The Last House in Lambton

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Grace Gibson

Narrated by: Katherine Anderson, Neil Mcfarlane

Does it ever stop raining in Lambton?

Darcy and Bingley depart Netherfield Park, leaving Elizabeth Bennet acutely aware of the monotony of her life. Seeking a reprieve, she volunteers to serve as temporary companion to Mrs. Gardiner’s elderly aunt who lives in Lambton. Nothing turns out as Elizabeth expects, and she is forced to dig deep into her reserves of common sense, humor, and stubborn persistence to prove herself equal to the dreary circumstances.

Initially unaware that Pemberley is only five miles away, Elizabeth crosses paths with Darcy annoyingly often. When the gentleman rescues her from a shocking situation, Elizabeth faces some hard choices, at the same time struggling against the smoldering attraction that can neither be repressed nor fulfilled.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, in whose heart a fire has also been lit, is shocked by the lady’s stubborn refusal to accept his help. Alternating between alarm and begrudging admiration, he stands helplessly on the sidelines while she struggles to retain her independence. He, too, must make some hard choices in the end. Will he let her go?

©2022 Grace Gibson (P)2023 Grace Gibson

Another Grace Gibson Favorite

I am an unabashed fan of Grace Gibson. Her first three books are treasured listens, and I know I will return to "The Last House in Lambton" again and again. I am a fan girl and proud of it.

Everything about this P&P variation is unique. The cover looks like a wintery impressionistic painting, bleak and lonely but for a gentleman in a long coat and top hat walking down the snowy road. Elizabeth Bennett inhabits this cold scene, ready to help her dear Aunt Gardiner by offering to care - by herself - for a failing elderly relative who lives in Lambton. After Darcy and Bingley left Netherfield, Elizabeth had become more frustrated by her life at Longbourn, so sees this as her chance to get away and experience a new challenge, unaware that Mr. Darcy and Pemberley are only 5 miles away. The encounters between Elizabeth and Darcy become more frequent and more interesting. She stubbornly wants to handle things on her own and Darcy is adamant that she cannot be independent and responsible with no help. The hardships she faces are many, and one is downright scary. Her determination to fend for herself and his desire to rescue her are perfect situations for Grace Gibson's wonderful dialogue and witty banter. There comes a time when being alone isn't safe and then what can Darcy do?

Grace Gibson writes sentences that are so beautiful I want to listen to them more than once. And she uses memorable, perfect quotes to add to her own wonderful writing. The chapter when Darcy comes to terms with his feelings for LIzzy, and decides how best to handle them, was so lovely I had to listen to it again - immediately. Lizzy is quite sad and he tells her (using a quote by Marcus Aurelius) "To dwell on the beauty of life, watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." This book is romantic, clever, fresh, interesting and quite fun.

"The Last House in Lambton" features two excellent narrators, Katherine Anderson for Lizzy's story and Neil Mcfarlane for Darcy's story, it allows the reader to enjoy two completely different views of the same events and conversations. Grace Gibson used two narrators in her book "Silver Buckles" and it was a joy as well.

It is fantastic - don't miss this one

I recently discovered books by Grace Gibson and I have listened to every book she has on Audible. I am no longer able to read (eyesight issues) so I can only enjoy her books by listening to them. I rank Grace Gibson at the top of all JAFF authors. She is a masterful user of the English language. Some phrases she has put together leave me in awe of her talent. She is a great storyteller and her books totally grab my attention. She writes delightful and amusing dialog and she easily can manipulate my emotions from tears to laughter. I am sad that there are no more of her books on Audible, but I will keep checking in hopes that a new one will appear.

This book is different from most P&P variations. Elizabeth goes to Lambton to care for her Aunt Gardiner's elderly aunt, Mrs. Fleming. Things at Mrs. Fleming's house are depressing and Elizabeth does not have anyone to help her. She does not know how to shop, or cook, or manage a house. She discovers that Darcy lives only a short distance from Mrs. Fleming's house and they accidentally run into one another. Things heat up. Great stuff!!!

There are two narrators; one to tell Elizabeth's story, and one to tell Darcy's story. Both are excellent and add to the enjoyment of a well written and interesting story.

Fun characterizations of the main characters

Are this is a very well written variation. The main characters are very much in character, as we know them, a good story and it moves along well. The author does not reuse paragraphs of the original story, like some authors do to increase their page count .I very much enjoyed listening to the audible performances as well.

Delightful read in every way!

Pure enjoyment! Highly recommend. Book is great, narrators are great. A perfect escape in a crazy world.

Very Sweet Indeed

I was nervous with the two narrators but the combination of both Lizzie’s perspective and Darcy’s is thoroughly engaging. Sweet and romantic, and funny at times. Low angst and exactly what I needed. This has become one of my favorites and I will definitely listen again. Well worth my credit!

Wonderful P&P Variation with Great Narration

I very much enjoyed this variation of Elizabeth and Darcy story. Very different from canon but still Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. Great story with interesting details that held me captive. A stronger Elizabeth shown facing difficult situation. I liked the dual narration, and the way we get the events as seen by Elizabeth and then by Darcy. Both narrators did well, but I really like the male’s voice - he makes a fabulous Darcy.

Very enjoyable variation

Don’t miss this one. Thoroughly enjoyed this variation and recommend for all P & P addictees.

I would give this ten stars if I could.

I loved it when I read it and adore it as an audiobook.

Even we homebodies type of people wanted a chance to prove ourselves capable once upon a time, and most of us had to endure some unexpected and unpleasant experiences to reach that goal we set out to accomplish. I was rooting for Lizzy every step of the way and so frustrated for her at each obstacle.
Oh my goodness the little bitty triumphs along the way were so rewarding, and then the next mess happened again and again.

When Mr Darcy entered the story I was rooting for him as the Hero and yet just as understanding of how Lizzy was feeling meeting him in such mortifying circumstances. But he wasn’t about to give up on his goal either. Then his goals change. Woo!

The rest is endearing, heartbreaking and heartwarming, frustrating and funny. And romantic. And lovely.

Highly recommended. Grace Gibson is a favorite author whose audiobooks I re-listen again and again.

Lovely from First to Last

Grace Gibson is one of my very favorite authors in this little genre of Pride and Prejudice variations. Her stories never fail to delight me and her frequent use of Neil McFarlane's voice and narration talent put her books in the "spend a credit without even looking at the summary" category.

The Last House in Lambton did not disappoint. Lizzy is sent to the village of Lambton as a favor to her Aunt Gardiner to work in the service of that lady's elderly relative. Elizabeth learns a thing or two about genteel poverty and the deficiencies of her own knowledge for running a household. When she humbles herself to seek advice from Pemberley's great housekeeper, Lizzy finds herself back under the intense scrutiny and confusing notice of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

This is an extremely low-angst variation on events following the Netherfield Ball, and the dual narration is delightfully done.

Great story

This was a different take on our beloved pride and prejudice. Being almost cast out after her rejection of mr Collins Elizabeth goes to take care of her great aunt in Lambton. Great Jaff