“…I sometimes found myself longing to recapture that sense of freedom and friendship, to ask him if he ever missed it too. But the years had stretched between us, a widening chasm filled with silence and unspoken questions. I folded the last of my gowns, tucking away the nostalgia with it…” (quote from the book)

What if Elizabeth was not a Bennet by birth? What if Elizabeth was first the ward of Mr. Darcy Sr. for thirteen years before he gave guardianship to Mr. Gardiner, who in turn, had her live with his sister and brother-in-law’s family, taking the Bennet name as well?

“George was going to prove my undoing someday. I was sure of it.” (quote from the book)

Now, what if the Darcy’s had two sons (Fiztwilliam and George) who were close to Elizabeth…especially George? What if no answers as to why are ever given to the three of them? How would you feel? What is George’s reaction to Lizzy when he sees her and what secret is he hiding?

“Places change, Lizzy, as do people. Best not to set your heart on past memories.” (quote from the book)

What if Elizabeth returns, after seven years, with Jane Bennet and the Gardiners to help Mrs. Gardiner’s sister who lives on a small estate next to Pemberley? Elizabeth was given clear guidelines not to reach out to the Darcy’s but what if happenstance and an accident bring it all about?

“Truth would not evade me much longer. Light must replace this strangling shroud of mystery soon…or flickering hopes guttering in uncertainty’s cold wind would expire beyond rekindling.” (quote from the book)

My word, Ms. James takes us on an emotional journey with many roads winding in different directions that eventually all intersect. Roads that hurt the heart but provide a glimmer of hope but no answers. For Pemberley lies deep within Elizabeth’s soul, and she will not let it go. And once Fitzwilliam and George see Elizabeth again, they too refuse to let her go.

“The only thing I understood was that I was wholly lost without ever knowing where I went astray.” (quote from the book)

This is a beautiful story full of delicious banter, mystery and swoon-worthy moments. It plumbs the depths of one’s emotions that at times leave you with an ache in your heart. And then you soar to the highest peak with the romance of it all. This is Ms. James at her finest prose. Though I suspected Elizabeth’s background, I did not expect the way it all had come to be.

“What powerful force was at work shifting my view of Elizabeth from childhood friend to compelling temptation no defences could resist.” (quote from the book)

The story is told from both Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s perspective. I fully enjoyed being in their heads as they each come to realize who they truly love. There is so much more involved in this story all taking place in Derbyshire.

I highly recommend this sweet romance with a touch of angst that will linger in your heart long after you have finished reading it. I know it does in mine.

I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book, and I voluntarily am leaving my review.austenesque favorites pride-prejudice ...more19 s6 comments Sheila Majczan2,470 172

I received an ARC of this story and am leaving a review of my own free will.

This story has a mystery throughout and kept me wondering what could account for Elizabeth Smith being placed with the Darcys to be reared and then being cast off at age 13 to now become part of the Bennet family of Longbourn through the help of a Mr. Gardiner. Five years later when she and Jane Bennet travel with their Aunt Gardiner to Lambton to aid the aunt's sister during a difficult pregnancy Elizabeth again meets the two Darcy "brothers" with whom she had been reared. All this time she has not heard from them and has never gotten any explanation as to why she was cast off.

Ironically the younger of the Darcy brothers is named George. (I almost expected to find out he was "adopted" also.) His character is much the George Wickham we know, but as a blood brother there is no jealousy or competition for place in the family.

There are several romances in this story and this Elizabeth was always quite close to George growing up. But George has his eye on...Well, I will stop here as to not spoil the story any more.

This story is very well written. I have read this author's stories under both names with which she writes. I highly recommend this page-turner. Yes, there is some angst but it is more to do with Elizabeth's identity and why it is kept such a secret from everyone.11 s1 comment J. W. Garrett1,606 111

The secret hung over ODG a shroud. Everyone told her to leave it alone as it would cause untold grief.

