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Once Upon a Time in Pemberley
Can the course of a life be altered by the stroke of a pen?
Widowed at a young age, Fitzwilliam Darcy has no reason to think he'll ever find the love his first marriage lacked. Instead, he dedicates himself to his roles as father and co-guardian, determined to excel at both. But when love finally finds him, will he be too mired by the strife of the past to recognize it?
Elizabeth Bennet does not care for the newest addition to Meryton society, no matter how handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy might be. She is, however, rather fond of his children and his sister. If only Mr. Darcy needn't be so certain of his own worth, she would tolerate him on their behalf, but that change in him seems very unlikely.
Once Upon a Time in Pemberley is a sweet, Regency era Pride & Prejudice Variation of approximately 92,000 words. While this is Summer Hanford's first variation without co-author Renata McMann, it will not be her last. Plus, you can look for more joint Renata McMann & Summer Hanford variations to come.
Widowed at a young age, Fitzwilliam Darcy has no reason to think he'll ever find the love his first marriage lacked. Instead, he dedicates himself to his roles as father and co-guardian, determined to excel at both. But when love finally finds him, will he be too mired by the strife of the past to recognize it?
Elizabeth Bennet does not care for the newest addition to Meryton society, no matter how handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy might be. She is, however, rather fond of his children and his sister. If only Mr. Darcy needn't be so certain of his own worth, she would tolerate him on their behalf, but that change in him seems very unlikely.
Once Upon a Time in Pemberley is a sweet, Regency era Pride & Prejudice Variation of approximately 92,000 words. While this is Summer Hanford's first variation without co-author Renata McMann, it will not be her last. Plus, you can look for more joint Renata McMann & Summer Hanford variations to come.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
193 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Summer Hanford
158 books108 followersSummer Hanford writes gripping Epic Fantasy, swashbuckling Historical Romance, and best-selling Pride and Prejudice retellings. She lives in the Finger Lakes Region of New York with her husband and compulsory, deliberately spoiled, cat. The newest addition to their household, an energetic setter-shepherd mix, has been trying, and failing, for six years to gain acceptance from the cat, but is adored by the humans.
Since the moment she read her first novel, Summer’s passion has always been writing. As a child growing up on a dairy farm, she built castles made of hay and wielded swords made of fence posts. She is also passionate about animals, travel, and organizing her closet. Nothing pleases her more than a row of tops broken down by sleeve length and ordered by color…except working on her latest novel with her cat in her lap, her dog lounging on the rug dreaming of squirrels, and a cup of tea at hand.
For more about Summer, visit www.summerhanford.com.
Since the moment she read her first novel, Summer’s passion has always been writing. As a child growing up on a dairy farm, she built castles made of hay and wielded swords made of fence posts. She is also passionate about animals, travel, and organizing her closet. Nothing pleases her more than a row of tops broken down by sleeve length and ordered by color…except working on her latest novel with her cat in her lap, her dog lounging on the rug dreaming of squirrels, and a cup of tea at hand.
For more about Summer, visit www.summerhanford.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 17, 2022
This is an adorable and brilliant P&P what if that goes widely off canon and creates a wonderful world.
Our story begins as most do with a radical change Mr. Darcy is a widower with three children ages 5- 9. And his wife didn't die in childbirth but instead in a riding accident while accompanied by her cleric Wickham
In this universe Wickham was less of a dastard; actually taking orders and serving as the rector at Kympton. However he is utterly altruistic he was secretly in love with Darcy's wife. And after he death he gave up the parish and joined the Militia to escape
When Darcy daddy arrives in Meryton he is even more annoying than in canon; while he dances with Miss Elizabeth he is so rude and haughty that she is appalled and offended.
Luckily he is joined by Georgiana and his kids. Here I have to give a hat tip to the author; the children speak like children when they aren't repeating opinions of adults and they aren't over used.
A bunch of wild stuff happens none of which is totally OOC and Darcy is an insufferable prig.
But eventually he realizes that "All You Need is Love"
Our story begins as most do with a radical change Mr. Darcy is a widower with three children ages 5- 9. And his wife didn't die in childbirth but instead in a riding accident while accompanied by her cleric Wickham
In this universe Wickham was less of a dastard; actually taking orders and serving as the rector at Kympton. However he is utterly altruistic he was secretly in love with Darcy's wife. And after he death he gave up the parish and joined the Militia to escape
When Darcy daddy arrives in Meryton he is even more annoying than in canon; while he dances with Miss Elizabeth he is so rude and haughty that she is appalled and offended.
Luckily he is joined by Georgiana and his kids. Here I have to give a hat tip to the author; the children speak like children when they aren't repeating opinions of adults and they aren't over used.
A bunch of wild stuff happens none of which is totally OOC and Darcy is an insufferable prig.
But eventually he realizes that "All You Need is Love"
September 25, 2023
I did read one other story (that I remember) in which Darcy is a widower and has a child. In this story his marriage was the result of one night of passion and then the resulting pregnancy. I found that a bit off-putting. However, we do know that men throughout history experience sex before marriage. He has three children by this first wife. The story about her death is an added thread to this tale. I found the children's personalities interesting. They are a definite part of the story.
Wickham's part is completely opposite to that of canon. In this story he is like a brother to Darcy and even gives Darcy advice. (He also loved Darcy's first wife.) Wickham is a Colonel in the militia.
Darcy does come to Netherfield and brings his children with him as Bingley leases a house there. Darcy is as in canon, viewing all single women as out to "catch" him due to his wealth and connections. When he offends Elizabeth with this generalization about women she lets him know her opinion and that she wants nothing from him.
However, as she and Jane spend time at Netherfield due to the latter's illness Elizabeth meets Darcy's 3 children. We read how she decides to write one book to address a defect she see in Bee (reflective of Lady Anne's attitude) and Georgiana illustrates it. Its success leads to books for both Fitz and Laurel and address different matters in their lives.
Sisters, Lady Anne Darcy & Lady Catherine de Bourgh play large parts in this story as they scheme together to unite Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anne in marriage. Yes, Anne Darcy is alive and you will not like her.
So in hoping to thwart those two ladies Fitzwilliam, seeing how Elizabeth cares for his children, believes marrying her is a solution. Love has nothing to do with this bad proposal.
This story sees a number of characters married. We also see those 2 sisters plan a compromise (not of Darcy) to take care of another budding romance of which they do not approve. The leads to a duel...would you believe...between...oh, I can't say...SPOILER material!
I enjoyed this story. There are two children's books available for sale by this author which are "copies" of the books Elizabeth wrote and Georgiana illustrated.
Wickham's part is completely opposite to that of canon. In this story he is like a brother to Darcy and even gives Darcy advice. (He also loved Darcy's first wife.) Wickham is a Colonel in the militia.
Darcy does come to Netherfield and brings his children with him as Bingley leases a house there. Darcy is as in canon, viewing all single women as out to "catch" him due to his wealth and connections. When he offends Elizabeth with this generalization about women she lets him know her opinion and that she wants nothing from him.
However, as she and Jane spend time at Netherfield due to the latter's illness Elizabeth meets Darcy's 3 children. We read how she decides to write one book to address a defect she see in Bee (reflective of Lady Anne's attitude) and Georgiana illustrates it. Its success leads to books for both Fitz and Laurel and address different matters in their lives.
Sisters, Lady Anne Darcy & Lady Catherine de Bourgh play large parts in this story as they scheme together to unite Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anne in marriage. Yes, Anne Darcy is alive and you will not like her.
So in hoping to thwart those two ladies Fitzwilliam, seeing how Elizabeth cares for his children, believes marrying her is a solution. Love has nothing to do with this bad proposal.
This story sees a number of characters married. We also see those 2 sisters plan a compromise (not of Darcy) to take care of another budding romance of which they do not approve. The leads to a duel...would you believe...between...oh, I can't say...SPOILER material!
I enjoyed this story. There are two children's books available for sale by this author which are "copies" of the books Elizabeth wrote and Georgiana illustrated.
August 8, 2022
I see I am again in a minority with this story.
I couldn't get invested in the adult characters (the children are adorable).
There was also ick factor for me. One was personal- I have yet to read a story where Darcy already has an heir, this threw me. Then, Wickham was not only madly in love with Darcy's wife (kept waiting to read one of Darcy's kids were his) he then falls madly in love with a 16 year old girl. I know in those days child brides were not considered children, it was more the lack of constancy that got to me.
The middle lagged, I almost didn't finish.
Col. F was great and Anne getting her own life was awesome.
It was all just too threshold for me, no deeper developments.
Like I said, most readers will enjoy it.
I couldn't get invested in the adult characters (the children are adorable).
There was also ick factor for me. One was personal- I have yet to read a story where Darcy already has an heir, this threw me. Then, Wickham was not only madly in love with Darcy's wife (kept waiting to read one of Darcy's kids were his) he then falls madly in love with a 16 year old girl. I know in those days child brides were not considered children, it was more the lack of constancy that got to me.
The middle lagged, I almost didn't finish.
Col. F was great and Anne getting her own life was awesome.
It was all just too threshold for me, no deeper developments.
Like I said, most readers will enjoy it.
August 3, 2022
5+ stars!!
May 28, 2023
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” –Albert Einstein
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers ****
Rating: nothing graphic; however, adult themes were discussed.
Angst Level: it started out as slight then slid up the scare to anxious. If I had a handkerchief, I would be wringing it. And, like Mrs. Bennet, I would be calling for my salts.
Source: Own
Trope: [1] Darcy had married someone else and was now a widower with three children, [2] Wickham was a good guy. I had a hard time with that. Any minute I was expecting him to show his evil side. [3] Lady Anne was still alive. [4] A not-so-nice Lady Anne… and her sister, but then we expect that.
“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” –Madeleine L’Engle
Throw children into a scene and they will steal it every single time. I adored Darcy’s children. They actually made this story. I loved the way Elizabeth interacted with them and the stories she wrote for them. Georgiana was so much fun. Her prior experience with Mrs. Younge was very different than canon. It was fun counting all the different ways she managed to avoid interacting with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” –Margaret Mead
Lady Anne’s and Lady Catherine’s opinions on how to raise children were very different than Darcy’s and extremely different than Miss Elizabeth’s. What a range of strategies. Darcy was caught in the middle. This was a delightful story. Mr. Bingley was actually a hero for Jane. I love that about him. We don’t usually get to see him in that light. Well done, Bingley.
Miss Lydia was a BIG surprise. I did not like her in this story. Wow. I would like to know why Meryton society didn’t shun the Bennet family due to her behavior. I mean… it was egregious in its execution. The outcome could have been deadly. Help us all. That little harridan was outrageous. Other than that, I love this story and wondered why I kept putting it off. I’m glad I read it.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** Spoilers ****
Rating: nothing graphic; however, adult themes were discussed.
Angst Level: it started out as slight then slid up the scare to anxious. If I had a handkerchief, I would be wringing it. And, like Mrs. Bennet, I would be calling for my salts.
Source: Own
Trope: [1] Darcy had married someone else and was now a widower with three children, [2] Wickham was a good guy. I had a hard time with that. Any minute I was expecting him to show his evil side. [3] Lady Anne was still alive. [4] A not-so-nice Lady Anne… and her sister, but then we expect that.
