What If Elizabeth Discovered Some Startling Secrets About Herself?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Elizabeth Bennet makes a new acquaintance that throws everything she has previously known about herself into question. Trying to cope with the surprising revelations and massive shifts of her life, Elizabeth unexpectedly finds solace and joy with the reacquaintance of her once rejected suitor, Mr. Darcy. Will he renew his addresses? Or will something prevent that from happening…?

MY THOUGHTS: The premise of this story was quite a delightful surprise (and I’m going to see if I can go my whole review without revealing it!). I enjoyed how it was set up and how not all was revealed to the reader. And I loved that prior to the surprising events of this novel that both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were already taking themselves to task for their past mistakes. With Elizabeth regretting her harsh words and misguided accusations, and Mr. Darcy realizing his officious interference with Mr. Bingley is something he might be able rectify. It was gratifying and moving to see this pair seize the opportunity to clear the air, apologize to each other, and in Mr. Darcy’s case, attempt a second (and this time more discernible) courtship.

Another element I greatly enjoyed in this story were the new characters introduced and the new and old relationships explored. The Grey family is a trio of original characters and I loved them all – especially Nicholas! I loved getting to know this family and their heartbreaking history. I loved witnessing the compassion and concern they all showed for each other, and I admired their fortitude and unity as they faced horrendous circumstances and astonishing developments. In addition, I very much loved witnessing this family’s friendships and interactions with the Fitzwilliam family. It was lovely to see devotion between the mothers, the solidarity between the fathers, and the playful antics between the sons. In addition, I enjoyed observing Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s relationships with this new family as well as seeing more of beloved characters like Jane Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

While I loved this premise and the conflict it introduced, I did find myself wishing it leaned more into that conflict or included some more twists and turns along the way. A forgotten betrothal has the potential to be rife with tension and obstacles, but in this circumstance the challenges were only momentary and easily overcome. And while some readers might be greatly in favor a low-angst story, I found myself wishing for a bit more excitement to propel this plot forward. Especially since certain elements of the story felt inevitable and the reader is easily able to foresee what will transpire. However, there might be many readers who find the pacing and balance of tension in this tale to be just to their liking.

Forgotten Betrothal is a heartwarming tale of forgiveness, family, and finding love. Readers who enjoy exploring new familial relationships and witnessing a determined Mr. Darcy and an obstinate Elizabeth Bennet seize their own happily ever after will love this one!

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