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The Colonel's Spinster
He needs a rich wife. A pity that he’s falling for the wrong woman... She’s looking to find out more about her past. She wasn't expecting to find her future…..
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a second son, often overshadowed by his titled, older brother and his cousin, Mr Darcy. Returning from Waterloo he knows it is time to find a wife with a healthy dowry, but he longs for a love match. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, love doesn’t put food on the table.
Miss Prudence Bamber has never known her mother’s family. A woman with her own mind and full life, she indulges her father’s wish to visit her long-lost relations. Mr Bamber hopes his daughter will find a husband; she wishes nothing more than to find out more about her mother’s history. It turns out to be a trip she won’t forget in a hurry.
Two people looking for love, but challenged by pride, secrets and prejudice. Will they be able to overcome the odds to find their own happy ever after? Or, are they destined to remain separated by the constraints of society? Complex characters brought together in this gripping Regency Romance.
The Colonel’s Spinster is a Regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variation (JAFF), topped with a generous dose of humour, action, and tears. If you like simmering chemistry, fast-paced adventures, and strong characters, then you'll love Audrey Harrison's Regency tale.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a second son, often overshadowed by his titled, older brother and his cousin, Mr Darcy. Returning from Waterloo he knows it is time to find a wife with a healthy dowry, but he longs for a love match. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, love doesn’t put food on the table.
Miss Prudence Bamber has never known her mother’s family. A woman with her own mind and full life, she indulges her father’s wish to visit her long-lost relations. Mr Bamber hopes his daughter will find a husband; she wishes nothing more than to find out more about her mother’s history. It turns out to be a trip she won’t forget in a hurry.
Two people looking for love, but challenged by pride, secrets and prejudice. Will they be able to overcome the odds to find their own happy ever after? Or, are they destined to remain separated by the constraints of society? Complex characters brought together in this gripping Regency Romance.
The Colonel’s Spinster is a Regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variation (JAFF), topped with a generous dose of humour, action, and tears. If you like simmering chemistry, fast-paced adventures, and strong characters, then you'll love Audrey Harrison's Regency tale.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
126 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Harrison
142 books136 followersAudrey Harrison was born about two hundred years too late. She wants to belong to a time when men were men and women were dressed in gowns and could float, simper and sigh.
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 13, 2020
When your outgo exceeds your income your upkeep is your downfall. ~ Author unknown
What a description of the problem facing Colonel Fitzwilliam in Pride & Prejudice.
He has been raised on a lavish income. Now, as an adult, his income is not so very lavish and upkeep is difficult. As a second son, he must marry with some consideration of money.
“The Colonel’s Spinster” begins on an unusual note. The Colonel visits Lady Catherine de Bourgh after the Darcys' marriage and discovers they have a cousin no one has ever heard of — except for Lady Catherine, of course.
It seems there was another Fitzwilliam sister who had married without her Father’s approval and was disowned. She has since passed, leaving a husband who works in the cotton mills and an adult daughter.
Lady Catherine invites the daughter to Rosings at a time when Mrs. Jenkinson is away. The daughter is treated as a substitute companion for Anne. In an effort to be helpful (she does so like to be helpful), Lady Catherine searches for a permanent position as a companion for the girl. The girl is no more grateful than Jane Fairfax was grateful to Mrs. Elton. Shocking!
When Fitzwilliam arrives for his annual visit (sans the Darcys), he learns only what Lady Catherine believes to be true.
But what is the real story of his newest cousin?
It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy. ~ George Horace Lorimer
What a description of the problem facing Colonel Fitzwilliam in Pride & Prejudice.
He has been raised on a lavish income. Now, as an adult, his income is not so very lavish and upkeep is difficult. As a second son, he must marry with some consideration of money.
“The Colonel’s Spinster” begins on an unusual note. The Colonel visits Lady Catherine de Bourgh after the Darcys' marriage and discovers they have a cousin no one has ever heard of — except for Lady Catherine, of course.
It seems there was another Fitzwilliam sister who had married without her Father’s approval and was disowned. She has since passed, leaving a husband who works in the cotton mills and an adult daughter.
Lady Catherine invites the daughter to Rosings at a time when Mrs. Jenkinson is away. The daughter is treated as a substitute companion for Anne. In an effort to be helpful (she does so like to be helpful), Lady Catherine searches for a permanent position as a companion for the girl. The girl is no more grateful than Jane Fairfax was grateful to Mrs. Elton. Shocking!
When Fitzwilliam arrives for his annual visit (sans the Darcys), he learns only what Lady Catherine believes to be true.
But what is the real story of his newest cousin?
It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy. ~ George Horace Lorimer
April 15, 2021
In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Colonel Fitzwilliam realises it time to find a wife, a rich wife. But the ladies of the ton don't interest him, and they usually want more than a poor second son of an Earl. He visits his aunt, Lady Catherine, at Rosing Park, and there he meets his long forgotten cousin Prudence Bamber, daughter of a mill worker. Is it possible for anyone to have a happy ending or will the restrictions of society prevent these events.
An enjoyable and well-written re-read of this story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters
An enjoyable and well-written re-read of this story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters
December 31, 2020
Colonel Fitzwilliam gets his HEA
A long lost Fitzwilliam cousin, Prudence Bamber, daughter to a now deceased sister of Lady Catherine and the late Anne Darcy, visits Rosings to get to know her mother’s family. She is 25 and still unmarried, and for some, considered already on the shelf. Her father is in trade, so of course Lady C takes many sly opportunities to remind her of her lower standing and treats her as a companion to Anne, whom she befriends. Prudence carries a secret she is unwilling to reveal for the present.
Enter Colonel Fitzwilliam, second son, who must marry a rich heiress. He is immediately attracted to his cousin, but knows he can never marry her because of her social standing and, even more, her lack of wealth.
I really enjoyed this story. The Colonel is a favourite character, from Pride and Prejudice, and I always welcome a variation that is his own. The teasing banter between the couple was entertaining. The author allowed the Colonel’s flirtatious personality to come through, and Prudence’s (somewhat similar to Elizabeth) playful personality to shine. Well written and pleasing. Recommend to Colonel fans especially.
A long lost Fitzwilliam cousin, Prudence Bamber, daughter to a now deceased sister of Lady Catherine and the late Anne Darcy, visits Rosings to get to know her mother’s family. She is 25 and still unmarried, and for some, considered already on the shelf. Her father is in trade, so of course Lady C takes many sly opportunities to remind her of her lower standing and treats her as a companion to Anne, whom she befriends. Prudence carries a secret she is unwilling to reveal for the present.
Enter Colonel Fitzwilliam, second son, who must marry a rich heiress. He is immediately attracted to his cousin, but knows he can never marry her because of her social standing and, even more, her lack of wealth.
I really enjoyed this story. The Colonel is a favourite character, from Pride and Prejudice, and I always welcome a variation that is his own. The teasing banter between the couple was entertaining. The author allowed the Colonel’s flirtatious personality to come through, and Prudence’s (somewhat similar to Elizabeth) playful personality to shine. Well written and pleasing. Recommend to Colonel fans especially.
December 8, 2020
The Colonel's Spinster: A Regency Romance (Tragic Characters in Classic Literature)
Audrey Harrison
https://www.facebook.com/AudreyHarris...
Release date 12/08/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He needs a rich wife. A pity that he’s falling for the wrong woman... She’s looking to find out more about her past. She wasn't expecting to find her future…..
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a second son, often overshadowed by his titled, older brother and his cousin, Mr Darcy. Returning from Waterloo he knows it is time to find a wife with a healthy dowry, but he longs for a love match. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, love doesn’t put food on the table.
Miss Prudence Bamber has never known her mother’s family. A woman with her own mind and full life, she indulges her father’s wish to visit her long-lost relations. Mr Bamber hopes his daughter will find a husband; she wishes nothing more than to find out more about her mother’s history. It turns out to be a trip she won’t forget in a hurry.
Two people looking for love, but challenged by pride, secrets and prejudice. Will they be able to overcome the odds to find their own happy ever after? Or, are they destined to remain separated by the constraints of society? Complex characters brought together in this gripping Regency Romance.
The Colonel’s Spinster is a Regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variation (JAFF), topped with a generous dose of humour, action, and tears. If you like simmering chemistry, fast-paced adventures, and strong characters, then you'll love Audrey Harrison's Regency tale.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Prejudice and Secrets
Will he let his predicament dictate his future...
What a fulfilling reading week it has been, even more enjoyable as while I had a full working week, I loved everyone of the books I read.
And it ends on another high note.
I know, I know, Pride and Prejudice is for many many one’s favorite, and while I read it, it was decades ago, so I was too young to take on all the subtleties of Jane Austen’s words, my teens self was more easily rooting for a Mr Rochester.
And despite the many reinterpretations of the original tale, I have at that time, read any. But it might be interesting to revisit it.
I have few memory of Colonel Fitzwilliam, so it is quite with a fresh look I entered the pages of this book.
And I loved it. It is witty, with clever banters and smart characters.
They are far from perfect, but their flaws are part of their charms.
Fitzwilliam is well aware of his limitations and his deficiencies why he voices loudly his expectations. At first like a jest then later more to reinsure himself about the path to follow.
He is really a good man, but his circumstances lead him to believe he really had no choice in the kind of woman he would have to marry. And in some way, it was not wrong, and while not everyone can alter their conditions, they can also decide for a change.
Prudence is a feisty and fiery bundle of a woman, she gives as much as she receives, and her little deception was easy to see through to anyone looking at the early clues. She was raised in a far different world than Fitzwilliam and Darcy, and in her own right she refuses to be bullied because she has no particle in front of her name.
Why I was even more sad for her when it appeared she would never truly appreciated by her relatives because of her “tainted blood”.
I would have happily shaken a Darcy or Fitzwilliam to instill some senses in them. With Lady de Bourg, there is no hope, she is grounded by her claws to her way of life and even amputated she would never see reason.
I can only recommend to all regency lovers this book, it gives a happily ever after to overlooked characters in a very satisfying way. It is always so satisfying to give closure to persons who deserve better.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Audrey Harrison
https://www.facebook.com/AudreyHarris...
Release date 12/08/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He needs a rich wife. A pity that he’s falling for the wrong woman... She’s looking to find out more about her past. She wasn't expecting to find her future…..
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a second son, often overshadowed by his titled, older brother and his cousin, Mr Darcy. Returning from Waterloo he knows it is time to find a wife with a healthy dowry, but he longs for a love match. Unfortunately for Fitzwilliam, love doesn’t put food on the table.
Miss Prudence Bamber has never known her mother’s family. A woman with her own mind and full life, she indulges her father’s wish to visit her long-lost relations. Mr Bamber hopes his daughter will find a husband; she wishes nothing more than to find out more about her mother’s history. It turns out to be a trip she won’t forget in a hurry.
Two people looking for love, but challenged by pride, secrets and prejudice. Will they be able to overcome the odds to find their own happy ever after? Or, are they destined to remain separated by the constraints of society? Complex characters brought together in this gripping Regency Romance.
The Colonel’s Spinster is a Regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variation (JAFF), topped with a generous dose of humour, action, and tears. If you like simmering chemistry, fast-paced adventures, and strong characters, then you'll love Audrey Harrison's Regency tale.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Prejudice and Secrets
Will he let his predicament dictate his future...
What a fulfilling reading week it has been, even more enjoyable as while I had a full working week, I loved everyone of the books I read.
And it ends on another high note.
I know, I know, Pride and Prejudice is for many many one’s favorite, and while I read it, it was decades ago, so I was too young to take on all the subtleties of Jane Austen’s words, my teens self was more easily rooting for a Mr Rochester.
And despite the many reinterpretations of the original tale, I have at that time, read any. But it might be interesting to revisit it.
I have few memory of Colonel Fitzwilliam, so it is quite with a fresh look I entered the pages of this book.
And I loved it. It is witty, with clever banters and smart characters.
They are far from perfect, but their flaws are part of their charms.
Fitzwilliam is well aware of his limitations and his deficiencies why he voices loudly his expectations. At first like a jest then later more to reinsure himself about the path to follow.
He is really a good man, but his circumstances lead him to believe he really had no choice in the kind of woman he would have to marry. And in some way, it was not wrong, and while not everyone can alter their conditions, they can also decide for a change.
Prudence is a feisty and fiery bundle of a woman, she gives as much as she receives, and her little deception was easy to see through to anyone looking at the early clues. She was raised in a far different world than Fitzwilliam and Darcy, and in her own right she refuses to be bullied because she has no particle in front of her name.
Why I was even more sad for her when it appeared she would never truly appreciated by her relatives because of her “tainted blood”.
I would have happily shaken a Darcy or Fitzwilliam to instill some senses in them. With Lady de Bourg, there is no hope, she is grounded by her claws to her way of life and even amputated she would never see reason.
I can only recommend to all regency lovers this book, it gives a happily ever after to overlooked characters in a very satisfying way. It is always so satisfying to give closure to persons who deserve better.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 5, 2021
Avid Reader
I love books where Colonel Fitzwilliam wins his true love, but I was most put out when Lady Catherine dragged happily married Darcy into the fray. It seems the young woman in question was actually the daughter of an estranged aunt who had married a tradesman! Gasp! She was the sister of Lady Catherine, Lady Anne, and the Earl of Matlock! She had died 10 years ago. By the time anyone met Prudence, she was 25 years old and was having none of Lady Catherine 's foolishness. When she told her exactly where she stood, Darcy and the Colonel 's relationship was in shambles! Elizabeth was near the birth of her second child, and she told Darcy not to get involved, but he would not listen! It took Anne 's running away and near death for things to get resolved.
I love books where Colonel Fitzwilliam wins his true love, but I was most put out when Lady Catherine dragged happily married Darcy into the fray. It seems the young woman in question was actually the daughter of an estranged aunt who had married a tradesman! Gasp! She was the sister of Lady Catherine, Lady Anne, and the Earl of Matlock! She had died 10 years ago. By the time anyone met Prudence, she was 25 years old and was having none of Lady Catherine 's foolishness. When she told her exactly where she stood, Darcy and the Colonel 's relationship was in shambles! Elizabeth was near the birth of her second child, and she told Darcy not to get involved, but he would not listen! It took Anne 's running away and near death for things to get resolved.
December 10, 2020
Good
I think you need to have at least seen the movie Pride and Prejudice to get the full enjoyment from this book. I have read the book and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I started reading this book with a bit of nerves. I should not have. It was not as good as Pride and Prejudice but it was enjoyable.
I think you need to have at least seen the movie Pride and Prejudice to get the full enjoyment from this book. I have read the book and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I started reading this book with a bit of nerves. I should not have. It was not as good as Pride and Prejudice but it was enjoyable.
January 14, 2021
I have read other books in this series and I like JAFF so I thought to give this story a try.
The author has created a different twist, one I found confusing at times.
I would recommend the tale to others; therefore, I presented the story a four. I do wish it had had a closer hand to keep the ideas consistent.
There is a third Fitzwilliam sister: Anne Darcy, Catherine de Bourgh, and Charlotte Bamber. Occasionally, however, the author says Colonel Fitzwilliam's mother is also a sister. I assume she means that the countess is a sister-in-law, but the idea appears more than once. I understand that "sister" was used for such relationships during the Georgian era, but it was confusing to me; therefore, I assume to others.
The author also uses phrases such as "The three made their way to the party," when the group contains Colonel Fitzwilliam, Prudence, Anne, Lady Catherine, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins.
"Darcy" is upon occasion spelled "Darcey."
The author changes the point of view often, including minor characters. This change occurs sometimes between paragraphs, making it difficult for the reader to know in whose head they are hearing the story.
The author refers to Anne de Bourgh as "Lady Anne." She is simply "Miss de Bourgh." Her father was a baronet, not a titled gentleman. She is a "Miss," not a "Lady." Lady Catherine should be Lady de Bourgh, but she chose to use her courtesy title as the daughter of an earl, for it is an aristocratic title, not that of a commoner such as Lewis de Bourgh.
Again, the reader finds the author using a special license for the marriage. Why not purchase a common license. A special license meant a journey to London to Doctors Commons to seek an appointment with the Archbishop of Canterbury. A common license simply called for a 5 day wait, which the couple did anyway. Just saying ...
The author has created a different twist, one I found confusing at times.
I would recommend the tale to others; therefore, I presented the story a four. I do wish it had had a closer hand to keep the ideas consistent.
There is a third Fitzwilliam sister: Anne Darcy, Catherine de Bourgh, and Charlotte Bamber. Occasionally, however, the author says Colonel Fitzwilliam's mother is also a sister. I assume she means that the countess is a sister-in-law, but the idea appears more than once. I understand that "sister" was used for such relationships during the Georgian era, but it was confusing to me; therefore, I assume to others.
The author also uses phrases such as "The three made their way to the party," when the group contains Colonel Fitzwilliam, Prudence, Anne, Lady Catherine, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins.
"Darcy" is upon occasion spelled "Darcey."
The author changes the point of view often, including minor characters. This change occurs sometimes between paragraphs, making it difficult for the reader to know in whose head they are hearing the story.
The author refers to Anne de Bourgh as "Lady Anne." She is simply "Miss de Bourgh." Her father was a baronet, not a titled gentleman. She is a "Miss," not a "Lady." Lady Catherine should be Lady de Bourgh, but she chose to use her courtesy title as the daughter of an earl, for it is an aristocratic title, not that of a commoner such as Lewis de Bourgh.
Again, the reader finds the author using a special license for the marriage. Why not purchase a common license. A special license meant a journey to London to Doctors Commons to seek an appointment with the Archbishop of Canterbury. A common license simply called for a 5 day wait, which the couple did anyway. Just saying ...
March 13, 2021
This was competently written, but not entirely satisfying. There is no build up or explanation of why the two fall in love. Darcy, annoyingly, follows Lady Catherine's directive to interfere with their relationship, as if he hasn't learned a thing from the outcome of his interference with Bingley's affairs or the disaster of his first proposal. Prudence is too stupid to be sympathesized with when she decides to go to the mill as people are starting to riot. Naturally, she has to be rescued by the Colonel, who disobeys orders to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
Insipid
No well spoken young lady with a governess, an expensive wardrobe and who can ride and drive a horse ekes out their living slaving in a cotton mill. The only surprise in this story is that there are no surprises.
No well spoken young lady with a governess, an expensive wardrobe and who can ride and drive a horse ekes out their living slaving in a cotton mill. The only surprise in this story is that there are no surprises.
May 13, 2021
Very enjoyable
I'm a lover of Regency romances having enjoyed Georgette Heyer since my teens.
I didnt think there were others who could compete with her knowledge of the era until I found a similar author in Kindle Unlimited.
Now I've found Audrey Harrison.
The language in Miss Heyer's books is very formal but in Ms Harrison's more relaxed and why not? I now think this is more likely to be true as well as the characters being more romantic with each other. That is human nature after all.
I liked all the characters. They had flesh on their bones and were all believable.
The social conventions of the time were adhered to but the book showed that times were changing as they, of course, did. The wealthy mill owners became socially acceptable in the higher echelons of the ton as their fortunes became more attractive to the impoverished arisotcracy.
I am glad Audrey kept the story well away from the Peterloo Riots as I wouldn't have liked Fitzwilliam at all if he had been part of that massacre but the information on the causes of the civil unrest at that time are useful to readers with no knowledge of the history. This is also a good thing as I like to learn something as well as enjoying the story.
I think writing a novel about the lesser characters in classic books is a great idea and I look forward to the others.
I also liked the epilogue. A novel about a particular event can't go on forever after that event is resolved so a quick chapter tying it all up was welcome.
I look forward to the next one.
I'm a lover of Regency romances having enjoyed Georgette Heyer since my teens.
I didnt think there were others who could compete with her knowledge of the era until I found a similar author in Kindle Unlimited.
Now I've found Audrey Harrison.
The language in Miss Heyer's books is very formal but in Ms Harrison's more relaxed and why not? I now think this is more likely to be true as well as the characters being more romantic with each other. That is human nature after all.
I liked all the characters. They had flesh on their bones and were all believable.
The social conventions of the time were adhered to but the book showed that times were changing as they, of course, did. The wealthy mill owners became socially acceptable in the higher echelons of the ton as their fortunes became more attractive to the impoverished arisotcracy.
I am glad Audrey kept the story well away from the Peterloo Riots as I wouldn't have liked Fitzwilliam at all if he had been part of that massacre but the information on the causes of the civil unrest at that time are useful to readers with no knowledge of the history. This is also a good thing as I like to learn something as well as enjoying the story.
I think writing a novel about the lesser characters in classic books is a great idea and I look forward to the others.
I also liked the epilogue. A novel about a particular event can't go on forever after that event is resolved so a quick chapter tying it all up was welcome.
I look forward to the next one.
August 25, 2022
2.5 stars. Rating this was hard. I loved the core of it, finding Col. Fitzwilliam a HEA, and the heroine, Prudence, was reminiscent of Elizabeth's spunk at Rosings. The writing was solid and the emotions believable.
Two big things bothered me: first and foremost, the author chose the hero's first cousin as the love interest. SQUICK. There was literally no need for that. The plot would have worked in an identical way had Patience been, say, the daughter of Lady Catherine's childhood friend, or the daughter of Lady Catherine's SIL (and thus not related by blood to Fitzwilliam), or a million other options that did not involve kissing cousins. Just...why, author? Why would you want first cousins marrying?
Second and comparatively less objectionable, but still irritating: Prudence passing as a poor cotton mill worker while at Rosings seemed entirely implausible, at best. Her manners, her clothes, her governess, everything shouted wealthy upbringing, and the fact that no one but Anne even raised an eyebrow at the obvious inconsistencies was odd.
But in the end, it's always fun to see one (two, really) of Austen's side characters getting a well-deserved happy ending, so I reluctantly doled out 3 stars, though the cousins thing reaaaaally sunk this for me.
Two big things bothered me: first and foremost, the author chose the hero's first cousin as the love interest. SQUICK. There was literally no need for that. The plot would have worked in an identical way had Patience been, say, the daughter of Lady Catherine's childhood friend, or the daughter of Lady Catherine's SIL (and thus not related by blood to Fitzwilliam), or a million other options that did not involve kissing cousins. Just...why, author? Why would you want first cousins marrying?
Second and comparatively less objectionable, but still irritating: Prudence passing as a poor cotton mill worker while at Rosings seemed entirely implausible, at best. Her manners, her clothes, her governess, everything shouted wealthy upbringing, and the fact that no one but Anne even raised an eyebrow at the obvious inconsistencies was odd.
But in the end, it's always fun to see one (two, really) of Austen's side characters getting a well-deserved happy ending, so I reluctantly doled out 3 stars, though the cousins thing reaaaaally sunk this for me.
January 16, 2021
Excellent addition to the Austen original
very well written and faithful adaptation and sequel to the Darcy drama .MS Harrison is loyal to MS Austen in her continuing saga and portrayal of the familiar characters , including Lady Catherine, Fitzwilliam and Darcy , Mr Collins , and a new heroine to take her place in the on going adventures of this well known family group.I also very much enjoyed the emergence of Anne's character and personality ,and her determination to be a force in the shaping of her own future. The pace is fast moving and enjoyable with a well researched and knowledgeable approach to the intricacies and interactions of the class structures of the time .Worth the read.
very well written and faithful adaptation and sequel to the Darcy drama .MS Harrison is loyal to MS Austen in her continuing saga and portrayal of the familiar characters , including Lady Catherine, Fitzwilliam and Darcy , Mr Collins , and a new heroine to take her place in the on going adventures of this well known family group.I also very much enjoyed the emergence of Anne's character and personality ,and her determination to be a force in the shaping of her own future. The pace is fast moving and enjoyable with a well researched and knowledgeable approach to the intricacies and interactions of the class structures of the time .Worth the read.
April 22, 2022
the writing is very beautiful
but the story itself didnt impact me as much as I thought it would
the big reveal was a bit flat to me
the heroine just says everything at once and lists how much money her dad makes, how much money she will bring to a marriage, the jewelry she owns...
for someone that was big on presenting herself neutrally this moment was out of character
I think it wouldve been much more of a slap in their faces to let them discover it in some other way
to make them realize how stupid they were
that said
something else that irked me a bit was the insignificant amount of groveling
I like my books with more angst and proper confrontation where it's due
but the story itself didnt impact me as much as I thought it would
the big reveal was a bit flat to me
the heroine just says everything at once and lists how much money her dad makes, how much money she will bring to a marriage, the jewelry she owns...
for someone that was big on presenting herself neutrally this moment was out of character
I think it wouldve been much more of a slap in their faces to let them discover it in some other way
to make them realize how stupid they were
that said
something else that irked me a bit was the insignificant amount of groveling
I like my books with more angst and proper confrontation where it's due
December 13, 2020
In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Colonel Fitzwilliam realises it time to find a wife, a rich wife. But the ladies of the ton don't interest him, and they usually want more than a poor second son of an Earl. He visits his aunt, Lady Catherine, at Rosing Park, and there he meets his long forgotten cousin Prudence Bamber, daughter of a mill worker. Is it possible for anyone to have a happy ending or will the restrictions of society prevent these events.
An enjoyable and well-written story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters.
An enjoyable and well-written story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters.
February 8, 2021
Carry on Pride and Prejudice
Having read P&P several times and watched it even more, I love the characters and was intrigued to see what happened to Colonel Fitzwilliam. This is a delightful story set at Rosings and the Cotton Mills of Manchester involving a newly discovered member of the Darcy family. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was the first Audrey Harrison book I've read but it won't be the last.
Having read P&P several times and watched it even more, I love the characters and was intrigued to see what happened to Colonel Fitzwilliam. This is a delightful story set at Rosings and the Cotton Mills of Manchester involving a newly discovered member of the Darcy family. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was the first Audrey Harrison book I've read but it won't be the last.
March 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book even though I’m not keen on spin-offs of one of my all time favourite books. However, I really wanted to know that Fitzwilliam has a happy ever after! I enjoyed learning more about Anne too. The story gives a good account of the people and events of the time. Good characterisation and plot.
December 18, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable Romance. It was true to the original in style and spirit. So nice to have Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourg finally find their own individual soulmates. Recommend for all Jane Austen fans.
February 9, 2021
Very cleverly written continuation of the side story within pride and prejudice. Reads easily, full of giggles and laughs, and certainly brings into focus the issues of class status and sacrificial love.
February 18, 2021
The Mill Owner's Daughter Meets Her Match
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, couldn't put the book down. Everyone who enjoys historical romance will know of the snobbery of the aristocrats and recognise reference to the troubled times during the cotton mills being updated.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, couldn't put the book down. Everyone who enjoys historical romance will know of the snobbery of the aristocrats and recognise reference to the troubled times during the cotton mills being updated.
April 22, 2021
Enjoyed
I enjoyed this book and story the characters within developed slowly and made the whole thing believable.It builds a charming read on a famous story.I could visually see it as the book progressed.☺
I enjoyed this book and story the characters within developed slowly and made the whole thing believable.It builds a charming read on a famous story.I could visually see it as the book progressed.☺
May 28, 2021
Interesting spin-off of Pride and Prejudice about Mr Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom we meet briefly in Pride and Prejudice, who has his own Pride and Prejudice experience with a long-lost female cousin. Some mild language.
June 13, 2021
A Pride and Prejudice spin off that takes a minor character (Colonel Fitzwilliam) and sets him centre stage, in need of a wealthy wife. It then throws in a huge dollop of North and South, in a mostly pleasing way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
The Colonel’s Spinster
The only reason I have given 4 stars to one of Audrey Harrison book’s is she had a couple of faults Ann would not have a title and some of the clothing was wrong but the story line was as usual great.
The only reason I have given 4 stars to one of Audrey Harrison book’s is she had a couple of faults Ann would not have a title and some of the clothing was wrong but the story line was as usual great.
January 10, 2022
Another good story
Liked the characters and the plot. Good writing and story development. Would have liked Anne to have not become so sick and was too bad she did not plan for the trip. Oh well.
Liked the characters and the plot. Good writing and story development. Would have liked Anne to have not become so sick and was too bad she did not plan for the trip. Oh well.
January 9, 2021
Outstanding job in the telling of Colonel Fitzwilliams story.
Thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. I didn't think peripheral characters from Pride and Prejudice would capture my interest as quickly as it did but Ms Harrison is a master story teller.
Thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. I didn't think peripheral characters from Pride and Prejudice would capture my interest as quickly as it did but Ms Harrison is a master story teller.
January 15, 2021
A great story about a mill owner's daughter and a second son. Great characters, witty dialogue, and suspense even toward the end. What not to like!
February 20, 2021
It’s not Jane Austen but almost!
If you liked Pride and Perjudice I think you”ll like this book :)
If you liked Pride and Perjudice I think you”ll like this book :)
April 8, 2021
A sort of continuation of Pride and the Prejudice involving Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Cute story.
June 14, 2021
A pleasant read
I was quite pleased with the strength given to Anne and the character of Prudence was delightful to follow. I wouldn’t mind reading again at some point.
I was quite pleased with the strength given to Anne and the character of Prudence was delightful to follow. I wouldn’t mind reading again at some point.
June 23, 2021
Sweet read
Nice little take off of what happened to Anne a d her cousin from Pride and Prejudice. Each have happy ever afters.
Nice little take off of what happened to Anne a d her cousin from Pride and Prejudice. Each have happy ever afters.
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