Darcy sees a little girl. Tanner sees a princess. He sees a remarkable woman.Georgiana Darcy has grown up, much to the chagrin of her older brothers. However, one chance encounter with a young man from her past could set her on a path of adventure and romance… if only her overprotective brothers would let her.Michael Nelson has no family, so he fills his days chasing after criminals and uniting divided families—anything to numb the void of loneliness.When Georgiana's dearest friend is kidnapped at a crowded ball, Michael and Georgiana become partners in the search to find her and restore peace to Darcy House. But before calm, there comes a storm, and their discoveries do not go unnoticed by a dangerous foe…The Remarkable Miss Darcy is a fast-paced mystery interwoven with a sweet and wholesome Regency romance inspired by Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. It is the fifth and final novel in the A Meryton Mystery series.
When Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
This is a wonderful conclusion to this series of P&P-inspired mysteries, giving both Georgiana and Lydia the spotlight for the final adventure.
It starts with a Prologue to remind the reader how dishonorable a man Georgiana's father was and how determined her brother is to restore the respectability of the Darcy name. Chapter 1 jumps forward into five years after Darcy's happy marriage to Elizabeth, with both Georgiana and Lydia currently residing at Darcy House with them. The two girls are the best of friends. Lydia urges Georgiana to come out of her shell more, but the memory of Ramsgate still lingers, keeping Miss Darcy more unsure of herself than she should be at the age of one-and-twenty. Georgiana knows she should be content with such a loving family, but she yearns for more adventure in her life and also yearns for a man who will love her for herself and not her hefty dowry. Lydia, meanwhile, is quite certain she can never love a man who isn't titled and wealthy.
Chapter 2 shifts to Mr. Michael Nelson, who had originally been introduced in one of the previous books. He's the second son of an impoverished gentleman, has worked hard to become a successful barrister, and now devotes his talents to help the less fortunate. Much as he enjoys his work, he's a lonely man without any family except his moody childhood friend, Nathan Bradford.
Georgiana and Mr. Nelson become reacquainted at a ball when he observes her eluding three persistent so-called gentlemen who are determined to win a bet posted at White's concerning the wealthy young lady. She's attracted to Mr. Nelson but haunted by her previous poor judgement regarding Mr. Wickham, while he's aware that her wealth and high standing in society puts her out of his reach.
The mystery pops up later at a masked ball with the Darcys, Lydia, and Mr. Nelson all in attendance. A young lady disappears, and Mr. Nelson is immediately on the case, which worsens when it becomes apparent that the girl has been kidnapped and that she's not the only victim.
Both Lydia and Georgiana have some great scenes here. Lydia loves to role play, and she finds opportunities to channel her friend's more demure demeanor, Lady Catherine's haughtiness, and the Queen of Sheba's imperial manner when the circumstances warrant. Her single-minded desire for a suitable husband makes for a few chuckles even in the most stressful situations. Georgiana finds strength she didn't know she possessed, giving Mr. Nelson glimpses into the passionate nature that lies beneath her calm facade. Both young women prove to be remarkably clear-headed.
I did find one minor glitch in the mystery. The families of only three of the kidnap victims know that other young ladies are involved because all have contacted Mr. Nelson for his assistance. However, when another household is approached, they are aware of at least one other victim besides the one in their own family. Nothing in the story explains how they learned anyone else was missing.
A pet peeve of mine also crops up. Here's the quote: "...she had read too many novels where the hero of the story would have one final battle to fight before the happy ending could come. Life did not follow the dramatic laws of fiction." I will never understand why even talented authors make statements like this, which only destroys the readers' immersion and reminds us that these ARE characters in a book and it's NOT real life.
The rest of the story--the characters, the plot, and the quality of the writing itself--is excellent enough for me to recommend this despite the flaws I've mentioned. It's a satisfying way to end the Meryton Mysteries.
Fantastic finish to this series. Loved it and especially how Georgiana has grown and gained insight into herself and others around her, such as her brother and her relationship with him.
As this is a mystery one cannot write too much as one doesn't want to spoil it for others. However, I would also say that this is not really a stand alone book. Much refers back to what has happened in the previous novels.
This story involves some families who have been hurt as a result of some acts on the part of Fitzwilliam's and Georgiana's father and as in a domino effect their acts, in turn, have had consequences for others. One man, Michael Nelson, turns to helping others through work as a barrister, which doesn't enrich him financially but does enrich his soul. His friend, Nathan, has gained from his family's (and thus his) losses through the world of trade. However, that also separates him from the higher classes with which he used to associate.
Michael meets Georgiana at a ball in odd circumstances. He notices her hiding behind some curtains and by observation realizes she is trying to avoid three men with whom she does not want to dance. (The Wickham experience has taught her all about men who only want her for her dowry.) He offers to help her hide again when the men approach or to dance with her which will separate her from their company. She accepts the dance.
As the story goes on Georgiana and Michael have more opportunities to be in each other's company and, thus, he gains the opinion that the Darcy family does not judge on wealth or connections. They are a family who strongly support each other. Lydia Bennet is part of her sister's household and she has a part in this story. Lydia is still Lydia but she is good friends with Georgiana and comes to play a part in the mystery which unravels.
This story's portrayal of all the family and their ties (even the children) makes for a wonderful story. Lady Catherine even makes a cameo appearance and surprises the reader. This book is a great wrap-up to this series. I enjoyed the way the author tied so much together without making it all seeming to be forced. I recommend this series to all JAFF readers.
The good news: this is another entertaining adventure in the Meryton Mysteries series.
The bad news: this will be the last in the series.
The focus this time is on Georgiana Darcy as she participates in a London season. She lives with her brother and sister-in-law and also her sister’s sister, Lydia Bennet.
The prologue reminds us of information we learned earlier in the series: Georgiana and Darcy’s father was not a nice man. In addition to fathering children “on the other side of the blanket” he was involved in the ruin of a once-prominent family.
The Darcys attend a ball where Georgiana encounters a barrister we met in an earlier book in the series. Georgiana is still intrigued with the man. But what is his connection to the ruined family?
Kidnappings. Ransom. Murder. How can Georgiana rescue the kidnapped ladies?
The story is clean, well-written and edited. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
All violence is the result of people tricking themselves into believing that their pain derives from other people and that consequently those people deserve to be punished. ~Marshall Rosenberg
An absolutely thrilling and fitting conclusion to the Meryton Mystery series! Everything that comprises a great book for me was within its pages: compelling, imaginative, enthralling, emotive, engaging characters, angst, laughter, tears and un-put-down-able!
It has been five years now that Darcy and Elizabeth have been married with two adorable children. It has been a journey fraught with obstacles that would have given anyone pause. At the same time, it has been a journey of adventure, family, love and laughter.
Now it Georgiana's turn to venture forth on her own journey, but her cautious nature and past experiences are holding her back. Seeing the adoration and love that her brothers have and give to their families is making her restless. She yearns for the same. But one chance encounter with an old acquaintance changes everything.
"The rakes and scoundrels - the Georges of the world - infiltrated balls like rats sniffing out their next meal. Georgiana despised them." (quote from the book)
Michael Nelson is a young man that captured Georgiana's attention ever since she first met him. He sees her for who she is, not her fortune. What happens next with these two remarkable souls will capture your attention and leave you breathless. For what could dancing toads, croaking, pirates, peacocks and swans possibly have to do with kidnapping, murder and...well I wont give anything else away!
"The only way out was through." (quote from the book)
I highly recommend this amazing finale to the Meryton Mystery series, but do advise you start at the beginning to truly garner a full appreciation for this one. Thank you Ms. Joy for many hours of pure exciting enjoyment!
Men, puffed up in pride, unable to think realistically put many young women in danger. No surprises in the plot. The ability of the author to let us feel what the characters were feeling gives this story 4 stars.
I fell in love with Jennifer Joy's writing when I discovered the Cousins series and I've enjoyed each of the books I've read since then. I enjoyed this one too. I liked the portrayal of both Lydia and Georgianna as capable women. Lydia still has her big personality but she has matured enough to not be so annoying. And Georgianna is still kind and sweet but horribly insecure after the Wickham fiasco. Obviously there is a mystery as well as a romance in this story. I pretty much had them figured out early on but it was an enjoyable ride to see how it was all going to play out.
Sex: a few kisses Language: no Violence: some manhandling of women, murder and attempted murder. Not too graphic.
I really enjoyed reading about Georgina coming into her own. She has a great deal of spunk and stands up for herself. When Lydia is kidnapped by mistake, Georgina does everything in her power to save her. Michael Nelson, although smart and brave, will learn that even your best friend will betray you. This book was an excellent end of the series. I will definitely read these books again.
Jennifer Joy is so creative and magnificently talented. This book is quite a beautiful ending to the series. The heroine, Georgiana Darcy, showed how much she has grown and matured. She's brave and quite incisive. Mr. Michael Nelson, the hero, is true, kind, brave and smart enough to know how to change his views and right his perceived wrongs.
In this P&P sequel, Georgiana and Lydia are the best of friends and are both living at Darcy House. But Georgiana is still unsure of herself because of past events. Then she meets again Michael Nelson. How will all their lives change and what danger will befall them An enjoyable and well-written story, with its mixture of romance and intrigue.
A sweet ending to this series - for me a little too sweet at times. I listened to the audiobook and found my self somewhat distracted by the narrator's tendency to slot in extraneous syllables into words (e.g. assembly becomes assem-be-ley).