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readundancies's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
This was yet another KaraLynne Mackrory Pride and Prejudice variation that I enjoyed.
It's not my favourite of hers, but the choice to remove Lydia as an obstacle to Darcy and Lizzy's romance worked well, especially with how Wickham was dealt with in correlation.
Darcy was a lot more gallant in this than he is normally depicted and I found myself enjoying it more than expected.
It was a quick read, well paced and clean, and a great way to pass the time on a lazy summer afternoon.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
lucyp21's review
3.0
This was a Pride and Prejudice variation I picked up because of a reading challenge (it has bluebells in the title) and I normally read these quite quickly but I enjoyed it when it came down to it.
In this book, Lizzy receives a letter from Jane before Darcy addresses her at Rosings, saying Lydia has died after taking a fall. She and Maria Lucas have to travel back home in order to mourn Lydia and Darcy accompanies them. What I find the trouble with these variations sometimes is that they bring Darcy and Lizzy together in a different way but don't address their character flaws. After the first proposal in P&P, Lizzy has to confront her prejudice against Darcy and Darcy has to confront his pride before they can come together as a couple and variations sometimes miss that. Thankfully, that wasn't the case in this book.
Despite the differing circumstances, Lizzie frequently assumes the worst of Darcy and Darcy has to swallow his pride and realise he made several mistakes in Meryton and concerning Lizzy and her family. Bingley plays a part here and not just to propose to Jane and Georgiana is delightful. Not to mention there is an unforeseen development with Mr and Mrs Bennett and of course, Wickham has to be dealt with.
I would have liked to have seen more of Kitty and Mary, especially since Kitty was the one with Lydia and closest to her when she died and felt like they were left out to the detriment of the book. However, this was an enjoyable book.
3.5 stars!
In this book, Lizzy receives a letter from Jane before Darcy addresses her at Rosings, saying Lydia has died after taking a fall. She and Maria Lucas have to travel back home in order to mourn Lydia and Darcy accompanies them. What I find the trouble with these variations sometimes is that they bring Darcy and Lizzy together in a different way but don't address their character flaws. After the first proposal in P&P, Lizzy has to confront her prejudice against Darcy and Darcy has to confront his pride before they can come together as a couple and variations sometimes miss that. Thankfully, that wasn't the case in this book.
Despite the differing circumstances, Lizzie frequently assumes the worst of Darcy and Darcy has to swallow his pride and realise he made several mistakes in Meryton and concerning Lizzy and her family. Bingley plays a part here and not just to propose to Jane and Georgiana is delightful. Not to mention there is an unforeseen development with Mr and Mrs Bennett and of course, Wickham has to be dealt with.
I would have liked to have seen more of Kitty and Mary, especially since Kitty was the one with Lydia and closest to her when she died and felt like they were left out to the detriment of the book. However, this was an enjoyable book.
3.5 stars!
elizabaum's review
4.0
Reread 10/15/16
I've read quite a bit more JAFF since the first time I read this book, and it occurs to me now that there are a ton of stories where Mr. Bennet dies, but not many where one of the sisters dies instead. It makes for a very different feel, where the family has to mourn, but they aren't in immediate danger of poverty. It's quieter with that lack of danger, but sometimes I'm really in the mood for that. The Wickham storyline is pretty satisfying, too.
Original read 10/11/15
I enjoyed this book a great deal. The writing was really good, and it probably would have been 4.5 or 5 stars if there was more new about it. A lot of material from the original was re-purposed to fit the new continuity. It was definitely used in creative ways, so bravo for that, but I would have liked it even better if the divergence explored more new territory.
Of the things that were new, though, my favorite was definitely Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana. Georgie is consistently one of my favorite secondary characters, so anyone who can bring her into the story more and use her well is on my YES list.
I do have to admit that when Mr. and Mrs. Bennetreconciled, I was sort of hoping that they'd end up having a son. Glad the author did not disappoint. ;-)
Recommended as an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon.
I've read quite a bit more JAFF since the first time I read this book, and it occurs to me now that there are a ton of stories where Mr. Bennet dies, but not many where one of the sisters dies instead. It makes for a very different feel, where the family has to mourn, but they aren't in immediate danger of poverty. It's quieter with that lack of danger, but sometimes I'm really in the mood for that. The Wickham storyline is pretty satisfying, too.
Original read 10/11/15
I enjoyed this book a great deal. The writing was really good, and it probably would have been 4.5 or 5 stars if there was more new about it. A lot of material from the original was re-purposed to fit the new continuity. It was definitely used in creative ways, so bravo for that, but I would have liked it even better if the divergence explored more new territory.
Of the things that were new, though, my favorite was definitely Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana. Georgie is consistently one of my favorite secondary characters, so anyone who can bring her into the story more and use her well is on my YES list.
I do have to admit that when Mr. and Mrs. Bennet
Recommended as an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon.
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