What If There Was An Assumed Compromise At The Meryton Assembly?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Something happened at the Meryton Assembly and now Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are forced to marry. And they are both miserable about it. Mr. Darcy brings his new bride to Pemberley and dictates the nature of their marriage. Happiness in marriage seems very unlikely, and marital mistrust and discontent seems in every way certain. What happened to bring these characters together in a compromise? And can they ever move beyond it?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Forced Marriage Premise: Always a favorite. The tension, the resentment, the make-the-best-of-it-attitude It is so interesting to explore these characters in this type of situation. I especially loved that in this novel, it happens so quickly! The Meryton Assembly – they just met!
- In the Dark: Grace Gibson isn’t sharing it all! We don’t know what caused the compromise and how it went down before, during, and after. We are in the dark. We only know that Mr. Darcy is very begrudgingly marrying Elizabeth. And do you know what devilry Ms. Gibson engaged in? She kept us in the dark!! Not until we are 250+ pages in do we learn more about what happened in those moments at the Meryton Assembly. I loved being in the dark. I love THE incident being unknown and being forced to guess and ruminate.
- Elizabeth’s Resilience: We all know Elizabeth is not formed for ill-humor or low spirits. Even though she is unwelcome, unwanted, and isolated from anyone who loves her, she strives to do good. She handles the situation with grace and strength, and pours herself into caring for others at Pemberley, despite the apathy and antagonism she meets from her husband and those who are loyal to him.
- Mistress of the Estate: I loved the interesting look at Elizabeth’s work on the estate. And it was lovely to see how much a woman was needed. Apparently, Mr. Darcy and his steward weren’t effectively seeing to everyone’s needs. I appreciated the storyline chosen here – I enjoyed the uniqueness and realness of it and how it created some awkwardness.
- Georgiana, Elizabeth’s Lady’s Maid, Mrs. Reynolds: Much to Mr. Darcy’s displeasure, it doesn’t take long for some people to fall under Elizabeth’s spell and become her allies. I loved seeing the mutual respect and affection quietly and gradually build between Elizabeth and these women. It was such a soothing balm to see her have people that care about her and value her.
- The Evolution: Mr. Darcy’s resentment is indeed implacable and he is deeply mistrustful of his new wife and blames her for his present situation. His dislike is so immovable an object he finds nothing redeeming or appealing about his new wife. He can’t put aside his anger to see the worthy woman she is, and even if he could see it – he probably wouldn’t admit it! But…near tragedy shakes him out of his abject anger and he finally allows himself to see who Elizabeth truly is.
WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:
- Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🥶 Can Mr. Darcy’s cold, hard, and contemptible heart ever thaw?
❄️ In the bleak midwinter, Elizabeth faces frosty demeanors and harsh isolation at Pemberley.
📖 Ardent admirers of Grace Gibson need feel no discontent! While this story has strain and strife, it also has her trademark satirical wit and spirited banter.
Great review, Meredith! I absolutely loved, loved, loved, this book! Ms. Gibson never, ever disappoints!!
I am wondering if I would hate this Darcy…
I just finished this book yesterday and I absolutely loved it. However. However, I must admit, I HATED this Darcy (initially) (for the first 2/3 of the book). So much so that I could not see what could be done to move me towards liking him. I won’t spoil, but my one very small critique is that I would have liked seeing Darcy grovel just a teensy bit more.
Definitely my only wish: that Darcy would have had to grovel much more! He should have had a much harsher comeuppance for being so hard-hearted to Elizabeth. I loved the writing and the characters in the book.
Wonderful review. Looking forward to reading this book.
A top ten P&P variation. Oh, the angst.
I’ve read several of her books but apparently not this one! It is on my list but I’m wary of reading such an implacable, resentful Darcy. However I will definitely read it sometime soon.
The Last House in Lambton was my favorite P&P fan fiction book until this one. I have read it at least 5 times and am in great anticipation of Ms Gibson’s next book.
“Nothing”! I agree – this is definitely a top ten in the genre.
There are some high angst books I don’t like…and those usually involve either Darcy or Elizabeth being super resentful of the other for most of the book. This one seems to have a Darcy I couldn’t like. I wouldn’t blame him for feeling angry about being put in that situation. Marriage then was for life. But I much prefer angst where it’s Darcy and Elizabeth against outside forces. I appreciate this review and fellow readers’ comments. I will likely give this one a pass.
Love the premises. Looking forward to it!
Can’t wait. You have me all the more excited. 🙂
I have to admit I have read this book more than once. Ms Gibson hits it out of the park. I agree with everything you say, Meredith. Highly recommended.
sounds lovely
Happy Tuesday! I like Neville W, have read this book a few times, it is a bit of a tear jerker too! And I love every time I read it. Darcy made me angry! He is a bit self righteous, a lot arrogant, and a seems to be a very angry man at the beginning. It is great to see his metamorphosis. And it is sad to see Elizabeth become quiet, but she comes into her own, quiet, but mighty. And if you have not listened to the audiobook, please do, narrated by: Elizabeth Grace & Simon Alison. It is also done really well! Great review Meredith! And I say read it /listen to it!!! C
Great review Meredith! I have to admit I was a little nervous about this book because while I love all of Grace Gibson’s books, I knew this was going to have a different feel and more angst. Going into it though, I figured at least the angst/discontent will only last the Winter. And this book ended up being worth it. Spot on review, Meredith! I definitely recommend this book!