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Epiphany
“Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumour that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.”
HAVING RETURNED TO LONDON, in December 1811, Mr Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
ELIZABETH BENNET FINDS HERSELF INTRIGUED by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr Darcy? She soon comes to realise, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement—and indeed of Mr Darcy himself—is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
HAVING RETURNED TO LONDON, in December 1811, Mr Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
ELIZABETH BENNET FINDS HERSELF INTRIGUED by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr Darcy? She soon comes to realise, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement—and indeed of Mr Darcy himself—is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2022
112 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Jessie Lewis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 20, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have loved every one of this author's stories, rating them all as 5 stars in my reviews. I highly recommend all of them to lovers of JAFF.
Anne de Bourgh plays a major role in this story. Her mama is off...tending a dying friend and, so, when Anne receives a letter for her cousin, Georgiana, who is passing on descriptions of a young lady her brother met while in Hertfordshire, Anne decides to descend upon that populace and sets things straight. The letter hints at this being more that just a casual friendship. As others have said in their reviews, we find that when on her own, Anne reflects the role model (or is it genetics?) her mother has set for her when dealing with those around her.
Darcy (who is attempting to "protect" Georgiana after the Ramsgate debacle) now finds he must take up the mantle for his cousin and get Anne "outta Dodge" when he learns that Wickham has taken notice of her as an heiress. In this story Darcy is much more entrenched in wanting to stay away from Elizabeth, hoping that with distance the attraction will die.
When Darcy does "rescue" Anne he also has some discussions with her about the "engagement" Lady C. has harped on all these years and about how each of them really feels...the first time for an open and honest talk.
Then Anne decides to return Hertfordshire, Darcy also goes back, and although the purpose is that Elizabeth will learn the truth about the relationship between those two cousins, she continues to believe that they are engaged and takes the position that she would never cause Darcy (or any man) to jilt the woman he is engaged to.
Loved the conversations Darcy carries on in his head and then as he romances Elizabeth telling her how much she has changed his outlook, his future, etc. Swoon worthy!
I have loved every one of this author's stories, rating them all as 5 stars in my reviews. I highly recommend all of them to lovers of JAFF.
Anne de Bourgh plays a major role in this story. Her mama is off...tending a dying friend and, so, when Anne receives a letter for her cousin, Georgiana, who is passing on descriptions of a young lady her brother met while in Hertfordshire, Anne decides to descend upon that populace and sets things straight. The letter hints at this being more that just a casual friendship. As others have said in their reviews, we find that when on her own, Anne reflects the role model (or is it genetics?) her mother has set for her when dealing with those around her.
Darcy (who is attempting to "protect" Georgiana after the Ramsgate debacle) now finds he must take up the mantle for his cousin and get Anne "outta Dodge" when he learns that Wickham has taken notice of her as an heiress. In this story Darcy is much more entrenched in wanting to stay away from Elizabeth, hoping that with distance the attraction will die.
When Darcy does "rescue" Anne he also has some discussions with her about the "engagement" Lady C. has harped on all these years and about how each of them really feels...the first time for an open and honest talk.
Then Anne decides to return Hertfordshire, Darcy also goes back, and although the purpose is that Elizabeth will learn the truth about the relationship between those two cousins, she continues to believe that they are engaged and takes the position that she would never cause Darcy (or any man) to jilt the woman he is engaged to.
Loved the conversations Darcy carries on in his head and then as he romances Elizabeth telling her how much she has changed his outlook, his future, etc. Swoon worthy!
October 21, 2022
This felt to me like a play in 2 acts.
The first half was strong in female characters and interactions. We get to know Elizabeth, Charlotte and Anne de Burgh through their actions and conversations. Even Georgiana has her input when we get a few scenes from London.
At the same time, Darcy is an angry man. Lashing out, impatient and fighting his attraction for Elizabeth with all his being. To such an extent that you get the impression he hates himself and her, for being so weak.
(I had a hard time with this until it gets clarified later in the story.)
Wickham, his usual charming self, tries his moves on Anne and by doing so raises Elizabeth's suspicions. Which leads to her maybe being less resentful towards Darcy.
Anne shoves herself in to the Hertfordshire society with the Lucases and Bennets. She is rude and manipulative. When Darcy hears Wickham is spending time with Anne, he rushes to remove her to London.
Things don't go according to plan, for anyone.
Which brings us to the second half when things start to turn around and resolve. 2 HEA are revealed in a charming ending.
There some amazing and funny zingers slung throughout the whole book. I liked the writing so much and found it flowed seemlessly, there was no way to stop and take a break.
No big bads, just a couple of minor temper tantrums. Angst level was low.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first half was strong in female characters and interactions. We get to know Elizabeth, Charlotte and Anne de Burgh through their actions and conversations. Even Georgiana has her input when we get a few scenes from London.
At the same time, Darcy is an angry man. Lashing out, impatient and fighting his attraction for Elizabeth with all his being. To such an extent that you get the impression he hates himself and her, for being so weak.
(I had a hard time with this until it gets clarified later in the story.)
Wickham, his usual charming self, tries his moves on Anne and by doing so raises Elizabeth's suspicions. Which leads to her maybe being less resentful towards Darcy.
Anne shoves herself in to the Hertfordshire society with the Lucases and Bennets. She is rude and manipulative. When Darcy hears Wickham is spending time with Anne, he rushes to remove her to London.
Things don't go according to plan, for anyone.
Which brings us to the second half when things start to turn around and resolve. 2 HEA are revealed in a charming ending.
There some amazing and funny zingers slung throughout the whole book. I liked the writing so much and found it flowed seemlessly, there was no way to stop and take a break.
No big bads, just a couple of minor temper tantrums. Angst level was low.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2022
“There are certain pivotal moments in life when clarity replaces its opposite in the blink of an eye.” –Sol Luckman, Cali the Destroyer
Rating: PG-17: language: mild cursing nothing graphic or salacious. There were several swoon-worthy moments with ODC. I may have grabbed my fan a time or two. Angst Level: medium due to not knowing what the heck was going on. Also, there was a laugh factor to consider. Half the time, I didn’t know whether to wince or laugh. Poor Darcy was having a terrible time. Oh-My-Goodness. Bless his heart. I couldn’t say that at first, because he was horrid. What a putz. Source: I received an ARC via Booksprout [11-24-21]. The views and opinions are my own.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“The thing about changing the world… Once you do it, the world’s all different.” –Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home
Oh, Georgiana! What on earth did you write in your letter to your cousin in Kent? Something put a bee in Anne de Bourgh’s bonnet for sure. After declaring ‘this was not to be borne!’ she sallied forth to slay the dragon that was in the way of plans that had been in place since her birth.
“There’s nothing better when something comes and hits you and you think ‘YES’!” –J.K. Rowling
Jessie Lewis is a genius. What a fun variation on our D&E love story. This was such a creative twist to a storyline where we have very little dealings with Lady Catherine. That was refreshing… I think. I really liked how the author let her presence be felt in other ways throughout the story. It’s like the old saying about the acorn not falling far from the tree. Well, let’s just say our little Anne de Bourgh was the epitome of her mother… in high dungeon… if you can imagine. OMG! I laughed so many times as poor Anne emulated her mother to a tee. Those in the firing line were poor Darcy, Georgiana, and an unsuspecting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And let’s not forget any hapless person that resided in Hertfordshire, Meryton, Lucas Lodge, and especially those at Longbourn. Poor Lady Lucas had her hands full with her daughter’s future… patroness’ daughter. Oh-my-goodness, what fun. And what was up with Wickham? That SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] had to stick his nose in where it didn’t belong. Will he ever learn?
I highly recommend this for a fun read with a very different side to our Miss Anne de Bourgh.
Rating: PG-17: language: mild cursing nothing graphic or salacious. There were several swoon-worthy moments with ODC. I may have grabbed my fan a time or two. Angst Level: medium due to not knowing what the heck was going on. Also, there was a laugh factor to consider. Half the time, I didn’t know whether to wince or laugh. Poor Darcy was having a terrible time. Oh-My-Goodness. Bless his heart. I couldn’t say that at first, because he was horrid. What a putz. Source: I received an ARC via Booksprout [11-24-21]. The views and opinions are my own.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“The thing about changing the world… Once you do it, the world’s all different.” –Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home
Oh, Georgiana! What on earth did you write in your letter to your cousin in Kent? Something put a bee in Anne de Bourgh’s bonnet for sure. After declaring ‘this was not to be borne!’ she sallied forth to slay the dragon that was in the way of plans that had been in place since her birth.
“There’s nothing better when something comes and hits you and you think ‘YES’!” –J.K. Rowling
Jessie Lewis is a genius. What a fun variation on our D&E love story. This was such a creative twist to a storyline where we have very little dealings with Lady Catherine. That was refreshing… I think. I really liked how the author let her presence be felt in other ways throughout the story. It’s like the old saying about the acorn not falling far from the tree. Well, let’s just say our little Anne de Bourgh was the epitome of her mother… in high dungeon… if you can imagine. OMG! I laughed so many times as poor Anne emulated her mother to a tee. Those in the firing line were poor Darcy, Georgiana, and an unsuspecting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And let’s not forget any hapless person that resided in Hertfordshire, Meryton, Lucas Lodge, and especially those at Longbourn. Poor Lady Lucas had her hands full with her daughter’s future… patroness’ daughter. Oh-my-goodness, what fun. And what was up with Wickham? That SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] had to stick his nose in where it didn’t belong. Will he ever learn?
I highly recommend this for a fun read with a very different side to our Miss Anne de Bourgh.
July 11, 2025
Many of us go through life feeling as an actor might feel who does not like his part, and does not believe in the play. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
Imagine if you will: a world where Anne de Bourgh has a personality! Unfortunately, the personality is her mother’s.
Sometimes apples fall directly under trees.
As the book begins we find Fitzwilliam Darcy is angry.
Quote from the book: … his hapless sister had somehow begun a rumour that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance, but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts at any point in the eight weeks, two days, and twelve hours since he first met her, who had bewitched him to the point that he knew not where his memories of her ceased and his dreams of her began.
Now Anne de Bourgh knows the rumor and is determined to deal with the upstart Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Catherine is visiting a friend, so Anne corrals Mr. Collins to accompany her to Meryton.
Quote from the book: Kitty said quickly ... “Apparently, Miss de Bourgh insisted they stay with his new family. Sir William is well-nigh bursting with pride to have such a distinguished guest.”
“And Lady Lucas is furious, for Miss de Bourgh sent no word of her visit,” Lydia added.
When Darcy learns that Anne is enjoying a certain flirtation, he knows he must return to Meryton, despite his vow to never see Elizabeth Bennet again. His efforts to return Anne to Rosings or London are met with resistance.
There are some mortals who are never happy save when they have some hurt feelings to enjoy. ~ Author unknown
According to the author’s own message, Jessie Lewis enjoys words far too much for her own good. Fortunately, she has found an outlet for all those words. I would not classify this book as a comedy but it is filled with chortle opportunities. A few of my favorites:
“I imagine she is too frail to walk such a distance. Wait until you can see her closely. She looks as though she would snap in a sharp breeze,” Lydia opined.
“Would, then, that she had stayed at home out of the wind,” said Mrs. Bennet, turning away from the window to sit defiantly in her chair.
Elizabeth suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “I shall be terribly disappointed if what you say next does not have all the éclat of a proverb, sir.”
“Mrs. Bennet, you are a true wonder. How you managed to construe that hint as meant for you, I do not know,” said Miss de Bourgh.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Bennet replied, puffing up with pride.
I always enjoy a good Caroline Bingley set-down and Anne de Bourgh is a natural at that craft:
“… What must that have been like? I dread to think!”
“That explains why you do it so infrequently.”
“… such an approach would not suit my brother,” Miss Bingley said. “He is naturally more modest. The sort of person for whom something as momentous as securing a partner should never be hastily undertaken.”
“Well, he can certainly learn from your example there,” Anne snapped.
Lots of Fun and some Games and nobody gets hurt! Oh, and a shout-out to the cover designer! Love it!
Comfort, or revelation: God owes us one of these, but surely not both. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Imagine if you will: a world where Anne de Bourgh has a personality! Unfortunately, the personality is her mother’s.
Sometimes apples fall directly under trees.
As the book begins we find Fitzwilliam Darcy is angry.
Quote from the book: … his hapless sister had somehow begun a rumour that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance, but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts at any point in the eight weeks, two days, and twelve hours since he first met her, who had bewitched him to the point that he knew not where his memories of her ceased and his dreams of her began.
Now Anne de Bourgh knows the rumor and is determined to deal with the upstart Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Catherine is visiting a friend, so Anne corrals Mr. Collins to accompany her to Meryton.
Quote from the book: Kitty said quickly ... “Apparently, Miss de Bourgh insisted they stay with his new family. Sir William is well-nigh bursting with pride to have such a distinguished guest.”
“And Lady Lucas is furious, for Miss de Bourgh sent no word of her visit,” Lydia added.
When Darcy learns that Anne is enjoying a certain flirtation, he knows he must return to Meryton, despite his vow to never see Elizabeth Bennet again. His efforts to return Anne to Rosings or London are met with resistance.
There are some mortals who are never happy save when they have some hurt feelings to enjoy. ~ Author unknown
According to the author’s own message, Jessie Lewis enjoys words far too much for her own good. Fortunately, she has found an outlet for all those words. I would not classify this book as a comedy but it is filled with chortle opportunities. A few of my favorites:
“I imagine she is too frail to walk such a distance. Wait until you can see her closely. She looks as though she would snap in a sharp breeze,” Lydia opined.
“Would, then, that she had stayed at home out of the wind,” said Mrs. Bennet, turning away from the window to sit defiantly in her chair.
Elizabeth suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “I shall be terribly disappointed if what you say next does not have all the éclat of a proverb, sir.”
“Mrs. Bennet, you are a true wonder. How you managed to construe that hint as meant for you, I do not know,” said Miss de Bourgh.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Bennet replied, puffing up with pride.
I always enjoy a good Caroline Bingley set-down and Anne de Bourgh is a natural at that craft:
“… What must that have been like? I dread to think!”
“That explains why you do it so infrequently.”
“… such an approach would not suit my brother,” Miss Bingley said. “He is naturally more modest. The sort of person for whom something as momentous as securing a partner should never be hastily undertaken.”
“Well, he can certainly learn from your example there,” Anne snapped.
Lots of Fun and some Games and nobody gets hurt! Oh, and a shout-out to the cover designer! Love it!
Comfort, or revelation: God owes us one of these, but surely not both. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2021
In one word? Bodacious!
Synopsis:
Epiphany's plot is brought about by an epistolary mishap. A letter from Georgiana to Anne regarding her brothers time in Hertfordshire includes mention of the unusual Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Anne replies to her, commenting on how disagreeable Darcy must find Miss Bennet, in turn Georgie overcorrects explaining that Darcy loves debate and he has never liked a lady so well. The significance of Darcy's particular attention on some obscure country miss does not escape her, and the seeds of chaos are thus sowed.
Miss de Bourgh decides this must not stand! As her mother the 'dragon of Kent' is away, Anne may escape the tower of Rosing so to speak, as it is a truth recently acknowledged that 'When Lady Catherine's away, Miss de Bourgh comes out to play..!' So off she hies to Hertfordshire, Mr Collins and Jenkins in tow, to ward off any ladies using their arts and allurements to snatch her intended.
Anne to Lizzy:
Anne has a feisty personality, she is pretty much a carbon copy of her mother; she may be sick, but so are her burns. So you can look forward to charming exchanges of witty barbs between her and Lizzy.
We get a lot of Darcy wrestling with himself, so be ready to be exasperated with him. I wanted to yell at Mr Dillydarcy to justpkiss or get off the pot already. As a result, Darcy falling in love with Lizzy can be best described as witnessing him go through the stages of grief. In a way he was in a sort of grief, for the death of his pride, as he slowly but surely, bitterly swallows it.
Amongst the 5 stages of grief, Darcy lingered most on the second of the five- much like his eyes do with the Bennet daughters- Bargaining. Every chapter ended with him resolving, 'This is it! I'm on an Elizabeth free diet starting today!' or, 'One more Lizzy day and then I quit!'
Darcy on falling in love w/ Lizzy:
And then immediately failing to follow through. Which to be fair I get, I have the same tumultuous, will they, wont they, toxic back sliding relationship with gluten. First world problems, amiright? Regardless, all that waffling is worth it when he finally reaches acceptance. Hmm...Waffling.. waffles.. gluten... blast!
What Fanned my Fondness:
♡Lewis dogs at the niche. She finds that unseen angle of a JAFF premiss. Like a mine you think depleted, she manages to unearth untapped riches. This is no exception. Anne coming to Hertfordshire with her own agency due to a letter of Georgies? Then Lizzy is practically stuck in this weird 'babysitting a hostile charge' dynamic? Never been done before, I’d eat my hat if it had. Kudos for that.
Lizzy on Anne pushing her society on her at every turn:
♡The winter imagery was poignant. Could feel the chill from the page.
♡Captures Austen’s nonsense and essence. Chock full of witty dialogue, beautiful lines, and hilarious scenes. Even Wickham is allowed some excellent one liners, he was quite my favorite in one particular scene, the inconveniently lovable scamp.
♡Lizzy and Darcy were in fine form, utterly recognizable and featuring some heart fluttering instances.
The Brass Tacks:
Every Lewis book manages to have a different vibe to it, while all the same being amazing in that unique way. Some authors you get the feeling they are taking much or less the same path, but Lewis manages to somehow tackle it from an entirely new angle; it always blows me away. So as Mistaken was different from Speechless, this is a different turn from Lewis. She has range. I would love to see her tackle other Austen works, in particular her take on Sanditon.
Her stories I’ve noted, particularly Speechless and this one, nail journeys of romantic introspection. By which I mean less plot action, and more small, nuanced details that afford us a better understanding of how ODC came to fall together and who they are as characters. And those are the harder ones to author, they are more contemplative, poignant, and all the more satisfying for it.
I think that is what we as JAFF readers crave most, we are like Lizzy in this regard, we want to understand and dissect the timeless love story, from impetus to fruition.
Ms Lewis is yet to do less than enthrall me with her stories, and I wouldn't hold my breath on that changing. I will hold it only to cool my porridge & await her next offering.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P.S. I hope this issue was resolved, I was left speechless when I saw someone had mistaken Jessie Lewis as someone who had fallen from writing JAFF to such a scandalous edification. Short of having some career changing epiphany, I could not credit her switching genres so drastically!
Synopsis:
Epiphany's plot is brought about by an epistolary mishap. A letter from Georgiana to Anne regarding her brothers time in Hertfordshire includes mention of the unusual Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Anne replies to her, commenting on how disagreeable Darcy must find Miss Bennet, in turn Georgie overcorrects explaining that Darcy loves debate and he has never liked a lady so well. The significance of Darcy's particular attention on some obscure country miss does not escape her, and the seeds of chaos are thus sowed.
Miss de Bourgh decides this must not stand! As her mother the 'dragon of Kent' is away, Anne may escape the tower of Rosing so to speak, as it is a truth recently acknowledged that 'When Lady Catherine's away, Miss de Bourgh comes out to play..!' So off she hies to Hertfordshire, Mr Collins and Jenkins in tow, to ward off any ladies using their arts and allurements to snatch her intended.
Anne to Lizzy:
Anne has a feisty personality, she is pretty much a carbon copy of her mother; she may be sick, but so are her burns. So you can look forward to charming exchanges of witty barbs between her and Lizzy.
We get a lot of Darcy wrestling with himself, so be ready to be exasperated with him. I wanted to yell at Mr Dillydarcy to just
Amongst the 5 stages of grief, Darcy lingered most on the second of the five- much like his eyes do with the Bennet daughters- Bargaining. Every chapter ended with him resolving, 'This is it! I'm on an Elizabeth free diet starting today!' or, 'One more Lizzy day and then I quit!'
Darcy on falling in love w/ Lizzy:
And then immediately failing to follow through. Which to be fair I get, I have the same tumultuous, will they, wont they, toxic back sliding relationship with gluten. First world problems, amiright? Regardless, all that waffling is worth it when he finally reaches acceptance. Hmm...Waffling.. waffles.. gluten... blast!
What Fanned my Fondness:
♡Lewis dogs at the niche. She finds that unseen angle of a JAFF premiss. Like a mine you think depleted, she manages to unearth untapped riches. This is no exception. Anne coming to Hertfordshire with her own agency due to a letter of Georgies? Then Lizzy is practically stuck in this weird 'babysitting a hostile charge' dynamic? Never been done before, I’d eat my hat if it had. Kudos for that.
Lizzy on Anne pushing her society on her at every turn:
♡The winter imagery was poignant. Could feel the chill from the page.
♡Captures Austen’s nonsense and essence. Chock full of witty dialogue, beautiful lines, and hilarious scenes. Even Wickham is allowed some excellent one liners, he was quite my favorite in one particular scene, the inconveniently lovable scamp.
♡Lizzy and Darcy were in fine form, utterly recognizable and featuring some heart fluttering instances.
The Brass Tacks:
Every Lewis book manages to have a different vibe to it, while all the same being amazing in that unique way. Some authors you get the feeling they are taking much or less the same path, but Lewis manages to somehow tackle it from an entirely new angle; it always blows me away. So as Mistaken was different from Speechless, this is a different turn from Lewis. She has range. I would love to see her tackle other Austen works, in particular her take on Sanditon.
Her stories I’ve noted, particularly Speechless and this one, nail journeys of romantic introspection. By which I mean less plot action, and more small, nuanced details that afford us a better understanding of how ODC came to fall together and who they are as characters. And those are the harder ones to author, they are more contemplative, poignant, and all the more satisfying for it.
I think that is what we as JAFF readers crave most, we are like Lizzy in this regard, we want to understand and dissect the timeless love story, from impetus to fruition.
'..she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. "How could you begin?" said she. "I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?"'Pride and Prejudice, Ch 60.
Ms Lewis is yet to do less than enthrall me with her stories, and I wouldn't hold my breath on that changing. I will hold it only to cool my porridge & await her next offering.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P.S. I hope this issue was resolved, I was left speechless when I saw someone had mistaken Jessie Lewis as someone who had fallen from writing JAFF to such a scandalous edification. Short of having some career changing epiphany, I could not credit her switching genres so drastically!
January 28, 2022
Cousin Anne
Cousin Anne inserts herself into Meryton, trying get Darcy away from Lizzy. Lizzy does not think the is Darcy’s. Darcy doesn’t think he is Lizzy’s. No one has any idea what’s happening.
A good read.
Cousin Anne inserts herself into Meryton, trying get Darcy away from Lizzy. Lizzy does not think the is Darcy’s. Darcy doesn’t think he is Lizzy’s. No one has any idea what’s happening.
A good read.
January 7, 2022
First of all, you should read this and savor the beauty of Ms. Lewis's writing. Her phrasing is exquisite throughout, and her dialogue is in the top tier of JAFF, clearly showing how well Elizabeth's wit aligns with Darcy's more understated sense of humor. All the characters' comments show their distinct personalities - the readers feels like we know these people. It's a trait Jane Austen's writing had in spades, and Ms. Lewis is one of the few authors I know who comes close.
Secondly, this storyline is clever and unique. I've read hundreds of Pride and Prejudice variations, and nothing I've encountered so far has been anything like it. It's fun to see Darcy back on his heels through most of the story with several humorous - yet credible - misunderstandings driving the plot.
It starts in London several weeks after the Netherfield ball. Georgiana's innocent correspondence with Anne de Bourgh leads the latter to believe that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has set her cap for Darcy. As it happens, Anne's mother is away from Rosings, so Miss de Bourgh de Bourgh determinedly heads to Hertfordshire to set the foolish girl straight. She drags Mr. Collins with her using the flimsy excuse that he should spend more time with Miss Lucas and her family before he's wed. Mr. Wickham, of course, sees the opportunity to get his hands on the dowry of a Darcy relative after having failed with Georgiana the previous summer.
Once Anne writes back to Georgiana and mentions Wickham, Darcy feels duty-bound to go there to extract his wayward cousin despite the many reasons he would rather ignore the situation: it's only a few days until Christmas, which he always spends with his sister; he's trying to get over his attraction to Elizabeth; he's also trying to keep his friend Bingley away from Jane Bennet; and he certainly doesn't relish the idea of spending any time with Anne.
Once he gets to Meryton, the fun really begins. He's the only one unaware that he is supposedly betrothed to Anne, who has been terrorizing both the Lucases and the Bennets. She shows an inordinately strong interest in Elizabeth, who (along with her father) is more amused than intimidated by the demanding Miss de Bourgh. It's a storyline rich with comedy, and the author takes full advantage of it.
Much as I would like to give this book five stars, I have two strong issues with it. One is the ridiculous ease with which Mr. Wickham is dispatched. In an era with no emails or faxes - or even telegraphs, for that matter - he is reassigned in a matter of hours. Not remotely believable.
The other is that the book should have ended when the primary obstacles have been overcome, all the preceding misunderstandings cleared, and Darcy and Elizabeth are happily betrothed. Nothing more is needed for a lovely, satisfying read. Instead, a brand new three-chapter storyline emerges with more humorous misunderstandings. It's not labelled as a long Epilogue, but that's what it is. It's cute and funny and as well-written as the rest of the book, but it's unnecessary and (from a strictly literary standpoint) completely irrelevant. It's a pet peeve of mine, especially in a book as otherwise excellent as this. Austen and Heyer (and the vast majority of fiction icons) wrap up their novels once the HEA is assured, which occurs in this book in Chapter Sixteen. I wish Ms. Lewis had turned the rest into a separate story, as she did with Breathless (a bonus chapter from her highly acclaimed P&P variation, Speechless).
Otherwise, Epiphany is a marvelous book that I highly recommend. Content is clean.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secondly, this storyline is clever and unique. I've read hundreds of Pride and Prejudice variations, and nothing I've encountered so far has been anything like it. It's fun to see Darcy back on his heels through most of the story with several humorous - yet credible - misunderstandings driving the plot.
It starts in London several weeks after the Netherfield ball. Georgiana's innocent correspondence with Anne de Bourgh leads the latter to believe that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has set her cap for Darcy. As it happens, Anne's mother is away from Rosings, so Miss de Bourgh de Bourgh determinedly heads to Hertfordshire to set the foolish girl straight. She drags Mr. Collins with her using the flimsy excuse that he should spend more time with Miss Lucas and her family before he's wed. Mr. Wickham, of course, sees the opportunity to get his hands on the dowry of a Darcy relative after having failed with Georgiana the previous summer.
Once Anne writes back to Georgiana and mentions Wickham, Darcy feels duty-bound to go there to extract his wayward cousin despite the many reasons he would rather ignore the situation: it's only a few days until Christmas, which he always spends with his sister; he's trying to get over his attraction to Elizabeth; he's also trying to keep his friend Bingley away from Jane Bennet; and he certainly doesn't relish the idea of spending any time with Anne.
Once he gets to Meryton, the fun really begins. He's the only one unaware that he is supposedly betrothed to Anne, who has been terrorizing both the Lucases and the Bennets. She shows an inordinately strong interest in Elizabeth, who (along with her father) is more amused than intimidated by the demanding Miss de Bourgh. It's a storyline rich with comedy, and the author takes full advantage of it.
Much as I would like to give this book five stars, I have two strong issues with it. One is the ridiculous ease with which Mr. Wickham is dispatched. In an era with no emails or faxes - or even telegraphs, for that matter - he is reassigned in a matter of hours. Not remotely believable.
The other is that the book should have ended when the primary obstacles have been overcome, all the preceding misunderstandings cleared, and Darcy and Elizabeth are happily betrothed. Nothing more is needed for a lovely, satisfying read. Instead, a brand new three-chapter storyline emerges with more humorous misunderstandings. It's not labelled as a long Epilogue, but that's what it is. It's cute and funny and as well-written as the rest of the book, but it's unnecessary and (from a strictly literary standpoint) completely irrelevant. It's a pet peeve of mine, especially in a book as otherwise excellent as this. Austen and Heyer (and the vast majority of fiction icons) wrap up their novels once the HEA is assured, which occurs in this book in Chapter Sixteen. I wish Ms. Lewis had turned the rest into a separate story, as she did with Breathless (a bonus chapter from her highly acclaimed P&P variation, Speechless).
Otherwise, Epiphany is a marvelous book that I highly recommend. Content is clean.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2024
Love this Writer
Anne de Bourgh is on a mission. She has always believed the cradle betrothal between her and Darcy and that they will eventually marry. After reading a letter from Georgiana singing the praises of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as related to her by her brother, Anne fears losing Darcy to this “sharp-tongued country miss”and decides to journey to Hertfordshire to discourage “whatever false hope Darcy might have given her [Elizabeth] when he singled her out for a dance at his friend’s ball”.—Quotes in book from correspondence to Georgiana from Anne.
Meanwhile, Darcy has been struggling with his feelings for Elizabeth and keeping them secret only to be thwarted by his own sister through her careless correspondence to Anne. He is infuriated with Anne’s apparent resolve to intimidate Elizabeth.
Anne’s portrayal of being a spoiled, demanding, rude and spiteful shrew gives Lady Catherine’s usual depiction a run for her money. This Anne is beyond appalling in the way she speaks and acts towards those she feels are below her socially. I eagerly anticipated every shocking statement she would say next. In fact, Anne’s isn’t the only conversation that will surprise you. I also found Mrs. Bennet’s ripostes to Anne very satisfying. Mr. Bennet also provides his sardonic wit from time to time.
When Darcy goes to Meryton to remove her from the potential wiles of Wickham, he is further mortified by Anne’s verbalizing what he often thought about Meryton and its residents but never spoke aloud himself.
Some realizations finally come to the fore and the main protagonists each have their respective epiphanies about relationships, leading to a guaranteed happy ending.
When Darcy’s expressions of love are finally spoken, they thoroughly warmed my heart and brought a soft sigh. Ms. Lewis most definitely has a way with words—certainly some beautiful prose in this novel.
“He looked at her, his smile magnificent. “Never did I imagine I should love my wife as dearly as I love you. In truth, you make me feel such happiness when I am with you that everything I have previously done without you seems miserable in retrospect. Now, when I go home, I might choose to read a book in my library, as I have done a thousand times before, but with you reading yours next to me. I shall undoubtedly walk around the lake again, only this time arm in arm with you. If I sit quietly by the fire in my room, I shall enjoy the peace infinitely better than I ever have, for I shall have you in my arms. I shall continue to do all the things I have always done and more, only now I shall do them with you. I cannot express my anticipation to begin.”—quote from book
I’ve never read a Jessie Lewis book I didn’t love and, this one is no exception. Her writing is always pleasing and often, amusing and entertaining. The following humorous quote nearly made me choke on my coffee!
“We all know, Eliza,” Charlotte repeated. “It was not difficult to guess. A one-eyed partridge with a squint could see how dearly you both love each other.”—quote from book
I highly recommend this this and all Jessie Lewis’ books. I detected no proofreading misses in this one—always a plus for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. (2021)
Kindle version purchased 2022.
January 14, 2021 - Audiobook
Harry Frost is amazing. His performance and presentation of the characters in this excellent book is outstanding. He is my favourite male narrator in this genre. Highly recommend!
Anne de Bourgh is on a mission. She has always believed the cradle betrothal between her and Darcy and that they will eventually marry. After reading a letter from Georgiana singing the praises of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as related to her by her brother, Anne fears losing Darcy to this “sharp-tongued country miss”and decides to journey to Hertfordshire to discourage “whatever false hope Darcy might have given her [Elizabeth] when he singled her out for a dance at his friend’s ball”.—Quotes in book from correspondence to Georgiana from Anne.
Meanwhile, Darcy has been struggling with his feelings for Elizabeth and keeping them secret only to be thwarted by his own sister through her careless correspondence to Anne. He is infuriated with Anne’s apparent resolve to intimidate Elizabeth.
Anne’s portrayal of being a spoiled, demanding, rude and spiteful shrew gives Lady Catherine’s usual depiction a run for her money. This Anne is beyond appalling in the way she speaks and acts towards those she feels are below her socially. I eagerly anticipated every shocking statement she would say next. In fact, Anne’s isn’t the only conversation that will surprise you. I also found Mrs. Bennet’s ripostes to Anne very satisfying. Mr. Bennet also provides his sardonic wit from time to time.
When Darcy goes to Meryton to remove her from the potential wiles of Wickham, he is further mortified by Anne’s verbalizing what he often thought about Meryton and its residents but never spoke aloud himself.
Some realizations finally come to the fore and the main protagonists each have their respective epiphanies about relationships, leading to a guaranteed happy ending.
When Darcy’s expressions of love are finally spoken, they thoroughly warmed my heart and brought a soft sigh. Ms. Lewis most definitely has a way with words—certainly some beautiful prose in this novel.
“He looked at her, his smile magnificent. “Never did I imagine I should love my wife as dearly as I love you. In truth, you make me feel such happiness when I am with you that everything I have previously done without you seems miserable in retrospect. Now, when I go home, I might choose to read a book in my library, as I have done a thousand times before, but with you reading yours next to me. I shall undoubtedly walk around the lake again, only this time arm in arm with you. If I sit quietly by the fire in my room, I shall enjoy the peace infinitely better than I ever have, for I shall have you in my arms. I shall continue to do all the things I have always done and more, only now I shall do them with you. I cannot express my anticipation to begin.”—quote from book
I’ve never read a Jessie Lewis book I didn’t love and, this one is no exception. Her writing is always pleasing and often, amusing and entertaining. The following humorous quote nearly made me choke on my coffee!
“We all know, Eliza,” Charlotte repeated. “It was not difficult to guess. A one-eyed partridge with a squint could see how dearly you both love each other.”—quote from book
I highly recommend this this and all Jessie Lewis’ books. I detected no proofreading misses in this one—always a plus for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. (2021)
Kindle version purchased 2022.
January 14, 2021 - Audiobook
Harry Frost is amazing. His performance and presentation of the characters in this excellent book is outstanding. He is my favourite male narrator in this genre. Highly recommend!
January 16, 2022
This is simply a delightful, novel P&P what if.
I love the author every book of her's is a well written treat.
This is set a few weeks after the Netherfield ball when poor little Georgiana's innocent letters to her cousin Anne combined with Mr. Collins' reports on his cousins get Miss deBourgh off the settee and into a carriage to hie her way to Meryton to put an end to any upstarts presumptions about her fiance.
Now since no one in Meryton has any aspirations regarding her 'fiance' most people are rather confused by her conversation and attitude. When Darcy learns that Anne is in Meryton along with Wickham he decides he must rush off to rescue her from his potential clutches.
Meanwhile the Bennets get to appear no crazier than the rest of Darcy's family which allows him to accept his feelings for Lizzy and Lizzy is given a chance to see that Darcy is a fun guy.
Absolutely sweet and lovely low angst and clean.
I love the author every book of her's is a well written treat.
This is set a few weeks after the Netherfield ball when poor little Georgiana's innocent letters to her cousin Anne combined with Mr. Collins' reports on his cousins get Miss deBourgh off the settee and into a carriage to hie her way to Meryton to put an end to any upstarts presumptions about her fiance.
Now since no one in Meryton has any aspirations regarding her 'fiance' most people are rather confused by her conversation and attitude. When Darcy learns that Anne is in Meryton along with Wickham he decides he must rush off to rescue her from his potential clutches.
Meanwhile the Bennets get to appear no crazier than the rest of Darcy's family which allows him to accept his feelings for Lizzy and Lizzy is given a chance to see that Darcy is a fun guy.
Absolutely sweet and lovely low angst and clean.
November 17, 2025
1/13/2022
Starting Audible version
1/23/2023
Finished the Audible version today. Love Harry Frost’s voice!
1/7/2022
Adding this one to the FAVORITES shelf cuz OMG I LOVED IT. Witty and cleaver with a swoony Darcy.
I’ll write more later once my book hangover has passed
Starting Audible version
1/23/2023
Finished the Audible version today. Love Harry Frost’s voice!
1/7/2022
Adding this one to the FAVORITES shelf cuz OMG I LOVED IT. Witty and cleaver with a swoony Darcy.
I’ll write more later once my book hangover has passed
January 15, 2022
Review also posted on
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Fitzwilliam Darcy has it all. Handsome, very rich, nephew of an Earl and owner of the fabulous Pemberley.
He also has a vexatious aunt, who insists he was betrothed in infancy to his sickly cousin Anne de Bourgh. Anne believes it, he knows it is untrue.
Darcy recently visited Hertfordshire and met the witty, beautiful and kind Elizabeth Bennet. He has lost his heart to her.
However, he knows it is his duty to marry for rank, fortune and connection. None of which Elizabeth has.
He has dragged himself away to prevent being overwhelmed by his desire to propose.
Darcy is already like a bear with a sore head, when he discovers that his sister has told Anne de Bourgh of his feelings for Elizabeth.
Anne who rarely leaves her home, decides to head for Hertfordshire to see off her rival.
News that his enemy George Wickham, a rake, is paying attention to Anne forces Darcy to return to Hertfordshire to retrieve his cousin.
And so begins a gradual unravelling of misunderstandings and prejudices. Will exposure to the Bennet’s delightful family Christmas, compared with Anne’s appalling behaviour, give Darcy a better perspective on what is truly valuable?
As usual, Jessie Lewis has produced another gem.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Fitzwilliam Darcy has it all. Handsome, very rich, nephew of an Earl and owner of the fabulous Pemberley.
He also has a vexatious aunt, who insists he was betrothed in infancy to his sickly cousin Anne de Bourgh. Anne believes it, he knows it is untrue.
Darcy recently visited Hertfordshire and met the witty, beautiful and kind Elizabeth Bennet. He has lost his heart to her.
However, he knows it is his duty to marry for rank, fortune and connection. None of which Elizabeth has.
He has dragged himself away to prevent being overwhelmed by his desire to propose.
Darcy is already like a bear with a sore head, when he discovers that his sister has told Anne de Bourgh of his feelings for Elizabeth.
Anne who rarely leaves her home, decides to head for Hertfordshire to see off her rival.
News that his enemy George Wickham, a rake, is paying attention to Anne forces Darcy to return to Hertfordshire to retrieve his cousin.
And so begins a gradual unravelling of misunderstandings and prejudices. Will exposure to the Bennet’s delightful family Christmas, compared with Anne’s appalling behaviour, give Darcy a better perspective on what is truly valuable?
As usual, Jessie Lewis has produced another gem.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
January 6, 2022
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Epiphany uses Anne de Bourgh as a catalyst to change the events in Pride & Prejudice as a letter from Georgiana sends the heiress of Rosings Park to Hertfordshire a little before Christmas.
After reading Georgiana’s letter, Miss De Bourgh is convinced Mr. Darcy harbors tender feelings for Elizabeth Bennet, and because of that, she decides to travel with Mr. Collins to Elizabeth’s hometown to get acquainted with her rival and take some action. This change in the story will put everything in motion, and soon we will have many of our known characters in Hertfordshire testing Mrs. Lucas patience and Mrs. Bennet’s nerves.
It’s becoming a tradition to read a Jessie Lewis novel in January, just like it is becoming a tradition to rate it 5 stars because her writing style is always captivating. With this I do not mean to say this book is similar in tone to her previous, because it is in fact very different, but it is equally engaging.
Epiphany is not a humorous book per se, and the characters are not characterized in a cartoonish fashion, in fact, the book is centered in the romance and the characters are very close to cannon in essentials, however, it is an extremely funny book which had me laughing out loud several times, and that doesn’t happen frequently. It has a very classy type of humor that I enjoy and that is not made out of silly situations, but of an incredibly well penned succession of dialogues and attitudes. The timing of everyone’s intervention in conversations was perfect, creating cross dialogues that, despite their difference in content, reminded me somewhat of Seinfeld in style, and I loved it.
The book’s pace is also perfect just like the many situations Jessie Lewis created in the story and that, allied with the characters unexpected attitudes, made this novel an engaging read. I have to stand out Mrs. Bennet whom I loved in this book. I was moved, diverted, and even appalled with some of her attitudes. From her kindness towards Mr. Darcy on Christmas day to her remarks to Anne De Bourgh, everything she did was perfect, and even if she takes a small part in this book, I believe she was the character I loved the most.
Anne de Bourgh who is crucial in the story is a controversial character. She was perfect for this story as she was simultaneously funny but rude, a villain and a protector, a nuisance and someone you needed to have around. At times I wanted to love her but couldn’t, and in the next pages I wanted to hate her and couldn’t either. She was like a family member you don’t exactly like but can’t imagine spending Christmas without.
Epiphany was the perfect book to start the year with, it is well written, engaging and incredibly funny while also providing the reader with a sweet romance story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. I haven’t mentioned their romance yet because there are many other details I loved in the book, but this is an Elizabeth/Darcy centered story, and I highly recommend it.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Epiphany uses Anne de Bourgh as a catalyst to change the events in Pride & Prejudice as a letter from Georgiana sends the heiress of Rosings Park to Hertfordshire a little before Christmas.
After reading Georgiana’s letter, Miss De Bourgh is convinced Mr. Darcy harbors tender feelings for Elizabeth Bennet, and because of that, she decides to travel with Mr. Collins to Elizabeth’s hometown to get acquainted with her rival and take some action. This change in the story will put everything in motion, and soon we will have many of our known characters in Hertfordshire testing Mrs. Lucas patience and Mrs. Bennet’s nerves.
It’s becoming a tradition to read a Jessie Lewis novel in January, just like it is becoming a tradition to rate it 5 stars because her writing style is always captivating. With this I do not mean to say this book is similar in tone to her previous, because it is in fact very different, but it is equally engaging.
Epiphany is not a humorous book per se, and the characters are not characterized in a cartoonish fashion, in fact, the book is centered in the romance and the characters are very close to cannon in essentials, however, it is an extremely funny book which had me laughing out loud several times, and that doesn’t happen frequently. It has a very classy type of humor that I enjoy and that is not made out of silly situations, but of an incredibly well penned succession of dialogues and attitudes. The timing of everyone’s intervention in conversations was perfect, creating cross dialogues that, despite their difference in content, reminded me somewhat of Seinfeld in style, and I loved it.
The book’s pace is also perfect just like the many situations Jessie Lewis created in the story and that, allied with the characters unexpected attitudes, made this novel an engaging read. I have to stand out Mrs. Bennet whom I loved in this book. I was moved, diverted, and even appalled with some of her attitudes. From her kindness towards Mr. Darcy on Christmas day to her remarks to Anne De Bourgh, everything she did was perfect, and even if she takes a small part in this book, I believe she was the character I loved the most.
Anne de Bourgh who is crucial in the story is a controversial character. She was perfect for this story as she was simultaneously funny but rude, a villain and a protector, a nuisance and someone you needed to have around. At times I wanted to love her but couldn’t, and in the next pages I wanted to hate her and couldn’t either. She was like a family member you don’t exactly like but can’t imagine spending Christmas without.
Epiphany was the perfect book to start the year with, it is well written, engaging and incredibly funny while also providing the reader with a sweet romance story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. I haven’t mentioned their romance yet because there are many other details I loved in the book, but this is an Elizabeth/Darcy centered story, and I highly recommend it.
March 7, 2022
What will it take to get the attention of a handsome gentleman in denial and a spirited woman convinced he’s the last man she would ever consider? A sister’s correspondence, a cousin gone rogue, and a series of engaging misadventures back in Hertfordshire lead to an Epiphany I was tickled to experience.
While not a new to me author, I’ve only experienced a short story from Jessie Lewis so I was curious to try one of her full-length stories. Epiphany is a variation story that parts from the Jane Austen P&P original early on at the point when Mr. Darcy and the Bingleys go back to London for the winter and have no plans to return and every opportunity to forget the allure of the beautiful Bennet sisters back in Hertfordshire. While it wouldn’t hurt to have read the original story first, I don’t think that is absolutely necessary. That said, there will be a sense that Epiphany begins at the second act. It started off slow to me and took a bit to grab my interest. Darcy is brooding over leaving a beautiful woman behind that he doesn’t think he can have out of a misguided sense of duty and his infernal pride plus he has dragged his best friend away from the woman’s sister and is working with Bingley’s sisters to help him to forget the lovely Jane Bennet. He’s something of a crotchety Scrooge and made me wonder why Bingley and Georgie put up with it the way they did. Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, Jane is sad at the loss of Bingley and Elizabeth is thrilled that the obnoxious Mr. Darcy is out of her hair with not a suspicion that she is causing the man severe angst.
Lighter in tone and relatively low-angst, the book surrounds a romance with interwoven threads of friends, family, and Regency holiday fun. I got a good laugh when Georgiana innocently tattled to her cousin about her brother’s dead-in-the-water love life and got the story rolling. Then there was an obnoxious, but hilarious Anne who is socially awkward, but determined. She made a lousy cupid, but in the end, she was my favorite part of the book with her over the top remarks and total ability to ignore proper manners as a guest. Though, I have to give kudos to Elizabeth’s mother for the total scene-stealing verbal smackdown she delivered to another character who deserved it.
Besides the humor in the children’s little Christmas play, I felt this was a big moment. This was one of the cutest scenes and led to a tender moment as Elizabeth saw Darcy appreciating something simple, full of family antics that she was so certain he would look down his nose on and she was very wrong. Instead, he laughed and was so sweet with her little cousin. I appreciated how the author developed a whole new set of feelings within Elizabeth and Darcy as they went from the wrong foot to the right one. It didn’t happen overnight and it was a series of moments that led to the change. They both had to see the other differently, but more importantly, see themselves clearly and get that epiphany moment.
There were misunderstandings, people happy to get in the way, and a holiday season to remember.
Funny, but also thoughtful and heartwarming moments made this thoroughly engaging. I loved seeing the brother-sister interactions between Darcy and Georgiana and giving Anne de Bourgh a larger role as a third main character was fascinating and lent fabulous comedy, but also a surprising depth when her character is fully revealed in the end.
Epiphany read quickly and easily showing lightness and depth in turn. Definitely one to entice sweet historical romance lovers who enjoy both comedy and a family holiday setting with their romance.
I rec'd a free print copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
While not a new to me author, I’ve only experienced a short story from Jessie Lewis so I was curious to try one of her full-length stories. Epiphany is a variation story that parts from the Jane Austen P&P original early on at the point when Mr. Darcy and the Bingleys go back to London for the winter and have no plans to return and every opportunity to forget the allure of the beautiful Bennet sisters back in Hertfordshire. While it wouldn’t hurt to have read the original story first, I don’t think that is absolutely necessary. That said, there will be a sense that Epiphany begins at the second act. It started off slow to me and took a bit to grab my interest. Darcy is brooding over leaving a beautiful woman behind that he doesn’t think he can have out of a misguided sense of duty and his infernal pride plus he has dragged his best friend away from the woman’s sister and is working with Bingley’s sisters to help him to forget the lovely Jane Bennet. He’s something of a crotchety Scrooge and made me wonder why Bingley and Georgie put up with it the way they did. Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, Jane is sad at the loss of Bingley and Elizabeth is thrilled that the obnoxious Mr. Darcy is out of her hair with not a suspicion that she is causing the man severe angst.
Lighter in tone and relatively low-angst, the book surrounds a romance with interwoven threads of friends, family, and Regency holiday fun. I got a good laugh when Georgiana innocently tattled to her cousin about her brother’s dead-in-the-water love life and got the story rolling. Then there was an obnoxious, but hilarious Anne who is socially awkward, but determined. She made a lousy cupid, but in the end, she was my favorite part of the book with her over the top remarks and total ability to ignore proper manners as a guest. Though, I have to give kudos to Elizabeth’s mother for the total scene-stealing verbal smackdown she delivered to another character who deserved it.
Besides the humor in the children’s little Christmas play, I felt this was a big moment. This was one of the cutest scenes and led to a tender moment as Elizabeth saw Darcy appreciating something simple, full of family antics that she was so certain he would look down his nose on and she was very wrong. Instead, he laughed and was so sweet with her little cousin. I appreciated how the author developed a whole new set of feelings within Elizabeth and Darcy as they went from the wrong foot to the right one. It didn’t happen overnight and it was a series of moments that led to the change. They both had to see the other differently, but more importantly, see themselves clearly and get that epiphany moment.
There were misunderstandings, people happy to get in the way, and a holiday season to remember.
Funny, but also thoughtful and heartwarming moments made this thoroughly engaging. I loved seeing the brother-sister interactions between Darcy and Georgiana and giving Anne de Bourgh a larger role as a third main character was fascinating and lent fabulous comedy, but also a surprising depth when her character is fully revealed in the end.
Epiphany read quickly and easily showing lightness and depth in turn. Definitely one to entice sweet historical romance lovers who enjoy both comedy and a family holiday setting with their romance.
I rec'd a free print copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2023
Audiobook performance narration by Harry Frost was amazing and elevated this book by a whole star. Had I been reading, I would have become bored and distracted. One woman’s imperious petulance wore thin and it wasn’t funny. SThe story dragged with everyone traveling hither and yon and were it not for Mr. Frost’s performance I would not have stuck with it. I would have been sad to miss the amusing denouement. Mr. Frost’s timing in the scenes at the last third of the book often had me laughing. I understand why this book was chosen by the JAFF audiobook fb group as the favorite of 2022. I felt other books were better written, had tighter editing, etc but it’s true that Harry Frost elevates the standard in the genre.
Audiobook recommended.
Audiobook recommended.
January 22, 2022
Very sweet romance.
October 6, 2023
Was even better, if possible, the second time around.
This author has a gift for writing banter especially between Darcy and Elizabeth. Anne de Bourgh was a curious mixture of Lady Catherine and Lydia Bennet. Poor Darcy! He has to fight with himself over Elizabeth, make sure his sister does not talk about Hertfordshire, checks Bingley's impulse, bear Caroline's flirtations and chase after his cantankerous cousin which lands him right beside his object of attraction. After spending time with the Bennets and de Bourghs, Darcy has the epiphany that Bennets are a better bargain, after seeing Darcy with Elizabeth, Anne has a epiphany that she can't marry him, her time with Anne and Darcy and other small observations gives Elizabeth the ephiphany of her own attraction to the last man she should marry. I genera don't quote from books. But this just begged to be quoted. I think no one else can describe the gradual love that grows in Elizabeth's heart.
"It arose like a harmony, springing unexpectedly out of a melody that had been playing for so long it had gone unnoticed, and suddenly the thrum of life was grown richer for it."
It also describes the way this story which will make you frown at Anne's tantrums, slowly steals into your heart and makes you love it.
This author has a gift for writing banter especially between Darcy and Elizabeth. Anne de Bourgh was a curious mixture of Lady Catherine and Lydia Bennet. Poor Darcy! He has to fight with himself over Elizabeth, make sure his sister does not talk about Hertfordshire, checks Bingley's impulse, bear Caroline's flirtations and chase after his cantankerous cousin which lands him right beside his object of attraction. After spending time with the Bennets and de Bourghs, Darcy has the epiphany that Bennets are a better bargain, after seeing Darcy with Elizabeth, Anne has a epiphany that she can't marry him, her time with Anne and Darcy and other small observations gives Elizabeth the ephiphany of her own attraction to the last man she should marry. I genera don't quote from books. But this just begged to be quoted. I think no one else can describe the gradual love that grows in Elizabeth's heart.
"It arose like a harmony, springing unexpectedly out of a melody that had been playing for so long it had gone unnoticed, and suddenly the thrum of life was grown richer for it."
It also describes the way this story which will make you frown at Anne's tantrums, slowly steals into your heart and makes you love it.
January 9, 2022
4.5 stars
This is by far the best Ms Lewis has written. The characterizations are wonderful. They reached their fullest potential in the final dining scene. Mrs Bennet is particularly inspired, and I loved her interactions with AdB. However, characterization requires small accents as well as broad brushstrokes, best exemplified by Darcy brushing the snow off his glove.
Some of Lewis’ language is a revelation: for example, “But there was something more than familiarity. She knew not when it had begun, but in that moment, Elizabeth understood her affection. It arose like a harmony, springing unexpectedly out of a melody that had been playing for so long it had gone unnoticed, and suddenly the thrum of life was grown richer for it. It flooded her with warmth, made her light with joy…” And what better place for revelation than in a book called Epiphany?
This is by far the best Ms Lewis has written. The characterizations are wonderful. They reached their fullest potential in the final dining scene. Mrs Bennet is particularly inspired, and I loved her interactions with AdB. However, characterization requires small accents as well as broad brushstrokes, best exemplified by Darcy brushing the snow off his glove.
Some of Lewis’ language is a revelation: for example, “But there was something more than familiarity. She knew not when it had begun, but in that moment, Elizabeth understood her affection. It arose like a harmony, springing unexpectedly out of a melody that had been playing for so long it had gone unnoticed, and suddenly the thrum of life was grown richer for it. It flooded her with warmth, made her light with joy…” And what better place for revelation than in a book called Epiphany?
July 16, 2022
What if Anne de Bourgh Traveled To Hertfordshire To Safeguard Her Engagement?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
PREMISE: After hearing tell of Mr. Darcy’s favorable opinion of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a possessive Anne de Bourgh convinces Mr. Collins to bring her along on his next journey to Hertfordshire. What do Anne and Elizabeth think of each other when they finally meet? Does Anne de Bourgh have Lady Catherine’s effrontery to demand Elizabeth give her the assurances she requires?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Anne de Bourgh: How wonderfully unique for Anne de Bourgh to be the main catalyst in this story! Like her mother and Mr. Darcy she is full of selfish disdain, arrogance, conceit, and pride. And she also shares some of Lydia Bennet’s impetuousness and outspokenness, and Mrs. Bennet’s scheming. It was a terrific combination. It was wonderfully amusing to see Anne be so active in the story (and everyones’ business!) She is something of a terror. But before you think she is completely unlikable, allow me to add that her character does evolve and that she ends up engaging our sympathies.
- A Vexed Mr. Darcy: Poor Mr. Darcy! Chasing after his unmanageable cousin and forced to go places where he would rather not. I loved seeing all the ways Darcy was frustrated, peeved, exasperated, mortified, and constrained by his cousin. His patience and his sense of family duty is very much tested. Especially when he realizes that his family exhibits worse behavior than Elizabeth’s.
- Mistaken Beliefs and Revelations: What fun it was to see how certain characters operated under misguided notions. With Anne believing Elizabeth eager to capture Mr. Darcy’s interest, all the Bennets believing Anne and Mr. Darcy are engaged, and Jane and Elizabeth believing Mr. Bingley is soon-to-be engaged to Miss Darcy there were plenty of characters laboring under misapprehensions. And I loved seeing each time those misapprehensions were realized.
- Epiphanies: Speaking of…I love how Jessie Lewis cleverly wove the theme of making new realizations (or epiphanies) into her seasonal tale, which takes place during the Christmas season. Several characters such as Anne, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy (2x) all come to some new understandings and I loved observing how they reframed their mindsets and courses through these new epiphanies. Especially Mr. Darcy.
- Showdowns: The dialogue in this novel is filled with sparks and sharp wit! So very Jane Austen. I loved seeing so many characters go head-to-head with each other. Some of my favorites include the verbal jousting and battles of wills between Elizabeth and Anne, Mrs. Bennet’s own celebrated (and surprising) frankness towards Anne, and lastly Mrs. Gardiner’s elegant superiority as she receives veiled and unveiled attacks from an uncivil Anne de Bourgh.
- So Much Humor: There were so many laugh out loud moment in this tae. I loved the unlikely and unhappy pairing of Mr. Collins and Anne de Bourgh, it was great fun to see them deal with each other! In addition, there were an abundance of wry observations and hilarious exchanges (and they did not all come from Mr. Bennet!) I could quote a whole bunch of them here, but I’ll limit myself to just one between Caroline Bingley and Anne de Bourgh to whet your appetite:
“I hear you were obliged to spend Christmas Day with the Bennets. What must that have been like? I dread to think!”
“That explains why you do it so infrequently.”
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Some Trimming: There were one or two spots where I thought the story could be trimmed a bit and the plot a little tighter. But it wasn’t enough to mar my enjoyment of this tale.
CONCLUSION:
Brimming with situational humor, comedic exchanges, and surprising revelations – Epiphany is an “excessively diverting” and inventive story that is sure to entertain! Once again Jessie Lewis shares a beautiful Pride and Prejudice novel that is skillfully composed, nuanced, and artful. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
PREMISE: After hearing tell of Mr. Darcy’s favorable opinion of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a possessive Anne de Bourgh convinces Mr. Collins to bring her along on his next journey to Hertfordshire. What do Anne and Elizabeth think of each other when they finally meet? Does Anne de Bourgh have Lady Catherine’s effrontery to demand Elizabeth give her the assurances she requires?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Anne de Bourgh: How wonderfully unique for Anne de Bourgh to be the main catalyst in this story! Like her mother and Mr. Darcy she is full of selfish disdain, arrogance, conceit, and pride. And she also shares some of Lydia Bennet’s impetuousness and outspokenness, and Mrs. Bennet’s scheming. It was a terrific combination. It was wonderfully amusing to see Anne be so active in the story (and everyones’ business!) She is something of a terror. But before you think she is completely unlikable, allow me to add that her character does evolve and that she ends up engaging our sympathies.
- A Vexed Mr. Darcy: Poor Mr. Darcy! Chasing after his unmanageable cousin and forced to go places where he would rather not. I loved seeing all the ways Darcy was frustrated, peeved, exasperated, mortified, and constrained by his cousin. His patience and his sense of family duty is very much tested. Especially when he realizes that his family exhibits worse behavior than Elizabeth’s.
- Mistaken Beliefs and Revelations: What fun it was to see how certain characters operated under misguided notions. With Anne believing Elizabeth eager to capture Mr. Darcy’s interest, all the Bennets believing Anne and Mr. Darcy are engaged, and Jane and Elizabeth believing Mr. Bingley is soon-to-be engaged to Miss Darcy there were plenty of characters laboring under misapprehensions. And I loved seeing each time those misapprehensions were realized.
- Epiphanies: Speaking of…I love how Jessie Lewis cleverly wove the theme of making new realizations (or epiphanies) into her seasonal tale, which takes place during the Christmas season. Several characters such as Anne, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy (2x) all come to some new understandings and I loved observing how they reframed their mindsets and courses through these new epiphanies. Especially Mr. Darcy.
- Showdowns: The dialogue in this novel is filled with sparks and sharp wit! So very Jane Austen. I loved seeing so many characters go head-to-head with each other. Some of my favorites include the verbal jousting and battles of wills between Elizabeth and Anne, Mrs. Bennet’s own celebrated (and surprising) frankness towards Anne, and lastly Mrs. Gardiner’s elegant superiority as she receives veiled and unveiled attacks from an uncivil Anne de Bourgh.
- So Much Humor: There were so many laugh out loud moment in this tae. I loved the unlikely and unhappy pairing of Mr. Collins and Anne de Bourgh, it was great fun to see them deal with each other! In addition, there were an abundance of wry observations and hilarious exchanges (and they did not all come from Mr. Bennet!) I could quote a whole bunch of them here, but I’ll limit myself to just one between Caroline Bingley and Anne de Bourgh to whet your appetite:
“I hear you were obliged to spend Christmas Day with the Bennets. What must that have been like? I dread to think!”
“That explains why you do it so infrequently.”
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Some Trimming: There were one or two spots where I thought the story could be trimmed a bit and the plot a little tighter. But it wasn’t enough to mar my enjoyment of this tale.
CONCLUSION:
Brimming with situational humor, comedic exchanges, and surprising revelations – Epiphany is an “excessively diverting” and inventive story that is sure to entertain! Once again Jessie Lewis shares a beautiful Pride and Prejudice novel that is skillfully composed, nuanced, and artful. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
March 4, 2022
Loved it.
Funny, engaging, excellent writing, entertaining dialogue, strong female characters, one of the best Mrs. Bennet out there, very romantic, great character development, shade throwing at its finest.
Wasn't too keen about:
Best book by this author so far, can't wait for her next one.
Funny, engaging, excellent writing, entertaining dialogue, strong female characters, one of the best Mrs. Bennet out there, very romantic, great character development, shade throwing at its finest.
Wasn't too keen about:
Best book by this author so far, can't wait for her next one.
March 8, 2022
After reading her letters from Georgiana Darcy, Ms Anne de Bourgh decides to make a trip to Herefordshire to scope out Elizabeth Bennet and help her understand that Fitzwilliam Darcy is spoken for. She forces Mr Collins to escort her and so they are staying at Lucas Lodge. This creates an uncomfortable situation for everyone. Add Darcy rushing to save her from Wickham and seeing the women he can't forget, and the story is full of twists, turns, and happily ever afters.
This author is a master of communication and I found myself cringing, laughing, and feeling with the characters, which is my favorite. The epiphany was fantastic and although it wasn't a surprise, I loved it.
I look forward to reading this book again in the future.
This author is a master of communication and I found myself cringing, laughing, and feeling with the characters, which is my favorite. The epiphany was fantastic and although it wasn't a surprise, I loved it.
I look forward to reading this book again in the future.
August 7, 2022
I usually love books by this author... I enjoyed this but it wasn't my favourite. The timeline becomes altered when Anne de Bough has a letter from Georiana which indicates Darcy's interest in Elizabeth so she arrives in Hertfordshire to stake her claim on Darcy.
There is lots of great humour in this book. Anne is so rude and Mrs Bennet has a much quicker type of wit that was good fun.
There is lots of great humour in this book. Anne is so rude and Mrs Bennet has a much quicker type of wit that was good fun.
January 9, 2023
Jessie Lewis has become a favorite JAFF author for me. I love her wry humor & deliciously witty banter.
December 21, 2021
This definitely is a variation I have never read before and I absolutely loved it.
A twist from canon but it provided laugh out loud moments as well as swoon worthy ones.
The author did a wonderful job incorporating characteristics of some of the original characters from canon who presence was not part on the story.
Love how Georgiana and Anne de Bourgh played more of a vital role in this variation.
My only quibble is that Colonel Fitzwilliam didn’t make an appearance. It doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this story, but I always love his and Darcy’s relationship.
I highly recommend this to P&P fans, you’ll surely enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A twist from canon but it provided laugh out loud moments as well as swoon worthy ones.
The author did a wonderful job incorporating characteristics of some of the original characters from canon who presence was not part on the story.
Love how Georgiana and Anne de Bourgh played more of a vital role in this variation.
My only quibble is that Colonel Fitzwilliam didn’t make an appearance. It doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this story, but I always love his and Darcy’s relationship.
I highly recommend this to P&P fans, you’ll surely enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2023
Status: Read July 10-12, 2023
via kindle & audible editions
Rating: 4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Epiphany
by Jessie Lewis
Kindle Edition, 246 pages
Published January 6, 2022 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09LJ3YL5N
[ kindle unlimited ]
“Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumour that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.”
HAVING RETURNED TO LONDON, in December 1811, Mr Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
ELIZABETH BENNET FINDS HERSELF INTRIGUED by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr Darcy? She soon comes to realise, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement—and indeed of Mr Darcy himself—is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
My Library Notes:
Epiphany
by Jessie Lewis, Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 8 pages
Published January 12, 2022 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published January 6, 2022)
ASIN: B09Q59VNP8
[ gift from narrator ]
Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumor that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.
Having returned to London in December 1811, Mr. Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
Elizabeth Bennet finds herself intrigued by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr. Darcy? She soon comes to realize, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement - and indeed of Mr. Darcy himself - is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
Listening Length: 7 hours and 9 minutes
via kindle & audible editions
Rating: 4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edition Read:
Epiphany
by Jessie Lewis
Kindle Edition, 246 pages
Published January 6, 2022 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09LJ3YL5N
[ kindle unlimited ]
“Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumour that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.”
HAVING RETURNED TO LONDON, in December 1811, Mr Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
ELIZABETH BENNET FINDS HERSELF INTRIGUED by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr Darcy? She soon comes to realise, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement—and indeed of Mr Darcy himself—is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
My Library Notes:
Epiphany
by Jessie Lewis, Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 8 pages
Published January 12, 2022 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published January 6, 2022)
ASIN: B09Q59VNP8
[ gift from narrator ]
Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumor that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.
Having returned to London in December 1811, Mr. Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.
Elizabeth Bennet finds herself intrigued by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr. Darcy? She soon comes to realize, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement - and indeed of Mr. Darcy himself - is distinctly flawed.
As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.
Listening Length: 7 hours and 9 minutes
January 22, 2025
I read Epiphany now 3 times and still love it.
Anne de Bourgh was brought up believing she's betrothed to Darcy, so when she hears that Darcy talked about a woman and even danced with her she needed to pay this particular Lady from Hertfordshire a visit.
It takes a while until Elizabeth finds out the real reason of Anne's coming to Hertfordshire and so our heroine could only guess.
I may warn you, Anne is totally Lady Catherine's daughter. Above the company, rude and painfully honest etc.. BUT that makes a discussion between Anne and Mrs Bennet all the more entertaining. You will definitely enjoy this.
There's however one thing I did not really like but it's not something to reduce a star. Marked as spoiler below.
A book to recommend, and especially the audiobook narrated by Harry Frost. Like always perfectly done.
Anne de Bourgh was brought up believing she's betrothed to Darcy, so when she hears that Darcy talked about a woman and even danced with her she needed to pay this particular Lady from Hertfordshire a visit.
It takes a while until Elizabeth finds out the real reason of Anne's coming to Hertfordshire and so our heroine could only guess.
I may warn you, Anne is totally Lady Catherine's daughter. Above the company, rude and painfully honest etc.. BUT that makes a discussion between Anne and Mrs Bennet all the more entertaining. You will definitely enjoy this.
There's however one thing I did not really like but it's not something to reduce a star. Marked as spoiler below.
A book to recommend, and especially the audiobook narrated by Harry Frost. Like always perfectly done.
January 5, 2022
I enjoyed Epiphany very much and finished it in one reading binge. Anne Debourgh has had a letter from Georgiana and decides that she needs to go check out Elizabeth Bennet who seems to have taken Darcy's fancy, and discourage her. She travels to Hertfordshire with Collins and Mrs Jenkinson, and makes herself just as disagreeable as Lady Catherine, if not more. This brings Darcy back as well and as he attends Christmas festivities with the Bennets he starts to realize he doesn't object to their antics as much as he thought he would. This is a fresh plot twist and there is funny dialogue as well as touching moments full of feels. The pace and editing are perfect and I was engrossed throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2022
When I first started reading this novel it didn't hold my interest for one reason or another. I then started reading it again and found it quite interesting and was amazed at the boldness of Anne DeBough with her inappropriate words to others. She learned to be just like her mother in many ways.
Her correspondence with Georgianna Darcy lead to Anne's traveling to check on Elizabeth and Darcy's relation ship. The twists and turns in this novel along with William Collins involvement caused much trouble.
At times, it was interesting at how the characters related to each other.
The writing was fine but it is not my type of novel that I fully enjoy but that is just my prospective.
Her correspondence with Georgianna Darcy lead to Anne's traveling to check on Elizabeth and Darcy's relation ship. The twists and turns in this novel along with William Collins involvement caused much trouble.
At times, it was interesting at how the characters related to each other.
The writing was fine but it is not my type of novel that I fully enjoy but that is just my prospective.
July 1, 2023
Such a good story one to reread at leisure loved it.
February 8, 2022
The amount of misunderstanding could tip some readers off, but I had a hoot. Same with the dialogues. Anne was a terror and exactly why she delighted me.
April 11, 2023
Terrific
Sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes poignant, the more low angst variation is a delight. Lewis writes marvel dialogue, and with our less popular characters we are treated to acerbic exchanges that are bitingly funny. Highly recommended.
Sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes poignant, the more low angst variation is a delight. Lewis writes marvel dialogue, and with our less popular characters we are treated to acerbic exchanges that are bitingly funny. Highly recommended.
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