Expectations

A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Obstinate, Headstrong Girl Series)

De: Julie Cooper

Narrado por: Mare MacBeth

Elizabeth Bennet was informed by an unimpeachable source—on her sister Jane’s wedding day—that Mr Darcy has committed a breach of gentlemanly honour so sordid, so unforgivable, that it makes Mr Wickham’s ruthless accusations seem innocuous. Fortunately, she never has to see him again…or so she thinks.

Just before proposing marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers shocking news that causes him to leave her, and everyone else in Hertfordshire, behind him forever. Elizabeth in particularly he hopes he never has to see again.

Years later, Darcy is named the guardian to the children of Jane and Charles Bingley. When Darcy arrives to take custody of the children, Elizabeth will stop at nothing to prevent it.

Lies and misunderstandings have kept Darcy and Elizabeth apart for years; can they see through them to the future they were always meant to have?

©2025 Julie Cooper (P)2025 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Another winner from Julie Cooper

This story had some depth to it. I was in tears multiple times. And it was difficult to put down.

The two new characters; the Bingley’s son and daughter stole the show quite often, were the source of the tears but also the source of some extremely endearing moments.

The romance between ODC was delayed and had to overcome some serious misunderstandings both held about the other. Once overcome though, it hummed along very nicely.

I highly recommend this one. And I know I’ll want to re-listen to this in the future.

Delightful off canon variation

I have read the book and liked it very much. I got a somewhat different perspective listening to the story. I am not a fan of a self-righteous Elizabeth who doesn’t care to be confused by the facts. She is that way in the original and Ms Cooper is faithful to the original characterization, but that doesn’t mean I like it. I think she tends to be immature so I like it when variations tweak her personality to a stronger, more self-aware person. Alas, she isn’t in this variation. Darcy, on the other hand, is presented differently and I really liked it. I think that while reading, I tend to skip over bits that I don’t like, so I didn’t pick up on how irritating Elizabeth was in the book.
The children were very funny and added much to the story.
The narrator did an outstanding job.

I would listen to this again

The narrator did a good job and the story was engaging without the silliness that some P&P variations contain. I especially enjoyed a different Lydia. I definitely recommend this one.

Great writing stile in JAF. I'm glad that JC published new book!

Lovely naration, fresh new voice!
I loved that there was not much angst in D&E communication 😁!
I also loved mature, strong Lydia, so refreshing (I know that in one or two other book this was tried on, but only JC mach it with good writing)!
Go one Julie, write, you do it so good!👌✌️💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

How One Conversation Can Change Things

I appreciated how well the writer built suspense. We hear Charlotte's story and have no reason to doubt it until later... well, we have to doubt it, but we try not to believe Charlotte would lie. The actual truth is worse than we would have suspected.

On the other hand, what did Darcy believe about Elizabeth? That she would be seduced by her sister's love interest? Really? I could have sworn Wickham would have figured somewhere in his thoughts. No? Okay, but Really!

Enter two precocious and precious children left parentless and penniless but beloved by their self-sacrificing aunt. Now add a found will naming Darcy as the caregiver for one of the twins but not the other and what will the loving aunt do? What will they do to stay together?

Our narrator brings all to life with vivid animation. Well worth a listen or three.