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Jane Austen's Fighting Men #5
Brother of the Bride: Part of the Jane Austen Fighting Men Series
A sequel to Pride and Prejudice and The Three Colonels.
In 1816, everyone thinks—with the Napoleonic wars over and done—that life in England will be peaceful. Not necessarily.
For four wonderful years, Fitzwilliam Darcy has joyfully lived at his beloved Pemberley with his adored wife, Elizabeth, precious young son, Bennet, and cherished sister, Georgiana, by his side. All this is about to change; Georgiana has fallen in love. In quick succession, the Darcys agree to take in the young and spirited daughter of the widowed Lydia Wickham and then learn that Elizabeth is expecting another child.
Now—with a wedding to plan, a baby on the way, interfering relations invading Pemberley, and a new ward turning the place upside down—the question becomes: How will Mr. Darcy maintain his sanity?
BOOK FOUR OF JANE AUSTEN’S FIGHTING MEN
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2022
34 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jack Caldwell
36 books102 followersJack Caldwell, born and raised in the Bayou County of Louisiana, is an author, amateur historian, professional economic developer, playwright, and like many Cajuns, a darn good cook.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
His nickname -- The Cajun Cheesehead -- came from his devotion to his two favorite NFL teams: the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. (Every now and then, Jack has to play the DVD again to make sure the Saints really won in 2010.)
Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition. Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations.
When not writing or traveling with Barbara, Jack attempts to play golf. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.
Jack's blog postings -- The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles -- appear regularly at Austen Variations.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 17, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I have read just about all the stories this author has written and enjoyed them.
This tale has as its main premise Georgiana's finding her true love, that courtship and the time of planning for her wedding. As she dwells at Pemberley we also read about Darcy and Elizabeth, their family and their many visitors and/or acquaintances. Some of which are taken from other JA novels.
All the Bennet sisters have married. However, Lydia is a widow and as the story begins she marries Colonel Denny and then they sail for India...without her three children. How those then become wards of different aunts and uncles is interesting. As godparents to Chloe, who most resembles her mother in looks and behaviors, the Darcy's now becomes her "parents".
There are many relatives who think they must have a part in planning for Georgiana's wedding. Lady Catherine shows up unexpectedly although not uninvited. There are others, from the groom's family or friends who do show up uninvited.
There are many tender moments as well as some teasing between Darcy and Elizabeth. They already have a son but we soon read of another pregnancy and then the birth of a second child.
Life is not always without problems: one being a cold summer which has an affect on the harvest. Mrs. Bennet shows up much earlier than expected for the wedding and insists on being of help. She is not the only one who thinks herself indispensable.
I enjoyed this last of Jack's Fighting Men Series and recommend it.
I have read just about all the stories this author has written and enjoyed them.
This tale has as its main premise Georgiana's finding her true love, that courtship and the time of planning for her wedding. As she dwells at Pemberley we also read about Darcy and Elizabeth, their family and their many visitors and/or acquaintances. Some of which are taken from other JA novels.
All the Bennet sisters have married. However, Lydia is a widow and as the story begins she marries Colonel Denny and then they sail for India...without her three children. How those then become wards of different aunts and uncles is interesting. As godparents to Chloe, who most resembles her mother in looks and behaviors, the Darcy's now becomes her "parents".
There are many relatives who think they must have a part in planning for Georgiana's wedding. Lady Catherine shows up unexpectedly although not uninvited. There are others, from the groom's family or friends who do show up uninvited.
There are many tender moments as well as some teasing between Darcy and Elizabeth. They already have a son but we soon read of another pregnancy and then the birth of a second child.
Life is not always without problems: one being a cold summer which has an affect on the harvest. Mrs. Bennet shows up much earlier than expected for the wedding and insists on being of help. She is not the only one who thinks herself indispensable.
I enjoyed this last of Jack's Fighting Men Series and recommend it.
December 15, 2022
Endearing
Everything seems to be happening at once for Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley, devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. Now married almost four years, he and Elizabeth are expecting their second child. He is about to become ward to a third, and Georgiana is getting married.
This is an endearing P&P sequel that paints a truly admirable portrait of the man as he deals with the often inconvenient and annoying antics of family and acquaintances who appear, often unexpected, leading up to the important events soon to take place.
The Darcys’ relations, friends and acquaintances try their patience as the they work through accepting a new ward, helping Georgiana wade through unwanted suitors, and dealing with multiple female wedding planners who are mostly unwanted.
I absolutely loved this book, with a wise, large-and-in-charge, yet kind and lovingly swoon-worthy Darcy. I didn’t think I could love this beloved character more, but Jack Caldwell made him irresistibly loveable—what can I say—I’m a fan. Elizabeth is no less laudable as Mistress of Pemberley—loving and understanding wife, mother, sister, and daughter who gently guides her loved ones and not-so-loved ones to do the right thing. The love and romance of this couple glows within the pages and their banter entertains.
The book is well-written and has very low angst. It is very much a feel-good variation with lots of love and, with help from family and future family, a little bit farce and romp. I appreciated the humour of it. Good luck getting through to the end without shedding a few tears.
I would say the content is mildly mature, with some kisses and light touching between a married couple, and with suggestive fade to black, off-page actions.
Highly recommend.
Everything seems to be happening at once for Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master of Pemberley, devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. Now married almost four years, he and Elizabeth are expecting their second child. He is about to become ward to a third, and Georgiana is getting married.
This is an endearing P&P sequel that paints a truly admirable portrait of the man as he deals with the often inconvenient and annoying antics of family and acquaintances who appear, often unexpected, leading up to the important events soon to take place.
The Darcys’ relations, friends and acquaintances try their patience as the they work through accepting a new ward, helping Georgiana wade through unwanted suitors, and dealing with multiple female wedding planners who are mostly unwanted.
I absolutely loved this book, with a wise, large-and-in-charge, yet kind and lovingly swoon-worthy Darcy. I didn’t think I could love this beloved character more, but Jack Caldwell made him irresistibly loveable—what can I say—I’m a fan. Elizabeth is no less laudable as Mistress of Pemberley—loving and understanding wife, mother, sister, and daughter who gently guides her loved ones and not-so-loved ones to do the right thing. The love and romance of this couple glows within the pages and their banter entertains.
The book is well-written and has very low angst. It is very much a feel-good variation with lots of love and, with help from family and future family, a little bit farce and romp. I appreciated the humour of it. Good luck getting through to the end without shedding a few tears.
I would say the content is mildly mature, with some kisses and light touching between a married couple, and with suggestive fade to black, off-page actions.
Highly recommend.
December 31, 2022
Wonderful, simply wonderful
This follow up to Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s marriage is written well and with much thought as to the characters. To see such a family is well worth the read. Enjoy and have tissues ready, in a good way.
This follow up to Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s marriage is written well and with much thought as to the characters. To see such a family is well worth the read. Enjoy and have tissues ready, in a good way.
July 16, 2024
Another excellent continuation of the Jane Austen universe. I love the story behind Georgiana's wedding and how it throws Darcy's world into chaos. A very enjoy and fun novel.
Read
April 19, 2023For many years I have enjoyed the work of Austenesque writer Jack Caldwell. His “Fighting Men” series began with The Three Colonels in 2012, and with Brother of the Bride's release, five titles are now available. All are sequels to novels originated by Jane Austen, with Pride and Prejudice being the dominant source material. In Caldwell’s world, the Darcy family interacts with characters throughout the Austen universe. For example, Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility is a dear friend to the Darcys, and several individuals from Emma are also a part of their lives. As strong men and women of their time, this unique cast of characters has encountered trials on the battlefield and open sea. Now in Brother of the Bride, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his associates must face challenges both familiar and untried: the birth of a child, the fostering of another, and the marriage of young Georgiana Darcy.
The audience of Brother of the Bride is most certainly a specific type. We are familiar with not only the works of Jane Austen, but of Caldwell’s series as well. This latest title does have an individual tone, but many details hinge upon what has come before, both in the original works and in the “Fighting Men” collection. While its narrative arc does not have the same scope as its siblings, Brother of the Bride is a treat for those of us who call ourselves “Janeites”. In the pages of this novel we are immersed in what would have been the everyday inner workings of the Darcy family and their associates. There is no Napoleon to vanquish or damsels to rescue from certain peril on the sea. Trials and tribulations emanate from domestic concerns which many of us must face at one time or another.
When young Georgiana Darcy becomes engaged to be married, it creates a tangle of issues which the characters must unravel as they also face other variables. Elizabeth Darcy is pregnant again, and due to give birth near the time of Georgiana’s preferred wedding date. Lizzy’s flighty sister Lydia has entrusted the care of her daughter Chloe to the Darcy family. Chloe is a handful and makes life interesting within the Pemberley estate. And with the engagement of Georgiana, all manner of relatives and friends step forward to “assist” in planning the nuptials. Between Lizzy’s pregnancy, Chloe’s antics and issues surrounding the wedding, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his ilk are juggling challenges that would confound even the most talented battlefield warrior. It makes for an amusing read.
As he has done in the past, author Jack Caldwell has deftly woven together the characters of the novels of Jane Austen. The material is very family friendly, with very little “adult” content of note. Romance is chaste, and all bedroom scenes are between married partners, with modest details given. The most “vexing” aspect of the story are the antics which ensue when elder stateswomen attempt to meddle with the wedding plans. Those of us who have arranged a wedding might have flashbacks to the stress involved in that endeavor, but the episodes in Brother of the Bride are quite amusing and meant to entertain. It was refreshing to see family members stand up to the austere Lady Catherine de Bourgh as she attempted to mistake her place in the order of things. Mrs. Bennet was as high-strung as ever and also had to be reined in from time to time.
As a fan of these characters, I felt as if I was a mere observer to the realistic goings-on at Pemberley as life continued. Again, this was no expansive narrative. It was a delightful visit with and a character study of the personalities who have become permanent residents in the minds of those who love them. Through Brother of the Bride we see Fitzwilliam Darcy, his family and friends as they interact during a new period of their lives. This season brings with it relational tangles which must be unraveled, but it also brings much joy and celebration as well. Author Jack Calwell is to be applauded for this latest work in his Austenesque library. Brother of the Bride is a pleasure for those who cherish these beloved characters.
The audience of Brother of the Bride is most certainly a specific type. We are familiar with not only the works of Jane Austen, but of Caldwell’s series as well. This latest title does have an individual tone, but many details hinge upon what has come before, both in the original works and in the “Fighting Men” collection. While its narrative arc does not have the same scope as its siblings, Brother of the Bride is a treat for those of us who call ourselves “Janeites”. In the pages of this novel we are immersed in what would have been the everyday inner workings of the Darcy family and their associates. There is no Napoleon to vanquish or damsels to rescue from certain peril on the sea. Trials and tribulations emanate from domestic concerns which many of us must face at one time or another.
When young Georgiana Darcy becomes engaged to be married, it creates a tangle of issues which the characters must unravel as they also face other variables. Elizabeth Darcy is pregnant again, and due to give birth near the time of Georgiana’s preferred wedding date. Lizzy’s flighty sister Lydia has entrusted the care of her daughter Chloe to the Darcy family. Chloe is a handful and makes life interesting within the Pemberley estate. And with the engagement of Georgiana, all manner of relatives and friends step forward to “assist” in planning the nuptials. Between Lizzy’s pregnancy, Chloe’s antics and issues surrounding the wedding, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his ilk are juggling challenges that would confound even the most talented battlefield warrior. It makes for an amusing read.
As he has done in the past, author Jack Caldwell has deftly woven together the characters of the novels of Jane Austen. The material is very family friendly, with very little “adult” content of note. Romance is chaste, and all bedroom scenes are between married partners, with modest details given. The most “vexing” aspect of the story are the antics which ensue when elder stateswomen attempt to meddle with the wedding plans. Those of us who have arranged a wedding might have flashbacks to the stress involved in that endeavor, but the episodes in Brother of the Bride are quite amusing and meant to entertain. It was refreshing to see family members stand up to the austere Lady Catherine de Bourgh as she attempted to mistake her place in the order of things. Mrs. Bennet was as high-strung as ever and also had to be reined in from time to time.
As a fan of these characters, I felt as if I was a mere observer to the realistic goings-on at Pemberley as life continued. Again, this was no expansive narrative. It was a delightful visit with and a character study of the personalities who have become permanent residents in the minds of those who love them. Through Brother of the Bride we see Fitzwilliam Darcy, his family and friends as they interact during a new period of their lives. This season brings with it relational tangles which must be unraveled, but it also brings much joy and celebration as well. Author Jack Calwell is to be applauded for this latest work in his Austenesque library. Brother of the Bride is a pleasure for those who cherish these beloved characters.
March 21, 2023
Wonderful
What a talent Mr Caldwell has! He's created this universe of characters in his "Jane Austen's Fighting Men" series, some of them new, some of them from Jane Austen's works, and made them all memorable. Not only that, but a few of the black sheep characters from Austen's novels have been granted a redemption through these stories. This book is mainly focused on our favorite couple, Darcy and Elizabeth, and takes up their story about five years into their marriage. Georgiana has fallen in love, and Darcy must reconcile himself to giving up his only sibling, a girl he's been both brother and father to for so many years.
This story is not strictly about "fighting men," but some of the characters from previous books in the series are woven in. Georgiana gets engaged, Elizabeth is pregnant with her second child, the future in-laws must be met and dealt with, the extended family all want to have their part in planning the wedding, and Pemberly is having a bad year financially. But first, on top of all this, Elizabeth's youngest sister Lydia, now a widow with three small children, decides to remarry and move to India with her husband, leaving her young children behind in England. The Darcys take the oldest, a girl, and also the most loud and troublesome like her mother. It makes for many challenging situations.
This book will make you fall in love with Elizabeth and Darcy all over again. The story is about family, and about accepting them for good or ill. It's about how the problems pile up for Darcy, and how Elizabeth is his port in any storm. Whenever the world seems overwhelming to them, they always turn to each other for their salvation. This is a Darcy and Lizzy story, and the romance is lovely.
The book is well written and well edited. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming. The letter at the end from Georgiana to Darcy practically had me bawling. I would strongly suggest that you read the previous books in this series. Not only are they all wonderful, but this book will make more sense if you do. I recommend it highly.
What a talent Mr Caldwell has! He's created this universe of characters in his "Jane Austen's Fighting Men" series, some of them new, some of them from Jane Austen's works, and made them all memorable. Not only that, but a few of the black sheep characters from Austen's novels have been granted a redemption through these stories. This book is mainly focused on our favorite couple, Darcy and Elizabeth, and takes up their story about five years into their marriage. Georgiana has fallen in love, and Darcy must reconcile himself to giving up his only sibling, a girl he's been both brother and father to for so many years.
This story is not strictly about "fighting men," but some of the characters from previous books in the series are woven in. Georgiana gets engaged, Elizabeth is pregnant with her second child, the future in-laws must be met and dealt with, the extended family all want to have their part in planning the wedding, and Pemberly is having a bad year financially. But first, on top of all this, Elizabeth's youngest sister Lydia, now a widow with three small children, decides to remarry and move to India with her husband, leaving her young children behind in England. The Darcys take the oldest, a girl, and also the most loud and troublesome like her mother. It makes for many challenging situations.
This book will make you fall in love with Elizabeth and Darcy all over again. The story is about family, and about accepting them for good or ill. It's about how the problems pile up for Darcy, and how Elizabeth is his port in any storm. Whenever the world seems overwhelming to them, they always turn to each other for their salvation. This is a Darcy and Lizzy story, and the romance is lovely.
The book is well written and well edited. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming. The letter at the end from Georgiana to Darcy practically had me bawling. I would strongly suggest that you read the previous books in this series. Not only are they all wonderful, but this book will make more sense if you do. I recommend it highly.
July 17, 2023
Another Excellent Read!
I would recommend reading this as the 4th book in the series Even though it was last one published. This book is Sequel to The previous books and to Pride and Prejudice. Caldwell allows the characters to grow from their Austinesque roots. This is Darcy's story and he must navigate his way through the dreaded Ton as the protector of his beloved family. Caldwell continues the Austin mashups, this time adding the characters from Emma with cameos from the other Austin novels with Father (Brother) of the Bride, Regency Edition! The wars are over but England and Pemberly must deal with the summer that never came, explained in greater detail in Rosing Park sequel. While each of the five part sequels can be read as stand alones, they are best enjoyed as a multiple course read. My only regret is the author has declared this is the end of this series. So disappointing! I would love to continue reading any further adventures of his many characters! I am moving on to his two(as of now) P&P variations and look forward to his future endeavours! More Col.Fitzwilliam please (Team Richard Fitzwilliam!)
I would recommend reading this as the 4th book in the series Even though it was last one published. This book is Sequel to The previous books and to Pride and Prejudice. Caldwell allows the characters to grow from their Austinesque roots. This is Darcy's story and he must navigate his way through the dreaded Ton as the protector of his beloved family. Caldwell continues the Austin mashups, this time adding the characters from Emma with cameos from the other Austin novels with Father (Brother) of the Bride, Regency Edition! The wars are over but England and Pemberly must deal with the summer that never came, explained in greater detail in Rosing Park sequel. While each of the five part sequels can be read as stand alones, they are best enjoyed as a multiple course read. My only regret is the author has declared this is the end of this series. So disappointing! I would love to continue reading any further adventures of his many characters! I am moving on to his two(as of now) P&P variations and look forward to his future endeavours! More Col.Fitzwilliam please (Team Richard Fitzwilliam!)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews