What do you think?
Rate this book
Mrs. Collins' Lover
Elizabeth Bennet was raised with a strong belief and faith in God's plan for her life. She knew He had a plan, even if the details were hidden from her. But, when placed in an untenable situation, she turned instead to the arms of a man to find brief moments of joy. Finally, when able to realize the happiness which was always intended for her, the weight of her guilt over her past sins convinces her of her unworthiness. Only through reconciliation with the Lover of her soul can she truly fulfill the life He planned for her. But first, she must forgive herself in order to find redemption.
Remember: In order to be redeemed, there must be sin. This story is intended for mature audiences.
Trigger Warning: There are incidents of abuse in this story.
Remember: In order to be redeemed, there must be sin. This story is intended for mature audiences.
Trigger Warning: There are incidents of abuse in this story.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2019
29 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Bronwen Chisholm
11 books35 followersBronwen Chisholm was raised in Central Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sisters. Though she was not introduced to Jane Austen's work until later in life, she grew up reading the Bronte sisters, Gone With the Wind, and other classics as well as watching vintage Hollywood movies. Her love of books and literature almost led her to a career as a librarian. Instead, life and love carried her to Virginia where she took a position as a state employee and began raising her family.
As her children grew and became involved in their own interests, Bronwen returned to her love of the written word. No longer content to simply read it, she began writing. Though the first attempts ended up on a shelf for now, she would not be discouraged. Deciding to set aside her Women's Fiction and Suspense Romance for a time, she finally became a published author with her Pride and Prejudice Alternatives. Bronwen was thrilled with the acceptance of her first offering, The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella. She takes great pleasure in searching for potential "plot twists" and finding the way back to a happy ending. Her current work is told entirely from Georgiana Darcy's point of view and has been well received.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, and she is currently serving as the Vice President of The Riverside Writers.
For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.wordpress.com.
As her children grew and became involved in their own interests, Bronwen returned to her love of the written word. No longer content to simply read it, she began writing. Though the first attempts ended up on a shelf for now, she would not be discouraged. Deciding to set aside her Women's Fiction and Suspense Romance for a time, she finally became a published author with her Pride and Prejudice Alternatives. Bronwen was thrilled with the acceptance of her first offering, The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella. She takes great pleasure in searching for potential "plot twists" and finding the way back to a happy ending. Her current work is told entirely from Georgiana Darcy's point of view and has been well received.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, and she is currently serving as the Vice President of The Riverside Writers.
For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.wordpress.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 15, 2019
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
Trigger Warning: There are incidents of emotional and physical abuse. Sexual abuse is implied but not described, although the physical results ARE described. There is graphic sexual content in the context of adultery.
My rating has to do with the execution of this plot rather than the story itself. I think the premise is admirable, though I know it's not an appealing one. The idea of Elizabeth becoming Mrs. Collins is a non-starter for some readers, and the concept that she and Darcy would enter into an adulterous relationship is even more distasteful. However, from what I know about life in the Regency era, this is probably more apt to have happened to a young woman in Elizabeth’s situation than the delightful Cinderella story that Jane Austen imagined for her.
Mr. Bennet has a serious illness and almost dies, forcing him to recognize he must take steps to secure the future of his family. He can tell that Mr. Collins is reprehensible, but one of his daughters MUST marry him. And it must be Elizabeth, the only one with the knowledge and backbone to protect the estate and its tenants from the next master of Longbourn. Elizabeth reluctantly agrees but insists on Mr. Bennet taking control of Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty, which he does. Mr. Wickham’s storyline is also dispatched very early.
The focus of this variation is Elizabeth’s life with Mr. Collins, which is even worse than she expected. He cuts her off from her family, demands unquestioning obedience to his unreasonable dictates, and his word is law...or there are consequences. He's verbally and occasionally physically abusive, blaming her when she isn't pregnant (his abuse extends to the bedroom).
By the time Darcy comes to Rosings at Easter, Elizabeth is miserable and virtually a shell of the woman she was in Hertfordshire. Darcy, who already regrets not having pursued her when he was at Netherfield, is unable to stay away even though she’s married. They converse during her early morning walks, slowly leading her to realize she misjudged him. Considering that their time together is the only relief from her wretchedness, it’s not surprising that eventually they both succumb to temptation and begin a long-lasting affair. As Elizabeth says, she must lose either her heart (by separating from Darcy) or her soul (by getting closer to him). For her own mental health, she’s compelled to choose the latter.
There’s a lot of Scripture and prayer here. Mr. Collins wields it like a weapon, while Elizabeth and Darcy use it for solace and self-correction. Especially in view of the era, it would be reasonable for Elizabeth to believe that she’s damned for her actions. For the reader, her self-castigation seems excessive. Mr. Collins’ treatment of Elizabeth is so un-Biblical that he obviously broke his marriage vows long before Darcy showed up in Kent, and Darcy cherishes her as if she’s HIS bride.
The book is super-angsty for both Elizabeth and Darcy. It’s a tough read up to almost two-thirds of the way through, and even after that Elizabeth struggles under a heavy load of guilt for a long while.
I'm not certain why Charlotte and Jane are both made into unsympathetic characters. Charlotte disappears from the book early, so her sour attitude isn't relevant even though it's made clear that she wanted to marry Mr. Collins and resents Elizabeth. In Jane's case, she begins as sweet and forgiving as in canon but suddenly gets all nasty and judgmental with no apparent cause (her inability to bear a child isn't a logical reason), then reverts back to sweetness without any intervention that I could discern.
The writing itself is good, but there are editing-type errors sprinkled throughout.
Unfortunately, it drags. In general, there are many unnecessary scenes that could easily be deleted. There are too many showing the horror of being married to Mr. Collins long after it’s been well established and too many detailing clandestine rendezvous between Elizabeth and Darcy. Other scenes should have been cut because they have no impact on the underlying story. Parts of other scenes have irrelevant details. I struggled to stay interested because these issues bog the story down. Better content editing would have made this a far more compelling read.
Trigger Warning: There are incidents of emotional and physical abuse. Sexual abuse is implied but not described, although the physical results ARE described. There is graphic sexual content in the context of adultery.
My rating has to do with the execution of this plot rather than the story itself. I think the premise is admirable, though I know it's not an appealing one. The idea of Elizabeth becoming Mrs. Collins is a non-starter for some readers, and the concept that she and Darcy would enter into an adulterous relationship is even more distasteful. However, from what I know about life in the Regency era, this is probably more apt to have happened to a young woman in Elizabeth’s situation than the delightful Cinderella story that Jane Austen imagined for her.
Mr. Bennet has a serious illness and almost dies, forcing him to recognize he must take steps to secure the future of his family. He can tell that Mr. Collins is reprehensible, but one of his daughters MUST marry him. And it must be Elizabeth, the only one with the knowledge and backbone to protect the estate and its tenants from the next master of Longbourn. Elizabeth reluctantly agrees but insists on Mr. Bennet taking control of Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty, which he does. Mr. Wickham’s storyline is also dispatched very early.
The focus of this variation is Elizabeth’s life with Mr. Collins, which is even worse than she expected. He cuts her off from her family, demands unquestioning obedience to his unreasonable dictates, and his word is law...or there are consequences. He's verbally and occasionally physically abusive, blaming her when she isn't pregnant (his abuse extends to the bedroom).
By the time Darcy comes to Rosings at Easter, Elizabeth is miserable and virtually a shell of the woman she was in Hertfordshire. Darcy, who already regrets not having pursued her when he was at Netherfield, is unable to stay away even though she’s married. They converse during her early morning walks, slowly leading her to realize she misjudged him. Considering that their time together is the only relief from her wretchedness, it’s not surprising that eventually they both succumb to temptation and begin a long-lasting affair. As Elizabeth says, she must lose either her heart (by separating from Darcy) or her soul (by getting closer to him). For her own mental health, she’s compelled to choose the latter.
There’s a lot of Scripture and prayer here. Mr. Collins wields it like a weapon, while Elizabeth and Darcy use it for solace and self-correction. Especially in view of the era, it would be reasonable for Elizabeth to believe that she’s damned for her actions. For the reader, her self-castigation seems excessive. Mr. Collins’ treatment of Elizabeth is so un-Biblical that he obviously broke his marriage vows long before Darcy showed up in Kent, and Darcy cherishes her as if she’s HIS bride.
The book is super-angsty for both Elizabeth and Darcy. It’s a tough read up to almost two-thirds of the way through, and even after that Elizabeth struggles under a heavy load of guilt for a long while.
I'm not certain why Charlotte and Jane are both made into unsympathetic characters. Charlotte disappears from the book early, so her sour attitude isn't relevant even though it's made clear that she wanted to marry Mr. Collins and resents Elizabeth. In Jane's case, she begins as sweet and forgiving as in canon but suddenly gets all nasty and judgmental with no apparent cause (her inability to bear a child isn't a logical reason), then reverts back to sweetness without any intervention that I could discern.
The writing itself is good, but there are editing-type errors sprinkled throughout.
Unfortunately, it drags. In general, there are many unnecessary scenes that could easily be deleted. There are too many showing the horror of being married to Mr. Collins long after it’s been well established and too many detailing clandestine rendezvous between Elizabeth and Darcy. Other scenes should have been cut because they have no impact on the underlying story. Parts of other scenes have irrelevant details. I struggled to stay interested because these issues bog the story down. Better content editing would have made this a far more compelling read.
July 11, 2020
July, 2020:
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
This book is quite a dilemma for me: I loved it, and sometimes I didn't.
First, technical stuff - It's well-written, although I think there was too much of it. A heavy-handed editor probably could have tightened up the pacing a bit so that it didn't drag in sections (I ended up skimming some.) Grammar is generally good. Language is more modern than not, so people who are rigid about that kind of thing will be irritated (I wasn't irritated.)
That this story is allegorical of modern American Christianity is the primary source of my like and dislike of the book.
In fan fiction, sometimes (often) characters can become charicatures - not so here. These seem like real people. In the first 1/2 to 2/3rds of the book, Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine and to some extent even Jane (Bennet) Bingley, represent the false prophets of the "prosperity gospel" (think Joel Osteen) and those segments of evangelical Christianity that get caught up in punishing (perceived) sinners (think Mike Pence, Franklin Graham, et al.) What is ignored in the Gospel according to these folks is Jesus' message of love, redemption, charity and compassion, in favor of rigid adherence to a false morality code created by people as a means of control and not discussed in the parables. In this book, Elizabeth's story arc is like a portrayal of Mary Magdalene, and Mary Bennet is something of an Apostle - proclaiming the good news of love and redemption. (For what it's worth, I rarely pick up on the subtleties of allegory, so for me to have picked the allegory up at all may indicate it being rather heavy-handed.)
I struggle with those that call themselves Christians today because of the hypocrisy and betrayal of the actions of Christ. I tend to balk at Bible study, believing it's a method of indoctrination into the bastardized message that turns a message of redemption available to all into a judgmental moral code aimed at controlling the lives of people in the name of Jesus. So, to me, all the bible text in the book was a huge turnoff. I was resentful of being led into reading large swathes of Scripture in the context of the backdrop of Pride and Prejudice . . . and yet the author led us to a place of love in doing so. I'm left with feelings of ambivalence. (Please pay attention to the definition of ambivalence before you criticize my feelings or perspective: the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.) I will say this: I appreciate being led toward my ambivalence as it is not a state in which many are comfortable - many folks like the world in stark terms of either/or, light/dark.
To many that do not identify as Christian or have no background in Christian doctrine or the New Testament, this book may be beyond you, or not interesting or captivating. I kept thinking of my ethnically Jewish and atheist spouse (who was raised without any religion as her parents forbade it), for whom the concept of faith is challenging. We go to visit museums, churches and synagogues all over Europe and the art has no meaning for her. She can appreciate it's beauty and the technical skill of the artist, but does not see the message in the paintings - it has no depth for her. (Perhaps it's no surprise that she also loves the art of many of the Dutch masters (who had a market for non-biblical art), impressionists, modern, abstract and pop art.) Luckily, my spouse wouldn't be caught dead reading any fan fiction of any kind, so this is not an issue for her specifically. And yet, I thought of all those who are like her in their education and absence of knowledge of Christian ideology and faith, and I wondered if they would find any depth in this novel or whether it would just be a love story with some mysticism thrown in. Perhaps they will focus on the love story and skip over the Biblical passages. If you see yourself in this category, you may want to take that into consideration in your decision whether or not to read it. For those people, I will be interested in your feedback about the book if you decide to attempt it.
I am giving the book a high rating in the context of my ambivalence about the book, probably out of gratitude to the author for her portrayal of faith in a manner that resonated for me personally.
This is probably the longest review I've written, and I hope there are at least a few for whom it is helpful in their own contemplation of the book.
I have recently been made aware that this author is part of the Austen Authors Facebook group. That group removed a post by one of its authors about including a diversity of characters in JAFF. The group claims that a discussion of inclusion violates its commitment to “neutrality” in social issues. My contention is that if they aren’t even willing to post this as a topic for discussion, they are making white supremacy their neutral position. I’m deeply saddened that this author has made the decision to stay in the group, and feel that readers have a right to know before they spend their money.
This book is quite a dilemma for me: I loved it, and sometimes I didn't.
First, technical stuff - It's well-written, although I think there was too much of it. A heavy-handed editor probably could have tightened up the pacing a bit so that it didn't drag in sections (I ended up skimming some.) Grammar is generally good. Language is more modern than not, so people who are rigid about that kind of thing will be irritated (I wasn't irritated.)
That this story is allegorical of modern American Christianity is the primary source of my like and dislike of the book.
In fan fiction, sometimes (often) characters can become charicatures - not so here. These seem like real people. In the first 1/2 to 2/3rds of the book, Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine and to some extent even Jane (Bennet) Bingley, represent the false prophets of the "prosperity gospel" (think Joel Osteen) and those segments of evangelical Christianity that get caught up in punishing (perceived) sinners (think Mike Pence, Franklin Graham, et al.) What is ignored in the Gospel according to these folks is Jesus' message of love, redemption, charity and compassion, in favor of rigid adherence to a false morality code created by people as a means of control and not discussed in the parables. In this book, Elizabeth's story arc is like a portrayal of Mary Magdalene, and Mary Bennet is something of an Apostle - proclaiming the good news of love and redemption. (For what it's worth, I rarely pick up on the subtleties of allegory, so for me to have picked the allegory up at all may indicate it being rather heavy-handed.)
I struggle with those that call themselves Christians today because of the hypocrisy and betrayal of the actions of Christ. I tend to balk at Bible study, believing it's a method of indoctrination into the bastardized message that turns a message of redemption available to all into a judgmental moral code aimed at controlling the lives of people in the name of Jesus. So, to me, all the bible text in the book was a huge turnoff. I was resentful of being led into reading large swathes of Scripture in the context of the backdrop of Pride and Prejudice . . . and yet the author led us to a place of love in doing so. I'm left with feelings of ambivalence. (Please pay attention to the definition of ambivalence before you criticize my feelings or perspective: the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.) I will say this: I appreciate being led toward my ambivalence as it is not a state in which many are comfortable - many folks like the world in stark terms of either/or, light/dark.
To many that do not identify as Christian or have no background in Christian doctrine or the New Testament, this book may be beyond you, or not interesting or captivating. I kept thinking of my ethnically Jewish and atheist spouse (who was raised without any religion as her parents forbade it), for whom the concept of faith is challenging. We go to visit museums, churches and synagogues all over Europe and the art has no meaning for her. She can appreciate it's beauty and the technical skill of the artist, but does not see the message in the paintings - it has no depth for her. (Perhaps it's no surprise that she also loves the art of many of the Dutch masters (who had a market for non-biblical art), impressionists, modern, abstract and pop art.) Luckily, my spouse wouldn't be caught dead reading any fan fiction of any kind, so this is not an issue for her specifically. And yet, I thought of all those who are like her in their education and absence of knowledge of Christian ideology and faith, and I wondered if they would find any depth in this novel or whether it would just be a love story with some mysticism thrown in. Perhaps they will focus on the love story and skip over the Biblical passages. If you see yourself in this category, you may want to take that into consideration in your decision whether or not to read it. For those people, I will be interested in your feedback about the book if you decide to attempt it.
I am giving the book a high rating in the context of my ambivalence about the book, probably out of gratitude to the author for her portrayal of faith in a manner that resonated for me personally.
This is probably the longest review I've written, and I hope there are at least a few for whom it is helpful in their own contemplation of the book.
August 24, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I won this book in a blog tour raffle. It is a longer story and well written, IMHO. There are just a few minor errors.
I hated Mr. Bennet in this book. I would have a very difficult time having anything to do with him EVER after, if I were in Elizabeth's shoes. Then when you read how she is both emotionally abused and degraded by Collins and Lady C. plus physically abused by Collins in both, for example, how he grabs and bruised her elbow daily and taunts her with a visit from Jane to get her compliance in only one instance and then every Saturday night basically rapes her so badly that she can barely walk the next day but must do so as it is Sunday and she MUST attend church you have to have "not-such-Christian" thoughts about both the man and Lady C.
Then how it is worked out for Elizabeth and Darcy to have time alone together is very creative.
Darcy meets her in Kent during morning walks and they soon find themselves opening up to each other although it is Darcy who first tells how he felt for her back in Meryton. Soon the chemistry between them cannot be denied.
They have the help of friends...one who is forbidden by Lady C. but Elizabeth is able to manipulate being allowed that one friend who, in turn, we discover is a friend of Colonel Fitzwilliam, under whom her deceased husband served. Elizabeth does outwit Collins at times but her victories are many times then turned against her. SPOILER: Even when she does have a child, the babe's behavior is held against her by Collins who expects a perfectly behaved human being - not fussing, no messy clothes, etc. End of SPOILER
The author obviously is well versed in scripture as she quotes it often; sometimes it is Collins using it to show reasons Elizabeth must obey and act in a certain way and at other times it is Elizabeth and/or Darcy who are calling up their own relationship with GOD. Thankfully the author does show a merciful GOD although several Bennet sisters have thoughts about family members being punished for E.'s behavior or thoughts about what he wants us to do. I loved Mary's actions and words with Elizabeth but had trouble with Jane's hints.
Darcy's and Elizabeth's feelings for each other and even then their affair are not well kept secrets. Even Mr. Bennet had thoughts at the beginning of the book about Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth. Darcy later has regrets about his lack of immediate action on his feelings even when reassured by Elizabeth that the situation she found herself in would not have been different if he had.
Despite this sinful situation ODC participate in there are many happy moments and even wonderful results. Elizabeth is seen as a very loving and caring person who relates to servants, parishioners, etc. as a kind and concerned human being. I found myself cheering her finally telling Collins how she rebelled against him even though it was not the best moment in which to do so. (God wants us to love those who hate us but how many of us are truly able to do that?) Collins' actions towards Elizabeth are by far worse than he treats his servants.
Anne de Bourgh has a heart of gold in this story. I would have wished better health for her.
There are happy endings for more than just ODC. I will admit that I had reservations about reading this story: I hate to read about rape in books and also hate the idea that Elizabeth ever marries Collins. I don't know that I would have read it if I had not won it in a raffle. However if the end result is all a reader cares about then I will say this story brings it all together in a well developed tale.
I won this book in a blog tour raffle. It is a longer story and well written, IMHO. There are just a few minor errors.
I hated Mr. Bennet in this book. I would have a very difficult time having anything to do with him EVER after, if I were in Elizabeth's shoes. Then when you read how she is both emotionally abused and degraded by Collins and Lady C. plus physically abused by Collins in both, for example, how he grabs and bruised her elbow daily and taunts her with a visit from Jane to get her compliance in only one instance and then every Saturday night basically rapes her so badly that she can barely walk the next day but must do so as it is Sunday and she MUST attend church you have to have "not-such-Christian" thoughts about both the man and Lady C.
Then how it is worked out for Elizabeth and Darcy to have time alone together is very creative.
Darcy meets her in Kent during morning walks and they soon find themselves opening up to each other although it is Darcy who first tells how he felt for her back in Meryton. Soon the chemistry between them cannot be denied.
They have the help of friends...one who is forbidden by Lady C. but Elizabeth is able to manipulate being allowed that one friend who, in turn, we discover is a friend of Colonel Fitzwilliam, under whom her deceased husband served. Elizabeth does outwit Collins at times but her victories are many times then turned against her. SPOILER: Even when she does have a child, the babe's behavior is held against her by Collins who expects a perfectly behaved human being - not fussing, no messy clothes, etc. End of SPOILER
The author obviously is well versed in scripture as she quotes it often; sometimes it is Collins using it to show reasons Elizabeth must obey and act in a certain way and at other times it is Elizabeth and/or Darcy who are calling up their own relationship with GOD. Thankfully the author does show a merciful GOD although several Bennet sisters have thoughts about family members being punished for E.'s behavior or thoughts about what he wants us to do. I loved Mary's actions and words with Elizabeth but had trouble with Jane's hints.
Darcy's and Elizabeth's feelings for each other and even then their affair are not well kept secrets. Even Mr. Bennet had thoughts at the beginning of the book about Darcy's feelings for Elizabeth. Darcy later has regrets about his lack of immediate action on his feelings even when reassured by Elizabeth that the situation she found herself in would not have been different if he had.
Despite this sinful situation ODC participate in there are many happy moments and even wonderful results. Elizabeth is seen as a very loving and caring person who relates to servants, parishioners, etc. as a kind and concerned human being. I found myself cheering her finally telling Collins how she rebelled against him even though it was not the best moment in which to do so. (God wants us to love those who hate us but how many of us are truly able to do that?) Collins' actions towards Elizabeth are by far worse than he treats his servants.
Anne de Bourgh has a heart of gold in this story. I would have wished better health for her.
There are happy endings for more than just ODC. I will admit that I had reservations about reading this story: I hate to read about rape in books and also hate the idea that Elizabeth ever marries Collins. I don't know that I would have read it if I had not won it in a raffle. However if the end result is all a reader cares about then I will say this story brings it all together in a well developed tale.
August 6, 2019
Mature audience warning. Trigger warning-domestic violence; physical and mental. Adultery warning.
That said, this was heartwrenchingly beautiful, angsty in extreme. Heartbreaking. Elizabeth is forced to marry Mr. Collins by her father to save her mother and sisters. In this Darcy and Elizabeth story, Darcy is the most devoted, dangerously risk-taking friend and lover to Elizabeth, sighing and swooning (for the reader) as a father-figure to her little boy.
A brow-beaten from both Collins and Lady Catherine (who got off lightly IMHO) Elizabeth. She is truly treated awfully and unjustly and with seemingly nowhere to turn, until she meets a local healer who befriends her. She also is befriended by Anne de Bourgh, and therefore has at least some support system. But she is kept from her family by Collins, who intercepts her letters-incoming and outgoing, keeping them until the news is old, and making it look like she no longer cares for them. And she's told she will not be allowed a visit from any of her sisters until she has behaved and been submissive to him and Lady C. for some unspecified length of time and for an unspecified standard of behavior. She has been cowered and abused. Is it any wonder that E. eventually comes to treasure the friendship offered by Darcy when he approaches her in a meadow at Rosings with apologies and regrets. And then further comforts her, and eventually convinces her he loves her still, now and wants her. It is painful. It is heart-in-the-throat fear of the risk of discovery of their meetings.
I'm going to spoil things if I go further with the plot. I so badly wanted to shake Mr. Bennet, Jane Bennet (well HER I wanted to slap up side the head!) (more than once!) There are some true heroines in this story, all of them favorites but Mary, I just wanted to hug again and again. Chisholm's writing is lovely.
I mention the following because it's one of the things that offend some people. In the last 3rd of the book Elizabeth has a lot of guilt to get over and through. Again, my heroine Mary. There are faith based overtones that heal the relationship Darcy and Elizabeth have, as they wait through the appropriate mourning period, that eventually brings them through the guilt for an unfettered happiness in their future together. That HEA is worth the angst.
That said, this was heartwrenchingly beautiful, angsty in extreme. Heartbreaking. Elizabeth is forced to marry Mr. Collins by her father to save her mother and sisters. In this Darcy and Elizabeth story, Darcy is the most devoted, dangerously risk-taking friend and lover to Elizabeth, sighing and swooning (for the reader) as a father-figure to her little boy.
A brow-beaten from both Collins and Lady Catherine (who got off lightly IMHO) Elizabeth. She is truly treated awfully and unjustly and with seemingly nowhere to turn, until she meets a local healer who befriends her. She also is befriended by Anne de Bourgh, and therefore has at least some support system. But she is kept from her family by Collins, who intercepts her letters-incoming and outgoing, keeping them until the news is old, and making it look like she no longer cares for them. And she's told she will not be allowed a visit from any of her sisters until she has behaved and been submissive to him and Lady C. for some unspecified length of time and for an unspecified standard of behavior. She has been cowered and abused. Is it any wonder that E. eventually comes to treasure the friendship offered by Darcy when he approaches her in a meadow at Rosings with apologies and regrets. And then further comforts her, and eventually convinces her he loves her still, now and wants her. It is painful. It is heart-in-the-throat fear of the risk of discovery of their meetings.
I'm going to spoil things if I go further with the plot. I so badly wanted to shake Mr. Bennet, Jane Bennet (well HER I wanted to slap up side the head!) (more than once!) There are some true heroines in this story, all of them favorites but Mary, I just wanted to hug again and again. Chisholm's writing is lovely.
I mention the following because it's one of the things that offend some people. In the last 3rd of the book Elizabeth has a lot of guilt to get over and through. Again, my heroine Mary. There are faith based overtones that heal the relationship Darcy and Elizabeth have, as they wait through the appropriate mourning period, that eventually brings them through the guilt for an unfettered happiness in their future together. That HEA is worth the angst.
July 10, 2020
Angst, your name is Mrs. Collins
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because of superior writing.
I did not enjoy the section about the awful life Lizzy had with Mr. Collins. I hate to read about ANY person being treated like Lizzy was. Which is why I thought the story being less than 5 stars. Everything else about the book was excellent.
I recommend the book.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because of superior writing.
I did not enjoy the section about the awful life Lizzy had with Mr. Collins. I hate to read about ANY person being treated like Lizzy was. Which is why I thought the story being less than 5 stars. Everything else about the book was excellent.
I recommend the book.
May 13, 2023
This is not a Lizzy you know. She is nothing like the Elizabeth from canon!
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
That is the “real” Elizabeth Bennet!
This character is totally changed from canon! She would have run away before being forced to marry the repulsive Mr Collins.
Even if persuaded by her father to marry him for the good of her sisters she would never have allowed Collins to abuse her every Saturday night!
The temperament of this faux character who is in tears on near every page of the book is more what we might expect of Mary. Certainly after she is abused and raped she is a frightened mild mannered mouse. With no resemblance of Elizabeth Bennet! Understandably she easily falls into sin and by the end of her marriage,
she becomes religious and self flagellates herself daily.
Multiple use of scriptures shows the author's religious slant.
Most everybody is a disappointment especially Mr Bennet and the self righteous older sister!
The overly descriptive pages of intimacy was over done and not necessary. Though I like a little spice in my reading, this was overkill.
Be warned this is a hard read. It may be advisable to skip this one!
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
That is the “real” Elizabeth Bennet!
This character is totally changed from canon! She would have run away before being forced to marry the repulsive Mr Collins.
Even if persuaded by her father to marry him for the good of her sisters she would never have allowed Collins to abuse her every Saturday night!
The temperament of this faux character who is in tears on near every page of the book is more what we might expect of Mary. Certainly after she is abused and raped she is a frightened mild mannered mouse. With no resemblance of Elizabeth Bennet! Understandably she easily falls into sin and by the end of her marriage,
she becomes religious and self flagellates herself daily.
Multiple use of scriptures shows the author's religious slant.
Most everybody is a disappointment especially Mr Bennet and the self righteous older sister!
The overly descriptive pages of intimacy was over done and not necessary. Though I like a little spice in my reading, this was overkill.
Be warned this is a hard read. It may be advisable to skip this one!
October 14, 2021
At times heartbreaking
Definitely a non-canon P&P variation. A rather emotional page turner which broke my heart at times. I was surprised that all the servants everywhere were so supportive and didn’t gossip. Colonel Fitzwilliam arranging a place for rendezvous and then then voicing caution seemed a bit contradictory. Having said that, the love story aspect was very good. I did find myself tearing up a few times. Jane was disappointing at first. Mary was good. Moments with the son were sweet. It’s well-written but with some proofreading errors (wrong use of some words). Recommended if you don’t mind mature content.
Definitely a non-canon P&P variation. A rather emotional page turner which broke my heart at times. I was surprised that all the servants everywhere were so supportive and didn’t gossip. Colonel Fitzwilliam arranging a place for rendezvous and then then voicing caution seemed a bit contradictory. Having said that, the love story aspect was very good. I did find myself tearing up a few times. Jane was disappointing at first. Mary was good. Moments with the son were sweet. It’s well-written but with some proofreading errors (wrong use of some words). Recommended if you don’t mind mature content.
August 31, 2019
This is a book that I purchased because there was a quote I wanted to share and you can’t do that in samples. Admittedly probably not the best reason for purchasing something. FYI this book isn’t clean or chaste.
I also want to explain my low rating or what made me angry: When an author writes an off canon P&P what if that takes our characters far and away from JA’s story that is wonderful. However when an author then uses canon as a ‘Ohh look what could’ve happened, nudge nudge wink wink know what I mean?’ They only prove that they have read the source material, or have seen a movie. To quote Miss Bingley “But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.”
It annoys me so much I decided to deduct a FULL star every time an author does it. And in this story that resulted in a 3 Star deduction. The author has Hill telling Lizzy she thought Mr. Darcy would offer for her. Now how would Hill know this? Darcy never even called at Longbourn. Lizzy saw him at the assembly, at Lucas Lodge, at Netherfield when Jane was sick and at the Ball at Netherfield. Hill may have heard rumors on the servant network but 2 or 3 public conversations and one dance do not a courtship make. Then Lizzy says she would have refused him, now this Lizzy has just spent a week weeping over her lot in life but she dislikes Darcy? Is she daft? Now you could argue she is angry and Angry people are not always wise.
Later the scene with Lizzy and Charlotte is flipped with Charlotte calling out Lizzy for her change of heart about marrying for love and Charlotte says “If you had rejected him I would have been on that like white on rice (paraphrased)”
Then much later Mr. Collins prophecises that Lizzy’s younger sisters would have run off with Soldiers. And yes that is 4 examples but I am being incredibly generous by combining Lizzy & Hill into one occurrence.
I am putting the remainder of my rant / review / summation behind spoiler tags
I also want to explain my low rating or what made me angry: When an author writes an off canon P&P what if that takes our characters far and away from JA’s story that is wonderful. However when an author then uses canon as a ‘Ohh look what could’ve happened, nudge nudge wink wink know what I mean?’ They only prove that they have read the source material, or have seen a movie. To quote Miss Bingley “But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art.”
It annoys me so much I decided to deduct a FULL star every time an author does it. And in this story that resulted in a 3 Star deduction. The author has Hill telling Lizzy she thought Mr. Darcy would offer for her. Now how would Hill know this? Darcy never even called at Longbourn. Lizzy saw him at the assembly, at Lucas Lodge, at Netherfield when Jane was sick and at the Ball at Netherfield. Hill may have heard rumors on the servant network but 2 or 3 public conversations and one dance do not a courtship make. Then Lizzy says she would have refused him, now this Lizzy has just spent a week weeping over her lot in life but she dislikes Darcy? Is she daft? Now you could argue she is angry and Angry people are not always wise.
Later the scene with Lizzy and Charlotte is flipped with Charlotte calling out Lizzy for her change of heart about marrying for love and Charlotte says “If you had rejected him I would have been on that like white on rice (paraphrased)”
Then much later Mr. Collins prophecises that Lizzy’s younger sisters would have run off with Soldiers. And yes that is 4 examples but I am being incredibly generous by combining Lizzy & Hill into one occurrence.
I am putting the remainder of my rant / review / summation behind spoiler tags
August 17, 2019
Avid Reader
Mr. Bennet 's decision to forgo Elizabeth 's happiness and life so that her mother and siblings would have a home after his death created pain and chaos for Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth eventually grew to hate her father and Mr. Collins. Instead of a living husband, Elizabeth has a brute who believed that the procreation of children should also be painful. Because of his treatment of her, Anne, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mary, Mr. Darcy 's valet, and Mrs. Genie Martin sanctioned Darcy and Elizabeth 's_affair which produced an heir for Longbourn and a daughter. Their affair began 30% through the book and ended 60% through the book by the time Mr. Collins died due to an accident that left him unable to drink water or take birth because he couldn't swallow. He finally realized that He was at Elizabeth 's mercy. Mrs. Bennet caused Jane a great deal of pain, which she tried to blame on Elizabeth and the behavior of her family instead of facing the truth concerning her own weaknesses. Elizabeth let her know that they didn't serve the same God.
Mr. Bennet 's decision to forgo Elizabeth 's happiness and life so that her mother and siblings would have a home after his death created pain and chaos for Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth eventually grew to hate her father and Mr. Collins. Instead of a living husband, Elizabeth has a brute who believed that the procreation of children should also be painful. Because of his treatment of her, Anne, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mary, Mr. Darcy 's valet, and Mrs. Genie Martin sanctioned Darcy and Elizabeth 's_affair which produced an heir for Longbourn and a daughter. Their affair began 30% through the book and ended 60% through the book by the time Mr. Collins died due to an accident that left him unable to drink water or take birth because he couldn't swallow. He finally realized that He was at Elizabeth 's mercy. Mrs. Bennet caused Jane a great deal of pain, which she tried to blame on Elizabeth and the behavior of her family instead of facing the truth concerning her own weaknesses. Elizabeth let her know that they didn't serve the same God.
