What If Elizabeth’s Newest Accomplishment Was Curricle Driving?

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: The Bennets had a close call with scandal and ruination, and as a result two sisters temporarily reside in London, two sisters are growing closer over new interests, and one sister is often seen careering and whipping around Meryton in a curricle of her very own. The party from Netherfield returns after being away a year to find a lot has changed. But do these changes mean anything for Mr. Darcy and his ignited feelings…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• The Changed Circumstances: The Bennets are all slightly altered and I greatly appreciate both the the cause and effect of it all. The cause is very natural and plausible, and the effect is just the sort’ve subtle shift you want to see happen in the Bennet household. I loved witnessing the caution and caring, as well as new and different relationships become closer and deeper.

• Elizabeth’s New Hobby: What a lark! Elizabeth driving a curricle?! Yes, I could definitely see her doing that and having a grand ol’ time! Again, I love how this all came to be – the circumstance of Elizabeth taking on this new hobby and her own personal reasons for pursuing it with the gusto she did. Her enthusiasm in the activity, her pleasure in being daring, and her joy in the freedom are all very well-matched for her character.

• The Pert and Perverse Provocation: Banter is served. My friends, Banter. Is. Served. The playful arguing, the jesting, the sarcasm – I’m delighted with it all. I loved Elizabeth’s facetiousness and Mr. Darcy’s audacity. Their cleverness and sharpness were a brilliant match. And while I have adored Grace Gibson’s flirtatious artistry in every book I’ve read by her, I think the witty and wry exchanges in this story might be her best yet.

• The Tribulation:  While the Bennets escaped their potential scandal mostly unscathed, there is someone they know who is not so fortunate. And now that person is trapped with no recourse, no rights, and no relations to help them. I appreciated the reality of this situation. This darker and grimmer fate that we see unfold before us was a pertinent reminder of women’s second class status and how limited their options were if they found themselves in an unhappy situation.

• The Rescue: There is so much to admire and applaud in the characters that actively assisted the character in distress. I appreciated not only the thoughtfulness and compassion, but also the courage and determination to face risk and retribution to help another seek the justice and safety they deserve. I especially loved seeing Elizabeth realize whom she can reach out and depend on when in trouble. And I loved seeing Mr. Darcy go above and beyond what Elizabeth needed, no questions asked.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• The Slower Action: A third of the book still remains after Darcy and Elizabeth reach an understanding. And while more time was needed on their end, the absence of new conflict deflated some of the exhilaration and tension the earlier parts of the story had.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🐎 Full of spirit and spark, this rousing and energetic gallop with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is sure to divert and entertain!

👩🏻‍🏫 Grace Gibson should teach a Master Class on the art of flirting.

👏🏼  A truly accomplished woman is one who considers others, fights injustice, and takes a stand.

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