One Love, Two Hearts, Three Stories: A Pride and Prejudice Anthology

By: J Dawn King

Narrated by: Catherine O'Brien

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is a collection of two novella length stories and one full-length novel.

The Library (voted #1 at Jaffrecs.com)

What happens when Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are alone in the library at Netherfield Park, and they decide to talk instead of ignore each other? In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the half hour passes without either our hero or heroine speaking one word to each other. This sweet variation has them breaking their silence. What follows is a conversation filled with confrontation, clarification, and love.

Married!

Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a wife. Elizabeth Bennet needs a husband. What occurs when two strong-minded, kind-hearted strangers unite in this most sacred state? Will love grow? In this novel, Darcy and Elizabeth are faced with frustrations and blossoming feelings of tenderness. Our favorite couple finally reaches their happily ever after. Or, do they?

Ramsgate

When Miss Georgiana Darcy stumbles upon her beloved George Wickham willingly wrapped in a passionate embrace with someone else, the elopement is off. Running to her new friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she involves her in a plan to get help from her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and bring Wickham to justice. In this novella length story, does Darcy marry Elizabeth? Does Colonel Fitzwilliam find the woman of his dreams? And, what happens to the nefarious Mr. Wickham? Enjoy this alternate path to our favorite couple's happily ever after.

©2015 Quiet Mountain Press (P)2015 Quiet Mountain Press

Well written, but limited scope.

Of the three stories, the middle one described, I believe, is considered the "full novel". The two novellas book ending this edition were enjoyable but have plot pacing issues common in short stories. They feel more like works in progress for larger novels that the author hurried to finish and publish. That being said everything is well written, the language fits well, and the characters are consistent, both within the story and, for the most part, to the original Pride and Prejudice.
I actually think the third story might have actually been some kind of draft for the second. The characters seem to be exactly the same, but the variation picks up from a different plot point with in Pride and Prejudice.
My biggest problem with the stories, are the plot devices she uses to start out the novels. Travel seems to be able to be accomplished much too quickly, messages delivered within a day, and journeys managed over much too short periods of time.
I'm conflicted about the first story. It relies very heavily on a love at first sight concept, except for the fact of course that the characters have already seen each other. I feel it trivializes the original Pride and Prejudice that with a simple conversation every single misunderstanding between our characters could be avoided and that Elizabeth would be as impetuous as she is written in this.
At the end of the day I'm glad I got this. I enjoyed the listen.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Sweet, low angdt JAFF

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Well written and entertaining.

Have you listened to any of Catherine O'Brien’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I enjoyed her performance.

Any additional comments?

Great short stories, that left me wanting for more. All three of them have D&E relationship progress quickly, without majority of canon misunderstandings and angst. Luckily, J. Dawn King writes her short stories in such a way, that they don't suffer too much from their length.

Two Ramsgate stories are my favorite, I love Elizabeth disturbing Wickham's plans. With many entertaining original characters, and plenty of humor, they are a delight to read.

Absolutely Ridiculous!!

Any additional comments?

I wish I wrote a review on this while I was listening to it! I had such strong emotions and opinions about it at the time! Could've given you specific examples. Now it's been a few months and I don't remember, nor did I get through all of it. But all I can say is that it's absolute crap! I don't know how it can have so many good reviews! People listening to this are either old cat ladies, or someone who's never been in a relationship in their life. Men just don't talk this way!!! It was so funny and frustrating at the same time to listen to! Had me rolling my eyes half the time, and the other half busting out laughing from the absurdness. Obviously some chick wrote this who imagined her own little world that has nothing to do with how people actually talk, think and behave! Especially men! Don't waste your money on this!

3 1/2 Stars

Enjoyable listen of two short stories with a longer novella sandwiched between. Novel variations, super intelligent Elizabeth (which I generally like) and an imminently reconstructible Darcy (perhaps too easy?), good group of secondary characters. As usual with the majority of these variations, endings are rushed and the conflict too easily resolved (except in the novella "Marriage"),

Bought as a kindle bundle, don't know if I'd give a full credit but on a sale -- definitely!

Btw, narrator did a very fine job and spoke at a reasonable pace. I was able to discern male and female voices and Elizabeth and Darcy.

Two out of three isn't bad

The first story is entertaining, the second is excellent and the last is poor. The narration isn't great, but it's not so bad it's painful to listen to.