August 16, 2019
Sacrifice, Sin and Redemption
This story attempts to explore and reconcile the most awful initial outcomes of alternative choices made possible from Austen's masterwork. A delving "what if" that gathers its plotline by taking those most forbidden and tantilizing characteristics which fascinate a romance reader and allow the imagination to delve into dark territory. A brave exploration by a gutsy and grounded author. I enjoyed it very much. Not perfect in its rationales, but intriguing.
This story attempts to explore and reconcile the most awful initial outcomes of alternative choices made possible from Austen's masterwork. A delving "what if" that gathers its plotline by taking those most forbidden and tantilizing characteristics which fascinate a romance reader and allow the imagination to delve into dark territory. A brave exploration by a gutsy and grounded author. I enjoyed it very much. Not perfect in its rationales, but intriguing.
August 18, 2019
I actually really enjoyed the premise of this book and it kept me reading it just came about way too quickly for me and there were some issues that i just couldn’t get past. First and foremost the set up with the tenant allowing the use of a room in their home for their meetings was bizarre for me. Perhaps this was done back then but it didn’t come about in an organic way and made it seem odd. It was also too rushed when it could have made for an amazing angsty come together scene. Another issue for me was Darcy not seeming to be very interested in his children while they were living with Elizabeth and Collins. He was very calm about this. I just can’t see Darcy accepting his children being under Collins’ roof. Also Jane was absolutely annoying and her character seemed to change personalities frequently. She was hot then she was cold ... she was Elizabeth’s beloved sister then her biggest enemy ... all of which seemed unnecessary to the storyline. 3 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2019
This P&P variations begins just after Mr Bennet has recovered from a serious illness, and Mr Collins is about to arrive. These two situations convince Bennet that it must be Elizabeth who marries Collins. Can Elizabeth's strong Christain beliefs help her in a marriage that she cannot love or respect her husband, and the trials that the marriage brings. Or is Darcy her only saviour.
An interesting well-written variation but I would have loved to have read more about the other Bennet daughters, especially Mary, and how they developed over the years in this story.
An interesting well-written variation but I would have loved to have read more about the other Bennet daughters, especially Mary, and how they developed over the years in this story.
March 31, 2025
This is a very long read but very satisfying although there were lots of bible experts which I felt up to skipping. Some conundrums not solved by the end. Which makes you wonder after you have finished or I did anyway.
September 23, 2020
Wow! What a powerful story! I happen to like tales with a lot of angst, but this one has tons of it that typical Austen readers may have issues with. First, there is violence, physical and mental abuse, sexual content and sexual abuse. Adultery is also a big element of this book, which die hard fans may find offensive. But with that said, I loved this book! I thought the plot and character development was excellent. I always disliked Mr. Collins, but in this book, I truly hated him. Elizabeth is her father's choice as the sacrificial lamb to marry Collins. Following his illness, he realizes that he has done a poor job of providing for his family, so to ensure their security, he writes to Mr. Collins about Elizabeth and convinces her her marry him to protect her family. Prior to the marriage, she can already see that Collins will be controlling and a bully, but after the marriage, Elizabeth finds her husband so much worse than she could have imagined. She becomes a different person.
During Darcy's annual visit to Rosings, he discovers that Elizabeth is now Mrs. Collins and cannot believe the change in her. He regrets that he did not make his feelings known to her while at Netherfield. Knowing that she is now a married woman and he regrets his lost opportunity, Darcy tries to stay away. But Elizabeth's obvious physical abuse and deep sadness draw him to do anything to make her life better. And with Elizabeth's resentment of her father, the isolation from her family, the extreme loneliness, and the abuse, she turns to the one person who brings her happiness. She and Darcy start down a dangerous path and one that while giving them happiness also leaves them filled with guilt and longing. Absolutely a fabulous read!
During Darcy's annual visit to Rosings, he discovers that Elizabeth is now Mrs. Collins and cannot believe the change in her. He regrets that he did not make his feelings known to her while at Netherfield. Knowing that she is now a married woman and he regrets his lost opportunity, Darcy tries to stay away. But Elizabeth's obvious physical abuse and deep sadness draw him to do anything to make her life better. And with Elizabeth's resentment of her father, the isolation from her family, the extreme loneliness, and the abuse, she turns to the one person who brings her happiness. She and Darcy start down a dangerous path and one that while giving them happiness also leaves them filled with guilt and longing. Absolutely a fabulous read!
March 19, 2020
Elizabeth Bennet, a more Godly character than depicted in most variations, has her faith tested and is found to be human.
She is pushed and prodded by her mother and, surprising, her father into marrying William Collins. By agreeing, she becomes the savior of her family. But she sacrifices all those parts of her character and personality we, as the reader, love most. Every day, with every word and action, the teasing, bright woman is diminished by her new husband.
Collins does the usual scraping and bowing to Lady Catherine that we all expect. But in the privacy of his home, he is a controlling, paranoid tyrant. He is equally unloving and more despicable in his treatment of Elizabeth in their marital relations.
Mr. Darcy makes his appearance early on and he is wonderful. Just how I prefer.
The story was well written and plotted. For me, the only flaws were a few sex scenes that were just a little too graphic, though I am sure they were intended to be loving and passionate. I don't usually mind steamy stuff, but in this tale, I wish they had been softer or sweeter or something....but don't worry, there were many wonderful E&D moments throughout.
Regardless of this tiny criticism, I loved the story. An angsty variation that makes me cry and occasionally sob for the plight of my favorite couple was well worth every minute spent reading.
She is pushed and prodded by her mother and, surprising, her father into marrying William Collins. By agreeing, she becomes the savior of her family. But she sacrifices all those parts of her character and personality we, as the reader, love most. Every day, with every word and action, the teasing, bright woman is diminished by her new husband.
Collins does the usual scraping and bowing to Lady Catherine that we all expect. But in the privacy of his home, he is a controlling, paranoid tyrant. He is equally unloving and more despicable in his treatment of Elizabeth in their marital relations.
Mr. Darcy makes his appearance early on and he is wonderful. Just how I prefer.
The story was well written and plotted. For me, the only flaws were a few sex scenes that were just a little too graphic, though I am sure they were intended to be loving and passionate. I don't usually mind steamy stuff, but in this tale, I wish they had been softer or sweeter or something....but don't worry, there were many wonderful E&D moments throughout.
Regardless of this tiny criticism, I loved the story. An angsty variation that makes me cry and occasionally sob for the plight of my favorite couple was well worth every minute spent reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
I can see why those who loved it, loved it truly, and too can I see the other side for those who did not like the premise or how she had children not born of her husband and were Darcy's. The fight with struggling with their faith was not inappropriate for the time period, though some may think it is a lot to read now, and the disapprobation was appropriate from some of the characters. The things I did not like were Jane thinking she was taking on all her family's sins as if their faith did that, and that she hopped into Darcy's bed as he was a "connection to who she was" not with the pronouncement or declaration of love, just lust and connection. I would have expected more was needed. Lady C's nemesis? LOVED her, LOL, and the widow the good Colonel introduced them to (the nemesis' widowed daughter) was fantastic.
June 5, 2025
Headstrong, stubborn, and pride
Bennett illness triggers many horrible decisions. Just in life we make plans and our Lord fixes our mistakes.
This was heartbreaking. The terrible choices she faces and crumbles. I’m surprised by her choices and wish she had fought against it. But the truth and tragedy is for women of her day there were no choices.
This story is well written with faith helping to overcome pride, stubbornness, and guilt. I realize this is a HEA story but in reality Collins would have lived. Darcy and Elizabeth would not have broken vows. It not really ODC but I enjoyed reading this version—I could not put it down.
Warning very explicit but pages can be skipped and still maintain the storyline.
Bennett illness triggers many horrible decisions. Just in life we make plans and our Lord fixes our mistakes.
This was heartbreaking. The terrible choices she faces and crumbles. I’m surprised by her choices and wish she had fought against it. But the truth and tragedy is for women of her day there were no choices.
This story is well written with faith helping to overcome pride, stubbornness, and guilt. I realize this is a HEA story but in reality Collins would have lived. Darcy and Elizabeth would not have broken vows. It not really ODC but I enjoyed reading this version—I could not put it down.
Warning very explicit but pages can be skipped and still maintain the storyline.
October 17, 2025
Very spiritual from a Christian perspective
So if you don't enjoy this type of story, beware. It is very well written in my opinion but there's no action or danger for the characters. It's all internal strife. But while Ms. Austen made this work, I felt as if something was missing. There are a lot of typos. Mr. Collins is a very bad man in this story, so I'm glad there is a warning for those who prefer not to read about abuse. Some of it is indeed difficult reading. Overall I think it is a very good piece of writing, just not for everyone.
So if you don't enjoy this type of story, beware. It is very well written in my opinion but there's no action or danger for the characters. It's all internal strife. But while Ms. Austen made this work, I felt as if something was missing. There are a lot of typos. Mr. Collins is a very bad man in this story, so I'm glad there is a warning for those who prefer not to read about abuse. Some of it is indeed difficult reading. Overall I think it is a very good piece of writing, just not for everyone.
September 26, 2020
Too many quoted passages
It is a good story, but I do not care for so many lines, paragraphs, or pages from other sources be it the original P&P or the Bible. I skimmed sections of the book for that reason. It also seemed to drag a bit. Definitely glad I got it through KU and didn’t purchase a copy.
It is a good story, but I do not care for so many lines, paragraphs, or pages from other sources be it the original P&P or the Bible. I skimmed sections of the book for that reason. It also seemed to drag a bit. Definitely glad I got it through KU and didn’t purchase a copy.
September 6, 2023
Mixed emotions
Mixed emotions thru-out. Mr Collins showed great male dominance, his high opinion of himself and his need to belittle others. under these circumstances, I can't fault someone who faces temptations, for her sins, and her redemption. Praise the Lord for redemption and His love!
Mixed emotions thru-out. Mr Collins showed great male dominance, his high opinion of himself and his need to belittle others. under these circumstances, I can't fault someone who faces temptations, for her sins, and her redemption. Praise the Lord for redemption and His love!
June 20, 2022
A real page-turner!
I gave up a night's sleep because I could not put this one down! The author says it was an emotional roller coaster to write, and it was the same to read it, too.
I gave up a night's sleep because I could not put this one down! The author says it was an emotional roller coaster to write, and it was the same to read it, too.
January 2, 2024
Very Good!!
A genuine epic story that earns it's 5 stars by being gutsy, heart wrenching, Riveting,and very charming. This is a Christian based book, that absolutely does not get preachy.
A genuine epic story that earns it's 5 stars by being gutsy, heart wrenching, Riveting,and very charming. This is a Christian based book, that absolutely does not get preachy.
June 21, 2022
I liked the premise of the story very much and it was well written. I thought the references to Bible verses was a little forced - and sometimes made the story a little choppy. However, I would likely read again and did enjoy.
February 5, 2024
too much religionating
This is an interesting twist on a typical P& P variation; however, there is way too much scripture and preaching in this book.
This is an interesting twist on a typical P& P variation; however, there is way too much scripture and preaching in this book.
Read
June 22, 2024I did not finish this one, therefore I will not rate it. But, it was not my cup of tea.
February 2, 2020
Five stars is not enough!
This book won't appeal to the purists but I loved it. I just didn't want it to end. Definitely the best Darcy book I have read in quite a while. I hate reviews that just repeat the story, so I will just say, don't miss this one.
This book won't appeal to the purists but I loved it. I just didn't want it to end. Definitely the best Darcy book I have read in quite a while. I hate reviews that just repeat the story, so I will just say, don't miss this one.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews