What do you think?
Rate this book
The Truth About Family
BANISHED FROM LONGBOURN at a young age, Elizabeth Bennet is raised among the Fitzwilliams at the Romsley estate, growing up alongside Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins. Entering adulthood, Elizabeth soon finds herself in possession of a secret love for him that even she knows is futile, and she must settle for his friendship.
SEEING THAT ELIZABETH BENNET has become a pretty young woman, Darcy’s mother, Lady Anne and her sister are desperate to separate her from Darcy. Elizabeth returns to Longbourn for the first time in fifteen years where her hopes of finding a loving family are quickly dashed. She is relieved and embarrassed when Darcy and his cousins join her in Hertfordshire, though she is determined to set aside her tender feelings for him.
DARCY IS FRANTIC WITH WORRY about Elizabeth while they are apart. No one is more shocked than he is when he realises the true depth of his feelings for her. He sets off to convince her to love him and accept a life as his wife. Will his mother’s hostility prove too great an obstacle?
SEEING THAT ELIZABETH BENNET has become a pretty young woman, Darcy’s mother, Lady Anne and her sister are desperate to separate her from Darcy. Elizabeth returns to Longbourn for the first time in fifteen years where her hopes of finding a loving family are quickly dashed. She is relieved and embarrassed when Darcy and his cousins join her in Hertfordshire, though she is determined to set aside her tender feelings for him.
DARCY IS FRANTIC WITH WORRY about Elizabeth while they are apart. No one is more shocked than he is when he realises the true depth of his feelings for her. He sets off to convince her to love him and accept a life as his wife. Will his mother’s hostility prove too great an obstacle?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2023
139 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Marin
25 books92 followersLucy Marin developed a love for reading at a young age and whiled away many hours imagining how stories might continue or what would happen if there was a change in the circumstances faced by the protagonists. After reading her first Austen novel, a life-long ardent admiration was borne. Lucy was introduced to the world of Austen variations after stumbling across one at a used bookstore while on holiday in London. This led to the discovery of the online world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction and, soon after, she picked up her pen and began to transfer the stories in her head to paper.
Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.
Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 5, 2024
My favorite trope is - Not a Bennet, but the next best thing - Not raised a Bennet and this is close to it.
I loved reading this and couldn't put it down. Lucy Marin struck it out of the park with this very different variation from her previous stories.
Elizabeth has grown the up the Ward of the Romsleys. Foster sister to the 2 Fitzwilliam brothers, best friend/sister to Rebecca Darcy and good friend to Rebecca's cousin - William Darcy. The dynamics and camaraderie between the younger generation is so much fun at times!
All but abandoned by the Bennets, since the age of 5 years old, living with the Romsley's is the only habitat she's known, yet still wouldn't call it a home.
There is a duality to this Elizabeth that few really get to know all of her true self. Her foster siblings are her family and the ones she loves most. However, she keeps much of her inner pain hidden, even from Rebecca.
The fact that Elizabeth has secretly loved the best man she has ever known for the past 2 years, can never be revealed. There is no expectation that any of them, let alone Darcy, would sink so low as to accept one of such low birth for his wife.
It isn't until Lady Anne (who is alive, Georgiana didn't survive the birth) and Lady C. conspire to do away with her - in a non criminal way - that Elizabeth Bennet feels compelled to make her way back to the family she hasn't seen in 15 years. Hoping against hope she will finally find her place in the world. Unfortunately, it is very far from a place to call home.
Collins is practically a footnote and Wickham is taken care of within the blink of an eye.
Elizabeth must find her own way in overcoming her demons and accept that she has a place in the world and that she is worthy of loving and being loved.
This author has written some pretty complex and unlikable Darcys in previous books. It was such a pleasure to have a Darcy being so warm and connected to the people around him. Yes, he still had that one challenge of pride and expectations to over come, but when he did, it was well worth the wait!
Just trying to decide if I want to purchase the paperback or audiobook for future enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved reading this and couldn't put it down. Lucy Marin struck it out of the park with this very different variation from her previous stories.
Elizabeth has grown the up the Ward of the Romsleys. Foster sister to the 2 Fitzwilliam brothers, best friend/sister to Rebecca Darcy and good friend to Rebecca's cousin - William Darcy. The dynamics and camaraderie between the younger generation is so much fun at times!
All but abandoned by the Bennets, since the age of 5 years old, living with the Romsley's is the only habitat she's known, yet still wouldn't call it a home.
There is a duality to this Elizabeth that few really get to know all of her true self. Her foster siblings are her family and the ones she loves most. However, she keeps much of her inner pain hidden, even from Rebecca.
The fact that Elizabeth has secretly loved the best man she has ever known for the past 2 years, can never be revealed. There is no expectation that any of them, let alone Darcy, would sink so low as to accept one of such low birth for his wife.
It isn't until Lady Anne (who is alive, Georgiana didn't survive the birth) and Lady C. conspire to do away with her - in a non criminal way - that Elizabeth Bennet feels compelled to make her way back to the family she hasn't seen in 15 years. Hoping against hope she will finally find her place in the world. Unfortunately, it is very far from a place to call home.
Collins is practically a footnote and Wickham is taken care of within the blink of an eye.
Elizabeth must find her own way in overcoming her demons and accept that she has a place in the world and that she is worthy of loving and being loved.
This author has written some pretty complex and unlikable Darcys in previous books. It was such a pleasure to have a Darcy being so warm and connected to the people around him. Yes, he still had that one challenge of pride and expectations to over come, but when he did, it was well worth the wait!
Just trying to decide if I want to purchase the paperback or audiobook for future enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2023
This story can be depressing in parts. As the story description tells us, Elizabeth moves from Longbourn at a young age (5) as the family sees that her presence aggravates her mother who is again pregnant. And so as to guard Mrs. Bennet's health Elizabeth's grandmother arranges with her friend, the dowager, Lady Romsley, that she take Elizabeth in for the duration of the pregnancy. 15 years later Elizabeth now is the ward of the Earl and Countess of Romsley, who have two sons of their own. The extended family includes Darcys and Fitzwilliams. Rebecca Darcy is her best friend but she and the cousins are all part of a close family.
Elizabeth knows her background and throughout the story her alliances are questioned as various behaviors contradict what she believes about what a true family should be. Even her own behavior is examined. Not every one in her "foster family' loves her and regards her as family. Lady Anne Darcy (Yes, she is still alive.) and her sister, Lady Catherine, plot to remove Elizabeth from the family as they realize her closeness to Fitzwilliam Darcy and the threat to his marrying his cousin, Anne. Her foster parents also take trips without her and shuffle her off to be cared for by others. Is this what true "parents" would do.
After one ominous event Elizabeth ends up back at Longbourn, but her hopes of an open-armed welcome by the Bennets are denied. Mrs. Bennet won't even use her name. It is "she" or "her". Jane is not the person Elizabeth hoped to find. As Bingley and Darcy show up at Netherfield, it seems that Jane is truly only after a rich man to marry, reflecting her mother's attitude. Plus, Elizabeth has sealed off any feelings she was developing for Darcy as she realizes just what his mother (and other family members) expect of him in choosing a wife.
So much is devoted to examining what a family should be, how they should act and how they should support each other, blood ties or not.
Lady Anne is an obstacle in ODC's relationship. But read this story to find out how that matter is addressed.
(As a past caseworker with Children & Youth Services and with Adoptions, I witnessed first hand many different "family" situations, so this story brought back many of my own feelings about what was written about here.)
Elizabeth knows her background and throughout the story her alliances are questioned as various behaviors contradict what she believes about what a true family should be. Even her own behavior is examined. Not every one in her "foster family' loves her and regards her as family. Lady Anne Darcy (Yes, she is still alive.) and her sister, Lady Catherine, plot to remove Elizabeth from the family as they realize her closeness to Fitzwilliam Darcy and the threat to his marrying his cousin, Anne. Her foster parents also take trips without her and shuffle her off to be cared for by others. Is this what true "parents" would do.
After one ominous event Elizabeth ends up back at Longbourn, but her hopes of an open-armed welcome by the Bennets are denied. Mrs. Bennet won't even use her name. It is "she" or "her". Jane is not the person Elizabeth hoped to find. As Bingley and Darcy show up at Netherfield, it seems that Jane is truly only after a rich man to marry, reflecting her mother's attitude. Plus, Elizabeth has sealed off any feelings she was developing for Darcy as she realizes just what his mother (and other family members) expect of him in choosing a wife.
So much is devoted to examining what a family should be, how they should act and how they should support each other, blood ties or not.
Lady Anne is an obstacle in ODC's relationship. But read this story to find out how that matter is addressed.
(As a past caseworker with Children & Youth Services and with Adoptions, I witnessed first hand many different "family" situations, so this story brought back many of my own feelings about what was written about here.)
December 16, 2022
"Who knew familial bonds were such fragile things?" (quote from the book)
Oh my goodness, I had to pry my Kindle out of my own hands, when I had to stop reading this story or be late for my appointments! Being such a busy time of the year, time was not my own and I'm very much behind. But this book was well worth it!
The book description sets up the story very well. In the first chapter alone, your heart is engaged. You are presented with an accomplished Elizabeth Bennet living with the Earl and Countess of Romsley, as their ward, along with their two sons. They are close relatives to the Darcy families. But Elizabeth doesn't feel complete. She had been banished from Longbourn at only five years of age. She was old enough to know that she wasn't wanted by her mother, but her father's betrayal was heartbreaking. How can that not impact her as she grows?
I will admit to loving the friendships between Elizabeth and her 'step-brothers' and their Darcy cousins. But there are certain adults in the family that felt she did not belong and made life uncomfortable when she was in their presence. And it all came to a head quite spectacularly. It is here where Elizabeth decides to make her own decisions.
"She was a curiosity, someone who ought to fit in like a missing piece of a puzzle, but one whose edges were not quite right." (quote from the book)
When Elizabeth does arrive at Longbourn fifteen years after being banished, it isn't the homecoming she was expecting. I was gutted for her. I would choke up right along with her. This was an extremely emotional and poignant journey. She was an obstinate headstrong girl at times but she was ever hopeful. It seemed she was always on the outside looking in. And Mr. Darcy had his own journey to travel in order to reach his own epiphany and pursue the woman he loved.
I love these 'outside-the box' vagaries that give a twist to Elizabeth's upbringing. This one completely captured my attention and my heart. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2023
I knew Marin would destroy my peace
>>SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature topics and sexual innuendo
>>Angst Level: heart-gripping, high-octane angst with a lit candle nearby. Yeah, it was explosive at times
>>Source: I received an ARC via Booksprout [12-4-22]. This is an honest review. Ebook estimated publication date [1-9-23].
>>Cover ART: look at those colors. That girl is caught between two worlds and estates. Where does she belong? She’s at one place and longing for another. Who is she and who is her family?
>>Trope: [1] friends to lovers’ variation: [2] Lady Anne was still alive: [3] the NSN [not-so-nice] trope: that included EVERYONE in the Bennet family, Lady Catherine [of course], Lady Anne was a mini-Lady Catherine if you can imagine. OMG! Those sisters nearly gave their brother, the Earl, apoplexy. I nearly had apoplexy.
“All parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repair.” –Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven
As the blurb described, Elizabeth was sent away at a young age. I was horrified by the reason and the child Lizzy simply did not understand why her mother didn’t like or want her and why her father didn’t stand up for her. The reader would only learn Elizabeth’s history as she did. This poor child was similar to foster care children. She didn’t understand why she was removed from her home, why she couldn’t go back or had to be apart from what was familiar.
“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you, without flinching—they are your family.” –Jim Butcher
I knew going in that Lucy Marin was going to destroy my peace. Yep, this author likes to grab the heart, rip it out of the chest, squeeze it really hard, and then put it back. Dang. I may have nightmares over this story. Seriously, I hated most of the people, tolerated a few, and absolutely loved and adored the rest. How does Marin do that? I also had to adjust to Lord Fitzwilliam’s estate being called Romsley instead of Matlock. I know fandom can call it whatever they want but sometimes a name sticks. That made my brain hurt at first. Then we had the angst and struggles of friends to lovers trying to find their way to happiness. Help us all! The sun certainly did not shine for a greater part of this story. In fact, it stormed with thunder, lightning, and hail. Poor Elizabeth was right in the middle of a cyclone of feelings and emotions trying to keep her sanity.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” –Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
I can’t even begin to describe the Bennet family. OMG! The others, don’t even get me started. Poor Elizabeth just wanted a family. She had fantasized that the Bennet family was all she could ever want. They were her blood relatives. They were her family and she would return to them and her life would be complete. Yeah, that sounded good in the dark of night and in her dreams; however, in the light of day and reality, it was not what she thought. Far from it. OMG! I hated every single one of them. My bloodlust was up.
“The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologizing for our families.” –Jay McInerney, The Last of the Savages
There were many friendships that were such a support for Elizabeth. She simply fell through the cracks until everyone realized she did belong to them. Finally, Elizabeth found her true family and chose to be happy. It was too long in coming. I was beginning to despair.
“There is no such thing as a ‘broken family.’ Family is family and is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and adoption documents. Families are made in the heart. The only time family becomes null is when those ties in the heart are cut. If you cut those ties, those people are not your family. If you make those ties, those people are your family. And if you hate those ties, those people will still be your family because whatever you hate will always be with you.” –C. JoyBell C.
>>SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature topics and sexual innuendo
>>Angst Level: heart-gripping, high-octane angst with a lit candle nearby. Yeah, it was explosive at times
>>Source: I received an ARC via Booksprout [12-4-22]. This is an honest review. Ebook estimated publication date [1-9-23].
>>Cover ART: look at those colors. That girl is caught between two worlds and estates. Where does she belong? She’s at one place and longing for another. Who is she and who is her family?
>>Trope: [1] friends to lovers’ variation: [2] Lady Anne was still alive: [3] the NSN [not-so-nice] trope: that included EVERYONE in the Bennet family, Lady Catherine [of course], Lady Anne was a mini-Lady Catherine if you can imagine. OMG! Those sisters nearly gave their brother, the Earl, apoplexy. I nearly had apoplexy.
“All parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repair.” –Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven
As the blurb described, Elizabeth was sent away at a young age. I was horrified by the reason and the child Lizzy simply did not understand why her mother didn’t like or want her and why her father didn’t stand up for her. The reader would only learn Elizabeth’s history as she did. This poor child was similar to foster care children. She didn’t understand why she was removed from her home, why she couldn’t go back or had to be apart from what was familiar.
“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you, without flinching—they are your family.” –Jim Butcher
I knew going in that Lucy Marin was going to destroy my peace. Yep, this author likes to grab the heart, rip it out of the chest, squeeze it really hard, and then put it back. Dang. I may have nightmares over this story. Seriously, I hated most of the people, tolerated a few, and absolutely loved and adored the rest. How does Marin do that? I also had to adjust to Lord Fitzwilliam’s estate being called Romsley instead of Matlock. I know fandom can call it whatever they want but sometimes a name sticks. That made my brain hurt at first. Then we had the angst and struggles of friends to lovers trying to find their way to happiness. Help us all! The sun certainly did not shine for a greater part of this story. In fact, it stormed with thunder, lightning, and hail. Poor Elizabeth was right in the middle of a cyclone of feelings and emotions trying to keep her sanity.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” –Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
I can’t even begin to describe the Bennet family. OMG! The others, don’t even get me started. Poor Elizabeth just wanted a family. She had fantasized that the Bennet family was all she could ever want. They were her blood relatives. They were her family and she would return to them and her life would be complete. Yeah, that sounded good in the dark of night and in her dreams; however, in the light of day and reality, it was not what she thought. Far from it. OMG! I hated every single one of them. My bloodlust was up.
“The capacity for friendship is God’s way of apologizing for our families.” –Jay McInerney, The Last of the Savages
There were many friendships that were such a support for Elizabeth. She simply fell through the cracks until everyone realized she did belong to them. Finally, Elizabeth found her true family and chose to be happy. It was too long in coming. I was beginning to despair.
“There is no such thing as a ‘broken family.’ Family is family and is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and adoption documents. Families are made in the heart. The only time family becomes null is when those ties in the heart are cut. If you cut those ties, those people are not your family. If you make those ties, those people are your family. And if you hate those ties, those people will still be your family because whatever you hate will always be with you.” –C. JoyBell C.
January 19, 2023
Toute la famille
“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.”
― Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society
Expect some new Darcy family relations and a Fitzwilliam foster family for Elizabeth when she is banished from Longbourn at the age of five because Mrs Bennet did not care for her. She is sent to live with the dowager countess, Lady Romley (Fitzwilliam), a childhood friend of her paternal grandmother, and mother to Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The latter two did not like her and worried Elizabeth would one day “take advantage of her good fortune in living amongst them”, because they saw her as inferior to their society and a threat to their plan to have their own children marry.
When the dowager countess dies, at the age of ten Elizabeth becomes a ward of the Earl and Countess of Romsley, parents to Col. Fitzwilliam and Viscount Bramwell. The senior Mr Darcy wanted her to live at Pemberley, but Lady Anne refused.
There is a tight Darcy/Fitzwilliam bond between all the cousins and Elizabeth. Rebecca (daughter to Mr. Darcy senior’s brother) and Elizabeth are sisters of the heart, and Colonel Fitzwilliam and Viscount Bramwell are as brothers to their foster sister. Darcy and Elizabeth have always been friends, with the extended family visits throughout the years.
Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine provide the angst in this book as Elizabeth approaches her majority. They want Darcy to marry Anne de Bourgh and are determined to make it happen. Elizabeth escapes to Longbourn, seeking refuge with her Bennet family and hoping to know her true parents and sisters, especially Jane, who held Elizabeth’s strongest memories as a little girl. A life without Elizabeth most of her life resulted in a Jane more influenced by Mrs. Bennet—not exactly a mean girl, but not altogether nice either, especially towards Elizabeth. She is also often mortified by the conduct of her mother and sisters.
Darcy and the cousins come to know her location and try to convince her to return to the family who loves her. Elizabeth isn’t yet convinced of the truth of that and she determines to make her own decisions from now on. She will come to see that blood ties do not necessarily define the true meaning of a loving family.
A favourite author, Ms. Marin once again provides a different story for her audience in this friends to lovers vagary. I absolutely loved the Darcy/Fitzwilliam family dynamic. I loved to hate Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine. Darcy is wonderful throughout in his loyalty and support of Elizabeth, especially when he discovers his mother’s deceit. He is also not afraid to remind Lady Anne who the Master of Pemberley is either. The bond of friendship and family among the three male cousins is true and often diverting. They help Darcy along in coming to realize his love for Elizabeth extends beyond friendship—Elizabeth has long loved him.
I was riveted to this memorable and compelling read. I wished I could reach into the pages and hug Elizabeth myself, as she yearned to be wanted and loved, searching for a real home. The writing is fluid, has good dialogue and an evocative plot. The character portrayals are excellent—the good people and the baddies. I loved it all, and highly recommend it.
Clean content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I will definitely be purchasing the published version for my Kindle library, and hope for an audiobook version too.
January 18, 2023 - Audiobook
It’s difficult to find new adjectives that describe my admiration for the work of Stevie Zimmerman. Do listen—never a disappointment.
“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.”
― Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society
Expect some new Darcy family relations and a Fitzwilliam foster family for Elizabeth when she is banished from Longbourn at the age of five because Mrs Bennet did not care for her. She is sent to live with the dowager countess, Lady Romley (Fitzwilliam), a childhood friend of her paternal grandmother, and mother to Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The latter two did not like her and worried Elizabeth would one day “take advantage of her good fortune in living amongst them”, because they saw her as inferior to their society and a threat to their plan to have their own children marry.
When the dowager countess dies, at the age of ten Elizabeth becomes a ward of the Earl and Countess of Romsley, parents to Col. Fitzwilliam and Viscount Bramwell. The senior Mr Darcy wanted her to live at Pemberley, but Lady Anne refused.
There is a tight Darcy/Fitzwilliam bond between all the cousins and Elizabeth. Rebecca (daughter to Mr. Darcy senior’s brother) and Elizabeth are sisters of the heart, and Colonel Fitzwilliam and Viscount Bramwell are as brothers to their foster sister. Darcy and Elizabeth have always been friends, with the extended family visits throughout the years.
Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine provide the angst in this book as Elizabeth approaches her majority. They want Darcy to marry Anne de Bourgh and are determined to make it happen. Elizabeth escapes to Longbourn, seeking refuge with her Bennet family and hoping to know her true parents and sisters, especially Jane, who held Elizabeth’s strongest memories as a little girl. A life without Elizabeth most of her life resulted in a Jane more influenced by Mrs. Bennet—not exactly a mean girl, but not altogether nice either, especially towards Elizabeth. She is also often mortified by the conduct of her mother and sisters.
Darcy and the cousins come to know her location and try to convince her to return to the family who loves her. Elizabeth isn’t yet convinced of the truth of that and she determines to make her own decisions from now on. She will come to see that blood ties do not necessarily define the true meaning of a loving family.
A favourite author, Ms. Marin once again provides a different story for her audience in this friends to lovers vagary. I absolutely loved the Darcy/Fitzwilliam family dynamic. I loved to hate Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine. Darcy is wonderful throughout in his loyalty and support of Elizabeth, especially when he discovers his mother’s deceit. He is also not afraid to remind Lady Anne who the Master of Pemberley is either. The bond of friendship and family among the three male cousins is true and often diverting. They help Darcy along in coming to realize his love for Elizabeth extends beyond friendship—Elizabeth has long loved him.
I was riveted to this memorable and compelling read. I wished I could reach into the pages and hug Elizabeth myself, as she yearned to be wanted and loved, searching for a real home. The writing is fluid, has good dialogue and an evocative plot. The character portrayals are excellent—the good people and the baddies. I loved it all, and highly recommend it.
Clean content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I will definitely be purchasing the published version for my Kindle library, and hope for an audiobook version too.
January 18, 2023 - Audiobook
It’s difficult to find new adjectives that describe my admiration for the work of Stevie Zimmerman. Do listen—never a disappointment.
January 8, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Here's a book with a most fitting title. Elizabeth Bennet is a member of several families...or maybe none. It develops from a complicated and very interesting backstory.
Elizabeth's birth was a bitter disappointment to her mother, who treated her own child poorly because she was not the highly anticipated son to break the entail. Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth's grandmother saw that his wife became increasingly agitated by the five-year-old's high energy and endless curiosity. For the well-being of both mother and child, it seemed prudent to separate them...for just a while.
This is how Elizabeth ended up staying with her grandmother's dear friend, the Dowager Lady Romsley. However, the separation became permanent, as Mrs. Bennet's antipathy toward her second daughter never faded. When the dowager died, Elizabeth was moved into the Romsley family estate.
Thus, as the book begins, she is part of the Fitzwilliam-Darcy-deBourgh clan, though she's accepted by some more than others. Lord and Lady Romsley, having merely inherited responsibility for the girl, are kind but not overly warm. Lord Romsley is brother to Lady Anne Darcy (who is still alive) and Lady Catherine deBourgh. The sisters perceive Elizabeth as an unwelcome interloper who should have been sent back to her birth family years ago.
On the other hand, Elizabeth has a close sibling-like relationship with her two foster brothers - Viscount Bramwell and Colonel Fitzwilliam - as well as with their cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy. (Georgiana is absent from this particular Pride and Prejudice universe.) The Darcy family is extended here; Fitzwilliam has an aunt and uncle Darcy and a cousin, Rebecca Darcy. Those three also wholeheartedly accept Elizabeth as a full-fledged family member.
Lady Anne shares Lady Catherine's desire for her son to marry her sister's daughter, Anne deBourgh. They believe his attachment to Elizabeth threatens their plans. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy do go beyond friendship, but she accepts that her origins make her an unacceptable bride.
Circumstances put her into Lady Catherine's power. The lady swiftly acts to banish her, and Elizabeth finds her way to the Bennets, hoping to find a home where she truly belongs.
Sadly, Mrs. Bennet still is just plain wacko when it comes to her second daughter. And the effects of Elizabeth's long absence from Longbourn are evident, particularly in her father and elder sister. Mr. Bennet is even more detached from the rest of his family than in canon. Jane's sweet, gentle personality is marred by a nasty streak of vanity instilled by her mother. She believes every man cannot fail to fall in love with her simply because of her beauty. When eligible gentlemen at Netherfield are more attentive to Elizabeth (because Elizabeth has a prior acquaintance with them), Jane doesn't handle it well.
Love this unique storyline! Although the Darcy-and-Elizabeth plot is a primary focus, other subplots and romances nicely interweave through and around it. The characters are believable - I really enjoyed the bantering dialogue between cousins and siblings. Overall quality of the writing and editing is quite high.
I do have to mention some details that bugged me. When Elizabeth returns to Longbourn, no one shows much curiosity about why she's there or how long she'll be staying. Doesn't seem possible. Also, I realize that Mrs. Bennet is insanely irrational, but she subsequently had three other daughters after Elizabeth. I can't imagine that Lydia would have been a less energetic child than Elizabeth. Why the negative fixation on only one of her five daughters? Lastly, I wanted some explanation for Mr. Bennet's apparent change of attitude in a letter that's received near the book's end.
Otherwise, this is a great book that develops a wonderfully creative premise around the theme of what constitutes a family. Content is clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here's a book with a most fitting title. Elizabeth Bennet is a member of several families...or maybe none. It develops from a complicated and very interesting backstory.
Elizabeth's birth was a bitter disappointment to her mother, who treated her own child poorly because she was not the highly anticipated son to break the entail. Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth's grandmother saw that his wife became increasingly agitated by the five-year-old's high energy and endless curiosity. For the well-being of both mother and child, it seemed prudent to separate them...for just a while.
This is how Elizabeth ended up staying with her grandmother's dear friend, the Dowager Lady Romsley. However, the separation became permanent, as Mrs. Bennet's antipathy toward her second daughter never faded. When the dowager died, Elizabeth was moved into the Romsley family estate.
Thus, as the book begins, she is part of the Fitzwilliam-Darcy-deBourgh clan, though she's accepted by some more than others. Lord and Lady Romsley, having merely inherited responsibility for the girl, are kind but not overly warm. Lord Romsley is brother to Lady Anne Darcy (who is still alive) and Lady Catherine deBourgh. The sisters perceive Elizabeth as an unwelcome interloper who should have been sent back to her birth family years ago.
On the other hand, Elizabeth has a close sibling-like relationship with her two foster brothers - Viscount Bramwell and Colonel Fitzwilliam - as well as with their cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy. (Georgiana is absent from this particular Pride and Prejudice universe.) The Darcy family is extended here; Fitzwilliam has an aunt and uncle Darcy and a cousin, Rebecca Darcy. Those three also wholeheartedly accept Elizabeth as a full-fledged family member.
Lady Anne shares Lady Catherine's desire for her son to marry her sister's daughter, Anne deBourgh. They believe his attachment to Elizabeth threatens their plans. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy do go beyond friendship, but she accepts that her origins make her an unacceptable bride.
Circumstances put her into Lady Catherine's power. The lady swiftly acts to banish her, and Elizabeth finds her way to the Bennets, hoping to find a home where she truly belongs.
Sadly, Mrs. Bennet still is just plain wacko when it comes to her second daughter. And the effects of Elizabeth's long absence from Longbourn are evident, particularly in her father and elder sister. Mr. Bennet is even more detached from the rest of his family than in canon. Jane's sweet, gentle personality is marred by a nasty streak of vanity instilled by her mother. She believes every man cannot fail to fall in love with her simply because of her beauty. When eligible gentlemen at Netherfield are more attentive to Elizabeth (because Elizabeth has a prior acquaintance with them), Jane doesn't handle it well.
Love this unique storyline! Although the Darcy-and-Elizabeth plot is a primary focus, other subplots and romances nicely interweave through and around it. The characters are believable - I really enjoyed the bantering dialogue between cousins and siblings. Overall quality of the writing and editing is quite high.
I do have to mention some details that bugged me. When Elizabeth returns to Longbourn, no one shows much curiosity about why she's there or how long she'll be staying. Doesn't seem possible. Also, I realize that Mrs. Bennet is insanely irrational, but she subsequently had three other daughters after Elizabeth. I can't imagine that Lydia would have been a less energetic child than Elizabeth. Why the negative fixation on only one of her five daughters? Lastly, I wanted some explanation for Mr. Bennet's apparent change of attitude in a letter that's received near the book's end.
Otherwise, this is a great book that develops a wonderfully creative premise around the theme of what constitutes a family. Content is clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2023
A desperately difficult HEA to achieve
Lizzy is the ward of an older dowager. At 5, an intelligent ward is a joy, at 10 she is like family..to some. At 18 she is a young penniless woman who has less value to much of her host family than a pair of shoes. She must be removed.
Lizzy learns slowly she has no family. The Bennets are very different since was not part of their family and cannot depend on them. She has no status or champions. Will she end up a governess in India? She has no protection if not married and where she might find a husband she is despised by his family.
Well written story which was a long slog into the English society.
Well worth a careful reading. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Lizzy is the ward of an older dowager. At 5, an intelligent ward is a joy, at 10 she is like family..to some. At 18 she is a young penniless woman who has less value to much of her host family than a pair of shoes. She must be removed.
Lizzy learns slowly she has no family. The Bennets are very different since was not part of their family and cannot depend on them. She has no status or champions. Will she end up a governess in India? She has no protection if not married and where she might find a husband she is despised by his family.
Well written story which was a long slog into the English society.
Well worth a careful reading. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
February 9, 2023
Could not put it down! Fabulous!! Great unique storyline.
January 7, 2023
What can I say I haven’t read anything by this author that I haven’t loved. Elizabeth needs to know herself and where she really fits into the various families she is connected to. In some ways that true for all of us. How well we connect to the people we love may not have little to do with shared DNA. Anyone who has celebrated the modern U.S. holiday of Friendsgiving has learned that lesson. And if you have ever moved far away from your blood relations and had to create a new tribe you know how that works.
There is an HEA for ODC so Elizabeth learns where she fits and that she most assuredly fits with Darcy.
Highly recommend
I received an Advance Reader Copy , my views are my own.
There is an HEA for ODC so Elizabeth learns where she fits and that she most assuredly fits with Darcy.
Highly recommend
I received an Advance Reader Copy , my views are my own.
January 10, 2023
This is an Everybody-Hates-Lizzy book which is not my favorite trope but it is competently written and engaging and well worth the time if you are in the mood for a book in which just about everyone Elizabeth meets treats her like Cinderella rolling in the ashes. They are either jealous because she is a better person, dismissive because she is of lower status, or both.
On the first pages we learn that Elizabeth is in love with Darcy, in an unrequited manner, as he is determined to marry some well-dowered daughter of the nobility or another. Thereafter we are treated to a story about everyone who was hateful to Elizabeth. First of all, the Bennets who sent her away when she was five years old, to live with strangers. Darcy's grandmother, the dowager countess of Romsley, was a friend of Elizabeth's grandmother. She wasn't evil but she is dead now. Lady Anne and Lady Catherine hate Elizabeth because she's not Anne DeBourgh and because Darcy likes her. Georgiana is not alive in this universe. Bingley's sisters are rude to her because Darcy likes her. When Lady Catherine attempts to send Elizabeth abroad as a governess she returns to Longbourn. The Bennets are worse than in the canon, Jane included, (is this because Elizabeth was gone? we wonder) and Elizabeth never feels at home with them. Bingley's sisters continue to be rude to her when Bingley leases Netherfield. Then there's Wickham who has been scaring her in the past and plans to continue to do so. There were a few people in the Darcy-Fitzwilliam family who were never hateful to her and who genuinely care for her but she is stubborn and hurt and refuses to return with them as she has been dependent on the whims of others for all of her life and wants to gain more power to direct her own life. Darcy is somewhat slow to realize what she means to him but when he does he needs to figure out if his mother and Elizabeth could ever reconcile enough for him to keep them both in his life. Elizabeth needs to figure out who her true family are, whose friendly overtures can be trusted and whether she owes anything to those who have been less than kind.
Steam level: Kissing.
I received a free copy of this story and this is a voluntary review.
On the first pages we learn that Elizabeth is in love with Darcy, in an unrequited manner, as he is determined to marry some well-dowered daughter of the nobility or another. Thereafter we are treated to a story about everyone who was hateful to Elizabeth. First of all, the Bennets who sent her away when she was five years old, to live with strangers. Darcy's grandmother, the dowager countess of Romsley, was a friend of Elizabeth's grandmother. She wasn't evil but she is dead now. Lady Anne and Lady Catherine hate Elizabeth because she's not Anne DeBourgh and because Darcy likes her. Georgiana is not alive in this universe. Bingley's sisters are rude to her because Darcy likes her. When Lady Catherine attempts to send Elizabeth abroad as a governess she returns to Longbourn. The Bennets are worse than in the canon, Jane included, (is this because Elizabeth was gone? we wonder) and Elizabeth never feels at home with them. Bingley's sisters continue to be rude to her when Bingley leases Netherfield. Then there's Wickham who has been scaring her in the past and plans to continue to do so. There were a few people in the Darcy-Fitzwilliam family who were never hateful to her and who genuinely care for her but she is stubborn and hurt and refuses to return with them as she has been dependent on the whims of others for all of her life and wants to gain more power to direct her own life. Darcy is somewhat slow to realize what she means to him but when he does he needs to figure out if his mother and Elizabeth could ever reconcile enough for him to keep them both in his life. Elizabeth needs to figure out who her true family are, whose friendly overtures can be trusted and whether she owes anything to those who have been less than kind.
Steam level: Kissing.
I received a free copy of this story and this is a voluntary review.
December 29, 2022
This is a captivating and interesting story. Elizabeth is sent away from Longbourn at age 5 and by age 10 becomes the ward of the Earl and Countess of Romsley and foster sister to the Fitzwilliam brothers—Colonel F and his brother Viscount Bramwell. She also grows up as a friend of Darcy’s and a near sister to Darcy’s cousin Rebecca. In this variation, Darcy’s mother is alive and is basically a mini Lady Catherine, never accepting Elizabeth and making her life difficult. When Elizabeth returns to Longbourn she doesn’t find a warm welcome. Even Jane is much changed. Wickham is dealt with speedily, for which I was grateful, and there is no Georgiana. I enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam and his older brother very much, and the way they helped Darcy realize his feelings for Elizabeth went beyond friendship. I loved seeing a caring, solicitous Darcy who stood his ground.
I received an advanced copy through Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review.
I received an advanced copy through Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review.
June 22, 2024
It Is a Truth Universally Acknowledged That a Daughter Should Feel Wanted and Beloved by Her Family
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Because of Mrs. Bennet’s intolerance and mistreatment of her second inquisitive daughter, Elizabeth Bennet was sent to live away from home for period when she was just five. But what was expected to be a removal of a short duration, ended up being a semi-permanent one. Now fifteen years later Elizabeth is questioning where does she belong and does she have any family that wants her…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Inventive Premise: Lucy Marin dreams up quite a creative “growing up not a Bennet” storyline. And it is one that feels plausible because we can easily believe a stressed and unhappy Mrs. Bennet could have greater animosity towards her least favorite daughter, and a lazy Mr. Bennet could have greater apathy for his role as father. It was interesting to explore Elizabeth growing up with other families we readers are familiar with – the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys – and seeing how the change in environment shapes Elizabeth’s character.
- Seeking Her Home: To crank up the tension and emotional turmoil of this tale, Ms. Marin places Elizabeth in a situation where she feels isolated and unwanted by both her foster family and her blood relations. She reaches a very low point when some relations maliciously try to remove her from their family circle against her will. Full of doubts, negative memories, and despondency – Elizabeth strives to seek any place where she feels she belongs. This was such a moving emotional journey for our Elizabeth. Her feelings and the deep heartache she experiences were well-represented and tangibly felt.
- Foster Brothers and Cousins: While the older generation may hold Elizabeth at a distance, her younger relations fully accept and embrace her as one of their own. I absolutely loved these relationships for our dear girl – especially when Elizabeth’s foster brothers and male cousin are together. Imagine having three older, protective men looking out and fussing over her! Their devotion and concern for Elizabeth was so pleasing to witness. I especially loved when all three are together venting their worries about her.
- Cousin Darcy: Here is a big change in dynamics! Elizabeth grew up in his family circle – they are playmates, friends, cousins. How do they become anything more? While Elizabeth has secretly given her heart to Mr. Darcy years ago, Mr. Darcy is still determined to fulfill his familial duty of finding a well-connected and wealthy bride. And yet, he adores his “cousin” Elizabeth, he values all her attributes, and feels more joy when he is around her… I loved seeing Mr. Darcy realize his true feelings for Elizabeth and begin to act on them. She does not make it easy for him, and I appreciated seeing Mr. Darcy proceed with patience, understanding, and compassion.
- Minus Lizzy: It was interesting to witness what becomes of the Bennets without Elizabeth around. How does the lack of her presence effect them? As you might guess…they are not better for it. Especially Jane – her character deviations – while extremely plausible – were sad to see. She needs Elizbeth’s strength to prevent her from conforming to her mother’s dictates.
- Plus Lady Anne: And here is another interesting dynamic to explore – how does Lady Anne still being alive change anything? Does she completely conform to her sister’s dictates? How does her relationship with her son progress when she pushes for him to marry Anne de Bourgh? What will her actions be when she discovers his affections and wishes lie elsewhere?
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
More: I loved the complicated emotional journeys these characters went on, and wouldn’t have minded seeing more intricacies and details of these relationships play out – such as Darcy and Elizabeth moving from friends to lovers and the Romsley’s repairing their damaged relationship with Elizabeth and making her their true daughter.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🥰 Finding family and happiness amidst betrayal, neglect, abandonment, and unkind treatment.
❤️🩹 A poignant tale of Elizabeth learning to work through her emotional trauma and feelings of neglect.
🫶🏼 A beautiful romance between two friends who share a multitude of experiences together, yet belatedly discover the important place each has in their lives.
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Because of Mrs. Bennet’s intolerance and mistreatment of her second inquisitive daughter, Elizabeth Bennet was sent to live away from home for period when she was just five. But what was expected to be a removal of a short duration, ended up being a semi-permanent one. Now fifteen years later Elizabeth is questioning where does she belong and does she have any family that wants her…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Inventive Premise: Lucy Marin dreams up quite a creative “growing up not a Bennet” storyline. And it is one that feels plausible because we can easily believe a stressed and unhappy Mrs. Bennet could have greater animosity towards her least favorite daughter, and a lazy Mr. Bennet could have greater apathy for his role as father. It was interesting to explore Elizabeth growing up with other families we readers are familiar with – the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys – and seeing how the change in environment shapes Elizabeth’s character.
- Seeking Her Home: To crank up the tension and emotional turmoil of this tale, Ms. Marin places Elizabeth in a situation where she feels isolated and unwanted by both her foster family and her blood relations. She reaches a very low point when some relations maliciously try to remove her from their family circle against her will. Full of doubts, negative memories, and despondency – Elizabeth strives to seek any place where she feels she belongs. This was such a moving emotional journey for our Elizabeth. Her feelings and the deep heartache she experiences were well-represented and tangibly felt.
- Foster Brothers and Cousins: While the older generation may hold Elizabeth at a distance, her younger relations fully accept and embrace her as one of their own. I absolutely loved these relationships for our dear girl – especially when Elizabeth’s foster brothers and male cousin are together. Imagine having three older, protective men looking out and fussing over her! Their devotion and concern for Elizabeth was so pleasing to witness. I especially loved when all three are together venting their worries about her.
- Cousin Darcy: Here is a big change in dynamics! Elizabeth grew up in his family circle – they are playmates, friends, cousins. How do they become anything more? While Elizabeth has secretly given her heart to Mr. Darcy years ago, Mr. Darcy is still determined to fulfill his familial duty of finding a well-connected and wealthy bride. And yet, he adores his “cousin” Elizabeth, he values all her attributes, and feels more joy when he is around her… I loved seeing Mr. Darcy realize his true feelings for Elizabeth and begin to act on them. She does not make it easy for him, and I appreciated seeing Mr. Darcy proceed with patience, understanding, and compassion.
- Minus Lizzy: It was interesting to witness what becomes of the Bennets without Elizabeth around. How does the lack of her presence effect them? As you might guess…they are not better for it. Especially Jane – her character deviations – while extremely plausible – were sad to see. She needs Elizbeth’s strength to prevent her from conforming to her mother’s dictates.
- Plus Lady Anne: And here is another interesting dynamic to explore – how does Lady Anne still being alive change anything? Does she completely conform to her sister’s dictates? How does her relationship with her son progress when she pushes for him to marry Anne de Bourgh? What will her actions be when she discovers his affections and wishes lie elsewhere?
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
More: I loved the complicated emotional journeys these characters went on, and wouldn’t have minded seeing more intricacies and details of these relationships play out – such as Darcy and Elizabeth moving from friends to lovers and the Romsley’s repairing their damaged relationship with Elizabeth and making her their true daughter.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🥰 Finding family and happiness amidst betrayal, neglect, abandonment, and unkind treatment.
❤️🩹 A poignant tale of Elizabeth learning to work through her emotional trauma and feelings of neglect.
🫶🏼 A beautiful romance between two friends who share a multitude of experiences together, yet belatedly discover the important place each has in their lives.
Austenesque Reviews
February 22, 2023
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Elizabeth Bennet was sent to stay with the Dowager Countess Romesley at the age of five. It was meant to be for a few months, until her mother delivered the heir to Longbourn.
Mrs Bennet was often spiteful to Elizabeth and her pregnancy made her even worse.
However, the invitation to return never came and her family never visited.
Elizabeth came to know the Countess’s family; the Fitzwilliams, Darcys and de Bourghs.
Most of the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams were friendly, while some were kind but rather distant. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh viewed Elizabeth as inferior and an interloper. Her sister, Lady Anne Darcy agreed. Both were unwelcoming and unpleasant.
Mr Hugh Darcy was very kind and his son Fitzwilliam was a close friend of Elizabeth’s. As she grew older, she fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knew nothing could come of it. He was destined for a brilliant, high society match.
On one visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth is cast out by Lady Anne Darcy and sent to Lady Catherine at Rosings. She discovers that they have plotted to have her sent abroad, to get her out of the family.
Elizabeth escapes and flees to Longbourn, hoping to find a welcome.
While she tries to find her place in the Bennet family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins are frantically searching for Elizabeth.
When Darcy finds her, he realises that he loves her. But will his mother’s perfidy and venom be a permanent obstacle to their happiness?
This is a tumultuous story, with poor Elizabeth feeling like nobody wants her. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins, Viscount Bramwell and Colonel Fitzwilliam are stalwart friends, who value Elizabeth for the person she is rather than her place in society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Elizabeth Bennet was sent to stay with the Dowager Countess Romesley at the age of five. It was meant to be for a few months, until her mother delivered the heir to Longbourn.
Mrs Bennet was often spiteful to Elizabeth and her pregnancy made her even worse.
However, the invitation to return never came and her family never visited.
Elizabeth came to know the Countess’s family; the Fitzwilliams, Darcys and de Bourghs.
Most of the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams were friendly, while some were kind but rather distant. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh viewed Elizabeth as inferior and an interloper. Her sister, Lady Anne Darcy agreed. Both were unwelcoming and unpleasant.
Mr Hugh Darcy was very kind and his son Fitzwilliam was a close friend of Elizabeth’s. As she grew older, she fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knew nothing could come of it. He was destined for a brilliant, high society match.
On one visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth is cast out by Lady Anne Darcy and sent to Lady Catherine at Rosings. She discovers that they have plotted to have her sent abroad, to get her out of the family.
Elizabeth escapes and flees to Longbourn, hoping to find a welcome.
While she tries to find her place in the Bennet family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins are frantically searching for Elizabeth.
When Darcy finds her, he realises that he loves her. But will his mother’s perfidy and venom be a permanent obstacle to their happiness?
This is a tumultuous story, with poor Elizabeth feeling like nobody wants her. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins, Viscount Bramwell and Colonel Fitzwilliam are stalwart friends, who value Elizabeth for the person she is rather than her place in society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
What I liked:
- Elizabeth’s heartbreaking journey in discovering her true home
- Darcy protecting and advocating for Elizabeth (even before realizing he wants her as a wife)
What I disliked:
- I did not understand how cruel the Bennets could be towards Elizabeth who was sent away at the age of 5.
- There is no sisterly love between Elizabeth and Jane. Jane is not evil. She is simply too shallow for any true friendship to prosper between the sisters.
- Elizabeth’s heartbreaking journey in discovering her true home
- Darcy protecting and advocating for Elizabeth (even before realizing he wants her as a wife)
What I disliked:
- I did not understand how cruel the Bennets could be towards Elizabeth who was sent away at the age of 5.
- There is no sisterly love between Elizabeth and Jane. Jane is not evil. She is simply too shallow for any true friendship to prosper between the sisters.
February 3, 2023
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Truth About Family changes the events of Pride & Prejudice considerably as Elizabeth Bennet is banished from Longbourn at a young age and sent to live with the Fitzwilliams, a family she doesn’t know, at Romsley estate. She is welcomed in this household and grows up with Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins whom she considers as foster brothers, but the feeling of not belonging doesn’t seem to disappear from her soul.
The story begins when Elizabeth is 20 years old and Lady Catherine, along with her sister Anne Darcy, who is still alive in this variation, plot to separate Elizabeth from the remaining family members. Being thrown away from both Pemberley and Rosings Park, and having no one to turn to, Elizabeth decides to go back to Longbourn to a family she doesn’t know and with whom she hardly had any contact through the years. She is shocked with the behavior her family demonstrates and the lack of affection they have for her, but after a brief separation she reunites with Fitzwilliam Darcy and is reminded of where she belongs and how much she is loved.
This book doesn’t follow canon, but I admit that even if I had a quibble with the idea of Elizabeth being sent away, I did enjoy the new possibilities this change brought to the story. I enjoyed all the new characters the author created, such as Rebecca, and all the relationships that were developed between Darcy’s family members. They formed a united front of friends who would do everything to help each other, and I found this camaraderie encouraging.
Another aspect I really enjoyed in this book was the unexpected evilness of some characters, or better said, imperfections. We are used to seeing specific characters as kind and loving people, but in this variation some of them are petty, jealous, and even self-absorbed and unfeeling. I loved this change in these characters because of its uniqueness. There isn’t anything more boring than a flawless and kind character who is always the perfect, caring and good person everyone expects them to be, and Lucy Marin wrote a book without a single boring character in it 😊Seriously, she either got rid of the boring characters, or made them more interesting, which in turn made the book much more exciting.
I did, however, find it hard to believe that Elizabeth would have been sent to live with strangers at such a young age simply because her mother disliked her. Why was she more annoying to her mother then her sisters? And would any woman dislike her own child so much that she would send her away and treat her very poorly when she returned 15 years later? And even if Mr. Bennet was an indolent father, would he really allow for this to happen? Would he be so indifferent he wouldn’t even visit his child or correspond with her? And when she came back, why would they all be so mean to her?
Mrs. Bennet dislike of Elizabeth and the treatment she gave her after she was an adult was also somewhat one dimensional, it seemed like something designed to make the reader feel empathy towards Elizabeth, and I didn’t see much depth in it.
Nevertheless, the book is so well written, and Elizabeth and Darcy’s characters are so interesting that I soon forgot about these quibbles and focused only on their part of the story. I would have liked to see more romantic scenes between them in the book, but I did find the story very captivating. Lucy Marin had me reading chapter after chapter in expectation of what would come next, and I am certain this book will appeal to most austenesque readers. I do recommend it to my readers 😊
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Truth About Family changes the events of Pride & Prejudice considerably as Elizabeth Bennet is banished from Longbourn at a young age and sent to live with the Fitzwilliams, a family she doesn’t know, at Romsley estate. She is welcomed in this household and grows up with Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins whom she considers as foster brothers, but the feeling of not belonging doesn’t seem to disappear from her soul.
The story begins when Elizabeth is 20 years old and Lady Catherine, along with her sister Anne Darcy, who is still alive in this variation, plot to separate Elizabeth from the remaining family members. Being thrown away from both Pemberley and Rosings Park, and having no one to turn to, Elizabeth decides to go back to Longbourn to a family she doesn’t know and with whom she hardly had any contact through the years. She is shocked with the behavior her family demonstrates and the lack of affection they have for her, but after a brief separation she reunites with Fitzwilliam Darcy and is reminded of where she belongs and how much she is loved.
This book doesn’t follow canon, but I admit that even if I had a quibble with the idea of Elizabeth being sent away, I did enjoy the new possibilities this change brought to the story. I enjoyed all the new characters the author created, such as Rebecca, and all the relationships that were developed between Darcy’s family members. They formed a united front of friends who would do everything to help each other, and I found this camaraderie encouraging.
Another aspect I really enjoyed in this book was the unexpected evilness of some characters, or better said, imperfections. We are used to seeing specific characters as kind and loving people, but in this variation some of them are petty, jealous, and even self-absorbed and unfeeling. I loved this change in these characters because of its uniqueness. There isn’t anything more boring than a flawless and kind character who is always the perfect, caring and good person everyone expects them to be, and Lucy Marin wrote a book without a single boring character in it 😊Seriously, she either got rid of the boring characters, or made them more interesting, which in turn made the book much more exciting.
I did, however, find it hard to believe that Elizabeth would have been sent to live with strangers at such a young age simply because her mother disliked her. Why was she more annoying to her mother then her sisters? And would any woman dislike her own child so much that she would send her away and treat her very poorly when she returned 15 years later? And even if Mr. Bennet was an indolent father, would he really allow for this to happen? Would he be so indifferent he wouldn’t even visit his child or correspond with her? And when she came back, why would they all be so mean to her?
Mrs. Bennet dislike of Elizabeth and the treatment she gave her after she was an adult was also somewhat one dimensional, it seemed like something designed to make the reader feel empathy towards Elizabeth, and I didn’t see much depth in it.
Nevertheless, the book is so well written, and Elizabeth and Darcy’s characters are so interesting that I soon forgot about these quibbles and focused only on their part of the story. I would have liked to see more romantic scenes between them in the book, but I did find the story very captivating. Lucy Marin had me reading chapter after chapter in expectation of what would come next, and I am certain this book will appeal to most austenesque readers. I do recommend it to my readers 😊
January 9, 2023
Elizabeth Bennet, was forced to leave her family at the age of five and was raised by relatives of Mr. Darcy, being accepted by all except Lady Catherine, Anne de Bourgh and Lady Anne.
Affected by the actions of some of Darcy's relatives, after fifteen years, she returns to live with the Bennets.
Though she was well cared for and given a good education, she sees herself as a liability to the Fitzwilliam/Darcy families. At the same time, no matter how hard she tries, she does not fit in with her original family, the Bennets and living with then proves to be extremely difficult.
At various times, Elizabeth's feelings of hurt, rejection and inadequacy in relation to people from both groups are great and very well expressed in the book.
Elizabeth and Darcy have a friendship built over the years and some other deeper feelings, at times suffocated or unrecognized and which are greatly affected by their interactions with their family members.
The author delivers a captivating text to the reader who does not see time pass.
Affected by the actions of some of Darcy's relatives, after fifteen years, she returns to live with the Bennets.
Though she was well cared for and given a good education, she sees herself as a liability to the Fitzwilliam/Darcy families. At the same time, no matter how hard she tries, she does not fit in with her original family, the Bennets and living with then proves to be extremely difficult.
At various times, Elizabeth's feelings of hurt, rejection and inadequacy in relation to people from both groups are great and very well expressed in the book.
Elizabeth and Darcy have a friendship built over the years and some other deeper feelings, at times suffocated or unrecognized and which are greatly affected by their interactions with their family members.
The author delivers a captivating text to the reader who does not see time pass.
January 14, 2023
3.5 rounded up. I was nervous about this book after reading the reviews. I do not love deeply angsty books; they tend to bleed their tension into me and I become not pleasant to be around. But I was intrigued, I can't lie.
I love the adopted Elizabeth trope, whether she's not a Bennet and finds her real family or is a Bennet but raised by others. This book falls into the latter category, which hasnt been done a lot. At 5 yrs old, E is sent away from Longbourn becuz MrsB cant stand her and is distressed by E's curiosity and liveliness and there is worry for the baby she is carrying. So, E goes to stay w a dowager countess friend of her grandmother's for a short time. Only, they never send for her again and she ends up being raised by the Fitzwilliam family. They are all loving and accepting of her--if a little dismissive--except Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh who hate her and want her gone.
Eventually, they act to remove her but she escapes and decides to return to the Bennets on her own to see if she can find a sense of belonging there. Unfortunately, after 15 years away, they don't know her, she doesn't know them and their manners are appalling to her. I loved the take on Jane.
So, I stayed up until 3:30am to finish this and, I've gotta say, not worth it. I enjoyed the story, I loved the relationship between E and Darcy, and her adoptive brothers, Col Fitzwilliam and the viscount. What I did not like was the rationalizations the author used. E stays at Longbourn for 3 months and is absolutely miserable, but gives little reason for doing so. Even after D and her brothers come to Meryton and beg her to return with them, she refuses, even though she wants to leave! There is the very flimsy reasoning of "I'm trying to establish a connection w my *real* family!" Even though they are cruel, dismissive, and jealous of her and clearly want her to leave. She cries herself to sleep on several occasions wishing for the life she left behind yet, still she refuses to leave! It felt as though the author wanted to draw out the angst of E being at LB but couldn't think of a valid reason for it, so just keeps saying that E can't even explain to herself why she feels the need to stay. It was frustrating.
And then there is the reasoning behind why Lady Anne Darcy hates E so much. I won't give it away, but I hated it. When E came to live w this family, LA had recently delivered a stillborn daughter (Georgiana is not in this book) and resents this happy, healthy little girl that her entire family, including her husband adores. If the author had left it at that, I would have been satisfied, but she says this is only a small part of her animosity. But the main reason for her hatred is kind of absurd and, in my opinion, cheapened LA's having lost her daughter! And it was built up so much that when I reached the climax, I felt incredibly let down.
This book is well-written and I didn't notice any grammatical errors or typos. Ms Marin is a talented writer and there were several instances where I was holding back tears from the emotions expressed. I only wish the meat of the story had been better.
I love the adopted Elizabeth trope, whether she's not a Bennet and finds her real family or is a Bennet but raised by others. This book falls into the latter category, which hasnt been done a lot. At 5 yrs old, E is sent away from Longbourn becuz MrsB cant stand her and is distressed by E's curiosity and liveliness and there is worry for the baby she is carrying. So, E goes to stay w a dowager countess friend of her grandmother's for a short time. Only, they never send for her again and she ends up being raised by the Fitzwilliam family. They are all loving and accepting of her--if a little dismissive--except Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine de Bourgh who hate her and want her gone.
Eventually, they act to remove her but she escapes and decides to return to the Bennets on her own to see if she can find a sense of belonging there. Unfortunately, after 15 years away, they don't know her, she doesn't know them and their manners are appalling to her. I loved the take on Jane.
So, I stayed up until 3:30am to finish this and, I've gotta say, not worth it. I enjoyed the story, I loved the relationship between E and Darcy, and her adoptive brothers, Col Fitzwilliam and the viscount. What I did not like was the rationalizations the author used. E stays at Longbourn for 3 months and is absolutely miserable, but gives little reason for doing so. Even after D and her brothers come to Meryton and beg her to return with them, she refuses, even though she wants to leave! There is the very flimsy reasoning of "I'm trying to establish a connection w my *real* family!" Even though they are cruel, dismissive, and jealous of her and clearly want her to leave. She cries herself to sleep on several occasions wishing for the life she left behind yet, still she refuses to leave! It felt as though the author wanted to draw out the angst of E being at LB but couldn't think of a valid reason for it, so just keeps saying that E can't even explain to herself why she feels the need to stay. It was frustrating.
And then there is the reasoning behind why Lady Anne Darcy hates E so much. I won't give it away, but I hated it. When E came to live w this family, LA had recently delivered a stillborn daughter (Georgiana is not in this book) and resents this happy, healthy little girl that her entire family, including her husband adores. If the author had left it at that, I would have been satisfied, but she says this is only a small part of her animosity. But the main reason for her hatred is kind of absurd and, in my opinion, cheapened LA's having lost her daughter! And it was built up so much that when I reached the climax, I felt incredibly let down.
This book is well-written and I didn't notice any grammatical errors or typos. Ms Marin is a talented writer and there were several instances where I was holding back tears from the emotions expressed. I only wish the meat of the story had been better.
January 11, 2023
SPOILERS POSSIBLE IN REVIEW
Not my favorite by this author but still very good.
This had some editing issues which are surprising in a book by this publisher. These include a then/than error, other typos and a misplaced modifier that was funny.
I enjoyed this story and the theme of finding your place in the world. I thought Elizabeth was unforgiving of Jane which I find OOC. Once Jane was away from Mrs Bennet, I wanted the two to be close. But, it’s the author’s choice, isn’t it.
I also didn’t understand the money mentioned being given to Elizabeth. Mr Darcy senior gave her 5,000 pounds but then 7,000 was mentioned.
Not my favorite by this author but still very good.
This had some editing issues which are surprising in a book by this publisher. These include a then/than error, other typos and a misplaced modifier that was funny.
I enjoyed this story and the theme of finding your place in the world. I thought Elizabeth was unforgiving of Jane which I find OOC. Once Jane was away from Mrs Bennet, I wanted the two to be close. But, it’s the author’s choice, isn’t it.
I also didn’t understand the money mentioned being given to Elizabeth. Mr Darcy senior gave her 5,000 pounds but then 7,000 was mentioned.
January 25, 2023
This is another one of those books that when you close it, you just say WOW.
Incredible story telling but oh it's an angst fest. I should have waited to reach this one when my seasonal depression isn't so bad. I've never wanted to throat punch so many characters in my life!
Incredible story telling but oh it's an angst fest. I should have waited to reach this one when my seasonal depression isn't so bad. I've never wanted to throat punch so many characters in my life!
January 26, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5.
January 11, 2023
Emotional and exquisite
Honestly Lucy Marin has joined my “must buy” author club. Every single book had had wonderful characters, and a gripping story. The emotional connection and response to the characters and their story is intense. I finished all her books in one sitting because I had to know what happened next and I didn’t want to stop until the last page. I hope she keeps writing and sharing her imaginatively and emotionally charged stories for many years to come.
Honestly Lucy Marin has joined my “must buy” author club. Every single book had had wonderful characters, and a gripping story. The emotional connection and response to the characters and their story is intense. I finished all her books in one sitting because I had to know what happened next and I didn’t want to stop until the last page. I hope she keeps writing and sharing her imaginatively and emotionally charged stories for many years to come.
July 25, 2024
We all know that writing is an art. But writing emotions is a special art in which this author excels. Especially, I love her portrayal of Elizabeth in every one of her books. She is easy to connect to and feel for and above all, love, not only for Darcy but all the readers. This book had some really despicable characters who you'd want to punch in the face but also who had such power to churn your stomach with anxiety. And you'll love every minute of it.
January 11, 2025
Interesting concept
What a difference a change in circumstances can make in a lot of people. All the families were affected and some to their detriment. An engaging story.
What a difference a change in circumstances can make in a lot of people. All the families were affected and some to their detriment. An engaging story.
January 22, 2023
Wonderful
In a bid for worst mother ever, Mrs Bennett insists that Elizabeth be sent away when she's only five years old, simply because Mrs Bennett doesn't like her. The only (lame) reason given for this is that Elizabeth is curious and inquisitive, traits that Mrs Bennett finds annoying, and, of course, Mr Bennett is too lazy to contradict her and defend his own daughter. Elizabeth's grandmother steps in and finds a home for her with Lord and Lady Romsley, who are related to the Darcys. Therefore, Darcy meets Elizabeth as a child, and she becomes like family. Colonel Fitzwilliam and his older brother, Bramwell, consider Elizabeth to be a foster sister. The only ones who object to Elizabeth being a part of the family are Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine DeBourgh, and they are two pretty awful women who are determined to make things difficult for Elizabeth, and never let her forget that she's not a blood relation.
I almost gave up on this book as being way too depressing. The strange situation of Elizabeth not returning to the Bennetts, of not really knowing who actually claimed her as family, of being shuffled around among families, and then finally of being the victim of Lady Anne's and Lady Catherine's cruel machinations, just cast a heavy pall on the whole story. To make matters worse, at this point in the plot, Darcy only has sisterly feelings for Elizabeth, while Elizabeth is starting to fall in love. Thank goodness for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bramwell, who are about the only ones who let Elizabeth know in the beginning that they want her in the family. Fortunately, this sad, Cinderella-like story becomes more cheerful about halfway into the storyline, with some glimpses of hope for Elizabeth's future.
Darcy eventually becomes wonderful, but it sure takes him a long time! Once he comes to his senses, the romance is lovely. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it if you don't mind a highly angsty story.
In a bid for worst mother ever, Mrs Bennett insists that Elizabeth be sent away when she's only five years old, simply because Mrs Bennett doesn't like her. The only (lame) reason given for this is that Elizabeth is curious and inquisitive, traits that Mrs Bennett finds annoying, and, of course, Mr Bennett is too lazy to contradict her and defend his own daughter. Elizabeth's grandmother steps in and finds a home for her with Lord and Lady Romsley, who are related to the Darcys. Therefore, Darcy meets Elizabeth as a child, and she becomes like family. Colonel Fitzwilliam and his older brother, Bramwell, consider Elizabeth to be a foster sister. The only ones who object to Elizabeth being a part of the family are Lady Anne Darcy and Lady Catherine DeBourgh, and they are two pretty awful women who are determined to make things difficult for Elizabeth, and never let her forget that she's not a blood relation.
I almost gave up on this book as being way too depressing. The strange situation of Elizabeth not returning to the Bennetts, of not really knowing who actually claimed her as family, of being shuffled around among families, and then finally of being the victim of Lady Anne's and Lady Catherine's cruel machinations, just cast a heavy pall on the whole story. To make matters worse, at this point in the plot, Darcy only has sisterly feelings for Elizabeth, while Elizabeth is starting to fall in love. Thank goodness for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bramwell, who are about the only ones who let Elizabeth know in the beginning that they want her in the family. Fortunately, this sad, Cinderella-like story becomes more cheerful about halfway into the storyline, with some glimpses of hope for Elizabeth's future.
Darcy eventually becomes wonderful, but it sure takes him a long time! Once he comes to his senses, the romance is lovely. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it if you don't mind a highly angsty story.
February 4, 2024
I Almost Gave up in Chapter One
It starts out confusing the heck out of you with all these new characters named Darcy or Fitzwilliam, no Georgiana, Lady Ann still alive and Elizabeth with all these people. I had a hard time figuring out who was who! The author did a very good job of describing the fears and feelings of not belonging as a foster child (I was one) and not fitting in back home after living a different lifestyle. Got rid of Wickham too easily gave no consequences to Mrs. Bennets and no real comeuppance to Bingley's sisters.
It starts out confusing the heck out of you with all these new characters named Darcy or Fitzwilliam, no Georgiana, Lady Ann still alive and Elizabeth with all these people. I had a hard time figuring out who was who! The author did a very good job of describing the fears and feelings of not belonging as a foster child (I was one) and not fitting in back home after living a different lifestyle. Got rid of Wickham too easily gave no consequences to Mrs. Bennets and no real comeuppance to Bingley's sisters.
January 21, 2023
oh. my. sweet. lord. I CANNOTTTT
it’s 3 am and I can’t put together a coherent review but what I WILL say is that this is one of the BEST variations I’ve read in a long, long time. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship was so beautiful even from the start but it grew even more so as the book progressed. It also says something that I was so caught up reading this that I stayed up until 3 to finish 😜
I’ve gotta say I also love it when we get to see Darcy’s family fleshed out a bit more and you get to see them interact with each other, I loved Elizabeth’s interactions with her foster brothers and seeing them interact with Darcy as well.
Highly recommend reading this, even if you aren’t a price and prejudice fan and don’t know the backstory! It deviates from canon really early on and can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. Putting this on my favorites list!!!
PG 13👌🏻
it’s 3 am and I can’t put together a coherent review but what I WILL say is that this is one of the BEST variations I’ve read in a long, long time. Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship was so beautiful even from the start but it grew even more so as the book progressed. It also says something that I was so caught up reading this that I stayed up until 3 to finish 😜
I’ve gotta say I also love it when we get to see Darcy’s family fleshed out a bit more and you get to see them interact with each other, I loved Elizabeth’s interactions with her foster brothers and seeing them interact with Darcy as well.
Highly recommend reading this, even if you aren’t a price and prejudice fan and don’t know the backstory! It deviates from canon really early on and can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. Putting this on my favorites list!!!
PG 13👌🏻
January 9, 2023
I'm endlessly fascinated by P&P variations with their what-if scenarios, but I particularly appreciate those that travel down unusual yet believable paths. The Truth About Family is especially unique because it not only changes several key variables of the original story, but specifically the presence or absence of important characters, and then demonstrates the powerful and unexpected ways in which their influence or lack thereof changes the course of the other characters' lives. Imagine, if you will, a P&P in which Darcy and Elizabeth, who is the ward of his noble relations, have known each other since childhood and Lady Anne Darcy, unfortunately too similar to her sister Lady Catherine, survives. Imagine Jane Bennet without the influence of her dearest sister. How would their lives, their temperaments, be different? This story brought to mind the film It's a Wonderful Life in that a reader familiar with the original P&P gets to see what happens when Elizabeth is a stranger to her family. A captivating story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
3.5⭐️
A good showing. I liked the emotions and feelings that were portrayed by Elizabeth about not feeling like she belonged anywhere - either with the Bennets or with the family she got sent to. And the way she made peace with herself and realized who her real family was and that it could be with those you do not share blood with.
A good showing. I liked the emotions and feelings that were portrayed by Elizabeth about not feeling like she belonged anywhere - either with the Bennets or with the family she got sent to. And the way she made peace with herself and realized who her real family was and that it could be with those you do not share blood with.
December 22, 2022
This book is a page turning story what if Elizabeth bennet was sent to be raised by the dosages countess...from her grandmother at the base of 5 the author shows a what if story where Elizabeth bennet arrives at longborn to visit this long lost family but relapses what a family she had ...it shows how the Bennets have faired without Elizabeth bennet in they're lives. ALSO WE HAVE OUT USUAL VILLIANS AS INLADY ANNE AND LADY Catherine apposed to ODC ...it's a very excellent twist between family if the heart and family by blood very well executed some editing must be done. But I loved it ..it will not disapoint!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
The bond that links your true family is not one of blood but respect and joy in each other’s life. ~ Richard Bach
I love the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” and “Elizabeth is not raised as a Bennet” stories. This is one of the latter with a variation I have not seen before: the Bennet family knows Elizabeth lives with the Romsleys; Elizabeth knows the Bennets are her birth family; the Romsleys know the Bennets and where they live. In other words, Elizabeth has not been lost, kidnapped, or stolen.
Quote from the book: She was sent to live at the Romsley family estate in Worcestershire with the dowager countess, Lady Romsley, Darcy’s grandmother. That lady was also a childhood friend of Elizabeth’s paternal grandmother, and the pair had arranged the scheme because Elizabeth’s mother did not like her and was cruel in her rejection ... In her memory, Elizabeth could hear her grandmother and father saying, ‘It is not forever. Less than a year, and you will be home again’. But Elizabeth never returned to Longbourn, and none of the Bennets ever visited her.
Time passes and the dowager countess breathes her last. The Earl and Countess of Romsley bring young Elizabeth into their home. They are kind to Elizabeth but the girl feels no respect or joy from them. She develops bonds with her Fitzwilliam foster brothers and their cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her closest friend is Rebecca, a Darcy cousin on his father’s side.
I wonder if what makes a family a family isn’t doing everything right all the time, but, instead, giving a second chance to the people you love who do things wrong. ~ Jodi Picoult
Lady Anne, still alive as the story opens, has an unpleasant relationship with Elizabeth.
Quote from the book: To five-year-old Elizabeth, she was the loveliest, most graceful woman ever, and Elizabeth was immediately drawn to her, but it was apparent she did not return the feelings.
Lady Anne’s distaste for Elizabeth increases to hostility as the little girl becomes a young woman and Fitzwilliam Darcy begins to notice her. Lady Catherine is determined that Darcy will marry her unattractive daughter and her sister agrees. The plotting begins.
Lady Catherine seizes a chance to send Elizabeth away — far, far away. Elizabeth’s escape takes her “home” to Longbourn.
What does she remember about her birth family?
Will she be friends with her sisters even though she has not met all of them?
You should never sacrifice three things: your family, your heart, or your dignity. ~ Author Unknown
This book takes a look at the whole concept of family at a time when blended families were not so common as they are today. I grieved for Elizabeth, who had two families but was not valued in either. Elizabeth must find her real family, protect her heart and keep her dignity.
Loved it!
It’s scary being loved, because life is complicated and all too often it throws you off balance by sending you the right person at the wrong time. ~ Guilaume Musso
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” and “Elizabeth is not raised as a Bennet” stories. This is one of the latter with a variation I have not seen before: the Bennet family knows Elizabeth lives with the Romsleys; Elizabeth knows the Bennets are her birth family; the Romsleys know the Bennets and where they live. In other words, Elizabeth has not been lost, kidnapped, or stolen.
Quote from the book: She was sent to live at the Romsley family estate in Worcestershire with the dowager countess, Lady Romsley, Darcy’s grandmother. That lady was also a childhood friend of Elizabeth’s paternal grandmother, and the pair had arranged the scheme because Elizabeth’s mother did not like her and was cruel in her rejection ... In her memory, Elizabeth could hear her grandmother and father saying, ‘It is not forever. Less than a year, and you will be home again’. But Elizabeth never returned to Longbourn, and none of the Bennets ever visited her.
Time passes and the dowager countess breathes her last. The Earl and Countess of Romsley bring young Elizabeth into their home. They are kind to Elizabeth but the girl feels no respect or joy from them. She develops bonds with her Fitzwilliam foster brothers and their cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her closest friend is Rebecca, a Darcy cousin on his father’s side.
I wonder if what makes a family a family isn’t doing everything right all the time, but, instead, giving a second chance to the people you love who do things wrong. ~ Jodi Picoult
Lady Anne, still alive as the story opens, has an unpleasant relationship with Elizabeth.
Quote from the book: To five-year-old Elizabeth, she was the loveliest, most graceful woman ever, and Elizabeth was immediately drawn to her, but it was apparent she did not return the feelings.
Lady Anne’s distaste for Elizabeth increases to hostility as the little girl becomes a young woman and Fitzwilliam Darcy begins to notice her. Lady Catherine is determined that Darcy will marry her unattractive daughter and her sister agrees. The plotting begins.
Lady Catherine seizes a chance to send Elizabeth away — far, far away. Elizabeth’s escape takes her “home” to Longbourn.
What does she remember about her birth family?
Will she be friends with her sisters even though she has not met all of them?
You should never sacrifice three things: your family, your heart, or your dignity. ~ Author Unknown
This book takes a look at the whole concept of family at a time when blended families were not so common as they are today. I grieved for Elizabeth, who had two families but was not valued in either. Elizabeth must find her real family, protect her heart and keep her dignity.
Loved it!
It’s scary being loved, because life is complicated and all too often it throws you off balance by sending you the right person at the wrong time. ~ Guilaume Musso
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews