Wickhams Can’t Be Trusted

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Type of Novel: Pride and Prejudice Sequel about a Secondary Character

The Premise: Growing up as a Wickham has taught Kelsey that reputations are fragile, scandals can’t be outrun, her mother has terrible taste in men, and most importantly, no one with the last name Wickham can be trusted…and that includes her. Her mother’s last failed attempt to remarry forces them to once again relocate…this time to the grounds of Pemberley! Will life finally be settled and peaceful at Barley Cottage, or is their stay in the vicinity of her father’s youth doomed to be shortlived…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Kelsey Wickham: Our sensible, but sometimes scheming heroine is a delightful cross between Elinor Dashwood and Emma Woodhouse. Kelsey takes on many of the household responsibilities and sometimes acts as a parent to her parent. Kelsey has very little in common with her mother – she is more practical, responsible, and observant. And because she witnessed firsthand her parents’ marriage, Kelsey doesn’t really believe in love…or its ability to last through time. I adored Kelsey and found myself feeling such kinship and connection to her. With growing up with her parents and seeing the fickle nature of love Kelsey’s hardened view of the world feels perfectly plausible.

• Nathaniel Worth: Enter a charming and flirtatious young man with some swagger…And Kelsey is like, “No. Immediately no.” She knows the type and does not even want to give him the time of day. But when Nathaniel shows that his friendship and concern is sincere, Kelsey decides he might be a worthy friend after all. I loved dear, Nathaniel. He is genuine, patient, and adorably charismatic. He was an excellent foil for Kelsey. I loved each of their encounters together. And I loved learning more about Nathaniel’s past.

• Heyer-Like Schemes: To keep her mother from marrying a ridiculous toad that is unlikely to provide peace or security for their family, Kelsey decides to employ a dangerous scheme to distract her mother. And Kelsey isn’t the only one. Since Nathaniel is privy to (and somewhat involved in) Kelsey’s machinations, he embroils her in some schemes of his own. And these daring schemes – which are very much in the style of capers and devices employed in Georgette Heyer novels – land both Kelsey and Nathaniel in some hot water.

• Romantic Pemberley: On the grounds of Pemberley are these enchanting dwellings called Barley Cottage and Thistledown Hall. I could well visualize the charm and beauty of both these places. Even with the overgrown weeds at Barley Cottage and the crumbling ruins of Thistledown Hall. And I was absolutely riveted to the intriguing tales about the lovelorn captain who lived at Barley Cottage and the questionable ownership of Thistledown Hall. In addition, I loved being in this world and seeing life outside – but in this close vicinity of – Pemberley.

• Mother-Daughter Dynamic: Through Lydia and Kelsey, Shelly Powell highlights the struggles and disconnection that can sometimes exist between mothers and daughters. Especially when their personalities and views of the world are so dissimilar. I really appreciated this realistic portrayal and how Lydia and Kelsey eventually had some heart-to-heart conversations that showed them that understanding and support does exist in their relationship.

• Mr. Darcy in the Eleventh Hour: Alas, for most of the book Mr. Darcy and his family are away from Pemberley, and poor Kelsey misses the good sense and support of her Darcy relations – especially her cousin and dear friend, Lucia. But…the Darcys do return, and Mr. Darcy is very much involved in some heroic acts that save the day. Seeing his powerful and stern ‘Master of Pemberley’ mien appear was quite exhilarating!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• That this story came to an end. I wanted to stay with these characters longer.

CONCLUSION: 

Shades of Pemberley is an utterly charming Pride and Prejudice sequel that spotlights George and Lydia Wickham’s daughter as she strives to always act with propriety, is constantly devising ways to save her mother from scandal, and finally learns how to allow herself to trust in love. This tale is everything enchanting and enthralling! I highly recommend!

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