The air was all gone, and coldness overtook her, as though she had fallen into icy water and was sinking into the blackness. Her stomach churned, as it was wont to do these days. He would not marry her. She was ruined.
THE ARRIVAL OF TWO ELIGIBLE GENTLEMEN at Netherfield Park sends ripples of excitement through nearby Meryton. But Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy are not the only additions to the neighbourhood raising eyebrows. An unremarkable cottage in the woods between Netherfield and Meryton also has new tenants. One of them—a lively little girl with an adventurous spirit, a love of the outdoors, and a past shrouded in mystery—draws the notice of more than one local.
ELIZABETH BENNET—YOUNG, INTELLIGENT, and UNFASHIONABLY INDEPENDENT—forms a poor first impression of the haughty Mr Darcy. On closer acquaintance, and against her better judgment, her disgust begins to give way to more tender feelings. Yet standing in the way of any potential romance is the closely guarded history of a certain little girl in a cottage in the woods. Elizabeth might be ready to disclose her hidden affections, but she is about to learn that some things are better kept secret, and some hearts are safer left untouched.
A rustle in the wind reminds us a fairy is near. ~ Author unknown
It’s all about the Fairies, after all.
The Prologue reveals a young woman overhearing a conversation between two men — one her protector; the other refuses to marry her.
Years later, the story opens at Longbourn with a visit from the neighborhood gossip — yes, in addition to the Mesdames Bennet, Lucas and Phillips, we have Mrs. Hanrahan who lives alone outside Meryton and disapproves of the people moving into a cottage near her.
Of course, Elizabeth encounters the new neighbors in one of her woodland rambles.
Quote from the book: The girl shook her head, prouder still. “I have run away … I am exceedingly good at running … she never catches me. She is terrible at running.”
The fairies went from the world, dear, Because men's hearts grew cold: And only the eyes of children see What is hidden from the old... ~ Kathleen Foyle
Anna is an enchanting and determined 5-year-old.
Quote from the book: “She is my mother’s cousin. I live with her in Persimmon Cottage. She does not like it, but I do, because it is near some woods that I know are magic, for I leave scraps out for the fairies every evening and they are gone every morning, though I have yet to see one.” “You have to be ever so quiet to see a fairy,” Elizabeth told her solemnly. “They will not allow you to see them unless you are very, very still.”
So, here is the mystery central to this love story: Who is Anna? Who are her parents? Why is she in Meryton?
No child but must remember laying his head in the grass, staring into the infinitesimal forest, and seeing it grow populous with fairy armies. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Thanks to the neighborhood gossips, the Netherfield party is only marginally welcomed into Hertfordshire. Some of the most damaging gossip comes from the local pastor who is aided and abetted by Mr. Collins. Our favorite cad, George Wickham, lets a few secrets out in the open. But, we know what a little fibber he can be!
The standard characters are at Netherfield. Charles Bingley is the youngest of the family this time. Louisa Hurst is 27 and Caroline slightly younger.
The author kept her secret to the end, even as the canon Pride & Prejudice coincidences occur: a dance at Netherfield; a meeting at Hunsford; a meeting in Derbyshire.
I made many guesses about Anna’s life story. At one point, I actually had the correct idea but I abandoned it in favor of a scenario that seemed more likely. Hah! That should teach me!
I loved this book! 5 Stars all the way.
I received an ARC with no promise given of a review.
And though you should live in a palace of gold, or sleep in a dried up ditch, You could never be as poor as the fairies are, and never as rich. ~ Rose Fyleman
This was an excellent story but like a mystery in that I must leave so much out in my review that would lead to being a SPOILER.
Bingley does arrive at Netherfield along with his sisters and brother-in-law and Darcy. At about the same time a derelict cottage in the woods becomes inhabited with a woman and child. Rumors begin to abound and even Mr. Collins is found to be adding to the gossip. Elizabeth meets the child more than once during her walks as the child seems to love running and escaping her caretaker. A friendship develops between Anna and Elizabeth and Anna makes references to “her mother” and rules she knows she is breaking. Although Elizabeth suspects the gossip is correct as to the child’s legal status and, thus, the status of the mother, Elizabeth does not condemn the innocent. During this story however, she does make judgments about both parents (or at least those she believes are the parents) and their actions not to take steps to protect Anna’s standing in society and her future. If you know P&P, then you know the misunderstandings Elizabeth and Darcy had about each other. Those are nothing in comparison to the misunderstandings in this story; especially those on Elizabeth’s part. Yes, there is a proposal, and it is much like that in canon but in the author’s own words. (SPOILER: However, Elizabeth’s retort is much more than about his separating Bingley and Jane and his treatment of Wickham, it is also about what Darcy should have done with Anna’s mother.) Darcy does not write a letter at this point.
Wickham’s role in this story is larger than in canon. Oh, yes, there is an episode with Lydia but here Darcy acts much more quickly. However, Darcy also holds a letter which forces Wickham to back off in parts of the story. Then there is that trip for Elizabeth with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. They spend some time at the estate of Darcy’s aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Matlock. There Elizabeth again comes across Anna while exploring the area. This time something happens, and it is Elizabeth who comes out as the hero of the day.
There are many twists to this story and the author does hold back so the reader is draw in and turning pages. Who is Anna and just who are her parents? Why didn’t they marry? I highly recommend this story. I plan to reread it at some time.
I received an ARC of this story with a request for a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
“Do you think that matters to me? My mother used to say that there was no such thing as a fallen woman. You just had to look for the man who pushed her down.” –Courtney Milan, Unclaimed
To other reviewers… please don’t spoil the reveal. Let others discover the secrets for themselves. This review may contain spoilers, but I hope not: Rating: MA: adult themes and discussions, no explicit descriptions. This story opened with such a shocking scene that it stuck with me the entire book. OMG! Thankfully, it was portrayed in shadow and I was not privy to the identity of the participants. The next scene was five years later. I was going crazy trying to figure out who did what to whom? Well, I knew what they did… but who were they? This was a mystery of the Alfred Hitchcock variety. That’s what my husband called it when I told him how the suspense lasted the entire story.
“Whether man or beast, the secrets you kept in the fathoms of your heart always held you to ransom.” –Dianna Hardy, Reign Of The Wolf
Certain that I knew what I knew, I was shocked when the clues started dropping. I had to redirect my conclusions numerous times only to be proven wrong… time after time. Our author [nefarious creature that she is] kept taking these twists and turns that had me completely confused. I loved it. Then the ‘OMG’ jaw-dropping reveals started popping up. What an astonishing and shocking twist to our story.
“Whatever it is that you think you have discovered. You must forget it.” –Diane Samuels, Kindertransport: A Drama
Since we were traveling the outline that Austen laid out with Darcy and Elizabeth, I knew where we were in the story and sort of what would happen next. Or so I thought. Jessie Lewis added an additional character to our cast and what a delightful character. I absolutely loved this person. They were certainly an essential part in the mystery.
“The thing about families, Arlo thought, was that there was always some question nobody wanted to answer for you, and it was like a stray thread pulling loose in a sweater. You could tug at it all you wanted, but in the end, all you’d have was a pile of twisted yarn.” –Sarah Sullivan, All That’s Missing
Elizabeth had her own journey to travel with her feelings and emotions regarding Mr. Darcy. She was always a step behind in trying to make sense of the clues as they were presented. As was I. Bless his heart, Mr. Darcy was trying to maintain a family secret while trying to not offend his beloved. Which, of course, he did with the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal]. Darcy and his cousin, the Colonel, left Kent without Darcy giving Elizabeth his letter. Oh, dear. Mr. Collins continued causing trouble. OMG! Can someone shut-him-up… please? Poor Charlotte.
12-8-20 I received an ARC from Quills and Quartos Publishing via Booksprout. The views and opinions expressed are my own. This was an amazing story and so different that ICNPID [I-could-not-put-it-down]. I highly recommend this for those who love a mystery, medium angst, and suspense that will have you turning the page. I loved it.
What If a Five Year Old Child Came to Live Near Meryton?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Elizabeth befriends an adorable and impish little girl named Anna who lives in a cottage near Netherfield Park. But after observing some odd conversations and tense moods between the newly arrived tenants of Netherfield and hearing the gossip about them that is spreading through the neighborhood, Elizabeth begins to wonder about this child and her connection to the new residents of Netherfield…
MY THOUGHTS:
Another superbly originative and distinctive Pride and Prejudice variation by the talented pen of Jessie Lewis! Ms. Lewis did a marvelous job of constructing a dramatic yet credible series of events for her characters and masterfully revealing them to the reader ever-so-gradually as she delicately and deftly peeled away one layer at a time. The plot and the truth of this charming child’s origins remains successfully shrouded in mystery for so much of the story that I proceeded through several different theories of her true parentage, only to discover in that end each theory was wrong! Talk about some jaw-dropping revelations!
There were so many characters I loved in this story – and so many lovely relationships we see develop. Anna was everything that was precocious and sweet, and I absolutely adored every endearing interaction she has with Elizabeth. In addition, I greatly admired Elizabeth in this tale. As always, she is compassionate, loyal, and forthright, but in this story she also exhibits some deep introspection about morals and passing judgement that was inspiring to witness. And lastly, I adored this portrayal of Mr. Darcy – just like Elizabeth, I became completely charmed with his subtle wit, gentle imparting of knowledge, and quiet yet thoughtful gestures. I also loved his relationships with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his family. But my most favorite relationship in this story was between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy – their exchanges and the rocky road they traverse together oscillated between heartwarming and heartrending. Gah! Their relationship had me emotionally consumed!
Similar to Mistaken and Speechless, Fallen is an exceptional Pride and Prejudice variation that combines an intricate plot, deeply gratifying character developments, and beautifully nuanced prose. There is so much I admire about Jessie Lewis’s understated and lyrical writing, she is definitely an author you do not want to miss!
the action or process of directing someone to the wrong place or in the wrong direction.
I love Jessie Lewis's books https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... like a fat cat loves lasagna. And this is another stellar entry from the author. However she did such a great job of misdirecting a plot point that I actually stopped reading the book because I couldn't deal with a main characters perceived actions. Luckily for me one of GR friends finished the story and encouraged me to finish it and I am glad I did.
Sorry no plot hints or teasers here. You just have to read it.
And reread it. The first time I read this book I was as confused as Lizzy gets about what was going on so I didn't appreciate it as much as a should. It is really extra brilliant.
All you have to do is read the Prologue of this book to get hooked. No one is identified, but the situation is obvious: a pregnant woman eavesdrops on the men deciding her future, confident the result will be her betrothal. She reacts in shock when the conversation goes quite differently. She's ruined. Cut to Chapter one.
And the standard beginning to Pride and Prejudice unfolds, but there's a significant addition. Not only is Netherfield being taken by a single man of good fortune, but the local gossip says a cottage on the Netherfield property is now occupied by a child and a woman. On one of her walks, Elizabeth encounters the child, Anna, a precocious five-year-old who's obsessed with fairies. Elizabeth gaily plays along and sends her back to her nurse, who isn't capable of keeping up with her high-spirited charge. The girl frequently wanders off on her own.
As the usual storyline continues, so does the drip-drip-drip of both information and local speculation about Anna around Meryton. Who is the child's mother? And the father?
Elizabeth has her customary poor impression of Mr. Darcy: he's haughty and arrogant. But then she happens to observe him with Anna. Expecting him to be dismissive of the child, she sees him react with gentle warmth instead, thoroughly confusing Elizabeth and softening her opinion somewhat. She also notes that there appears to be a kind of symbiotic relationship between Darcy and the Bingleys - could Anna be the source of their connection?
Local gossip eventually concludes Anna must be Miss Bingley's child. When the Netherfield party and inhabitants of the cottage leave the area, it's largely due to all the malicious talk. At this point, the book slides the mystery to the side. Although other story details propel the plot forward, those little drips of information about Anna, the Bingleys, and Mr. Darcy are less constant but still persist.
Ms. Lewis does a masterful job of balancing and interweaving the various plot elements. I just love how she writes. The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth builds along with the tension that leads to the book's climactic scene. Answers to the mystery surrounding Anna are jaw-droppers and well-supported by the preceding clues, but it takes a very perceptive reader to guess correctly.
Wonderful, inventive, well-written book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved the other books of this author, so I was very excited about this one. Anyway, I found the pace in this one very slow, and the amount of misunderstanding is almost too convoluted to be enjoyable, in my opinion.
It's hard to talk about the story, without giving spoilers, I will only say, that I was dissatisfied with the way they always try to justify men, but the women are always too cunning and manipulative. It's tiresome to see it repeatedly.
I recommend asking Amazon for a sample of Fallen from Jessie Lewis because if you read the prologue, you’ll be bound to read the rest of the book. That is what happened to me. I read the first two pages and immediately knew I would stay up late reading this story.
Fallen opens with a lady realising that after being compromised by a gentleman he will not marry her. We later realise she is with child and it is that child that will change the entire story. When I read the prologue I guessed who the lady was, but I was far from guessing who was the father of sweet Anna. That mystery is kept right until the end, which was definitely a plus for me.
Fallen will closely follow canon and the main difference is the presence of a small child and the dynamics between the Bingley’s and Darcy, a fact that Elizabeth perceives and wonders about. Why does Darcy seem so displeased with some of Bingley’s attitudes? Why does he seem keen on diverting certain subjects from conversation? Why does Miss Bingley seem so bipolar, displaying different attitudes every day? Who is young Anna? And what is her connection to the Netherfield residents?
The answers to those questions may seem small differences, but because of them, Elizabeth and Darcy become closer to one another and are able to have many conversations that will give her a different light on his character. Slowly she starts falling for Mr. Darcy, especially after all their walks at Rosings Park, where they share beautiful and soul bearing conversations. This was my favorite aspect of the entire book because we see Elizabeth getting closer to Darcy and slowly falling in love with him, which is something I always love in a novel.
The love story between Darcy and Elizabeth is deep, romantic and a little different than usual because the we can see that both love one another but are not getting together because there is still a bridge to cross, this provides the reader with a little angst but also the assurance of an exhilarating HEA.
Apart from all the Darcy/Elizabeth moments, I also enjoyed immensely the dialogues behind the usual scenes. We can finally see what the Bennet sisters tell one another when they are together, and even Kitty has a say when the Bennets are in their parlour. This detail made me enjoy the book much more and even like Jane Bennet, who is a character I don’t particularly love. These dialogues allow the reader to get to know all characters much better, and to see them as part of the story, instead of props simply added to make it work. The characters in Fallen are real and complex, which makes the prose richer and the enjoyment of reading it bigger.
The structure of the book makes it a compelling read with small chapters that keep pulling the reader into the next one, and the writing style is exquisite. Summing up, Fallen is a very romantic novel with a little mystery that will please all readers. I highly recommend it.
Misunderstood Secrets The Bingleys and Mr. Darcy have come to Netherfield bearing secrets and intrigue. Into this mix is a little five-year old girl named Anna living in a nearby cottage who believes in fairies. She and Elizabeth keep meeting during her walks. Is she part of the secret? This all becomes the latest gossip of nosy neighbours and clerics, and the inevitable misunderstandings and assumptions of an Elizabeth who thinks she has all the answers (fueled with Wickham’s help, of course).
Of course, all the misunderstandings come to a head when she refuses Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford. There is no letter to clear things up, and yet despite the things Elizabeth has assumed, she begins to realize she loves him.
Three times I thought I had the truth of the secret all figured out. I held pieces, but my conclusions were all wrong. I would have never considered the truth of it.
Jessie Lewis has once again—from Prologue to End—written a captivating Darcy and Elizabeth story that had my feeble brain working overtime trying to discover the secrets. No spoilers. You must read it for yourself. The writing is well done and the plot will maintain your interest throughout. I highly recommend this, as well as the other works of this excellent author.
July 13, 2021 - Audiobook Another excellent narration by Stevie Zimmerman. Happy to highly recommend the audio version too.
I read solely on an e-reader so I can set it at a comfortable sized font. This is one time I missed having a paperback book I could hug to my chest when I finished it. I felt silly doing it with my phone, but I did let out a huge sigh. omg ohmygoodnessgracious.
I can't really write a traditional review because if you have read any others you know to do so would spoil it for everyone yet who hasn't read it. I lost sleep over this. I love how Jesse Lewis writes. This book, as with her others will be keeping company with my favorite reread shelf of books.
Fallen follows canon, but with So Much More. And just saying THAT sounds so cliché. But again...those spoilers. Just read it, for goodness sake. I wish I could've given it many more stars. **********
This is the third book I read by this author and I fall in love with her writing more and more. The characters, sequence of events, the twists, the conversation, everything is exquisite. I especially love her Elizabeth. No wonder Darcy fell for her so hard because she was absolutely charming. I see myself rereading this many many times in the future.
2022- Audiobook- enjoyed this so much more listening to Stevie Zimmerman narrate ;)
This is such a beautifully written book. The characters are dynamic and multi-faceted compared to many of the flat written characters in many JAFF. Even Miss Bingley in this book has the typical selfish and vicious aspects she is usually written with, but together with that she is also given a vulnerable side. Still difficult to swallow however.
Together with some of the usual P&P canon and clever inserts of iconic P&P moments and quotes, there is also a mystery concerning a young child and the rapid disappearance of the Bingleys following the ball. A slow burn falling in love with ODC, loads of misunderstandings and lack of good honest communication (the kind that always gives me a tummy ache).
There was a rather negative undertone to the telling, which left me feeling uncomfortable and less enjoying the reading. But one could argue that this was done on purpose (and it could be just me) due to the overall topic of the book, which is the reputation of a woman who has fallen in the eyes of society.
I love a great P&P variation and I enjoy a great mystery. This story was both. I shall only say the mystery almost destroyed the romance and the romance almost destroys the mystery.
I cannot see how most people wouldn’t enjoy the book immensely.
One of the best books I have ever read. I was jumping in and out of my seat. I had to put the book down and take a walk due to angst. I ran to the door to yell out to my husband what happened at one point. Now, THAT is great storytelling.
Reread: I didn't have to run to my husband in despair this time and could thoroughly enjoy it!
This is simply a wonderfully compelling and highly addictive story that I absolutely loved.
A twisty,carefully worded and wonderfully clever story centred on myriad misunderstandings and misconceptions,this will ensure you are swept away from daily travails and focused solely on those belonging to our dearest couple and those they hold dear.
It took too long to start moving. By Hunsford I had the main mystery figured out and I really almost quit reading because the book had just been dragging on and on, then the book finally got some momentum and I decided to finish it. This book relies heavily on the "Elizabeth Bennet willfully misunderstands everything . . ." and I'm always left wondering - if she's so damn clueless, what the heck does Darcy see in her? I dunno if there are other kindred spirits out there that feel that sometimes we actually do like to see Elizabeth grow and change, too?
OMG! I loved this book so much but spent most of it thinking to myself 'what on earth is going on here?' It felt a bit slow to start...but it all becomes apparent... The Bingleys arrive at Netherfield but there is an addition to their party who lives in a cottage with her governess - 5 year old Anna Dunn. We soon learn the Bingley have a rather scandalous past... Jane soon realises she cannot marry Bingley due to the shame it would bring. They are not a family to be associated with... But what is Darcys role in all this?? We spend more time with Elizabeth and Darcy and she realises her attraction to him early on but the conversation with the Colonel at Rosings, which precedes Darcys proposal, causes a colossal misunderstanding where it seems there is no way back.
I just loved this book... I had no idea what was going on... so many twists and turns. I kept thinking 'it can't be'... when it was looking more and more likely it was!! I could not put this down. What drama and suspense! Usually the addition of children in a book irrate me... especially when they are used to prove what a Saint Elizabeth is... but I quite liked this little spitfire but it was unfortunate every time Lizzy met her she had run off, it was a little repetitive... but anyway, this took nothing from my enjoyment.
Overall this is another cracking book from Jessie Lewis that will keep you guessing till the end!
This Pride and Prejudice variation is very close to cannon with the exception of an unusual relationship involving a little girl. The mystery surrounding her adds another layer to the misunderstanding between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
At no time did the reader know more than Elizabeth, but I always felt like she was missing details. The girl is a mystery and yet the story's focus is not on solving it. As a result, I was frustrated even though the language and characters in the story were well written.
First, this lady writes so beautifully, the words hover above the page. For the pleasure of reading alone, this book earns five stars. That said, and taken into full consideration, the story is good but not my favorite. The circumstances are foreseeable though the precise explanation is delayed until the very end and causes the reading to feel like a marathon getting there. Fortunately, as stated, the route is filled with a paradise of words and phrases.
Wow! This book is incredible! It is moving, heartfelt, full of twists and turns, and is incredibly difficult to put down! Whenever I picked up "Fallen", I was whisked away to the Regency Era, and taken on an emotional journey.
This is the first book I have read by Jessie Lewis, and I can't wait to read more! Her writing style is so vivid, visceral, and beautifully full of imagery. She hooks the reader from the very first page to the last, and it is so clear how much she loves and respects Jane Austen and the Regency Era. She beautifully mixes characters and stories from Austen's original novel with new people and plots, and everything flows so well.
I do not want to give ANY spoilers away in this review, so, I will simply say that, you MUST read this book and find out what happens within its pages! From heartbreaking to heartwarming moments, to holding my breath to giggling with delight, etc. I was so moved by so much of this book. There are clues, reveals, and important moments all along the way...and that is all I shall say!
If you enjoy Jane Austen variations, I highly recommend this book! It had me turning the pages into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and I picked it up whenever I had a spare moment as I simply could not wait to read it! Full of twists and turns, the book kept me guessing up until the very end, and everything ties together quite well.
Thank you so much to Quills & Quartos Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This variation follows canon with some unique twists and turns throughout. It all starts with a mysterious Prologue which weaves its way throughout the story. I had determined correctly the one half of the mystery, but did not see the second half coming. And just like Elizabeth, I was amazed! Well, done Ms. Lewis!
"Had not she placed herself on such a high pedestal, she would never have had so far to fall." (quote from the book)
This novel is beautifully written and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet have their share of misunderstandings. Throw in a little five year old girl that arrives at the same time as the Netherfield party, well the gossip begins. Between Mrs. Hanrahan, the local pastor, Mr. Collins and the 'ever charming' Mr. Wickham, things go from bad to worse.
"Mrs. Hanrahan rarely ventured out anymore--a circumstance to which nobody in the neighbourhood much objected, for she was a shrewish, unpleasant woman who never had anything interesting to say but always insisted on saying it at least ten times before she could be prevailed on to leave." (quote from the book)
Little Anna was such a free-spirited child, and I enjoyed her friendship with Elizabeth. What's not to love when an adult talks to you about the best way to meet fairies!
"Miss Dunn, but please do not call me that. I do not like it at all, for I have not 'done' anything." (quote from the book)
At times, it was torturous to watch Elizabeth and Darcy's interactions. I always cringe at the Hunsford proposal, but this one seemed ten times worse for the misunderstandings were so much bigger. No, no, no, Elizabeth, it can't be true!
"She had seen, comprehended, and come to admire too much not to be utterly undone with disappointment and dismay." (quote from the book)
As this story did follow canon, we know Elizabeth will meet Mr. Darcy again on her trip up to Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Even here there are twists and turns to make it a bit different and even a bit educational!
I will admit to finding the story just a touch slow after the Prologue, but the premise and mystery were so cleverly done, I can hardly quibble. And I absolutely love the cover of this paperback and how it relates to the story within beautifully.
I highly recommend this story as others before have too.
I enjoyed this variation that keeps the traits and personalities of the characters but adapts them to these particular circumstances. A most entertaining story.
In this story, Elizabeth meets a young girl who is illegitimate and associated with the new arrivals at Netherfield. The parentage and circumstances of the child are a mystery. Elizabeth delights in the inquisitive child, and Elizabeth's protectiveness of the girl motivates her early interactions with Meryton society. The storyline and timing of main events mostly tracks canon, but the scenes are different enough in a way that keeps it fresh. For example, some of the canon scenes from Elizabeth and Jane's stay at Netherfield are referenced in discussions between the sisters instead of simply repeated.
I enjoyed the interesting characters and witty dialogue in this book. The story is told primarily from Elizabeth's perspective. Elizabeth has a strong sense of right and wrong and her choices are at times more believable than canon. Darcy is more difficult to understand, but his motivations are explained in the end. As in canon, at times I wished for more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth, but the strong ending helped make up for it. This was a fun read. I recommend it!
Having waited eagerly for another book from this wonderful writer, I have not been disappointed. This clever author has changed styles again, to excellent effect. Although following closely the events in canon, we are nonetheless taken on a very different journey. The reader is teased, tricked and tempted into making wrong guesses and assumptions, only to be utterly confounded at the end. Wonderful! I heartily recommend this brilliantly written story that packs a huge emotional punch when you are least expecting it.
What a unique P&P plot. I never read one with this plot idea before. It had me guessing on the outcome a few times and provided a few plot twist along the way.
What I love is little Anna's personality. She's adorable and you can't but love her spirit and you understand her frustration not having anyone to play with and her search for fairies. I also thought the author's use of scenes from cannon and re-creating them to fit her story was creative and fit perfectly in the story. For those who are familiar with P&P you would appreciate how those specific scenes play out.
What I wasn't to fond of was the amount of time it took for Darcy and Elizabeth's misunderstanding to be resolved. It was closer to the 80% mark in the story before it was resolved and also when we found out who Anna's father was.
It's definitely an unconventional P&P reimagining and not for P&P purist. Overall it was an enjoyable story and unique to the Austenques world. Would recommend to all P&P fans looking for a unique new plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 rounded up. What a beautifully written book with a great plot and well developed characters! This story is very engaging and I had a difficult time putting it down. The variation is very unique and original, I haven’t come across a P&P variation like this before and while it was somewhat melancholy overall, it was well balanced with some great dialogue that I found extremely clever and witty as well as some swoon worthy moments. It had me smiling or chuckling more than once despite the more serious nature of the story. I loved how both Darcy and Lizzy were portrayed in this story and felt they were true to the characters I know and love. I also loved that it was not entirely predictable. While I assumed there would be a HEA, my theories were ever changing and I wasn’t always sure how that HEA would come about. I loved this and would definitely recommend it and will certainly read this one again!!! Fabulous!!!
I couldn’t out it down and stayed up most of the night. I don’t want to spoil the ending for anyone as this really makes the story 5 stars. The beginning of the story is a girl finding out the father of her baby will not marry her. We are left to find out the truth on our own. This Darcy has been holding onto a lot of responsibility, regret, and anger it he comes across as the haughty, prideful man we all know. Elizabeth is still an intelligent, caring, and prejudiced woman, but given the circumstances she believes Mr. Wickham is telling her a partial truth to benefit himself and doesn’t understand why he says what he does. Jane is more circumspect and influences Elizabeth, even if her heartbreak is due rumors that Mr. Collins cannot help but repeating even though he is told gossip should not be repeated. The how and why I leave to you to read.