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ABOUT THE BOOK
New hope arrives for the Bennet family when Mr. Bennet discovers a way by which he can end the dreaded entail, leaving him free to leave Longbourn where he wishes. Mr. Bennet seizes the opportunity, ensuring his family's support and providing for their future. When the militia arrives in Meryton, they find a Bennet family much changed from what it had been in the past, for the youngest Bennets are better behaved and not out, and the eldest must deal with new and unwanted attention. For Jane Bennet, the difference is striking, for her position as heir to Longbourn ensures interest from quarters she has no desire to receive. And what of the Netherfield party? Business in London delays their arrival in Hertfordshire, and when they do arrive, Mr. Darcy discovers the presence of a hated enemy and finds a woman he can admire. When enemies collide, dangerous situations erupt, which have the potential to leave them all changed. Against this backdrop, Mr. Darcy must not only woo the woman he loves but also protect her against the machinations of an unscrupulous scoundrel.
OPENING LINES
“Never had Mr. Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire thought his life would go so wrong.”
GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose
Author Jann Rowland asks, "What if the entail were no more?" This leads to a romantic and dramatic variation.
That is, it does eventually. At first, the story started out slow. Eldest sister Jane’s method of putting off unwanted suitors was to stand or sit silently. Sweet Jane needed a shot of assertiveness. This story didn’t get rolling until it left behind Jane and her suitors to focus more on Lizzy and Darcy.
Darcy might be more polished in his character, as are the Bennets, but there were plenty of others who stirred up a tempest. Unfortunately, some of this made no sense for this story. The drama, for drama’s sake, affected the pacing at times, but it did provide a great deal of conflict.
Jann Rowland did a splendid job developing the romance, so the listener had no trouble believing in their deep love as it grew or the family and friendship relationships connecting with them and around them. Some of the dramatic moments were superb. I loved the gruff and ruthless portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam on the trail of vile Wickham, the redemption of one of the antagonists, and the sad scene after the climax hitting me forcefully as the climax itself.
The narrator, Mary Sarah had a high, light, and sing-song style for narration portions and women’s voice with an unvarying low and rough voice for most of the male voices. The singsong was distracting, and I never did settle into the narration as a result.
And, so, this will be a book that I liked, but with mixed feelings. It is well worth reading, particularly if one enjoys Jann Rowland’s writing, Austen variations, and sweet, though dramatic, historical romance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
Connect with Jann on his Website.
ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet, curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums and monuments, restaurants, and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and a loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer.
Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction, particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby. Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER
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