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With My Whole Heart Forever

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In this reimagining of the classic Pride and Prejudice, Netherfield Park is owned by a neglectful landlord; therefore, the estate is never let out. Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s pleasure trip to the Lake District with her aunt and uncle is redirected when they receive an express stating Mrs. Gardiners’ sister and two nephews have fallen ill. The trio proceeds to a farm in Derbyshire to assist the ailing family, on the estate where her aunt grew up, Pemberley. During a walk, Elizabeth happens upon a young lady. A friendship is born, but secrets and heartache surround her new friend. Perhaps Elizabeth will finally meet Ana’s brother, of whom she has heard so much, at Pemberley’s Harvest Ball?

Fitzwilliam Darcy is desperate to help his sister recover from the events at Ramsgate but is at a loss as to how to do so. After she begins to ride every day, she also seems to begin healing. In his state of relief, he does not push for answers as to why. When Ana comes to him excitedly requesting that he make the Harvest Ball a masque, he is so grateful for her interest in something, he agrees.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2020

321 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Wendi Sotis

27 books137 followers
Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. Years ago, while searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since.

The Marriage Pact, and some of her works-in-progress, have branched away to Regency Romance and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries, but Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Lizzy together again and again in an unusual manner.

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5 stars
214 (43%)
4 stars
183 (37%)
3 stars
79 (16%)
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11 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,680 reviews79 followers
April 19, 2020
Excellent way-off-canon variation (though not as far off as some of this author's other works). In this case, Elizabeth meets Darcy's sister long before she meets Darcy for the first time. She and her aunt and uncle Gardiner, who'd all been on their way to a vacation in the Lakes District, change their plans at the last moment when the large family of Mrs. Gardiner's sister desperately needs their assistance. They help keep things running on the Smith's tenant farm, which is part of the Pemberley estate. Mrs. Gardiner nurses her ill sister and two children, Elizabeth cares for the other young children, and Mr. Gardiner helps with the farm work.

Georgiana has been severely depressed since her near elopement with Mr. Wickham (which just happened recently) and Darcy is at his wit's end trying to pull her out of it. She finally starts riding her horse regularly, stopping to sketch the landscape. Elizabeth, on one of her long strolls, encounters "Ana" alone and manages to lift her spirits. The two continue to meet regularly. Ana doesn't want to reveal her identity as a Darcy; Wickham is only the latest incident where she was valued only for her wealth and position instead of for herself. She doesn't even tell her brother, knowing Darcy would insist on meeting her new friend, which would ruin everything.

Although Darcy spotted Elizabeth when she was playing with some tenant children in a cornfield, he doesn't meet her until Pemberley's annual Harvest Party, which Ana has arranged to be a masque this year. The two are instantly attracted to each other but, as usual, Darcy tries to stamp his feelings down, believing he must marry a woman with more wealth and social status. Elizabeth has a favorable impression, having heard so many good things about him from his sister, but she knows she's not of his social sphere and fights against her feelings, too.

Unfortunately, Mr. Wickham also shows up at the masque, making trouble, and he's a threat to the Darcys and Elizabeth all the way to the end of the book.

The story is an imaginative departure from canon that flips the story around, with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy coming to Netherfield in the second half of the book. Even though there are no scenes set in Kent, it's part of the backstory that Elizabeth visited her childhood friend Charlotte Collins and had met Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh there. (Elizabeth had already returned to Longbourn by the time Darcy arrived at Rosings.) Mr. Collins and Lady C do show up in Hertfordshire, and the latter has a particularly satisfying role that affects the outcome of one storyline.

I just loved this. The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth is a delight to read. Wickham's menace builds tension, leading the reader to wonder when and how he'll strike. Elizabeth is perhaps a bit too perfect, but that's pretty common in JAFF. Content is steamy but clean.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,688 reviews201 followers
April 13, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. The author's blurb does give a good introduction to this story.

In this variation Elizabeth is quite caring and intuitive and intelligent, naturally. She has been not only helping with Longbourn's tenants but also helps care for the neglected tenants at Netherfield. The neighborhood landowners are distressed that the absent owner does nothing but collect rents. When one tenant's roof falls down and injures his wife severely it falls to those others landowners to pay for repairs. When they ask for reimbursement, they are ignored...his name: Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth has never met the man, nor have any of her family or neighbors.

Collins has visited and been rejected and has a very severe reaction to that set down. A Mr. Henn seemed interested in Jane but when he offers for another who has a dowry, Mrs. Bennet is more than "nervous". Two daughters - two failures to gain engagements!

The Gardiners then take Elizabeth with them on a trip to Derbyshire. As the blurb tells us, Aunt Gardiner's sister and her two nephews fall ill and the trip is diverted to allow Aunt Gardiner to care for those relations. Elizabeth helps out some but does manages to take her walks during which she comes across and befriends Ana.

