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Do You Love Me?
Two years after his failed marriage proposal in Hunsford, Darcy meets Elizabeth regularly in London. Life seems to involve nothing but witty conversations, elegant surroundings and delightful dances, and, for Darcy, the daily pain of unrequited love.
But a change is coming, and neither Darcy nor Elizabeth can escape the forces that will soon alter their relationship forever...
But a change is coming, and neither Darcy nor Elizabeth can escape the forces that will soon alter their relationship forever...
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2019
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60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 5, 2019
5+ stars!
This isn't an easy book to read. It's dark and depressing much of the time. It's also veers far afield of P&P canon and actual history, bringing the Napoleonic War onto British soil. However, in a way it's also beautiful, professing that love can help make the unbearable bearable.
It starts two years after the Hunsford proposal with Elizabeth now working as a paid companion for Miss Moore, a young lady. Lydia created a scandal, Mr. Bennet has died, and Jane married a clergyman - all of which is the backstory.
As the book opens, Elizabeth is in a reasonably comfortable position, mostly treated as an equal by Miss Moore and her London friends. They participate in an "Intellectual Club" which meets regularly to discuss books and art as well as fashions and gossip. Mr. Bingley and his wife Amelia are frequent attenders, as are Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. Elizabeth and Darcy struggle to get past their awkwardness with each other because of their shared history.
All of England feels effects of the extended war with France. This starts in the book as a low undercurrent that gradually builds and eventually comes to the forefront. Confidence in the country's leaders gets low as England's economy worsens. Many in the lower classes suffering the most start to rebel. The French are able to immobilize the British Navy and erect a maritime blockade, preventing trade. This affects even the wealthy landowners, who lose international buyers for their crops. Militiamen are required to protect citizens from the invaders, while landowners like Darcy are required to house and feed them since the government can't afford to do so.
Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana are swept up in the shifting currents of events, and their lives are frequently in danger. Although she's not married to Darcy, Elizabeth proves invaluable in keeping up the siblings' spirits and assisting with issues at Pemberley. Darcy seethes at his inability to protect all the people and land he loves.
The last portion of the book plants the seeds for the rebuilding process after the obvious threats have passed. But even "ordinary" life has its dangers. And Elizabeth and Darcy continue to hold back from expressing their feelings for each other, afraid of ruining the comfortable relationship they've built together if these feelings aren't mutual.
Ms. Moretti gives a chillingly realistic view of war and its effects. This isn't exactly a romance, and yet it most decidedly IS. It's love in action rather than in words, elevating this book above an ordinary Regency romance novel.
It's beautifully written, and I was completely invested in these characters and their fates. There's nothing predictable here, and I love the hopeful--but not perfect--HEA.
I feel I should warn readers that I don't really think this qualifies as a Pride and Prejudice variation. SO much of the story has been altered, both in tone and in content. Darcy could be any man and Elizabeth any woman of this era where the woman, after having refused the gentleman's marriage proposal and now being in reduced financial circumstances, encounters the same gentleman in society years later.
Despite that, I really love this book. It'll stay with me long after I've forgotten more light-hearted JAFF. It's serious and thought-provoking, so it's not the one to reach for when you want a light read.
Content is clean.
This isn't an easy book to read. It's dark and depressing much of the time. It's also veers far afield of P&P canon and actual history, bringing the Napoleonic War onto British soil. However, in a way it's also beautiful, professing that love can help make the unbearable bearable.
It starts two years after the Hunsford proposal with Elizabeth now working as a paid companion for Miss Moore, a young lady. Lydia created a scandal, Mr. Bennet has died, and Jane married a clergyman - all of which is the backstory.
As the book opens, Elizabeth is in a reasonably comfortable position, mostly treated as an equal by Miss Moore and her London friends. They participate in an "Intellectual Club" which meets regularly to discuss books and art as well as fashions and gossip. Mr. Bingley and his wife Amelia are frequent attenders, as are Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. Elizabeth and Darcy struggle to get past their awkwardness with each other because of their shared history.
All of England feels effects of the extended war with France. This starts in the book as a low undercurrent that gradually builds and eventually comes to the forefront. Confidence in the country's leaders gets low as England's economy worsens. Many in the lower classes suffering the most start to rebel. The French are able to immobilize the British Navy and erect a maritime blockade, preventing trade. This affects even the wealthy landowners, who lose international buyers for their crops. Militiamen are required to protect citizens from the invaders, while landowners like Darcy are required to house and feed them since the government can't afford to do so.
Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana are swept up in the shifting currents of events, and their lives are frequently in danger. Although she's not married to Darcy, Elizabeth proves invaluable in keeping up the siblings' spirits and assisting with issues at Pemberley. Darcy seethes at his inability to protect all the people and land he loves.
The last portion of the book plants the seeds for the rebuilding process after the obvious threats have passed. But even "ordinary" life has its dangers. And Elizabeth and Darcy continue to hold back from expressing their feelings for each other, afraid of ruining the comfortable relationship they've built together if these feelings aren't mutual.
Ms. Moretti gives a chillingly realistic view of war and its effects. This isn't exactly a romance, and yet it most decidedly IS. It's love in action rather than in words, elevating this book above an ordinary Regency romance novel.
It's beautifully written, and I was completely invested in these characters and their fates. There's nothing predictable here, and I love the hopeful--but not perfect--HEA.
I feel I should warn readers that I don't really think this qualifies as a Pride and Prejudice variation. SO much of the story has been altered, both in tone and in content. Darcy could be any man and Elizabeth any woman of this era where the woman, after having refused the gentleman's marriage proposal and now being in reduced financial circumstances, encounters the same gentleman in society years later.
Despite that, I really love this book. It'll stay with me long after I've forgotten more light-hearted JAFF. It's serious and thought-provoking, so it's not the one to reach for when you want a light read.
Content is clean.
June 14, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
Full of melancholy but also pleasure. We agonizing wait for one or the other of our dear couple to say those words from the title.
As the story description tells us: Elizabeth is now working as a companion but is treated more as an equal in that she is socializing with all her employer's friends and is treated as one of them. Darcy is part of the group and the two have a very curious relationship in that they debate and converse back and forth but rarely, even never, look at each other.
At one point Darcy even asks his aunt to find a wife for him as he fears proposing and then being rejected all over again.
When the political climate, the peace treaty, etc. brings economic ruin to much of Britain Elizabeth finds herself now hired as Georgiana's companion and even when Georgiana finally marries, Elizabeth stays to help Darcy breaking apart his estate, selling his belongings and, finally, selling Pemberley.
Reader: we do have a very sudden resolution to the tension we feel waiting for that word, "love", to be spoken between Darcy and Elizabeth. I wanted more. Poignant - yes, I feel almost drained going through so much emotion with all that is going on as the backdrop. I will just have to imagine a uphill future...and some children.
I highly recommend this but as others said, there are dark parts.
Full of melancholy but also pleasure. We agonizing wait for one or the other of our dear couple to say those words from the title.
As the story description tells us: Elizabeth is now working as a companion but is treated more as an equal in that she is socializing with all her employer's friends and is treated as one of them. Darcy is part of the group and the two have a very curious relationship in that they debate and converse back and forth but rarely, even never, look at each other.
At one point Darcy even asks his aunt to find a wife for him as he fears proposing and then being rejected all over again.
When the political climate, the peace treaty, etc. brings economic ruin to much of Britain Elizabeth finds herself now hired as Georgiana's companion and even when Georgiana finally marries, Elizabeth stays to help Darcy breaking apart his estate, selling his belongings and, finally, selling Pemberley.
Reader: we do have a very sudden resolution to the tension we feel waiting for that word, "love", to be spoken between Darcy and Elizabeth. I wanted more. Poignant - yes, I feel almost drained going through so much emotion with all that is going on as the backdrop. I will just have to imagine a uphill future...and some children.
I highly recommend this but as others said, there are dark parts.
April 7, 2019
An intellectual club,where hot topics are debated ostensibly between friends,but really between two people who are well versed in this particular vocal dance,who delight in the presence of the other, despite outer appearances to the contrary.
The Napoleonic Wars bear down and make their presence felt throughout England,no one is spared. Yes,even those residing at Pemberley feel its effects, but with shared troubles and confidences comes a partner to shoulder the burden,to understand that previously unpalatable solutions to life’s problems are now an economic necessity.
A new beginning,in a new place,partners,yet fearful of asking that one question and hearing an embarrassed pretence,the heartbreaking lie heavily ensconced in a half truth,for their mutual happiness.
Enough.Are his tender feelings,his passionate response reciprocated or is he living with unrequited love as a bedfellow?
This is a very,very different P&P story,where difficult circumstances are encountered and drastic decisions must be taken. I loved this story and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and those of a mind to read a P&P variation that proudly sits outside the box.
The Napoleonic Wars bear down and make their presence felt throughout England,no one is spared. Yes,even those residing at Pemberley feel its effects, but with shared troubles and confidences comes a partner to shoulder the burden,to understand that previously unpalatable solutions to life’s problems are now an economic necessity.
A new beginning,in a new place,partners,yet fearful of asking that one question and hearing an embarrassed pretence,the heartbreaking lie heavily ensconced in a half truth,for their mutual happiness.
Enough.Are his tender feelings,his passionate response reciprocated or is he living with unrequited love as a bedfellow?
This is a very,very different P&P story,where difficult circumstances are encountered and drastic decisions must be taken. I loved this story and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and those of a mind to read a P&P variation that proudly sits outside the box.
April 23, 2019
I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?" ~ Eve Merriam
“Do You Love Me?” is a story of a war that never happened – but destroyed lives even in its absence.
The Disastrous Proposal at Hunsford is years in the past when the story opens. Elizabeth is a companion to a young woman who shares many of her interests. She is content … then she sees Darcy at a soiree and he sees her.
They ignore one another, debate with one another, and ignore one another. Then the fortune teller arrives.
Other young women hear ordinary futures of love and marriage.
Elizabeth’s reading is different.
Quote from the book: “Do you think your life will always taste like this, Miss Bennet?”
A great war leaves the country with three armies — an army of cripples, an army of mourners, and an army of thieves. ~ German Proverb
It is only the threat of Napoleon’s invasion of English soil that drives the devastation in this story. A coastal blockade stops trade in all English products. The country is slowly crippled. The great estates suffer.
The writing is outstanding; the story understated and yet horrifying. In actuality, the effects of the blockade only drive change earlier than in actual history. The great estates would begin to fall from the switch from an agricultural to an industrial nation within the lifetime of our fictional characters. But we seldom see this heartbreak in JAFF.
I recommend this book. 5 Stars.
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world. ~ Robert E. Lee
“Do You Love Me?” is a story of a war that never happened – but destroyed lives even in its absence.
The Disastrous Proposal at Hunsford is years in the past when the story opens. Elizabeth is a companion to a young woman who shares many of her interests. She is content … then she sees Darcy at a soiree and he sees her.
They ignore one another, debate with one another, and ignore one another. Then the fortune teller arrives.
Other young women hear ordinary futures of love and marriage.
Elizabeth’s reading is different.
Quote from the book: “Do you think your life will always taste like this, Miss Bennet?”
A great war leaves the country with three armies — an army of cripples, an army of mourners, and an army of thieves. ~ German Proverb
It is only the threat of Napoleon’s invasion of English soil that drives the devastation in this story. A coastal blockade stops trade in all English products. The country is slowly crippled. The great estates suffer.
The writing is outstanding; the story understated and yet horrifying. In actuality, the effects of the blockade only drive change earlier than in actual history. The great estates would begin to fall from the switch from an agricultural to an industrial nation within the lifetime of our fictional characters. But we seldom see this heartbreak in JAFF.
I recommend this book. 5 Stars.
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world. ~ Robert E. Lee
May 3, 2019
What a book! I loved it.
April 2, 2019
A dark story
This is not a romance story. This is a story of love, real love. Things go wrong in this story. There is not much joy. This is a drama and it ends in hope.
I recommend this story.
This is not a romance story. This is a story of love, real love. Things go wrong in this story. There is not much joy. This is a drama and it ends in hope.
I recommend this story.
June 21, 2019
Alternate history
A very different Darcy and Elizabeth story with a strain and angst that is lightened by the unspoken love between Darcy and Elizabeth. The reader knows, but will our dear couple ever know?
A very different Darcy and Elizabeth story with a strain and angst that is lightened by the unspoken love between Darcy and Elizabeth. The reader knows, but will our dear couple ever know?
April 20, 2022
Well, I had a different take than other reviewers. I love creative changes in JAFF but there was so much wrong for me in this book.
February 20, 2020
"The world will tilt but then it will right itself once more. Every future is changed by its past." (quote from the book)
This is an alternate universe in the world of Pride and Prejudice variations. A dark drama played out in four Acts. A drama with a glimmer of hope woven through. The time frame, as the book description states, is two years after the disastrous Hunsford proposal. So when Darcy and Elizabeth do meet up, neither speak directly to the other but this limbo is killing them.
"It had been weeks, months now, that he was living only to see her, to be near her, to listen to her - his life was a series of grey parenthesis with only her presence as touches of color - his heart would soar when she looked at him - he would despair when she was silent..."(quote from the book)
I felt a definite anxiousness building within me as I read it. How was this all going to play out. The Napoleonic War veers drastically from canon causing changes within England that directly impacts our characters. And throughout, you are wondering if they will unlock their hearts to each other.
March 31, 2020
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, love is a demonstration, not words. Elizabeth runs into Darcy as a paid companion years after the refusal at Hunsford. They struggle to find a comfortable cadence in their manner of address and interaction. Yet, they are still dawn together. This story is heavy in its background of war and loss, but our dear couple finds their new version of happy.
July 15, 2024
2024: read for the 3rd time.
Re-read. Upgraded to 4.5-5 stars. Even better the second time, and the last part of the book didn’t bore me at all this time.
Great book. I love Laura Moretti’s style of writing. Just a bit too many things happening close too the end (unnecessary in my opinion) but still very enjoyable.
Re-read. Upgraded to 4.5-5 stars. Even better the second time, and the last part of the book didn’t bore me at all this time.
Great book. I love Laura Moretti’s style of writing. Just a bit too many things happening close too the end (unnecessary in my opinion) but still very enjoyable.
May 7, 2019
Do you love me?
One of my favorite p&p variations. How archaic it is to be afraid to speak your deepest feelings to your husband (or your
wife)... to say the words, "I love you".
One of my favorite p&p variations. How archaic it is to be afraid to speak your deepest feelings to your husband (or your
wife)... to say the words, "I love you".
April 9, 2019
Yes! This is a good one. If you're a JAFF fan, you should put this on on your reading list. It's beautifully written and the story is both unique and compelling.
April 30, 2019
Wow!
Such a turn of events! And what an opportunity for the Darcys' transition into a new way of life in a changing world. A courageous alteration to the normal trend! Loved i! E Martin - Love Wins - a P & P variation.
Such a turn of events! And what an opportunity for the Darcys' transition into a new way of life in a changing world. A courageous alteration to the normal trend! Loved i! E Martin - Love Wins - a P & P variation.
February 2, 2025
Talk about alternate reality!
This is a dark version of our dear couple finding love (at the very, very end) despite the world throwing everything it can at them.
It also reflects the worst and most base behavior of men, during times of war.
The style of writing contributed to the erratic and unstable life the characters were trying live and at times just survive through.
This is a dark version of our dear couple finding love (at the very, very end) despite the world throwing everything it can at them.
It also reflects the worst and most base behavior of men, during times of war.
The style of writing contributed to the erratic and unstable life the characters were trying live and at times just survive through.
March 21, 2023
A darker experience than typical of our Couple
The worst has happened and Mr Bennet's living daughters are spread across the country after his death and Lydias escapades with a soldier. Elizabeth is working as a companion to young women before they marry and leave their homes. She's in contact with the Darcy's through her charges and ends up as Georgiana's companion and living in Pemberley.
The war with France takes a devastating turn and life along with fortunes change immediately. England has fallen into a depression with wealth gone over night. Military personnel come to Lambton and " protect " the population with all the evil actions that brings. Darcy has to sell Pemberley because he's unable to provide for his staff and tenants. Its extremely depressing and Elizabeth is beside him even though they aren't married. In his mind if he asks her again and she refuses, she will leave him. So its better to not ask The sadness over the losses is palpable. Its so depressing at times. Even though depressing, I enjoyed reading something extremely different for our couple!
The worst has happened and Mr Bennet's living daughters are spread across the country after his death and Lydias escapades with a soldier. Elizabeth is working as a companion to young women before they marry and leave their homes. She's in contact with the Darcy's through her charges and ends up as Georgiana's companion and living in Pemberley.
