An Unexpected Turn of Events

Longbourn Unexpected, Book 3

By: Elaine Owen

Narrated by: Verona Westbrook

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Thomas Bennet unexpectedly outlives his wife and must make his way in a new life. Can he use the opportunity to become a better man, or will he let this chance pass him by?

This is the sequel to Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit and Love's Fool: The Taming of Lydia Bennet and the finale of the Longbourn Unexpected series.

©2018 Elaine Owen (P)2018 Elaine Owen

Mr. Bennet, Widower

This is the third book of a series by Elaine Owen, all of which are well done and give quite a different perspective to the primary characters of Pride and Prejudice. In this volume, Mrs. Bennet has predeceased her husband, Thomas. Four of their five daughters have married. Only Mary remains single.

Thomas decides to lease Longbourn to Mr. Collins and rotate his residence among his married daughters. At first, living at Pemberley he is the same man who doesn’t like noise or crowds, and feels no one has time for him. He also feels he doesn’t truly belong anywhere and is without purpose. Then, with each new temporary home, he makes discoveries about his family and himself which sometimes force him to take actions that will make him a better man. There are some very emotional moments in this book, especially one surrounding the Darcys, but also Thomas’ personal situations. He still makes mistakes when it comes to his daughters, especially Mary, but slowly he learns and makes amends.

Lydia, truly reformed but still not afraid to speak her mind, is deserving of a fist bump or two. I love this Lydia (and the second volume of this book which focuses on her life after Wickham, which is the best ever Lydia variation, in my opinion).

This is an excellent variation that focuses on Mr. Bennet. Elaine Owen writes a brilliant story about him that I highly recommend. I have read both the book and listened to the audiobook. I would have preferred a different narrator for the latter, but it’s still good. The story rises above the mediocre narration.

Wonderful book I will listen to again and again!

I never expected to like Mr. Bennet as much as I do in this charming tale! Well-plotted and executed, and fantastic narration! I've already listened to it twice. Brava to the author!

Nice continuation of the Bennet family story

This is the first book I've listened to in this series. Elaine Owen's story reflects the setting, attitudes and speech of the time period, and dovetails nicely with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I like how Mr. Bennet is given the opportunity to reflect on and correct his past mistakes with his family. The storyline was believable and kept me listening.

Verona Westbrook's narration was good. I would have liked a bit more animation to the character voices. A book of this length is a challenge, and the overall narration was consistent, clear, and well-paced.

Now, to go back and listen to the first two books in the series...

I was given a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

Emotional rollercoaster

This book is amazing. The story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. It made me laugh and cry so hard and made me want to scream in frustration at times.
Ms Westbrook did a wonderful job with the narration.

The twist and turns of life

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review." Thomas Bennet outlived his wife anf decided to turn his estate over to his heir and move in with his five daughters. He would travel from one to the other and try to repair the damage he had caused while they were growing. He had never really loved his wife, and had ignored his daughters as thely grew. In his visits he finds that he loves his children and his grandchildren, and enjoys spending time with them. This is a great family story and I redcommend it to each of you.

Elaine Owen wrote a great book and Verona Westbrook did a wonderful job narrating.

Simply Wonderful!

This is the third book in the Longbourn Unexpected series, and it focuses on Mr. Bennet eleven years after Lizzy's marriage to Darcy. When the story begins, Mrs. Bennet has just passed away and Mr. Bennet is at loose ends. He decides to lease Longbourn to Mr. Collins and live with each of his daughters for several months at a time. He begins with Lizzy, but her company isn't as comforting as he expected as she's busy with her children and running the estate. Mr. Bennet moves on to Jane and Bingley, but their mismanaged household and servants unsettle him. It isn't until he reaches Kitty's home that things begin to look brighter.

This is the third book in the series, book one is "Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit" and book two is "Love's Fool: The Taming of Lydia Bennet". I highly recommend reading both, I think Love's Fool is one of the most creative and fun retellings of Lydia's story. Lizzy is my favorite of the Bennet girls, as she should be, but this author brings out different qualities in each of the sisters that make them interesting and lovable, while still retaining their faults as in the original.

This story is really about Mr. Bennet as he begins to take responsibility for his indolent management of his daughters, and to help with their current needs. It's a really well written story that will have you both laughing and crying. There was one particular part that had me actually sobbing, and I'm tearing up again just thinking about it. This author doesn't pull any punches! The ending was just perfect.

The narration was really well done, perfect pace and voice to get me lost in the story. I requested a copy of the audiobook and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

an Unexpected Turn of Events

Narrator put me to sleep after 30 minutes. Sorry I can't recommend as I won't continue to listen.