Take His Likeness

De: Lyndsay Constable

Narrado por: Stevie Zimmerman, Harry Frost

Sir, scorn me if you must, but let it be done for reasons that are just and true.

The idea of you moving through the world with disdain for me based on false notions is too much to bear. Once I have given you all the reasons for my deceptions, if you still choose to hold me in contempt, it will be done honestly.

Elizabeth Bennet has a secret. The finances of Longbourn are more dire than is generally known, and she has been forced by necessity to help keep food on the table of her family home. Her secret is safe. Until the night, the handsome face and kind attentions of Fitzwilliam Darcy lay claim to her affections.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is in dangerously low spirits. He cannot forgive himself for his mistakes in judgment that almost caused his young sister to marry George Wickham. This visit to Hertfordshire was supposed to cheer him. But nothing works until that odd night in the library…

Take His Likeness is a Pride and Prejudice variation with a nod towards Jane Eyre. It has a touch of magical realism, Elizabeth in disguise, Elizabeth falls first, and a happily ever after for Elizabeth and Darcy.

©2024 Lyndsay Constable (P)2025 Podium Audio

Elizabeth finds way to support family

The first part is my review for the ebook I borrowed on KU & then I bought the audiobook.

Elizabeth knows the truth about their family's financial situation and, with Mrs Hill's help, finds a secret way to bring in additional funds to feed her family. Elizabeth uses her observations of people to help her do her "job" better. She is still taken in by Wickham, which was frustrating. She finally realized that Darcy's character was even harder to read through all his layers. I did like the alternating chapters on the POV as it permits one to learn more of each character. Col Fitzwilliam does try his best to get Darcy to get over his high horse sooner than he does but thankfully things all work out in the end.

For the audiobook - Stevie Zimmerman & Harry Frost split the narration and it was done smoothly and it flowed beautifully!! I would love to see/listen to more of their pairings in JAFF stories. Very worth the listen!!!

Interesting Twist for Variation <> Top Narrators

A bit unlikely, but fun story. I agree with other reviews that if Elizabeth was skilled in reading characters, she ought to have been onto Wickham, especially after he came to her for a reading. The dual narration is very well done.

Exellent!!

Enjoyed everything about this story. I lost count how many times I laughed out loud. Narration is amazing!

Wonderful narration

The narrators really enhanced the story. I really enjoyed the beginning with Elizabeth’s Tarot Card readings at Netherfield and the ending when all is finally resolved. There were many other enjoyable sections too. Colonels Fitzwilliam trying to push Darcy in the right direction being one of them. But like others I was frustrated with Elizabeth. Her constantly changing thoughts and actions towards Darcy. And mostly her defense and feelings towards Wickham after her card reading with him made no sense at all.

Good Unique Story

I really enjoyed the originality of the story and yet it weaved the traditional events from P&P.

Unique and engaging story

Narration doesn't get any better. A unique storyline. Truly enjoyed it. Elizabeth is forced to make some much needed monies to feed the Bennets. No one but Mrs. Hill knows. Another for my re-read collection.

Great love story

Another great book. Narrated by Harry Frost. A great proficient. A different take on P&P. The Bennets are poorer in this story. Elizabeth adds money to the food on the table by reading cards. Great fun. Smiled many times while listening. Great Jaff.

One of my top 3 favorites of the dozens I've read.

One of the best P&P variations I've read. Realistic, sweet, no fat fetched barriers, good dialogue, Fairly true to original storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Unique Storyline

While mostly following the timeline of the original Pride and Prejudice, the few departures from canon are sufficient to significantly impact the story and make this a truly unique JAFF. On the surface, the Bennets seem to be doing fine financially; however, they are truly in dire straits and Elizabeth has taken responsibility for ensuring her family has enough money for necessities by moonlighting as an old fortune teller. In this guise, she meets the Netherfield party for the first time and forms her initial opinions of their characters. Then, she meets them again as herself a few days later at the Meryton Assembly. While her opinion of most of the inhabitants of Netherfield remains the same as that initial impression, she is surprised by her second encounter with Mr Darcy. As Elizabeth continues to encounter Mr Darcy, she finds him to be a source of vexation and confusion - she cannot make him out!

Harry Frost and Stevie Zimmerman give excellent performances, as always!

A Different Premise

The premise of Elizabeth secretly doing card readings to support her family is certainly unusual. I enjoyed the story, but I found it hard to believe that Mr. Bennet would let Longbourn’s finances dwindle to the point where Elizabeth had to take such measures just to put food on the table. It was also a bit disappointing that she ignored Wickham’s true character, even when it was revealed during his reading.

That said, the storytelling is engaging, with plenty of ups and downs and interesting twists on canon—such as Jane visiting Pemberley instead of Elizabeth. Bingley playing the hero was a great touch, and it added a touch humour to the dialogue. I’m still laughing at tallywhacker!

I also loved the dual narration by Stevie Zimmerman and Harry Frost. These two talented and well-loved narrators never disappoint, and having them together in one book was an absolute delight.