In Sickness and in Health

A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (Unabridged)

De: Frances Reynolds

Narrado por: Stevie Zimmerman

It was not long before she honestly felt that she could love him, if he truly wished it.
When a smallpox epidemic sweeps through Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself trapped together at Netherfield Park with Mr. Darcy. An epidemic plagues Meryton and Longbourn village, and Elizabeth and Darcy, unexpectedly immune, must work together to help those afflicted. Elizabeth finds herself forced to reconsider the character of the man she had deemed proud and disagreeable in light of his efforts.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is immune to smallpox, but finds himself all too susceptible to the charms of Elizabeth Bennet. First drawn to her as merely a friend, his feelings deepen as he witnesses her care for her family and neighbors as they face death, sorrow, and the ravages of the disease.

When the immediate peril subsides, a new threat arises in the form of damaging rumors spread in London. Darcy finds that he must determine whether his feelings for Elizabeth can override his more practical objections, while Elizabeth must decide whether her grieving family’s needs outweigh her own wishes. Can such connections forged amid the fire of loss and adversity be made into a happily ever after?

In Sickness and in Health is a romantic variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

©2023 Frances Reynolds (P)2023 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Exactly what I was looking for

This P&P variation has a little bit everything. Although there is sadness there is hope, love and happiness. What I most like about this book is that although the pride and prejudice from the original book is there, the understanding and forgiveness comes fast and I don’t have to wait for almost the end of the book for them to be friends.
The narration is superb as usual I like all narrations by Stevie Zimmerman.
I highly recommend this audiobook.

Tear jerker

I love the depth of character development and maturity of all our beloved P&P. Recommend this variation, as well as, the other by this author “More than a Pretty Face”

A favorite story for a P & P enthusiast.

Each time I had to pause to work on something else, I found myself anticipating my return to the book. The author provided a well written and enjoyable storyline. I will be anticipating more from her.

I loved this.

I love the stories where ODC reach a better understanding early on in the plot. We still had the usual ‘Not handsome enough to tempt me’ at the assembly and Elizabeth’s hurt feelings from that. But the story changes quickly after that when Jane Is sick at Netherfield and Elizabeth notices she’s worse than expected and calls for the Apothecary. And Jane is diagnosed with smallpox. Darcy and Elizabeth find a friendship in their situation.

Elizabeth is there day and night watching and caring for Jane who is going through the horrible stages of the disease. Elizabeth fearing for her life. Netherfield is under quarantine and so is Longbourn. The Apothecary charges the entire town to be under quarantine but few take it seriously enough to stay home. After first being warned Caroline sneaks out on her own and takes a maid and Bingley’s carriage to London.

Few houses have been spared entirely from the disease and the Apothecary Mr Jones has his hands full. But Darcy and Bingley volunteer to ride the entire town every day to bring back news for Mr Jones so he can concentrate on his actual cases, which are too many. They are joined by a surprise addition when that man is kept away from the Militia encampment as a precaution. Captain Carter shares the ‘the rounds’ as Mr Jones calls them. Their rounds enable the Bennets to exchange letters between the two houses. We often see what’s happening at Longbourn through Mary’s eyes as she’s the primary caregiver there.

This story was heartbreaking, some main and some supporting characters die or are vastly changed by cheating death. No one isn’t changed afterwards. Except Caroline, whose actions have dug a hole she can’t climb out of easily.

Multiple very happy endings occur, some that never would have happened if not the trials they went through. In this way the book was quite heartwarming, but hard fought for.

This was so well written. *****+ Our author had to have done some serious research to describe the ways Smallpox affected different people and the different stages of the disease. Brava Ms Reynolds.

Highly recommended.

Most interesting!

This is probably my most favorite P&P redux thus far. I found the medical portion of it most interesting and the plot lines were satisfying. I enjoyed the narration very much. Narration is so important! I highly recommend!

Top 10 P&P Variation

II felt I had a front row seat in this era in time and watched as our P&P characters managed during this scary small pox epidemic.

We see character development that is beyond the original and enhances our love for some and disdain for others.

There are our canon love stories that unfold organically, and some unexpected and happy ever afters too.

The reader will experience all the feels in this book. I highly recommend this P&P variation.

So Different!

I have read this twice in two months! The story was so good and very, very different from other Pride and Prejudice variations. The crisis of a small community like Meryton being stuck by a disease was timely and scary. Yet the inhabitants of Longbourne and the surrounding neighbors met the challenge with courage and compassion. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were staunch heroes. Mary proved to be just as strong as Elizabeth and Mrs. Hersh .... well you gotta read it to find out! Ms. Reynolds did a fabulous job with the research and writing of this reimagined tale of Ms. Austin's.

Very low angst.

If you are looking for an easy listening and uplifting listen this is it. Set the timer and fall asleep to the mellifluous Stevie Z. But be sure to note your place for the morning, as she will lull you to gentle slumber before a chapter sails by. Goodnight to the cares of your day.

Great story

This was a great story. Some angst to it is natural due to the illness and quarantine. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Jaff.

Excellent JAFF

Stevie Zimmerman can elevate even a mediocre JAFF. Luckily, this one is not in that category. It’s an excellent view of what an illness like smallpox could do to a small community during this time period with the bonus of watching ODC find love.

Stevie Zimmerman, of course, gives each character their own voice and personality which brings the story to life. She remains one of my favorite JAFF narrators.