Children, Custody, and Contrived Marriages

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: When Mr. Darcy confesses his interference and misguided advice to Mr. Bingley, it effectively ends their friendship. But fourteen months later Mr. Darcy is needed to come to the rescue – not just for Mr. Bingley, but for his newborn children…who are now orphaned…and alone in the world. There are others who want to claim guardianship over these precious twins for ulterior and self-serving purposes. And Mr. Darcy is determined to fight them all with everything in his power…

WHAT I LOVED:

• A Despairing and Dramatic Deviation:  This premise starts with fallouts and fatalities. Unexpected changes that steer our characters into completely new territory. The tragedy comes at you quickly and suddenly, but is tempered by the resiliency and determination of these character as they strive to protect the children and keep family intact. I appreciated how different the premise and obstacles were in this story.

• Children and Dogs: I will always have a soft spot for anything with children or dogs. And if it is Mr. Darcy and children or dogs?…then we are done. Game over. But this story packs it in double as it is Mr. Darcy with children AND Elizabeth with children. And all these relationships are the most precious and endearing to witness. I loved seeing how natural and maternal Elizabeth is with her niece and nephew – she exhibits the same selfless sacrifice and nurturing care as she does with Jane at Netherfield. And don’t even get me started with how devoted, protective, charming, and adorable Mr. Darcy is with newborns…I wouldn’t be able to stop. 😆

• New Obstacles, New Foes: Not only does this premise introduce new tragedies…it also introduces new conflicts and new antagonists. This made the story wholly unique and completely on a different path where the reader really doesn’t know what to expect or can predict the outcome. It was fascinating to see Darcy and Elizabeth face these new obstacles and foes instead of ones that are so familiar. And Lord Armstrong was perfectly horrible and loathsome.

• Families That Fight Together…: At its roots this story is all about families uniting and supporting each other in the most heartwarming and satisfying of ways. I loved seeing all of the support Darcy and Elizabeth received from their families – especially with the relatives you would not expect. These moments of familial love and loyalty were the perfect counterbalance for the bleak and heart-wrenching beginning.

• Guardian Laws and Chanceries: I loved learning about the Regency laws and processes regarding orphans, appointed guardians, rights, and inheritances. I applaud and admire the abundance of research Ms. King did to know all the inner workings of the law and all the contingencies and routes it could be interpreted.

• A Thoughtful Theme: There was a lot of focus on finding the right balance – almost like a subliminal message intertwined throughout. The balance of fighting an aggressive foe but maintaining your own moral integrity, the balance of focusing on one’s children and focusing on one’s marriage. Even with the writing we saw this theme displayed – the balance of poignancy and cheer, the balance of developing the conflict and developing the romance.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• If anything, I wouldn’t have minded one more scene of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy discovering/progressing with their feelings. Maybe a confession from Mr. Darcy about how long and enduring his feelings are?

FINAL THOUGHTS:

💞 From heart-wrenching to heartwarming – J. Dawn King always writes stories that touch your heart.

📖 A beautiful and satisfying tale that bring our couple together through unique circumstance – through shared grief, through sudden parental responsibilities, and through legal battles.

🌟 Because of its inventiveness, distinctiveness, and exciting new drama this may be my new favorite from this author.

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