“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” –Madeleine L’Engle
Throw children into a scene and they will steal it every single time. I adored Darcy’s children. They actually made this story. I loved the way Elizabeth interacted with them and the stories she wrote for them. Georgiana was so much fun. Her prior experience with Mrs. Younge was very different than canon. It was fun counting all the different ways she managed to avoid interacting with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” –Margaret Mead
Lady Anne’s and Lady Catherine’s opinions on how to raise children were very different than Darcy’s and extremely different than Miss Elizabeth’s. What a range of strategies. Darcy was caught in the middle. This was a delightful story. Mr. Bingley was actually a hero for Jane. I love that about him. We don’t usually get to see him in that light. Well done, Bingley.
Miss Lydia was a BIG surprise. I did not like her in this story. Wow. I would like to know why Meryton society didn’t shun the Bennet family due to her behavior. I mean… it was egregious in its execution. The outcome could have been deadly. Help us all. That little harridan was outrageous. Other than that, I love this story and wondered why I kept putting it off. I’m glad I read it.
August 5, 2022
Just a delightful read. Well written, minimal errors.
Children that seemed like children. I loved Elizabeth and her relationship with them.
I wish Darcy’s first wife had not had the heir to Pemberley. I did not like that the book ended with a bitter Lady Anne.
Children that seemed like children. I loved Elizabeth and her relationship with them.
I wish Darcy’s first wife had not had the heir to Pemberley. I did not like that the book ended with a bitter Lady Anne.
November 5, 2022
I’ll be reading this again
Some spoilers ahead. I loved this. The story is unique among its genre fellows, yet giving us our favorite characters plenty of satisfying page time and their HEAs.
I loved the children and their individual personalities and their struggles in this story. With children in a story they often steal the show, but since they were such an important part of the drama and struggle Darcy faced and floundered about dealing with, not sure which influences to accept all the while trying to bring his sister to ‘do her duty to’ society, they were indeed a very big part of the story. Even though he rejected his overbearing and harsh mother’s influence, his life long ingrained training kept his blinders firmly in place when it came to seeing his sister’s and children’s sadness and loneliness when he wanted so much for them thinking their entering society was in their best interest.
Enter Elizabeth Bennet. I so enjoy an intelligent and compassionate Elizabeth. The relationships she came to have with Georgiana and Darcy’s children were so well written, so realistically portrayed. There was a little angst in this part of the plot for me fearing that Elizabeth would overstep that growing closeness and subtle influence. I ached for this Elizabeth and equally this Darcy. It took a long time and plenty of kick in the pants help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, and even a near disastrously bad decision thankfully averted to open his eyes. Elizabeth had help in changing her opinions too. The drama toward the end of the story was beautifully executed. My only complaint would be the epilogue. Okay, confession: I’m an epilogue fan. I disliked the information about a the happy ever afters for the various beloved characters being told through the hateful blindness of Lady Anne Darcy’s letter to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Although I really liked Lady C,’s response.
I highly recommend this story and it will be on my reread shelf. And I’m hoping for an audiobook version soon.
Some spoilers ahead. I loved this. The story is unique among its genre fellows, yet giving us our favorite characters plenty of satisfying page time and their HEAs.
I loved the children and their individual personalities and their struggles in this story. With children in a story they often steal the show, but since they were such an important part of the drama and struggle Darcy faced and floundered about dealing with, not sure which influences to accept all the while trying to bring his sister to ‘do her duty to’ society, they were indeed a very big part of the story. Even though he rejected his overbearing and harsh mother’s influence, his life long ingrained training kept his blinders firmly in place when it came to seeing his sister’s and children’s sadness and loneliness when he wanted so much for them thinking their entering society was in their best interest.
Enter Elizabeth Bennet. I so enjoy an intelligent and compassionate Elizabeth. The relationships she came to have with Georgiana and Darcy’s children were so well written, so realistically portrayed. There was a little angst in this part of the plot for me fearing that Elizabeth would overstep that growing closeness and subtle influence. I ached for this Elizabeth and equally this Darcy. It took a long time and plenty of kick in the pants help from Colonel Fitzwilliam, and even a near disastrously bad decision thankfully averted to open his eyes. Elizabeth had help in changing her opinions too. The drama toward the end of the story was beautifully executed. My only complaint would be the epilogue. Okay, confession: I’m an epilogue fan. I disliked the information about a the happy ever afters for the various beloved characters being told through the hateful blindness of Lady Anne Darcy’s letter to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Although I really liked Lady C,’s response.
I highly recommend this story and it will be on my reread shelf. And I’m hoping for an audiobook version soon.
March 17, 2023
Darcy’s s mother and aunt are very full of themselves
Darcy has learned his manners and personality at the feet of his mother and aunt Catherine. His only saving grace are his 3 children. He has no idea how he is perceived and cannot understand what others are feeling. But things slowly change after meeting Lizzie.
The odd triangle of Wickham, loving Darcy’s first wife and his falling in love with a too young Georgina is a bit off putting. Yanked me out of the story now and then. Lots of subtle humor, often mean since some originated by the “daughter of an Earl”
A main thrust of the story is what are two daughters of an Earl to do when their children keep falling in love with commoners? Being part of the aristocracy gives them the right to fix these problems. Yikes!
Darcy has learned his manners and personality at the feet of his mother and aunt Catherine. His only saving grace are his 3 children. He has no idea how he is perceived and cannot understand what others are feeling. But things slowly change after meeting Lizzie.
The odd triangle of Wickham, loving Darcy’s first wife and his falling in love with a too young Georgina is a bit off putting. Yanked me out of the story now and then. Lots of subtle humor, often mean since some originated by the “daughter of an Earl”
A main thrust of the story is what are two daughters of an Earl to do when their children keep falling in love with commoners? Being part of the aristocracy gives them the right to fix these problems. Yikes!
August 19, 2022
A wonderful endeavor with our canon P&P characters live's modified but still true to the story arc. ODC thread magnificent in its' expected conflict. A surprising but very welcome Wickham portrayal. Collins is delighfully parodied moreso than in variations or movies. Well done, Summer.
