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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
This was a delightful read and I had a hard time putting it down. It picks up with Mr. Darcy's first proposal and imagines what would happen if Elizabeth said yes at that point. Some parts felt a little anachronistic to me but I tend to like that. Anyway, if you love P&P you should put this on your TBR.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am a long term, unapologetic Austen fan. Not only of Austen's original works (Sense and Sensibility vies for my "favourite book of all time" position) but also of every spin off and re-imagining possible - Jane Austen Book Club, Austenland, Lost in Austen...you name it, I've probably seen it / read it. However I have to admit - I have never read a Pride and Prejudice re-imagining quite like this.
Usually (and I use this term with only personal experience to hold to) people seem to re-imagine so that they can write Pride and Prejudice with steamy stuff thrown in. I'm not saying this is a BAD thing, simply an oft attempted one. However to see a piece of fiction which takes that fateful day at the Parsonage and turns the proposal scene on its head, for me, could only have gone one of two ways. Fortunately this book took the best possible road and created something which I found enjoyable, heart warming and interesting - yes, that's right. Someone has written an interesting Austen re-telling. Break out the brass band!!
On a serious note; Ormiston is quite obviously a great fan of Austen and P&P. She treats the characters with respect and love, honouring their original characterisation without losing sight of her re-invented plot. Obviously there are a few moments in which modern sensibilities shine through (and a couple of phrases which broke me from an otherwise near-perfect glaze of Austen-esque reading) but, without doubt, this is the best P&P retelling I've encountered thus far. This fulfilled my need for more Elizabeth / Darcy interaction without falling into the "after the wedding" pit which is often used to do so.
There's a little Mr Bennett bashing - but really, who are we kidding, he is NOT a good Father - and Lydia is twenty times as silly as she has ever been. Wickham is more overt in his dastardly ways and Jane seems to be meeker and milder than ever. However enhancing character traits which already existed didn't offend me in any way - rather, Ormiston seemed to take strength from the material as opposed to cast it aside in favour of new. This trait, perhaps more than any other, made me fall a little in love. I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.
A thoroughly enjoyable read which is sweet, respectful and real.
Usually (and I use this term with only personal experience to hold to) people seem to re-imagine so that they can write Pride and Prejudice with steamy stuff thrown in. I'm not saying this is a BAD thing, simply an oft attempted one. However to see a piece of fiction which takes that fateful day at the Parsonage and turns the proposal scene on its head, for me, could only have gone one of two ways. Fortunately this book took the best possible road and created something which I found enjoyable, heart warming and interesting - yes, that's right. Someone has written an interesting Austen re-telling. Break out the brass band!!
On a serious note; Ormiston is quite obviously a great fan of Austen and P&P. She treats the characters with respect and love, honouring their original characterisation without losing sight of her re-invented plot. Obviously there are a few moments in which modern sensibilities shine through (and a couple of phrases which broke me from an otherwise near-perfect glaze of Austen-esque reading) but, without doubt, this is the best P&P retelling I've encountered thus far. This fulfilled my need for more Elizabeth / Darcy interaction without falling into the "after the wedding" pit which is often used to do so.
There's a little Mr Bennett bashing - but really, who are we kidding, he is NOT a good Father - and Lydia is twenty times as silly as she has ever been. Wickham is more overt in his dastardly ways and Jane seems to be meeker and milder than ever. However enhancing character traits which already existed didn't offend me in any way - rather, Ormiston seemed to take strength from the material as opposed to cast it aside in favour of new. This trait, perhaps more than any other, made me fall a little in love. I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.
A thoroughly enjoyable read which is sweet, respectful and real.
I say this in the best possible way: this is superbly written fan fiction. I plan on re-reading this again in the future. Characterizations are believable and progression of storyline is flawless. I didn't want it to end. If Ormiston wanted to write a fluff continuation of the Darcy's marriage I would be first in line.
A fantastic variation! What would happen if instead of declining Darcy so vehemently and angrily, Elizabeth accepted him? I though Ormiston did a fantastic job of exploring this variation - in both new ways and of course still tying in some favourite moments from Austen's original.
It did lag a bit for me, in the second half - a lot of angst and troubles were packed into a month! At times it felt a bit repetitive, and that Elizabeth was missing some of the fire she had - but then she was faced with a fiance, instead of a scorned suitor!
Overall a sweet read, lovely read with a wonderfully portrayed Darcy and Elizabeth.
It did lag a bit for me, in the second half - a lot of angst and troubles were packed into a month! At times it felt a bit repetitive, and that Elizabeth was missing some of the fire she had - but then she was faced with a fiance, instead of a scorned suitor!
Overall a sweet read, lovely read with a wonderfully portrayed Darcy and Elizabeth.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
I re-read this in 2025, my first read was 2022. This time around Darcy felt possessive and not protective. I guess at the time Elizabeth would have been his property but I still didn't like it. Lydia and Mrs. Bennett were also absolutely insufferable.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was so good!!! The author really captures the mood and feel of a Regency romance. She doesn't hit Austen's acerbic social commentary, but she captures the rhythm of speech and absolutely nails the characters. I could barely stand to put this book down. <3