What If an Earl in London Saw More in Jane Than Her Beauty and Angelic Demeanor?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Elizabeth and Jane remain in London with Mrs. Gardiner while she endures a difficult and troubling pregnancy. And while there, Jane makes the acquaintance of a titled gentleman – Henry Markham, the Earl of Lyfford – who shares some business dealings with her uncle. Jane lends him some assistance and a tentative friendship begins that also brings Lord Lyfford’s friend, Mr. Darcy (who is hoping to amend Elizabeth’s opinion of him), back into their lives. Will these encounters with two of London’s most eligible men lead to happy unions for the Bennet sisters?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Jane Bennet: LOVE that there is more to Jane in this story. I love that she has more to offer than a kind heart and serene disposition. This Jane has an amazing talent for tabulating numbers and figures in her head, she plays the harp, and she has opinions about politics and current events. I love the idea of Jane Bennet having all theses hidden depths that only some – those who care enough to look beyond her exterior – discover.

• Lord Lyfford: A fantastic new original character! I loved his storyline – how he is adapting to his new role as master of Lyfford Hall, how he has some siblings and relations under his care, and how he discovers that his estate profits are well below what they should be. I loved all the unique developments and depths of his character. He is a man of principals and responsibilities. I admired that he saw and valued Jane. He actually “sees” her. And he treats her with such understanding and respect. In addition, I love that he has a strong backbone and is ready to speak up against others or put people in their place. Well done with this new hero, Ms. Reynolds!

• Thwarting Wickham: Some new actions are taken to protect the women of Longbourn and Meryton, and I was happy to see Wickham no more! Lol! I really loved that this path was taken, and wish it could always be so. But alas, the Lydia/Wickham scandal does create some great Act III drama.

• Longbourn Changes: With some new revelations made, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are spurred into some action. Finally! I loved seeing Mr. Bennet take a more active role in his family – he gives new strictures for his younger daughters, but also spends some time with them and tries to connect with their interests. And how great was it to see Mrs. Bennet act with sense and not indulge her youngest daughter’s every desire?!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Long Engagements and Falling Action: I absolutely adored the first half of the book where there was so many developments happening with our principal couples and their relationships. But it felt like there really wasn’t much going on in the second half of the book. There were a few comeuppances served to some antagonistic characters. But overall the engagement period was around 200+ pages and 100+ pages for both couples, and in that time there really wasn’t any new developments between them aside from meeting their future families, redecorating rooms in their future homes, and sharing dinners together. I would have loved more of the depth and conflicts explored in the first half of the book to continue in the second half.

RATING BREAKDOWN:

5 stars for Jane Bennet’s storyline

4 stars for Elizabeth Bennet’s storyline – Jane’s outshined hers just a bit

4 stars for the overall story arc and premise execution

* If I could give a book 4.25 stars, that’s where I’d land with this one

CONCLUSION:

More Than A Pretty Face is a delightful Pride and Prejudice variation that spotlights Jane Bennet, the hidden depths and talents people may possess, and the importance of not judging others only by what you see on the outside. This is a perfect tale for readers who are in search for a light, thoughtful, and inventive tale featuring our dear Bennet sisters. Congrats on a splendid debut, Frances Reynolds! I cannot wait to see more from you!

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