And, as described, Georgiana Darcy, having already experienced that disastrous failed elopement with Wickham, has fallen into self recriminating depression. She won't even allow her brother to call her "Georgiana" or "Georgie" as that is what "he" called her.

And so it is again that we read about Elizabeth's using her intuition and her compassion to bring about changes in Ana (as she has elected to be called). We now have a situation in which identities are being kept secret. Ana has not only been shamed upon learning W. only wanted her dowry but has also had experiences in which she belatedly learned her "friends" from school only befriended her in order to meet her brother. So she doesn't trust that her new friend is any different. And thus does not give her surname to Elizabeth.

Darcy and Elizabeth meet at Pemberley's Harvest Ball turned into a masquerade. However, Wickham also shows up and creates a different type of havoc here. Elizabeth thwarts him and earns his enmity. He is not finished and comes into play later on.

The parties come together in Hertfortshire when Darcy learns about the neglect of Netherfield by a "Mr. Darcy" from Elizabeth. His efforts to correct the manner have him visiting to oversee what is being done.

We do have a marriage proposal (not the awful Hunsford one). However, it is rejected for totally new reasons. (That's all I am going to say about that matter.)

Yes, there is a bit of angst. More than one person is in on the plotting and the danger of gossip is ever so real.

A large part of this story is Darcy observing and admiring all of Elizabeth's traits and, of course, fighting with himself about not being able to consider her for a wife.

I enjoyed this story and recommend it to JAFF lovers. I have read this author's other stories and enjoyed them also.
Profile Image for Gail Frisby.
471 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2021
Good Book

Great love story loved Darcy. The villans were very bad. The Bennets were ok in this story, but of course Lydia was her usual silly self. Great ending always love an epilogue!!!
33 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2020
I know I have enjoyed Wendi Sotis’ stories previously, but it has been several years and I honestly can’t remember any of them distinctly. This one started off well. I generally like the concept of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in a different way that changes their first impressions. Unfortunately and counter-intuitively, once the action picked up the story started to drag. No spoilers here, but I felt like there was too much time spent describing the scheme and it’s resolution in great detail. Furthermore, that focus stopped any narrative progress in developing Darcy and Elizabeth’s attachment, which I felt was already lacking a bit. These versions of D & E both admire each other greatly in their inner thoughts, which certainly has a place in the telling of their relationship, but I could have done with a bit less of that in favor of a bit more actual interaction.
1 review
April 15, 2020
Not my favorite from this author

While I have enjoyed other stories by this author, I was disappointed by this book. The story felt rather juvenile. Conflict between the couple was sorely missing. The only issues that nearly came between them were insecurities. Overall it felt rushed, though it was not a short in length.
Profile Image for James S.
1,432 reviews
April 14, 2020
Generally speaking a pretty good book but there are huge inconsistencies in how Darcy and Lizzy are portrayed. For most of the story both characters are intelligent and strong willed. At the end of the story they wallow in self guilt.

Wickham is not the P&P Wickham where his greatest flaw is wanting to marry a rich girl so he can act like many of the aristocracy acts with their wealth. This Wickham is a malevolent force of evil who acts much like a rabid dog. Once again again everyone acts like it’s ok to just dump him in the colonies. This is after he tried to kidnap Lizzy, Georgiana and Lady Catherine. What is to keep him from coming back to England in 15 years and start killing off the Darcy children? He should have been hanged at least and I would have been ok with tying some rocks to him and dumping him into the Thames.

Well written, fun read but irritating in the last 15% of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
655 reviews
May 24, 2020
A pleasure

Before reading a book, I like to read the reviews to see what I am about to commit myself to, so hopefully this review help those that search for these things in reviews. There are certain P&P storylines I try to avoid, so I was happy this one did not contain misunderstandings throughout the book. Elizabeth wasn't annoying, argumentative, judgmental, perfect, immature, or forever doubting Darcy's character at every turn. When I see that type of Elizabeth I usually want Darcy to dump her or marry someone else...sorry. Although she does question her relationship with Darcy during the end, it wasn't drawn out. This is just a nice, sweet read. There was plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth page time. You are able to see their relationship forming unlike some authors that just slap it onto the page and expect us to believe it's love. Georgianna is a major character but it works. Wickham, who I usually try to avoid, is evil, but his character worked as well. There is little of Lady Catherine and just a slight mention of Caroline. All the characters were supporting cast to Darcy and Elizabeth, so there's not a bunch of storylines to follow. I will read again in the future. It's always nice to have this type of book when I need to take a break from more intense versions.
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,188 reviews156 followers
March 10, 2023
I loved this amazing story of the slowly developing relationship between Lizzie and Darcy. Scratch everything you knew about Pride and Prejudice and let yourself enjoy this story.

The Gardiners and Lizzie are traveling when Mrs. Gardiner receives word that her sister and two sons are seriously ill and need help. The Gardiners immediately change directions and go to Pemberley. The sister and her family live in a house on Pemberley grounds. While the Gardiners look after the sick folks, Lizzie is in charge of the children.

18
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,224 reviews60 followers
January 3, 2021
How lovely to see ODC have the chance to get to know each other in a reasonable fashion with out the burden of extreme misunderstandings. Drama definitely ensues, but for once it isn't quite all about ODC.
Georgiana's character is more prominent in this book and Lady C of course, has her moment.

A sweet read, not too angsty, but quite satisfying.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2025
I loved it!

Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand. Includes scenes of violence.

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In this reimagining of the classic Pride and Prejudice, Netherfield Park is owned by a neglectful landlord; therefore, the estate is never let out.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s pleasure trip to the Lake District with her aunt and uncle is redirected when they receive an express stating Mrs. Gardiners’ sister and two nephews have fallen ill. The trio proceeds to a farm in Derbyshire to assist the ailing family, on the estate where her aunt grew up, Pemberley. During a walk, Elizabeth happens upon a young lady. A friendship is born, but secrets and heartache surround her new friend. Perhaps Elizabeth will finally meet Ana’s brother, of whom she has heard so much, at Pemberley’s Harvest Ball?

Fitzwilliam Darcy is desperate to help his sister recover from the events at Ramsgate but is at a loss as to how to do so. After she begins to ride every day, she also seems to begin healing. In his state of relief, he does not push for answers as to why. When Ana comes to him excitedly requesting that he make the Harvest Ball a masque, he is so grateful for her interest in something, he agrees. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
1,190 reviews29 followers
June 1, 2020
Entertaining

Side note: the cover art is beautiful on so many of this author's books, which I understand is done by her husband. Kudos to him for very fine work!

Elizabeth meets Georgiana at Pemberly while staying at a tenant farmhouse on the estate, accompanied by her aunt and uncle Gardiner. Her aunt's sister and children are ill, and Elizabeth and the Gardiners are helping care for them. Elizabeth befriends Georgiana, not knowing she is a Darcy, and also not knowing about Georgiana's recent troubles in Ramsgate. Elizabeth eventually meets Mr Darcy at a masquerade harvest ball, and Wickham chooses that occasion to try and abduct Elizabeth after seeing Darcy dance with her.

I love this author, and have read all of her JAFF that I can get on kindle. She is a talented writer and storyteller, and can be counted on for quality work. It's so delightful to read a story that is written with attention to grammar and correct language usage, and crafted in a logical and believable way. The premise and storyline are lovely, both romantic and suspenseful, if a bit melodramatic. The character of Elizabeth is portrayed as a bit of a wonder woman, and Darcy does fall in love quite quickly, but there are many obstacles to their happiness, and the story kept my interest.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Larissa.
484 reviews14 followers
November 7, 2020

Instead of meeting Mr. Darcy first, Elizabeth meets a recently traumatized Georgiana. Mr. Bingley never let Netherfield so the two had to meet under different circumstances. That was fun, but the whole conflict part of the story kind of dragged. I love these retellings because of how clever they are when manipulating the idea of pride and prejudice, the biggest and most obvious roadblocks in Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship. There weren't any central misunderstandings here, there was a villain and a resolution.

Not to say that books without key villains aren't important. I like it when there's someone who is easy to hate because it makes the other characters easy to love. But for this story it was piled on a little too thick and too often. There were like three schemes by Wickham that were described extensively and just kept going and going. It was a weird angle to take when none of his plans actually came to fruition.

Not bad, an interesting and more original take, but without the drama and misunderstandings I'm looking for. Mr. Darcy isn't as great if he doesn't start off a jerk who realizes the errors of his ways and works to better himself. I know it's cliche to keep looking for that but that's the joy of Jane Austen.


This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
341 reviews
October 9, 2021
Just the right blend of romance and intrigue

This variation gives Georgiana a chance to be a more pivotal character than many I have read. Both her despair and recovery form the backdrop to the relationship of ODC. The missing characters (e.g. Miss Bingley) enable others to be more influential and contribute to the unique setting.

Re the individuals: Darcy seemed like a heavy-handed brother, but it was from his own guilt and love for his sister. Lizzy adjusted well to the unexpected setting, but she adapted in a very practical way; her sneezes at the right time made me smile. The final twist that led to Wickham’s downfall made me laugh.

Writing is excellent with good editing. There were a few instances where it seemed that words such as “to” were omitted or an unexpected verb tense was used, but they were easily overlooked without distracting from immersion in the story.

Highly recommended to JAFF aficionados and non-Austen regency romance fans alike.
Profile Image for Laurann Wilkey.
47 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2020
A lovely clean romantic read

It was a nice change to have Darcy and Elizabeth on good terms for the whole book. After reading so many P&P fan fiction all the angst and ridiculous misunderstandings other authors use to get in their way of an HEA get tiresome. This story was a breath of fresh air. Darcy still has to fight his warped sense of family duty, but other than that you get to see Darcy's and Elizabeth's love for each other grow in a delightful manner. The only couple things I was annoyed about was Elizabeth being portrayed as a horse woman, and the other being the rather ridiculous notion that a common low ranking house maid would know how to read. Overall, very minor annoyances to an otherwise engaging and lovely story.
88 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2020
An engaging read.

With My Whole Heart Together is a lovely story centred around Elizabeth and Darcy. The romance is very sweet with no angst between ODC, so some people might feel they are missing out because they prefer L&ad to come together after an angst ridden journey.

I too like a bit of angst but MWHF is saved from blandness by the antics of one George Wickham who surpasses his canon self for nastiness. Georgiana features heavily throughout the book and it is she Lizzy meets first and becomes very friendly with. Set in Meryton and Derbyshire.

An engaging read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Ana Morgan.
Author 8 books5 followers
April 20, 2020
I loved this story.
Elizabeth Bennet and her family are just as they always have been. Mrs. Bennet is eager to marry her eldest daughters. Mr. Bennet is long-suffering. Jane is beautiful. Elizabeth is outspoken and conscious of the trouble this gets her into.
In this Austin-inspired story, Fitzwilliam Darcy is protective of his sister, who has misplaced her young trust.
I won't reveal the well-written, scheming villain. Suffice it to say I had to keep turning the pages until the end.
58 reviews
April 30, 2020
Clever and seamless

What a wonderful world Ms Sotis has created. Such chemistry and longing were created I was in danger of swooning. The characters were complex and engaging. Plot wonderful and unique. Lose ends tied up nicely and romance throughout. I'm thinking of creating my own "name tree" if just to walk by it and imagine Darcy gazing at me with his hand next to my name. Alas, I fear the smelling salts shall be required after all, *swoon*.
Profile Image for Jeanah.
301 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2021
Exciting

Such a page turner! So many aspects of this P&P variation are unique. I love it when Lizzy is spunky. This book’s Elizabeth is admirable and courageous. I cried and even laughed to tears. The action and suspense filled scenes are so well written that I felt chills. It was as if I was there with them. I literally screamed at my iPad, “Run! Run you stupid girl!” Lol ;)

I look forward to exploring more works from this author.
Profile Image for Alena (Ally) Scott .
491 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2022
Great 'What-if'

Very enjoyable story with well developed characters and thought through storyline. Just enough intrigue to keep you guessing without being too heavy. Wickham was given a determined revenge personality without involving the usual character of Lydia as his intended target and involving minor players was unexpected and interesting.
Enjoyed reading and highly recommend.
49 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2020
Another great read

I totally loved this book. Our dear couple has a happy ever after, but has to go through trials to get there. Once again Wickham rears his head but gets justice in the end. This is just another great book by this author and as always I can't wait for her next about our dear couple.

Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,027 reviews14 followers
September 20, 2020
Definitely a good read from Wendi Sotis. I loved that Elizabeth and Georgiana meet at Pemberly' s woods before she even knows that Georgiana is a Darcy. It is a cute, romantic tale that P & P fans are sure to enjoy.
768 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2023
A dimple, stallion and a butterfly

A dimple, stallion and a butterfly but don't forget the unicorn.

A very nice twist too our dear story.

A bit a angst that is not overwhelming.

And our HEA!
165 reviews
November 21, 2025
With My Whole Heart Forever

Quite a different P&P variation with a lovely cast of characters. Wickam is as wicked as ever, while Lady Catherine is as irascible as ever. Quite lovely indeed!

Profile Image for Terri Conley.
1,020 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2020
I really liked this book from the beginning but I felt the last few chapters lost a bit of steam.
But it is a good story IMO
Profile Image for Michele Packard-milam.
351 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2020
An Excellent Variation!

This is a well-written, flawlessly edited novel. I enjoyed the intrigue of a much worse Wickham paired with a much more amiable Darcy. Definitely recommend!
145 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2020
Different but enjoyable

Enjoyed the slow progression so commonplace with Elizabeth and Darcy. Different circumstances but not too far off the realm of believability. Nicely done.
156 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2021
Wonderfully entertaini

This is my second reading of this story. Never a dull moment, simply a story about Lizzy, Darcy and Ana
and of course the wicked Mr Wickham

Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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