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Through Pemberley Woods: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Elizabeth Bennet’s aunt, Mrs Gardiner, invites her to spend the summer in Derbyshire with her old school friend Mrs Waters, Elizabeth is eager to accept. It is a welcome chance to escape her mother’s attempts at finding her a husband. The town of Lambton also has the added attraction of being surrounded by Pemberley Woods which Elizabeth is eager to explore while their reserved owner, Mr Darcy is away in London.
While exploring the woods, Elizabeth is ordered to leave the estate by a man she believes to be the gamekeeper. Elizabeth is offended by his high-handed manner and even more embarrassed when she discovers the man is none other than Mr Darcy himself, home from London earlier than expected due to recent thefts on his lands.
Elizabeth resolves to forget Mr Darcy and soon forms a friendship with her hosts' attractive son, Captain Waters, who is home from the Navy. On Market Day in Lambton, she also forms a bond with a young lady. Elizabeth is troubled to discover the girl is none other than Georgiana Darcy, the sister of the arrogant Mr Darcy. However, she is determined Georgiana's unpleasant brother should not stand in the way of their new friendship.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is angry that a thief has been harassing his tenants. He is determined to find the culprit and bring him to justice, but his search is distracted when a young woman with bright eyes leaps into his path. Fascinated by her, but worried for her safety, Darcy orders her from his woods with more force than he intended. However, he cannot stop thinking about her, and it is a relief to know their paths will not cross again. Until his shy sister, Georgiana, makes a new friend; none other than the bewitching and perplexing Miss Bennet.
As Elizabeth spends more time with the Darcys, she slowly comes to understand there is more to Darcy than the aloof, arrogant man he seemed. Darcy for his part is plagued by his jealousy of Captain Waters and his fears that the rumours of his impending engagement to Miss Bennet might be true.
Trouble comes when Georgiana’s manipulative companion, Mrs Younge, is determined to take Georgiana away to Ramsgate despite Georgiana’s reluctance. When Georgiana resolves to stay in Derbyshire with her brother and her new friend, Mrs Younge must amend her plan and invites a former friend of the Darcys to Derbyshire whom Darcy hoped never to see again.
Darcy and Elizabeth fight their growing attraction for one another and Mrs Waters' vocal determination to have Elizabeth as a daughter-in-law throws more confusion into the mix.
Will they finally face the truth of what they both want, or will the wishes and interferences of others prevail?
When Darcy’s old enemy, George Wickham returns to Derbyshire, his presence threatens to destroy Georgiana's life, and Darcy and Elizabeth must do all they can to save her. And Elizabeth comes to the painful realisation that even friends are not always what they seem.
While exploring the woods, Elizabeth is ordered to leave the estate by a man she believes to be the gamekeeper. Elizabeth is offended by his high-handed manner and even more embarrassed when she discovers the man is none other than Mr Darcy himself, home from London earlier than expected due to recent thefts on his lands.
Elizabeth resolves to forget Mr Darcy and soon forms a friendship with her hosts' attractive son, Captain Waters, who is home from the Navy. On Market Day in Lambton, she also forms a bond with a young lady. Elizabeth is troubled to discover the girl is none other than Georgiana Darcy, the sister of the arrogant Mr Darcy. However, she is determined Georgiana's unpleasant brother should not stand in the way of their new friendship.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is angry that a thief has been harassing his tenants. He is determined to find the culprit and bring him to justice, but his search is distracted when a young woman with bright eyes leaps into his path. Fascinated by her, but worried for her safety, Darcy orders her from his woods with more force than he intended. However, he cannot stop thinking about her, and it is a relief to know their paths will not cross again. Until his shy sister, Georgiana, makes a new friend; none other than the bewitching and perplexing Miss Bennet.
As Elizabeth spends more time with the Darcys, she slowly comes to understand there is more to Darcy than the aloof, arrogant man he seemed. Darcy for his part is plagued by his jealousy of Captain Waters and his fears that the rumours of his impending engagement to Miss Bennet might be true.
Trouble comes when Georgiana’s manipulative companion, Mrs Younge, is determined to take Georgiana away to Ramsgate despite Georgiana’s reluctance. When Georgiana resolves to stay in Derbyshire with her brother and her new friend, Mrs Younge must amend her plan and invites a former friend of the Darcys to Derbyshire whom Darcy hoped never to see again.
Darcy and Elizabeth fight their growing attraction for one another and Mrs Waters' vocal determination to have Elizabeth as a daughter-in-law throws more confusion into the mix.
Will they finally face the truth of what they both want, or will the wishes and interferences of others prevail?
When Darcy’s old enemy, George Wickham returns to Derbyshire, his presence threatens to destroy Georgiana's life, and Darcy and Elizabeth must do all they can to save her. And Elizabeth comes to the painful realisation that even friends are not always what they seem.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2018
129 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 17, 2018
This is a charming alternate path for Darcy and Elizabeth to meet, misunderstand each other, and fall in love.
When Mr. Gardiner cannot join his wife and Elizabeth on a trip to the Lake District, the two ladies instead go without him to Lambton, Mrs. Gardiner's childhood town. While Elizabeth is happy to be away from her mother's aggressive matchmaking, it turns out that Mrs. Waters, their hostess, is just as bad. Handsome, personable Captain Henry Waters, her son, having made his fortune and advanced quickly, is now leaving the Navy and ready to settle down near his parents.
Pemberley Woods adjoins the Waters' home, and Elizabeth happily goes exploring. She encounters a man she assumes is the gamekeeper, who gruffly orders her off the property. She's embarrassed (but not at all intimidated) to learn it's actually Mr. Darcy.
Georgiana Darcy and Elizabeth introduce themselves when they encounter each other in Lambton looking at books, and they quickly become friends despite Mrs. Younge's disapproval. Pride and Prejudice fans will recognize what's going on when Mrs. Younge keeps pressing Georgiana about vacationing in Ramsgate.
The plot moves on with Captain Waters' paying a great deal of attention to Elizabeth. Darcy's fascination with her increases as her friendship with Georgiana grows closer. Two young ladies of questionable parentage, the very beautiful Miss Rebecca Carter and her younger sister Helen, are visiting a cousin of their adoptive family in the neighborhood. And, naturally, Mr. Wickham eventually enters the story.
I love the clever nods to Persuasion (Captain Waters is a friend of the Crofts) and Emma (there's a reference to Box Hill as well as a borrowed plotline). The story also provides many pages of interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, building their romance steadily while creating a sneaky bit of misdirection regarding some other characters.
The writing is excellent, too, with only three minor editing errors I noticed (although one is my personal nemesis, "alright"). Generally, it flows well and keeps the plot moving forward at a good pace. The point of view shifts around among Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana.
It's a thoroughly engaging tale. Content is completely clean.
When Mr. Gardiner cannot join his wife and Elizabeth on a trip to the Lake District, the two ladies instead go without him to Lambton, Mrs. Gardiner's childhood town. While Elizabeth is happy to be away from her mother's aggressive matchmaking, it turns out that Mrs. Waters, their hostess, is just as bad. Handsome, personable Captain Henry Waters, her son, having made his fortune and advanced quickly, is now leaving the Navy and ready to settle down near his parents.
Pemberley Woods adjoins the Waters' home, and Elizabeth happily goes exploring. She encounters a man she assumes is the gamekeeper, who gruffly orders her off the property. She's embarrassed (but not at all intimidated) to learn it's actually Mr. Darcy.
Georgiana Darcy and Elizabeth introduce themselves when they encounter each other in Lambton looking at books, and they quickly become friends despite Mrs. Younge's disapproval. Pride and Prejudice fans will recognize what's going on when Mrs. Younge keeps pressing Georgiana about vacationing in Ramsgate.
The plot moves on with Captain Waters' paying a great deal of attention to Elizabeth. Darcy's fascination with her increases as her friendship with Georgiana grows closer. Two young ladies of questionable parentage, the very beautiful Miss Rebecca Carter and her younger sister Helen, are visiting a cousin of their adoptive family in the neighborhood. And, naturally, Mr. Wickham eventually enters the story.
I love the clever nods to Persuasion (Captain Waters is a friend of the Crofts) and Emma (there's a reference to Box Hill as well as a borrowed plotline). The story also provides many pages of interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, building their romance steadily while creating a sneaky bit of misdirection regarding some other characters.
The writing is excellent, too, with only three minor editing errors I noticed (although one is my personal nemesis, "alright"). Generally, it flows well and keeps the plot moving forward at a good pace. The point of view shifts around among Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana.
It's a thoroughly engaging tale. Content is completely clean.
July 25, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
The comprehensive story description and several of the reviews give us an excellent idea as to what to expect in this variation.
Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner are visiting with the latter's friend, Mrs. Waters, in Lambton. Mrs. Waters is expecting her son, Capt. Waters, home as he is retiring from the Navy. She is anxious to match him with Elizabeth and, indeed, Elizabeth finds him interesting and attractive.
Although her aunt is not a great walker Elizabeth is encouraged to walk in the nearby Pemberely Woods by Mrs. Waters and so Elizabeth does. However, she comes upon the "games keeper" carrying a rifle and is warned off the private property, although he does explain about a chicken theft begin active in the area. Elizabeth later learns his true identity, Mr. Darcy.
When Elizabeth visits in Lambton she meets a young lady and becomes not only friendly with her but also accepts an invitation to visit her home before learning that she is Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth is unwilling to give up the friendship even if she has to be in the presence of a man she does not like. So she and Georgiana spend much time together; sometimes it is with her brother and other times only her companion, Mrs. Younge.
Yes, Mrs. Younge is very guarded of Georgiana, seeming to want her only to do what Mrs. Younge has recommended or spend time with those she of whom she approves. Why? wonders Elizabeth and even tells Georgiana that she is allowed to do what she wants even if it is going against Mrs. Y.
Elizabeth has mixed feeling about Darcy after awhile. He seems to vacillate between warm and cold in his attitude towards her but he does make it clear that he greatly approves of her friendship with his sister. That friendship becomes strong and when Georgiana's welfare is threatened Elizabeth is adamant that she will not sit at home waiting to hear of the outcome.
Meanwhile Mrs. Waters has not let up on hints about Elizabeth and her son. Two sisters are introduced into the circle of acquaintances. The oldest one's beauty outshines Jane's. But as "the natural daughters" of someone, there are whispers.
This was an interesting story. Darcy, again, has his moments with "connections and dowries", but we do have our happy ending...for more than one couple.
The comprehensive story description and several of the reviews give us an excellent idea as to what to expect in this variation.
Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner are visiting with the latter's friend, Mrs. Waters, in Lambton. Mrs. Waters is expecting her son, Capt. Waters, home as he is retiring from the Navy. She is anxious to match him with Elizabeth and, indeed, Elizabeth finds him interesting and attractive.
Although her aunt is not a great walker Elizabeth is encouraged to walk in the nearby Pemberely Woods by Mrs. Waters and so Elizabeth does. However, she comes upon the "games keeper" carrying a rifle and is warned off the private property, although he does explain about a chicken theft begin active in the area. Elizabeth later learns his true identity, Mr. Darcy.
When Elizabeth visits in Lambton she meets a young lady and becomes not only friendly with her but also accepts an invitation to visit her home before learning that she is Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth is unwilling to give up the friendship even if she has to be in the presence of a man she does not like. So she and Georgiana spend much time together; sometimes it is with her brother and other times only her companion, Mrs. Younge.
Yes, Mrs. Younge is very guarded of Georgiana, seeming to want her only to do what Mrs. Younge has recommended or spend time with those she of whom she approves. Why? wonders Elizabeth and even tells Georgiana that she is allowed to do what she wants even if it is going against Mrs. Y.
Elizabeth has mixed feeling about Darcy after awhile. He seems to vacillate between warm and cold in his attitude towards her but he does make it clear that he greatly approves of her friendship with his sister. That friendship becomes strong and when Georgiana's welfare is threatened Elizabeth is adamant that she will not sit at home waiting to hear of the outcome.
Meanwhile Mrs. Waters has not let up on hints about Elizabeth and her son. Two sisters are introduced into the circle of acquaintances. The oldest one's beauty outshines Jane's. But as "the natural daughters" of someone, there are whispers.
This was an interesting story. Darcy, again, has his moments with "connections and dowries", but we do have our happy ending...for more than one couple.
November 3, 2022
Romantic
Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2019
I found this to be a light romantic variation. Some of the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy was delightful, and one could really feel the spark of electricity between them. I enjoyed it.
Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2019
I found this to be a light romantic variation. Some of the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy was delightful, and one could really feel the spark of electricity between them. I enjoyed it.
July 30, 2018
What a delightful book! It was a simple story, without so much angst, but sometimes all we need are stories that remind us of the characters JA immortalized.
June 4, 2021
Rating: PG-17: mature subjects discussed, Angst Level: medium due to threats in the woods around Pemberley. Source: KU 5-28-21, This was not my favorite story by this author. It was OK; thus the 3-stars. Spoiler Alert: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
I did NOT like the character Elizabeth in this story. Her actions were horrid and her behavior was not much better. I couldn’t tell if she was too modern or just stupid. She was a stranger in Derbyshire, had obviously trespassed, and she dared speak to Mr. Darcy in such a manner. GRRR! I hate a stupid Elizabeth. What was she thinking? She wasn’t on her familiar walking grounds in Hertfordshire. She crossed a line big time and I had a feeling it was going to fly back and hit her in the face. I will admit that Darcy’s failure to inform her of the real reasons he was making his demands lead to her obstinance. However, he was the landlord and as such could make any demands he wanted. Who was she to speak back to him in such a manner? In fact, where were her manners? They certainly were not in force throughout this story.
I did like Elizabeth’s relationship with Georgiana. Mrs. Younge was a problem and that caused the canon situation with the SBRB. Yeah, he came to Derbyshire when Georgiana didn’t go to Ramsgate. There were several references to other Austen books that were fun to unearth. I kept thinking, oh, that’s just like the character[s] and the situation in the such-and-so book[s]. What fun. There were several interesting situations. Although Mrs. Bennet was not in Derbyshire, her matchmaking clone was. The only difference was she didn’t call for Hill and her salts.
I did NOT like the character Elizabeth in this story. Her actions were horrid and her behavior was not much better. I couldn’t tell if she was too modern or just stupid. She was a stranger in Derbyshire, had obviously trespassed, and she dared speak to Mr. Darcy in such a manner. GRRR! I hate a stupid Elizabeth. What was she thinking? She wasn’t on her familiar walking grounds in Hertfordshire. She crossed a line big time and I had a feeling it was going to fly back and hit her in the face. I will admit that Darcy’s failure to inform her of the real reasons he was making his demands lead to her obstinance. However, he was the landlord and as such could make any demands he wanted. Who was she to speak back to him in such a manner? In fact, where were her manners? They certainly were not in force throughout this story.
I did like Elizabeth’s relationship with Georgiana. Mrs. Younge was a problem and that caused the canon situation with the SBRB. Yeah, he came to Derbyshire when Georgiana didn’t go to Ramsgate. There were several references to other Austen books that were fun to unearth. I kept thinking, oh, that’s just like the character[s] and the situation in the such-and-so book[s]. What fun. There were several interesting situations. Although Mrs. Bennet was not in Derbyshire, her matchmaking clone was. The only difference was she didn’t call for Hill and her salts.
March 14, 2021
Fun, lighthearted and engaging
Synopsis:
The Summer before P&P canon events, Lizzy accompanies Mrs G to Lambton to stay with her friend Mrs Waters. Mrs Waters has a son who is about to retire and sell his commission in the navy, Captain Henry Waters, and she is eager to see him settle down. As their family comes from trade, she sees Lizzy- a gentlemen's daughter- as a suitable wife and encourages the match with vehemence.
Lizzy, while rambling through the adjoining Pemberley woods, meets a disheveled Mr Darcy whom she assumes to be the grumpy gamekeeper.
Darcy has been on high alert over a poacher that has been terrorizing his tenants.
Darcy, fearing the safety of the unaccompanied miss, bans her from walking the woods indelicately.
Lizzy:
Lizzy never lets him live this down and it becomes a running gag for her to tease him over it,
Darcy will have to wrestle on whether to act on his feelings whilst aware that a match may be forthcoming between Miss Bennet and the Captain.
Meanwhile Mrs Young, Georgiana's conniving governess, is pushing for a trip to Ramsgate. One of my favorite aspects of this yarn was the insight to Young's machinations on poor Georgiana.
That Which Pleased:
❀Lizzy gets some solid zingers!
❀Bottle setting of Derbyshire
❀Both Mr and Miss Darcy get Meet-Cutes with Lizzy
❀Well paced and has some action
❀Resolution was adorable and satisfying
❀It has small nods and themes of 'Emma'
That Which Offended:
➳ The dialogue is at times blatantly artificial and repetitive
➳ Some glaring improprieties
➳ The prose was fairly bare bones, lacking introspection or depth- but tis a novelette and some indulgence on that front must be allowed
Bottom Line:
➭It is a light and short read without much depth, but for a novelette I thought the pacing was well done and overall cute!
Synopsis:
The Summer before P&P canon events, Lizzy accompanies Mrs G to Lambton to stay with her friend Mrs Waters. Mrs Waters has a son who is about to retire and sell his commission in the navy, Captain Henry Waters, and she is eager to see him settle down. As their family comes from trade, she sees Lizzy- a gentlemen's daughter- as a suitable wife and encourages the match with vehemence.
Lizzy, while rambling through the adjoining Pemberley woods, meets a disheveled Mr Darcy whom she assumes to be the grumpy gamekeeper.
“When people speak of unsavoury characters, is it possible they are referring to the unpleasant gamekeeper?”
Darcy has been on high alert over a poacher that has been terrorizing his tenants.
Darcy, fearing the safety of the unaccompanied miss, bans her from walking the woods indelicately.
Lizzy:
Lizzy never lets him live this down and it becomes a running gag for her to tease him over it,
“Thank you, Miss Bennet… You are always welcome at Pemberley.”
“Just not welcome in the woods,” she said with an arch smile.
Darcy will have to wrestle on whether to act on his feelings whilst aware that a match may be forthcoming between Miss Bennet and the Captain.
Meanwhile Mrs Young, Georgiana's conniving governess, is pushing for a trip to Ramsgate. One of my favorite aspects of this yarn was the insight to Young's machinations on poor Georgiana.
That Which Pleased:
❀Lizzy gets some solid zingers!
❀Bottle setting of Derbyshire
❀Both Mr and Miss Darcy get Meet-Cutes with Lizzy
❀Well paced and has some action
❀Resolution was adorable and satisfying
❀It has small nods and themes of 'Emma'
That Which Offended:
➳ The dialogue is at times blatantly artificial and repetitive
➳ Some glaring improprieties
➳ The prose was fairly bare bones, lacking introspection or depth- but tis a novelette and some indulgence on that front must be allowed
Bottom Line:
➭It is a light and short read without much depth, but for a novelette I thought the pacing was well done and overall cute!
July 20, 2018
Read this before released. Wonderful story. Great first effort from this author. The story was unique and kept me interested.
July 23, 2018
How strange that Nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude! ~ Emily Dickinson
A common love of nature leads to Darcy’s first notice of the visiting Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth has traveled with her Aunt Gardiner to stay with her aunt’s friend who lives in the village of Lambdon. Knowing of Elizabeth’s love of nature and walking, the ladies encourage her to spend time in the woods at Pemberley. There she comes across a gamekeeper who orders her away from Pemberley land.
Unknown at the time is the fact that a thief is raiding the poultry houses of those who live in or near the woods. Shots have been fired! The woods are unsafe.
Also unknown is the attraction the gamekeeper feels for the young lady he meets in the woods. And further, the gamekeeper is not actually the gamekeeper!
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen
Aunt Gardiner’s friend is as much a Matchmaker as Mrs. Bennet – and she wants to match Elizabeth with her son who is recently returned home from his naval career.
Is that the match Elizabeth wants?
Is that the match the Captain wants?
I enjoyed this uncomplicated love story – especially the nod to Emma at the end!
If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere. ~ Vincent Van Gogh
A common love of nature leads to Darcy’s first notice of the visiting Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth has traveled with her Aunt Gardiner to stay with her aunt’s friend who lives in the village of Lambdon. Knowing of Elizabeth’s love of nature and walking, the ladies encourage her to spend time in the woods at Pemberley. There she comes across a gamekeeper who orders her away from Pemberley land.
Unknown at the time is the fact that a thief is raiding the poultry houses of those who live in or near the woods. Shots have been fired! The woods are unsafe.
Also unknown is the attraction the gamekeeper feels for the young lady he meets in the woods. And further, the gamekeeper is not actually the gamekeeper!
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen
Aunt Gardiner’s friend is as much a Matchmaker as Mrs. Bennet – and she wants to match Elizabeth with her son who is recently returned home from his naval career.
Is that the match Elizabeth wants?
Is that the match the Captain wants?
I enjoyed this uncomplicated love story – especially the nod to Emma at the end!
If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere. ~ Vincent Van Gogh
August 4, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation features Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner on a holiday in Lambton. In this world, Elizabeth did not meet Darcy in Meryton but rather unexpectedly meets him on a walk in Pemberley Woods. Neither knows who the other is, so they have quite the interesting experience. As Georgiana meets Elizabeth in town and invites her for tea - the mystery is solved. Darcy needs to get over his pride to follow his attraction to Elizabeth. Elizabeth must learn what she values in a future spouse and not get caught up in gossip. They eventually find their happily ever after - but not without some other Austen plot lines thrown in.
It was cute, clean, and a great read.
It was cute, clean, and a great read.
July 19, 2018
This was a very enjoyable read. I picked it up and read it in a few hours. Elizabeth is visiting friends with Madeline Gardner in Lambton where she takes one of her rambles in the nearby Pemberley Woods. She runs into Darcy who is searching for a chicken theif. Mistaking him for a game warden Elizabeth instantly doesn’t appreciate his haughty and overbearing demeanor whereas Darcy is instantly taken with Elizabeth but concerned for her safety with a theif running around and demands to escort her home. Elizabeth is of course embarrassed to discover he is the one and only Mr Darcy but determines she will most likely not see him again. Elizabeth then by chance meets Georgianna Darcy in a bookstore where they become fast friends over a book mishap. They make plans to meet again before introducing themselves. Upon realizing Georgiana is Darcy’s sister she is still determined to keep their plans because she desires a friend closer to her own age while visiting Lambton. Through her budding friendship with Georgiana she is often in Mr. Darcy’s company and thus they begin their pride and prejudice dance. They of course engage in deliciously enjoyable discourse and their banter is wonderfully written here but at times borderline uncomfortable. I do have to say that this is some of the better descriptive writing I’ve read in a while. I was really able to visualize the characters throughout the story especially the scene where they meet in Pemberley woods. There is a second potential suitor for Elizabeth, Mrs Waters son Captain Waters and a disadvantaged but beautiful suitor for Darcy, Miss Rebecca. At this point it becomes a Pride and Prejudice meets persuasion with the comprabable themes, conflict and characters from each story very well pieced together. It was thoroughly enjoyable, imaginatively descriptive and flowed very well. I gave 4 stars because it was void of a bit of the angst i so enjoy and lacked passion for me. The ending was tied up nicely but maybe too easy? Still a great read!
August 4, 2018
A good read
This is not a retelling of P & P so be prepared, it however a wonderful story that brings Elizabeth to Derbyshire with her aunt Madeleine. Darcy finds Elizabeth wandering his woods as he searches for a poacher who has hurt one of his tenants. Thinking to save Elizabeth he forbids her from wandering his woods and offends her. Georgianna and Elizabeth meet and become friends, meanwhile a good friend of Mrs. Gardiner has hopes Elizabeth will marry her son. Elizabeth feels she is being forced into the marriage and tries to find her way out of it. Darcy hides his feelings until Georgianna goes missing. Elizabeth leaves with Darcy to find Georgianna & Wickham. The twists in this story had me staying up late to finish. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a what if book.
This is not a retelling of P & P so be prepared, it however a wonderful story that brings Elizabeth to Derbyshire with her aunt Madeleine. Darcy finds Elizabeth wandering his woods as he searches for a poacher who has hurt one of his tenants. Thinking to save Elizabeth he forbids her from wandering his woods and offends her. Georgianna and Elizabeth meet and become friends, meanwhile a good friend of Mrs. Gardiner has hopes Elizabeth will marry her son. Elizabeth feels she is being forced into the marriage and tries to find her way out of it. Darcy hides his feelings until Georgianna goes missing. Elizabeth leaves with Darcy to find Georgianna & Wickham. The twists in this story had me staying up late to finish. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a what if book.
June 3, 2024
Loved this story! Most of the story happens at Derbyshire without the Bennets but there are others who cause hindrance to ODC. Darcy with his usual arrogance and Elizabeth with her wilful misunderstandings, as usual, lead the way. An enjoyable low angst story.
July 16, 2018
This is such a good story! I've enjoyed all that I've read by this author and Through Pemberley Woods has the same feel about it as the others.... great story, lovely characters and brilliant humour.
In this tale, Elizabeth and her aunt travel to Derbyshire to visit an old friend of Mrs Gardiner, Mrs Waters. Her son, Captain Henry Waters arrives home having retired from the Navy and looking for a wife. Mrs Waters is every bit as competent as Mrs Bennet in her matchmaking and Captain Henry is very charming!
Elizabeth meets Darcy for the first time in Pemberley Woods where she mistakes him for a Gamekeeper... they get off on the wrong foot straight away. Elizabeth meets Georgiana at a book sale and get along famously and make all kinds of plans together before she realises she is Darcy's sister.... regular contact with the grumpy Mr Darcy is now inevitable!
There is some brilliant humour in this book... I just loved the insight we get into Darcy's stream of consciousness - hearing his inner dialogue to get Elizabeth out of his head, only for her to invade his thoughts again from some other direction. Mrs Younge is just awful... I could not stand the woman and I think to have such an emotional reaction, especially when she doesn't speak a whole lot, is a sign of really good writing. I had a real shock with the twist at the end... didn't see it coming but which also provoked a really strong reaction.
There are some elements in the book not particularly in keeping with the times and some huge breaches of propriety... but I will forgive anything for a good story!! This book is a real adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously... any reader would need to do the same to fully enjoy it.
In this tale, Elizabeth and her aunt travel to Derbyshire to visit an old friend of Mrs Gardiner, Mrs Waters. Her son, Captain Henry Waters arrives home having retired from the Navy and looking for a wife. Mrs Waters is every bit as competent as Mrs Bennet in her matchmaking and Captain Henry is very charming!
Elizabeth meets Darcy for the first time in Pemberley Woods where she mistakes him for a Gamekeeper... they get off on the wrong foot straight away. Elizabeth meets Georgiana at a book sale and get along famously and make all kinds of plans together before she realises she is Darcy's sister.... regular contact with the grumpy Mr Darcy is now inevitable!
There is some brilliant humour in this book... I just loved the insight we get into Darcy's stream of consciousness - hearing his inner dialogue to get Elizabeth out of his head, only for her to invade his thoughts again from some other direction. Mrs Younge is just awful... I could not stand the woman and I think to have such an emotional reaction, especially when she doesn't speak a whole lot, is a sign of really good writing. I had a real shock with the twist at the end... didn't see it coming but which also provoked a really strong reaction.
There are some elements in the book not particularly in keeping with the times and some huge breaches of propriety... but I will forgive anything for a good story!! This book is a real adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously... any reader would need to do the same to fully enjoy it.
July 24, 2018
What a sweet variation! I loved that a little Emma and Persuasion were added to the plot. The descriptions of scenes/characters were so vivid without being too wordy. So enjoyable, I read it in a day.
January 1, 2025
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Elizabeth Bennet is offered the chance to spend a summer in Aunt Gardiner’s hometown of Lambton in Derbyshire, she jumps at the opportunity. Weeks of tramping through woods and peaks while being free of her mother’s obsession with finding her a husband, what could be more perfect? Yet, on her first day exploring Pemberley Woods, she has an unpleasant encounter with the arrogant master of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy; she becomes angry and offended when he orders her from his lands, so she resolves to forget him. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has received troubling reports of a thief who has been terrorizing his tenants in Pemberley Woods. He returns from London earlier than he planned to find the culprit, but his search is interrupted by a young lady with sparkling eyes and a lively wit. Immediately drawn to her but horrified to think what might have happened if she’d encountered the thief while wandering through his lands alone, he orders her from the woods with more harshness than he intended. Elizabeth soon makes a new friend in Lambton; a shy young girl who turns out to be none other than Georgiana Darcy, the younger sister of the arrogant Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is determined her unpleasant brother should not come between them and the two girls form a firm friendship, but as Elizabeth spends more time with the Darcys, she comes to realize there is more to Darcy than the aloof, haughty man she believed him to be, and the more Darcy is in her presence, the more bewitched he is and the more he struggles with his family’s desire that he marry a woman of high standing. Their summer is threatened when Georgiana’s manipulative and controlling companion, Mrs Younge, determines to take Georgiana away to the seaside resort of Ramsgate despite Georgiana’s reluctance. When Georgiana resolves to stay in Derbyshire with Darcy and Elizabeth, Mrs Younge must change her plan and invites a former friend of the Darcys to Derbyshire whom Darcy hoped never to see again. When Darcy’s old enemy returns to Derbyshire, his presence threatens to destroy Georgiana's life. Elizabeth and Darcy must put themselves at risk to save the girl they both love from a man who is determined to avenge himself on his former family, and Elizabeth comes to the painful realisation that even friends are not always what they seem. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. When Elizabeth Bennet is offered the chance to spend a summer in Aunt Gardiner’s hometown of Lambton in Derbyshire, she jumps at the opportunity. Weeks of tramping through woods and peaks while being free of her mother’s obsession with finding her a husband, what could be more perfect? Yet, on her first day exploring Pemberley Woods, she has an unpleasant encounter with the arrogant master of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy; she becomes angry and offended when he orders her from his lands, so she resolves to forget him. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has received troubling reports of a thief who has been terrorizing his tenants in Pemberley Woods. He returns from London earlier than he planned to find the culprit, but his search is interrupted by a young lady with sparkling eyes and a lively wit. Immediately drawn to her but horrified to think what might have happened if she’d encountered the thief while wandering through his lands alone, he orders her from the woods with more harshness than he intended. Elizabeth soon makes a new friend in Lambton; a shy young girl who turns out to be none other than Georgiana Darcy, the younger sister of the arrogant Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is determined her unpleasant brother should not come between them and the two girls form a firm friendship, but as Elizabeth spends more time with the Darcys, she comes to realize there is more to Darcy than the aloof, haughty man she believed him to be, and the more Darcy is in her presence, the more bewitched he is and the more he struggles with his family’s desire that he marry a woman of high standing. Their summer is threatened when Georgiana’s manipulative and controlling companion, Mrs Younge, determines to take Georgiana away to the seaside resort of Ramsgate despite Georgiana’s reluctance. When Georgiana resolves to stay in Derbyshire with Darcy and Elizabeth, Mrs Younge must change her plan and invites a former friend of the Darcys to Derbyshire whom Darcy hoped never to see again. When Darcy’s old enemy returns to Derbyshire, his presence threatens to destroy Georgiana's life. Elizabeth and Darcy must put themselves at risk to save the girl they both love from a man who is determined to avenge himself on his former family, and Elizabeth comes to the painful realisation that even friends are not always what they seem. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 7, 2021
First reviewed at: http://austendiaries.blogspot.com/
Title and Author: Through Pemberley Woods by Emily Russell
Type: P&P Alternate Path
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen level
Recommended: 3.5 stars
Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Summary: This variation takes place before P&P even starts during the summer before the events of the books. Elizabeth visits the Pemberley area with her Aunt Gardiner, staying with her aunt's friend Mrs. Water. As a great walker, she makes her way through Pemberley Woods, not realizing a dangerous poacher has been in the area. When Darcy comes upon her, he warns her off in his brusk manner and makes a poor impression. Elizabeth later meets Georgiana in town and the two become friends. As Elizabeth becomes better friends with Georgiana, she comes to know Darcy better. And Georgiana decides not to go to Ramsgate, leading Mrs. Younge to take matters into her own hands.
Things I Liked:
* The friendship between Georgiana and Elizabeth is genuine and sweet.
* There was no drama from Elizabeth's family, but some was added by the family she is staying with.
* It was fun watching Darcy and Elizabeth recover from completely different misconceptions than the original.
* I love how Wickham and Mrs. Younge got what was coming to them.
* It was fun to have elements from other Austen books as part of the story.
Things I Didn't Like:
* Darcy never would have allowed his sister to develop this friendship without knowing more about Elizabeth (she is staying with a family even lower class than her own). Even a conversation (or a covert looking into who she was) would have made this more believable. (And becoming engaged before he understands is even more absurd.)
* The last part has Elizabeth acting out of character and doing things Darcy would never have allowed.
* I could spot the outcome with Captain Waters from almost the beginning.
Title and Author: Through Pemberley Woods by Emily Russell
Type: P&P Alternate Path
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Austen level
Recommended: 3.5 stars
Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Summary: This variation takes place before P&P even starts during the summer before the events of the books. Elizabeth visits the Pemberley area with her Aunt Gardiner, staying with her aunt's friend Mrs. Water. As a great walker, she makes her way through Pemberley Woods, not realizing a dangerous poacher has been in the area. When Darcy comes upon her, he warns her off in his brusk manner and makes a poor impression. Elizabeth later meets Georgiana in town and the two become friends. As Elizabeth becomes better friends with Georgiana, she comes to know Darcy better. And Georgiana decides not to go to Ramsgate, leading Mrs. Younge to take matters into her own hands.
Things I Liked:
* The friendship between Georgiana and Elizabeth is genuine and sweet.
* There was no drama from Elizabeth's family, but some was added by the family she is staying with.
* It was fun watching Darcy and Elizabeth recover from completely different misconceptions than the original.
* I love how Wickham and Mrs. Younge got what was coming to them.
* It was fun to have elements from other Austen books as part of the story.
Things I Didn't Like:
* Darcy never would have allowed his sister to develop this friendship without knowing more about Elizabeth (she is staying with a family even lower class than her own). Even a conversation (or a covert looking into who she was) would have made this more believable. (And becoming engaged before he understands is even more absurd.)
* The last part has Elizabeth acting out of character and doing things Darcy would never have allowed.
* I could spot the outcome with Captain Waters from almost the beginning.
August 10, 2020
So this book is different. This books starts the summer before Pride and Prejudice occurs and felt like a combination of two books: Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The Emma portion comes n the form of Captain Walters. He reminders we a lot of Frank Churchill. If you know Emma at all that is a big spoiler right there. But there are a lot of assumptions of who loves who and etc in this book.
As for the Pride and Prejudice portion, the story is really nice. It starts with Lizzy and her Aunt going on tour Derbyshire because Lizzy's Uncle could not go to the Lake District so they stay with an old friend of Mrs Gardiner. Intially Darcy was rude to Lizzy because he was worried for her life since she was walking the woods by herself with a thief was on the lose (someone has been stealling the CHICKEN! --> another Emma reference). Lizzy befriends Georgiana while looking at books (of course) and a friendship blossoms between the two. Lizzy's friendship really help Georgiana grow and become more self assured. But still there is Wickham in the background trying to get back at Darcy through Georgiana.
In the end Lizzy and Darcy are able to save Georgiana and end up together. It is a nice variation of the book and I enjoyed it.
As for the Pride and Prejudice portion, the story is really nice. It starts with Lizzy and her Aunt going on tour Derbyshire because Lizzy's Uncle could not go to the Lake District so they stay with an old friend of Mrs Gardiner. Intially Darcy was rude to Lizzy because he was worried for her life since she was walking the woods by herself with a thief was on the lose (someone has been stealling the CHICKEN! --> another Emma reference). Lizzy befriends Georgiana while looking at books (of course) and a friendship blossoms between the two. Lizzy's friendship really help Georgiana grow and become more self assured. But still there is Wickham in the background trying to get back at Darcy through Georgiana.
In the end Lizzy and Darcy are able to save Georgiana and end up together. It is a nice variation of the book and I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2020
I really liked this variation.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
I find it entertaining, I had fun and I liked the friendship of Elizabeth and Georgiana. I liked the end of each character and I was glad that Wickham everything went very wrong. I recommend this read to any P&P fan.
September 16, 2018
Sweet and salty
A nice quick read with a sweetly original storyline. The meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth was wonderful, with the typical bad first impression made by Darcy. The fact that everything takes place in Derbyshire was strangely refreshing. The Bennet family has no bearing on anything until the very end, other than a few references made by Elizabeth. No members of her family are present in Derbyshire and I didn't miss them. Just Aunt Gardiner, and she's always a welcome character. Some new characters are introduced that are interesting and likeable. Some interesting side plots, like poachers and abductions, made for some nice suspense.
As usual, there were editing errors, grammar and usage and extra words in wrong places. These mistakes were frequent enough to be annoying, but I still appreciated the entertaining story.
A nice quick read with a sweetly original storyline. The meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth was wonderful, with the typical bad first impression made by Darcy. The fact that everything takes place in Derbyshire was strangely refreshing. The Bennet family has no bearing on anything until the very end, other than a few references made by Elizabeth. No members of her family are present in Derbyshire and I didn't miss them. Just Aunt Gardiner, and she's always a welcome character. Some new characters are introduced that are interesting and likeable. Some interesting side plots, like poachers and abductions, made for some nice suspense.
As usual, there were editing errors, grammar and usage and extra words in wrong places. These mistakes were frequent enough to be annoying, but I still appreciated the entertaining story.
July 12, 2018
Good story
The story was fun enough and mildly interesting. I would rate it 3.5 and rounded up to 4 because it certainly doesn’t deserve a 3.
The emotions are there but not vivid enough. I would suggest the author pick out a section of her story she thinks is her best emotional writing. Then read some Caitlin Williams or Joanna Barnes stories and compare how they write an emotional scene and do a compare and contrast to see how her writing style could evolve and grow.
This book was a fine Kindle Unlimited book.
The story was fun enough and mildly interesting. I would rate it 3.5 and rounded up to 4 because it certainly doesn’t deserve a 3.
The emotions are there but not vivid enough. I would suggest the author pick out a section of her story she thinks is her best emotional writing. Then read some Caitlin Williams or Joanna Barnes stories and compare how they write an emotional scene and do a compare and contrast to see how her writing style could evolve and grow.
This book was a fine Kindle Unlimited book.
May 14, 2020
I liked the premise of this story. It also mixed in parts of Emma with Pride and Prejudice just subtly enough, that it was quite fun to read.
My one complaint is that Elizabeth gets a bit tiresome. She is just so mean and rude to Darcy. She is absolutely determined to hate him. In this version, he smiles and tells jokes sometimes, and she just stands there being frustrated because it doesn't line up with her horrible view of him. It just feels very exaggerated. It gets annoying.
Other than that, I loved this variation!
My one complaint is that Elizabeth gets a bit tiresome. She is just so mean and rude to Darcy. She is absolutely determined to hate him. In this version, he smiles and tells jokes sometimes, and she just stands there being frustrated because it doesn't line up with her horrible view of him. It just feels very exaggerated. It gets annoying.
Other than that, I loved this variation!
November 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It gives a great variation of Pride and Prejudice, but combines events that took place in Emma also. Elizabeth travels to Lambton with her aunt and decides to explore Pemberly woods. Of course, she must meet Mr. Darcy, who immediately offends her. There are lots of misunderstandings, a match making mama, elopement, and daring rescues in the book. It is an obtaining, sweet, clean romance to make you love the characters even more.
December 15, 2018
Well written variation
Familiar characters in new location. Some sections were very good and I did find familiar characteristics in reactions and language of the main individuals. Particularly enjoyed a later part of the story that described Elizabeth's return home to her family. I found the details of Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mary, Kitty and Lydia reactions to be quite true to the original.
Familiar characters in new location. Some sections were very good and I did find familiar characteristics in reactions and language of the main individuals. Particularly enjoyed a later part of the story that described Elizabeth's return home to her family. I found the details of Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mary, Kitty and Lydia reactions to be quite true to the original.
September 3, 2019
Nod to all that is Jane
A lovely twist on Pride and Prejudice cannon with a plot from Emma, a scene or two from Sense and Sensibility and at least one name reference from Persuasion. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the characters and was appreciative of a well written story without too much angst before our dear couple united. Well written, nicely paced read- well done indeed!
A lovely twist on Pride and Prejudice cannon with a plot from Emma, a scene or two from Sense and Sensibility and at least one name reference from Persuasion. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the characters and was appreciative of a well written story without too much angst before our dear couple united. Well written, nicely paced read- well done indeed!
August 14, 2021
This was delightful. Enough action and story to keep things interesting. With lots of scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy. It takes skill to keep each conversation compelling and "realistic" given the source material. I enjoy retellings with less angst. But this still had it's fair share of conflict, though reasonable, and well written. Russell is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. I look forward to reading the next one that catches my interest.
February 20, 2019
Avid Reader
I liked that Elizabeth and Darcy met away from Longbourn. If course, their first meeting didn't go well, but Darcy was immediately smitten. The friendship that developed between Elizabeth and Georgina brought Darcy and Elizabeth together. There were several foils, but they made the book more interesting.
I liked that Elizabeth and Darcy met away from Longbourn. If course, their first meeting didn't go well, but Darcy was immediately smitten. The friendship that developed between Elizabeth and Georgina brought Darcy and Elizabeth together. There were several foils, but they made the book more interesting.
July 19, 2018
Made me smile
I really enjoy reading this variation. Adventures in the woods with poachers, game keepers, wood nymphs and ghosts! A bit of misunderstanding and falling in love thrown in.
I really enjoy reading this variation. Adventures in the woods with poachers, game keepers, wood nymphs and ghosts! A bit of misunderstanding and falling in love thrown in.
August 3, 2018
Good read, don't miss this one
Really enjoyed this story. Well written with a great pace. Really nice twists in the plot and well done character development. I enjoyed how true to the personalities the characters we know stayed.
Really enjoyed this story. Well written with a great pace. Really nice twists in the plot and well done character development. I enjoyed how true to the personalities the characters we know stayed.
August 22, 2018
D + E + Mistaken Identity = ?
This story was very sweet, somewhat angsty, and altogether delightful. I laughed out loud a few times, especially at a certain part of the second-to-last chapter.
This story was very sweet, somewhat angsty, and altogether delightful. I laughed out loud a few times, especially at a certain part of the second-to-last chapter.
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