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Mistress of Netherfield
It is a truth universally acknowledged that on escaping an unhappy marriage, a young widow will be delighted to remove to the dower house and lease the marital abode to a single man in possession of a good fortune, provided he looks elsewhere to fulfil his want of a wife.
Five years after being forced into an unwanted marriage at the age of sixteen, and freed six months later by the death of her abusive husband, Elizabeth Grayson (née Bennet) has finally found a measure of peace. The inheritor of her husband’s estate, Netherfield Park, Elizabeth is now a wealthy young widow, independent and self-reliant. With an eye always on improving her four sisters’ woefully small dowries and providing for her mother, who will be homeless when her father dies, Elizabeth is pleased to lease out Netherfield to the Bingley family, making her home in the dower house in Meryton and vowing that she will never remarry.
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire is rich and well connected, but reserved in company with anybody outside the very few he counts as friends. Towards those friends, he is loyal and steadfast, the staunchest of supporters. So when a young man comes to him with a tale of the clandestine marriage and mysterious death of Darcy’s old schoolfriend, James Grayson, and begs Darcy’s help to investigate the widow’s role, Darcy agrees. Visiting Charles Bingley, the new tenant of Netherfield, Darcy is very soon torn between his loyalty to his dead friend, and his burgeoning attraction to the widow.
Throw two unprincipled rogues and an elopement into the confines of Meryton, and how will Darcy’s dilemma over Elizabeth ever be resolved? And is she willing to put aside her misgivings, and trust again?
(British English spelling and grammar used throughout).
Five years after being forced into an unwanted marriage at the age of sixteen, and freed six months later by the death of her abusive husband, Elizabeth Grayson (née Bennet) has finally found a measure of peace. The inheritor of her husband’s estate, Netherfield Park, Elizabeth is now a wealthy young widow, independent and self-reliant. With an eye always on improving her four sisters’ woefully small dowries and providing for her mother, who will be homeless when her father dies, Elizabeth is pleased to lease out Netherfield to the Bingley family, making her home in the dower house in Meryton and vowing that she will never remarry.
Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire is rich and well connected, but reserved in company with anybody outside the very few he counts as friends. Towards those friends, he is loyal and steadfast, the staunchest of supporters. So when a young man comes to him with a tale of the clandestine marriage and mysterious death of Darcy’s old schoolfriend, James Grayson, and begs Darcy’s help to investigate the widow’s role, Darcy agrees. Visiting Charles Bingley, the new tenant of Netherfield, Darcy is very soon torn between his loyalty to his dead friend, and his burgeoning attraction to the widow.
Throw two unprincipled rogues and an elopement into the confines of Meryton, and how will Darcy’s dilemma over Elizabeth ever be resolved? And is she willing to put aside her misgivings, and trust again?
(British English spelling and grammar used throughout).
445 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2021
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March 20, 2025
Vision is the foundation of courage and the fuel of persistence. ~ Myles Munroe
“Mistress of Netherfield” begins when Netherfield Park is let — but not let at last. Netherfield Park has been let nearly continuously for the five years since the former Elizabeth Bennet — now Elizabeth Grayson — has been its owner.
Elizabeth became a widow a mere six months after being married when her husband fell down a staircase and broke his neck.
Now her brother-in-law, Matthew Grayson, has returned from the West Indies and suspects foul play in his brother’s death. He believes his brother’s widow committed murder and he is determined to prove her guilt. His acquaintance, Fitzwilliam Darcy, agrees to hire Grayson as his secretary and search for clues to his friend’s mishap.
Confidence is the foundation of courage and the mainspring of action. ~ Yoritomo-Tashi
Elizabeth, whose courage always rises at attempts at intimidation, no longer needs her courage to rise. She has gained courage through fire and defends herself to all comers. I loved this strong, confidant Elizabeth.
I especially loved her Caroline squelches! The Bingley shrew charges forth again and again and is weaponless in a battle of wits.
I give this book my highest recommendation.
The heart is the center of the body, the physicality. It's the foundation of courage and will. It's emotion and love, passion and compassion. Heart, heart, heart, heart, it's the center of everything. ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Mistress of Netherfield” begins when Netherfield Park is let — but not let at last. Netherfield Park has been let nearly continuously for the five years since the former Elizabeth Bennet — now Elizabeth Grayson — has been its owner.
Elizabeth became a widow a mere six months after being married when her husband fell down a staircase and broke his neck.
Now her brother-in-law, Matthew Grayson, has returned from the West Indies and suspects foul play in his brother’s death. He believes his brother’s widow committed murder and he is determined to prove her guilt. His acquaintance, Fitzwilliam Darcy, agrees to hire Grayson as his secretary and search for clues to his friend’s mishap.
Confidence is the foundation of courage and the mainspring of action. ~ Yoritomo-Tashi
Elizabeth, whose courage always rises at attempts at intimidation, no longer needs her courage to rise. She has gained courage through fire and defends herself to all comers. I loved this strong, confidant Elizabeth.
I especially loved her Caroline squelches! The Bingley shrew charges forth again and again and is weaponless in a battle of wits.
I give this book my highest recommendation.
The heart is the center of the body, the physicality. It's the foundation of courage and will. It's emotion and love, passion and compassion. Heart, heart, heart, heart, it's the center of everything. ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger
March 27, 2022
Married and mistreated
Lizzy is forced to marry a violent man. Lizzy despises her mother yet gives her father more slack than he deserves. Not long after she marries, he has an accident brought on by alcohol and drugs
The rest of the story unfolds from this start. The writing and the vocabulary are both top notch.
Is there a HEA? No, the story is finished and stops. Absolutely no knowledge oh her future. So we can imagine a HEA if we like or we can imagine worse or anything in between. I hope they are happy and have kids but there is a very good chance there won’t be children.
I will definitely put this book in my read again file.
Lizzy is forced to marry a violent man. Lizzy despises her mother yet gives her father more slack than he deserves. Not long after she marries, he has an accident brought on by alcohol and drugs
The rest of the story unfolds from this start. The writing and the vocabulary are both top notch.
Is there a HEA? No, the story is finished and stops. Absolutely no knowledge oh her future. So we can imagine a HEA if we like or we can imagine worse or anything in between. I hope they are happy and have kids but there is a very good chance there won’t be children.
I will definitely put this book in my read again file.
July 4, 2021
This review first appeared on Babblings of a Bookworm: https://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot...
I was really intrigued to read this book due to the blurb, there being such a difference in circumstances – if Elizabeth was a widow who had actually inherited an estate, rather than just living there until a remarriage I would imagine that she would have been extremely eligible. I am not sure how much an estate would be worth in terms of dowry, but surely it would eclipse Georgina Darcy’s £30,000, even if Elizabeth doesn’t have the same prestigious family connections. There is also the intrigue of the husband dying in possibly suspicious circumstances, so two good reasons to give this a read.
Starting the book it’s immediately plain that Elizabeth’s marriage was not a happy one, and also clear that her hand was forced by her mother:
“You bestowed upon me such a notable husband, Mama, that I have no desire to make a second venture into matrimony. I thank you for the favour, but I am unlikely to be so fortunate twice.”
Charlotte, whose ear was as well attuned to irony as to condescension, again laid her hand on Elizabeth’s arm.
Financially, Elizabeth has been left well off following her short marriage. She has inherited Netherfield, which she lets out, and makes her home comfortably in the small dower house, which is in the village. Obviously, a young widow needs a companion, and her dear friend Charlotte has come to live with her. Elizabeth means to make her sisters’ futures as secure as possible. She has been saving to supplement their dowries, because her father, as in canon, hasn’t bothered to do so.
“Mama’s solicitude is for our happiness and security. She means well.”
“She is concerned for security, certainly. But I will have a care to make sure my sisters find happiness.”
Elizabeth is going to rent her house out to an eligible bachelor, a Mr Bingley, who will be accompanied by his sisters and friend, Mr Darcy. An old acquaintance of Darcy’s, Mr Grayson, has heard that he is going to stay at Netherfield, and approaches him. Mr Grayson’s elder brother was the previous owner of Netherfield – he moved into the area five years ago, married a local very quickly and 6 months later he was suddenly dead, leaving his young widow the estate, which the brother finds suspicious. Although feeling uncomfortable at the idea, Darcy agrees to take Mr Grayson with him to Netherfield in the guise of his secretary. However, as in canon, Mr Darcy’s sister has recently had a near escape at Ramsgate, and he’s not convinced that a girl of sixteen, as Mrs Grayson was at the time of her marriage, would have entrapped a young man into marriage and then murdered him:
‘Well he was committed now, but without consideration and proof of wrongdoing, he would not be rushed into a hasty judgement of the widow Grayson. No matter how much her brother-in-law wanted it.’
This is obviously a more angsty set up than it first seems, because these type of suspicions are hard to forgive, even if Darcy doesn’t actually really believe Mrs Grayson is guilty of anything. Also, Elizabeth has clearly had a very bad first marriage, and has been burned by the experience. Add this to risking her social and financial freedom and it would clearly be a big gamble for her :
“I am merely more practical than you are. I am not romantic, you know.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “Nor am I. Not now.”
One aspect I enjoyed about this book was seeing the differences in Elizabeth’s circumstances – she’s able to be more outspoken in society, etc. I thought it was interesting how society in Meryton had clearly rallied round her, despite the circumstances of her marriage. Some events in the book were the same as in canon and although I enjoyed seeing how some events were weaved in some others didn’t quite work for me, such as Mrs Bennet steering Mr Collins towards Elizabeth as a possible wife – Mrs Bennet resents him getting one estate, I don’t think she would be keen to give him another; I think she’d rather hedge her bets, and have the potential of two daughters to save her from the hedgerows should the worst happen.
Something to watch out for in this book is that there are descriptions and recollections of violence, which although brief, may be a topic that some readers may avoid as a trigger.
This book is quite long, at nearly 500 pages, which I know will really please some readers! On the whole I prefer shorter reads, but given the complications of the premise things will take some ironing out, and even more is added to these complications in terms of other events and behaviour. I enjoyed the ups and downs of this story and was kept guessing at what was going to happen next. I’d rate this as a 4 star read.
I was really intrigued to read this book due to the blurb, there being such a difference in circumstances – if Elizabeth was a widow who had actually inherited an estate, rather than just living there until a remarriage I would imagine that she would have been extremely eligible. I am not sure how much an estate would be worth in terms of dowry, but surely it would eclipse Georgina Darcy’s £30,000, even if Elizabeth doesn’t have the same prestigious family connections. There is also the intrigue of the husband dying in possibly suspicious circumstances, so two good reasons to give this a read.
Starting the book it’s immediately plain that Elizabeth’s marriage was not a happy one, and also clear that her hand was forced by her mother:
“You bestowed upon me such a notable husband, Mama, that I have no desire to make a second venture into matrimony. I thank you for the favour, but I am unlikely to be so fortunate twice.”
Charlotte, whose ear was as well attuned to irony as to condescension, again laid her hand on Elizabeth’s arm.
Financially, Elizabeth has been left well off following her short marriage. She has inherited Netherfield, which she lets out, and makes her home comfortably in the small dower house, which is in the village. Obviously, a young widow needs a companion, and her dear friend Charlotte has come to live with her. Elizabeth means to make her sisters’ futures as secure as possible. She has been saving to supplement their dowries, because her father, as in canon, hasn’t bothered to do so.
“Mama’s solicitude is for our happiness and security. She means well.”
“She is concerned for security, certainly. But I will have a care to make sure my sisters find happiness.”
Elizabeth is going to rent her house out to an eligible bachelor, a Mr Bingley, who will be accompanied by his sisters and friend, Mr Darcy. An old acquaintance of Darcy’s, Mr Grayson, has heard that he is going to stay at Netherfield, and approaches him. Mr Grayson’s elder brother was the previous owner of Netherfield – he moved into the area five years ago, married a local very quickly and 6 months later he was suddenly dead, leaving his young widow the estate, which the brother finds suspicious. Although feeling uncomfortable at the idea, Darcy agrees to take Mr Grayson with him to Netherfield in the guise of his secretary. However, as in canon, Mr Darcy’s sister has recently had a near escape at Ramsgate, and he’s not convinced that a girl of sixteen, as Mrs Grayson was at the time of her marriage, would have entrapped a young man into marriage and then murdered him:
‘Well he was committed now, but without consideration and proof of wrongdoing, he would not be rushed into a hasty judgement of the widow Grayson. No matter how much her brother-in-law wanted it.’
This is obviously a more angsty set up than it first seems, because these type of suspicions are hard to forgive, even if Darcy doesn’t actually really believe Mrs Grayson is guilty of anything. Also, Elizabeth has clearly had a very bad first marriage, and has been burned by the experience. Add this to risking her social and financial freedom and it would clearly be a big gamble for her :
“I am merely more practical than you are. I am not romantic, you know.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “Nor am I. Not now.”
One aspect I enjoyed about this book was seeing the differences in Elizabeth’s circumstances – she’s able to be more outspoken in society, etc. I thought it was interesting how society in Meryton had clearly rallied round her, despite the circumstances of her marriage. Some events in the book were the same as in canon and although I enjoyed seeing how some events were weaved in some others didn’t quite work for me, such as Mrs Bennet steering Mr Collins towards Elizabeth as a possible wife – Mrs Bennet resents him getting one estate, I don’t think she would be keen to give him another; I think she’d rather hedge her bets, and have the potential of two daughters to save her from the hedgerows should the worst happen.
Something to watch out for in this book is that there are descriptions and recollections of violence, which although brief, may be a topic that some readers may avoid as a trigger.
This book is quite long, at nearly 500 pages, which I know will really please some readers! On the whole I prefer shorter reads, but given the complications of the premise things will take some ironing out, and even more is added to these complications in terms of other events and behaviour. I enjoyed the ups and downs of this story and was kept guessing at what was going to happen next. I’d rate this as a 4 star read.
July 10, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
The author's blurb outlines the premise very well plus there are several excellent reviews which give us all the additional information we really need to understand that this is a longer story with a very strong Elizabeth and a Darcy who, against his principles, uses deceit at the request of a dead friend's brother to search for clues as to the possibility of guilt on Elizabeth's part in that friend's death.
Darcy had attended Eton with James Grayson, become friends, and then lost touch when Darcy's father became ill, died and Darcy took over managing his inheritance. James' brother, Matthew, comes home from Antigua and is suspicious about his brother's death and so he convinces Darcy to allow him to play the role of his secretary using an alias so as to travel incognito to Netherfield and look into matters.
Looking back we learn that 16-year-old Elizabeth Bennet, compromised despite her resistance at a dance, is forced to marry the man who has bought Netherfield. Six months later she is a wealthy widow but we are not informed about the circumstances of her husband's death until later in the story. We are told that the citizens of the area are protective of her. Plus she has taken a stand that she will never remarry! She now lives in the dower house in Meryton, Nether House, with Charlotte Lucas as her companion while leasing out Netherfield. She hopes to save money to add to her sisters' dowries so that they might have more of a choice than she did.
I did like this Elizabeth. When we learn of what her marital relationship with her husband was like we cannot help but empathize with her and understand her opinion of marriage. She is strong and she is careful in the relationships she forms. The Hursts were a pleasant surprise in this variation as they put down Caroline's attempts to embarrass Elizabeth and have her seen in a poor light. Elizabeth is also having none of her mother's further attempts to "railroad" any of her sisters into marriage, even when she is forced to move back into Longbourn for a short period due to needed repairs to Nether House.
This was a long story and Darcy does make a proposal which echoes the "Hunsford Proposal" in canon. However, the author rewrites it in her own words.
The author ends each chapter with one word or a very short phrase. However, although that was charming, I did not find it adequate when the story ended abruptly and we have no epilogue.
I did enjoy how at the end it is Elizabeth who takes matters more or less into her own hands as Darcy has learned from his huge error and shown changes in his opinions and attitude and in his actions.
I highly recommend this story. It was a gift with no strings attached. All opinions expressed within this review are my own.
The author's blurb outlines the premise very well plus there are several excellent reviews which give us all the additional information we really need to understand that this is a longer story with a very strong Elizabeth and a Darcy who, against his principles, uses deceit at the request of a dead friend's brother to search for clues as to the possibility of guilt on Elizabeth's part in that friend's death.
Darcy had attended Eton with James Grayson, become friends, and then lost touch when Darcy's father became ill, died and Darcy took over managing his inheritance. James' brother, Matthew, comes home from Antigua and is suspicious about his brother's death and so he convinces Darcy to allow him to play the role of his secretary using an alias so as to travel incognito to Netherfield and look into matters.
Looking back we learn that 16-year-old Elizabeth Bennet, compromised despite her resistance at a dance, is forced to marry the man who has bought Netherfield. Six months later she is a wealthy widow but we are not informed about the circumstances of her husband's death until later in the story. We are told that the citizens of the area are protective of her. Plus she has taken a stand that she will never remarry! She now lives in the dower house in Meryton, Nether House, with Charlotte Lucas as her companion while leasing out Netherfield. She hopes to save money to add to her sisters' dowries so that they might have more of a choice than she did.
I did like this Elizabeth. When we learn of what her marital relationship with her husband was like we cannot help but empathize with her and understand her opinion of marriage. She is strong and she is careful in the relationships she forms. The Hursts were a pleasant surprise in this variation as they put down Caroline's attempts to embarrass Elizabeth and have her seen in a poor light. Elizabeth is also having none of her mother's further attempts to "railroad" any of her sisters into marriage, even when she is forced to move back into Longbourn for a short period due to needed repairs to Nether House.
This was a long story and Darcy does make a proposal which echoes the "Hunsford Proposal" in canon. However, the author rewrites it in her own words.
The author ends each chapter with one word or a very short phrase. However, although that was charming, I did not find it adequate when the story ended abruptly and we have no epilogue.
I did enjoy how at the end it is Elizabeth who takes matters more or less into her own hands as Darcy has learned from his huge error and shown changes in his opinions and attitude and in his actions.
I highly recommend this story. It was a gift with no strings attached. All opinions expressed within this review are my own.
June 3, 2022
Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield to a slightly different situation than canon. Elizabeth is widowed and unknown to them, is his landlord.
Surrounding her marriage there is mystery and hinted at unhappiness. As the story develops we slowly, slowly get more information until the complete backstory is revealed.
Darcy arrives with his friend, but on top of that he has agreed to subterfuge so the younger brother of another deceased friend can find out how Netherfield was "swindled" away from him. Of course he has his own agenda, which ends up humiliating Darcy in the worst way.
Much of the remaining story follows canon, including Wickham and Lydia (sometimes I wonder if stories that move away from canon really need to use that very old, worn out chestnut, I mean as along as its a reimagining...)
So well written, with a few words I had never heard of before. Wonderful job for a first time JAFF author. I look forward to seeing future endeavors. A definite reread. 4.5*
Surrounding her marriage there is mystery and hinted at unhappiness. As the story develops we slowly, slowly get more information until the complete backstory is revealed.
Darcy arrives with his friend, but on top of that he has agreed to subterfuge so the younger brother of another deceased friend can find out how Netherfield was "swindled" away from him. Of course he has his own agenda, which ends up humiliating Darcy in the worst way.
Much of the remaining story follows canon, including Wickham and Lydia (sometimes I wonder if stories that move away from canon really need to use that very old, worn out chestnut, I mean as along as its a reimagining...)
So well written, with a few words I had never heard of before. Wonderful job for a first time JAFF author. I look forward to seeing future endeavors. A definite reread. 4.5*
July 8, 2021
5+ stars!
July 7, 2021
“I believe in strong women. I believe in the woman who is able to stand up for herself. I believe in the woman who doesn’t need to hide behind her husband’s back. I believe that if you have problems, as a woman you deal with them, you don’t play victim, you don’t make yourself look pitiful, you don’t point fingers. You stand and you deal. You face the world with a head held high and you carry the universe in your heart.” –C. JoyBell C.
Rating: MA… listen carefully… Mature Audience: this is not appropriate for a young reader. Adult themes are discussed. There are multiple trigger warnings: violence discussed and described against a young woman, spousal abuse, addiction, PTSD, grief and loss, suspicious death, and villainy of the worst kind, and betrayal of trust. In spite of the caveat, this was an amazing story… long but amazing. Angst Level: medium: depending on the stress level of the reader: contains several OMG moments as the tension increased. Source: Gift from the author [7-5-21] Cover ART: spot on, beautiful.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers *** I try not to but occasionally they slip in.
>> Matthew Grayson wanted to know what happened to his elder brother. How did he die and did his low-born fortune-hunting wife have anything to do with it? He needed help in discovering the truth.
>> Darcy had known Matthew’s elder brother James since Eton and they had been good friends. He liked him. When James returned from the war wounded, Darcy’s father was ill and they lost contact.
>> Matthew convinced Darcy to let him tag along when he went to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn the ropes in estate management. Against his better judgment, Darcy agreed. He would forever regret that decision.
Bingley: still a whipped, spineless, puppy jerked around by his pernicious younger sister, Caroline. I will have to give kudos to Louisa and her husband Hurst. He pulled the plug on Caroline’s reign of terror over his wife. That was their saving grace. I really liked them. Bingley had a long row to hoe before he was forgiven for his behavior. Caroline… what a horrid social-climbing daughter of trade. She was a harridan and had no idea whom she was dealing with. Our Caro had a lot of ground to make up in order to save her standing with their friends.
Mr. Bennet: “I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.” –Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground
It will pass soon enough. Famous last words. For all that was the fault of Mrs. Bennet or at her direction… the catastrophe of this story actually fell squarely at the feet of Mr. Bennet. Rein in your wife, old man!!! The price for your peace was too high.
Mrs. Bennet: “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large….” –Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence
I loathe, hate, and despise that woman. She wanted Longbourn… period, and at any cost. She was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to reach her goal and she did not care how it affected her daughter[s].
Lydia: “… I’m a free spirit, a wild child, and a renegade.” –Mishi McCoy
Lydia was wild, untamed, and unrepentant. Like the proverbial fly, she waltzed into the spider’s web to her destruction. She was fat, dumb, and happy until there was a knock at the door. The strategy Elizabeth implemented to handle Lydia’s hysterics was brilliant. I’ve never seen it used before in any story. It was simply amazing.
Villain[s]: “My mother gave birth to the child I was, but it was me who gave birth to the man I am today.” –Namrata Gupta, Together We Were Whole
Well, let’s not forget the SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard]. Oh, not Elizabeth’s husband… he reached his destiny several years before. And not that other one, either… his destiny would come later. No, I am referring to Wickham that glib-tongued, handsome devil, that left a slime trail everywhere he went. OMG! I cannot believe his treachery, his deceit, and his affront to all that was decent. I can’t believe he actually had the ba… um… well, let’s just say he was a viper poised to strike.
Darcy: “She will blaze through you like a gypsy wildfire. Igniting [your] soul and dancing in its flames. And when she is gone, the smell of her smoke will be the only thing left to soothe you.” –Nicole Lyons
Oh, man, he really stepped in it this time. Seriously, this poor guy unknowingly walked right into a pit of quicksand that would not let go. Oh, how I hurt watching his treatment of Elizbeth. His thoughts were so horrid. On the one hand, he would slap her down for her origins and family connections. While on the other hand, he couldn’t help but admire her spunk and the way she handled herself in spite of the barbs from Caroline. He would pay dearly for his haughty behavior and I have to say, he deserved every single moment of grief it cost him. I have always been team Darcy but this guy was a piece of work. As he endeavored to regain Elizabeth’s trust, he also had to regain mine.
Greek Chorus: The town of Meryton: “No one knows what you have been through or what your pretty little eyes have seen, but I can reassure you – whatever you have conquered, it shines through your mind.” –Nikki Rowe
I’ve never read of a group rallying around Elizabeth and her situation as these people did. We learned how Sir William, the apothecary, the magistrates, Uncle Philips, Mr. Gardiner, and several other men of the town handled such an egregious situation and on more than one occasion. I absolutely adored them. I saw Sir William Lucas in a whole new light. Even Uncle Philips rose in my esteem. What a group.
This was a story that will leave you thinking long after you close the book or reading device. What a story. It was long… perhaps it could have been trimmed. Since parts of it followed the canon timeline, there were those famous discussions and dialogue that had to be used and incorporated into the story. Our author tweaked them a bit so they weren’t a complete rehash. I admit that I skim over those that are straight from Austen as I know them by heart. It was necessary to have those sections for the reader who wasn’t familiar with the canon material. I highly recommend this for a unique variation.
Rating: MA… listen carefully… Mature Audience: this is not appropriate for a young reader. Adult themes are discussed. There are multiple trigger warnings: violence discussed and described against a young woman, spousal abuse, addiction, PTSD, grief and loss, suspicious death, and villainy of the worst kind, and betrayal of trust. In spite of the caveat, this was an amazing story… long but amazing. Angst Level: medium: depending on the stress level of the reader: contains several OMG moments as the tension increased. Source: Gift from the author [7-5-21] Cover ART: spot on, beautiful.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers *** I try not to but occasionally they slip in.
>> Matthew Grayson wanted to know what happened to his elder brother. How did he die and did his low-born fortune-hunting wife have anything to do with it? He needed help in discovering the truth.
>> Darcy had known Matthew’s elder brother James since Eton and they had been good friends. He liked him. When James returned from the war wounded, Darcy’s father was ill and they lost contact.
>> Matthew convinced Darcy to let him tag along when he went to Hertfordshire to help Bingley learn the ropes in estate management. Against his better judgment, Darcy agreed. He would forever regret that decision.
Bingley: still a whipped, spineless, puppy jerked around by his pernicious younger sister, Caroline. I will have to give kudos to Louisa and her husband Hurst. He pulled the plug on Caroline’s reign of terror over his wife. That was their saving grace. I really liked them. Bingley had a long row to hoe before he was forgiven for his behavior. Caroline… what a horrid social-climbing daughter of trade. She was a harridan and had no idea whom she was dealing with. Our Caro had a lot of ground to make up in order to save her standing with their friends.
Mr. Bennet: “I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.” –Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground
It will pass soon enough. Famous last words. For all that was the fault of Mrs. Bennet or at her direction… the catastrophe of this story actually fell squarely at the feet of Mr. Bennet. Rein in your wife, old man!!! The price for your peace was too high.
Mrs. Bennet: “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large….” –Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence
I loathe, hate, and despise that woman. She wanted Longbourn… period, and at any cost. She was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to reach her goal and she did not care how it affected her daughter[s].
Lydia: “… I’m a free spirit, a wild child, and a renegade.” –Mishi McCoy
Lydia was wild, untamed, and unrepentant. Like the proverbial fly, she waltzed into the spider’s web to her destruction. She was fat, dumb, and happy until there was a knock at the door. The strategy Elizabeth implemented to handle Lydia’s hysterics was brilliant. I’ve never seen it used before in any story. It was simply amazing.
Villain[s]: “My mother gave birth to the child I was, but it was me who gave birth to the man I am today.” –Namrata Gupta, Together We Were Whole
Well, let’s not forget the SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard]. Oh, not Elizabeth’s husband… he reached his destiny several years before. And not that other one, either… his destiny would come later. No, I am referring to Wickham that glib-tongued, handsome devil, that left a slime trail everywhere he went. OMG! I cannot believe his treachery, his deceit, and his affront to all that was decent. I can’t believe he actually had the ba… um… well, let’s just say he was a viper poised to strike.
Darcy: “She will blaze through you like a gypsy wildfire. Igniting [your] soul and dancing in its flames. And when she is gone, the smell of her smoke will be the only thing left to soothe you.” –Nicole Lyons
Oh, man, he really stepped in it this time. Seriously, this poor guy unknowingly walked right into a pit of quicksand that would not let go. Oh, how I hurt watching his treatment of Elizbeth. His thoughts were so horrid. On the one hand, he would slap her down for her origins and family connections. While on the other hand, he couldn’t help but admire her spunk and the way she handled herself in spite of the barbs from Caroline. He would pay dearly for his haughty behavior and I have to say, he deserved every single moment of grief it cost him. I have always been team Darcy but this guy was a piece of work. As he endeavored to regain Elizabeth’s trust, he also had to regain mine.
Greek Chorus: The town of Meryton: “No one knows what you have been through or what your pretty little eyes have seen, but I can reassure you – whatever you have conquered, it shines through your mind.” –Nikki Rowe
I’ve never read of a group rallying around Elizabeth and her situation as these people did. We learned how Sir William, the apothecary, the magistrates, Uncle Philips, Mr. Gardiner, and several other men of the town handled such an egregious situation and on more than one occasion. I absolutely adored them. I saw Sir William Lucas in a whole new light. Even Uncle Philips rose in my esteem. What a group.
This was a story that will leave you thinking long after you close the book or reading device. What a story. It was long… perhaps it could have been trimmed. Since parts of it followed the canon timeline, there were those famous discussions and dialogue that had to be used and incorporated into the story. Our author tweaked them a bit so they weren’t a complete rehash. I admit that I skim over those that are straight from Austen as I know them by heart. It was necessary to have those sections for the reader who wasn’t familiar with the canon material. I highly recommend this for a unique variation.
August 31, 2023
Very Good Debut
4.5* rounded up
At the age of sixteen Elizabeth Bennet was forced into an unwanted marriage after she is compromised at Meryton’s Twelfth Night ball. Six months later she is a widow who has inherited Netherfield Park and Nether House (dower house). With only unhappy memories there, she chooses to live at the dower house and lease Netherfield. The story opens with Bingley and Darcy touring the estate which Bingley leases.
In London, and just before Darcy joins Bingley, he is approached by the younger brother of Elizabeth’s late husband. Matthew Grayson is suspicious of the circumstances of his brother James’ death and tells Darcy he suspects possible foul play on the part of his widow, Elizabeth. Darcy is hesitant to become involved, but because he’d been a long-time friend of James, he eventually agrees to a subterfuge despite his own better judgment. I found the opening chapters strong and unique, and my interest was definitely piqued, with only glimpses and teases of what actually happened to Elizabeth and James.
With the exception of Elizabeth’s circumstances and living arrangements, from this point forward, the book tends to follow canon somewhat. However, the author maintains the reader’s interest by giving each familiar situation or event a very interesting twist or variation, which is especially complemented by excellent dialogue, primarily on the part of strong Elizabeth who was not afraid to speak her mind or give the appropriate set-down when deserved. The Hursts were a very pleasant surprise in this story. Other supporting character portrayals were very nicely done as well. Elizabeth has many good local friends and allies who admire and respect her.
Darcy really messes up in this story towards Elizabeth due to his uncharacteristic deceit, and his usual arrogance and conceit, but his second proposal to her is beautiful and definitely swoon worthy in my opinion. I did find the book ended too abruptly for my taste. I would have liked an epilogue with a glimpse into their HEA.
This may be a debut novel by Ms. Winter, but her writing style presents as seasoned and pleasingly Austenesque. The vocabulary was excellent. I did note some minor proofreading misses, and wondered about the use of “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas” which I’ve always thought was the British vernacular. Overall, I thought this an excellent read and recommend it.
Note: This book contains mention of a past assault and abuse.
4.5* rounded up
At the age of sixteen Elizabeth Bennet was forced into an unwanted marriage after she is compromised at Meryton’s Twelfth Night ball. Six months later she is a widow who has inherited Netherfield Park and Nether House (dower house). With only unhappy memories there, she chooses to live at the dower house and lease Netherfield. The story opens with Bingley and Darcy touring the estate which Bingley leases.
In London, and just before Darcy joins Bingley, he is approached by the younger brother of Elizabeth’s late husband. Matthew Grayson is suspicious of the circumstances of his brother James’ death and tells Darcy he suspects possible foul play on the part of his widow, Elizabeth. Darcy is hesitant to become involved, but because he’d been a long-time friend of James, he eventually agrees to a subterfuge despite his own better judgment. I found the opening chapters strong and unique, and my interest was definitely piqued, with only glimpses and teases of what actually happened to Elizabeth and James.
With the exception of Elizabeth’s circumstances and living arrangements, from this point forward, the book tends to follow canon somewhat. However, the author maintains the reader’s interest by giving each familiar situation or event a very interesting twist or variation, which is especially complemented by excellent dialogue, primarily on the part of strong Elizabeth who was not afraid to speak her mind or give the appropriate set-down when deserved. The Hursts were a very pleasant surprise in this story. Other supporting character portrayals were very nicely done as well. Elizabeth has many good local friends and allies who admire and respect her.
Darcy really messes up in this story towards Elizabeth due to his uncharacteristic deceit, and his usual arrogance and conceit, but his second proposal to her is beautiful and definitely swoon worthy in my opinion. I did find the book ended too abruptly for my taste. I would have liked an epilogue with a glimpse into their HEA.
This may be a debut novel by Ms. Winter, but her writing style presents as seasoned and pleasingly Austenesque. The vocabulary was excellent. I did note some minor proofreading misses, and wondered about the use of “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas” which I’ve always thought was the British vernacular. Overall, I thought this an excellent read and recommend it.
Note: This book contains mention of a past assault and abuse.
June 29, 2021
4.5 stars
Finally, a very pleasant JAFF-surprise! This seems to be the authors debut novel and I am very impressed. Beautiful writing that effortlessly pulls you into the narrative, interesting premise, good character work and definitely more showing than telling. Totally worth a little happy dance!
Nobody is perfect but nobody is frothing-at-the-mouth-evil either. Although people do (and have done before the events of this novel) some despicable things.
I like this premise with the slightly changed circumstances for Bennets, yet essentially still the same family dynamics. Elizabeth is basically in the same position as lady Catherine in the original P&P - a widow with her own estate - Netherfield. She uses that to try and improve her sisters' futures but saving up to augment their dowries and is thus living in the dower house in Meryton while renting out the estate house and the home farm. Enter the Bingleys - and Darcy who brings with him, in disguise, Elizabeth's husbands brother because these two have deemed the circumstances of the death suspicious.
Hijinks, snubbing, scheming, banter and deception ensue and by the culmination of Netherfield period events, Darcy has much to atone for. He delivers a heartfelt apology along with a God-awful proposal and time-old true JAFF tradition, much angst ensues.
But, you know, well written angst. So it's OK.
I like this version of Elizabeth who, due to bitter experiences, is much more mature and very cautious, yet the wit and liveliness and stubbornness are still very much there so she is not unrecognizable, just jaded and a bit wiser.
There was some unevenness and some slight pacing issues and MAYBE it could have been a bit shorter but I highly recommend you give this new author a chance. I, for one, am looking forward to what she comes up with next.
Finally, a very pleasant JAFF-surprise! This seems to be the authors debut novel and I am very impressed. Beautiful writing that effortlessly pulls you into the narrative, interesting premise, good character work and definitely more showing than telling. Totally worth a little happy dance!
Nobody is perfect but nobody is frothing-at-the-mouth-evil either. Although people do (and have done before the events of this novel) some despicable things.
I like this premise with the slightly changed circumstances for Bennets, yet essentially still the same family dynamics. Elizabeth is basically in the same position as lady Catherine in the original P&P - a widow with her own estate - Netherfield. She uses that to try and improve her sisters' futures but saving up to augment their dowries and is thus living in the dower house in Meryton while renting out the estate house and the home farm. Enter the Bingleys - and Darcy who brings with him, in disguise, Elizabeth's husbands brother because these two have deemed the circumstances of the death suspicious.
Hijinks, snubbing, scheming, banter and deception ensue and by the culmination of Netherfield period events, Darcy has much to atone for. He delivers a heartfelt apology along with a God-awful proposal and time-old true JAFF tradition, much angst ensues.
But, you know, well written angst. So it's OK.
I like this version of Elizabeth who, due to bitter experiences, is much more mature and very cautious, yet the wit and liveliness and stubbornness are still very much there so she is not unrecognizable, just jaded and a bit wiser.
There was some unevenness and some slight pacing issues and MAYBE it could have been a bit shorter but I highly recommend you give this new author a chance. I, for one, am looking forward to what she comes up with next.
October 27, 2021
"I paid too high a price for it, Papa." (quote from the book)
This is a wonderful Pride & Prejudice variation debut novel! I loved the premise, the writing and the poignancy of the story. Elizabeth Grayson (nee Bennet) is a widow...a very young widow...and Mistress of Netherfield. But Elizabeth does not live there. She lives at the dower house. And when she lets Netherfield to a young man of means, her quiet life as a widow is upended.
"I have never been comfortable in this house." (quote from the book)
Matthew Grayson, brother to the widow's deceased husband, James, has recently returned from the West Indies. He is determined to prove Elizabeth Grayson used her arts and allurements to lure James into marriage. He is determined to prove she killed him. Using Mr. Darcy's regard for his old friend, James, he gets himself entry to Netherfield.
" Well, he was committed now, but without consideration and proof of wrongdoing, he would not rush into a hasty judgement of Widow Grayson." (quote from the book)
What a tangle Mr. Darcy gets himself into. Disguise is an abhorrence to him, and yet he finds himself in such a fix.
"The impossible man. He should choke on his own pride!" (quote from the book)
There was so much that I loved. I found all the characters well drawn and the plot nicely developed. Such wonderful surprises with the Hursts! But Elizabeth was a delight to behold...I loved her! The story follows canon to a point, but the differences made it fresh and highly entertaining. I did not want this story to end. Brava Ms. Winter! I look forward to your next novel!
July 8, 2021
3.5 rounded up. This was a really great plot idea. I loved the idea of Elizabeth being in elevated circumstances with the scent of mystery surrounding her marriage and widowhood. The story is well written and enjoyable, but also very slow paced.
The story started off well pulling me in with the promise of unraveling a mystery, but while I liked the story, the promise fell kind of flat. Nothing about this mystery was revealed at all until around 60% in the book and by then I was struggling to keep myself interested. When we do discover the truth about the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth’s marriage and the death of her husband, there is really no mystery at all. It was a taboo topic, but in the big reveal, there is nothing refuted or mysterious at all, just unpleasant and difficult to talk about. I would be dishonest if I said I was not disappointed with the mystery element.
Elizabeth’s character was great in this book. I really loved her strength and her resilience in being able to rise above a more than difficult situation and be stronger for it in the end without it robbing her of her wit and kindness. I would have enjoyed more learning more about her struggles and victories that all the mundane day to day filler. Darcy was a little less recognizable. I had a hard time buying into his willingness to take an active role in such a deceptive plan. I think his initial suspicions and desire to uncover the truth were very true to his character, but the way he agreed to go about it wasn’t very plausible, but I went with it because it was necessary for the plot to progress. I also found the timing and circumstances in which Darcy made his pitiful proposal to be off. Darcy had already been rightfully humiliated due to his behavior and his role in the deception and he supposedly felt terrible for the pain he caused and felt how much he erred, so for him in the very next moment to propose at all, let alone in such an insulting way seems more in line with a Mr. Collins move than a Darcy move. The circumstances were so different that the canon Hunsford proposal just doesn’t work here.
In the Bennet family, it was nice to see the Wickham situation handled differently. I liked that difference, but I did feel that Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth were a bit daft not to recognize that possibility that Wickham would target another Bennet sister when he failed with Elizabeth to still get his hands on the prize and Mrs. Bennet seemed unusually ignorant in this story and I did not understand some of her actions. I would have liked to have had Jane play a bigger role. Charlotte was great and very true to her rational character.
Overall, I thought there was a lot of great things in this book and while I liked it and feel the writing and the execution were above average, I still can’t say that I loved it. My biggest reason is it just felt way too long and dragged out. There were moments of excitement and engagement peppered in between long sections of rather tedious and boring insignificant nothings. IMO, this is a good book that could be great if the content was significantly reduced.
The story started off well pulling me in with the promise of unraveling a mystery, but while I liked the story, the promise fell kind of flat. Nothing about this mystery was revealed at all until around 60% in the book and by then I was struggling to keep myself interested. When we do discover the truth about the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth’s marriage and the death of her husband, there is really no mystery at all. It was a taboo topic, but in the big reveal, there is nothing refuted or mysterious at all, just unpleasant and difficult to talk about. I would be dishonest if I said I was not disappointed with the mystery element.
Elizabeth’s character was great in this book. I really loved her strength and her resilience in being able to rise above a more than difficult situation and be stronger for it in the end without it robbing her of her wit and kindness. I would have enjoyed more learning more about her struggles and victories that all the mundane day to day filler. Darcy was a little less recognizable. I had a hard time buying into his willingness to take an active role in such a deceptive plan. I think his initial suspicions and desire to uncover the truth were very true to his character, but the way he agreed to go about it wasn’t very plausible, but I went with it because it was necessary for the plot to progress. I also found the timing and circumstances in which Darcy made his pitiful proposal to be off. Darcy had already been rightfully humiliated due to his behavior and his role in the deception and he supposedly felt terrible for the pain he caused and felt how much he erred, so for him in the very next moment to propose at all, let alone in such an insulting way seems more in line with a Mr. Collins move than a Darcy move. The circumstances were so different that the canon Hunsford proposal just doesn’t work here.
In the Bennet family, it was nice to see the Wickham situation handled differently. I liked that difference, but I did feel that Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth were a bit daft not to recognize that possibility that Wickham would target another Bennet sister when he failed with Elizabeth to still get his hands on the prize and Mrs. Bennet seemed unusually ignorant in this story and I did not understand some of her actions. I would have liked to have had Jane play a bigger role. Charlotte was great and very true to her rational character.
Overall, I thought there was a lot of great things in this book and while I liked it and feel the writing and the execution were above average, I still can’t say that I loved it. My biggest reason is it just felt way too long and dragged out. There were moments of excitement and engagement peppered in between long sections of rather tedious and boring insignificant nothings. IMO, this is a good book that could be great if the content was significantly reduced.
October 14, 2021
5+⭐️
May I thank Ms Winter for penning such a wonderful, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable book?!
Devilishly entertaining,this was one of the best I’ve ever read and highly recommend it all book lovers.
May I thank Ms Winter for penning such a wonderful, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable book?!
Devilishly entertaining,this was one of the best I’ve ever read and highly recommend it all book lovers.
March 18, 2025
May include Spoiler!!
After my third reread, more things caught my attention and I reduced 1 Star. From 5 Stars to 4 Stars.
It still is one of my favorites though.
Firstly, our heroine Elizabeth Grayson née Bennet is a very young childless widow, without giving any spoilers her marriage wasn't a happy one at all. Her husband James Grayson was abusive towards her throughout their marriage. And after his death she became the new owner of Netherfield Park, instead of living at Netherfield Park herself she's leasing the estate and that takes us to Mr Bingley.
One would think after her abusive husband died, she would finally be free forever of that family but that only lasts until Mr Darcy comes with Elizabeth's brother-in-law Matthew Grayson, they shake up her peace again. I loved though how the whole town is protective of her.
Readers, let me tell you this Elizabeth was so amazing! So much more confident, and clever, smart. Even if I was annoyed with her in one instance.
She has a lot of business with Mr Philipps, her uncle the attorney. She knows that leasing contracts are already thorough and binding once signed. She's leasing Netherfield for 5 years now. She knows James's Will, and should know a Will is not so easily set aside when she herself also has one. Then there's Wickham, coming with his tale of lies and with the tale of the Will. She believed this instantly. Hello, Legal matters Elizabeth, you're already familiar with it but yeah believing him with the Will thing. That just didn't make sense.
Two other things I did not particularly liked. First, the Lydia and Wickham elopement happens in this book too. In my opinion it dragged a bit and I don't get why some authors make Darcy pay for Wickham's comfort even after he is dealt with.
Second, the ending was a little abrupt I think. I personally would have wished for an epilogue. Especially because Elizabeth always said she will never remarry, but in the end gladly accepted Darcy. Is she finally happy in a marriage? Does she have a child? What of Elizabeth's very loyal staff?
Dear Readers, keep tissues at hand if you're emotional. It is such a good book and so well written.
I do recommend Mistress of Netherfield.
- Mature Content (Abusive First husband NOT Darcy, when it is explained what happened in their marriage)
- 437 pages on my Kindle
- Not much of Angst, rather a bit Anxiety
Edit:
I first said the Wickham and Lydia debacle dragged a bit, it dragged for over 30 % so much so that I started to skim the pages. Don't get me wrong, it was important for ODC but it could have been resolved more quickly.
With the ending, I don't like it. Especially with a book such as this where Elizabeth was miserable in her first marriage, mourned a child and all. I really would have like to know how she's faring now, and how Darcy and Elizabeth did this with Netherfield because she is so set on never selling or giving it away.
After my third reread, more things caught my attention and I reduced 1 Star. From 5 Stars to 4 Stars.
It still is one of my favorites though.
Firstly, our heroine Elizabeth Grayson née Bennet is a very young childless widow, without giving any spoilers her marriage wasn't a happy one at all. Her husband James Grayson was abusive towards her throughout their marriage. And after his death she became the new owner of Netherfield Park, instead of living at Netherfield Park herself she's leasing the estate and that takes us to Mr Bingley.
One would think after her abusive husband died, she would finally be free forever of that family but that only lasts until Mr Darcy comes with Elizabeth's brother-in-law Matthew Grayson, they shake up her peace again. I loved though how the whole town is protective of her.
Readers, let me tell you this Elizabeth was so amazing! So much more confident, and clever, smart. Even if I was annoyed with her in one instance.
She has a lot of business with Mr Philipps, her uncle the attorney. She knows that leasing contracts are already thorough and binding once signed. She's leasing Netherfield for 5 years now. She knows James's Will, and should know a Will is not so easily set aside when she herself also has one. Then there's Wickham, coming with his tale of lies and with the tale of the Will. She believed this instantly. Hello, Legal matters Elizabeth, you're already familiar with it but yeah believing him with the Will thing. That just didn't make sense.
Two other things I did not particularly liked. First, the Lydia and Wickham elopement happens in this book too. In my opinion it dragged a bit and I don't get why some authors make Darcy pay for Wickham's comfort even after he is dealt with.
Second, the ending was a little abrupt I think. I personally would have wished for an epilogue. Especially because Elizabeth always said she will never remarry, but in the end gladly accepted Darcy. Is she finally happy in a marriage? Does she have a child? What of Elizabeth's very loyal staff?
Dear Readers, keep tissues at hand if you're emotional. It is such a good book and so well written.
I do recommend Mistress of Netherfield.
- Mature Content (Abusive First husband NOT Darcy, when it is explained what happened in their marriage)
- 437 pages on my Kindle
- Not much of Angst, rather a bit Anxiety
Edit:
I first said the Wickham and Lydia debacle dragged a bit, it dragged for over 30 % so much so that I started to skim the pages. Don't get me wrong, it was important for ODC but it could have been resolved more quickly.
With the ending, I don't like it. Especially with a book such as this where Elizabeth was miserable in her first marriage, mourned a child and all. I really would have like to know how she's faring now, and how Darcy and Elizabeth did this with Netherfield because she is so set on never selling or giving it away.
July 1, 2021
Fantastic
Beautifully written variation.
An unwanted marriage , caused by a brutal and compromising encounter at an assembly, ends violently. Elizabeth survives, bent but not broken.
The story picks up 4 years later when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Domestic violence, drug use, mental illness are all woven into the tale, resulting in a compelling and satisfying read. Highly recommended.
Beautifully written variation.
An unwanted marriage , caused by a brutal and compromising encounter at an assembly, ends violently. Elizabeth survives, bent but not broken.
The story picks up 4 years later when Netherfield Park is let at last.
Domestic violence, drug use, mental illness are all woven into the tale, resulting in a compelling and satisfying read. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2023
This story blew my mind! The characters, their depth and emotions, their interactions and thoughts, everything was beautifully written. The angst was so well written that it'll resonate in your mind while you read through it and even after that (keep a tissue box right next to you). I really wish there was an additional chapter for Darcy and Elizabeth so that we can read about Elizabeth getting the happiness that she deserves.
December 8, 2021
It was a good read. I enjoyed it but it dragged for a long time.
Reread: I liked it better the second time.
Reread: I liked it better the second time.
June 2, 2025
what a great variation, not the same old plot, but am interesting new one. I only wish it was on audio
October 4, 2021
I confess, I read a lot of JAFF because I enjoy the genre. I'm one of those people who could cheerfully read dozens of variations of Pride and Prejudice because the framework we're given for the original characters is so delightful. A skilled author can make us see other outcomes, other scenarios, however. If a different course is taken--a letter that goes astray, a missed mail coach perhaps, or simply a night at a ball gone wrong--then the outcome as we know and love it can take unexpected twists and turns.
That said, I do believe that Mistress of Netherfield is one of the best JAFF I've read in a very long time, perhaps the best ever! I love the depth Winters gives to the characters, for example, allowing us to see Darcy through his own POV in a way that makes him all the more understandable and relatable than even the original P&P did. Also, because this story follows a different course from the original, it is completely understandable that events in her life have shaped *this* Elizabeth in ways unforeseen.
The writing is lush with authentic detail and description. The character interactions leap off the page. While some might feel the ending is open to interpretation, I think it is the perfect ending for the Elizabeth forged out of the events of this story, and the man Darcy wishes to be with her. There is no doubt in my mind this *is* a HEA because of the respect Darcy shows her in allowing her to choose, given the lack of choice and the consequences she's faced in the past.
Julia Winter was born to write JAFF. I can't wait until the next story.
That said, I do believe that Mistress of Netherfield is one of the best JAFF I've read in a very long time, perhaps the best ever! I love the depth Winters gives to the characters, for example, allowing us to see Darcy through his own POV in a way that makes him all the more understandable and relatable than even the original P&P did. Also, because this story follows a different course from the original, it is completely understandable that events in her life have shaped *this* Elizabeth in ways unforeseen.
The writing is lush with authentic detail and description. The character interactions leap off the page. While some might feel the ending is open to interpretation, I think it is the perfect ending for the Elizabeth forged out of the events of this story, and the man Darcy wishes to be with her. There is no doubt in my mind this *is* a HEA because of the respect Darcy shows her in allowing her to choose, given the lack of choice and the consequences she's faced in the past.
Julia Winter was born to write JAFF. I can't wait until the next story.
January 3, 2024
This is a well written story that follows the original plot with one main variation - Elizabeth owns Netherfield due to a previous marriage. It's an engaging read, but I would wish for more on the page romance between odc.
February 17, 2023
Good story
I liked Lizzy in this story. Glad the Lydia and Wickham story was different. Liked the transformation of Darcy in this story. Wished for an epilogue!
I liked Lizzy in this story. Glad the Lydia and Wickham story was different. Liked the transformation of Darcy in this story. Wished for an epilogue!
January 21, 2024
This is complex P&P variation. I enjoyed it a great deal.
July 9, 2021
Should be 4 1/2 stars
The book starts with Mr. Darcy being pulled into a scheme to find out what happened to cause the death of a school friend by his younger brother and is not told the real reason for the inquiry. Along the way we discover the truth of how Elizabeth became mistress of Netherfield. The mystery of it all was well told and the aftermath changed Mr. Darcy and others.
The story kept me up all night reading wanting to find out what happened. Thank goodness for coffee to keep me going.
I’ll start by saying Mrs. Bennet is NOT my favorite character and I get upset when she does not get her due for all the pain and drama she caused to her daughters. Mr. Bennet although supporting of Elizabeth really does a horrible job as a father with his penchant for always mocking his family and friends. Jane’s character is beyond the pleasant and usual. Jane seemed too pleasing to everyone especially her mother and younger sisters. If my sister experienced what Elizabeth had, I would be furious …not accepting of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s actions. Yes , I did find some aspects very upsetting to me but that just makes the book that much more interesting.
The book starts with Mr. Darcy being pulled into a scheme to find out what happened to cause the death of a school friend by his younger brother and is not told the real reason for the inquiry. Along the way we discover the truth of how Elizabeth became mistress of Netherfield. The mystery of it all was well told and the aftermath changed Mr. Darcy and others.
The story kept me up all night reading wanting to find out what happened. Thank goodness for coffee to keep me going.
I’ll start by saying Mrs. Bennet is NOT my favorite character and I get upset when she does not get her due for all the pain and drama she caused to her daughters. Mr. Bennet although supporting of Elizabeth really does a horrible job as a father with his penchant for always mocking his family and friends. Jane’s character is beyond the pleasant and usual. Jane seemed too pleasing to everyone especially her mother and younger sisters. If my sister experienced what Elizabeth had, I would be furious …not accepting of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s actions. Yes , I did find some aspects very upsetting to me but that just makes the book that much more interesting.
August 18, 2021
4.5* A very good idea and a great execution! I enjoyed this book. Beautiful, clever and witty dialogues, recognizable characters, logical and reasonable development of events (mostly). This is not an easy, funny and superficial reading, but also not heavy and depressing. The author successfully balances between these extremes. Will I read this novel a second time? I don't know. For all its merits, I didn't have enough depth of feelings and emotions that would make me want to return to this story again.
Read
June 22, 2021review to come
Read
March 22, 2024Great start, clever plot.
However I gave up at 22% when it became too wordy, too full of unnecessary details. I also found that the characters were not subtle enough. They were either good or bad, that’s all.
A pity. Good potential, though.
However I gave up at 22% when it became too wordy, too full of unnecessary details. I also found that the characters were not subtle enough. They were either good or bad, that’s all.
A pity. Good potential, though.
November 6, 2023
3&1/2 stars rounded to 4. The writing on this is excellent. We follow canon(ish) until about the halfway mark. But at about 85% I found myself bored and anxious to finish. To be honest, I skimmed the last 5%
July 6, 2021
Brava!
I sincerely hope that this author continues to create wonderful works such as Mistress of Netherfield. Elizabeth Bennett is forced into an abusive marriage at age sixteen, and widowed six months later. She inherits Netherfield Park from her late husband, as well as the dower house, Nether House, where she lives while leasing the main residence. The Bingleys arrive, along with a brother of Elizabeth's late husband masquerading as Darcy's personal secretary. This brother is trying to discover if the widow had something to do with his late brother's death, and he's a sinister presence.
This story isn't for the faint of heart. Some details of the abuse endured by Elizabeth are eventually disclosed, and while highly disturbing, it's handled well and isn't needlessly gory. It is, however, highly affecting, and should be warned about. This is an Elizabeth that you'll admire for her strength, and want to give a hug to, because you can see as you read the story that she's headed for further difficulties at the hands of none other than Mr Darcy.
This writer is superb, and she creates such beautiful prose. What a pleasure to read a truly good book, with an interesting premise, infused with gentle humor, and absolutely absorbing. All the usual villains are included, with the surprise addition of Mr Darcy and his pretend secretary. It's a pretty gut wrenching road to HEA for ODC. The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming, horrifying and romantic, suspenseful and exciting.
I almost deducted a star for three reasons. One: no epilogue. It needed one. Two: Mr Darcy's shocking agreement to participate in a deception - just not at all like him. Three: I didn't want the book to end. However, given the quality of the book, and how much enjoyment it gave, it's definitely worthy of five stars. It's well written, well edited, and is an uplifting story. I recommend it highly.
I sincerely hope that this author continues to create wonderful works such as Mistress of Netherfield. Elizabeth Bennett is forced into an abusive marriage at age sixteen, and widowed six months later. She inherits Netherfield Park from her late husband, as well as the dower house, Nether House, where she lives while leasing the main residence. The Bingleys arrive, along with a brother of Elizabeth's late husband masquerading as Darcy's personal secretary. This brother is trying to discover if the widow had something to do with his late brother's death, and he's a sinister presence.
This story isn't for the faint of heart. Some details of the abuse endured by Elizabeth are eventually disclosed, and while highly disturbing, it's handled well and isn't needlessly gory. It is, however, highly affecting, and should be warned about. This is an Elizabeth that you'll admire for her strength, and want to give a hug to, because you can see as you read the story that she's headed for further difficulties at the hands of none other than Mr Darcy.
This writer is superb, and she creates such beautiful prose. What a pleasure to read a truly good book, with an interesting premise, infused with gentle humor, and absolutely absorbing. All the usual villains are included, with the surprise addition of Mr Darcy and his pretend secretary. It's a pretty gut wrenching road to HEA for ODC. The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming, horrifying and romantic, suspenseful and exciting.
I almost deducted a star for three reasons. One: no epilogue. It needed one. Two: Mr Darcy's shocking agreement to participate in a deception - just not at all like him. Three: I didn't want the book to end. However, given the quality of the book, and how much enjoyment it gave, it's definitely worthy of five stars. It's well written, well edited, and is an uplifting story. I recommend it highly.
July 13, 2021
This is a novel I won't forget, which is half the battle among so many good yet easily forgettable novels these days. Its biggest problem was that it dragged out with too much canon interspersed in the original material as if the author didn't trust that the reader remembered the original, or alternatively, had a desire to rewrite Austen in her own words, or copy canon right into her book. Well, as good as her paraphrasing turned out to be, Austen's version is still better, and I say leave canon be and write your own book, merely touching on canon. You'll keep up reader interest better. Up to 50% of this book should have been summarized rather than rehashed.
You won't get a summary of the book in my review, rather, a summary of the pros and cons of the technical issues that made or broke the novel.
I feel that the most important part of any book is its opening line. It must be crisp, unique, catchy, and make the reader want more. What it should not be is a paraphrase of "truth universally acknowledged..." Lame. Just a warning to the reader that the author plans to rehash lots of the book, I guess.
There was a good use of language in this book, with good grammar, though there was some use of passive voice. The author must have read a lot of Georgette Heyer or some such novel to catch all those slang phrases. In some sections, however, it was too much. It was sentence after sentence of Regency Buck. The only real cliche was "Jane is serene."
I filed this under "get an editor," and its sheer length made for that issue to be more noticeable. Non-Regency words and phrases that were misused included staff, decor, parure, roiling, rifle (as in rifle through something), decolletage, scrunching, taken aback, snort/snorting, "wanted some distance," "downed his coffee," and of course, the perpetually misused compromise. Authors, I don't know who made up the trope that it meant forced marriage, but in the Regency, it meant the same as it does today. Quit copying this misuse of a word! The author also used "I will" for "I shall,"and "we will" for "we shall" frequently, and in one case, "I would" for "I should." And why would she say "patent oil?" Surely this is not Regency.
The author had words she really liked to use. An editor would have said "That word is unusual. Only use it once in your book." Examples are cavil, used 5 times (4 of them in the first 6% of the book!), anathema, credulous, fulsome, and the big winner, sardonic, was used 10 times! Yet there were words that should not have been used at all because they were too complex and could not be discerned from the context of the sentence: embrasure (used twice: could she not have just said window frame?), surcease (also used twice), bellicose, fulminating, abase, truculence, obdurate, traduce, djinn (I get a spelling error, this one's so obtuse), and trenchant were ones for me, and I tend to use big words in my writing, so I allow for quite a few that others may have also said are too difficult.
Punctuation misses were noted more than usual for a JAFF: missing periods, commas, and extra commas. There was a missing "the." The author has sentence fragments where she should have combined two sentences.
I have some quibbles with issues within the book. Routs would not be the sort of thing ladies in Meryton would go to if I understand them correctly. Port is a fermented beverage to start with, so to say it tastes "fermented and spoiled" to express it as a bad taste is just wrong. Lunch or nuncheon was a rarity in the Regency and is a Victorian thing. When someone meanders as they walk, you'd expect them to be drunk. In Elizabeth's discussion with Wickham, he says "proud" where in canon, she brings it up first. And as said before, repeats, particularly that of "the letter."
The author otherwise has done excellent work in terms of Regency research and incorporating a Regency feel to the story.
In terms of the original work, the premise was excellent, and those sections that represented it were also. This is why I won't forget this book. The author's twists to contrive certain happenings that would be spoilers were done beautifully and can not be questioned. The romance is developed slowly and naturally so it's believable, unlike so many stories in JAFF these days that just rush it as if it's expected. The final proposal is lovely even if it's too long and has too much canon in it.
Characterizations were excellent, including the new characters. They were consistent and came to life in this story.
I have mixed emotions over the cover. It's unique, works well for the story, the art work is lovely, and the layout is good to my untrained eye, but it just doesn't pop enough for my tastes. I don't think it would help someone want to buy the book over other books.
Overall I recommend this book with the warning that you have to wade through lots of rehash of canon to get to the good stuff.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author and some might suggest that my review is a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of readers and authors.
You won't get a summary of the book in my review, rather, a summary of the pros and cons of the technical issues that made or broke the novel.
I feel that the most important part of any book is its opening line. It must be crisp, unique, catchy, and make the reader want more. What it should not be is a paraphrase of "truth universally acknowledged..." Lame. Just a warning to the reader that the author plans to rehash lots of the book, I guess.
There was a good use of language in this book, with good grammar, though there was some use of passive voice. The author must have read a lot of Georgette Heyer or some such novel to catch all those slang phrases. In some sections, however, it was too much. It was sentence after sentence of Regency Buck. The only real cliche was "Jane is serene."
I filed this under "get an editor," and its sheer length made for that issue to be more noticeable. Non-Regency words and phrases that were misused included staff, decor, parure, roiling, rifle (as in rifle through something), decolletage, scrunching, taken aback, snort/snorting, "wanted some distance," "downed his coffee," and of course, the perpetually misused compromise. Authors, I don't know who made up the trope that it meant forced marriage, but in the Regency, it meant the same as it does today. Quit copying this misuse of a word! The author also used "I will" for "I shall,"and "we will" for "we shall" frequently, and in one case, "I would" for "I should." And why would she say "patent oil?" Surely this is not Regency.
The author had words she really liked to use. An editor would have said "That word is unusual. Only use it once in your book." Examples are cavil, used 5 times (4 of them in the first 6% of the book!), anathema, credulous, fulsome, and the big winner, sardonic, was used 10 times! Yet there were words that should not have been used at all because they were too complex and could not be discerned from the context of the sentence: embrasure (used twice: could she not have just said window frame?), surcease (also used twice), bellicose, fulminating, abase, truculence, obdurate, traduce, djinn (I get a spelling error, this one's so obtuse), and trenchant were ones for me, and I tend to use big words in my writing, so I allow for quite a few that others may have also said are too difficult.
Punctuation misses were noted more than usual for a JAFF: missing periods, commas, and extra commas. There was a missing "the." The author has sentence fragments where she should have combined two sentences.
I have some quibbles with issues within the book. Routs would not be the sort of thing ladies in Meryton would go to if I understand them correctly. Port is a fermented beverage to start with, so to say it tastes "fermented and spoiled" to express it as a bad taste is just wrong. Lunch or nuncheon was a rarity in the Regency and is a Victorian thing. When someone meanders as they walk, you'd expect them to be drunk. In Elizabeth's discussion with Wickham, he says "proud" where in canon, she brings it up first. And as said before, repeats, particularly that of "the letter."
The author otherwise has done excellent work in terms of Regency research and incorporating a Regency feel to the story.
In terms of the original work, the premise was excellent, and those sections that represented it were also. This is why I won't forget this book. The author's twists to contrive certain happenings that would be spoilers were done beautifully and can not be questioned. The romance is developed slowly and naturally so it's believable, unlike so many stories in JAFF these days that just rush it as if it's expected. The final proposal is lovely even if it's too long and has too much canon in it.
Characterizations were excellent, including the new characters. They were consistent and came to life in this story.
I have mixed emotions over the cover. It's unique, works well for the story, the art work is lovely, and the layout is good to my untrained eye, but it just doesn't pop enough for my tastes. I don't think it would help someone want to buy the book over other books.
Overall I recommend this book with the warning that you have to wade through lots of rehash of canon to get to the good stuff.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author and some might suggest that my review is a conflict of interest, however, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of readers and authors.
July 9, 2021
I would follow this author anywhere!
This is the best JAFF I’ve read in months. I would award six stars if I could!
I loved everything about this book. The plot is gripping and realistic, but the characters make this book shine. I love seeing Mr and Mrs Hurst depicted with such depth, since they usually blend into the wallpaper. Ms Winter has written a flawless Mr Collins; it’s very hard to capture him in all his obsequiousness, but she did it with ease.
Elizabeth is magnificent. Her verbal acumen is a thing of beauty, whether displayed in her conversations with Darcy or her setdowns of Miss Bingley. She is perhaps one of my favorite Elizabeths in all of JAFF.
The only quibble I have is with Sir William Lucas. The entire community has rallied around Elizabeth in the past four years, giving very little away to those who pry. She and Sir William Lucas, in particular, have a mutual admiration society because of his protection of her good name. It’s a little incongruous, then, that his gossip drives the last 5% of the book.
I am so glad I read this book, and so glad I get to reread it!
This is the best JAFF I’ve read in months. I would award six stars if I could!
I loved everything about this book. The plot is gripping and realistic, but the characters make this book shine. I love seeing Mr and Mrs Hurst depicted with such depth, since they usually blend into the wallpaper. Ms Winter has written a flawless Mr Collins; it’s very hard to capture him in all his obsequiousness, but she did it with ease.
Elizabeth is magnificent. Her verbal acumen is a thing of beauty, whether displayed in her conversations with Darcy or her setdowns of Miss Bingley. She is perhaps one of my favorite Elizabeths in all of JAFF.
The only quibble I have is with Sir William Lucas. The entire community has rallied around Elizabeth in the past four years, giving very little away to those who pry. She and Sir William Lucas, in particular, have a mutual admiration society because of his protection of her good name. It’s a little incongruous, then, that his gossip drives the last 5% of the book.
I am so glad I read this book, and so glad I get to reread it!
May 5, 2022
Absolutely one of the best stories I've ever read! Plenty of "angst"; but it's for a reason, to tell Lizzie's tale, of an awful marriage, that left her stronger, wealthier, but wounded, also. But Lizzie's courage always rises with any intimidation, so she kept on, and made her life better. And now, The Netherfield Party arrives! Along with them, her brother in law, pretending to be Darcy's secretary (with Darcy's agreement, no less!) To see if it was really just an accident that took his brothers life! Things start to shift in a different direction in Lizzie's careful world! Oh, and Mr Collins and Wickham in the mix! We can't leave them out!
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