“How Do I Live Without You?”
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
What if, despite his need for an heiress with a large fortune, Colonel Fitzwilliam proposes to Elizabeth Bennet, unknowingly a day before Darcy intends to, and is accepted?
What if Darcy’s hesitation cost him his dearest desire and he must now witness the joyful and affectionate union of the woman he secretly loves to his closest male relation?
It would be unthinkable…wouldn’t it?
In a very courageous and compelling variation, Joana Starnes illustrates what happens when there is a greater impediment to Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s happily ever after than misinterpreted pride and misguided prejudice. And that impediment is affable and likable Colonel Fitzwilliam. Readers are placed in a quandary because our hearts tell us that Elizabeth can only marry Darcy, yet we like Colonel Fitzwilliam and see how happy Elizabeth is with him. Their romance isn’t one of contention and misunderstandings. Their courtship is one of joy and devotion; and with their lively personalities, congenial spirits, and similar inclinations, readers must admit – Fitz and Liz make sense. But how can this end happily? Even though we are Team Darcy all the way, we don’t want to see our dear colonel terrible hurt and unhappy…Ahh what are you doing to us, Joana Starnes?
In this variation Darcy does not take the easy way out – he does not hole up in Pemberley or travel abroad. He remains in town, visits with the Bingleys, invites them and Elizabeth Bennet to his home, and allows his sister to become friends with his cousin’s future bride. All the while Darcy attempts to keep his feelings secret, which sometimes makes him appear standoffish and disapproving. Elizabeth, after so much interaction with Darcy, catches glimmers of the kind, warm-hearted, and dependable man Darcy truly is, and begins to think better of him and draw him into a friendship which soon puts Darcy’s resolve and pledge to treat her as a sister to the test…
This variation, to the delight of many readers I’m sure, is very Darcy-centric! Ms. Starnes, with meticulous detail, outlines Darcy’s emotional journey as he attempts to move on and imagine a life without Elizabeth. The language is poignant and strikingly expressive; Mr. Darcy’s ardent love, intense yearning, and anguish is palpably felt in every speech, action, and description. *Sigh* beware readers, it will melt your heart! I think one of Joana Starnes’ greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to intuitively and perceptively describe a character’s emotions, particularly Mr. Darcy’s. The reader does more than just read and discover, they feel with understanding and depth exactly what the character is feeling – it is a more profound and empathetic connection. While I do love Darcy, and enjoy spending copious amounts of time in his head, I sometimes wish we saw a little more of the other two points of the triangle – Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam. But then again, having too much Darcy is not something one should complain about!
This daring variation is sure to enthrall readers with its complicated premise, emotional journey, and introspective look into the heart and soul of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Joana Starnes dauntlessly and skillfully delivers a beautifully romantic and tender love story that is deserving of praise and attention! I highly recommend!
You do such a great job with reviews, Meredith! Eager to read this one!
So happy to hear that Meredith’s wonderful review made you eager to read this story, Ginger!
Thank you both!
Thank you, Ginger! That is really sweet of you to say – you should only know how much I struggle to with it! 😉
I’ll second Ginger, Meredith! You’re great at writing reviews! Look forward to reading this one! 😉
Wonderful to hear that, Maria, thanks 🙂
Thanks, Maria! I’m sure you will love it!
Huge thanks for the amazing review, Meredith! I can’t tell you how happy I am that you liked it. As always, it’s such a delight to be your guest and thanks again for the fabulous review and the warm welcome!
Joana, I’m so thankful to authors like you that give us readers endless hours of pleasure! Your books are treasures and I’m so happy that you keep giving us more and more!
I’ll admit, when I saw a description of this story elsewhere, my heart shouted “noooooo, I can’t do this to myself” and thought I’d take a pass on reading this one. Meredith, of course your compelling review changed my mind. (You did that with Sketching Mr. Darcy, too :).
I look forward to this fantastic story!
😉 I’m happy to help you make-up your mind, Colleen! I can understand how the premise may make some wary, but it is incredibly well-done and Darcy’s emotional journey is wonderfully written and not to be missed!
Great review. I’ve read it and it is definitely a 5 star rating.
Thank you! Glad you gave it five stars too!
So glad to see you agree with me – definitely a 5 star story. And worth re-reading. But, OH, the angst. Great review, Meredith.
Absolutely worthy of many re-readings! 😉 Glad you loved it too, Sheila!
I completely agree with Colleen too much angst for me BUT 5 out of 5 and a brilliant review, i will have to read it!
Aha! Thank you, Michelle! I don’t think you will regret changing your mind!
An inspired review! And I love the premise. Sounds like a wonderful Austenesque!
Thank you, Abigail! It is indeed!
Great review Meredith. I am a big fan of any book which concentrates mostly on Darcy and his feelings and I have read several excerpts from this book which have convinced me that I can get over the fact that Elizabeth is engaged to the Colonel. I have entered a few giveaways but if I am not lucky enough to win I think I will definitely have to buy it. I do love all Joana’s books and am now sure I will love this one as well.
Thank you, Glynis! Darcy is such an interesting and fascinating character to explore…I always love to see what parts of his personality are highlighted and how this complex character is treated. Joana’s such a fantastic writer, you will definitely love this one!
I have written my comment but apparently can’t spell my name! Must be an age thing so I am trying again.
Wow. What a great review. I was already interested but I must now own this one with out delay. Thank you for all the time and honesty you put into your reviews.
I agree, you mustn’t delay! 😉 Thank you so much for the lovely comment, I greatly enjoy hearing your feedback on my reviews!
Joanna is one of my favorite authors and one I am sure can carry off this tale. I have the book and can’t wait to find time to read it.
Yes, she does! It was very well-executed and very brave! Hope you get the time to enjoy it soon, Brenda!
I absolutely loved this story. A definite mist read! An eloquent perfect review Meredith.
Aww…thank you, Debbie! It is sometimes hard to find the right words to describe how and why a book is wonderful. I’m so glad you enjoyed this book as well!
Lovely review, as always, Meredith. Unlike some of the other commenters, I haven’t read this one yet, but from what excerpts I have read on various blogs, it will find a way into my top reads. My Desert Island Five from my Ardent Admirer post will have to become a Ten, including this and certain others I’ve read since then. Joana has a wonderful way with words, doesn’t she?
Thank you, Anji! LOL! I may need a Top 50 soon! Joana’s excellent prose is definitely highlighted in this tale. Hope you get the opportunity to enjoy it soon, my friend!
Yay! I have this one and I can’t wait to read it. I’ve been falling behind on all my reading and blog-visiting lately (boo!).
I feel that way too sometimes when life gets a little too busy…we need more hours in the day! Hope you get some reading time soon!
Diehard Joana Starnes fan here. I’m confident the angst will be rewarded with joy in the end. I’ll be reading it very soon. Keep us filled with angst and joy in the future, Joana.
Great review Meredith, you just get better and better all the time!
You are absolutely right! Joana does a magnificent job of balancing both. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! You are so sweet!
When I first heard this premix, I had my doubts but now am adding to the list. It is in my Amazon cart and ready for purchase. I look forward to it!!
😉 You will definitely be glad you did, Joy! Such a beautifully-written story!
I am such a chicken when it comes to this particular triangle. I adore Col Fitz and Darcy’s not so bad either. 😉 Ugh, I know its going to be a good story and I can tell you really loved it as have several others, but…sigh.
Oh who am I kidding, I will be reading this. Haha!
Nice review, Meredith!
LOL! I know what you mean, Sophia! It really does place us in a quandary. As I am sure you already know, so worth it! Yeah…that Darcy guy is okay… 😉
I so want to read this. I love variations and this is a big one.
I think you would love it, Suzan! Hope you get to read it soon!
Great review Meredith! Brilliant plot Joana!. I wouldn’t like to be in Elizabeth ‘ s shoes when choosing between Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam! 🙂
Thank you, Teresa! I know, she definitely struggles with the truth of her feelings when she sorts of them out.
This one is on my list…might have to bump it up now…LOL Love the review!
🙂 You should, my friend! It is a captivating read! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I have this book on my Kindle waiting to be read. I have loved all of Joana’s book and just waiting for the right time to read it without any interruptions! I will make sure to have a box of kleenex handy when I do!
Thanks for another wonderful review!
That might be a good idea, Carole! Hope the reading time presents itself to you soon! 🙂 Happy reading!