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Take Charge Series #1
Charlotte Lucas Takes Charge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
None of the books in this series are purely about the title character, but how their taking charge affects those around them.
Fanny Bennet dies of an apoplexy two years prior to the start of this story.
As in canon, the Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy arrive in the area residing in the leased Netherfield Park. Up until the Reverend William Collins arrival, things are not far from canon. Collins is the sycophant we all love to hate and sets his sights on Jane. Bennet tells him in no uncertain terms he will not consent to such a man marrying ANY of his daughters.
Charlotte Lucas overhears Collins ranting to himself about how he will evict the Bennets from Longbourn the day Bennet passes. He then tried to woo Charlotte soon after and she too rejects him. He is derisive when she rejects him out of hand, he tells her that no man would ever offer for one on the shelf, without fortune, and as homely as her.
Collins then proposes to Matilda Dudley, Lizzy’s friend and Longbourn’s widowered parson’s daughter. Matilda accepts him much to Elizabeth and Charlotte’s surprise.
Collins’s words to her spur Charlotte to take charge, the story tells the tale of what she does and how it affects the lives of not a few people. The book examines how Charlotte actions change the trajectories of some of our favourite (to love and hate) characters.
Fanny Bennet dies of an apoplexy two years prior to the start of this story.
As in canon, the Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy arrive in the area residing in the leased Netherfield Park. Up until the Reverend William Collins arrival, things are not far from canon. Collins is the sycophant we all love to hate and sets his sights on Jane. Bennet tells him in no uncertain terms he will not consent to such a man marrying ANY of his daughters.
Charlotte Lucas overhears Collins ranting to himself about how he will evict the Bennets from Longbourn the day Bennet passes. He then tried to woo Charlotte soon after and she too rejects him. He is derisive when she rejects him out of hand, he tells her that no man would ever offer for one on the shelf, without fortune, and as homely as her.
Collins then proposes to Matilda Dudley, Lizzy’s friend and Longbourn’s widowered parson’s daughter. Matilda accepts him much to Elizabeth and Charlotte’s surprise.
Collins’s words to her spur Charlotte to take charge, the story tells the tale of what she does and how it affects the lives of not a few people. The book examines how Charlotte actions change the trajectories of some of our favourite (to love and hate) characters.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2021
84 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books64 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 15, 2021
“You just can’t let life happen to you; you have to make life happen.” –Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability
Rating: PG-13: suggestive and, remember, we have the smarmy Mr. Collins, shudder. Angst Level: low-to-medium. Source Borrowed KU [11-29-21] Book 1 in the Take Charge Series: The views and opinions expressed are my own. 27-chapters plus an epilogue.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
The title and the cover sort of gave it away. Sensible Charlotte Lucas takes a different route in her marriage prospects and changes not only her life but that of others. Mr. Collins was horrid and got himself into more trouble than he anticipated. As did the SBRB Wickham.
There were errors and the story ended way before the author reached the epilogue. It quickly became tedious with the minute detail of everyone’s lives. The author apparently didn’t want to leave anyone out. I got bogged down in all the names, titles, who married whom, and the number of children.
Rating: PG-13: suggestive and, remember, we have the smarmy Mr. Collins, shudder. Angst Level: low-to-medium. Source Borrowed KU [11-29-21] Book 1 in the Take Charge Series: The views and opinions expressed are my own. 27-chapters plus an epilogue.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
The title and the cover sort of gave it away. Sensible Charlotte Lucas takes a different route in her marriage prospects and changes not only her life but that of others. Mr. Collins was horrid and got himself into more trouble than he anticipated. As did the SBRB Wickham.
There were errors and the story ended way before the author reached the epilogue. It quickly became tedious with the minute detail of everyone’s lives. The author apparently didn’t want to leave anyone out. I got bogged down in all the names, titles, who married whom, and the number of children.
April 26, 2022
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
November 16, 2025
In this story, Mr. Collins angers the wrong person so Charlotte decides to marry Mr. Bennet who has been widowed. In time, this has all kinds of consequences changing the outcome for nearly everyone concerned. Lydia grows up, Mary gets a makeover, the Bennet sisters all marry well, and the usual antagonists are neutralised in various ways. Even Lady Catherine becomes introspective and repents her bad taste in interior decorating.
I liked the problem solving aspect of Charlotte's reign and the neat bows that everybody gets tied in. The HEA gets a little bogged down here and there by the number of characters whose fates we're concerned about and the minutiae of mundane events. It's not a very emotional story overall, recommended for when you want something with no angst whatsoever.
Steam level: multiple couples' mutual enjoyment of bedroom antics is implied but not in graphical detail
What stood out: There was a bunch of very minor characters that I would have forgotten by now if not for the fact that they were named for the members of the Beatles. I am on the fence about whether modern celebrity cameos are a fun Easter egg or take you out of the story. Something like this might fit better in a more farcical story, full of other outrageous surprises. Another character was randomly namedropped, the character didn't really seem relevant to the plot, and the name didn't seem to fit. Googling, I found out it probably jumped out at me because it's Katy Perry's real name.
Historical nitpick: When the epilogue mentions "Lady Catherine Rhys-Davies" at first I thought this was Lady Catherine De Bourgh, remarried. But it's Kitty. However, as she is the daughter of a commoner she wouldn't be styled Lady Firstname, whomever she married.
I liked the problem solving aspect of Charlotte's reign and the neat bows that everybody gets tied in. The HEA gets a little bogged down here and there by the number of characters whose fates we're concerned about and the minutiae of mundane events. It's not a very emotional story overall, recommended for when you want something with no angst whatsoever.
Steam level: multiple couples' mutual enjoyment of bedroom antics is implied but not in graphical detail
What stood out: There was a bunch of very minor characters that I would have forgotten by now if not for the fact that they were named for the members of the Beatles. I am on the fence about whether modern celebrity cameos are a fun Easter egg or take you out of the story. Something like this might fit better in a more farcical story, full of other outrageous surprises. Another character was randomly namedropped, the character didn't really seem relevant to the plot, and the name didn't seem to fit. Googling, I found out it probably jumped out at me because it's Katy Perry's real name.
Historical nitpick: When the epilogue mentions "Lady Catherine Rhys-Davies" at first I thought this was Lady Catherine De Bourgh, remarried. But it's Kitty. However, as she is the daughter of a commoner she wouldn't be styled Lady Firstname, whomever she married.
October 17, 2021
Needs tightening, begins well
There was just too much that was superfluous - (needs an editor with a strong red pen) and a notable lack of diversity in vocabulary. I suspect the author decided that if she used a few words she deemed as particular to the Regency era, she would not have to bother forming Regency era sentences. It’s a shame because a lot of us don’t give a shit about that. As a result she over-uses these odd words and it just became jarring to me.
I’m pretty sure I read at least the beginning of this book at some point earlier.
The author just took on too much. Also, scenes with villains Wickham, Collins, Caroline and Lady Catherine are melodramatic and petty. I felt like I was reading a revenge story written by an eighth grader.
There was just too much that was superfluous - (needs an editor with a strong red pen) and a notable lack of diversity in vocabulary. I suspect the author decided that if she used a few words she deemed as particular to the Regency era, she would not have to bother forming Regency era sentences. It’s a shame because a lot of us don’t give a shit about that. As a result she over-uses these odd words and it just became jarring to me.
I’m pretty sure I read at least the beginning of this book at some point earlier.
The author just took on too much. Also, scenes with villains Wickham, Collins, Caroline and Lady Catherine are melodramatic and petty. I felt like I was reading a revenge story written by an eighth grader.
February 25, 2022
bland story with only a few interesting scenes
It’s a bland story! Every bad character gets their moral justice and there’s no tension or plot through the story. It’s not worth your time. I ended up skimming through half of it. It is clean and charlottes proposal to Mr. Bennet is a good scene. It’s not worth reading though as a whole. I will certainly not read other stories by the author and recommend you skip this story. I think the Mary turning into a massive beauty took the cake. The whole story feels false and uninteresting. If I could take back the two hours I read it I would.
It’s a bland story! Every bad character gets their moral justice and there’s no tension or plot through the story. It’s not worth your time. I ended up skimming through half of it. It is clean and charlottes proposal to Mr. Bennet is a good scene. It’s not worth reading though as a whole. I will certainly not read other stories by the author and recommend you skip this story. I think the Mary turning into a massive beauty took the cake. The whole story feels false and uninteresting. If I could take back the two hours I read it I would.
July 9, 2022
I have read two books my this author but I think this one will be my last. She needs an editor and someone to tell her she’s not as amusing as she thinks she is. I thought my eyes were going to roll out of my head when the Beatles started appearing.
I missed Katy Perry’s real name, thankfully.
There were sentence fragments and other editing problems such as missing or wrong words. I didn’t like Miss Bingley’s fate, either.
An epilogue of the sort that makes people hate epilogues. Also the continuity problem previously mentioned of Wickham’s fate.
I missed Katy Perry’s real name, thankfully.
There were sentence fragments and other editing problems such as missing or wrong words. I didn’t like Miss Bingley’s fate, either.
An epilogue of the sort that makes people hate epilogues. Also the continuity problem previously mentioned of Wickham’s fate.
September 23, 2021
Enjoyable Read
I found the changes in Charlotte's life particularly heartwarming. This is a good book, though it could use a bit more editing
I found the changes in Charlotte's life particularly heartwarming. This is a good book, though it could use a bit more editing
June 15, 2023
I stopped reading this one at only 14% and maybe that's not enough time to give it to judge fairly, but life is short, and things kept bothering me about it, not the least of which was Mr. Collins being cast as someone who never bathed and stunk to high heaven? I'm sure the original Lady Catherine would never have gifted him the Hunsford living were that the case, and he is not presented that way in the original, so I wonder why not just this but several variations I've read indicate that he literally stinks. But there were a lot of things about the book that seemed a lot like first draft or early draft writing, needed a lot of editing, or felt awkward and amateurish.
I wanted to read through the series to another of these books, but wound up stopping at number 1.
I wanted to read through the series to another of these books, but wound up stopping at number 1.
September 20, 2021
Intriguing
A rather unusual and interesting enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
A rather unusual and interesting enjoyable variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Shana Granderson.
October 6, 2021
Charlotte to the rescue
So many variations have posited that Charlotte and Mr. Bennett would be well matched and in this retelling I must agree. It was a little long in spots and slightly unrealistic with some characters miraculously turning over a new leaf, but otherwise a good story.
So many variations have posited that Charlotte and Mr. Bennett would be well matched and in this retelling I must agree. It was a little long in spots and slightly unrealistic with some characters miraculously turning over a new leaf, but otherwise a good story.
May 25, 2022
I enjoyed this variation a lot and found myself chuckling a few times.
There is one rather glaring error in the book that made me stop reading and go back to make sure I had read what I thought I had.
There is one rather glaring error in the book that made me stop reading and go back to make sure I had read what I thought I had.
January 22, 2022
Poor Editing, one major continuity flaw,uses famous names!
I've read several of this author's books. The story ideas are very good but the villains/conflicts are easily dispatched, change into saintly persons or are otherwise Besides a general lack of editing, there was one blatant continuity flaw. Everyone marries to advantage and they all become related. The biggest problem I have is the author seems to have trouble coming up with original character names. This book she uses the Beatles. She used Ringo Starr and Katy Perry's real names and the name of one of the main characters from Lee Mis.
I've read several of this author's books. The story ideas are very good but the villains/conflicts are easily dispatched, change into saintly persons or are otherwise Besides a general lack of editing, there was one blatant continuity flaw. Everyone marries to advantage and they all become related. The biggest problem I have is the author seems to have trouble coming up with original character names. This book she uses the Beatles. She used Ringo Starr and Katy Perry's real names and the name of one of the main characters from Lee Mis.
November 14, 2021
Two stars because the premise was interesting. However, most characters were one-dimensional, and there were TONS of issues with the writing that continually pulled me out of the story. Lots of errors in grammar, punctuation, vocabulary/word choice, and sentence structure. There were words missing, and the syntax and cadence swung wildly between Regency(ish) and modern. Pick one or the other!!
So, although the plot showed promise, the total want of an editor makes me not want to read any more by this author.
So, although the plot showed promise, the total want of an editor makes me not want to read any more by this author.
March 15, 2022
a take charge Charlotte
In this story Mr. Collins is awful and Charlotte decides to change and take a chance by proposing marriage to Mr. Collins to avoid the entail and saving his daughters. I have always thought Charlotte’s character to be smarter and in this book she comes to life. The outcome of her marriage to Mr. Bennet changes the lives of everyone around her. This story is everything I have always wanted if Mr. Bennet married after losing Mrs. Bennet.
In this story Mr. Collins is awful and Charlotte decides to change and take a chance by proposing marriage to Mr. Collins to avoid the entail and saving his daughters. I have always thought Charlotte’s character to be smarter and in this book she comes to life. The outcome of her marriage to Mr. Bennet changes the lives of everyone around her. This story is everything I have always wanted if Mr. Bennet married after losing Mrs. Bennet.
February 25, 2025
In this Pride & Prejudice variation Fanny Bennet has died. Two years later the Netherfield party arrive. But then Collins arrives and what Charlotte Lucas overhears him saying changes many lives.
An entertaining variation with the right pairings. A re-read. again
An entertaining variation with the right pairings. A re-read. again
February 10, 2022
The writing is so flat and uninspired -- the sort of preachy recitation that just didn't hold my attention for long no matter how hard I tried to like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
Charlotte Lucas Takes Charge - Book 1 of the Take Charge Series
Holy moly, what a delightful story this turned out to be. Could easily have been titled, Charlotte Lucas Saves the Bennet Family and Meryton. Charlotte is usually portrayed as being smarter than average regardless in most variations she married dimwitted William Collins, readers understand why, but in this story her ability to understand what was happening around her outshines her supposedly plainness. She was able to see through Wickham’s character and lies and after the arrival of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Wickham is dealt with for the first time in his life and set away. She also takes her own future into her own hands and contracts her own marriage to widower, Thomas Bennet. She immediately takes on the rehabilitation of his youngest daughter who is one step away from complete ruin by the scoundrel Wickham saving the family from complete ruination. She gets Lizzy to see Darcy in new light, Jane to see her worth besides outer beauty, Mary to let her inner light shine, and Kitty to finally set away from her younger sister’s destructive nature. See also sees the destructive nature of William Collins and refuses his advances. She also makes Jane see the possible weakness in Charles Bingley because of his sister’s ability to sway his every decision and Jane finds a much stronger man to marry. She births the Bennet heir and a spare, although the long lamented entailment had been broken when Collins was defrocked and sent to the Canadas. Many dear couples marry and attain their HEA. Richard inherits Rosings early on, Anne de Bourgh lives a healthier life, and Lady Catherine makes a complete turnaround when she is dethroned and is forced to reevaluate her relationship with her family. Worth the money paid for this book. I hope the other books in this series are as enjoyable as this first book.
Holy moly, what a delightful story this turned out to be. Could easily have been titled, Charlotte Lucas Saves the Bennet Family and Meryton. Charlotte is usually portrayed as being smarter than average regardless in most variations she married dimwitted William Collins, readers understand why, but in this story her ability to understand what was happening around her outshines her supposedly plainness. She was able to see through Wickham’s character and lies and after the arrival of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Wickham is dealt with for the first time in his life and set away. She also takes her own future into her own hands and contracts her own marriage to widower, Thomas Bennet. She immediately takes on the rehabilitation of his youngest daughter who is one step away from complete ruin by the scoundrel Wickham saving the family from complete ruination. She gets Lizzy to see Darcy in new light, Jane to see her worth besides outer beauty, Mary to let her inner light shine, and Kitty to finally set away from her younger sister’s destructive nature. See also sees the destructive nature of William Collins and refuses his advances. She also makes Jane see the possible weakness in Charles Bingley because of his sister’s ability to sway his every decision and Jane finds a much stronger man to marry. She births the Bennet heir and a spare, although the long lamented entailment had been broken when Collins was defrocked and sent to the Canadas. Many dear couples marry and attain their HEA. Richard inherits Rosings early on, Anne de Bourgh lives a healthier life, and Lady Catherine makes a complete turnaround when she is dethroned and is forced to reevaluate her relationship with her family. Worth the money paid for this book. I hope the other books in this series are as enjoyable as this first book.
June 6, 2024
2.25 stars I guess.
Wow. First the things I enjoyed. Elizabeth and Darcy's apologies to each other are sweet and done with less embarrassment on either side than in P&P, although that embarrassment was part of their growth. Mary not being used as the uptight sister. Kitty getting to shine outside of Lydia's light (only for a little while though.) Lydia not being senseless the entirety of the story and not ending up married to Wickham. Mr. Bennett taking his girls in hand.
What I didn't like, the length. It honestly felt like it just kept going on and on and on; it didn't need to. It felt like the author took every idea and thought they had while writing this...and they put them ALL in the book. There was so much nonsense that was wholly unnecessary to further the story in any way. Not to mention a lot was very juvenile.
Charlotte and Mr. Bennett's relationship, not that I hate it altogether as I've read it done before and enjoyed those variations. However this one just felt weird and very inorganic in the supposed 'love' they develop. Lady Catherine's change of heart, again not the idea itself just the delivery.
Unfortunately the author seems to only have a minor grasp of the time period as there were many, many things said, done or explained that didn't fit at all with a P&P variation, to the point it was distracting and sometimes exasperating.
While there were other issues I had the only other one I feel the need to mention is the lack of any kind of editing. Missing words, extra words, phrasing that doesn't make sense and many others (although I didn't notice many spelling errors.)
With this all being said I will try more books in this series but definitely not until I've cleared my head with a few other books. I'm hoping the author grew as they wrote and the next one is better as I hate adding to my very short DNF list.
Wow. First the things I enjoyed. Elizabeth and Darcy's apologies to each other are sweet and done with less embarrassment on either side than in P&P, although that embarrassment was part of their growth. Mary not being used as the uptight sister. Kitty getting to shine outside of Lydia's light (only for a little while though.) Lydia not being senseless the entirety of the story and not ending up married to Wickham. Mr. Bennett taking his girls in hand.
What I didn't like, the length. It honestly felt like it just kept going on and on and on; it didn't need to. It felt like the author took every idea and thought they had while writing this...and they put them ALL in the book. There was so much nonsense that was wholly unnecessary to further the story in any way. Not to mention a lot was very juvenile.
Charlotte and Mr. Bennett's relationship, not that I hate it altogether as I've read it done before and enjoyed those variations. However this one just felt weird and very inorganic in the supposed 'love' they develop. Lady Catherine's change of heart, again not the idea itself just the delivery.
Unfortunately the author seems to only have a minor grasp of the time period as there were many, many things said, done or explained that didn't fit at all with a P&P variation, to the point it was distracting and sometimes exasperating.
While there were other issues I had the only other one I feel the need to mention is the lack of any kind of editing. Missing words, extra words, phrasing that doesn't make sense and many others (although I didn't notice many spelling errors.)
With this all being said I will try more books in this series but definitely not until I've cleared my head with a few other books. I'm hoping the author grew as they wrote and the next one is better as I hate adding to my very short DNF list.
December 20, 2022
Wonderful
These "take charge" books are like a guilty pleasure. They're not great literature, but oh, so satisfying! They're filled with great comeuppances, and great set downs, and characters that do and say things that are forthright and often blunt. In this one, Mrs Bennett has died when Elizabeth is eighteen, and two years later Mr Bennett is struggling with a Lydia who is becoming a terrible flirt. Also, Mr Collins comes to visit, and he's an oily and smelly pompous man with a vicious streak. After Mr Bennett tells him bluntly that he's not allowed to marry any of his daughters, Charlotte Lucas overhears Mr Collins ranting about getting revenge on the Bennetts. She has an epiphany, and comes up with a plan to "take charge" in a way that will benefit both the Bennetts and herself.
Charlotte is an engaging character, and it's fun to have her in a strong role. I've read a few other of these "take charge" books, and so far this one has the strongest Elizabeth/Darcy storyline, which is nice. In most of the others, ODC are just a small part of a much larger picture, but in this one their romance is lovely. The author uses the same names for extra characters in all of her books, and they're becoming like old friends. Romance is in the air, and many couplings are achieved a little too conveniently, but it's so much fun that I can't complain.
The book is well written. There are more than a few editing errors, but I still enjoyed the story. I recommend it highly. Oh, and by the way, I love the tribute to the Beatles. Made me smile and chuckle!
These "take charge" books are like a guilty pleasure. They're not great literature, but oh, so satisfying! They're filled with great comeuppances, and great set downs, and characters that do and say things that are forthright and often blunt. In this one, Mrs Bennett has died when Elizabeth is eighteen, and two years later Mr Bennett is struggling with a Lydia who is becoming a terrible flirt. Also, Mr Collins comes to visit, and he's an oily and smelly pompous man with a vicious streak. After Mr Bennett tells him bluntly that he's not allowed to marry any of his daughters, Charlotte Lucas overhears Mr Collins ranting about getting revenge on the Bennetts. She has an epiphany, and comes up with a plan to "take charge" in a way that will benefit both the Bennetts and herself.
Charlotte is an engaging character, and it's fun to have her in a strong role. I've read a few other of these "take charge" books, and so far this one has the strongest Elizabeth/Darcy storyline, which is nice. In most of the others, ODC are just a small part of a much larger picture, but in this one their romance is lovely. The author uses the same names for extra characters in all of her books, and they're becoming like old friends. Romance is in the air, and many couplings are achieved a little too conveniently, but it's so much fun that I can't complain.
The book is well written. There are more than a few editing errors, but I still enjoyed the story. I recommend it highly. Oh, and by the way, I love the tribute to the Beatles. Made me smile and chuckle!
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February 12, 2022Enjoyed this very much!
I love tales that cover multiple years and have numerous characters and this one is great. Mrs Bennet died of apoplectic attack in her sleep and Mr Bennet tried to raise his daughters alone but unfortunately the youngest two are beyond his abilities to reign in. Charlotte decides to propose to Mr Bennet after the disaster of a proposal from Collins who is quite vindictive and mean to those he believes are under him ( every woman except Lady Catherine). The addition of the Fitzwilliam brothers who moderate Darcy's tendency of being haute created a different dynamic. The Bennet women find their perfect matches!
My only concern is that the writer has George Wickham being sent to Australia rather than being hung for his crimes. Near the end of the story the writer tells us he was murdered in the debtor's prison after 2-3 years. Its not possible for him to be on 2 different continents at the same time. Transportation to Australia was his choice instead of hanging and the writer has him on the ship at the same time Lydia is learning how deceitful he is. Huge error!!!!
I love tales that cover multiple years and have numerous characters and this one is great. Mrs Bennet died of apoplectic attack in her sleep and Mr Bennet tried to raise his daughters alone but unfortunately the youngest two are beyond his abilities to reign in. Charlotte decides to propose to Mr Bennet after the disaster of a proposal from Collins who is quite vindictive and mean to those he believes are under him ( every woman except Lady Catherine). The addition of the Fitzwilliam brothers who moderate Darcy's tendency of being haute created a different dynamic. The Bennet women find their perfect matches!
My only concern is that the writer has George Wickham being sent to Australia rather than being hung for his crimes. Near the end of the story the writer tells us he was murdered in the debtor's prison after 2-3 years. Its not possible for him to be on 2 different continents at the same time. Transportation to Australia was his choice instead of hanging and the writer has him on the ship at the same time Lydia is learning how deceitful he is. Huge error!!!!
April 3, 2022
Really mixed feelings.
If you can buy into the tongue in cheek approach and keep your expectations light, you will enjoy. But I really had to push myself to finish this book.
There are some beautifully turned sentences and paragraphs. There are some exchanges and narratives that bring smiles and even produce chuckles. But those are not frequent. For the most part, you get a linear plotline where people are situated so they discover exactly what they need to know, analyze it insightfully, take the most appropriate action, and finally come to the best result. And all told in a gentle, sweet voice reminiscent of fairy tales or fables (particularly when the author addresses the reader directly).
Lastly, there are editing issues. Wrong words (as in homonyms), wrong conjugations, and random words inserted all appear more than occasionally. And I really did not know what to make of the mention of Wickham in the epilogue, which has him killed in Marshhalsea debtors prison when the last time we had heard of him, he was in the hold of a ship headed to New Zealand. Purposeful? Un-caught error? Just the frosting on a very confusing experience.
If you can buy into the tongue in cheek approach and keep your expectations light, you will enjoy. But I really had to push myself to finish this book.
There are some beautifully turned sentences and paragraphs. There are some exchanges and narratives that bring smiles and even produce chuckles. But those are not frequent. For the most part, you get a linear plotline where people are situated so they discover exactly what they need to know, analyze it insightfully, take the most appropriate action, and finally come to the best result. And all told in a gentle, sweet voice reminiscent of fairy tales or fables (particularly when the author addresses the reader directly).
Lastly, there are editing issues. Wrong words (as in homonyms), wrong conjugations, and random words inserted all appear more than occasionally. And I really did not know what to make of the mention of Wickham in the epilogue, which has him killed in Marshhalsea debtors prison when the last time we had heard of him, he was in the hold of a ship headed to New Zealand. Purposeful? Un-caught error? Just the frosting on a very confusing experience.
January 16, 2022
Avid Reader
After Charlotte hears Collins talk about throwing the Bennet daughters out after he inherits Longbourn,and after he insults her when she refuses to marry him, Charlotte marches to Longbourn and discusses a marriage of convenience with Mr. Bennet. In the meantime, the rector of Longbourn contacts the Archbishop, and he defrocks Collins ending the entail. From their the rest of the novel focuses on Elizabeth, Jane,and Mary. Jane realized that Bingley wasn't the man for her because Caroline walked all over him. Jane ended up with Darcy 's cousin who saw Jane for who she truly was. The Colonel took one look at Mary and instantly fell in love. Georgina was The catalyst was Lydia 's change once she realized that he cared nothing for her when he became engaged to Mary King.
After Charlotte hears Collins talk about throwing the Bennet daughters out after he inherits Longbourn,and after he insults her when she refuses to marry him, Charlotte marches to Longbourn and discusses a marriage of convenience with Mr. Bennet. In the meantime, the rector of Longbourn contacts the Archbishop, and he defrocks Collins ending the entail. From their the rest of the novel focuses on Elizabeth, Jane,and Mary. Jane realized that Bingley wasn't the man for her because Caroline walked all over him. Jane ended up with Darcy 's cousin who saw Jane for who she truly was. The Colonel took one look at Mary and instantly fell in love. Georgina was The catalyst was Lydia 's change once she realized that he cared nothing for her when he became engaged to Mary King.
May 11, 2022
After being recommended this book many times, I finally gave it a go. I liked the changes made. Charlotte has always been a favorite and I liked the strong determined personality of hers in this. I didn't like the celebrity name dropping as character names. That has always been a huge pet peeve of mine in stories. Like, seriously, don't name a bishop or whatever after one of the Beatles - it immediately takes me out of the story.
Though, funny note - there is one quote on page 220 that Darcy says "I suppose I am lucky my mother's family was not named Snodgrass" - My mothers family name IS Snodgrass, so that was super weird to read. Slightly insulting, though my mom had a good laugh about it when I shared it with her.
Though, funny note - there is one quote on page 220 that Darcy says "I suppose I am lucky my mother's family was not named Snodgrass" - My mothers family name IS Snodgrass, so that was super weird to read. Slightly insulting, though my mom had a good laugh about it when I shared it with her.
April 24, 2022
This is my fourth book from this author and I wish I could give it more than 3 stars. Her premises and plots are enormous fun - just the kind of craziness I enjoy - but somebody needs to buy her an editing pencil. In this book, as in her others I have read, the plot is essentially over by the 3/4 mark, yet the book drags on and on. The author must enjoy romance, wedding planning and redecorating because that is almost all we get in the last quarter. The actual plot could easily have been condensed to one chapter and a brief epilogue. If this had been done the book would have gotten four stars from me.
October 13, 2025
2.5 stars rounded to 3
The problem with this book series is that the character that takes charge does everything right and other characters come across as unintelligent and easily lead.
The reasons of Charlotte's marriage are not convincing enough. I would have better believed her marring because she is almost on self and wanted to have a home as primary reason than any other altruist reason
Lady C's change of heart seems so sudden and so does Richard and Andrew's fascination with Jane and Mary. Andrew i can still understand as the author has given some internal monologue stating he wants to know Jane better but Richard's love at first sight seems contrived
The problem with this book series is that the character that takes charge does everything right and other characters come across as unintelligent and easily lead.
The reasons of Charlotte's marriage are not convincing enough. I would have better believed her marring because she is almost on self and wanted to have a home as primary reason than any other altruist reason
Lady C's change of heart seems so sudden and so does Richard and Andrew's fascination with Jane and Mary. Andrew i can still understand as the author has given some internal monologue stating he wants to know Jane better but Richard's love at first sight seems contrived
June 10, 2023
This story has good overall weight. The only issues that I had were that each character was called by a nickname constantly, the writing was rather repetitive, the grammatical errors were numerous, and the use of the Beatles’ names for characters was silly in itself. I guess I just had a hard time with Charlotte Lucas telling everyone what to do, even though it seemed she had no worldly experience. Several characters did a 180° turn, almost changing overnight. Of course everyone did have a “happily-ever-after” ending.
November 10, 2024
This version of a Pride and prejudice variation was very interesting. Mrs. Bennett has died and the youngest girls are wild. Mr. Collins comes to choose a bride among the 5 girls. No one wants him. He asks Charlotte Lucas in a very insulting manner. She overhears him rambling about how he will throw the Bennett girls out when Mr. Bennett dies.
Sh e goes to Mr. Bennett with a proposal-if we marry, I will get your younger daughters in hand. Perhaps we can have a son and thwart Mr. Collins. She is the making of the family and the making of Mr. Bennett, who now has a wife who can share his life.
Sh e goes to Mr. Bennett with a proposal-if we marry, I will get your younger daughters in hand. Perhaps we can have a son and thwart Mr. Collins. She is the making of the family and the making of Mr. Bennett, who now has a wife who can share his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
This was more of a 2.5 star read for me. Parts of it were amusing, but much of the dialogue was stilted. The author gave many of Elizabeth’s lines to Charlotte, and Charlotte resolved all of the plot tension immediately which was kind of boring. The author overused certain words like “averred”. She also made the very odd decision of including the Beatles as minor characters. It was weird and added nothing to the plot.
January 27, 2022
Charlotte marries Mr Bennet
I was skeptical when I got to the chapter that focused on the marriage of convenience between Charlotte and Bennet. But, I’m glad I stuck with it as this was both the best characterization of Charlotte I’ve read to date and maybe my favorite Mr Bennet as well. No Caroline or Mrs Bennet coupled with the rather effective and efficient dismissal of Wickham and Mr Collins was a welcomed surprise.
I was skeptical when I got to the chapter that focused on the marriage of convenience between Charlotte and Bennet. But, I’m glad I stuck with it as this was both the best characterization of Charlotte I’ve read to date and maybe my favorite Mr Bennet as well. No Caroline or Mrs Bennet coupled with the rather effective and efficient dismissal of Wickham and Mr Collins was a welcomed surprise.
May 24, 2022
Family strength emotional, funny
My favorite part was the names of certain characters within the story, yes you'll figure it out!! This was a fantastic story of strong female lead in which was well written and thought out. I enjoyed watch Mr Bennett mature after his second marriage. I loved the family strength through everything. Very clean, but does have some adult Overture, but anyone can read. I highly recommend this book
My favorite part was the names of certain characters within the story, yes you'll figure it out!! This was a fantastic story of strong female lead in which was well written and thought out. I enjoyed watch Mr Bennett mature after his second marriage. I loved the family strength through everything. Very clean, but does have some adult Overture, but anyone can read. I highly recommend this book
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