One Last Chance: to begin again

There are plenty of surprises along the way in this entertaining tale. - In this Darcy redo, Darcy and Elizabeth come to an early understanding but face interference from others trying to break them apart. - I liked the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. Get ready for a more affectionate portrayal of Darcy. - I appreciate how Ward adds sensible responses to situations that are sometimes portrayed as questionable. - I'm impressed by the portrayal of madness. Usually, characters are written as over the top and called mad. In this case, I believed she was genuinely deranged. - I wish there was more about Mary's happily ever after. And Lydia's, too.

I liked many of the plot twists in this story - notably the downfall of Caroline and Charles Bingley and Mr. Collins. I thought the secrets Mr. Bennet kept were very much in keeping with his description in Austen’s original tale. There were several unfortunate anachronisms and errors (for example, it’s “hear, hear” not “here, here”, envelopes were invented in the1840s twenty five years after this story and several similar errors). But the author didn’t make any of the commonly found errors with titles and British law that annoy me, and the overall quality of the story made up for the mistakes. The relationships and dialogue were well written, and it was a very enjoyable read.

Great Darcy has a chance to start over smarter story... and he takes advantage of the chance to really woo Elizabeth well. Bingley and Carolyn are absolutely horrid - but kind of a pleasant change there. The Bennets are more capable than usual and I liked that too. Lady Catherine and Mr Collins have their say and nice endings for most everyone. Great positive read for me - well written and hopeful. I liked how a positive Darcy made a difference with each of the Bennet family by really caring and putting himself forward. Maybe we should all do that - the first time:)

Another edit for typos and spelling errors would have improved this otherwise enjoyable story. I was thoroughly amused by the first 80% of this book, but as Jane's romance came to the fore, my interest began to wane. My personal preference is that the Bennet sisters and Charlotte Lucas don't end up marrying above Darcy's station, because I don't think they would have improved in essentials. Despite Caroline being more outrageous, I still find it very satisfying to read about her comeuppance. I think that Darcy was particularly swoonworthy and witty in this variation, but I found that some of the affectionate actions displayed were beyond the bounds of propriety for their level of gentry at that period of time. All in all, I recommend this book as a short and pleasant read.

Follows.the original story, and yet, changes it oh so fine! Truly the story is one of the best variations I have read. I loved the characters and their changes in the story. I have no idea how the entail was broken, even though a few suggestions were made. Again, some missed words, but I figured it out.

3.5 stars The first two thirds of the book were delightful. M. Ward cleverly and believably revealed new facets of the major characters to both Darcy and the reader. Mrs Bennet particularly stands out, beginning with the migraine cure, but we see softer sides to all the family members. Darcy gains a new perspective of the townspeople. In all, the story had so much potential. The Bingley characters all take time to develop, but once they do, the story falls apart. Once Darcy refers to Caroline as a [dog] in heat, the realism crashes like the fine marble at Netherfield. Caroline Bingley becomes a caricature. Details also fall victim to facetiousness. Longbourn has a wing with 20 guest suites (plus bachelor rooms above) and a dining table that seats 150. Once the story’s conflicts are resolved, the reader is treated to Filler. So. much. filler. Much of the ensemble, sadly, decamps to London, where we have trips to the modiste, sporting at Angelo’s, ices at Gunther’s, and Shakespeare at the theatre. Absolutely none of it is necessary. I should also mention that aside from one paragraph where Darcy tells Lizzy she can be judgmental (based on her actions in Austen’s storyline, not Darcy’s Groundhog Day), our heroine is perfect. This book was well on its way to four stars, but the last third sunk its chances. Finally, no one would need a carriage between St James’ Street. Even St James’ to New Bond Street isn’t the two miles quoted in the book.

I struggled to finish this one and had to skip through to finish it. Darcy is given a second chance by Providence and has a supernatural opportunity to amend his ways. That was a good idea. This naturally changes the outcome of the book and Darcy even reflects on these changes brought by his new attitude. They reveal an unbalanced Caroline and a totally spineless Bingley. I can buy a spineless Bingley but not a deranged Caroline ( her character was so exaggerated that I lost interest). I can't help feeling that an early understanding between Elizabeth and Darcy kills the interest. That is why I struggled a lot to get to the epilogue. I don't recommend.

Brilliant, this is the first book I have read by this author and there writing offices is a wonderful twist to pride and prejudice.

I enjoyed this variation. Darcy being all “my love” with Lizzy felt a bit rushed. Caroline helped keep things interesting!

I have not seen a P&P variation that was close to this premise. I loved it. The delightful character growth of most of the characters was handled well and the downfall of the deserving others was quite delicious! I don’t often give 5 stars and I rarely write a review, but this was a very enjoyable read.

*spoilers. I'm at a loss to understand the extreme treatment of the Bingley characters toward the end. As a modern reader, am I really expected to find any kind of pleasure or even satisfaction in the execution of a clearly mentally ill (albeit unlikeable) young woman?