Hearts Entwined

A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

By: Melissa Anne

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

A slightly more immature Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy London two years earlier than in canon. As a second son, Darcy has chosen the life of a barrister so there are fewer obstacles in their way, and they quickly fall in love. Using the fortune left to him upon his father's death, he invested with Gardiner to make his own fortune, making it easier for the two to wed, along with a legacy set aside for second sons by Darcy's grandfather, the late Earl of Matlock

Despite this, our dear couple's path is not always easy, as challenges arise as they marry and come together. A vile Mrs. Bennet and Jane's resentment over Elizabeth's good fortune cast shadows over their happiness. The presence of George Wickham and the maneuverings of Caroline Bingley further complicate their path. However, despite these tribulations or perhaps because of them, they learn together to surmount them, ultimately weaving their hearts even more profoundly together.

©2023 Melissa Anne (P)2023 Melissa Anne

A truly swoon worthy romance

The story was woven beautifully. A different take on the whole Darcy story. I highly recommend it.

Mean Jane

The narrator is great. No sure if I like Jane being mean or not, but good story.

Will listen to again!

This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author and it wont be the last. Loved how Stevie Zimmerman's narration (as per her usual fantastic voice) brings stories to life and you just become part of the background seeing/listening to the story go on around you. In this story several things are out of canon: Darcy has older brother, his mother is alive, bad/selfish Jane & Mrs B and D&E meet several years before canon. Elizabeth was raised more by her Grandmother in the dower house than with her parents (you learn this early so no big spoiler) and with her and the Gardiner's influence she is more accomplished/gentlewomen's skills than her sisters. E ends up living with her Aunt & Uncle and meets Darcy when she is about 17yrs old. They hit it off right away & have a whirlwind courtship and marriage. Mrs B & Jane are very jealous/angry that E has been successful in marriage. With his family's support along with the Gardiner's they successfully avoid the traps & schemes that Jane & Mrs B and Wickham plan. I love that the residents of Meryton side with Lizzy and Mary and the younger girls are protected and thrive because of Elizabeth and Darcy's marriage and connections.

Sweet & Beautiful P&P Variation

Loved it from the very first 3 pages! Unique twist with Darcy a second son. One of my now favorites!

Bennett Villians

Stevie Zimmerman is wonderful as usual!! Love her JAFF narrations.

This story has the very basic of JAFF foundation, but then there are some character changes that I found very interesting that played well with the plot.

If you are an Austin Purist you may not agree. Hint. The Bennet family has a couple of “bad eggs” in the hen house🤣

Great story

This was a great long story. Elizabeth and Darcy meet earlier. Elizabeth is estranged from her family and lives with her aunt and uncle in town. Darcy is a barrister. Lady Anne is alive. Great start on a family saga. Great Jaff.

Vagary indeed.

Stevie Zimmerman’s five-star narration is always near perfection, and I’m never disappointed with her performance.

This book is indeed a vagary, being almost entirely off-canon which, in my opinion is not necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy different, and this novel definitely fills that bill.

Lady Anne has outlived her husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy is a second son making his living as a barrister and a wise investor with Mr. Gardiner, who introduces him to a 17-year old Elizabeth. The heir to Pemberley is George Darcy who is a bit of a rogue, and intent on marrying a titled woman to aid in his purpose of having a lost Darcy title of Marquess regained.

Elizabeth has come to live with the Gardiners to escape her mother’s cruelty and her father’s indifference. Jane is a mean girl in this book, jealous of Elizabeth and determined to get what she feels is hers.

The story is a long tale, that focuses first on the courtship of ODC leading up to their marriage. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. Darcy is super sweet, and Elizabeth, while somewhat immature at first, is well portrayed. The remainder of the book has them dealing with obstacles and people trying to disturb their happiness and the group of good and kind friends and family members who circle around them with their advice and support.

The story goes on to address Jane and the Bennet parents and the consequences of their actions, as well as George Wickham, George the heir, and even Charlotte for a time. I found some parts seemed wordy and a tad repetitive. I sort of expected George Darcy to be a scoundrel, but he’s not and ultimately becomes a responsible master of Pemberley. (view spoiler). The ending covers who marries whom, and how many children everyone has, and then who they marry.

Perfect

I read this book on Kindle shortly after release and thought it was wonderful, but hearing it performed by Stevie Zimmerman on Audible was the icing on the cake. She just seemed to have the perfect voice(s) for this story. I will definitley be listening go this again!

Too divergent from canon for me

Darcy as a second son with the Bennet parents and Jane almost evil. Too much for me.