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

Rating: mature teen: due to violence, mob violence [shout out to North and South: the scene at the mill]
Angst Level: mild but stressful during a fire and tensions as Elizabeth’s birth father is revealed.
Source: I received a free copy via Bookfunnel 1-26-24 and volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions.
Trope: Elizabeth is not a Bennet. However, who was she and why would no one tell her anything about her birth family?

Some sections reminded me of the 1995 movie Sabrina starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear. The younger brother was engaged to a wealthy heiress and suddenly Sabrina came back into their lives and his head was turned. Only one problem, the elder brother tries to salvage the younger brother’s betrothal but manages to fall in love with the girl himself.

The Darcy brothers had grown up with little Lizzy tagging along in their adventures. Derbyshire and Pemberley were her home until she reached a certain age and she was sent away with no explanation. Mr. Gardiner was a financial advisor for the senior Darcy and he was given charge of her. Of course, that had Miss Lizzy growing up at Longbourn and just another daughter among Thomas Bennet’s brood.

Alix James held her cards close to the vest. I tried to follow the clues. What was the big secret? And why did Mr. Darcy take the information to the grave? What catastrophe could happen if she discovered her birth father? She was only told that her mother had died giving birth to her. Who was her mother?

As the tensions built, I finally read the words, ‘You look your mother.’ OMG! It was big, no it was BIG! Yeah, this was a far-reaching catastrophe. It could destroy, and devastate. Help us all. Suddenly, Elizabeth knew why they kept her birth a secret. Oh, my goodness. Alix James never fails to deliver.2024 era-6-regency-1811-1820 jaff-pride-and-prejudice ...more11 s Ree1,156 66

Very good ‘not-a-Bennet’ trope.

4.5* rounded up.

Told from dual Darcy and Elizabeth POVs, and featuring the ‘Elizabeth-is-not-a-Bennet’ trope, this variation has Elizabeth beginning her life as an infant at Pemberley, living as a ward to Mr. Darcy senior, and sister to Fitzwilliam and his younger brother George. Young George and Elizabeth share an inseparable bond—the very best of friends.

Without explanation, at thirteen years of age, and given to the guardianship of Mr. Gardiner, she is sent away by Mr. Darcy to live with the Bennets. Seven years later, she returns to Derbyshire with Jane to assist Aunt Gardiner in caring for her sister during her confinement. Elizabeth yearns to encounter her old friends again. Questions about why she was sent away have always lingered in her mind, and now as an adult, she would some answers. She only needs to find the courage to seek them out. Deeply embedded in her heart and memories, she has never forgotten Pemberley, and especially her friend George. I couldn’t help but sense that Elizabeth’s heart would inevitably be broken.

Upon George’s introduction into the story, I thought he would end up being George Wickham, who does not appear in this book. While he is irresponsible and is a bit of a rogue, this lively and sociable younger brother isn’t evil or vindictive. Darcy, now master of Pemberley, is concerned about George’s lack of direction. He is satisfied and happy cavorting about with friends rather than undertaking a career.

Their childhood friendship eliminates the misunderstandings that usually complicate Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship in other variations. This allows a good measure of cordial affection and provides pleasing moments of banter and good will. Elizabeth loves George, but is she falling in love with Darcy? Unfolded secrets and events may inevitably jeopardise her relationships with both men.

Darcy is ever the gallant seeking to comfort Elizabeth and help find answers to the long-held secret as to why she was sent away by his father. Who were her parents? Why was she entrusted to Mr. Darcy, and what led to her being sent away?

You will love the private moments between Darcy and Elizabeth—some serious, others displaying a playful side and exposing the lighter facets of his character. In this story, Mr. Bingley is George’s friend, but when George is busy courting the daughter of a marquess, he spends time with, and seeks advice from Darcy, and they become friends. Of course, Bingley becomes smitten with Jane. His portrayal was refreshing. He is ever affable and gregarious, but he also impressed me as also having a measure of maturity and depth of character.

Alix James’ books are consistently well plotted and written, and this one is no exception. The engaging not-a-Bennet storyline, woven with the mystery of Elizabeth’s parentage, also includes a subplot fraught with uncertainty and tension for Darcy concerning a Pemberley mill and its workers, adding a measure of angst to the narrative.

My only disappointment was the errata overlooked during proofreading which is unusual for this author. I did love it though, and wholeheartedly recommend it.2024 jaff not-a-bennet-or-higher-in-society7 s wosedwew1,252 116

I never had any friends later on the ones I had when I was 12. ~ Stephen King

Things I loved about this book:

#1: “Elizabeth is not a Bennet” — with a unique twist.

#2: The usual troublemakers — Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham — are absent or receive only a mention. Except for Jane, the Bennets have a small role in the book, but are spoken of fondly. No “Evil Mama Bennet” or “Naughty Girl Lydia” here!

#3: Cherry tarts.

Childhood friends are the benchmark of our lives, no matter where we go, what we do. They will always come by and take you to the place where you belong. ~ Burnan Din Wani

Elizabeth Smith (later known as Elizabeth Bennet) arrives as an infant at Pemberley to be raised alongside the sons of George and Anne Darcy: Fitzwilliam and George. All three children become good friends, but the closest friendship is between Elizabeth and George. Outgoing, cheerful, carefree, and mischievous, the children are in and out of scrapes until Elizabeth reaches the age of 13.

Then, the elder Darcy makes a decision.

Quote from the book: “My doctor fears that one more bad spell such as I had last winter could turn very grave indeed. I cannot lay this responsibility on Fitzwilliam. He does not know the truth, nor does he have the heart to do what I must to protect them all … Pray, Gardiner, will you look after her? I must have your word.”

Elizabeth’s guardianship is given to Mr. Gardiner, who is a business associate of Mr. Darcy. Gardiner is not currently in a position to bring Elizabeth into his home, so he sends her to his relations, the Bennets of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. She is happy in her new home and treated well by the entire family. Seven years later, Mrs. Gardiner must assist her sister through a difficult pregnancy. She returns to Derbyshire and takes her nieces, Jane and Elizabeth, with her. Elizabeth promises Uncle Gardiner that she will not see the Darcys while in Derbyshire. But accidents do happen.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one!” ~ C.S. Lewis

George Darcy, the younger, has grown up — or rather, not grown up — with the same outlook he had as a boy: no gainful employment, no responsibility, only horse races and horseplay for George. Then, the unexpected happens. George reports that he is near to an engagement with the daughter of a nobleman, no less. Fitzwilliam supports the union, hoping George will at last become an adult.

Both Darcy brothers are jubilant to see Elizabeth once more. The reunion is especially pleasing to George and Elizabeth.

But, for all their closeness, George does not tell Elizabeth of his marital aspirations. She believes he still loves her, as she has always loved him.

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be. ~ Douglas Pagels

Quote from the book: I, for one, had altered materially in seven years.

Elizabeth has changed. Fitzwilliam had changed. Will anything ever change George?

Love abounds: the quick fun of loving George; the slow burn coming from Fitzwilliam.

Who is Elizabeth? What happened to her parents? Is anyone still alive who knows her history?

Don’t forget the cherry tarts!

Do you know the difference between friendship and love? Friendship is the photograph. Love the oil painting. ~ Frank Delaney2024 book-11 s Sam H.972 41

I found myself loving this - for the most part.

Elizabeth is great, Darcy is even better. His falling for her makes the whole book.

We are teased with the mystery of who Elizabeth really is, a by blow, a ward, an oopsie. Turns out, yes, she is a major oopsie.

I found it really disturbing the habitual manner of the -extremely selfish- men in Elizabeth's life constantly disappoint. Even the one she doesn't know. They make profound decisions for her, or don't have the courage to explain things face to face, (even Gardiner was on my black list for a second and a half, until he redeemed himself.) Ultimately, these were all done for selfish reasons. Which we find out near the end of the story.

I was so disgusted by Elizabeth's biological father, I nearly stopped reading. The saving grace was Darcy and his stalwart love for her.

Spoiler:
So she finds out the truth, SHE is the legitimate one and everything else is a lie!
Not. One. Word. Of. Apology. No begging forgiveness.
Not even the tiniest I'm sorry.
And where was the gasp when it's revealed the dad's a bigamist, the 2 older siblings are the by blows, and the haughty 2nd wife isn't legally married to him?
Just, oh yeah, that happened. Oh well.
Then to the happy Epilogue.

It's a good thing her upbringing was a happy one. Because she didn't need her sorry excuse of a bio dad.

The writing was great. Jane and Bingley sort of happened as background noise. Aside from the strange (in my opinion) reveal and lack of human reaction to it, I completely enjoyed odc time.

I don't think I will be able to reread this one tho.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review2024 jaff-2024 ku ...more4 s T1,082

This is such a strange book. The blurb does not match the vibe of the story at all, which attempts to be a dramatic angsty mystery.

However, Elizabeth’s father is identifiable within the first chapters and all the other angst is simply a refusal to share information and/or communicate plainly. The author attempts to create mystery through melodramatic and flowery language, which often has a quite 1940s movie feel about it, but this leads to our main characters being very out of character. They often behave below their station for the time period. The mill storyline is at odds with what canon Darcy stands for. In general the behaviour of everyone is illogical, anachronistic, and manufactured. And the resolution is basically that all the imagined dangers were a bit dramatic and so all is fine!

The romance was also not romantic. Early on we are told Elizabeth was a ward, not a daughter of Pemberley, and it’s hinted that Darcy, older and away at school, barely knew her. But as the story continues it is suggested they were much closer and that Darcy had a “youthful attachment” - yes, a 20 year old man fancied a 13 year old child. On top of that we find out Darcy Sr was ‘father’ and she thought of his sons as brothers, so it’s basically an incest (or at least incest-adjacent) ‘romance’. And it was unnecessary to the storyline for this to be the case.4 s1 comment Claire629 13

Not for me, which is fine. The part that dropped it to a 2 was the resolution of the whole plot which was just so incredible I just couldn’t process it. And no one’s behaviour made any sense. 4 s MichelleH H297 5

Beautifully written

I don’t know how to do this story justice, I am so affected by it.

Simply, the plot is this: Lizzy spent 13 years with the Darcy family beginning from infancy on until that age living as a sister to the two Darcy brothers, Fitzwilliam and George. And she knew Mr Darcy Sr. as her father. From her memories and the those of the brothers it was a wonderful childhood. The she is abruptly sent away with no explanation. Elizabeth Smith becomes Elizabeth Bennet, with close loving ties to Mr Gardiner Who Mr Darcy gives her into his guardianship. She is well loved by her new family, but she doesn’t understand why she was sent away. No explanation. She misses her brothers and the man she loved as father. She writes letters and after a few answering notes those no longer are answered.

Seven years later she accompanies her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, along with Jane, to Lambton to help Aunt Gardiner’s sister whose health precarious. Uncle Gardiner gives Lizzy strict instructions not to seek out the Darcys or Pemberley, making her promise not to.

Of course she and one of the Darcys run into each other, and then again both Darcy brothers with their guest Mr Bingley when Lizzy and Jane are on an errand for the household. The many scenes that follow are heartbreaking and beautiful.

Having multiple irons in the fire here (drat real life,) it took me several days to finish. During that time I had to remind myself who wrote this wonderful story. Since they are separated for much of the plot we experience a great amount of interior dialogue, that of Elizabeth’s and Fitzwilliam’s because the story is told from their alternate points of view. We see the other characters and their doings through the H&h’s perspectives.