June 22, 2024
What If Mr. Darcy Was A Widowed Father Trying to Escape His Mother’s Influence?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy married young and impetuously, and is now a widowed father of three. He eagerly takes a sojourn to Netherfield with his children and his sister as some aspects of his life are growing more problematic and he is lacking both control and solutions…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Inventive and Original: Lady Anne is still alive and is as domineering and proud as Lady Catherine, Mr. Wickham has maintained honorable and good behavior, Ramsgate never happened, and Mr. Darcy’s first marriage had lots of complications and strife – there are so very many interesting twists being employed at once! Each one is creative and causes some interesting and unexpected deviations.
- Mr. Darcy as a Dad: I cherished each and every moment Mr. Darcy interacted with his children. I love his hands-on approach and solicitous concern for their well-being at all times. Which makes him quite singular, since many gentry parents were not involved in raising their chidren. Thinking for yourself – swoon. Being a devoted father – swoon. Guarding your children and making sure they feel loved – swoon infinity.
- Beatrice, Laurel, and Fitz: Mr. Darcy’s children are adorable and so easy to love – even Beatrice. They each are drawn with such distinct personalities And Ms. Hanford did an incredible job of creating perceptive and plausible issues for each of them to deal with. I especially adored Elizabeth’s interactions with Mr. Darcy’s children, and the diverting game they played together. Such a good time! In addition, I loved how the presence of these children impacted some change -like with Jane’s and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield.
- Elizabeth, the Authoress: I loved seeing Elizabeth spend so much time in this endeavor. Her collaboration with Georgiana and the thoughtful encouragements she introduced into each children’s story were just brilliant. I love that there were plenty of excerpts and descriptions of these stories to give the reader the same sense of wonder and enjoyment the children experienced. And for those that are wishing they could read the entire children stories mentioned in this book – you can!
- New Conflicts, New Antagonists: While we see some pride, prejudice, and opposition from the likes of Lady C and Caroline Bingley, this story had quite an array of different challenges for our characters to face- mainly Mr. Darcy. Between all the emotions he is still carrying from his first marriage, his controlling mother, and his fractured relationship with his best friend, there were plenty of new dynamics and new challenges to explore. And seeing Lady Anne and Lady C in scenes together is truly a fearsome thing to behold.”
- “It Ends With Living Happily Ever After”: Summer Hanford worked some creative magic and made sure that nearly everyone – who deserves it – got a happily ever after. I especially enjoyed that Charlotte, Anne de Bourgh, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were all included in this.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Small Quibbles: With Mr. Darcy dealing with so many different areas of his life – his children, his mother, his sister, his deceased wife, his friend, his scheming aunt- I did feel that all that left a little less room for Elizabeth and his falling in love with her. I wouldn’t have minded seeing more take place on page and more words spoken between Elizabeth and Darcy. In addition, while I loved seeing the conflict and tension Lady Anne and Lady C brought to the tale, some of their machinations and actions were tottering very closely to incredulousness and madness.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
❤️🩹 When genuine compassion and concern heal wounds of guilt, loneliness, and disregard.
📕 A most charming tale of three children learning to find comfort with life’s toughest changes through written word.
✍🏼 Elizabeth Bennet puts her quick wit to excellent use and pens children’s stories that are sure to enchant.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy married young and impetuously, and is now a widowed father of three. He eagerly takes a sojourn to Netherfield with his children and his sister as some aspects of his life are growing more problematic and he is lacking both control and solutions…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Inventive and Original: Lady Anne is still alive and is as domineering and proud as Lady Catherine, Mr. Wickham has maintained honorable and good behavior, Ramsgate never happened, and Mr. Darcy’s first marriage had lots of complications and strife – there are so very many interesting twists being employed at once! Each one is creative and causes some interesting and unexpected deviations.
- Mr. Darcy as a Dad: I cherished each and every moment Mr. Darcy interacted with his children. I love his hands-on approach and solicitous concern for their well-being at all times. Which makes him quite singular, since many gentry parents were not involved in raising their chidren. Thinking for yourself – swoon. Being a devoted father – swoon. Guarding your children and making sure they feel loved – swoon infinity.
- Beatrice, Laurel, and Fitz: Mr. Darcy’s children are adorable and so easy to love – even Beatrice. They each are drawn with such distinct personalities And Ms. Hanford did an incredible job of creating perceptive and plausible issues for each of them to deal with. I especially adored Elizabeth’s interactions with Mr. Darcy’s children, and the diverting game they played together. Such a good time! In addition, I loved how the presence of these children impacted some change -like with Jane’s and Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield.
- Elizabeth, the Authoress: I loved seeing Elizabeth spend so much time in this endeavor. Her collaboration with Georgiana and the thoughtful encouragements she introduced into each children’s story were just brilliant. I love that there were plenty of excerpts and descriptions of these stories to give the reader the same sense of wonder and enjoyment the children experienced. And for those that are wishing they could read the entire children stories mentioned in this book – you can!
- New Conflicts, New Antagonists: While we see some pride, prejudice, and opposition from the likes of Lady C and Caroline Bingley, this story had quite an array of different challenges for our characters to face- mainly Mr. Darcy. Between all the emotions he is still carrying from his first marriage, his controlling mother, and his fractured relationship with his best friend, there were plenty of new dynamics and new challenges to explore. And seeing Lady Anne and Lady C in scenes together is truly a fearsome thing to behold.”
