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Is Esteem Enough? : A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
Is Esteem Enough?
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet spend the night in a farmhouse with Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley. This causes the sisters to reevaluate their opinions of the two gentlemen. and Darcy learns a little more about Elizabeth as well. But Darcy has another person in his life he needs to learn about. He has never understood his cousin Anne and wondered why Anne’s mother allowed her to reach the age of twenty-seven without marrying.
This Pride and Prejudice variation was written by Renata McMann without her usual collaborator, Summer Hanford.
“Is Esteem Enough?” has about 24,000 words.
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet spend the night in a farmhouse with Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley. This causes the sisters to reevaluate their opinions of the two gentlemen. and Darcy learns a little more about Elizabeth as well. But Darcy has another person in his life he needs to learn about. He has never understood his cousin Anne and wondered why Anne’s mother allowed her to reach the age of twenty-seven without marrying.
This Pride and Prejudice variation was written by Renata McMann without her usual collaborator, Summer Hanford.
“Is Esteem Enough?” has about 24,000 words.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2020
95 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 22, 2023
Never rob your character to enrich your pocket. ~ James Lendall Basford (1845–1915)
I loved the author’s bold change to Bingley’s canon character and the slow, subtle disclosure of Bingley’s values. He is not truly a friend to Darcy or anyone else.
The author’s note reveals that she wrote this without the assistance of her usual writing partner and it shows. The story needs some continuity editing. It seems to skip a bit.
But the premise I enjoyed: a Bingley who is shallower than his sisters; a Jane who is stronger than in canon and a Darcy who knows his own mind.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
Don't try to be different. Just be good. To be good is different enough. ~ Arthur Freed
I loved the author’s bold change to Bingley’s canon character and the slow, subtle disclosure of Bingley’s values. He is not truly a friend to Darcy or anyone else.
The author’s note reveals that she wrote this without the assistance of her usual writing partner and it shows. The story needs some continuity editing. It seems to skip a bit.
But the premise I enjoyed: a Bingley who is shallower than his sisters; a Jane who is stronger than in canon and a Darcy who knows his own mind.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
Don't try to be different. Just be good. To be good is different enough. ~ Arthur Freed
December 26, 2020
This story ends at 90% on my Kindle. We are then given a link to another story which is on fanfiction. It is a short story in which Elizabeth and Darcy become friends and Darcy comes to believe that Elizabeth would be not only the perfect wife for him but also a perfect mistress for Pemberley. Both agree that they "esteem" and respect the other. Passion is not part of the story.
Bingley, meanwhile, puts his foot in his mouth in talking with his sister while Jane is "asleep" nearby. (Their party got stuck in mud trying to return Jane and Elizabeth to Longbourn and have to take refuse in a tenant's house.) He explains how Jane is a good candidate for his wife due to her manners and her looks but adds that he doesn't love her. Jane does find love and you will be surprised at who Bingley finally marries.
Anne de Bourgh is pictured as having violent tendencies and being a very slow learner. Much is made over hiding those facts from public knowledge.
Richard Fitzwilliam plays a part and in this story he has a happier ending than in canon...even if the reader doesn't agree with his path to happiness.
I would definitely have liked some romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. Yes, they respect each other but even when the word "love" is mentioned it is almost...oh, hum.
Bingley, meanwhile, puts his foot in his mouth in talking with his sister while Jane is "asleep" nearby. (Their party got stuck in mud trying to return Jane and Elizabeth to Longbourn and have to take refuse in a tenant's house.) He explains how Jane is a good candidate for his wife due to her manners and her looks but adds that he doesn't love her. Jane does find love and you will be surprised at who Bingley finally marries.
Anne de Bourgh is pictured as having violent tendencies and being a very slow learner. Much is made over hiding those facts from public knowledge.
Richard Fitzwilliam plays a part and in this story he has a happier ending than in canon...even if the reader doesn't agree with his path to happiness.
I would definitely have liked some romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. Yes, they respect each other but even when the word "love" is mentioned it is almost...oh, hum.
November 23, 2020
Well, this certainly was a VERY different Bingley. What an attitude. Actually, Darcy wasn’t much better. The whole tone of the story was off from canon. Not that it was bad… it took me a minute to get accustomed to the feelings and undercurrents between our characters. It became a who was using and taking advantage of who in the scheme of things. I had to laugh. Poor Bingley was showing his mettle at every turn and Jane noticed and was taking notes. I couldn’t help but laugh. Those who are Team Bingley may not like this turn of events. Those who are Team Jane will cheer and… well, that might be a spoiler.
At every turn, we were given different twists and turns in the canon storyline. I enjoyed this quick, clean, slight angst story. Poor Lady Catherine had her hands full. I know… I really felt for her. As a mother, she was doing her best… em… no spoilers.
There was a good explanation of how this story came about and I enjoyed the way McMann put a header at the beginning of each chapter. I liked that. It kept me straight as to where we were and who it was about. Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone and attempting this. Yes, there were errors, but I enjoyed the story too much to be distracted by a few misplaced words and typos.
At every turn, we were given different twists and turns in the canon storyline. I enjoyed this quick, clean, slight angst story. Poor Lady Catherine had her hands full. I know… I really felt for her. As a mother, she was doing her best… em… no spoilers.
There was a good explanation of how this story came about and I enjoyed the way McMann put a header at the beginning of each chapter. I liked that. It kept me straight as to where we were and who it was about. Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone and attempting this. Yes, there were errors, but I enjoyed the story too much to be distracted by a few misplaced words and typos.
November 19, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
November 15, 2020
Lots of new what-ifs
Lots of originality. The structure of the story was a lot like an outline.
Scene
Plot points
Thing to cover for the plot point
...
...
Worth reading for the bushel basket of new ideas.
Lots of originality. The structure of the story was a lot like an outline.
Scene
Plot points
Thing to cover for the plot point
...
...
Worth reading for the bushel basket of new ideas.
February 11, 2021
A clever twist to the characters of PnP
I enjoyed this book immensely as it took me by surprise on the first page.
The twist to the characters explained the situations of their behaviour in canon in a unique and inventive way. Loved it!
After Jane's sickness at Netherfield, the book ventured off canon and took a unique direction.
The writing style felt "Scandinavian" as the dialogue appeared short and concise. It might seem cold at first glance but you could feel strong emotions simmering underneath the austere exterior. Very cleverly done and made the characters feel authentic and Austenesque.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: chaste
I enjoyed this book immensely as it took me by surprise on the first page.
The twist to the characters explained the situations of their behaviour in canon in a unique and inventive way. Loved it!
After Jane's sickness at Netherfield, the book ventured off canon and took a unique direction.
The writing style felt "Scandinavian" as the dialogue appeared short and concise. It might seem cold at first glance but you could feel strong emotions simmering underneath the austere exterior. Very cleverly done and made the characters feel authentic and Austenesque.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: chaste
November 17, 2020
I loved this Bingley. So unexpected.
December 16, 2020
This story certainly went down some new Pride and Prejudice rabbit holes as the relationship between Darcy & Bingley was unusual. The story also created an opportunity to Jane to experience what kind of person Bingley was (not what she thought) and to display some backbone. On the other hand, the same experience showed Darcy more of how much he needed someone like Elizabeth in his life.
How they handle all this information leads them to a marriage of esteem where they have to navigate expectations, younger sisters, cousins and aunts.
How they handle all this information leads them to a marriage of esteem where they have to navigate expectations, younger sisters, cousins and aunts.
December 25, 2022
This could have been a really good story but falls short in many aspects. Even though it consists of our favourite characters they lacked depth which connects us to the story.
November 25, 2020
I don’t typically write reviews, but I suppose I’m in rare form today 😌... I usually enjoy books written by this author when she has collaborated with Ms. Hanford(I’ve read most of them, some multiple times), so even though it has a lower rating, I decided to give it a try...
It sounded like it had an interesting premise that could have been good, but I was only able to make it half way through. The writing was too stilted, the conversations seemed a little choppy and the characters just lacked emotion I would have expected to see, I couldn’t connect with them. I’m by no means an expert when it comes to writing stories, but it actually read more like an outline that still needed flushed out and polished before being published to me. It’s too bad, I really wanted to give it a try. Suppose I’ll stick with her collaborative works from now on.
It sounded like it had an interesting premise that could have been good, but I was only able to make it half way through. The writing was too stilted, the conversations seemed a little choppy and the characters just lacked emotion I would have expected to see, I couldn’t connect with them. I’m by no means an expert when it comes to writing stories, but it actually read more like an outline that still needed flushed out and polished before being published to me. It’s too bad, I really wanted to give it a try. Suppose I’ll stick with her collaborative works from now on.
December 11, 2020
Unsatisfactory read
This is the very first novella I’ve read of this author without her often-partner author Summer Hanford. It was disappointing as the writing was uneven and choppy. It read more like an outline or notes for a novel and felt it was hurriedly done. I can well understand why Miss Hanford did not wish to partner with this author for this venture. Almost everything about it did not feel or sound right which I could have overlook until the romance part between FD and EB was painfully inadequate, as if the author sucked the romance out of the story and replaced it with pragmatism.
This is the very first novella I’ve read of this author without her often-partner author Summer Hanford. It was disappointing as the writing was uneven and choppy. It read more like an outline or notes for a novel and felt it was hurriedly done. I can well understand why Miss Hanford did not wish to partner with this author for this venture. Almost everything about it did not feel or sound right which I could have overlook until the romance part between FD and EB was painfully inadequate, as if the author sucked the romance out of the story and replaced it with pragmatism.
March 3, 2021
This is a clean sweet variation of Pride and Prejudice, written by Renata McMann. Generally, most books that I have read from this author were written in partnership with Summer Hansford. I enjoy their joint efforts very much. But this one felt flat. The plot was good and the characters were great, even with the unexpected twists with the Bingleys.
What left it feeling flat for me was the flow. It felt choppy compared to the usual combined writing style. Also there were more typos and errors noted in this book than usual, which need to be cleaned up.
What left it feeling flat for me was the flow. It felt choppy compared to the usual combined writing style. Also there were more typos and errors noted in this book than usual, which need to be cleaned up.
January 4, 2021
Boring and lacked any sentiment.
This book was more like a travel log than a novel. It just stated what took place with no emotion or sentiment. Even when Darcy and Elizabeth stated they loved each other...that's what it was they "stated" I love you with no preamble or feeling of emotion. I can definitely see why Summer is usually a co-author with Renata, because otherwise Renata wouldn't be able to sell any books.
This book was more like a travel log than a novel. It just stated what took place with no emotion or sentiment. Even when Darcy and Elizabeth stated they loved each other...that's what it was they "stated" I love you with no preamble or feeling of emotion. I can definitely see why Summer is usually a co-author with Renata, because otherwise Renata wouldn't be able to sell any books.
July 24, 2021
Esteem is enough to start
I understand that its different from the usual but that doesn't mean its not interesting. I actually enjoyed that these characters are totally different from the classic. Bingley is less than he typically is - to the point of even leaving Jane and Elizabeth to almost fend for themselves when stranded at a farmhouse during a massive rainstorm.
I liked this story..... Its as simple as that!
I understand that its different from the usual but that doesn't mean its not interesting. I actually enjoyed that these characters are totally different from the classic. Bingley is less than he typically is - to the point of even leaving Jane and Elizabeth to almost fend for themselves when stranded at a farmhouse during a massive rainstorm.
I liked this story..... Its as simple as that!
November 29, 2020
Overall 3.5 stars - I liked the story
Basically though, I thought it was under developed. Another reviewer said it read like an outline. I feel like it read more like a first draft and needed a bit more to help the story flow. That said, I enjoyed the direction the story took and was pleased with how things worked out for the characters.
Basically though, I thought it was under developed. Another reviewer said it read like an outline. I feel like it read more like a first draft and needed a bit more to help the story flow. That said, I enjoyed the direction the story took and was pleased with how things worked out for the characters.
January 12, 2021
Different
I’ve read quite a few books from this author and this one seemed different. It came off as flat. The plot of the story was interesting (or could have been) but the characters were all one dimensional and unfortunately forgettable. I was wondering if this is one of the authors earlier works.
I’ve read quite a few books from this author and this one seemed different. It came off as flat. The plot of the story was interesting (or could have been) but the characters were all one dimensional and unfortunately forgettable. I was wondering if this is one of the authors earlier works.
February 7, 2021
Like cliff notes
Despite being forewarned by the author at the beginning of the book I still found this book quite scattered and disjointed. I read it however because I love all things P & P and appreciated that it was a quick read.
Despite being forewarned by the author at the beginning of the book I still found this book quite scattered and disjointed. I read it however because I love all things P & P and appreciated that it was a quick read.
November 16, 2020
It was good but not great
I don't like Bingley in this book it was a good premises but it didn't keep me engaged I kind was waiting for it to be over.
I don't like Bingley in this book it was a good premises but it didn't keep me engaged I kind was waiting for it to be over.
November 28, 2020
3.5 stars. Pleasant reading, with unexpected treatment of some.
December 2, 2020
Interesting story
I read this book and found the premise different.The characters are all familiar but they do not act as usual. In the end it was not Avery good read.
I read this book and found the premise different.The characters are all familiar but they do not act as usual. In the end it was not Avery good read.
February 6, 2021
Bleh. Bad writing, bad editing, muddled plot.
February 17, 2021
So so
What a yucky Bingley: so self-involved and more like Caroline than we normally expect. Glad Jane doesn't settle for him. Writing is a little stilted.
What a yucky Bingley: so self-involved and more like Caroline than we normally expect. Glad Jane doesn't settle for him. Writing is a little stilted.
March 6, 2021
This story is another that feels more like a draft of a srory. It jumps around and things just happen without being well motivated.
Very light on romance, almost non- existent.
Very light on romance, almost non- existent.
March 7, 2021
I liked the plot idea with a not-so-sweet Bingley but the execution of it was not good. The introduction of a new storyline halfway through seemed unnecessary and detracted from the main plot.
November 18, 2022
The idea was good, but the execution is poor. Pity!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews