Honor, Highlands, and Hidden Motives
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins around six months after Darcy’s Hunsford proposal
SYNOPSIS: What if Mr. Darcy discovered Elizabeth was accused of improper behavior with him and as a result her family has been ostracized and disgraced?
What if Elizabeth accepted ruination and removal from her family and no one, except a belligerent Mr. Bennet, knows where she has gone?
What if a determined and (still besotted) Mr. Darcy sets out to rescue Elizabeth Bennet, reclaim her honor, and earn her love only to discover that she will continue to evade and run from him?
What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet wound up in Scotland?!?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Wee Tour of Scotland: If I wasn’t already hankering to visit Scotland, this armchair travel adventure would have me convinced me to make Scotland one of the next countries I visit! From the bustling city of Edinburgh and the Theatre Royal to the wild ways of the Highlands filled with lochs and castles – it was quite the tour! I know Abigail Reynolds must have researched Scotland during the Regency era extensively to portray it with such descriptive detail. I especially enjoyed how Ms. Reynolds wove in some real history with Walter Scott being a fan of the Theatre Royal and his inspiring poetry and prose reviving interest Scotland.
- Scots, Clans, and Sassenach: Oh my! We aren’t in England anymore…different customs, different laws, and a strong mistrust of the English – especially English aristocrats. Having grown so accustomed to all things Regency English, it was refreshing to learn more about Scottish customs and history. I loved witnessing the fierce loyalty and devotion in clans, and it was interesting to learn about the responsibilities and weighty duties of the chieftain.
- Determined and Ardent: Mr. Darcy is persistent, passionate, and on a mission. His love for Elizabeth and sense of honor are unstoppable forces. His capable handling of all the obstacles he faces, his growing understanding for the wishes and needs of others, and his strong and resilient love all made me fall irrevocably in love with Mr. Darcy.
- Scottish Family and Scotland Family: Many members of the MacLaren clan are introduced in this tale, and I fell in love with all the engaging, opinionated, and admirable members of this family – especially Mr. Jack and Duncan. In addition, I loved the family that Lizzy adopted (or that adopted Lizzy!) while she was in Scotland. Each of these characters were well-drawn, dynamic, and completely endearing! It was so lovely to see Lizzy’s (and Darcy’s) interactions with each of these original characters.
- Amongst Theatricals: Lizzy ends up spending a bit of time amongst actors and actresses of the Theatre Royal in Edinburgh. As a theatre-lover myself, I enjoyed the discussions of acting, the practicing of lines, and the viewing of various performances peppered throughout this tale. I also enjoyed seeing the relaxed propriety and loyal kinship that develops amongst these “theatricals.”
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: There was significant bit of time where I was wishing could spend more time in Mr. Darcy’s head. Some important events took place, but at the time we remained only in Elizabeth’s perspective. In addition, towards the last quarter of the book the Fitzwilliam clan seemed to take over just a wee bit, and I found myself wishing for more of Darcy and Elizabeth. And lastly, it felt like there may have been a confrontation/comeuppance missing with some of the antagonists in this tale. There was some explained events/consequences discussed, but I guess I felt I needed more.
CONCLUSION:
Och! Admirers of Abigail Reynolds and her Pride and Prejudice variations dinnae want to miss out on this enthralling and momentous romantic adventure in Scotland! With A Matter of Honor, Abigail Reynolds delivers a story that is diverse, encompassing, and full of important lessons on following your heart and protecting what you love. I highly recommend!
I read and enjoyed this as I have also enjoyed this author’s other books. As a fan of Outlander it was an easy connection (for me) to facts learned in that series.
That’s great that you were already familiar with a lot of Scottish culture and tradition, Sheila. I appreciate all the attention to history and culture in this story.
Abigail was one of the first authors I followed in JAFF and still one of my ‘go to’ writers. I love all of her stories. I have this one but have not read it yet; however, your review makes me want to dive in right away! 🙂
I hope you can get the chance to dive in soon, Brenda! I am so thankful that Abigail is still sharing her wonderful stories with us all these years later!
Thank you for your in-depth review, Meredith! This is one I have yet to read and it sounds wonderful!
Thank you for checking out my review, Kelly! I hope you get the opportunity to read this one soon!
Yes, I thought this was an excellent book as well! I was disgusted with Mr. Bennet for running his mouth and then getting angry with Elizabeth. He had been warned about the things that he said, but he didn’t listen to Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth had to pay for his mistakes. Fortunately, there was an HEA.
Yes, Mr. Bennet definitely made some bad choices and caused irreparable harm. Glad Lizzy has other family members and friends that love and protect her now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Meredith!
D&E running adventures in Scotland, WOW!!! I don’t need anything more to put it in my wishlist! 🙂
Thanks for this thrilling review!
Right?! Definitely one that needs to be read, my friend!
Thanks for checking out my reivew!
Great review! I, too, have been a long time reader of Abigail’s books. They are always a winner! I do have this one on my wish list and my dilemma is e-book or paperback! I love Scotland so looking forward to this one with Elizabeth and Darcy scampering around the Highlands!
What a great way to say it, Carole “scampering around the Highlands!” I have a feeling this will be one you want in paperback…just saying! 😉 Hope you get to add it to your reading pile soon, friend!
sounds wonderful.
d
Aye, lass. 😉
Absolutely love Abigail Reynolds P&P variations, and I certainly “dinnae” want to miss this one! Just purchased a Kindle edition. But what I’d really like to know is… can we expect an Audible version, too?
Yes, it’s due to be recorded in May by Elizabeth Klett, so look for it at Audible early this summer! Thanks for your interest.
lol! Hope you love this one as much as I did!! Even though I’m not an audiobook reader, I’d love to hear the Scottish accents in this one read out loud!!
I also read this book and enjoyed it very much, as I do all of Abigail’s books. Thanks so much for featuring it here. Jen ♫
My pleasure, Jen! I appreciate you stopping by to read my review!
Meredith, I’m so glad you enjoyed the armchair trip to Scotland! Thanks for reviewing!
What a perfect time for armchair travel, right? Thank you so much for sharing this lovely story with us, Abigail! I loved it!
This book was much anticipated and did not disappoint. I’m glad you liked it Meredith and I enjoyed your review, I hope everyone reading it will decide to buy this one. The premise was unique, and the mystery of why Elizabeth was hiding from Darcy was kept up really well into the plot. I loved all the new characters.
I too, count Abigail Reynolds as my first JAFF reading experience AND my very first audible purchase. Yes, I agree with Brenda when she named Abigail one of her ‘go-to’ authors. Long may her muse support, enlighten and tease her.
I so agree, Michelle. I was dying to know what was being held over Elizabeth…Abigail sure knows how to torture us! 😉
That is so lovely to hear that you have two significant firsts with Abigail Reynolds’s books – what were the two books of hers that were your firsts?
I echo your entreaty to Ms. Reynolds’s muse!!
My first Abigail Reynolds ebook was A Pemberley Medley in Dec. of ’12. But then my first audiobook was Alone With Mr. Darcy in Sept. ’12. I know A Pemberley Medley was not the first one I read, because Abigail has long had her stories available on Kindle Unlimited. I don’t remember which I read first, I just know that I was reading her before I even had a Kindle e-reader, she and Carrie Bebris were the only JAFF authors available in our library. And it was Reynolds that really introduced the whole concept of JAFF to me, I didn’t know it existed before that! 😀
I love Abigail’s books but I was a bit nervous to read one set in Scotland since it seemed like it was too different and too much to learn. Now I’m more interested. Thanks, Meredith.
I can understand that, Suzan. Sometimes you have to be in the mood for that. But this story is quite easy to jump right in with, and the historical allusions and cultural details are seamlessly woven in and interesting.
I can’t believe I almost missed this post! Especially when I’m stuck at home alone! Hmmm that could be an idea for a film? 🙂
Abigail is a definite must read for me so I read this book when it came out. Loved it! Not so fond of Mr Bennet! But loved Darcy’s determination! Poor man went through hell to find and rescue his unwilling love, thank goodness she realised his finer qualities when they arose! Loved it.
Great review as usual Meredith 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Glynis! Always happy to see your comments! Oh yes, I quite agree – I’m definitely not a fan of this Mr. Bennet! And yes, isn’t Darcy wonderful?!?