Regency Tinder!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Elizabeth wants to prove to Jane that there are other decent men out there that can remain constant, and Mr. Darcy wants a distraction from his feelings for a certain impertinent miss. Both end up participating in an anonymous matchmaking subscription service. Not at all looking for romance, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth form an unknown and unexpected friendship with their secret correspondents. But what happens when the friendship begins to grow deeper…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Jane Austen meets You’ve Got Mail: One of my all-time faves! What I loved most about this story and all reiterations of this plot is exploring the duality of this relationship. Through their correspondence they are having meaningful, engaging, and supportive exchanges, but in real life there is conflict and animosity. Elizabeth Bennet grows bold and has her moment of saying some “zingers” to Mr. Darcy’s face. But little does she know she is saying them to the same person she admires as her “dear friend.” It just goes to show you how people have layers and everything is not always as it seems.

• “Some Very Powerful Words:” True to the time period, the only way the matches for this subscription service can communicate (unless they agree to meet in person) is through letters. And the letters Darcy and Elizabeth exchange are absolutely charming. They reveal so much of themselves through their words – Mr. Darcy is very forthright, polite, and attentive. And Elizabeth is playful, impertinent, and sincere. It was lovely to see this “new” relationship for them progress – how they eventually lost some of their formality, how they opened up about personal issues to each other, and how they began to confide more to each other than to others in their lives.

• Women Having Agency: At a time where it is considered improper or brashly forward for a woman to speak of her romantic feelings, our progressive girl Lizzy is drawn to having more power of choice and action.  While at a ball she would only have the power of accepting or refusing a dance, the matchmaking service gives more freedom. Elizabeth can choose from the pool of candidates, she could write as much as she would like to them, she could stop writing, she could agree to meet, etc. I really appreciated seeing Elizabeth reflect on the liberation she felt with this service – it is something modern women may have little experience with and take for granted.

• To London, With Love: Parks, Panoramas, and Whispering Rooms – I love how Heather Moll incorporated prominent and real sites/events around London in this story. It draws readers into the time period in such an accessible way and creatively shines a spotlight on the setting. I loved getting a specific sense of place and time.

• Masterfully Composed: From a brilliant premise (that actually has some basis in truth) to a well-formed and skillfully executed plot, Heather Moll’s skills as a storyteller beautifully shine in this latest work. It is clever, charming, well-developed, meaningful, and thoughtful. All of the things! Balance, pace, structure, weaving in multiple components – everything was on point.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Nothing! Unlike our faithful correspondents, I have no notes.

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

💞  From antagonistic acquaintances to anonymous admirers – this was such a delightful and different course to travel with Darcy and Elizabeth.

💘  Matches abound for many in this lively and engaging tale of friendship, freedom, and finding love.

💌  Imagine Mr. Darcy baring his innermost thoughts to you through correspondence…yes please!

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