Let me put forth a hypothetical situation. Let’s say there was a girl who read a Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice variation, and she didn’t know what to rate it? Do you think there would be anyone out there willing to help??

Hello All!!

I’m sorry that I’ve been a little AWOL lately (I ACTUALLY missed a day posting!! 😕) I have been having some work issues that may affect my posting schedule for the next few weeks…. Hopefully not! You know I’ll catch up with all of you when I get the chance!

But, I couldn’t miss today because the last Sunday of the month is Jane Austen day!!! 😀😀💖💖

Synopsis

What does an aging country attorney know about raising five young women? Apparently not enough, for the first of them to wed is the youngest, and her husband is a schemer. Trying to do better for his remaining wards, Mr. Phillips moves them to London.

Elizabeth is happy enough to visit London with her uncle and sisters, until town life throws her into the company of Mr. Darcy. She met him the autumn before, when he and his friends visited Hertfordshire, and found him thoroughly disagreeable. Now, it seems she must be in his company nearly every day.

Darcy is aware that Miss Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t care for him, which suits him perfectly. After all, he has no intention of courting the aggravating country miss. Even so, he must see her often and they develop a tentative friendship. Both make it clear to each other that it is friendship, not love. As those around them seek their help for their romantic relationships, Darcy and Elizabeth are steadfast in avoiding romantic involvement with each other. Or are they?

This is a Pride and Prejudice variation novel of approximately 59,000 words.

Renata McMann and Summer Hanford began writing Pride and Prejudice Variations together in 2014 and have since become immersed in the amazing world Jane Austen created. Whether you’re a fan of Darcy and Elizabeth specifically or of clean Regency Romance in general, you will enjoy both McMann’s ability to imagine variations of this classic love story and Hanford’s skill in turning these variations of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and their enduring love into entertaining stories.

So, to get on with this one, we’re going to go list form this time!!

Things that I liked :

–The argument between Lizzie and Darcy about art

“What is the point of painting the world as it is and placing the work upon your wall?” she pressed as part of their ongoing argument. “If you wish to see the countryside, gaze out your window. That will always be lovelier than a painting. Art, therefore, is at its most useful when it depicts that which we cannot see. Love. Despair. Fear. Joy.”

A very cute debate

-Mr. Searle, my new favourite character, he stands up to Lady Catherine in a way that I have never seen and I give that man props!!

“Lady Catherine didn’t take her hawk-like gaze from Searle. “Did you find it difficult to be accepted at school?” Searle looked to Anne. Her shrug matched Darcy’s earlier one. Darcy frowned. Were he and Anne truly so cowed by Lady Catherine? No wonder his aunt felt she could force them to marry. “I suspect most boys find it difficult to adjust to school,” Searle finally said. “You did not answer my question.” Lady Catherine’s accusation rang with triumph. Searle flung up his hands. “Yes, I found it difficult. Where were you educated? How much money did you inherit?” “How dare you speak to me that way,” Lady Catherine cried. “I thought we were interrogating one another,” Searle shot back.”

–Darcy and Elizabeth working to pair everyone off while ignoring any feelings they may have themselves.

–The inter-changing POVs between Darcy and Elizabeth (it’s nice to get both sides of the story)

–The fact that their friendship made them so comfortable that it could be a detriment. They told themselves that had no attraction to one another…

“There was an advantage to Elizabeth’s disinterest in him, he realized. He could relax with her and not worry about raising expectations that wouldn’t be met. He could appreciate her without being concerned about hurting her. Perhaps they would not see each other often, but when he did see her, he could simply enjoy himself.”

–I loved Darcy’s hypotheticals through the whole story

“Does the man’s wealth have to be connected to land or does wealth from trade count?” she continued in that same biting tone. “Both will buy the same comforts.”

“I suppose if comfort is all she is interested in, then it doesn’t matter,” he snapped back. “But some forms of wealth make it harder to become friends with the right people.”

She cast him a look, lovely eyes wide and incredulous. “Oh, the right people. Of course,” she said, putting on a good show of total surprise at the idea. “Now, why didn’t I think of that consideration?” Her smile was benign. “Please enlighten me. Who are the right people?”

Darcy scowled, aware he was being baited. “Come now, don’t keep it a secret. Not when my future happiness might depend on knowing,” Elizabeth said. “I’m expected to marry eventually, after all. I want to make a good match.”

Things that I didn’t like:

–Why did they make Wickham so whiny??

“Don’t get upset about the money. When your legal debts are paid, you will start receiving the funds.”

“Still, you have no right to withhold it,” Wickham muttered, gaze on the floor.

The man was a child, Mr. Phillips realized sadly. Marriage to a man like Mr. Wickham was precisely the sort of thing he was supposed to prevent, but in spite of his bold words, he truly had little choice now.

“I have every right and have the legal documents to prove it.”

Mr. Phillips had made sure he had considerable control of his nieces’ money. He would never take a farthing for himself, but he wanted to be certain that no one else could do so, either.

“By the way, I am not touching your gambling debts.”

Wickham’s head snapped up. “Debts of honor should be paid.”

“Then pay them.” Mr. Phillips shrugged.

“Give me the money to.”

“Absolutely not.”

Now, I’m not saying that I like Wickham or anything, but he was a sly fox, a conniving weasel…. He wasn’t a whiny puppy kicking the floor and saying “but, I’m marrying her now, give me money…” He would just figure out how to take it and use it.

–Darcy’s relationship with his sister is depicted as “neglectful” and “frightening”

–Georgiana has always been timid, but in this, she is VERY timid. She seems afraid to meet anyone and doesn’t seen to take any comfort in others.

All in all it was an enjoyable read, and an interesting variation with both the Bennett parents dead and the girls living with their Uncle Phillip’s.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Hypothetically Married is Best Served with a Glass of Port

Well, this one is pretty self explanatory

“Sit down, Mr. Wickham.” Mr. Phillips made an effort to sound genially. “A glass of port?”

“Now may I interest you in a glass of port?”

“Mr. Phillips returned to his desk. He poured a second, much larger glass of port. Anything to rinse away the sour taste Wickham left in his mouth.”

CHEERS!!