I recognized the writer of These Dreams, and Nowhere But North, and Northern Rain, and Nefarious. There is such depth of thought and feeling.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is juggling so many responsibilities and large events going on in his family and his estate. And yet the mystery of Lizzy’s disappearance 7 years ago and reappearance is now intriguing him to distraction. He tears through his father’s old papers and ledgers hoping for a clue. He has his immature brother’s reckless wooing of a a Lord’s daughter. A lord who has possible great influence in Parliament which would affect the woolen mill that Pemberley has on its property. A mill that is experiencing unrest.

Before I reveal the entire plot and spoil the story for anyone reading this I will stop here. This is one of those books I will want to reread many times and hope there is a great narrated audio book available someday. I would have given this more than 5*. Highly recommended. When this author writes this I will follow her anywhere. 5 s Margaret B17

slow moving

Written by one of my favorite authors, this story disappointed. It was not short and sassy. At times the language was so full of adverbs and adjectives that it was hard to comprehend. I had to reread some sentences to figure out what was trying to be conveyed. I also was not fond of the alternating points of view.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has a younger brother, George, that takes on much of Mr Wickham’s role in the story. Wickham is missing entirely as is Georgiana, Lady Catherine, Mr Collins, and Caroline all of whom really make the original. Elizabeth is not a Bennet, but rather the early ward of the Darcys who was taken to the Bennets when about thirteen for some mysterious reason which takes the entire book for her to learn why and who she really is. So what you get is Elizabeth’s struggle to know who she is and reconnect with the Darcys. Uncle Gardiner who is her guardian that keeps secrets. The new characters introduced to make the story lack the sparkle and variety of those missing. It was fairly obvious who Elizabeth’s biological father was by the middle of the book, but it took the entire book to know who her mother was and the connection her father and mother had with one another. I felt empathy for Elizabeth and Darcy, but nothing for the other characters. Jane was supportive of Elizabeth but rather bland. Everyone was one happy blended family in the end which I felt unrealistic.

There were a few editing misses, such as the wrong name for the manor house once where Pemberley was Longbourn, and some typos that were not caught. It should have been edited for flow as well which is the biggest fault.

I’ll keep reading this author, but cannot recommend this novel.2 s Elizabeth S1,796 78

Too far off-canon without adding anything fun.c-adult e-normal f-ebook ...more2 s2 comments lori huff993 22

Wonderful - but certainly not a comedy!!

Fair warning - this is NOT a "romantic comedy" as the book description states. There's nothing funny here. In fact, the story could not be more filled with drama and angst! Be that as it may, it's an interesting premise. Elizabeth is raised from infancy by George Darcy, Sr at Pemberly, along side his two sons, Fitzwilliam and young George. She's loved and accepted as another family member until age thirteen when, seemingly without any warning, Mr Darcy Sr asks Mr Gardiner to assume guardianship of Elizabeth, and he places her with the Bennetts. After a period of dismay and unanswered questions, she settles into the Bennett household and is again loved and accepted. Seven years later Elizabeth and Jane accompany aunt Gardiner to Derbyshire to care for a sick relation. Although Elizabeth is warned not to seek a reunion with the Darcys, they encounter each other by accident.

Alix James has a very dramatic flair, and a flowery and poetic way of writing about romance. Every thought and emotion is fraught with either worry and speculation, or with wild joy and reckless delight. The romance is wonderful, but is tempered by a great deal of heart wrenching drama and betrayal. The mystery of Elizabeth's origins casts a pall over everything, but it's a delicious mystery and quite easy to deduce the eventual discovery.

I deducted a star because I became annoyed with Elizabeth's character. Her presumption about a past childhood crush on the younger Darcy son, and her expectation that it would endure seven years of separation on his part, made me view her as a little dim, and the way she continued to purposely defy her uncle's rules made her seem too wayward for me. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
I just have to wonder, however, why this was billed as a comedy. I think that has to have been a pretty glaring error! Oh well!1 Lesley BarklayAuthor 8 books15 Read

From the blurb, I went into this book thinking it was going to be a contemporary Pride and Prejudice inspired rom com. The blurb was both fun and funny. I was excited to read the story.

Unfortunately, the blurb wasn't an accurate representation of the book.

The title is similarly misleading, as Lizzy is not the girl next door. She was Darcy snr's ward as a child (living in Pemberley), then she went to live with the Bennets in Hertfordshire.

I also question classifying this book as a romantic comedy.

My personal feeling is that this book was mis-marketed from the blurb, the title of the story, and the advertised genre.

As a story, once I came to terms with the fact that it was not, in fact, a contemporary variation, I found the premise interesting. It took me a minute to come to terms with a George Darcy in place of a Georgiana/ George Wickham. His character was toned down from Wickham, and was a believable foil for Mr Darcy's seriousness. I d the childhood portrayal of George and Lizzy's friendship, and I felt her childhood crush was realistically conveyed.

I felt this version of Lizzy was closer to Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, than Lizzy, but I didn't necessarily hate that.

My main thought was this story was a little bit too long, and some of the subplots didn't really contribute much to the story (the mill in particular, although I'm teaching about the Industrial Revolution at the moment, so it was interesting from that perspective).

If you're wanting a variation in which Lizzy is a ward at Pemberley, and falls in love with Darcy's younger brother, this might be a book for you.1 Ange59

This is a good book by Ms. James and I probably would have enjoyed it more if it hadn’t been billed as a romantic comedy. She’s written other books that are absolutely comedic so I expected this one to be as well and it’s just not.

There were a few places where the language seemed overwrought to me and while Lizzy’s mother was a mystery, the identity of her biological father was pretty obvious - though why events played out the way they did was unclear until the reveal at the end.

All in all, it was superbly written, as usual, and I kept reading to the end because I dearly wanted to know how Lizzy & Darcy would end up together, but although a very good book, it’s not one I’ll read again. jaff1 Melanie90 8

At the age of thirteen young Elizabeth needs to leave Pemberley and the Darcy family to live now with relatives of her guardian Edward Gardiner.
Seven years later Elizabeth is part of her new family, the Bennets, and is loved by her sisters and parents. She has even adopted their name. But then an opportunity arises to travel with her aunt Gardiner to Derbyshire to tend to a relation. She longs to see her childhood home again and learn about her former brothers Fitzwilliam and George, as for George she still has tender feelings. She also hopes to gain answers why she had to leave without explanation.
Fitzwilliam Darcy on his part is stunned when he encounters Elizabeth, now a grown beautiful lady, again. He also hopes for answers according to her departure seven years ago. But he also needs to keep Elizabeth and George apart because George recently became engaged to a wealthy heiress. But with occupying Elizabeth he more and more loses his own heart to her. Is he willing to allow his heart to win over duty? Will he be able to win Elizabeth's heart although she is still taken in by George? And what about the secrets concerning Elizabeth's origin?

The book is very well written by the author Alix James and a delight to read. Elizabeth is not a Bennet by birth in this story and she shares a former relationship with the Darcy family because she stayed several years with them. This means that she knows both Darcy brothers rather well because she grew up with them. This does not prevent misunderstandings but Elizabeth and the brothers are able to more easily read the other and more openly interact with one another. This closeness and Elizabeth's infatuation with George also leads to some rivalry between the Darcy siblings, mainly because Darcy wants to keep them apart due to George's recent betrothal. But Darcy's and Elizabeth's main concern is to search for reasons why Elizabeth had to leave and try to navigate through their feelings for one another.

I Darcy in this story very much, he is totally swoon-worthy. I that he is more open because at the beginning Elizabeth is a sister to him who knows him all his life. He is not too guarded and has no fears to be trapped by a fortune hunter. I to see this relaxed but focused man who is able to navigate through (nearly) all obstacles. And the kitchen scenes between him and Elizabeth are so sweet. At the beginning he only wanted to save her from George but he had better saved his own heart
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