Delve into the Psyche of Caroline Bingley!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Caroline Bingley, “handsome, clever, and rich,” with no home of her own and an unpleasant disposition, seemed to desire nothing more than to be accepted into the upper echelons of society; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very much to distress and vex her. Because of her humiliating and unsuccessful pursuit of Mr. Darcy, and her refusal to apologize for her part in separating Jane and Bingley, Caroline loses her brother’s good opinion and is banished from his home and care. Forced to leave all the fashionable and elite society she adores, Caroline is sent far north to Cumbria to live with her mother and step-father. Will Caroline finally learn that there are more important things in life than wealth and titles? Will she apologize to Elizabeth Darcy and reunify her family? Or will she find herself embroiled in yet another scheme to ensnare a wealthy husband?
Well, it just so happens that there are two eligible bachelors in Cumbria… One will inherit a title and owns an ancestral home, the other works in trade and owns a crumbling mansion (according to Caroline). One loves Caroline’s “impudence and independent spirit,” the other loves her inheritance. Who do you think Caroline is chasing? Who do you think will claim her heart?
In Jennifer Becton’s second brilliant Pride and Prejudice sequel, we spend a lot of time with Caroline. And believe it or not, it’s not torture! Yes, you are probably going to want to smack her and shake her a few times. And yes, she is still the grasping, cold-hearted snob we all love to hate. But…through the skillful and excellent prose of Jennifer Becton, we see that underneath all the “pretense and accomplishment,” Caroline has moments of vulnerability and honesty, just like every other human. Readers cannot help but feel some sympathy for this woman who merely just desires to be accepted, to belong, to be seen better than she is.
I adore the writing of Jennifer Becton! I love the new characters she creates; seeing Caroline paired with the seemingly unfashionable and lowly Mrs. Pickersgill was genius! And Mr. Rushton – he is definitely being added to my list for favorite Austenesque heroes! I’m so very thankful that Ms. Becton included not one, but two exquisitely beautiful tender and romantic scenes in this novel. Scenes that are chaste yet make your heart pound and catch your breath. *Sigh* I think these scenes are becoming hallmarks for Ms. Becton; I loved the scene in Charlotte Collins “where they almost touched hands.”
I sincerely enjoyed my journey into the psyche of Caroline Bingley. While I still think she can be exasperating, I discovered that she is a strong, courageous, and unique heroine that deserves our compassion and understanding. I sincerely hope there will more installments in Jennifer Becton’s The Personages of Pride and Prejudice series! Such exceptional writing! Who should be next? Mary Bennet? Anne de Bourgh? Please keep writing Austenesque novels Ms. Becton!!!
GIVEAWAY!!! Author Jennifer Becton has kindly donated a brand new paperback copy and an ebook copy of Caroline Bingley for me to giveaway!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this review. (To save inbox from unwanted spam, please don’t leave your email address.) Just check back to see if you win! Fortunately for our international friends, the ebook giveaway is open worldwide! The paperback giveaway is open to US and Canada. Thank you, Jennifer!!
This contest will close November 25th. Good luck and thank you for entering!
Great review – thanks!
“While I still think she can be exasperating, I discovered that she is a strong, courageous, and unique heroine that deserves our compassion and understanding” –
definitely makes me want to read this one!
T. A. Button
In my humble opinion Caroline Bingley is the best Austenesque continuation out there. Defintely the best that I’ve read. And even though I’ve read it I’m totally not above entering the contest because I really want a paperback copy 🙂
I have to say I never much liked Caroline feeling much to loyal to Elizabeth however I think it would be very interesting to read an interpretation of her. Please count me in thanks!
I have heard nothing but rave reviews for this book and am so looking forward to moving it from my TBR list to my Read and Loved list. I’d be so happy to win a copy! Taking on a character like Caroline is intriguing but making her likeable is indeed a feat.
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway, I would love the paperback copy!
ooh, I definitely want to read this one!
I am so eager to read this book! I have heard nothing but good things about it. I loved Charlotte Collins and the scene “where they almost touched hands”. I can’t wait to read the two scenes you were describing. Thanks for the giveaway!!:)
this is a fantastic giveaway!! thank you!!!! already adding to my WishList!!!!
i would like the paperback, please!!!!
I enjoyed your review so much. I have had this on my wishlist for a long time. I love the chaste heart pounding scenes. I think I would like a story about Mrs. Bennet, or Anne DeBourgh, or Mr. Bennet, or how about Kitty Bennet there’s little about her. Poor girl just trapped in the middle. coughing….
I think Mrs. Bennet could have been a real hoot.
I’d need paperback also. I’d love to win this.
This is such a great leap to create Caroline in the form of a heroine. I am truly intrigued to see how the anti-heroine works.
Thanks for the review to introduce us to a new book and thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I really love reading your book reviews here, Meredith as it helps me to add good Austenesque reads to my reading list. I am intrigued to read Jennifer Becton’s books and this gives me a good reason to enter this giveaway. It’s eBook copy for me since I’m international.
Thanks a lot.
Meredith, Thank you so much for reading and reviewing a book about dear, sweet Caro. I am pleased that you liked her a bit in the end. I confess I did too! And thank you for the opportunity to share some books to your readers!
The woman we love to hate! Still, I would love to read Jennifer Becton’s book, it sounds intriguing. Meredith, your reviews are such a great resource for all us Janeites, thanks for what you do
Lovely review! I think it would be interesting to read a story about Caroline. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to learn more about Caroline Bingley. She’s definitely a love to hate character.
I read part of this on the preview on Amazon. It was really good. She does a good job with it. I still think I could smack Caroline but sometimes you just gotta love to hate someone!
This sounds like a wonderful story! THese spin-off stories are my favorite… I love to see the different twists/turns of the characters and find out the “what if’s” of their stories. While Caroline Bingley has never been my favorite character, I think it would be great to see what’s in store for her, and to see if she changes her snooty ways or continues on as she was. Would love to be included in this drawing! 🙂
Great review! I have been wanting to get this book for some time, and now I want to read it even more! I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity.
Awesome review! Would love to win a copy of this novel!
OoOoO….I’ve never been able to muster any sympathy toward that character, but maybe this book will change my mind! 🙂
Yes, we love to hate Caroline! This looks like a good read. Thank you for the giveaway.
This book sounds so fantastic! I can’t wait to read it!
I am US.
Oh, this book sounds great. I think Mary needs a book. I, always, wanted to see her HEA. thanks for the review
Thank you all for entering the giveaway and for giving Caroline a chance to win you over…well, just a bit anyway. She was quite a challenge to write!