What If Fitzwilliam Darcy Had a Charming But Corrupt Twin Brother?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variations
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy’s twin brother, Alexander, is reckless and willful. He is too charming for his own good and their father severely depleted Pemberley’s coffers bailing him out of all his transgressions and debacles. But when an exasperated Fitzwilliam Darcy finally decides to put an end to this continuous cycle and refuses to allow Alexander’s mayhem to go unchecked, Alexander retaliates by forcing Fitzwilliam’s hand…in marriage…to a woman he barely knows…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Double Trouble or Double the Fun?: Mr. Darcy as a twin – what an interesting and creative conceit! It is stories like this that make you realize how the primogeniture practices can create such hardship and tension in a family. Imagine being the younger twin sibling during this time period – what psychological issues that creates! It was interesting to see how Alexander’s feelings of jealousy and inconsequence impacted the choices he made with his life.
- Elizabeth and the Darcy Twins: I loved seeing Elizabeth’s relationships develop with the two Darcy twins. She has a significant first encounter with each of them – and she begins to sketch their character based on their manners towards her. But as in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth’s learns not to base her judgments solely on first impressions and that “one has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.” I loved witnessing Elizabeth’s evolving understanding of both these brothers.
- Sibling Battles: With Alexander’s bitterness and jealousy, the dynamic of the Darcy family is changed. There are many like Mr. Darcy senior, the Earl of Matlock, and Mrs. Reynolds who see the trouble Alexander causes and recognize Fitzwilliam’s worthiness. But others like Georgiana, see Alexander’s charm and easy manners, and believe his falsehoods. It was interesting to see Georgiana’s feelings towards her two brothers, her decided preference for one, and her disapproval for the other. And just like with Elizabeth, it was wonderful to observe how those feelings and opinions changed.
- Falling in Love: I absolutely adored Fitzwilliam’s and Elizabeth’s journey from being forced to marry to falling in love! Their relationship develops gently and gradually – my favorite! I loved seeing the many ways Fitzwilliam’s character is revealed to Elizabeth, and my heart was touched by how patiently Fitzwilliam waited for her to care for him. There were so many beautiful and heart-stirring scenes of them together.
- All Mr. Darcy’s Goodness: He truly is the best of men. And I fell for him even harder in this tale when I witnessed all burdens he carried by himself, and the many ways he cared for and helped those who work for or are depend on him. Alexander could never hope to match Fitzwilliam’s honor, integrity, and selflessness.
- Aunt Rose: A new original character and neighbor that is like a second mother/good friend to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. She saved the day more than once! And I loved that we learned more about her life and family too.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- The Reconciliation: My only quibble would be that I wished for a longer period with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth after they reconciled with each other. What they experienced was so full of turmoil and heavy emotions. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more of them reclaiming and rediscovering everything that is light and bright in their lives.
CONCLUSION:
The Appearance of Goodness is a riveting and inventive Pride and Prejudice variation that depicts a contentious brotherly battle – goodness versus malice, sacrifice versus selfishness, responsibility versus revenge. A story rich with tension, heart, and romance – a Brenda Webb classic. I highly recommend.
I also read and enjoyed this story. Brenda is one author whose stories I have all enjoyed. Just her name prompts me to download her books.
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate your support very much.
Wow, this book sounds fantastic; thank you for the review, Meredith! Congratulations, Brenda! 🙂
Thank you, Kelly. I am overjoyed with this review.
I loved this story despite the angst! What a fabulous Fitzwilliam Darcy, as you said he struggled to keep the estate going and care for everyone without complaining! Alexander was another Wickham, taking and no giving!
I loved how Elizabeth started to see the difference between them and realised her feelings. Like you I really wanted more of the HEA (but then I always do!)
Yes!! I agree
Your have always been such a supporter of my writing Glynis. Sending you a big hug!
Oh it seems quite a very good tale.
Added it to my list to read.
I hope you do take time to read it, Elodie. I enjoyed writing this Darcy and Elizabeth.
Hi all! I bought this one last year loved it!! It was like having 2 sides of Mr. Darcy, ya know. I have reread too. Great read!
Sweet of you to say, Char. So proud that you liked it. 🙂
Great review! I’ll definitely have to check this one out.
Please do check it out by reading the free sample. I think it will convince you to read all of it. 🙂
I am thrilled that you liked my story, Meredith. I have had so little energy to write of late, with my health problems and getting over covid, that there were times I feared I could not finish it. To receive five stars is amazing and humbling. Thanks so very much for reviewing it and thanks to all who have been so kind as to read it and leave comments here and on Amazon. Reviews are what keep us authors writing.
I love your review, Meredith, and I agree with your assessment 100%. Last year, my husband and I read Brenda’s book and enjoyed her unique and very clever plot to the fullest. It’s a nail-biter for sure, but since I adore angst, the suspense was brutal at times, yet deliciously worth it. So delighted to see TAoG featured at Austenesque.
How sweet of you to comment Mary. I was thrilled when you wrote to me that you and your husband had read it. Friends like you are precious.
Thank you so much for reviewing “An Appearance of Goodness.” I also loved the concept of the Darcy twins and was on caught up in this tale from the beginning. Congratulations to Brenda for giving us another excellent book.
You are the best Jen! Thank you for always being a cheerleader for my books.
Loved your review, Meredith! Glad to hear you rated it so highly.
I appreciate your taking the time to comment, Ceri. You are such a wonderful supporter of JAFF too.
I think this a very exceptional story! Congratulations and thanks to Brenda Webb for writing another wonderful story!
So kind of you to say and just to take the time to comment here. I truly appreciate that. Hugs.
I read this and agree with your wonderful review. Even with the desire for a longer, fuller reconciliation for ODC at the end.
I have several of BW’s books as paperback and enjoy rereading them!
Thank you for taking time to comment. It means the world to me. 🙂
I love this book, a very different twist with Darcy being a twin, well written and very enjoyable.. but then all of Brenda’s books are well written and enjoyable. I love all of her books.
Awww. So kind of you to say Carmalee. Hugs.
Brenda I love your writing and this one dounds great aswell!
I hope you get a chance to read it. 🙂
I loved reading Brenda Webb’s book – The Appearance of Goodness – It was a unique and creative sequel to the P & P story!… Brenda has a great gift of keeping you in suspense and at the edge of your seat about Elizabeth and the twin she encounters and favors… This book is one you will want to read over and over again…