What If Elizabeth Became a Governess After Lydia’s Elopement?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins fourteen years after Lydia fled Brighton with Wickham
SYNOPSIS:
In Brenda J. Webb’s latest Pride and Prejudice variation Mr. Darcy never returns to Meryton with Mr. Bingley after encountering Elizabeth in Pemberly. And soon after Lydia’s elopement, tragedy strikes the Bennet family, changing the lives of the Bennet daughters forever. Remaining constant to her heart, Elizabeth never marries, and has spent the last fourteen years serving as a governess. After accepting a new position that seems almost too-good-to-be-true, Elizabeth learns that the family she will be serving is one that is familiar to her…See what happens when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy encounter each other for the first time after fourteen years with such greatly changed circumstances and so much left unsaid.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Another Unique and Poignant Premise: I love the lapse in time for this premise – of course it is gut-wrenching to think about our beloved couple being unhappy and not together for so long, but I love the uniqueness of seeing Darcy and Elizabeth re-encounter each other a lot later in life. Not many stories illustrate the romance between a 40 year-old Darcy and 32 year-old Elizabeth or the circumstances of Elizabeth being a governess this late in life and Darcy living on the only way he can.
- Love is Constant: I love how this story highlighted the strength and undiminished intensity of this couple’s love for each other. This story proves that both men and women can claim the privilege “of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone.” It was inspiring to see how fervently devoted both were to each other – the portrait, the handkerchief, etc. And I loved the achingly beautiful scenes were they are finally together – talk about ardent embraces!
- A Collection of Original Characters: In this variation we see encounter several new characters including some different spouses to Jane Austen’s characters and their progeny. Everyone was well-drawn and interesting, and the children were adorable. I especially enjoyed seeing Darcy and Elizabeth interact with these children. In addition, there were some determined females chasing after Mr. Darcy, who both added some tension and drama to this tale.
- Richard Fitzwilliam: Oh I absolutely adored our boy Richard in this story. Seeing him has a husband, father, and emotional guardian for his cousin was just wonderful. I love all that he did to assist these obstinate lovers. He is a determined man of action that does more than charm the ladies and rib Darcy!
- Insecurities and Stubbornness: Unlike Ms. Webb’s other stories where there are devious villainous and external forces that prevent Darcy and Elizabeth from being together, this tale illustrates what happens when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are burdened by their past, labor under false assumptions, and stubbornly allow their fears to dictate their actions. It was interesting to see Ms. Webb implement more internal conflicts with her writing. In most twists of this story I understand and could sympathize with Darcy and Elizabeth’s hesitations and fears.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Quick Developments: I enjoyed the plot progression for this tale, but I did feel like some things developed a little too quickly – such as everyone assuming things about Darcy and Elizabeth after one encounter or some characters’ rapid change of heart. Perhaps I am used to Ms. Webb’s other stories that have more leisurely paced plots.
NOTE: There is one scene best suited for Mature Audiences towards the end of this story.
CONCLUSION:
Taking Another Chance is an enthralling tale that carries some familiar themes from Jane Austen’s Persuasion – such as second chances and enduring love – and skillfully implements them between Darcy and Elizabeth. A well-balanced tale that combines poignant heartache, adorable interactions with children, despairing internal struggles, and all-consuming devotion.
I read and enjoyed this story, as I have also enjoyed the other tales by this author.
Oh yay! I’m so glad Brenda is writing so many stories for us to enjoy!
I am so proud that you enjoyed my little tale, Meredith. This story was a departure from my usual plots and I wondered how it would perform when published. I am proud to say that thus far most of my readers have embraced it. Thank you for the lovely review. Hugs.
It is another winner for sure, Brenda! That is great that you tried something a little different. I loved it just as much as your other stories!
Great review Meredith. Glad you enjoyed this book – I did too. It was a different take on the Darcy/Elizabeth story which worked really well. I enjoyed the angst the two of them go through and the agonising over the misunderstandings that occur. Well done Brenda! Another great book. 🙂
Thank you, Elaine! I am so happy to hear you share your thoughts! Yes, I thought their misunderstands and angst made sense.
Yes! I managed to open this post and now can only hope my comment doesn’t disappear!
I loved this book as I love all Brenda’s books! It was a shame they’d been apart all that time due to misunderstandings! Thank goodness for the Colonel and his daughter.
Great review of a great book
Nosy question, Glynis. I think I noticed a reference to a lost comment the other day but didn’t really think about it too much because it happens every once in awhile to me. But I was wondering if you were having trouble with your own computer, or if you were experiencing your problems in Firefox? I have not been able to access Austenesque Reviews from Firefox for the past month, making me search in another browser. Kind of a pain. But I’m not giving up my AR. 😀
It’s really weird Michelle as sometimes I can open the posts and comment and sometimes not. I use my iPad or phone which use Safari. However Meredith seems to think it’s her site which is the problem and she’s thinking of changing her provider so we will see then.
(I just assumed it was my dire technical knowledge that was at fault! I’m frightened of trying anything new as last time I tried I froze the tablet I was using and it had to be reset to factory settings (losing all my saved stuff )
You’re gonna laugh at thisGlynis. I got your reply in my inbox and wanted to reply, which I include here later. But as soon as hit ‘post’ it disappeared as a ‘bad request’ because I stupidly forgot it was in Firefox. Grrr.
Anyway, thank you for answering my question. And I cannot blame you for not wanting to try anything new, as you said, what a horror it is to lose the content of any of our electronics. That sinking feeling–ugh! I’m always wary of messing around with any of my computer, tablet or phone. And that, even though I have my own personal, live-in Tech Guru available at my call.
Interesting information that Our Dear Meredith thinks it might be on her end. But I’m always more than willing to point a finger at Firefox for many of my unexplained web woes.
Oh no, Michelle! I’m so sorry! Do you know if it is just my blog that you have issues with. Hopefully they will be resolved soon! Thank you so much for putting up with it all!
So far it has only been your blog, and with Firefox. As of today, I’m still having difficulty. It frustrates me to put this on you. Doesn’t seem fair.
So, it might be Firefox then…I’m hoping! Because all the blog changes wrapped up Saturday. Fingers crossed I don’t have anything come up again.
Woot woot! I’m changing a lot of things over this weekend, Glynis. And fingers crossed that the troubles with my blog will be far fewer as a result!
Yes, it is sad to think that they lost all that time and spent years where they were sad and lonely.
Meredith, I LOVED this story and I’m so happy that you are featuring Brenda’s book here. Thanks again! jen Redlarczyk
Always happy to feature and READ Brenda’s books!! And yours too! 😉
I am attracted to the Persuasion overtones in this one, too. Glad you loved it, Meredith!
Thanks, Sophia! I’m happy to hear your thoughts about it as well!
This has been on my wish list from the first time it was available, and as a Brenda Webb fan I know I will enjoy this story. I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for the great review, Meredith. This makes me want it right now! 🙂
Oh yay! I hope you get the chance to read this book soon, Michelle! Brenda’s books are such a treat!
I also love this story and agree about the characters, esp Col Fitzwilliam.
Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear you loved this one! Yes, Col Fitzwilliam is
Thanks for a great and thoughtful review, Meredith. I, too, loved this book. Brenda is such a good writer and I always love her stories.
Thanks, Janet! I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts and am happy to hear you are a fan of this book too!
Very interesting idea for the plot of the novel. Persuasion is actually my favorite Austen so I think this would be most enjoyable.
Yes, I thought so. I hope you get the chance to read this one soon!