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For Love Apart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology
For Love Apart is a collection of two previously published Pride and Prejudice novellas Irresistibly Alone by Julie Cooper UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another. The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds ELIZABETH BENNET and her sister Jane have come to London in the autumn at the invitation of their uncle. Elizabeth, initially delighted by the novelty of new acquaintances and experiences in London, dislikes one proud, conceited, and unfairly handsome Mr Darcy who renders a grievous insult to her at one of their first meetings. Alas, the social downfall of this insult is rapid and severe for Elizabeth.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY regrets his intemperate words and wishes everyone would allow them to be forgot. Alas, with Charles Bingley set on winning Jane Bennet's heart and hand, and his noble uncle eager to further an acquaintance with the Gardiners, he will have to do more than merely wish. He will have to admit that a young lady left sitting without a dance partner may still be very tempting indeed.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another. The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds ELIZABETH BENNET and her sister Jane have come to London in the autumn at the invitation of their uncle. Elizabeth, initially delighted by the novelty of new acquaintances and experiences in London, dislikes one proud, conceited, and unfairly handsome Mr Darcy who renders a grievous insult to her at one of their first meetings. Alas, the social downfall of this insult is rapid and severe for Elizabeth.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY regrets his intemperate words and wishes everyone would allow them to be forgot. Alas, with Charles Bingley set on winning Jane Bennet's heart and hand, and his noble uncle eager to further an acquaintance with the Gardiners, he will have to do more than merely wish. He will have to admit that a young lady left sitting without a dance partner may still be very tempting indeed.
- GenresAudiobook
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 24, 2024
Audiobook Duology
It’s wonderful that Quills & Quartos Publishing has released this book also as an audiobook duology featuring two excellent Pride and Prejudice variation novellas by two very talented authors, Julie Cooper and Frances Reynolds.
Here are the reviews I wrote for the two books, and it goes without saying that the audiobook narration and performance by Stevie Zimmerman is outstanding, as always.
Irresistably Alone, written by Julie Cooper
This book is everything a Pride and Prejudice variation should be. Julie Cooper, in this unputdownable novella, has written a perfect love story in the truest sense of those words. Oh my, I wish I could give it ten stars.
Mr. Bennet has arranged a marriage for Elizabeth in order to pay a personal debt to a distant, widowed cousin who needs an heir—Mr. Goulding! Elizabeth is incredulous and becomes broken.
“What is wrong with you, Lizzy?” she [Mary] asked, after walking in to find Elizabeth staring blankly at the wall instead of donning her gown. Elizabeth only shrugged. I have been pierced in the heart and am bleeding to death inside, she thought but could not say.”—quote from book
In the gardens during the Netherfield Ball, and in subsequent walks, Elizabeth makes Mr. Darcy somewhat aware of her troubles, never giving him the name of her future betrothed. With the weather becoming colder during these encounters, he guides her to a secret Netherfield folly as a place where she can warm herself as she seeks solitude from Longbourn. He gives her the key.
Oh I don’t want to give anymore of this story away. It is an absolute must read. I didn’t expect it to be a tearjerker, but for me, it definitely is. Sometimes the trigger was sad, but other times just so endearing it brought tears to my eyes. The writing is outstanding and I truly found it emotional, charming and oh so romantic! In fact, this book strikes me as one of the most romantic variations I’ve read to date.
“Roughly wiping away the wetness on her cheeks, she whispered to the flames, “I have a thousand entries for my book now. ’Tis your name, Mr Darcy, repeated a thousand times.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
“I spent this leisurely morning of reading wrapped in the loveliest, softest shawl in the world, and pretended—just this once, I promise—that it was your embrace keeping me warm and secure.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
When Elizabeth believes she is walking to meet her fate, I found myself walking with her, feeling her fear and anxiety.
