The Darcy Legacy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Joana Starnes

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Pemberley’s ancient halls harbour many secrets. Which one will affect Fitzwilliam Darcy and the love of his life? How is Mr. Bennet to enjoy the comforts of a well-stocked library, when his wife’s premature demise had left him with the task of finding suitable matches for their daughters? And what of a misleading encounter on a muddy lane in Hertfordshire, that renders a country-town assembly rather more tolerable than some might have thought?  

Shades of mystery, meddlesome relations - not least a drenched Adonis - raillery, old errors and a very recent union make for a challenging courtship when Fitzwilliam Darcy is not on his own ground. Yet when love is the reward, challenges make it more worth the earning.  

“A fraught courtship? So, let it be fraught,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a nonchalant flourish of his hand. “A good challenge never hurt anyone.”

©2018 Joana Starnes (P)2018 Joana Starnes

Perfect romantic comedy!

Absolutely loved the fresh and very original story line. The absurd notion of Mr. Bennet's choice of a second wife aside, the story was perfect in every way. I love Joanna Starnes, she's one of my favorite authors. The characters act much as you would expect them to, and the romance perfect. It's just the right balance of a little steamy but clean with nothing inappropriate!

The narrator is superb. Stevie Zimmerman makes this story come to life. I purchased an audio book once of a story I loved, only to vow I would never listen to it again because the narrator ruined it for me.... NOT the case with this story. I've loved every book I've ever listened to narrated by Stevie.

A story written by Joanna and narrated by Stevie is the perfect combination!

An Entertaining listen.

Not quite what I expected starting off but it was entertaining j feel like Ms Starnes kept the basic personalities of the characters. She brought them out well. Really enjoyed Mr Bennet, he gave me some good chuckles. I haven’t read many variations but it was enjoyable.
Stevie Zimmerman is always an excellent narrator.

JOYFUL Reading

loved this variation. I laughed a lot, didn't want it to end. Good enough to listen twice.

Great read

This was a different FAFF. So funny to read about the old mr Darcy and Lady Anne roaming the halls of Pemberley after their death. How they try to help. Funny actually. Laughed out loud many times. So many great differences in this book. I will keep them to myself and for you to find out yourself. Great read. Indeed.

Excellent book

Loved this book. Story had many twists and excitement. Beautifully written as usual. Narration was absolutely perfection.

Don’t Miss This One

I almost didn’t get this one because of the “ghost element” as I’m not a big fan of Gothic Novels, and another person gave away part of the story about a certain marriage that seemed too unbelievable. I would have really missed out on a great story. Since Stevie Zimmerman was narrating I thought I’d give it a try and I loved this.

Without giving away too much, the ghostly elements are well done and in some cases very funny, especially in the last chapter.

This is a new add to my favorites!

Of course, Stevie Zimmerman is excellent, as always. She is so good, she makes you forget it’s being narrated. Each voice has its own tone and character, and she acts out the story so well that they come to life (ironic in a tale with ghosts 😉 but true) Love her!

This Should Be a Movie

This was a book ,that is full of mystery and drama and humor. This ,is something
I had not ever thought of ,Mr.Bennet marrying Lady Catherine.The story is
full of surprises, Except Elizabeth &Darcy, will live happily ever after

Exceptionally entertaining! (SPOILER ALERT)

By far one of the most enthralling P&P variations out there! If you like P&P variations, mysteries and ghost stories then give this book a try.

Much ado about little

The narration was well done but could not make up for a very long book with little drama. Just lots of internal character angst.

Great Story! Spoilers Below

First off, the ghost are mainly in the beginning and end of the story and not the only storyline. The main plot is that in this variation Mrs. Bennet is dead and Mr. Bennet is left to take care of his girls. She has been dead for many years. Therefore, he is more of an attentive and caring father. He's also one of the funniest characters in the book. Mr. Darcy visits Hertfordshire and falls for Elizabeth right away. She also falls for him. Because of his duty and her connections he knows he can't marry her. So he convinces Bingley Jane doesn't care for him and they both leave Netherfield. It is very hard for Mr. Darcy to stay away from Elizabeth but he does. Until he finds out Mr. Bennett has married his Aunt Lady Catherine. Everyone ends up going to Rosings Park and living together. Most of the story takes place there. Darcy is very much in love at this point and wants to court Elizabeth. She on the other hand is mad he left her and resents him for not wanting to marry her before her social status went up. She pushings him away but he won't take no for an answer. No matter what she says she still cares and is very attracted to him. This leads to many stolen kisses and an awful proposal. Anne is featured quite a bit in this book because she is now Elizabeth's sister by marriage. Ive read many P&P variations and this is the only one where I like her character. She has a love interest that isn't Darcy which is pretty cute. She ends up getting poisoned causing her to become very sick. Everyone has to come together to figure out who did it. This leads Darcy and Elizabeth to become even closer. Some criticisms are I wish it had more Bingley and Jane. They get back together right as he reappears and we don't even get to hear his proposal. Also no one ever finds out Darcy was the one the separated them and its completely forgotten about. Overall I really enjoyed it. Narrator was Amazing!

Joana Starnes' best book yet

I know I sound like I repeat myself, but it really was sublime. To date it was my favourite book. I simply can not get enough of Eliza and Fitzwilliam <3
What sweet twist to be introduced to familiar characters whom we have not actually met before, eg. FD's parents.
Loved it from start to finish.
Stevie Zimmerman with her ability to read all the different voices and accents, has outdone herself. Lady Catherine's voice is class.
Anyone deciding on this book is in for a treat.

very different

it was a strange beginning and had I been reading it I might have put the book down. But the narrator continued and I really enjoyed the tale. it was a lovely long story that enjoyed while walking the dog and finished it a couple of days. would recommend.

Really, really good

I’m a huge fan of P&P variations, have listened to sooo many! This is definitely one of the better ones. It had a most unusual start I must say & it threw me initially but the characters are so well written & I’m talking about characters that we haven’t heard from before. I think this is my first story by this author & I think she writes wonderfully, she brings the characters to life & there are some truly laugh out loud moments. It’s a lovely long tale too & of course Ms. Zimmerman’s narration is the cherry on top

a very good variation

sweet and funny variation, I like the presence of George Darcy, Lady Anne and then Mrs Bennet while they look after their children. no much angst, which is good for me and unlike the other books of the author. I wish for a little more of Darcy and Lizzy but their interactions are witty and sweet. no Lydia/Wickham.
the narrator is spectacular I have several books read by her and she is always very good.

As good as the original story

Lovely romantic, enthralling book to listen to. Enjoyed it immensely, Very nice oration, kept me listening for hours on end.