An Unexpected Harvest: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Cat Andrews

Elizabeth Bennet left her affluent New England home at the age of sixteen and never looked back. She’s built a great life in Boston and loves everything about the city—especially her dream job as creative director at an advertising agency.

Will Darcy has never lived anywhere but in rural Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He lives a small-town life and loves everything about the country—especially his family’s farm, which he’s doing his best to modernize and return to prosperity.

When her older sister moves back to New England, Elizabeth reluctantly pays a visit to the hometown she left behind. Soon enough, the city girl meets the country boy and the insults and misunderstandings fly—but so do the sparks.

No one is more surprised than Elizabeth and Will when those sparks turn into a brilliant flame, and the 300 miles between them that once felt far too close suddenly turns into an unbearable distance.

The city girl and the country boy know a good thing when they see it—even if they don’t see it nearly enough. Can they overcome their greatest challenge and find common ground—and their happily ever after?
***
This novel is a modern variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but with a different take on the usual cast of characters. It contains adult content and is meant for mature readers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

670 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Cat Andrews has always been an avid reader, but didn’t discover Jane Austen until her love of a certain British actor led her to the BBC’s 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. Her discovery of Jane Austen Fan Fiction opened up a whole new world, and she was inspired to begin a cautious but earnest foray into the world of writing.

In real life, Cat has spent thirty-eight years working in healthcare. She enjoys life on the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and more often than not, you can find her at the beach with a book in her hand and her toes in the sand.

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars: Modern day variation on P&P

First, let me say that this is the second time I am reading this; although the first time I read the unpublished version. It is very long (670 pages) and does have adult content (rated MA). There are many "bedroom scenes" and not all are detailed but some do give us more than a mention. There is much page space given to the conversations, to the thoughts and reasoning that occur between Elizabeth/Lizzy and Will. There are occasions when apologies are necessary.

It has been done before but I was again pleased to read a well done premise of reversing the circumstances of both our main characters as well as some of their behaviors. Yes, there is that insult but given at a Barn Dance, which Will overhears. Later when she wants to explore the sexual chemistry which was interrupted on New Year's Eve (in Jane's bathroom during a party) Lizzy propositions him with a variation of that infamous Hunsford Proposal.

Elizabeth is well off, having been left a good inheritance by her father. She, Jane and Lydia lost their mother when they were young and their father has been dead about 2 years as this story begins. Elizabeth works for an advertising agency which during the course of this story she purchases. It is based in Boston.

William has taken up managing his father's farm in Stockbridge. His older brother has married and moved to NYC while his younger brother has lost his one arm in an accident and is dealing with rehab for that as well as a law suit. The villain in this story just happens to be named after a main character in P&P and is also after's George's money...that story is a main part in the first part of this tale.

Not only has Elizabeth's disdain of her old hometown and its citizens become well known but also that villain has (as did Wickham) smeared her name and her actions.

Elizabeth is visiting due to Jane's plans to turn Longbourn into an Inn. There is a Bingley but herein he is the one who doesn't let her know how he feels and so she is kept hanging. And of course Bingley and Darcy are good friends and the former is also working for Will in improving parts of his farm, Pemberley.

Darcy's parents are alive but his father suffers from Parkinson's so he has good days and bad days but also has not completely relinquished his hold on the farm. That relationship and their separate opinions about the future of the farm make for some of the angst in Will's life. Pemberley Farm was not doing well when Will stepped in and he has big plans which require much commitment and money management as he changes directions with an organic farm as well as a teaching farm.

Elizabeth is just ending (or attempting to end a relationship with a Colin Williams) while Will & Caroline Bingley have had in the past a "Friends with Benefits" relationship. Both play a part in our story.

When ODC finally begin a relationship the fact that both have BIG commitments in places four-hours apart makes for more angst as they struggle to find time to be together and neither sees a way to be together rather than having their "weekend romance" time.

We do get an epilogue of sorts at the end in which we learn of some of their future but also get to look back at how they came together.

I enjoyed this story and recommend it.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is essentially two very different books.

Part I is a very well-written, credible, modern variation of Pride and Prejudice that also swaps the genders. (Elizabeth Bennet is the aloof, wealthy snob; William Darcy is the outgoing country boy.) Although there are too many pages of the two main characters' introspection for my taste, generally it's an entertaining, enjoyable read.

Part II takes the introspection to a whole other level. The plot here is a chronology of the relationship between Elizabeth and William now that they're a couple. It's a long-distance relationship - she works in Boston, and he's running the Pemberley farm and taking care of his parents at West Stockbridge, four hours away. Lots of sex when they're together. Lots of yearning and missing each other when they're apart. That's 50% of the book, and it feels longer - it drags terribly.

I recommend Part I and wish I'd stopped reading there. Part II is an unfocused, meandering bore.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Encompassing Story about Embracing a Deep and Irrevocable Love

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Modern Adaptation

SETTING: Modern-day, Stockbridge and Boston, Massachusetts

SYNOPSIS: Elizabeth Bennet – a smart, savvy, and affluent creative director for a Boston advertising agency – was brought up with good principles by her father, but was also taught to think meanly of her hometown and the people beyond her family circle. And when she travels back to the place that she used to call home, she has a haughty manner, a snobbish attitude, and insults Stockbridge’s most eligible bachelor, who she has mocking dubbed “Farmer Darcy.” But after spending more time in his company Elizabeth finds herself undeniably drawn to Will Darcy and hoping the feeling is mutual…

WHAT I LOVED:

- The Mountains are Calling: After being utterly enchanted by how Cat Andrews incorporated the charming coastal setting of Great Diamond Island in her Sanctuary series, I was elated to learn that she once again chose a setting full of natural wonder and beauty – the Berkshires. With Ms. Andrews’s descriptions of the quaint town of Stockbridge, the farming community, and all the country sites and arresting scenery her characters encounter, the reader is able to experience small-town life in New England with all their senses. I can’t decide which appeals to my sense of taste more Sky’s scones or Mrs. Darcy’s cinnamon rolls! 😋

- The Character Dynamics: Cat Andrews demonstrates once again that she is quite masterful at playing with role reversals. Similar to Sanctuary this story is P&Pish – an original tale that borrows some characters and themes but that doesn’t closely follow the plot events of Jane Austen’s story. And in this story, readers see the situations swapped. Elizabeth is parentless, wealthy, and aloof and Darcy is the witty country boy needing to prepare for an uncertain future. In addition, there are several other swaps that are clever and surprising to discover. I really appreciated the thoughtfulness and purposefulness of these role reversals. They were well-planned and well-executed.

- Elizabeth and Will: I adored both of these characters and the journeys they went on individually and together. I loved seeing them go from misunderstandings and offending/awkward exchanges to honest discussions and searing passion. And I especially enjoyed the maturity and growth in their relationship. Cat Andrews illustrates a healthy yet realistic relationship between two emotionally-available adults who are learning to adapt their styles of communicating and consider each other’s perspectives. In addition, she also incorporates the conflicts of long-distance relationships and what happens when both parties need to reconcile with the differences in their upbringings, careers, and lifestyles.

- Family Affairs: Beyond Darcy and Elizabeth there are other relationships developing with and between the secondary characters of this story. Some of my favorites were the family relationships between their parents and siblings. I loved all the sibling interactions (those Darcy boys! 😍) and I especially admired how both Will and Elizabeth worked through their complicated relationships with their fathers. The changes, the healing, the opening up these characters did was moving to witness.

- Pemberley Farms: I love this farm and everything about it! (Fun Fact: If you asked me what I was six what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was a farmer!) I loved witnessing all of Will’s projects and the struggles of being a farmer in our modern-day world. It was so interesting to learn about each new development and what they entailed. And I especially adored seeing all the animals – Skip, Barnum, and most of all Fred. 🐐

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

I could jestingly say that Will Darcy was almost too perfect, but I sort’ve loved him that way.
NOTE: This story contains uses of profanity and several romantic interludes and intimate scenes. Recommended for mature audiences.

CONCLUSION:

With An Unexpected Harvest Cat Andrews presents a soul-bearing and emotionally-stirring romance that is authentic, sensitive, and compelling. An excellent choice for readers who love encompassing and thoughtful contemporary romances! I’ve come to adore Ms. Andrews’s exceptionally-developed and introspective approach to portraying her characters, her creative departures from Jane Austen’s novels, and her exquisite use of setting. I sincerely hope she continues to write more!

Austenesque Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I read the author's latest release and it burrowed deep emotionally as I connected with characters, romance development, and the story backdrop. I don't read many modern Pride and Prejudice variations, but I engaged with the story early on. So, yes, I had to go to the author's backlist and select another one. It's fall, so of course I went for the one mentioning Harvest in the title.

An Unexpected Harvest delivered the emotional and slow build growth and relationship along with lush attention to backdrop detail that I was expecting. I enjoyed visiting a western Massachusetts small town and farm as well as corporate Boston in turn. I was particularly tickled with the swap of circumstances the author unveiled when it came to familiar faces. The aloof, arrogant guest at the party who turned up nose and delivered the verbal insult was Ms Elizabeth Bennet and the hick farmer who overheard her remarks was middle son, Will Darcy. So yes, the Bennets are the wealthy sisters and the Darcys and Bingleys are the small town blue collar types.

I enjoyed that Jane was renovating the family home to be an inn and Charles Bingley her slow, uncommunicative suitor was her contractor. Elizabeth is a creative mind for an ad company and is still carrying baggage when she didn't go into the family company and follow dear ol' dad's footsteps. She turned her back on home and all that is there so she has to get past all that before she can even consider the feelings she is developing for Will Darcy who she has thoroughly alienated. Okay, she had help from an insidious character from her past maliciously spreading lies to the Darcys while inveigling her way in with youngest Darcy, George. Will Darcy is trying to keep the family farm in the black, but move toward sustainable, more healthy, and sounder farming techniques. He's getting the farm re-certified as organic and cares a great deal about healthy, safe food available to all. He is steamed at Elizabeth Bennet half the time and the other half, he is strongly attracted. They have a tumultuous start and then in the second half a slow grind to their happy.

The first half keeps it moving swift and stronger on action among the characters while the second half slows the pace down and gets more introspective with subtler changes in the characters and romance as they figure out a distance relationship that is also a relationship of people in two very different career and life situations. I loved how their friends and family have threads of the story and are part of the many pieces getting moved into place. I did get impatient especially when it was obvious a character was over-thinking or putting their issues on the other person's account, or even the miscues that happened. But, it eventually got sorted and I enjoyed my visit to the farm life and am positively gnawing for some farm fresh foods or a try at Caroline's lovely home-made soaps and creams.

Another modern retelling that digs deep and takes its time to develop that I can definitely recommend.

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a bit too long and I was very disappointed with the ending.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Modern Role Swap
When it comes to Elizabeth and Darcy, one can almost always expect an insult and misunderstandings. This holds true in An Unexpected Harvest, a modern variation of Pride and Prejudice. What was unanticipated for me, was the intriguing and curious twist in circumstances Cat Andrews has given our dear couple—a surprising role reversal. Elizabeth is a middle daughter who comes from wealth, and Will is a middle-class college drop out struggling to keep his family’s farm (Pemberley) going. She is a successful advertising executive, living a city life in Boston. He is a country boy, also a middle child, forced to leave college to take responsibility for running his family’s farm when his father becomes ill.

The story is written in two parts, with the first half covering the introduction and backgrounds of the main characters and their families, and the stormy beginning of a tumultuous and eventually passionate relationship. Expect some steam. You can also expect many, but not all, of the characters from P&P, some of which have also been given an interesting character twist. Avoiding spoilers, let’s just say past impressions of those you love/hate may be turned upside down. There is a villain. Because we know they always eventually get together, I feel free to say without spoiling anything that the second part of the book tackles a very modern aspect of ODC as a couple—the day-to-day and sometimes week-to-week struggle of trying to make a new and long-distance relationship work. Both deeply established in, and loving their careers, will one be forced to ultimately make a sacrifice so they can be together? Will Lizzy’s propensity to misunderstand and Will’s tendency to run from a situation sabotage this fragile couple? For me, the second part suffered a little with respect to plot, but overall, I still enjoyed the book very much.

The role/gender reversal of Lizzy and Will is positively well done. Their initial meeting is most definitely familiar but yet so different. As in her first release, Sanctuary, I very much like the unexpected portrayals given to the all-too-familiar characters of P&P. I also applaud her dialogue-leaning writing style, which I absolutely love, as opposed to a book long in the narrative style. Anyone who follows my reviews knows I always prefer this style. I also particularly enjoyed the setting of this story. Having lived in Massachusetts for 20 years, it was like going home for a little while, visiting Boston and the Berkshires. I had to grin when I even recognized some Massachusetts slang. I also liked the Darcy family dynamic very much which, for Will and his siblings, touches on the challenge of dealing with aging parents and a degenerative disease, as well as working to make Pemberley successful again. I found this to be a beautifully-written modern love story. I recommend this book, and look forward to more from this very talented author.

Contains mature adult content.

I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.

Also purchased the published edition for my Kindle library.

[Christina Morland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In An Unexpected Harvest, Cat Andrews gives us much of what we love about Pride and Prejudice--the tension, the banter, the fascinating family dynamics--while creating a compelling cast of characters set in two well-drawn modern settings: rural Western Massachusetts and urban Boston.

I love how Andrews decided to make the rural/urban divide one of the central tensions between Will and Elizabeth. I was also intrigued by how she put a unique twist on all of the characters. They are none of them quite as you expect them to be, yet they all channel the original characteristics of the P&P cast. And while this book has a different vibe in its two different parts, I really appreciate how Andrews allowed her main characters to grow beyond our preconceptions of them. We get to see some of the real-life struggles of a modern relationship without losing any of the romance or sizzle that make contemporary romances fun to read. I really enjoyed reading this book!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfinished

I’m just not that interested in finishing the book. I don’t really care what happens to the characters or their respective ventures.

… finally finished (well, mostly.) Was really shocked by the surprise happy ending - not.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
This is a modern day adaptation of Pride and Prejudice set in Massachusetts in the U.S. with a gender reversal. I'm a little torn on how to rate this book. It felt like the first half of the book, I. Sowing was the Pride and Prejudice adaptation that I really enjoyed and thought had a good narrative arc. Then the second half of the book, II. Reaping, felt more like maybe a follow-up novella and then devolved into vignettes that felt like epilogues. It seemed like there could have been some pretty serious editing in the second half of the book to get to a good place of having a clear story arc.

The character names generally didn't correlate to the names in the book, with a gender/financial role reversal of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's characters. This made things a little confusing as far as who was represented with each character, though at times it was nice to feel like there were some surprises.

Characters
Darcys
Will Darcy - Came back to his family's farm, Pemberly, in rural Massachusetts after his father got sick, then stayed when his younger brother had an accident; correlates to original P&P Elizabeth Bennet
Richard Darcy - Will's oldest brother who moved away from Pemberly. Correlates to original P&P Jane Bennet.
George Darcy - Will's youngest brother who is very social and likes to party. He had an accident on the farm that caused him to loose one of his arms, and he doesn't help as much with working on the farm since them. It took me a while to figure out that he correlates to original P&P Lydia Bennet.
Robert Darcy - Will's father who has Parkinson's. He owns Pemberly, but he wasn't particularly interested in farming and let things lag and the farm is struggling. Correlates to original P&P Mr. Bennet.
Abby Darcy - Will's mother who gets anxious about things and wants to see her two youngest sons have girlfriends and get married. Correlates to original P&P Mrs. Bennet.

Bennets
Elizabeth Bennet - Lives in Boston and works at an advertising agency. Comes from family money. correlates to original P&P Mr. Darcy.
Jane Bennet - Moved back to Longborn to convert the family home into an Inn/Bed & Breakfast after living in California. Mostly correlates to herself in the original P&P, though she has money and some other correlations to Mr. Bingley.
Lydia Bennet - At Harvard studying to do finance like her father. Correlates to Georgiana Darcy.

Other Characters
Charles Bingley - Runs the family construction business. Mostly correlated to himself, though some parts to Jane, notably that he isn't wealthy.
Caroline Bingley - Charles's sister who has a history with Mr. Darcy. She doesn't really correlate to anyone in the original P&P.
Collin - Someone who Elizabeth was casually dating in Boston when she came to Longborn to visit Jane. Sort of correlates to Mr. Collins in the original P&P.
Charlotte Lucas - George Darcy's girlfriend. Correlates to original P&P Mr. Wickham.

