Unexpected Encounters in London
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: A few months after the Netherfield Ball
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bingley, George Wickham, Amy St. John (new character)
SYNOPSIS: While visiting their family in Cheapside, a couple of errant deliveries from the modiste bring the Bennet sisters into the path of Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana. Unable to deny himself the pleasure of her company, Mr. Darcy continues to call on the Bennet sisters and encourage their friendship with his sister and his friend, Mr. Bingley. Through all these meetings, Elizabeth begins to see another side of Mr. Darcy that she admires. But do his gentlemanly and chivalrous actions towards another woman mean his heart is already engaged?
WHAT I LOVED:
- London Setting: I love seeing Elizabeth and Jane in London with the Gardiners. It just feels so right for them to be in that household all together! Also, I love seeing Elizabeth take part in society events like balls and dinner parties, and travel to London landmarks like Hyde Park. In addition, it was lovely to see this story take place in London because it drew our characters away from some overbearing/impeding forces such as Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Lady Catherine! 😉
- Elizabeth Seeing Some Green: I really enjoyed the new character – Amy St John – introduced in this story. She isn’t one you might expect to be Elizabeth’s rival, with her unassuming nature, timidity, and unremarkable looks. But I think it does Elizabeth some good to feel envious of Darcy’s possible affections for someone else! I enjoyed this twist since Amy is so different from Elizabeth and is of lower consequence than Elizabeth.
- Confrontations and Cooperation: I love when Darcy and Elizabeth have a tumultuous relationship with each other. It was fun to witness Elizabeth go from loathing Mr. Darcy to seeking his advice. And then flip-flopping some more! 😉 Mr. Darcy, is of course, very constant and fervent with his love, which is adorable to see! He was a little maddening though because he would do such a good job of masking his feelings!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Fast Developments: Some things do progress a little abruptly in this story. I would have appreciated a little more falling action and a slower resolution. While it might be expected for a fast-paced story to have swiftly formed romances, I always prefer to see a more developed romance that evolves and blooms leisurely.
- Some Quibbles: Some parts of the story did make me quirk my eyebrow up a time or two; like Georgiana’s actions, the unexplained acquaintance between Mary King’s uncle and Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth frequently referring to Mr. Darcy as ‘Darcy’ in her head and even once to his face (that is something vulgar Mrs. Elton would do). In addition, I couldn’t help but notice that there were several times where Bennet was spelled Bennett. :/
CONCLUSION:
For readers looking for an engaging and light tale to help the pass a few hours, Darcy Revealed, will definitely fit the bill! A diverting adventure in London filled with unexpected encounters, scandalous schemes, and romance!
Thank you for this review Meredith. I too prefer it when Elizabeth is staying with the Gardiners, especially if Darcy is involved as it keeps him away from Mrs B. And a jealous Elizabeth? Interesting. I will have to check this out.
Thanks or reading my review, Glynis! Yes, I am think it is good for Mr. Darcy to be away from Mrs. Bennet, it allows him to follow his heart more easily! 😉
I am always amazed at the interesting plot twists in JAFF.
denise
Yes, this one held an interesting surprise or two! 😉 Always fun to explore.
Thank you for this review. I like to read the positives as well as the quibbles.
Thanks, Sheila! I try to write very honest reviews, that way readers know what to expect. 😉
An alternate setting and a rival sounds good. I sometimes struggle with how fast a relationship must develop when its a shorter piece, too.
I know it is a preference on my part for a more leisurely developed romance and that couples that fall in love or change their minds quickly isn’t something that will bother everyone. Thanks for checking out my review!
Great review Meredith, I love the Gardiners and their influence on Jane and Elizabeth. You have made several good points regarding plot, characters and pacing. I’ll have to think about that.
Thank you, Jeanne! I appreciate you reading my review!
I have one of her e-books. She also writes mysteries as H. Y. Hanna and I recently read one of them.
Great! I have read one other book by her – The Netherfield Affair and I did like it, but it is a part of a 4 book series, so it didn’t feel totally complete. That’s awesome that she writes mysteries too!