What If A Determined Mrs. Bennet Had Her Way?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Horror of horrors – in an untenable situation where she has no other assistance or recourse, our beloved Elizabeth Bennet is forced to marry Mr. William Collins against her will. And this Mr. Collins possesses even more repugnant sins than pompous conceit and sycophancy. How does Elizabeth survive this ill-fated marriage? What becomes of the rest of her family? What happens when Mr. Darcy returns to Meryton to discover that the woman he loves has wed another?
Gah!!! In her debut release, author Kay Bea traverses into some painful and heart-wrenching territory! (Note: domestic abuse takes place in this story, however, it is all off-page. There are are no scenes or descriptions of violence.) And I must say, that Kay Bea canvases this subject and situation with great gentleness and care. It is a darker tale filled with many allusions to disturbing events, but Ms. Bea wisely does not dwell on these events and instead illustrates love, happiness, and comfort in other aspects of her story.
Instead of spending time in her characters’ heads and imparting her story in the traditional point-of-views and styles, Ms. Kay predominantly uses the exchange of letters to tell her story. Elizabeth writes letters to Jane and Mary, and Mr. Darcy writes letters to Colonel Fitzwilliam, his uncle, and Mr. Bingley. These letters cover the span of two years and reveal a lot about Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s situations, states of mind, and feelings. It was gripping to see the events unfold this way, Ms. Bea conveys so much that is not said within these letters. And it was fascinating to follow these two characters who become greatly concerned and involved with each other yet have very little interaction together on page.
Since I dare not divulge any spoilers for this stirring and surprising tale, I will vaguely allude to some aspects I loved about Letters From the Heart here:
- I appreciated how the believable reason for Mr. Collins’s behavior came from Jane Austen’s very own words
- I loved every. single. thing. Mr. Darcy does in this story – his every word, his every reaction…just all of it! *hard swoon*
- I greatly enjoyed the unexpected friendships that formed in this tale, and how some characters developed new affinity for each other. It was so heartwarming to witness.
- I loved seeing all the admirable actions/decisions made by various characters – some of which were wonderful surprises.
- I enjoyed all the times Kay Bea cleverly put Jane Austen’s words in another character’s mouth.
Between the distressing and dark subjects explored in this tale and the limitations of telling a story through correspondence, Kay Bea’s debut release is in every way immensely impressive and remarkable! I adored this exceptionally moving and brave tale and I cannot wait to see more from Kay Bea!
I do have this on my list but I must admit the thought of Elizabeth married to Mr Collins is not a happy one!
However thanks for the great review Meredith, I love your description of Darcy so maybe it has just moved up my list
I can understand that and I felt the same way. But, trust me, you will get over any unhappiness and apprehension when you see what Mr. Darcy does!
Wonderful review! I really want to read this one.
Thank you, Pam! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
This sounds like a fabulous book! I love epistolary novels and have this one on my list. Thanks for sharing your review, Meredith!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Christina! It was so wonderfully done!
Wow, this is a great review thank you. Putting it straight onto my reading pile. PS: I have loved all your recommendations, thank you!
Thank you, Roseanne! I am so happy that you have enjoyed our recommendations! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
I admit I prefer to read about Elizabeth marrying Collins then I do Mary, as we all know that there will be a HEA for Elizabeth and Darcy, unlike for Mary
Very true! Marriage to Mr. Collins is a very poor fate for either Bennet sister though.
Wow Meredith. 5 Stars! This sounds intriguing. The thought of Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins is so against canon. Now I am interested to see how the author digs herself out of that hole! I must check it out. Thanks for the great review.
It is indeed…but, truthfully for the time period it really wouldn’t be that farfetched for either of Elizabeth’s parents to take away her right to choose.
Yes, it is quite a hole! Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
I forgot about this one and I meant to read it it. Wow, now I want it more than ever. Fab review, Meredith!
Yay! So happy to remind you and to hear that you want to read it even more now! I saw that this book is also available in audiobook too now!
Not a fan of Lizzy marrying Collins but your review has convinced me to give it a try!
I can definitely understand that…but on the upside – this Mr. Darcy is wonderful!
Fabulous review, Meredith and one I completely agree with! I loved it! I may just go back a re-read it after this review! Thank you!
Thank you, Carole! I appreciate you reading it and I am so glad you thought as highly of this story as I did!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I, too, gave it 5 stars in my review. Like others I hate to think of Elizabeth married to Collins but, then too, we are assured of a happy ending when it is Elizabeth and Darcy. Although I have to say I have read one which did NOT end happily for ODC. I would not recommend that book to anyone. Great review and you did well not to reveal so many twists that made this book gripping.
So happy to hear you thought it was a 5 star read as well, Sheila! Oh wow..that sounds so sad! I’ve read one or two modern-day stories that have an Elizabeth-like character not choosing a Darcy-like character and still having their HEA. But for a story to have no HEA sounds awful!