- “It Ends With Living Happily Ever After”: Summer Hanford worked some creative magic and made sure that nearly everyone – who deserves it – got a happily ever after. I especially enjoyed that Charlotte, Anne de Bourgh, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were all included in this.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Small Quibbles: With Mr. Darcy dealing with so many different areas of his life – his children, his mother, his sister, his deceased wife, his friend, his scheming aunt- I did feel that all that left a little less room for Elizabeth and his falling in love with her. I wouldn’t have minded seeing more take place on page and more words spoken between Elizabeth and Darcy. In addition, while I loved seeing the conflict and tension Lady Anne and Lady C brought to the tale, some of their machinations and actions were tottering very closely to incredulousness and madness.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
❤️🩹 When genuine compassion and concern heal wounds of guilt, loneliness, and disregard.
📕 A most charming tale of three children learning to find comfort with life’s toughest changes through written word.
✍🏼 Elizabeth Bennet puts her quick wit to excellent use and pens children’s stories that are sure to enchant.
Austenesque Reviews
August 6, 2022
A completely out of canon
but super interesting tale! With Wickham keeping their friendship and Lady Anne still living, everything takes off in unexpected direction. A must read!
but super interesting tale! With Wickham keeping their friendship and Lady Anne still living, everything takes off in unexpected direction. A must read!
August 1, 2022
This writer delivers, whether romance, fantasy, or most recently with children's books. "Once Upon a Time in Pemberly, by Summer Hanford, is a lovely retelling of the beloved "Pride and Prejudice!" Mr. Darcy is a widowed young father of two daughters and a son. Elizabeth meets and befriends Mr. Darcy's children and through that friendship, writes a story for the young Heir, Fitz. The children, and Georgiana adore Elizabeth, but Mr. Darcy has his doubts about her motives.
I loved the characterizations of the children...all adorable. Mr. Wickham is also shown in a different light. There is angst, which I love, but so many sweet, tender moments. The book is exceptionally well written, with an excellent plot! This book has two children's books out, also, the result of Elizabeth's story-telling. They, too, are just adorable!
I loved the characterizations of the children...all adorable. Mr. Wickham is also shown in a different light. There is angst, which I love, but so many sweet, tender moments. The book is exceptionally well written, with an excellent plot! This book has two children's books out, also, the result of Elizabeth's story-telling. They, too, are just adorable!
June 22, 2023
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Once Upon a Time in Pemberley is a very interesting Pride and Prejudice variation because the author played not only with the circumstances of Austen’s masterpiece, but also with the characters to create a storyline that is unexpectedly dissimilar from canon, but at the same time, close enough to allow readers to easily connect with the plot.
In this book, Mr. Darcy committed an indiscretion when he was only 17 years old that led to his marriage to a young woman. Therefore, when the story starts, he is already a widower and father of three on his way to Hertfordshire to join his friend Bingley at his recently led estate. He hopes to remove his children from the influence of his mother, who is still alive in this variation, but he is not successful because not only her, but also Lady Catherine join him at a later stage. The entire narrative will take place in Hertfordshire where the Bingley’s, Darcy’s and Bennet’s are joined by many other secondary characters that enhance the quality of the book.
As I mentioned earlier, the author played with the characters, changing some of the secondary characters background and personalities. I absolutely loved this change, especially the one concerning Mr. Wickham who was actually my favourite character in the book. In fact, I may even say I preferred Mr. Wickham to Mr. Darcy in Once Upon a Time in Pemberley! I don’t want to go into details concerning his personality because not knowing how he really was throughout the book was part of what made me glued to it, but I would like to let you know that this is probably the best Wickham I have ever seen in a P&P book. I also loved his relationship with Darcy and how it was slowly developed throughout the book. The author was able to give depth to their relationship, which is something we don’t always see in this genre, and she almost made me cry with some of their interactions. Their relationship is a beautiful one, and I loved witnessing it in this book.
I also enjoyed Lydia Bennet and how she handled Lady Anne and Lady Catherine. She was futile as always, but also smart, obstinate and bold. I was surprised by her reactions and her scene with Darcy’s relatives made me laugh really hard. I also enjoyed the proposal scene because, believe it or not, it was even worse than the original! How can Mr. Darcy ruin something as important in such a catastrophic manner?
I cannot say I had a quibble with this book, but even though Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth do interact quite a lot, and their dialogues are very interesting and some of them even profound, it felt their relationship revolved too much around the children and I didn’t feel true love growing between them as a couple. This may be a very personal view of their relationship, and I honestly believe most readers will not have any quibble whatsoever with their relationship because, as I mentioned earlier, they interact a lot with each other, but I would have preferred to see more interaction between them as a couple, instead of having the children as a common ground.
The children play a big part in the beginning of the book, and they are part of the reason why the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is established, so if unlike me, you are someone who enjoys books where children play a big part, this is perfect for you!
Overall, I truly enjoyed Once Upon a Time in Pemberley, it was innovative, refreshing and it kept me engaged from the beginning until the end. The writing style is very fluid and it grabs the readers attention. That, along with the different and interesting relationships this book developed made it a very pleasant and interesting read. I highly recommend this one to everyone!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Once Upon a Time in Pemberley is a very interesting Pride and Prejudice variation because the author played not only with the circumstances of Austen’s masterpiece, but also with the characters to create a storyline that is unexpectedly dissimilar from canon, but at the same time, close enough to allow readers to easily connect with the plot.
In this book, Mr. Darcy committed an indiscretion when he was only 17 years old that led to his marriage to a young woman. Therefore, when the story starts, he is already a widower and father of three on his way to Hertfordshire to join his friend Bingley at his recently led estate. He hopes to remove his children from the influence of his mother, who is still alive in this variation, but he is not successful because not only her, but also Lady Catherine join him at a later stage. The entire narrative will take place in Hertfordshire where the Bingley’s, Darcy’s and Bennet’s are joined by many other secondary characters that enhance the quality of the book.
