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Of Silver Linings And Glad Tidings...: A Pride And Prejudice Variation
In March 1810, Elizabeth Bennet becomes aware of a heart-breaking incident in the life of a young friend. The incident brings her face to face with the less than ideal situation existing in the Bennet household and forces her to acknowledge some unpalatable truths about herself, her family and their society. These realizations compel her to take matters into her own hand and initiate some much needed changes. What are these changes? Would her sisters and family cooperate with her?
What effect these changes evince on the conduct of the gentleman from Derbyshire and his friend when they come to stay at Netherfield a year down the line? How would the sudden visit of heir to Longbourn impact the unfolding events. And when a roguish Lieutenant in the militia stationed at Meryton, tries his hand at some mischief how would the young ladies handle this challenge?
What effect these changes evince on the conduct of the gentleman from Derbyshire and his friend when they come to stay at Netherfield a year down the line? How would the sudden visit of heir to Longbourn impact the unfolding events. And when a roguish Lieutenant in the militia stationed at Meryton, tries his hand at some mischief how would the young ladies handle this challenge?
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 19, 2021
This is a very long story of about 400 pages. It has two "books" set about a year apart. In the first part Elizabeth decides that steps must be taken to rein in her younger sisters' behavior when Lydia's good friend in caught in a compromising situation and the young man refuses to marry her. The young friend must be sent away in an attempt to save the family from disgrace and gossip. I liked how each sister is found to have a talent or interest and those are honed in on and strengthened. Lydia has a lot of anger but eventually she also comes around and learns something about "character study".
The next book then deals with a variation on the story we know from canon. This author goes into much depth for each sister's part in this story. Yes, all have their HEA.
This author decided to change the pairings and this added a lot to the storytelling...at times a bit too much making it too long. Although Bingley dances several times with Jane at that Meryton Assembly which is noticed and then played upon by Mrs. Bennet, it is Kitty who attracts him. This sets up a dilemma as Jane wants to be a dutiful daughter and help save her family "from the hedgerows" but Jane finds "love at first sight" when cousin, Collins arrives. Collins is not at all the man described in canon. Collins also has as his patron, Lord Matlock. Collins also knows all about Wickham and so he relates that information early in the story. We find Mary becoming friends with Elizabeth and also becoming a teacher in the school set up by the vicar. Kitty is an artist and uses that talent to write children's story books. We find her using that talent as she also goes to the school and reads to the students. Caroline Bingley is one of the only characters who seems to remain the same. Although Caroline in this story carries her man trapping desires a bit too far...unsuccessfully. And ironically we read of Darcy coming to admire and befriend Mrs. Bennet.
This story needs a lot of editing. I highlighted many of the errors and the author did note and say she was correcting those.
The next book then deals with a variation on the story we know from canon. This author goes into much depth for each sister's part in this story. Yes, all have their HEA.
This author decided to change the pairings and this added a lot to the storytelling...at times a bit too much making it too long. Although Bingley dances several times with Jane at that Meryton Assembly which is noticed and then played upon by Mrs. Bennet, it is Kitty who attracts him. This sets up a dilemma as Jane wants to be a dutiful daughter and help save her family "from the hedgerows" but Jane finds "love at first sight" when cousin, Collins arrives. Collins is not at all the man described in canon. Collins also has as his patron, Lord Matlock. Collins also knows all about Wickham and so he relates that information early in the story. We find Mary becoming friends with Elizabeth and also becoming a teacher in the school set up by the vicar. Kitty is an artist and uses that talent to write children's story books. We find her using that talent as she also goes to the school and reads to the students. Caroline Bingley is one of the only characters who seems to remain the same. Although Caroline in this story carries her man trapping desires a bit too far...unsuccessfully. And ironically we read of Darcy coming to admire and befriend Mrs. Bennet.
This story needs a lot of editing. I highlighted many of the errors and the author did note and say she was correcting those.
February 19, 2021
Nice Story
This variation seems more a retelling, as it’s almost entirely off canon. The characters are very OOC, and except for Wickham, are practically perfect. I did enjoy the book, but unfortunately, it contains an over abundance of grammar, punctuation, and proofreading errors which may leave the reader disappointed.
This variation seems more a retelling, as it’s almost entirely off canon. The characters are very OOC, and except for Wickham, are practically perfect. I did enjoy the book, but unfortunately, it contains an over abundance of grammar, punctuation, and proofreading errors which may leave the reader disappointed.
February 14, 2021
Beginning a year earlier than canon P&P, we discover that a young lady from Meryton has been disgraced and must leave the county. She is a close friend to Lydia who is shocked at her circumstances.
All the Bennet sisters adjust their behaviors leading to improvements in the family.
I liked the premise but the book had too little conflict to suit me. It was also very long or maybe it just seemed very long.
All the Bennet sisters adjust their behaviors leading to improvements in the family.
I liked the premise but the book had too little conflict to suit me. It was also very long or maybe it just seemed very long.
May 21, 2024
Friendship
This story starts prior to canon. A scandal with one of Lydia's friends and a conversation with that girl's sister helps to create an impact that changes everyone in the Bennet family. Important discussions make all the Bennet sisters reevaluate their relationship with each other and work together to achieve improvement within their lives.
Out of Canon friendships continue in this story. A nice Mr. Collins is friends with Darcy, and his living is not in Huntsford. Yes, Darcy puts his foot in his mouth but with help from his friends, he corrects his errors and becomes friends with Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet is her normal matchmaking self but doesn't realize that who she is trying to match prefer other people. All comes right even as they deal with Wickham. This is an enjoyable story.
I have had this in my library for a while but mistakenly thought it was a modern one based on the cover. It is a beautiful cover but the silhouettes are more modern, so I figured I would save it until I was in a mood for modern. When I finished another of the author's books, I read through her stories listed at the end and realized it wasn't modern, so I quickly read it and I will gladly read it again.
This story starts prior to canon. A scandal with one of Lydia's friends and a conversation with that girl's sister helps to create an impact that changes everyone in the Bennet family. Important discussions make all the Bennet sisters reevaluate their relationship with each other and work together to achieve improvement within their lives.
Out of Canon friendships continue in this story. A nice Mr. Collins is friends with Darcy, and his living is not in Huntsford. Yes, Darcy puts his foot in his mouth but with help from his friends, he corrects his errors and becomes friends with Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet is her normal matchmaking self but doesn't realize that who she is trying to match prefer other people. All comes right even as they deal with Wickham. This is an enjoyable story.
I have had this in my library for a while but mistakenly thought it was a modern one based on the cover. It is a beautiful cover but the silhouettes are more modern, so I figured I would save it until I was in a mood for modern. When I finished another of the author's books, I read through her stories listed at the end and realized it wasn't modern, so I quickly read it and I will gladly read it again.
May 24, 2024
Wonderful
This was a surprising variation. The characters were similar but the shift of what if… made the them richer, textured, and lovable-even Caroline Bingley.
I laughed out loud, tears rolled down my cheeks, and I reflected about a settle good change causing transformations within self and others.
Wonderful story I recommend this for all ages to read & enjoy!
This was a surprising variation. The characters were similar but the shift of what if… made the them richer, textured, and lovable-even Caroline Bingley.
I laughed out loud, tears rolled down my cheeks, and I reflected about a settle good change causing transformations within self and others.
Wonderful story I recommend this for all ages to read & enjoy!
February 18, 2023
Interesting premise
One of the Long's nieces, fifteen years old and a close friend of Lydia Bennett's, is seduced by a rake, left pregnant, and is sent away to hide her scandal in Scotland. Elizabeth first hears of it from the girl's sister, and she makes a resolution to intercede in the reckless and wild lives of her two youngest sisters. She enlists the help of Jane and Mary, and their efforts have deep and far reaching positive effects on the whole family.
Then William Collins visits, but instead of the pompous and oily idiot from canon, this Collins is handsome, educated, and his living is with the Earl of Matlock. Jane immediately is smitten with him. Then the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly happens, but this time Darcy is fascinated by Elizabeth as soon as he's stuck his foot in his mouth. Bingley dances with Jane at the assembly, but soon after finds that he's more attracted to Kitty Bennett. Unfortunately, Mrs Bennett focuses her considerable matchmaking efforts on Bingley and Jane, much to everyone's chagrin.
As a result of the initial event with the young girl and the rake, all five Bennett girls are now more cautious, close knit, and focused on improving themselves. The author finds some nice hidden strengths and interests for Kitty and Lydia, which is refreshing. Collins as a decent guy is refreshing. Darcy as less of a doofus is refreshing.
I think the book could have been shortened significantly by some ruthless and judicious editing, without sacrificing any integrity. There was a great deal of rehashing of events and thoughts, so I started skimming over entire paragraphs, and that's never a good sign. Still, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it as a pleasant, but somewhat long, book.
One of the Long's nieces, fifteen years old and a close friend of Lydia Bennett's, is seduced by a rake, left pregnant, and is sent away to hide her scandal in Scotland. Elizabeth first hears of it from the girl's sister, and she makes a resolution to intercede in the reckless and wild lives of her two youngest sisters. She enlists the help of Jane and Mary, and their efforts have deep and far reaching positive effects on the whole family.
Then William Collins visits, but instead of the pompous and oily idiot from canon, this Collins is handsome, educated, and his living is with the Earl of Matlock. Jane immediately is smitten with him. Then the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly happens, but this time Darcy is fascinated by Elizabeth as soon as he's stuck his foot in his mouth. Bingley dances with Jane at the assembly, but soon after finds that he's more attracted to Kitty Bennett. Unfortunately, Mrs Bennett focuses her considerable matchmaking efforts on Bingley and Jane, much to everyone's chagrin.
As a result of the initial event with the young girl and the rake, all five Bennett girls are now more cautious, close knit, and focused on improving themselves. The author finds some nice hidden strengths and interests for Kitty and Lydia, which is refreshing. Collins as a decent guy is refreshing. Darcy as less of a doofus is refreshing.
I think the book could have been shortened significantly by some ruthless and judicious editing, without sacrificing any integrity. There was a great deal of rehashing of events and thoughts, so I started skimming over entire paragraphs, and that's never a good sign. Still, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it as a pleasant, but somewhat long, book.
June 1, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In March 1810, Elizabeth Bennet becomes aware of a heart-breaking incident in the life of a young friend. The incident brings her face to face with the less than ideal situation existing in the Bennet household and forces her to acknowledge some unpalatable truths about herself, her family and their society. These realizations compel her to take matters into her own hand and initiate some much needed changes. What are these changes? Would her sisters and family cooperate with her? What effect these changes evince on the conduct of the gentleman from Derbyshire and his friend when they come to stay at Netherfield a year down the line? How would the sudden visit of heir to Longbourn impact the unfolding events? When a roguish Lieutenant in the militia stationed at Meryton, tries his hand at some mischief, how would the young ladies handle this challenge? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In March 1810, Elizabeth Bennet becomes aware of a heart-breaking incident in the life of a young friend. The incident brings her face to face with the less than ideal situation existing in the Bennet household and forces her to acknowledge some unpalatable truths about herself, her family and their society. These realizations compel her to take matters into her own hand and initiate some much needed changes. What are these changes? Would her sisters and family cooperate with her? What effect these changes evince on the conduct of the gentleman from Derbyshire and his friend when they come to stay at Netherfield a year down the line? How would the sudden visit of heir to Longbourn impact the unfolding events? When a roguish Lieutenant in the militia stationed at Meryton, tries his hand at some mischief, how would the young ladies handle this challenge? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
April 12, 2024
Upsetting circumstances lead to changes at Longbourn
The beauty of the P&P variations is the changes in characters and plot elements. The ruin of a young friend, gossip and double standards makes the three older Bennet sisters realize the need to address Kitty and Lydia's behavior. A year before the Netherfield party arrives we see changes in the Bennet's, for the better. William Collins is a refresing surprise. Mrs Bennet's matchmaking, Caroline's is cutting remarks and Wickham's attempts to blacken Darcy's name... all are there, but with different results. I love when Mary is a more complex character, when Kitty and Lydia improve, Mr Bennet's comes out of his book room and Mrs Bennet shows her abilities to handle a crisis! A great read it kept me up late for several nights. Low angst but still misunderstandings between characters.
