Source: Review copy from Meryton Press
Rating: ★★★★★
I understood there was no escape from a union with this high-handed and disagreeable man, and the only advantage, though he loved me not, was that he appeared to wish me no ill.
(from Suddenly Mrs. Darcy)
Quick summary: Suddenly Mrs. Darcy imagines what would have happened in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice if Mrs. Bennet’s scheming to marry off her daughters resulted in Elizabeth being forced to marry Mr. Darcy immediately after the Netherfield Ball in order to preserve her reputation and that of her family. Jenetta James takes the newly married Darcys on a journey fraught with misunderstandings, secrets, tragedy, and of course, hope.
Why I wanted to read it: Although I’ve read at least one adaptation in which Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are forced to marry, I was curious about Mrs. Bennet’s involvement. And isn’t the cover just beautiful?
What I liked: James tells the story from Elizabeth’s point of view, which lends some mystery to her portrayal of Mr. Darcy. I liked having to guess what he was thinking (and hiding) from Elizabeth at various times. The novel also was perfectly paced; I didn’t have to keep guessing about Mr. Darcy’s secrets for too long, nor did I have to endure pages and pages of them doubting the feelings of the other. James’ take on Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock, and Lydia Bennet, along with the inclusion of several original characters, particularly Mrs. Lovelace and Elizabeth’s maid, Hannah, made the story even more enjoyable.
What I disliked: Absolutely nothing! It’s another winner from Meryton Press!
Final thoughts: Suddenly Mrs. Darcy is a charming novel with just the right amount of angst and romance. Readers will enjoy watching Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship evolve and strengthen over time, especially as they navigate various obstacles from the original novel, such as Mr. Wickham, in different ways. I loved this book from start to finish, and I hope James has plans to write another Austen-inspired novel down the road.
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Disclosure: I received Suddenly Mrs. Darcy from Meryton Press for review.
© 2015 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Sounds like a good one…These ones where they are forced to marry can be tricky!
That’s very true. This one was very well done, and I think you’d really like it, too!
they can be, I guess that there are a lot of challenges associated with truncating the period that they otherwise get to know each other, but I hope that people enjoy my stab at it, thanks for your interest, Jenetta
Oooooh!!! So glad you liked it! Btw, I hear that it should be available on Amazon by Monday…crossing fingers!!
Yay! Thanks for letting me now, since someone on Goodreads asked about the release date.
I’ve had a few queries about the release date. We *think* it will be Monday – but that is not 100% certain – so when I am certain I will tweet and fb that it is available, Jenetta
haven’t read a bad review – so definitely need to read this one
I hope you love it as much as I did!
thank you, I hope that you enjoy it, Jenetta:-)
Sounds perfect for you!
It sure was!
what lovely things to say, thank you:-)
I definitely want to read it! Not only do I like arranged/force marriage scenarios of P&P variations, but reviews and excerpts confirm that Suddenly Mrs.Darcy is very well written and intirging book.
Really hope that you enjoy it…. excerpt #2 is now available if you are interested in reading that & there will be more to come. happy reading, Jenetta
Anna I am very touched by this review – thank you for your generous words! Jenetta
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Ohhh want. Though that dress is not right for the time
Hi – I hope that you enjoy it & are able to forgive the anachronism of the dress – we loved it so much that we ran with it anyway…. Happy reading & thanks for your interest, Jenetta
To be honest, I didn’t even notice that! I love the cover.
This looks good (and I do love the cover). Off to see if my library has it!
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