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Sorrow and Second Chances
Sorrow and Second Chances takes an alternative route to the story told in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, with a twist at its heart that changes the original events of Austen’s plot. In this adaptation, the Bennet family are afflicted with grief following a sudden death in their family, and as a consequence, the fate of the whole family is changed forever.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has been filled with regret and deep remorse ever since his last encounter with Elizabeth Bennet, realises that – in this time of great sorrow – he might just have a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of the woman he loves.
Told predominantly from the viewpoint of Mr Darcy, who has been left broken-hearted by Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection, this Pride and Prejudice variation tells the story of what happened next between these two much-loved characters.
‘He could easily see that he had astonished her, and he knew very well that he was skirting well over the line of acceptable conduct with his close proximity and with his use of her Christian name – but he felt that they had travelled well beyond the realms of proper conduct a long time ago. Somewhere between their heated argument at the Hunsford Parsonage and their private conversation in the dark of her bedroom, they had crossed an invisible line. They could never return to holding polite, stilted conversations about music or politics, or the state of the weather, when they had already bared so much of their inner souls to one another. Let other people conduct their courtships in such a way, he thought determinedly to himself, but he could remain silent no longer. If he had felt less for her then he might have been able to restrain his candour, but he knew he was well beyond that now.’
Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has been filled with regret and deep remorse ever since his last encounter with Elizabeth Bennet, realises that – in this time of great sorrow – he might just have a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of the woman he loves.
Told predominantly from the viewpoint of Mr Darcy, who has been left broken-hearted by Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection, this Pride and Prejudice variation tells the story of what happened next between these two much-loved characters.
‘He could easily see that he had astonished her, and he knew very well that he was skirting well over the line of acceptable conduct with his close proximity and with his use of her Christian name – but he felt that they had travelled well beyond the realms of proper conduct a long time ago. Somewhere between their heated argument at the Hunsford Parsonage and their private conversation in the dark of her bedroom, they had crossed an invisible line. They could never return to holding polite, stilted conversations about music or politics, or the state of the weather, when they had already bared so much of their inner souls to one another. Let other people conduct their courtships in such a way, he thought determinedly to himself, but he could remain silent no longer. If he had felt less for her then he might have been able to restrain his candour, but he knew he was well beyond that now.’
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 30, 2019
What a snooze fest. There is way too much telling, albeit in thought form rather than spoken word. The book is mainly from Darcy’s perspective and he is just Mr. ThinksTooMuch. He is also a See & Say Darcy except instead of verbalizing it is an internal monologue. Now sometimes Darcy has these ‘thoughts’ followed by a recital of the same thoughts to some innocent victim. Mr. Darcy is renowned for being taciturn, I wish this applied to his thoughts as well. When we examine these thoughts it quickly becomes apparent that he is a loonie. And despite this endless contemplation he is shockingly not self aware. I am surprised that Pemberley survived when all he does is think, brood, stew, reflect, ponder, reckon, conject, hypothesize, wonder, recall, speculate, contemplate, deliberate and fret.
I guess I should mention that the book begins with Darcy back in London following his rejection in Kent. Needless to say you need to know P&P to understand the book. He’s love sick over Elizabeth Bennet and cannot figure out how to fix things. Well here’s a thought for you Fitz old boy, why don’t you get on your horse to ride to Longbourn and freaking talk to her? No of course not that would be too easy. If only there were a convenient plot device we could use to get you there… oh yes a Funeral
Mrs Bennet has shrieked her way to heaven and Darcy and Bingley decide to attend the funeral and then linger about Meryton to see what’s what.
And for Darcy to reflect, observe, pine, self-efface, bemoan, crave, covet, and begrudge. If only there was a way he could speak to Lizzy and ask her how she felt. I mean just because he is calling on Mr. Bennet every other day at the request of Mr. Gardiner it’s not like he can speak to her. [Can someone make me a nerf kindle for books like this? Please]
And after weeks of Darcy’s innermost thoughts ( and as a reader this felt like real time) he finally gets up the nerve to ask Lizzy … if she would welcome him back in the neighborhood? [OMG RU kidding me?]And she says sure why not and he is in ecstasy.
So he hies off to Pemberley to oversee the harvest, planting, I don’t know and when he gets there he discovers that of course Pemberley runs fine just by itself leaving him free to day dream, fantasize (cleanly). Imagine, anticipate that some day he will have the chance to talk to Lizzy again.
[RN: this Darcy scares me a little, he is seriously unbalanced and irrational.]
Then he invites the Bennets to Pemberley for the harvest ball and he still can’t find a place or a time to speak to Lizzy. The Bingleys and the Hursts are there too but if you are looking for some raging Caro walk away.
[RN: We all know Caro is a scheming monster so why does she never think Darcy likes Eliza, he ignores me, perhaps I should try to be more like Eliza? ]
So the harvest ball finally arrives and Darcy proposes and Lizzy says Yes and The End. j/k we are only at 50% or so.. we have many more thoughts, ideas, inklings, notions, plans, theories and other things to ruminate upon. And eventually he gets back to Hertfordshire where he interrupts Lady C going crazy on poor Mr. Bennet then he and Mr. Bennet give Lady C much of Lizzy’s set down [mansplaining?] and Lizzy avoids the whole unpleasant scene. Just so Darcy can lecture her about walking out alone. Then Darcy interrupts Lydia’s and Wickham’s plans which is only a day or two after Lady C.
Let’s say this is about 70%. Then the remainder of the book is like an extended epilogue still from Darcy’s perspective. And in a book this stupid this is really unforgivable. I will admit I was skimming through some of the more boring parts at this point.
Also Darcy is way too ‘woke’ for 1812 or 13. He realizes that Wickham ‘grooms’ the young girls he is seducing. His recollection of his wedding night is mostly about how he dreads that he hurt Lizzy and then begging her to be honest about how much pain she feels. Or maybe he has a teeny weenie.
He also uses the phrase ‘laid-back’ which isn’t Regency and everyone’s favorite error “Alright”
By the end of this book I was angry which you will see if you view my notes. Or read this review.
PS this is the book that made me raise the rating on the previous book I had awarded 3 starts
PPS This is the sort of P&P variation that makes me want to read anything but a P&P variation next.
I guess I should mention that the book begins with Darcy back in London following his rejection in Kent. Needless to say you need to know P&P to understand the book. He’s love sick over Elizabeth Bennet and cannot figure out how to fix things. Well here’s a thought for you Fitz old boy, why don’t you get on your horse to ride to Longbourn and freaking talk to her? No of course not that would be too easy. If only there were a convenient plot device we could use to get you there… oh yes a Funeral
Mrs Bennet has shrieked her way to heaven and Darcy and Bingley decide to attend the funeral and then linger about Meryton to see what’s what.
And for Darcy to reflect, observe, pine, self-efface, bemoan, crave, covet, and begrudge. If only there was a way he could speak to Lizzy and ask her how she felt. I mean just because he is calling on Mr. Bennet every other day at the request of Mr. Gardiner it’s not like he can speak to her. [Can someone make me a nerf kindle for books like this? Please]
And after weeks of Darcy’s innermost thoughts ( and as a reader this felt like real time) he finally gets up the nerve to ask Lizzy … if she would welcome him back in the neighborhood? [OMG RU kidding me?]And she says sure why not and he is in ecstasy.
So he hies off to Pemberley to oversee the harvest, planting, I don’t know and when he gets there he discovers that of course Pemberley runs fine just by itself leaving him free to day dream, fantasize (cleanly). Imagine, anticipate that some day he will have the chance to talk to Lizzy again.
[RN: this Darcy scares me a little, he is seriously unbalanced and irrational.]
Then he invites the Bennets to Pemberley for the harvest ball and he still can’t find a place or a time to speak to Lizzy. The Bingleys and the Hursts are there too but if you are looking for some raging Caro walk away.
[RN: We all know Caro is a scheming monster so why does she never think Darcy likes Eliza, he ignores me, perhaps I should try to be more like Eliza? ]
So the harvest ball finally arrives and Darcy proposes and Lizzy says Yes and The End. j/k we are only at 50% or so.. we have many more thoughts, ideas, inklings, notions, plans, theories and other things to ruminate upon. And eventually he gets back to Hertfordshire where he interrupts Lady C going crazy on poor Mr. Bennet then he and Mr. Bennet give Lady C much of Lizzy’s set down [mansplaining?] and Lizzy avoids the whole unpleasant scene. Just so Darcy can lecture her about walking out alone. Then Darcy interrupts Lydia’s and Wickham’s plans which is only a day or two after Lady C.
Let’s say this is about 70%. Then the remainder of the book is like an extended epilogue still from Darcy’s perspective. And in a book this stupid this is really unforgivable. I will admit I was skimming through some of the more boring parts at this point.
Also Darcy is way too ‘woke’ for 1812 or 13. He realizes that Wickham ‘grooms’ the young girls he is seducing. His recollection of his wedding night is mostly about how he dreads that he hurt Lizzy and then begging her to be honest about how much pain she feels. Or maybe he has a teeny weenie.
He also uses the phrase ‘laid-back’ which isn’t Regency and everyone’s favorite error “Alright”
By the end of this book I was angry which you will see if you view my notes. Or read this review.
PS this is the book that made me raise the rating on the previous book I had awarded 3 starts
PPS This is the sort of P&P variation that makes me want to read anything but a P&P variation next.
October 28, 2019
Pretty average
What-if Mrs. Bennet died and Bingley and Darcy came back to Netherfield to give their condolences and go to the funeral?
The story was ok but not very compelling. Writing was pretty basic. Lots of ‘telling’ instead of ‘showing’.
Darcy tells Lizzy should be careful about going out by herself but Darcy goes into a woods by himself to confront Wickham and Lydia. No one knew where he was. What I’d Wi khan had pulled a knife or pistol on him?
Not a terrible book but not much fun reading. About the last third of it was difficult to stay with. Seemed boring.
Average everything. Some may like it and it is on Kindle Unlimited.
What-if Mrs. Bennet died and Bingley and Darcy came back to Netherfield to give their condolences and go to the funeral?
The story was ok but not very compelling. Writing was pretty basic. Lots of ‘telling’ instead of ‘showing’.
Darcy tells Lizzy should be careful about going out by herself but Darcy goes into a woods by himself to confront Wickham and Lydia. No one knew where he was. What I’d Wi khan had pulled a knife or pistol on him?
Not a terrible book but not much fun reading. About the last third of it was difficult to stay with. Seemed boring.
Average everything. Some may like it and it is on Kindle Unlimited.
November 17, 2019
This variation could have ended about half-way through and would have been a more satisfactory read. The last half dragged on-and-on with details about day-to-day life at Pemberley or Longbourn or just within the family.
The best part was how Darcy came to form a good relationship with Mr. Bennet. He and Charles Bingley decide to return to Netherfield in order to attend Mrs. Bennet's funeral. Mr. Gardiner approaches Darcy and asks that he look in on Mr. Bennet during the next week that Darcy & Bingley have declared they intend to spend in the area. Darcy is at first rebuffed by Mr. Bennet but then asked to play a game of chess and so they find they have more in common than either thought: their intelligence and their wit as well as both men's attention to protecting the women who have been left without a mother's guidance help to form a friendship.
Darcy is, of course, very pleased to have this opportunity to see Elizabeth daily and even though they are uneasy in the company of the other they soon find time and reasons to talk. Darcy also is able to avert the Wickham/Lydia disaster as he notes her attitude towards him has changed and he observes her walking out alone. (Darcy has by this point made strides to interact with Elizabeth's sisters as well as her father.)
There is really little angst at all. We do read of marriages and births. The "epilogue" is more another chapter in the lives of the Darcy/Bennet families as it goes on to inform us of those events than to wrap things up succinctly.
Mrs. Bennet is painted as having loved and guided her daughters in her own fashion and Mr. Bennet does let Darcy know that he did love her even though he teased her and did not pay enough attention to her nerves and flutterings.
I finished this more because I make a practice of finishing books I start (even if it is not immediately). As I stated, though, you could stop about half-way through this and feel satisfied that you have reached the climax.
The best part was how Darcy came to form a good relationship with Mr. Bennet. He and Charles Bingley decide to return to Netherfield in order to attend Mrs. Bennet's funeral. Mr. Gardiner approaches Darcy and asks that he look in on Mr. Bennet during the next week that Darcy & Bingley have declared they intend to spend in the area. Darcy is at first rebuffed by Mr. Bennet but then asked to play a game of chess and so they find they have more in common than either thought: their intelligence and their wit as well as both men's attention to protecting the women who have been left without a mother's guidance help to form a friendship.
Darcy is, of course, very pleased to have this opportunity to see Elizabeth daily and even though they are uneasy in the company of the other they soon find time and reasons to talk. Darcy also is able to avert the Wickham/Lydia disaster as he notes her attitude towards him has changed and he observes her walking out alone. (Darcy has by this point made strides to interact with Elizabeth's sisters as well as her father.)
There is really little angst at all. We do read of marriages and births. The "epilogue" is more another chapter in the lives of the Darcy/Bennet families as it goes on to inform us of those events than to wrap things up succinctly.
Mrs. Bennet is painted as having loved and guided her daughters in her own fashion and Mr. Bennet does let Darcy know that he did love her even though he teased her and did not pay enough attention to her nerves and flutterings.
I finished this more because I make a practice of finishing books I start (even if it is not immediately). As I stated, though, you could stop about half-way through this and feel satisfied that you have reached the climax.
December 6, 2022
This story is set post Hunsford before any further reconciliation could take place. Mrs Bennet died and when Darcy and Bingley learn of it they return to Hertfordshire for the funeral. Darcy befriends and comforts the devastated Mr Bennet and brings forth other good changes in the family. I loved the supportive teasing friendship between Darcy and Bennet. Darcy's good guy character really comes through here. Wickham attempts to do some damage but it quickly comes to nothing because Darcy is there in a brother's capacity. After Elizabeth is finally his the book goes on for so many chapters that I was sure we were due for some further calamity but no it's all just a very big, extended HEA for all and sundry. Babies to birth people to court, houses in the North, that sort of thing. Worth it to see Bennet happily established after his trying time of mourning but at times it dragged a little.
Steam level: There is a wedding night, otherwise pretty tame.
Steam level: There is a wedding night, otherwise pretty tame.
June 15, 2021
The story is one looong and detailed patient courtship after Darcy get his priorities straight (after Hunsford). The story is excessively long, in need of some editing, but I did not mind because it was satisfying, heartwarming and in a nice tone not discordant to the original.
I might re-read in the future & would definitely recommend.
I might re-read in the future & would definitely recommend.
January 25, 2020
I have really enjoyed other books by this author... this is a bit of a disappointment by comparison. It's a very slow, meandering, low angst coming to an understanding until about the half way point... I quite enjoyed the first half. Mrs Bennet dies and Darcy uses this opportunity to return to Longbourn and finds himself confidante to Mr Bennet and forging a friendship with Elizabeth.
Things take a weird turn at half way where the story seems to stop... we get a tale told through the style of 'this happened and that happened and everyone was happy and all thought each other to be very funny'. It didn't add anything and actually probably took away from the earlier part of the story. Nothing of interest happens. I skimmed through the last 20% as I just wasn't interested at all.
It's an ok read but nothing really happens... it probably would have been better as a novella.
Things take a weird turn at half way where the story seems to stop... we get a tale told through the style of 'this happened and that happened and everyone was happy and all thought each other to be very funny'. It didn't add anything and actually probably took away from the earlier part of the story. Nothing of interest happens. I skimmed through the last 20% as I just wasn't interested at all.
It's an ok read but nothing really happens... it probably would have been better as a novella.
November 21, 2019
Avid Reader
This was a delightful story about Darcy and Elizabeth finally getting married and beginning a family after the passing of Mrs.Bennet. Mr.Bennet truly suffered because he really loved Agnes Bennet. Darcy befriended Mr. Bennet at urging of Mr. Gardiner. Darcy seems to be the only person who can get through to Mr. Bennet during his grief. Darcy understands what it means to lose a beloved family member. Mr. Bennet plays chess and finally starts to eat again. Wickham fears his head again after Elizabeth and Darcy get engaged, but Darcy thwarted him by telling Lydia the truth in front of Lydia. Jane and Bingley marry along with Darcy and Elizabeth after Darcy and Mr.Bennet give Lady Catherine a wonderful set down! After Mary marries, Mr. Bennet remarried and they have a son.
This was a delightful story about Darcy and Elizabeth finally getting married and beginning a family after the passing of Mrs.Bennet. Mr.Bennet truly suffered because he really loved Agnes Bennet. Darcy befriended Mr. Bennet at urging of Mr. Gardiner. Darcy seems to be the only person who can get through to Mr. Bennet during his grief. Darcy understands what it means to lose a beloved family member. Mr. Bennet plays chess and finally starts to eat again. Wickham fears his head again after Elizabeth and Darcy get engaged, but Darcy thwarted him by telling Lydia the truth in front of Lydia. Jane and Bingley marry along with Darcy and Elizabeth after Darcy and Mr.Bennet give Lady Catherine a wonderful set down! After Mary marries, Mr. Bennet remarried and they have a son.
October 24, 2019
DNF @ 70%
Did have a quick skim through epilogue.
This author does have a tendency to repeat the same information, but it’s quite extreme in this book. It needs to be cut by about half as the wordiness slows the plot and makes it less interesting.
I found it hard to really believe the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. The author does manage to convey Darcy’s love, but the changes are about him being friends with her family and convincing everyone else they should marry, and not enough about her feelings. She later explains that his coming to the funeral made her realise it was true love which is just unbelievably quick imo, and not shown in her actions. I didn’t really understand why Mr G disapproved of Darcy, nor why he would then ask for his help if he disliked him. It was hinted that he knew about the proposal, but if that was the case he was manoeuvring Lizzy into a good match, and Mr B also makes comments like this later, which seem contrary to the support Lizzy got in the original. There was also a number of strange etiquette decisions. They were in full mourning for a long time, yet there was socialising (including a dance), engagement, and even marriage during mourning. Lizzy was sent by Mr B to bring Darcy to a bedroom on her own in her nightgown (and she put him in her bed!), but other less dodgy situations were exclaimed over.
However I feel much of this could have been accepted as part of a faster moving, more dynamic story. The boredom of repetitive, drawn out passages and introspective memories made me question more of these niggles. By the time they got married I actually didn’t care, I had no emotional investment in the characters.
Did have a quick skim through epilogue.
This author does have a tendency to repeat the same information, but it’s quite extreme in this book. It needs to be cut by about half as the wordiness slows the plot and makes it less interesting.
I found it hard to really believe the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. The author does manage to convey Darcy’s love, but the changes are about him being friends with her family and convincing everyone else they should marry, and not enough about her feelings. She later explains that his coming to the funeral made her realise it was true love which is just unbelievably quick imo, and not shown in her actions. I didn’t really understand why Mr G disapproved of Darcy, nor why he would then ask for his help if he disliked him. It was hinted that he knew about the proposal, but if that was the case he was manoeuvring Lizzy into a good match, and Mr B also makes comments like this later, which seem contrary to the support Lizzy got in the original. There was also a number of strange etiquette decisions. They were in full mourning for a long time, yet there was socialising (including a dance), engagement, and even marriage during mourning. Lizzy was sent by Mr B to bring Darcy to a bedroom on her own in her nightgown (and she put him in her bed!), but other less dodgy situations were exclaimed over.
However I feel much of this could have been accepted as part of a faster moving, more dynamic story. The boredom of repetitive, drawn out passages and introspective memories made me question more of these niggles. By the time they got married I actually didn’t care, I had no emotional investment in the characters.
February 4, 2021
Good love story
I loved Darcy and Elizabeth in this story. They were not so much fighting as in other variations in this nook the discord had already happened and the love story was about them taking that second chance at love!! I loved Mr Bennet in this story also his wit was definitely on display!!!
I loved Darcy and Elizabeth in this story. They were not so much fighting as in other variations in this nook the discord had already happened and the love story was about them taking that second chance at love!! I loved Mr Bennet in this story also his wit was definitely on display!!!
August 2, 2024
Enjoyable
Taking place after the events at Hunsford and Rosings, this is a low-angst variation. What I enjoyed most about this story was the relationship between Darcy and Mr. Bennet and how they both grew because of it. Quite satisfying.
Taking place after the events at Hunsford and Rosings, this is a low-angst variation. What I enjoyed most about this story was the relationship between Darcy and Mr. Bennet and how they both grew because of it. Quite satisfying.
December 9, 2019
A very chatty tale
The whole book has sort of a chatty tone ...”and then this happened and that happened” - that leaves room for little angst. Once Darcy proposes a second time, all conflict is basically resolved, yet the book goes on and on for quite some time actually. I got bored.
The whole book has sort of a chatty tone ...”and then this happened and that happened” - that leaves room for little angst. Once Darcy proposes a second time, all conflict is basically resolved, yet the book goes on and on for quite some time actually. I got bored.
June 30, 2022
4.5 rounded up. Beware for Spoilers!
I can, honestly, see why other people have noted this book as less pleasurable or with the need for consistent paragraph indents, it was distracting to have para's started with the look like they ran into the one above, and it yanked me from the story often, but ignoring that with the presuming that every next line full left would be a new speaker, I was able to just READ a story. In it's uniqueness, it was artfully done. What made it more a 4 for me than a 5 was the constant repetition of what was past and over, like through every chapter it was brought up, sometimes more than thrice, but what elevated it to a 5 was a very awesome truth about grief, the allowance of anger in it, the fact that a man is pissed off when he realized he had not taken his wife's pains seriously, that behind it was a myriad of truths and false placations and insincerities are at their cruelest when one's own emotions are raw and on display. Again, what made it nearly a 3 was the wasted time on Wickham after the engagement when we were all happy he was gone, rather trite, and the wrong name for Mrs. Bennet. What elevated it to a five for me was the fact that Mr. Bennet was allowed his sardonic wit which was well written. A solid 3 for the way Georgiana was sprinkled but did not matter for she would have been intimately involved in some scenes and was not mentioned, the lack of but three scenes of 10 pages total for Mary, Kitty was mentioned but had 3 lines...maybe? But, again, the word variation applies well as it was not a wholly twist of a tale from canon, it just picked up after Kent and everyone was exactly who you expected them to be. Again, Mr. Bennet's wit and expressiveness and drinking one night too late with Darcy as he battled his grief when it was at it's most intense was very, very well done! So there is the whole evening out for 4.5! Worth your try if you can read past the weird paragraph indenting uses/lack thereof.
I can, honestly, see why other people have noted this book as less pleasurable or with the need for consistent paragraph indents, it was distracting to have para's started with the look like they ran into the one above, and it yanked me from the story often, but ignoring that with the presuming that every next line full left would be a new speaker, I was able to just READ a story. In it's uniqueness, it was artfully done. What made it more a 4 for me than a 5 was the constant repetition of what was past and over, like through every chapter it was brought up, sometimes more than thrice, but what elevated it to a 5 was a very awesome truth about grief, the allowance of anger in it, the fact that a man is pissed off when he realized he had not taken his wife's pains seriously, that behind it was a myriad of truths and false placations and insincerities are at their cruelest when one's own emotions are raw and on display. Again, what made it nearly a 3 was the wasted time on Wickham after the engagement when we were all happy he was gone, rather trite, and the wrong name for Mrs. Bennet. What elevated it to a five for me was the fact that Mr. Bennet was allowed his sardonic wit which was well written. A solid 3 for the way Georgiana was sprinkled but did not matter for she would have been intimately involved in some scenes and was not mentioned, the lack of but three scenes of 10 pages total for Mary, Kitty was mentioned but had 3 lines...maybe? But, again, the word variation applies well as it was not a wholly twist of a tale from canon, it just picked up after Kent and everyone was exactly who you expected them to be. Again, Mr. Bennet's wit and expressiveness and drinking one night too late with Darcy as he battled his grief when it was at it's most intense was very, very well done! So there is the whole evening out for 4.5! Worth your try if you can read past the weird paragraph indenting uses/lack thereof.
February 18, 2021
I found the story OK. Differently from some reviews I read, I actually liked the slow burn between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth.
So the story starts some time after the infamous proposal. Mr Darcy is melancholic and doesn't know what to do ...should he give up or go back to Meryton to see Elizabeth.
Bingley comes to visit him with terrible news... Mrs Bennet has passed away!
They decide to go to Longbourn to pay their respects to Mrs Bennet and the family, and for the funeral . It is an unfortunate occasion but one that provides the opportunity for both men to visit the Bennet sisters and help them in their time of grief.
Mr Gardiner asks Mr Darcy to keep an eye on his brother-in-law that's devastated with his wife's death, doesn't eat much and has lost some of his humour. The girls are also worried about their father, so when they strike a friendship, everyone is very grateful to him and he becomes quite the family friend.
It takes a while for Lizzy and Darcy to have a relationship, due to her mourning period and also because they are both shy about what happened in the parsonage, so some people may find it slow. I actually liked that from the story, they take time to know each other better.
Mr Darcy redeems himself quite well in this story.
There is little angst (and I'm OK with that). Wickham is Wickham. Lady Catherine is Lady Catherine. Miss Bingley is Miss Bingley.
The younger girls are more subdued due to their tragedy and some things don't happen due to Mrs Bennet's death.
There are some sweet moments at the beginning and some sweet and hot moments once they are engaged, but there are no glimpses into the bedroom. There is also a long epilogue.
I discounted 1.5 stars because first, I would've liked a bit more chemistry by the end of the story. Also it needs a lot of editing. There are some bad mistakes like "would of" instead of "would've" and the fact that such a mistake escaped the editor is not a good sign. Some missing words as well.
Overall, it is a good story. I will read more of this author.
So the story starts some time after the infamous proposal. Mr Darcy is melancholic and doesn't know what to do ...should he give up or go back to Meryton to see Elizabeth.
Bingley comes to visit him with terrible news... Mrs Bennet has passed away!
They decide to go to Longbourn to pay their respects to Mrs Bennet and the family, and for the funeral . It is an unfortunate occasion but one that provides the opportunity for both men to visit the Bennet sisters and help them in their time of grief.
Mr Gardiner asks Mr Darcy to keep an eye on his brother-in-law that's devastated with his wife's death, doesn't eat much and has lost some of his humour. The girls are also worried about their father, so when they strike a friendship, everyone is very grateful to him and he becomes quite the family friend.
It takes a while for Lizzy and Darcy to have a relationship, due to her mourning period and also because they are both shy about what happened in the parsonage, so some people may find it slow. I actually liked that from the story, they take time to know each other better.
Mr Darcy redeems himself quite well in this story.
There is little angst (and I'm OK with that). Wickham is Wickham. Lady Catherine is Lady Catherine. Miss Bingley is Miss Bingley.
The younger girls are more subdued due to their tragedy and some things don't happen due to Mrs Bennet's death.
There are some sweet moments at the beginning and some sweet and hot moments once they are engaged, but there are no glimpses into the bedroom. There is also a long epilogue.
I discounted 1.5 stars because first, I would've liked a bit more chemistry by the end of the story. Also it needs a lot of editing. There are some bad mistakes like "would of" instead of "would've" and the fact that such a mistake escaped the editor is not a good sign. Some missing words as well.
Overall, it is a good story. I will read more of this author.
October 14, 2022
3 1/2 stars, rounded to 4
This is a low-angst story with no real villains, where nothing goes terribly wrong. As such, I personally felt that parts of it went on too long, but that's a matter of personal taste. The writing was good, overall, without a lot of typos (except for the continued use of "Gardiner's" where "Gardiners" should have been used) or historical inaccuracies. I liked the characterizations and the relationships, particularly around Lydia.
My only real complaint is about something that I've been guilty of doing in my own writing. When you write a scene, there are invariably certain lines that you really like in it. When you later go back and edit, those lines no longer fit, but you don't want to delete them, because you really like them. So, you instead create an awkward transition between the revised section and the original one, and you keep both, even though the two sections are redundant. In this case, the author appears to have done that multiple times throughout the book, leading to some chapters having four or five sections that basically say the same thing, just in somewhat different ways. This was frustrating to read through, and so I found myself skimming a lot of sections to get past the redundant text. It would have been better to delete the redundant sections, even if they contained some of the author's favorite lines.
Other than that, this was an enjoyable story with a slower, easy-going pace and not a lot of drama.
This is a low-angst story with no real villains, where nothing goes terribly wrong. As such, I personally felt that parts of it went on too long, but that's a matter of personal taste. The writing was good, overall, without a lot of typos (except for the continued use of "Gardiner's" where "Gardiners" should have been used) or historical inaccuracies. I liked the characterizations and the relationships, particularly around Lydia.
My only real complaint is about something that I've been guilty of doing in my own writing. When you write a scene, there are invariably certain lines that you really like in it. When you later go back and edit, those lines no longer fit, but you don't want to delete them, because you really like them. So, you instead create an awkward transition between the revised section and the original one, and you keep both, even though the two sections are redundant. In this case, the author appears to have done that multiple times throughout the book, leading to some chapters having four or five sections that basically say the same thing, just in somewhat different ways. This was frustrating to read through, and so I found myself skimming a lot of sections to get past the redundant text. It would have been better to delete the redundant sections, even if they contained some of the author's favorite lines.
Other than that, this was an enjoyable story with a slower, easy-going pace and not a lot of drama.
September 28, 2020
This book started so well! In the weeks following Mr. Darxy's disastrous proposal, he comes to terms with how arrogant he had been and how deserving Elizabeth's refusal had been. During his revelations to his cousin, the Colonel, Darcy receives a visit from his friend Bingley. Bingley tells him the sad news that Mrs. Bennet had died. The two men agree to go to Longbourn to extend their condolences and offer any support to the family that they can. The story moves along with Darcy being there for Mr Bennet and his daughters. This part was so bittersweet and I really enjoyed the book until about halfway through. After that, the book seemed to lose focus and just drug on endlessly. I generally like this author's work, but this was not her best, I am sorry to say. It started with such good potential!
January 14, 2021
A happy turn of events
The author did a good job describing the pain that goes with heartbreak especially when one realizes they were mostly at fault as Mr. Darcy did. Also is describing the deep feelings he has for Elizabeth that makes him change his perspective. Another thing I enjoyed was his relationship with Mr. Bennett and how Darcy comes to his aide and advises and comforts him. The author gives details of relationships after the girls marry and what their lives are like and how they reached out to affect the people around them. No stress in reading this version as Mr.Darcy comes to the rescue and protects the people he loves and proves to be the hero as it should be!
The author did a good job describing the pain that goes with heartbreak especially when one realizes they were mostly at fault as Mr. Darcy did. Also is describing the deep feelings he has for Elizabeth that makes him change his perspective. Another thing I enjoyed was his relationship with Mr. Bennett and how Darcy comes to his aide and advises and comforts him. The author gives details of relationships after the girls marry and what their lives are like and how they reached out to affect the people around them. No stress in reading this version as Mr.Darcy comes to the rescue and protects the people he loves and proves to be the hero as it should be!
November 7, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story!
This story changes from the typical variations with the death of Mrs Bennet and the return of Bingley and Darcy for her funeral . By now Elizabeth has started to regret her refusal of Darcy's proposal and has realized that she was far from hating him!
I enjoyed the interactions between Darcy and Mr Bennet especially. They get along so well!
I would have loved to see what happens to Georgiana, Kitty, and Lydia since they are out but without suitors at the end of this story. Great job in presenting an alternative to the classic story that doesn't deviate too much!
This story changes from the typical variations with the death of Mrs Bennet and the return of Bingley and Darcy for her funeral . By now Elizabeth has started to regret her refusal of Darcy's proposal and has realized that she was far from hating him!
I enjoyed the interactions between Darcy and Mr Bennet especially. They get along so well!
I would have loved to see what happens to Georgiana, Kitty, and Lydia since they are out but without suitors at the end of this story. Great job in presenting an alternative to the classic story that doesn't deviate too much!
November 18, 2019
sadness begets happiness and security
I enjoyed the first half of this work better than the second half. The first half had a different and interesting storyline and I looked forward to every turn of the kindle page. The second half followed a formulaic route that I have read, in the main, over and over again. Some of the names are different of course, and though there is nothing to actually complain about, especially as the writing is excellent, there really are no surprises. I do not want to give away who died in the Bennet family, but amidst the grief, life goes on. Very little angst but sadness prevails throughout the first half.
4 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I enjoyed the first half of this work better than the second half. The first half had a different and interesting storyline and I looked forward to every turn of the kindle page. The second half followed a formulaic route that I have read, in the main, over and over again. Some of the names are different of course, and though there is nothing to actually complain about, especially as the writing is excellent, there really are no surprises. I do not want to give away who died in the Bennet family, but amidst the grief, life goes on. Very little angst but sadness prevails throughout the first half.
4 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 10, 2022
Craved more of the good dialogue
Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2019
I liked this book, but there was more narrative than dialogue, which is a shame because the dialogue that did exist was very good! This was especially so of the wonderful banter between Darcy and Mr. Bennet. Their relationship is a huge part of the story. The author writes good dialogue and it’s a shame she didn’t do more of that. There were many good missed opportunities where a situation was described when reading what might have been spoken was really missed by me. The storyline itself is very good and enjoyable.
Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2019
I liked this book, but there was more narrative than dialogue, which is a shame because the dialogue that did exist was very good! This was especially so of the wonderful banter between Darcy and Mr. Bennet. Their relationship is a huge part of the story. The author writes good dialogue and it’s a shame she didn’t do more of that. There were many good missed opportunities where a situation was described when reading what might have been spoken was really missed by me. The storyline itself is very good and enjoyable.
February 3, 2020
A beautiful friendship
I always a well-written Elizabeth and Darcy love story, and this is one. Well written and true to the Austen characters but with the twist of the loss of their mother. A responsible, kind and caring Darcy emerges. But what is surprisingly beautiful and unique to this story is the deep and important friendship between Darcy and Mr. Bennet. It makes you love both characters all the more. It's lovely and well worth reading and relatively angst free with regard to Our Dear Couple, which I love. The angst comes from the outside.
I always a well-written Elizabeth and Darcy love story, and this is one. Well written and true to the Austen characters but with the twist of the loss of their mother. A responsible, kind and caring Darcy emerges. But what is surprisingly beautiful and unique to this story is the deep and important friendship between Darcy and Mr. Bennet. It makes you love both characters all the more. It's lovely and well worth reading and relatively angst free with regard to Our Dear Couple, which I love. The angst comes from the outside.
April 16, 2020
A book of two halves!
Enjoyed the first half of this book very much but I agree with reviewer Jennifer Jones that the second half was boring. Halfway through the story became one of 'he said, she said ' and seemed to ramble on and on about very little.
The book was well written and it was obvious from the geographic knowledge that the author was British. I would say it's worth reading in spite of my criticism of the second half.
Enjoyed the first half of this book very much but I agree with reviewer Jennifer Jones that the second half was boring. Halfway through the story became one of 'he said, she said ' and seemed to ramble on and on about very little.
The book was well written and it was obvious from the geographic knowledge that the author was British. I would say it's worth reading in spite of my criticism of the second half.
November 1, 2019
4 stars for the first half, 2 stars for the second half. I like stories from Darcy's POV, so the first half was enjoyable for me. But after the proposal I was surprised to see I was only 47% done. I am not usually a fan of dragging out the HEA, especially for over half the book, so I was ready for the epilogue by then.
December 9, 2019
This Pride and Prejudice variation brings Darcy & Bingley back to Meryton from London upon the news that Mrs Bennet has died. Her nervous palpitations were a real thing. Darcy slowly becomes friends with Mr Bennet and our two heroes eventually find their way with their loves to a happily ever after.
The story could have been told much quicker. This story dragged on a bit.
The story could have been told much quicker. This story dragged on a bit.
January 12, 2020
Got better
Thought Mr Darcy was a bit harsh and irredeemable at the start of the story. He is continually frustratingly non-communicative and author gives no indication that Elizabeth begins to see that is due to excessive feelings. But, overall, happy endings abide and I like that. Like the relationship between Mr Bennett and Mr Darcy and how it seems to grow organically.
Thought Mr Darcy was a bit harsh and irredeemable at the start of the story. He is continually frustratingly non-communicative and author gives no indication that Elizabeth begins to see that is due to excessive feelings. But, overall, happy endings abide and I like that. Like the relationship between Mr Bennett and Mr Darcy and how it seems to grow organically.
November 18, 2020
An interesting take on what would happen if Mrs. B dies. We dont witness all the embarrassing/humiliating moments and put downs from the beginning of P&P, only the love loss in the family and from there our story goes.
With D building a relationship with with Mr. B and from there getting a second chance with E.
With D building a relationship with with Mr. B and from there getting a second chance with E.
March 20, 2021
Enjoyable
The idea of Mrs Bennett dying before her husband hasn't been used very often in books and certainly not as the opening to the story. So this makes a change and it's used quite well. The only fault I can lay at the book is that people just seem to leave and you don't hear anything of them for ages and then there is a passing mention of them (or not) as the case may be.
The idea of Mrs Bennett dying before her husband hasn't been used very often in books and certainly not as the opening to the story. So this makes a change and it's used quite well. The only fault I can lay at the book is that people just seem to leave and you don't hear anything of them for ages and then there is a passing mention of them (or not) as the case may be.
March 29, 2026
E & D barely even talk.
Everything is narrated / paraphrased whenever something happens between them and i was so dissatisfied. Darcy's relationship with Mr. Bennet and other Bennets was sweet, but sometime felt a little bit unbelievable that Darcy would say something like that to them, but it was mostly fine.
Everything is narrated / paraphrased whenever something happens between them and i was so dissatisfied. Darcy's relationship with Mr. Bennet and other Bennets was sweet, but sometime felt a little bit unbelievable that Darcy would say something like that to them, but it was mostly fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
This just the sought of book I like long and satisfying .I read the other reviews and obviously I disagree with them. I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story and I found a few Lol moments . The relationship between Darcy and Mr Bennett was really funny in places.
November 17, 2025
Adore this Author
Love this book. It does start out with the death if Mrs Bennett. Who knew this would be such a catalyst for major changes. Liked how much Mr Bennett loved and missed his wife. The character development after the loss is really interesting!
Love this book. It does start out with the death if Mrs Bennett. Who knew this would be such a catalyst for major changes. Liked how much Mr Bennett loved and missed his wife. The character development after the loss is really interesting!
December 8, 2019
It was a really good story although at some times it felt too long.
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