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Madness in Meryton: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Pride & Prejudice meets Groundhog Day... but Elizabeth isn't the only one trapped in this loop....
The ladies from Longbourn and the gentlemen from Netherfield are drawn to Meryton by the excitement of Market Day, setting in motion a series of significant events. That night, the charming Mr. Wickham tells Elizabeth his shocking history with Mr. Darcy, a man who has only given Elizabeth offense since coming to stay with his friend Mr. Bingley at Netherfield.
The next day, the same thing happens again.
And again, the day after that – and so on, for what begins to feel like an eternity. Elizabeth takes increasingly drastic measures to further the budding romance between her beloved sister Jane and their handsome neighbor Mr. Bingley. Along the way, she arranges improvements in the lives of all of her family, in an effort to end the relentless redundancy that only she seems aware of. She soon realizes that her inexplicable dilemma is somehow connected to a certain officer and a certain gentleman of her acquaintance….
Elizabeth must forge unlikely alliances and devote her considerable wit to the task of achieving a perfect day for those she holds dear, while facing familiar Fitzwilliam friends and foes, as well as all the mortification and delight of falling in love.
The ladies from Longbourn and the gentlemen from Netherfield are drawn to Meryton by the excitement of Market Day, setting in motion a series of significant events. That night, the charming Mr. Wickham tells Elizabeth his shocking history with Mr. Darcy, a man who has only given Elizabeth offense since coming to stay with his friend Mr. Bingley at Netherfield.
The next day, the same thing happens again.
And again, the day after that – and so on, for what begins to feel like an eternity. Elizabeth takes increasingly drastic measures to further the budding romance between her beloved sister Jane and their handsome neighbor Mr. Bingley. Along the way, she arranges improvements in the lives of all of her family, in an effort to end the relentless redundancy that only she seems aware of. She soon realizes that her inexplicable dilemma is somehow connected to a certain officer and a certain gentleman of her acquaintance….
Elizabeth must forge unlikely alliances and devote her considerable wit to the task of achieving a perfect day for those she holds dear, while facing familiar Fitzwilliam friends and foes, as well as all the mortification and delight of falling in love.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 17, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
At times this story bogged down for me as with a "groundhog day"-type story many events occurred repeatedly. Emphasis for those who came to realize what was happening in particular was 1.) why was this happening? 2.) was it ever going to end and finally...how to make changes in their lives to have that end occur. They soon came to realize that more than one change had to occur.
The story starts for us reading only that the day happens over and over again for Elizabeth. However, soon she comes to know the Mr. Darcy is also having the same experience. As the story goes on more and more people join in the cycle, some keeping it secret at first. Each is afraid of being considered a candidate for Bedlam.
There are several surprises in those who find romance and I am not going to SPOIL that for you by revealing the pairings. However the biggest twist in the story has to do with George Wickham and involves more than just his relationship with Darcy and/or what happened at Ramsgate.
These couples seemed to change their minds or their attitudes towards each other as the days repeated for them. Does he/she love? Does he/she not? Some broke with proprieties but then shrugged that off.
The author does smack us up side the head with a final reveal in the last few sentences! Didn't see that coming...laughing.
At times this story bogged down for me as with a "groundhog day"-type story many events occurred repeatedly. Emphasis for those who came to realize what was happening in particular was 1.) why was this happening? 2.) was it ever going to end and finally...how to make changes in their lives to have that end occur. They soon came to realize that more than one change had to occur.
The story starts for us reading only that the day happens over and over again for Elizabeth. However, soon she comes to know the Mr. Darcy is also having the same experience. As the story goes on more and more people join in the cycle, some keeping it secret at first. Each is afraid of being considered a candidate for Bedlam.
There are several surprises in those who find romance and I am not going to SPOIL that for you by revealing the pairings. However the biggest twist in the story has to do with George Wickham and involves more than just his relationship with Darcy and/or what happened at Ramsgate.
These couples seemed to change their minds or their attitudes towards each other as the days repeated for them. Does he/she love? Does he/she not? Some broke with proprieties but then shrugged that off.
The author does smack us up side the head with a final reveal in the last few sentences! Didn't see that coming...laughing.
August 19, 2020
I do have a soft spot for paranormal Pride and Prejudice variations, and this is a cute one that starts with Elizabeth Bennet stuck in a Groundhog Day cycle where Market Day repeats itself. As is always the case in this type of story, she tries various methods to change the outcome, thinking eventually she can create the "perfect day" and move on. It takes a while for her to realize that, unlike everyone else, Mr. Darcy doesn't behave consistently each day, and then he drops some hints that suggest he's caught in the same time loop. Ugh! Why does it have to be HIM? she wonders.
What I found highly original is that two others who start out doing the same things every day eventually join them in their repetitive cycle. What do all four have in common? What do they need to do to stop this madness? At times they work together; other times they work against each other, since each has their own ideas of what a "perfect day" would look like.
Yes, it's repetitive, but that's the nature of a Groundhog Day plot. I enjoyed reading all the various attempts to break the cycle, and I could understand the discouragement that sometimes resulted in a character just giving up for a day or more. I especially like the creative storyline given to Mr. Wickham. And I LOVE the unexpected ending. Ms. Bamber's writing style is lovely, as usual.
Content is clean.
What I found highly original is that two others who start out doing the same things every day eventually join them in their repetitive cycle. What do all four have in common? What do they need to do to stop this madness? At times they work together; other times they work against each other, since each has their own ideas of what a "perfect day" would look like.
Yes, it's repetitive, but that's the nature of a Groundhog Day plot. I enjoyed reading all the various attempts to break the cycle, and I could understand the discouragement that sometimes resulted in a character just giving up for a day or more. I especially like the creative storyline given to Mr. Wickham. And I LOVE the unexpected ending. Ms. Bamber's writing style is lovely, as usual.
Content is clean.
August 26, 2020
Rating: Clean with a bit of steam as our couple[s] warmed up to each other and stretched the bounds of propriety… just a bit. Note: this review may contain SPOILERS. I read this through the KU program. [3.5-stars]
As the blurb describes… Elizabeth Bennet is somehow caught in repeating ‘Market Day’ over and over… and over… again. She is determined to find the cause and she’s shocked to discover that she is not alone in her dilemma.
Like the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ our character[s] find themselves repeating the same day. They try various scenarios to determine the exact cause and to find a remedy. This trope is always a difficult one due to the repetition of the same day and the author’s attempt to not put the reader in a coma with the same scene. I liked how Bamber tried to show this day from different angles and although our dear couple crashed and burned many times, there was a strong abiding affection building between them.
What I didn’t like: The Wickham story was very odd and I had trouble wrapping my thoughts around it. I have such a dislike and aversion of this SBRB… em… man that I’m not sure I believe his version of the Georgiana/Ramsgate debacle. His story is not unique, is somewhat believable, and not totally out of the realm of possibility. It is a shocker and not one you see very often.
What I liked: our very own Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. I love this guy and his story was actually more entertaining than that of D&E. I quickly became bored with them [I know] and looked forward to when Richard and his quest were on the page. Who knew? I wonder if this story could have been rewritten from his perspective and the focus was on him? I might like a story from his viewpoint.
The final reveal was not given until the very end and it was a hoot. I didn’t see that coming. What fun.
As the blurb describes… Elizabeth Bennet is somehow caught in repeating ‘Market Day’ over and over… and over… again. She is determined to find the cause and she’s shocked to discover that she is not alone in her dilemma.
Like the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ our character[s] find themselves repeating the same day. They try various scenarios to determine the exact cause and to find a remedy. This trope is always a difficult one due to the repetition of the same day and the author’s attempt to not put the reader in a coma with the same scene. I liked how Bamber tried to show this day from different angles and although our dear couple crashed and burned many times, there was a strong abiding affection building between them.
What I didn’t like: The Wickham story was very odd and I had trouble wrapping my thoughts around it. I have such a dislike and aversion of this SBRB… em… man that I’m not sure I believe his version of the Georgiana/Ramsgate debacle. His story is not unique, is somewhat believable, and not totally out of the realm of possibility. It is a shocker and not one you see very often.
What I liked: our very own Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. I love this guy and his story was actually more entertaining than that of D&E. I quickly became bored with them [I know] and looked forward to when Richard and his quest were on the page. Who knew? I wonder if this story could have been rewritten from his perspective and the focus was on him? I might like a story from his viewpoint.
The final reveal was not given until the very end and it was a hoot. I didn’t see that coming. What fun.
July 31, 2020
Groundhog Day stories are my favourite, I love the idea of the characters being stuck in the the same. But I found this book a little too long, each day was too detailed and
I would have loved if the story was more succinct and more focused on the main couple.
I would have loved if the story was more succinct and more focused on the main couple.
April 13, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I listened on audio-book and the rating is partly for the performance of the dramatization, which I was not a fan of.
This started out very promising. I was enjoying it. Then, it got complicated, then convoluted. Col. F and Miss Bingley were not likable characters and an even less likable couple. Instead of so much time being sent on showing us their pairing, I would have appreciated more seeing ODC actually fall in love. Up until almost the end Darcy didn't seem to know what he wanted.
The best part of the whole book- the last minute!!!
I listened on audio-book and the rating is partly for the performance of the dramatization, which I was not a fan of.
This started out very promising. I was enjoying it. Then, it got complicated, then convoluted. Col. F and Miss Bingley were not likable characters and an even less likable couple. Instead of so much time being sent on showing us their pairing, I would have appreciated more seeing ODC actually fall in love. Up until almost the end Darcy didn't seem to know what he wanted.
The best part of the whole book- the last minute!!!
January 28, 2023
What Happens When Some P&P Characters Discover There Is No Tomorrow?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: It is six days before the Netherfield Ball and Elizabeth Bennet is stuck repeating the same day over and over. And she is not the only one… Believing that the key to escaping this inexplicable loop lies with improving/fixing the relationships/situations of those around them, Elizabeth and her fellow “Groundhoggers” try day after day to solve this intricate puzzle. But what if the solution has more to do with their own relationships with each other?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Clever and Inventive: This is such a fun scenario to implement! And I thought the timing of it and the fact that it involved more than one character very unique. It was interesting to see how this new twist impacted certain relationships and altered the natural progression of the events in P&P. In addition, I enjoyed the mystique behind the strange phenomena of the day repeating – was it caused by something or someone at market day?
- Trapped Together: While Elizabeth was entertaining enough trying to solve this puzzle on her own, things became much more diverting when Elizabeth realized that others were trapped as well. It was interesting to see the new paths these relationships took when these characters were forced to work together and began to see each other in a new light. I especially enjoyed the moments where they would behave either playfully or rashly – since they were knew that tomorrow didn’t exist (at least not yet!).
- Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Bingley: I loved seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam become inveigled in the time loop puzzle. His bluntness and playfulness were great fun to see, but I also loved witnessing him falling in love. It turns out he can be just as ardent as Mr. Darcy! In addition, Caroline Bingley’s evolution in this tale was quite a pleasant surprise. I love that she was still a little prickly, even after putting aside her ambitious and haughty attitude.
- Happy Incidents: Some moments in this story brought unexpected joy – like the amusing scenes where a couple had to “pretend” to be engaged to each other for a day and how our “Groundhoggers” would purposefully provoke or manipulate each other. And some were heart-touching – like seeing Elizabeth focus her attention on one of her more neglected sisters or learning that a very unlikely Bennet won the regard of Georgiana Darcy for the tenderest of reasons. These little touches evoked such warmth and joy into the story.
- A Very Satisfying Ending: All’s well that ends well, and in true Austen and Shakespearean fashion there is an abundance of happy unions coming together. But what I might have loved most was the surprise twist that was revealed just at the very end – pure brilliance!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Pacing: Not sure how much this could be helped, but the first half of the book when the days were repeating in great detail felt a little slow moving and redundant. But this eventually shifted later in the book when new story arcs were introduced and there was more brisk action taking place. I wouldn’t have minded some of the beginning being lop’t and crop’t a little and more page time devoted to the expanded plot towards the end.
- A Lot to Weave In: POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT! Aside from the time loop dilemma and Elizabeth’s experiences repeating the same day, this tale also includes some new histories and twists for the characters from Netherfield and a big new storyline for George Wickham. While I liked the creativity of this new Wickham storyline, it was so involved (and the family tree so intertwined) that it maybe felt like it was just a tad too much or too complex. In addition, it seemed like the George Wickham of the first half of the book was completely incongruous to the George Wickham of the second half. Maybe this storyline deserve its own book.
CONCLUSION:
Full of chaos, capers, and clever twists Madness in Meryton by Jayne Bamber is a most diverting and unique Pride and Prejudice adventure. Readers will love getting caught up in this inexplicable time loop and observing the stirring blend of confusion, strong emotions, comedy and romance in this tale. I recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: It is six days before the Netherfield Ball and Elizabeth Bennet is stuck repeating the same day over and over. And she is not the only one… Believing that the key to escaping this inexplicable loop lies with improving/fixing the relationships/situations of those around them, Elizabeth and her fellow “Groundhoggers” try day after day to solve this intricate puzzle. But what if the solution has more to do with their own relationships with each other?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Clever and Inventive: This is such a fun scenario to implement! And I thought the timing of it and the fact that it involved more than one character very unique. It was interesting to see how this new twist impacted certain relationships and altered the natural progression of the events in P&P. In addition, I enjoyed the mystique behind the strange phenomena of the day repeating – was it caused by something or someone at market day?
- Trapped Together: While Elizabeth was entertaining enough trying to solve this puzzle on her own, things became much more diverting when Elizabeth realized that others were trapped as well. It was interesting to see the new paths these relationships took when these characters were forced to work together and began to see each other in a new light. I especially enjoyed the moments where they would behave either playfully or rashly – since they were knew that tomorrow didn’t exist (at least not yet!).
- Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Bingley: I loved seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam become inveigled in the time loop puzzle. His bluntness and playfulness were great fun to see, but I also loved witnessing him falling in love. It turns out he can be just as ardent as Mr. Darcy! In addition, Caroline Bingley’s evolution in this tale was quite a pleasant surprise. I love that she was still a little prickly, even after putting aside her ambitious and haughty attitude.
- Happy Incidents: Some moments in this story brought unexpected joy – like the amusing scenes where a couple had to “pretend” to be engaged to each other for a day and how our “Groundhoggers” would purposefully provoke or manipulate each other. And some were heart-touching – like seeing Elizabeth focus her attention on one of her more neglected sisters or learning that a very unlikely Bennet won the regard of Georgiana Darcy for the tenderest of reasons. These little touches evoked such warmth and joy into the story.
- A Very Satisfying Ending: All’s well that ends well, and in true Austen and Shakespearean fashion there is an abundance of happy unions coming together. But what I might have loved most was the surprise twist that was revealed just at the very end – pure brilliance!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Pacing: Not sure how much this could be helped, but the first half of the book when the days were repeating in great detail felt a little slow moving and redundant. But this eventually shifted later in the book when new story arcs were introduced and there was more brisk action taking place. I wouldn’t have minded some of the beginning being lop’t and crop’t a little and more page time devoted to the expanded plot towards the end.
- A Lot to Weave In: POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT! Aside from the time loop dilemma and Elizabeth’s experiences repeating the same day, this tale also includes some new histories and twists for the characters from Netherfield and a big new storyline for George Wickham. While I liked the creativity of this new Wickham storyline, it was so involved (and the family tree so intertwined) that it maybe felt like it was just a tad too much or too complex. In addition, it seemed like the George Wickham of the first half of the book was completely incongruous to the George Wickham of the second half. Maybe this storyline deserve its own book.
CONCLUSION:
Full of chaos, capers, and clever twists Madness in Meryton by Jayne Bamber is a most diverting and unique Pride and Prejudice adventure. Readers will love getting caught up in this inexplicable time loop and observing the stirring blend of confusion, strong emotions, comedy and romance in this tale. I recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
July 31, 2020
This book starts out with Elizabeth and Darcy both reliving the same day over and over but they don't find out that they are both experiencing it until Lizzy lets it slip during the card party. Eventually, they are joined by both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline in their plight and we find out that Wickham is not really a bad guy in its story. I really did enjoy that twist ending with Mrs. Bennet and Baba Romilda at the end of the book. It was great.
I recommend reading this book if you are both a fan of Pride and Prejudice and the movie Groundhog Day.
I recommend reading this book if you are both a fan of Pride and Prejudice and the movie Groundhog Day.
August 3, 2020
3.5
This is a good old Groundhog Day trope set in the relative beginning of the Pride and Prejudice timeline (the day Wickham arrives in Meryton). In parts farcical and in parts relatively angsty, it still manages present a fun light and well plotted situational comedy.
I had some pacing issues - the story started dragging in parts and could have done with a good ruthless editor cutting about 80 pages.
The writing quality is good and I enjoyed the authorial voice. Since we have already ventured into a paranormal territory, I won't whine about characters behaving WAY out of sync with Regency social restrictions.
This version of Darcy did not impress me. It was Elizabeth who had to do the bulk of emotional heavy lifting and Darcy did not really come around until the very end. I kept getting mildly irritated with him running the same reasoning in his head in a constant loop.
What I did love, was alternative solutions and views for most of the cast, especially colonel Fitzwilliam, Caroline Bingley and Wickham. Although Wickham and his mother(s) plot line went somewhat off the rails for me.
This is a good old Groundhog Day trope set in the relative beginning of the Pride and Prejudice timeline (the day Wickham arrives in Meryton). In parts farcical and in parts relatively angsty, it still manages present a fun light and well plotted situational comedy.
I had some pacing issues - the story started dragging in parts and could have done with a good ruthless editor cutting about 80 pages.
The writing quality is good and I enjoyed the authorial voice. Since we have already ventured into a paranormal territory, I won't whine about characters behaving WAY out of sync with Regency social restrictions.
This version of Darcy did not impress me. It was Elizabeth who had to do the bulk of emotional heavy lifting and Darcy did not really come around until the very end. I kept getting mildly irritated with him running the same reasoning in his head in a constant loop.
What I did love, was alternative solutions and views for most of the cast, especially colonel Fitzwilliam, Caroline Bingley and Wickham. Although Wickham and his mother(s) plot line went somewhat off the rails for me.
May 4, 2022
This is a low angst and no villain story. It is a "Groundhog day" type of story but without the humour. The storyline was very different and was handled well. The way the resolution is brought about is interesting and the surprising twists to the plot are good. Interesting read.
November 15, 2020
This is a story of one day repeating itself over and over again... I've read a couple of great variations using this idea. This book is a little different as more than person is stuck on this loop. We start with Elizabeth going to the market, meeting Wickham, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. There is an invitation to a card party. Elizabeth finds out each day how her actions affect the outcome but gets increasingly frustrated until she realises she is not the only person stuck on Wednesday! We get plenty of time with Darcy and Elizabeth as they work together to find out how Wednesday has to go if Thursday is to arrive.... although both seem to miss they are on the right track when their actions put one other person on the loop, and then his actions add another.
This is a really long book and I wondered where we'd be going with it initially as Lizzy was getting her day repeated. It felt like it was going to be a very long book! But once Darcy gets involved things pick up and i enjoyed seeing them work together. The colonel takes a great role too. We have a different Wickham story which was an interesting take and a total change of personality for Caroline Bingley- which I didn't really like. I'm always a bit suspicious when she's nice and generally enjoy disliking her.
This is a story thats good fun, a good idea and offers something a bit different to other stories with a similar idea. The reason why the day is repeating itself doesn't really become clear until the end. Overall I enjoyed it and it held my interest right till the end.
This is a really long book and I wondered where we'd be going with it initially as Lizzy was getting her day repeated. It felt like it was going to be a very long book! But once Darcy gets involved things pick up and i enjoyed seeing them work together. The colonel takes a great role too. We have a different Wickham story which was an interesting take and a total change of personality for Caroline Bingley- which I didn't really like. I'm always a bit suspicious when she's nice and generally enjoy disliking her.
This is a story thats good fun, a good idea and offers something a bit different to other stories with a similar idea. The reason why the day is repeating itself doesn't really become clear until the end. Overall I enjoyed it and it held my interest right till the end.
March 19, 2025
3,5 Stars.
The book started to drag on in the middle. I usually like groundhog day premise but like I said, it dragged on.
And the twists? I don‘t know if I like some of the twists.
Well, Wickham redeemed, apparently (!)..
And Darcy, one moment he said he couldn‘t pursue Elizabeth because of the connections and all, the next she‘s friendzoned but then few pages later they are finally engaged for real? What about the connections? 🤷♀️
The book started to drag on in the middle. I usually like groundhog day premise but like I said, it dragged on.
And the twists? I don‘t know if I like some of the twists.
Well, Wickham redeemed, apparently (!)..
And Darcy, one moment he said he couldn‘t pursue Elizabeth because of the connections and all, the next she‘s friendzoned but then few pages later they are finally engaged for real? What about the connections? 🤷♀️
October 18, 2020
The beginning of this P&P variation was on track to be at least a four, possibly a five-star read for me. I was so entertained, engrossed, amused... I have read other Groundhog Day / Pride and Prejudice mashups and this was by far the best one.
I predicted the repeating days , but when it was revealed, I still smiled so huge and almost clapped my hands like a big idiot I was so pleased with how this was going.
There began to be too many anachronisms, which probably lost the first star for me. Gentlewomen saying 'damn and blast' and cursing, is the first one that springs to mind, but there were others, and even a few American sounding turns of phrase.
Next there were small character inconsistencies, like virgin women acting like they knew how to kiss and seduce men, when they wouldn't have even seen it done to mimic it, and Wickham, who began as Austen's Wickham (still trying to lie about Darcy to gain sympathy, still lecherous) and became someone simply misunderstood, a wronged party, and a gentleman.
About halfway through the book, I felt like we'd left Austen's P&P far behind and I was no longer enchanted by this supernatural and witty retelling, but immersed in a novel that felt barely regency anymore.
Caroline Bingley keeps shimmying out of windows attached to knotted bed sheets - Caroline! - as if that is the easiest thing in the world to do from a second-storey window without assault course training and the upper body strength of someone in the military! She's a regency lady who lifts nothing heavier than an embroidery hoop, because she has servants to fetch and carry everything. How did she not plummet to her death?!
There's a whole intrigue involving people from the past and the Fitzwilliam family, which I found boring. It felt like it was simply included in order to give everyone in the story a shiny, whitewashed history and eradicate any villains, which was annoying.
To have a happy ending, I don't need George Wickham and Caroline Bingley to be out in the P&P universe somewhere being lovely people, and changing their characters so much from canon feels like marching muddy boots all over Austen's beloved work.
I know others won't mind those changes so much, but to me, altering the events at Ramsgate and changing Caroline to be Lizzy's new best friend, both made me feel like I was in the Twilight Zone rather than Groundhog Day P&P and I did not enjoy it.
And the last thing that lost the second star for me, was Darcy. In P&P, Darcy had the same interactions with Elizabeth Bennet - except for the disastrous dance at the Netherfield Ball - as before the beginning of this story, yet by the time he sees her again in Hunsford he is already ready to propose. So why, when he and Elizabeth have spent so much more time together in this book,, is he still such an immovable idiot on the point of their supposed incompatibility?
There is a scene near the end, which takes place in Netherfield library, and it felt like it was written by a completely different author, with melodrama and tears that came from nowhere, and all the subtlety from the earlier chapters of the book was gone.
Probably as a result, the conclusion did nothing for me. I was not elated that Darcy and Elizabeth got their happy ending, I was happier that I was done with the book, and after such a truly magnificent start to a JAFF, that was disappointing.
I'm being extremely harsh as usual, it is only that the beginning of this book was so brilliant, that I felt disappointed and let down by the later stuff as a result. I'm sure this will hit the spot for many JAFF readers, however, and now that I know the ending, I may re-read this in the future to enjoy the beginning with less high expectations for the rest.
I predicted the repeating days , but when it was revealed, I still smiled so huge and almost clapped my hands like a big idiot I was so pleased with how this was going.
There began to be too many anachronisms, which probably lost the first star for me. Gentlewomen saying 'damn and blast' and cursing, is the first one that springs to mind, but there were others, and even a few American sounding turns of phrase.
Next there were small character inconsistencies, like virgin women acting like they knew how to kiss and seduce men, when they wouldn't have even seen it done to mimic it, and Wickham, who began as Austen's Wickham (still trying to lie about Darcy to gain sympathy, still lecherous) and became someone simply misunderstood, a wronged party, and a gentleman.
