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A Bennet of Royal Blood: A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining
**This is an Elizabeth is not a Bennet Story**
This story starts with one of King George III’s sons marrying the love of his life secretly. The woman is a daughter of an Earl. After more than a year of marriage, all of the time with his beloved wife spent at her estate of Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, the Prince reveals his marriage to his father hoping the elapsed time will protect them. The King orders his son to leave the lady and plans to have the marriage annulled. The King was at least convinced by his son not to annul the marriage, so instead he orders a speedy divorce.
The reason was NOT that the lady was unsuitable, the opposite was true, but for political reasons, the King has promised his son’s hand to a European princess to strengthen alliances for England. It saddens the King to do so, especially as this son is one he is very close to, knowing he is breaking his son’s heart the King forces the divorce as the other country in question is one England sorely needs as an ally.
In the meanwhile, the lady had become best of friends with Mrs. Francine Bennet of Longbourn. They met not many months after Jane was born, shortly after the lady moved into Netherfield Park. When her devastated husband informs her of the forced divorce, his wife does not inform him she is with child to try not hurt him more than he has been already. It so happens Fanny Bennet is also pregnant with her second child at the same time.
Due to the ignominy of divorce and worried about the social ramifications coupled with making assumptions about what the royals would expect of them, the lady’s family cut ties with her when she needs her parents more than ever. The only one she feels she has left is Fanny Bennet. A few other friends write but the broken-hearted lady is not ready to accept their overtures and respond yet. As both ladies near their confinements Thomas Bennet is called away—for what he tells his wife—is to assist his good friend from Cambridge, the Earl of Holder, in Staffordshire. He is actually investigating ways to break the entail on Longbourn.
Fanny moves into Netherfield to be with her best friend during their confinements along with 2-year-old Jane. Before the final confinement, her brothers, Phillips, the solicitor, and Gardiner, the man of business are summoned. Phillips draws up a will for the lady and Gardiner is given management of her fortune. Just in case the worst happens, the lady writes a number of letters, among them one to her unborn child, one to the Prince, one to Bennet, and one to her parents as she has a plan in the event of her death.
The best friends go into labour within hours of each other. Fanny delivers a stillborn son and some hours later, her friend delivers a healthy baby girl, who is the legitimate daughter of a Prince, making her a Princess. The friend has complications of birth and will not survive long. She implores her best friend—her sister of the heart—to take her daughter and raise her as her own and she will claim the dead baby son. Fanny cannot deny her friend her dying wish.
The Lady names her baby Elizabeth after her grandmother. The lady charges Fanny with waiting until she feels Elizabeth is ready, to reveal her birth right to her, explaining her reasons for waiting. Other than a few small bequests to some, the lady's last will bequeaths her child all of her worldly possessions, including an enormous fortune and Netherfield Park on reaching his/her majority of 21. When Bennet returns he is introduced to, and falls in love with, his second daughter. Jane and Lizzy are both loved equally by their parents.
The story looks at how the Bennets’ lives are different with a much different Fanny than canon. Also how will Elizabeth and the world around her react to the news when her true heritage is revealed. The Bennets meet the Darcys and Fitzwilliams much earlier than in Miss Austen’s masterpiece.
This story starts with one of King George III’s sons marrying the love of his life secretly. The woman is a daughter of an Earl. After more than a year of marriage, all of the time with his beloved wife spent at her estate of Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, the Prince reveals his marriage to his father hoping the elapsed time will protect them. The King orders his son to leave the lady and plans to have the marriage annulled. The King was at least convinced by his son not to annul the marriage, so instead he orders a speedy divorce.
The reason was NOT that the lady was unsuitable, the opposite was true, but for political reasons, the King has promised his son’s hand to a European princess to strengthen alliances for England. It saddens the King to do so, especially as this son is one he is very close to, knowing he is breaking his son’s heart the King forces the divorce as the other country in question is one England sorely needs as an ally.
In the meanwhile, the lady had become best of friends with Mrs. Francine Bennet of Longbourn. They met not many months after Jane was born, shortly after the lady moved into Netherfield Park. When her devastated husband informs her of the forced divorce, his wife does not inform him she is with child to try not hurt him more than he has been already. It so happens Fanny Bennet is also pregnant with her second child at the same time.
Due to the ignominy of divorce and worried about the social ramifications coupled with making assumptions about what the royals would expect of them, the lady’s family cut ties with her when she needs her parents more than ever. The only one she feels she has left is Fanny Bennet. A few other friends write but the broken-hearted lady is not ready to accept their overtures and respond yet. As both ladies near their confinements Thomas Bennet is called away—for what he tells his wife—is to assist his good friend from Cambridge, the Earl of Holder, in Staffordshire. He is actually investigating ways to break the entail on Longbourn.
Fanny moves into Netherfield to be with her best friend during their confinements along with 2-year-old Jane. Before the final confinement, her brothers, Phillips, the solicitor, and Gardiner, the man of business are summoned. Phillips draws up a will for the lady and Gardiner is given management of her fortune. Just in case the worst happens, the lady writes a number of letters, among them one to her unborn child, one to the Prince, one to Bennet, and one to her parents as she has a plan in the event of her death.
The best friends go into labour within hours of each other. Fanny delivers a stillborn son and some hours later, her friend delivers a healthy baby girl, who is the legitimate daughter of a Prince, making her a Princess. The friend has complications of birth and will not survive long. She implores her best friend—her sister of the heart—to take her daughter and raise her as her own and she will claim the dead baby son. Fanny cannot deny her friend her dying wish.
The Lady names her baby Elizabeth after her grandmother. The lady charges Fanny with waiting until she feels Elizabeth is ready, to reveal her birth right to her, explaining her reasons for waiting. Other than a few small bequests to some, the lady's last will bequeaths her child all of her worldly possessions, including an enormous fortune and Netherfield Park on reaching his/her majority of 21. When Bennet returns he is introduced to, and falls in love with, his second daughter. Jane and Lizzy are both loved equally by their parents.
The story looks at how the Bennets’ lives are different with a much different Fanny than canon. Also how will Elizabeth and the world around her react to the news when her true heritage is revealed. The Bennets meet the Darcys and Fitzwilliams much earlier than in Miss Austen’s masterpiece.
- GenresFan Fiction
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2021
82 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books65 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 57 reviews
October 22, 2021
Well…
I thought I would give this author another try, as I do love a “titled” trope. There were aspects to the book I could like. For example, Mrs. Bennet, with the help and love of a dear friend, becoming a good mother, and Mr. Bennet not being such an indolent father. The love that is expressed by the various families and respective family members in the story is genuine and sweet. That said, it’s all too saccharine. Everyone is too perfect. The beginning of the story with Mrs. Bennet and her friend was the best part for me. I also liked the Prince. With such a long book, there wasn’t enough Darcy and Elizabeth time.
This is the third or fourth book I’ve read by this author. She’s written quite a few now and, I had hoped that with all the reviews pointing out the over abundance of proofreading errors, I would have seen improvement. Alas, there are still too many to ignore (over 30) and, as such, is reflected in my rating. Another flaw is the book is too wordy and repetitive. Some readers can overlook these unfavorable qualities in a book, but I can’t and can only give an honest review. A good editor is needed.
I thought I would give this author another try, as I do love a “titled” trope. There were aspects to the book I could like. For example, Mrs. Bennet, with the help and love of a dear friend, becoming a good mother, and Mr. Bennet not being such an indolent father. The love that is expressed by the various families and respective family members in the story is genuine and sweet. That said, it’s all too saccharine. Everyone is too perfect. The beginning of the story with Mrs. Bennet and her friend was the best part for me. I also liked the Prince. With such a long book, there wasn’t enough Darcy and Elizabeth time.
This is the third or fourth book I’ve read by this author. She’s written quite a few now and, I had hoped that with all the reviews pointing out the over abundance of proofreading errors, I would have seen improvement. Alas, there are still too many to ignore (over 30) and, as such, is reflected in my rating. Another flaw is the book is too wordy and repetitive. Some readers can overlook these unfavorable qualities in a book, but I can’t and can only give an honest review. A good editor is needed.
October 30, 2021
“Sad it is, the fate of kings.” –Robert T. Reilly, Red Hugh: Prince of Donegal
Rating: PG-17: due to violence and language [curses]. There wasn’t anything extremely graphic but some steam between lovers. Angst Level: mostly low but moved up when danger was present. There was that niggling feeling that something was going to happen or go wrong that ran through the story. That sort of angst. Source: KU [10-22-21] Trope: Not a Bennet: Titled: These are two of my favorite tropes.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“You’re Royal. Get used to it and that involves a lot of burdens and things you don’t want to do. Because of your position, you must be extra nice to people.” –Katie Nicholl, Harry: Life, Loss, and Love
The title and cover art sort of gave it away that there’s a Bennet of Royal blood. We can assume, again, by the cover, that it's Elizabeth. This was about as close a relationship you could get to the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. I mean. Wow! How creative. However, the editing was horrid and constantly drew me out of the story. Missing letters, missing words made for strange wording and sentence structures, and that was the least of this author’s problems. Hopefully, they will clean it up and reissue it or at least take the advice so their future works can be improved. It needed to be cut drastically as this was a really long, Long, LONG story.
As I stated before, the story was creative. The OOC [out-of-character] behavior was actually fun to read for a change. I grow tired of reading about a horrid Mrs. Bennet who hates Elizabeth or a Lady Catherine that is beyond redemption. Don’t get me wrong, Lady C was herself and more but her wings were clipped early on and she had an opportunity to change or be forever estranged from her family. Her daughter Anne was given an opportunity for a new life. Lady Anne and her Mr. Darcy were still alive at the beginning of the story. They were so good.
There was a theme running through the evil characters. If they wanted to change, they were given the opportunity. It not, then the punishment was meted out equal to their evil. That was fun to read. Wickham, Lady Catherine, and our Caroline all had an opportunity to do the right thing. The choice was theirs. My favorite scene was when Elizabeth asked Miss Bingley, “Do you know who I am…?” OMG! Caroline really stepped in it this time. She was at her worst and boy did she insult the WRONG person and… in fact… all those around her. She was a harridan.
This author was a bit naïve in thinking everyone would make such a drastic change. It was not impossible but felt rather improbable. I accepted it as was written but wasn’t sure I believed it until the very end of the story. Can a leopard really change his/her spots?
The fellowship of friends was way over the top. I don’t think I know of such getting along with all the list of people in this story. In-laws, out-laws, and the in-betweens were just so nice and loving to each other. That might be a bit syrupy for some and almost impossible to believe. I enjoyed this different storyline. I recommend it for those who like something different.
Rating: PG-17: due to violence and language [curses]. There wasn’t anything extremely graphic but some steam between lovers. Angst Level: mostly low but moved up when danger was present. There was that niggling feeling that something was going to happen or go wrong that ran through the story. That sort of angst. Source: KU [10-22-21] Trope: Not a Bennet: Titled: These are two of my favorite tropes.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“You’re Royal. Get used to it and that involves a lot of burdens and things you don’t want to do. Because of your position, you must be extra nice to people.” –Katie Nicholl, Harry: Life, Loss, and Love
The title and cover art sort of gave it away that there’s a Bennet of Royal blood. We can assume, again, by the cover, that it's Elizabeth. This was about as close a relationship you could get to the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. I mean. Wow! How creative. However, the editing was horrid and constantly drew me out of the story. Missing letters, missing words made for strange wording and sentence structures, and that was the least of this author’s problems. Hopefully, they will clean it up and reissue it or at least take the advice so their future works can be improved. It needed to be cut drastically as this was a really long, Long, LONG story.
As I stated before, the story was creative. The OOC [out-of-character] behavior was actually fun to read for a change. I grow tired of reading about a horrid Mrs. Bennet who hates Elizabeth or a Lady Catherine that is beyond redemption. Don’t get me wrong, Lady C was herself and more but her wings were clipped early on and she had an opportunity to change or be forever estranged from her family. Her daughter Anne was given an opportunity for a new life. Lady Anne and her Mr. Darcy were still alive at the beginning of the story. They were so good.
There was a theme running through the evil characters. If they wanted to change, they were given the opportunity. It not, then the punishment was meted out equal to their evil. That was fun to read. Wickham, Lady Catherine, and our Caroline all had an opportunity to do the right thing. The choice was theirs. My favorite scene was when Elizabeth asked Miss Bingley, “Do you know who I am…?” OMG! Caroline really stepped in it this time. She was at her worst and boy did she insult the WRONG person and… in fact… all those around her. She was a harridan.
This author was a bit naïve in thinking everyone would make such a drastic change. It was not impossible but felt rather improbable. I accepted it as was written but wasn’t sure I believed it until the very end of the story. Can a leopard really change his/her spots?
The fellowship of friends was way over the top. I don’t think I know of such getting along with all the list of people in this story. In-laws, out-laws, and the in-betweens were just so nice and loving to each other. That might be a bit syrupy for some and almost impossible to believe. I enjoyed this different storyline. I recommend it for those who like something different.
December 8, 2022
Loved this book
I just loved this story. It was nice for a change to see a nice and smart Mrs. Bennet. I also loved the fact that the vocal coach for the girls was named Fredrick Mercury who happen to have to many upper teeth. What a perfect person to teach the granddaughter of a Queen!!! Miss. Granted son is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
I just loved this story. It was nice for a change to see a nice and smart Mrs. Bennet. I also loved the fact that the vocal coach for the girls was named Fredrick Mercury who happen to have to many upper teeth. What a perfect person to teach the granddaughter of a Queen!!! Miss. Granted son is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
October 22, 2021
Pride and Prejudice is a work of fiction. A Bennet of Royal Blood is a fairy tale. Everything is wonderful. Everyone meets their love match and weds. Sure, Lady Anne dies (when Georgiana is old enough to know her mother), Lady Catherine starts out as her usual shrewish self, Caroline Bingley still dreams of Pemberley and Darcy, and Wickham is still jealous. Bennet and Fanny are the best parents, sensible and responsible. All of the Bennet daughters are musical and language prodigies.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. No one lives such charmed lives. Very little reality in the lives of our favorite characters. It’s like Camelot.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. No one lives such charmed lives. Very little reality in the lives of our favorite characters. It’s like Camelot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2021
Elizabeth Bennet's parentage is a secret. Her mother, Priscilla, was married to King George III's second son. He was forced to divorce her for an arranged political marriage. Unknown to the prince, she was pregnant. Francine Bennet, Priscilla's best friend, loved and supported her and agreed to secretly raise the child as her own.
Elizabeth grows up as a happy, well adjusted, amazingly smart and talented young lady. As do all her sisters. As she looks exactly like her mother did, the family keeps away from London but Priscilla's childhood friends by chance see her and figure out who she is. As a result, the families become inseparable.
The story follows a similar path to the author's other books. The mystery is revealed, the evil people are exposed for their ignorance, and the young people of the multiple families pair off into their happily ever after.
Elizabeth grows up as a happy, well adjusted, amazingly smart and talented young lady. As do all her sisters. As she looks exactly like her mother did, the family keeps away from London but Priscilla's childhood friends by chance see her and figure out who she is. As a result, the families become inseparable.
The story follows a similar path to the author's other books. The mystery is revealed, the evil people are exposed for their ignorance, and the young people of the multiple families pair off into their happily ever after.
April 20, 2022
Same reveal over and over again. Not much E & D interaction.
December 17, 2021
Okay first I like that the Bennet's are not so dysfunctional. Second all thru this book I had the feeling that I had read this before. However, I thought that cannot be it just came out. I felt that way about other stories from this author also. That being said I felt compelled to look in my stash of P&P books to see why this felt so familiar. Well All if you have ever read A Royal Disposition you have already basically read this book. Sorry Ms. Granderson but this was so closely alike I want to know are you the same author under a different name?
September 22, 2022
Loved it
Great Story loved how the love stories in this book were presented. Loved Darcy and Lizzy and Mrs Bennet was not bad at all.! Good book
Great Story loved how the love stories in this book were presented. Loved Darcy and Lizzy and Mrs Bennet was not bad at all.! Good book
September 13, 2022
Once again I’ve managed to pick yet another book that didn’t really feature ODC. This book’s focus is more on family- extended family, chosen family, blood/hereditary family & the bonds you can create & thrive on if all included are in agreement that the pursuit of happiness & love is all you need. Yeah, while beautiful & sweet, I probably got a toothache from reading this. Seriously, not even the villains were villains in this book, every single one of them reformed or “saw the light” with one exception who the author seems innocent on account of insanity.
The story is fun, simple, & sweet. I loved the storyline & how zero angsty it was. It did have a lot of typos though or words sometimes missing that you have to infer. There is no character development because there really is no character building. It’s just not a deep book, so obviously you’re not going to find depth here. However, it’s the writing itself that I found problematic. I didn’t feel like I was reading a cohesive story, but just having an overwhelming amount of information shoved at me. A book or novel after all, is just cohesive storytelling in written word. This read more like a combination of facts & conversations with typos, missing words, & grammatical mistakes. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it because lighthearted & completely non-serious romances with HEA’s that can make me laugh are the things dreams are made of. Why am I using so many clichés? Therefore, what would have been a four star rating will have to be a three.
I will say if you are a more serious minded reader who abhors typos or loathes historical inaccuracies- do yourself a favor & skip this because you will NOT enjoy it. Personally, if a book is presented as a more serious minded intellectual type & it had glaringly obvious historical inaccuracies, it would drive me bananas. However, with a book like this that is so clearly written for fictional enjoyment & so blatant about crossing the bounds of reality… I don’t care. I mean, I don’t think a hundred year old vampire is going to pop up & whisk me away from my husband (scratch that, my husband says she/he has to take us both) to her Fae realm either, but I still like reading about it. Thus, secret legitimate royal baby who grows up with adopted family & royals are just cool with it while she gets to proceed to use all the perks & title of Princess without any of the responsibilities…totally believable in the Fae realm where I’m currently writing my review.
The story is fun, simple, & sweet. I loved the storyline & how zero angsty it was. It did have a lot of typos though or words sometimes missing that you have to infer. There is no character development because there really is no character building. It’s just not a deep book, so obviously you’re not going to find depth here. However, it’s the writing itself that I found problematic. I didn’t feel like I was reading a cohesive story, but just having an overwhelming amount of information shoved at me. A book or novel after all, is just cohesive storytelling in written word. This read more like a combination of facts & conversations with typos, missing words, & grammatical mistakes. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it because lighthearted & completely non-serious romances with HEA’s that can make me laugh are the things dreams are made of. Why am I using so many clichés? Therefore, what would have been a four star rating will have to be a three.
I will say if you are a more serious minded reader who abhors typos or loathes historical inaccuracies- do yourself a favor & skip this because you will NOT enjoy it. Personally, if a book is presented as a more serious minded intellectual type & it had glaringly obvious historical inaccuracies, it would drive me bananas. However, with a book like this that is so clearly written for fictional enjoyment & so blatant about crossing the bounds of reality… I don’t care. I mean, I don’t think a hundred year old vampire is going to pop up & whisk me away from my husband (scratch that, my husband says she/he has to take us both) to her Fae realm either, but I still like reading about it. Thus, secret legitimate royal baby who grows up with adopted family & royals are just cool with it while she gets to proceed to use all the perks & title of Princess without any of the responsibilities…totally believable in the Fae realm where I’m currently writing my review.
December 22, 2024
Another great story!
Ms Granderson never fails to gift her readers with fabulous stories. In this the owner of Netherfield is the second son of King George III and his wife Priscilla ( daughter of the Earl of Jersey) and become great friends of the Bennet family. This Bennet family are calmly taking care of business and their children. No nerves, no palpitations, no indolent master. Mrs Bennet ends up taking Priscilla's daughter and raising her as her own when Priscilla dies in childbirth.
Caroline is not as bad as usual but ends up in Bedlam. Wickham ends up a barrister. Everyone else has a HEA and I loved several characters : Mr Brian May, Mr Freddy Mercury, Mr Adam Lambert!! It seems someone likes QUEEN !
Ms Granderson never fails to gift her readers with fabulous stories. In this the owner of Netherfield is the second son of King George III and his wife Priscilla ( daughter of the Earl of Jersey) and become great friends of the Bennet family. This Bennet family are calmly taking care of business and their children. No nerves, no palpitations, no indolent master. Mrs Bennet ends up taking Priscilla's daughter and raising her as her own when Priscilla dies in childbirth.
Caroline is not as bad as usual but ends up in Bedlam. Wickham ends up a barrister. Everyone else has a HEA and I loved several characters : Mr Brian May, Mr Freddy Mercury, Mr Adam Lambert!! It seems someone likes QUEEN !
August 27, 2025
It spans such a long period of time that it's basically a summary, rather than sharing details and character thoughts, feelings, etc. Also it works out just a tad too easily - all the characters who need to change improve with just a good talking to.
October 22, 2021
Too convenient and cute
I loved the premise and enjoyed the first quarter that focused on Elizabeth’s birth mother and the tragedy of her unsanctioned marriage to the prince. Afterwards, the mild angst was too conveniently resolved and there was just too much fairytale effect throughout. The length of the story was a bit much as well.
I loved the premise and enjoyed the first quarter that focused on Elizabeth’s birth mother and the tragedy of her unsanctioned marriage to the prince. Afterwards, the mild angst was too conveniently resolved and there was just too much fairytale effect throughout. The length of the story was a bit much as well.
December 21, 2021
Urgently in need of an editor
I have read a few from this author and the editing is still far too ropey for published material.
On the plus side the book has far fewer typos than her previous work but it desperately needs a proper edit to cut out the reams of unnecessary words. There is a plot but it is hard to find as it is smothered by too many superfluous words and dead ends. This author has plot ideas but needs to find the courage to cut out the excess. In this book there were at least 3 side plots which added nothing while distracting from the main story.
This is probably the harshest review I have ever left but I do believe that when an author is charging for their work the customer has a right to expect an appropriately polished book.
I have read a few from this author and the editing is still far too ropey for published material.
On the plus side the book has far fewer typos than her previous work but it desperately needs a proper edit to cut out the reams of unnecessary words. There is a plot but it is hard to find as it is smothered by too many superfluous words and dead ends. This author has plot ideas but needs to find the courage to cut out the excess. In this book there were at least 3 side plots which added nothing while distracting from the main story.
This is probably the harshest review I have ever left but I do believe that when an author is charging for their work the customer has a right to expect an appropriately polished book.
March 19, 2024
Poor editing and lacks originality in names
This author obviously loves the band Queen as she used the names of all original band members and Adam Lambert! Imagine the voice master Fred Mercury had too many teeth that gave him a better range!! The various masters played the appropriate instruments and played music together. It was also alluded to that Fred was gay. Another of her books uses Hermione Granger and I believe George Bailey. The premise of the story was good but she muddles her stories with too many extended family, easy redemptions, and someone always seems to have a sudden pain in their left arm then chest and falls dead. I might meet Mick Jagger in her next book!
This author obviously loves the band Queen as she used the names of all original band members and Adam Lambert! Imagine the voice master Fred Mercury had too many teeth that gave him a better range!! The various masters played the appropriate instruments and played music together. It was also alluded to that Fred was gay. Another of her books uses Hermione Granger and I believe George Bailey. The premise of the story was good but she muddles her stories with too many extended family, easy redemptions, and someone always seems to have a sudden pain in their left arm then chest and falls dead. I might meet Mick Jagger in her next book!
January 14, 2022
Oh my. This book needs a beta and an editor. So many misuses of words. Words added or removed or not used correctly.
So many facts were incorrect. The last beheading was that of Lord Lovet on 9th April 1747, well before this story is set. Women who committed treason were hanged during this period as the law had changed.
I could continue with historical inaccuracies but can only say I was glad I got this on Kindle Unlimited and did not pay for it. Research needs to be done and done correctly.
So many facts were incorrect. The last beheading was that of Lord Lovet on 9th April 1747, well before this story is set. Women who committed treason were hanged during this period as the law had changed.
I could continue with historical inaccuracies but can only say I was glad I got this on Kindle Unlimited and did not pay for it. Research needs to be done and done correctly.
October 29, 2021
2 stars boring
Always trust the 2 and 3 stars reviews, even if they are the fewer. That's what I will be doing from now on.
Always trust the 2 and 3 stars reviews, even if they are the fewer. That's what I will be doing from now on.
November 18, 2023
The only thing left of P&P are the names and places
Lizzy is a princess. This is not unexpected because of the title.
She is also a musical prodigy and a polyglot. As are Jane and Mary. Mrs. Bennet is a reasonable woman married to Mr. Bennet, who is an involved and undismissive husband. They have a son. They live in Netherfield, but care for Longbourn as well.
They are besties with the Darcy parents, the Matlocks, and another set of peers. When he comes back into her life, the Prince is besties with them, too. All romances run smoothly.
Wickham is a bad guy until he's not anymore. Then he's a diligent and honest clerk who works for Mr. Gardner until he decides to study for the law. He becomes a successful barrister.
There is not one iota of angst or actual difficulty except in the first chapter when Lizzy's mother dies in childbirth.
The book is about five times as long as it should be. Everything is told. Even letters written 17 years previously know what the future readers will be feeling. There is zero reason to read between the lines because the author just tells you. Everything.
The author never says England. She says "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland," every. single. time. The characters say it in casual conversation. It's never even shortened to just "the Empire." This is a metaphor for the whole book.
Perfect characters in perfect fami!ies, living in perfect houses, falling into angst-free relationships, all told in excruciating (seriously, painful) detail fails to meet even the most simplistic of fictional story arcs. Do not read. There are much more interesting "Elizabeth is not a Bennet" variations out there.
Lizzy is a princess. This is not unexpected because of the title.
She is also a musical prodigy and a polyglot. As are Jane and Mary. Mrs. Bennet is a reasonable woman married to Mr. Bennet, who is an involved and undismissive husband. They have a son. They live in Netherfield, but care for Longbourn as well.
They are besties with the Darcy parents, the Matlocks, and another set of peers. When he comes back into her life, the Prince is besties with them, too. All romances run smoothly.
Wickham is a bad guy until he's not anymore. Then he's a diligent and honest clerk who works for Mr. Gardner until he decides to study for the law. He becomes a successful barrister.
There is not one iota of angst or actual difficulty except in the first chapter when Lizzy's mother dies in childbirth.
The book is about five times as long as it should be. Everything is told. Even letters written 17 years previously know what the future readers will be feeling. There is zero reason to read between the lines because the author just tells you. Everything.
The author never says England. She says "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland," every. single. time. The characters say it in casual conversation. It's never even shortened to just "the Empire." This is a metaphor for the whole book.
Perfect characters in perfect fami!ies, living in perfect houses, falling into angst-free relationships, all told in excruciating (seriously, painful) detail fails to meet even the most simplistic of fictional story arcs. Do not read. There are much more interesting "Elizabeth is not a Bennet" variations out there.
November 16, 2022
Wonderful, but keep your box of tissues handy!
A wonderfully imaginative and well developed premise, involving Mrs Bennett and her best friend who owns Netherfield Park, and happens to be married to a royal Prince. This is a very complicated plot, with lots of drama, heartbreak, and intrigue, but also a great deal of heartwarming situations and wonderful family and inter-family relationships.
In this version, Mr and Mrs Bennett are a loving and caring couple, and all of their children are smart, beautiful, and talented. Through Mrs Bennett's close friendship with the wife of the royal Prince, she and her family become close friends of the Darcys, the Fitzwilliams, and other noble families. For very complex reasons, the Bennetts end up raising the daughter of the royal Prince, who is our beloved Elizabeth.
There's a lot to this story, and I guess that's one reason why it's so long. It held my interest, and kept me engaged. There are many very emotional situations, and they were superbly done. I felt the book could have been shortened somewhat just by omitting much of the tedious details, such as who sat with who at dinner, what the servants were doing, the details related to protocol when with royals, etc.
This is not a book about ODC specifically, but is much broader in scope. There's not much romance, but there is a lot about the importance of family and close friends. I recommend this book for an emotionally charged and heartwarming experience.
A wonderfully imaginative and well developed premise, involving Mrs Bennett and her best friend who owns Netherfield Park, and happens to be married to a royal Prince. This is a very complicated plot, with lots of drama, heartbreak, and intrigue, but also a great deal of heartwarming situations and wonderful family and inter-family relationships.
In this version, Mr and Mrs Bennett are a loving and caring couple, and all of their children are smart, beautiful, and talented. Through Mrs Bennett's close friendship with the wife of the royal Prince, she and her family become close friends of the Darcys, the Fitzwilliams, and other noble families. For very complex reasons, the Bennetts end up raising the daughter of the royal Prince, who is our beloved Elizabeth.
There's a lot to this story, and I guess that's one reason why it's so long. It held my interest, and kept me engaged. There are many very emotional situations, and they were superbly done. I felt the book could have been shortened somewhat just by omitting much of the tedious details, such as who sat with who at dinner, what the servants were doing, the details related to protocol when with royals, etc.
This is not a book about ODC specifically, but is much broader in scope. There's not much romance, but there is a lot about the importance of family and close friends. I recommend this book for an emotionally charged and heartwarming experience.
September 13, 2022
Avid Reader
This book was sad and sweet at the same time. It really shows what people were willing to do to their children just to remain in the first circles! The Earl of Jersey was a coward who had his wife Lady Sarah to write a letter to their daughter Lady Priscilla disowning her when the King forced his son to divorce her after a year of marriage because he was already betrothed to Fredrica for Prussia. The King never said that Priscilla deMelville was not worthy of Prince Fredrick. Whenever Lady Sarah would try to write her daughter, her letters were intercepted. As a result, Lady Priscilla never knew it was her father, not her mother, who disowned her and forbade her siblings to have anything to do with her. Fanny Bennet became her best friend, and Lady taught her how to be a lady and how to use her intelligence. This Fanny was extremely intelligent and demonstrated throughout the book as did Mrs. Philips. There was no vulgar language, gossiping, or request for salts. Lady Catherine and Wickham had to make character transformations. Elizabeth grew w as part of an extended family. Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Elaine Fitzwilliam never abandoned Lady Priscilla, so they became friends with Fanny Bennet.
This book was sad and sweet at the same time. It really shows what people were willing to do to their children just to remain in the first circles! The Earl of Jersey was a coward who had his wife Lady Sarah to write a letter to their daughter Lady Priscilla disowning her when the King forced his son to divorce her after a year of marriage because he was already betrothed to Fredrica for Prussia. The King never said that Priscilla deMelville was not worthy of Prince Fredrick. Whenever Lady Sarah would try to write her daughter, her letters were intercepted. As a result, Lady Priscilla never knew it was her father, not her mother, who disowned her and forbade her siblings to have anything to do with her. Fanny Bennet became her best friend, and Lady taught her how to be a lady and how to use her intelligence. This Fanny was extremely intelligent and demonstrated throughout the book as did Mrs. Philips. There was no vulgar language, gossiping, or request for salts. Lady Catherine and Wickham had to make character transformations. Elizabeth grew w as part of an extended family. Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Elaine Fitzwilliam never abandoned Lady Priscilla, so they became friends with Fanny Bennet.
December 23, 2022
Could have been good
I won't rehash the synapses of this novel. It looked interesting on KU. So despite being warned by other reviews, I borrowed it. What I will do is give reason to why this did not get 5***** .
Removed one star for grammatical and plot errors. I had to re-read things over numerous times. A good editor would benefit this author in this and her other novels.
Second star removed because it was waaaaaaaay too long. I skipped large parts. Please stop using the whole long titles of the characters every single time they are introduced. It comes across as pretentious, not honoring the titled person. Events, plans and feelings, etc. were talked over ad nauseum. Elizabeth was, also just, sickeningly perfect. But as I've read other tomes from the author, it was expected.
I didn't care at all for some characters to be named after modern artists. This may be cute to others. It came off cheesy and ruined those moments of being immersed in a bygone era.
Good luck with novels published in 2023 and beyond. A good friend who can give words of wisdom and criticism with love as well as a good editor will help immensely!
I won't rehash the synapses of this novel. It looked interesting on KU. So despite being warned by other reviews, I borrowed it. What I will do is give reason to why this did not get 5***** .
Removed one star for grammatical and plot errors. I had to re-read things over numerous times. A good editor would benefit this author in this and her other novels.
Second star removed because it was waaaaaaaay too long. I skipped large parts. Please stop using the whole long titles of the characters every single time they are introduced. It comes across as pretentious, not honoring the titled person. Events, plans and feelings, etc. were talked over ad nauseum. Elizabeth was, also just, sickeningly perfect. But as I've read other tomes from the author, it was expected.
I didn't care at all for some characters to be named after modern artists. This may be cute to others. It came off cheesy and ruined those moments of being immersed in a bygone era.
Good luck with novels published in 2023 and beyond. A good friend who can give words of wisdom and criticism with love as well as a good editor will help immensely!
June 30, 2025
Promise made and kept
3 1/2 stars rounded up. This is clearly an out of canon story and for some might have too many sweet/perfect people. I love that with P and P variations that we have such a variety of stories. There’s always something for someone.
I loved that early on Mrs. Bennet realized her behavior needed to improve and she became an amazing mom and friend. This friendship led to promises made and kept for decades. These promises and ultimately secrets did come to light at various points throughout the story.
Many people get caught with their foot in their mouth. Some get kicked in the shin others paid dearly for their faux paw.
Slight spoiler For those that need to know Jane does not marry Bingley and redemption is available for others who put forth the effort.
Will I read again? probably if I’m in a mood for this type of story.
3 1/2 stars rounded up. This is clearly an out of canon story and for some might have too many sweet/perfect people. I love that with P and P variations that we have such a variety of stories. There’s always something for someone.
I loved that early on Mrs. Bennet realized her behavior needed to improve and she became an amazing mom and friend. This friendship led to promises made and kept for decades. These promises and ultimately secrets did come to light at various points throughout the story.
Many people get caught with their foot in their mouth. Some get kicked in the shin others paid dearly for their faux paw.
Slight spoiler For those that need to know Jane does not marry Bingley and redemption is available for others who put forth the effort.
Will I read again? probably if I’m in a mood for this type of story.
November 3, 2021
Wish-fulfilling Fluff JAFF
It's an interesting premise, what if Elizabeth Bennet was by birth the daughter of a Prince and his former wife... but unfortunately the story lacked conflict -- or maybe it was just too easily resolved. There was no satisfactory impediment to Elizabeth and Darcy's HEA. No real misunderstanding between the two, Mr. Darcy can't complain of Elizabeth's connections or lack of dowry and even a reversal where Mr. Darcy might be considered too low for Elizabeth is wrapped up neatly within a couple pages of it being brought up. Not to mention characters like George Wickham and Mr. Collins seemed to have gone a complete 180 in personality with little to no reasoning.
It's an interesting premise, what if Elizabeth Bennet was by birth the daughter of a Prince and his former wife... but unfortunately the story lacked conflict -- or maybe it was just too easily resolved. There was no satisfactory impediment to Elizabeth and Darcy's HEA. No real misunderstanding between the two, Mr. Darcy can't complain of Elizabeth's connections or lack of dowry and even a reversal where Mr. Darcy might be considered too low for Elizabeth is wrapped up neatly within a couple pages of it being brought up. Not to mention characters like George Wickham and Mr. Collins seemed to have gone a complete 180 in personality with little to no reasoning.
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot, but there was just too much stuff in it for me to give it 5 stars. I would have preferred to have more of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, and a little less about so many other people - not that the others should have been removed, but just not so much about the others. I liked that Lady Catherine and George Wickham redeemed themselves, but everything seemed a bit too perfect for the people who were "good", and George Wickham's part in the story could have been cut down as it didn't really advance the rest of the story.
I liked that Lady Anne Darcy lived much longer and also that the elder Mr. Darcy lived a long life and was able to participate in the lives of his children.
I liked that Lady Anne Darcy lived much longer and also that the elder Mr. Darcy lived a long life and was able to participate in the lives of his children.
September 17, 2025
Granderson is wordy. But I actually liked this one, past information and present included. Sure, things could have been simplified and shortened, but the story was sweet and interesting and brought history into fiction. I enjoyed it. I always enjoy a vagary that has Lizzy and Darcy meeting when they’re younger. I always feel like Granderson also tells everyone’s love match story more thoroughly than Darcy and Lizzie’s, almost as if it were a footnote in the rest of the story, but this one felt a little more drawn out. But still more in the background, off page. But felt like there was more substance than usual. Overall really enjoyed this one.
February 27, 2022
Wonderfully inventive tale!
Although it is far from canon,, this is an inventive story with lots of turns ands twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the additional characters and how the original ones were developed in positive ways.
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it needs a good deal of editing. There's missing punctuation, sentences that sometimes run together, and occasionally missing words. I would still recommend the story, even with the mistakes. I hated to see it end and would be thrilled to see a sequel.
Although it is far from canon,, this is an inventive story with lots of turns ands twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the additional characters and how the original ones were developed in positive ways.
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it needs a good deal of editing. There's missing punctuation, sentences that sometimes run together, and occasionally missing words. I would still recommend the story, even with the mistakes. I hated to see it end and would be thrilled to see a sequel.
December 27, 2023
I adore this variation
I could not stop reading - it was at times unrealistic but I still LOVE THIS VARIATION. The transformation of all the main characters lives. Getting a point of view of the Darcy family. It seemed more true to the P& P original.
There were changes but the reflections were hard in comparison to reading a one dimensional character who stays the same.
The twist was Elizabeth, however each character had a role, voice and story that I appreciate.
I highly recommend this variation to all ages.
I could not stop reading - it was at times unrealistic but I still LOVE THIS VARIATION. The transformation of all the main characters lives. Getting a point of view of the Darcy family. It seemed more true to the P& P original.
There were changes but the reflections were hard in comparison to reading a one dimensional character who stays the same.
The twist was Elizabeth, however each character had a role, voice and story that I appreciate.
I highly recommend this variation to all ages.
January 13, 2025
Fun premise
I thought the story had a fun premise but felt like most of the story was spent with characters talking instead of doing. Of the three usual villains - Caroline Bingley, Wickham and Lady Catherine DeBourgh- two very quickly come around to see the error of their ways through (mostly) self reflection. Also story focuses heavily on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s parents/extended family. Not a lot of time is spent on ODC’s romance. Long story short - I mostly enjoyed the book but would not read again.
I thought the story had a fun premise but felt like most of the story was spent with characters talking instead of doing. Of the three usual villains - Caroline Bingley, Wickham and Lady Catherine DeBourgh- two very quickly come around to see the error of their ways through (mostly) self reflection. Also story focuses heavily on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s parents/extended family. Not a lot of time is spent on ODC’s romance. Long story short - I mostly enjoyed the book but would not read again.
June 5, 2025
2⭐️
This book veered way off from the original, which isn't always a bad thing. But in this case this story just did not speak to me. For one, it focussed on Lizzy and Darcy the least. The set up towards the 2 getting together took almost the whole book and them getting together was worse than anticlimactic. Most of the book was spent revealing the secret of Lizzy's birth to various people other than Lizzy. We did not even get to see Lizzy much in the book. While there were good characters and parts in the book, I just felt like it was a drudge to get through the book.
This book veered way off from the original, which isn't always a bad thing. But in this case this story just did not speak to me. For one, it focussed on Lizzy and Darcy the least. The set up towards the 2 getting together took almost the whole book and them getting together was worse than anticlimactic. Most of the book was spent revealing the secret of Lizzy's birth to various people other than Lizzy. We did not even get to see Lizzy much in the book. While there were good characters and parts in the book, I just felt like it was a drudge to get through the book.
May 20, 2022
This is a very well written story (it still has a few errors that were not caught before publishing) with a unique storyline. However, after the introduction with Mrs. Bennet and her friend Pricilla it was not able to hold my interest for long. I did get more than half way through and if you are looking for a story that encompasses all of our beloved characters but does not delve deeply into the story of each individually, this is for you.
November 12, 2021
Wordy with totally nonsense
An incredibly unbelievable story with only the names of characters we know. Having Freddy Mercury and Brian May interjected into the story made me roll my eyes and despair of anything else making sense.
After reading I need a trip to the dentist For a check on new cavities and catch up on some old People magazines that may have more substance.
An incredibly unbelievable story with only the names of characters we know. Having Freddy Mercury and Brian May interjected into the story made me roll my eyes and despair of anything else making sense.
After reading I need a trip to the dentist For a check on new cavities and catch up on some old People magazines that may have more substance.
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