it, but it still feels like we're missing something.
The other fair point made by other readers is the price for this work seems pretty high. I generally enjoy this author, so it won't deter me from reading more of her stories, but I'll look for plenty of 4-5 star reviews before I buy.
What made this story less enjoyable for me was the lack of time we get with Elizabeth and Darcy. I imagine this is difficult for JAFF, considering we have all read the book itself as well as a million variations. There must be a fine line between regurgitating what you feel we all know, trying to make it fresh, and trying to stay close to the original story line. I'd say this work errs too close to the assumption that we don't need to rehash the old story. I think part of the reason I take issue with that is Elizabeth and Darcy are under different circumstances, and so they need more development than the author has given in this work. I know Darcy values Elizabeth's wit and charm, but we don't see that side of Elizabeth - partly because that occurred before this story, at Netherfield. Yes, we're intimately familiar with it, but it still feels like we're missing something.
The other fair point made by other readers is the price for this work seems pretty high. I generally enjoy this author, so it won't deter me from reading more of her stories, but I'll look for plenty of 4-5 star reviews before I buy.
May 10, 2017
This was a well written novel that was very pleasant to read. It brought Darcy to Elizabeth by a very sensible Georgiana who was wise beyond her years in this novel. I liked the fact that Lady Catherine couldn't hold a grudge after they were married because family was important.
Ms. Dixon made Elizabeth a strong leading lady in this novel because she stood her ground and gave up her family for awhile to do what her heart told her to do! She would not marry just anyone but only for love and she proved that with her actions and where her heart lead her to go!
This was a very light and airy novel and enjoyable!
Ms. Dixon made Elizabeth a strong leading lady in this novel because she stood her ground and gave up her family for awhile to do what her heart told her to do! She would not marry just anyone but only for love and she proved that with her actions and where her heart lead her to go!
This was a very light and airy novel and enjoyable!
June 6, 2017
Good enough
I liked it well enough. I liked that a fire at Longbourne changes the fact that Mr. Bennet now requires Lizzy to marry her silly Parson cousin. She still refuses and runs away. Here the story takes a kind of Jane Eyre turn where Lizzy runs away and and is robbed of all her belongings. It doesn't take such a dramatic turn and all turns out well in the end. My only complaint is that in the epilogue, in order to tie up loose ends quickly (I guess), Lizzy makes reconciles with her parents. I thought their "reconciliation" was rather quick after what they did to her. I would have made it happen after years ...maybe!!
I liked it well enough. I liked that a fire at Longbourne changes the fact that Mr. Bennet now requires Lizzy to marry her silly Parson cousin. She still refuses and runs away. Here the story takes a kind of Jane Eyre turn where Lizzy runs away and and is robbed of all her belongings. It doesn't take such a dramatic turn and all turns out well in the end. My only complaint is that in the epilogue, in order to tie up loose ends quickly (I guess), Lizzy makes reconciles with her parents. I thought their "reconciliation" was rather quick after what they did to her. I would have made it happen after years ...maybe!!
May 31, 2017
Enjoyable
A short story on how Elizabeth defies her father refusing to marry Mr. Collins. Surprisingly Jane agrees, so no happy ending for her. Elizabeth moves to London and learns to love Darcy and his sister. Darcy stands up to his aunt and marries Elizabeth. Nothing else really happens. I would have liked more, but it was still worth the read.
A short story on how Elizabeth defies her father refusing to marry Mr. Collins. Surprisingly Jane agrees, so no happy ending for her. Elizabeth moves to London and learns to love Darcy and his sister. Darcy stands up to his aunt and marries Elizabeth. Nothing else really happens. I would have liked more, but it was still worth the read.
May 13, 2019
Interesting
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by P. O. Dixon. A fast enjoyable read
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by P. O. Dixon. A fast enjoyable read
July 1, 2019
A little too unrealistic, focus on Mr. Darcy's perfect body, and telling instead of showing.
March 12, 2017
Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Where the Heart Lives.
This is a very interesting and entirely new version of Pride and Prejudice from P.O. Dixon. All of her stories are unique and entertaining, but this one pulls you in from the beginning, with a terrible fire raging at Longbourn, while Lizzie and Jane are at Netherfield, to Lizzie finding out how weak her father really was, to developing a friendship with Georgina early on, to the happy conclusion. Could even warrant a second story, please! Really interesting read.
This is a very interesting and entirely new version of Pride and Prejudice from P.O. Dixon. All of her stories are unique and entertaining, but this one pulls you in from the beginning, with a terrible fire raging at Longbourn, while Lizzie and Jane are at Netherfield, to Lizzie finding out how weak her father really was, to developing a friendship with Georgina early on, to the happy conclusion. Could even warrant a second story, please! Really interesting read.
February 28, 2017
I liked the premise of this book. The Bennets didn't show themselves in the best light, especially Mrs. Bennet and Lydia were extremely selfish. Elizabeth had to make some difficult decisions, which resulted in her estrangement from her family.
I liked Lizzy and Georgiana's friendship, and Darcy had a chance to show himself in a better light.
I was not fond on the twist with Jane and Bingley. The story didn't flow seamlessly, there were some time gaps which were a bit confusing. But it was an enjoyable and well written variation.
I liked Lizzy and Georgiana's friendship, and Darcy had a chance to show himself in a better light.
I was not fond on the twist with Jane and Bingley. The story didn't flow seamlessly, there were some time gaps which were a bit confusing. But it was an enjoyable and well written variation.
August 8, 2017
This book is an interesting and somewhat different take on the Pride and Prejudice sequels. I enjoyed the book but I am so traditional that stories that don't stay true to the original book are not my favorite.
January 12, 2018
Light and airy read.
I read the begining of this novel at P.O. Dixons Web sight and was looking forward to it being released. Though there is a fire at Longbourne, I loved the begining.
Mr Darcy is a knight in shining armour not that it is appreciated properly by several of the Bennets.
It is perfect for when you are in the mood for a short, clean and low angst read.
I enjoyed it very much but to give it another star it needed more depth and development of the plot.
Heartily recommend this book!
I read the begining of this novel at P.O. Dixons Web sight and was looking forward to it being released. Though there is a fire at Longbourne, I loved the begining.
Mr Darcy is a knight in shining armour not that it is appreciated properly by several of the Bennets.
It is perfect for when you are in the mood for a short, clean and low angst read.
I enjoyed it very much but to give it another star it needed more depth and development of the plot.
Heartily recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews