What If Elizabeth Received Marriage Orders Just Before the Netherfield Ball?

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

THE PREMISE: Elizabeth’s freedom of choice and dreams of marrying for the deepest love are unexpectedly and harshly stripped away as Mr. Bennet informs her that he has arranged a match for her. Overcome with despair and unable to share her burdens with her closest confidants, Elizabeth reveals some of her woes to a man she views as a near stranger – a man that she believes disapproves of her…

MY THOUGHTS: A new novel by Julie Cooper? Sounds irresistible, doesn’t it? Especially if you are like me, and deeply loved her other Pride and Prejudice stories!

Julie Cooper’s writing is incredibly captivating and evocative, and our dear Lizzy’ predicament in this story  immediately engaged and consumed me. Told solely from Elizabeth’s perspective, Ms. Cooper does an exceptional job of conveying Elizabeth’s emotions with such perceptive discernment and authenticity. I appreciated all the honest emotions Elizabeth went through – the frustration and disillusionment, the grappling with envy, the small resurgences of her spirits since our girl is not “formed for ill-humor,” and the abject pain when Elizabeth finds herself irrevocably in love. It was all depicted with such strong and tangible emotions. So much so, that I felt pain in my own heart while reading some of these poignant scenes.

And while I loved spending time in Elizabeth’s mind, I equally adored witnessing all of Mr. Darcy’s actions and expressions through her eyes. Even though Mr. Darcy becomes her friend and the two share several private conversations, Mr. Darcy still maintains a lot of his reserve and somberness. Although, he did sometimes display a hint of dry wit and playfulness, and he did provide answers for Elizabeth’s direct questions. But because we are not in Mr. Darcy’s mind, we aren’t directly told his thoughts and feelings. (I’m sure they would be quite revealing and interesting!) But he speaks them loudly through his actions and gestures. So many sweet and swoony moments! I shall not list them and spoil any surprises. But be assured, by the end of the story you will love Mr. Darcy even more than you already do! I especially loved the surprising reveals when he said his piece…

Emotive and exquisite – Irresistibly Alone is another brilliantly composed and skillfully executed Pride and Prejudice tale by the talented Julie Cooper! A sure-fire win for readers who love when emotions are deeply felt and witnessing Darcy and Elizabeth have special moments together! I highly recommend!

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