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The Diary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet purchases a blank diary for her own use when her life changes while in Ramsgate. In this variation, she meets Georgiana first and thinks the worst of her brother but also finds the mysterious gentleman fascinating. Will she be able to overcome her prejudice to find the proud man worthy, when he is keeping several secrets while holding her own? Rated T for mild language and adult situations
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 19, 2019
A little bit of paranormal in this variation
Lizzy meets Georgiana in Ramsgate and is part of the Darcys live from then on. Story leaves canon behind from the very beginning. In Ramsgate Lizzy buys a very special journal that has so very much to do with the story.
A fun story but the plot isn’t always logical for the world built by the author. The writing is a bit two dimensional for the most part. The story is pretty original and could serve as the first of a series of mildly paranormal stories of the Darcy family and others around the Darcys. I can see a last book where everything was leading up to a far flung relative changes history.
Recommended.
Lizzy meets Georgiana in Ramsgate and is part of the Darcys live from then on. Story leaves canon behind from the very beginning. In Ramsgate Lizzy buys a very special journal that has so very much to do with the story.
A fun story but the plot isn’t always logical for the world built by the author. The writing is a bit two dimensional for the most part. The story is pretty original and could serve as the first of a series of mildly paranormal stories of the Darcy family and others around the Darcys. I can see a last book where everything was leading up to a far flung relative changes history.
Recommended.
December 8, 2019
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
There are two very interesting twists in this Pride and Prejudice variation.
The first is that Elizabeth, in Ramsgate on vacation with the Gardiners and yearning for adventure, happens to purchase an old, apparently unused journal in a bookstore there. When she brings it back to their lodging and opens it, her name is on the first page, though she hasn't written it there herself. Some spirit named Anne introduces herself and promises a happy future filled with adventure if Elizabeth will follow her instructions. Starting immediately, the writing occasionally appears giving cryptic warnings of what will happen that day and directions for Elizabeth to follow. The writing disappears immediately after Elizabeth reads it and will not appear to anyone else.
Since Elizabeth's first experience with the book is in Ramsgate, naturally, her first task is meeting Georgiana Darcy and helping to thwart Mr. Wickham's plans. This is where she first meets Mr. Darcy, who mistakes her for a servant and is insufferably rude.
As for the second change... Mr. Darcy is more than just a prominent, wealthy landowner. He has a secret mission not revealed until well into the story.
Unfortunately, the unsophisticated writing is hard to wade through. There's over-explanation, repetition, wooden dialogue (which includes narrative-type explanations that would never be part of normal conversation), a plethora of run-on sentences, and occasionally there are odd word choices. (Perhaps English is not the author's native language?) As a result, the book is way too long, and I found it hard to stay interested. Near the end, when the plot is close to full resolution, it goes off on an unnecessary tangent regarding a woman with whom Darcy has some history.
It's a shame, because the combination of paranormal and mystery is intriguing here, and there are many good scenes. I'm generally a sucker for a nice paranormal P&P, so I loved the enigmatic diary entries - reminded me of Tom Riddle's diary in the second Harry Potter book. The poor quality of the writing, though, made it difficult to finish.
There are two very interesting twists in this Pride and Prejudice variation.
The first is that Elizabeth, in Ramsgate on vacation with the Gardiners and yearning for adventure, happens to purchase an old, apparently unused journal in a bookstore there. When she brings it back to their lodging and opens it, her name is on the first page, though she hasn't written it there herself. Some spirit named Anne introduces herself and promises a happy future filled with adventure if Elizabeth will follow her instructions. Starting immediately, the writing occasionally appears giving cryptic warnings of what will happen that day and directions for Elizabeth to follow. The writing disappears immediately after Elizabeth reads it and will not appear to anyone else.
Since Elizabeth's first experience with the book is in Ramsgate, naturally, her first task is meeting Georgiana Darcy and helping to thwart Mr. Wickham's plans. This is where she first meets Mr. Darcy, who mistakes her for a servant and is insufferably rude.
As for the second change... Mr. Darcy is more than just a prominent, wealthy landowner. He has a secret mission not revealed until well into the story.
Unfortunately, the unsophisticated writing is hard to wade through. There's over-explanation, repetition, wooden dialogue (which includes narrative-type explanations that would never be part of normal conversation), a plethora of run-on sentences, and occasionally there are odd word choices. (Perhaps English is not the author's native language?) As a result, the book is way too long, and I found it hard to stay interested. Near the end, when the plot is close to full resolution, it goes off on an unnecessary tangent regarding a woman with whom Darcy has some history.
It's a shame, because the combination of paranormal and mystery is intriguing here, and there are many good scenes. I'm generally a sucker for a nice paranormal P&P, so I loved the enigmatic diary entries - reminded me of Tom Riddle's diary in the second Harry Potter book. The poor quality of the writing, though, made it difficult to finish.
November 27, 2019
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth and Jane are visiting Ramsgate at the same time as Miss Darcy. Elizabeth purchases a journal because she forgot her at home. Strangely enough, the journal talks back/gives directions when she writes in it. As a result, Elizabeth is able to save Georgiana from Wickham. This is just one example of how Elizabeth is in the right place at the right time, which causes suspicion from more than one quarter.
Her interactions with Darcy, following mostly cannon, confuse her as she tries to put together the puzzle of his behavior. As more pieces are revealed, the truth that Darcy loves her becomes more and more evident. Luckily, the directions from the journal and the behavior of others put our dear couple together as a team. A happily ever after is never a spoiler for a Pride and Prejudice story, but how they get there is where the fun is.
Her interactions with Darcy, following mostly cannon, confuse her as she tries to put together the puzzle of his behavior. As more pieces are revealed, the truth that Darcy loves her becomes more and more evident. Luckily, the directions from the journal and the behavior of others put our dear couple together as a team. A happily ever after is never a spoiler for a Pride and Prejudice story, but how they get there is where the fun is.
March 25, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars
The major premise of this story was intriguing and what kept me reading this overly long story. It needs vast editing as there are numerous run-on sentences, wrong verb tenses and awkward sentences.
Elizabeth buys a "used" diary (pages are blank but the condition of the cover tells it is not new) while vacationing in Ramsgate with Jane and the Gardiners. She finds that the diary (who calls herself Anne) gives her advice as to some upcoming event but both Elizabeth's questions to "Anne" and the advice and replies disappear after being read so no one else can read those interactions. Other more mundane entries remain on the pages. The advice is sometimes vague - only telling her to beware of visitors or some such.
Elizabeth meets Darcy upon following the first two directives: one to save Georgiana from Wickham and the next to save some rider from jumping over haystacks and becoming injured. What she doesn't know about Darcy until well into their relationship is that he is secretly acting for the government and is a "brigadier". Despite his rude interactions with her, even accusing her of being a servant, he falls in love with her and in this book we hear of that many times. He has had a prophecy that a woman named Anne is his destiny and that is only one part of this story.
Lady Catherine is part of this story but it is the part that Mrs. Jenkinson and her servant play that results in a dramatic climax at a later point.
Because of her early interaction with Georgiana, Elizabeth seeks to continue that relationship and also uses her knowledge of Wickham part to warn off all of her sisters. Darcy allows correspondence between the two women but the letters go through him. Elizabeth does not learn why immediately.
This story dragged for me. I did find the diary's part in the story to be interesting. Then there is much to do about Darcy's family history and their relationship to royalty and other peers.
The major premise of this story was intriguing and what kept me reading this overly long story. It needs vast editing as there are numerous run-on sentences, wrong verb tenses and awkward sentences.
Elizabeth buys a "used" diary (pages are blank but the condition of the cover tells it is not new) while vacationing in Ramsgate with Jane and the Gardiners. She finds that the diary (who calls herself Anne) gives her advice as to some upcoming event but both Elizabeth's questions to "Anne" and the advice and replies disappear after being read so no one else can read those interactions. Other more mundane entries remain on the pages. The advice is sometimes vague - only telling her to beware of visitors or some such.
Elizabeth meets Darcy upon following the first two directives: one to save Georgiana from Wickham and the next to save some rider from jumping over haystacks and becoming injured. What she doesn't know about Darcy until well into their relationship is that he is secretly acting for the government and is a "brigadier". Despite his rude interactions with her, even accusing her of being a servant, he falls in love with her and in this book we hear of that many times. He has had a prophecy that a woman named Anne is his destiny and that is only one part of this story.
Lady Catherine is part of this story but it is the part that Mrs. Jenkinson and her servant play that results in a dramatic climax at a later point.
Because of her early interaction with Georgiana, Elizabeth seeks to continue that relationship and also uses her knowledge of Wickham part to warn off all of her sisters. Darcy allows correspondence between the two women but the letters go through him. Elizabeth does not learn why immediately.
This story dragged for me. I did find the diary's part in the story to be interesting. Then there is much to do about Darcy's family history and their relationship to royalty and other peers.
February 16, 2024
A Page-Turner!
Darcy's tempestuous behaviour was confusing at the start, but his covert activities spurred on the sense of adventure in this story. I really enjoyed Ms Speck incorporating historical figures in this tale in an imaginative way. The mysteries were wound throughout the narrative, and were creatively reasonable despite the 'magical' aspect of the diary. I would enjoy reading about ODC's further adventures.
Darcy's tempestuous behaviour was confusing at the start, but his covert activities spurred on the sense of adventure in this story. I really enjoyed Ms Speck incorporating historical figures in this tale in an imaginative way. The mysteries were wound throughout the narrative, and were creatively reasonable despite the 'magical' aspect of the diary. I would enjoy reading about ODC's further adventures.
November 16, 2019
This one fav authors she has good stories and this one is good.as her others . Intrigue spys assination plots and love abounds. Lots of fun really enjoyed it.
August 4, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a decent Pride and Prejudice variation, but not perfect.
The plot was just a bit too predictable. The moment Anne Boleyn was mentioned I knew exactly what her role was in the story. But the diary was a neat concept, and I thought it was utilized well.
The romance was much too instalovey for my tastes. A lot more seduction than actual communication between our two leads occurs, which would be fine if it was more drawn out, but it’s not, and thus, feels disingenuous.
One of my main gripes is with our good friend the colonel. Is Colonel Fitzwilliam a rake one minute and very much into scandalous dalliances for the first half of the story only to completely do an about face turn and become the most honourable and well-behaved patriot of the army such that he is worthy of Georgiana Darcy by the end of this novel? Unfortunately, yes. The incongruity of his character was baffling and left me entirely bemused each time he appeared.
I will say however that I enjoyed how Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine and Lydia were much more sensible renditions of themselves; still the inherently flawed characters we know and love them to be but different in that they were ones who were a lot more compromising and malleable in their character arcs.
All in all, this was a pretty good way to divert myself while I played chauffeur throughout the day, and if you're at all interested in it, I say go for it.
This was a decent Pride and Prejudice variation, but not perfect.
The plot was just a bit too predictable. The moment Anne Boleyn was mentioned I knew exactly what her role was in the story. But the diary was a neat concept, and I thought it was utilized well.
The romance was much too instalovey for my tastes. A lot more seduction than actual communication between our two leads occurs, which would be fine if it was more drawn out, but it’s not, and thus, feels disingenuous.
One of my main gripes is with our good friend the colonel. Is Colonel Fitzwilliam a rake one minute and very much into scandalous dalliances for the first half of the story only to completely do an about face turn and become the most honourable and well-behaved patriot of the army such that he is worthy of Georgiana Darcy by the end of this novel? Unfortunately, yes. The incongruity of his character was baffling and left me entirely bemused each time he appeared.
I will say however that I enjoyed how Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine and Lydia were much more sensible renditions of themselves; still the inherently flawed characters we know and love them to be but different in that they were ones who were a lot more compromising and malleable in their character arcs.
All in all, this was a pretty good way to divert myself while I played chauffeur throughout the day, and if you're at all interested in it, I say go for it.
January 17, 2020
A Fun Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to see more of Darcy and Elizabeth solving crimes. So many of the characters are delightful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to see more of Darcy and Elizabeth solving crimes. So many of the characters are delightful.
January 20, 2024
A slightly magical very eventful variation
I actually loved this variation and want to read it over again.
Elizabeth happens to purchase a magical diary that gives her instructions on things to do to help people, the first of which is saving Georgiana at Ramsgate. This leads to a friendship with the girl that is carried on through letters for most of the book. Darcy comes to Meryton as usual but the circumstances are slightly different. He is somewhat familiar with Elizabeth through Georgiana and he's definitely up to something. Elizabeth can't make heads or tails of him. However, she and Jane have rubbed off on their family leading to an improved family with a more active father and calmer ladies who aren't rushing to marry.
The book is high drama as Elizabeth gets pulled farther and farther into Darcy's mysterious activities... and finds herself falling in love with him. Spies, intrigue, betrayal, and family connections are all a vital part of this story. Darcy and Elizabeth were a little over the top with being in love with each other but it fit the story.
Great job!
I actually loved this variation and want to read it over again.
Elizabeth happens to purchase a magical diary that gives her instructions on things to do to help people, the first of which is saving Georgiana at Ramsgate. This leads to a friendship with the girl that is carried on through letters for most of the book. Darcy comes to Meryton as usual but the circumstances are slightly different. He is somewhat familiar with Elizabeth through Georgiana and he's definitely up to something. Elizabeth can't make heads or tails of him. However, she and Jane have rubbed off on their family leading to an improved family with a more active father and calmer ladies who aren't rushing to marry.
The book is high drama as Elizabeth gets pulled farther and farther into Darcy's mysterious activities... and finds herself falling in love with him. Spies, intrigue, betrayal, and family connections are all a vital part of this story. Darcy and Elizabeth were a little over the top with being in love with each other but it fit the story.
Great job!
June 14, 2022
Wow! Scarlet Pimpernil Darcy!
I heartily recommend this book. Elizabeth and Jane are in Ramsgate with the Gardiner Family before Wickham tries to elope with Georgina. Elizabeth purchases a journal/diary and soon discovers that the diary writes back to her with instructions such as to greet and befriend Georgina when they meet on the beach. Elizabeth is able to encourage Georgina to write to her brother regarding Wickham. Mrs Younge is not an evil co-conspirator but rather is being bullied by Wickham. Darcy appears in Ramsgate in response to Georgina 's letter. Darcy hurriedly takes Georgina away, apparently dismissing Mrs. Younge. Darcy accuses Elizabeth of being a servant when she comes to say goodbye to Georgina.
The story continues on(at length). The Bennet family is sensible, able to keep secrets and act decorously. Bingley and company soon rent Netherfield. Some of cannon is used throughout, but there are secrets and mysteries as Darcy commands others and cannot explain himself to Elizabeth. This is a lively and exciting read.
I heartily recommend this book. Elizabeth and Jane are in Ramsgate with the Gardiner Family before Wickham tries to elope with Georgina. Elizabeth purchases a journal/diary and soon discovers that the diary writes back to her with instructions such as to greet and befriend Georgina when they meet on the beach. Elizabeth is able to encourage Georgina to write to her brother regarding Wickham. Mrs Younge is not an evil co-conspirator but rather is being bullied by Wickham. Darcy appears in Ramsgate in response to Georgina 's letter. Darcy hurriedly takes Georgina away, apparently dismissing Mrs. Younge. Darcy accuses Elizabeth of being a servant when she comes to say goodbye to Georgina.
The story continues on(at length). The Bennet family is sensible, able to keep secrets and act decorously. Bingley and company soon rent Netherfield. Some of cannon is used throughout, but there are secrets and mysteries as Darcy commands others and cannot explain himself to Elizabeth. This is a lively and exciting read.
June 9, 2025
usually love her work
This was such a cute premise for a plot-and I enjoyed so many aspects..however, the one element i cannot get invested in any JAFF is a stupid/immature EB. I get here it’s a contrast to a worldly FD but prefer EB to have learned enuff from her father’s library to recognize danger, limits of social interactions etc., regardless how emo naive EB may be. She did improve as story progressed but remained impetuous, recalcitrant when things failed to develop as she believed should occur, then have flashes of insight which was in complete contradiction of her behavior a chapter past…FD is a reformed rake which is always nice. A great HEA and lead-in to another adventure! Won’t re-read this book but look forward to next and hope much mature EB
This was such a cute premise for a plot-and I enjoyed so many aspects..however, the one element i cannot get invested in any JAFF is a stupid/immature EB. I get here it’s a contrast to a worldly FD but prefer EB to have learned enuff from her father’s library to recognize danger, limits of social interactions etc., regardless how emo naive EB may be. She did improve as story progressed but remained impetuous, recalcitrant when things failed to develop as she believed should occur, then have flashes of insight which was in complete contradiction of her behavior a chapter past…FD is a reformed rake which is always nice. A great HEA and lead-in to another adventure! Won’t re-read this book but look forward to next and hope much mature EB
April 2, 2020
Very creative
This was a very creative story. I hesitated to read based on the description and I’m so glad I took the leap. Sometimes I wonder why the descriptions are so vague or unappealing.
The mystery in this story kept my attention and the conclusion made sense. Yay. Some mystery books don’t follow through. The only thing I would have liked was more background on the diary and a bit more dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth prior to their understanding. It jumped a bit too fast for me so no five stars.
This was a very creative story. I hesitated to read based on the description and I’m so glad I took the leap. Sometimes I wonder why the descriptions are so vague or unappealing.
The mystery in this story kept my attention and the conclusion made sense. Yay. Some mystery books don’t follow through. The only thing I would have liked was more background on the diary and a bit more dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth prior to their understanding. It jumped a bit too fast for me so no five stars.
June 11, 2024
Cool diary
With shades of Harry Potter, but very cool. I am surprised Darcy took it so well..
His hot anger was actually quite scary. He never seemed to grovel enough for my sensibilities for scaring her a few times. And hurting her once. But I guess a few kisses to make her forget, is all it takes.
Aside from that, loved the concept. Also loved Col. F taking Darcy's orders for a change when the fighting and strategy planning goes down. Nice change ups from the norm.
With shades of Harry Potter, but very cool. I am surprised Darcy took it so well..
His hot anger was actually quite scary. He never seemed to grovel enough for my sensibilities for scaring her a few times. And hurting her once. But I guess a few kisses to make her forget, is all it takes.
Aside from that, loved the concept. Also loved Col. F taking Darcy's orders for a change when the fighting and strategy planning goes down. Nice change ups from the norm.
June 9, 2020
Interesting and intriguing
This story was incredibly well written and highly interesting. There is no full moment in the story and the mystery of around the plot is awesome. The history in which is brought out in the story is amazingly done. How the Darcy's end up married was a story within the story. Highly recommended to read.
This story was incredibly well written and highly interesting. There is no full moment in the story and the mystery of around the plot is awesome. The history in which is brought out in the story is amazingly done. How the Darcy's end up married was a story within the story. Highly recommended to read.
December 27, 2019
Ridiculous
I skimmed a few chapters and will delete the tome from my iPad. I know it was self published so my expectations were not very high but I resent spending the few dollars it cost.
I skimmed a few chapters and will delete the tome from my iPad. I know it was self published so my expectations were not very high but I resent spending the few dollars it cost.
January 21, 2020
While I will give kudos on the creativity and originality of the supernatural diary, the author was not true to Jane Austen’s characters. Often I found myself thinking, “Darcy would never do that” or “Elizabeth would never say that”!
July 14, 2020
GOOD STORY ON NEED OF AN EDITOR
Good Story, but .... BADLY IN NEED OF AN EDITOR! Does anyone read the manuscript before it is published? As I said, very good plot but the writing ....yikes!
Good Story, but .... BADLY IN NEED OF AN EDITOR! Does anyone read the manuscript before it is published? As I said, very good plot but the writing ....yikes!
May 22, 2021
So good
This was a really different spin on a pride and prejudice variation. I don’t want to give spillers because this is a book where it’s worth going in knowing nothing more than the summary. It’s a book you will either love the plot of or hate it.
This was a really different spin on a pride and prejudice variation. I don’t want to give spillers because this is a book where it’s worth going in knowing nothing more than the summary. It’s a book you will either love the plot of or hate it.
June 1, 2020
Lovely
A rather interesting mystery romance inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Speck. I enjoyed it.
A rather interesting mystery romance inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Kate Speck. I enjoyed it.
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