The beauty of the P&P variations is the changes in characters and plot elements. The ruin of a young friend, gossip and double standards makes the three older Bennet sisters realize the need to address Kitty and Lydia's behavior. A year before the Netherfield party arrives we see changes in the Bennet's, for the better. William Collins is a refresing surprise. Mrs Bennet's matchmaking, Caroline's is cutting remarks and Wickham's attempts to blacken Darcy's name... all are there, but with different results. I love when Mary is a more complex character, when Kitty and Lydia improve, Mr Bennet's comes out of his book room and Mrs Bennet shows her abilities to handle a crisis! A great read it kept me up late for several nights. Low angst but still misunderstandings between characters.
November 17, 2023
Sweet!
A happy, low-angst feel good story where the good guys get the happy ending, the bad guys get their comeuppance, and the not-so-bad guys become the pretty-darned-good guys. Thus receiving their happy ending, too.
I enjoyed how the author focused on more than just Lizzy and possibly Jane, too. Some things happen at the beginning that impacts the lives of our favorite family in a good way, which changes how they are perceived by the time Netherfield is let. But all of our girls.have their time in the limelight, which I found engaging rather than off-putting. I feel like the author found a good balance here for the others who don't usually get as much screen time.
A happy, low-angst feel good story where the good guys get the happy ending, the bad guys get their comeuppance, and the not-so-bad guys become the pretty-darned-good guys. Thus receiving their happy ending, too.
I enjoyed how the author focused on more than just Lizzy and possibly Jane, too. Some things happen at the beginning that impacts the lives of our favorite family in a good way, which changes how they are perceived by the time Netherfield is let. But all of our girls.have their time in the limelight, which I found engaging rather than off-putting. I feel like the author found a good balance here for the others who don't usually get as much screen time.
March 6, 2021
Low Angst
The main but not only what-if in the story was a young girl is caught in a ruinish situation and she is made to live in Scotland and her family is ruined also.
This is an eye opening event which changes the Bennet family greatly. Lots of Bennet daughter find potential partners and the story is mainly about these journeys.
It’s pretty tame but I enjoyed the story. Nothing wrong with a low angst story now and then.
The main but not only what-if in the story was a young girl is caught in a ruinish situation and she is made to live in Scotland and her family is ruined also.
This is an eye opening event which changes the Bennet family greatly. Lots of Bennet daughter find potential partners and the story is mainly about these journeys.
It’s pretty tame but I enjoyed the story. Nothing wrong with a low angst story now and then.
August 20, 2023
tedious at first but it got better..
The first half of the book was so much that I was beginning to believe the story was not what it seemed to be in the synopsis… but… I am glad I hung in there.. all I will say is the cat and the turban had me in tears from laughing… love this one..!
The first half of the book was so much that I was beginning to believe the story was not what it seemed to be in the synopsis… but… I am glad I hung in there.. all I will say is the cat and the turban had me in tears from laughing… love this one..!
September 15, 2023
Glad Tidings is the second tale in the double book, which is a good length. It was a delightful read with a cheerful reimagining of our dear couple and HEAs for everybody except that one truly bad guy. The Much Ado About Nothing foreshadows the chaos of matchmaking in this variant. Neha's Pride and Prejudice Fiction is heartwarming and serves as a lovely break from the world.
June 8, 2024
I am making my way through this authors books and loving every minute of it. I love the direction this variation took, ODC were so wonderful with each other. I especially love the direction all the other characters went in. It’s been a fun book to read.
October 25, 2021
A good read for a rainy day
I almost didn’t read this book because of the reviews but I am so glad that I ignored the negative comments. I really appreciated the character development and enjoyed this book. I appreciated the change in Collins and that the Bennett family worked at improving their familial relationships.
I almost didn’t read this book because of the reviews but I am so glad that I ignored the negative comments. I really appreciated the character development and enjoyed this book. I appreciated the change in Collins and that the Bennett family worked at improving their familial relationships.
February 13, 2021
Interesting
A rather interesting and enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Veers wildly off canon and begins earlier but some enjoyable twists.
A rather interesting and enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Veers wildly off canon and begins earlier but some enjoyable twists.
March 20, 2021
Hard to review
I really hope this author gets a dedicated, thorough and thoughtful editor. The scenes are fun and memorable (I particularly enjoyed Bingley and Darcy doubled over laughing into pillows to mask their guffaws), I liked the story despite the radical changes, and there was enough detail without being completely overdone. HOWEVER, reading this was painful! I don’t think English is the author’s first language. The constant misuse of would vs will was grating, as were turns of phrase that were radically modern interspersed with archaic word choice that was hit or miss as far as correct usage. Also sentence fragments. So many sentence fragments! It felt like reading a very rough first draft.
I gave it three stars for potential. I really hope the author gets the help needed, because this could be lovely if cleaned up.
I really hope this author gets a dedicated, thorough and thoughtful editor. The scenes are fun and memorable (I particularly enjoyed Bingley and Darcy doubled over laughing into pillows to mask their guffaws), I liked the story despite the radical changes, and there was enough detail without being completely overdone. HOWEVER, reading this was painful! I don’t think English is the author’s first language. The constant misuse of would vs will was grating, as were turns of phrase that were radically modern interspersed with archaic word choice that was hit or miss as far as correct usage. Also sentence fragments. So many sentence fragments! It felt like reading a very rough first draft.
I gave it three stars for potential. I really hope the author gets the help needed, because this could be lovely if cleaned up.
November 29, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation which begins a year before canon when an unfortunate occurrence with one of their friends changes the dynamics of the Bennet family. Now it is a year later and the Netherfield party and Mr Collins have arrived. How will this impact on the Bennets.
A delightful story of all of the Bennet family, especially enjoyable as the story did involve all of the daughters and not just the usual Elizabeth and Darcy interactions.
An entertaining re-read, again.
A delightful story of all of the Bennet family, especially enjoyable as the story did involve all of the daughters and not just the usual Elizabeth and Darcy interactions.
An entertaining re-read, again.
February 28, 2021
Loved it!
I had always wondered how it could have worked out if all the Bennett sisters had been close and cherished friends. This is a wonderful what if... alternative that was a great story. It was a bit too sentimental at times but not sickly so. Definitely recommend!
I had always wondered how it could have worked out if all the Bennett sisters had been close and cherished friends. This is a wonderful what if... alternative that was a great story. It was a bit too sentimental at times but not sickly so. Definitely recommend!
June 18, 2022
A lovely story! Little if any angst to it. Pretty much a feel-good story that is definitely worth re-reading.
(I might wish the author would do some editing to get rid of flow-disturbing SPAG mistakes, though, but that is neither here nor there.)
The premise that sets off the avalanche to effect a lot (but not all) canon changes is this:
One of Mrs Long's nieces falls for a rake, and the consequent repercussions of it that she must face shake the Bennet girls to the core: even Jane's rose-coloured blinders are ripped off. But the most dramatic change is in Lydia. Lydia, who is incensed on behalf of her friend Julia Long for having to bear repercussions when the lying cad is getting away with ruining her friend. She also feels guilty for having helped them get secret meetings.
What this means is that, due to the shock of this event, and with the changes in outlook on the world and behaviour Elizabeth instigates in the sisters, Lydia matures. Not unrecognisably so, no. She becomes the best version of herself. (Her fierce loyalty to and defence of her sisters and friends, her improved intelligence and perception, her refusal to come out in society at fifteen, are just heartwarming.) And the sisters' bonds with each other becomes unshakable. (Kitty and Mary bond over teaching kids at the vicarage school, for example.) So much so even Mr Bennet is shamed into taking more of an interest in his family.
This of course means that, by the time the Netherfield party arrives in Meryton well over a year later, the only Bennet to blush over still is Mrs Bennet.
But even Mrs Bennet is shown to have different facettes of her personality than just vulgar matchmaking mama. Several incidents during the course of the story (one in particular, the first one) that he witnesses make Darcy respect and admire her.
A change to canon that isn't a consequence of this eye-opening event is that in this story, Collins is a sensible and handsome man, whose patron is the Earl of Matlock, and who has previous acquaintance with Darcy. Collins also has witnessed Wickham being up to his usual disgusting self and Darcy intervening, and so knows enough to be able to not only intervene on Darcy's behalf with the Bennet after he displays his usual rudeness, but also enough to warn about Wickham.
Collins being thus changed also means something else: Jane falls for Collins instead of Bingley.
And Bingley? Has a chance encounter with Kitty at the assembly and promptly falls for *her*. And that attachment teaches him to grow a spine over the course of the story.
A detail that might be called a change to canon as well as it might be considered just showing another side of something is Caroline. She's as bad as ever in this story. Except she's also smart, and despite her ambitions and selfishness, does indeed love her brother.
I kinda adore the characterisations of everyone in this story, and the character growth they undertake throughout the story. And damn if it isn't strange to consider the friendship between Collins, Darcy, and Bingley admirable.
Everyone has their own happily ever after, even Caroline. And even the poor girl Julia Long.
(Everyone except Wickham, obviously, who gets to be of use as providing an opportunity for Bingley, Darcy, and Collins to be knights in shining armour just by being the dastardly villain he always is.)
(I might wish the author would do some editing to get rid of flow-disturbing SPAG mistakes, though, but that is neither here nor there.)
The premise that sets off the avalanche to effect a lot (but not all) canon changes is this:
One of Mrs Long's nieces falls for a rake, and the consequent repercussions of it that she must face shake the Bennet girls to the core: even Jane's rose-coloured blinders are ripped off. But the most dramatic change is in Lydia. Lydia, who is incensed on behalf of her friend Julia Long for having to bear repercussions when the lying cad is getting away with ruining her friend. She also feels guilty for having helped them get secret meetings.
What this means is that, due to the shock of this event, and with the changes in outlook on the world and behaviour Elizabeth instigates in the sisters, Lydia matures. Not unrecognisably so, no. She becomes the best version of herself. (Her fierce loyalty to and defence of her sisters and friends, her improved intelligence and perception, her refusal to come out in society at fifteen, are just heartwarming.) And the sisters' bonds with each other becomes unshakable. (Kitty and Mary bond over teaching kids at the vicarage school, for example.) So much so even Mr Bennet is shamed into taking more of an interest in his family.
This of course means that, by the time the Netherfield party arrives in Meryton well over a year later, the only Bennet to blush over still is Mrs Bennet.
But even Mrs Bennet is shown to have different facettes of her personality than just vulgar matchmaking mama. Several incidents during the course of the story (one in particular, the first one) that he witnesses make Darcy respect and admire her.
A change to canon that isn't a consequence of this eye-opening event is that in this story, Collins is a sensible and handsome man, whose patron is the Earl of Matlock, and who has previous acquaintance with Darcy. Collins also has witnessed Wickham being up to his usual disgusting self and Darcy intervening, and so knows enough to be able to not only intervene on Darcy's behalf with the Bennet after he displays his usual rudeness, but also enough to warn about Wickham.
Collins being thus changed also means something else: Jane falls for Collins instead of Bingley.
And Bingley? Has a chance encounter with Kitty at the assembly and promptly falls for *her*. And that attachment teaches him to grow a spine over the course of the story.
A detail that might be called a change to canon as well as it might be considered just showing another side of something is Caroline. She's as bad as ever in this story. Except she's also smart, and despite her ambitions and selfishness, does indeed love her brother.
I kinda adore the characterisations of everyone in this story, and the character growth they undertake throughout the story. And damn if it isn't strange to consider the friendship between Collins, Darcy, and Bingley admirable.
Everyone has their own happily ever after, even Caroline. And even the poor girl Julia Long.
(Everyone except Wickham, obviously, who gets to be of use as providing an opportunity for Bingley, Darcy, and Collins to be knights in shining armour just by being the dastardly villain he always is.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 2, 2022Extremely good story!
Most of the usual events happen in this adaptation but the responses from the characters are different. Early in the story a compromise of one of the Long sisters brings to the Bennets how precarious their reputations are. Jane and Elizabeth become friends with their sister Mary who has been ignored. The three work on changing the behaviors of Kitty and Lydia who is only 14 years old. The girls become quite close and supportive of each other and it affects Mr Bennet into taking an interest in his estate. Mrs Bennet remains the same unfortunately! Mr Collins comes to visit but is 180° different from canon. He's a friend of the Fitzwilliams and holds the living at Matlock. He falls hard for his cousin Jane which isn't noticed by Mrs Bennet who is pushing Bingley at Jane. Bingley has eyes for Kitty instead and they spend a bit of time trying to escape from Mrs Bennet! Collins helps the girls understand Darcy's actions so that " hatred " is minimal. Instead we see a misunderstood Darcy who gets comfortable with the community instead of showing his disdain.
It's great to see an entirely different side of all the characters ,especially Lydia who gets tamed! No chasing after red coats or selfish acts but she develops a good relationship with her sisters instead. Lydia is usually my least favorite character because she's selfish and steals from her sisters with her mothers permission. Here she's turned into a caring person and sees through Wickham and his lies!
Almost everyone gets a HEA except for Wickham and importantly Mrs Bennet calms down when Collins offers her a home on the estate in the future. No dreaded hedge rows in her future!! I did miss Charlotte who disappeared from the story early on. It's an interesting read and worth the time to experience this adaptation.
Most of the usual events happen in this adaptation but the responses from the characters are different. Early in the story a compromise of one of the Long sisters brings to the Bennets how precarious their reputations are. Jane and Elizabeth become friends with their sister Mary who has been ignored. The three work on changing the behaviors of Kitty and Lydia who is only 14 years old. The girls become quite close and supportive of each other and it affects Mr Bennet into taking an interest in his estate. Mrs Bennet remains the same unfortunately! Mr Collins comes to visit but is 180° different from canon. He's a friend of the Fitzwilliams and holds the living at Matlock. He falls hard for his cousin Jane which isn't noticed by Mrs Bennet who is pushing Bingley at Jane. Bingley has eyes for Kitty instead and they spend a bit of time trying to escape from Mrs Bennet! Collins helps the girls understand Darcy's actions so that " hatred " is minimal. Instead we see a misunderstood Darcy who gets comfortable with the community instead of showing his disdain.
It's great to see an entirely different side of all the characters ,especially Lydia who gets tamed! No chasing after red coats or selfish acts but she develops a good relationship with her sisters instead. Lydia is usually my least favorite character because she's selfish and steals from her sisters with her mothers permission. Here she's turned into a caring person and sees through Wickham and his lies!
Almost everyone gets a HEA except for Wickham and importantly Mrs Bennet calms down when Collins offers her a home on the estate in the future. No dreaded hedge rows in her future!! I did miss Charlotte who disappeared from the story early on. It's an interesting read and worth the time to experience this adaptation.
February 2, 2023
so glad I read this.
I have avoided reading this for so long simply because I disliked the cover. I am glad someone in one of my Facebook groups mentioned how lovely it was because that is what convinced me to give it a try.
I love how these Bennet sisters matured and how they influenced others.
This I think is now one of my favorite of this genre. Well done!!
I have avoided reading this for so long simply because I disliked the cover. I am glad someone in one of my Facebook groups mentioned how lovely it was because that is what convinced me to give it a try.
I love how these Bennet sisters matured and how they influenced others.
This I think is now one of my favorite of this genre. Well done!!
April 2, 2024
Of Silver Linings and Glad Tidings is an excellent read!
I just love the route this book meandered along to tell the P & P story. Lots of one and outs, romance, Drama, I did wonder if Mr & Mrs Bennett would end up expecting a pleasant event, But, you can't have everything you want!
I just love the route this book meandered along to tell the P & P story. Lots of one and outs, romance, Drama, I did wonder if Mr & Mrs Bennett would end up expecting a pleasant event, But, you can't have everything you want!
February 22, 2021
Long but worth it.
I so enjoyed this book! Hope to find more by this author. Very well done! Very well done indeed! Thank You!
I so enjoyed this book! Hope to find more by this author. Very well done! Very well done indeed! Thank You!
March 9, 2021
An incident a year before the original changes everyone’s personalities and behaviour for the better. When we get to canon events, this continues with a more amiable Darcy, a more wiley Bingley, a kinder and more self aware Mrs Bennet, and even a self reflective Miss Bingley (eventually). There are attempts at angst but everyone keeps getting redeemed so you never feel worried at all. I would have like a little less perfection, but that is a personal preference.
I thought the underlying plot was quite enjoyable but would be improved with editing.
The story drags a little as there is often a scene where a character thinks about something followed by a scene where they repeat their thinking to someone else, and sometimes even a further scene where the second person discusses the same issue with a third person. As is the novel feels very long and tightening up these passages would really improve the story and the pacing.
Also needs edits for grammar, spelling, mixed up words, and anachronistic language. There was a lot of slang which sounded very modern American to me and particularly jarring was the repeated use of the phrases “sure” (instead of ‘of course’) and “I guess” (‘I suppose’?).
I thought the underlying plot was quite enjoyable but would be improved with editing.
The story drags a little as there is often a scene where a character thinks about something followed by a scene where they repeat their thinking to someone else, and sometimes even a further scene where the second person discusses the same issue with a third person. As is the novel feels very long and tightening up these passages would really improve the story and the pacing.
Also needs edits for grammar, spelling, mixed up words, and anachronistic language. There was a lot of slang which sounded very modern American to me and particularly jarring was the repeated use of the phrases “sure” (instead of ‘of course’) and “I guess” (‘I suppose’?).
March 3, 2021
Kitty marries Bingley
I am a fan of any P&P variation in which Bingley and Jane don’t get marry. They’re a horribly matched couple. But, my favorite story line in this novel was the more relatable Jane and a very decent Mr. Collins. I tire of the mannequin, unmoving doll version that’s painted to reflect a demure, “I love and believe everyone“ Jane - no dimensions. I rated four because this novel was unnecessarily wordy. Still worth reading. A likable Lydia was surprisingly refreshing.
I am a fan of any P&P variation in which Bingley and Jane don’t get marry. They’re a horribly matched couple. But, my favorite story line in this novel was the more relatable Jane and a very decent Mr. Collins. I tire of the mannequin, unmoving doll version that’s painted to reflect a demure, “I love and believe everyone“ Jane - no dimensions. I rated four because this novel was unnecessarily wordy. Still worth reading. A likable Lydia was surprisingly refreshing.
March 13, 2021
Language is odd in many places
Could have been an enjoyable good story were it not for frequent use of 'would' instead of 'will" for future tense, yet "would" is used correctly in other places. I do not understand if this is supposed to represent Regency English that I have never heard before or some other issue. There is a small section of correct use of will and would so it is cofusing. "Traders" instead of "tradesmen". Modern language is used in other places somewhat jarringly. Commas sprinkled liberally. And too many other issues to list.
Could have been an enjoyable good story were it not for frequent use of 'would' instead of 'will" for future tense, yet "would" is used correctly in other places. I do not understand if this is supposed to represent Regency English that I have never heard before or some other issue. There is a small section of correct use of will and would so it is cofusing. "Traders" instead of "tradesmen". Modern language is used in other places somewhat jarringly. Commas sprinkled liberally. And too many other issues to list.
April 13, 2021
Wonderful variation!
Absolutely one of my favorite variations. So interesting and enjoyable to read this version. Love has the highs and lows we expect from our favorite families but all seems to turn out well though not as we expect which is always fun. Sit back and enjoy this marvelous story.
Absolutely one of my favorite variations. So interesting and enjoyable to read this version. Love has the highs and lows we expect from our favorite families but all seems to turn out well though not as we expect which is always fun. Sit back and enjoy this marvelous story.
December 19, 2022
Beautiful, sweet, low angst. I absolutely loved the sisterly bonding. I also like to actually read about the courtship period, which this book had. Overall a very pleasant read. If I could give the author any criticism, it did get a bit bland in certain parts, but I was pleased overall.
November 1, 2024
A very clever story there is people and stories within cannon but it's like they were jiggled up and comes out very different lots of fun.
May 3, 2021
S
I thoroughly enjoyed this book- I especially enjoyed that Lydia was given the opportunity to become a true woman instead of the black sheep-well written
I thoroughly enjoyed this book- I especially enjoyed that Lydia was given the opportunity to become a true woman instead of the black sheep-well written
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