In Sickness and in Health

A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Unabridged)

By: Frances Reynolds

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

It was not long before she honestly felt that she could love him, if he truly wished it.
When a smallpox epidemic sweeps through Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself trapped together at Netherfield Park with Mr. Darcy. An epidemic plagues Meryton and Longbourn village, and Elizabeth and Darcy, unexpectedly immune, must work together to help those afflicted. Elizabeth finds herself forced to reconsider the character of the man she had deemed proud and disagreeable in light of his efforts.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is immune to smallpox, but finds himself all too susceptible to the charms of Elizabeth Bennet. First drawn to her as merely a friend, his feelings deepen as he witnesses her care for her family and neighbors as they face death, sorrow, and the ravages of the disease.

When the immediate peril subsides, a new threat arises in the form of damaging rumors spread in London. Darcy finds that he must determine whether his feelings for Elizabeth can override his more practical objections, while Elizabeth must decide whether her grieving family’s needs outweigh her own wishes. Can such connections forged amid the fire of loss and adversity be made into a happily ever after?

In Sickness and in Health is a romantic variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

©2023 Frances Reynolds (P)2023 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Tear jerker

I love the depth of character development and maturity of all our beloved P&P. Recommend this variation, as well as, the other by this author “More than a Pretty Face”

Exactly what I was looking for

This P&P variation has a little bit everything. Although there is sadness there is hope, love and happiness. What I most like about this book is that although the pride and prejudice from the original book is there, the understanding and forgiveness comes fast and I don’t have to wait for almost the end of the book for them to be friends.
The narration is superb as usual I like all narrations by Stevie Zimmerman.
I highly recommend this audiobook.

Most interesting!

This is probably my most favorite P&P redux thus far. I found the medical portion of it most interesting and the plot lines were satisfying. I enjoyed the narration very much. Narration is so important! I highly recommend!

A favorite story for a P & P enthusiast.

Each time I had to pause to work on something else, I found myself anticipating my return to the book. The author provided a well written and enjoyable storyline. I will be anticipating more from her.

So Different!

I have read this twice in two months! The story was so good and very, very different from other Pride and Prejudice variations. The crisis of a small community like Meryton being stuck by a disease was timely and scary. Yet the inhabitants of Longbourne and the surrounding neighbors met the challenge with courage and compassion. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were staunch heroes. Mary proved to be just as strong as Elizabeth and Mrs. Hersh .... well you gotta read it to find out! Ms. Reynolds did a fabulous job with the research and writing of this reimagined tale of Ms. Austin's.

Very low angst.

If you are looking for an easy listening and uplifting listen this is it. Set the timer and fall asleep to the mellifluous Stevie Z. But be sure to note your place for the morning, as she will lull you to gentle slumber before a chapter sails by. Goodnight to the cares of your day.

Fantastic audio presentation

I loved this book to read, and was thrilled to hear such a wonderful audiobook presentation here. Splendid characterization and clarity. Highly recommended.

When illness strikes …

I loved reading this book, and the audio version is also especially well presented with Stevie Zimmerman’s outstanding performance, as always. She captures the characters perfectly every single time. She makes it an even more emotional experience listening to the story. Really loved it.

While Jane is visiting Netherfield, she becomes ill and is diagnosed with smallpox by the local apothecary, Mr. Jones. Elizabeth has already arrived to nurse what she thought might be a trifling cold. Mr. Jones puts the house under quarantine but Caroline, fearing the contagion, flees to London selfishly putting others at risk. Bingley and Darcy were immunised at Cambridge and undertake to help Mr. Jones in daily visiting the local residents to determine who has fallen ill, saving the apothecary time and allowing him to focus on those needing him most. Elizabeth is determined to stay and nurse Jane.

This engaging Pride and Prejudice variation tells the sometimes tragic and emotional tale of what happens when an outbreak of smallpox reaches the area surrounding Meryton and how it effects those touched by it, whether they become ill themselves, or become caregivers in helping keep their loved ones alive. Those who endure may face grief, but they come through wiser and more mature, discovering an inner strength to survive and become better people.

I loved how the author made Mr. Jones a younger man. JAFF readers are used to having him portrayed as at least middle-aged or older, and Ms. Reynolds cleverly changes this and provides him with a story all his own—and it happily involves someone else we know and love. She also gives Captain Carter a surprising role. I also loved Bingley’s portrayal—strong and loyal with spine intact. Louisa Hurst is also a likeable character in this story that contains multiple surprises and twists.

While it was a little sad at times moving me to tears, this very well-written novel also struck me as a feel-good story as we watch the various characters go through their trials and rise above their grief and circumstances to reach their happy endings. I can’t resist a vague spoiler. There are two scenes that struck me especially—one involving Mr. Bennet and his wife’s sewing box, and Mr. Darcy at the cemetery. Oh, my emotional heart!

In the age of Covid, reading this book showed me there are parallels that remain between our time and that of this novel. As I considered the characters, I could easily see that in some essentials things haven’t changed so much. You will always have the loving and devoted caregivers, and those who do not care a wit for the well-being of others by putting them at risk. God bless the caregivers.

Highly recommend

Clean content

fantastic story and narration

I have found that I come back to this book every couple months and give it another listen simply because it is so well written. It is a very fascinating parallel to COVID happenings from a few years ago, the circumstances are still somehow fresh with the characters that we already know.

Great story

This was a great story. Some angst to it is natural due to the illness and quarantine. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Jaff.