What If Mr. Darcy’s Passion Overcame His Propriety?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins with the Netherfield Ball
SYNOPSIS: At the Netherfield Ball Mr. Darcy makes the unexpected realization that Elizabeth Bennet despises him, and decides to find out why…His actions lead to them being caught unawares in a seemingly compromising situation, and subsequently Mr. Darcy needs to protect Elizabeth’s honor… How does Mr. Darcy feel knowing he is marrying a woman who doesn’t at all like him? Can their marriage be a happy one? Or will they both keep their distance in order to maintain a peaceful union?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Forced Marriage Premise: I have yet to grow tired of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth in this type of situation! And I love that their (not so innocent) moment alone led to a forced marriage. I especially enjoyed that Mr. Darcy is in no way disillusioned about Elizabeth’s feelings for him (which is unique twist for this premise.) I loved seeing his struggle with guilt, desire, despondency, and burgeoning contentment. He is happy to marry her and eventually finds himself irrevocably in love, but he cannot at all figure out what she is feeling.
- Private Feelings: Speaking of feelings, I absolutely adored how Ms. Morland depicted Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s emotional progression. Their moments of reflection, internal discoveries, and privately harbored hopes – there is sooooo much this couple does not say to each other. But the reader is privy to it all and cannot help but feel slivers of tension, sympathy, anxiety, and hope on their behalf.
- Playful Exchanges: We know well that in any situation that might cause intimidation, offense, or discomfort Elizabeth’s favorite response is to make a sporting remark or irreverent jest. With her unexpected marriage to Mr. Darcy and her exasperation with his bottled up feelings, Lizzy employs this talent numerous times. And the results are often delightful – I loved seeing Mr. Darcy laugh, come up with witty rejoinders, and exercise some dry observations. Their banter and shared humor was heartwarming to witness.
- Georgiana Relationship/Intrigue: I thought that this was an interesting twist. There is a beautiful sisterly relationship developing between Elizabeth and Georgiana, but they both have kept a secret or two from each other…especially Georgiana’s secret. I loved witnessing their affinity for each other grow and to see the effect it has on Mr. Darcy.
- Unique Touches: With so many Pride and Prejudice stories being written, I always appreciate it when an author adds some original ideas and traits. In this story Colonel Fitzwilliam is slightly altered and his relationship with the Darcys isn’t as we’ve always seen it to be. It was interesting to see a Colonel Fitzwilliam that wasn’t lighthearted and amiable, he was older and more concerned about society’s opinion. This new family dynamic was very interesting to explore. In addition, I loved, loved, loved Mr. Darcy’s secret hobby and its importance in the story.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Missing Scene or Two: For the first 2/3 of the story we observe and understand so much of Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship and emotional development. But sadly it does move to the back burner later on as other events take precedent. I missed seeing the final evolution of their relationship, I felt like just one or two scenes or moments more would have given readers a most satisfying and sigh-inducing conclusion.
WARNING: Due to an intimate scene that takes place in the first chapter, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences. However, the scene is not overly explicit and all other intimate embraces are less frequent and less detailed.
CONCLUSION:
Turbulent emotions, insightful developments, and exquisite prose – A Remedy Against Sin is a Pride and Prejudice variation not to be missed. If you are enthralled by stories with complicated beginnings, unequal regard, and blossoming affection you will love this variation!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!
I am so thankful that Christina Morland has published this book in paperback – I’ve been hearing its praises sung for years! I’d like to offer a giveaway of ONE paperback of A Remedy Against Sin to one lucky reader in celebration! #TeamPaperback
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review.
- This giveaway is open to US residents.
- This giveaway ends May 29th.
This book sounds interesting. It is now on my wishlist. Thank you for your review and the five away.
Awesome! So glad my review enticed you! 😉
I am so glad you enjoyed this! Claudine at Just Jane 1813 had recommended it to me and the rest is history! I love all Christina Morland’s books and her elegant prose just gets better and better. So emotive!
I can’t wait to read more! I’m so glad Christina has several more books for me to discover!! So well put – her prose is beautifully elegant!
I like books where Mr. Darcy has to discover why Elizabeth does not like him and then work to improve himself. Thanks for the giveaway.
It is such an inspiring thing to witness, isn’t it? And to see is actions and attempt to improve are often so swoon-worthy!!
Great review! I just loved this book! Actually, love all of Christina’s books!
Thank you, Carole! I’m so glad to have read this one! I can’t wait to read the others!!
I never tire of forced marriage scenarios either so I would love to win a copy of the paperback.
Awesome! It is alway so interesting to witness, isn’t it?
This is on my list now to read!
Woot woot!!
My library shouted,:”Enter! Enter!” So I am. I’ve enjoyed your writing, Christina, and would relish a copy in my hands. Plus, my library can sound like Mrs. Bennet when she want to.
LOL! That’s too funny! 🙂
As usual Meredith, I love your review and agree with it all. I must move this up my re read list as I couldn’t remember everything that happens even though I have read it twice! But in my defence it was quite a while ago . Obviously I’m not included in the giveaway but I already have it so that’s ok. I would just like to say good luck and happy reading to whoever wins.
Oh yay, Glynis! I’m so glad! I completely understand! I just reread Edenbrooke and definitely need to refresh my memory about lots of the little details of the story! Plus, it is always fun to reread a book you love!
Enjoyed your review and would love to be entered for the giveaway!
Awesome! Best of luck!
I have read this book, and it is exceptional. Add any other superlatives you like, and they won’t be too many.
Haha! Yes, most deserving of high praise and accolades!!
I have read this book as well and enjoyed it. It’s been awhile since I read it so it is god to have you review so i can recall details . (after awhile of reading so many P & P variations the stories seem to blend with each other and i find I get confused which one is which). Thank you for this refresher/review.
I completely can understand that! I often reread my reviews for the same reason! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Wonderful review. I, too, like the premise of a forced marriage. It will be interesting to see how Colonel Fitzwilliam is portrayed. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you, Eva! Yes indeed! This was quite a different (but not improbable) shade for him.
Morland’s books are excellent JAFF, and this story is excellent.
Congratulations and thank you for this character development.
Agreed!!! Can’t wait to read more!
I can’t believe I haven’t read this one yet. Your fabulous review was just the swift kick I needed. Enjoyed your review, Meredith!
LOL! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who hadn’t read it yet! 😉 Thanks for checking out my review!
I won’t enter the giveaway, but I’m so happy for those who choose paper over electronic to now have the opportunity to read this. I just loved this book and you did a great review. I have wanted to read her books for ages and just recently was able to through my KU membership but I hope to own them someday. Her writing is just amazing.
Thanks so much, Michelle! Every so often I begin to fear that authors will stop publishing in paperback…I know they don’t sell as much and that its as cost effective, but I do love them so!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! So glad you have had the chance to read more by Christina Morland!
Oh my, this sounds like a fabulous book. The story premise conjoined with a top-notch author sounds like the ideal summer read. Thanks for entering me into the contest.
Definitely fabulous! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Great review….another title goes onto my TBR list…
thanks for the chance to win a copy…
Thank you! Hope you love it as much as I did!
I haven’t read this one yet and it looks like a great JAFF read. Thanks Meredith and Christina.
I think you would love it Jennifer! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Even though I’m not a US resident, and therefore I can’t participate in the giveaway, thank you for introducing me to this story.
Now I’m “seriously tempted”!!! 😉
So sorry that this giveaway is US only, but I am happy that we were able to introduce a new book to you! I hope you get the chance to enjoy it soon!
Great review as always Meredith! I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Dung!
You’ve made me very curious about her take on Colonel Fitzwilliams. Great review, as always! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks so much, Anna! It is unique slant!
Loved this review I agree I love a good paperback book.
Yay! And double yay! 😉
I’m glad you liked this book – it’s one of my favorites as well. I agree w/ your characterization of the ending – a bit rushed.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! So glad to hear you loved this one as well!