As I mentioned earlier, the author played with the characters, changing some of the secondary characters background and personalities. I absolutely loved this change, especially the one concerning Mr. Wickham who was actually my favourite character in the book. In fact, I may even say I preferred Mr. Wickham to Mr. Darcy in Once Upon a Time in Pemberley! I don’t want to go into details concerning his personality because not knowing how he really was throughout the book was part of what made me glued to it, but I would like to let you know that this is probably the best Wickham I have ever seen in a P&P book. I also loved his relationship with Darcy and how it was slowly developed throughout the book. The author was able to give depth to their relationship, which is something we don’t always see in this genre, and she almost made me cry with some of their interactions. Their relationship is a beautiful one, and I loved witnessing it in this book.
I also enjoyed Lydia Bennet and how she handled Lady Anne and Lady Catherine. She was futile as always, but also smart, obstinate and bold. I was surprised by her reactions and her scene with Darcy’s relatives made me laugh really hard. I also enjoyed the proposal scene because, believe it or not, it was even worse than the original! How can Mr. Darcy ruin something as important in such a catastrophic manner?
I cannot say I had a quibble with this book, but even though Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth do interact quite a lot, and their dialogues are very interesting and some of them even profound, it felt their relationship revolved too much around the children and I didn’t feel true love growing between them as a couple. This may be a very personal view of their relationship, and I honestly believe most readers will not have any quibble whatsoever with their relationship because, as I mentioned earlier, they interact a lot with each other, but I would have preferred to see more interaction between them as a couple, instead of having the children as a common ground.
The children play a big part in the beginning of the book, and they are part of the reason why the romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is established, so if unlike me, you are someone who enjoys books where children play a big part, this is perfect for you!
Overall, I truly enjoyed Once Upon a Time in Pemberley, it was innovative, refreshing and it kept me engaged from the beginning until the end. The writing style is very fluid and it grabs the readers attention. That, along with the different and interesting relationships this book developed made it a very pleasant and interesting read. I highly recommend this one to everyone!
January 29, 2024
This variation on Pride and Prejudice goes way off canon, but that doesn't bother me about it. I found it refreshing to have a non-villainous Wickham, although as other reviewers have said, I kept expecting to find him revealing himself as a villain any moment.
The children in this variation, which finds Darcy a widower and father of three, were refreshing and individualized well. I love the stories that Georgiana and Elizabeth put together for them, and also Bingley having a chance to play the dashing hero. I loved that. But if this was meant as humorous, I didn't find it that amusing, and if it wasn't meant as humor, I find it a sometimes implausible and at times even farcically melodramatic variation, particularly in the behavior of the actual villains. They seemed to go so far! So, I have mixed feelings about this one, and while it kept me reading and wanting to know the outcome, I couldn't justify more than 3 stars.
That said, this is the first in an interesting series of four, all as far as I know standalone P&P variations that veer off canon quite a lot. I have read the next one, which I'm about to reread, and I'm looking forward to rereading it so much that I decided to give the whole series a go. I had passed over Once Upon ... before, and wanted to give it a shot. I'm not at all sorry to have read it.
The children in this variation, which finds Darcy a widower and father of three, were refreshing and individualized well. I love the stories that Georgiana and Elizabeth put together for them, and also Bingley having a chance to play the dashing hero. I loved that. But if this was meant as humorous, I didn't find it that amusing, and if it wasn't meant as humor, I find it a sometimes implausible and at times even farcically melodramatic variation, particularly in the behavior of the actual villains. They seemed to go so far! So, I have mixed feelings about this one, and while it kept me reading and wanting to know the outcome, I couldn't justify more than 3 stars.
That said, this is the first in an interesting series of four, all as far as I know standalone P&P variations that veer off canon quite a lot. I have read the next one, which I'm about to reread, and I'm looking forward to rereading it so much that I decided to give the whole series a go. I had passed over Once Upon ... before, and wanted to give it a shot. I'm not at all sorry to have read it.
September 26, 2022
I’m in the minority here, but I hated it. The writing was alright if boring. While the story was too busy, but lacked any real substance. Plus while I truly enjoy all variations I still like my characters to stay somewhat true to cannon. This variation went way off course & not in any good way either. An endgame Wickham/Georgianna pairing? Gross! However, it wasn’t just that the Lizzy/Darcy romance just felt forced & unnatural. I didn’t even like the kids. The author took literally the easiest part of the story- make kids adorable & turned them all into trauma victims. I’ve found this author & her usual writing part to either be a hit or miss with little in between. This one missed, better writing next time.
December 18, 2023
A very captivating story! If you like stories with children (I do), you'll love this book three times more. If you love stories with bad Lady Catherine, you'll love this story twice more because in this Lady Anne Darcy is alive and is as bad as, if not worse, her sister. Why is it that when I encounter a good Wickham (or Caroline), I always wait till the end for the other shoe to fall? An extremely lovely story.
September 15, 2022
I really liked how it was written, the comments were witty and I had a smile on my face while reading several conversations. I didn’t like the Lydia compromise plot line, because it felt like too much even for Lydia. And I wish the epilogue focused more on ODC, but all in all I loved this book and I need to check the author’s other works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
Darcy 's mother
I have never read a Pride and Prejudice story with Lady Anne still alive and unhappy. Darcy with three children and a widower book is well written but I didn't feel like there was a romance between D&E. She had a love for his children but I didn't see a love for him. Interesting addition of Wickham to the story.
I have never read a Pride and Prejudice story with Lady Anne still alive and unhappy. Darcy with three children and a widower book is well written but I didn't feel like there was a romance between D&E. She had a love for his children but I didn't see a love for him. Interesting addition of Wickham to the story.
August 15, 2022
Wonderful
Variation in which Lady Anne Darcy is cold, haughty, and only interested in manipulating her son into a marriage with his cousin Anne DeBourgh. The result is that Darcy marries impulsively, very young, after impregnating a girl he likes, and eloping to Scotland. He has three children from a loveless marriage, and his wife is killed in a reckless horseback riding accident. Wickham is a good guy in this version. After Darcy's wife's death, Lady Anne and Lady Catherine relentlessly hound Darcy again to marry Anne, so Darcy flees Pemberly, and goes with his children to Bingley's leased home, Netherfield Park.
For most of the story, Darcy and Elizabeth don't really consider each other, and I guess that's about my only disappointment in this story. Although Darcy is struck by her wit and intelligence, he finds so much to criticize about Elizabeth for such a long time that I almost didn't like him very much, either. Elizabeth shows kindness to his children over and over, and he sees it with only suspicion and haughtiness, as if anything anyone does who is not of his social sphere, couldn't possibly be worthwhile. He acts like a real doofus , not a very admirable man. Darcy's skull is too thick for my liking, to the point where he almost seems stupid and inept.
However, when Darcy's barriers finally do start to crack, the romance is lovely. Darcy is the product of his cold, unfeeling mother, but also, fortunately, of a very loving and involved father, and that is what saves him. The villains in this story are Lady Anne and Lady Catherine, and they're real doozies!
I liked Wickham in this version, Georgiana has more backbone, Mr Bennett is a slightly better father, and Bingley has more backbone, as well. The ending, in the epilogue, is bittersweet but sublime. Very well done. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Variation in which Lady Anne Darcy is cold, haughty, and only interested in manipulating her son into a marriage with his cousin Anne DeBourgh. The result is that Darcy marries impulsively, very young, after impregnating a girl he likes, and eloping to Scotland. He has three children from a loveless marriage, and his wife is killed in a reckless horseback riding accident. Wickham is a good guy in this version. After Darcy's wife's death, Lady Anne and Lady Catherine relentlessly hound Darcy again to marry Anne, so Darcy flees Pemberly, and goes with his children to Bingley's leased home, Netherfield Park.
For most of the story, Darcy and Elizabeth don't really consider each other, and I guess that's about my only disappointment in this story. Although Darcy is struck by her wit and intelligence, he finds so much to criticize about Elizabeth for such a long time that I almost didn't like him very much, either. Elizabeth shows kindness to his children over and over, and he sees it with only suspicion and haughtiness, as if anything anyone does who is not of his social sphere, couldn't possibly be worthwhile. He acts like a real doofus , not a very admirable man. Darcy's skull is too thick for my liking, to the point where he almost seems stupid and inept.
However, when Darcy's barriers finally do start to crack, the romance is lovely. Darcy is the product of his cold, unfeeling mother, but also, fortunately, of a very loving and involved father, and that is what saves him. The villains in this story are Lady Anne and Lady Catherine, and they're real doozies!
I liked Wickham in this version, Georgiana has more backbone, Mr Bennett is a slightly better father, and Bingley has more backbone, as well. The ending, in the epilogue, is bittersweet but sublime. Very well done. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
September 11, 2022
a must read
In this book Darcy is older and a widower. He has not had a happy life as his marriage to his cousin was expected and she died giving birth to their daughter. Everyone in Darcy’s life thinks he needs to remarry but they do not consider his feelings.
Darcy meets Elizabeth and her cousins while out with his daughter. Elizabeth is younger so he assumes she would not think of him as a love interest. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship blossoms over time.
This is a very entertaining and feel good book. I loved cheering for Darcy.
In this book Darcy is older and a widower. He has not had a happy life as his marriage to his cousin was expected and she died giving birth to their daughter. Everyone in Darcy’s life thinks he needs to remarry but they do not consider his feelings.
Darcy meets Elizabeth and her cousins while out with his daughter. Elizabeth is younger so he assumes she would not think of him as a love interest. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship blossoms over time.
This is a very entertaining and feel good book. I loved cheering for Darcy.
August 15, 2022
Who is who?!?
While nearly every character is seriously altered, the story is enjoyable. Once Upon... flows well but pay close attention as the reader may miss a change from the familiar. Nicely done, Hanford!
While nearly every character is seriously altered, the story is enjoyable. Once Upon... flows well but pay close attention as the reader may miss a change from the familiar. Nicely done, Hanford!
August 14, 2022
Loved it.
Enjoyed this story, always like new people. The children were a wonderful add, made Darcy less stuffy. A true ‘ They Lived Happyly Ever After”. Even liked Wickham, who know!
Enjoyed this story, always like new people. The children were a wonderful add, made Darcy less stuffy. A true ‘ They Lived Happyly Ever After”. Even liked Wickham, who know!
August 15, 2022
Loved this one!
A very interesting premise, a very different Wickham, and an older generation dead set on having their way, this story was gripping from start to finish. Enjoy!
A very interesting premise, a very different Wickham, and an older generation dead set on having their way, this story was gripping from start to finish. Enjoy!
August 10, 2022
Class Rules Unhappiness
Liked the author's change of personalities for the
characters in Jane Austen's version of Pride and Prejudice.
As the story ended in mid air I expect to there will be a further following book written. If not, I feel the book incomplete and therefore would downgrade the rating to three stars.
Liked the author's change of personalities for the
characters in Jane Austen's version of Pride and Prejudice.
As the story ended in mid air I expect to there will be a further following book written. If not, I feel the book incomplete and therefore would downgrade the rating to three stars.
August 11, 2022
loved this
Really loved this story, I’ve read a number of the authors works with RM and enjoyed them and am happy to say that the great work continues in the authors first solo effort, hoping more is to be published
Really loved this story, I’ve read a number of the authors works with RM and enjoyed them and am happy to say that the great work continues in the authors first solo effort, hoping more is to be published
August 6, 2022
Entertaining
Very different and entertaining storyline with Wickham an upstanding character and Darcy having had a youthful affair leading to marriage. Also enough intrigue with everyone having their own plan and throw in Darcy's three children in the mix. Very enjoyable.
Very different and entertaining storyline with Wickham an upstanding character and Darcy having had a youthful affair leading to marriage. Also enough intrigue with everyone having their own plan and throw in Darcy's three children in the mix. Very enjoyable.
August 8, 2022
So good until the last few pages!!
Loved this one...just, what a crummy epilogue. The only thing that could make it better would be more Elizabeth/Darcy dialogue. Check this one out.
Loved this one...just, what a crummy epilogue. The only thing that could make it better would be more Elizabeth/Darcy dialogue. Check this one out.
September 30, 2025
There was not much romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. They talked all about his children and he scolded and insulted her while enjoying her help.
There was so little description of Darcy's self-reflection/change/improvement. He simply asked twice and Elizabeth agreed. He was cold and distant and his supposed love to Elizabeth was told instead of showed. Until the end he never had done anything to make readers feel Elizabeth was important and equal to him.
Elizabeth here was simply perfect, she was caring,compassionate and having no problem to be a stepmother for 3 not very little children at 20years old. Just hearing some words about Darcy's supposed love she immediately well on her way to love him back,without his action or declaration.
The idea that Darcy had a heir not Elizabeth's make me ill. I don't know why writer mentioned Elizabeth had only daughters and didn't give up bitter and spiteful Lady Anne. Daughters were wonderful but the way written made it seemed like flaws.
Elizabeth was good so you must put so many things on her.
I see little love to Elizabeth in the story plot arrangement. The story gave me the impression that she's role is a tool more than our heroine. Her value and merits haven't been rewarded as they deserve. Instead, she's only given some second-hand, not-so-good things. She accepted Darcy's way but why couldn't Darcy make more effort to win her. I don't think this Darcy deserves her.
This is a good book,just don't look forward to finding the passionate and perfect love between ODC like canon. There is a particularly prominent sense of practicality that Darcy is more getting a stepmother rather than a partner or wife.
There was so little description of Darcy's self-reflection/change/improvement. He simply asked twice and Elizabeth agreed. He was cold and distant and his supposed love to Elizabeth was told instead of showed. Until the end he never had done anything to make readers feel Elizabeth was important and equal to him.
Elizabeth here was simply perfect, she was caring,compassionate and having no problem to be a stepmother for 3 not very little children at 20years old. Just hearing some words about Darcy's supposed love she immediately well on her way to love him back,without his action or declaration.
The idea that Darcy had a heir not Elizabeth's make me ill. I don't know why writer mentioned Elizabeth had only daughters and didn't give up bitter and spiteful Lady Anne. Daughters were wonderful but the way written made it seemed like flaws.
Elizabeth was good so you must put so many things on her.
I see little love to Elizabeth in the story plot arrangement. The story gave me the impression that she's role is a tool more than our heroine. Her value and merits haven't been rewarded as they deserve. Instead, she's only given some second-hand, not-so-good things. She accepted Darcy's way but why couldn't Darcy make more effort to win her. I don't think this Darcy deserves her.
This is a good book,just don't look forward to finding the passionate and perfect love between ODC like canon. There is a particularly prominent sense of practicality that Darcy is more getting a stepmother rather than a partner or wife.
January 18, 2023
I enjoyed this immensely. I was, at first, a little concerned about the characterization of Darcy's children, particularly the eldest, but they were darling. I am rarely in favor of redeeming Wickham, but it worked very well in this story. I always love the redemption of Lady Catherine. Don't ask, cuz I don't know why, I just do. I loved Elizabeth's interactions with Georgiana and Darcy's children. I loved Darcy's interactions with his children; just adorable. The creativity of the stories conjured by E were precious and very touching. Just loved it.
I have only one point of criticism and that is the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. It is almost non existent until the last ten percent of the book. Even when D makes his insulting proposal, he does not claim to love E, nor even feels that he does. He proposes based purely on the fact that she is good with his kids and to spite/thwart his mother and aunt. And there was very little impetus for E falling in love w D. She just suddenly...is. Furthermore, and I always hate this, their actual courtship is relegated to a few paragraphs simply stating that they spent time together, but the reader doesn't actually get to experience that; and that is what I most look forward to in these books. Thus, I could not give it 5 stars.
Very well written, very creative. I just loved it.
I have only one point of criticism and that is the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. It is almost non existent until the last ten percent of the book. Even when D makes his insulting proposal, he does not claim to love E, nor even feels that he does. He proposes based purely on the fact that she is good with his kids and to spite/thwart his mother and aunt. And there was very little impetus for E falling in love w D. She just suddenly...is. Furthermore, and I always hate this, their actual courtship is relegated to a few paragraphs simply stating that they spent time together, but the reader doesn't actually get to experience that; and that is what I most look forward to in these books. Thus, I could not give it 5 stars.
Very well written, very creative. I just loved it.
February 19, 2025
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a sweet, Regency era story. Can the course of a life be altered by the stroke of a pen?
Widowed at a young age, Fitzwilliam Darcy has no reason to think he'll ever find the love his first marriage lacked. Instead, he dedicates himself to his roles as father and co-guardian, determined to excel at both. But when love finally finds him, will he be too mired by the strife of the past to recognize it? Elizabeth Bennet does not care for the newest addition to Meryton society, no matter how handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy might be. She is, however, rather fond of his children and his sister. If only Mr. Darcy needn't be so certain of his own worth, she would tolerate him on their behalf, but that change in him seems very unlikely. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Widowed at a young age, Fitzwilliam Darcy has no reason to think he'll ever find the love his first marriage lacked. Instead, he dedicates himself to his roles as father and co-guardian, determined to excel at both. But when love finally finds him, will he be too mired by the strife of the past to recognize it? Elizabeth Bennet does not care for the newest addition to Meryton society, no matter how handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy might be. She is, however, rather fond of his children and his sister. If only Mr. Darcy needn't be so certain of his own worth, she would tolerate him on their behalf, but that change in him seems very unlikely. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
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