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Proof of Love - A Pemberley Tale
Proof Of Love - A Pemberley Tale is a Pride and Prejudice variation. Not a simple retelling, it is an intriguing new story that does not follow canon. During his second year at Cambridge, a young Fitzwilliam Darcy accompanies a classmate to Lucas Lodge in Meryton for the holidays. Whilst there, he encounters a girl of sixteen who instantly captures his attention and soon after, his heart. Yet, because Elizabeth Bennet could never meet his relations’ expectations and he cannot abide her distasteful family, he returns to the university vowing to forget her. Two years later, they are thrown into each other’s company and forced to spend several days together unchaperoned. Once they are discovered, Darcy suppresses his reservations about marriage to Elizabeth and does his duty in order to save her from ruin. Will a young, headstrong and prejudiced Elizabeth realize how mistaken she has been about her husband’s character? Likewise, will a prideful, intractable but highly principled Fitzwilliam Darcy acknowledge his faults before their marriage is destroyed?
564 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2018
138 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Brenda J. Webb
11 books105 followersWelcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself.
First, I have never followed soap operas, I hardly have time to watch television at all. Thus, if any of my characters match names of soap opera characters, I assure you it is a coincidence. I come up with the names all by myself. Now that that is addressed, I shall move on. "big smile"
I worked for years in the accounting world until I traded my career for life on a small farm. A voracious reader and romance movie aficionada, one day I happened to notice that one of my favorite Jane Austen books had been made into a movie. It was the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice and I went to the theatre to see it instead of waiting, as usual, for the DVD or online video release. Nothing can compare to seeing this production on the big screen. It captured my imagination and made me want more of these beloved characters or others like them. I began buying all of Jane Austen's novels on Amazon.com and discovered the Jane Austen Fan Fiction genre.
I read everything I could find and then decided to write a story of my own, which was posted on a fan fiction site. A nice response from my readers convinced me to publish the story. I began a forum, DarcyandLizzy.Com, where I post my stories before they are published. It features many other writers as well.
First, I have never followed soap operas, I hardly have time to watch television at all. Thus, if any of my characters match names of soap opera characters, I assure you it is a coincidence. I come up with the names all by myself. Now that that is addressed, I shall move on. "big smile"
I worked for years in the accounting world until I traded my career for life on a small farm. A voracious reader and romance movie aficionada, one day I happened to notice that one of my favorite Jane Austen books had been made into a movie. It was the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice and I went to the theatre to see it instead of waiting, as usual, for the DVD or online video release. Nothing can compare to seeing this production on the big screen. It captured my imagination and made me want more of these beloved characters or others like them. I began buying all of Jane Austen's novels on Amazon.com and discovered the Jane Austen Fan Fiction genre.
I read everything I could find and then decided to write a story of my own, which was posted on a fan fiction site. A nice response from my readers convinced me to publish the story. I began a forum, DarcyandLizzy.Com, where I post my stories before they are published. It features many other writers as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 18, 2018
July 17th: I have now read both the WIP and the published version of this story. I love Brenda's stories. They are a perfect blend of romance and that angst that I love so well. This book captured my attention the second time just as strongly as the first time but this time I did not have to endure a week's wait for the next chapter.
This tale is basically one of a forced marriage situation because of the fact that ODC has been unchaperoned for several days due to flooding around the lodging in which they find themselves together in London. Over a year ago Darcy had been attracted to Elizabeth while visiting in Meryton. Elizabeth has had a long standing close relationship with John Lucas, being friends since childhood. John has promised to marry Lizzy if she needs that type of help. Thus, she has come to London to ask John, who was leasing a house with Darcy, for exactly such in order to escape a forced marriage to Collins. However, John has gone off to ask another for her hand, not believing that Lizzy will ever need that childhood promise fulfilled.
But as this story premise tells us, Elizabeth finds Darcy at the lodgings and when they can't escape the flood waters are found by the landlady, Mrs. Thornhill, and by Mr. Gardiner. Darcy knows that the lady cannot be trusted not to gossip so offers his hand in marriage. Elizabeth is outraged and not at all happy to be forced into this arranged situation.
This story has more than the relating of how Elizabeth and Darcy find love. It has several new characters: a wicked stepmother and her cousin. Plus there is a band of gypsies. And we have Clancy, a pet dog. Several days into their marriage Elizabeth acts in such a way that Darcy now believes she has betrayed him. So trust is a factor. Darcy offers an annulment as a way out of the marriage for Elizabeth. He loves her but cannot accept an arranged marriage in which love is only on one side.
There are many who counsel Darcy that Elizabeth is perfect for him and that they both must work to make the marriage viable. The vicar and his wife plus Colonel Fitzwilliam are two who believe this to be so. However, that wicked stepmother, Lady Henrietta/"Lady Harlot", has reasons to want to severely and permanently injure anyone named Darcy. She, with the help of her maid servant and her cousin, Lord Hartford, have a way to spy on ODC and the Lady has already near bankrupted the estate during her marriage to George Darcy.
Georgiana is not out of the picture and while in Ramsgate for art lessons requires attention. But before Georgiana's situation is made known to him, Fitzwilliam is drawn away from Pemberley due to a violent attack on his steward who has been attending to business on another estate.
Wickham is part and parcel of the overall plans to ruin all Darcys.
There is a long kidnapping adventure with misleading clues and a "trail of breadcrumbs" as we bite our nails. This is one you really should read.
This tale is basically one of a forced marriage situation because of the fact that ODC has been unchaperoned for several days due to flooding around the lodging in which they find themselves together in London. Over a year ago Darcy had been attracted to Elizabeth while visiting in Meryton. Elizabeth has had a long standing close relationship with John Lucas, being friends since childhood. John has promised to marry Lizzy if she needs that type of help. Thus, she has come to London to ask John, who was leasing a house with Darcy, for exactly such in order to escape a forced marriage to Collins. However, John has gone off to ask another for her hand, not believing that Lizzy will ever need that childhood promise fulfilled.
But as this story premise tells us, Elizabeth finds Darcy at the lodgings and when they can't escape the flood waters are found by the landlady, Mrs. Thornhill, and by Mr. Gardiner. Darcy knows that the lady cannot be trusted not to gossip so offers his hand in marriage. Elizabeth is outraged and not at all happy to be forced into this arranged situation.
This story has more than the relating of how Elizabeth and Darcy find love. It has several new characters: a wicked stepmother and her cousin. Plus there is a band of gypsies. And we have Clancy, a pet dog. Several days into their marriage Elizabeth acts in such a way that Darcy now believes she has betrayed him. So trust is a factor. Darcy offers an annulment as a way out of the marriage for Elizabeth. He loves her but cannot accept an arranged marriage in which love is only on one side.
There are many who counsel Darcy that Elizabeth is perfect for him and that they both must work to make the marriage viable. The vicar and his wife plus Colonel Fitzwilliam are two who believe this to be so. However, that wicked stepmother, Lady Henrietta/"Lady Harlot", has reasons to want to severely and permanently injure anyone named Darcy. She, with the help of her maid servant and her cousin, Lord Hartford, have a way to spy on ODC and the Lady has already near bankrupted the estate during her marriage to George Darcy.
Georgiana is not out of the picture and while in Ramsgate for art lessons requires attention. But before Georgiana's situation is made known to him, Fitzwilliam is drawn away from Pemberley due to a violent attack on his steward who has been attending to business on another estate.
Wickham is part and parcel of the overall plans to ruin all Darcys.
There is a long kidnapping adventure with misleading clues and a "trail of breadcrumbs" as we bite our nails. This is one you really should read.
August 18, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation had a strong beginning. The first five chapters are available to sample and the writing was solid. It was $9.99 for the Kindle version, which is ridiculous for an indy. I was in a Darcy mood, so I signed up for Kobo & got $5 off my first purchase.
My $4.99 was not well spent. Not only was Elizabeth Bennett a shrinking, desperate to please Mary Sue, Darcy had a mean temperament. His temper was always blowing up and he was not a man of reason. Furthermore, he didn't display self restraint or propriety in front of his servants or his peers. The hallmarks of both characters were absent.
Once the obstacle between D&E was overcome, the expressions of love were extra cheesy. They behaved like young teenagers, emoting with all the drama. The sappy love thoughts, words, and actions went on and on and on and on. I force-skimmed through most of it. I quit around 92% because it was unbearable.
There's a reason it's called happily ever after and not happily, happily, happily, happily, happily, happily, ever after.
My $4.99 was not well spent. Not only was Elizabeth Bennett a shrinking, desperate to please Mary Sue, Darcy had a mean temperament. His temper was always blowing up and he was not a man of reason. Furthermore, he didn't display self restraint or propriety in front of his servants or his peers. The hallmarks of both characters were absent.
Once the obstacle between D&E was overcome, the expressions of love were extra cheesy. They behaved like young teenagers, emoting with all the drama. The sappy love thoughts, words, and actions went on and on and on and on. I force-skimmed through most of it. I quit around 92% because it was unbearable.
There's a reason it's called happily ever after and not happily, happily, happily, happily, happily, happily, ever after.
September 24, 2018
Sorry...currently chased from home by Hurricane Florence. I'm, like, five reviews behind over the past several days!
*****
(a week later...)
You can always rely on a book by Ms. Webb to have plenty of angst, crazy melodrama, and nasty, over-the-top villains who get their comeuppance at the end. Darcy and Elizabeth are always passionate soulmates who become separated by circumstances engineered or taken advantage of by the evildoers. Ms. Webb has done it again here.
Darcy's father was unwise enough to remarry and, unfortunately, it's to a manipulative fortune hunter. The current Mrs. Darcy/Lady Henrietta is closer in age to her stepson and was actually angling to marry HIM from the beginning. Since becoming a widow, she's had her sights set on Darcy once again. The lady's got a major grudge against the Darcy family and intends to drain their financial coffers dry. Not surprisingly, she and Wickham are in cahoots.
John Lucas has been asking Elizabeth to marry him for years, but she always refused because she thinks of him only as a brother. However, when her parents both insist that she marry the disgusting Mr. Collins, she escapes Longbourn and makes her way to Cambridge (where Lucas is sharing lodging with Darcy and Bingley), intending to finally accept his long-standing marriage proposal.
Heavy rains cause widespread flooding, Elizabeth shows up drenched to the skin and ill, Darcy is the only one in residence, and they are isolated from everyone else for days. Forced marriage scenario!!
This doesn't sit well with Lady Henrietta, who wishes to be Mrs. Darcy twice over. Evil plotting ensues, and problems for our dear couple pile up. It doesn't help that Elizabeth acts like a spoiled brat at the onset, ignoring all advice to give Darcy a chance. The two start out with an uncomfortable marriage of convenience. It doesn't stay that way, of course.
It's a well-written tale that takes various twists and turns to amp up the tension. Love will conquer all, and there's a whole lot that needs to be conquered here. Fun read, despite the over-the-top melodrama. I find I have to be in the right mood for this kind of story, and at the time I read this, I was!
*****
(a week later...)
You can always rely on a book by Ms. Webb to have plenty of angst, crazy melodrama, and nasty, over-the-top villains who get their comeuppance at the end. Darcy and Elizabeth are always passionate soulmates who become separated by circumstances engineered or taken advantage of by the evildoers. Ms. Webb has done it again here.
Darcy's father was unwise enough to remarry and, unfortunately, it's to a manipulative fortune hunter. The current Mrs. Darcy/Lady Henrietta is closer in age to her stepson and was actually angling to marry HIM from the beginning. Since becoming a widow, she's had her sights set on Darcy once again. The lady's got a major grudge against the Darcy family and intends to drain their financial coffers dry. Not surprisingly, she and Wickham are in cahoots.
John Lucas has been asking Elizabeth to marry him for years, but she always refused because she thinks of him only as a brother. However, when her parents both insist that she marry the disgusting Mr. Collins, she escapes Longbourn and makes her way to Cambridge (where Lucas is sharing lodging with Darcy and Bingley), intending to finally accept his long-standing marriage proposal.
Heavy rains cause widespread flooding, Elizabeth shows up drenched to the skin and ill, Darcy is the only one in residence, and they are isolated from everyone else for days. Forced marriage scenario!!
This doesn't sit well with Lady Henrietta, who wishes to be Mrs. Darcy twice over. Evil plotting ensues, and problems for our dear couple pile up. It doesn't help that Elizabeth acts like a spoiled brat at the onset, ignoring all advice to give Darcy a chance. The two start out with an uncomfortable marriage of convenience. It doesn't stay that way, of course.
It's a well-written tale that takes various twists and turns to amp up the tension. Love will conquer all, and there's a whole lot that needs to be conquered here. Fun read, despite the over-the-top melodrama. I find I have to be in the right mood for this kind of story, and at the time I read this, I was!
August 27, 2022
Reread- 2021 Enjoyed it much more this time. 4.5* Found I enjoyed the reading and the story more and got hung up less on the details.
One of things I liked most about this is that it was long. LOL, no seriously, some of these stories are 170-250 pages yet cost so much for the paperback. I don't mind spending more on a book that is 400-500 or more, pages of good story!
This was a good read, with many elements to it. The only thing I didn't find necessary was the spy holes and how much that was expanded on. Even tho the writer used it at the very end, it was almost like the gun that we knew was in the drawer expecting it to get used, but never did. Personally I felt it didn't drive the story and as it was used so much then mentioning Elizabeth's mortification would have been a cleaner conclusion to that element.
That being said, I would reread it. True stamp of my approval.
One of things I liked most about this is that it was long. LOL, no seriously, some of these stories are 170-250 pages yet cost so much for the paperback. I don't mind spending more on a book that is 400-500 or more, pages of good story!
This was a good read, with many elements to it. The only thing I didn't find necessary was the spy holes and how much that was expanded on. Even tho the writer used it at the very end, it was almost like the gun that we knew was in the drawer expecting it to get used, but never did. Personally I felt it didn't drive the story and as it was used so much then mentioning Elizabeth's mortification would have been a cleaner conclusion to that element.
That being said, I would reread it. True stamp of my approval.
October 31, 2018
If you are familiar with the works of Brenda Webb you know she puts the angst pedal to the metal and holds it there for the entire story. You also might wonder if she gets paid by the mile rather than the word as her characters are often chasing all over that sceptered isle.
This book makes many adjustments to P&P Canon. It begins with Darcy as a mere lad of 19 (or so), the same age as John Lucas and a year older than that puppy Bingley. They are all students at Cambridge and Darcy is reluctant to return home at Christmas to see Lady Harlot errr Henrietta, George Darcy's second and much younger wife. Lady H is 9 years older than Georgiana but before you think 16?? I'll drop in the 'adjusted ages' Lizzy is 3/4 years younger than Darcy, Georgia is 3 years younger than Lizzy, it is confusing and jarring at times.
Darcy goes to Meryton for Christmas and meets Lizzy and the other inhabitants and despite being young manages to hold himself above the masses and insult everyone he meets. (personally I found this hard to believe but it's BW)
A couple of years pass and Mr. Bennet has an accident and Mrs. Bennet is determined to marry Lizzy to Mr. Collins. Luckily Lizzy has a childhood agreement with John Lucas to marry if stuff gets real she is quickly packed off ALONE to Cambridge to 'elope' with John. However back in Cambridge John is hieing off to propose to another woman, and he gets out of town right before a 500 year flood hits making travel nearly impossible. But our intrepid heroine won't let rain nor snow nor dark of night to keep her from her appointed rounds so she manages to cage a ride on an open wagon to John's doorstep.
Of course John isn't there only Darcy, she is soaked to the skin and falling ill, etc, etc. (I am not spoiler tagging any of this because it is in the free preview). When Mr. Gardiner, who is sent in Mr. Bennet's place and Darcy's landlady arrive he and Lizzy are determined to be compromised and Darcy announces that he and Lizzy had been planning at trip to Gretna. So quickly a young headstrong Lizzy and a young stubborn Darcy are man and wife.
And Darcy got 99 problems and a bitch is one. His stepmother is a degenerate gambler and has burdened Pemberley with a ton of debt because Darcy Sr. took out a bunch of loans to satisfy her debtors. he and Lizzy start out on the wrong foot and there are several people who want them to be unhappy. So we spend a good portion of the story (up to about 50%) with ODC at odds with one another. and once they finally reconcile there are many more obstacles tossed into their path to HEA.
Now I am used to BW's books and I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. I just felt like it was a little over long there were several twisty little plot off shoots that were unnecessary
This book makes many adjustments to P&P Canon. It begins with Darcy as a mere lad of 19 (or so), the same age as John Lucas and a year older than that puppy Bingley. They are all students at Cambridge and Darcy is reluctant to return home at Christmas to see Lady Harlot errr Henrietta, George Darcy's second and much younger wife. Lady H is 9 years older than Georgiana but before you think 16?? I'll drop in the 'adjusted ages' Lizzy is 3/4 years younger than Darcy, Georgia is 3 years younger than Lizzy, it is confusing and jarring at times.
Darcy goes to Meryton for Christmas and meets Lizzy and the other inhabitants and despite being young manages to hold himself above the masses and insult everyone he meets. (personally I found this hard to believe but it's BW)
A couple of years pass and Mr. Bennet has an accident and Mrs. Bennet is determined to marry Lizzy to Mr. Collins. Luckily Lizzy has a childhood agreement with John Lucas to marry if stuff gets real she is quickly packed off ALONE to Cambridge to 'elope' with John. However back in Cambridge John is hieing off to propose to another woman, and he gets out of town right before a 500 year flood hits making travel nearly impossible. But our intrepid heroine won't let rain nor snow nor dark of night to keep her from her appointed rounds so she manages to cage a ride on an open wagon to John's doorstep.
Of course John isn't there only Darcy, she is soaked to the skin and falling ill, etc, etc. (I am not spoiler tagging any of this because it is in the free preview). When Mr. Gardiner, who is sent in Mr. Bennet's place and Darcy's landlady arrive he and Lizzy are determined to be compromised and Darcy announces that he and Lizzy had been planning at trip to Gretna. So quickly a young headstrong Lizzy and a young stubborn Darcy are man and wife.
And Darcy got 99 problems and a bitch is one. His stepmother is a degenerate gambler and has burdened Pemberley with a ton of debt because Darcy Sr. took out a bunch of loans to satisfy her debtors. he and Lizzy start out on the wrong foot and there are several people who want them to be unhappy. So we spend a good portion of the story (up to about 50%) with ODC at odds with one another. and once they finally reconcile there are many more obstacles tossed into their path to HEA.
Now I am used to BW's books and I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. I just felt like it was a little over long there were several twisty little plot off shoots that were unnecessary
April 1, 2024
A faith of convenience is a hollow faith. ~ Father Mulcahy, M*A*S*H
And a marriage of convenience is a hollow marriage – at least that is what the Darcys learn in “Proof of Love” when they are compromised and must marry to save the reputations of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters.
Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy when she is very young and he has arrived in Meryton to visit his friend … John Lucas. John and Elizabeth have been close friends all their lives and have agreed to marry quickly if Elizabeth is ever forced to accept a marriage she doesn’t want.
In the course of time, Elizabeth is being pushed to marry and she runs away to find John.
Coincidences are little hellos from heaven. ~ Theresa Caputo
Elizabeth arrives in Cambridge to find John is not at home but Darcy is! The mis-matched couple is forced to marry.
The Hand of God is evident throughout this book. Beginning with the marriage, our dear couple must learn to trust each other before they can stand together against the problems in the Darcy family. Both Elizabeth and Darcy rely on spiritual guidance from the Reverend James Green and his wife, Judith, who serve the church at Kympton.
After Lady Anne’s death, George Darcy had married a much younger woman. Unknown to George, his new wife did not have his best interest at heart or the best interest of anyone at Pemberley. Lady Henrietta seeks to destroy the new Darcy marriage.
Danger is present at Pemberley, especially for Elizabeth. Murder plots, kidnapping -- Providence must intervene again and again.
Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley are present but a story that includes Lady Henrietta doesn’t need any more villains!
This is a great story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
There is a tendency to see divine intervention in things that happen in the normal course of miracles. ~ Robert Brault
And a marriage of convenience is a hollow marriage – at least that is what the Darcys learn in “Proof of Love” when they are compromised and must marry to save the reputations of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters.
Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy when she is very young and he has arrived in Meryton to visit his friend … John Lucas. John and Elizabeth have been close friends all their lives and have agreed to marry quickly if Elizabeth is ever forced to accept a marriage she doesn’t want.
In the course of time, Elizabeth is being pushed to marry and she runs away to find John.
Coincidences are little hellos from heaven. ~ Theresa Caputo
Elizabeth arrives in Cambridge to find John is not at home but Darcy is! The mis-matched couple is forced to marry.
The Hand of God is evident throughout this book. Beginning with the marriage, our dear couple must learn to trust each other before they can stand together against the problems in the Darcy family. Both Elizabeth and Darcy rely on spiritual guidance from the Reverend James Green and his wife, Judith, who serve the church at Kympton.
After Lady Anne’s death, George Darcy had married a much younger woman. Unknown to George, his new wife did not have his best interest at heart or the best interest of anyone at Pemberley. Lady Henrietta seeks to destroy the new Darcy marriage.
Danger is present at Pemberley, especially for Elizabeth. Murder plots, kidnapping -- Providence must intervene again and again.
Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley are present but a story that includes Lady Henrietta doesn’t need any more villains!
This is a great story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
There is a tendency to see divine intervention in things that happen in the normal course of miracles. ~ Robert Brault
March 20, 2026
A Different Variation
I enjoyed this book very much. I always enjoy seeing Elizabeth and Darcy meet at a younger age. Brenda Webb is a master at writing stories with angst, especially with respect to rivals. I found myself quite anxious for our dear couple until their true love for one another came to the fore, and even then the villains of the tale weren’t done with them. Whew! The touch of mystery throughout with respect to George Darcy’s second wife’s reason for her villainy kept it interesting. There’s a touch of faith and reliance on providence by Elizabeth and Darcy in this story which I appreciated in the telling—how could they not considering all they went through? I look forward to the promised sequel.
Mature content.
Highly recommend.
March 19-20, 2026
I’m always so happy to see a Brenda Webb novel become available on audio! This one has an excellent plot filled with hours of drama, angst, and romance—and narrated by the one and only Stevie Zimmerman. I hope one day the sequel to this one becomes available too.
Highly recommend.
Mature content.
I enjoyed this book very much. I always enjoy seeing Elizabeth and Darcy meet at a younger age. Brenda Webb is a master at writing stories with angst, especially with respect to rivals. I found myself quite anxious for our dear couple until their true love for one another came to the fore, and even then the villains of the tale weren’t done with them. Whew! The touch of mystery throughout with respect to George Darcy’s second wife’s reason for her villainy kept it interesting. There’s a touch of faith and reliance on providence by Elizabeth and Darcy in this story which I appreciated in the telling—how could they not considering all they went through? I look forward to the promised sequel.
Mature content.
Highly recommend.
March 19-20, 2026
I’m always so happy to see a Brenda Webb novel become available on audio! This one has an excellent plot filled with hours of drama, angst, and romance—and narrated by the one and only Stevie Zimmerman. I hope one day the sequel to this one becomes available too.
Highly recommend.
Mature content.
February 28, 2019
What if Elizabeth Met Darcy While He Was Attending University?
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins while Darcy is attending Cambridge in 1810
SYNOPSIS: While spending the school holiday in Meryton with his classmate’s (John Lucas) family, Fitzwilliam Darcy makes a terrible first impression on sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet. First he has the audacity (ahem…accidental misfortune) of getting caught reading her diary, and then, per his usual, he delivers some ungenerous remarks about Elizabeth and her family that she happens to overhear. Elizabeth immediately sketches Mr. Darcy’s character and believes him devoid of all kindness and consideration. Yet, several months later Elizabeth finds herself in a predicament where she desperately needs his help, whether she wants to admit it or not… Can Elizabeth open her eyes to Mr. Darcy’s true character before it is too late? Can Darcy forgive Elizabeth after her terribly hurtful actions towards him?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Riveting and Inventive: It may seem like I’m repeating myself in my reviews of Brenda Webb’s novels, but the same praise always applies! Like all of her other stories, Proof of Love has an extremely original premise. I loved the unique twists of Elizabeth and Darcy meeting while they were younger, both being friends with John Lucas, and Mr. Darcy senior remarrying a much younger woman, who ends up being a horrid step-monster! Not only does Ms. Webb craft highly imaginative and engaging premises, but she executes them masterfully with her eventful multiple story-lines, numerous original characters, and detailed yet fast-paced prose. I especially enjoyed the unique challenges she gave Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale.
- Imperfections: Ah. I love flawed characters, and I love it when authors give Elizabeth and Darcy flaws beyond pride and prejudice. In this story, Ms. Webb extenuates a flaw Mr. Darcy admits to having in Jane Austen’s novel – his implacable resentment. When Elizabeth loses his good opinion, Darcy erects an insurmountable wall around his heart and it makes him seem unfeeling, yet we know his actions are prompted more by his pain and need for self-preservation, not cruelty. In addition, with Elizabeth being a few years younger and less experienced in the world, her actions show a little bit of immaturity and impulsiveness. And while we normally don’t see Elizabeth act in this manner, it isn’t too hard to believe that a younger and less experienced Elizabeth would do so.
- A Devious and Malicious Antagonist: It is refreshing to see some new villains once in awhile that have different motivations and cause different sorts of mayhem! I’ve loved each and every sinister antagonist Brenda Webb has created, including Lady Henrietta, who is George Darcy’s second wife. She truly has a vendetta against the Darcy family and yet her position as Georgiana’s step-mother makes it difficult for Mr. Darcy to cut ties with her, even after he discovers much of the treachery she has caused the Darcy family. Lady Henrietta has some truly malicious schemes in mind and was a wonderful villain I enjoyed despising!
- Supporting Cast: In addition to beloved characters like Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bennet, and the Gardiners, it was lovely to see some original creations that enriched this tale – my favorites were Mr. Darcy’s sometimes impudent yet quick-witted, valet, Adams, Elizabeth’s loyal and dependable, lady’s maid, Florence, and the fatherly Reverend Mr. Green and his wise wife.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not really anything!
WARNING: A few brief intimate scenes are intersperse throughout, so I’d recommend this story for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
With deceit and danger lurking all around them, Darcy and Elizabeth face an abundance of challenges and learn some important lessons about trust and forgiveness in Brenda J. Webb’s imaginative and invigorating new release. Proof of Love is an epic romantic adventure that is perfect for readers who love dramatic premises, sinister antagonists, and angst-filled romances! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Webb writes next!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins while Darcy is attending Cambridge in 1810
SYNOPSIS: While spending the school holiday in Meryton with his classmate’s (John Lucas) family, Fitzwilliam Darcy makes a terrible first impression on sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet. First he has the audacity (ahem…accidental misfortune) of getting caught reading her diary, and then, per his usual, he delivers some ungenerous remarks about Elizabeth and her family that she happens to overhear. Elizabeth immediately sketches Mr. Darcy’s character and believes him devoid of all kindness and consideration. Yet, several months later Elizabeth finds herself in a predicament where she desperately needs his help, whether she wants to admit it or not… Can Elizabeth open her eyes to Mr. Darcy’s true character before it is too late? Can Darcy forgive Elizabeth after her terribly hurtful actions towards him?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Riveting and Inventive: It may seem like I’m repeating myself in my reviews of Brenda Webb’s novels, but the same praise always applies! Like all of her other stories, Proof of Love has an extremely original premise. I loved the unique twists of Elizabeth and Darcy meeting while they were younger, both being friends with John Lucas, and Mr. Darcy senior remarrying a much younger woman, who ends up being a horrid step-monster! Not only does Ms. Webb craft highly imaginative and engaging premises, but she executes them masterfully with her eventful multiple story-lines, numerous original characters, and detailed yet fast-paced prose. I especially enjoyed the unique challenges she gave Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale.
- Imperfections: Ah. I love flawed characters, and I love it when authors give Elizabeth and Darcy flaws beyond pride and prejudice. In this story, Ms. Webb extenuates a flaw Mr. Darcy admits to having in Jane Austen’s novel – his implacable resentment. When Elizabeth loses his good opinion, Darcy erects an insurmountable wall around his heart and it makes him seem unfeeling, yet we know his actions are prompted more by his pain and need for self-preservation, not cruelty. In addition, with Elizabeth being a few years younger and less experienced in the world, her actions show a little bit of immaturity and impulsiveness. And while we normally don’t see Elizabeth act in this manner, it isn’t too hard to believe that a younger and less experienced Elizabeth would do so.
- A Devious and Malicious Antagonist: It is refreshing to see some new villains once in awhile that have different motivations and cause different sorts of mayhem! I’ve loved each and every sinister antagonist Brenda Webb has created, including Lady Henrietta, who is George Darcy’s second wife. She truly has a vendetta against the Darcy family and yet her position as Georgiana’s step-mother makes it difficult for Mr. Darcy to cut ties with her, even after he discovers much of the treachery she has caused the Darcy family. Lady Henrietta has some truly malicious schemes in mind and was a wonderful villain I enjoyed despising!
- Supporting Cast: In addition to beloved characters like Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bennet, and the Gardiners, it was lovely to see some original creations that enriched this tale – my favorites were Mr. Darcy’s sometimes impudent yet quick-witted, valet, Adams, Elizabeth’s loyal and dependable, lady’s maid, Florence, and the fatherly Reverend Mr. Green and his wise wife.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not really anything!
WARNING: A few brief intimate scenes are intersperse throughout, so I’d recommend this story for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
With deceit and danger lurking all around them, Darcy and Elizabeth face an abundance of challenges and learn some important lessons about trust and forgiveness in Brenda J. Webb’s imaginative and invigorating new release. Proof of Love is an epic romantic adventure that is perfect for readers who love dramatic premises, sinister antagonists, and angst-filled romances! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Webb writes next!
Austenesque Reviews
June 22, 2018
There is so much angst and scheming in this book but I couldn't put it down. Lizzy was such a childish brat at the beginning of this book but she does mature during the book. Fitzwilliam is such a jealous prat for a good portion of this book and it took Bingley telling him that Lizzy cut off her friendship with Lucas before she came to Pemberley that he really started opening up his heart to her again. I hated Lady Henrietta and Lady Emma so much. Lady Emma though dropped off the map as soon as Darcy cut off his friendship with her.
Events in the happened really fast. As soon as they were mentioned by as a character as possibly happening they happened. It was a running theme throughout the book. I would have loved for Darcy and Elizabeth to have had an easier time of it but Lady Harlot didn't make it easy on them at all. And her reason for trying to destroy the Darcy family was so stupid too.
I enjoyed this book and I couldn't put it down as I said earlier. This novel is another winner from Brenda J Webb and I can't wait for the sequel hopefully coming out next year as the author stated at the end of the book. Hopefully, she won't torture Darcy and Lizzy as much in the sequel. Lol.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot...
Events in the happened really fast. As soon as they were mentioned by as a character as possibly happening they happened. It was a running theme throughout the book. I would have loved for Darcy and Elizabeth to have had an easier time of it but Lady Harlot didn't make it easy on them at all. And her reason for trying to destroy the Darcy family was so stupid too.
I enjoyed this book and I couldn't put it down as I said earlier. This novel is another winner from Brenda J Webb and I can't wait for the sequel hopefully coming out next year as the author stated at the end of the book. Hopefully, she won't torture Darcy and Lizzy as much in the sequel. Lol.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot...
October 27, 2022
Great Book
I have read this book several times and just realized I had never written a review. I love this story an I enjoyed the new characters in the story, lady Harley was just as named by Richard a Harlot. The problems between Darcy and Lizzy were heartbreaking but I loved the happy endings for them. Very seldom does a person get to show proof of their love but Lizzy did!!!
I have read this book several times and just realized I had never written a review. I love this story an I enjoyed the new characters in the story, lady Harley was just as named by Richard a Harlot. The problems between Darcy and Lizzy were heartbreaking but I loved the happy endings for them. Very seldom does a person get to show proof of their love but Lizzy did!!!
June 28, 2018
Love, love, love this authors work! I have read all of her P&P novels and give her credit for challenging me as a reader. Her Lizzy and Fitzwilliam may not always be tolerable but at some point I just fall in love with them. Darcy in this read is younger and we see him at odds with his remarried father. That threw me for a loop. His father is also a drunken, fool that almost destroys Pemberley. So William is cold and bitter in the beginning, close to his original personality.
Elizabeth was hard to like in the beginning. Where I sympathized with Darcy I had little patience for Lizzy's bullheaded, childish ways. Lucas is in love with Lizzy but there is an added twist with Lucas attending Cambridge along with Charles and Darcy. This puts things in a unique position because it is Lucas that brings Darcy to Hertfordshire. The challenge is the angst I felt while Elizabeth refused to see any goodness in William. She willfully believes the worst and runs away with Lucas at one point. Darcy is in love with her. It is not easy for him as he has had devastation and betrayal in his past, but our Darcy is always the gentleman. Protecting Lizzy's reputation and offering marriage when he could have walked away.
Fitzwilliam however is not totally without fault when Lizzy realizes how blind she has been, he now puts a wall of protection around himself. He offers her only the basic courtesy and nothing more. He at times is so cruel and cold that he reminded me of Abigail Reynolds Darcy from https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Fitzwilliam.... I was at my wits end and then at 50% or so they finally join hearts. The angst does not stop there my friends as they have so many plotting against them. the late Mr. Darcy widow (Lady Henrietta) is out to destroy the Darcy's. She sets her sights on Fitzwilliam believing herself capable of seducing him. Lady H's maid, Sarah, has her own little peep show with front row seats hidden in the walls. Wickham is joined along side Lady H and her cousin. He has designs on Lizzy as do the gypsies.
True to Webb's other books she adds a lot of details including the littlest event. She had me on the edge of my seat waiting for that one moment and then the chapter would end and jump to other side characters. Every side story intersect at some point but it was nerve racking worrying over Georgiana and the gypsies abduction of Lizzy. I mentally had to tell myself it would all workout. Wonderful new characters like the reverend and his wife, Lizzy's maid, Adams and Lizzy's dog Clancy. What a ride let me tell you. I was pleased with the ending but with so much detail throughout I would have appreciated an epilogue of everyone further on in years.
Elizabeth was hard to like in the beginning. Where I sympathized with Darcy I had little patience for Lizzy's bullheaded, childish ways. Lucas is in love with Lizzy but there is an added twist with Lucas attending Cambridge along with Charles and Darcy. This puts things in a unique position because it is Lucas that brings Darcy to Hertfordshire. The challenge is the angst I felt while Elizabeth refused to see any goodness in William. She willfully believes the worst and runs away with Lucas at one point. Darcy is in love with her. It is not easy for him as he has had devastation and betrayal in his past, but our Darcy is always the gentleman. Protecting Lizzy's reputation and offering marriage when he could have walked away.
Fitzwilliam however is not totally without fault when Lizzy realizes how blind she has been, he now puts a wall of protection around himself. He offers her only the basic courtesy and nothing more. He at times is so cruel and cold that he reminded me of Abigail Reynolds Darcy from https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Fitzwilliam.... I was at my wits end and then at 50% or so they finally join hearts. The angst does not stop there my friends as they have so many plotting against them. the late Mr. Darcy widow (Lady Henrietta) is out to destroy the Darcy's. She sets her sights on Fitzwilliam believing herself capable of seducing him. Lady H's maid, Sarah, has her own little peep show with front row seats hidden in the walls. Wickham is joined along side Lady H and her cousin. He has designs on Lizzy as do the gypsies.
