Double the Darcy, Double the Fun
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in the Yours by Design trilogy and that it is necessary to read book 1, Accidentally Yours, prior to reading this one.)
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Austen-Inspired, Time Travel, Christian/Inspirational
SETTING: Alternating between Modern-Day (2012) in Georgia, USA and 1795 in England
MAIN CHARACTERS:
- Will Darcy (from the 21st century) is joined by Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Bennet
- Fitzwilliam Darcy (from the 18th century) is surrounded by Mrs. Thomas, Lance Bingley, Jane Bennet, and Liz Bennet
SYNOPSIS:
Two different men living two centuries apart make two similar pleading prayers that result in their switching bodies with each other – think “Freaky Friday” – The Regency Edition. A modern-day man who grew up reading and loving Jane Austen named Will Darcy, finds himself in the body of Fitzwilliam Darcy after his ill-fated Hunsford Proposal. And Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself in the body of Will Darcy who lives in Georgia in the 21st century.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Two Darcys: Need I say more??? Both Darcys are quite different from each other. Will Darcy is very charming and has both the appearance and actuality of “goodness.” His Regency counterpart, Fitzwilliam Darcy, while haughty and arrogant, isn’t the responsible and just Master of Pemberley we all thought he was. The story alternates with each chapter – changing time periods and perspectives – giving readers an equal amount of both Darcy men. 😉
- Things Are Developing: I loved how this book showed more of each Darcy’s development. They acclimated to their new lives (or are trying to), establishing relationships with the people who surround them, and pursued their hearts’ desires. Will is occupied taking care of a bad investment his Regency counterpart made and admitting his errors in judgment to Charles Bingley. And Fitzwilliam Darcy is busy with his physical therapy work and learning how to live in the 21st century.
- I Like Fitzwilliam Darcy Again!: In Accidentally Yours,I found the Regency Darcy to be very unlikable and I was disappointed in some of the things he said and thought. Well, while that is his character make-up at the start of this series, I’m happy to see a gentle transformation starting to take place. His eyes, mind, and heart have been opened and he is truly desiring to change himself and make others happy and proud. I liked seeing Fitzwilliam “Fitz” Darcy’s interactions with his new companions and witnessing the many lessons he has to learn daily about modern society and customs. It kind of reminded me of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory a few times with how he needed to have so many things explained!
I had to make a meme for this!
- Cute Fitz Moments: Some of my favorite moments in this story are when Fitz (Regency Darcy) does something adorable. In this installment we see him become better friends with his physical therapist/live-in nurse Lance and witness his introduction and first encounters with Liz Bennet. Without spoiling anything I’ll say my favorite scenes were the golf cart incident, Liz’s contraction challenge, and when Fitz experiences confusion over our modern expressions. So many LOLs!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- I’m Not Into “Pictures of Perfections”: I’ve said this numerous times before, but I just don’t like it when a character is nearly perfect, faultless and flawless, or has nothing to overcome. At this point, I find myself loving the Fitzwilliam Darcy parts of this story more than Will Darcy because he is flawed character learning to be a better man. Will and Elizabeth, on the other hand, are seemingly perfect people with very little to mar their happiness or block their paths.
CONCLUSION:
As you can see, I’m definitely more a fan of this series now than I was after reading the first book! With so many loose threads, this installment definitely left me hanging. I’m eagerly anticipating the third book, Forever Yours, which I hear is coming out soon! Can’t wait to see what happens with these Darcys and their Elizabeths!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Because she is awesome, Robin Helm has offered two lovely copies of her newly released novel, Sincerely Yours: Yours By Design, Book 2 (1 paperback and 1 ebook), for me to giveaway to TWO lucky winners!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review.
- The giveaway of the ebook is open worldwide, the giveaway of the paperback is open to US residents. Thank you, Robin!
- This giveaway ends October 27th!
Yay! This is such a fun series. I think a lot of people will be surprised how much they like Fitz as the time goes on and he adapts more and more to modern life. He and modern Lizzy definitely have more flaws and baggage to work through than the other two. It is really amusing to read his inner thoughts about the meaning of modern expressions like ‘going viral’. hehe
Yes I love how Robin showed us what our expressions would sound like to someone from another century – so very funny! The going viral was brilliant, Liz’ lead foot was another I loved. 🙂
Great review. I love reading about a flawed character. Seeing them change through the story and learn from their mistakes so that they can find their happy ending is what makes it interesting. Can’t wait to read this one!
Me too, Sagan! I agree completely. This Darcy goes through a big transformation too – he was very unlikable in the first book!
Two Darcy’s? How can it get any better? It would be interesting to see the regency Darcy adapt to modern day convenance and language.
I agree with you about characters having some flaw and improving throughout the story! It gives it a different dimension to it.
Since its a series, I don’t think I can hold off on the suspense until the series is complete, but look forward to reading it!
Seeing his reactions to our clothing, customs, language is very entertaining. But I do feel bad for him, what a shock he receives! I believe it is only a matter of months now until the series is complete – woot!
I love time travel stories. Thanks for the giveaway!
This one is very well done – two people swap lives so the story takes place in two different time periods!
Time travel and two (TWO!) Darcy’s – say no more, I’m on board with this one.
Thanks for your review and for the opportunity to win a copy. Hard to do what needs to be done with my fingers crossed all the time, but I’ll manage………
LOL! I know, there are many novels that can boast of having two Darcys take center stage!
Love it! haha! Hopefully you will become adept at doing things with crossed fingers!
This sounds great. I’ll have to see if my library has the first one!
Crossing my fingers for you!
I read Volume 1, so I was not too sure about Volume 2. I did like the 18th century Darcy so much better because he was not a perfect prig as well as a number of expletive deleteds that the 21st century Darcy was. I don’t tolerate extremist religious novels well, which for me Volume 1 was. I know there is an audience out there, I’m just not part of it. However, I really don’t mind well informed novels that have some religiosity in them. (I have taken college course work in religion and theology and I read in those areas, as well as philosophy, to this day at 64. I do believe I know the subject on which I opine.) However, If you are giving away a hard copy, I would like to be considered for it, as I have been reading the reviews. It is possible that the author has improved on her religious understanding. 😉
As commented by others, the religious content is lessened a degree in this installment. There are a few visits to church and discussions of beliefs, but it is not as prominent. 🙂
I need to get caught up and read book one. I like the sound of this series. Glad it was a good one!
The concept for the 2 Darcys and the body swap is really interesting! Robin is so creative!
Yes, bring both of the Darcy’s on!!!!! I loved Robin’s “Guardian” trilogy series and look forward to reading this new series. I have not read Vol 1 but certainly will purchase it if I am selected for Vol. 2. Thank you for the giveaway.
LOL! The Guardian trilogy is amazing, isn’t? You will enjoy this series a lot, Eva!
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Guardian Trilogy, Eva. The religious content is much stronger in those books, so if that didn’t bother you, your should like this series as well.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy about book 1 in this series were the religious aspects, as I’d probably be regarded as borderline agnostic nowadays. Setting that aside though, I rather enjoyed everything else about it. Book 2 sounds like it might be even better and I read somewhere that the relgious aspect isn’t as much “in your face” in this one.
It was fun reading about the two Darcys starting to adjust to their new worlds and customs. Sounds like the transformation of Darcy that we see in the original is beginning to happen with him here, too.
Thanks once again to another author for being generous, Robin, and to Meredith for hosting. It would have to be the ebook for me, if I was lucky enough to win.
Hi, Anji. I’ve been reading quite a bit of fantasy and paranormal YA lately. Many of them have some sort of “religious” system in order for their plot to work. The system provides a framework for how their “powers” are used or limited. My “system” is Christianity. I hoped that people who weren’t Christians would be able to see it in that context. I’m happy to hear that you were able to do that.
I’m rewriting The Guardian Trilogy from Xander’s point of view, strong first person, and I hope to make the religious aspect of that series more like what I’ve been reading. It will establish “rules” for the angels and demons in the books. The books will be retitled and have no Austen elements.
Thanks!
Ooh, interesting!
Oh wow, Robin! That sounds very interesting! I agree with you, in fantasy novels like this, I like having the strange phenomena has some sort of explanation or framework. It would bother me if there was no cause or reason for why the phenomena or powers happened. Please keep us posted about The Guardian Trilogy – *sigh* love Xander!
I have already begun the rewrite. It will be called The Xander Chronicles, and the books will be named Prodigy, Nemesis, and Victor. There will be less detail about the minor characters and more development of Elle and the supernatural characters. I also plan to cut much of the detail concerning the music. I would like to be finished and publish next summer after my daughter’s wedding. I’ll let you know.
Love the titles! 🙂 Hope you keep in many of the bits with Michael and Gabriel. We are big fans of those!
Hi Anji. I think you might, like me, you will enjoy the second volume more than you did the first. 🙂 I’ve read my fair share of novels that have religious content or messages about faith. I like it when the stories are inspiring and remind you to do the things you ought – like be thankful, forgive, etc. I’m not a fan when the religious content becomes heavy handed or feels forced. It needs to be natural.
Thanks for your lovely replies, Robin and Meredith. Robin, I fully understand what you mean about having “a system” or framework for the use of powers. Mine would have to be science and more specifically cosmology and quantum mechanics (the very large and very small) because that’s how I’ve come to see the world and Universe around us. It would be a very dull world indeed if we were all the same, wouldn’t it?
I’ve just had a look on the Kindle Store at the blurb about volume one of Robin’s Guardian Trilogy. It looks rather interesting, so I might well download the sample and have a look at it. I do like a good paranormal/fantasy story.
As I hit the “Post comment” button just now, I remembered a group of people who featured in an episode of the wonderful sci-fi series Babylon 5. They were called “Technomages” and used science to create the illusion of magic. They also had a strict code of conduct about how and when their “powers” could be used.
I’m a huge sci-fi geek, Anji, so I know what you’re talking about. I will say that The Guardian Trilogy has a great deal of religion in it, but there would be no story without it. It is the system under which the angels and demons operate.
When I rewrite it as The Xander Chronicles, I will keep the system but downplay the evangelistic aspect. I plan to zero in more on the supernatural and the romance.
Time travel. What a delightful giveaway. Many thanks.
Best of luck!
Sincerely Yours sounds like a real treasure. Very intriguing.
Yes it is! Good luck!
I am up to both Darcys and look forward to reading it. Thank you for the chance to win as I am a great collector of books and have book cases full of Pride and Prejudice variations.
This book would be a lovely addition to your collection! 😉 Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Robin Helm is one of the reasons I am liking the time travel genre more and more. I read her Guardian Trilogy plus the first two books in this series and am eagerly awaiting the third in the series…but I understood it was not to be released until January. (I posted reviews for all.)
I was surprised that you didn’t mention the Christianity aspect here as I know some people in their reviews on Amazon are very strong in their opinions as to having that belief added to this or any other genre. I am a Christian and I do find that…if it is not a lot of preaching and “in your face” it can be very inspirational and that it can add depth to the characters for me. There are more and more novels even in JAFF which mention Christian beliefs, I find. Some are heavy with preaching while other weave into in seamlessly.
I am curious to see if these Darcys regain their own bodies in the final installment. I suspect the Regency Darcy might change a lot but will the modern day Darcy come down from his pedestal…but he also is living with all the faults of the Regency Darcy being attributed to him so is that making him humble or will he tell someone how he time traveled and blame it all on “the other guy”?
Good review, Meredith.
Thanks for your reviews, Sheila. They are much appreciated.
I agree, Sheila! Robin does a great job with the time travel/body swap! She didn’t overlook anything!
LOL! My review was nearing 700 words, so I really didn’t have room for mentioning anything else! Also it wasn’t as prominent in this novel as was the last. I did use the label of Christian/Inspirational at the beginning to let others know what type of novel this is.
There are so many possibilities, and I love that! I don’t know what will happen. I think I would love to see each Darcy stay where they are and find happiness and love. But I’m open for anything!
Now that I’ve read your review I need to go out and get the first book as well!
Happy reading!!!
Thank you for reviewing Sincerely Yours, Meredith. I’ve enjoyed reading your comments as well as the other comments on here. The religious aspect was very strong in the first book in order to set up the story and make a contrast between the two men. The main premise of the series was that Darcy didn’t really change between Hunsford and the second proposal – he was a different man altogether. Once I established that in the first book, there was no need to make religion a main aspect of the story. Sincerely Yours and Forever Yours (the third book – which I’m nearly finished writing) are not as religious as was the first book. In my mind, it was already established and didn’t need to be repeated.
The other premise for the series is that the time switch of the Darcys was God’s plan all along. That’s why it’s called the Yours by Design series. Fitzwilliam (original Regency Darcy) needed to be in the modern time period with his particular challenges to make him a better man. The original modern Darcy was needed in the past to financially help inventors and progressive thinkers during the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Each of the men more suited to the Elizabeths they met after they time-switched.
Each time period also has a Wickham character – but more about that in Forever Yours.
Happy reading and good luck in the giveaway!
My pleasure, as always, Robin! I’m intrigued to see what each Wickham does to cause trouble and how the Darcys handle him!! 🙂
I am excited for this giveaway!!!
thank you!!!
Best of luck!
I love your Sheldon meme Meredith! I frequently feel the same way as Sheldon and Darcy in social situations 🙂 I found your comment about Pictures of Perfections interesting. I’m impossible to please sometimes – if the character is too perfect I don’t like it but I also don’t like it when favorite characters like Elizabeth or Darcy are represented as too imperfect! I think for me the characters must have a few imperfections but they have to be “tolerable” imperfections. Endearing faults only please!
Great comments, Brenda. I laughed at your “endearing faults only” comment. I will only add that the faults, in my opinion, should be within the parameters of the original characters as Austen wrote them.
Thanks!
Oh thank you for saying so, Brenda!!! I’m so pleased you like it – I thought it fitting. I agree with your assessment. And I don’t think you are impossible to please! 🙂 Good time to use tolerable! 🙂
sounds fascinating
🙂 It is a very unique series!
I read the first book and absolutely loved it!! So excited that the second is here and the third is on the way. Thanks for the giveaway:)