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Cindereliza: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet’s circumstances concerned Mr. Darcy before her situation took a turn for the worse. His heart convinces him that love is everything, but now she is disgraced, and a servant into the bargain. But the worst of times have a way of bringing out the best in a man.
For Elizabeth these are more like the best of times. Surrounded by friends and allies, and finding amusement in the kitchen, she isn’t discontent with her lot. Until she learns that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are in the neighbourhood again. The distance between drawing room and servants’ hall seems insurmountable.
But love knows no boundaries. And kitchens have back doors.
For Elizabeth these are more like the best of times. Surrounded by friends and allies, and finding amusement in the kitchen, she isn’t discontent with her lot. Until she learns that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are in the neighbourhood again. The distance between drawing room and servants’ hall seems insurmountable.
But love knows no boundaries. And kitchens have back doors.
- GenresRomance
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2022
51 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 24, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
Great story - very creative. Yes, it is a mash-up of P&P and Cinderella. In this story Collins and his two sisters, Griselda and Drusilla, take the place of the wicked stepmother and her two daughters. Mr. Bennet has died, and Collins has demanded that the Bennets all move out. However, the apothecary, Mr. Jones, has stated that Mrs. Bennet cannot move as her fits and flutters, etc. have disabled her to a great extent. Lydia has eloped and Uncle Gardiner cannot find her so it is that the Bennet family is in disgrace.
So, although Collins agrees that the Bennets can stay at Longbourn until Mrs. B. is well enough to move, the sister must be "out of sight/out of mind". Several of the servants have also left due to the stain on the family's standing. So, the Bennet sister take on the roles of the servants. Jane takes up sewing (that the Collins sisters make sure her hands are kept busy) as she sits with her bedridden mother. Mary does laundry, Kitty dusts and cleans while Elizabeth is the kitchen maid.
The sisters devise ways to deceive the Collins when a visitor might come to the kitchen door and the few servants left fully accept the sisters as fellow laborers.
Bingley, his sisters, Mr. Hurst and Darcy return to Longbourn and soon are visiting at the kitchen door. Meanwhile Caroline, the two Collins sisters and other unattached young ladies in the community are searching for ways to attach Bingley and Darcy to themselves. Dinners, church, visits and finally a masquerade ball provide interactions.
Although Darcy has some of the same qualms about Elizabeth's status, we soon read about him also helping out in the kitchen. In additions, he starts a search of his own to find Lydia and correct her status.
I liked the way the Bennet sisters became so much closer in this tale. Each made some changes in their opinions and in their behaviors.
I highly recommend this story.
Great story - very creative. Yes, it is a mash-up of P&P and Cinderella. In this story Collins and his two sisters, Griselda and Drusilla, take the place of the wicked stepmother and her two daughters. Mr. Bennet has died, and Collins has demanded that the Bennets all move out. However, the apothecary, Mr. Jones, has stated that Mrs. Bennet cannot move as her fits and flutters, etc. have disabled her to a great extent. Lydia has eloped and Uncle Gardiner cannot find her so it is that the Bennet family is in disgrace.
So, although Collins agrees that the Bennets can stay at Longbourn until Mrs. B. is well enough to move, the sister must be "out of sight/out of mind". Several of the servants have also left due to the stain on the family's standing. So, the Bennet sister take on the roles of the servants. Jane takes up sewing (that the Collins sisters make sure her hands are kept busy) as she sits with her bedridden mother. Mary does laundry, Kitty dusts and cleans while Elizabeth is the kitchen maid.
The sisters devise ways to deceive the Collins when a visitor might come to the kitchen door and the few servants left fully accept the sisters as fellow laborers.
Bingley, his sisters, Mr. Hurst and Darcy return to Longbourn and soon are visiting at the kitchen door. Meanwhile Caroline, the two Collins sisters and other unattached young ladies in the community are searching for ways to attach Bingley and Darcy to themselves. Dinners, church, visits and finally a masquerade ball provide interactions.
Although Darcy has some of the same qualms about Elizabeth's status, we soon read about him also helping out in the kitchen. In additions, he starts a search of his own to find Lydia and correct her status.
I liked the way the Bennet sisters became so much closer in this tale. Each made some changes in their opinions and in their behaviors.
I highly recommend this story.
May 8, 2022
The storyline caught my attention
If you need a good book that will make you thoughtful, intrigued, and laugh this is the book for you. I was impressed with the Bennet’s sisters after Lydia’s disgrace and how they worked together to become better sisters. The Collins family has two sisters, the names you will recognized immediately and wonder how this mash up will play out. Once the sisters agree to do whatever it takes to care for their mother, the reality of the Collins family will either make you cry or laugh. I chose to laugh at all the insanity of their actions. I thought the last two chapters were the best. I really enjoyed the journey of the Bennet sisters.
If you need a good book that will make you thoughtful, intrigued, and laugh this is the book for you. I was impressed with the Bennet’s sisters after Lydia’s disgrace and how they worked together to become better sisters. The Collins family has two sisters, the names you will recognized immediately and wonder how this mash up will play out. Once the sisters agree to do whatever it takes to care for their mother, the reality of the Collins family will either make you cry or laugh. I chose to laugh at all the insanity of their actions. I thought the last two chapters were the best. I really enjoyed the journey of the Bennet sisters.
May 2, 2022
Delightful!!
Low angst, but compelling and genuinely delightful to read. I laughed a great deal while enjoying every word of this story.
Low angst, but compelling and genuinely delightful to read. I laughed a great deal while enjoying every word of this story.
May 2, 2022
Recipe for Cindereliza
Mix up a bit of Cinderella with a dash of A Midsummer Night’s Dream well seasoned with beleaguered Bennet’s, daring friends, and pompous imbeciles and voila! There you have it, Cindereliza: A (splendid) Pride and Prejudice variation! Darcy and the fish just cracked me up! Well done, Ms Lynbrook!
Mix up a bit of Cinderella with a dash of A Midsummer Night’s Dream well seasoned with beleaguered Bennet’s, daring friends, and pompous imbeciles and voila! There you have it, Cindereliza: A (splendid) Pride and Prejudice variation! Darcy and the fish just cracked me up! Well done, Ms Lynbrook!
June 3, 2024
This author has a unique talent to turn angsty situations into fun. The story starts with an eloped Lydia, dead Mr. Bennet and shunned and ostracized Bennet family who are left not just to fend but cook and clean for themselves with a very few loyal servants. Then comes the Collins to make them their servants to earn their charity. Darcy and Bingley are greater heroes in this story and I loved Charlotte.
May 1, 2022
Very entertaining
Laugh out loud funny in many places, as this farce within a farce follows our favorite characters after Lydia elopes and Mr. Bennet dies. Silly and hilarious wicked sisters for Mr. Collins are two non-canon characters borrowed from the Cinderella fairy tales. Very funny stuff!
Laugh out loud funny in many places, as this farce within a farce follows our favorite characters after Lydia elopes and Mr. Bennet dies. Silly and hilarious wicked sisters for Mr. Collins are two non-canon characters borrowed from the Cinderella fairy tales. Very funny stuff!
August 1, 2022
Pride and Prejudice Meets Cinderella
4.5 rounded up to 5
This is a fun book if a little farcical.
The opening scene/line was unique in many ways - catches your interest from the start :)
This book starts after Lydia's elopement with Mr W. which has tragic consequences for the Bennets as Mr B dies of shock. There are some other significant changes from canon. Charlotte has not married Mr Collins so there is no infamous Hunsford moment - so Elizabeth's dislike is not that strong. She does meet Mr Darcy in Derbyshire and thinks much better of him after meeting a much friendlier and amiable version of the man. Unfortunately, Darcy does not come to know of the elopement and Lydia and W remain lost.
When the book opens ODC are already in love though they acknowledge it a few chapters down the line. Mr Collins and his two sisters (They are the evil stepmother and sister combo from Cinderella) come to Longbourn they allow the Bennet sisters to stay on in the house but only if they act as unpaid servants. The girls agree because Mrs B is too ill to be moved to London where their uncle has generously agreed to accommodate his sister's family.
The story is basically the trials and tribulations they undergo during that period of waiting. Soon the Netherfield party also turns up. There is an irreverent touch to the whole story (as is true with Ms Lynbrook's most of the stories), some moments are LOL funny. It is an interesting journey where all the sisters grow closer to each other and also grow to be better human beings ( I did feel very sorry for poor Kitty - no one can be as blasé about emptying chamber pots as is shown here, especially when you are being forced to so for/by the evil trio.) Similarly for both our heroic gentlemen - they soon come to examine their priorities in life and chose the correct ones :)
- Still I had a few grouses - ODC interaction starts a little too late in the book (beyond 50%) mark.
- Bingley is shown much more steadfast, loyal and full of spine - which is a very good thing but he is more so than Darcy for quite a long time in the book - frankly, the Darcy fan in me felt very let-down. Though our hero makes up it in the end but the... feeling of let-down didn't quite leave unfortunately.
- Mr B has passed away very recently, that he is so very little in his family's thoughts especially Elizabeth felt strange as did the fact that no one was really bothered about Lydia- what she did was awful but she is only 15 ..... and a victim of her upbringing. I did feel that she deserved a little more concern when the message being conveyed in the story is - 'all for one and one for all'
Despite these grouses a fun, entertaining read!
4.5 rounded up to 5
This is a fun book if a little farcical.
The opening scene/line was unique in many ways - catches your interest from the start :)
This book starts after Lydia's elopement with Mr W. which has tragic consequences for the Bennets as Mr B dies of shock. There are some other significant changes from canon. Charlotte has not married Mr Collins so there is no infamous Hunsford moment - so Elizabeth's dislike is not that strong. She does meet Mr Darcy in Derbyshire and thinks much better of him after meeting a much friendlier and amiable version of the man. Unfortunately, Darcy does not come to know of the elopement and Lydia and W remain lost.
When the book opens ODC are already in love though they acknowledge it a few chapters down the line. Mr Collins and his two sisters (They are the evil stepmother and sister combo from Cinderella) come to Longbourn they allow the Bennet sisters to stay on in the house but only if they act as unpaid servants. The girls agree because Mrs B is too ill to be moved to London where their uncle has generously agreed to accommodate his sister's family.
The story is basically the trials and tribulations they undergo during that period of waiting. Soon the Netherfield party also turns up. There is an irreverent touch to the whole story (as is true with Ms Lynbrook's most of the stories), some moments are LOL funny. It is an interesting journey where all the sisters grow closer to each other and also grow to be better human beings ( I did feel very sorry for poor Kitty - no one can be as blasé about emptying chamber pots as is shown here, especially when you are being forced to so for/by the evil trio.) Similarly for both our heroic gentlemen - they soon come to examine their priorities in life and chose the correct ones :)
- Still I had a few grouses - ODC interaction starts a little too late in the book (beyond 50%) mark.
- Bingley is shown much more steadfast, loyal and full of spine - which is a very good thing but he is more so than Darcy for quite a long time in the book - frankly, the Darcy fan in me felt very let-down. Though our hero makes up it in the end but the... feeling of let-down didn't quite leave unfortunately.
- Mr B has passed away very recently, that he is so very little in his family's thoughts especially Elizabeth felt strange as did the fact that no one was really bothered about Lydia- what she did was awful but she is only 15 ..... and a victim of her upbringing. I did feel that she deserved a little more concern when the message being conveyed in the story is - 'all for one and one for all'
Despite these grouses a fun, entertaining read!
June 2, 2022
ridiculous fun
I’m very disappointed in several of the reviews for this book. Apparently the reviewers were too much like Mr. Collins. This is not a serious book. It is not about being accurate in any way. It is about having fun with the characters. Flip your reality switch to off. Then sit back and enjoy the ride.
I’m very disappointed in several of the reviews for this book. Apparently the reviewers were too much like Mr. Collins. This is not a serious book. It is not about being accurate in any way. It is about having fun with the characters. Flip your reality switch to off. Then sit back and enjoy the ride.
May 9, 2022
Fun, fun, fun!!
You can tell by the title that this book should be approached as a fun and silly tale. After the Lydia/Wickham debacle, Mr Bennett dies, and Mr Collins and his two sisters move into Longbourn. Because Mrs Bennett is very ill, the family is allowed to stay in the house, but they're forced by the Collinses to become unpaid servants in the household.
Meanwhile, Darcy and Bingley are at Pemberly, and Bingley has decided to pursue Jane Bennett no matter what Darcy thinks. Darcy himself has just about decided to pursue Elizabeth, so he accompanies Bingley back to Netherfield. In the most amusing way possible, they both find out that the Bennett girls are disgraced by Lydia's actions, and they discover their new lowered circumstances. But they are both determined to visit their respective lovers, and find a way to propose.
The story is so wonderful because, in spite of the terrible treatment by the Collinses, all of the sisters adapt cheerfully and gracefully to their new positions as servants in their own home. They all become very good at their new tasks, and are also very proud of their accomplishments. Then all of the servants and neighbors join in to assist the girls wherever they can. The Collinses are wonderfully inept and clueless about being landed gentry, as their true natures can never be hidden from anyone with sense.
There are many things that Bingley and Darcy have to do to take care of their ladies that are completely crazy and silly, but it's all part of the fun. Just sit back and go for an amusing and wild ride, and enjoy the journey. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a good laugh, and a story that will keep you smiling.
You can tell by the title that this book should be approached as a fun and silly tale. After the Lydia/Wickham debacle, Mr Bennett dies, and Mr Collins and his two sisters move into Longbourn. Because Mrs Bennett is very ill, the family is allowed to stay in the house, but they're forced by the Collinses to become unpaid servants in the household.
Meanwhile, Darcy and Bingley are at Pemberly, and Bingley has decided to pursue Jane Bennett no matter what Darcy thinks. Darcy himself has just about decided to pursue Elizabeth, so he accompanies Bingley back to Netherfield. In the most amusing way possible, they both find out that the Bennett girls are disgraced by Lydia's actions, and they discover their new lowered circumstances. But they are both determined to visit their respective lovers, and find a way to propose.
The story is so wonderful because, in spite of the terrible treatment by the Collinses, all of the sisters adapt cheerfully and gracefully to their new positions as servants in their own home. They all become very good at their new tasks, and are also very proud of their accomplishments. Then all of the servants and neighbors join in to assist the girls wherever they can. The Collinses are wonderfully inept and clueless about being landed gentry, as their true natures can never be hidden from anyone with sense.
There are many things that Bingley and Darcy have to do to take care of their ladies that are completely crazy and silly, but it's all part of the fun. Just sit back and go for an amusing and wild ride, and enjoy the journey. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a good laugh, and a story that will keep you smiling.
March 8, 2024
I read this again. It cracks me up. Love it.
Reread: love!
Reread: love!
May 7, 2023
Cindereliza
What a hoot this story is! Collins X 3 was just too much. Six useless characters ( Wickham, Lydia, Collins, Drusilla, Griselda, Caroline) in this delightful story was well balanced out with our main characters and supporting cast of Longbourn’s servants. Even Mrs. Bennet was likable; mainly, because she was really sick and asleep through much of the book. Like in many other variations Mr. Bennet has passed away, and Mr. Collins eventually claims Longbourn. To show his gracious “charity” to his disgraced cousins, he makes them serve him as servants and keeps them hidden from everyone in Meryton. The neighbors think they have left for London in disgrace, fueled by the hateful parson and his wife that turned all their former friends against them. Elizabeth’s friend knows the truth and when Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield with his sisters and Mr. Darcy, eventually the two men find out what is going on. After the Masquerade Ball, true love wins out for both ODCs, and weddings prove to be the start of new lives for three deserving couples. The kitchen wedding is the best. Well written Sophie Lynbrook.
What a hoot this story is! Collins X 3 was just too much. Six useless characters ( Wickham, Lydia, Collins, Drusilla, Griselda, Caroline) in this delightful story was well balanced out with our main characters and supporting cast of Longbourn’s servants. Even Mrs. Bennet was likable; mainly, because she was really sick and asleep through much of the book. Like in many other variations Mr. Bennet has passed away, and Mr. Collins eventually claims Longbourn. To show his gracious “charity” to his disgraced cousins, he makes them serve him as servants and keeps them hidden from everyone in Meryton. The neighbors think they have left for London in disgrace, fueled by the hateful parson and his wife that turned all their former friends against them. Elizabeth’s friend knows the truth and when Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield with his sisters and Mr. Darcy, eventually the two men find out what is going on. After the Masquerade Ball, true love wins out for both ODCs, and weddings prove to be the start of new lives for three deserving couples. The kitchen wedding is the best. Well written Sophie Lynbrook.
April 29, 2022
a miss
KU read
Cindereliza lacks the magic that made this author’s Wild Goose Chase and Mr Darcy Dances such fun to read. I could not get invested in these characters, and the plot was clunky. The lack of concern for Lydia was odd. No one worried about her fate in London, and there was no urgency to fond her. Mr Bennet death is not lamented by anyone, including Elizabeth. Reading this was just a really weird experience.
KU read
Cindereliza lacks the magic that made this author’s Wild Goose Chase and Mr Darcy Dances such fun to read. I could not get invested in these characters, and the plot was clunky. The lack of concern for Lydia was odd. No one worried about her fate in London, and there was no urgency to fond her. Mr Bennet death is not lamented by anyone, including Elizabeth. Reading this was just a really weird experience.
June 17, 2022
it began slow but picked up
I enjoyed that it was not just Darcy & Elizabeth’s struggle but all of their struggle.
There were laugh out loud portions in the book that were relatable. I highly recommend this story. I resisted reading it due to it sounding familiar but it delivered heartaches, joy, laughter, and HEA.
I enjoyed that it was not just Darcy & Elizabeth’s struggle but all of their struggle.
There were laugh out loud portions in the book that were relatable. I highly recommend this story. I resisted reading it due to it sounding familiar but it delivered heartaches, joy, laughter, and HEA.
May 12, 2022
Nice story
Well written with unique storyline. Just goes to show you how bad Mr Collins can be by combining the fairy tale Cinderella and P&P. Enjoyable read without being too heavy.
Well written with unique storyline. Just goes to show you how bad Mr Collins can be by combining the fairy tale Cinderella and P&P. Enjoyable read without being too heavy.
May 21, 2022
Original
Sometimes funny but somehow not over the top enough? The Bennett sisters adjusted to their new circumstances awfully easily. Glad Elizabeth was not the only one left at Longbourn.
Sometimes funny but somehow not over the top enough? The Bennett sisters adjusted to their new circumstances awfully easily. Glad Elizabeth was not the only one left at Longbourn.
June 12, 2022
An unexpected treat!
I anticipated a rags-to-riches sob story turned fairy tale, given the Cindereliza title. Instead, this was a hilarious romp of a story as Upstairs and Downstairs become muddled together. Loved it.
I anticipated a rags-to-riches sob story turned fairy tale, given the Cindereliza title. Instead, this was a hilarious romp of a story as Upstairs and Downstairs become muddled together. Loved it.
June 17, 2022
Delightful Variation
A charming and hilarious mix of P&P and Cinderella, Cindereliza features all our favorite characters, plus the two evil stepsisters as Mr Collins's sisters. A belatedly admirable Bingley and Darcy round out the cast.
A charming and hilarious mix of P&P and Cinderella, Cindereliza features all our favorite characters, plus the two evil stepsisters as Mr Collins's sisters. A belatedly admirable Bingley and Darcy round out the cast.
June 21, 2022
LOVED this book!
Don't pass up this P&P fairytale. Suitable for young readers and old alike. Of course the heroes come to the rescue and and the lady's proved they can do anything. Keep this in your library you'll want to read it again. .
Don't pass up this P&P fairytale. Suitable for young readers and old alike. Of course the heroes come to the rescue and and the lady's proved they can do anything. Keep this in your library you'll want to read it again. .
August 17, 2022
I loved this !!
I was Cinderella when I was 5 & have always loved her.To have the Bennett sisters bei g close to the story made me so very happy .It was well written ,witty ,& a pleasure to read .
I was Cinderella when I was 5 & have always loved her.To have the Bennett sisters bei g close to the story made me so very happy .It was well written ,witty ,& a pleasure to read .
November 9, 2025
very entertaining
Not a flawless novel, and one requiring some suspension of disbelief, but extremely engaging for all that. A somber beginning evolves into farce, with self deluded villains and well intentioned heroes. I could see this staged very comically.
Not a flawless novel, and one requiring some suspension of disbelief, but extremely engaging for all that. A somber beginning evolves into farce, with self deluded villains and well intentioned heroes. I could see this staged very comically.
May 10, 2022
Even though some of the characters were rather OOC, I actually enjoyed this variation. It was light hearted and fun and a different take on bringing our favorites together.
June 13, 2022
Fun, if a bit far fetched. Dragged a bit in the middle.
June 18, 2022
Not as silly as the name implies.
Not a lot of angst.
A good long satisfying read too.
Not a lot of angst.
A good long satisfying read too.
July 19, 2022
The book’s premise sounded sad, but it turned out to be a super fun read packed with witty dialogue. I suspect I’ll discover even more jokes upon re-reading.
July 31, 2022
Fun
It's actually believable that the Bennet sisters ended up in their situation, and it was so fun to read about learning their jobs. The Collins sisters were hilarious.
It's actually believable that the Bennet sisters ended up in their situation, and it was so fun to read about learning their jobs. The Collins sisters were hilarious.
August 14, 2022
This made me laugh out loud! The Bennets are brilliant, loved the banter with cool and the slapstick especially the fish. The ball was a ball and Elizabeth very cheeky!!
August 25, 2022
I like the general idea of the story.But imagining the Collins sisters being rather real makes me glad that I am not such a person like that.
Read
October 8, 2022DNF. Not a fan of the writing style.
November 2, 2022
Three and a half stars
July 6, 2024
This mash-up of Cinderella and P&P is delightful. Elizabeth's good cheer working as a kitchen helper is charming. Giving Mr. Collins two Caroline Bingley-like sisters is a master-stroke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews