Netherfield's Duchess: Book 1

by Victoria Lynn

Book 1 of 2

After the death of her spouse, the Dowager Duchess of Felton takes up residence in her property, Netherfield Park. Having met the Bennets on her previous visit to the estate, Lady Felton decides that taking an interest in Mr. Bennets older daughters will help give her some purpose and distraction from her personal grief. Arriving with her guest, Anne de Bourgh and her godson, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, the Duchess soon fills up her guest rooms with the Bingleys, the Hursts and Mr. Darcy and his ward and younger sibling Georgiana. Her guests, the Bennets and Mr. Collins and the newly arrived militia all combine for matchmaking, madness and matrimony in this Pride and Prejudice variation.

Genres: Fiction, Historical, Regency

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2021

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avid Reader

Lydia married to Mr. Collins? La! What a joke! But, it happened! There were a number of grammatical errors that made some of the reading confusing. The Duchess was good friends with Mrs. Gardenier, and when Lord and Lady Matlock asked her to help Anne, she came up with a way to help an injured Richard and his ear mate as well as Darcy and Georgina. Of course Darcy insulted Elizabeth and told Richard that Jane was not good enough for him. Richard and the Duchess gave Darcy a royal set down. He apologized to Elizabeth and his family. Mrs. Younge and Wickham 's plan is foiled because Mrs. Hurst saw through their behavior and spoke up forcing Darcy and Richard to tell Georgina the truth. Younge and Wickham set their sights on Caroline who has had a psychotic break believing herself betrothed to Darcy. Lady Catherine came trying to force Anne back to Rosings, but she wouldn't go. The Duchess outranked Lady Catherine, so she had to leave without Anne.The novel ends on the day of Jane and Richard 's marriage, and the Viscount 's arrival.

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is badly in need of a good editor/proofreader. Lots of missing words, bad sentence structure, and lack of proper punctuation. The errors are minor, but so many make for too much distraction. The story is just okay. The premise is fine, but there’s no spark. Not sure I’ll read the next book. I somehow missed this was a “Book One”. It’s not a stand alone.


The narration is just okay. It isn’t performed or read, it’s nearly shouted throughout and is exhausting to listen to. Unfortunate, because a book with lots of errors usually presents better as an audiobook.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable story, in spite of the many errors

Rating: clean: Angst level: medium, not due to danger but potential danger and strained situations. Source: Borrowed KU [4-29-21] This review may contain *** Spoilers ***

This was book 1 of 2 and ended with a mild cliffhanger. It was actually a good stopping place. I am looking forward to the second book in this series. I loved this story. ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down] but finally had to go to bed. The next day it was noon and I was still in my PJs. LOL! Now the downside: The errors were horrid and I am surprised that an editor or Beta reader didn’t catch them before publishing. Even spellcheck would have been better than nothing and would have caught many of the most offensive. There were missing words, articles, which made for some very strange sentences. In spite of the errors, it was a creative story. The characters were engaging and Lady Fetton has now become my all-time favorite. Oh-My-Gosh, she was adorable, and no one stood up to Her Grace. Wow! This was one book I would like to read again. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. If book 2 is as good as this one, I may have to purchase them for my personal library… after edits, of course.

There were actually several story threads running concurrently with a featured couple in each thread. The pairings were different than most JAFF stories but the reasons behind the matches made perfect sense… and it worked. Who knew Her Grace was a matchmaker? I can’t even mention who or what as it would give a spoiler. Note: the lessons Her Grace was giving to the girls were the best part of the story. Yes, it made for a long story and a lot of descriptions and dialogue; however, I really enjoyed it. The author made me want to be part of their party.

Villains: well, of course, we had our usual line-up of villains. Our Miss Bingley of the Orange was present and showed out big time. Mrs. Young [spelled differently in this story] traveled to Netherfield with Georgiana when she decided to not go to Ramsgate. And yes, that meant the SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] was in Meryton with the militia. Mr. Collins arrived, then proceeded to insult and offend everyone he met, and soon headed back to Hunsford with his new bride. However, not the bride we’ve ever seen before. OMG!

Lady Catherine arrived and tried to throw her weight around. However, there was someone in the house who had precedence over her. Oh, that was amazing. I loved that scene. Lady Catherine trying to go toe-to-toe with a Duchess. LOL! Lydia was a horrid little snot. Those with younger siblings understand. She received just what she demanded but not what she thought she was getting. I can’t say. Oh, I can’t wait to see what happens to her in the next book. So many threads left hanging. Weddings, more weddings, betrothals, and even more weddings, etc., etc. I highly recommend this for a fun read as we wait for the next book.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Fetton, Dowager Duchess, is a force to be reckoned with. She has rescued Anne de Bourgh from her mother and taken up residence in one of her homes - Netherfield Park. She invites the eldest daughters from the neighboring estate, Longbourn, to come for training for everything from self defense, housekeeping, music, drawing, etc. Not only the ladies, but also some wayward gentlemen end up doing as the duchess commands - much to everyone's benefit.

The author allows for the usual cast of troublesome characters to be over the top, in a good way.
The relationships between the ladies and their gentleman is sweet with some misunderstandings but not much angst at all.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start

An interesting concept, well written and entertaining. I really enjoyed the way the characters develop and grow. Starting book 2.

[Craftyhj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* read

This is a gentle story which will appeal to many readers. I found it a little bland and too many editing errors remained.

[lori huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This is a light and lovely story concerning the Duchess of Fetton, who is godmother to Darcy and to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and who also owns Netherfield Park, and decides to reside there after her husband's death. Having earlier met the Bennetts, she decides to educate the three oldest girls in a wide variety of accomplishments, and she also has matchmaking ambitions where her two godsons are concerned.

This is one of those pleasant stories where there are a lot of very forward thinking and liberal persons, especially when it comes to the treatment of women. The Duchess is just such a person, and she fosters plain speaking and communication, rather than the usual beating around the bush for propriety 's sake that you find in Regency tales. In this variation, Mr and Mrs Bennett are marginally better parents, Jane has more of a backbone, and Mary and Kitty are given better roles. Problems arise, but they're swiftly and efficiently dealt with because people communicate.

All of the usual villains are included, but their futures are altered from canon in very interesting ways. It's fun to discover how many of these annoying characters are given their comeuppances, and also very satisfying. The Duchess is just one of those persons who always seems to have the perfect insight, always has a plan, and isn't at all shy about making things right in her own way. At the same time, she's unfailingly kind and loving to those she cares about. A very charming character.

I deducted a star because of the editing, or perhaps it's the lack of proofreading. Throughout the entire book, there are many words missing, and punctuation is also lacking in many places. A few errors are ok, but this many are distracting and cause disruption in the flow of the story. The book badly needs to be proofread. Even the book summary on Kindle has mistakenly called the main character "Duchess of Felton" rather than "Fetton", as she's known throughout the book.

However, the story is well written, engaging, and heartwarming. I recommend it highly.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an easy read, and I liked a lot of the characters. It kept my interest, but I was more irritated than anything by the end of it. I avoid reading OC's in fanfics, and this book demonstrates exactly why. The Duchess is practically perfect in every way and solves everyone's problems so they don't have to. There is very little romance in this book despite there being more than the typical number of couples. There's no reason for romantic tension, because the Duchess quickly resolves any issues that might cause tension. Darcy acts like a jerk, so the Duchess and Bingley call him on it, so he apologizes to Lizzy after their first encounter. Everything is smooth sailing for that couple from then on. I'm pretty sure the Duchess steals most, if not all, of Lizzy's best lines. The only way this book could be divided into 2 is because so many problems were added. Most problems were solved within a few pages by the Duchess.

On a more positive note, this was one of the best versions of Mary I've seen. She was definitely my favorite character in this book, and I could easily see the original Mary becoming this character if Jane and Lizzy had really taken her under their wing more. She was pragmatic, dry, and saw through everyone. She's the reason I continued on to the next book, and one of the reasons I enjoyed that book much more than this one.

I think if there'd been more romance I would have liked this book more. The couples were just arranged so easily, so that even if they weren't official yet, you knew they would be without any major difficulties. I felt no emotions for any of them. I kept reading though, so I guess that's good. The second book was better.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many errors! The Lady Fetton’s name changed from Marianne to Marianna SEVERAL times.

Missing articles, wrong tenses just so many problems. This book was not edited at all. I doubt it was even proofread. I just noticed an ‘editor’ is named with the author. Sheesh!

Now, I did enjoy it enough to read the second one. Where the errors continued…but that’s another review.

I did enjoy Lady Fetton and how even Lady Catherine has to acknowledge her superiority.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Pride and Prejudice variation opens with Netherfield Park being owned by a Duchess who, after the death of her husband, decides to make it her home for a while. She is accompanied by non other than Anne de Bourgh, whom she had managed to free from Lady Catherine. On previous visits to the neighborhood, she developed a slight affection for the three eldest Bennett daughters, and thus she decided to invited them and Charlotte Lucas for daily visits to Netherfield Park for lessons. These lessons would include household management, duties of an estate mistress, art, music, and self-defense. Kitty joins them for the art lessons. Lydia is furious with the arrangements and it leads to some interesting changes in the Bennett household, especially with the arrival of Mr. Collins.

Colonel Fitzwilliam and his friend Major Askins, who had both been recovering from war wounds in London, travel with the Duchess (Lady Marianna) and agree to stay with her and Anne. While there, Colonel Fitzwilliam is informed that an estate owned by the Duchess about two hours away will be his inheritance from her and she asks him to take over control of it so that she can focus on her other properties. This then leads to some interesting changes with the two gentlemen and their outlook now that they can no longer stay in the army.

About a third of the way through the book, Darcy and his party join the household. This includes Georgiana, Mrs. Young, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Hurst and Mr. Hurst. The Duchess quickly finds issue with Darcy's behavior, leading to his change of outlook much sooner than the original storyline, thus changing interactions between him and the other characters. Caroline Bingley is her usual self and due to being in a Duchess's household, Charles is forced to address her behavior, which is surprising how it turns out in the end.

I loved the way that Anne de Bourgh and Mrs. Hurst are portrayed in this book. I'm usually a fan when Anne de Bourgh is given a backbone and allowed to be herself, but I particularly enjoyed the changes we see Mrs. Hurst undergo. I have never really been a fan of Mrs. Hurst, but have liked when different variation have her stepping up against her sister. In this book, she is given depth and develops into a unique character that sees the advantages in her marriage and what she and her husband can become. Mary was also developed well. While not as obvious as the two women mentioned previously, she also undergoes subtle changes and grows in confidence due to the attention and lessons she is receiving. I'm usually a big Mary fan, so when she gets attention and develops well, I think it's great. I was surprised with whom the author set up her love interest to be.
Kitty and Georgiana were also allowed to begin growing in character in this book. I look forward to seeing how their characters develop later in the next book.

Overall, I loved the book and story line. I would have given it 5 stars but it is not complete as there is a second half. While there is some angst, it is mostly focused on Caroline Bingley with Lady Catherine adding a little near the end. Outside of that there is minimal angst and it mostly focuses on character development. I would definitely recommend it to variation readers that don't want Charles and Jane together or people who like the women in the series to grow strong.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I started that Book 1 meant this is a two part continuation story as opposed to stand alone books in a series. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers but it did stop at a good place.

In P&P the main focus on the story is Elizabeth and Darcy. There are many other subplots but the focus is still Elizabeth. In this fanfiction, the subplots are there but the focus is on the Duchess and how she is involved with each one so Elizabeth is no longer the focus except as a subplot. It helps make all the sisters as important as Lizzy.

I enjoyed that characters that are on the inept side or minimal characters got changed up in this story. I loved that Mr. Bennet stepped up to lead his family more effectively and that Mary and Kitty have bigger roles in the book. I don't always appreciate when people marry the "wrong" person in JAFF but I rather enjoyed the alternative match-ups in this book. I love the Duchess and her ability to handle situations so well. I feel like by the end of book 2, everyone will be matched up for their happily-ever-afters and it will be thanks to the Duchess. The author creatively uses events from canon to bring about a different outcome and they work.

I listened to this audiobook and had mixed feelings about the narrator. I feel like she did a wonderful job with some of the characters. She nailed Mrs. Bennet. But I didn't love all the characterizations. I was reminded too much of Glinda the Good Witch some of the time.

Since this was part 1 of 2 there is much left to be resolved and I wonder what paths will be followed to get to the final resolve. While I would have preferred to have it all in one book I could live with this one being in two parts simply because of the place the author chose to pause the story.



Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: no
* I received a complementary audiobook and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different people at Netherfield

Instead of the Bingley family renting Netherfield we have a Dowager Duchess coming with her nephews, and a niece. Of course, it's Colonel Fitzwilliam, a Major from his company, and Anne from Rosings. She's managed to escape from her mother because of her uncle's insisting. The Duchess sets up a training program that includes the 3 oldest Bennets, and Charlotte. She's training the women to run estates in the future along with lessons from Masters in music and art. For the most part everyone is as they are in most books but we find that Mr Bennet has increased the girls dowry and refurbished the Dower house for Mrs Bennet in her widowhood along with increasing her portion so no hedgerows for her. It's makes a huge difference in her nerves and screeching! A calmer Mrs Bennet is truly a fearsome sight to behold!
Darcy arrived and is the usual pompous arse until called to task by Colonel and the Duchess. Making sincere apologies to Miss Elizabeth works wonders!
The Duchess married off Miss Charlotte to the major , inadvertently Lydia married to Mr Collins, and as we are ready for the wedding of Colonel Fitzwilliam to Miss Jane Bennet the Viscount arrives and the story ends! Boo hiss hiss. It's enjoyable and a bit educational in learning customs of the time ( recipe books etc)

[Kim Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing read

I would have awarded 5 stars but for the Americanisms and linguistic mistakes that pepper the text. If you are going to build a world in 19th century England, then get the language correct. The other point is that you cannot rely on spell check to pick up words close in spelling but not in meaning. For example, conscious is used in place of conscience throughout the novel. Together, these aspects created a background irritation as I read.

That said, the character of the Duchess is terrific, and her social skills and advice are admirable. The other characters are well drawn, but there are so many, that they each appear less significant somehow. Lizzy and Darcy are just one of a few couples. By eliminating much of the angst between the Bennet sisters and their suitors, much of the tension and drama is eliminated.

However, discovering what the Duchess has up her sleeve, and how she will contrive further HEAs, will have me lining up for the second volume.

[tracy witz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs an editor

Lynn is a good storyteller, but the complete lack of commas, the misuse of quotation marks, and the inept word choice (conscious for conscience is one example that springs to mind, as it was repeated three times in one passage and also appeared in the last book by Lynn I read) really hinders enjoyment of her work. It’s a shame, and easily corrected. Get an editor, or at least some decent betas.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs editing, as there are a lot of missing words. There were a few interesting ideas that were unique in this book, such as Lydia compromising Mr. Collins. My favorite was Colonel Fitzwilliam meeting Jane first, and his very different reaction (compared to Bingley) when Darcy tries to interfere.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

An interesting variation. I like the success character and the change she brings about. I know there is a second book but the ending was really abrupt and if I did not know, I would be left at this weird cut off point. Other then that I really enjoyed the story and cannot wait to read the second one.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted

Very fun read. Looking forward to reading book 2. Liked the duchess very much. Some things were a little far fetched, but than that’s why it’s called fiction. Enjoyable read. In this time of pandemic it was nice not having to much angst.

[Theresa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Rounded Up To Four

I liked this story. It has potential. I agree with other reviewers, it needs editing. It’s not bad, a few misused words such as conscious instead of conscience.

[RTD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I enjoy reading stories that walk me through how the Bennet family improves and the consequences from it. This is not a Darcy and Elizabeth story, but they a few moments. Mary's talk with Charles was perfect. Loved all the characters.

[Patty Campagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok but not great

This book for the most part is OK. It’s a really cool concept but the execution is questionable and areas. Some of the dialogue is questionable, which makes the plot in the story. Feel disconnected sometimes. Otherwise it’s pretty good book.

[Michelle Hassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A widowed duchess takes residence at Netherfield, brings Darcy and his friends/family as her guests and takes an interest in the older Bennett girls (Lydia marries Collins, Jane marries Richard, Lizzy marries Darcy. Charlotte marries a friend of Richards, and Mary marries Charles.)

[Mona Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a disappointment with Lynn

I loved this story the second reading more than I did the first. The duchess is a great new character. I hope her role is bigger in Book 2'. Mary also blooms.

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

A rather interesting and sweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed the story

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looked forward to reading book 2. That said it was a refreshing change to P&P what if's. I would definitely read other books by this author.

[Joy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Pride and Prejudice adaptation

The story line kept my interest and was entertaining. The type O's as well as grammar mistakes were many and very distracting.

[Terynn Onske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Flow

This is a very easy book to read. I got caught up in the story right away. Even a surprise or two. Highly recommend.

[Susan]

A Pride and Prejudice variation that when it became obvious that it was going to be a Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane Bennet pairing, i just lost interest, once again with such a pairing.

[kathy ogrady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love lady Fenton, I hope she writes more about her,
She differs from other characters, and there is a lot of story potential.

[J.C. Plummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-stars rounded up

[Rachel Fuente · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Be aware, this review contains spoilers **

I enjoyed Netherfield’s Duchess Book 1 (ND1). Ms. Lynn has developed some excellent and enjoyable original characters like Lady Fetton and has breathed new life into some Pride and Prejudice characters, like Anne de Bourgh. I particularly enjoy the minor alterations to Mr. Bennet and major alterations to Mrs. Bennet.

The friendship group formed around the lessons Lady Fetton gives is a great touch. It’s wonerful to see so many young ladies building each other up rather than tearing each other down. While seemingly an oddly matched group, Ms. Lynn’s character alterations turn the gatherings of ladies — Lady Fetton, Georgiana Darcy, Anne de Bourgh, Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet, Mary Bennet, and Charlotte Lucas — into some of my favorite moments. Louisa Hurst’s addition was unexpected, but I enjoy this kinder portrayal of her.

Lydia’s storyline feels like it happens too quickly, and then she disappears as though Ms. Lynn just wanted to get rid of her. I would have like to see more of Lydia as Mrs. Collins — how she handles her husband, duties, and Lady Catherine. Perhaps she’ll make an appearance in book 2.

Similarly, Darcy and Elizabeth’s love seems to spring out of nowhere. We don’t get to see much of their interactions leading to their shared esteem, so Darcy’s proposal felt too soon.

The implied pairing of Mary Bennet and Mr. Bingley is interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen this duo before.

Unfortunately, ND1 was plagued with errors. There are so many instances of typos and missing words that I have to knock off a star for it.

Overall ND1 was a fun read without much angst or drama — my favorite kind of read. I’m curious to see what book 2 will bring, especially in regards to Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, and Wickham.