The war with France takes a devastating turn and life along with fortunes change immediately. England has fallen into a depression with wealth gone over night. Military personnel come to Lambton and " protect " the population with all the evil actions that brings. Darcy has to sell Pemberley because he's unable to provide for his staff and tenants. Its extremely depressing and Elizabeth is beside him even though they aren't married. In his mind if he asks her again and she refuses, she will leave him. So its better to not ask The sadness over the losses is palpable. Its so depressing at times. Even though depressing, I enjoyed reading something extremely different for our couple!
July 26, 2022
Bleak but romantically hopeful
This is my second book read by this author and it is clear how she gears towards edgier stories with more cynical characters. Here I thought Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is the edgier, more realistic counterpart of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But with this variation proves therefore are more dismal probabilities despite the happily ever after.
In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself in servitude as a companion to a gentlewoman, and it is in the London circles where they frequent that she meets Mr. Darcy once again two years after his ill-fated first proposal. Within those two years, the Bennets are reduced into the lower social stratum caused by the demise of the patriarch.
As Elizabeth Bennet tries to maneuver and reign in her thoughts and feelings for the gentleman she terribly refused, forces in England within and outside push our beloved couple more closer, learning to lean on each other for support. While in reduced circumstances, Elizabeth Bennet finally receives the second proposal she yearns for although unsure about the affection and love of the gentleman who seems altered when he proposed.
Angst is at an all-time high with this one, and at times, it is striking the way it pushes the reader to ask, “how much more can they take?!” This edgier, dismal and cynical quality that the author infuses into this story and, presumably, her other variations makes her works a must-read, despite those emphatic short phrases used. I commend how courageous the author is when she brings the readers to a more realistic dismal viewpoint when things are not always optimistic and upbeat, or seem like a fairy tale the way many P&P variations are depicted.
This is my second book read by this author and it is clear how she gears towards edgier stories with more cynical characters. Here I thought Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is the edgier, more realistic counterpart of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But with this variation proves therefore are more dismal probabilities despite the happily ever after.
In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself in servitude as a companion to a gentlewoman, and it is in the London circles where they frequent that she meets Mr. Darcy once again two years after his ill-fated first proposal. Within those two years, the Bennets are reduced into the lower social stratum caused by the demise of the patriarch.
As Elizabeth Bennet tries to maneuver and reign in her thoughts and feelings for the gentleman she terribly refused, forces in England within and outside push our beloved couple more closer, learning to lean on each other for support. While in reduced circumstances, Elizabeth Bennet finally receives the second proposal she yearns for although unsure about the affection and love of the gentleman who seems altered when he proposed.
Angst is at an all-time high with this one, and at times, it is striking the way it pushes the reader to ask, “how much more can they take?!” This edgier, dismal and cynical quality that the author infuses into this story and, presumably, her other variations makes her works a must-read, despite those emphatic short phrases used. I commend how courageous the author is when she brings the readers to a more realistic dismal viewpoint when things are not always optimistic and upbeat, or seem like a fairy tale the way many P&P variations are depicted.
August 4, 2022
A different P&P
This is the first review I have written for a long time. It seems one P&P just runs into another. Some variation in dialogue, but not enough. This book is different. It makes you feel something besides angst. In this book I felt the fear, anger, the pain of loss, indecision, and determination. This is an excellent book.
but most of the time, not enough. Sometimes you just know what (exact) words come next.
This is the first review I have written for a long time. It seems one P&P just runs into another. Some variation in dialogue, but not enough. This book is different. It makes you feel something besides angst. In this book I felt the fear, anger, the pain of loss, indecision, and determination. This is an excellent book.
but most of the time, not enough. Sometimes you just know what (exact) words come next.
July 29, 2022
Argh!
I really like this author but I can't tell if her usual way of ending things is charming or deeply frustrating. Her stories are always very good, original, and well-written but the endings seem so anticlimactic that the charm doesn't really override the frustration. 4.4/5 because, dang it, cliffhangers that aren't really cliffhangers are the bane of my reading existence.
I really like this author but I can't tell if her usual way of ending things is charming or deeply frustrating. Her stories are always very good, original, and well-written but the endings seem so anticlimactic that the charm doesn't really override the frustration. 4.4/5 because, dang it, cliffhangers that aren't really cliffhangers are the bane of my reading existence.
March 29, 2021
Maybe a 3.5. This was a peculiar little book. First off, I don't think I've ever encountered a book with this style of writing. It more closely resembles the flow of speaking or thinking rather than the written word. I'm not sure how I feel about this, it wasn't unpleasant, but at times it felt scatter brained-jumping around a bit too much or incomplete thoughts and sentences. There was definitely a lack of structure in the composition, but again, it wasn't always unpleasant. I guess I would describe it as very casual, often too much so. It did make the book seem to move more quickly, which is a good thing.
For a pretty short book, there was A LOT going on. While Elizabeth is in reduced circumstances and serving as a companion, that is not the focus of the book. The first part of this book was a lot of fun. It takes place in London drawing rooms and I enjoyed the interactions and seeing D&E slowly and sometimes clumsily reestablish their acquaintance. The book, however, takes a huge unexpected turn into much more serious and melancholy territory that is certainly not light hearted. Your heart breaks for Darcy and many others as the consequences of war establish some very momentous and difficult changes. Darcy makes some heart wrenching decisions and deals with the loss of his very way of life. It is a time of war and the turmoil for the whole country, but D&E's relationship is constant and serves as an anchor and a comfort to each. Neither our hero or heroine, however, dares to speak of their feelings. This fun little "game" of indirect speaking and expressing feelings without words was fun in the beginning, but as life becomes so drastically different and difficult, it loses it's sparkle and IMO, kind of diminishes their strong bond. It is appropriate to hold back in the budding stage of romance when you aren't yet sure the direction the relationship will take, but at a certain point, this constant withholding from the person most important to you shows a weakness, not strength and these are not characteristics of this beloved hero or heroine. In the end, we anticipate finally seeing these barriers torn down, only to have it end very abruptly leaving the reader without the desired closure. Even one more paragraph would have been sufficient. That was disappointing.
Overall, it was a very interesting book in many ways. I was certainly engaged and connected to the story and did enjoy it.
For a pretty short book, there was A LOT going on. While Elizabeth is in reduced circumstances and serving as a companion, that is not the focus of the book. The first part of this book was a lot of fun. It takes place in London drawing rooms and I enjoyed the interactions and seeing D&E slowly and sometimes clumsily reestablish their acquaintance. The book, however, takes a huge unexpected turn into much more serious and melancholy territory that is certainly not light hearted. Your heart breaks for Darcy and many others as the consequences of war establish some very momentous and difficult changes. Darcy makes some heart wrenching decisions and deals with the loss of his very way of life. It is a time of war and the turmoil for the whole country, but D&E's relationship is constant and serves as an anchor and a comfort to each. Neither our hero or heroine, however, dares to speak of their feelings. This fun little "game" of indirect speaking and expressing feelings without words was fun in the beginning, but as life becomes so drastically different and difficult, it loses it's sparkle and IMO, kind of diminishes their strong bond. It is appropriate to hold back in the budding stage of romance when you aren't yet sure the direction the relationship will take, but at a certain point, this constant withholding from the person most important to you shows a weakness, not strength and these are not characteristics of this beloved hero or heroine. In the end, we anticipate finally seeing these barriers torn down, only to have it end very abruptly leaving the reader without the desired closure. Even one more paragraph would have been sufficient. That was disappointing.
Overall, it was a very interesting book in many ways. I was certainly engaged and connected to the story and did enjoy it.
May 2, 2019
Haunting
This is such an unusual version of a P&P variation, such a completely different circumstance, that I'm blown away. Mr. Bennett is gone, Jane is married to a parson, Elizabeth is a companion and has a 2year separation from Darcy before encountering him at the home of a mutual acquaintance. Darcy is extremely wary of her because of her harsh refusal of his marriage proposal two years earlier, but they become used to each other again after repeated encounters at soirees in London.
The road to reunion is filled with obstacles for ODC, not only because of Elizabeth 's reduced circumstances, but also due to war and changing conditions in England. Drastic changes in fortunes are in store for most aristocrats, including Darcy, who loses almost everything he owns, including Pemberly. So much upheaval happens to both Darcy and Elizabeth and their circle of friends. They eventually become the major moral support for each other in a world where things will never be the same.
While there is dialogue in the story, a lot of the text is narrative, sometimes flitting from one thought to another, kind of like reading someone's thoughts as they emerge and change. It's almost like the author is dictating her ideas to someone who is just jotting them down. I deducted a star for sentence structure, or lack of it, and paragraphs that just seem to run on without a clear conclusion. Punctuation is strange and difficult to follow, and there are a great many editing errors, enough to interrupt the flow of the story. The book would benefit from a proofreader.
Still, the story is strangely moving and very well crafted. I recommend it highly.
This is such an unusual version of a P&P variation, such a completely different circumstance, that I'm blown away. Mr. Bennett is gone, Jane is married to a parson, Elizabeth is a companion and has a 2year separation from Darcy before encountering him at the home of a mutual acquaintance. Darcy is extremely wary of her because of her harsh refusal of his marriage proposal two years earlier, but they become used to each other again after repeated encounters at soirees in London.
The road to reunion is filled with obstacles for ODC, not only because of Elizabeth 's reduced circumstances, but also due to war and changing conditions in England. Drastic changes in fortunes are in store for most aristocrats, including Darcy, who loses almost everything he owns, including Pemberly. So much upheaval happens to both Darcy and Elizabeth and their circle of friends. They eventually become the major moral support for each other in a world where things will never be the same.
While there is dialogue in the story, a lot of the text is narrative, sometimes flitting from one thought to another, kind of like reading someone's thoughts as they emerge and change. It's almost like the author is dictating her ideas to someone who is just jotting them down. I deducted a star for sentence structure, or lack of it, and paragraphs that just seem to run on without a clear conclusion. Punctuation is strange and difficult to follow, and there are a great many editing errors, enough to interrupt the flow of the story. The book would benefit from a proofreader.
Still, the story is strangely moving and very well crafted. I recommend it highly.
January 17, 2022
3 1/2 Stars - This story is both an alternate version of Pride and Prejudice and an alternate version of European history, with the Napoleonic wars coming closer to home. The story starts 2 years after Mr. Darcy's ill fated proposal. Mr. Bennet has died, Jane is married to a clergyman, and Elizabeth is working as a paid companion to a lady. The woman she works for treats her well. She is friends with Mr. Bingley, his wife, and Mr. Darcy. They have a group of friends who enjoy having intellectual discussions, a la salons in France. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy do a dance where they don't look directly at each other, but are directly debating against each other.
When the woman Elizabeth is working for is going to get married, Georgiana suggests that Elizabeth become her companion. They go to Pemberly, and at first the changes with the war are kept at bay. Then things start struggling with English ports being cut off, leading to landowners not being able to export their crops. During a truce with France, landowners are forced to quarter soldiers, forcing additional strain on their food and resources. Mr. Darcy even contemplates selling Pemberly. Elizabeth helps him through all this. As for the title - through the relationship, Mr. Darcy keeps wondering if Elizabeth's opinion of him has changed.
This book is much darker than many of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction stories, and the plot veers pretty significantly with the changes to England as a result of the war in this story. This was the first book I read by Laura Moretti, and I really like her writing.
When the woman Elizabeth is working for is going to get married, Georgiana suggests that Elizabeth become her companion. They go to Pemberly, and at first the changes with the war are kept at bay. Then things start struggling with English ports being cut off, leading to landowners not being able to export their crops. During a truce with France, landowners are forced to quarter soldiers, forcing additional strain on their food and resources. Mr. Darcy even contemplates selling Pemberly. Elizabeth helps him through all this. As for the title - through the relationship, Mr. Darcy keeps wondering if Elizabeth's opinion of him has changed.
This book is much darker than many of the Jane Austen Fan Fiction stories, and the plot veers pretty significantly with the changes to England as a result of the war in this story. This was the first book I read by Laura Moretti, and I really like her writing.
March 24, 2024
Really Very Good
I enjoyed this books unique storyline. There are some typos but nothing to make the story less enjoyable. I recommend those who love P&P JAFF that has trials and tribulations to read this.
I enjoyed this books unique storyline. There are some typos but nothing to make the story less enjoyable. I recommend those who love P&P JAFF that has trials and tribulations to read this.
November 15, 2023
Laura Moretti is wonderful writer- I’m so glad I discovered her books! This was the last of hers that I hadn’t read, and I had put it off because it sounded so sad. I haven’t had the heart for sad stories lately. Still, I could not resist reading another by this writer and I am very glad I read it. There is a HEA, but the ending felt a little abrupt - after all the earlier sadness I would have liked to dwell in the happy ending longer. Still, it is the type of vivid writing and story that allows you to easily imagine that longer ending for yourself, which is wonderful too. I hope she will be publishing more stories soon, as I look forward to whatever comes next.
January 26, 2025
One of the more angsty and suspenseful variations I’ve read. But also, E&D spend so much precious time together. No words of love are uttered, but that is the point of the story. Don’t let this discourage you, there are so many acts of love, loyalty, and friendship between E&D. Some even brought me to tears (*hint* the yellow roses). This author is so creative with the storyline. It is hard to believe that it is under 130 pages. Since I read some of the reviews beforehand, I was prepared for the abrupt ending. Though I did wish for more, I am by no means upset.
5 stars and immediately going in my favorite JAFF pile
5 stars and immediately going in my favorite JAFF pile
August 5, 2022
Interesting take
Well, the writing it good. I'm not sure what to think of this book. It's dark, but not sad. There are no pleasant moments that I can recall- if by chance Darcy would have died at the end I would have thought- how fitting. Even until the very last word, nothing was confessed, just a cowardly question, because heaven help us if Darcy has to admit his love to his wife first.
I don't know...I don't need to be bombarded with flowers and butterflies in all my P&P stories, but I don't want to walk away feeling numb either.
Well, the writing it good. I'm not sure what to think of this book. It's dark, but not sad. There are no pleasant moments that I can recall- if by chance Darcy would have died at the end I would have thought- how fitting. Even until the very last word, nothing was confessed, just a cowardly question, because heaven help us if Darcy has to admit his love to his wife first.
I don't know...I don't need to be bombarded with flowers and butterflies in all my P&P stories, but I don't want to walk away feeling numb either.
December 9, 2019
Must read
Most of the P&P variations I've read have been rather disappointing. Often flimsy, empty, trope-filled stories that are instantly forgetable.
Not this time. Everything - the plot, narrative, drama, ending - is like nothing I've come across in this genre. It is a melancholy story, set against an alternative, but realistic version of history. But end heals those pains. Well worth the time.
Most of the P&P variations I've read have been rather disappointing. Often flimsy, empty, trope-filled stories that are instantly forgetable.
Not this time. Everything - the plot, narrative, drama, ending - is like nothing I've come across in this genre. It is a melancholy story, set against an alternative, but realistic version of history. But end heals those pains. Well worth the time.
December 25, 2019
Entertaining but the author just tried to be too cute. The first part of the story is what we have come to expect from these variations. A decent read on a cold New England day. We are all comfortable in the Darcy/Elizabeth era. Suddenly we find these two familiar characters in the Great Depression. Why? Darned if I know nor can I understand why our strong, fearless Mr Darcy is painted as a not very bright wimp. I recommend that you read the first half of this book and then toss it.
April 11, 2020
Agree with some other reviewers...
There is much more negative to say than positive (@ least I too paid nothing to read it), including what previous reviewers have indicated: completely uncalled for language, unnecessarily dense historical context, an endless litany of tragedies, a hugely unsatisfying end. Becomes a mish-mash of research only loosely held together by the theme indicated in the title.
There is much more negative to say than positive (@ least I too paid nothing to read it), including what previous reviewers have indicated: completely uncalled for language, unnecessarily dense historical context, an endless litany of tragedies, a hugely unsatisfying end. Becomes a mish-mash of research only loosely held together by the theme indicated in the title.
May 20, 2020
Marvelous.
You fall in love with Elizabeth and Darcy in a whole new way. Their response to the circumstances completely in line with the original characters. I love the idea of Elizabeth becoming his rock. He’s always been the strength for everyone and the book implied her disposition would be soothing on him, so I can see her rising to the occasion as she did here. Beautifully written.
You fall in love with Elizabeth and Darcy in a whole new way. Their response to the circumstances completely in line with the original characters. I love the idea of Elizabeth becoming his rock. He’s always been the strength for everyone and the book implied her disposition would be soothing on him, so I can see her rising to the occasion as she did here. Beautifully written.
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