An Affectionate Heart

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Heather Moll

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Are love and affection enough to overcome the pain of grief and anger?

In the spring of 1812, Elizabeth and Lydia are the only Bennet daughters still unmarried after the death of their father. Elizabeth's health and spirits worsen as she moves among relations as an unwanted, dependent sister. She returns to Mary and Mr. Collins at Longbourn to learn that the neighborhood gossip centers on the reclusive Mr. Darcy.

Darcy and his sister live an isolated life in a small rented lodge near Netherfield after the events at Ramsgate. As Georgiana's health is failing, Darcy has his own regrets to bear. He tries to keep them secluded, but a young woman arrives who is determined to befriend his lonely, ill sister.

When Elizabeth receives disastrous news, she makes a daring plan to find happiness for herself while she still can. Misunderstandings and secrets abound for them both, but in the end, Darcy and Elizabeth will find greater strength together than they ever had apart.

This variation blends Austen's Pride and Prejudice with elements of Montgomery's The Blue Castle. Content note: secondary character's miscarriage off-screen, secondary character death, mature romantic scenes.

©2022 Heather Moll (P)2022 Heather Moll

Enjoyable "Pride And Prejudice" Variation

This was my first experience with Heather Moll's work, and I enjoyed it a lot. As the description stated, this story was an alternative view of Jane Austen's "Pride And Prejudice". The story was charming. The characters were complex, and their arcs were pleasing. The plot had some twists and turns but kept the spirit of the original story in my opinion. Stevie Zimmerman's narration was delightful, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Absorbing story, Excellent narration

Heather Moll excels at writing variations that explore the many facets of our dear couple in believable ways for the given circumstances. Darcy is broodingly swoonworthy, upright in character, and takes far too much on himself. Elizabeth blossoms in an environment of independence where she can love those deserving of her devotion and behave in accordance with her values. While the circumstances in this variation are overset by grief and suffering, the angst does not overwhelm as Elizabeth and Darcy come to know each other and themselves better on a journey steeped in love and devotion.

Fantastic!

This is a variation I've not come across and I'm so happy I did. Mary is an atrociously vain termagant who lords her position as mistress over Lizzy and other dependents as much as possible; Collins is still an unthinking, chattering fool. Otherwise, this feels like a refreshing plot! I've read over 175 variations and this is definitely in the top 5%! Appealing to Lizzy's heart issues and the considerations of Georgiana's health is a solid foundation for this love. Also, this narrator is always spot on and wonderfully mellifluous.

A re-read or now listening

An emotional story. Some sadness. A horrid Mary. Well written and a great narrative by Stevie Zimmerman. Great Jaff.

Painfully beautiful

I love the mix up of everyone it's written so painfully beautiful. Narrator is fantastic.

Lizzy demands you read this book !!!