“Ice travelled through Elizabeth’s limbs and up through her facial nerves, leaving her feeling frozen inside. She could walk, she could converse, but she had already begun quelling all the pieces of self that made her herself, crushing them down and flattening them so they would fit into the small space henceforth to be allowed.”—quote from book
I just loved it all, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This one definitely goes into my all-time favourites stack. Your heart, like mine, will be truly engaged from start to finish. I’ll definitely be owning this book and audiobook when they are published.
****************
The Wallflower, written by Frances Reynolds
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s infamous insult sets up unfortunate consequences for Elizabeth Bennet when it is spoken and overheard—not at the Meryton assembly, but at a bustling London ball. Elizabeth and Jane have been invited there by the newly titled, Sir Edward Gardiner, Baronet, to experience that society and make new friends and acquaintances and perhaps even find a marriage mate.
Darcy really puts his foot in it this time, but he somehow manages to redeem himself even though he’ll take a few more stumbles along the way. Elizabeth has always considered herself a ‘happy sort of person’, but her experience in London threatens to break her spirit.
“Even when I was relegated to the fringes of society it had not seemed quite impossible that some good man might see past the disdain of one insufferable fellow and his many eager hangers-on and say to himself, “There is a woman I could love. There is the lady with whom I would most wish to spend my life.” But I now felt that it was impossible, that it had always been nearly so, and that slim chance had been quite banished.”— Elizabeth, quote from book
Darcy has to examine his own character and acknowledge his error.
“I understood that it was the duty of a gentleman in a ballroom to dance, but at some point, I knew not when, I had selfishly decided that such rules of proper behaviour did not apply to me. I found that I ignored the mores of society as it suited me, while remaining convinced that I was one of the better examples of gentlemanly comportment.”—Darcy, quote from book
Will he ever manage to turn her hatred for him to love?
In this dual Elizabeth/Darcy POV novella-length book, Frances Reynolds cleverly lets us see just what each of them is feeling or thinking as the plot unfolds. ‘The Wallflower’ is a very satisfying read and is well written and edited. I highly recommend it.
Clean content.
It’s wonderful that Quills & Quartos Publishing has released this book also as an audiobook duology featuring two excellent Pride and Prejudice variation novellas by two very talented authors, Julie Cooper and Frances Reynolds.
Here are the reviews I wrote for the two books, and it goes without saying that the audiobook narration and performance by Stevie Zimmerman is outstanding, as always.
Irresistably Alone, written by Julie Cooper
This book is everything a Pride and Prejudice variation should be. Julie Cooper, in this unputdownable novella, has written a perfect love story in the truest sense of those words. Oh my, I wish I could give it ten stars.
Mr. Bennet has arranged a marriage for Elizabeth in order to pay a personal debt to a distant, widowed cousin who needs an heir—Mr. Goulding! Elizabeth is incredulous and becomes broken.
“What is wrong with you, Lizzy?” she [Mary] asked, after walking in to find Elizabeth staring blankly at the wall instead of donning her gown. Elizabeth only shrugged. I have been pierced in the heart and am bleeding to death inside, she thought but could not say.”—quote from book
In the gardens during the Netherfield Ball, and in subsequent walks, Elizabeth makes Mr. Darcy somewhat aware of her troubles, never giving him the name of her future betrothed. With the weather becoming colder during these encounters, he guides her to a secret Netherfield folly as a place where she can warm herself as she seeks solitude from Longbourn. He gives her the key.
Oh I don’t want to give anymore of this story away. It is an absolute must read. I didn’t expect it to be a tearjerker, but for me, it definitely is. Sometimes the trigger was sad, but other times just so endearing it brought tears to my eyes. The writing is outstanding and I truly found it emotional, charming and oh so romantic! In fact, this book strikes me as one of the most romantic variations I’ve read to date.
