What If the Bennet Sisters Reunited with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley in London?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift From Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: After receiving the confirmation that Mr. Darcy involved himself in Mr. Bingley’s affairs Elizabeth Bennet daringly decides to inform Mr. Bingley of the true nature of her sister’s heart. And since Mr. Darcy once again finds himself in the company of Elizabeth Bennet, he also seizes the second opportunity to properly court Elizabeth and win her heart, but Georgiana’s new friend Hester Drake causes some impediments…
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed the clever deviations employed in this variation with Elizabeth devising a way to bring together her sister and Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy attempting to court Elizabeth so soon after his first failed proposal. In addition, I also enjoyed the prospect of a new original character who has matrimonial aspirations towards Mr. Darcy, yet masquerades as Georgiana’s dear friend. Seeing Mr. Bingley be assertive and atoning for his errors is always gratifying. And I appreciated the new tension Georgiana and her friend brought to Mr. Darcy’s determined courting of Elizabeth.
What I enjoyed most in this story were Kelly Miller’s creative and skillful character portrayals. She gave fresh new story-lines to Georgiana Darcy, Caroline Bingley, and George Wickham (this one is particularly unexpected). And she spotlights both Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet as strong and active parental figures (I enjoyed seeing Mr. Bennet finally step up to the plate more in this variation). I especially admired and applauded her depiction of Elizabeth Bennet – she is such a devoted and supportive sister to Jane, she beautifully rises above any attempts to intimidate or disparage her, and she acquits herself with such grace, patience, and understanding when dealing with Darcy’s suspicious and wary relations (#TeamElizabeth). And lastly, I must mention that Mr. Darcy and his determination to pursue Elizabeth and his infectious delight when he begins to make success were so very lovely to witness.
I greatly enjoyed the new antagonist of Hester Drake and her less overt tactics of manipulation. She seems to have been harboring a crush for Mr. Darcy for quite some time, and like with most crushes, she may have a skewed notion of reality. I wouldn’t have minded more interaction between her and Mr. Darcy to further fuel her interest in him and to witness how Mr. Darcy would handle or deflect this particular female admirer. My quibble for this story is that perhaps it could use some tightening – there were some moments that felt slower paced and some chapters that meandered a bit. And perhaps the conflict extended just a mite longer than it should have.
Full of delightful twists and satisfying characters developments – Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match is indeed a perfect choice for readers who love seeing an empathetic and resourceful Elizabeth, an adorably smitten and fervently attentive Mr. Darcy, and a most charming courtship take place surrounded by friends, family, and foes in London.
I was definitely, definitely a big fan of this Darcy and Elizabeth! Poor Georgiana was being used so I hope it at least helps her in the future to realise true friends!
Yes Wickham was a surprise and I enjoyed this Mr Bennet.
Great review Meredith and a great story!
Thank you, Glynis! I love reading your thoughts as well!
Good review. I also read and enjoyed this story. Stay safe, everyone.
Thanks, Sheila! I am so glad to hear it!
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing “Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match,” Meredith! I appreciate getting your perspective. 🙂
Thank YOU, Kelly, for writing your stories and sharing them with us!
One of the first JAFF I read. Hoping to reread as an audiobook next next time. It is a jewel.
Oh, that definitely makes it special!
Thanks for sharing this review, Meredith! I have all of Kelly’s books on my list (and many on my Kindle) — hoping to catch up and read at least one of them soon. What sounds so intriguing about all of her books is that she takes a really different approach to understanding these characters. Love that! Congrats, Kelly, on all your work!
Hope you get the chance to read one of her books soon, Christina! Kelly is making it hard for us to keep up (not complaining!)
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this book, Meredith, because I did as well. But then, Kelly Miller is a gifted writer. We can look forward to another book from her this year, and it will be different too. No cookie cutter approaches for Ms. Miller!
That is so wonderful to hear, Suzan! I love how her creative ideas!
Wonderful Review and lovely book. Thanks Meredith and Kelly!
Thank you, Jennifer! I appreciate you reading my review!
It’s great to read your thoughts on Kelly’s book, Meredith. Thank you for sharing them. I loved this book and am happy to hear you enjoyed it too.
Thank you so much, Janet! I am so very happy to have the chance to read Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match!
Thank you for this thoughtful review of Kelly’s lovely book – a perfect match indeed!
Thank you so much for reading my review, Grace!
Enjoyed the review.
Thanks, Denise!
What a great review/book, added it to my list 🙂
Awesome! Hope you get the chance to read it soon, Charlotte!
I have this book and look forward to reading it. Great review, Meredith. Blessings, stay safe, and healthy.
Hope you get the chance to read it soon, Jeanne!