What If Elizabeth Decided to Self-Isolate at Pemberley?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Pride and Prejudice Novella
THE PREMISE: It’s the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth’s newly married sister is sheltering-in-place with her new husband at Pemberley. William Darcy extends an invitation to Elizabeth to escape London and join them there even though he knows Elizabeth’s opinion of him is exceptionally low, and his own wishes of winning her heart is painfully high…
MY THOUGHTS: I thought March would be an appropriate month to read this one and remember the hard and harrowing time we all lived through. Can you believe it was five years ago? This is one I’ve long wanted to read because:
- I love contemporary romances by L.L. Diamond
- I love forced proximity situations
- It will be interesting to relive this strange period of time, and witness Elizabeth and Darcy experience it too
I cannot imagine a more ideal place to self-isolate than Pemberley, with its beautifully appointed rooms, extensive grounds and gardens to explore, a kindly Mrs. Reynolds happily serving a customized menu to suit all your dietary needs, and most importantly….a man ardently in love with you.
I loved witnessing William and Elizabeth navigate the “new normal” of their lives as they both work from home and deal with the awkwardness of living under the same roof with someone you have a semi-acrimonious relationship. Well, technically, the acrimony may only be on one side…but for the sake of a peaceful existence, Elizabeth is putting aside her dislike and mistrust of her host. Especially when she witnesses his consideration, care, and happiness to accommodate her needs at any costs.
The romance was fast-paced but satisfying. William is besotted and full of tentative hope. It was endearing to watch him try to seize the opportunity that has quite neatly fallen into his lap. However, I did wish we learned more about what happened before the start of this book – what really went down during the Rosings Book Festival? What was said? What was the misunderstanding? I would have loved to have a fuller picture of their prior relationship with each other.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
😷 An entertaining and endearing romance born out of a very real and relatable strange situation.
🤗 While it was an incredibly timely read in 2020, this story in no way felt “outdated.”
✍🏼 L. L. Diamond has a talent for creating modern-day stories that are authentic, diverting, and resonant. I loved each I’ve read by her.
I did read and enjoy this story and posted a review, also.
I too absolutely loved this book! (Especially as Caroline couldn’t intrude!) I loved how Darcy did his utmost to make Elizabeth feel at home, I loved how Elizabeth appreciated stargazing! 😉 I’ve already read this several times 🙂
I loved this book too. L. L. Diamond’s contemporaries are are some of few I will eagerly go for. You know me, Meredith. A Regency junkie. Tere’s so much to love about this story, I especially love the modern Mrs. Reynolds. I think I need to reread this one soonest.