What If Elizabeth Didn’t Travel to Kent?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Can you imagine what would happen if Elizabeth didn’t travel to Kent? No interactions with Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, no proposal, no letter revealing the truth about Wickham…? When Elizabeth encounters Darcy again while she is traveling in the north it has been seven months since they last saw each other. And instead of Pemberley, much of our story takes place at the neighboring estate of Chenowith, where Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth are invited to spend some weeks by Mrs. Gardiner’s dear friend, Mrs. Anderson. Mr. Darcy just happens to be at Chenowith as well – being the responsible and dependable person he is – he is helping a friend in need with the harvest. What happens when Lizzy and Darcy are unexpected thrown together and spend more time with each other…?
As you might expect, Elizabeth continues to try and sketch Mr. Darcy’s character, and she realizes that her first impression and the reports she has heard about him may not be a true representation of the man he is. I really enjoyed seeing Elizabeth analyze and comprehend Darcy’s character, and I like that she starts to question Wickham’s past background all on her own (attagirl, Lizzy!) It shows that she isn’t as fallible in her judgement of character after all.
In addition, Darcy views this unexpected re-encounter with Elizabeth as an opportunity to follow his heart. He tried ignoring it for seven months, but that got him nowhere. Now he is prepared to act in a way that will secure his happiness. The only thing is, Mr. Darcy knows Elizabeth mistakenly believes that he doesn’t have any interest in her and only finds her ‘tolerable.’ Now he must try and convince her otherwise!
One of my favorite things about The Goodness of Men was its inventive deviation from the Pride and Prejudice course. This is Pride and Prejudice without its middle! So many significant events happen in the middle! It was interesting to explore how our main principles interact without having a failed proposal and truth-bearing letter between them. I also enjoyed how Mr. Darcy had different reasonings for some of his actions and a different (albeit more tragic) past.
However, my favorite part of this story was witnessing how adorable Darcy and Lizzy were together! His flirting and more overt attentions are just too much! He clearly tries to make his affections known and I felt a swoon coming on every time he would say something only for Elizabeth to hear and understand! Moreover, since Elizabeth is seeing a new side of Mr. Darcy, she is finding some of Mr. Darcy’s good qualities difficult to ignore, such as his thoughtfulness, kind concern for others, and the fact that he is undeniably handsome! I loved seeing Elizabeth respond more favorably to Darcy and how she grew to welcome his attentions and company!
While there was plenty to enjoy and admire in this delightful Pride and Prejudice variation, there were a few moments or instances that I wasn’t as fond of. Some of which were how sometimes characters seemed to be a little more open or forward with their language and behavior. In addition, there seemed to be a trend of speaking your thoughts out loud in an empty room and sure enough you were overheard. Lots of eavesdropping going on! And lastly, while I really did enjoy the different twists with Mr. Wickham and his story, not all of his actions felt believable, but that might just be my opinion.
Regardless of these minor quibbles, I was able to enjoy this charming new variation for its creative approach, inventive new twists, introspective characters, and enchanting romance! Not too mention witnessing an adorable Mr. Darcy attempt to woo Elizabeth Bennet!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with her blog tour Anngela is giving away one autographed hard copy (US mailing address only) and 2 kindle copies (Open to international winners) of The Goodness of Men to some lucky winners!
Entering through the rafflecopter widget on this blog enters you in a chance to win!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (with some shipping restrictions).
- This giveaway ends October 15th.
This does sound like an interesting story. Thanks for a chance to win.
I love this premise! Such a great idea!
I agree about Wickham’s actions and the speaking aloud to yourself incidents, but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the story either. Great review, as always.
So glad to hear, Anna! Thanks for checking out my review!
Looking forward to reading this one. Love the variations on plot and new OCs
Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
So no Rosings, does that mean no Colonel
He still makes an appearance! 😉
Lovely review Meredith. I am looking forward to reading this…swoon worthy…Mr. Darcy! Thank you for a chance at winning it!
Thank you, Carole! I love it when Darcy is like this!
Another thoughtful and well crafted review, Meredith. Nice!
Congratulations, Anngela, on the success of your lastest book.
Thank you, Christina! I appreciate you reading my review!
I really enjoy it when Darcy flirts with Elizabeth and she responds so I look forward to that part of the book.
Great review Meredith. I do hope Wickham suffers for his lies.
I’ve mentioned the problems with rafflecopter earlier in the tour but assume everyone else had the same problem. Nowhere to note the name of the blog concerned and as I don’t tweet it says that of all the different blogs I just have the one entry for visiting the Facebook page. I’m only mentioning this so you will be aware the problem is still there.
I always find if I share something that really annoys me I feel better
Thanks, Glynis! Wickham is very deceiver in this one. I am so sorry that there are problems with rafflecopter! I don’t know much about rafflecopter myself, but it might be something that can’t be fixed since the giveaway is already in progress? Again, so sorry!
I don’t do Facebook or twitter so sadly I can’t enter the giveaway but I’m adding this to my TBR list, it sounds like a fun read. I love a flirting Darcy.
Sorry you couldn’t enter the giveaway! Thanks so much for commenting though, I hope you get the chance to read this lovely books soon!
Thanks for the chance to win. Sounds very interesting and going on my TBR list.
Best of luck, Stephanie!
Going on my wish list as we speak. Your review made me want to read it soon. I just started noticing the title and cover out there without reading anything about it yet. Lovely cover, and I really like the title.
I agree, Michelle! It is such an attractive cover and the title is enticing too!
Sounds like a very sweet story! Lovely review, Meredith!
Thank you, Maria! I appreciate you reading my review!
I loved the review, Meredith! Really looking forward to reading this book! 🙂
Thank you, Daniela! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Since I don’t Face or Tweet… I am grateful for the opportunity to still participate in the give-a-way. This sounds delightful. I always love the… ‘change one little thing and you change everything’ trope.
Such a domino effect, you really can’t predict how much an impact something has until you remove it!
How deliciously a wonderful gesture!! Added to my T BE list!!
Best of luck, Sharon!
I think this variation sounds great. It will be interesting to see how the HEA occurs without the middle to P&P.
I thought the same! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Great review. I’m looking forward to reading it. Congrats again Anngela on your latest release!
Thank you, Dung! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!