I. Sowing
Jane Bennet has recently come back to Longborn in rural Massachusetts from California to convert her large family home into an Inn. Charles Bingley is her contractor for remodeling the home. She's interested in dating him, but while he spends time with her socially, it's not clear if he likes her romantically. Elizabeth Bennet is taking off some significant time around the holidays to come back and visit Jane as she starts this process.

Jane takes Elizabeth to a barn dance. Elizabeth has become accustomed to city life, and belittles the locals, including Will, who overhears her insults about him as a farmer. As Jane and Charles continue to spend time together, this starts a progression of Elizabeth and Will having awkward interactions where she sometimes insults him, occasionally broken by connection and attraction. This culminates at a party Jane throws on New Year's Even when Elizabeth and Will run into each other and end up making out in the bathroom, when Will ends up walking away without discussing.

Elizabeth is at the end of her planned travel to Longborn, and she decides that she should talk to Will about the confusing feelings she has. When she goes to do this, she starts by talking about how with coming from her city life that he wasn't what she was looking for, thus insulting him. I wasn't sure how they were going to handle the first proposal scene, since at this point it was clear that both people were attracted to each other, but this worked really well with Elizabeth accidentally insulting Will when she was trying to propose that they see where things lead after she leaves. Since Will was hurt by this declaration, he pretends that he doesn't have feelings for her at all, and that what happened on New Year's Eve was just because she was available.

There are some family secrets that culminate in a situation similar to Georgiana/Lydia/Wickham from the original P&P that worked pretty well in the modern adaptation.

II. Reaping
When I. Sowing ends, Elizabeth and Will have decided that they want to have a relationship. She just bought her advertising firm in Boston and he is about a four hours away working on his family farm. Most of the tension in this book is around how Elizabeth and Will navigate the long distance relationship and misunderstandings and hurt feelings that come about from those challenges. There are also some realizations of different their financial situations are. Inexplicably, Mrs. Darcy goes from wanting Will to have a girlfriend to being concerned about how Will and Elizabeth will navigate a long distance relationship. This didn't really feel organic to the story or the characters, it felt like it was put in just so that there would be an additional tension.

This half of the book just seemed too long for what actually happened in it. It seemed like it needed some significant editing to get to the most important parts and to have a coherent narrative. I feel like it would have been better if it had been broken out into a sequel novella with epilogues rather than as part of this book.

[Deb Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Darcy and Lizzy variation

In this variation, Lizzy is the rich, aloof-at-times CEO and Darcy runs a farm that has been in his family for centuries. They originate from the same area but Lizzy works in Boston. They meet and the typical difficulties occur. But I love how this author worked on the couple and the way she ended the story with a few surprises. Hopefully, there is a continuation in the future.

[Craftyhj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long and satisfying journey

A story of two parts - literally. The first part is the coming together of Elizabeth and Darcy with all the misunderstandings and hurt feelings of Austen cunningly reimagined into a modern setting. To a large extent the characters have been switched with Elizabeth as the wealthy, aloof party and Darcy as the countrified one but as with Austen it is much more complex than that. Life has shaped them both and their behaviours reflect their experiences.

The second part explores how they bring their two very different lifestyles together as a couple.

I highly recommend this book

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this. It was a little too long.

The ending was a nice epilogue but failed to mention what happened to Elizabeth’s ad agency. This is an important oversight in my opinion because it was so important to her throughout the book. I was disappointed in this.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part was ok but the second was too long and kind of boring, it felt like reading fanfiction but not in a good way(sorry 🤷🏻‍♀️)

[Daniela Quadros · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am a huge fan of modern Pride and Prejudice variations, I think it's hard to find those that really capture the essence of our dear characters and successfully transfer it to our modern world. And Cat Andrews is one of those writers. Her previous books are among my favorites so I was very excited to read An Unexpected Harvest. And what a delight it was! To start with, we have Darcy's and Elizabeth's personalities switched! He is the outgoing middle class guy while she is from a rich family and has not the talent of conversing easily with those she has not seen before. It was so much fun to see their interaction and that first insult coming from Elizabeth and not Darcy! But we can also see some canon characteristics that weren't switched, like Darcy's deep sense of duty, his love for his family legacy and Elizabeth's wit and generous heart. There are also new characters added to the story as well as the ones we already know but with different personalities and surprising revelations.

An Unexpected Harvest is one of those books that you just don't want to put down and when it ends, it just stays with you for a long time. Cat Andrews has this talent of writing the complete day to day story in a way that doesn't feel dragged or boring so you really have the idea that you are right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows. Elizabeth and Will's love story is so unique in this variation, and so real and powerful. They deal with problems that we deal in our own lives and relationships so it is very easy to feel connected with them. It is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

"I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise."

[Adelle Stavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

A beautifully written story where plot and character development are shown, not told.
One star off for just too many very detailed scenes of intimacy. Where you are detailing weekly reunions with a long distance couple - yes, the opportunities for sex scenes are many. But the kiss by bite by nip descriptions became boring. Someone else said something about there being so many they began skimming through them. Thought they were exaggerating. But no, they weren't.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Imaginative modern day variation of P&P, taking place in Massachusetts. It's role reversal time, and Elizabeth is the business tycoon, while Darcy runs the family farm, and has the rather goofy family. Many familiar names crop up in the book, but you can never make assumptions about the role that they'll play. The author has taken the P&P character names, shuffled the deck, and turned many of them on their heads. It's great fun discovering who they are.

Since this takes place modern day, there's sex and profanity, so be prepared. However, this is a very talented author, and I was well entertained throughout. Cat Andrews is a master of witty banter, and also of romance. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and a fantastic Elizabeth. The author populates her story with people that you can care about. The plot just sucked me in, and I was quickly invested in the welfare of the many wonderful players in this story.

My only complaint was that the story dragged a bit after the halfway point, with a lot of repetition about Darcy and Elizabeth's struggles with their individual careers, their periods of separation, and their sexual encounters. But the book is so well written, and I had such a great time reading it, that I couldn't possibly deduct any stars. The book focuses mainly on ODC, and their love story is superb. It's well written, well edited, and there's a lovely sense of humor to the writing that is priceless. I recommend it highly.

[ana darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Elisabeth Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Andrews has once again taken an old favorite and put an unexpected modern spin on it. While the twist of switching the main characters’ roles isn’t a new one in modern-day stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice, this one is done so masterfully that it certainly feels fresh. To start with, many of the characters are flipped in some way: Elizabeth is upper class, Charles is careful not to show emotion to Jane, and the Darcy matriarch is the matchmaker, for instance. All the characters are well developed, the dialogue is realistic and fun, and the story moves at a good pace. Often a role-switching story can seem forced, but this one absolutely does not. The characters are believable, sympathetic, and nuanced.

Next is the "happily ever after" aspect. This story consists of two parts — the first covers much of the grounds of the characters meeting, misunderstanding, and the unmasking of truths. Many times, a P&P-inspired story ends when the moment of reconciliation happens. However, that only ends Part I of An Unexpected Harvest. Part II is where the work is put into the main characters’ relationship, and the true meat of the story. This is also where Andrews shines, as she explores the ways two very different people can make a relationship work (and not by one person magically giving everything up for the other).

There is much to admire in Ms. Andrews’ writing. One of the smaller things I enjoyed was how the relationships between the two main characters and their fathers were portrayed. While not the focus of the story, the way they were handled added a lot of depth and interest. Another small thing was the fact that the characters actually had realistic discussions about sex, a past relationship, their expectations of how to build a life together, even their expectations of how to fight. By the end of the novel, the reader not only read a love story, but also a life story. So put this book in your beach tote, or settle into a cozy chair with your favorite beverage, and spend some time with this lovely author and her characters.

Be aware that this contains mature content. Note: I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a review, either favorable or unfavorable.

[Madenna U · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Pride and Prejudice variation is absolutely wonderful. As a variation, the roles are reversed. Elizabeth Bennet is a wealthy advertising executive from town (in this case, Boston) and Fitzwilliam Darcy is a generational farmer from rural Stockbridge. The author does a wonderful job reversing the family and friends as well.

Additionally, the author broke the book into two parts. The first is the part, Sowing, is the traditional story line with all its wonderful misunderstandings. The second part, Reaping, is focused on how Elizabeth and Darcy not only love but also learn to communicate, compromise, and what they really want as individuals but also as a couple.

I love the emotion, characters, scenery, etc. The story is mature, but not graphic. I am looking forward to reading this book again.

[ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite modern adaptations of Pride & Prejudice! I love all the little changes that made the story feel new, even as it remained familiar.

[Kirsten Schuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered what Pride and Prejudice may look like if it were set in modern times and with characters trading both places and characteristics, then this is the story for you! Cat Andrews has taken the heart of Pride and Prejudice, the essences of these beloved characters, and provided a new modern twist. In An Unexpected Harvest Elizabeth is a wealthy, successful city girl and Darcy is a hard working country boy. The misunderstandings that bring Elizabeth and Darcy together are still present in unique and unexpected ways, allowing our couple to become stronger on the path they take. Other beloved characters are present to help them along their journey. I have read many Pride and Prejudice reimaginings, variations, and sequels over the years and this book is one of my favorites! I can not recommend this book or her other work, Sanctuary, enough!

I was given an advanced readers copy, without the expectation of review.

[Melissa Muzrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Harvest is a modern P&P tale that you will love. It is easy to fall into the story as Elizabeth and Darcy find their way to each other. The author has a way of writing our favorite characters that allows you to connect with both and feel emotionally involved as the story progresses. You will recognize the old ‘tried and true’ themes, with a modern twist.

I was given an advanced copy to read, but without promise of a review.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

As Debbie B pointed out in her review...the 1/2
half was quite interesting and the 2nd half not nearly so.

But I have a very serious issue....IT IS
A 2hr drive from Stockbridge to Boston, not a 4hr drive in the book!!! Unless...'the Turnpike is covered w
frosting from Stockbridge to Boston' -James Taylor
Was really necessary to have me over worry about the leads multiple trips back and forth????!!!

[Melissa Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern P&P with a Twist
Having read and loved Sanctuary, I was eager to get my hands on An Unexpected Harvest, and once real life finally allowed time, I spent a couple of happy days immersed in this second offering from Cat Andrews. I have to say, I hate the 5-star rating system, because I’ve been sitting here trying to decide how to make my sentiments clear, and that system just doesn’t work for me. If Sanctuary was a clear 5-star experience in my opinion, An Unexpected Harvest would probably have to be a 4.75 or 4.85 in comparison. I thoroughly enjoyed it, will definitely read it again, don’t want to give it a 4 by any means, but Sanctuary edges it out in my JAFF heart by just a smidge!

So, saying all that, here’s what I LOVED:

1) Being taken home to New England! Just as with Sanctuary, Ms Andrews has done such a marvelous job describing Pemberley Farm and its environs that I literally felt I was there with the characters. Her locations become characters in their own right, and just as most Austen fans have a place in their heart for Austen’s Pemberley, I now have a little spot in mine for Pemberley Farm and its inhabitants, and I already plan to return there this winter as the book starts out just before Christmas. It will be on my December reading list for a happy second reading for sure!

2) The impressive job she did with this role reversal. It took me a minute to really sort out all the characters, not because they were hard to figure out or not well done, but because I read a lot of JAFF and so expect certain characters to be or say or do certain things. But once I finally got there and really embraced the characters swapping personalities, I realized she’d done a really great job of it! It even made me examine my own gender biases. Apparently, I’m much more tolerant of Darcy being the one to insult and speak without thinking than I am of Elizabeth doing it, and I had to laugh at myself for being so unforgiving of Elizabeth in the first half!

3) I loved being able to see Darcy surrounded by family for once. He’s always the character that is so alone, with just his sister and cousin really in his corner. I loved meeting all the members of the Darcy family in Cat’s story, and especially loved reading the scenes where the brothers interact with one another. They were very well done. I enjoyed them so much I actually wish we had gotten a little more time with Richard!

4) Her dialogue-heavy writing style. I really enjoy it. It keeps things moving even when she is taking her time examining a certain day or event.

5) This particular Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. It will stick with me for quite a while.

What I think you should know BEFORE reading:

1) If you haven’t read Sanctuary, but are a JAFF lover or just found this title because you love Austen and it is Austen-inspired, then you need to know that Ms Andrew’s books are not quick, light reads. She really takes her time developing the characters and gives you a deep dive into their day to day lives. It is Austen-inspired, not a retelling or variation on cannon, and could definitely stand on its own.

2) This is more a slice of life story than a heavily plot driven story. The first half is very similar to P&P as you watch how ODC struggles to overcome their first impressions of one another, but the second half of the book is very modern and deals with the very real consequences of two people from different worlds coming together to try and make a life together. It’s not the book to pick up when you are looking for something fluffy and light, or something with lots of twists and turns. This is the book you pick up when you want to fall in love with the characters and go spend some time in their world.

3) And finally, this is a mature story with plenty of steam to it. The inspiration it takes from P&P is the coming together of ODC, but puts them in a modern setting and shows them having a healthy, adult relationship. If that’s not your thing, if you love P&P strictly for Austen’s wit and social commentary, or you look for Austen-inspired reading that ends with a closed door, then this is not the story for you. Could some of the steamy scenes be skipped over? Probably. But the second half of the story is really all about watching their growing intimacy, and their passion for one another is a big part of that. It’s a look at the beauty of really finding the right person for you, and in my opinion, her take on their intimacy is very well done.

I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise

[Aknapton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and original variation...

Such an original story line. Characters were great and this had what so many variations, and even the original, lacked, tons of Elizabeth & Darcy interaction. And it is a fully fleshed out story with great pacing and a satisfying conclusion. The only negative is that, as a person living in central Massachusetts, the reference of Stockbridge being 400 miles and 4 hours from Boston kept pulling me out of the story. Stockbridge is about 2 and a half hours from Boston...which is far enough and something the writer could have researched in twenty seconds on Google Maps. But, this book is good enough that I forgive the author. Read this one!

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely wonderful modern variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. This story has a rather intriguing plot twist. Instead of Darcy being the snobby, rich, city boy and Lizzy playing the lower country girl their roles are reversed this time around. This story is darker in tone and emotion than her previous book Sanctuary but I really did enjoy it. She has such a gift for writing characters that FEEL like real people who you know. They really grab a hold of your emotions and you are really invested in their story and finding out what happens. I read it all in one sitting and I bought this as ebook and also as paperback to add to my collection.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, but it's not Pride and Prejudice

What I liked:

- The author's writing.

- The Darcy and Elizabeth's storyline.

- The second half of the book because it mainly focused on Darcy and Elizabeth. I will never complain about an early understanding between these two.

What I didn't like:

- Too much attention was given to other characters' storylines. While I have no complaints about the writing, I felt too much focus was placed on setting up characters, mostly forgotten after the book's first half.

- Althouh I loved the author's first modern Pride and Prejudice story, "Sanctuary," I couldn't see any of Austen's Elizabeth or Darcy in this version. Only the names were the same.
Elizabeth and Darcy's situations were reversed, but I didn't expect such a disconnect. It felt more like a Hallmark movie. The city girl returns to the country and falls in love with a country boy. This image came to my mind several times while reading, but never, Pride and Prejudice.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5 Stars

Flipping circumstances, Elizabeth comes from a position of privilege and starts off uncomfortably putting her foot in her mouth (on more than one occasion), and Darcy is the object of both the overheard insult and Elizabeth's increasing admiration.

This story develops with substance, light and shade, humour and poignancy, and with characters who make sense and who, though flawed, it's easy to like.

I actually have a download from of this from the site where it was originally posted, but this book deserves to be purchased.

[Vee Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

A wonderful story! I love Cat’s writing. The story itself is deep and intricate. I loved the slow burn to the relationship between Will and Lizzy. The passion was electric. I was so excited when I started reading and realised Cat had changed around the character’s personalities. What a thrill to read something so different. A highly recommended read which was thoroughly satisfying from beginning to end.

[wendy luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a review vefore but as always Cat does not disappoint reversing personalities and to book life styles in this modern day lovely written and as always historical but yet heartreching sorry for a modern day story SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS Snactuary was excellent and she hits us with this book it is a defined reread LOVE IT !!!!!!