Sophia Rose Reviews Dearest Friends by Pamela Lynne, narrated by Brigid Lohrey

Today Sophia Rose reviews Dearest Friends, an Austen Inspired Romance.
Enjoy!

Dearest Friends by Pamela Lynne, narrated by Brigid Lohrey

#1 Austen-Inspired Romance

Historical Romance

Publisher:  Indie

Published:  1.7.21

ASIN: B08SBSS81W

Time:  14 hours 41 minutes

Rating: 4.5

Format: Audible

Source:  Author

Sellers:  Amazon / Audible

GoodReads

 

GoodReads Blurb:

The historical romance Dearest Friends retells Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a sensual adventure that will delight a modern audience. Fitzwilliam Darcy left Hertfordshire following a friend’s betrayal, but his heart remained with Elizabeth Bennet, the impertinent beauty who captured his attention in ways no woman ever had before. When he encounters her unexpectedly in London, he realizes he can no longer live without her and begins his pursuit for her hand. When he finds that Elizabeth is not free to marry, will he again walk away or will he fight for the lady he loves?

While Darcy and Elizabeth pursue their own happiness, around them friendships progress to love and infatuation leads to disappointment. Join a group of unlikely friends as they support our dear couple on their journey, each treading unique paths along the way.

**Contains Mature Content

 

Sophia Rose's Review:

A spicy romance, a gothic plot, and a large colorful cast of characters living and loving against the backdrop of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice was a feast for my ears as I listened in to this historical romance variation story.

 

In the original Pride & Prejudice one gets a genteel, witty story of class difference romance, duty and family, and a light classical delight.  In this nod to the original, there is added to the Regency world intrigue, manipulation, an exploration of sensual delight for the main romance pair, and a large cast of characters who are given sub-plots of their own.  It becomes a family saga that expands from the early section of the book that focuses on the courtship- a very sexy one for a pair who come together quickly, I might add- to take in the scope of members of their extended family and friends building friendship and romantic relationships of their own. 

 

For those coming to the story with a basic historical romance in mind, this change-up in the story might come as something of surprise because the romance of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth is not the only focal point through a portion of the end story.  They are there and definitely loving their way through life, but other character stories and elements rise to share equal focus.  At its core, this story explores how people respond to life’s trials.  Do they step up and cling to good principles or do they give in to base instinct- even throwing a loved one under the carriage wheels to save themselves?  I thought it was an interesting way to strip people down to their core selves.  Some fell, but rose again and others chose to take the easiest path.  So, yes, great character exploration going on besides the salacious romance and intrigue.

 

In fact, I will commit a sacrilege to P&P lovers to say that I was more intrigued by some of the side characters in Dearest Friends though not to say I didn’t love this lovey-dovey Darcy and Elizabeth.  A warrior and slightly ruthless Uncle Gardiner, a bright and good Miss Mary, a tarnished, but redeemable Viscount Hedley, and even an envious, grasping Jane were all absolutely amazing.  I was glad to delve into all their lives and was left wanting more- thankfully there is a sequel.

 

This was my first time listening to narrator Brigid Lohrey and I thought she wielded a great talent to handle such a large cast of characters of gender, age, and class distinction even some regional dialect changes were evident.  She put emotion and pacing to good use.  I definitely want more of her work.

 

All in all, this was a deeply satisfying listen and I can recommend it to not only Austen fans, but those who adore spicy historical romance and family sagas.

 

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Author Bio:

Pamela Lynne grew up in the American South, surrounded by Southern Gothic works by Faulkner, O'Connor and the like. These authors helped shape her evolving mind and continue to influence everything she produces as an adult. It was a Regency-era wit from across the Atlantic, however, who lit a life-long interest in 19th Century England.

Pamela cites Jane Austen as her primary literary influence and she delves into the darker aspects of Regency life in all her novels, most particularly in the upcoming Granville Legacy Series, where she explores the bonds of family and what it costs to break them.

Dearest Friends: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel, Pamela’s debut work, won the Independent Publishers 2016 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal for Romance.

Pamela currently lives in the rolling hills of Tennessee with her husband of more than a decade, four kids, two cats and one very blond dog. She is still a Marianne hoping to grow into Elinor, or Clairee from Steel Magnolias.

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