Love this set, by one of my favorite authors. In the first book, we learn of Elizabeth's life. Being "chosen" to live with her aunt and uncle and havinLove this set, by one of my favorite authors. In the first book, we learn of Elizabeth's life. Being "chosen" to live with her aunt and uncle and having the upbringing full of love, warmth, creativity and respect she never would have received in Longbourn to her 2 biological parents.
She is encouraged to learn, ask questions and consequently grows to trust the 2 adults in her life who are the best parents she could have asked for.
As a family, they travel, meet new people, experience the arts and music. Elizabeth is also introduced to one of their closest friends- Mr. George Darcy and his young daughter. They become the closest of friends (but never visiting Pemberley when Darcy and Wickham are around).
This book closes at changes in Elizabeth's life and her return to Hertfordshire. Just in time for the Netherfield party to arrive....more
Loved this! Such drama. Obviously, completely ridiculous if one needs it according to canon, but - if you take it for what it is... Really well writtenLoved this! Such drama. Obviously, completely ridiculous if one needs it according to canon, but - if you take it for what it is... Really well written, interesting portrayal of the characters, very E and D driven. Hey, its a total love story with a HEA! If you like Drama, angst, and love at the end, you will love this too. A definite reread.
15.8.21 reread. Omg, just as good as the first read!...more
I had this on my maybe list for a while. It started out promising, I really liked that the majority of the book was from Darcy's POV. Then it lagged, I had this on my maybe list for a while. It started out promising, I really liked that the majority of the book was from Darcy's POV. Then it lagged, and I couldn't plow through it. Kept reading other books in between. Finally at 50% it started to pick up and I could get into it. Each individual character was well for written for their purpose. Even Mr. Wickham, who had a relatively minor role, was a huge motivator through half the story. ODC get off to the usual start and ever so slowly begin to open up to each other while all the other drama is going on. A duel, character defamation, couples falling in love, illness and Lydia, but not in her usually written way ( she is almost palatable)!
Aside from some really slow parts, this is well written and I am glad I stuck it out. 3.5*...more
Darcy to the rescue, but the real hero is Lady C. (well sort of, but I actually kind of liked her in this one)
Vile, slimy Lord Henry, boy he really toDarcy to the rescue, but the real hero is Lady C. (well sort of, but I actually kind of liked her in this one)
Vile, slimy Lord Henry, boy he really took the cake. I liked Darcy and Georgianna in this story. They were both strong characters. Darcy's waffling was minimal. Elizabeth's thoughts were sometimes shocking and I didn't feel they made sense considering one man was actually trying to force her into the same situation she at times contemplated....more
When I first began reading this, I remembered that I didn't want to read it due to Uncle Gardiner being a big bad. Thankfully despite that, he actuallWhen I first began reading this, I remembered that I didn't want to read it due to Uncle Gardiner being a big bad. Thankfully despite that, he actually has a small part in the whole book. And of course, he was the impetus to get ODC together in the first place.
My only problem with the whole book is Elizabeth usually owes some of her grace and propriety to her uncle and aunt Gardiner, who are not a factor in this book. So how she grew to be herself is a little unclear. Tiny hole in the plot, but doesn't take away from this story of loss and love.
Darcy and Elizabeth are both in a tight position and marry to solve it for both. E has lost almost her whole family and is welcomed by most of D's. Their relationship grows and finds happiness, with some struggles, family dynamics helping and interfering along the way.
It starts in 1810 and Darcy is 25? 4 years after his come-out. Elizabeth is 18-19?
So far, this is my favorite by this author and does not disappoint!
4.5* - 2022- My second time reading this and I liked it just as much as the first time.
There is something compelling about a variation that is so different, it uses the characters and is more like a retelling than a variation.
Both our hero and heroine are in difficult situations. D is being forced to marry Anne by his father and E's uncle Gardiner (!) is going to trade her in for his debts to a vile man. Fate brings them together and they wed. They fall in love during their honeymoon in Bath, she becomes preggers and all kinds of other drama ensues.
It is a well written, enjoyable story, with HEA in the end....more
Listened on audiobook. Performance was very good. I am such a sucker for 1st Col. F, then Darcy stories. This was very well done. Elizabeth doesn't actuListened on audiobook. Performance was very good. I am such a sucker for 1st Col. F, then Darcy stories. This was very well done. Elizabeth doesn't actually get to marry and she is left in no mans land as far as her reputation is concerned. This is mainly via Darcy's view point, as he suffers thinking E will never be his.
2024 - forgot I had this as an audiobook and read it as an ebook. Sad and sweet tale....more
My most favorite Dixon to date! Audiobook was fantastic with a fabulous performance by the narrator.
In the opening of the book we learn of the nebulousMy most favorite Dixon to date! Audiobook was fantastic with a fabulous performance by the narrator.
In the opening of the book we learn of the nebulous relationship between Darcy and Anne.
Jump to Hertfordshire where D meets young Ben, who recognizes D as King Arthur and D warmly plays along.
E is a young widow, having married for love very young. Following the death of her husband she eventually ends back at Longbourn for a safe place to raise her son. Mr. Bennet takes advantage of her situation and engages her to the elder Collins brother -who they barely know- heir to the estate.
In to this situation the Bingley party arrive at the Meryton assembley, where D and E begin their (lustfilled, but platonic) relationship, such as it is. Some of the story follows canon, Jane gets ill, E visits Netherfield, D runs hot and cold, Collins -the younger visits, The Ball (OY!) happens, Bingley leaves.
Then it is Easter and E is in Hunsford with Ben, her fiance and his 2 daughters, to spend time getting to know each other. D has also arrived at Rosings and meets up with Ben again, who is convinced Rosings is Camelot! (so cute!!!)
From Collins elder we begin to get the impression that he is not the nicest of men and will be quite a strict disciplinarian, not to mention he will expect E to fall in line with all his dictates.
Frankly, from D I get the impression of a not great guy either. He is entirely about what he wants, especially physically. There is a substantial lack of honorable and gentlemanly behavior on his part towards E! No wonder she thinks he is only offering carte blanche!!
Things eventually blow up and E is free from C. She returns to London, but finding out all her finances are tied up in investments she is unsure what to do.
When Ben runs away to find D, she ends up at Darcy House and things take a path toward a HEA. With a little witchy Anne thrown in for good measure.
One shudder- Jane ends up happily with Collins-elder.
4* for the story - a little too much focus throughout the whole book on the lust aspect of the relationship for my taste. 5* for narration!
I received a copy of the audiobook for my honest opinion....more
I actually liked this one. It was so cute with some of the scenes from Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The writing was better than the last JAFF I reI actually liked this one. It was so cute with some of the scenes from Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The writing was better than the last JAFF I read. This will be a reread.
My second read thru of this and I liked it as much as the first time. A good balance of all the main characters involved and their own dynamics, this My second read thru of this and I liked it as much as the first time. A good balance of all the main characters involved and their own dynamics, this is a read that keeps one involved in the story. Darcy offers to help Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth with Lydia's escapade. Mr. Bennet learns some things about himself and his companions during the ride. Darcy is in love with Elizabeth as ever and hopes to make a difference in her eyes. A very entertaining story!...more
*sigh* I love me some Jann Rowland, a true storyteller. However, they must hire better editors! I didn't grow up in an English speaking country and I c*sigh* I love me some Jann Rowland, a true storyteller. However, they must hire better editors! I didn't grow up in an English speaking country and I can catch all the typos and grammar issues. I gladly offer my services ;)
2022- A 3 yo Elizabeth is found by Darcy in Pemberley woods. Both his parents are still alive and after some searching, decide to adopts E, when her birth family could not be found. She becomes very much part of the Darcy family' loved by them and the Fitzwilliam's, but not by Lady C. or Wickham. He tries to use her to get at her dowry, but she is too canny to fall for his tricks.
Some years after Darcy Sr. passes, Bingley invites D, E, Georgianna and Mama D to visit Netherfield. During this visit more than a few truths are revealed....more
Didn't know what to expect with this one, as the title had me a little put off. After reading (and not really enjoying-Murder at Netherfield) I figureDidn't know what to expect with this one, as the title had me a little put off. After reading (and not really enjoying-Murder at Netherfield) I figured this would be a similar light feel and written just as poorly. However, I was charmed. I amazes me how JR (and LE) keep coming up with new ways to spin the P&P characters in a story. While not one of my favorites - Out of Obscurity, In the wilds of Derbyshire - it still kept my interest and I had no problem reading it through to the end.
This is more 3.5 for me and it is painful for me to write this review, as I am such a huge fan of JR. As much as I liked reading it, I ended with an -This is more 3.5 for me and it is painful for me to write this review, as I am such a huge fan of JR. As much as I liked reading it, I ended with an -oh well, there's that- feeling. For such a long book, nothing much really happens. No real dramatic angst, it kind of lalala plodded along and IMHO there was a LOT of repetitive phrases and thoughts, which were so unnecessary. Like being hit over the head with a bat, we get it... blah blah... However, it is a beautiful, calm read, and I do recommend it for that.
2021 reread. While I appreciated this writing and story a little more this time around, it is still not his best. Almost boring. And the Bingley Georgiana thing was just not believable. Don't think I will reread again....more
As a big fan of JR I am out to read all his books. Some I absolutely love, no matter how alternate the variation. Others, while still being good storyAs a big fan of JR I am out to read all his books. Some I absolutely love, no matter how alternate the variation. Others, while still being good story lines, are surprising in the lower quality of the writing. This was one of those, a more simpler story and not as enticing in the English word.
Reread 4.9.21 - This story is - what if nothing went wrong and there were no misunderstandings in P&P... ...more
I am beginning to be a big fan of this author! He knows how to spin an excellent yarn. My favorite is still The wilds of Derbyshire. This is a sweet tI am beginning to be a big fan of this author! He knows how to spin an excellent yarn. My favorite is still The wilds of Derbyshire. This is a sweet tale, weaving main characters together, with a switch up of one new one. Mt only complaint for all his books would be the editing. There are so many grammar mistakes, it is quite astounding. However, I have noticed that many of these P&P fanfictions are riddled with typos and grammar mistakes. Doesn't take away from the story, just an observation of mine....more
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