Shadows of the Past

A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations)

De: MJ Stratton

Narrado por: Stevie Zimmerman

Elizabeth is not a Bennet. The circumstances that brought her to Longbourn are shocking. Darcy might be the only person who can help her.

Her past is shrouded in mystery. Having been discovered wounded and wandering a lonely road in Derbyshire twelve years ago, Elizabeth remembers nothing of her life before the Bennets took her in. Whatever shreds of memory she has are hazy and unclear. Content with the love of her adopted family, she never could have imagined the turn her life would take when Netherfield Park is let at last.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is pleased to assist his good friend Charles Bingley as he learns to navigate estate management. That is, until Bingley begins acting peculiarly around one of the daughters of the neighboring estate. He is baffled by Mr. Bingley’s strange fixation with one sister even as he courts another. Darcy, too, finds Miss Elizabeth fascinating, but feels he cannot fully court the lady while Bingley is behaving so oddly.

When her past identity is revealed, Elizabeth must come to understand how to unite who she was with who she is. The mystery of what happened in her father’s house haunts her, and an unknown enemy seeks to finish what he started twelve years prior. Unable to resist her pull, Darcy joins Elizabeth as she learns to navigate her new life. As the danger mounts, he must protect her at all costs or risk losing the lady he loves forever. The former Miss Elizabeth Bennet is heiress to a fortune and an earldom, but is it worth the cost?

Shadows of the Past is a Pride and Prejudice Variation of medium angst. In this multi-trope, clean, Regency Darcy and Elizabeth story, Elizabeth is not a Bennet and has more exalted connections than she knows.

©2025 MJ Stratton (P)2025 MJ Stratton

Audiobook made even better

4 1/2 stars rounded up
I got the audiobook to go with the e-book. Stevie Zimmerman‘s phenomenal narration made the book even better.

This story kept me pulled in from the beginning as I wanted to know what happened to Elizabeth’s family and why. I enjoyed the changes in this variation which you learn right from the get-go that both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are more conscientious and diligent with their family. Mr. Bennet was also a second son that had no expectation of inheriting Longbourn. Another change with this variation was Darcy’s willingness to be more open/courteous with Bingley‘s neighbors as well as a sweet Caroline (yes, you read this correctly!).

Bingley and Darcy spend much time with the Bennet Family and both care for the two eldest sisters. Something continues to tickle Bingley‘s mind about Elizabeth that he can’t put his finger on. This is part of the mystery that does get explained later.

Once the mystery of Elizabeth is revealed things amp up as the past and actions taken 12 years prior are brought to the forefront and Elizabeth safety is in question. Darcy is supportive and protective.

Overall, this was a story well done. There were a couple of things that would’ve been nice to tighten up, but they did not detract from the overall story or the performance by Stevie Zimmerman. This will be one that I will gladly listen to again.

Amazing mystery for Elizabeth lovers ! Another awe striking story of her journey of not being a Bennet!

I lived this story from the preview until the very last chapter! I loved Mrs. Bennett and enjoyed no repetitive annoyances of Lydia or Collins. It’s a book I shall enjoy annually! Wonderfully written and my favorite narrator; Stevie Zimmerman makes the audible version to be cherished !

Too long

While the narration was outstanding—as I’ve come to expect from the narrator—the story itself didn’t quite hold my attention. It felt drawn out, and I found it difficult to stay engaged during the last third. The performance was the saving grace, but the plot just didn’t keep me invested.

Very good “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” tale

I liked all the characters and the storyline was good but it dragged in a few places. Bingley’s indecision at the beginning became tiresome as well as the “who done it” at the end. The characters were so good, I would have liked to learn more about them but although very likable, none were really explored much. In fact, we learn more about Bingley due to the trauma he suffered.
It is definitely worth the listen, maybe I am just being a curmudgeon.
The narration was excellent.

P&P and Anastasia

Overall, this was an okay read. The story had some good moments, but the Bennets came across as a little too perfect at times, which made them feel less realistic. It’s enjoyable enough for one read (or listen), though probably not something I’d revisit. What struck me most was how strongly it echoed the Disney cartoon Anastasia—many moments felt almost copied, which took away from the originality.

Couldn’t Stop Listening

Exciting tale with very little angst between Darcy and Elizabeth, which was great. One of the best Lizzy is not a Bennet variations that I’ve read. The Bennet’s are loving responsible parents and many other changes from cannon. Lots of wonderful Darcy and Elizabeth interactions. Stevie Zimmerman’s narration was perfect as always.

Very tedious!

Not only are there completely unbelievable plot devices, the whole, long book (with the exception of the very beginning and the very end) is comprised of people just walking into rooms and talking to each other, as they misunderstand, fail to acknowledge the obvious, or inexplicably decide not to ask glaringly necessary questions. One can only take the polite English habit of not forcing confidences so far. Stevie Zimmerman's narration is up to par, but I'm giving it a three to try to affect the rating of this book since it's so terrible, and also because I low-key judge her for taking this project!