Joana Starnes has done it again. With her newest Jane Austen variation she goes off her usual angst path but still takes Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy and the reader on an emotional journey that is worth all the emotional roaler coaster we go through. Joana Starnes at her best yet again.
Let’s start with the official description:
What if Mr Collins shocked Elizabeth with his base conduct at the time of his proposal, thus sending her dashing out of her house, and into the arms of Mr Darcy? What if that accidental encounter was witnessed, and impropriety was assumed? What if Mr Darcy was glad of the excuse to marry his heart’s desire – only to have his best hopes blasted within hours of his wedding? What if he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time more than once?
Evil rumours, an early marriage, a dreadful misunderstanding, an old secret and good intentions gone awry. What if ‘I do’ is not the end, but the beginning of the adventure?
The starting point of the story doesn’t sound very dramatic to begin with. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are at a point in their relationship where there are many issues not answered and resolved. Yet their accidental encounter after Mr. Collin’s proposal leads to a tender connection that makes Elizabeth reconsider her prejudices against Mr. Darcy. Whereas on the other side Mr. Darcy has to overcome his shyness and reservations.
Mr. Darcy is showing her his good qualities when she is injured and uncertain how to access his actions. Can that be the same man she has learned to avoid and critize? Can this proud and distant man have a soft side, too?
Her fate and her reputation is in his hands and that of her family as well. They seemingly find a way to avoid a scandal. Her reputation is safe and the confusing man is leaving, thank god.
Knowing Miss Starnes it’s obviously just the beginning of their journey. They weren’t unobserved and malicious forces in Meryton work their way to make the reluctant lovers accept their new circumstances and find happiness together. Remember at this point the situation is far from ideal and they don’t really have a good understanding of each others characters yet. Can they work out their differences and find happiness, true happiness?
An early marriage scenario and all the repercussions of the scandal change the foundation of their relationship. Will they see that despite the circumstances that brought their marriage into place it was a twist of fate in their favour? That they were meant to be together all along?
Oh if you think they have an easy journey ahead of them as a married couple you haven’t read a Starnes novel yet. They are still two headstrong characters and even if the basis of their coutship is different their happily ever after doesn’t happen immediately.
Through the scandal Elizabeth sees the hidden qualities of her betrothed and sees his value and their bond grows stronger. Their budding courtship is adorable and heartwarming. Mr. Darcy has been falling for Elizabeth already at this point but has strong doubts as to follow his heart. His reservations are strong. Every one who has read Pride and Prejudice knows what I’m talking about. Yet when presented with the choice of leaving his beloved Elizabeth behind when her reputation in tatters he proves himself the gentlemen we know he is.
But of course there are obstacles for them. An early misunderstanding just after the ceremony leads to silence and heartache on both sides that takes time and courage to solve. I did not expect a novel without emotional torture and this phase was full of it. Poor Elizabeth! Poor Mr. Darcy! Evil Joana!
You can see that the author enjoyed torturing our favorite couple and despite the lack of angst in this story we are accustomed to from previous works you can see her marks of writing. She has a skill for writing in an engaging manner that is subtle yet draws you in. The journey she takes you on is full of joy and pain, in the best sense. I submit myself to it willingly every time.
For fellow readers once the early misunderstanding is resolved, it appears they are happy at last. But there are new clouds and issues arising. New ones from the perspective of a married couple.
Oh yes they are in love and happy but because of the circumstances in which they got married there are suspicions and malice because Elizabeth snared a wealthy bachelor. At least from other people’s perspective and Elizabeth has to find her place in London society. There are old foes (Miss Bingley) and new friends and navigating her new live isn’t easy. But the new rules challenge our dear heroine and her judgement of characters. A trait she has always been proud of yet it brings about insecurities. London life is different from Hertfordshire life. But Elizabeth is strong and she will arise stronger than before.
Plus it becomes apparent that the first original proposal at Huntsford and how it changed Elizabeth’s understanding of Mr. Darcy and his actions is vital to overcoming misconceptions, not just for her but for her family as well. My fellow readers know excactly what I am referring to (ahem letter *wink*).
Since the romance of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is essential to other characters stories those change as well. With removing Elizabeth from Hertfordshire it effects Jane, Lydia and even Charlotte. And Darcy’s and his families’ dynamic as well. All those stories interact and end up different yet it feels right. Well done Miss Starnes.
To sum up this is another genius work by Miss Starnes which has all the hallmarks of her previous works such as a thorough and original plot, authentic character development, romance and emotional torture for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and surprising turns which fit into the new world she created.
I have read several of her books before and I was proven right in anticipating another great novel worth recommending to my fellow readers and Jane Austen fans.
ramblings of a travelling book-nerd 