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A Life Worth Choosing: A Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" Variation
Reeling from the unexpected rejection of his proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy prepares to quit Hunsford for London but not before he defends himself against Elizabeth Bennet's accusations. He cannot forgive her harsh words; her assertion Mr. Wickham would have made a better son has cut him to the core.
Suffering an accident while delivering the fated letter, he wakes to a world he does not know—and to those who do not recognize him. With a new life, a different name, and a fresh chance at winning the woman he loves, Darcy must decide which is “A Life Worth Choosing”––the past he remembers or a future he has created for himself.
This Regency variation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by bestselling author Anngela Schroeder, is appropriate for all who wish to lose themselves on another path towards Darcy and Elizabeth’s happily ever after.
Suffering an accident while delivering the fated letter, he wakes to a world he does not know—and to those who do not recognize him. With a new life, a different name, and a fresh chance at winning the woman he loves, Darcy must decide which is “A Life Worth Choosing”––the past he remembers or a future he has created for himself.
This Regency variation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by bestselling author Anngela Schroeder, is appropriate for all who wish to lose themselves on another path towards Darcy and Elizabeth’s happily ever after.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2021
153 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 21, 2021
5+ stars
I lost an entire night's sleep because of this book. I could NOT put it down!
It begins with a gypsy prophesy for Darcy when he's only ten years old, and then a seemingly irrelevant scene between him and his father when he's twenty.
We fast forward again to the morning after Mr. Darcy's failed marriage proposal at Hunsford. He's reeling from Elizabeth's parting shot: "If your father had not had a son, Mr. Wickham could have fulfilled that role more admirably." As he writes his letter of explanation to her, he dwells on that horrible thought.
And that's what happens.
It's Pride and Prejudice with distinctive nods to the Christmas movie A Wonderful Life. Darcy has a new identity, waking up in the Hunsford parsonage after having fallen from his horse and sustaining a head injury not long after delivering his letter. Elizabeth is tending to him, but she doesn't know who he is - nor does anyone else. He's a stranger who was injured that she discovered when she was walking. His doctor is Clarence (the only one who knows he's really Fitzwilliam Darcy), who gives him sparse information about his new identity as William Fitzroy and tells him that he has to discover the rest for himself. Clarence lets him know that this is his opportunity to make Elizabeth Bennet fall in love with him, and he can reclaim his own life or have the woman he loves.
The changes resulting from his absence in the Darcy family are dramatic and confounding to Darcy. This Mrs. Collins was formerly Jane Bennet rather than Charlotte Lucas. Anne de Bourgh is capable and active, while her mother is the invalid. Mr. Wickham and his wife, Georgiana(!!), are living at Rosings, and he seems to be the one in charge there. Those are just the first revelations in a book that's full of them.
I won't mention more about the plot, because it's too easy to spill spoilers. I will say only that it's thoroughly unpredictable. There are numerous brilliant twists you will NOT see coming. The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth is tender and comparatively angst-less...except for the fact that Wickham is ruining all the things in Darcy’s former life that mean the most to him.
Ms. Schroeder’s stellar writing grips the reader from the first page – as my sleepless night attests. Fabulous book. Clean content. Highly recommend!
I lost an entire night's sleep because of this book. I could NOT put it down!
It begins with a gypsy prophesy for Darcy when he's only ten years old, and then a seemingly irrelevant scene between him and his father when he's twenty.
We fast forward again to the morning after Mr. Darcy's failed marriage proposal at Hunsford. He's reeling from Elizabeth's parting shot: "If your father had not had a son, Mr. Wickham could have fulfilled that role more admirably." As he writes his letter of explanation to her, he dwells on that horrible thought.
And that's what happens.
It's Pride and Prejudice with distinctive nods to the Christmas movie A Wonderful Life. Darcy has a new identity, waking up in the Hunsford parsonage after having fallen from his horse and sustaining a head injury not long after delivering his letter. Elizabeth is tending to him, but she doesn't know who he is - nor does anyone else. He's a stranger who was injured that she discovered when she was walking. His doctor is Clarence (the only one who knows he's really Fitzwilliam Darcy), who gives him sparse information about his new identity as William Fitzroy and tells him that he has to discover the rest for himself. Clarence lets him know that this is his opportunity to make Elizabeth Bennet fall in love with him, and he can reclaim his own life or have the woman he loves.
The changes resulting from his absence in the Darcy family are dramatic and confounding to Darcy. This Mrs. Collins was formerly Jane Bennet rather than Charlotte Lucas. Anne de Bourgh is capable and active, while her mother is the invalid. Mr. Wickham and his wife, Georgiana(!!), are living at Rosings, and he seems to be the one in charge there. Those are just the first revelations in a book that's full of them.
I won't mention more about the plot, because it's too easy to spill spoilers. I will say only that it's thoroughly unpredictable. There are numerous brilliant twists you will NOT see coming. The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth is tender and comparatively angst-less...except for the fact that Wickham is ruining all the things in Darcy’s former life that mean the most to him.
Ms. Schroeder’s stellar writing grips the reader from the first page – as my sleepless night attests. Fabulous book. Clean content. Highly recommend!
January 23, 2021
When my friend, Debbie, said in her review that she could not put this story down and lost sleep because of it I had to read it. As the reviews and the author at the end of the book tell us the story is a mash up of P&P and It's a Wonderful Life.
We begin with a prologue in which Darcy, a young boy, meets a gypsy and has a rather strange future told to him. We also learn about a secret document Darcy's father has drawn up to prevent his estate for any reason NOT falling into his son's hands.
We then read of his proposal years later to Elizabeth at Hunsford and how, just after he gives her THAT letter, he has an accident, a fall from his horse. When he awakens he finds himself in a world in which he has a different name and also different circumstances. His relations and friends are not as in canon. However, he also finds that he can now start anew with Elizabeth.
There is more than one mystery here in this "other" life. Georgiana is married and it is not a happy marriage BUT she is not his sister. Lady Catherine seems to have shrunken away and become a shadow of herself. Mr. Collins has married but there, again, it is not the lady you know from canon. Bingley, too, is part of the story but his loss of fortune and position is another strange twist in this story.
Darcy remembers his "before" life perfectly and now has to relearn his position and his relationships and his responsibilities in this "after" life. At time his memories come into play and he slips and gets some strange looks. Then he has a choice to make between the two lives as the tale goes on.
I have purposefully not put many details into this review as I want others to experience the immediate and continual draw this story had on my senses. Oh, I did realize what the premise was, the twist, but the tale was all the more enjoyable as I looked for certain realizations to come to Darcy and then to Elizabeth. All was well.
I highly recommend this story.
We begin with a prologue in which Darcy, a young boy, meets a gypsy and has a rather strange future told to him. We also learn about a secret document Darcy's father has drawn up to prevent his estate for any reason NOT falling into his son's hands.
We then read of his proposal years later to Elizabeth at Hunsford and how, just after he gives her THAT letter, he has an accident, a fall from his horse. When he awakens he finds himself in a world in which he has a different name and also different circumstances. His relations and friends are not as in canon. However, he also finds that he can now start anew with Elizabeth.
There is more than one mystery here in this "other" life. Georgiana is married and it is not a happy marriage BUT she is not his sister. Lady Catherine seems to have shrunken away and become a shadow of herself. Mr. Collins has married but there, again, it is not the lady you know from canon. Bingley, too, is part of the story but his loss of fortune and position is another strange twist in this story.
Darcy remembers his "before" life perfectly and now has to relearn his position and his relationships and his responsibilities in this "after" life. At time his memories come into play and he slips and gets some strange looks. Then he has a choice to make between the two lives as the tale goes on.
I have purposefully not put many details into this review as I want others to experience the immediate and continual draw this story had on my senses. Oh, I did realize what the premise was, the twist, but the tale was all the more enjoyable as I looked for certain realizations to come to Darcy and then to Elizabeth. All was well.
I highly recommend this story.
January 2, 2024
Time is the only true fortune-teller. ~James Lendall Basford (1845–1915)
What if someone grabbed the idea of my favorite heartwarming Christmas movie and worked it into my all-time favorite book? Would the resulting story be a favorite?
Yup.
“A Life Worth Choosing” has some similarities but lots of differences from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Clarence” has a familiar role and shares more background details to the one-time Fitzwilliam Darcy but strenuously refuses to supply other information. Unfortunately, the story has a shocking lack of bells ringing.
Two possible happy endings — I could not choose a favorite.
As much as I love Jimmy Stewart, I don’t see him in the Darcy role. But, when the movie is made from this book, there will be a part for Maria Ouspenskaya. What could be better?
Fortune comes to a man; he cannot go to it. ~ James Lendall Basford (1845–1915)
What if someone grabbed the idea of my favorite heartwarming Christmas movie and worked it into my all-time favorite book? Would the resulting story be a favorite?
Yup.
“A Life Worth Choosing” has some similarities but lots of differences from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Clarence” has a familiar role and shares more background details to the one-time Fitzwilliam Darcy but strenuously refuses to supply other information. Unfortunately, the story has a shocking lack of bells ringing.
Two possible happy endings — I could not choose a favorite.
As much as I love Jimmy Stewart, I don’t see him in the Darcy role. But, when the movie is made from this book, there will be a part for Maria Ouspenskaya. What could be better?
Fortune comes to a man; he cannot go to it. ~ James Lendall Basford (1845–1915)
January 24, 2021
Wow
What if Darcy wished he had never been born...and his wish was granted. “It’s a Wonderful Life” meets “Pride and Prejudice”. How many lives do we touch in our lifetime?
My wife, many years ago, was talking to a newly retired neighbor, outside one day and he said he wondered what he would do with his retirement. Knowing how much he loved talking with our two young kids, smiled and said he was so good with kids he ought to volunteer at the kindergarten class at the school just up the street. We all laughed about that but a few weeks later he upped and volunteered.
Fast forward 26 years later he got too old to volunteer anymore. He helped about 60 kindergarten kids a year learn to tie their shoes, help teach the slow ones how to spell their names and how to sharpen crayons. He got a special reward when he “retired” again.
All from one conversation with my wife while the family was raking leaves. Every one touches so many... for good or bad. What if Darcy had never been born.
This is an awesome book. I think you will enjoy it.
What if Darcy wished he had never been born...and his wish was granted. “It’s a Wonderful Life” meets “Pride and Prejudice”. How many lives do we touch in our lifetime?
My wife, many years ago, was talking to a newly retired neighbor, outside one day and he said he wondered what he would do with his retirement. Knowing how much he loved talking with our two young kids, smiled and said he was so good with kids he ought to volunteer at the kindergarten class at the school just up the street. We all laughed about that but a few weeks later he upped and volunteered.
Fast forward 26 years later he got too old to volunteer anymore. He helped about 60 kindergarten kids a year learn to tie their shoes, help teach the slow ones how to spell their names and how to sharpen crayons. He got a special reward when he “retired” again.
All from one conversation with my wife while the family was raking leaves. Every one touches so many... for good or bad. What if Darcy had never been born.
This is an awesome book. I think you will enjoy it.
March 14, 2021
Anngela Schroeder’s ‘A Life Worth Choosing’ is an absolute delight! Intriguing, engaging, unpredictable and deliciously romantic, it kept me glued to my Kindle for several happy hours. I loved the exciting and innovative plot, the fast pace, the sprinkle of advance-warnings and the odd red herring, and I adored everything about Mr Fitzroy, from the brilliant symbolism of his name to his flawless letter-writing and swoon-worthy proposal.
A wonderful read, not to be missed.
A wonderful read, not to be missed.
January 23, 2021
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” –J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Rating: readers ->13 due to discussions of behavior that is not for younger readers. This story takes a walk on the dark side. After all, we’re talking about that SBRB Wickham… enough said. Angst level: stressful and intense: inspired by the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: borrowed from KU 1-20-21
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” –It’s a Wonderful Life
We have a short prologue with two young men approaching a gypsy camp. An old woman motions them closer and makes a prediction regarding both boys. Jump to a future scene in Kent where Darcy has given his letter to Miss Elizabeth. He rides off as she is left to read his scathing words in response to her refusal of his proposal. After reading his letter, she walks back toward the parsonage and encounters Darcy’s horse. It leads her to Darcy lying unconscious in the lane. This was so much like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” in that Fitzwilliam Darcy was given an opportunity to see what life would have been like without him. OMG! Poor man.
This was just awful. Wickham, the SBRB, went unchecked throughout the story because Georgiana’s guardians were not there to protect her. I wanted to cry as Darcy saw everything, he and all the generations before him, had worked so hard for… lost with the turn of the cards. Poor Georgiana lived a wretched life and there was no escape… until… well, I can’t say. Others also suffered without the influence of Darcy in their lives. He really did have a wonderful life.
There were two epilogues that will make sense when you read them. I especially liked the epilogue for the present Darcy rather than the dream Darcy. Although, I was glad to see them both. I liked how each ended. This was one story that will leave you thinking long after you have read it. I highly recommend it for something completely different.
“Remember no man is a failure who has friends” –It’s a Wonderful Life
Rating: readers ->13 due to discussions of behavior that is not for younger readers. This story takes a walk on the dark side. After all, we’re talking about that SBRB Wickham… enough said. Angst level: stressful and intense: inspired by the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: borrowed from KU 1-20-21
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” –It’s a Wonderful Life
We have a short prologue with two young men approaching a gypsy camp. An old woman motions them closer and makes a prediction regarding both boys. Jump to a future scene in Kent where Darcy has given his letter to Miss Elizabeth. He rides off as she is left to read his scathing words in response to her refusal of his proposal. After reading his letter, she walks back toward the parsonage and encounters Darcy’s horse. It leads her to Darcy lying unconscious in the lane. This was so much like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” in that Fitzwilliam Darcy was given an opportunity to see what life would have been like without him. OMG! Poor man.
This was just awful. Wickham, the SBRB, went unchecked throughout the story because Georgiana’s guardians were not there to protect her. I wanted to cry as Darcy saw everything, he and all the generations before him, had worked so hard for… lost with the turn of the cards. Poor Georgiana lived a wretched life and there was no escape… until… well, I can’t say. Others also suffered without the influence of Darcy in their lives. He really did have a wonderful life.
There were two epilogues that will make sense when you read them. I especially liked the epilogue for the present Darcy rather than the dream Darcy. Although, I was glad to see them both. I liked how each ended. This was one story that will leave you thinking long after you have read it. I highly recommend it for something completely different.
“Remember no man is a failure who has friends” –It’s a Wonderful Life
March 15, 2025
Nothing to complain! Simply loved it! 😍
And especially that there are 2 epilogues, one for each of their lives. I almost couldn‘t choose which life I prefer 🙈 Still contemplating though 😂
To the narration, well Elizabeth Grace is one of my favorites so nothing to complain on that score either.
I already recommended the book to a friend, that says it all I guess?
If you however haven‘t read it yet, do it, you won‘t regret it.
And especially that there are 2 epilogues, one for each of their lives. I almost couldn‘t choose which life I prefer 🙈 Still contemplating though 😂
To the narration, well Elizabeth Grace is one of my favorites so nothing to complain on that score either.
I already recommended the book to a friend, that says it all I guess?
If you however haven‘t read it yet, do it, you won‘t regret it.
January 20, 2021
Clever mash-up between Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice” and Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I hope readers love this complex and thoughtful Darcy as much as I do. What a timely read about our hero recognizing the value of life, the impact of his love, in “A Life Worth Choosing.”
Easy to recommend.
Easy to recommend.
April 2, 2022
What If Mr. Darcy Had Never Been Born?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After handing Elizabeth his post-rejection letter, Mr. Darcy falls from his horse and wakes up in a reality where he was born as William Fitzroy instead of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Stripped of his past, his family, and Pemberley, Mr. Fitzroy quickly discovers that in this reality he has the opportunity to gain what Mr. Darcy could not…Elizabeth Bennet’s love.
MY THOUGHTS: It’s Pride and Prejudice with some It’s A Wonderful Life mixed in! I love it! Mr. Darcy learns the importance of his own existence and gets to see what would happen to his family, his friends, and his estate if he had never been born. This new reality was fascinating to explore and I loved encountering such an imaginative and unique premise.
It’s hard to decide what I enjoyed more about this variation: witnessing all the changes in this new (perish-the-thought) Darcy-less world or seeing the delicately and tenderly blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Fitzroy. I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises in store but I will say that I loved seeing all the different ways Mr. Darcy affected the lives of those around him. “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” – Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life. I found so many of the alterations, especially those concerning Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charles Bingley, and Jane Bennet to be very plausible, and I appreciated Anngela Schroeder’s clever skill in creating such credible alternate realities.
And yet, I equally loved every stolen moment between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy – on their walks, in empty rooms at the Parsonage, in a carriage heading to London. To see Elizabeth’s eager care and interest in him, to see Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy hoping for Elizabeth’s tender regard, and to see all the times they bantered or enjoyed sincere and candid conversations was immensely gratifying. In addition, I was pleased to see Mr. Darcy’s/Fitzroy’s protective nature come out in full force in this world and witness his capable actions to thwart his foe’s sinister schemes to harm others.
I thoroughly enjoyed the unique angle of this variation (it was wonderfully unpredictable!). It was moving to see Mr. Darcy placed in a George-Bailey-like-situation and come to terms with his own dissatisfaction and disappointments and learn to appreciate his significance and destiny. My only quibble was that some events started to become confusing towards the end when dreams were talked of and some questions of what is real came into play. But maybe the reader is supposed to be swept up in the magic of it all not look for everything to make logical sense…
Filled with whimsical fantasy, thought-provoking reflections, and a swoon-worthy romance, A Life Worth Choosing is most definitely a wonderful Pride and Prejudice variation. Ms. Schroeder brilliantly weaves together these two timeless tales to create an enchanting story that is memorable, moving, and heartfelt. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After handing Elizabeth his post-rejection letter, Mr. Darcy falls from his horse and wakes up in a reality where he was born as William Fitzroy instead of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Stripped of his past, his family, and Pemberley, Mr. Fitzroy quickly discovers that in this reality he has the opportunity to gain what Mr. Darcy could not…Elizabeth Bennet’s love.
MY THOUGHTS: It’s Pride and Prejudice with some It’s A Wonderful Life mixed in! I love it! Mr. Darcy learns the importance of his own existence and gets to see what would happen to his family, his friends, and his estate if he had never been born. This new reality was fascinating to explore and I loved encountering such an imaginative and unique premise.
It’s hard to decide what I enjoyed more about this variation: witnessing all the changes in this new (perish-the-thought) Darcy-less world or seeing the delicately and tenderly blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Fitzroy. I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises in store but I will say that I loved seeing all the different ways Mr. Darcy affected the lives of those around him. “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” – Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life. I found so many of the alterations, especially those concerning Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charles Bingley, and Jane Bennet to be very plausible, and I appreciated Anngela Schroeder’s clever skill in creating such credible alternate realities.
And yet, I equally loved every stolen moment between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy – on their walks, in empty rooms at the Parsonage, in a carriage heading to London. To see Elizabeth’s eager care and interest in him, to see Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy hoping for Elizabeth’s tender regard, and to see all the times they bantered or enjoyed sincere and candid conversations was immensely gratifying. In addition, I was pleased to see Mr. Darcy’s/Fitzroy’s protective nature come out in full force in this world and witness his capable actions to thwart his foe’s sinister schemes to harm others.
I thoroughly enjoyed the unique angle of this variation (it was wonderfully unpredictable!). It was moving to see Mr. Darcy placed in a George-Bailey-like-situation and come to terms with his own dissatisfaction and disappointments and learn to appreciate his significance and destiny. My only quibble was that some events started to become confusing towards the end when dreams were talked of and some questions of what is real came into play. But maybe the reader is supposed to be swept up in the magic of it all not look for everything to make logical sense…
Filled with whimsical fantasy, thought-provoking reflections, and a swoon-worthy romance, A Life Worth Choosing is most definitely a wonderful Pride and Prejudice variation. Ms. Schroeder brilliantly weaves together these two timeless tales to create an enchanting story that is memorable, moving, and heartfelt. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
March 31, 2021
In a heart-tugging mash-up of It’s A Wonderful Life and Pride & Prejudice, the author gives Austen’s most beloved hero the opportunity to witness a world in which he had never been born. A Pride & Prejudice world without Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? Gasp! Exploring such a possibility had me clearing some time and settling into my cozy reading chair.
After delivering his marriage proposal and having Miss Elizabeth Bennet not simply reject it, but vociferously state that Mr. Wickham would have made a better Master of Pemberley than he, Fitzwilliam Darcy pens a response letter and his own private wish that he wasn’t around to feel the pain and dejection from her stunning refusal of his love and all that his wealth can give her. And, long ago, a gypsy predicted he would have a monumental decision to make in his life.
Not long after the delivery of said letter, an accident befalls him and he awakes in a world that makes little sense. The same people surround him, but their circumstances and his own are vastly different. What has happened? Is he even awake? His physician, Clarence, explains. Darcy wished he hadn’t been born so… he hadn’t been born. He was now Mr. Fitzroy, gentleman and owner of a small estate and nobody to all the familiar people around him. Familiar people, who seem to be suffering painful and bizarre fates. Why? He wonders and the enigmatic Clarence reminds him that this is the result of him never being there during pivotal times in these people’s lives.
While in the person of Fitzroy, Darcy has a new chance with Miss Elizabeth and a new life before him if he wishes to take it. If he chooses his former life, he can restore what is lost and lose love a second time.
A Life Worth Choosing is a magical variation that deviates from the original at the point of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in Kent and the Hunsford proposal. Definitely a story that works best for readers who are already familiar with both the Christmas movie and the Austen classic. Because of the nature of the story, the variation sails far off course into a riveting nightmarish version that had me sitting up and taking notice. It didn’t take great leaps to see that the scenario wasn’t all that implausible if those affected were allowed to make poor choices and exhibit the strongest flaws in their characters. There were a few strong nods to scenes from It’s a Wonderful Life and I loved that Clarence played his role once again.
The last quarter of the book explored both paths in a unique way and I did get somewhat distracted trying to keep straight what storyline I was in (Fitzroy or Darcy). There was a big suspenseful scene that had me glued to the book to find out what happened next. The Fitzroy story had some exciting secret reveals tucked in and some surprise actions from a couple of the characters like Anne de Bourgh that I loved. I thought the choice of a double epilogue that explored both storylines into the future was a great treat to the reader.
In summation, this was a clever, heartwarming exploration melding two old-time favorites and getting one splendid result. Those who enjoy mash-ups, the inclusion of a little magic, and sweet historical romance shouldn’t pass this one up.
My original review posted at Austenprose on March 31st.
After delivering his marriage proposal and having Miss Elizabeth Bennet not simply reject it, but vociferously state that Mr. Wickham would have made a better Master of Pemberley than he, Fitzwilliam Darcy pens a response letter and his own private wish that he wasn’t around to feel the pain and dejection from her stunning refusal of his love and all that his wealth can give her. And, long ago, a gypsy predicted he would have a monumental decision to make in his life.
Not long after the delivery of said letter, an accident befalls him and he awakes in a world that makes little sense. The same people surround him, but their circumstances and his own are vastly different. What has happened? Is he even awake? His physician, Clarence, explains. Darcy wished he hadn’t been born so… he hadn’t been born. He was now Mr. Fitzroy, gentleman and owner of a small estate and nobody to all the familiar people around him. Familiar people, who seem to be suffering painful and bizarre fates. Why? He wonders and the enigmatic Clarence reminds him that this is the result of him never being there during pivotal times in these people’s lives.
While in the person of Fitzroy, Darcy has a new chance with Miss Elizabeth and a new life before him if he wishes to take it. If he chooses his former life, he can restore what is lost and lose love a second time.
A Life Worth Choosing is a magical variation that deviates from the original at the point of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in Kent and the Hunsford proposal. Definitely a story that works best for readers who are already familiar with both the Christmas movie and the Austen classic. Because of the nature of the story, the variation sails far off course into a riveting nightmarish version that had me sitting up and taking notice. It didn’t take great leaps to see that the scenario wasn’t all that implausible if those affected were allowed to make poor choices and exhibit the strongest flaws in their characters. There were a few strong nods to scenes from It’s a Wonderful Life and I loved that Clarence played his role once again.
The last quarter of the book explored both paths in a unique way and I did get somewhat distracted trying to keep straight what storyline I was in (Fitzroy or Darcy). There was a big suspenseful scene that had me glued to the book to find out what happened next. The Fitzroy story had some exciting secret reveals tucked in and some surprise actions from a couple of the characters like Anne de Bourgh that I loved. I thought the choice of a double epilogue that explored both storylines into the future was a great treat to the reader.
In summation, this was a clever, heartwarming exploration melding two old-time favorites and getting one splendid result. Those who enjoy mash-ups, the inclusion of a little magic, and sweet historical romance shouldn’t pass this one up.
My original review posted at Austenprose on March 31st.
April 12, 2025
It’s a Wonderful Life—Pride and Prejudice Style
My title kind of says it all. Following an accident, Darcy wakes up to a different life—one where his words from a previous life held consequences.
Darcy wrote, “I have never become careless in my duty, yet had I not been born the master of Pemberley, I assure you the Darcy legacy would have continued unaffected.”
Unless your life had been affected by a wise old gypsy!
This was a nicely written retelling of two well-known, beloved stories. As in It’s a Wonderful Life, Darcy will realize his presence had more bearing on the lives of others than he realized.
(Note: It’s a Wonderful Life was based on a short story “The Greatest Gift”, written by Philip Van Doren Stern, loosely based on the Charles Dickens novel "A Christmas Carol". )
Enjoyable read.
April 11, 2025 - Audiobook
Elizabeth Grace is a favourite narrator and voice actor, so naturally, I loved this performance. I think she has a swoony Darcy voice.
My title kind of says it all. Following an accident, Darcy wakes up to a different life—one where his words from a previous life held consequences.
Darcy wrote, “I have never become careless in my duty, yet had I not been born the master of Pemberley, I assure you the Darcy legacy would have continued unaffected.”
Unless your life had been affected by a wise old gypsy!
This was a nicely written retelling of two well-known, beloved stories. As in It’s a Wonderful Life, Darcy will realize his presence had more bearing on the lives of others than he realized.
(Note: It’s a Wonderful Life was based on a short story “The Greatest Gift”, written by Philip Van Doren Stern, loosely based on the Charles Dickens novel "A Christmas Carol". )
Enjoyable read.
April 11, 2025 - Audiobook
Elizabeth Grace is a favourite narrator and voice actor, so naturally, I loved this performance. I think she has a swoony Darcy voice.
January 28, 2021
3.5 stars
Started very engaging, by the end got too complicated and not in a good way. There are some interesting ideas and situations but the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy seemed bland to me. I liked the two epilogues, with the different outcome. However I don't like it when people talk to themselves and in this book practicly everybody does it. Please use your inner voice.
Started very engaging, by the end got too complicated and not in a good way. There are some interesting ideas and situations but the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy seemed bland to me. I liked the two epilogues, with the different outcome. However I don't like it when people talk to themselves and in this book practicly everybody does it. Please use your inner voice.
January 26, 2021
Dear Reader,
This addictive page turner worked its magic and ended a serious bout of bookitis.
Having read the numerous 5* reviews I treated myself to it and am delighted I did so.
Centred on what life might be like if our beloved Mr D had lived another life,with a similar but different upbringing,we glimpse this pulled thread and its myriad consequences on the lives and loves of all whom Darcy hold dear.
A very clever,delightfully surprising and compelling read,I highly recommend it to all lovers of a story well told.
This addictive page turner worked its magic and ended a serious bout of bookitis.
Having read the numerous 5* reviews I treated myself to it and am delighted I did so.
Centred on what life might be like if our beloved Mr D had lived another life,with a similar but different upbringing,we glimpse this pulled thread and its myriad consequences on the lives and loves of all whom Darcy hold dear.
A very clever,delightfully surprising and compelling read,I highly recommend it to all lovers of a story well told.
February 27, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much... its such a clever idea that is executed really well and i loved the way the story all came together at the end. We start with a gypsy curse (always sure to cause mischief) and then following the delivery of his letter to Elizabeth, Darcy falls from his horse. When he wakes he is not Fitzwilliam Darcy but William Fitzroy. He was never a Darcy and gets to live a different life... but at what cost? With no Fitzwilliam Darcy, Wickham is running riot... but Elizabeth sees a different man and likes him very much. He has the opportunity to choose this new life where Elizabeth loves him but... what of Wickham?? And what of Pemberley?? As the lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy and William Fitzroy start to come together we can see how they are linked and it all comes together beautifully.
This is a 5 star read for me because I just loved it!
This is a 5 star read for me because I just loved it!
March 4, 2021
Life can be a wondrous dream but for Mr Darcy, it feels more like a nightmare. He has laid his heart out to Elizabeth Bennet and been soundly refused. A man of action and integrity, his character placed on the line, he attempts to clear his name with Elizabeth. For what purpose is his life now anyway? Instead finds he no longer exists.
Awakening to an all new reality, Mr Darcy must navigate a world that never knew him. His beloved family is in the clutches of an evil man and he is a stranger to Elizabeth. Will he be able to find his way back to the life he had before or will he find success in this new one, despite his lost legacy. A strange doctor, his love for Elizabeth and others, and a gypsy’s promise are all that he has when faced with this new life worth choosing.
Anngela Schroeder reimagines Jane Austen’s much adored Pride and Prejudice to fill it with intrigue, and the magic of the gypsies, making us all contemplate the value of a single individual on the lives of so many.
July 21, 2021
It's A Wonderful Life crossed with Pride and Prejudice.
This JAFF begins immediately after the rejected Hunsford proposal, but in this version, Elizabeth angrily declares that old Mr Darcy should never have had a son, as Wickham would have been a much better master of Pemberley and more of a gentleman. Darcy writes an angry exculpatory letter but after giving it to Elizabeth the next morning, he rides away dwelling on her words about 'old Mr Darcy never having a son' and falls from his horse and is rendered unconscious.
Upon waking, he discovers that nobody knows who he is and that no such person as Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has ever existed. Thus, he gets to see what people's lives would have been like if he had never been born.
This was a terrific premise, but I felt the fortune teller in the prologue predicting everything would be okay in the end for Darcy, prevented there being much in the way of suspense.
I also found the interactions with 'Clarence' and the explanation of some weird gypsy spell, disappointing. It would have been a more solid story, imo, if the head injury and his time unconscious turned out to be the direct cause of him experiencing this new reality, rather than some weird hocus pocus that never really worked as a concept for me.
The main reason I hated 'magic' as an explanation, is that Clarence tells Darcy that there will come a point where he has to choose between the reality he has always known, and his new life.
But Darcy realises fairly instantly that everyone in this new world is worse off for him never having existed, so why would he ever consider giving up the happiness of his own sister Georgiana, or of his cousin and his aunt, sacrificing the fortune of his friend, Charles Bingley, as well as ending the entire LIFE and existence of Colonel Fitzwilliam, just so that he could exist in a world where he gets a fresh start with Elizabeth? It wouldn't happen because Darcy (at least canon Darcy) is not a selfish character.
The inclusion of other characters having odd dreams about this alternate reality and thereby changing their opinions of Darcy and Wickham felt like a cop-out, too. Surely it was for Darcy to learn by his experience and create his own fresh start (a la Scrooge and George Bailey), not for the whole cast of characters to feel slightly unhinged and wonder if they're losing their minds as odd crossover evidence of two worlds existing simultaneously appears.
The writing is really good, but the plot had such a flaw for me in the gypsy spell premise, that I found it hard to get past it, even though I usually love supernatural vagaries (eg. Haunting Mr Darcy and Darcy By Any Other Name).
This JAFF begins immediately after the rejected Hunsford proposal, but in this version, Elizabeth angrily declares that old Mr Darcy should never have had a son, as Wickham would have been a much better master of Pemberley and more of a gentleman. Darcy writes an angry exculpatory letter but after giving it to Elizabeth the next morning, he rides away dwelling on her words about 'old Mr Darcy never having a son' and falls from his horse and is rendered unconscious.
Upon waking, he discovers that nobody knows who he is and that no such person as Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has ever existed. Thus, he gets to see what people's lives would have been like if he had never been born.
This was a terrific premise, but I felt the fortune teller in the prologue predicting everything would be okay in the end for Darcy, prevented there being much in the way of suspense.
I also found the interactions with 'Clarence' and the explanation of some weird gypsy spell, disappointing. It would have been a more solid story, imo, if the head injury and his time unconscious turned out to be the direct cause of him experiencing this new reality, rather than some weird hocus pocus that never really worked as a concept for me.
The main reason I hated 'magic' as an explanation, is that Clarence tells Darcy that there will come a point where he has to choose between the reality he has always known, and his new life.
But Darcy realises fairly instantly that everyone in this new world is worse off for him never having existed, so why would he ever consider giving up the happiness of his own sister Georgiana, or of his cousin and his aunt, sacrificing the fortune of his friend, Charles Bingley, as well as ending the entire LIFE and existence of Colonel Fitzwilliam, just so that he could exist in a world where he gets a fresh start with Elizabeth? It wouldn't happen because Darcy (at least canon Darcy) is not a selfish character.
The inclusion of other characters having odd dreams about this alternate reality and thereby changing their opinions of Darcy and Wickham felt like a cop-out, too. Surely it was for Darcy to learn by his experience and create his own fresh start (a la Scrooge and George Bailey), not for the whole cast of characters to feel slightly unhinged and wonder if they're losing their minds as odd crossover evidence of two worlds existing simultaneously appears.
The writing is really good, but the plot had such a flaw for me in the gypsy spell premise, that I found it hard to get past it, even though I usually love supernatural vagaries (eg. Haunting Mr Darcy and Darcy By Any Other Name).
March 25, 2021
At first I was hesitant to read this since I don’t read paranormal at all. The Gypsy at the start was a warning sign. Boy am I grateful I read past that point. This was a delight. The complexity of the tale was handled with skill and the characters with finesse. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest release from Anngela. Well done!
September 8, 2022
SPOILERS IN REVIEW
This is in interesting book that for me was ruined my a melodramatic epilogue of a part of the story I was over any way. Georgiana was a murderer and Jane an adulteress. Yuck.
This is in interesting book that for me was ruined my a melodramatic epilogue of a part of the story I was over any way. Georgiana was a murderer and Jane an adulteress. Yuck.
October 14, 2022
The purest love
I found this concept creates an amazing story that stretches our capacity to believe in something beyond what we know. A most worthy book!
I found this concept creates an amazing story that stretches our capacity to believe in something beyond what we know. A most worthy book!
March 16, 2025
Interessante
October 10, 2022
I can generally count on Anngela Schroeder for an outstanding and emotional read but this was... bizarre. Some sort of alternate reality or time travel?
Mr Darcy has just proposed and been rejected by Elizabeth Bennet. He meets her the next morning to deliver a letter addressing the offences laid against him but upon leaving her suffers a head injury. When he awakes it is to a world he does not know and to people who do not know him - Fitzwilliam Darcy does not exist.
I found this really strange to read, in fact I frowned through most of it. The new circumstances of the characters are interesting I suppose but this style of story didn't work for me. I especially disliked and didn't understand
Mr Darcy has just proposed and been rejected by Elizabeth Bennet. He meets her the next morning to deliver a letter addressing the offences laid against him but upon leaving her suffers a head injury. When he awakes it is to a world he does not know and to people who do not know him - Fitzwilliam Darcy does not exist.
I found this really strange to read, in fact I frowned through most of it. The new circumstances of the characters are interesting I suppose but this style of story didn't work for me. I especially disliked and didn't understand
March 5, 2021
Fitzwilliam Darcy is gifted with a specific "sight" of his choosing by a gypsy as a child. As he is rejected by Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford, he wishes that he had not existed. His gift allows his wish to come true! Similar to "It's a Wonderful Life" he finds himself in a world he does not recognize. As he learns to navigate and get to know the new versions of people in his life, he must make a choice to continue with this new version or return to the life he had. Upon his choice, a few surprises occur which was an amazing way to wrap up the story with a happily ever after.
This story is a great read and told from Darcy's point of view. The author did a great job connecting the old life and the new life and so many wonderful observations.
This story is a great read and told from Darcy's point of view. The author did a great job connecting the old life and the new life and so many wonderful observations.
July 1, 2024
A very different retelling of the time following the failed Hunsford proposal.
Add a little gypsy curse, angel (Clarence-really?) and a lot of imagination, this alternate variation does not disappoint.
The writing is superb, the reader is swept up in the story and very invested in what happens next. We get to see 2 versions of some of the characters and mourn the loss of one. I found it most intriguing that others were caught up in the experience via dreams. Definitely a - Do not miss!
Add a little gypsy curse, angel (Clarence-really?) and a lot of imagination, this alternate variation does not disappoint.
The writing is superb, the reader is swept up in the story and very invested in what happens next. We get to see 2 versions of some of the characters and mourn the loss of one. I found it most intriguing that others were caught up in the experience via dreams. Definitely a - Do not miss!
September 30, 2021
A Life Worth Choosing!
What a fantastic story! I read and cherished it on FanFiction and was so happy to see it come up in book form! Not to be missed, from start to finish it's perfection!
What a fantastic story! I read and cherished it on FanFiction and was so happy to see it come up in book form! Not to be missed, from start to finish it's perfection!
March 22, 2021
4.5. I’m a fan of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and expected this to be a P&P variation of it, but while the general idea was similar, this story was quite different and unique. I found this book very engaging and delightful and I really enjoyed it! Will read this one again!
January 3, 2022
Summary
It's a Wonderful Life meets Pride and Prejudice.
Story
During Mr. Darcy's first ill-fated proposal, when Elizabeth talks about her concern about his treatment of Mr. Wickham, she says that Mr. Wickham would have made a better son that he would have. In his rebuttal letter, he politely writes that he would not want to refuse her any pleasure. After giving her the letter, he rides off on his horse and is in an accident. After Elizabeth reads the letter, she encounters the horse Mr. Darcy was riding and then eventually finds him bleeding. The physician Clarence attends to him, and we can tell when he wakes up that he is not waking to the same world he left. In this new world, he was not Mr. Darcy's son, but was raised by another genteel family, but less ostentatiously wealthy family named Fitzroy. While he is called Mr. Fitzroy, he has the memories of his previous life as Mr. Darcy.
Waking up as someone who is injured, away from home has Mr. Fitzroy in a less prominent social position. He doesn't know anything of the life he is supposed to have lived, and doesn't really have access to finances. He's essentially knocked down a peg from the pride and arrogance that he felt in his previous life that had come across so strongly in his marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Him being less self assured plus Elizabeth taking care of him after his injury allows them to bond in a way that wasn't available to them in the original Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Collins is married to Jane. Lady Catherine is ill and out of sorts, but Anne seems to have rallied to a similar personality in her absence.
This book also contains a gypsy proclamation, a secret bank account, and a duel, outside of the It's a Wonderful Life parallels. It's certainly not boring, and it's interesting to see this alternative world and how people have faired without Mr. Darcy in their lives.
Things That Didn't Work:
- The whole It's a Wonderful Life premise felt a little weak to me. I have seem a fair number of retellings of this story, and they all have the premise that the person feels bad and actually thinks that the world would be better without them. That wasn't true in this story. Elizabeth, in anger, says something to the effect that it would have been better if he hadn't been born and Mr. Wickham could have taken on the role of being the Darcy son. But when he writes in his letter that he wouldn't want to deny her any pleasure, that just sounds like Regency politeness, not an actual wish that he had to not be present in the world.
- Based on the title of the book, and some things that Clarence alluded to, it seems like Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy will encounter a situation where he chooses which life he wants.
Things That Worked:
- The idea that Mr. Wickham would have gone ramshackle in a world without Mr. Darcy totally made sense.
- It was plausible that in this scenario Mr. Bingley's good nature would have been taken advantage of and that he would have lost his wealth.
- It was nice to see Anne in a stronger position.
It's a Wonderful Life meets Pride and Prejudice.
Story
During Mr. Darcy's first ill-fated proposal, when Elizabeth talks about her concern about his treatment of Mr. Wickham, she says that Mr. Wickham would have made a better son that he would have. In his rebuttal letter, he politely writes that he would not want to refuse her any pleasure. After giving her the letter, he rides off on his horse and is in an accident. After Elizabeth reads the letter, she encounters the horse Mr. Darcy was riding and then eventually finds him bleeding. The physician Clarence attends to him, and we can tell when he wakes up that he is not waking to the same world he left. In this new world, he was not Mr. Darcy's son, but was raised by another genteel family, but less ostentatiously wealthy family named Fitzroy. While he is called Mr. Fitzroy, he has the memories of his previous life as Mr. Darcy.
Waking up as someone who is injured, away from home has Mr. Fitzroy in a less prominent social position. He doesn't know anything of the life he is supposed to have lived, and doesn't really have access to finances. He's essentially knocked down a peg from the pride and arrogance that he felt in his previous life that had come across so strongly in his marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Him being less self assured plus Elizabeth taking care of him after his injury allows them to bond in a way that wasn't available to them in the original Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Collins is married to Jane. Lady Catherine is ill and out of sorts, but Anne seems to have rallied to a similar personality in her absence.
This book also contains a gypsy proclamation, a secret bank account, and a duel, outside of the It's a Wonderful Life parallels. It's certainly not boring, and it's interesting to see this alternative world and how people have faired without Mr. Darcy in their lives.
Things That Didn't Work:
- The whole It's a Wonderful Life premise felt a little weak to me. I have seem a fair number of retellings of this story, and they all have the premise that the person feels bad and actually thinks that the world would be better without them. That wasn't true in this story. Elizabeth, in anger, says something to the effect that it would have been better if he hadn't been born and Mr. Wickham could have taken on the role of being the Darcy son. But when he writes in his letter that he wouldn't want to deny her any pleasure, that just sounds like Regency politeness, not an actual wish that he had to not be present in the world.
- Based on the title of the book, and some things that Clarence alluded to, it seems like Mr. Darcy/Fitzroy will encounter a situation where he chooses which life he wants.
Things That Worked:
- The idea that Mr. Wickham would have gone ramshackle in a world without Mr. Darcy totally made sense.
- It was plausible that in this scenario Mr. Bingley's good nature would have been taken advantage of and that he would have lost his wealth.
- It was nice to see Anne in a stronger position.
February 6, 2021
Interesting
A fresh idea for a JAFF variation. The whimsical idea that a gypsy prediction, and a carelessly made wish to never be born, is the source of a complete upheaval of Darcy's life, requires you to go into this book with the right attitude, namely the decision to just go with it and accept the unbelievable. The story begins with the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and the letter that Darcy gives to Elizabeth after to explain his actions. This is the point at which Darcy assumes a different identity, as if he was never born, and begins his struggle to accept his new place in the world, and discover the profound changes that occur as a result of his absence in everyone's life.
Almost the entire story takes place at Rosings and Hunsford parsonage, since all the main characters who matter are already there. We have Jane and Bingley, Georgiana and Wickham in addition to all the usual occupants of this scene. Be prepared for a fairly sad, depressing tale, as the whole point of the story is for Darcy to realize that his absence from everyone's life has terrible consequences that he can't possibly predict. Everywhere he turns, the people he most cares about are suffering in some way because he's not there. It's pretty bleak.
There's even a "Clarence" in the story, Darcy's guide between his two different lives. Of course, the one constant for Darcy is his feelings for Elizabeth, the romance is lovely, and it's what saves the story from being too much of a downer. It definitely helped me that I'd seen the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" so that I knew what to expect. The author made it a little confusing, though, by giving many of the characters a "dream" remembrance of the alternate life, and even threw in a few material pieces of evidence that survived the journey from one life path to another. I thought it would have been tidier to just have everyone (except Darcy, or course) completely unaware that they'd ever experienced anything different.
I like this author. She's a talented writer and storyteller, who knows how to properly develop a plot, and properly flesh out her characters. I hope that she will continue to write JAFF. I recommend this book highly.
A fresh idea for a JAFF variation. The whimsical idea that a gypsy prediction, and a carelessly made wish to never be born, is the source of a complete upheaval of Darcy's life, requires you to go into this book with the right attitude, namely the decision to just go with it and accept the unbelievable. The story begins with the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and the letter that Darcy gives to Elizabeth after to explain his actions. This is the point at which Darcy assumes a different identity, as if he was never born, and begins his struggle to accept his new place in the world, and discover the profound changes that occur as a result of his absence in everyone's life.
Almost the entire story takes place at Rosings and Hunsford parsonage, since all the main characters who matter are already there. We have Jane and Bingley, Georgiana and Wickham in addition to all the usual occupants of this scene. Be prepared for a fairly sad, depressing tale, as the whole point of the story is for Darcy to realize that his absence from everyone's life has terrible consequences that he can't possibly predict. Everywhere he turns, the people he most cares about are suffering in some way because he's not there. It's pretty bleak.
There's even a "Clarence" in the story, Darcy's guide between his two different lives. Of course, the one constant for Darcy is his feelings for Elizabeth, the romance is lovely, and it's what saves the story from being too much of a downer. It definitely helped me that I'd seen the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" so that I knew what to expect. The author made it a little confusing, though, by giving many of the characters a "dream" remembrance of the alternate life, and even threw in a few material pieces of evidence that survived the journey from one life path to another. I thought it would have been tidier to just have everyone (except Darcy, or course) completely unaware that they'd ever experienced anything different.
I like this author. She's a talented writer and storyteller, who knows how to properly develop a plot, and properly flesh out her characters. I hope that she will continue to write JAFF. I recommend this book highly.
April 8, 2021
Readers Choice
4.5 Stars
In the spirit of the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Darcy is shown what life would be for others if he had never lived.
After the disastrous proposal and giving Elizabeth the letter, Darcy remembers nothing further until he awakens at the parsonage with a head injury due to a fall from his horse and the new identity of William Fitzroy. He is completely unknown to all except for a doctor named Clarence. Clarence explains to “Fitzroy” that in this life, Fitzwilliam Darcy has never lived. While trying to comprehend what has happened, Darcy is continually pummeled with the shocking truths this alternate reality holds. But he also realizes he has another chance with Elizabeth.
As he strives to find a way to exist in the alternate life and change it for the better, we find that Darcy will fight to protect and care for those he loves, no matter what life he is dealt.
It’s in his soul.
Even with the ever increasing promise of Elizabeth’s love, I felt frustration that Darcy would even contemplate choosing to remain in the other (alternate) life when he sees the pain and loss suffered, but then, does he actually get a choice in the end?
I reread parts of this story over a few times to understand before I focused on a line often quoted in the book: “The purest love will always recognize your soul”. Fitzwilliam Darcy, comes to know this truth.
I finished the book supposing that maybe the author’s intention by offering two different epilogues was - it is the reader who has the choice.
The love story of Darcy and Elizabeth wonderfully intertwines between each life. Engrossing and clever, this story had me thinking of what I would dare contemplate were I presented an irrevocable choice to change the past, and live a different life.
4.5 Stars
In the spirit of the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Darcy is shown what life would be for others if he had never lived.
After the disastrous proposal and giving Elizabeth the letter, Darcy remembers nothing further until he awakens at the parsonage with a head injury due to a fall from his horse and the new identity of William Fitzroy. He is completely unknown to all except for a doctor named Clarence. Clarence explains to “Fitzroy” that in this life, Fitzwilliam Darcy has never lived. While trying to comprehend what has happened, Darcy is continually pummeled with the shocking truths this alternate reality holds. But he also realizes he has another chance with Elizabeth.
As he strives to find a way to exist in the alternate life and change it for the better, we find that Darcy will fight to protect and care for those he loves, no matter what life he is dealt.
It’s in his soul.
Even with the ever increasing promise of Elizabeth’s love, I felt frustration that Darcy would even contemplate choosing to remain in the other (alternate) life when he sees the pain and loss suffered, but then, does he actually get a choice in the end?
I reread parts of this story over a few times to understand before I focused on a line often quoted in the book: “The purest love will always recognize your soul”. Fitzwilliam Darcy, comes to know this truth.
I finished the book supposing that maybe the author’s intention by offering two different epilogues was - it is the reader who has the choice.
The love story of Darcy and Elizabeth wonderfully intertwines between each life. Engrossing and clever, this story had me thinking of what I would dare contemplate were I presented an irrevocable choice to change the past, and live a different life.
February 14, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I've struggled with what to say because everything I think of saying could be considered a spoiler. You know the premise of the story, you know that this has a 'It's A Wonderful Life' influence to its plot. But it is so much more. I had my heart in my throat for so much of this story, not crying but the anticipation of what was to come next made me keep turning those pages, until Real Life interrupted me. If you have read any of the spoiler-ish reviews and you're on the fence I would just like to give you a shove over to the 'read it asap' side of the fence.
Read it:
*Because it's an intelligent read.
*Because there's a mystery to be solved. We know why things are happening and Darcy doesn't. So, while we're prepared for him to find out what's happening, we're not prepared (and neither is he) for how really bad the bad part of things happening are going to go, or how it can possibly get better. It's marvelous to watch things develop like peeling away layer after layer of onion skin.
*Because there are two love stories. It's not ALL bad things, which makes it harder for.....never mind. Twists in most of our canon characters. Except for Collins...who remains Collins. And Mrs. Reynolds, who remains Mrs. Reynolds (thank goodness!) And Snake-In-The-Grass Wickham is more venomous than ever. Ummm...that last one might not be a recommendation to read it but...
*Because this Darcy is so wonderful, so swoony, such a hero. He isn't Jimmy Stewart Heroic, more like Gregory Peck (sigh) Heroic. He doesn't cry for Dr Clarence to take him back to his old life, he makes his own way.
This will go to my favorite reread shelf for sure.
Highly recommended
Read it:
*Because it's an intelligent read.
*Because there's a mystery to be solved. We know why things are happening and Darcy doesn't. So, while we're prepared for him to find out what's happening, we're not prepared (and neither is he) for how really bad the bad part of things happening are going to go, or how it can possibly get better. It's marvelous to watch things develop like peeling away layer after layer of onion skin.
*Because there are two love stories. It's not ALL bad things, which makes it harder for.....never mind. Twists in most of our canon characters. Except for Collins...who remains Collins. And Mrs. Reynolds, who remains Mrs. Reynolds (thank goodness!) And Snake-In-The-Grass Wickham is more venomous than ever. Ummm...that last one might not be a recommendation to read it but...
*Because this Darcy is so wonderful, so swoony, such a hero. He isn't Jimmy Stewart Heroic, more like Gregory Peck (sigh) Heroic. He doesn't cry for Dr Clarence to take him back to his old life, he makes his own way.
This will go to my favorite reread shelf for sure.
Highly recommended
October 11, 2023
2.5 Stars
This book isn't terrible. I like the premise, and Darcy and Elizabeth had some lovely moments. However, there were instances when I lost interest or had questions I knew wouldn't be answered.
***SPOILERS***
I'm all in for Darcy and Elizabeth having a HEA. The disappointing part of the story is Darcy did not wish to return to the real world and fight for Elizabeth. Given everything he has seen in his alternate universe, I was unprepared for Darcy's decision to stay in his alternate universe, knowing Richard died because Darcy wasn't there. If that isn't enough, there's the knowledge that his sister is miserable. She is married to a womanizer, slave trader, cheat, you name it. I didn't understand. Richard is dead.
Later, frustration sets in when, after confessing their love and future hopes, Darcy and Elizabeth return to the real world and start avoiding each other. They know that the two worlds are somehow linked, but silence. If a revealing conversation were on the cusp of taking place, someone would interrupt, and it would be postponed until next time.
This book isn't terrible. I like the premise, and Darcy and Elizabeth had some lovely moments. However, there were instances when I lost interest or had questions I knew wouldn't be answered.
***SPOILERS***
I'm all in for Darcy and Elizabeth having a HEA. The disappointing part of the story is Darcy did not wish to return to the real world and fight for Elizabeth. Given everything he has seen in his alternate universe, I was unprepared for Darcy's decision to stay in his alternate universe, knowing Richard died because Darcy wasn't there. If that isn't enough, there's the knowledge that his sister is miserable. She is married to a womanizer, slave trader, cheat, you name it. I didn't understand. Richard is dead.
Later, frustration sets in when, after confessing their love and future hopes, Darcy and Elizabeth return to the real world and start avoiding each other. They know that the two worlds are somehow linked, but silence. If a revealing conversation were on the cusp of taking place, someone would interrupt, and it would be postponed until next time.
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