In fulfilling a promise to her father, he had laid his heart open, and she sliced it up and handed it right back to him. Then he had invested in his company of men–cared for them, thought only of their safety day and night–only to have them slaughtered, leaving him the heart-wrenching task of writing letter after letter to their families.
(from Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes)
Ginger Monette’s latest novel, Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set during World War I. Elizabeth Bennet wants to be a doctor and does not want to depend on any man, especially not Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy, who requisitioned part of her family’s property for the war effort, insulted her upon their first meeting, and then expected her to accept his proposal of marriage. With her family torn apart and no home to return to, Elizabeth finds herself at a French chateaux turned field hospital serving as a nursemaid for an elderly man.
Darcy, meanwhile, has shut off his feelings following Elizabeth’s painful rejection and massive losses at the Somme. When he arrives at the field hospital as part of an investigation to weed out enemy operatives, he never expects to find Elizabeth there. As they each get to know the other’s true nature, uncertainties regarding their past history threaten to keep them from revealing their true feelings. The danger of Darcy’s mission looms large, threatening what little happiness they have managed to find amidst the carnage of war.
In Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, Monette does a fantastic job weaving the history of the Great War, the horrors of the trenches, and the excitement of a covert operation into the basic plot of Austen’s novel. A lot is changed in Monette’s variation, and those changes kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Much of the attention is on Darcy and Elizabeth, of course, with small appearances made by Jane Bennet and Charles and Caroline Bingley. There is a darker mystery surrounding Lieutenant Wickham and Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia, and there are several intriguing original characters, from an American doctor to a Mr. Collins-esque French officer.
The evolution of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship unfolds realistically, as does the portrayal of their scars inflicted by the war. Readers should be aware that the action of the novel builds up toward the end, and while some ends are tied up between the pair, they will have to wait for the upcoming sequel, Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey, to see how their tale concludes. Overall, I was satisfied with the ending of Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes, but I really wish I could have immediately delved into the next book!
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About Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes
World War 1 has turned French chateaus into bloody field hospitals, British gentlemen into lice-infested soldiers, and left Elizabeth Bennet’s life in tatters.
Her father is dead and her home destroyed. Never again will Elizabeth depend on a man to secure her future!
But when an opportunity arises to advance her dreams of becoming a doctor, she is elated—until HE arrives…
Heartbroken. Devastated. Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy is left rejected by the woman he loved and reeling from the slaughter of his men on the battlefield. “Enough!” Darcy vows. “No more sentimental attachments!”
But arriving at a field hospital to pursue a covert investigation, Darcy discovers his beloved Elizabeth training with a dashing American doctor and embroiled in an espionage conspiracy.
With only a few months to expose the plot, Darcy is forced to grapple with his feelings for Elizabeth while uncovering the truth. Is she indeed innocent? Darcy can only hope…
Check out Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes on Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
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About the Author
The teacher always learns the most. And in homeschooling her children, Ginger Monette learned all the history she missed in school. Now she’s hooked—on writing and World War I.
When not writing, Ginger enjoys dancing on the treadmill, watching period dramas, public speaking, and reading—a full-length novel every Sunday afternoon.
Her WW1 flash fiction piece, Flanders Field of Grey, won Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s 2015 Picture This grand prize.
Ginger lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she happily resides with her husband, three teenagers, and two loyal dogs.
Connect with Ginger Monette via website | Facebook | Amazon author page
Disclosure: I received Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes from the author for review.
I like what you’re saying about the strong historical connection and also that many familiar characters are part of the story along with Darcy and Lizzy.
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The book gets into the trenches with Darcy and into the medical tents with Elizabeth. Those details really made for a richer story.
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You did an incredible job with your historical research, Ginger. All your descriptions are so powerful, that they kept me spellbound.
Congratulations 🙂
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I agree!
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Thank you so much for the lovely review!
I had no idea when I began researching WW1 that it would become a personal passion. As I look towards writing future Great War Romances, I’m excited about delving into different aspects of the war in preparation. As a little hint, part of my research will involve what it would have been like to be a prisoner of the Germans…. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at GingerMonette.com to find out who the subject of the next Great War Romance will be!
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You’re very welcome, Ginger! I can’t wait for the next book!
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Isn’t it strange how an initial delving into a subject can end up being an obsession? It happens to me quite a lot! I may not spend as much time for such an extensive period as you have done, Ginger, but it’s so easy to get caught up in threads of investigation. In the end, that’s exactly how I discovered the wonderful online JAFF community and though WWI isn’t my period, I’m soaking up as much Regency history as I can.
Very much looking forward to the rest of your Great War romances.
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I’m fascinated by how many different time periods JAFF authors have managed to insert Austen’s characters.
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I felt exactly the same Anna! I could devour the next book if it was already available, luckily we only have to wait another month :))
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Thank goodness! 😉
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Wow! This sounds so wonderful!
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It was!
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I really loved this one too! I cannot wait for book 2!
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I’m glad you loved it as much as I did!
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Interesting setting for this one
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Indeed!
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The Great War period is one of the most fascinating in history, and to have it lived by some of my favourite characters certainly gives it another dimention. The reviews of this book are really drawing me in. It’s now at the top of my Must-Read list — not sure I can wait until Xmas so I hope the luck of the giveaway goes my way.
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Good luck, Janis! Hope you love it as much as I did!
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Loved this story – can’t wait for sequel.
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Me either!
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[…] Hope at Donwell Abbey is the sequel to Darcy’s Hope: Beauty from Ashes, a novel inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and set during the Great War. […]
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[…] Monette’s Pride and Prejudice variations set during the Great War — Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes and Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey (click for my reviews) — were among my favorite […]
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