On Her Mary Way: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation

by Eliza J. Ann

Mary Bennet has tried her hand at playing the saint and failed utterly at finding a pathway out of Longbourn. As she waits upon her mother and is tolerated by her father, Mary cannot help but think that there is more to life, but what she could not foresee is that her liberator would be none other than Lady Catherine de Bourgh. From Longbourn to Rosings Park and even London, Mary discovers much about the world and more about herself, realizing she has been worthy of love and life all along.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2022

Reviews

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

“So, here sat Mary at Longbourn, not the favorite child but the constant one, next to her mother and jealous of the time taken from her reading by idle chatter and constant hand-wringing.” (quote from the book)

This was an enjoyable read that focuses on Mary Bennet. It is four years since her sisters, Elizabeth and Jane, have been married. Kitty has been spending time with them. Mary feels neglected, but keeps herself busy with walks, reading and tending to her mother.

“Mary’s passion was for true affection and informed living; she was starved for experience, challenge, debate, and excitement.” (quote from the book)

Little does Mary know that a request from Mr. and Mrs. Darcy will change her life. For they feel she is needed to offer her assistance to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter, Anne. For me, it is here where the story engaged me. I enjoyed seeing the dynamics of her interactions with them when she arrives at Rosings Park. I enjoyed not only the growth of Mary but the growth of Anne de Bourgh.

“If we are lucky enough to have parents who care for us, then we owe them our respect, and we give them our love. However, we do not owe them our futures. If it is imagined that we do, something has gone very wrong in the way of things.” (quote from the book)

For a debut novel, it was enjoyable. Yes, there are inconsistencies within that a good beta reader would have caught, however, it held my attention. The changes within Mary and Anne moved the story along and their love stories were believable. Lady Catherine was herself, but Mary was surprised at the comfort and care given to her wellbeing. I enjoyed having all the sisters, incorporated into the story. And I think that made the story more engaging.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this continuation of Pride and Prejudice Focusing on Mary

I loved this book focusing on Mary. This author brings to life and enters the mind of Mary Bennet. I loved seeing her other than an ignored middle daughter. She went from being a slave to her mother’s foolish prattle and selfish whims to an intelligent an thoughtful lady and companion because Lady Catherine and Anne recognized her talents and good qualities. So did others such as a growing live interest.

There were a very few typos such as wrong names, but these were few. I found the Maria Lucas story an annoying distraction, though it gave a reason to put a more resilient Lydia in the story. I would have liked to have seen more page time for Mary’s romance with Mr. John Paulson, though we see Anne’s romance with Mr. Jenkin and her warm friendship with Mary. This book starts four years after Pride and Prejudice, and we do see all rage Bennet sisters. Mrs. Bennet is still silly, though her daughters have grown. This is incredibly realistic and thoughtful. I like seeing Mary as a caring, intelligent, observant young lady. It is a good thing she was not matched with Mr. Collins. There are a number of surprises,

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting!

Mary takes an unexpected path after being invited to be a companion for Lady Catherine and Anne. A most entertaining story!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice sorry about Mary

Mary is 23 and is still single. In fact she has been slowly maturing while being the daughter who is bossed by her mother. She is ready to leave Longbourn and start her adult life. The rest of the book is a series of events in her life and the interactions she has with other people…away from Longbourn.

Fun read. This is a good sequel to Pride and Prejudice. All the Bennets are here along with their husbands. Lady Catherine plays the part of Mary’s enabler, widening Mary’s choices. Mild angst and one episode of violence, off stage, to someone else in the story.

Mostly though the story is about Mary traveling her road toward adulthood. Thumbs up.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet begins to wonder if there is more to life than existing at Longbourn. Then Colonel Fitzwilliam with his friend Paulson appear with an invitation to Rosings. To keep company with Anne and Lady Catherine. How will this affect her future.
An entertaining story.

(Americanisms - fall, sidewalk and Mary wears glasses - no!
But apart from that it was refreshing to read a Mary story.)

[Kashelia B. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

I enjoyed this book very much. I need more books about Mary Bennett. I'm so over Elizabeth Bennett and want to read about the less popular sister. This was a nice, enjoyable story about Mary and her HEA.

[loriinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story of Mary Bennet

It's hard to believe that a trip to Rosings Park could have these results, but when Lady Catherine has a plan, none shall foil it! Enjoyed this author's first publication quite a bit.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary comes into her own, a thoughtful, intelligent lady who understands life better than she had in the past. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are a few errors, including wrong names at times, but I found it easy to follow.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

I loved this story. An engaging realistic sequel from Marys perspective. Not sugary sweet and left you smiling and proud of Mary by the end.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Mary

Excitement for Mary. Well deserved! Changes for Anne. Also well deserved. Lol, Mrs Bennett is Mrs Bennett. Oh my, Lady Catherine de bourge...