More Than a Pretty Face

A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Unabridged)

By: Frances Reynolds

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Love is not the simple thing that novels and poetry speak of. It is by turns subtle and overwhelming. It may slip silently into your heart, or strike like a bolt of lightning.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Elizabeth Bennet is the wittiest lady in Hertfordshire, and her sister Jane is the most beautiful. Their other qualities, however, are less widely recognised, even by those who profess to love them.

Disappointed by Mr Bingley’s sudden departure, Jane escapes the tumult of Longbourn for the Gardiners’ house in London. Elizabeth, vexed by her own romantic debacle with Mr. Darcy, and in possession of distressing intelligence which could endanger their family and neighbors in Meryton, soon joins her there from Kent.

When a family crisis causes them to extend their stay in Cheapside, a new acquaintance—handsome and titled—brings the Bennet sisters to the attention of London society and returns them to the company of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. One man finds himself with a rival for his lady’s affections, while the other struggles to make amends for the mistakes of the past.

As Elizabeth questions her rejection of the master of Pemberley and Jane begins to open her heart, can the qualities that most matter—intelligence, integrity, humor, and kindness—be recognized by the men who truly love and respect them?

©2022 Nikita Lynne Lambert (P)2023 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Enjoyable!

Very pleasant! This was a very light easy wonderful listen. Low angst and happy ever after.

A great adaptation!

I thought this book was very sweet and definitely some interesting twists that haven’t been delved into before. I LOVE the character building of Jane that gave her more depth than the beautiful yet kind of boring eldest Bennet sister. Very good book and I will certainly listen again.

Elizabeth and Jane’s story

It was a really wonderful story without any angst! The family transformation in the story is wonderful.

Truly lovely.

I loved this variation and, like many others have said, how the author gave Jane Bennet’s character more intellect and more personality. This one variation sparked change in a favorite story with all my favorite characters along for the ride. I also enjoyed seeing what it would be like for Mr Bennet to be less indolent, and Mrs Bennet to be less insipid and dramatic.
And Stevie Zimmerman is my favorite narrator for JAFF.

Most enjoyable, except for missing HEAs

A very enjoyable JAFF variation on P&P. Nice to see Jane with some steel in her personality and an HEA without a wobbly suitor. Interesting to see the Bennet parents be real parents. Lydia was a fright! HOWEVER, one star removed for excluding HEAs for Colonel Fitzwilliam after the end of the War of 1812 and for ignoring Mary. What happened to the good colonel and what about Mary? ☹️

A better understanding of Jane

Always appreciate an author who does something with Jane, besides just saying she is beautiful and serene. Jane as the oldest sister surely had more to recommend her? Little angst. Some knowledge of P &P would be helpful at least up to Hunsford/Kent. I am not a purest in the sense of Bingley and Jane having to be matched unless he has more backbone and is more constant. This is a book I turn to when I am frustrated with how another author has handled Jane. What I didn't think was complete was the epilogue. It didn't finish the story for Mary, the Gardiners, & the Colonel. Nice length for many hours of enjoyment. Would have liked to see a little more romance in Jane's story. Would also like to have more details on how Jane & Elizbeth adapted to rolls as mistresses. That being said, would recommend. Thoroughly enjoyed listening on my daily walks.

In my top 5 PnP variations

I’d hoped this one would come out in audio and I couldn’t be more pleased that the narrator is also a fav. 5s all around.

Great story

The focus is more on Jane, but there is plenty Elizabeth/Darcy going on. Jane meets a new love potential. Lydia is taken into hand by her parents, including Mrs. Bennett. Very interesting.

Great variation

I love it when Jane has some pluck and a backbone, which she most certainly does in this book. Well written and beautifully narrated.

Jane gets a better suitor

Though the plot revolves mostly around Jane’s new love interest, it has a fair share of Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance. This variation was enjoyable all the way through. The Bennet family undergoes a transformation, and Wickham is nothing but a forgotten scoundrel that stays clear of Lydia Bennet’s path. If you prefer a variation with little drama, I highly recommend this one. I also loved Jane’s suitor Lord Lyfford and his family.