The Falmouth Connection

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Joana Starnes

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Just as Mr. Darcy finally decides to propose to the enticing Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she is summoned to Falmouth, to meet a relation she never knew she had. Thus, the ill-starred Hunsford proposal is avoided - but before he could even begin to understand his luck, adverse circumstances hasten to conspire against him, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is compelled to follow the woman he loves to the far reaches of Cornwall, into a world of deceit and peril, where few - if any - are what they seem to be...

©2014, Revised edition 2017 Joana Starnes (P)2017 Joana Starnes

Original

The last two hours seemed unnecessary to me but it was enjoyable overall. The narration was ok but sounded as though it was recorded in a big empty room.

Beautiful story

Full of adventure, love, angst and surprises, this story left me wanting more. Such a wonderful narration, with Stevie able to bring forth the Cornish accents along with several others in great ability. Never can get enough of this author.

Great setting and a little mysterious

Joana Starnes provides such interesting settings for some of her stories, taking us to different parts of England and adding fantastic atmosphere. This was certainly true with The Falmouth Connection. I’d rather the story about a 4.5/5 (I’m stingy with 5/5 ratings) in part for the setting, but largely because of the intrigue and the fantastic romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. I can’t say that the resolution of the mysterious surprised me much, but that did not take away from the flow the story at all or my connection to the character’s reaction to the uncovering of the villains and their deeds. I enjoyed the original characters.

Stevie Zimmerman was great, as always!

Sweet romance with a touch of mystery

What made the experience of listening to The Falmouth Connection the most enjoyable?

Stevie Zimmerman is one of my favorite narrators.

Any additional comments?

I loved The Falmouth Connection, the romance, the mystery I like stories in which Darcy has a rival. It was fun to follow his way of thinking, how he misinterpreted Lizzy's behavior and expressions, until he was forced to face the truth.

The book had great villains, some of them were a surprise. There is even a duel (sigh). Lizzy's aunt is such a colorful character, and her and her sister's story was heartbreaking. There are some unexpected pairings, but it worked for me. Great book, Joana!

Enjoyable, heartwarming.

I literally could not put it down. 😊 I have read this story awhile ago, but there is something about having it read to me that makes it magical 🤭

P&P On a Cornwall Adventure

Timely advice, a trip into Cornwall, a rival, secret goings on, and unrequited love lead to a sweet romantic adventure in this Pride & Prejudice variation tale.

I had a good time with this story from first to last. It engaged all my emotions it seemed. I was amused by a series of blunders and mishaps, saddened by the unrequited love and heartbreak moments, and sighed with pleasure over the romantic scenes. The hero, Darcy, really blunders and struggles in the beginning. He's so cocksure and arrogant. I enjoyed how the author showed his flaws and strengths and gave him some good growth moments. The heroine, Elizabeth, has her own personal epiphany, too. Seeing them work through so much really had me rooting for them. The rival part was an interesting development. I think how this played out involved my only niggle about the story.

I enjoyed the bit of intrigue and adventure next to the romance part which suited the Cornwall setting where things are not what they seem. The big climax was built up to and worth it coming back to back with the turning point in the romance and other story threads. The denouement came down slowly which was good so things could be settled and understood. I was startled by a few of the minor characters' story lines, but not in a bad way. Elizabeth's little sister Lydia was a surprise. There is an interesting finish for her that I'm still not sure how I feel about it because it was a twist that I didn't see coming.

I experienced The Falmouth Connection in the audio format. Stevie Zimmerman was a fantastic match for this story. She caught the tone, pace, and the characters so well. The dialogue between characters was particularly well done.

All in all, this variation of a classic took things on a fun romantic suspense style adventure. I think those with some familiarity of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice will get the most out of the story since it assumes the reader knows a bit of what came before the beginning of this story. I enjoy each new outing with the author's works and will definitely be going back for more. I would recommend this to sweet historical romance fans and/or those who enjoy classical story retellings.

Joana Starnes does it again!

Joana Starnes "Pride and Prejudice" variations are so richly entertaining and plausible. If Jane Austen were alive today, she would probably read Joana Starnes and say: "Wish I'd thought of that angle..." Wouldn't it be lovely if these books could be made into movies, too? Thanks for taking this genre to a new level, Ms Starnes...

Brilliant! Romantic, suspenseful and fun.

A wonderfully inventive Darcy and Elizabeth offshoot read with passion and intrigue and romance by Stevie Zimmerman who is fast becoming the number 1 Jane Austen narrator. A perfect partner for Joana Starnes.

Great Story and narrator

This is one that you don’t want to miss. Every emotion can be felt and Stevie brings it to life.

Loved it...

Wonderful, original story centered around Darcy and Elizabeth with a great narrator...can't ask for anything more!