About halfway through the book, I felt like we'd left Austen's P&P far behind and I was no longer enchanted by this supernatural and witty retelling, but immersed in a novel that felt barely regency anymore.
Caroline Bingley keeps shimmying out of windows attached to knotted bed sheets - Caroline! - as if that is the easiest thing in the world to do from a second-storey window without assault course training and the upper body strength of someone in the military! She's a regency lady who lifts nothing heavier than an embroidery hoop, because she has servants to fetch and carry everything. How did she not plummet to her death?!
There's a whole intrigue involving people from the past and the Fitzwilliam family, which I found boring. It felt like it was simply included in order to give everyone in the story a shiny, whitewashed history and eradicate any villains, which was annoying.
To have a happy ending, I don't need George Wickham and Caroline Bingley to be out in the P&P universe somewhere being lovely people, and changing their characters so much from canon feels like marching muddy boots all over Austen's beloved work.
I know others won't mind those changes so much, but to me, altering the events at Ramsgate and changing Caroline to be Lizzy's new best friend, both made me feel like I was in the Twilight Zone rather than Groundhog Day P&P and I did not enjoy it.
And the last thing that lost the second star for me, was Darcy. In P&P, Darcy had the same interactions with Elizabeth Bennet - except for the disastrous dance at the Netherfield Ball - as before the beginning of this story, yet by the time he sees her again in Hunsford he is already ready to propose. So why, when he and Elizabeth have spent so much more time together in this book,, is he still such an immovable idiot on the point of their supposed incompatibility?
There is a scene near the end, which takes place in Netherfield library, and it felt like it was written by a completely different author, with melodrama and tears that came from nowhere, and all the subtlety from the earlier chapters of the book was gone.
Probably as a result, the conclusion did nothing for me. I was not elated that Darcy and Elizabeth got their happy ending, I was happier that I was done with the book, and after such a truly magnificent start to a JAFF, that was disappointing.
I'm being extremely harsh as usual, it is only that the beginning of this book was so brilliant, that I felt disappointed and let down by the later stuff as a result. I'm sure this will hit the spot for many JAFF readers, however, and now that I know the ending, I may re-read this in the future to enjoy the beginning with less high expectations for the rest.
August 21, 2020
Madness in Meryton is a Groundhog Day sort of book. Elizabeth is reliving the day that she and her sisters all walk to Meryton with Mr Collins. Just like the classic movie, she relives day after day trying to figure out how to break the cycle. She slowly discovers that others (hint hint) are in the same situation and ends up with a group of people working to solve the mystery.
There were some parts that are dawn out longer than necessary. It has a very fun revelation at the very end as many couples find their happily ever after - even some unusual ones.
There were some parts that are dawn out longer than necessary. It has a very fun revelation at the very end as many couples find their happily ever after - even some unusual ones.
August 9, 2020
I LOVE the Groundhog day trope and this one was good but it didn't fully rise to the occasion.
Usually the plot in this kind of story spans through a meaningful amount of time, months and sometimes even years, here it was about three weeks from beginning to conclusion, wich meant the characters weren't desperate enough for my taste.
Also they decided that the resolution to their problem (a perfect day) way to fast and with no help or indication from Baba Romilda. Why and how would they arrive to that conclusion?
The last third of the book dragged a bit, and the whole was nonsense, it felt like an an obstacle just for the sake of it. I really enjoyed this Caroline, she was funny and endearing and the ending was brilliant.
Usually the plot in this kind of story spans through a meaningful amount of time, months and sometimes even years, here it was about three weeks from beginning to conclusion, wich meant the characters weren't desperate enough for my taste.
Also they decided that the resolution to their problem (a perfect day) way to fast and with no help or indication from Baba Romilda. Why and how would they arrive to that conclusion?
The last third of the book dragged a bit, and the whole was nonsense, it felt like an an obstacle just for the sake of it. I really enjoyed this Caroline, she was funny and endearing and the ending was brilliant.
August 19, 2020
Entertaining
I thought that I would be giving this book five stars, as it started out delightfully. The idea of a "Groundhog Day" - like story, of repeating the same day over and over, is not new, but is incorporated here nicely into the world and characters of P&P. The little mysterious twists, and the surprising discoveries that eventually link Elizabeth and Darcy, are well played and kept my interest, at least for awhile.
Jayne Bamber is a fine writer and storyteller. The plot and characters are developed well, but I felt that the story could have been condensed somewhat. In particular, the relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy becomes confusing and tedious. In a day that is repeating over and over, their feelings for each other become better understood, and although they like each other, one day is passion and closeness, another is regret and avoidance, another is outright hostility, another is just tolerance, ad nauseam. It was giving me a headache.
There is another subplot involving Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Bingley, of all people. This pairing had absolutely no chemistry, because of Caroline's incessant bitchiness, and was also tedious and confusing. I really didn't want our sweet Colonel saddled with this awful woman.
The resolution to the repeating day was cute and clever, even though it was extremely contrived. The surprise twist at the very end was, I felt, awful, and it kind of killed the charm for me. It really made me despise the woman responsible for all of that suffering, both of them, actually. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.
I thought that I would be giving this book five stars, as it started out delightfully. The idea of a "Groundhog Day" - like story, of repeating the same day over and over, is not new, but is incorporated here nicely into the world and characters of P&P. The little mysterious twists, and the surprising discoveries that eventually link Elizabeth and Darcy, are well played and kept my interest, at least for awhile.
Jayne Bamber is a fine writer and storyteller. The plot and characters are developed well, but I felt that the story could have been condensed somewhat. In particular, the relationship of Elizabeth and Darcy becomes confusing and tedious. In a day that is repeating over and over, their feelings for each other become better understood, and although they like each other, one day is passion and closeness, another is regret and avoidance, another is outright hostility, another is just tolerance, ad nauseam. It was giving me a headache.
There is another subplot involving Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Bingley, of all people. This pairing had absolutely no chemistry, because of Caroline's incessant bitchiness, and was also tedious and confusing. I really didn't want our sweet Colonel saddled with this awful woman.
The resolution to the repeating day was cute and clever, even though it was extremely contrived. The surprise twist at the very end was, I felt, awful, and it kind of killed the charm for me. It really made me despise the woman responsible for all of that suffering, both of them, actually. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with reservations.
June 3, 2022
Meryton's Madness
It was at the very end of this delightful story that we find out how it truly began. I laughed out loud at Jayne Bamber's cleverness.
It all starts on Wednesday, November 20th at Market Day in Meryton. This story is a Pride and Prejudice meets Groundhog Day. Poor Elizabeth keeps reliving the same day over and over again. She makes small adjustments to each day hoping that November 21st will begin. But you will need to read the novel to know if she is alone in this endeavor or has help to end the madness.
I encourage others to give it a try.
It was at the very end of this delightful story that we find out how it truly began. I laughed out loud at Jayne Bamber's cleverness.
It all starts on Wednesday, November 20th at Market Day in Meryton. This story is a Pride and Prejudice meets Groundhog Day. Poor Elizabeth keeps reliving the same day over and over again. She makes small adjustments to each day hoping that November 21st will begin. But you will need to read the novel to know if she is alone in this endeavor or has help to end the madness.
I encourage others to give it a try.
May 27, 2024
A clever plot
This is one of the best "groundhog day" scenarios I've read. The many iterations of the day are well-written and novel. I found Colonel Fitzwilliam's romance to be quite superficial despite enjoying the interactions in that relationship. The HEA gives a new meaning to "all in the family"!
This is one of the best "groundhog day" scenarios I've read. The many iterations of the day are well-written and novel. I found Colonel Fitzwilliam's romance to be quite superficial despite enjoying the interactions in that relationship. The HEA gives a new meaning to "all in the family"!
August 31, 2020
I haven't enjoyed a variation this much is a VERY long time!
Well-written, clever, joyful, tasteful and compelling, ai simply couldn't love this more! I may even have a few new favorite pairings! Wonderfully done!
Well-written, clever, joyful, tasteful and compelling, ai simply couldn't love this more! I may even have a few new favorite pairings! Wonderfully done!
March 17, 2023
Мені подобається троп часової петлі, і тут він вплетений дуже класно. Починається з того, що Елізабет переживає ярмарковий день — день першої зустрічі з Вікгемом — знову і знову. Усі щоразу поводяться однаково. Усі, крім містера Дарсі.
Окремий плюсик за полковника Фіцвільяма і Керолайн. Після всіх варіацій я починаю любити Керолайн :)
Окремий плюсик за полковника Фіцвільяма і Керолайн. Після всіх варіацій я починаю любити Керолайн :)
June 18, 2022
It got a little bogged down in the middle, & it was perhaps a little over long. I still throughly enjoyed it.
August 29, 2020
This book started off with such promise. I enjoy the “Groundhog Day” stories & I loved the first twist of discovering that both Darcy & Elizabeth were both reliving the day. That is a new twist for me that was very clever. After the discovery that they were both sharing the same dilemma, I was a little confused & disappointed in the way they proceeded. They did eventually agree to work together, but I felt their actions in trying to make sense of and solve the problem was a bit strange, inconsistent, non-productive and frustrating. The story was felt a bit disjointed to me as instead of a steady and consistent progression towards a resolution, we kept going back and forth, hot and cold and I honestly expected more from two people who are known for being intelligent. As the story continues, I felt the waters kept getting more and more muddied with too many side stories that were irrelevant and not compelling (Caroline & Richard/Wickham) as well as some things that didn’t make much sense to me (the Hursts and the whole hooha of the big daily quarrel- I still don’t get the point of that). The story had too many things going on at the same time which made it way too long and dragged out and I became really bored. There were enough things to enjoy that I did finish the book and I was interested enough to care how it ended. The Mrs. Bennet twist At the end in the epilogue was clever and explained the first couples dilemma, but didn’t see how it had anything to do with couple #2.
Overall, the concept of this book was fantastic. There were many things to be enjoyed. I feel like the ideas could have been better executed and the content cut down significantly to make it more enjoyable.
Overall, the concept of this book was fantastic. There were many things to be enjoyed. I feel like the ideas could have been better executed and the content cut down significantly to make it more enjoyable.
October 24, 2023
3/5 - Disappointing Groundhog Day
Usually, I love a good Groundhog Day story, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
First of all, Lizzy and Darcy were really hot and cold. Their moods were a bit erratic, and I couldn't always follow why they acted the way they did.
Secondly, this story falls into a pet peeve of mine, which is that it turns everyone into a good guy. All of the characters get sympathy, and there are no bad guys in the end. Boring.
Also, the pace lags at times.
I liked the beginning ok, but by 50% or so, I was struggling not to dnf it.
Usually, I love a good Groundhog Day story, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
First of all, Lizzy and Darcy were really hot and cold. Their moods were a bit erratic, and I couldn't always follow why they acted the way they did.
Secondly, this story falls into a pet peeve of mine, which is that it turns everyone into a good guy. All of the characters get sympathy, and there are no bad guys in the end. Boring.
Also, the pace lags at times.
I liked the beginning ok, but by 50% or so, I was struggling not to dnf it.
September 12, 2020
This is so good! It's a Pride and Prejudice variation that is also kind of a "Groundhog Day" cycle, in which our dear couple is trapped in a repeating Market Day, Wednesday, 20 November, 1812, the day on which George Wickham appears in Meryton, about to join the militia.
Lizzy wakes up to her sister Mary's elbow in her face. She's been sharing a bed with Mary since her return from Netherfield, because Jane has been recovering from her cold. Later Lizzy accompanies her family and Mr. Collins into Meryton. It's Market Day, and she is happy to see Baba Romilda, a Romani woman who brings trinkets from London to Meryton. Lizzy speaks to Mr. Darcy, who is there to select a gift for his sister, and she purchases a necklace for herself. Soon afterward, the oak tree in the center of the square is struck by lightning. But everyone gets over the shock soon enough, and the day progresses. We learn most of this from Lizzy and Jane discussing the day that evening in their room.
But the next morning, Lizzy wakens again to Mary's elbow in her face, even though she went to sleep in her own room, and she soon realizes that everyone else thinks it's Market Day again. Soon she is caught up in the belief that either she is going mad, or something is very odd about the passage of time. She's stuck in Market Day. Later she learns from some hints he drops that Mr. Darcy is also stuck in time.
The story continues, and goes on rather a long while, with our dear couple sorting out what they must need to do to get things back to normal. There's lots of mystery, romance, humor, and surprises about the characters we think we know from P&P. If it seems that the repetition would get to you, let me tell you, each Market Day is unique. There is rarely a dull moment, and in spite of two characters' stubborn fixation on certain things they think they need or want or are duty-bound to do, by the end everyone is sorted. This is all very romantic, while at times hilarious, and I love the changes the characters go through, either in themselves, or in how others perceive them. The only one who doesn't change that much is Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I love him, in this story, just the way he is.
Lizzy wakes up to her sister Mary's elbow in her face. She's been sharing a bed with Mary since her return from Netherfield, because Jane has been recovering from her cold. Later Lizzy accompanies her family and Mr. Collins into Meryton. It's Market Day, and she is happy to see Baba Romilda, a Romani woman who brings trinkets from London to Meryton. Lizzy speaks to Mr. Darcy, who is there to select a gift for his sister, and she purchases a necklace for herself. Soon afterward, the oak tree in the center of the square is struck by lightning. But everyone gets over the shock soon enough, and the day progresses. We learn most of this from Lizzy and Jane discussing the day that evening in their room.
But the next morning, Lizzy wakens again to Mary's elbow in her face, even though she went to sleep in her own room, and she soon realizes that everyone else thinks it's Market Day again. Soon she is caught up in the belief that either she is going mad, or something is very odd about the passage of time. She's stuck in Market Day. Later she learns from some hints he drops that Mr. Darcy is also stuck in time.
The story continues, and goes on rather a long while, with our dear couple sorting out what they must need to do to get things back to normal. There's lots of mystery, romance, humor, and surprises about the characters we think we know from P&P. If it seems that the repetition would get to you, let me tell you, each Market Day is unique. There is rarely a dull moment, and in spite of two characters' stubborn fixation on certain things they think they need or want or are duty-bound to do, by the end everyone is sorted. This is all very romantic, while at times hilarious, and I love the changes the characters go through, either in themselves, or in how others perceive them. The only one who doesn't change that much is Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I love him, in this story, just the way he is.
July 6, 2022
I adore this story!
It's a time loop story a la Groundhog Day, due to not an unknown supernatural phenomenon, but rather gypsy magic. Low angst, despite Darcy being Darcy to the end, with quite a few surprise twists that are delightful. Everyone's character is improved. Well, almost everyone.
It's a story told from 4 POVs mainly: Elizabeth, Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Caroline.
I'm not sure what surprised me the most: that, contrary to the first impression it wasn't just Elizabeth trapped in a time loop, that Colonel Fitzwilliam was presented as pining for Caroline, Hurst's accusations towards Darcy, the depth that was given to Caroline (making her quite likeable actually, and a friend to Lizzy), the revelation about Wickham maybe not being as bad as always assumed with a twist to his own backstory, or the way Georgiana takes so instantly to the Bennet family that she's over the moon at Mrs Bennet telling her she can call her Mama!
It's a delight to see our heroes try to figure out how to escape the loop, failures and successes alike. It may take a while and clues as subtle as a brick from the mysterious gypsy for them to figure things out, but they do manage it. That this process leads to character growth on everyone's parts, even the people not stuck in the loop, is only natural and just.
Not gonna lie, this might be my favourite Caroline characterisation yet! It definitely sold me on the Caroline/Colonel Fitzwilliam pairing!
My favourite part of the story was the very last scene with its completely unexpected twist! (And no, for all that I mentioned other spoilers in this review, this is one spoiler I'll refrain from mentioning.)
Definitely a story worth re-reading many times!
(My one complaint is the lack of the Colonel's older brother. If he's even mentioned it must have been fleetingly enough that I have no memory of it. And considering the surprise revelations about the Earl's family, he should be there, and the lack of it grates a bit.)
It's a time loop story a la Groundhog Day, due to not an unknown supernatural phenomenon, but rather gypsy magic. Low angst, despite Darcy being Darcy to the end, with quite a few surprise twists that are delightful. Everyone's character is improved. Well, almost everyone.
It's a story told from 4 POVs mainly: Elizabeth, Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Caroline.
I'm not sure what surprised me the most: that, contrary to the first impression it wasn't just Elizabeth trapped in a time loop, that Colonel Fitzwilliam was presented as pining for Caroline, Hurst's accusations towards Darcy, the depth that was given to Caroline (making her quite likeable actually, and a friend to Lizzy), the revelation about Wickham maybe not being as bad as always assumed with a twist to his own backstory, or the way Georgiana takes so instantly to the Bennet family that she's over the moon at Mrs Bennet telling her she can call her Mama!
It's a delight to see our heroes try to figure out how to escape the loop, failures and successes alike. It may take a while and clues as subtle as a brick from the mysterious gypsy for them to figure things out, but they do manage it. That this process leads to character growth on everyone's parts, even the people not stuck in the loop, is only natural and just.
Not gonna lie, this might be my favourite Caroline characterisation yet! It definitely sold me on the Caroline/Colonel Fitzwilliam pairing!
My favourite part of the story was the very last scene with its completely unexpected twist! (And no, for all that I mentioned other spoilers in this review, this is one spoiler I'll refrain from mentioning.)
Definitely a story worth re-reading many times!
(My one complaint is the lack of the Colonel's older brother. If he's even mentioned it must have been fleetingly enough that I have no memory of it. And considering the surprise revelations about the Earl's family, he should be there, and the lack of it grates a bit.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
3.5 stars
It’s absolutely no secret that I love me a good timeloop trope. Watching different authors reinterpret and reinvent certain days and wielding the repetition with forethought and intent is always a treat, and so far, this is no exception.
So basically, if there’s a Groundhog Day trope involved, I can’t seem to refrain from picking the book up.
A week into the cycle of Market Day, we get to see the groundwork be laid, and how Lizzy’s actions alter the flow of events she knows to be true from the first run through of November twentieth.
However, this all started to get to be a bit much at around the 60% mark. Because this was so very long. Tedious even. The twist on the time loop and the incorporation of Richard and Caroline was definitely interesting, but I think with the way they were incorporated and the length of the novel that had already occurred not, it felt strange. I really didn’t need their involvement to the degree that they were involved because Caroline especially had this complete turnabout of character and I was not interested because it didn’t feel genuine at all.
The explanation for the Groundhog Day situation was not what I wanted it to be in that it wasn’t fully explored which I understand since the focus was merely escaping the time loop. But the magical Romani woman whose name escapes me who was connected to the strange business arrangement with a certain matchmaking mama reveal at the end wasn’t enough for me.
It’s absolutely no secret that I love me a good timeloop trope. Watching different authors reinterpret and reinvent certain days and wielding the repetition with forethought and intent is always a treat, and so far, this is no exception.
So basically, if there’s a Groundhog Day trope involved, I can’t seem to refrain from picking the book up.
A week into the cycle of Market Day, we get to see the groundwork be laid, and how Lizzy’s actions alter the flow of events she knows to be true from the first run through of November twentieth.
However, this all started to get to be a bit much at around the 60% mark. Because this was so very long. Tedious even. The twist on the time loop and the incorporation of Richard and Caroline was definitely interesting, but I think with the way they were incorporated and the length of the novel that had already occurred not, it felt strange. I really didn’t need their involvement to the degree that they were involved because Caroline especially had this complete turnabout of character and I was not interested because it didn’t feel genuine at all.
The explanation for the Groundhog Day situation was not what I wanted it to be in that it wasn’t fully explored which I understand since the focus was merely escaping the time loop. But the magical Romani woman whose name escapes me who was connected to the strange business arrangement with a certain matchmaking mama reveal at the end wasn’t enough for me.
July 18, 2023
More Like 4.5
Clever. Emotionally honest and astute. Most are not perfect, nor evil. Entertaining, even 'chuckle out loud,' dialogue. Story is 'shown, not told.'
'Groundhog Day' scenarios are often a little forced. And as required by the trope, those reliving the day must take some action to amend the course of the day for time to flow correctly again. This one has a much more honest and natural flow. The fatigue and frustration of repetition are more honestly and intricately dealt with. I like that characters have days of, 'Screw it! Nothing matters. I'm going to rest and regroup/indulge my whims/take out my frustrations/be as angry as I want.'
My only exception , taking off half a star, is I am not sure I like part of the Wickham plotline. In this, he never means to elope with Georgiana. I think it would have been more interesting if that part of his intention had been per canon. The used choice blunts his character, making him more 2 dimensional, in contrast to the characters around him.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Clever. Emotionally honest and astute. Most are not perfect, nor evil. Entertaining, even 'chuckle out loud,' dialogue. Story is 'shown, not told.'
'Groundhog Day' scenarios are often a little forced. And as required by the trope, those reliving the day must take some action to amend the course of the day for time to flow correctly again. This one has a much more honest and natural flow. The fatigue and frustration of repetition are more honestly and intricately dealt with. I like that characters have days of, 'Screw it! Nothing matters. I'm going to rest and regroup/indulge my whims/take out my frustrations/be as angry as I want.'
My only exception , taking off half a star, is I am not sure I like part of the Wickham plotline. In this, he never means to elope with Georgiana. I think it would have been more interesting if that part of his intention had been per canon. The used choice blunts his character, making him more 2 dimensional, in contrast to the characters around him.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
August 20, 2020
To say that this book is full of surprises in a massive understatement. It's Groundhog Day on steroids! Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is really the star, the hero, the man who saves the day, and he is hilarious. I can't count the times I had to stifle my laugh while reading late at night, so as not to wake up the neighborhood. Richard does get help from Elizabeth in solving all the problems and, later, from an unexpected source. But Darcy, who usually takes charge in difficult situations, is generally clueless in this variation, and constantly needs pushing, prodding, and convincing to do what is needed. I found Col. Fitzwilliam far more appealing.
This variation is clever and well-written, with only a few errors in the first 3/4 of the book. Then there's kind of an avalanche of typos and grammatical errors in the last 25% of the book. But it was so enjoyable that I didn't take any stars off for it. Highly recommended. It goes on my reread list.
This variation is clever and well-written, with only a few errors in the first 3/4 of the book. Then there's kind of an avalanche of typos and grammatical errors in the last 25% of the book. But it was so enjoyable that I didn't take any stars off for it. Highly recommended. It goes on my reread list.
August 28, 2023
Perfectly pleasant P&P variation. Never seen a groundhog’s day take before, so that was new in a niche that can get repetitive. Also a different take on George Wickham that I was not mad about. For this reason this story has set up (at the very end and not a plot point that has any bearing on this story) the possibility of a Mary Bennet/George Wickham pairing. I have to give the author props, because the way she set it up seems perfectly plausible to me. The writing isn’t bad, and there weren’t any anachronisms that I noticed, but I would probably have scored it higher if the narrative voice had sounded more like Austen. I couldn’t tell you exactly why it doesn’t, but I’ve read other variations where it’s spot on. Regardless though, a cute and unique take on one of literature’s favorite stories.
August 13, 2020
This story fell into the trap of the groundhog day plot of becoming repetitive and boring. The author didn't choose the repeated day very wisely - the day Darcy and Wickham see each other in Meryton and Mrs Philips holds a card party, not a day that had anything particularly dramatic occur and so having this repeated over and over was just tedious. The groundhog day trope should be fun but there was not much fun to be had in this version.
I can see how the author tried to put a twist on the normal trope, but I don't think it was successful. It needed to be more focused on the narrative and on the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, rather than attempting to tell lots of stories at once. Elizabeth was not very likeable and I wasn't really eager to see her get a happy ending.
I also really didn't like the changes to the Wickham plot, . It makes no sense and felt really forced.
I can see how the author tried to put a twist on the normal trope, but I don't think it was successful. It needed to be more focused on the narrative and on the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, rather than attempting to tell lots of stories at once. Elizabeth was not very likeable and I wasn't really eager to see her get a happy ending.
I also really didn't like the changes to the Wickham plot, . It makes no sense and felt really forced.
October 20, 2022
Never in the years that I have read JAFF did I think a Groundhog Day version would be the most delightful of reads, but that is the most wonderful thing about the authors of JAFF! It was not only wonderful, but it was amusing in the extreme, it was hilarious in parts, serious in others, and a book I will delight in picking up again! There are so many moving parts to this story that it makes the author stand out in how she kept each of the balls spinning in the air, each thread brought to such a conclusion, and in this story, the one pair I would never have been able to allow in my thoughts was not only acceptable, but I was thrilled with the long-awaited conclusion. A wonderful story that is beautifully written.
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