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Take Charge Series #7
Mary Bennet Takes Charge - A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Mary starts off similar to canon in that she is enamoured with moralising, dresses, and has her hair in a severe style as we would expect from a canon Mary.
That is where the similarities stop. She is still the middle daughter; however she and Lizzy are twins, with Lizzy being slightly older than Mary. Her relationship with both Jane, Lizzy, and Kitty is very different than in canon, even before she Takes Charge.
The story follows Mary as she begins to change and see things that she had ignored before. The questions of what causes her to change and what she does about it are answered in the tale.
She has a positive effect on many around her as she begins to take charge as we see a brave and positive Mary emerge, one who decides to be her authentic self, who decides not to hide her light under a bushel any longer.
With all due deference to the one and only brilliant Jane Austen, this is not our dear JA’s Mary.
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That is where the similarities stop. She is still the middle daughter; however she and Lizzy are twins, with Lizzy being slightly older than Mary. Her relationship with both Jane, Lizzy, and Kitty is very different than in canon, even before she Takes Charge.
The story follows Mary as she begins to change and see things that she had ignored before. The questions of what causes her to change and what she does about it are answered in the tale.
She has a positive effect on many around her as she begins to take charge as we see a brave and positive Mary emerge, one who decides to be her authentic self, who decides not to hide her light under a bushel any longer.
With all due deference to the one and only brilliant Jane Austen, this is not our dear JA’s Mary.
Read less
- GenresFan Fiction
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
95 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books64 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 29, 2023
“You just can’t let life happen to you [;] you have to make life happen.” –Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: due to violence and violent deaths: adult themes and language [cursing: British and otherwise], nefarious actions of others that were despicable. Yeah, we had the SBRB on hand.
>>Angst Level: not too bad just actions that were rather shocking.
>>Tissue Alert: Yeah, I teared up a few times. It must be my allergies. Sniff. I’m sure.
>>Source: Borrowed KU [4-14-23] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. Book 7 in The Take Charge Series. [4-stars]
>>Trope: [1] different HEA for our Jane
“The power to change is in my hands.” –Helen M. Ryan, 21 Days to Change Your Body
If we were given the chance to change, would we? Mary Bennet was accused [by one of her sisters] of hiding her light under a bushel and behind a written by a fool. Mary took a good look at herself and her family and realized they were on a collision course to disaster.
“Things that will make you unstoppable;
Get the naysayers out of your life,
Take charge of your destiny,
Be uncommon,
Be relentless, and
Never look backwards.” –Germany Kent
Mr. Bennet ignored his family and hid in his bookroom. Mrs. Bennet was ignorant and deluded to the behavior and actions of the youngest, Lydia. Said sister was spoiled and her wanton behavior was about to ruin them all. Jane was in her own world thinking everyone was good. If things weren’t perfect, it must be due to a misunderstanding. Mary’s twin, Elizabeth, was on a tear with anger and resentment due to a remark made about her at an assembly. Her next sister, Kitty, was lost in the shuffle of sisters and at the mercy of the youngest. What to do? Well, it seemed that Miss Mary Bennet would take charge of her life and that of her family.
I enjoyed this representation of Mary. No, she wasn’t the Austen character from canon. The reader should know that going in as the author explained. However, I liked this young lady and all the changes that came about due to her being present and taking control of situations. More than one life was saved from a horrible situation. The HEA was extreme but then, I didn’t care. I liked the pairings.
There were villains galore. Those that wanted to change, did. Those that didn’t, received a more than appropriate comeuppance. Help us all, one in particular was very creative.
What I didn’t like. I thought it was too long. I was enjoying the story and felt like I was approaching an end, only to discover I hadn’t reached the 50% mark yet. Other than that, I enjoyed watching Mary come to the rescue of more than one situation and reached her own HEA. That was fun. I liked that pairing.
“The power to change is in my hands.” –Helen M. Ryan
I enjoyed this representation of Mary. No, she wasn’t the Austen character from canon. The reader should know that going in as the author explained. However, I liked this young lady and all the changes that came about due to her being present and taking control of situations. I suggest reading all the stories in the series. They have been interesting and different.
Take Charge Series: can be read in any order.
Book 1: Charlotte Lucas Takes Charge
Book 2: Lady Catherine Takes Charge
Book 3: Miss Darcy Takes Charge
Book 4: Mr. Bingley Takes Charge
Book 5: Anne de Bourgh Takes Charge
Book 6: Jane Bennet Takes Charge
Book 7: Mary Bennet Takes Charge
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: due to violence and violent deaths: adult themes and language [cursing: British and otherwise], nefarious actions of others that were despicable. Yeah, we had the SBRB on hand.
>>Angst Level: not too bad just actions that were rather shocking.
>>Tissue Alert: Yeah, I teared up a few times. It must be my allergies. Sniff. I’m sure.
>>Source: Borrowed KU [4-14-23] with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. Book 7 in The Take Charge Series. [4-stars]
>>Trope: [1] different HEA for our Jane
“The power to change is in my hands.” –Helen M. Ryan, 21 Days to Change Your Body
If we were given the chance to change, would we? Mary Bennet was accused [by one of her sisters] of hiding her light under a bushel and behind a written by a fool. Mary took a good look at herself and her family and realized they were on a collision course to disaster.
“Things that will make you unstoppable;
Get the naysayers out of your life,
Take charge of your destiny,
Be uncommon,
Be relentless, and
Never look backwards.” –Germany Kent
Mr. Bennet ignored his family and hid in his bookroom. Mrs. Bennet was ignorant and deluded to the behavior and actions of the youngest, Lydia. Said sister was spoiled and her wanton behavior was about to ruin them all. Jane was in her own world thinking everyone was good. If things weren’t perfect, it must be due to a misunderstanding. Mary’s twin, Elizabeth, was on a tear with anger and resentment due to a remark made about her at an assembly. Her next sister, Kitty, was lost in the shuffle of sisters and at the mercy of the youngest. What to do? Well, it seemed that Miss Mary Bennet would take charge of her life and that of her family.
I enjoyed this representation of Mary. No, she wasn’t the Austen character from canon. The reader should know that going in as the author explained. However, I liked this young lady and all the changes that came about due to her being present and taking control of situations. More than one life was saved from a horrible situation. The HEA was extreme but then, I didn’t care. I liked the pairings.
There were villains galore. Those that wanted to change, did. Those that didn’t, received a more than appropriate comeuppance. Help us all, one in particular was very creative.
What I didn’t like. I thought it was too long. I was enjoying the story and felt like I was approaching an end, only to discover I hadn’t reached the 50% mark yet. Other than that, I enjoyed watching Mary come to the rescue of more than one situation and reached her own HEA. That was fun. I liked that pairing.
“The power to change is in my hands.” –Helen M. Ryan
I enjoyed this representation of Mary. No, she wasn’t the Austen character from canon. The reader should know that going in as the author explained. However, I liked this young lady and all the changes that came about due to her being present and taking control of situations. I suggest reading all the stories in the series. They have been interesting and different.
Take Charge Series: can be read in any order.
Book 1: Charlotte Lucas Takes Charge
Book 2: Lady Catherine Takes Charge
Book 3: Miss Darcy Takes Charge
Book 4: Mr. Bingley Takes Charge
Book 5: Anne de Bourgh Takes Charge
Book 6: Jane Bennet Takes Charge
Book 7: Mary Bennet Takes Charge
March 7, 2023
Another good story
I really liked this Mary. She started changing on her own, then called several family members to account for their actions. And it just cascades from there.
I really liked this Mary. She started changing on her own, then called several family members to account for their actions. And it just cascades from there.
July 22, 2025
In this Pride and Prejudice variation 'plain and not a son' Mary Bennet is the younger twin of Elizabeth, but when the militia and Mr. Collins arrive she decides her family must change and so 'takes charge'. But what effect will this have on her family and her neighbours as she must also change.
A delightful and well-written historical romance story with its enjoyable pairings.
Entertaining re-read.
A delightful and well-written historical romance story with its enjoyable pairings.
Entertaining re-read.
April 18, 2023
Entertaining
The book starts out following canon, in that there are five Bennett daughters, Bingley leases Netherfield, Darcy visits, and he delivers the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly. However, Mrs Bennett is cartoonishly bad in that she blames her daughters for the crime of not being born a son, and Darcy brings Georgiana with him to Netherfield, and she immediately takes him to task for the insult. As per usual, Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth can't stand him. Mary, who is Elizabeth's twin, has a kind of epiphany, and develops insight into all of the problems facing their family. When she saves Georgiana from Wickham's nefarious plot, Mary comes to the attention of Colonel Fitzwilliam.
These "take charge" books are great fun to read. All of the villains get the most satisfying (and sometimes shocking) comeuppances, and the main characters are much more forthright than in the usual JAFF variations. It's wonderful to have Mary Bennett front and center and asserting herself, rather than having the insipid and nun-like Mary of the original P&P. Her decision to step up and speak her mind has repercussions for almost everyone.
This author always populates her stories with the same group of accessory characters, so it's like meeting old friends when their names arise. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
The book starts out following canon, in that there are five Bennett daughters, Bingley leases Netherfield, Darcy visits, and he delivers the infamous insult at the Meryton assembly. However, Mrs Bennett is cartoonishly bad in that she blames her daughters for the crime of not being born a son, and Darcy brings Georgiana with him to Netherfield, and she immediately takes him to task for the insult. As per usual, Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth can't stand him. Mary, who is Elizabeth's twin, has a kind of epiphany, and develops insight into all of the problems facing their family. When she saves Georgiana from Wickham's nefarious plot, Mary comes to the attention of Colonel Fitzwilliam.
These "take charge" books are great fun to read. All of the villains get the most satisfying (and sometimes shocking) comeuppances, and the main characters are much more forthright than in the usual JAFF variations. It's wonderful to have Mary Bennett front and center and asserting herself, rather than having the insipid and nun-like Mary of the original P&P. Her decision to step up and speak her mind has repercussions for almost everyone.
This author always populates her stories with the same group of accessory characters, so it's like meeting old friends when their names arise. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
March 3, 2023
storyline interesting
I enjoyed the initial plot and storyline of this book, but I think the writing is too over the top. Many of the villainous characters “screech” or “scream,” and there are some far too tidy endings for everyone who does wrong. Apparently it is lethal to injure anyone connected to the Bennets. All in all, I think the story and the author have potential, but I find these stories all have such overblown characterizations that I find myself frustrated shortly through and have to push myself to finish them.
I enjoyed the initial plot and storyline of this book, but I think the writing is too over the top. Many of the villainous characters “screech” or “scream,” and there are some far too tidy endings for everyone who does wrong. Apparently it is lethal to injure anyone connected to the Bennets. All in all, I think the story and the author have potential, but I find these stories all have such overblown characterizations that I find myself frustrated shortly through and have to push myself to finish them.
January 7, 2024
I loved it!
This is the latest book in the series. Each book stands alone, so you can start anywhere. Fair warning though, once you have begun reading the "Take Charge" books, you may not be able to stop. I read this book in one day as I just could not put it down. A much Different approach and a happier life for most. Good storyline, plot Interesting enough that I would have read it happily even without the P&P connection. I am loving this series. The whole take charge thing just adds so much juice to an already juicy book. These "take charge" books are great fun to read. All of the villains get the most satisfying (and sometimes shocking) comeuppances, and the main characters are much more forthright than in the usual JAFF variations.
This is the latest book in the series. Each book stands alone, so you can start anywhere. Fair warning though, once you have begun reading the "Take Charge" books, you may not be able to stop. I read this book in one day as I just could not put it down. A much Different approach and a happier life for most. Good storyline, plot Interesting enough that I would have read it happily even without the P&P connection. I am loving this series. The whole take charge thing just adds so much juice to an already juicy book. These "take charge" books are great fun to read. All of the villains get the most satisfying (and sometimes shocking) comeuppances, and the main characters are much more forthright than in the usual JAFF variations.
March 3, 2023
a very satisfying read 4.5 stars
While the characters are not as ostentatious as in some of Ms. Granderson’s novels, this story has all of the happy endings we come to expect.
Pros:
- I loved the changes in Mary and those that she instigated in others.
- Mr. Wickham got his just deserts
- I enjoyed Caroline’s set down though I thought her comeuppance a little harsh
- I loved Anne
- I loved the Fitzwilliams
- I loved the Bennet reformation
Cons:
There really wasn’t very much angst. (This is also a pro when one just wants a fun read)
While the characters are not as ostentatious as in some of Ms. Granderson’s novels, this story has all of the happy endings we come to expect.
Pros:
- I loved the changes in Mary and those that she instigated in others.
- Mr. Wickham got his just deserts
- I enjoyed Caroline’s set down though I thought her comeuppance a little harsh
- I loved Anne
- I loved the Fitzwilliams
- I loved the Bennet reformation
Cons:
There really wasn’t very much angst. (This is also a pro when one just wants a fun read)
February 28, 2023
Mary gets her due
I really enjoy stories where the forgotten and overlooked sister finally gets some attention and notice from everyone. It’s a delightful story and I was sad to see it end.
I really enjoy stories where the forgotten and overlooked sister finally gets some attention and notice from everyone. It’s a delightful story and I was sad to see it end.
March 15, 2023
a good portrayal of Mary Bennet
This story was mainly about Mary Bennet finding herself and becoming a wonderful human and lovely woman. I loved how this Mary’s character was so different from canon. It affected the lives of those around her. I would recommend.
This story was mainly about Mary Bennet finding herself and becoming a wonderful human and lovely woman. I loved how this Mary’s character was so different from canon. It affected the lives of those around her. I would recommend.
March 1, 2023
I loved it!!
This is by far my favorite of Shane Granderson's Take Charge books! Don't get me wrong, I have loved them all, but having Mary step out of her comfort zones for all the right reasons is a treat to never turn away from. Her use of logic, love, wisdom, sense, compassion, and courage made for the most compelling report I have had in weeks!
This is by far my favorite of Shane Granderson's Take Charge books! Don't get me wrong, I have loved them all, but having Mary step out of her comfort zones for all the right reasons is a treat to never turn away from. Her use of logic, love, wisdom, sense, compassion, and courage made for the most compelling report I have had in weeks!
March 7, 2023
Another Brilliant Book By This Author
I read this book in one day as I just could not put it down. I have now read all the books in the two charge series and can say unattainable one of my favourites.
I read this book in one day as I just could not put it down. I have now read all the books in the two charge series and can say unattainable one of my favourites.
April 4, 2023
Not the best
In this version, Elizabeth is an idiot. Mary is constantly telling her how Elizabeth is wrong and pointing out the obvious. Darcy is wishy washy. And Mary is portrayed as omniscient. She sees all, knows all, and can do no wrong.
In this version, Elizabeth is an idiot. Mary is constantly telling her how Elizabeth is wrong and pointing out the obvious. Darcy is wishy washy. And Mary is portrayed as omniscient. She sees all, knows all, and can do no wrong.
May 4, 2025
Would definitely have loved it to focus more on Mary, she was very Lizzie-lite but I did like the way the Bennets - all of them - grew in this.
January 25, 2024
Mary Bennet Takes Charge: (The Take Charge Series)
Clapping for Mary Bennet as she comes out from under the bushel basket that she’s been hiding her bright light under. In this story she and Lizzy are twins, and although she heard Darcy’s gaff about Lizzy’s looks, and the tale of woe about Wickham’s misfortunes at Darcy’s hands, she cautions her sister to not take what her says at face value. Lizzy however needs to be woken up just a bit, and holds onto the grudge formed by his remark. She makes a friend of Georgiana Darcy the night of the Meryton Assembly for two reasons: to apologize for her brother’s spoken words, and to make a friend as she cannot stand the Bingley sisters especially Caroline. She and Darcy arrived separately since Caroline thought high society women arrived late to functions so they could be seen in all their glory. When Mary finally meets Mrs. Younge she’s not impressed with the woman. Something’s off with this so called companion. When she overhears Mrs. Younge and Wickham plotting to kidnap Georgiana and ruin her, she goes to Darcy. They are ready for Wickham when strikes and the fool tries to pull his pistol from his belt with two pistols aimed at his chest. Last move he ever made that day. Bingley once again has no backbone and allows Caroline to run and ruin his life. She writes her lying letter to Jane Bennet that’s just a tad worse than normal. Mary makes sure that Darcy receives the letter when she writes Georgiana. To say he’s upset is mild. When he comes to confront the Bingley, the delusional woman thinks he’s going to propose as does Bingley even though he’s been told under no circumstance would that ever happen. Rather than confront her, he remained silent rather than force a confrontation. When Darcy lets go, Bingley is shocked, Caroline so undone with her temper tantrum that she has an apoplexy and dies immediately. Back at Longbourn, Lydia sees just how badly she behaves after the disastrous events of the assembly, and she’s returned to the nursery. Kitty begins together follow her elder sisters. The three oldest have moved to London under the care of the Gardiners and begin volunteering at the Covenant Garden an establishment for unwed mothers. They already know the Countess of Matlock as their aunt has served on the committee with the Countess. Richard is once again in mMary’s company, but his brother is introduced to Jane. Darcy receives a scathing letter from his uncle about his less than satisfactory behavior in Meryton. Hidden away from his family at Pemberley, he knows he has some serious issues to overcome before trying to win the love of Elizabeth Bennet, but he’s determined. By the time he comes back to London, he begins his amends to everyone. Eventually he digs himself out of the hole he’s dug, and there are now three engaged couples. Anne de Bourgh steps forward, takes control of Rosings, and gives the estate, De Bourgh House in London, and much of her fortune to Richard and Mary. As they are completing their work, a letter outlining Georgiana’s despoil by Wickham is found written by Lady Catherine, and instead of the dower house, she’s given papers fro deportation. Somewhere during the trip, she’s thrown overboard. Triple wedding is planned for the much in love couples. Much changes at Longbourn as there is no silly daughters left and a very much improved Mrs. Bennet. As life goes on, many children are born and the younger girls find their HEA with suitable partners and no elopements. Another good read.
Clapping for Mary Bennet as she comes out from under the bushel basket that she’s been hiding her bright light under. In this story she and Lizzy are twins, and although she heard Darcy’s gaff about Lizzy’s looks, and the tale of woe about Wickham’s misfortunes at Darcy’s hands, she cautions her sister to not take what her says at face value. Lizzy however needs to be woken up just a bit, and holds onto the grudge formed by his remark. She makes a friend of Georgiana Darcy the night of the Meryton Assembly for two reasons: to apologize for her brother’s spoken words, and to make a friend as she cannot stand the Bingley sisters especially Caroline. She and Darcy arrived separately since Caroline thought high society women arrived late to functions so they could be seen in all their glory. When Mary finally meets Mrs. Younge she’s not impressed with the woman. Something’s off with this so called companion. When she overhears Mrs. Younge and Wickham plotting to kidnap Georgiana and ruin her, she goes to Darcy. They are ready for Wickham when strikes and the fool tries to pull his pistol from his belt with two pistols aimed at his chest. Last move he ever made that day. Bingley once again has no backbone and allows Caroline to run and ruin his life. She writes her lying letter to Jane Bennet that’s just a tad worse than normal. Mary makes sure that Darcy receives the letter when she writes Georgiana. To say he’s upset is mild. When he comes to confront the Bingley, the delusional woman thinks he’s going to propose as does Bingley even though he’s been told under no circumstance would that ever happen. Rather than confront her, he remained silent rather than force a confrontation. When Darcy lets go, Bingley is shocked, Caroline so undone with her temper tantrum that she has an apoplexy and dies immediately. Back at Longbourn, Lydia sees just how badly she behaves after the disastrous events of the assembly, and she’s returned to the nursery. Kitty begins together follow her elder sisters. The three oldest have moved to London under the care of the Gardiners and begin volunteering at the Covenant Garden an establishment for unwed mothers. They already know the Countess of Matlock as their aunt has served on the committee with the Countess. Richard is once again in mMary’s company, but his brother is introduced to Jane. Darcy receives a scathing letter from his uncle about his less than satisfactory behavior in Meryton. Hidden away from his family at Pemberley, he knows he has some serious issues to overcome before trying to win the love of Elizabeth Bennet, but he’s determined. By the time he comes back to London, he begins his amends to everyone. Eventually he digs himself out of the hole he’s dug, and there are now three engaged couples. Anne de Bourgh steps forward, takes control of Rosings, and gives the estate, De Bourgh House in London, and much of her fortune to Richard and Mary. As they are completing their work, a letter outlining Georgiana’s despoil by Wickham is found written by Lady Catherine, and instead of the dower house, she’s given papers fro deportation. Somewhere during the trip, she’s thrown overboard. Triple wedding is planned for the much in love couples. Much changes at Longbourn as there is no silly daughters left and a very much improved Mrs. Bennet. As life goes on, many children are born and the younger girls find their HEA with suitable partners and no elopements. Another good read.
March 12, 2023
A good story about Mary Bennet, but...
...I would have enjoyed it more if Mary had been the sole focus. I never care that much about Lizzy and Darcy. In most P&P fan fiction Lizzy is usually too perfect and very annoying. I can say that at least she was less annoying in this variation. My only other complaint is the author's over use of certain terms. The verb cogitate (or some form of it) and the phrase "the right of it" were used ENTIRELY TOO MUCH! I don't understand why an editor didn't catch this. I felt like I was reading one of my student's freshman comp papers where they went to the thesaurus to find a new word, but didn't know how to use the new word correctly or effectively. The book really gets 3.5 stars, but since that is not possible, I can round up to 4 since it was overall a good story and it was about Mary and not just Elizabeth and Darcy. But could someone PLEASE write a variation where Darcy and Mary fall in love?!?!?!
...I would have enjoyed it more if Mary had been the sole focus. I never care that much about Lizzy and Darcy. In most P&P fan fiction Lizzy is usually too perfect and very annoying. I can say that at least she was less annoying in this variation. My only other complaint is the author's over use of certain terms. The verb cogitate (or some form of it) and the phrase "the right of it" were used ENTIRELY TOO MUCH! I don't understand why an editor didn't catch this. I felt like I was reading one of my student's freshman comp papers where they went to the thesaurus to find a new word, but didn't know how to use the new word correctly or effectively. The book really gets 3.5 stars, but since that is not possible, I can round up to 4 since it was overall a good story and it was about Mary and not just Elizabeth and Darcy. But could someone PLEASE write a variation where Darcy and Mary fall in love?!?!?!
March 7, 2023
one of my favorites of this series
I have really liked the Take Charge series from the author. Some I have enjoyed more than others. Some have felt a little heavy on the words. However this one has been delightful
it’s probably one of my favorites along with the Charlotte Lucas variation.
I really liked how Mary was smart and kind and recognized her need to not be so pedantic. I love that she was a twin with Lizzie what an interesting variation.
like how Wickham and Carolyn were handled but they always add a little bit to the story so I wouldn’t have minded them a little bit more than :)
I really did like the lady Catherine discovery.
I would highly recommend this book and the whole series. Hopefully you’ll find many favorites like I have
I have really liked the Take Charge series from the author. Some I have enjoyed more than others. Some have felt a little heavy on the words. However this one has been delightful
it’s probably one of my favorites along with the Charlotte Lucas variation.
I really liked how Mary was smart and kind and recognized her need to not be so pedantic. I love that she was a twin with Lizzie what an interesting variation.
like how Wickham and Carolyn were handled but they always add a little bit to the story so I wouldn’t have minded them a little bit more than :)
I really did like the lady Catherine discovery.
I would highly recommend this book and the whole series. Hopefully you’ll find many favorites like I have
March 6, 2023
SPOILERS IN REVIEW
Enjoyable enough although I won’t read it again. It got downgraded a star because of uniformly modern dialogue.
She constantly uses shrew and harridan to refer to the usual suspects: Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley. I find this dehumanizing. It would be misogynistic except Wickham constantly calls Darcy a prig.
The use of commas was very random, including separating a subject and verb.
In my opinion, Mr Darcy kills Miss Bingley no matter what justification the author tries.
Over the top villains.
Enjoyable enough although I won’t read it again. It got downgraded a star because of uniformly modern dialogue.
She constantly uses shrew and harridan to refer to the usual suspects: Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley. I find this dehumanizing. It would be misogynistic except Wickham constantly calls Darcy a prig.
The use of commas was very random, including separating a subject and verb.
In my opinion, Mr Darcy kills Miss Bingley no matter what justification the author tries.
Over the top villains.
October 31, 2023
Looking for a good Darcy set down, you will find. Looking for changes in Bennet household, you will find. Looking for an excellent Mary and Jane, once again you will find.
Found this to be total different and appreciated the upstanding Mary B. Not only is she brutally honest, but she set down just about every one. Loved the Fitzwilliam’s and the dreaded Lady C is even worse.
Wickham is out towards beginning of book.
Found this to be total different and appreciated the upstanding Mary B. Not only is she brutally honest, but she set down just about every one. Loved the Fitzwilliam’s and the dreaded Lady C is even worse.
Wickham is out towards beginning of book.
March 16, 2023
Decent
-Mary's wise words helps the people around her change for the better.
-Screen time romance is shared between the three eldest siblings, with a little bit of Charlotte & Collins thrown in.
-The evil people got what they deserve.
-Sort of a fairytale, however, I did enjoy the epilogue.
-Mary's wise words helps the people around her change for the better.
-Screen time romance is shared between the three eldest siblings, with a little bit of Charlotte & Collins thrown in.
-The evil people got what they deserve.
-Sort of a fairytale, however, I did enjoy the epilogue.
March 26, 2023
Because Mary said so.
I believe this author does not like Fanny Bennett, therefore all Fanny haters, this is your book. The story is my kind of story because the characters are different. No longer is Lizza and Jane the main focus and Lydia has a transformation for the better. The men in this story are dreamy! Very entertaining!
I believe this author does not like Fanny Bennett, therefore all Fanny haters, this is your book. The story is my kind of story because the characters are different. No longer is Lizza and Jane the main focus and Lydia has a transformation for the better. The men in this story are dreamy! Very entertaining!
January 14, 2024
Trim it
This author doesn't know how to end a story. I first attempted to read Charlotte Lucas takes charge. It was going well and good tone. But it started to drag.
The villains had too much of a main role and were unrepentant.
This wasn't as bad. The villains were delt with sooner. But when the couple got together it became repetitious.
This author doesn't know how to end a story. I first attempted to read Charlotte Lucas takes charge. It was going well and good tone. But it started to drag.
The villains had too much of a main role and were unrepentant.
This wasn't as bad. The villains were delt with sooner. But when the couple got together it became repetitious.
December 1, 2024
Another well done installment in this series of standalones. What I think I like most about this series is it allows the focus to shift away from the traditional Lizzy Darcy drama. It expands the world we feel we know. As happens, I’m definitely on a binge at this point and will be continuing the series forthwith.
February 8, 2025
Mary shines
The reason for 4 stars is it becomes rushed in some places and doesn’t have the character interaction that this author gives inside this variation.
I may be too harsh because it would cause this variation to be longer. I would not have a problem with that.
I do highly recommend this variation.
The reason for 4 stars is it becomes rushed in some places and doesn’t have the character interaction that this author gives inside this variation.
I may be too harsh because it would cause this variation to be longer. I would not have a problem with that.
I do highly recommend this variation.
March 11, 2023
great series
Have read all of this series, All were fun and Wei written. This one was one to not miss, Mary emerged as our hero, about time she shined, I hope readers take the time to read the series.
Have read all of this series, All were fun and Wei written. This one was one to not miss, Mary emerged as our hero, about time she shined, I hope readers take the time to read the series.
June 21, 2023
Mary's freedom
This is not a canon Mary. That is fine, because she is stronger and helps direct a better path for everyone. Yes, everyone, including Mrs Bennett.
Well the bad still have their comeuppance.
This is not a canon Mary. That is fine, because she is stronger and helps direct a better path for everyone. Yes, everyone, including Mrs Bennett.
Well the bad still have their comeuppance.
December 2, 2025
Another Great One of this Series
Mary Bennet is my favorite character and so I loved this book. It was great to hate her mother Fanny. Great character development. The villains come on strong and get there due. Really liked this book.
Mary Bennet is my favorite character and so I loved this book. It was great to hate her mother Fanny. Great character development. The villains come on strong and get there due. Really liked this book.
December 24, 2023
I am loving this series. The whole take charge thing just adds so much juice to an already juicy book. I especially love that Bingley is seen for what he is.
January 6, 2025
Fantastic
Mary is a gem in this and Lady Catherine is one cold individual to have been in league with a villain.
Mary is a gem in this and Lady Catherine is one cold individual to have been in league with a villain.
January 10, 2026
Another enjoyable book from Ms. Granderson
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