A Peculiar Connection

By: Jan Hahn

Narrated by: Amanda S. Brown

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Will a mysterious note from the past doom the love of Jane Austen’s most beloved couple? 

A Peculiar Connection begins near the close of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Bent on preventing the engagement of her nephew to Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh declares that any union between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth would be “a sin against Heaven itself!” Her shocking revelation, along with a cryptic message written over twenty years earlier, thrusts the couple into a whirlwind of heartbreak and disbelief. 

Could a deserted mansion in Derbyshire or a small church hidden in the wood hold the key to solving the puzzle? And why is Elizabeth inexplicably drawn to the portrait of three young boys in Pemberley’s gallery? 

Determined to confirm or refute Lady Catherine’s accusation, Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to embark upon a twisted trail into bygone days and family secrets. All the while, they must endure the exquisite torture of denying the indisputable desire that still hovers between them. 

From the award-winning author of An Arranged Marriage, The Journey, and The Secret Betrothal.

©2015 Jan Hahn (P)2020 Jan Hahn

Unique plot, but Elizabeth was out of character

I loved the plot twist, but Elizabeth was way out of character. She was overly moody, peevish, immature, and cowardly. The number of times she tried to "run away" to avoid a conversation was far more than what can be excused away for someone of Elizabeth's character. Surely Darcy would have lost much of his administration for her after seeing her act so completely immature on multiple occasions. Not to mention she was pretty thick to not consider other possibilities concerning her parentage. She definitely didn't come off as the fearless, witty, caring, ladylike, and someone not born to be Ill humored as Jane Austen portrayed her to be. Darcy was decently portrayed but didn't care for how often he drank to excess.

Mystery, romance, religion and misunderstandings

A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn

This story takes its beginning when Bingley returns to propose to Jane, but instead of Darcy returning to renew his feelings he for Elizabeth, it’s Lady Catherine who makes an appearance and reveals shocking news, namely; Elizabeth is NOT a Bennet! I was shocked, speechless! I think I screamed silently for a long while at lady Catherine and even more when it’s revealed just whose daughter Elizabeth is... A Darcy!!! Half Sister to Georgiana and Fitzwilliam Darcy!

And then the chase began for the truth, since what they learned simply couldn’t be true! I was captivated by the narration by Amanda, and gave me goosebumps several times, made me rail and sigh more than once! From the mountains and valleys of Derbyshire, to Georgian Bath and to rural Ireland these star crossed lovers are going, to discover the truth!

And what a truth!!! I cannot say anything which was beyond brilliant, made me speechless and lastly had me at the edge of my seat to the every last minute! Mystery, religion, romance and misunderstandings is aplenty and made it into another masterpiece by Jan Hahn!

Very enjoyable

I really enjoyed this story. Well written and detailed. I highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction lover.

One of my favorites

This book is one of my favorites and the audio book is marvelous.
The story begins with lady Catherine bringing a tale of Elizabeth’s birth and brings misery to many. Along the way Elizabeth must deal with the pain while Darcy uncovers the truth. While the family connection is there he cannot believe his aunt Catherine’s allegations. This is a sad but heartwarming tale.

Enjoyable

This had a good touch of mystery, although It was eventually easy to figure out before it was revealed. It was well worth the listen.

Very Original P & P Variation

I have listened to (and read) more than my share of Pride and Prejudice variations, and must say that this particular story was completely fresh; I have never seen the premise upon which this story was based, prior to listening to this book. The characters remain quite true to those depicted by the incomparable Miss Austen, yet there is more angst than in the original. The performer, Amanda S. Brown, has a very pleasant voice, and reads with occasional gentle emotion which greatly enhanced my enjoyment of this story. I highly recommend this book!

The love story continues

What is the likely that you try to find information of your birth and without malice someone does not tell you the most important piece of information? It was very contrived that the author did not reveal that information until after the lovers discover it for themselves. That information would have cut hours from the story, which got a little long. For that reason, I could only give the story 3.5 stars.

Elizabeth sounds distinctly Irish

I found the narration very irritating because Elizabeth doesn’t sound English but Irish at times. Sometimes the narrator uses an English accent and an Irish accent in the same sentence. The story was disappointing. Usually I like this author’s stories.

Interesting P&P variation

The writing is very good and the plot is interesting, it's not one of the best P&P variations but the characters are well developed.
Wit and vividness are missing. Good narration