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Frolic and Romance #3
A Proper Introduction
He's bored to death
She's a breath of fresh air
Fitzwilliam Darcy may never walk again. He's sustained a life-threatening injury and he's fighting everyone, even his own doctor, to maintain some control over his life.
Elizabeth Bennet only wanted a book. What she found was a mind like her own, and a man desperately in need of a friend. And he likes her jokes.
Can these two unlikely pen pals find their way to each other? Or is the separation of a letter just too great of a distance?
A Proper Introduction is a sweet Regency novella of approximately 30,000 words.
All books in the Sweet & Sassy series are standalone Elizabeth and Darcy romances with a touch of humor.
She's a breath of fresh air
Fitzwilliam Darcy may never walk again. He's sustained a life-threatening injury and he's fighting everyone, even his own doctor, to maintain some control over his life.
Elizabeth Bennet only wanted a book. What she found was a mind like her own, and a man desperately in need of a friend. And he likes her jokes.
Can these two unlikely pen pals find their way to each other? Or is the separation of a letter just too great of a distance?
A Proper Introduction is a sweet Regency novella of approximately 30,000 words.
All books in the Sweet & Sassy series are standalone Elizabeth and Darcy romances with a touch of humor.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
89 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Alix James
60 books129 followersSatisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 31, 2022
5+ stars!
This humorous little novella is a marvel. I am in awe of the talent required to create any cohesive, entertaining book. I am doubly so when the story is told solely via correspondence (plus an occasional journal entry), as this one is.
Mr. Darcy is bedridden for months recovering from a horrific injury sustained in a fall from his horse -- an injury that could have killed him or resulted in the loss of his leg. Being a man accustomed to a high level of activity, he's positively miserable.
Then he receives an unusual piece of mail from a Miss Elizabeth Bennet that lifts his mood. She believes his father to be a bookseller based on the template in a book her father had acquired. Charmed by the way the lady expresses herself, Darcy corrects her misunderstanding (Wickham had stolen several books from Pemberley's library and sold them for the money) and finds himself delightedly exchanging books and letters with both Mr. Bennet and his daughter...although primarily with Miss Elizabeth.
There are other letters - to and from Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, Darcy's steward, his doctors, Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, Georgiana Darcy, and others. Every piece of correspondence fills in new details, making it easy to follow the story and sketch these people's characters. Each letter has a distinctive tone appropriate to its fictional writer. Elizabeth's display the most intentional humor, but I also chuckled at Caroline Bingley's fawning notes to Georgiana and Lady Catherine's imperious demands that Darcy man up, jump in his carriage, and come to Rosings forthwith!
Although generally this is a sweet, low-angst story, it's not all smooth sailing. There's a nice build of anticipation for the first face-to-face meeting between Darcy and the Bennets, which does not go as expected. Wickham is an ongoing source of irritation and frustration to the Darcys. Fittingly, the books he stole and sold to Mr. Bennet play a role in his undoing.
As a side note, I encourage any Jane Austen lover who hasn't read Lady Susan to do so. A Proper Introduction: A Pride & Prejudice Epistolary is yet another worthy example of this rare and challenging method of narration.
Content is clean.
This humorous little novella is a marvel. I am in awe of the talent required to create any cohesive, entertaining book. I am doubly so when the story is told solely via correspondence (plus an occasional journal entry), as this one is.
Mr. Darcy is bedridden for months recovering from a horrific injury sustained in a fall from his horse -- an injury that could have killed him or resulted in the loss of his leg. Being a man accustomed to a high level of activity, he's positively miserable.
Then he receives an unusual piece of mail from a Miss Elizabeth Bennet that lifts his mood. She believes his father to be a bookseller based on the template in a book her father had acquired. Charmed by the way the lady expresses herself, Darcy corrects her misunderstanding (Wickham had stolen several books from Pemberley's library and sold them for the money) and finds himself delightedly exchanging books and letters with both Mr. Bennet and his daughter...although primarily with Miss Elizabeth.
There are other letters - to and from Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, Darcy's steward, his doctors, Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, Georgiana Darcy, and others. Every piece of correspondence fills in new details, making it easy to follow the story and sketch these people's characters. Each letter has a distinctive tone appropriate to its fictional writer. Elizabeth's display the most intentional humor, but I also chuckled at Caroline Bingley's fawning notes to Georgiana and Lady Catherine's imperious demands that Darcy man up, jump in his carriage, and come to Rosings forthwith!
Although generally this is a sweet, low-angst story, it's not all smooth sailing. There's a nice build of anticipation for the first face-to-face meeting between Darcy and the Bennets, which does not go as expected. Wickham is an ongoing source of irritation and frustration to the Darcys. Fittingly, the books he stole and sold to Mr. Bennet play a role in his undoing.
As a side note, I encourage any Jane Austen lover who hasn't read Lady Susan to do so. A Proper Introduction: A Pride & Prejudice Epistolary is yet another worthy example of this rare and challenging method of narration.
Content is clean.
September 20, 2022
From the creative pen of Alix James (Nicole Clarkston) comes a delightful epistolary variation that captured my heart. The story is conveyed by letters and journal entries of key characters within 'Pride & Prejudice' and nothing is lost to our understanding. For me, there is nothing more enjoyable than an epistolary book. It brings us an intimate look into the minds and hearts of our characters.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has had a serious fall from his horse and is bedridden. He may never walk again. A unique collection of books bought by Mr. Bennet years ago provides Elizabeth Bennet with a name and whom she believes to be a bookshop owner. Now Elizabeth wants to buy her father a birthday gift and so begins a series of letters between Mr. Bennet/Miss Elizabeth with 'the bookshop owner'. And what witty and impertinent letters they are!
"How could a woman I have never met, whose manner of expression could only be described as forward and inquisitive, have made such inroads into my heart?" (quote from the book)
As the story unfolds, we learn the events surroundings Mr. Darcy's accident, the uniqueness of the book collection, and the letting of Netherfield Park. It was wonderful watching a friendship unfold to something deeper. And there is one exquisite letter from Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy on Sir Walter Scott that I adored!
"...but she has something I do not. She has joy, and with each letter I receive from her, a bit of it sheds from the pages into my fingers." (quote from the book)
So if you are in the mood for something 'sweet and sassy', I highly recommend this novella!
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of this book with no expectation for a review.
December 21, 2022
“Everybody allows that the talent of writing agreeable letters is peculiarly female.” –Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: clean >>Angst Level: slight >>Source: Purchase: This was an automatic buy for me. It was Book 3 in the Frolic and Romance series and can be read in any order. >>Cover Art: Just look at that cover.
“One can begin so many things with a new person! –even begin to be a better man.” –George Eliot, Middlemarch
Darcy received an unusual letter that changed his life. He was recovering from an accident and was stuck at home. The reader would not discover how he was injured until later in the story. This injury did not allow him to go to Netherfield with his friend. That also changed the course of love and life for Mr. Bingley. Since Caroline did not have help with redirecting Cupid’s arrow, Bingley sought his own happiness with his angel.
This story was completely told in epistolary form. A series of letters to major characters informed, delighted, and entertained their recipients. Several of the letters were hilarious. We the reader, and Darcy, saw the snarky side to Elizabeth’s wit, as well as her father’s. This was so cool. Information was slow in coming but so was his recovery. OMG! What a twist. I can’t say. I highly recommend this quick read.
Note: there was a slight formatting problem but may have been my device.
Frolic and Romance Series:
Book 1: Along for the Ride
Book 2: A Good Memory is Unpardonable
Book 3: A Proper Introduction
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: clean >>Angst Level: slight >>Source: Purchase: This was an automatic buy for me. It was Book 3 in the Frolic and Romance series and can be read in any order. >>Cover Art: Just look at that cover.
“One can begin so many things with a new person! –even begin to be a better man.” –George Eliot, Middlemarch
Darcy received an unusual letter that changed his life. He was recovering from an accident and was stuck at home. The reader would not discover how he was injured until later in the story. This injury did not allow him to go to Netherfield with his friend. That also changed the course of love and life for Mr. Bingley. Since Caroline did not have help with redirecting Cupid’s arrow, Bingley sought his own happiness with his angel.
This story was completely told in epistolary form. A series of letters to major characters informed, delighted, and entertained their recipients. Several of the letters were hilarious. We the reader, and Darcy, saw the snarky side to Elizabeth’s wit, as well as her father’s. This was so cool. Information was slow in coming but so was his recovery. OMG! What a twist. I can’t say. I highly recommend this quick read.
Note: there was a slight formatting problem but may have been my device.
Frolic and Romance Series:
Book 1: Along for the Ride
Book 2: A Good Memory is Unpardonable
Book 3: A Proper Introduction
August 30, 2022
5 stars+++++++
If you have a truly genuine thirst to be entertained and enthralled when reading a good book, trust me when I tell you this wonderful collection of letters and diary entries from several of our beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice absolutely fits the bill. The romance and tongue-in-cheek humour in this epistolary will have you grinning throughout. The writing is exquisite. I loved, loved, loved it!
Alix James, aka Nicole Clarkston, has written yet another fine gem of a short story. I have loved all the books in this series, and very highly recommend them all. I definitely look forward to more.
If you have a truly genuine thirst to be entertained and enthralled when reading a good book, trust me when I tell you this wonderful collection of letters and diary entries from several of our beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice absolutely fits the bill. The romance and tongue-in-cheek humour in this epistolary will have you grinning throughout. The writing is exquisite. I loved, loved, loved it!
Alix James, aka Nicole Clarkston, has written yet another fine gem of a short story. I have loved all the books in this series, and very highly recommend them all. I definitely look forward to more.
August 31, 2022
So good! This author never disappoints. The voice that she gives to each character is unique and true to the spirit of Austen.
February 20, 2024
Fantastic work!
I like the concept of it with only letters being written to several people or Diary entries.
Darcy suffers from a severe accident and the doctor think he can never walk again and behaving like an ogre with his doctor.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennet is searching the perfect Birthday gift for Mr. Bennet and writes to Darcy Senior. Unbeknowst to her, is unfortunately dead so the letter is being forwarded to Fitzwilliam Darcy and both are starting a correspondance (Shocking!!). For Darcy it‘s a breath of fresh air and he even gains a bit strength of from them.
I leave it to your imagination (Don’t want to spoil the wonderful story) how they finally meet, or when, and where.
I loved that even though it were only letters and Diary entries, one felt the love growing between. So beautifully!
I do have one tiny complaint though, as I have listened to the audiobook, I found it a little bit off putting when Lady Catherine de Bourgh got called as ‚Lady Catherine de Borg‘ the whole time. Otherwise it was very well done
But Readers, don‘t let that keep you from Reading or Listening!
I highly recommend this book.
I like the concept of it with only letters being written to several people or Diary entries.
Darcy suffers from a severe accident and the doctor think he can never walk again and behaving like an ogre with his doctor.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennet is searching the perfect Birthday gift for Mr. Bennet and writes to Darcy Senior. Unbeknowst to her, is unfortunately dead so the letter is being forwarded to Fitzwilliam Darcy and both are starting a correspondance (Shocking!!). For Darcy it‘s a breath of fresh air and he even gains a bit strength of from them.
I leave it to your imagination (Don’t want to spoil the wonderful story) how they finally meet, or when, and where.
I loved that even though it were only letters and Diary entries, one felt the love growing between. So beautifully!
I do have one tiny complaint though, as I have listened to the audiobook, I found it a little bit off putting when Lady Catherine de Bourgh got called as ‚Lady Catherine de Borg‘ the whole time. Otherwise it was very well done
But Readers, don‘t let that keep you from Reading or Listening!
I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2022
This is a beautiful story told entirely through the correspondence of the characters. An innocent inquiry about books starts a chain of events that leads our dear couple to their happily ever after. The story has very low angst and is clean.
May 22, 2023
This entertaining read, given over only by letters sent and the occasional journal entry is amazing!
The author nails giving over the "hidden" parts of the story by what is both written and not written word.
Darcy is laid up injured and the events leading up to this accident are slowly trickled to the reader. At the same time, due to misdirection, he ends up with a letter from Elizabeth searching for a book seller. This leads to several communications between Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy. Naturally, Darcy is taken with the impertinent Miss!
A must read, and worth the reread too!
The author nails giving over the "hidden" parts of the story by what is both written and not written word.
Darcy is laid up injured and the events leading up to this accident are slowly trickled to the reader. At the same time, due to misdirection, he ends up with a letter from Elizabeth searching for a book seller. This leads to several communications between Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy. Naturally, Darcy is taken with the impertinent Miss!
A must read, and worth the reread too!
September 9, 2022
What a refreshing variation!
Like Kay Bea's 'Letters From The Heart,' this lovely variation is conducted through correspondence. Witty, consistent, delightful. Very well put together and the flow and resolutions are spot on. A 5-star read. Do not miss!
Like Kay Bea's 'Letters From The Heart,' this lovely variation is conducted through correspondence. Witty, consistent, delightful. Very well put together and the flow and resolutions are spot on. A 5-star read. Do not miss!
August 31, 2022
Elizabeth Bennet and her father write to Mr. Darcy, thinking he's a book dealer. This begins a back and forth correspondence with them, as well as with his cousin and uncle, while Darcy is bedridden with a badly broken leg among other injuries. Miss Bennet's impertinent letters keep Darcy spellbound. This is a novella, written in epistolary form, and it reads fast. I only picked it up to browse the first few pages, because there were other books ahead of it in my e-book TBR list, but I soon found myself caught up in the story.
August 26, 2024
What is it about letters and Pride and Prejudice that makes it so charming? Such a delightful novella made up solely of letters between different characters, each reflecting their nature. I especially loved Lady Catherine's, they were truly hilarious. Elizabeth's wit literally shone throughout the story and we do understand Darcy's desperation for her. As an aside, why does nearly every author believes that Darcy can only succeed the second time?
June 20, 2024
I loved this smart epistolary tale of how theft brought two unlikely lovers together. Witty and cute, short enough to gobble in one sitting.
Reread: I listened to the audio at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3Ui...
Reread: I listened to the audio at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3Ui...
December 18, 2023
Glorious 🥰💗
August 26, 2022
With letters and diary entries we read a variation of P&P with thoughts on paper written by not only Darcy and Elizabeth but also by Georgiana, Jane, Charlotte, the Colonel, Bingley, doctors, Lord Matlock, Aunt Gardiner, Darcy’s steward, etc.
In the first letter we learn that Darcy has broken his leg. Darcy has had an accident and finds himself bored with a long recovery and orders to stay in bed to allow his leg to heal. Due to the break being a compound fracture and Darcy suffering a severely high fever during the early stages of healing, his two doctors are adamant that he has complete bed rest.
The letters also address the matter of some (stolen) books which were bought by Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth adds her letters to her father's and soon she is addressing Darcy directly. He finds himself charmed by her completely different style of conversation from that of other ladies. Of course, much of their early conversation has to do with books and they even begin to lend or give such to each other. (Mr. Bennet is included in this sharing.) Some of their exchanges include poetry.
Bingley writes about his search for a house to buy or lease and his troubles with his sister, Caroline, and he even asks Darcy to join him as his mentor when he finds Netherfield. The Colonel writes about his experiences during war on the continent and about getting a leave to come home. Eventually the subject of Wickham comes up in both letters to the Colonel, letters to Colonel Forster, and letters Elizabeth writes to her aunt. Lydia is mentioned.
Of course, E. and Darcy meet, and Elizabeth writes how the man she meets in person is so different from the man who writes. Some of the same misunderstandings that we read about in canon again occur here. The Colonel gives more advice as he learns about Darcy’s feelings.
Georgiana’s troubles in Ramsgate are revealed. Lady Catherine is as demanding as ever, even to the point of disbelieving Darcy is as injured as he has stated to her.
One of the charming facets of this story are the two dogs (Harold & Prince George) owned by Darcy and by Elizabeth. Darcy’s pet is fierce about guarding Darcy from any approach.
This was an interestingly different approach to the story we love so well. I highly recommend it.
In the first letter we learn that Darcy has broken his leg. Darcy has had an accident and finds himself bored with a long recovery and orders to stay in bed to allow his leg to heal. Due to the break being a compound fracture and Darcy suffering a severely high fever during the early stages of healing, his two doctors are adamant that he has complete bed rest.
The letters also address the matter of some (stolen) books which were bought by Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth adds her letters to her father's and soon she is addressing Darcy directly. He finds himself charmed by her completely different style of conversation from that of other ladies. Of course, much of their early conversation has to do with books and they even begin to lend or give such to each other. (Mr. Bennet is included in this sharing.) Some of their exchanges include poetry.
Bingley writes about his search for a house to buy or lease and his troubles with his sister, Caroline, and he even asks Darcy to join him as his mentor when he finds Netherfield. The Colonel writes about his experiences during war on the continent and about getting a leave to come home. Eventually the subject of Wickham comes up in both letters to the Colonel, letters to Colonel Forster, and letters Elizabeth writes to her aunt. Lydia is mentioned.
Of course, E. and Darcy meet, and Elizabeth writes how the man she meets in person is so different from the man who writes. Some of the same misunderstandings that we read about in canon again occur here. The Colonel gives more advice as he learns about Darcy’s feelings.
Georgiana’s troubles in Ramsgate are revealed. Lady Catherine is as demanding as ever, even to the point of disbelieving Darcy is as injured as he has stated to her.
One of the charming facets of this story are the two dogs (Harold & Prince George) owned by Darcy and by Elizabeth. Darcy’s pet is fierce about guarding Darcy from any approach.
This was an interestingly different approach to the story we love so well. I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2022
I enjoyed this epistolary novel. It was well written and edited.
January 23, 2024
Books have united them 🥰
I have listened to the audiobook for free on Nicole Clarkston's YouTube Channel.
I have listened to the audiobook for free on Nicole Clarkston's YouTube Channel.
September 14, 2022
Wonderful
Elizabeth discovers that a collection of books in her father's library once belonged to Mr George Darcy, so she writes a letter to him in case he wonders about his missing books. This starts a correspondence between Mr Bennett and Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The letters from the Bennetts come at a fortuitous time, as Darcy is recovering from a badly fractured leg, as well as other injuries, and he's depressed and in a lot of pain. Elizabeth's witty and humorous letters lift his spirits, and Darcy starts to wonder about the woman who can write with so much wit, intelligence, and caring concern.
This book is in every way lovely, charming, funny, poignant, and romantic. Done completely in letter form, the correspondence is not only between Elizabeth and Darcy, but also letters exchanged by all of the main characters in P&P. There is just enough drama to make it interesting, but mostly it's just great fun. The book is very well written and well edited. It's a lovely way to pass a little time. I recommend it highly.
Elizabeth discovers that a collection of books in her father's library once belonged to Mr George Darcy, so she writes a letter to him in case he wonders about his missing books. This starts a correspondence between Mr Bennett and Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The letters from the Bennetts come at a fortuitous time, as Darcy is recovering from a badly fractured leg, as well as other injuries, and he's depressed and in a lot of pain. Elizabeth's witty and humorous letters lift his spirits, and Darcy starts to wonder about the woman who can write with so much wit, intelligence, and caring concern.
This book is in every way lovely, charming, funny, poignant, and romantic. Done completely in letter form, the correspondence is not only between Elizabeth and Darcy, but also letters exchanged by all of the main characters in P&P. There is just enough drama to make it interesting, but mostly it's just great fun. The book is very well written and well edited. It's a lovely way to pass a little time. I recommend it highly.
November 10, 2022
Such a delightful book and such a delicious Darcy :)
Though it did take me a few chapters to really get into the story!
So as the title mentions this in an epistolary book with the complete story told through letters and diary entries of various characters.
Darcy's letters were a delight, his dry wit and humour shined through especially in his cheeky responses to Bingley ( about Miss Bingley) and the fathers of the young ladies with marital aspirations for our hero. Mr Bennet also was at his sarcastic best but the most hilarious were by Lady C - her's were an epitome of imbecilic arrogance and entitlement .. :)) very well done by the author
I especially liked the treatment meted out to Wickham as I did the fact that this Darcy was enraged enough to try an avenge his sister at the very first...
All in all a lovely read
Though it did take me a few chapters to really get into the story!
So as the title mentions this in an epistolary book with the complete story told through letters and diary entries of various characters.
Darcy's letters were a delight, his dry wit and humour shined through especially in his cheeky responses to Bingley ( about Miss Bingley) and the fathers of the young ladies with marital aspirations for our hero. Mr Bennet also was at his sarcastic best but the most hilarious were by Lady C - her's were an epitome of imbecilic arrogance and entitlement .. :)) very well done by the author
I especially liked the treatment meted out to Wickham as I did the fact that this Darcy was enraged enough to try an avenge his sister at the very first...
All in all a lovely read
March 16, 2023
Short but complete book - written in letters. I liked it because I met my spouse online and was in love before we met in person, very much as Darcy and Elizabeth are in this book. The story moves along quickly and is enjoyable to read. There isn't a lot of depth to get mired in - just the light, engaging style that marks Alix James' (aka Nicole Clarkston) books. When publishing as Clarkston, you get more depth and breadth to the story.
February 14, 2025
This book is told in letters.
In this story Fitzwilliam Darcy falls off a horse and hurts his leg. He has to stay in bed with his leg in a kind of brace to fix his leg. He meets Elizabeth Bennet as they are pen pals. They talk about books and other things. There are other people in this book writing letters to others. This is a Pride & Prejudice variation story told in a novella length story.
In this story Fitzwilliam Darcy falls off a horse and hurts his leg. He has to stay in bed with his leg in a kind of brace to fix his leg. He meets Elizabeth Bennet as they are pen pals. They talk about books and other things. There are other people in this book writing letters to others. This is a Pride & Prejudice variation story told in a novella length story.
December 1, 2022
Winner
A "sweet and clean" read that manages not to be overly saccharine or trite, thanks to the talented writing. Darcy and Elizabeth's repartee as pen pals is delightful and engaging, as is that of all the story's respective writing partners. This author's ability to turn a phrase is unique within the genre.
I do wish, however, that some room had been left amongst the correspondence narrative for direct conversation and personal interaction. A story told entirely second-hand through letters or even journal entries naturally lacks some emotional depth, which is the only thing missing in my view. Hearing events recounted after the fact or explained by third parties is not quite as effective with critical plot points like ODC finally reaching an understanding. I craved that omniscient, fly-on-the-wall perspective at least when it came to that moment in particular.
A "sweet and clean" read that manages not to be overly saccharine or trite, thanks to the talented writing. Darcy and Elizabeth's repartee as pen pals is delightful and engaging, as is that of all the story's respective writing partners. This author's ability to turn a phrase is unique within the genre.
I do wish, however, that some room had been left amongst the correspondence narrative for direct conversation and personal interaction. A story told entirely second-hand through letters or even journal entries naturally lacks some emotional depth, which is the only thing missing in my view. Hearing events recounted after the fact or explained by third parties is not quite as effective with critical plot points like ODC finally reaching an understanding. I craved that omniscient, fly-on-the-wall perspective at least when it came to that moment in particular.
May 21, 2023
Ah, what can I say? So satisfying to read, so cleverly written...I didn't want it to end.
Second read: Just as delicious as the first time! It's one of the few that I can read over and over and never tire of it.
Second read: Just as delicious as the first time! It's one of the few that I can read over and over and never tire of it.
February 3, 2023
Excellent variation and full of an impertinent Elizabeth
As much as this reader loves a brief and quick read, this would have been the most excellent variation if not for its shortness. Don’t get me wrong; everything is there save for details that are left for the imagination of the readers. This is very clever and makes a most engaging read.
The story told in form of correspondence/letters by many to several characters, this technique keeps the pace fast and exciting. It even lightens the dire situations of many characters like Georgiana’s encounter with Wickham in Ramsgate, and Mr. Darcy’s fall and near-amputation. The author keeps this light and mostly low-angst. There really isn’t much pride and prejudice, as much as misunderstandings which were smoothed out by talking things through.
What makes this variation stand out is the version of Elizabeth Bennet, who is most impertinent, dog-loving intelligent lady who is not afraid to express her feelings nor show them. She is one who goes after what she wants when she is sure of it. And there is no doubt whatsoever that she wants Fitzwilliam Darcy. Enjoyable indeed!
As much as this reader loves a brief and quick read, this would have been the most excellent variation if not for its shortness. Don’t get me wrong; everything is there save for details that are left for the imagination of the readers. This is very clever and makes a most engaging read.
The story told in form of correspondence/letters by many to several characters, this technique keeps the pace fast and exciting. It even lightens the dire situations of many characters like Georgiana’s encounter with Wickham in Ramsgate, and Mr. Darcy’s fall and near-amputation. The author keeps this light and mostly low-angst. There really isn’t much pride and prejudice, as much as misunderstandings which were smoothed out by talking things through.
What makes this variation stand out is the version of Elizabeth Bennet, who is most impertinent, dog-loving intelligent lady who is not afraid to express her feelings nor show them. She is one who goes after what she wants when she is sure of it. And there is no doubt whatsoever that she wants Fitzwilliam Darcy. Enjoyable indeed!
November 6, 2022
3.5 stars
I really like a well-written epistolary novella. And this is one such novella.
I liked the assumptions made by the Bennets at first. I liked the twist on how Darcy offends them. I liked how Lizzy affected Darcy through her letters and how her appearance never mattered in comparison to the original tale.
I didn’t need the whole Lady Matlock addition though and wasn’t sure that it added to the story at all.
This was a quick read where the characters that mattered really got to shine despite their limited time to shine due to the shorter length of the story. And yet, the pace was still really solid despite the shortness of it all.
If you like a P&P variation where Wickham gets a solid spanking, everything is framed in the context of letters and Lizzy and Darcy forge a friendship without even having a face to match with the other’s name at first, this is a solid choice.
I really like a well-written epistolary novella. And this is one such novella.
I liked the assumptions made by the Bennets at first. I liked the twist on how Darcy offends them. I liked how Lizzy affected Darcy through her letters and how her appearance never mattered in comparison to the original tale.
I didn’t need the whole Lady Matlock addition though and wasn’t sure that it added to the story at all.
This was a quick read where the characters that mattered really got to shine despite their limited time to shine due to the shorter length of the story. And yet, the pace was still really solid despite the shortness of it all.
If you like a P&P variation where Wickham gets a solid spanking, everything is framed in the context of letters and Lizzy and Darcy forge a friendship without even having a face to match with the other’s name at first, this is a solid choice.
September 13, 2022
very enjoyable, unique story line
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud. The book is entirely communicated by journal entries and letters (by, and between, various characters) and the author did a great job keeping everybody’s voice unique and recognizable. I love how for some of the different characters (like Caroline Bingley)… we never hear from them in their own voice, but we learn so much about them by how they are described by others. And some of those descriptions were hilarious! I also loved the bits about the dogs.
This is a shorter book, it’s probably about a three hour read, very enjoyable, several laugh out loud moments, and a real warmth that is often lacking in a lot of books these days. I absolutely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud. The book is entirely communicated by journal entries and letters (by, and between, various characters) and the author did a great job keeping everybody’s voice unique and recognizable. I love how for some of the different characters (like Caroline Bingley)… we never hear from them in their own voice, but we learn so much about them by how they are described by others. And some of those descriptions were hilarious! I also loved the bits about the dogs.
This is a shorter book, it’s probably about a three hour read, very enjoyable, several laugh out loud moments, and a real warmth that is often lacking in a lot of books these days. I absolutely recommend it.
November 7, 2022
Fabulous from the first page to the last! I have come to love this author'swork, no matter which name she is writing under. Her writing style is remarkable and the stories always entertaining! This sweet romantic story is based on letters, with an occasional dip into a diary. Darcy, who has a serious accident, is much more humble from the beginning. Elizabeth makes a bold move by writing to a Mr. GeorgeDarcy, whom she believes is a book merchant. The two continue to write to one another, with Mr. Bennet's approval, even after the Bennets learn that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the son of George Darcy and who has received the letter. The book is just so humorous, and the two dogs are adorable. Loved this one so much!
October 3, 2024
ohh my God...what a hilarious joyride
Hats off to the author to write such story in the form of letters or diary entries...originally i thought it might bejarring but it was so seamless to read the various letters and laugh
Elizabeth's letters were the most awesome. she embodies the ODC elizabeth's characteristics of impertinent, bold, intelligent and fearless. Here she also is forgiving and a good judge of character too
Mr. Bennet and Darcy come second in the most hilarious letters, especially Mr. Bennet's descriptions of besotted darcy and lizzy and their secret courtship. Darcy's frustrated responses to Lady C, Lord Welton and his steward are also hilarious
overall a must read book for all P&P lovers who need a good laugh and break from all the angst.
Hats off to the author to write such story in the form of letters or diary entries...originally i thought it might bejarring but it was so seamless to read the various letters and laugh
Elizabeth's letters were the most awesome. she embodies the ODC elizabeth's characteristics of impertinent, bold, intelligent and fearless. Here she also is forgiving and a good judge of character too
Mr. Bennet and Darcy come second in the most hilarious letters, especially Mr. Bennet's descriptions of besotted darcy and lizzy and their secret courtship. Darcy's frustrated responses to Lady C, Lord Welton and his steward are also hilarious
overall a must read book for all P&P lovers who need a good laugh and break from all the angst.
pride-prejudice-variations
October 17, 2022Dear Reader:
This story is told entirely through correspondence. I wouldn't have expected such a story to be so well-written and so compelling.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is confined with a very serious injury. Once he survives the worst of it, he is restless, lonely and bored. He cannot become interested in anything, even his favorite books.
Elizabeth Bennet finds a name and address in one of her father's favorite books and writes to George Darcy, Derby, inquiring if the bookseller has any similar books that she can purchase for her father's birthday. The letter eventually reaches Fitzwilliam Darcy in London and thus begins a correspondence.
1
This story is told entirely through correspondence. I wouldn't have expected such a story to be so well-written and so compelling.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is confined with a very serious injury. Once he survives the worst of it, he is restless, lonely and bored. He cannot become interested in anything, even his favorite books.
Elizabeth Bennet finds a name and address in one of her father's favorite books and writes to George Darcy, Derby, inquiring if the bookseller has any similar books that she can purchase for her father's birthday. The letter eventually reaches Fitzwilliam Darcy in London and thus begins a correspondence.
1
September 4, 2022
Utterly delightful
A splendid variation of beloved P&P, infinitely appealing and cleverly written entirely in letters and diary entries.
Elizabeth writes to the name and direction from the flaps on a set of books her father had purchased from a gentleman of reduced circumstances years back. She believes she is writing a bookseller and wishes to purchase another special book of similar quality for her father’s birthday. The letter finds it’s way to Darcy who is bedridden from a severe riding accident. This starts an exchange of letters between Darcy and Elizabeth, and with Mr Bennet as well.
Letters of every kind, between multiple characters, follow along and relate many of the events in canon P&P with captivating twists. Lower angst and full of wit, sass and charm, I smiled and sighed through the entire story. Easy to recommend this entertaining novella!
A splendid variation of beloved P&P, infinitely appealing and cleverly written entirely in letters and diary entries.
Elizabeth writes to the name and direction from the flaps on a set of books her father had purchased from a gentleman of reduced circumstances years back. She believes she is writing a bookseller and wishes to purchase another special book of similar quality for her father’s birthday. The letter finds it’s way to Darcy who is bedridden from a severe riding accident. This starts an exchange of letters between Darcy and Elizabeth, and with Mr Bennet as well.
Letters of every kind, between multiple characters, follow along and relate many of the events in canon P&P with captivating twists. Lower angst and full of wit, sass and charm, I smiled and sighed through the entire story. Easy to recommend this entertaining novella!
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