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Memory #3
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice
The third volume of the Memory series, How Far We Have Come, finds the Darcys with a family of their own, fully matured and comfortable with their positions as the master and mistress of Pemberley. The fears and demons of Darcy's past have been addressed, and the formidable Fitzwilliam family has accepted and embraced the unique and exceptional example of marriage that the Darcys display. Now it is Elizabeth's turn to finally put to rest the pain of her history, while at the same time influencing her sisters to grow and become women to be admired as well. The Darcys often bemuse their friends and family with their approach to addressing the many facets of their lives, however, all are quick to admit that they are better for knowing them. The story contains scenes of a mature nature.
568 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2010
45 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Linda Wells
10 books92 followersWelcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself. I worked for years in the environmental engineering world until I traded my career as a geographer for one as a mom to a challenging and really great son. One day, I saw the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, and I was fascinated. I bought a copy of Jane Austen's novel and read it so many times, falling under the spell of her unforgettable characters and story, and I could not help but wonder what happened next for them. That led me in search of Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
I read many stories and then one of my own started nagging at me. So, I found an old notebook and started writing it down. Without it even being finished, I took the plunge and started posting. It was, and continues to be, a fantastic and rewarding experience to watch a story take shape while so many readers follow along. I have many ideas for new stories, and with luck and lots of imagining, they will be written too.
If you would like to email me, I would love to hear from you! Lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com
Books by Linda Wells:
Chance Encounters
Fate and Consequences
Perfect Fit
Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions
Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear
Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come
Imperative Volumes 1 and 2
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 25, 2018
“A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” –Charles Darwin
This was volume three in the Linda Wells Memory series and I struggled to write a review that could do it justice.
Volume 1: Memory: Lasting Impressions: 514 pages
Volume 2: Memory: Trials to Bear: 566 pages
Volume 3: Memory: How Far We Have Come: 570 pages
Wikipedia states that a chronicle ‘is a historical account of facts and events ranged in chronological order, as in a time line.’ Yep, that about says it… as it was the chronicles of the life and times of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This was a time line that picked up after volume two and continued the story of [ODC] our dear couple and their family and friends. I equate my struggles in writing this review as trying to write a review for an encyclopedia. I highly suggest reading volumes 1&2 due to the continued history between the characters. Wells does a fantastic job of reminding readers of what happened in the other stories, but still, there was a lot that a reader needs to know about these people and their relationship to each other.
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes, graphic, descriptive sex scenes [even more than the other books] if that is possible.
“Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.” –Euripides
This volume had a different tone than the other two volumes as it leaned more heavily on the male perspective. The actions and interactions centered mainly within the circle of family and friends of D&E. You have the Fitzwilliam relations, headed by Lord Matlock… Darcy, our dear Colonel and his Fitzwilliam brothers. Throw in Lucas, Bingley, the de Bourgh brothers, then the other gentlemen from volume one and two and you have a lot of testosterone floating around the place posturing for their ladies. The sexual undertones were rampant as the guys were bawdy, bodacious and just screaming sexy. I think they were more than happy to take any excuse to look smoking hot.
On the flip side of that coin, you have the women that paired with these guys. This story became like episodes of ‘Friends.’ Perhaps this should be retitled ‘Cousins, Brothers, and Friends.’ There were lots of people running around, lots of drama, lots of growing pains as couples paired up, married, tried to live their lives while dealing with in-laws and out-laws, and having their babies. It seemed, at one point in this third book, that every woman was pregnant. There were babies dropping everywhere. Sadly… not all were successful. I love that quote from Queen Victoria: “Being pregnant is an occupational hazard of being a wife.”
Caroline: “I wasn’t ecstatic about being pregnant – I wasn’t somebody who actively wanted kids. Certainly, there were no fantasies about nappy-changing.” –Elizabeth McGovern
O Caroline, you social climbing, b-witch extreme… what have you done? I cannot imagine her thoughts as she ignored and threw away her best blessing. She would pay dearly for her choices. I wonder if she would have acted like that had she secured her greatest dream… that of being Mrs. Darcy? Wow! Her superior attitude dug a hole that she could never have crawled out if she had a lifetime. This was a blinding surprise that I did not see coming. It was a sad reflection on the plight of women regarding marriage, the need to provide heirs and dealing with the dangers of pregnancy during this time period.
“Some women can’t stand being pregnant, getting big and bloated, and hauling around a giant stomach, and some women, for reasons probably understood by Darwin, love it.” –Rich Cohen
Bingley: over the three volumes we literally watched Bingley scratch and claw in his progress to move from his trade roots to the landed gentry. It was a hard struggle and I so wanted him to find his happiness. I was concerned as his roving eye fell on every-single-female ‘angel’ within range of his notice… dang… what a hound dog. He had so much to learn and we the reader watched him evolve and grow right before our eyes. He had to put up with a lot on his journey to the higher circles. He had to endure a lot of disappointment and heartache in that journey.
M/M Bennet: Their relationship with their daughters would never be the same. Starting in volume one… the only change began with Mr. Bennet [reluctantly but finally forced to act]. But… was it too late for him? Mrs. Bennet remained the weak, mean understanding, self-serving harridan. Nothing swayed her point of view. She was a braggart, prolific gossip [not averse to using creative license], cruel and just plain vicious. She was so bad that Mary’s wedding [at her request] was held in London with the wedding breakfast at Darcy House. Even though Mrs. Bennet had been warned… repeatedly, she could not keep her mouth shut and just HAD to say hurtful cutting things to Elizabeth and even snide remarks in regard to Mary. That woman will never learn. At least Lydia was witness to what her mother was doing. She was able to have sensible conversations with her older sisters that were eye opening and demonstrated her growth from the previous books. She was, at last, on the road to improvement. I liked this side of her. What??? Yep, I said that.
Kitty, Georgiana and even Lydia, grew up a lot in this last book. I liked them and the epilogue was really kind to them.
Oh, the children: babies and toddlers always steal the show. There were several scenes with the daughters and their fathers that will simply bring you to tears. They were so sweet and touching. I love those guys.
Journal entries: as in volume 1&2, this volume continues the journal entries of D&E. He reads her journal and she reads his. I enjoyed this part even though at times it was tedious. They were able to convey their thoughts, feelings, fears, emotions on the page without interruption and, when read, could see what the other was trying to say. I’ve read too many misunderstanding stories that just kill me. I want to scream ‘say what you mean and mean what you say.’ The author also used the entries as a plot device to deliver information in a different format instead of pages and pages of text. They were short, concise and I enjoyed them. Some of them brought tears to my eyes. I found that I teared up more in this story.
Villains: we didn’t have to deal with danger from any of the fronts that we are accustomed to in a JAFF story. Most of the true villains [Wickham and Mrs. Younge] were dealt with in the previous volumes. OMG!! That was horrible. This story dealt mostly with the consequences of those previous encounters with evil [Lizzy still weak from being shot, and Darcy’s headaches from his TBI (traumatic brain injury)]. This story had a few smarmy low-life society rakes that were just disgusting. One in particular we met in Vol. 1. We had a few scenes with the oily Mr. Collins and his trying to worm his way into the hearts of the single ladies and the social circle with D&E. Lady Catherine was put in her place… literally.
Propriety was thrown out the window with all the PDA [public displays of affection] that I don’t think Regency would have allowed or tolerated. D&E were the ape leaders of their social group of family and friends. Everyone wanted to be like them and patterned their lives after the behavior of ODC. Whatever D&E were doing… everyone else did also. Just saying. [4.5-stars]
This was volume three in the Linda Wells Memory series and I struggled to write a review that could do it justice.
Volume 1: Memory: Lasting Impressions: 514 pages
Volume 2: Memory: Trials to Bear: 566 pages
Volume 3: Memory: How Far We Have Come: 570 pages
Wikipedia states that a chronicle ‘is a historical account of facts and events ranged in chronological order, as in a time line.’ Yep, that about says it… as it was the chronicles of the life and times of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. This was a time line that picked up after volume two and continued the story of [ODC] our dear couple and their family and friends. I equate my struggles in writing this review as trying to write a review for an encyclopedia. I highly suggest reading volumes 1&2 due to the continued history between the characters. Wells does a fantastic job of reminding readers of what happened in the other stories, but still, there was a lot that a reader needs to know about these people and their relationship to each other.
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes, graphic, descriptive sex scenes [even more than the other books] if that is possible.
“Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.” –Euripides
This volume had a different tone than the other two volumes as it leaned more heavily on the male perspective. The actions and interactions centered mainly within the circle of family and friends of D&E. You have the Fitzwilliam relations, headed by Lord Matlock… Darcy, our dear Colonel and his Fitzwilliam brothers. Throw in Lucas, Bingley, the de Bourgh brothers, then the other gentlemen from volume one and two and you have a lot of testosterone floating around the place posturing for their ladies. The sexual undertones were rampant as the guys were bawdy, bodacious and just screaming sexy. I think they were more than happy to take any excuse to look smoking hot.
On the flip side of that coin, you have the women that paired with these guys. This story became like episodes of ‘Friends.’ Perhaps this should be retitled ‘Cousins, Brothers, and Friends.’ There were lots of people running around, lots of drama, lots of growing pains as couples paired up, married, tried to live their lives while dealing with in-laws and out-laws, and having their babies. It seemed, at one point in this third book, that every woman was pregnant. There were babies dropping everywhere. Sadly… not all were successful. I love that quote from Queen Victoria: “Being pregnant is an occupational hazard of being a wife.”
Caroline: “I wasn’t ecstatic about being pregnant – I wasn’t somebody who actively wanted kids. Certainly, there were no fantasies about nappy-changing.” –Elizabeth McGovern
O Caroline, you social climbing, b-witch extreme… what have you done? I cannot imagine her thoughts as she ignored and threw away her best blessing. She would pay dearly for her choices. I wonder if she would have acted like that had she secured her greatest dream… that of being Mrs. Darcy? Wow! Her superior attitude dug a hole that she could never have crawled out if she had a lifetime. This was a blinding surprise that I did not see coming. It was a sad reflection on the plight of women regarding marriage, the need to provide heirs and dealing with the dangers of pregnancy during this time period.
“Some women can’t stand being pregnant, getting big and bloated, and hauling around a giant stomach, and some women, for reasons probably understood by Darwin, love it.” –Rich Cohen
Bingley: over the three volumes we literally watched Bingley scratch and claw in his progress to move from his trade roots to the landed gentry. It was a hard struggle and I so wanted him to find his happiness. I was concerned as his roving eye fell on every-single-female ‘angel’ within range of his notice… dang… what a hound dog. He had so much to learn and we the reader watched him evolve and grow right before our eyes. He had to put up with a lot on his journey to the higher circles. He had to endure a lot of disappointment and heartache in that journey.
M/M Bennet: Their relationship with their daughters would never be the same. Starting in volume one… the only change began with Mr. Bennet [reluctantly but finally forced to act]. But… was it too late for him? Mrs. Bennet remained the weak, mean understanding, self-serving harridan. Nothing swayed her point of view. She was a braggart, prolific gossip [not averse to using creative license], cruel and just plain vicious. She was so bad that Mary’s wedding [at her request] was held in London with the wedding breakfast at Darcy House. Even though Mrs. Bennet had been warned… repeatedly, she could not keep her mouth shut and just HAD to say hurtful cutting things to Elizabeth and even snide remarks in regard to Mary. That woman will never learn. At least Lydia was witness to what her mother was doing. She was able to have sensible conversations with her older sisters that were eye opening and demonstrated her growth from the previous books. She was, at last, on the road to improvement. I liked this side of her. What??? Yep, I said that.
Kitty, Georgiana and even Lydia, grew up a lot in this last book. I liked them and the epilogue was really kind to them.
Oh, the children: babies and toddlers always steal the show. There were several scenes with the daughters and their fathers that will simply bring you to tears. They were so sweet and touching. I love those guys.
Journal entries: as in volume 1&2, this volume continues the journal entries of D&E. He reads her journal and she reads his. I enjoyed this part even though at times it was tedious. They were able to convey their thoughts, feelings, fears, emotions on the page without interruption and, when read, could see what the other was trying to say. I’ve read too many misunderstanding stories that just kill me. I want to scream ‘say what you mean and mean what you say.’ The author also used the entries as a plot device to deliver information in a different format instead of pages and pages of text. They were short, concise and I enjoyed them. Some of them brought tears to my eyes. I found that I teared up more in this story.
Villains: we didn’t have to deal with danger from any of the fronts that we are accustomed to in a JAFF story. Most of the true villains [Wickham and Mrs. Younge] were dealt with in the previous volumes. OMG!! That was horrible. This story dealt mostly with the consequences of those previous encounters with evil [Lizzy still weak from being shot, and Darcy’s headaches from his TBI (traumatic brain injury)]. This story had a few smarmy low-life society rakes that were just disgusting. One in particular we met in Vol. 1. We had a few scenes with the oily Mr. Collins and his trying to worm his way into the hearts of the single ladies and the social circle with D&E. Lady Catherine was put in her place… literally.
Propriety was thrown out the window with all the PDA [public displays of affection] that I don’t think Regency would have allowed or tolerated. D&E were the ape leaders of their social group of family and friends. Everyone wanted to be like them and patterned their lives after the behavior of ODC. Whatever D&E were doing… everyone else did also. Just saying. [4.5-stars]
September 15, 2023
A wonderful ending for a marvelous series!
This is a story that warms my heart. A lovely portrayal of family history and events.
Worth reading over and over.
This is a story that warms my heart. A lovely portrayal of family history and events.
Worth reading over and over.
December 17, 2021
Family
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2019
This book continues the journey of the Darcy/Fitzwilliam/Bennet family(ies). Some of it wonderful, some quite dysfunctional (Bennet) and what it takes to work through it all. There is much mature content, but for me, I can imagine that ODC would be as passionate as depicted in this story. It didn’t offend me. I loved their journals in all three books of this series. I loved the way they all communicated with one another within these families. There is also great humor and delicious double entendres that had me chuckling to myself, and there are tears, at least for me.
I think this author writes well, however, proper punctuation and good editing needs improvement. I didn’t let that effect my rating because I thought the writing and story made up for it.
Reviewed in Canada on April 12, 2019
This book continues the journey of the Darcy/Fitzwilliam/Bennet family(ies). Some of it wonderful, some quite dysfunctional (Bennet) and what it takes to work through it all. There is much mature content, but for me, I can imagine that ODC would be as passionate as depicted in this story. It didn’t offend me. I loved their journals in all three books of this series. I loved the way they all communicated with one another within these families. There is also great humor and delicious double entendres that had me chuckling to myself, and there are tears, at least for me.
I think this author writes well, however, proper punctuation and good editing needs improvement. I didn’t let that effect my rating because I thought the writing and story made up for it.
May 3, 2018
4.5 Stars.
So I cried.
This was a really good ending... It actually felt like the story was ending, even though there was still that lingering knowledge that life went on for them and their kids.
Rasa's relationship with their parents was simply sweet, so beautiful from the beginning.
And Asher... Oh, I'd totally read a book of his story. He is just so much like Darcy (and his name is lovely).
But I think that what struck me about this whole serie and what made me smile so much was the Family environment, how all of them were there for each other, laughing, cheering, making wagers, helping and growing... Mr. Robinson and Lydia where a most welcome surprise. De Bourgh, Fitwilliam, Darcy, Layton, Singleton and Bingley... Who would've though?
Memory felt like life and movement, this unstoppable cycle that goes on and on and that if you don't go along, you'll be swallowed by it. Just like Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet.
This books will probably always be on my kindle, always that quick, sweet read when you want to just relax and smile (despite the second volume being a bit... Hum, rough on the edges?).
So I cried.
This was a really good ending... It actually felt like the story was ending, even though there was still that lingering knowledge that life went on for them and their kids.
Rasa's relationship with their parents was simply sweet, so beautiful from the beginning.
And Asher... Oh, I'd totally read a book of his story. He is just so much like Darcy (and his name is lovely).
But I think that what struck me about this whole serie and what made me smile so much was the Family environment, how all of them were there for each other, laughing, cheering, making wagers, helping and growing... Mr. Robinson and Lydia where a most welcome surprise. De Bourgh, Fitwilliam, Darcy, Layton, Singleton and Bingley... Who would've though?
Memory felt like life and movement, this unstoppable cycle that goes on and on and that if you don't go along, you'll be swallowed by it. Just like Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet.
This books will probably always be on my kindle, always that quick, sweet read when you want to just relax and smile (despite the second volume being a bit... Hum, rough on the edges?).
March 2, 2011
I was eager to see how things would turn out for many of the characters and was apprehensive that Linda Wells would make a mess of tying off all the loose ends, but, my apologies, Linda, you did a fine job. Some were unsurprising and others were a twist, but like the second book, it did not stagnate. The end was inevitable, but I felt a reluctance to leave this Memory World of P & P.
I confess to enjoying the pace of the second book best, but that takes nothing from this third and final book.
I confess to enjoying the pace of the second book best, but that takes nothing from this third and final book.
February 19, 2018
I have found this series strangely addictive. It is not unusual for me to crave behind the scenes with ODC but this author writes a lot more than that. In her writing you will find many moments and conversations that could be taken out of the story without taking away from the quality of the book. I had times when I wanted a particular event to just happen but with all the couples it took more time to occur. Caroline was by far a very sad event. I found myself wanting her to show some remorse or a spark of any feeling towards he child. It was such an isolated and cold way to end. She was just this hollow vessel with no emotion.
The story captures the relationships and growing pains in some cases of Colonel Fitswilliams and Evangeline and daughter (Annabel), Caroline and Robinson and son (Wallace), Bingley and Abbey and daughter , Louisa and Gerald and son ( samuel), Georgianna, Jane and Robert and daughter (Lucy), Mary and Peter and daughter (Rebecca) and the Bennets. Many side characters some from the previous books continuing their stories as well and of course the Darcy's.
Fitz and Lizzy are the main focus with their new baby Roselie. She is growing and fast and they are trying to adjust to their new way of life and let go of some of their past burdens. The main one is the treatment of Lizzy by her mother. Darcy has had words in the past but no matter what Lizzy does she will never be good enough in Mrs. Bennet's eyes. It was sad to watch how her mother insults her at any opportunity even when showed mercy she still sets about having the last word. Besides Rose the Darcy's have Asher, Michael, John, Thomas and ?.
The book gives you an Epilogue and a hopeful future for all the couples. I was happy to spend the time with all the characters and wish some of Georgianna's story would have been shared but it really is my only complaint. There are many references to when they first met and it has been quite some time since I've read it so I really want to go back and start where it all started. Enjoy!
The story captures the relationships and growing pains in some cases of Colonel Fitswilliams and Evangeline and daughter (Annabel), Caroline and Robinson and son (Wallace), Bingley and Abbey and daughter , Louisa and Gerald and son ( samuel), Georgianna, Jane and Robert and daughter (Lucy), Mary and Peter and daughter (Rebecca) and the Bennets. Many side characters some from the previous books continuing their stories as well and of course the Darcy's.
Fitz and Lizzy are the main focus with their new baby Roselie. She is growing and fast and they are trying to adjust to their new way of life and let go of some of their past burdens. The main one is the treatment of Lizzy by her mother. Darcy has had words in the past but no matter what Lizzy does she will never be good enough in Mrs. Bennet's eyes. It was sad to watch how her mother insults her at any opportunity even when showed mercy she still sets about having the last word. Besides Rose the Darcy's have Asher, Michael, John, Thomas and ?.
The book gives you an Epilogue and a hopeful future for all the couples. I was happy to spend the time with all the characters and wish some of Georgianna's story would have been shared but it really is my only complaint. There are many references to when they first met and it has been quite some time since I've read it so I really want to go back and start where it all started. Enjoy!
December 17, 2022
In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Darcys continue their lives.
Overall taking the trilogy as a whole there was too much mature content, though you are able to skip most of it. And personally I would have like more about all the other couples rather than concentrating on the Darcys so much.
But an entertaining trilogy.
Overall taking the trilogy as a whole there was too much mature content, though you are able to skip most of it. And personally I would have like more about all the other couples rather than concentrating on the Darcys so much.
But an entertaining trilogy.
March 14, 2019
End of a wonderful trilogy
Third book had less big moments but lots of small moments. The biggest moment was the set down of Mrs. Bennet by both her children and the town folks. One for the ages.
This book had many small stories about the Darcy/Bennet/Fitzwilliam families.
I recommend the book highly.
Third book had less big moments but lots of small moments. The biggest moment was the set down of Mrs. Bennet by both her children and the town folks. One for the ages.
This book had many small stories about the Darcy/Bennet/Fitzwilliam families.
I recommend the book highly.
December 25, 2019
And the beautiful saga ends!
Lots of moving parts to the saga and names to remember but all in all a beautiful and well told story.
Lots of moving parts to the saga and names to remember but all in all a beautiful and well told story.
September 23, 2016
And a worderful final part to the trilogy that had me in turns laughing and misting up. The Darcys go through both sadness and great joy, all the while their love always shines through. The characters developed so far also shine, and relationships strengthen further when the cousins and friends form a true band of brothers from their cameraderie while aiding and supporting each other. The plot finally comes full circle to the original novel time frame bringing everyone to Netherfield. A final confrontation and break with Mrs Bennet occurs but entirely from her own actions. I just love how the many diverse families and friends create such strong bonds, and the Bennet sisters and the Darcys are at the core.
My favorite part is in the epilog, which exemplifies the relationships above, as well as the continuing love and devotion of our favorite couple. This series (and author) is definitely on my favorites list to read again and again.
My favorite part is in the epilog, which exemplifies the relationships above, as well as the continuing love and devotion of our favorite couple. This series (and author) is definitely on my favorites list to read again and again.
June 3, 2023
Excellent series
This review is for all 3 books and contains spoilers.
I greatly enjoyed these books. The only time that I felt like the books dragged a bit was towards the end of the 3rd book.
I loved every couple: As this book did not follow Austen, and the characters were younger, Jane with Lucas worked much better than Bingley. I don't know why but I was not a big Abbey/Bingley fan. I was rooting for the other ruined family. Mary and DeBorogh was perfect. Even Lydia and Robinson. But I must say I was expecting a better match for Catherine.
I love how the Bennet sisters grew. The Darcy's were so good for them. Only Mrs Bennet was never redeemed and i didn't like that. I would have liked to see a happier ending her her too.
This Fitzwilliam was Perrrrfect, Maybe because there was little to no pride. Plus he was EVERYONE'S savior. Elizabeth was not as witty, which was a bit of a disappointment and she too could do no wrong. The colonel was not as funny and the viscount was actually nice. Bingley was a bit too childish but he was young.
There was no angst here. But it kept you entertained. Wickham, Mrs Young, Lady Catherine, Anne and Collins were all there, in small or shorter roles.
I highly recommend and am sure I'll read them again some day.
This review is for all 3 books and contains spoilers.
I greatly enjoyed these books. The only time that I felt like the books dragged a bit was towards the end of the 3rd book.
I loved every couple: As this book did not follow Austen, and the characters were younger, Jane with Lucas worked much better than Bingley. I don't know why but I was not a big Abbey/Bingley fan. I was rooting for the other ruined family. Mary and DeBorogh was perfect. Even Lydia and Robinson. But I must say I was expecting a better match for Catherine.
I love how the Bennet sisters grew. The Darcy's were so good for them. Only Mrs Bennet was never redeemed and i didn't like that. I would have liked to see a happier ending her her too.
This Fitzwilliam was Perrrrfect, Maybe because there was little to no pride. Plus he was EVERYONE'S savior. Elizabeth was not as witty, which was a bit of a disappointment and she too could do no wrong. The colonel was not as funny and the viscount was actually nice. Bingley was a bit too childish but he was young.
There was no angst here. But it kept you entertained. Wickham, Mrs Young, Lady Catherine, Anne and Collins were all there, in small or shorter roles.
I highly recommend and am sure I'll read them again some day.
September 21, 2024
Review for all three volumes of the Memory trilogy.
Premise: Darcy and Elizabeth spot each other in Hyde park years before canon and feel an instant connection. They have several almost encounters over two years, until they finally meet. About as close and you can get to a fated mate/soulmate trope without venturing into paranormal territory. ODC stay strong and true for each other while family and friends cause a LOT of drama.
What I liked: Darcy and Elizabeth's bond never wavers despite the soap-opera levels of external drama. This is a looooong trilogy and can get repetitive, but I found it comforting and warm.
Characterization: Because they met earlier, Darcy is less selfish and snobbish while Elizabeth is less quick to judge. Jane starts out as a bad Jane, but she gets better. Mrs Bennet is more narcissistic and histrionic and Mr Bennet is more of a smug dick (though he tries to get better). Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are way more over the top. Wickham is more evil and violent.
Smut level: Very high. Many passionate kisses and handsy stuff prior to marriage, lots of frequent and varied marital sex. Mostly euphemistic language for bits, though.
Any non-canon parings: Lots.
Issues: It's long. over 700,000 words. The first volume covers about two years, and the next two about a year each. But I enjoyed spending time in this world.
Premise: Darcy and Elizabeth spot each other in Hyde park years before canon and feel an instant connection. They have several almost encounters over two years, until they finally meet. About as close and you can get to a fated mate/soulmate trope without venturing into paranormal territory. ODC stay strong and true for each other while family and friends cause a LOT of drama.
What I liked: Darcy and Elizabeth's bond never wavers despite the soap-opera levels of external drama. This is a looooong trilogy and can get repetitive, but I found it comforting and warm.
Characterization: Because they met earlier, Darcy is less selfish and snobbish while Elizabeth is less quick to judge. Jane starts out as a bad Jane, but she gets better. Mrs Bennet is more narcissistic and histrionic and Mr Bennet is more of a smug dick (though he tries to get better). Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are way more over the top. Wickham is more evil and violent.
Smut level: Very high. Many passionate kisses and handsy stuff prior to marriage, lots of frequent and varied marital sex. Mostly euphemistic language for bits, though.
Any non-canon parings: Lots.
Issues: It's long. over 700,000 words. The first volume covers about two years, and the next two about a year each. But I enjoyed spending time in this world.
August 12, 2025
4.75⭐️
Wow. I adore this series and was very moved by this volume in particular. We saw Elizabeth mature and really come in to herself in this installment and the love and understanding between herself and Darcy just grew and grew. This book focused a lot more on their family, especially the Bennets and their interactions with Elizabeth. More so the one with her and Mrs. Bennet. I appreciated that not all relationships were salvaged in this story. Some needed to be cut off, some changed and some rekindled between friends and family. While this was not publicized as a cozy book and it is not completely accurate to say that it is, it is slice-of-life and I think. will come back to this version of Pride and Prejudice again and again. I laughed, cried and smiled while reading this book and I think it will shore me up at times when I need it again in the future.
Wow. I adore this series and was very moved by this volume in particular. We saw Elizabeth mature and really come in to herself in this installment and the love and understanding between herself and Darcy just grew and grew. This book focused a lot more on their family, especially the Bennets and their interactions with Elizabeth. More so the one with her and Mrs. Bennet. I appreciated that not all relationships were salvaged in this story. Some needed to be cut off, some changed and some rekindled between friends and family. While this was not publicized as a cozy book and it is not completely accurate to say that it is, it is slice-of-life and I think. will come back to this version of Pride and Prejudice again and again. I laughed, cried and smiled while reading this book and I think it will shore me up at times when I need it again in the future.
May 28, 2023
Emotional humor anguish love
This was as good as the other two in the series. The emotional turmoil that Elizabeth and Darcy go through his heartfelt. The humour within this story is fantastic. I love the family Camaraderie of the Darcy and Elizabeth have with his family, part of hers, and friends. Would like to say Lady C and Caroline acted better, but nope!!! Very well written, story is emotional from beginning to end, and I highly recommend for all to read.
This was as good as the other two in the series. The emotional turmoil that Elizabeth and Darcy go through his heartfelt. The humour within this story is fantastic. I love the family Camaraderie of the Darcy and Elizabeth have with his family, part of hers, and friends. Would like to say Lady C and Caroline acted better, but nope!!! Very well written, story is emotional from beginning to end, and I highly recommend for all to read.
October 28, 2017
Missed a lot of the book skipping the sex scenes.
Liked the story, especially the way the original Austen characters are given a depth of personality. But we really do not need detailed descriptions of sex between Darcy and Elizabeth in every chapter.
Liked the story, especially the way the original Austen characters are given a depth of personality. But we really do not need detailed descriptions of sex between Darcy and Elizabeth in every chapter.
March 29, 2020
Totally enjoyed this 3 book series.
May 14, 2022
Excellent
This is the 3rd time that I have read this. The story line is enthralling. Linda Wells, Thank you for writing this series.
This is the 3rd time that I have read this. The story line is enthralling. Linda Wells, Thank you for writing this series.
December 9, 2024
Pleasant read. Same sentiments as the first and second of this set.
September 20, 2011
I always have a sense of completion after getting through a Darcy Series. I loved this series and it has jumped up on top of my favorite Pride and Prejudice adaptations. Even though each one of these books were over 500 e-book pages each, I feel like I want more!
October 13, 2016
Great series
I would honestly read anything Linda Wells wrote. Yes, I think her dialogue goes on a bit long and sometimes I wish Elizabeth wasn't quite so perfect, but I love that it's a story about a family.
I would honestly read anything Linda Wells wrote. Yes, I think her dialogue goes on a bit long and sometimes I wish Elizabeth wasn't quite so perfect, but I love that it's a story about a family.
March 31, 2011
Not for Jane Austen purists. I liked but charecters are totally not Darcy and Elizabeth.
May 14, 2013
Cute story. Darcy & Elizabeth are overly sappy at times, but the supporting cast is good and it's always satisfying to see the P&P characters we all dislike get their just desserts.
July 4, 2015
must read all 3 to get the full Austen effect.
Read
March 7, 2016Did not read since this is the third in a series where I found the first book too long and tiresome.
May 11, 2017
I love the Darcy of Linda Wells world .
January 26, 2018
I'm so sorry this is the last of the memory trilogy, could happily read 3 more...
Lovely long read that are sweet, romantic and passionate.
Highlights would be the proposal Mary reseives and the game ODC play at Netherfield. The epilog was really lovely too.
There are some sad moments in the begining but the novel focuses on family and especially the Bennets or rather Elizabeth and her mother.
Little Rosa had me laughing out loud over her antics...
Really good value for the money and well worth while so I heartily recommend this book.
Lovely long read that are sweet, romantic and passionate.
Highlights would be the proposal Mary reseives and the game ODC play at Netherfield. The epilog was really lovely too.
There are some sad moments in the begining but the novel focuses on family and especially the Bennets or rather Elizabeth and her mother.
Little Rosa had me laughing out loud over her antics...
Really good value for the money and well worth while so I heartily recommend this book.
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