What do you think?
Rate this book
From Ashes to Heiresses: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Short Story
As part of Renata McMann's and Summer Hanford's season of smoke and fire, "From Ashes to Heiresses" takes place in the wake of a devastating fire at Longbourn. With the rest of their family gone and their home destroyed, Elizabeth and Jane are taken in by their aunt and uncle in Meryton. Concerned about the two surviving Bennet sisters' situation, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley come to Herfordshire, but not before Mr. Wickham attempts to use the situation to his advantage.
This short story is also available as part of the print edition of Entanglements of Honor but is not included in the kindle edition of that novella.
From Ashes to Heiresses is a Pride and Prejudice variation short story of approximately 13,750 words.
This short story is also available as part of the print edition of Entanglements of Honor but is not included in the kindle edition of that novella.
From Ashes to Heiresses is a Pride and Prejudice variation short story of approximately 13,750 words.
Audible Audio
Published January 16, 2020
46 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2020
This story begins and ends with a letter from Mr. Philips to Mr. Gardner relating events in the lives of their shared nieces. And in this book we find the two uncles along with their wives arguing as to which home is a better domicile for Elizabeth and Jane after the demise of the rest of their family due to a fire. Both young ladies only escaped due to the fact that Jane had gone to stay for a visit with the Gardiners after the Netherfield Ball (when Bingley, his family and friend also took off) and Elizabeth had her visit with Charlotte in Kent (and turned Darcy's proposal down).
Darcy and Georgiana are with Bingley as he opens and reads a letter informing him of the disaster....with bated breath Darcy waits to learn if Elizabeth has also perished. Bingley decides to return to Netherfield and Darcy uses the excuse that he is accompanying his friend.
Meanwhile our dear girls have heard the reading of their father's will and things are not as disastrous as they thought. With better outlooks but still being in a period of mourning how will things proceed? Events give the gentlemen a way of being part of events and providing some help as with heiresses someone is always looking to take advantage.
This was a very short novella. It was a pleasant "just something before I go off to bed" read for sweet dreams.
January 23, 2020: I listened to this story on Audible today and enjoyed it all over again.
Darcy and Georgiana are with Bingley as he opens and reads a letter informing him of the disaster....with bated breath Darcy waits to learn if Elizabeth has also perished. Bingley decides to return to Netherfield and Darcy uses the excuse that he is accompanying his friend.
Meanwhile our dear girls have heard the reading of their father's will and things are not as disastrous as they thought. With better outlooks but still being in a period of mourning how will things proceed? Events give the gentlemen a way of being part of events and providing some help as with heiresses someone is always looking to take advantage.
This was a very short novella. It was a pleasant "just something before I go off to bed" read for sweet dreams.
January 23, 2020: I listened to this story on Audible today and enjoyed it all over again.
March 16, 2016
This short story begins with the heart-wrenching disaster of Longbourn's destruction by fire. Jane and Elizabeth are the only members of the Bennet family spared since they are still in London with the Gardiners, Elizabeth having only arrived a few days earlier from her visit at Hunsford. Obviously, the girls are devastated and in deep mourning. They learn that their father had set aside more money for them than expected and they are comfortably provided for. Word gets around that the girls are "heiresses" (hence the book title). Since the Meryton regiment hasn't left for Brighton yet, it doesn't take much imagination to guess who comes around with the intention to take advantage of the situation. Events proceed from there.
This is a very satisfying, quick read. I do believe Renata McMann has completely mastered the art of the P&P-inspired short story. This is another well-conceived, well-constructed, well-written example.
This is a very satisfying, quick read. I do believe Renata McMann has completely mastered the art of the P&P-inspired short story. This is another well-conceived, well-constructed, well-written example.
March 3, 2022
A short story, but beautifully done. The audiobook was well narrated.
September 24, 2016
Heart wrenching grief over the death of Longbourn family
Elizabeth and Jane alone survive the Bennet family after a fire destroys Longbourn. As Elizabeth approached the burned out smoldering hull of Longbourn, I am reminded of Jane Eyre as she approached the ashes of Thornfield. The sisters’ grief is palpable at the loss of their sisters and their parents.
Time period: Elizabeth and Maria Lucas are returning from Rosings Park, Kent. Elizabeth’s mind is full of Mr. Darcy, his horrendous proposal, her harsh words in refusing him, his letter and her grief at so misjudging him. They pick up Jane and head for Hertfordshire. Mr. Philips’ letter informing the Gardiners of the loss at Longbourn arrives after the girls have left.
This is a quick read, maybe an hour or less. Events and situations move along fairly quickly. We are in Darcy’s head quite a bit as he reexamines his life, his expectations, and what he wants for his and Georgiana’s future. This introspection brings about his acknowledgment of and his determination to make those character changes that Elizabeth leveled against him in her diatribe.
Wickham: What a sleaze in this version; he is beyond the pale.
****SPOILER**** ****End Spoiler****
Mr. Darcy [like his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam] was a master at strategy and maneuvering. His planning was brilliant as they attempted to trap Wickham in his own web of deceit.
The epilogue was most excellent. I now love Mr. Philips. We rarely hear much regarding him in JAFF. He was a perfect counter for Mrs. Philips. He knew just how to work her and yet maintain their happy marriage. I was so moved and teared up at his professed love for his nieces, and his secret plans for their future and well being. Oh my goodness. He was so amazing and SMART. The reveal was so brilliant and different. It caught me totally by surprise. I love it when authors surprise me. It makes for an interesting read and one to read again and again when you need a quick lift or a tug at your heartstrings.
The language made it difficult to read at times as it attempted to mirror Austen’s writings.
Elizabeth and Jane alone survive the Bennet family after a fire destroys Longbourn. As Elizabeth approached the burned out smoldering hull of Longbourn, I am reminded of Jane Eyre as she approached the ashes of Thornfield. The sisters’ grief is palpable at the loss of their sisters and their parents.
Time period: Elizabeth and Maria Lucas are returning from Rosings Park, Kent. Elizabeth’s mind is full of Mr. Darcy, his horrendous proposal, her harsh words in refusing him, his letter and her grief at so misjudging him. They pick up Jane and head for Hertfordshire. Mr. Philips’ letter informing the Gardiners of the loss at Longbourn arrives after the girls have left.
This is a quick read, maybe an hour or less. Events and situations move along fairly quickly. We are in Darcy’s head quite a bit as he reexamines his life, his expectations, and what he wants for his and Georgiana’s future. This introspection brings about his acknowledgment of and his determination to make those character changes that Elizabeth leveled against him in her diatribe.
Wickham: What a sleaze in this version; he is beyond the pale.
****SPOILER**** ****End Spoiler****
Mr. Darcy [like his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam] was a master at strategy and maneuvering. His planning was brilliant as they attempted to trap Wickham in his own web of deceit.
The epilogue was most excellent. I now love Mr. Philips. We rarely hear much regarding him in JAFF. He was a perfect counter for Mrs. Philips. He knew just how to work her and yet maintain their happy marriage. I was so moved and teared up at his professed love for his nieces, and his secret plans for their future and well being. Oh my goodness. He was so amazing and SMART. The reveal was so brilliant and different. It caught me totally by surprise. I love it when authors surprise me. It makes for an interesting read and one to read again and again when you need a quick lift or a tug at your heartstrings.
The language made it difficult to read at times as it attempted to mirror Austen’s writings.
March 16, 2016
This is a very quick and very satisfying read. It is chock full of angst and tragedy. But ODCs are speedily reunited and on the way to HEA.
December 25, 2018
This is a short story... I'm not a huge fan of short stories generally - but this has the feel of a much longer book. As Elizabeth is joining Jane in London on her way back from Huntsford, a fire has destroyed Longbourn and the family have all been killed. Darcy and Bingley return but not before Wickham has set his sights on Jane who he believes to now be a wealthy heiress.
This has a good balance between the sorrow of the situation and the adventure of taking on the dastardly Wickham! A short but enjoyable read.
This has a good balance between the sorrow of the situation and the adventure of taking on the dastardly Wickham! A short but enjoyable read.
March 19, 2016
From Ashes to Heiresses
Story opens with Elizabeth and Maria's departure from Hunsford parsonage. There still is the Darcy's poor proposal that is dealt with, Elizabeth regretting her words but not for refusing. When Elizabeth and Jane return to Meryton, Elizabeth walking and Jane and Maria riding in a cart with luggage, the Sir William Lucas tells Jane what has happened, whereas Elizabeth gains the top of the hill seeing the burnt out remains of Longbourn. Their Aunt and Uncle Phillips take them in since the letter he wrote to the Gardiners didn't reach in time to stop them from coming home. It is decided that the girls will spend the summer with the Phillips and winter with the Gardiners. Strangely, according to Mr. Bennet's will, each daughter is worth just about £6,000. Wickham tries to compromise Jane since he's heard the rumor of the inheritance. Elizabeth foils his attempts as she followed him knowing what Darcy said in his letter. Sir William writes Bingley who's at Pemberley visiting. When his bursts in surprise, but horrible in sound, he blurts out the the Bennets have all died in a fire that took Longbourn and their lives. Darcy is ceases to breathe until he reads that Jane had been in London since January and Elizabeth was not home when the fire occurred. Mr. Hurst informs Bingley that his sisters knew, because she had visited the townhouse with his sisters eventually returning the call. Bingley is furious and instead of writing a condolence letter, plans to reopen Netherfield. With a little push from Georgiana, Darcy accompanies Bingley. They are at the Phillips' home when Jane and Elizabeth come no one from the walk with Wickham. Elizabeth explains what has happened, and Darcy has a plan to corner him at the Lucas' party. His plan works, and Wickham flees, deserting the military and stealing money from another. Elizabeth is liking this "new" Darcy that has returned, and of course Jane never stopped loving Bingley. Their walk into the woods that Wickham took them resulted in two proposals. Mr. Phillips wrote the Gardiners that nothing was wrong except for the two girls would not be visiting them in the winter since both were getting married to very decent men. We also find out that Mr. Phillips is worth a lot of money and the Gardiners' children will each get a sum with his two nieces splitting the rest. Wickham still wicked, and Caroline still a harpy witch. Sad story, but a very happy ending.
Story opens with Elizabeth and Maria's departure from Hunsford parsonage. There still is the Darcy's poor proposal that is dealt with, Elizabeth regretting her words but not for refusing. When Elizabeth and Jane return to Meryton, Elizabeth walking and Jane and Maria riding in a cart with luggage, the Sir William Lucas tells Jane what has happened, whereas Elizabeth gains the top of the hill seeing the burnt out remains of Longbourn. Their Aunt and Uncle Phillips take them in since the letter he wrote to the Gardiners didn't reach in time to stop them from coming home. It is decided that the girls will spend the summer with the Phillips and winter with the Gardiners. Strangely, according to Mr. Bennet's will, each daughter is worth just about £6,000. Wickham tries to compromise Jane since he's heard the rumor of the inheritance. Elizabeth foils his attempts as she followed him knowing what Darcy said in his letter. Sir William writes Bingley who's at Pemberley visiting. When his bursts in surprise, but horrible in sound, he blurts out the the Bennets have all died in a fire that took Longbourn and their lives. Darcy is ceases to breathe until he reads that Jane had been in London since January and Elizabeth was not home when the fire occurred. Mr. Hurst informs Bingley that his sisters knew, because she had visited the townhouse with his sisters eventually returning the call. Bingley is furious and instead of writing a condolence letter, plans to reopen Netherfield. With a little push from Georgiana, Darcy accompanies Bingley. They are at the Phillips' home when Jane and Elizabeth come no one from the walk with Wickham. Elizabeth explains what has happened, and Darcy has a plan to corner him at the Lucas' party. His plan works, and Wickham flees, deserting the military and stealing money from another. Elizabeth is liking this "new" Darcy that has returned, and of course Jane never stopped loving Bingley. Their walk into the woods that Wickham took them resulted in two proposals. Mr. Phillips wrote the Gardiners that nothing was wrong except for the two girls would not be visiting them in the winter since both were getting married to very decent men. We also find out that Mr. Phillips is worth a lot of money and the Gardiners' children will each get a sum with his two nieces splitting the rest. Wickham still wicked, and Caroline still a harpy witch. Sad story, but a very happy ending.
March 18, 2016
I liked the concept for this story, and I think the characters were enjoyably written. I especially liked the twist at the end I would have preferred if this was a bit longer, though. Not for the length itself, but because parts of the story felt rushed, and I thought they could have been more satisfying with a little more build-up and time to execute. Also, it took 10-12% of the story for Elizabeth and Jane to discover what happened to their family, after some rehash of events of the original. It's not a lot of words in general, but given the overall length, I think it could have been put to better use in adding a scene or two that would make Wickham's actions seem less like they came out of the blue.
June 20, 2021
Jane and Lizzy’s uncertain futures.
Excellent short read with an unexpected ending. A quick story I believe most would enjoy. Recommended for anyone who has a short amount of time to have some fun.
Excellent short read with an unexpected ending. A quick story I believe most would enjoy. Recommended for anyone who has a short amount of time to have some fun.
March 18, 2016
Enjoyable for a SHORT story.
January 26, 2020
3.5 This was a short one and while it was enjoyable, there were some things that didn't seem right to me. While there was references to the devastating loss that had occurred, it didn't seem as proportionate as I would expect in these circumstances. Seemed almost like a minor part of the story.
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed this short story which begins tragically with a fire at Longbourn, leaving Jane and Elizabeth as the only survivors of the Bennet family. This variation provides a rare glimpse of Mr. Philips playing a key role, as he supports the two sisters. Wickham plays his usual dastardly self. Happy ending guaranteed. Catherine Bilson’s narration was also very good.
March 31, 2017
While Elizabeth and Jane are visiting the Gardiners (post Hunsford proposal) there is a fire at Longbourn and all the family perish. Can Jane and Elizabeth ever be happy again.
An enjoyable short story
An enjoyable short story
April 6, 2016
From ashes to heiress
Another awesome short story from these authors!
While Jane and Lizzy are in London with miss Lucas and staying with the Gardiner's, Longbourn is burned to the ground. Unfortunately all is lost including the family. Jane and Lizzy are the only surviving family left. What is to happen to them and who will come to help them?
Just loved how the premise of the story progresses. Of course we see Darcy and Bingley but Wickham definitely makes a bow to be the villain. A truly wonderful short story! I highly recommend this awesome story!
Another awesome short story from these authors!
While Jane and Lizzy are in London with miss Lucas and staying with the Gardiner's, Longbourn is burned to the ground. Unfortunately all is lost including the family. Jane and Lizzy are the only surviving family left. What is to happen to them and who will come to help them?
Just loved how the premise of the story progresses. Of course we see Darcy and Bingley but Wickham definitely makes a bow to be the villain. A truly wonderful short story! I highly recommend this awesome story!
April 9, 2016
A quick read both heart rending and heart warming. The loss felt by Jane and Elizabeth is palpable and numbing, but tempered by how much the Philips and Gardiner want to care for them. I especially like the Philips in this story. Wickham proves once again how much of a cad he is. I did think the retribution doled out to Wickham was a bit far fetched, even under the circumstances of being in the small community of Merton it could have backfired and ruined Jane's reputation by making the accusations so publicly. But it worked, and a happy ending had by all.
April 5, 2016
What the heck?
Ok, this was well written and clever but what the heck? Talk about a short story! I despise short stories but this one takes the prize for being the shortest one I've ever read. That being said, not enough time to set up scenes and character development so events were a tad unbelievable.
Ok, this was well written and clever but what the heck? Talk about a short story! I despise short stories but this one takes the prize for being the shortest one I've ever read. That being said, not enough time to set up scenes and character development so events were a tad unbelievable.
March 22, 2016
A very different twist
In the aftermath of a tragedy, Elizabeth and Jane find themselves living with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and the heirs of a small fortune...
Wickham tries to take advantage, but our beloved girls are saved in a very original way.
Short, but masterfully written
In the aftermath of a tragedy, Elizabeth and Jane find themselves living with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and the heirs of a small fortune...
Wickham tries to take advantage, but our beloved girls are saved in a very original way.
Short, but masterfully written
February 2, 2020
Review of audiobook as performed by Catherine Bilson
We have here a short Regency-set variation of Pride and Prejudice that veers off from canon after Elizabeth Bennet has broken her return journey from Kent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Her elder sister Jane has been resident there for several months. So, we've had Darcy's disastrous first proposal in Hunsford and both he and Bingley's sisters know that Jane has been in London without telling Bingley. Then tragedy strikes; the Bennet family home of Longbourn is razed to the ground by fire, resulting in the deaths of Jane and Elizabeth's parents, their three younger sisters and some of the staff.
This well-written short story is bookended by letters from one of the girls' uncles (Mr. Phillips) to the other (Mr. Gardiner). In the first, Mr. Phillips tries to send a warning about the fire and its consequences so that it doesn't come as a shock to the girls. Sadly, the letter arrives too late and they don't find out until their arrival back in Meryton. These opening scenes are sad and truly heart-rending; Elizabeth comes upon the ruins of her family home totally unexpectedly (the Ashes of the title) whereas Jane finds out from the Lucas family.
Bingley hears about the tragedy in a letter whilst staying with Darcy and his sister Georgiana. Of course, everyone simply has to up sticks and head off to Hertfordshire. We do spend quite a bit of time inside Darcy's head in this, never a bad thing for me. I won't give any more plot details for such a short story, save to say that we have an even more dastardly Wickham than normal. As to the the Heiresses part of the title? You'll have to find out for yourselves! (P. S. The second letter serves as the epilogue)
I listened to the audio version of this tale and though I hadn't heard any of Catherine Bilson's other performances, I was rather impressed and it takes quite a bit to impress this particular Picky Brit when it comes to English historical fiction performances. At just under an hour and twenty minutes running time, it fitted in perfectly to one of my commutes last week which was 40 minutes each way.
On the whole, I'd award 4.5 stars if I could; 4 for the story (Picky Brit deduction for some US language use) and 5 for the performance.
I received my copy of this audiobook in a giveaway from the authors but there was no expectation for a review. This is my honest opinion.
We have here a short Regency-set variation of Pride and Prejudice that veers off from canon after Elizabeth Bennet has broken her return journey from Kent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Her elder sister Jane has been resident there for several months. So, we've had Darcy's disastrous first proposal in Hunsford and both he and Bingley's sisters know that Jane has been in London without telling Bingley. Then tragedy strikes; the Bennet family home of Longbourn is razed to the ground by fire, resulting in the deaths of Jane and Elizabeth's parents, their three younger sisters and some of the staff.
This well-written short story is bookended by letters from one of the girls' uncles (Mr. Phillips) to the other (Mr. Gardiner). In the first, Mr. Phillips tries to send a warning about the fire and its consequences so that it doesn't come as a shock to the girls. Sadly, the letter arrives too late and they don't find out until their arrival back in Meryton. These opening scenes are sad and truly heart-rending; Elizabeth comes upon the ruins of her family home totally unexpectedly (the Ashes of the title) whereas Jane finds out from the Lucas family.
Bingley hears about the tragedy in a letter whilst staying with Darcy and his sister Georgiana. Of course, everyone simply has to up sticks and head off to Hertfordshire. We do spend quite a bit of time inside Darcy's head in this, never a bad thing for me. I won't give any more plot details for such a short story, save to say that we have an even more dastardly Wickham than normal. As to the the Heiresses part of the title? You'll have to find out for yourselves! (P. S. The second letter serves as the epilogue)
I listened to the audio version of this tale and though I hadn't heard any of Catherine Bilson's other performances, I was rather impressed and it takes quite a bit to impress this particular Picky Brit when it comes to English historical fiction performances. At just under an hour and twenty minutes running time, it fitted in perfectly to one of my commutes last week which was 40 minutes each way.
On the whole, I'd award 4.5 stars if I could; 4 for the story (Picky Brit deduction for some US language use) and 5 for the performance.
I received my copy of this audiobook in a giveaway from the authors but there was no expectation for a review. This is my honest opinion.
March 23, 2020
This is short novella of six chapters, a prologue, and epilogue. It starts in tragedy, but ends with happiness. The book is a quick read and a pleasant way to pass an evening.
There are a couple of typos, but the error that had me doing a double take was the fact the authors refer to Sir William Lucas as "Sir Lucas." This would be incorrect historically and today. Sir William was knighted for service to Meryton. This fact is a moment of great pride, for the man speaks often of being a St James Palace. Whether the man is a knight or a baronet, he would be referred to by "Sir" + his first name. In this case, he is Sir William. The wife of a knight or a baronet is referred to as "Lady"+ her husband's last name. He is "Sir William," and his wife is "Lady Lucas."
There are a couple of typos, but the error that had me doing a double take was the fact the authors refer to Sir William Lucas as "Sir Lucas." This would be incorrect historically and today. Sir William was knighted for service to Meryton. This fact is a moment of great pride, for the man speaks often of being a St James Palace. Whether the man is a knight or a baronet, he would be referred to by "Sir" + his first name. In this case, he is Sir William. The wife of a knight or a baronet is referred to as "Lady"+ her husband's last name. He is "Sir William," and his wife is "Lady Lucas."
February 5, 2022
Good short story
The two writers generally provide good solid stories for our enjoyment. This story is extremely sad - the deaths of 5 members of the Bennet family is even tragic to imagine. My only issue is with the disregard for the typical mourning period in those times. Absolutely nothing would have permitted the girls and their Philip relatives to attend a dinner party only days to weeks after the deaths of their family. It just wouldn't be done... I understand how that helps with the movement of the story but it's just not possible. For that I took a star off my review.
The two writers generally provide good solid stories for our enjoyment. This story is extremely sad - the deaths of 5 members of the Bennet family is even tragic to imagine. My only issue is with the disregard for the typical mourning period in those times. Absolutely nothing would have permitted the girls and their Philip relatives to attend a dinner party only days to weeks after the deaths of their family. It just wouldn't be done... I understand how that helps with the movement of the story but it's just not possible. For that I took a star off my review.
August 17, 2021
Very sweet variation of Pride and Prejudice. In this short novella, Elizabeth and Jane are reunited following Elizabeth's trip to Kent. She debates telling Jane of what she has learned of Mr. Wickham. In the meantime, there is a fire at Longbourn, resulting in the loss of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and the three youngest daughters. Jane and Elizabeth do not learn of the fire until they return home.
The only problem that I had with this book was that it was too short. So much more could have been added to the book, increasing our enjoyment. But for a quick read, this one will be great.
The only problem that I had with this book was that it was too short. So much more could have been added to the book, increasing our enjoyment. But for a quick read, this one will be great.
May 28, 2022
Jane and Elizabeth encounter an incredible tragedy but manage to find happiness regardless.
This was a freebie from the authors' mailing list.
There were things I enjoyed about this but it was a mismatch between the story and my expectations. Given the subject matter, somehow I was thinking I would read lot more angst and grief and got thrown.
This was a freebie from the authors' mailing list.
There were things I enjoyed about this but it was a mismatch between the story and my expectations. Given the subject matter, somehow I was thinking I would read lot more angst and grief and got thrown.
July 13, 2020
Tragedy leads to happiness
A quick read that starts with a fire and death at Longborne, an attempted compromise by Wickham and a quicker HEA for both Jane as well as Elizabeth. Loved how Mr. Phillips was written in this book. Great story
A quick read that starts with a fire and death at Longborne, an attempted compromise by Wickham and a quicker HEA for both Jane as well as Elizabeth. Loved how Mr. Phillips was written in this book. Great story
April 2, 2023
So very short
Too short. Everything seems crammed in. There was / is the making of a very good variation though. Perhaps one day it will be expounded on. This could be read on a lunch hour by most.
Too short. Everything seems crammed in. There was / is the making of a very good variation though. Perhaps one day it will be expounded on. This could be read on a lunch hour by most.
January 19, 2020
Short cute and quick
All but two Bennet left alive. Wickham is worse (yes, worse) in this one. Darcy and Bingley help to save the day. Good read you will enjoy
All but two Bennet left alive. Wickham is worse (yes, worse) in this one. Darcy and Bingley help to save the day. Good read you will enjoy
August 2, 2020
A nice quick and enjoyable read!
January 20, 2025
Enjoyable variation of Pride and Prejuduice
September 23, 2017
A nice twist to a classic and beloved story. Longbourne burned down taking into the flames the Bennets except for Jane and Lizzie. The Gardiners and the Philipses settled the matter of who between the two families will take the girls in by dividing the girls' time between the two families semi~annually. Wicked Wickham heard rumors circulating that the girls are heiresses, and tried to compromise Jane. Bingley and Darcy (at that time were purposely visiting the neighborhood to convey their condolences in person) were present when a much distressed Lizzie barged into the room with a distraught Jane. The 2 men and Mr. Phillips concocted a scheme to dissuade Wickham from his dastardly plan by threatening him with debtors' prison. The two pairs of lovers were happily reunited.
November 15, 2024
The plot is unique and most of the characters are likable. I could forgive it for being massively rushed, glossing over the extreme tragedy, and being loose with period accuracy. But the characters have moments where they act so completely, infuriatingly unintelligent that I struggled to finish this very, very short story.
I really enjoyed "Mr. Darcy's Bookshop", so I'm just going to assume both of these authors have improved since writing this. But I just do not love this one.
I really enjoyed "Mr. Darcy's Bookshop", so I'm just going to assume both of these authors have improved since writing this. But I just do not love this one.
June 21, 2022
McMann and Hanford have created a delightful alternative for our Austen characters, and while the romance is quickly tied up at the end, it works well with the characterizations early on in the story and the storyline. From Ashes to Heiresses by Renata McMann and Summer Hanford, narrated by Catherine Bilson, was a delightful distraction.
Full review: https://savvyverseandwit.com/2022/01/...
Full review: https://savvyverseandwit.com/2022/01/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews