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Becoming Elizabeth Bennet
To discover her true self, Elizabeth Bennet must overcome a difficult childhood. Fortunately, she finds a friend in Fitzwilliam Darcy when she is sent to Lambton to live with relatives.
As the bond of friendship grows, Elizabeth becomes the woman she was meant to be. On the cusp of expressing their love, they are separated by tragedy.
Fate has a way of bringing two meant for each other together again. From there, it is a matter of working out the difficulties that keep them apart.
As the bond of friendship grows, Elizabeth becomes the woman she was meant to be. On the cusp of expressing their love, they are separated by tragedy.
Fate has a way of bringing two meant for each other together again. From there, it is a matter of working out the difficulties that keep them apart.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 9, 2022
Storytelling is about two things: it’s about character and plot. ~ George Lucas
What a unique plot! And I say unique, despite its beginning similarity to another book, which at this time is still an unfinished series.
This story, however, is fully developed and complete. Elizabeth Bennet is the second born of a set of twins. Her brother did not survive, and the girl baby is raised as a boy.
Obviously, as the child grows, she will develop as a female, so the Bennets are forced to adjust their family situation. That adjustment radically changes the life of Elizabeth Bennet!
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out. ~ Author unknown
A Proofreader! A Proofreader! My Kingdom for a Proofreader!
If there were not so many errors scattered throughout the book, I would give this 5-Stars. I really wanted to reward this strong plot, but I cannot.
Words are left out
Words are added in
The wrong word is used
Georgiana is sometimes Georgina
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is sometimes de Bourg.
Et cetera; et cetera; et cetera!
I could have used some warning between scene changes. We are at Longbourn with the Bennets, then, in the next paragraph, we are at Netherfield or in London with Darcy. This is especially true in the Epilogue which tries to wrap up every character. Readers need a break — literally.
Please, author, get an editor!
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. ~ Mark Twain
What a unique plot! And I say unique, despite its beginning similarity to another book, which at this time is still an unfinished series.
This story, however, is fully developed and complete. Elizabeth Bennet is the second born of a set of twins. Her brother did not survive, and the girl baby is raised as a boy.
Obviously, as the child grows, she will develop as a female, so the Bennets are forced to adjust their family situation. That adjustment radically changes the life of Elizabeth Bennet!
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out. ~ Author unknown
A Proofreader! A Proofreader! My Kingdom for a Proofreader!
If there were not so many errors scattered throughout the book, I would give this 5-Stars. I really wanted to reward this strong plot, but I cannot.
Words are left out
Words are added in
The wrong word is used
Georgiana is sometimes Georgina
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is sometimes de Bourg.
Et cetera; et cetera; et cetera!
I could have used some warning between scene changes. We are at Longbourn with the Bennets, then, in the next paragraph, we are at Netherfield or in London with Darcy. This is especially true in the Epilogue which tries to wrap up every character. Readers need a break — literally.
Please, author, get an editor!
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. ~ Mark Twain
September 6, 2022
Excellent book. Well written, imaginative, with some turns I hadn't seen before. 5 - 1 for several words dropped out and an extremely short epilogue. I enjoyed it enough that I'm going back to look up her other books now. I did check them out, and I also liked her 'Mr. Darcy's Deception '.
September 19, 2022
Wow! Family can put you in some interesting situations. Luckily, Elizabeth and Darcy found friendship much earlier than cannon. I don’t want to spoil anything but know most characters are clueless of Mr Bennet’s plots.
The story is very interesting. My only complaint may be due my Kindle version where there is no separation at times in the writing. The paragraphs run together so I second guessed who the subject was frequented. It also has a very awkward epilogue.
The story is very interesting. My only complaint may be due my Kindle version where there is no separation at times in the writing. The paragraphs run together so I second guessed who the subject was frequented. It also has a very awkward epilogue.
October 5, 2022
Arland Bennet is a typical boy enjoying skimming rocks over the pond with his mates. With 4 sisters getting outside was a necessity tho always carefree and fun.
Imagine his world turned upside down by one late night conversation with his father! A discovery so foreign and shocking that his young mind will not believe it!!
In addition he must leave his home and family to become a completely different person !
Shipped away to live with uncle and aunt in far Derbyshire.
Life will be hard and different now that she has found out her true gender! Living in a completely different way than was her past life, but she must to protect her family.
Many years go by but never is she asked to come home. Which is heartbreaking for her.
It is a quirky young lady that Fitzwilliam Darcy meets. So begins a fascination he cannot resist! She is not like other young ladies and is practically what we would call a tomboy. Climbing trees and besting others at conk games
So a wonderful friendship is born that begins many adorable interactions between our dear couple. The chemistry is undeniable!
But Darcy is at University and frequently gone except for random visits home. But visits to the pond are always interesting and occasionally eye opening :)
The friendship is fun and adorable. They are both undeniably attracted. Their intense feelings are almost palpable!
It all comes to a head when Lizzy is summoned home to protect her sisters and most importantly the entail. I hesitate to reveal what Mr Bennet wants from Elizabeth . But it is extreme to the max! This Mr Bennet is one of the most horrid versions that I have read!
Going back “home” is very unpleasant for Elizabeth. Her sisters don’t remember her at all and her mother hates her!
Darcy makes the trip to Netherfield and discovers Elizabeth there. As they renew their relationship he finds that something is amiss with how others treat her. He comes to realize Lizzy is protecting some secret. Finally she confesses and Darcy saves the day when her evil father is going to force her to marry Collins!
Regardless of the varied editing errors , for me they didn’t detract one iota from this fascinating story:)
Imagine his world turned upside down by one late night conversation with his father! A discovery so foreign and shocking that his young mind will not believe it!!
In addition he must leave his home and family to become a completely different person !
Shipped away to live with uncle and aunt in far Derbyshire.
Life will be hard and different now that she has found out her true gender! Living in a completely different way than was her past life, but she must to protect her family.
Many years go by but never is she asked to come home. Which is heartbreaking for her.
It is a quirky young lady that Fitzwilliam Darcy meets. So begins a fascination he cannot resist! She is not like other young ladies and is practically what we would call a tomboy. Climbing trees and besting others at conk games
So a wonderful friendship is born that begins many adorable interactions between our dear couple. The chemistry is undeniable!
But Darcy is at University and frequently gone except for random visits home. But visits to the pond are always interesting and occasionally eye opening :)
The friendship is fun and adorable. They are both undeniably attracted. Their intense feelings are almost palpable!
It all comes to a head when Lizzy is summoned home to protect her sisters and most importantly the entail. I hesitate to reveal what Mr Bennet wants from Elizabeth . But it is extreme to the max! This Mr Bennet is one of the most horrid versions that I have read!
Going back “home” is very unpleasant for Elizabeth. Her sisters don’t remember her at all and her mother hates her!
Darcy makes the trip to Netherfield and discovers Elizabeth there. As they renew their relationship he finds that something is amiss with how others treat her. He comes to realize Lizzy is protecting some secret. Finally she confesses and Darcy saves the day when her evil father is going to force her to marry Collins!
Regardless of the varied editing errors , for me they didn’t detract one iota from this fascinating story:)
September 30, 2022
Very difficult plot to believe
The story is one of those stories which turn up once in awhile which is compelling even though the writing is simple and the story is very long. A lot of time must have been spent writing the story and it’s easy to like the book because obviously it was a labor of love.
Very complex plot because the writer is trying to make an implausible what-if into a believable plot. I like it a lot. The last 20% or so is crammed full of loose threads in the story being explained and brought to conclusion. There is a lot of feeling we are in “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride”.
I choose to feel happy about the story though it might not be for everyone.
The story is one of those stories which turn up once in awhile which is compelling even though the writing is simple and the story is very long. A lot of time must have been spent writing the story and it’s easy to like the book because obviously it was a labor of love.
Very complex plot because the writer is trying to make an implausible what-if into a believable plot. I like it a lot. The last 20% or so is crammed full of loose threads in the story being explained and brought to conclusion. There is a lot of feeling we are in “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride”.
I choose to feel happy about the story though it might not be for everyone.
September 11, 2022
Elizabeth twin brother Arland dies
Elizabeth twin brother Arland dies shortly after birth and Elizabeth is born and the truth is hidden. Elizabeth is raised as a boy until Jane’s coming out when she blossoms. Mr Bennet knows Elizabeth will shortly blossom and needs to find a way to fix the mess his wife started and make sure Elizabeth grows into a lady. Elizabeth is given to the Gardiner’s to raise and become a lady. Arland is sent away to school. While with the Gardiner’s Elizabeth and Darcy for a friendship.
A few years later the Gardiner’s are in London while Darcy is dealing with the death of his father and all his responsibilities.
I thought the story was so unique and enjoyed Elizabeth’s experiences, especially with her interesting with Darcy. What I didn’t like were the Bennet’s. None of them, not even Jane. I didn’t care for how mr. Bennet planned to fix the situation, it was all kinds of hurtful to Elizabeth. I thought Darcy was perfect when it came to care and concern for Elizabeth. The ending was short.
Elizabeth twin brother Arland dies shortly after birth and Elizabeth is born and the truth is hidden. Elizabeth is raised as a boy until Jane’s coming out when she blossoms. Mr Bennet knows Elizabeth will shortly blossom and needs to find a way to fix the mess his wife started and make sure Elizabeth grows into a lady. Elizabeth is given to the Gardiner’s to raise and become a lady. Arland is sent away to school. While with the Gardiner’s Elizabeth and Darcy for a friendship.
A few years later the Gardiner’s are in London while Darcy is dealing with the death of his father and all his responsibilities.
I thought the story was so unique and enjoyed Elizabeth’s experiences, especially with her interesting with Darcy. What I didn’t like were the Bennet’s. None of them, not even Jane. I didn’t care for how mr. Bennet planned to fix the situation, it was all kinds of hurtful to Elizabeth. I thought Darcy was perfect when it came to care and concern for Elizabeth. The ending was short.
November 9, 2022
Couldn't get through it
Aside from the far-fetched premise, how does a book like this get approval for publishing? I made it about a third of the way in, before throwing in the towel, and deciding not to waste any more time. I'll mention the subject matter later, but first, this book cannot have had a proofreading. There's no evidence that anyone took the trouble to edit it. The problems with sentence structure, punctuation, missing words, or incorrectly used words are too numerous to ignore, and these problems appear many times on each page and paragraph. It's almost impossible to enjoy a story if you're constantly cringing from all of the mistakes in the text.
Now for the premise: Mrs Bennett pulls a fast one on her husband, and conceals the fact that her second born child, a son and heir, dies almost immediately after his birth, and his twin, a girl child, is raised as a boy so that the estate can stay in the family. Mr Bennett discovers the deception when changing the baby's diaper, but he decides to go along with the ruse just so that his silly wife won't make a fuss. How's that for a premise!? The unfortunate girl, who thinks she's a boy, doesn't learn the truth until she's around twelve years old, at which time she's shipped off to live with her aunt and uncle Gardiner in Lambton. Why the Gardiners would be willing to deal with the mess the Bennetts made, is anyone's guess.
Now we have an adolescent Elizabeth, living in Lambton, interacting with Darcy and Wickham, and acting altogether loony, since she's still used to running around like a wild boy child. She continually acts like the village idiot, but no one seems to care. I became weary of all the different ways she caused disasters by her foolishness, and just couldn't take any more.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but this is a long book, and I don't recommend wasting your time on it.
Aside from the far-fetched premise, how does a book like this get approval for publishing? I made it about a third of the way in, before throwing in the towel, and deciding not to waste any more time. I'll mention the subject matter later, but first, this book cannot have had a proofreading. There's no evidence that anyone took the trouble to edit it. The problems with sentence structure, punctuation, missing words, or incorrectly used words are too numerous to ignore, and these problems appear many times on each page and paragraph. It's almost impossible to enjoy a story if you're constantly cringing from all of the mistakes in the text.
Now for the premise: Mrs Bennett pulls a fast one on her husband, and conceals the fact that her second born child, a son and heir, dies almost immediately after his birth, and his twin, a girl child, is raised as a boy so that the estate can stay in the family. Mr Bennett discovers the deception when changing the baby's diaper, but he decides to go along with the ruse just so that his silly wife won't make a fuss. How's that for a premise!? The unfortunate girl, who thinks she's a boy, doesn't learn the truth until she's around twelve years old, at which time she's shipped off to live with her aunt and uncle Gardiner in Lambton. Why the Gardiners would be willing to deal with the mess the Bennetts made, is anyone's guess.
Now we have an adolescent Elizabeth, living in Lambton, interacting with Darcy and Wickham, and acting altogether loony, since she's still used to running around like a wild boy child. She continually acts like the village idiot, but no one seems to care. I became weary of all the different ways she caused disasters by her foolishness, and just couldn't take any more.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but this is a long book, and I don't recommend wasting your time on it.
September 8, 2022
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
This book has a great premise, but the writing errors and the (too) abrupt ending put me off a bit.
I really, really, really love the interaction of Elizabeth and Darcy. They have the chemistry that I like in P&P variations. Both are witty and charming. Half of the setting is in Derbyshire, and I should say, this half is the best part of this book.
The main conflict is intriguing, but its resolution is unclear. There are a lot of holes, especially about Mr.Bennet and his course of action. There are also some confusing timeline. There are moments when I have to go back and forth and still thinking "wait, what? when did that happen?"
The ending was too abrupt. Lady Catherine came and then nothing. I also believe an epilogue is unnecessary if it is only serve as an obligation to show what happened to the other characters.
I really appreciate this book, but I would love to see this book in a better edited release.
This book has a great premise, but the writing errors and the (too) abrupt ending put me off a bit.
I really, really, really love the interaction of Elizabeth and Darcy. They have the chemistry that I like in P&P variations. Both are witty and charming. Half of the setting is in Derbyshire, and I should say, this half is the best part of this book.
The main conflict is intriguing, but its resolution is unclear. There are a lot of holes, especially about Mr.Bennet and his course of action. There are also some confusing timeline. There are moments when I have to go back and forth and still thinking "wait, what? when did that happen?"
The ending was too abrupt. Lady Catherine came and then nothing. I also believe an epilogue is unnecessary if it is only serve as an obligation to show what happened to the other characters.
I really appreciate this book, but I would love to see this book in a better edited release.
September 13, 2022
Original variation of P&P!
A warning that this variation must not have been written in English as the translation is poorly edited. Some sentences convey no ideas at all, a la Mr Bingley. At one point, it appears that a page or two is missing. However, most of it makes sense and it's a clever twist of the original that leads to many interesting situations. Mr. D is a somewhat laid back version of himself, especially in the topics he is willing to discuss rather nonchalantly with Elizabeth. Not so shy after all!
A warning that this variation must not have been written in English as the translation is poorly edited. Some sentences convey no ideas at all, a la Mr Bingley. At one point, it appears that a page or two is missing. However, most of it makes sense and it's a clever twist of the original that leads to many interesting situations. Mr. D is a somewhat laid back version of himself, especially in the topics he is willing to discuss rather nonchalantly with Elizabeth. Not so shy after all!
September 11, 2022
a reluctant 4 stars.
This is a very engaging storyline, however it is much in need of editing. The writing is pretty good but there are more than a few instances where a sentence has an error or makes no sense at all. For these avoidable distractions (with a good editor they wouldn’t exist) I have deducted a star.
I was very entertained by Elizabeth/Arland’s journey. I did find that heaviness of the book increased as we get to the big reveal. The cruelty of Mr. Bennet in particular was distressing.
That said, it was an original plot, mostly well done, with hateful villains and a happily ever after for Elizabeth.
This is a very engaging storyline, however it is much in need of editing. The writing is pretty good but there are more than a few instances where a sentence has an error or makes no sense at all. For these avoidable distractions (with a good editor they wouldn’t exist) I have deducted a star.
I was very entertained by Elizabeth/Arland’s journey. I did find that heaviness of the book increased as we get to the big reveal. The cruelty of Mr. Bennet in particular was distressing.
That said, it was an original plot, mostly well done, with hateful villains and a happily ever after for Elizabeth.
October 23, 2022
Becoming Elizabeth Bennet by Dee Kay
What an interesting, clever story! I wasn't sure how it could
possibly work, but it really did! Writing was excellent, the Plot worked out perfectly! I'm going to read it over to take it all in!
What an interesting, clever story! I wasn't sure how it could
possibly work, but it really did! Writing was excellent, the Plot worked out perfectly! I'm going to read it over to take it all in!
September 11, 2022
Convoluted story that was interesting to read
This is one of the oddest stories I have read. Mrs Bennet has a son and shows him off to Mr Bennet "s cousin who notes a birthmark on his hand. After a few minutes she delivers a twin female but the son has already died. Knowing what happens if she doesn't have a male child she hides the death of the son and raises her daughter as a boy! Mr Bennet finds out when the child is a toddler and goes along with the scheme until puberty begins. The son is sent away and Elizabeth takes her place as the daughter of his first wife who was raised by family members. Its so convoluted and confusing especially for Elizabeth who thought for 14 years she was a boy. She's sent to Lambton to the Gardiners where she meets the young Darcy and his family, including Wickham who she doesn't like.
It's definitely NOT the usual adaptation that we see but its incredibly interesting to see the lengths that Mr Bennet tried to go through to hide everything and even commit crimes!
This is one of the oddest stories I have read. Mrs Bennet has a son and shows him off to Mr Bennet "s cousin who notes a birthmark on his hand. After a few minutes she delivers a twin female but the son has already died. Knowing what happens if she doesn't have a male child she hides the death of the son and raises her daughter as a boy! Mr Bennet finds out when the child is a toddler and goes along with the scheme until puberty begins. The son is sent away and Elizabeth takes her place as the daughter of his first wife who was raised by family members. Its so convoluted and confusing especially for Elizabeth who thought for 14 years she was a boy. She's sent to Lambton to the Gardiners where she meets the young Darcy and his family, including Wickham who she doesn't like.
It's definitely NOT the usual adaptation that we see but its incredibly interesting to see the lengths that Mr Bennet tried to go through to hide everything and even commit crimes!
June 20, 2025
WARNING: This story portrays some minor domestic violence. If that is disturbing to you, you may want to skip this one. Some spoilers are included in my review.
Oh my! Elizabeth is gender-confused, although not in the way you might expect. Elizabeth is the second born of a set of twins, but almost everyone except her mother, the midwife and Mrs Hill thinks that there was a single birth, that of a boy. Because of the entail, the death of the son after only a couple hours is hidden and Elizabeth is substituted and raised from infancy as a boy, “Arland” Bennet. Mr Bennet catches on after about two years, but continues on with the charade hoping he might still have another son at some point. In the meantime his cousin Collins and his son, William, are grudgingly satisfied that a Collins won’t inherit the estate.
Later, when puberty is imminent and the deception is likely to be discovered, Mr Bennet explains to Elizabeth that she is actually a girl and removes her from the family who believe that “Arland” is going to school. In reality she is sent to Derbyshire to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Now, after all these years, she must learn how to be a girl.
Of course she becomes acquainted with Darcy who finds her rather odd (she relates to him like a chum rather than a girl to a boy normally would). Over the years their feelings change to one of a more romantic nature. Then Darcy’s father becomes ill and Elizabeth moves to London with her Aunt and Uncle.
About the time Charles Bingley rents a certain estate Mr Bennet requires “Arland” to sign some papers for Longbourn’s disposition and then disappear forever. Thereafter Elizabeth is to make her first appearance in Meryton as a long lost daughter from Mr Bennet’s first marriage. Elizabeth grudgingly agrees to the plan thinking that she’s helping her sisters. In London “Arland” meets Darcy and Bingley briefly but makes a big impression.
When Elizabeth comes to Longbourn her mother, who doted on her as “Arland,” now hates her and will only acknowledge her by threat of Mr Bennet. Bennet is indifferent towards her and her sisters don’t know her. She is miserable. She is happier when her good friend Darcy comes to the neighborhood but must work hard to keep him from finding out her scandalous secret and he is very suspicious of her circumstances. Mr Bennet has secret plans for her and her past and future are about to collide in a very shocking manner. Hold on to your seat!
I subtracted one star for editing. The author misses using segues in many places. Without a break or segue of any kind you are transported to a different place and different character’s POV. Very confusing. It takes some rereading in those areas to figure out what’s going on.
Oh my! Elizabeth is gender-confused, although not in the way you might expect. Elizabeth is the second born of a set of twins, but almost everyone except her mother, the midwife and Mrs Hill thinks that there was a single birth, that of a boy. Because of the entail, the death of the son after only a couple hours is hidden and Elizabeth is substituted and raised from infancy as a boy, “Arland” Bennet. Mr Bennet catches on after about two years, but continues on with the charade hoping he might still have another son at some point. In the meantime his cousin Collins and his son, William, are grudgingly satisfied that a Collins won’t inherit the estate.
Later, when puberty is imminent and the deception is likely to be discovered, Mr Bennet explains to Elizabeth that she is actually a girl and removes her from the family who believe that “Arland” is going to school. In reality she is sent to Derbyshire to live with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Now, after all these years, she must learn how to be a girl.
Of course she becomes acquainted with Darcy who finds her rather odd (she relates to him like a chum rather than a girl to a boy normally would). Over the years their feelings change to one of a more romantic nature. Then Darcy’s father becomes ill and Elizabeth moves to London with her Aunt and Uncle.
About the time Charles Bingley rents a certain estate Mr Bennet requires “Arland” to sign some papers for Longbourn’s disposition and then disappear forever. Thereafter Elizabeth is to make her first appearance in Meryton as a long lost daughter from Mr Bennet’s first marriage. Elizabeth grudgingly agrees to the plan thinking that she’s helping her sisters. In London “Arland” meets Darcy and Bingley briefly but makes a big impression.
When Elizabeth comes to Longbourn her mother, who doted on her as “Arland,” now hates her and will only acknowledge her by threat of Mr Bennet. Bennet is indifferent towards her and her sisters don’t know her. She is miserable. She is happier when her good friend Darcy comes to the neighborhood but must work hard to keep him from finding out her scandalous secret and he is very suspicious of her circumstances. Mr Bennet has secret plans for her and her past and future are about to collide in a very shocking manner. Hold on to your seat!
I subtracted one star for editing. The author misses using segues in many places. Without a break or segue of any kind you are transported to a different place and different character’s POV. Very confusing. It takes some rereading in those areas to figure out what’s going on.
October 3, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. As other reviews state an editor is badly needed. I marked many of the errors but some sentences were so complicated I did not even try.
The Elizabeth in this story has to endure such hardships that it is a wonder that she is not suffering from what we know as PTSD. Born as a twin, whose brother dies a short time after his birth, Elizabeth is given his name and gender to preserve Longbourn for her family due to the entail. Her mother keeps this a secret from even her husband for two years. He decides to go along with the lie when he learns of it but as "Arland" grows closer to puberty, Mr. Bennet decides that Arland must go away "to school" when in reality he goes to live with the Gardiners in Lambton where he/she becomes Elizabeth.
Life is difficult as she must learn new rules for behavior and manners. The Gardiners own a book store where Elizabeth begins to work and thus meets both Darcy and his sister. She doesn't see Darcy often as he has schooling but they develop a friendship and he soon learns how to tease, etc. He even saves her from serious injury and then death during their times together as friends.
While Darcy is away at university the Gardiners move to London where Mr. Gardiner goes into a different trade.
This story has Arland's whereabouts being a mystery for the most part to the Hertfordshire community and the rest of the Bennet family. Yet he has to reappear at one point to sign some legal papers which have to do with Longbourn and the entail.
This story is long and the matter of Arland/Elizabeth is complicated. Darcy searches for Arland, having met "him" briefly at his attorney's office. Mr. Bennet has plans to which Elizabeth objects and...well here I can only say I can't SPOIL it at this point.
The ending, even with an epilogue is abrupt. I seem to have missed an important event which I note. I plan to go back and reread some parts to see if I can find that missing part.
The author was very creative in this variation but would have a higher rating if she used an editor. The mistakes were very distracting.
The Elizabeth in this story has to endure such hardships that it is a wonder that she is not suffering from what we know as PTSD. Born as a twin, whose brother dies a short time after his birth, Elizabeth is given his name and gender to preserve Longbourn for her family due to the entail. Her mother keeps this a secret from even her husband for two years. He decides to go along with the lie when he learns of it but as "Arland" grows closer to puberty, Mr. Bennet decides that Arland must go away "to school" when in reality he goes to live with the Gardiners in Lambton where he/she becomes Elizabeth.
Life is difficult as she must learn new rules for behavior and manners. The Gardiners own a book store where Elizabeth begins to work and thus meets both Darcy and his sister. She doesn't see Darcy often as he has schooling but they develop a friendship and he soon learns how to tease, etc. He even saves her from serious injury and then death during their times together as friends.
While Darcy is away at university the Gardiners move to London where Mr. Gardiner goes into a different trade.
This story has Arland's whereabouts being a mystery for the most part to the Hertfordshire community and the rest of the Bennet family. Yet he has to reappear at one point to sign some legal papers which have to do with Longbourn and the entail.
This story is long and the matter of Arland/Elizabeth is complicated. Darcy searches for Arland, having met "him" briefly at his attorney's office. Mr. Bennet has plans to which Elizabeth objects and...well here I can only say I can't SPOIL it at this point.
The ending, even with an epilogue is abrupt. I seem to have missed an important event which I note. I plan to go back and reread some parts to see if I can find that missing part.
The author was very creative in this variation but would have a higher rating if she used an editor. The mistakes were very distracting.
November 16, 2025
Here is a despicable, shameless, weak Mr. Bennet and a mean, foolish, selfish Mrs. Bennet.
ODC met at an earlier age and became good friends. It's quite amusing to watch them together. The whole story is tense because of Elizabeth's secret, but I think it's a low-angst story. I was glad that Darcy didn't waver at all when the truth was revealed. And there were not much misunderstandings than necessary.
The story progressed well until the confrontation with Mr. Bennet at the end. This part developed very rapidly and the information was a bit confusing. We didn't read about the exact wedding, but found out in the next chapter's dialogue. Mr. Bennet's financial problems were not briefly described.
I hope there are more sweet interactions between ODC after their marriage, preferably discussions and interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth about her early life as a gentleman. It must be interesting.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet both got better than they deserved.
ODC met at an earlier age and became good friends. It's quite amusing to watch them together. The whole story is tense because of Elizabeth's secret, but I think it's a low-angst story. I was glad that Darcy didn't waver at all when the truth was revealed. And there were not much misunderstandings than necessary.
The story progressed well until the confrontation with Mr. Bennet at the end. This part developed very rapidly and the information was a bit confusing. We didn't read about the exact wedding, but found out in the next chapter's dialogue. Mr. Bennet's financial problems were not briefly described.
I hope there are more sweet interactions between ODC after their marriage, preferably discussions and interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth about her early life as a gentleman. It must be interesting.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet both got better than they deserved.
October 6, 2022
Some Good Moments
Darcy and Elizabeth's banter in Lambton was the highlight of this book (I love Elizabeth's nickname for Wickham.) I can re-read those chapters with no problem. The rest of the book, not so much, but it's not terrible. The rub with some stories that incorporate angst is there's a good chance that there are questionable decisions by the characters to add drama to the story. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are a perfect example. They were extreme when they didn't need to be, in my opinion. Their behavior didn't make sense. It was explained why, but I couldn't buy into it.
I liked Darcy and Elizabeth throughout. I would say D&E in Lambton alone is worth giving the book a try.
Darcy and Elizabeth's banter in Lambton was the highlight of this book (I love Elizabeth's nickname for Wickham.) I can re-read those chapters with no problem. The rest of the book, not so much, but it's not terrible. The rub with some stories that incorporate angst is there's a good chance that there are questionable decisions by the characters to add drama to the story. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are a perfect example. They were extreme when they didn't need to be, in my opinion. Their behavior didn't make sense. It was explained why, but I couldn't buy into it.
I liked Darcy and Elizabeth throughout. I would say D&E in Lambton alone is worth giving the book a try.
September 15, 2022
difficult to rate
This is a tough one. The story is great fun, completely different, and definitely entertaining. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy. Be warned, though: this book desperately needs an editor. Please, Ms Kay, get some help. This could be wildly wonderful. Instead, the poor punctuation, sentence fragments, and occasional misused word made me feel like I was reading the work of a careless middle school student. You can, and should, do better.
This is a tough one. The story is great fun, completely different, and definitely entertaining. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy. Be warned, though: this book desperately needs an editor. Please, Ms Kay, get some help. This could be wildly wonderful. Instead, the poor punctuation, sentence fragments, and occasional misused word made me feel like I was reading the work of a careless middle school student. You can, and should, do better.
September 29, 2022
Almost 5 stars!
I was really, really impressed with this book! I just knew I was going to end up giving it 5 stars, until I got to the end. It felt rushed and thrown together as if the publisher was banging on the door demanding the overdue finished project! Big let down! I felt cheated! But I guess I can give it 4 1/2 stars cause overall I really enjoyed it!
I was really, really impressed with this book! I just knew I was going to end up giving it 5 stars, until I got to the end. It felt rushed and thrown together as if the publisher was banging on the door demanding the overdue finished project! Big let down! I felt cheated! But I guess I can give it 4 1/2 stars cause overall I really enjoyed it!
September 15, 2022
AOriginal
A well imagined and delightfully executed plot. I quiet enjoyed Elizabeth and Darcy in this one. Bennet parents are both nasty and narcissistic. I didn’t think I’d care for this one but I did.
A well imagined and delightfully executed plot. I quiet enjoyed Elizabeth and Darcy in this one. Bennet parents are both nasty and narcissistic. I didn’t think I’d care for this one but I did.
September 22, 2022
Ridiculously funny
Oh my!!! What a tangled web we weave here lol !!! I don't even want to say too much as this is quite original. Love the Darcy and Elizabeth relationship and how it grew.
Definitely a unique take here!
Oh my!!! What a tangled web we weave here lol !!! I don't even want to say too much as this is quite original. Love the Darcy and Elizabeth relationship and how it grew.
Definitely a unique take here!
November 29, 2022
What A Hoot!
Unfortunately there are numerous editorial errors but overall, this is a wonderful variation! Don't start it late because you may go without sleep until the wild ride is done!
Unfortunately there are numerous editorial errors but overall, this is a wonderful variation! Don't start it late because you may go without sleep until the wild ride is done!
October 3, 2023
pretty good
Overall, a good story with great interaction between ODC. Realistic build to a relationship. The Bennet parents are truly awful with no real redemption. It is pretty well written and was entertaining throughout.
Overall, a good story with great interaction between ODC. Realistic build to a relationship. The Bennet parents are truly awful with no real redemption. It is pretty well written and was entertaining throughout.
January 15, 2023
Very original
Such a well-thought out story marred, alas, by a lack of editting. Some truly despicable characters. A subdued but, I guess, happy ending.
Such a well-thought out story marred, alas, by a lack of editting. Some truly despicable characters. A subdued but, I guess, happy ending.
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