True to Webb's other books she adds a lot of details including the littlest event. She had me on the edge of my seat waiting for that one moment and then the chapter would end and jump to other side characters. Every side story intersect at some point but it was nerve racking worrying over Georgiana and the gypsies abduction of Lizzy. I mentally had to tell myself it would all workout. Wonderful new characters like the reverend and his wife, Lizzy's maid, Adams and Lizzy's dog Clancy. What a ride let me tell you. I was pleased with the ending but with so much detail throughout I would have appreciated an epilogue of everyone further on in years.
January 25, 2024
My Rating: 3.5* rounded up to 4*
“He relishes being known for his sense of duty and being in complete control at all times. I wish to see if I can make him falter.” (quote from the book)
First, I love ‘outside-the-box’ variations. This book falls into this category. Second, I enjoy inventive plots. Again, this book has that too. However, I am not a fan of an overly obstinate head-strong Elizabeth to the point of stupid, nor an implacable Darcy that lasts for the half the book!
“Immaturity…Pure childishness, if you ask me. That young lady has a lot of growing up to do, if it is not too late already.” (quote from the book)
I purchased this book back in 2018 and once I started reading it, I realized it was familiar (at the beginning) but never finished it. Now that a sequel to this book is out, I decided to give it another chance for I do enjoy Ms. Webb’s imaginative creations.
“Just remember one thing, and you shall fare well. If a marriage is to succeed, both of you must work at it. Giving, as well as taking, is the key.” (quote from the book)
The book description and other reviews provide a better synopsis of this story. Many others have loved this tale, so please read them. It is high on angst, over-the-top melodrama with a large juxtaposition of good vs evil. A new and much more demented villain (a she-devil) is manipulative and out for revenge. Her maid is downright creepy. I did enjoy the Colonel’s part in this variation as he provides Mr. Darcy with a more balanced view of things. Another was the original character created, Adams, Mr. Darcy’s valet. Lady Catherine has her say but is quickly dismissed. Mr. Wickham, however, has his own agenda.
Overall, I am glad I gave this book another chance. I do recommend it if you are in the mood for an over-the-top tale of Elizabeth and Darcy!
July 8, 2018
“You are not done with a book until you pass it to another reader.” - Donalyn Miller
That quote is in homage to wosedwew who was very kind enough to loan her copy of this book to me and I'm very thankful that she did because I absolutely loved this book and its premise... Although I guess I could have also just used the old saying 'Sharing is caring!'
As the book started to wrap up, I was dreading that it was coming to an end and wished there could be a sequel to the story. So I was very thrilled for that the be the first thing I read about upon finishing the book. Now I look forward to the next story in this Pemberely Tale.
That quote is in homage to wosedwew who was very kind enough to loan her copy of this book to me and I'm very thankful that she did because I absolutely loved this book and its premise... Although I guess I could have also just used the old saying 'Sharing is caring!'
As the book started to wrap up, I was dreading that it was coming to an end and wished there could be a sequel to the story. So I was very thrilled for that the be the first thing I read about upon finishing the book. Now I look forward to the next story in this Pemberely Tale.
September 13, 2018
Proof of Love - A Pemberley Tale
Brenda's story has excitement and intrigues throughout every chapter of her book. There is not much interference from our usual miscreants (unfortunately Wickham's still around), but new ones surface to impede on ODC's happiness. From a disgruntled former friend to an evil, spiteful, vengeance driven stepmother and her simpleton cousin, Elizabeth and Darcy's lives are thrown into chaos. While there's no Meryton Assembly comment, a similar one is made, and overhead by sixteen year old Elizabeth, at the Lucas' home with the same reaction from ODG. At eighteen, because of her mother's desire to force her marriage to cousin Collins, Elizabeth travels to John Lucas at Cambridge. Nothing, including the weather, cooperates with Elizabeth and Elizabeth finds herself in the unwanted presence of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Alone together for days in flooded Cambridge, there are discovered by Darcy's land lady and Elizabeth's uncle. FMS for a not so upset Darcy, but an angry, very unhappy, Elizabeth. As if the forced marriage wasn't enough for ODC, the Darcys travel in different directions because of the lies of a friend and the schemes of the evil stepmother. Told that her father is at death's door, Elizabeth travels to Longbourn and Darcy to Pemberley to harden his heart to his love for Elizabeth. When Elizabeth finally travels to Pemberley to apologize for her mistakes, she meets a totally different Darcy, one that is cold and unfeeling. While some are trying to bring them together, the evil stepmother has returned to Pemberley to keep them apart. Through it all Darcy tries to protect his wavering heart. Elizabeth's near death experience melts all his defenses throwing ODC in the arms of love. Meanwhile, the evil stepmother forwards her plans to finally separate the happy couple causing a not so merry chase across northern England towards Scotland. With a successful recovery of his beloved Elizabeth, the plans to punish the miscreants are put into force. Helping Darcy is Colonel Fitzwilliam and his retired army buddies, Lord Matlock and his heir, and Bow Street Runners - England has become too small for the miscreants to hide. All are caught and punishment is swift and final. ODC is left to their happiness and to await the birth of their first child. While we got to witness Lady Catherine de Bourgh's performance and personality once during this story, I really didn't miss the fawning and clinging Caroline Bingley.
Brenda's story has excitement and intrigues throughout every chapter of her book. There is not much interference from our usual miscreants (unfortunately Wickham's still around), but new ones surface to impede on ODC's happiness. From a disgruntled former friend to an evil, spiteful, vengeance driven stepmother and her simpleton cousin, Elizabeth and Darcy's lives are thrown into chaos. While there's no Meryton Assembly comment, a similar one is made, and overhead by sixteen year old Elizabeth, at the Lucas' home with the same reaction from ODG. At eighteen, because of her mother's desire to force her marriage to cousin Collins, Elizabeth travels to John Lucas at Cambridge. Nothing, including the weather, cooperates with Elizabeth and Elizabeth finds herself in the unwanted presence of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Alone together for days in flooded Cambridge, there are discovered by Darcy's land lady and Elizabeth's uncle. FMS for a not so upset Darcy, but an angry, very unhappy, Elizabeth. As if the forced marriage wasn't enough for ODC, the Darcys travel in different directions because of the lies of a friend and the schemes of the evil stepmother. Told that her father is at death's door, Elizabeth travels to Longbourn and Darcy to Pemberley to harden his heart to his love for Elizabeth. When Elizabeth finally travels to Pemberley to apologize for her mistakes, she meets a totally different Darcy, one that is cold and unfeeling. While some are trying to bring them together, the evil stepmother has returned to Pemberley to keep them apart. Through it all Darcy tries to protect his wavering heart. Elizabeth's near death experience melts all his defenses throwing ODC in the arms of love. Meanwhile, the evil stepmother forwards her plans to finally separate the happy couple causing a not so merry chase across northern England towards Scotland. With a successful recovery of his beloved Elizabeth, the plans to punish the miscreants are put into force. Helping Darcy is Colonel Fitzwilliam and his retired army buddies, Lord Matlock and his heir, and Bow Street Runners - England has become too small for the miscreants to hide. All are caught and punishment is swift and final. ODC is left to their happiness and to await the birth of their first child. While we got to witness Lady Catherine de Bourgh's performance and personality once during this story, I really didn't miss the fawning and clinging Caroline Bingley.
June 25, 2019
Wow! Where to start reviewing this?! It is a mammoth tale with so much going on!! The story starts much earlier than normal, Elizabeth is 18 and Darcy is just finishing university when they end up in a compromising situation and are forced to marry. Early on, this looks to be a total disaster with Elizabeth behaving like Lydia and Darcy being at the end of his tether with her. Then we have the widow and 2nd wife of George Darcy, Lady Henrietta, or Lady Harlot as the colonel likes to call her!! She is not as she seems and there are no limits to her villainy!
This is a long book - over 500 pages and is action packed!! If I could have managed it, I'd have read it in one sitting. As well as action and adventure, there is a lot of angst. There are some real villains in this tale and I thoroughly enjoyed disliking them!! Elizabeth is involved in two life threatening incidents which in all honesty was one too many for my liking - I mean, how much drama does one family need??? However, each served to move the story along and show the changing relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy.
This is a long book - over 500 pages and is action packed!! If I could have managed it, I'd have read it in one sitting. As well as action and adventure, there is a lot of angst. There are some real villains in this tale and I thoroughly enjoyed disliking them!! Elizabeth is involved in two life threatening incidents which in all honesty was one too many for my liking - I mean, how much drama does one family need??? However, each served to move the story along and show the changing relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy.
July 9, 2018
A very angsty story, with great villains and a lot of turns and twists. Darcy and Elizabeth get married very young, and Elizabeth needs a lot of time to mature and overcome her stubbornness. At the beginning she is too strong-headed for her own good and for this readers peace of mind. Darcy keeps torturing himself (but he is always good at it), while trying to overcome obstacles thrown his way by his enemies. Wickham is evil, but my favorite villain is lady Henrietta. I enjoy well written evil characters, and they are excellent in this story.
It's a great book, but a long and torturous journey to their HEA. Highly recommended
It's a great book, but a long and torturous journey to their HEA. Highly recommended
May 30, 2024
A very angsty story with lots of twists and turns and a whole bunch of people wanting to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart, including themselves. In the first part of the story, I was so annoyed by Elizabeth's immaturity and Darcy's stubbornness, that I seriously considered not finishing the book. But, I persevered and was rewarded with a great reconciliation. But then we had more villains or rather more attempts by the same villains and the story started picking up speed and reached a very nice conclusion. Quite a ride!
June 22, 2018
In a Class by Herself
A Darcy to devour, adventure, angst, romance and the most devious villains hell-bent on polluting the shades of Pemberley.
Welcome to Ms Webb's wonderful world inhabited by Jane Austen's characters and a few creative additions guaranteed to stir the Ton. Great for grownups with a penchant for longer stories that twist, turn and always satisfy.
A Darcy to devour, adventure, angst, romance and the most devious villains hell-bent on polluting the shades of Pemberley.
Welcome to Ms Webb's wonderful world inhabited by Jane Austen's characters and a few creative additions guaranteed to stir the Ton. Great for grownups with a penchant for longer stories that twist, turn and always satisfy.
October 15, 2019
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is soooo very annoying at the start of this book. No one can tell her anything no matter how much she claims to love and admire the person speaking. In this story, Charlotte's older brother John is a good friend to Elizabeth and she hopes that he will save her from the Collins situation. Instead she stumbles across Darcy and they get caught up in a bit of a compromise.
Once our dear couple gets over themselves and realizes they are in love then the real trouble starts. There are lying relatives, kidnapping, lies, etc. All must be overcome to find their happily ever after.
Once our dear couple gets over themselves and realizes they are in love then the real trouble starts. There are lying relatives, kidnapping, lies, etc. All must be overcome to find their happily ever after.
August 29, 2019
Another epic
Great story. At times it felt like every evil doer in England orbited around Darcy and Elizabeth.
I enjoy Ms. Webb’s off canon stories immensely. This is one of her best. No lose ends at the end of this story. Evil doers are punished, good guys are rewarded, and a grand HEA is achieved by ODC.
Very pricey book but still highly recommended.
Great story. At times it felt like every evil doer in England orbited around Darcy and Elizabeth.
I enjoy Ms. Webb’s off canon stories immensely. This is one of her best. No lose ends at the end of this story. Evil doers are punished, good guys are rewarded, and a grand HEA is achieved by ODC.
Very pricey book but still highly recommended.
June 23, 2018
A Wonderful Read
This book had me enthralled from the beginning. It was interesting to see how both Elizabeth and Darcy had to mature to find their love. The villains in this story were truly evil. It was wonderful to see how Darcy and Elizabeth both responded to their travails. I look forward to the sequel, but this book is a great read on its own.
This book had me enthralled from the beginning. It was interesting to see how both Elizabeth and Darcy had to mature to find their love. The villains in this story were truly evil. It was wonderful to see how Darcy and Elizabeth both responded to their travails. I look forward to the sequel, but this book is a great read on its own.
July 3, 2018
Intriguing and angsty
This book is a page turner, our dear couple is surrounded by people that do not have their best interests at heart. Things keep happening to them, from the elements to evil doers. Highly recommended! You have to read it!
This book is a page turner, our dear couple is surrounded by people that do not have their best interests at heart. Things keep happening to them, from the elements to evil doers. Highly recommended! You have to read it!
October 25, 2018
4.5⭐️ Brenda Webb’s story are always full of adventure and drama. With twists and turns involving various villains. You’re always in for a treat.
There were a few questions left unanswered or wasn’t as clear; however, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.
There were a few questions left unanswered or wasn’t as clear; however, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.
July 22, 2019
The writing is decent enough, although Americanised. From a story POV, first half is enjoyable enough and the drama is felt. Everyone behaves badly but it’s part of the story, though increasingly annoying. However, in the second half there are so many plots and coincidences it gets ridiculous and unbelievable to the point of becoming boring. Some things aren’t even connected, but it’s written in such a way as you think “oh what now” but then that drama peters out and doesn’t impact the story. When Darcy has a prophetic dream (which doesn’t change anything btw) I actually laughed! Darcy & Elizabeth’s relationship is so childish, whether they are unhappy and happy. Their romance produces more rolling of eyes than warm sentiments. I skipped through the last few chapters just to see how it ended up, and was surprised that the outcome of the villains was dealt with in only a couple of sentences.
My major problem with this book is the storyline of the Romani. To be honest, the story would have been better without this whole plot line anyway, but on top of that it’s pretty racist against Travellers. I’m confident most of the statements contravene the Equality Act, and it can’t be explained by the ideas of the time. Even if she had made this a rogue band, because there are certain requirements of the plot that they be Travellers rather than ordinary highwaymen, it could have been forgiven. However she repeatedly states that gypsies are well known to kidnap women and children (even though it’s all masterminded by peers) and to be thieves etc, and that the whole point of their gatherings is to trade people. This is a myth that has plagued Roma & Travellers for centuries and even now impacts them, with news reports of children removed from parents as authorities were certain they couldn’t be Roma if they had blond hair as recently as last year. DNA testing proved the authorities wrong. I find it very irresponsible for an author to be romanticising the “little house like wagons” while demonising the people who live in them.
I have based my rating on the writing and not the racism.
My major problem with this book is the storyline of the Romani. To be honest, the story would have been better without this whole plot line anyway, but on top of that it’s pretty racist against Travellers. I’m confident most of the statements contravene the Equality Act, and it can’t be explained by the ideas of the time. Even if she had made this a rogue band, because there are certain requirements of the plot that they be Travellers rather than ordinary highwaymen, it could have been forgiven. However she repeatedly states that gypsies are well known to kidnap women and children (even though it’s all masterminded by peers) and to be thieves etc, and that the whole point of their gatherings is to trade people. This is a myth that has plagued Roma & Travellers for centuries and even now impacts them, with news reports of children removed from parents as authorities were certain they couldn’t be Roma if they had blond hair as recently as last year. DNA testing proved the authorities wrong. I find it very irresponsible for an author to be romanticising the “little house like wagons” while demonising the people who live in them.
I have based my rating on the writing and not the racism.
February 29, 2024
Definite Must Read
Brenda Webb's books are always 5 stars plus. Her character's are described in such rich detail that one can easily visualize each one. Her Lady Henrietta has got to be the most evil, nastiest character I've ever come across in a JAFF. That woman puts the worst Lady Catherine to shame. I liked that this story didn't have much of the Bennet's, that Mr. Collins was just mentioned and there was no insufferable visit to get through, and no Lady Catherine. Don't get me wrong, it's just that the usual Collins visit, Hunsford visit and Lady Catherine drama can be so overdone. This book is definitely a must read.
Brenda Webb's books are always 5 stars plus. Her character's are described in such rich detail that one can easily visualize each one. Her Lady Henrietta has got to be the most evil, nastiest character I've ever come across in a JAFF. That woman puts the worst Lady Catherine to shame. I liked that this story didn't have much of the Bennet's, that Mr. Collins was just mentioned and there was no insufferable visit to get through, and no Lady Catherine. Don't get me wrong, it's just that the usual Collins visit, Hunsford visit and Lady Catherine drama can be so overdone. This book is definitely a must read.
March 22, 2026
Early meetings & marriage
In this out of canon story, Darcy is good friends with John Lucas at Cambridge. John and Elizabeth have a pact made as young children that if they were unwed by a certain age they would marry. Unfortunately, Mr Bennet is injured in an accident and Mrs Bennet has declared that Elizabeth will marry Mr Collins. Eighteen year old Elizabeth runs away to Cambridge to get John to marry her first. Continuing the unfortunate…. John has left to offer for another lady, storms are causing flooding and Elizabeth is trapped in a house with Darcy. They are forced to wed, Elizabeth is extremely upset and still mad at comments that Darcy had made years ago about her. Miscommunication, youth, anger, jealousy, bitterness, vengeful individuals all have their parts in this story. We are introduced to several new characters, some we love and others we don’t! A special little dog has his own place in the story.
I’ve had the paperback book for a while but the audiobook was just released so I quickly bought it. I think the narration by Stevie Zimmerman has made this story even better! I can easily see myself listening to this again!
In this out of canon story, Darcy is good friends with John Lucas at Cambridge. John and Elizabeth have a pact made as young children that if they were unwed by a certain age they would marry. Unfortunately, Mr Bennet is injured in an accident and Mrs Bennet has declared that Elizabeth will marry Mr Collins. Eighteen year old Elizabeth runs away to Cambridge to get John to marry her first. Continuing the unfortunate…. John has left to offer for another lady, storms are causing flooding and Elizabeth is trapped in a house with Darcy. They are forced to wed, Elizabeth is extremely upset and still mad at comments that Darcy had made years ago about her. Miscommunication, youth, anger, jealousy, bitterness, vengeful individuals all have their parts in this story. We are introduced to several new characters, some we love and others we don’t! A special little dog has his own place in the story.
I’ve had the paperback book for a while but the audiobook was just released so I quickly bought it. I think the narration by Stevie Zimmerman has made this story even better! I can easily see myself listening to this again!
July 1, 2018
Avid Reader
I love reading this author's work because she keeps you engaged wondering what Lady Henrietta will do next to the Darcy family. The reason she hated them is not revealed until the book almost ends. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his men outdo themselves in the search and rescue of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is no slouch either as she figured out how to leave a trail for Darcy. Mr. Bennett arrives too late to help, but Elizabeth is ecstatic to see him. The male Matlocks step up to the plate to help Darcy reclaim his wife and his inheritance. Lord Matlock rescues Georgina from Wickham and Mrs. Younge thanks to her letter to Elizabeth. I like the inclusion of the Greens and the Gavins. Great book!
I love reading this author's work because she keeps you engaged wondering what Lady Henrietta will do next to the Darcy family. The reason she hated them is not revealed until the book almost ends. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his men outdo themselves in the search and rescue of Elizabeth. Elizabeth is no slouch either as she figured out how to leave a trail for Darcy. Mr. Bennett arrives too late to help, but Elizabeth is ecstatic to see him. The male Matlocks step up to the plate to help Darcy reclaim his wife and his inheritance. Lord Matlock rescues Georgina from Wickham and Mrs. Younge thanks to her letter to Elizabeth. I like the inclusion of the Greens and the Gavins. Great book!
November 6, 2018
From the way book started, they way it progressed was actually not what i would have thought.
So after Lizzy betrayed Darcy after getting married, he was unforgiving towards her. I felt sometimes that the punishment did not fit the crime.
One thing that definatly took me by surprise is the belief or faith in God woven in the book. Diven intervention was being referred to quite often.
The addidtional relationship of Darcy and his cousin was very interesting, as this is a Pemberley tale really didnt see much of the Bennet sisters. Otherwise the other back stories happening with Darcy's step mother was good.
So after Lizzy betrayed Darcy after getting married, he was unforgiving towards her. I felt sometimes that the punishment did not fit the crime.
One thing that definatly took me by surprise is the belief or faith in God woven in the book. Diven intervention was being referred to quite often.
The addidtional relationship of Darcy and his cousin was very interesting, as this is a Pemberley tale really didnt see much of the Bennet sisters. Otherwise the other back stories happening with Darcy's step mother was good.
June 28, 2018
A great favourite Author of mine, one of the reasons I love her books also is because she writes a book not a novella. And the beauty in writing so long a book is that you don't notice the length because everything follows so beautifully. This latest edition didn't disappoint, if anything the angst has gone up. Spying to stealing. These villains and their so called excuses for their wicked deeds leaves the mind boggled for their reasons in doing what they do. Webb was a first at keeping to the times for the punishment of the crime in that era.
February 11, 2021
For JAFF readers, this book is a must! It is a bit longer, but the angst, the romance, the twists and turns make it all worthwhile! This book doesn't follow canon, following a unique story trail with a younger Darcy and Elizabeth. Also, Darcy has a stepmother that makes Malificent look like a nice person. I love the characters in this book, those you love to love and those you love to hate, as well as the new characters that are found here! I always enjoy this writer, and this book does not disappoint!
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