It's all yours Sophia Rose
Enjoy!
Fortune and Felicity by Monica Fairview
Historical Romance
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 4.28.20
ASIN: B086MJ4LRR
Pages: 266
Rating: 4.5 stars
Format: eARC
Source: author
Sellers: Amazon
Add To: GoodReads
GoodReads Blurb:
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth and Darcy have a second chance to get things right. Will they be able to come together this time, or will pride intervene yet again?
Seven years after Darcy’s disastrous proposal, Darcy is in need, not of a wife, but of a governess for his young daughter. Imagine his surprise when he discovers Elizabeth Bennet on the list of possible candidates provided by the employment agency. The question is, should he take her on as a governess, or would he be playing with fire?
Elizabeth Bennet is forced by her reduced circumstances to take on a position. However, when Mr. Darcy invites her for an interview, she is embarrassed and humiliated. How could she possibly live under the same roof as the man she had rejected so strongly seven years ago?
Whatever decision she makes, there will be a high price to pay… one way or the other.
Seven years after Darcy’s disastrous proposal, Darcy is in need, not of a wife, but of a governess for his young daughter. Imagine his surprise when he discovers Elizabeth Bennet on the list of possible candidates provided by the employment agency. The question is, should he take her on as a governess, or would he be playing with fire?
Elizabeth Bennet is forced by her reduced circumstances to take on a position. However, when Mr. Darcy invites her for an interview, she is embarrassed and humiliated. How could she possibly live under the same roof as the man she had rejected so strongly seven years ago?
Whatever decision she makes, there will be a high price to pay… one way or the other.
Sophia Rose's Review:
A Pride and Prejudice variation story with the governess romance trope from an author I can count on for heartwarming gentle storytelling was full of sensual, complex emotional flavors that drew me in and captured my heart.
Fortune and Felicity asks 'what if after his dismal marriage proposal was uncategorically rejected, Darcy chose to seal off his broken heart and follow duty to family rather than love? And, what if shortly after she blasted Fitzwilliam Darcy as 'the last man she would ever marry' that her father dies and she finds herself with many dreary years of genteel poverty and living on family extras before becoming the man's governess instead of his wife?
Fortune and Felicity captured the bittersweet, tender journey from grief, sadness, and regret to hope and light for two lonely people. The original Pride and Prejudice is full of lucky coincidences that make everything turn out right, but what if those aren't there? It forces Elizabeth and Darcy into a slower journey to understanding and a second chance in which they have to overcome even more obstacles because their unequal status is even a wider gap than before, her reputation is precarious due to a spiteful gossip, and they are in an employer- employee relationship that includes his troubled daughter.
The author cleverly paced this one as character and relationship developed and each hurdle was dealt with. I prefer it when the governess trope is organic to the conflict of the story rather than just tossed in there are a reason to bring two people together which I am glad to say that the author did exceptionally well.
I enjoyed getting to know these more mature and hard-bitten versions of Darcy and Elizabeth. They are coming back together as strangers who have skewed memories of their shared past because they thought they had each other pegged right and were miserably wrong, but also have to deal with the fact that they both got married and lost spouses to different circumstances in between which has altered them. The emotions were well written and resonated with me as authentic so I was sad for them and felt hope as they stumbled along, trying to find their way to understanding and happiness. I also enjoyed that crackling low-level of attraction that made them light up whenever they were near each other. The scene at the water just sparkled with light and sensuality and was the turning point of the whole story.
I've read most of this author's books and I have to say that she reached down deep and delivered a story full of all the feelings, but also complex characters in a well-drawn situation and setting. Those who enjoy Regency period historical romance that highlights a well-loved classic story should definitely pick this one up.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author’s Bio:
Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.
Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. On rainy days, she loves to watch ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (all adaptations), ‘North & South’, ‘Cranford’, or ‘Downtown Abbey’.
Among Monica’s Kindle best-selling novels are Mysterious Mr. Darcy, the Darcy Novels trilogy, two books in the Darcy Cousins series, and the quirky futuristic P&P inspired Steampunk Darcy. She has also published several traditional Regencies.
Apart from her avid historical interests, Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels, but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Monica_Fairview
Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.
Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. On rainy days, she loves to watch ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (all adaptations), ‘North & South’, ‘Cranford’, or ‘Downtown Abbey’.
Among Monica’s Kindle best-selling novels are Mysterious Mr. Darcy, the Darcy Novels trilogy, two books in the Darcy Cousins series, and the quirky futuristic P&P inspired Steampunk Darcy. She has also published several traditional Regencies.
Apart from her avid historical interests, Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels, but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Monica_Fairview
Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Sophia’s Social Media Links:
Oh I can see why this would catch your eye Sophia Rose. Thanks for the super review!
ReplyDeleteIt was a really touching one, Debbie. I think you'd like it. :)
DeleteI can see that this was well written. Glad you enjoyed it, Sophia.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it was a touching story, Nadene. Thanks!
DeleteIt was a good one :D Love me some Austen
ReplyDeleteYazzz! ;)
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