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Pride and Prejudice Reimagined #7
Franchise & Follies: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A reputation, once disgraced, will seldom recover. Perhaps, it would be better to avoid questions entirely—even if it means engaging in deceit.
Though forced to quietly sell Pemberley, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has successfully concealed his late father’s debts and recovered much of the family fortune by discretely building a shipping empire. When Mr. Darcy returns to London, he conducts business under a pseudonym and meets a lovely young lady named Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Mr. Darcy cannot remember being so partial to any other woman of his acquaintance. Of course, since he cannot court Miss Elizabeth under such a pretense, Mr. Darcy retreats to his friend’s country estate, Netherfield. His heart, however, remains in London, with a pair of fine brown eyes…
Eager to delay an impending proposal of marriage, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is staying with relatives in the city. After a chance meeting with a handsome and cultured merchant named William McCain, the idea of matrimony is decidedly less unpleasant.
Unfortunately, the object of Elizabeth’s growing affection vanishes, and she soon travels home without an alternative to her local suitor. But when she visits her sister and her brother-in-law, Elizabeth is in for the shock of her life. Not only is the man she admires alive and well, but he is staying at Netherfield… under an entirely different name.
Elizabeth intends to sort out who is the real Mr. Darcy: the polite but private businessman, or the cold, aloof creature at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy faces an unenviable choice: lie and protect the life he’s fought hard to save, or tell her the truth—and risk ruination.
FRANCHISE AND FOLLIES: A PRIDE & PREJUDICE VARIATION is a clean romance with Jane Austen’s favorite beloved characters.
Though forced to quietly sell Pemberley, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has successfully concealed his late father’s debts and recovered much of the family fortune by discretely building a shipping empire. When Mr. Darcy returns to London, he conducts business under a pseudonym and meets a lovely young lady named Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Mr. Darcy cannot remember being so partial to any other woman of his acquaintance. Of course, since he cannot court Miss Elizabeth under such a pretense, Mr. Darcy retreats to his friend’s country estate, Netherfield. His heart, however, remains in London, with a pair of fine brown eyes…
Eager to delay an impending proposal of marriage, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is staying with relatives in the city. After a chance meeting with a handsome and cultured merchant named William McCain, the idea of matrimony is decidedly less unpleasant.
Unfortunately, the object of Elizabeth’s growing affection vanishes, and she soon travels home without an alternative to her local suitor. But when she visits her sister and her brother-in-law, Elizabeth is in for the shock of her life. Not only is the man she admires alive and well, but he is staying at Netherfield… under an entirely different name.
Elizabeth intends to sort out who is the real Mr. Darcy: the polite but private businessman, or the cold, aloof creature at Netherfield. Mr. Darcy faces an unenviable choice: lie and protect the life he’s fought hard to save, or tell her the truth—and risk ruination.
FRANCHISE AND FOLLIES: A PRIDE & PREJUDICE VARIATION is a clean romance with Jane Austen’s favorite beloved characters.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2021
54 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Cinnamon Worth
27 books45 followersCinnamon Worth is a native of San Diego. She grew up with a large family. Her parents had seven sons and three daughters. Cinnamon was their youngest. Her brothers and sisters would get into a lot of trouble, but would have the best stories to tell years later. Cinnamon was not as cool. She pretty much focused on school and kept her nose clean.
When she went off to college, she ran into the same dilemma most college students do. Her nicely defined path was running out. She would need to make some choices. Chief among them – what was she supposed to do for a living?
She had the good fortune to meet an amazing man the summer before her junior year of college. Sadly, she had already signed up to spend a year studying abroad. But the couple weathered the challenges of a long distance relationship and have now been married for over twenty years. Of course, all this did not solve that pesky problem of making a living – at least not right away.
That romance did, however, shape so many choices in her life. She decided to obtain an MBA after college because that boy had two years left in college and wanted her to stay put in San Diego during that time. Then, after the two years ended, they married, and he dragged her away from her hometown so he could begin work on his PhD and his MD. The college he attended happened to be located near Sacramento, so with her MBA in hand and zero experience, she went door to door begging for work, which she eventually found.
Her career ended up being in public finance – remember the Sacramento’s main industry is government. Year after year passed. Two beautiful children were born. Her husband studied and studied. After a little more than thirteen years, he had completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and his medical degree. But he still needed to do his residency.
Once again they set off on a new journey and had the good fortune to spend a few years living and working just outside of San Francisco. But there is no place like home and once her husband completed his training, his career brought them right back to the city where they met. Cinnamon turned in her 10-key for an apron and became a homemaker. This has led to a boom in sales for local restaurant owners. Surprisingly, one finds free-time when they avoid housekeeping, refuse to cook, and have no job, so she started writing for fun and demonstrated for her children the advantages of finding someone to marry who will let you goof off all day.
She loves humor, and even when she tries to be serious, it seeps into her writing. She has been thrilled to discover a small cluster of readers who are clearly brilliant, have excellent taste, and obviously possess a wickedly, awesome sense of humor. Yes – I mean those that are reading her books! Thus far, she has published books that use Jane Austen’s wonderful characters from Pride and Prejudice. The fifth such book will be released in early 2019.
When she went off to college, she ran into the same dilemma most college students do. Her nicely defined path was running out. She would need to make some choices. Chief among them – what was she supposed to do for a living?
She had the good fortune to meet an amazing man the summer before her junior year of college. Sadly, she had already signed up to spend a year studying abroad. But the couple weathered the challenges of a long distance relationship and have now been married for over twenty years. Of course, all this did not solve that pesky problem of making a living – at least not right away.
That romance did, however, shape so many choices in her life. She decided to obtain an MBA after college because that boy had two years left in college and wanted her to stay put in San Diego during that time. Then, after the two years ended, they married, and he dragged her away from her hometown so he could begin work on his PhD and his MD. The college he attended happened to be located near Sacramento, so with her MBA in hand and zero experience, she went door to door begging for work, which she eventually found.
Her career ended up being in public finance – remember the Sacramento’s main industry is government. Year after year passed. Two beautiful children were born. Her husband studied and studied. After a little more than thirteen years, he had completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and his medical degree. But he still needed to do his residency.
Once again they set off on a new journey and had the good fortune to spend a few years living and working just outside of San Francisco. But there is no place like home and once her husband completed his training, his career brought them right back to the city where they met. Cinnamon turned in her 10-key for an apron and became a homemaker. This has led to a boom in sales for local restaurant owners. Surprisingly, one finds free-time when they avoid housekeeping, refuse to cook, and have no job, so she started writing for fun and demonstrated for her children the advantages of finding someone to marry who will let you goof off all day.
She loves humor, and even when she tries to be serious, it seeps into her writing. She has been thrilled to discover a small cluster of readers who are clearly brilliant, have excellent taste, and obviously possess a wickedly, awesome sense of humor. Yes – I mean those that are reading her books! Thus far, she has published books that use Jane Austen’s wonderful characters from Pride and Prejudice. The fifth such book will be released in early 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 17, 2022
Can you imagine...Darcy in trade, using a false name ("Deceit of every sort is my abhorrence."), without owning Pemberley, engaged to Caroline and using all manners of falsehoods?
In this story there are many who are keeping secrets, including Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. That couple's secret has changed their relationship and the way in which Mrs. Bennet rears her daughters, i.e., not allowing Lydia to go to Brighton. Caroline shares a huge secret with Darcy and then Elizabeth's life is changed and she, too, is carrying a secret which affects more than herself.
Eavesdropping causes much dismay and resentment and, of course, misunderstanding.
Bingley and Jane are married. Mr. Gardiner knows Darcy (but under his pseudonym) and has done business with him. Georgiana is not yet out and so much of what Darcy does is to allow her a "come-out" with a spotless family connection. But Elizabeth doesn't know all this for much of the story. Accusations fly back and forth and cause both Darcy and Elizabeth to resolve to do all they can to cool the feelings as they first came to know each other.
Mrs. Bennet and several of her daughters come down with scarlatina (scarlet fever) and thus Elizabeth moves to live at Netherfield with the Bingleys and with Darcy when he is there.
This story has much angst. The words and actions of ODC had me wondering if they would ever reach an understanding much less forgive and move on. It is a page-turner and I recommend it.
In this story there are many who are keeping secrets, including Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. That couple's secret has changed their relationship and the way in which Mrs. Bennet rears her daughters, i.e., not allowing Lydia to go to Brighton. Caroline shares a huge secret with Darcy and then Elizabeth's life is changed and she, too, is carrying a secret which affects more than herself.
Eavesdropping causes much dismay and resentment and, of course, misunderstanding.
Bingley and Jane are married. Mr. Gardiner knows Darcy (but under his pseudonym) and has done business with him. Georgiana is not yet out and so much of what Darcy does is to allow her a "come-out" with a spotless family connection. But Elizabeth doesn't know all this for much of the story. Accusations fly back and forth and cause both Darcy and Elizabeth to resolve to do all they can to cool the feelings as they first came to know each other.
Mrs. Bennet and several of her daughters come down with scarlatina (scarlet fever) and thus Elizabeth moves to live at Netherfield with the Bingleys and with Darcy when he is there.
This story has much angst. The words and actions of ODC had me wondering if they would ever reach an understanding much less forgive and move on. It is a page-turner and I recommend it.
January 2, 2022
The truth shall set you free…
With a tragic beginning for the Bennets as described in the attention-grabbing prologue, this latest novel from Cinnamon Worth is well worth your time.
When Darcy was faced with his late father’s crushing debt and his obligation to repay it, he was forced to sell Pemberley and begin a career in trade under an assumed identity—to protect the Darcy name and Georgiana’s standing in society. Although unknown at the time, in order to obtain a loan, he also made a deal that will keep him away from the woman he would come to meet and truly love—Elizabeth. Keeping many secrets, his guilt in so often sacrificing his honour with lies and deceit will catch up to him.
I chose well for my first read of 2022. I thought it well written with a great plot and surprising twists, along with good character portrayals and dialogue. Some very nice prose as well. I loved it. Highly recommend.
With a tragic beginning for the Bennets as described in the attention-grabbing prologue, this latest novel from Cinnamon Worth is well worth your time.
When Darcy was faced with his late father’s crushing debt and his obligation to repay it, he was forced to sell Pemberley and begin a career in trade under an assumed identity—to protect the Darcy name and Georgiana’s standing in society. Although unknown at the time, in order to obtain a loan, he also made a deal that will keep him away from the woman he would come to meet and truly love—Elizabeth. Keeping many secrets, his guilt in so often sacrificing his honour with lies and deceit will catch up to him.
I chose well for my first read of 2022. I thought it well written with a great plot and surprising twists, along with good character portrayals and dialogue. Some very nice prose as well. I loved it. Highly recommend.
February 9, 2022
3.75 variations stars
I discovered Austen's work at 17 with P&P and even presented it for my high school diploma. So, it may not be my favourite of hers (Persuasion will always be THE one!), but this book still has a special place in my heart. That said, I enjoyed my reading and how Cinnamon altered the original novel.
The new plot kept me interested all throughout the book. It took various turns and there was always something new adding tension to the story. The shipping business, the events with Caroline, Pemberley and even Elizabeth's secret. So many revelations🤯 The author chose to put the focus almost solely on Darcy and Elizabeth, leaving some original plotlines aside - the ones I don't particularly fancy, so I couldn't complain.
This time around, Elizabeth was the one holding more prejudices. It wasn't surprising at the beginning, but it became quite tiring in the last quarter of the book, as she was very vindicative . Her behaviour lead me to like Darcy even more than I did in Austen's version. As the story shifted, new characters appeared to replace the abandoned ones. I liked how they changed the novel's dynamic, but wasn't really into them. My other complain lies with the epilogue. We could have done without it because it made the HEA feel very unreal and over the top.
I discovered Austen's work at 17 with P&P and even presented it for my high school diploma. So, it may not be my favourite of hers (Persuasion will always be THE one!), but this book still has a special place in my heart. That said, I enjoyed my reading and how Cinnamon altered the original novel.
The new plot kept me interested all throughout the book. It took various turns and there was always something new adding tension to the story. The shipping business, the events with Caroline, Pemberley and even Elizabeth's secret. So many revelations🤯 The author chose to put the focus almost solely on Darcy and Elizabeth, leaving some original plotlines aside - the ones I don't particularly fancy, so I couldn't complain.
This time around, Elizabeth was the one holding more prejudices. It wasn't surprising at the beginning, but it became quite tiring in the last quarter of the book, as she was very vindicative . Her behaviour lead me to like Darcy even more than I did in Austen's version. As the story shifted, new characters appeared to replace the abandoned ones. I liked how they changed the novel's dynamic, but wasn't really into them. My other complain lies with the epilogue. We could have done without it because it made the HEA feel very unreal and over the top.
August 2, 2022
So different
A really interesting story, with very unexpected developments and circumstances that, while it deviates totally from canon, maintains the characters' personalities and traits creating an improbable but engaging tale.
A really interesting story, with very unexpected developments and circumstances that, while it deviates totally from canon, maintains the characters' personalities and traits creating an improbable but engaging tale.
January 1, 2022
Great Story
I loved this Lizzy and the Bennets were not too bad! Loved how Darcy struggled and made back his fortune that his father lost! Glad there was only a cursory mention of lady Catherine and Wickham! Nice epilogue!!
I loved this Lizzy and the Bennets were not too bad! Loved how Darcy struggled and made back his fortune that his father lost! Glad there was only a cursory mention of lady Catherine and Wickham! Nice epilogue!!
March 20, 2022
Darcy hides his father’s gambling debt and makes a deal with someone he thought would help him as he goes into trade to earn enough money to regain his estate. Hiding for years he comes back to London and all his assumptions and beliefs are questioned and he faces the truth about himself. Elizabeth is older in this version and while she is trying to figure out what to do with her future she finds her world turned upside down.
I was disappointed with one short chapter for the ending.
I was disappointed with one short chapter for the ending.
July 9, 2022
A very different story with an unexpected, ironic twist in the middle. Poor Darcy! In love with Elizabeth but engaged to Caroline (Grr!) And Elizabeth, wanting a practical marriage but losig her heart to someone else who she is not even sure is real. Liked the way things panned out.
July 14, 2022
This was well reviewed by some people but I just couldn’t buy it. Darcy sells Pemberley? Unthinkable. The deception is very anti canon Darcy.
Miss Bingley keeps harping on Elizabeth’s age but she can’t be a spring chicken herself.
There were many typos and wrong words.
The author says she tries to get Tegency history correct then has the ladies at a tavern and uses modern language such as pheromones (1950s), charisma and pathological liar.
The facile ending made me roll my eyes.
Miss Bingley keeps harping on Elizabeth’s age but she can’t be a spring chicken herself.
There were many typos and wrong words.
The author says she tries to get Tegency history correct then has the ladies at a tavern and uses modern language such as pheromones (1950s), charisma and pathological liar.
The facile ending made me roll my eyes.
February 4, 2022
Darcy without Pemberley???
I am a massive fan of Pride & Prejudice fanfiction. In fact, it’s what got me hooked on my Kindle e-reader and using Kindle Unlimited! I remember reading books by this author years ago, but I hadn’t picked up a book of hers in a long time. Back in the day, I wasn’t wild about her books. But I am so happy I chose to revisit books by this author. I can tell she has continued to hone her craft, and as a reader, I love it when authors improve and become better storytellers. That’s why I rarely give up on an author… you never know the delights you may miss down the road.
One thing I absolutely adored was how far different this book was from canon. Who is Mr. Darcy without Pemberley? How is Mr. Darcy when his (and his family’s) reputation stands on a knife’s edge? Can he deceive, hide, and lie… if it protects Georgiana and keeps her marital prospects open (as well as shield her from knowing about their father’s issues)? Darcy… in trade? This version of Darcy is certainly complex… which I love to see in a variation.
The author wove in snippets from the original--which I always love to see in JAFF—but in unexpected places and ways. Often, and I thought this was fun, she had Elizabeth acting more like canon Darcy. Nice to mix it up a little!
The prolog certainly enticed me, making me wonder how it would affect the later story. Boy, did it! That’s another aspect I enjoyed about the book. Though it is certainly not a major part of the book, this story gave us a different perspective on Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. In this version, Mr. Bennett is a revelation of acceptance and seeing the blessings in what could have been ruinous in his marriage. Like Elizabeth states, his gracious, generous thoughts and actions could be where Jane’s inherent goodness comes from.
The narrative descriptions helped put me right there. The only things I wasn’t wild about were the over-reliance on eavesdropping (intentional and deliberate) and how vitriolic both Elizabeth and Darcy could be at times. Given their acrimony through most of the book, their interactions at the end didn’t seem quite plausible. All in all, though, I found this a delightful read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I am a massive fan of Pride & Prejudice fanfiction. In fact, it’s what got me hooked on my Kindle e-reader and using Kindle Unlimited! I remember reading books by this author years ago, but I hadn’t picked up a book of hers in a long time. Back in the day, I wasn’t wild about her books. But I am so happy I chose to revisit books by this author. I can tell she has continued to hone her craft, and as a reader, I love it when authors improve and become better storytellers. That’s why I rarely give up on an author… you never know the delights you may miss down the road.
One thing I absolutely adored was how far different this book was from canon. Who is Mr. Darcy without Pemberley? How is Mr. Darcy when his (and his family’s) reputation stands on a knife’s edge? Can he deceive, hide, and lie… if it protects Georgiana and keeps her marital prospects open (as well as shield her from knowing about their father’s issues)? Darcy… in trade? This version of Darcy is certainly complex… which I love to see in a variation.
The author wove in snippets from the original--which I always love to see in JAFF—but in unexpected places and ways. Often, and I thought this was fun, she had Elizabeth acting more like canon Darcy. Nice to mix it up a little!
The prolog certainly enticed me, making me wonder how it would affect the later story. Boy, did it! That’s another aspect I enjoyed about the book. Though it is certainly not a major part of the book, this story gave us a different perspective on Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. In this version, Mr. Bennett is a revelation of acceptance and seeing the blessings in what could have been ruinous in his marriage. Like Elizabeth states, his gracious, generous thoughts and actions could be where Jane’s inherent goodness comes from.
The narrative descriptions helped put me right there. The only things I wasn’t wild about were the over-reliance on eavesdropping (intentional and deliberate) and how vitriolic both Elizabeth and Darcy could be at times. Given their acrimony through most of the book, their interactions at the end didn’t seem quite plausible. All in all, though, I found this a delightful read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
January 4, 2022
Disappointed
I've read several other works by this author that were much more plausible. Seems like this time she decided to use a completely far fetched premise, and then add in some twists that were laughable and just way too coincidental and convenient. As the book summary indicates, Darcy is forced to sell Pemberly due to his father's debts, and he goes into business under a different name in an attempt to recoup his losses. He keeps all of this a secret from his family, so as not to harm the family's reputation. His business dealings involve Mr Gardiner, and through him, Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennett. He's strongly attracted to her, but isn't in a position to pursue her.
I've read other JAFF variations that use this scenario, of Darcy dealing with his father's mistakes, but in this one my head was spinning with the depth of deception that Darcy descended into in order to pretend to his sister and family that nothing was wrong. It all went so contrary to everything that defines our beloved Darcy, such as honorability, and abhorrence of deceit. This dilemma of character is a primary focus of the story, and makes for a heavy and depressing storyline while Darcy struggles with trying to keep his stories straight. Not a particularly admirable Darcy. There were other beloved characters that were not entirely likable. I'm pleased when Jane has a little more backbone, but in this version she's downright bossy and pushy. Elizabeth, at a later point in the book, becomes somewhat of a shrew.
There's a plot point involving Mrs Bennett and Elizabeth that I won't reveal, but it was at that point that the story went off the rails for me. Several things are revealed, and things happen that enter the realm of the ludicrous. Then, to make matters even more strange, an event involving Georgiana occurs which just made me scratch my head and become impatient with the book. At that point, which was later in the story, I just wanted to hurry up and finish because I was no longer enjoying the story. I was disappointed because this author is capable of better.
I have to give credit for very good writing and editing. The story is well crafted. I just happen to prefer storylines that aren't ridiculous.
I've read several other works by this author that were much more plausible. Seems like this time she decided to use a completely far fetched premise, and then add in some twists that were laughable and just way too coincidental and convenient. As the book summary indicates, Darcy is forced to sell Pemberly due to his father's debts, and he goes into business under a different name in an attempt to recoup his losses. He keeps all of this a secret from his family, so as not to harm the family's reputation. His business dealings involve Mr Gardiner, and through him, Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennett. He's strongly attracted to her, but isn't in a position to pursue her.
I've read other JAFF variations that use this scenario, of Darcy dealing with his father's mistakes, but in this one my head was spinning with the depth of deception that Darcy descended into in order to pretend to his sister and family that nothing was wrong. It all went so contrary to everything that defines our beloved Darcy, such as honorability, and abhorrence of deceit. This dilemma of character is a primary focus of the story, and makes for a heavy and depressing storyline while Darcy struggles with trying to keep his stories straight. Not a particularly admirable Darcy. There were other beloved characters that were not entirely likable. I'm pleased when Jane has a little more backbone, but in this version she's downright bossy and pushy. Elizabeth, at a later point in the book, becomes somewhat of a shrew.
There's a plot point involving Mrs Bennett and Elizabeth that I won't reveal, but it was at that point that the story went off the rails for me. Several things are revealed, and things happen that enter the realm of the ludicrous. Then, to make matters even more strange, an event involving Georgiana occurs which just made me scratch my head and become impatient with the book. At that point, which was later in the story, I just wanted to hurry up and finish because I was no longer enjoying the story. I was disappointed because this author is capable of better.
I have to give credit for very good writing and editing. The story is well crafted. I just happen to prefer storylines that aren't ridiculous.
January 2, 2022
In An Alternative Universe💫
CLEAN Historical Regency Romance💕
Whereby Mr. Darcy 🐺spends some years in hot sweaty India🌴 recouping his lost fortune💰 and dreaming of Elizabeth💃💋 back in Cool green England🏰.
Unfortunately, being in trade is a sin for the nobility set, so he has endeavo red to keep his financial workings a secret from everyone, including Elizabeth 💃💋,and gave her a false name when they first met. She knows him as Mr. Kain!
Finally making his way back to England to recoup his heritage with his secretly earned dough💰, Darcy🐺 finds out he is already nearly betrothed to Caroline, a conniving young woman and being virtually blackmailed by her father, into marrying👰 her.
What about Elizabeth💃💋?
EGADS!
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
This is a Fun book and definitely a great alternative to the original, written two hundred years ago!
CLEAN Historical Regency Romance💕
Whereby Mr. Darcy 🐺spends some years in hot sweaty India🌴 recouping his lost fortune💰 and dreaming of Elizabeth💃💋 back in Cool green England🏰.
Unfortunately, being in trade is a sin for the nobility set, so he has endeavo red to keep his financial workings a secret from everyone, including Elizabeth 💃💋,and gave her a false name when they first met. She knows him as Mr. Kain!
Finally making his way back to England to recoup his heritage with his secretly earned dough💰, Darcy🐺 finds out he is already nearly betrothed to Caroline, a conniving young woman and being virtually blackmailed by her father, into marrying👰 her.
What about Elizabeth💃💋?
EGADS!
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU.
This is a Fun book and definitely a great alternative to the original, written two hundred years ago!
May 7, 2023
What if Darcy's father was in debt and Darcy had secretly started to rebuild his fortune in trade? He still abhors deceit but deemed it necessary in order to protect Georgiana's chances of making it in the society. When he meets Elizabeth at the Gardiners he is introduced as Mr. McCain and she is quite shocked to meet him as Mr. Darcy at Netherfield later. (Darcy was in India at the time so he was not there to interfere with Jane and Bingley's courtship.) It took me two tries to finish this story as I put it down when I found out he was engaged to Caroline but I was happy with the conclusion. I loved the way that it turned out that Elizabeth had things to hide too. There are plot twists that I did not see coming initially and I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so let me just recommend the story.I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review.
August 8, 2022
3.5*
I liked this one, it changed from canon as Jane and Bingley were already married and Elizabeth hadn’t met Darcy before. Darcy is down on his luck and money (!) and has been off building a business. I liked some of the interaction between the characters and the growing feelings between Elizabeth and Darcy, but it did get frustrating later on when she was determined to stick to her unsupported belief that he was only paying her compliment for ulterior motives, purely because he lied earlier on but we all know and understand why he lied earlier on so why continue in the belief when nobody else around you agrees?
I did enjoy the twist to Elizabeth’s story though, added a nice layer to it all.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
I liked this one, it changed from canon as Jane and Bingley were already married and Elizabeth hadn’t met Darcy before. Darcy is down on his luck and money (!) and has been off building a business. I liked some of the interaction between the characters and the growing feelings between Elizabeth and Darcy, but it did get frustrating later on when she was determined to stick to her unsupported belief that he was only paying her compliment for ulterior motives, purely because he lied earlier on but we all know and understand why he lied earlier on so why continue in the belief when nobody else around you agrees?
I did enjoy the twist to Elizabeth’s story though, added a nice layer to it all.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
Read
March 25, 2023This is a very good book.
But still I don't feel road to love for E&F was complete in this story. This Mr Darcy was sometimes act in most Mr Wickham-like manner. I was also disappointed with his deal with Caroline Bingley, he (at least we should believe he was) trying to be gentlemen with honor, completely failed it. Especially what he was saying about Elizabeth, it was unforgivable and unpardonable. The fact that he should have something with Ms Bingley doesn't mean he should fall down to her level. He lost himself here. And it was not even Mr Darcy who ended this! He should choose right thing before it. Elizabeth's fails doesn't look so awful as Darcy's in this story and I kind of feel she should say him go away and enjoy himself. My good opinion ones lost, lost forever)
But still I don't feel road to love for E&F was complete in this story. This Mr Darcy was sometimes act in most Mr Wickham-like manner. I was also disappointed with his deal with Caroline Bingley, he (at least we should believe he was) trying to be gentlemen with honor, completely failed it. Especially what he was saying about Elizabeth, it was unforgivable and unpardonable. The fact that he should have something with Ms Bingley doesn't mean he should fall down to her level. He lost himself here. And it was not even Mr Darcy who ended this! He should choose right thing before it. Elizabeth's fails doesn't look so awful as Darcy's in this story and I kind of feel she should say him go away and enjoy himself. My good opinion ones lost, lost forever)
December 29, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review.
While there are a couple of situations I don't believe Jane Austen would have included into her novels; most aspects of the novel especially the characters very much ring true. This seems to me to be one of the most natural variations I have read. If Darcy lost his fortune, I could very well see it playing out this way. All the pieces came together in the end effortlessly. I would equate this novel with comfort food. There was one or two surprises, but the writing and the characters were exactly as they should be, making me feel right at home.
While there are a couple of situations I don't believe Jane Austen would have included into her novels; most aspects of the novel especially the characters very much ring true. This seems to me to be one of the most natural variations I have read. If Darcy lost his fortune, I could very well see it playing out this way. All the pieces came together in the end effortlessly. I would equate this novel with comfort food. There was one or two surprises, but the writing and the characters were exactly as they should be, making me feel right at home.
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January 6, 2022Unusual
Old Mr Darcy gambling set Pemberley on a path of ruin and left huge debts that Darcy only paid by selling Pemberley and all its treasures. He ends up in India building a shipping company to make money to buy everything back. The story revolves around deceit. Darcy is hiding the truth from every single person and Elizabeth Bennet is hiding her love for Darcy along with her true Parenthood... Her mother had an affair and now Elizabeth is her biological father's heir which includes the beautiful Pemberley! It's intriguing plot with the addition of Caroline to muck everything up as usual!
Old Mr Darcy gambling set Pemberley on a path of ruin and left huge debts that Darcy only paid by selling Pemberley and all its treasures. He ends up in India building a shipping company to make money to buy everything back. The story revolves around deceit. Darcy is hiding the truth from every single person and Elizabeth Bennet is hiding her love for Darcy along with her true Parenthood... Her mother had an affair and now Elizabeth is her biological father's heir which includes the beautiful Pemberley! It's intriguing plot with the addition of Caroline to muck everything up as usual!
January 9, 2022
Have issues with the story
And with the inability to consider my review before submitting. I am not sure why Elizabeth's birth is a concern. I think since she was born inside a marriage, she is legitimate in spite of who fathered her. I think Elizabeth was right to take Darcy to task on his dishonesty but am not sure I noticed her admitting her own hypocrisy. Why would Mrs Reynolds have been working at Darcy house in town? And if she was, then why was she then at Pemberley for wedding planning visit? Who was mistress during that time? I noticed Jane diagnosing Mrs Reynolds.
And with the inability to consider my review before submitting. I am not sure why Elizabeth's birth is a concern. I think since she was born inside a marriage, she is legitimate in spite of who fathered her. I think Elizabeth was right to take Darcy to task on his dishonesty but am not sure I noticed her admitting her own hypocrisy. Why would Mrs Reynolds have been working at Darcy house in town? And if she was, then why was she then at Pemberley for wedding planning visit? Who was mistress during that time? I noticed Jane diagnosing Mrs Reynolds.
January 3, 2022
Nice plot
I think Ms. Worth is a real storyteller. I had no idea how she was going to get Darcy away from Carolyn Bingley, or out of all the lies he was telling. I'm glad to see it worked out, although I felt Elizabeth took the news from her father pretty easily. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it got to be a little long-winded at the end. I like short books, and I just wanted it over.
I think Ms. Worth is a real storyteller. I had no idea how she was going to get Darcy away from Carolyn Bingley, or out of all the lies he was telling. I'm glad to see it worked out, although I felt Elizabeth took the news from her father pretty easily. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it got to be a little long-winded at the end. I like short books, and I just wanted it over.
February 6, 2022
Unique Plot Twists (spoiler alert)
I've read so many Austen fan fiction and variations of the what-if themes, it is hard to surprise me. This offering presented a unique stew of twists: an impoverished Darcy, a rational Mrs. Bennet, Jane with a backbone and initiative, and Lizzy as an unwitting heiress. All these elements are woven together to create a satisfying page turner tale that captivates.
I've read so many Austen fan fiction and variations of the what-if themes, it is hard to surprise me. This offering presented a unique stew of twists: an impoverished Darcy, a rational Mrs. Bennet, Jane with a backbone and initiative, and Lizzy as an unwitting heiress. All these elements are woven together to create a satisfying page turner tale that captivates.
May 31, 2022
The thing about this book was that it twisted all of what we know of the circumstances for ODC, yet the author (mostly) kept the character traits for the pair. She gave us an interesting tale in many ways, and for the originality, for the unexpected maybes, and for the fun of the twist this book is a gem of a read. Thank you, Cinnamon, for picking it for me out of your books when we were in the chat stream for the WIP reading group together!
January 2, 2022
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book because it is different than any other. The characters are the same but their development is so different. Though love conquers all obstacles and blinds some, the end is sweet.
I enjoyed reading this book because it is different than any other. The characters are the same but their development is so different. Though love conquers all obstacles and blinds some, the end is sweet.
June 23, 2024
Nice different variation
This is a nice different variation. Poor Mr Darcy. But what an adventure. Smart actions, sensitive emotions, misconceptions and communications. Oh, and no won't go there...
Cinnamon always writes a good book.
This is a nice different variation. Poor Mr Darcy. But what an adventure. Smart actions, sensitive emotions, misconceptions and communications. Oh, and no won't go there...
Cinnamon always writes a good book.
January 2, 2022
I do love Cinnamon' s work. Her stories are original and sparkling. I really enjoyed the work. I have all her works to reread. This one is no different I loved it was was worth waiting for.
January 22, 2022
Follies
Basically good, but several major blunders in plot.
The on going war between D&E was unimaginable. I did fast forward several times because of it.
Basically good, but several major blunders in plot.
The on going war between D&E was unimaginable. I did fast forward several times because of it.
February 21, 2022
my favorite
this has been my favorite of the entire series. It is written in Austin’s style and vocabulary and was a fast read.
this has been my favorite of the entire series. It is written in Austin’s style and vocabulary and was a fast read.
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