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Bonds of Life #1
Bonds of Friendship
At Pemberley every year a group of men meet, bound to one another by longstanding ties of friendship, common purpose, and respect. With these men come their children, young boys and girls who forge life-long connections akin to that their fathers have built.
As the children grow to adulthood, they mature, their relationships growing ever stronger. Fitzwilliam Darcy, having been taught by an excellent father, cleaves to his friendships with Charles Bingley, Anthony Fitzwilliam, and George Wickham, knowing they will bring his family much joy and prosperity. Of especial importance to his future happiness, a lively sprite he knew as a girl has grown to become a lovely young woman as desirable as any.
In Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet, having known Darcy since she was a young girl, greets him when he comes to the neighborhood, eager to discover if she can love him as a woman loves a man. As their relationship deepens and they learn what it is to love together, an enemy from the past arrives to bedevil them and threaten all they hold dear.
Life, while it brings its share of joys, also brings the inevitable sorrows, and when calamity strikes, Darcy and his brothers in all but blood must press forward to achieve the impossible. And while he knows the odds are stacked against him, Darcy possesses an indomitable will that will not allow him to fail.
Bonds of Friendship is the first book of two in the Bonds of Life series. The second book, Bonds of Love, is schedule for publication in summer 2020.
As the children grow to adulthood, they mature, their relationships growing ever stronger. Fitzwilliam Darcy, having been taught by an excellent father, cleaves to his friendships with Charles Bingley, Anthony Fitzwilliam, and George Wickham, knowing they will bring his family much joy and prosperity. Of especial importance to his future happiness, a lively sprite he knew as a girl has grown to become a lovely young woman as desirable as any.
In Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet, having known Darcy since she was a young girl, greets him when he comes to the neighborhood, eager to discover if she can love him as a woman loves a man. As their relationship deepens and they learn what it is to love together, an enemy from the past arrives to bedevil them and threaten all they hold dear.
Life, while it brings its share of joys, also brings the inevitable sorrows, and when calamity strikes, Darcy and his brothers in all but blood must press forward to achieve the impossible. And while he knows the odds are stacked against him, Darcy possesses an indomitable will that will not allow him to fail.
Bonds of Friendship is the first book of two in the Bonds of Life series. The second book, Bonds of Love, is schedule for publication in summer 2020.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2021
67 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
88 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 23, 2021
Any one who reads my reviews of this author will know I am a fan of his books.
I also enjoyed this one. Truth be told, it would be better to term this not so much a variation but a reimagining.
Based on an all boys club mentality the Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Bennets, Gardiners, Bingley and Wickhams have a long standing friendship for decades, in which the children also grow up closely, including George W. Into this mix a young Wickham's cousin is thrown in, which is the tension and drama throughout the whole story.
The beginning is slow as we learn all the dynamics of the older gentleman, their wives, business and those of their children's. The bennet's have a better place in society due to financial circumstances and good friends. Mr. B is not the most dedicated landowner, but he made a huge effort to provide for his family. Mrs. B feeling secure and also having the example of Lady Anne and Lady of Matlock, is not quite as silly as canon.
Older Darcy and Mr. Bennet have a particularly close relationship and wager on young Darcy and Elizabeth forming an attachment as adults, based on their young friendship. The families grow, experience some losses and then the boys are men, leading their own lives. Romances sure to follow.
Throughout the whole book the congeniality of the group is constantly made clear (sometimes repetitively- Grrrr) but the dialog is very entertaining.
Enter the big bad cousin and drama ensues. As I got closer to the end of the book I realized I forgot this was a 2 parter. It ends on a cliff hanger!!!
Not his best written, but JR does know how to spin a yarn - very entertaining.
I also enjoyed this one. Truth be told, it would be better to term this not so much a variation but a reimagining.
Based on an all boys club mentality the Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Bennets, Gardiners, Bingley and Wickhams have a long standing friendship for decades, in which the children also grow up closely, including George W. Into this mix a young Wickham's cousin is thrown in, which is the tension and drama throughout the whole story.
The beginning is slow as we learn all the dynamics of the older gentleman, their wives, business and those of their children's. The bennet's have a better place in society due to financial circumstances and good friends. Mr. B is not the most dedicated landowner, but he made a huge effort to provide for his family. Mrs. B feeling secure and also having the example of Lady Anne and Lady of Matlock, is not quite as silly as canon.
Older Darcy and Mr. Bennet have a particularly close relationship and wager on young Darcy and Elizabeth forming an attachment as adults, based on their young friendship. The families grow, experience some losses and then the boys are men, leading their own lives. Romances sure to follow.
Throughout the whole book the congeniality of the group is constantly made clear (sometimes repetitively- Grrrr) but the dialog is very entertaining.
Enter the big bad cousin and drama ensues. As I got closer to the end of the book I realized I forgot this was a 2 parter. It ends on a cliff hanger!!!
Not his best written, but JR does know how to spin a yarn - very entertaining.
April 13, 2022
Good, but longgg…
Lots of detailed summaries and reviews of this book out there, so this is one I’ll keep short. It does end in a cliffhanger, but thankfully for me, book two is already published.
I am liking the story very much, although it’s quite drawn out. The friendships formed among the original group of friends and subsequently their sons and daughters are interesting to follow. Everyone is good, including Wickham. It’s his evil cousin who is the villain of this book and provides quite a bit of angst.
I loved Darcy’s proposal, and the best part of this book for me is Mr. Bennet. If it has to be off canon, this is how I like him best—plans and provides for his family’s future and takes a hand in disciplining his younger daughters, while still maintaining his sardonic and dry wit without any cruelty.
Recommend. I’m off to start book two.
Lots of detailed summaries and reviews of this book out there, so this is one I’ll keep short. It does end in a cliffhanger, but thankfully for me, book two is already published.
I am liking the story very much, although it’s quite drawn out. The friendships formed among the original group of friends and subsequently their sons and daughters are interesting to follow. Everyone is good, including Wickham. It’s his evil cousin who is the villain of this book and provides quite a bit of angst.
I loved Darcy’s proposal, and the best part of this book for me is Mr. Bennet. If it has to be off canon, this is how I like him best—plans and provides for his family’s future and takes a hand in disciplining his younger daughters, while still maintaining his sardonic and dry wit without any cruelty.
Recommend. I’m off to start book two.
March 28, 2021
Dirty Pool
I am quite angry with this writer because this wonderful story ends in a cliffhanger. Not fair at all!
This is a story about a group of men who are best friends and their lives and families. We have the older Mr Darcy and his wife Lady Anne, The Earl of Matlock and his wife Lady Susan, Mr Bennet and his wife, Mr Wickham, Mr Bingley, and Mr Gardiner. They meet every summer at Pemberly while the wives and children are at the Matlock estate and discuss their lives, make deals, and with Gardiner they make money. Over the years the younger sons attend along with a 5year old Elizabeth Bennet who charms them all. This story goes through their lives until Elizabeth is 20 and it's time for Darcy to propose. Of course we find a better Wickham Sr and George has remained a good friend and hard worker. BUT the role of villain is taken by his cousin Gerald who is orphaned and is raised by Mr Wickham but is " entitled " and evil. He resents everyone especially Elizabeth and Darcy.
The story is well written as usual by Mr Rowland and my only complaint is having to wait to see what happens to our dear friends.
I am quite angry with this writer because this wonderful story ends in a cliffhanger. Not fair at all!
This is a story about a group of men who are best friends and their lives and families. We have the older Mr Darcy and his wife Lady Anne, The Earl of Matlock and his wife Lady Susan, Mr Bennet and his wife, Mr Wickham, Mr Bingley, and Mr Gardiner. They meet every summer at Pemberly while the wives and children are at the Matlock estate and discuss their lives, make deals, and with Gardiner they make money. Over the years the younger sons attend along with a 5year old Elizabeth Bennet who charms them all. This story goes through their lives until Elizabeth is 20 and it's time for Darcy to propose. Of course we find a better Wickham Sr and George has remained a good friend and hard worker. BUT the role of villain is taken by his cousin Gerald who is orphaned and is raised by Mr Wickham but is " entitled " and evil. He resents everyone especially Elizabeth and Darcy.
The story is well written as usual by Mr Rowland and my only complaint is having to wait to see what happens to our dear friends.
August 18, 2021
This Pride and Prejudice variation centers around the bonds of friendship among the elder Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Bingley, the Earl Fitzwilliam, Mr. Gardnier, and Mr. Bennet. They met at school or brought family into the group. Their fellowship crosses trade, nobility, etc. They meet up at least once year and as a result most of their wives and children are the best of friends, growing up together.
As time goes on, the sons and daughters of the original group become the focus. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Anthony Fitzwilliam, George Wickham and Charles Bingley are the best of friends and are pleased to have the advice of the older generation. Their is only only major issue in their lives, George's cousin, Gerald Blackburn. He represents the bad characteristics that are normally attributed to George himself.
The band of friends are rich, influential and spend almost the whole book informally courting Bennet's daughters, Jane & Elizabeth. The only angst in the story comes from Gerald and Caroline Bingley. William Collins does add some interested, but then there is a sudden cliff hanger at the end.
I struggled to read this book as almost everyone was so perfect. I will read the next book because the story finally moved quickly and to know what happens.
As time goes on, the sons and daughters of the original group become the focus. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Anthony Fitzwilliam, George Wickham and Charles Bingley are the best of friends and are pleased to have the advice of the older generation. Their is only only major issue in their lives, George's cousin, Gerald Blackburn. He represents the bad characteristics that are normally attributed to George himself.
The band of friends are rich, influential and spend almost the whole book informally courting Bennet's daughters, Jane & Elizabeth. The only angst in the story comes from Gerald and Caroline Bingley. William Collins does add some interested, but then there is a sudden cliff hanger at the end.
I struggled to read this book as almost everyone was so perfect. I will read the next book because the story finally moved quickly and to know what happens.
July 16, 2021
Except for the abrupt cliffhanger ending, maybe 4-5 stars
*** Spoilers ahead *** From the beginning this seemed to be the first book in a serial set of books, like the previous four that were a single story. As the plot lumbered along, it began to appear that there would be an ending and perhaps a teaser to another stand alone book. NOT SO. The story abruptly devolved into human
trafficking in the last 2 or 3 chapters, ending with Elizabeth and Georgiana captives on an outbound ship with Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Wickham watching the ship depart and sail into the English Channel.
I almost did not read this book despite Jann Rowland being a favorite author. My disappointment with his foray into series with cliffhangers was the primary reason. Yet the first series had each book arriving quickly and no exceptionally disturbing cliffhangers. So I decided this one might be a stand alone series since no second book has yet appeared and another unrelated book was released. WHAT A MISTAKE!
While well written and edited, there was an over abundance of attention paid to the friendship of two generations of Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Bennetts, Gardiners, and Wickhams. Practically every chapter proclaimed the strength of the bond (wonder where the title came from. LOL) at length. It became distracting and unnecessarily wordy. No need to constantly remind the reader. It began to appear to be repetition just to lengthen moments and interactions that could be more effectively presented.
I am sure others will be enthusiastically positive about the book, but I am sorely disappointed in the author’s choice to introduce the angst/villainy just at the end and not even have the next installment available. I do not know if I will finish the series when the next is released or even read/purchase another book from him.
*** Spoilers ahead *** From the beginning this seemed to be the first book in a serial set of books, like the previous four that were a single story. As the plot lumbered along, it began to appear that there would be an ending and perhaps a teaser to another stand alone book. NOT SO. The story abruptly devolved into human
trafficking in the last 2 or 3 chapters, ending with Elizabeth and Georgiana captives on an outbound ship with Darcy, Fitzwilliam, and Wickham watching the ship depart and sail into the English Channel.
I almost did not read this book despite Jann Rowland being a favorite author. My disappointment with his foray into series with cliffhangers was the primary reason. Yet the first series had each book arriving quickly and no exceptionally disturbing cliffhangers. So I decided this one might be a stand alone series since no second book has yet appeared and another unrelated book was released. WHAT A MISTAKE!
While well written and edited, there was an over abundance of attention paid to the friendship of two generations of Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Bennetts, Gardiners, and Wickhams. Practically every chapter proclaimed the strength of the bond (wonder where the title came from. LOL) at length. It became distracting and unnecessarily wordy. No need to constantly remind the reader. It began to appear to be repetition just to lengthen moments and interactions that could be more effectively presented.
I am sure others will be enthusiastically positive about the book, but I am sorely disappointed in the author’s choice to introduce the angst/villainy just at the end and not even have the next installment available. I do not know if I will finish the series when the next is released or even read/purchase another book from him.
June 27, 2021
I liked the idea behind this book. The friendship between the elder generation was interesting, and having most characters meet as children worked well, but there were problems with their ages. I liked the changes to Wickham, Collins, Hurst, and Mrs. Bennet, but the trade off was an entitled super villain who didn't make much sense. Some characters were incredibly flat-there was a mention of all of the friends being together in Hertfordshire but the senior Wickham and Gardiner were both absent, and not one commented on Wickham Sr's absence. Jane shows up occasionally but I don't think she ever speaks. Way too much of the story is characters sitting around talking about things they have done or plan to do, with little action. The courtships took way too long for couples who have known one another for years, and the ending was a cliffhanger. That being said, this was a good book for something available on Kindle Unlimited. I would be disappointed if I spent $15 for the hard copy. I hope this book is revised before the next one is published.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2022
Generally, I like this author's work, very much. I knew going into this book there would be a cliffhanger, of which I am not very fond. But, I my opinion, the cliffhanger was not as annoying as all of the repetitive dialouge! It was consistent rehashing of thesame personal characteristics, manners, and attitudes of the characters. I literally struggled to read and not skim through the book.
I did stay with the book, because I like this author so much and I loved the concept of all of the male characters, and their fathers, having been friends. I loved Wicham's personality in this book. He gets to be one of the good guys! I had to keep reading to see where it was going. And yes, I will read Book 2. I still have to see it resolved. I just hope it will not continue to be so repetitive.
I did stay with the book, because I like this author so much and I loved the concept of all of the male characters, and their fathers, having been friends. I loved Wicham's personality in this book. He gets to be one of the good guys! I had to keep reading to see where it was going. And yes, I will read Book 2. I still have to see it resolved. I just hope it will not continue to be so repetitive.
June 27, 2021
Cliffhanger
There is a complete story here. It isn't awful but it plugs a bit. The older generation are all friends so our familiar characters, the males at any rate, all grow up together. Wickham is a good guy, replaced by his evil cousin. The love story between Darcy and Lizxy is non-existent. Had she always accompanied her father, I could believe it better, but instead there are years they go without seeing her, so why wouldn't Darcy show some wild oats? I don't like cliffhangers though I suppose even Tolkein did that. Alas, I find this author's work inconsistent instead of improving over time.
There is a complete story here. It isn't awful but it plugs a bit. The older generation are all friends so our familiar characters, the males at any rate, all grow up together. Wickham is a good guy, replaced by his evil cousin. The love story between Darcy and Lizxy is non-existent. Had she always accompanied her father, I could believe it better, but instead there are years they go without seeing her, so why wouldn't Darcy show some wild oats? I don't like cliffhangers though I suppose even Tolkein did that. Alas, I find this author's work inconsistent instead of improving over time.
April 5, 2021
Can hardly wait for a sequel
This book had the Bennet, Bingley, Darcy family as close friends from the beginning. There was very little drama/angst from the Darcy and Elizabeth relationship, which was refreshening. The drama came from other aspects. I won’t spoil it for you but it does end on a cliff hanger. It’s not as terrible as some reviews suggest. At least not worth leaving a one star review on a good book.
This book had the Bennet, Bingley, Darcy family as close friends from the beginning. There was very little drama/angst from the Darcy and Elizabeth relationship, which was refreshening. The drama came from other aspects. I won’t spoil it for you but it does end on a cliff hanger. It’s not as terrible as some reviews suggest. At least not worth leaving a one star review on a good book.
May 31, 2021
Avid Reader
This book ends with a cliffhanger which I hate, since it wasn't written recently! Elizabeth and Georgina are on a ship head to who knows where while Wickham, Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam are on the dock watching them sail away as they are trying to figure out how to get them back from Wickham 's horrible cousin Gerrard Blackstone. When will all Bonds of Love be published?
This book ends with a cliffhanger which I hate, since it wasn't written recently! Elizabeth and Georgina are on a ship head to who knows where while Wickham, Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam are on the dock watching them sail away as they are trying to figure out how to get them back from Wickham 's horrible cousin Gerrard Blackstone. When will all Bonds of Love be published?
Read
December 4, 2021Yelp I’ve been at this one for 2 days and it’s going in the DNF pile. I have major issues with basically setting up and betting on children marrying when the girl is 7 and he 13-14. His “attraction” to her at 19 when she’s 13. Everyone’s nudging and winking when they’ve barely been in each other’s company - well it feels like grooming, so I’m out.
I have a feeling that giving up at 30% means that the story is really about to get moving but I can’t. I’m too squicked out.
I have a feeling that giving up at 30% means that the story is really about to get moving but I can’t. I’m too squicked out.
May 12, 2022
Decently written, although it does drag in a few places. For example Darcy keeps putting off doing something that will help catch the bad guy and it just didn’t make sense to me.
Also it ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book hasn’t been released.
If I’d known it was a cliffhanger, I wouldn’t have picked it up without being sure the next book was available, so a little miffed on that score.
Also it ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book hasn’t been released.
If I’d known it was a cliffhanger, I wouldn’t have picked it up without being sure the next book was available, so a little miffed on that score.
April 29, 2021
Darcy and Elizabeth are more certain of their love for each other in this book than in the vast majority of JAFF, which is refreshing though also tamps down the thrill of the read. They are also in much less of a rush to display their full affection for each other than usual. The story is nevertheless compelling and picks up tremendously towards the very end, ending on the cliffhanger that other readers have pointed out already. I’ll be reading the second book when it comes out.
August 19, 2021
Loved it but a cliff hanger? Can't wait for the next. I love JAFF when the characters are fleshed out and you see them grow. Mrs. Bennet is still silly but likeable. Mr. Bennet has friends since school days. We get to see a young Elizabeth meet a young Gerogianna and Wickham is not bad. It is like I am learning to know them all again. Oh how I cannot wait until book 2.
November 28, 2021
Wow!!!!
An amazing cliffhanger adventure that begins in an alternate universe where all our favorite characters are friends, even through childhood. Plenty of witty dialogue, interesting skirmishes, and a nasty new villain lead to the cliffhanger ending. Luckily, the next volume is complete, so I can keep reading. Excellent story!
An amazing cliffhanger adventure that begins in an alternate universe where all our favorite characters are friends, even through childhood. Plenty of witty dialogue, interesting skirmishes, and a nasty new villain lead to the cliffhanger ending. Luckily, the next volume is complete, so I can keep reading. Excellent story!
April 10, 2021
It’s ok
Very different take on p&p. I like this variation. The only issue with the book is it needs to be edited. To much retelling what is going on. The story ended without Resolving the climax.
Very different take on p&p. I like this variation. The only issue with the book is it needs to be edited. To much retelling what is going on. The story ended without Resolving the climax.
February 20, 2022
Action packed
A action packed and emotionally charged variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Thompson. I read this duology in on sitting without stopping and enjoyed every minute.
A action packed and emotionally charged variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jann Thompson. I read this duology in on sitting without stopping and enjoyed every minute.
June 3, 2023
Part one of 2 books.
This one long involved and really good.
Currently in the second and it is good too.
I love this authors work so am always positively disposed toward his works but ma rarely dissatisfied
This one long involved and really good.
Currently in the second and it is good too.
I love this authors work so am always positively disposed toward his works but ma rarely dissatisfied
January 3, 2022
I am reader not a writer.
I enjoyed this book, it is the second time I have read it. I wanted to read book2,because it took a long time for the second book, I need to read book I again. D.Cooper
I enjoyed this book, it is the second time I have read it. I wanted to read book2,because it took a long time for the second book, I need to read book I again. D.Cooper
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews