Sophia Rose Reviews: In Plain Sight by Don Jacobson, narrated by Amanda Berry

 Today I turn it over to my pal Sophia Rose who's reviewing In Plain Sight by Don Jacobson, narrated by Amanda Berry a twist on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Enjoy!

In Plain Sight by Don Jacobson, narrated by Amanda Berry

Historical Romance

Publisher:  Meryton Press

Published:  9.10.20

Time:  13 hours 1 minute

Rating: 4.5

Format:  Audible

Source:  Author

Sellers:  Amazon/ Audible

Add to: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Blurb:

When Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father slides into an early grave, his son is forced to take on Pemberley’s mantle. Brandy numbs his pain, but Darcy’s worst inclinations run wild. After tragedy rips everything away, he spends years finding his way back to a new life as a man redeemed by a woman’s loving understanding.

Elizabeth Bennet is afflicted with a common Regency ailment: observing the world about her but not seeing those beneath her notice. Then a clarifying act shatters the propriety that has denied her heart the transcendent love she craves.

"In Plain Sight" explores Jane Austen’s eternal love story by flipping social roles on their heads. From their first encounter, Elizabeth Bennet and the convict known as “Smith” must overcome their prejudices and break through their pride. Only then can they share the treasure hidden in plain sight.

 

Sophia Rose's Review:

A choice to drown his grief and guilt over his father's death leads to disastrous consequences and a long-term life journey that he could have never foreseen made In Plain Sight a deeply felt story of redemption and romance. Don Jacobson masterfully brings his heroes and heroines to their lowest points and then builds them up again for a triumphant tale told well by the sensational narration work of Amanda Berry.

The hero of Pride and Prejudice was a man who weathered his personal family tragedy and his responsibilities with inner strength and a strong sense of right, but In Plain Sight asks, 'what if he wasn't able to cope with any of it? I found the first half of this book fascinating and, oh yes, quite emotionally gripping- as I pondered this. It did occur to me in one of my later readings of the original Pride and Prejudice that Darcy deserved a lot of credit for weathering his parents' deaths, his taking on the large estate duties and his sister's guardianship, but I never gave thought to what he- and any ordinary person- would struggle with emotionally and mentally as a result. In Plain Sight shows Darcy more vulnerable and human because he does collapse under it all. Now, it's more complicated than that in this variation because he feels unwarranted guilt about his father's death and much of the conflict in this story for Darcy and others is not light or easily dealt with. I also found it interesting exploring a role reversal situation as Darcy left his upper class position to serve as an anonymous person on a chain gang. His life was forever changed.

As to the rest of the characters, Elizabeth and the other Bennets situation took on changes in the original story as well. There were some familiar elements, but a great deal that was vastly different. I took this story on its own and enjoyed it more than if I'd seen it as a P&P variation. It was great seeing Mary, the middle sister, step up strong and supportive and I enjoyed seeing the secondary family and friend relationships forming.
But, above all, Darcy and Elizabeth's individual journeys and their romantic journey to each other was the strong core that made all the villainy and struggle worth it.

My only niggle, and maybe this was from experiencing the book on audio, was that at times I got twisted around in the reflective moments and some of the descriptive imagery of the writing. I've always loved the author's style and still do, but for some reason, this time I got distracted at times from the narrative. Maybe in print this wouldn't have happened for me.

A fun side note. It was fun to see some crossover characters appear from the Bennet Wardrobe series. They play different roles, but I was tickled to see them here.

As to the narration work, I'm already a huge fan of Amanda Berry's talent and this only solidified with In Plain Sight. She made me feel the emotions of this story deeply and drew my focus more sharply to characters and themes. She has the rhythm of the writing and I was easily able to slip into the world of the story.

All in all, this was a fabulous twist on a classic that was an amazing journey from start to finish. Sensitive readers like me will need tissues handy at times, but there is laughter and deep felt happiness too. Those who enjoy Austenesque fiction or sweet historical romance should definitely pick this one up.

 

Author Bio:

Don Jacobson has written professionally for forty years. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all non-fiction.

He now exclusively writes Austenesqu fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.

Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don teaches United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.

He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.

He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam (Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine and well aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18 Year Old single malt--the water of life).

His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles” around the Seattle area (yes there are hills). He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AustenesqueAuth

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/don.jacobson.31

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:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sophia.rose.7587

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiarose1816

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13418187.Sophia_Rose