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A Most Attentive Mother
Having lost her mother at a young age, Elizabeth Bennet desires the presence of a mother in her life. When a young widow arrives in the neighborhood, Elizabeth knows she has found a woman well suited to joining her family, recommending her to her father as a desirable wife. Fortunately for Elizabeth, his father needs little encouragement, and soon after proposes.
Fitzwilliam Darcy comes to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley, he anticipates meeting the Bennets, for their new mother is none other than his aunt, Lady Catherine Bennet. The introduction goes poorly, however, as Darcy unwittingly insults her second stepdaughter, angering her ladyship and creating a question of his character in Elizabeth’s mind. Darcy, seeing the worth of the Bennet family, comes to an appreciation for them, including Miss Elizabeth, to whom he makes amends.
As Elizabeth comes to know Mr. Darcy better, she gains insight into his character, and soon each begin to understand that the other will be a perfect partner in life. In this, they have Lady Catherine’s blessing, for the woman loves her new daughters very much. Yet, within ranks of Lady Catherine’s extended family, there are members who do not appreciate her new connections, who have other notions as to their family’s future. Yet Lady Catherine is a woman of fortitude, a woman attentive to all matters within her sphere of influence, and no one will stand in the way of her new daughter’s happiness.
Fitzwilliam Darcy comes to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley, he anticipates meeting the Bennets, for their new mother is none other than his aunt, Lady Catherine Bennet. The introduction goes poorly, however, as Darcy unwittingly insults her second stepdaughter, angering her ladyship and creating a question of his character in Elizabeth’s mind. Darcy, seeing the worth of the Bennet family, comes to an appreciation for them, including Miss Elizabeth, to whom he makes amends.
As Elizabeth comes to know Mr. Darcy better, she gains insight into his character, and soon each begin to understand that the other will be a perfect partner in life. In this, they have Lady Catherine’s blessing, for the woman loves her new daughters very much. Yet, within ranks of Lady Catherine’s extended family, there are members who do not appreciate her new connections, who have other notions as to their family’s future. Yet Lady Catherine is a woman of fortitude, a woman attentive to all matters within her sphere of influence, and no one will stand in the way of her new daughter’s happiness.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
164 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jann Rowland
88 books192 followersJann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/OneGoodSonnetPub...
Twitter: @OneGoodSonnet
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bol2p9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 13, 2022
This long story (508 pages on my Kindle) deals a lot with the various levels of society.
Lady Catherine is very much OOC, having married Mr. Bennet, whose first wife dies after giving him five daughters. This Lady C. takes the girls (along with her Anne) under her wings and with her family connections they even venture into London for time in the season. They do live at Longbourn for the most part. Bingley and Darcy are part of the cast with their relationships with Jane and Elizabeth developing slowly. Bingley does spend some time away and uses it to think about whether Jane is just another of his infatuations or a lasting love.
Darcy's interest in Elizabeth develops slowly but we again find Caroline Bingley vying for his attentions...along with Lady's Catherine's half-sister, Lady Amelia, and her daughter, Adele. There is much friction there and words are exchanged plus a glass of wine splashed on Elizabeth. As the story develops we learn that Amelia and Adele are under orders to lure Darcy into marriage due to a financial need of the worse sort on Amelia's husband's part.
Collins' story is much the same: he comes to Hertfordshire looking for a wife and the end result is the same. However, the marriage of Lady C. and Mr. Bennet just may upset his apple cart.
Darcy and Elizabeth spend much time under the same roof, including time in Darcy's house in London along with other family members. They are not engaged so propriety is met. After all he is Lady Catherine's nephew.
There are many new characters in this story and we read much to do about their level in society and how they look upon the Bennet sisters. Georgiana has had her Ramsgate episode and Wickham again tries to turn the Hertfordshire neighborhood against Darcy. We do have Kitty and Lydia being "tamed" by Lady Catherine.
There is an epilogue although that title is not applied to those pages. While this story was interesting it dragged in places for me. I had a hard time remembering who all the new characters were, their connections to Lady Catherine and/or the Matlocks and their relationships to each other. I have enjoyed many stories by this author.
Lady Catherine is very much OOC, having married Mr. Bennet, whose first wife dies after giving him five daughters. This Lady C. takes the girls (along with her Anne) under her wings and with her family connections they even venture into London for time in the season. They do live at Longbourn for the most part. Bingley and Darcy are part of the cast with their relationships with Jane and Elizabeth developing slowly. Bingley does spend some time away and uses it to think about whether Jane is just another of his infatuations or a lasting love.
Darcy's interest in Elizabeth develops slowly but we again find Caroline Bingley vying for his attentions...along with Lady's Catherine's half-sister, Lady Amelia, and her daughter, Adele. There is much friction there and words are exchanged plus a glass of wine splashed on Elizabeth. As the story develops we learn that Amelia and Adele are under orders to lure Darcy into marriage due to a financial need of the worse sort on Amelia's husband's part.
Collins' story is much the same: he comes to Hertfordshire looking for a wife and the end result is the same. However, the marriage of Lady C. and Mr. Bennet just may upset his apple cart.
Darcy and Elizabeth spend much time under the same roof, including time in Darcy's house in London along with other family members. They are not engaged so propriety is met. After all he is Lady Catherine's nephew.
There are many new characters in this story and we read much to do about their level in society and how they look upon the Bennet sisters. Georgiana has had her Ramsgate episode and Wickham again tries to turn the Hertfordshire neighborhood against Darcy. We do have Kitty and Lydia being "tamed" by Lady Catherine.
There is an epilogue although that title is not applied to those pages. While this story was interesting it dragged in places for me. I had a hard time remembering who all the new characters were, their connections to Lady Catherine and/or the Matlocks and their relationships to each other. I have enjoyed many stories by this author.
June 7, 2025
Very Different
I borrowed the audio version of this book from Scribd and read along with the Kindle Unlimited version. I am reviewing the book from that perspective.
In this very different variation, Jann Rowland has written a much younger Lady Catherine and Anne. Sir Lewis is dead and LC has married Mr. Bennet. LC was only a half sister to Lady Anne Darcy, who was the eldest of several (Fitzwilliam) siblings. This LC is very OOC and loves the Bennets, raising the daughters like her own. She is a good mother and wife. With his new bride of under a year, Mr. Bennet is much more responsible and still hoping for an heir. Anne de Bourgh is the same age as Lydia.
Caroline will surprise you. A new female Darcy cousin had me wanting to tear out her hair. Bingley matures nicely. Mr. Collins will receive a surprise. Wickham will try to slander Darcy, as usual.
I definitely enjoyed the storyline, although I found it more difficult to keep track of all the new Fitzwilliam family characters. I was glad they didn’t take up all the story. This is a variation that doesn’t solely focus on ODC’s love story. There isn’t much romance, as the relationship between them develops slowly, and there’s interference from both sides of Darcy’s family. They are like little gnats that won’t go away. While the Bennets find they aren’t accepted by all in the ton, they are not friendless and have wide support. Elizabeth is the main target of the harpies.
I loved the story, but wasn’t enamored with the audiobook’s narrator. Mary Sarah reads well, and I very much liked the way she did her male characters — not always easy for a female narrator. Her female performances were all a bit too sweet sounding for me, especially Lady Catherine. Even when being stern, she sounded too sweet. Overall, I consider her narration good, however, she places an extremely exaggerated inflection at the end of her words, especially those ending to the letters T and D. For example, “abode” comes off sounding like “aboat”. I find this really annoying and distracting. It pulls me right out of the story, as I find myself listening for the next instance of the inflection instead. I deducted a star for this reason.
Jann Rowland fans will enjoy it as I did. Recommend.
I borrowed the audio version of this book from Scribd and read along with the Kindle Unlimited version. I am reviewing the book from that perspective.
In this very different variation, Jann Rowland has written a much younger Lady Catherine and Anne. Sir Lewis is dead and LC has married Mr. Bennet. LC was only a half sister to Lady Anne Darcy, who was the eldest of several (Fitzwilliam) siblings. This LC is very OOC and loves the Bennets, raising the daughters like her own. She is a good mother and wife. With his new bride of under a year, Mr. Bennet is much more responsible and still hoping for an heir. Anne de Bourgh is the same age as Lydia.
Caroline will surprise you. A new female Darcy cousin had me wanting to tear out her hair. Bingley matures nicely. Mr. Collins will receive a surprise. Wickham will try to slander Darcy, as usual.
I definitely enjoyed the storyline, although I found it more difficult to keep track of all the new Fitzwilliam family characters. I was glad they didn’t take up all the story. This is a variation that doesn’t solely focus on ODC’s love story. There isn’t much romance, as the relationship between them develops slowly, and there’s interference from both sides of Darcy’s family. They are like little gnats that won’t go away. While the Bennets find they aren’t accepted by all in the ton, they are not friendless and have wide support. Elizabeth is the main target of the harpies.
I loved the story, but wasn’t enamored with the audiobook’s narrator. Mary Sarah reads well, and I very much liked the way she did her male characters — not always easy for a female narrator. Her female performances were all a bit too sweet sounding for me, especially Lady Catherine. Even when being stern, she sounded too sweet. Overall, I consider her narration good, however, she places an extremely exaggerated inflection at the end of her words, especially those ending to the letters T and D. For example, “abode” comes off sounding like “aboat”. I find this really annoying and distracting. It pulls me right out of the story, as I find myself listening for the next instance of the inflection instead. I deducted a star for this reason.
Jann Rowland fans will enjoy it as I did. Recommend.
September 13, 2022
an what-if not often explored
Quite a change to the timeline of Pride and Prejudice. Lady Catherine is much younger and marries the widower Mr. Bennet. So the Bennet sister are her step children. lady Catherine is in love with Mr. Bennet and vice versa. She makes a fine mother to the sisters. Very original but the story gets better.
As Lizzie and Darcy start to become close the last half of the book is about the Bennet sisters trying to join the aristocracy. This is a subject just glossed over in most variations so I quite enjoyed the details of the endeavor.
Not everyone in OR out of the Fitzwilliam family is happy about having to explain 5 milkmaids joining a powerful family. Many machinations from inside the family and outside the family. The HEA could have been Lizzie and Darcy living a quiet life at Pemberley or could have been the opposite and became part of the ton or could have been something in between. Nice to have a major plot point not that could be just about anyway.
I really liked the story.
Quite a change to the timeline of Pride and Prejudice. Lady Catherine is much younger and marries the widower Mr. Bennet. So the Bennet sister are her step children. lady Catherine is in love with Mr. Bennet and vice versa. She makes a fine mother to the sisters. Very original but the story gets better.
As Lizzie and Darcy start to become close the last half of the book is about the Bennet sisters trying to join the aristocracy. This is a subject just glossed over in most variations so I quite enjoyed the details of the endeavor.
Not everyone in OR out of the Fitzwilliam family is happy about having to explain 5 milkmaids joining a powerful family. Many machinations from inside the family and outside the family. The HEA could have been Lizzie and Darcy living a quiet life at Pemberley or could have been the opposite and became part of the ton or could have been something in between. Nice to have a major plot point not that could be just about anyway.
I really liked the story.
September 30, 2023
What a clever 'what if' scenario for a Pride & Prejudice variation story! Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow, and Mr. Bennet, widower, are married and the alterations in this pair trickle right on down to the daughters and flow out into a whole new heartwarming story.
While the personalities and traits of Lady C and Mr. Bennet's characters are familiar, in essentials, this pair are at their best rather than their worst. And, this means Mr. Bennet, still of the sarcastic tongue, comes out of his library long enough to be a responsible father and estate owner thus Longbourn and the family financials are in better order as are his daughters so that he catches the eye of the stately widow who visits her youngest brother in Hertfordshire at just the right time. Catherine is a proud and haughty woman who keeps that under good regulation and so is willing to take a minor gentleman as her husband and gain affection and respect as well as a ready-made warm and loving family of daughters. She as at her most content and happiest though many from London society and her own family question her choice.
Lady Catherine's aristocratic birth and connections bring the Bennet family out of obscurity and into a world of the aristocracy that is usually unattainable for minor gentry. It was interesting seeing how the marriage changed the original story. With a new mother and good parenting, the girls, like their parents, have some recognizable traits, but are at their best and so are some of the surrounding friends like the Bingleys, Darcys, Lucases, and even Mr. Collins is comical, but not sleezy. In case one gets the impression that this white washing of flaws would take away the drama and conflict, let's just say it alters rather than removes it.
Though yes, it is a low angst tale and of the kind I am drawn to. I like to see a change-up in the usual villainy not a nearly crazed Caroline or Lady C or an overly dastardly Wickham in the whole story. A milder meetcute for Darcy and Lizzy, a milder reaction from Caroline Bingley, a Wickham who is wicked though doesn't go his length, and a milder silly Mr. Collins, but there are a few of Lady Catherine's Fitzwilliam relations who scoff, scorn, and plot aplenty.
I had full appreciation for the situation and the characters, but I did feel that the story leaned hard on the big new element- that of the Bennets drawn into the exalted aristocratic circles and, depending on who was the new character, whether it was entertained with acceptance or rejection. It was a long book so getting the same sort of thing staged over and over did make the story lag at times for me.
The romance of Bingley and Jane was more thoughtfully touched upon and I enjoyed how it was a time of growth for Bingley and his sisters as they come into contact with the Bennets and their relations. Darcy is a sterling character and has a few early fumbles as does Lizzy, but then they settle into a long courtship punctuated by her odd reticence about love that drew it out even while his obnoxious aunt and cousin pressure him to look away from 'the country nobody'.
And, I'll have to check, but I do believe that the female titles such as Lady Susan as Countess should have been Lady Matlock, etc, and the courtesy title and first name are for sisters and daughters of earls and above. It was a distraction rather than anything else.
So, the heart of the story is a country family blending into the aristocracy and finding love and acceptance though teaching their lofty relations a thing or two about what is really important in love and family. Heartwarming and sweet P&P variation.
While the personalities and traits of Lady C and Mr. Bennet's characters are familiar, in essentials, this pair are at their best rather than their worst. And, this means Mr. Bennet, still of the sarcastic tongue, comes out of his library long enough to be a responsible father and estate owner thus Longbourn and the family financials are in better order as are his daughters so that he catches the eye of the stately widow who visits her youngest brother in Hertfordshire at just the right time. Catherine is a proud and haughty woman who keeps that under good regulation and so is willing to take a minor gentleman as her husband and gain affection and respect as well as a ready-made warm and loving family of daughters. She as at her most content and happiest though many from London society and her own family question her choice.
Lady Catherine's aristocratic birth and connections bring the Bennet family out of obscurity and into a world of the aristocracy that is usually unattainable for minor gentry. It was interesting seeing how the marriage changed the original story. With a new mother and good parenting, the girls, like their parents, have some recognizable traits, but are at their best and so are some of the surrounding friends like the Bingleys, Darcys, Lucases, and even Mr. Collins is comical, but not sleezy. In case one gets the impression that this white washing of flaws would take away the drama and conflict, let's just say it alters rather than removes it.
Though yes, it is a low angst tale and of the kind I am drawn to. I like to see a change-up in the usual villainy not a nearly crazed Caroline or Lady C or an overly dastardly Wickham in the whole story. A milder meetcute for Darcy and Lizzy, a milder reaction from Caroline Bingley, a Wickham who is wicked though doesn't go his length, and a milder silly Mr. Collins, but there are a few of Lady Catherine's Fitzwilliam relations who scoff, scorn, and plot aplenty.
I had full appreciation for the situation and the characters, but I did feel that the story leaned hard on the big new element- that of the Bennets drawn into the exalted aristocratic circles and, depending on who was the new character, whether it was entertained with acceptance or rejection. It was a long book so getting the same sort of thing staged over and over did make the story lag at times for me.
The romance of Bingley and Jane was more thoughtfully touched upon and I enjoyed how it was a time of growth for Bingley and his sisters as they come into contact with the Bennets and their relations. Darcy is a sterling character and has a few early fumbles as does Lizzy, but then they settle into a long courtship punctuated by her odd reticence about love that drew it out even while his obnoxious aunt and cousin pressure him to look away from 'the country nobody'.
And, I'll have to check, but I do believe that the female titles such as Lady Susan as Countess should have been Lady Matlock, etc, and the courtesy title and first name are for sisters and daughters of earls and above. It was a distraction rather than anything else.
So, the heart of the story is a country family blending into the aristocracy and finding love and acceptance though teaching their lofty relations a thing or two about what is really important in love and family. Heartwarming and sweet P&P variation.
November 30, 2022
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” –Washington Irving
>>Rating: clean, a few minor things, and discussions of an adult nature. We’re talking about the ton and their proclivities.
>>Angst Level: stressful as things got between the happiness of ODC
>>Source: Borrowed KU [8-17-22] with no expectations of a review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
>>Trope: Bennet's second wife.
This was a long story. In order to explain how and why Bennet remarried whom he did, we had to endure a lot of backstories that sort of took over. Much of this backstory centered around the Fitzwilliam family. OMG! They were a piece of work. There were many changes from canon in order to make this work. The ages of characters and such were only part of the change. The OOC [out-of-character] behavior was due to a twig being bent early rather than trying to twist it later. Confront and adjust the behavior of a child early enough and there will be a different outcome. So, the dynamics within the Bennet family were very different. I enjoyed the story but had to put it down at one point. It just would not end. I felt like I was on one of those road turnarounds and couldn’t get off. I just kept circling. It was very interesting but could do with a bit of trimming. OK, a lot of trimming.
>>Rating: clean, a few minor things, and discussions of an adult nature. We’re talking about the ton and their proclivities.
>>Angst Level: stressful as things got between the happiness of ODC
>>Source: Borrowed KU [8-17-22] with no expectations of a review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
>>Trope: Bennet's second wife.
This was a long story. In order to explain how and why Bennet remarried whom he did, we had to endure a lot of backstories that sort of took over. Much of this backstory centered around the Fitzwilliam family. OMG! They were a piece of work. There were many changes from canon in order to make this work. The ages of characters and such were only part of the change. The OOC [out-of-character] behavior was due to a twig being bent early rather than trying to twist it later. Confront and adjust the behavior of a child early enough and there will be a different outcome. So, the dynamics within the Bennet family were very different. I enjoyed the story but had to put it down at one point. It just would not end. I felt like I was on one of those road turnarounds and couldn’t get off. I just kept circling. It was very interesting but could do with a bit of trimming. OK, a lot of trimming.
September 16, 2022
An interesting variation where a widowed Mr Bennet marries a much younger Lady Catherine. This backdrop of Fitzwilliam family and a society lady’s influence temper the relationships of Many couples on their way to happily ever after.
I found it to be a great concept but it seemed to drag on.
I found it to be a great concept but it seemed to drag on.
January 13, 2023
3.5*
A solid story with minimal angst. This is however far too long and drawn out.
A solid story with minimal angst. This is however far too long and drawn out.
April 2, 2025
2,5 stars at most.
It dragged on immensly after the first half. Honestly, I thought it would never end..
But that‘s not my only problem, let‘s start with Mr. Darcy KNOWING his aunt lives at Longbourn and arrives at Netherfield but not even calling at her?! Come on that‘s rude, but in town he calls immediately upon his uncle etc..? Yeah..
The assembly not much better,he meets his aunt for a short time, they talk and that‘s it.
Worst, the story has its villains,no not Caroline (nice surprise). Do they get their comeupponce? NO! That was disappointing. Darcy was definitely too nice as if he‘s the puppy and Bingley grew a little backbone.
And so many Fitzwilliam family member that I couldn‘t place them all, still can‘t 😂.
Now, what was the purpose of Lady Matcalf or this former friend of Miss Bingley if they don‘t have any real purpose in the story? To fill the pages?
As to Elizabeth and Darcy‘s lovestory, it was almost nonexistent in Hertfordshire for us readers at least, for them there was something, a lot of talking and so on according to this quote:
‚Her conversation with Mr. Darcy were stimulating‘
Which conversation I wonder? The screentime started in the second half and yet Darcy annoyed me. His family could insult Elizabeth and he would say nothing only running to his uncle the Lord. WTF?
„I gotta ask her for her hand in marriage.“ „No wait, a courtship.“ 🤦♀️ In the end he asked at the end of the book. 🤦♀️
And elizabeth didn‘t know her head for half the book.
The beautiful thing was, Lady Catherine relationship to the Bennet girls and How happy she and her husband were. Even Lydia and Kitty are curtailed. I didn‘t thought it possible that there exists a Jaff where I like a 16 y/o Lydia, but she actually wasn‘t so bad. Also as I stated, Caroline was a nice surprise.
Narration: I won‘t say much, only I sped up to 1,3 to bear the lisp a little more, and the ‚TH‘ behind most words, the sing song voice.. or Fodder instead of Father (always sounded like Fodder 😂), same with some other words. That‘s all I‘ll say on the narration..Just wasn‘t my cup of tea.
It dragged on immensly after the first half. Honestly, I thought it would never end..
But that‘s not my only problem, let‘s start with Mr. Darcy KNOWING his aunt lives at Longbourn and arrives at Netherfield but not even calling at her?! Come on that‘s rude, but in town he calls immediately upon his uncle etc..? Yeah..
The assembly not much better,he meets his aunt for a short time, they talk and that‘s it.
Worst, the story has its villains,no not Caroline (nice surprise). Do they get their comeupponce? NO! That was disappointing. Darcy was definitely too nice as if he‘s the puppy and Bingley grew a little backbone.
And so many Fitzwilliam family member that I couldn‘t place them all, still can‘t 😂.
Now, what was the purpose of Lady Matcalf or this former friend of Miss Bingley if they don‘t have any real purpose in the story? To fill the pages?
As to Elizabeth and Darcy‘s lovestory, it was almost nonexistent in Hertfordshire for us readers at least, for them there was something, a lot of talking and so on according to this quote:
‚Her conversation with Mr. Darcy were stimulating‘
Which conversation I wonder? The screentime started in the second half and yet Darcy annoyed me. His family could insult Elizabeth and he would say nothing only running to his uncle the Lord. WTF?
„I gotta ask her for her hand in marriage.“ „No wait, a courtship.“ 🤦♀️ In the end he asked at the end of the book. 🤦♀️
And elizabeth didn‘t know her head for half the book.
The beautiful thing was, Lady Catherine relationship to the Bennet girls and How happy she and her husband were. Even Lydia and Kitty are curtailed. I didn‘t thought it possible that there exists a Jaff where I like a 16 y/o Lydia, but she actually wasn‘t so bad. Also as I stated, Caroline was a nice surprise.
Narration: I won‘t say much, only I sped up to 1,3 to bear the lisp a little more, and the ‚TH‘ behind most words, the sing song voice.. or Fodder instead of Father (always sounded like Fodder 😂), same with some other words. That‘s all I‘ll say on the narration..Just wasn‘t my cup of tea.
September 16, 2022
Excellent story
Such a different take on Pride and Prenudice. I loved this Lady Catherine and her husband. Once I started it I could not stop.
Such a different take on Pride and Prenudice. I loved this Lady Catherine and her husband. Once I started it I could not stop.
Read
August 21, 2022DNF at 52%
August 18, 2022
I LOVE a dynamic Lady Catherine. It is so easy to vilify her, but that has the side effect of making her a flat character.
A dynamic Lady C gives her the same strong character -with the need to meddle and is always right. However, it adds compassion, sometimes a sense of humor and a wide range of loving friends and family.
In this story, the young, 35 yo, widowed Lady C (half sister to the Earl of Matlock) marries the widower Mr. Bennet. Their 1-year-old marriage is much happier than both their former ones. Lady C takes all 5 Bennet daughters to her heart and including a young Anne, all 9 live together at Longbourn, with short forays to Rosings and the Season in London.
Enter the Netherfield party, with Darcy joining them. He having been busy had yet to meet the Bennets. Needless to say he insults Elizabeth at the assembly, but his aunt has something to say about it.
Society goes smoothly with Lady C guiding the helm, despite Miss Bingley trying her utmost to insinuate herself into ‘only’ Lady C’s life.
Wickham arrives in Meryton, but is dealt with halfway through the book, without him having made too much trouble.
Janegley happens, but separate under friendship and with the move to London for the season, meet up again to court.
We also meet our new big bad in London - Lady Amelia and her daughter Adele have their sights set on Darcy with a laser beam. Blind fools! Darcy is already smitten with Elizabeth (whether he wants to admit it to himself or not). They literally behave in the way canon Lady C would have for her Anne.
With the Bennet’s staying at Darcy house, ODC get to spend a lot of time together, slowly getting to know each other better and liking each other more and more.
This is an ensemble story, with many characters coming in and out of the story. Several romances develop through the whole book. Character development occurs more strongly for the 3 younger Bennet daughters who Lady C slowly has positive affect on, and surprisingly Caroline. (With Lady Amelia and Adele around Caroline is a kitten)
No major dramas, it is a sweet story, much reminiscent of Wilds of Derbyshire, in that ODC get the opportunity to slowly fall in love surrounded by both friends and naysayers.
As for the Audiobook aspect. I had an audio credit so I was pleased to use for this author's new book.
The performance of the narrator is sweet and very, very low key, as is her usual interpretation for JR's books. Her voice and timbre is Exquisite! and I would have loved getting more out of it - if I hadn't needed to listen at 1.45-1.65 speed.
However - her affectation of creating an extra syllable of consonants, mainly at the end of words, occasionally in the middle of a word - s, t d, f, th, n, etc... was for me, very annoying.
Examples – daugh-ter-sss, par-ti-sa-pa-te, si-tt, dis-pen-ce-dd. (with an occasional dead space before that final “consonant” syllable).
To make it worse, the TZK effect it created grates on the ears, but more importantly, should have been fixed in the studio! Either using a better balance by the technician during recording, or post production balancing out the high toned hissing tzk.
Personally, I always use an equalizer app while listening to both music and audiobooks and I could not completely remove the extraneous sound.
I recognize most will not hear all I have described above. However, as a singer, audiophile and having spent time in a recording studio, fixing this is entirely possible and certainly should have been corrected, in order to create a completely professional product.
So for the story- 5 stars, but one removed for technical issues.
While I am glad I got to listen to this story, if I were to read it in the future, I would have to go for the Paperback.
A dynamic Lady C gives her the same strong character -with the need to meddle and is always right. However, it adds compassion, sometimes a sense of humor and a wide range of loving friends and family.
In this story, the young, 35 yo, widowed Lady C (half sister to the Earl of Matlock) marries the widower Mr. Bennet. Their 1-year-old marriage is much happier than both their former ones. Lady C takes all 5 Bennet daughters to her heart and including a young Anne, all 9 live together at Longbourn, with short forays to Rosings and the Season in London.
Enter the Netherfield party, with Darcy joining them. He having been busy had yet to meet the Bennets. Needless to say he insults Elizabeth at the assembly, but his aunt has something to say about it.
Society goes smoothly with Lady C guiding the helm, despite Miss Bingley trying her utmost to insinuate herself into ‘only’ Lady C’s life.
Wickham arrives in Meryton, but is dealt with halfway through the book, without him having made too much trouble.
Janegley happens, but separate under friendship and with the move to London for the season, meet up again to court.
We also meet our new big bad in London - Lady Amelia and her daughter Adele have their sights set on Darcy with a laser beam. Blind fools! Darcy is already smitten with Elizabeth (whether he wants to admit it to himself or not). They literally behave in the way canon Lady C would have for her Anne.
With the Bennet’s staying at Darcy house, ODC get to spend a lot of time together, slowly getting to know each other better and liking each other more and more.
This is an ensemble story, with many characters coming in and out of the story. Several romances develop through the whole book. Character development occurs more strongly for the 3 younger Bennet daughters who Lady C slowly has positive affect on, and surprisingly Caroline. (With Lady Amelia and Adele around Caroline is a kitten)
No major dramas, it is a sweet story, much reminiscent of Wilds of Derbyshire, in that ODC get the opportunity to slowly fall in love surrounded by both friends and naysayers.
As for the Audiobook aspect. I had an audio credit so I was pleased to use for this author's new book.
The performance of the narrator is sweet and very, very low key, as is her usual interpretation for JR's books. Her voice and timbre is Exquisite! and I would have loved getting more out of it - if I hadn't needed to listen at 1.45-1.65 speed.
However - her affectation of creating an extra syllable of consonants, mainly at the end of words, occasionally in the middle of a word - s, t d, f, th, n, etc... was for me, very annoying.
Examples – daugh-ter-sss, par-ti-sa-pa-te, si-tt, dis-pen-ce-dd. (with an occasional dead space before that final “consonant” syllable).
To make it worse, the TZK effect it created grates on the ears, but more importantly, should have been fixed in the studio! Either using a better balance by the technician during recording, or post production balancing out the high toned hissing tzk.
Personally, I always use an equalizer app while listening to both music and audiobooks and I could not completely remove the extraneous sound.
I recognize most will not hear all I have described above. However, as a singer, audiophile and having spent time in a recording studio, fixing this is entirely possible and certainly should have been corrected, in order to create a completely professional product.
So for the story- 5 stars, but one removed for technical issues.
While I am glad I got to listen to this story, if I were to read it in the future, I would have to go for the Paperback.
September 8, 2022
I highly enjoyed this very different from canon book. Fairly well edited and a great Lady Catherine.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
Read
September 8, 2022DNF.
There is a questionable backstory set up so Darcy can insult Lizzy - he hasn’t met the Bennets, he doesn’t call on his aunt, he ignores her at the assembly, he doesn’t honour her by dancing with her daughters though he is obliged to dance with Bingley’s sisters - and then it ends up with Lizzy assuming he’s a bit shy which makes the insults pointless. The conversation about this and Miss Bingley’s growing awareness of who Lady Catherine is - she is introduced at the assembly and still seemed not to know she was a lady or related to Darcy - goes on for a REALLY LONG time. I skipped over chunks. Darcy decides he’s obsessed with Lizzy despite only talking to her once (she’s decided he ‘looks like a good man’ having only heard his insult & Lady C’s opinion).
I think I could have forgiven the holey backstory if it was faster moving but it’s slow and wordy and I can’t go on.
There is a questionable backstory set up so Darcy can insult Lizzy - he hasn’t met the Bennets, he doesn’t call on his aunt, he ignores her at the assembly, he doesn’t honour her by dancing with her daughters though he is obliged to dance with Bingley’s sisters - and then it ends up with Lizzy assuming he’s a bit shy which makes the insults pointless. The conversation about this and Miss Bingley’s growing awareness of who Lady Catherine is - she is introduced at the assembly and still seemed not to know she was a lady or related to Darcy - goes on for a REALLY LONG time. I skipped over chunks. Darcy decides he’s obsessed with Lizzy despite only talking to her once (she’s decided he ‘looks like a good man’ having only heard his insult & Lady C’s opinion).
I think I could have forgiven the holey backstory if it was faster moving but it’s slow and wordy and I can’t go on.
October 14, 2022
Wonderful
After a few disappointments from Mr Rowland, I'm so pleased to read one of his creations that reaffirms my faith in his talents. He's long been an automatic purchase for me, when I see any of his JAFF offerings, and this one is wonderful. What an original and intriguing premise! Mrs Bennett dies when Elizabeth is about sixteen years old. The parson in Meryton happens to be a brother to Lady Catherine DeBourgh, who is herself a widow. Lady Catherine comes for a visit to her brother, and meets Mr Bennett. They fall in love and marry, so Lady Catherine relocates herself and her daughter Anne to Longbourn, where she becomes mother to Mr Bennett's five daughters, plus her own.
This isn't exactly the Lady Catherine that we're familiar with. Her marriage to Lewis DeBourgh was somewhat abusive, so when he dies it's more of a relief. Anne DeBourgh is a more normal child, and is much beloved by her mother. However, Lady Catherine is still self assured and confident, and still wants to concern herself with all the lives that she can affect. She grows to love all of the Bennett girls as her own, and takes on the task of improving the younger ones, who are finally receiving attention from a mother who knows what she's doing. In other words, Lady Catherine is the best thing that could have happened to the Bennetts, and Mr Bennett is thrilled that he finally has a wife that he can respect and love.
Lady Catherine is the predominant focus of this book. The story of Elizabeth and Darcy definitely has a large role here, but it's all part of how Lady Catherine influences her family and relations. There are some villains, but with Lady Catherine's vigilance and care of her family, they don't stand much of a chance. In this version, she's a lovable and indomitable lady. It's fabulous!
If I had any complaint at all, it would be for a couple of new characters that are introduced: Lady Amelia, who is an elder sister to Lady Catherine, and her daughter Adele. These two are determined that Adele will marry Mr Darcy, and their portrayal is so over-the-top bad that I had to roll my eyes many times. These two are allowed, time and time again, to confront Elizabeth, who is the threat to their desires. After a couple of times of them abusing Elizabeth, I had to begin losing my faith in Darcy, Lady Catherine, Mr Bennett, anyone who should have been protecting Elizabeth. These two people were awful! However, the story is so entertaining that I just couldn't deduct a star.
As always with Mr Rowland, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
After a few disappointments from Mr Rowland, I'm so pleased to read one of his creations that reaffirms my faith in his talents. He's long been an automatic purchase for me, when I see any of his JAFF offerings, and this one is wonderful. What an original and intriguing premise! Mrs Bennett dies when Elizabeth is about sixteen years old. The parson in Meryton happens to be a brother to Lady Catherine DeBourgh, who is herself a widow. Lady Catherine comes for a visit to her brother, and meets Mr Bennett. They fall in love and marry, so Lady Catherine relocates herself and her daughter Anne to Longbourn, where she becomes mother to Mr Bennett's five daughters, plus her own.
This isn't exactly the Lady Catherine that we're familiar with. Her marriage to Lewis DeBourgh was somewhat abusive, so when he dies it's more of a relief. Anne DeBourgh is a more normal child, and is much beloved by her mother. However, Lady Catherine is still self assured and confident, and still wants to concern herself with all the lives that she can affect. She grows to love all of the Bennett girls as her own, and takes on the task of improving the younger ones, who are finally receiving attention from a mother who knows what she's doing. In other words, Lady Catherine is the best thing that could have happened to the Bennetts, and Mr Bennett is thrilled that he finally has a wife that he can respect and love.
Lady Catherine is the predominant focus of this book. The story of Elizabeth and Darcy definitely has a large role here, but it's all part of how Lady Catherine influences her family and relations. There are some villains, but with Lady Catherine's vigilance and care of her family, they don't stand much of a chance. In this version, she's a lovable and indomitable lady. It's fabulous!
If I had any complaint at all, it would be for a couple of new characters that are introduced: Lady Amelia, who is an elder sister to Lady Catherine, and her daughter Adele. These two are determined that Adele will marry Mr Darcy, and their portrayal is so over-the-top bad that I had to roll my eyes many times. These two are allowed, time and time again, to confront Elizabeth, who is the threat to their desires. After a couple of times of them abusing Elizabeth, I had to begin losing my faith in Darcy, Lady Catherine, Mr Bennett, anyone who should have been protecting Elizabeth. These two people were awful! However, the story is so entertaining that I just couldn't deduct a star.
As always with Mr Rowland, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
September 14, 2022
The Fitzwilliam Family Dynamic
The majority of this story is about Lady Catherine and her Fitzwilliam relatives. There was a point in the story (chapters 16-26) which had Darcy and Elizabeth living in the same house (Longbourn and Darcy House) for a weeks if not months, but there was no interaction between the two on screen. During that time Darcy and Elizabeth only came together once- a dance at Netherfield ball, and the other time a dance at a London ball. Most of their one-on-one screen time is towards the end. I felt an opportunity was missed to show why they fell in love with each other. With that being said, the story was decent, a little dry and repetitive at times, but there were some good points.
I like Bennet being happily married. The only thing that took away from it- a tad, was this new younger, nicer version of Lady Catherine, who resides at Longbourn and finds Mr. Collins ridiculous. With all the new Fitzwilliam relatives created for this story, it would have been easier for me to buy into Mr. Bennet marrying one of the new Fitzwilliam women- the results would have been the same without making Lady Catherine a complete stranger.
I liked Caroline because she was more like canon Caroline. Yes, she wants Darcy, but she wants connections more. Once Caroline realizes her hopes of becoming Mrs. Pemberley, I mean Mrs. Darcy is at an end, she focuses on maintaining those high connections. In this case, it Lady Catherine and her step-daughters, the future Elizabeth Darcy, and Jane.
The girls sisterly bond was nice touch.
I can't say I liked how Darcy handled the situation with Lady Amelia, Adele, and Lord Harcourt. In my opinion, he let too much slide. Maybe that should have been Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet's job to keep those vultures from disparaging Elizabeth.
Overall, I put this book in the middle of pack of the books I've read from this author.
The majority of this story is about Lady Catherine and her Fitzwilliam relatives. There was a point in the story (chapters 16-26) which had Darcy and Elizabeth living in the same house (Longbourn and Darcy House) for a weeks if not months, but there was no interaction between the two on screen. During that time Darcy and Elizabeth only came together once- a dance at Netherfield ball, and the other time a dance at a London ball. Most of their one-on-one screen time is towards the end. I felt an opportunity was missed to show why they fell in love with each other. With that being said, the story was decent, a little dry and repetitive at times, but there were some good points.
I like Bennet being happily married. The only thing that took away from it- a tad, was this new younger, nicer version of Lady Catherine, who resides at Longbourn and finds Mr. Collins ridiculous. With all the new Fitzwilliam relatives created for this story, it would have been easier for me to buy into Mr. Bennet marrying one of the new Fitzwilliam women- the results would have been the same without making Lady Catherine a complete stranger.
I liked Caroline because she was more like canon Caroline. Yes, she wants Darcy, but she wants connections more. Once Caroline realizes her hopes of becoming Mrs. Pemberley, I mean Mrs. Darcy is at an end, she focuses on maintaining those high connections. In this case, it Lady Catherine and her step-daughters, the future Elizabeth Darcy, and Jane.
The girls sisterly bond was nice touch.
I can't say I liked how Darcy handled the situation with Lady Amelia, Adele, and Lord Harcourt. In my opinion, he let too much slide. Maybe that should have been Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet's job to keep those vultures from disparaging Elizabeth.
Overall, I put this book in the middle of pack of the books I've read from this author.
December 31, 2022
Overly long , repetitive & dragging. The ending was awful. The couples are finally engaged after 517 of meeting/courting & then the author gives us a time jump epilogue. Due to the changes from canon (which I mostly liked & found most interesting) there was no real impediment to Darcy’s interest in Elizabeth, so the book has no real conflict other than external ones. Of the normal external conflicts, both Caroline & Wickham both maintain their canon characters. However, both conflicts involving these characters were anti-climactic & resolved rather easily (in other words-boring). The main conflict of the book happened with original characters. Which would be fine if it weren’t for the fact that the author’s influx of original characters was extremely overdone. The Fitzwilliam family in canon has THREE siblings- the Earl of Matlock, Lady Catherine De Bourgh, & Lady Anne Darcy. This book had six Fitzwilliam siblings all with their own spouses & children & honestly I still have zero idea who was who & what relation was which. It was too much & entirely unnecessary.
Lastly, Mr. Bennet & Lady Catherine Bennet are said to be a love match… so why in literally every exchange they have together does the author keep reiterating all the things they dislike about each other? If it was meant to show a more realistic love- it missed the mark. It just made both characters appear petty & mean spirited.
Truly the book lacked any real romance! Bingley leaving to test his affection? Darcy even with his cannon objections removed, still drug his feet, & Elizabeth repeatedly stated over & over how he was a good man, he was the best of men, but she didn’t love him, did she love him? She was so inconsistent in her feelings right up until he proposed, then suddenly she knew her mind?
Truly it was enjoyable enough, it just could have been so much better.
Lastly, Mr. Bennet & Lady Catherine Bennet are said to be a love match… so why in literally every exchange they have together does the author keep reiterating all the things they dislike about each other? If it was meant to show a more realistic love- it missed the mark. It just made both characters appear petty & mean spirited.
Truly the book lacked any real romance! Bingley leaving to test his affection? Darcy even with his cannon objections removed, still drug his feet, & Elizabeth repeatedly stated over & over how he was a good man, he was the best of men, but she didn’t love him, did she love him? She was so inconsistent in her feelings right up until he proposed, then suddenly she knew her mind?
Truly it was enjoyable enough, it just could have been so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
This is a creative what-if written in the author's usual competent and readable style but it gets a little wordy and drags a bit here and there.
Lady Catherine and Anne are younger than canon and Lady C married Mr. Bennet. She's grown close to the girls and uses her instructional abilities to put Longbourn in order. Lydia and Kitty are not out, for one thing. There are a lot of Fitzwilliam relatives that are a bit difficult to keep straight in my head. Some of them are supportive, others disdainful of Lady Catherine's marriage to an obscure country gentleman. Some of the original characters mirror canon Lady Catherine's opposition to Darcy courting Elizabeth, others her cousin's proposal. That man's motives were a bit unclear to me. Speaking of Collins, he is even more devoid of tact than canon... he's a flattering sycophant to Lady C as usual but seems to have no clue that some of the things he says to her are very critical of her and way offensive.
The ODC romance is not particularly romantic or interesting here. Darcy and Bingley both drop hints and drag their feet about proposals for far too long. Why does Darcy dither so much here? There was no real Hunsford moment so why is he so bashful? Several characters at various points of the story speak of non-existing engagements as if they were a decided thing and I kept expecting somebody to protest but they never did.
Lady Catherine and Anne are younger than canon and Lady C married Mr. Bennet. She's grown close to the girls and uses her instructional abilities to put Longbourn in order. Lydia and Kitty are not out, for one thing. There are a lot of Fitzwilliam relatives that are a bit difficult to keep straight in my head. Some of them are supportive, others disdainful of Lady Catherine's marriage to an obscure country gentleman. Some of the original characters mirror canon Lady Catherine's opposition to Darcy courting Elizabeth, others her cousin's proposal. That man's motives were a bit unclear to me. Speaking of Collins, he is even more devoid of tact than canon... he's a flattering sycophant to Lady C as usual but seems to have no clue that some of the things he says to her are very critical of her and way offensive.
The ODC romance is not particularly romantic or interesting here. Darcy and Bingley both drop hints and drag their feet about proposals for far too long. Why does Darcy dither so much here? There was no real Hunsford moment so why is he so bashful? Several characters at various points of the story speak of non-existing engagements as if they were a decided thing and I kept expecting somebody to protest but they never did.
October 8, 2022
DNF at 30%. I love the idea and though it messes with my head a bit to have an early-thirties and kind Lady Catherine, I’m will to suspend disbelief and go with it because I like the idea so much. But this is just slow, long, and has no conflict. Lizzie doesn’t take offense at Darcy’s insult, he apologizes quickly, Caroline reconsiders her attitude, Jane is not caught in the rain to get sick, Collins is quickly directed away from a Bennett daughter (and then virtually disappears), Wickham is not believed when he complains about Darcy’s treatment… We are told that Darcy is interested in Elizabeth but why? Off-page the two families have reportedly visited but we don’t actually see the couple interact during that or any other time. We are told by Darcy and Lady Catherine that there is interest but we are never shown that. If we got to see some engaging interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, I’d keep plugging along.
There’s nothing egregiously wrong here and I could see others enjoying the low angst but I just can’t stay excited about this book and I keep putting it down after reading a page or two. So I’m going to move on.
There’s nothing egregiously wrong here and I could see others enjoying the low angst but I just can’t stay excited about this book and I keep putting it down after reading a page or two. So I’m going to move on.
August 24, 2022
It took a couple chapters to wrap my head around this particular Lady Catherine. It is an intriguing concept to be sure. This was an original idea and plot, and while there were many things I enjoyed, this book was way too long for the plot. Had it been condensed or had a more complex plot to match the length, I would have liked it better. There was just too much filler and day to day conversations and going ons to make it compelling. I also felt the characters were a little too one dimensional. The good characters were all practically perfect and the antagonists didn't seem to have a redeeming quality among them. This was a low angst story with not much conflict to move the plot along. The slow pace detracted from my enjoyment in the story. Overall, IMO, it had the potential to be a much better book than it delivered. It was okay, I liked it but didn't love it.
November 5, 2022
An intriguing premise
This is a rather sprawling novel. The plot was engaging but at times the narrative drags a bit. The sense of period is there but in places the writing is belaboured, and Lizzy is often haughty rather than witty in situations of conflict. But Mr Bennet’s jesting manner is well drawn, as are our two principal couples. There are many creative elements. Old villains are dealt with, but new ones emerge to replace them. At the heart of it all is a most attentive mother, whose character honours the canon, yet is transformed in such a way that it drives the variations from the original. The many typos were somewhat annoying, as were some grammatical slips.
This is a rather sprawling novel. The plot was engaging but at times the narrative drags a bit. The sense of period is there but in places the writing is belaboured, and Lizzy is often haughty rather than witty in situations of conflict. But Mr Bennet’s jesting manner is well drawn, as are our two principal couples. There are many creative elements. Old villains are dealt with, but new ones emerge to replace them. At the heart of it all is a most attentive mother, whose character honours the canon, yet is transformed in such a way that it drives the variations from the original. The many typos were somewhat annoying, as were some grammatical slips.
October 9, 2022
I liked this tale, but I do wish the editing had been a bit more careful. I noticed many instances of words missing or in the wrong order in a sentence as well as a couple of names being confused (e.g., Charlotte when it should have been Charity).
Though these issues did make me have to reread some sentences a few times, I could still understand what was going on. So it’s not egregious, but it was enough to distract me a bit.
Though these issues did make me have to reread some sentences a few times, I could still understand what was going on. So it’s not egregious, but it was enough to distract me a bit.
October 18, 2022
Not bad as a regency era novel, but not my favorite Pride and Prejudice variation. While some amount of out-of-character changes were necessary to make Catherine a good mother, the overwhelming changes to the characters made it read more like an original story using the names from the original Pride and Prejudice book rather than a variation. Overall a good read but definitely not what I expected going in.
January 13, 2023
I really, really loved this original take on Lady Catherine! The woman we all love to hate (second to Caroline Bingley) had become such an unexpected heroine in this beautiful retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Her new life and romance with a much loved character, albeit an imperfect one, practically occulted the romance between Darcy and Elisabeth, and I found that I didn't mind at all.
Warmest thanks to the narrator for her beautiful voice and fantastic performance. Bravo!
Her new life and romance with a much loved character, albeit an imperfect one, practically occulted the romance between Darcy and Elisabeth, and I found that I didn't mind at all.
Warmest thanks to the narrator for her beautiful voice and fantastic performance. Bravo!
Read
September 11, 2022Terrific
I really enjoyed this book, the plot is rather original although the characters we know well. However the personalities have been reimagined, bring us a lovely story. All those pages allocated to the vile rogue are left out and a new view has been added, having much less prominence. The overall experience is somehow deeper and much more pleasant. I loved it.
I really enjoyed this book, the plot is rather original although the characters we know well. However the personalities have been reimagined, bring us a lovely story. All those pages allocated to the vile rogue are left out and a new view has been added, having much less prominence. The overall experience is somehow deeper and much more pleasant. I loved it.
September 16, 2022
About 5 times as long as it needed to be, plot was practically non existent, not a jot of chemistry between any of the characters, Elizabeth without any spark and Darcy a bore who for some reason has turned hesitant and indecisive for no reason. Nothing good to say, to be honest. A shame, since I typically like this author’s works
December 31, 2022
It was an intriguing concept, but it was way to long. It dragged on and on and on. By the end of the book I didn't even care about finishing it I was so tired of it. It took me weeks to read the last 4% after it being the only thing I was reading for a week or so.
I did enjoy it, but it was so slow.
I did enjoy it, but it was so slow.
September 13, 2022
Bennet married to Lady Catherine
The author did a good job of melding the innate character of Lady Catherine into a likable, sensible wife and mother for the Bennet’s of Longbourn. The new villains, the Howards, were a welcome while Wickham disappeared early in the novel.
The author did a good job of melding the innate character of Lady Catherine into a likable, sensible wife and mother for the Bennet’s of Longbourn. The new villains, the Howards, were a welcome while Wickham disappeared early in the novel.
February 10, 2023
an excellent twist on pride and prejudice
This book is more. Story of the Bennett family and Mr. Bennett’s marriage to lady Catherine De Bourg. Of course Jane and Elizabeth end up,as they almost always do, but Mr. And Mrs. Bennett produce 3 sons !
This book is more. Story of the Bennett family and Mr. Bennett’s marriage to lady Catherine De Bourg. Of course Jane and Elizabeth end up,as they almost always do, but Mr. And Mrs. Bennett produce 3 sons !
November 3, 2024
Interesting and entertaining variation. Definitely a surprise! How different one might find Lady C in a different environment. Enjoyed the interaction between Elizabeth and Lady C. Definitely recommend. Enjoy.
September 11, 2022
Very nice
A good way to make Lady Catherine tolerable and give all the Bennetts a good outcome. All it seems to take is riding the world of Mrs. Bennet.
A good way to make Lady Catherine tolerable and give all the Bennetts a good outcome. All it seems to take is riding the world of Mrs. Bennet.
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