What if Georgiana Came to Netherfield and Befriended Elizabeth Bennet?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Mom ๐
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
TIME FRAME: Before the Netherfield Ball to ten months later + Epilogue
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL: The Houseguest came onto my radar back in 2013, when it was only published as an ebook and had loads of favorable of reviews on amazon. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it and have wanted to read it for a long time. ย (So glad the author changed her mind about publishing a paperback! Thank you, Ms. Adams!) Variations are one of my favorite types of Austenesque novel and I thought the premise of Georgiana and Elizabeth meeting earlier in the novel an interesting one to explore.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Exploring Friendships: I loved seeing Georgiana and Elizabeth as friends! Georgiana has no hidden motives or agendas (she isn’t trying to set Darcy and Elizabeth up), she genuinely adores Elizabeth and is thrilled with her first experience of having a female her age around the house. Their giggles, secrets, and schemes together were so sweet to witness โ loved their sisterly connection. ๐ I also loved seeing the friendship that developed between Elizabeth and Darcy and Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
- A Gradual Growing Regard: Speaking of friendship, I loved how Elizabeth saw Darcy as a friend. Her introspection about her feelings and opinions of him was wonderful to witness โ I truly felt the change in her heart take place on the page. I liked that it wasn’t an immediate change or a sudden realization; I enjoyed seeing her contemplate Mr. Darcy and observing the evolution of her feelings for him. Their interactions were adorable to witness, Darcy’s heart is so full of love, but he keeps it very much to himself. And seeing Elizabeth be sweet and friendly towards Mr. Darcy just made my heart melt. Loved the scenes where Elizabeth prepares Darcy some tea, their playing in the snow together, and when they both (at different times) came upon each other sleeping! So sweet!
- Lord Malcolm: A new contender for Elizabeth’s hand!! This suitor is handsome, wealthy, well-connected, and charming; and he succeeds in turning Elizabeth’s head a little. Especially since Darcy has lost her trust and she doesn’t believe he would ever condescend to marry someone of her inferior connections. I enjoyed the little bit of tension Lord Malcolm brought with him, he charmed Elizabeth and frustrated Darcy quite effectively! For a low-angst variation where Wickham, Lady Catherine, and Caroline Bingley don’t prove to be very big foils, Lord Malcolm provided the perfect amount of conflict and contention.
- Away from Home: This variation had such a unique feeling to it because most of the action takes place in London between the Netherfield Ball and Elizabeth’s visit to Kent. It was a refreshing change to see Elizabeth travel to London, stay with the Darcy’s, and be away from her family.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Minor Quibbles: While this story was every bit as wonderful as I expected it to be, there was a moment or two that caused me to quirk up my brow. Such as, how did Georgiana being in Meryton the same time as Wickham not cause Darcy any anxiety? How come the Ramsgate incident was never spoken of between Darcy and Elizabeth? How could so many people like Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Gardiner, and Lady Catherine suspect Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth, but Georgiana, who lived with both of them, have no clue? Regardless, these were very minor quibbles, and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this lovely tale!
CONCLUSION:
The Houseguest by Elizabeth Adams was definitely worth the wait, and well-deserving of all the praise it has received! An enchanting, sweet, and tender story written with skill, originality, and playful humor! Definitely one I would recommend!
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This sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. I have it on my wishlist, but goodness knows when I’ll get to it, I’ll have to try and bump it up a bit!
๐ Definitely one to bump up! I’m far from alone in singing this one’s praises!
I read this book a while back. (Review posted a year ago.) But did so enjoy it. It is one I will read again sometime although I did note in my review how I read it twice within the first month of owing it.
That’s awesome that you loved it so much you read it twice!! I didn’t want to put it down, spent a lot of Saturday glued to it! ๐
I have been waiting for your review Meredith on this book as it sounded like a good book. You make it sound even more wonderful so it is a must read. However, I have no idea when I will get around to reading it though. LOL!
Definitely a great read, Michelle! ๐ I don’t think I’m overselling it. LOL! I know what you mean! Having so many lovely books you want to read is a good problem to have!
Sounds like a charming tale! As to your quibbles, I suppose once an author starts varying the basic story, any number of changes become possible–maybe Ramsgate never happened in the world of The Houseguest?
BTW, thanks for friending me on Goodreads! ๐ Had a busy day with houseguests of my own, so I couldn’t write a note just then.
It is Abigail. ๐ Ramsgate did happen, and Elizabeth found out about it through Georgiana…I just thought it a little odd that she never brought it up to Darcy or vice-versa since it provided her with a very new understanding of his character.
LOL! I’m glad we are Goodreads friends now! Hope you had a lovely time with your houseguest! ๐
I just finished this a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great review, Meredith.
Awesome! So glad to here you thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words!
Oh this one sounds exactly like the sort of variation I love – will definitely need to pick it up! So thank you for reviewing it. Also yay your mom for gifting it to you! ๐
I’m glad you enjoyed my review! ๐ I’m so thankful to my mom for buying items off of my amazon wishlist! I’m lucky!
Georgiana coming to netherfield is a game changer, it’s also changes the whole Darcy-Lizzy relationsnhip taking another turn and a charming new suitor ….gosh! this sounds terrific!
But I agree with you it’s very strange indeed that Darcy’s didn’ fear for his sister’s reaction or feeling after knwoing that Wickam was here. Afterall he is such a protective brother and has reasons to be. Plus Georgiana would have seen, noticed Darcy’s bahaviour or glance at Lizzy or how he might have praised her. I agree with ur review and than you for talking about this novel that I must put on my list …..even though my list is getting long and longer -_-.
Nicely done to both of you.
Very true! It was terrific. ๐ LOL! Sorry for making your to read list longer! Hope you get the chance to enjoy some lovely reads!
*I meant thank you for talking about this novel…sorry I didn’t proofread
With such a great review I’m going to write this title in my notebook for future readings!. How sweet to develope the story with the friendship matter!. And putting Lord Malcolm as a great rival is fantastic. Darcy, you’ll have to make a big effort, LOL ๐
Yes, I agree! The friendship themes were so sweet and well-done! ๐ Yes, Darcy has to work hard!
Looks like I need to add this one to my list. I missed it when it came out. Sounds great and I love the idea of all the friendship.
You definitely should add it to your list, Sophia! I think you would love it!
Thanks for the great review! I had no idea this was happening until I saw it on Twitter. And thanks to your mom for buying the book!
One tiny little thing… Darcy didn’t know Wickham was in Meryton when Georgiana came. We don’t know exactly when he arrived, but we know Darcy sees him for the first time shortly after Mr. Collins arrived and walked with the Bennet girls into town. In this story, Darcy goes to London to get his sister, then stays close to the estate with her for the week she’s there. I thought Wickham would have arrived somewhere in that time.
I remember combing the original for dates and it’s pretty sparse when it comes to concrete details, so I went with Elizabeth meeting Wickham AFTER meeting Georgiana. Sorry if that was confusing!
LOL! Aww…thank you so much for writing this book and for publishing it in paperback! I remember checking amazon many times to see if it was out in paperback yet. ๐
Thanks for the explanation and for checking out my review!
I loved this book. Her new one is great, too! Main characters are Will and Kate, and I LOVE THEM. Lots of witty dialogue make it an easy read. PERFECT book club book for women! I can’t stop laughing! ๐
Ooh! I’ll have to check out her new one! I thought the premise sounding really interesting! Thanks, Lori!
Another lovely review, Meredith. I’d only found out about The Houseguest last week and thought it sounded interesting. Now it sounds fascinating! I love the premise of Elizabeth and Georgiana getting to know each other much earlier in the story and of Elizabeth and Darcy becoming friendlier during the Netherfield days. Lord Malcolm sounds rather yummy! Definitely one for the Wish List.
Thank you, Anji! The premise is really brilliant and not one you often see a lot of. ๐ Lord Malcolm was a bit yummy!
Great review as always, Meredith. This book’s on my TBR list!
Thanks! It’s definitely one I’d think you’d enjoy!