“Roughly wiping away the wetness on her cheeks, she whispered to the flames, “I have a thousand entries for my book now. ’Tis your name, Mr Darcy, repeated a thousand times.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
“I spent this leisurely morning of reading wrapped in the loveliest, softest shawl in the world, and pretended—just this once, I promise—that it was your embrace keeping me warm and secure.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
When Elizabeth believes she is walking to meet her fate, I found myself walking with her, feeling her fear and anxiety.
“Ice travelled through Elizabeth’s limbs and up through her facial nerves, leaving her feeling frozen inside. She could walk, she could converse, but she had already begun quelling all the pieces of self that made her herself, crushing them down and flattening them so they would fit into the small space henceforth to be allowed.”—quote from book
I just loved it all, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This one definitely goes into my all-time favourites stack. Your heart, like mine, will be truly engaged from start to finish. I’ll definitely be owning this book and audiobook when they are published.
****************
The Wallflower, written by Frances Reynolds
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s infamous insult sets up unfortunate consequences for Elizabeth Bennet when it is spoken and overheard—not at the Meryton assembly, but at a bustling London ball. Elizabeth and Jane have been invited there by the newly titled, Sir Edward Gardiner, Baronet, to experience that society and make new friends and acquaintances and perhaps even find a marriage mate.
Darcy really puts his foot in it this time, but he somehow manages to redeem himself even though he’ll take a few more stumbles along the way. Elizabeth has always considered herself a ‘happy sort of person’, but her experience in London threatens to break her spirit.
“Even when I was relegated to the fringes of society it had not seemed quite impossible that some good man might see past the disdain of one insufferable fellow and his many eager hangers-on and say to himself, “There is a woman I could love. There is the lady with whom I would most wish to spend my life.” But I now felt that it was impossible, that it had always been nearly so, and that slim chance had been quite banished.”— Elizabeth, quote from book
Darcy has to examine his own character and acknowledge his error.
“I understood that it was the duty of a gentleman in a ballroom to dance, but at some point, I knew not when, I had selfishly decided that such rules of proper behaviour did not apply to me. I found that I ignored the mores of society as it suited me, while remaining convinced that I was one of the better examples of gentlemanly comportment.”—Darcy, quote from book
Will he ever manage to turn her hatred for him to love?
In this dual Elizabeth/Darcy POV novella-length book, Frances Reynolds cleverly lets us see just what each of them is feeling or thinking as the plot unfolds. ‘The Wallflower’ is a very satisfying read and is well written and edited. I highly recommend it.
Clean content.
June 12, 2024
Status: Read April 11-15, 2024, via audible edition & kindle editions of Irresistibly Alone and The Wallflower
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Stars
My Library Notes:
For Love Apart: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Duology
by Julie Cooper, Frances Reynolds, Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 6 pages
Published March 28, 2024 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0CZ7GRZMQ
For Love Apart is a collection of two previously published Pride and Prejudice novellas:
Irresistibly Alone by Julie Cooper
UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another.
The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds
ELIZABETH BENNET and her sister Jane have come to London in the autumn at the invitation of their uncle. Elizabeth, initially delighted by the novelty of new acquaintances and experiences in London, dislikes one proud, conceited, and unfairly handsome Mr Darcy who renders a grievous insult to her at one of their first meetings. Alas, the social downfall of this insult is rapid and severe for Elizabeth.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY regrets his intemperate words and wishes everyone would allow them to be forgot. Alas, with Charles Bingley set on winning Jane Bennet's heart and hand, and his noble uncle eager to further an acquaintance with the Gardiners, he will have to do more than merely wish. He will have to admit that a young lady left sitting without a dance partner may still be very tempting indeed.
Listening Length: 5 hours and 57 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 Stars
My Library Notes:
For Love Apart: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Duology
by Julie Cooper, Frances Reynolds, Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 6 pages
Published March 28, 2024 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B0CZ7GRZMQ
For Love Apart is a collection of two previously published Pride and Prejudice novellas:
Irresistibly Alone by Julie Cooper
UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another.
The Wallflower by Frances Reynolds
ELIZABETH BENNET and her sister Jane have come to London in the autumn at the invitation of their uncle. Elizabeth, initially delighted by the novelty of new acquaintances and experiences in London, dislikes one proud, conceited, and unfairly handsome Mr Darcy who renders a grievous insult to her at one of their first meetings. Alas, the social downfall of this insult is rapid and severe for Elizabeth.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY regrets his intemperate words and wishes everyone would allow them to be forgot. Alas, with Charles Bingley set on winning Jane Bennet's heart and hand, and his noble uncle eager to further an acquaintance with the Gardiners, he will have to do more than merely wish. He will have to admit that a young lady left sitting without a dance partner may still be very tempting indeed.
Listening Length: 5 hours and 57 minutes
May 7, 2024
Two stories in one WONDERFUL audiobook
I thought I wrote a review when I finished this book a month ago but guess it didn't go through. First off, this is two different stories written by two authors (Julie Cooper & Frances Reynolds). I have both of these books (one in physical & the other in ebook format). I enjoyed both prior to the audiobook's release. I liked "The Walflower" but I was more emotional with "Irresistibly Alone" by Julie Cooper. This audiobook narrated by Stevie Zimmerman took both stories up to a higher level - Thank you Stevie for the phenomenal performance!!! You can read the description given for each story so I dont have to share more about that. Both are relatively shorter stories but dont let that stop you from taking the time to listen to this audiobook (or read the books if you dont do audio). I love both stories even more especially "Irresistibly Alone"! This story alone is worth the audiobook.
I thought I wrote a review when I finished this book a month ago but guess it didn't go through. First off, this is two different stories written by two authors (Julie Cooper & Frances Reynolds). I have both of these books (one in physical & the other in ebook format). I enjoyed both prior to the audiobook's release. I liked "The Walflower" but I was more emotional with "Irresistibly Alone" by Julie Cooper. This audiobook narrated by Stevie Zimmerman took both stories up to a higher level - Thank you Stevie for the phenomenal performance!!! You can read the description given for each story so I dont have to share more about that. Both are relatively shorter stories but dont let that stop you from taking the time to listen to this audiobook (or read the books if you dont do audio). I love both stories even more especially "Irresistibly Alone"! This story alone is worth the audiobook.
April 26, 2024
Ordered by mistake, but glad to have it
I see the names of these two authors and their book is an automatic purchase for me. I already have both of these books individually, but I'm ecstatic to have this excuse to read them both again.
The offering from Julie Cooper, Irresistibly Alone, is a sweet and sad, but beautifully romantic fairy tale-like story, wherein Darcy is the impossibly swoon worthy prince who saves the damsel in distress. Frances Reynolds' book The Wallflower is delightfully witty and amusing, using the first person perspective alternating between Elizabeth's and Darcy's. Both books are superbly written and well edited, and I recommend them both very highly.
I see the names of these two authors and their book is an automatic purchase for me. I already have both of these books individually, but I'm ecstatic to have this excuse to read them both again.
The offering from Julie Cooper, Irresistibly Alone, is a sweet and sad, but beautifully romantic fairy tale-like story, wherein Darcy is the impossibly swoon worthy prince who saves the damsel in distress. Frances Reynolds' book The Wallflower is delightfully witty and amusing, using the first person perspective alternating between Elizabeth's and Darcy's. Both books are superbly written and well edited, and I recommend them both very highly.
April 11, 2024
Rare pair of two excellent stories
I would rate both of the stories 5 stars. Quite the bargain. I shan’t give away much of the plots. I must say the pacing, vocabulary, the characters who were totally believable as was their conversations make this a must have book unless you have read both stories already.
I would rate both of the stories 5 stars. Quite the bargain. I shan’t give away much of the plots. I must say the pacing, vocabulary, the characters who were totally believable as was their conversations make this a must have book unless you have read both stories already.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews