Gill M
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/02/from-another-perspective-by-mj-stratton.html
This book follows the events of the much-loved Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice.
The story is told from the points of view of various observers. Each of the seventeen chapters offers a unique perspective, from acquaintances like Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas, to family members such as Mr. Philips, Anne de Bourgh, and Mary Bennet, as well as an array of domestic staff including housekeepers, maids, and even Mr. Darcy's valet.
This fresh approach to the classic story is a delight to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/02/in-rachel-rowans-entitled-love-novellas.html
In Rachel Rowan's Entitled Love novellas, elements of regency romance such as elegant homes and clever conversation between beautiful, aristocratic people, are interwoven into modern, spicy romantic comedies.
In book 3, Untouched, we meet the beautiful and intelligent, Sophia Clements. However, she is socially awkward (possibly neurodiverse) has no friends and has never had a boyfriend. She masks this by being distant and glacial.
When a colleague from America, asks to meet up, she has hopes of romance.
A sarcastic comment from the Honourable Jay Orton, inspires Sophia to seek lessons in how to have a boyfriend.
Rather shockingly, she approaches Jay. He is a rather jaded, dissolute playboy who needs a large amount of money, quickly.
So when Sophia offers £45,000 for lessons on holding hands, kissing, and all the way up to full intercourse, he rapidly agrees!
With a start like that, this story could have been grim.
Instead, the book is delightful.
Jay is kind and rapidly becomes a close friend. He is dedicated to boosting Sophia's self-esteem, as he very gently helps her to explore her sexuality.
As the lessons proceed, emotions and (possibly unrequited) romantic feelings start to intrude.
This is such a lovely, surprisingly romantic book. I've already read it twice!
As a neurodiverse person, I felt that the author had a great deal of insight into my world!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Pride and Prejudice variation takes place in Meryton about three years later than the original.
All five Bennet daughters remain unwed, with the beautiful Jane, almost on the shelf at five and twenty. Understandably, Mrs Bennet is desperate to marry them off.
Eligible men are rare in Meryton, so the arrival of any newcomers is a cause for excitement.
When Purvis Lodge is let by Mrs Wilson, a very young widow and her twin sons, lack of eligible new men doesn't stop the town gossips from having a field day!
Mrs Wilson keeps to herself, but when Elizabeth Bennet meets one of the twins on a country stroll, a friendship develops. Jane Bennet and Charlotte Lucas also visit.
Some time later a Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy arrive to take up residence at Netherfield Park.
They are welcomed into local society as only rich, unmarried men can be.
At the Meryton assembly, Jane and Mr Bingley are attracted to each other.
Mr Darcy is keen to talk to both Elizabeth and Jane about the neighbours.
The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth proceeds fairly smoothly, with some bumps in the road, caused by his secret connection to Mrs Wilson.
This is an enjoyable tale. The unraveling of Mrs Wilson's story is fairly high angst, but the villain gets a fitting comeuppance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/02/mr-darcys-valentine-by-heather-moll.html
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, all the action takes place in London.
When Mr Bingley arrived in Hertfordshire, he quickly became enamoured of local beauty, Jane Bennet. His attentions gave rise to widespread expectations of an imminent betrothal.
Jane is equally in love with Mr Bingley. However, Jane is shy and reticent. She has learnt from bitter experience, that she must hide her feelings from her marriage-obsessed, matchmaking Mama.
Unfortunately, outside influences, such as his friend Mr Darcy, persuade Bingley that they can see no evidence that Jane loves him.
He goes back to London and does not return. Jane faces the scorn of the neighbourhood and the endless lamentations of her mother.
Elizabeth Bennet dislikes Mr Darcy and suspects his influence over Bingley.
Elizabeth's animus towards Darcy has been stoked by the lies of the charming, handsome, deceitful Lieutenant George Wickham, Darcy's enemy.
What she does not know is that Darcy is falling in love with her.
Jane is invited to stay with family in London and Elizabeth is encouraged to accompany her.
Elizabeth meets, Mr Elgin, a charming man who seeks to court her.
When Jane and Elizabeth are thrown into the company of Bingley and Darcy, both men decide to follow their hearts and win their ladies.
A carefully contrived parlour game, allows each gentleman to give a Valentine's message to his lady.
Unfortunately, Darcy's message is similar to the notorious Hunsford proposal. This is, unsurprisingly, not well received.
Many misunderstandings are corrected and Darcy tries to woo Elizabeth.
Elizabeth must decide if her future lies with Mr Elgin or Mr Darcy.
Darcy is so sweet when wooing Elizabeth, but so sad because he can't believe she will choose him.
A very enjoyable variation and a sweet resolution.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/01/fitzwilliam-darcy-is-beyond-tired-of.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy is beyond tired of being hunted for his fortune.
Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, while her mother is determined that she shall make a match for security.
When Elizabeth and Darcy meet, trying to blend into the background, at the Meryton assembly, they hatch the perfect scheme. Pretend to be courting each other, meaning they will be left alone, then simply end the courtship when Darcy leaves Hertfordshire.
Will their strategy work or will there be unintended consequences?
I enjoyed this romp, but one has to ignore some hefty breaches of Regency propriety. Elizabeth writing to Darcy, meeting him alone and traveling in his carriage unchaperoned, and broken engagements, with little consequence for both parties.
If you are happy to ignore the above, the developing friendship between Darcy and Elizabeth is lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-truth-about-family-by-lucy-marin.html
Elizabeth Bennet was sent to stay with the Dowager Countess Romesley at the age of five. It was meant to be for a few months, until her mother delivered the heir to Longbourn.
Mrs Bennet was often spiteful to Elizabeth and her pregnancy made her even worse.
However, the invitation to return never came and her family never visited.
Elizabeth came to know the Countess's family; the Fitzwilliams, Darcys and de Bourghs.
Most of the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams were friendly, while some were kind but rather distant. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine de Bourgh viewed Elizabeth as inferior and an interloper. Her sister, Lady Anne Darcy agreed. Both were unwelcoming and unpleasant.
Mr Hugh Darcy was very kind and his son Fitzwilliam was a close friend of Elizabeth's. As she grew older, she fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knew nothing could come of it. He was destined for a brilliant, high society match.
On one visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth is cast out by Lady Anne Darcy and sent to Lady Catherine at Rosings. She discovers that they have plotted to have her sent abroad, to get her out of the family.
Elizabeth escapes and flees to Longbourn, hoping to find a welcome.
While she tries to find her place in the Bennet family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins are frantically searching for Elizabeth.
When Darcy finds her, he realises that he loves her. But will his mother's perfidy and venom be a permanent obstacle to their happiness?
This is a tumultuous story, with poor Elizabeth feeling like nobody wants her. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousins, Viscount Bramwell and Colonel Fitzwilliam are stalwart friends, who value Elizabeth for the person she is rather than her place in society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/11/an-excellent-walker-by-lyndsay-constable.html
Whilst walking on the Rosings estate, Elizabeth Bennet literally runs into Fitzwilliam Darcy (a man she views as haughty and arrogant).
She reluctantly accepts his offer to escort her back to the Hunsford Parsonage.
Their journey is interrupted by a shocking threat from the skies.
Suddenly propriety and misunderstandings are irrelevant. Survival becomes their only priority. First, they must deal with a violent enemy, then Elizabeth must use her knowledge of healing to keep Darcy alive.
The couple also wrestle with the consequences of spending two nights together in the woods.
The story ranges from gripping suspense, angst, sorrow and of course, a happy ever after!
This is really good.
I enjoy ODC in peril, especially from Napoleon.
Lyndsay Constable is fast becoming a favourite author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy have been married for six months and are very happy.
Elizabeth is still finding her place as Mistress of Pemberley. The balance between doing too much or too little seems a very narrow path.
Her first project, to establish education for the village girls, meets an obstruction in the form of the misogynistic rector.
Elizabeth channels her inner “Lady Catherine de Bourgh “ to good effect!
A rather vexing day draws to a delightfully naughty ending, when Darcy reveals the surprise he has built for Elizabeth and she reveals a much anticipated blessing.
This is sensual but not overly graphic.
A charming short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/11/marrying-mr-darcy-pride-prejudice.html
The basis of the story has merit. Elizabeth and Darcy being brought back together, through the love between his son and her daughter.
Unfortunately, as a novella, there is insufficient time to allow slow character development. As such we have Darcy kissing Elizabeth, on her own doorstep within minutes of meeting her again after 18 years!
Whilst the denouement is pleasing, the story feels ‘choppy' and rushed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/12/handsome-men-are-habit-forming-by-linda.html
This variation takes place in Meryton.
Darcy joins Bingley at Netherfield, bringing along his sister Georgiana.
She was recently rescued from doing something staggeringly stupid. Alas, like so many teenagers, she seems determined not to learn from it.
So Darcy has to supervise a petulant and somewhat manipulative girl, while becoming entranced by Elizabeth Bennet.
Add in clandestine meetings, difficult relatives, a surprising Caroline Bingley and further teenage folly!
Poor Darcy is in dire need of friendship and perhaps, love?
Quite pleasing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/11/an-inducement-into-matrimony-collection.html
AN INDUCEMENT INTO MATRIMONY is an anthology of short stories which are variations of Pride & Prejudice, written by some of today's best JAFF authors.
Sixteen Days At Pemberley by Susan Adriani
In which Lydia does not go to Brighton. The Gardiners and Elizabeth stay at Pemberley, allowing Darcy to show how much he has improved himself and how much he adores his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.
The Pleasure of Understanding Her by Mary Smythe
In which Fitzwilliam Darcy has a headache with an odd side effect. He awakens with the ability to hear everyone's thoughts. This ‘blessing' leads him to learn that despite her flirting and sycophancy, Miss Bingley thinks him dull and stupid.
Whilst Miss Elizabeth's thought's show that she has not been flirting with him as he believed, but in fact dislikes him.
Can his power help him to change her mind?
The Heart's Consent by Paige Badgett
In which Elizabeth Bennet meets a frosty reception at Darcy House.
Lydia Bennet's elopement, put an end to Elizabeth's visit to Derbyshire. It also dowsed the rekindled attraction between Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
A year later, with the scandal fading, Elizabeth calls upon Fitzwilliam's sister Georgiana. However, Fitzwilliam gives her a cold and bitter welcome.
Elizabeth is under pressure to find a husband and is being offered a marriage of convenience to Mr Coble, a wealthy tradesman.
She had held some hopes that Fitzwilliam Darcy might still feel affection for her. After her visit to Darcy House, with all hope of a love match gone, she accepts Mr Coble's offer of marriage.
She immediately regrets her decision, just as Darcy regrets his treatment of Elizabeth.
Can they find their way to each other?
No Charm Equal by Jan Ashton
In which Darcy becomes a friend to Elizabeth and briefly, a magician's assistant!
United by Happenstance by Gailie Ruth Caress
In which Lady Catherine transports Elizabeth Bennet and Maria Lucas from Hunsford to London.
She insists on dropping in to Darcy House, on the way. They meet young Georgiana Darcy and join her in the music room.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy enters the room, the frisson between him and Elizabeth is palpable.
Unfortunately, Lady Catherine notices and verbally attacks Elizabeth (and poor Maria due to guilt by association).
Darcy is staunch in his defence of her and sees both ladies safely to the Gardiner's home, following their abandonment by Lady Catherine.
Darcy and Elizabeth, thus have a second chance to get to know each other.
The First Moment of Their Acquaintance by Amy D'Orazio
In which Mr Darcy grows a beard, wears poorly fitting breeches and pretends to be his own cousin, in an effort to be in Elizabeth Bennet's presence and to win her heart.
Speaking the Truth by Nan Harrison
In which the Bennet family go that ‘extra mile' to humiliate themselves at the Netherfield ball.
Elizabeth is so mortified that she tries to run home on freezing night, in a ball gown and satin slippers.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is concerned and goes after her with a warm cloak. Their encounter corrects several misunderstandings and leads each to re-evaluate their opinions and feelings.
A Duet in Dispute by Michelle Ray
In which Elizabeth is a talented composer and pianist. Her desire to perform leads her to reject marriage to the man she loves, because he and all her family believe it would be a degradation for her to be a professional pianist.
Whilst in London, she meets and befriends a talented musician, who embraces poverty for the glory of music.
Unfortunately, his name is George Wickham and we all know what that means.
What Might Have Been by Kay Bea
In which Lydia was never found. The ruin of the Bennet family is swiftly followed by the death of Mr Bennet and banishment from Longbourn. The Gardiners business is beset by disaster and they leave London to start again in Liverpool, taking Kitty with them. Five years later, Fanny Bennet has remarried, to a man who resents the existence of her daughters.
Elizabeth is the last sister unmarried, residing with her mother but not provided with any money. Thus she works as a seamstress for a fashionable modiste.
One day she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy in the street and dreams of an impossible fairy tale ending!
This anthology is a wonderful mix of angst, romance and heartfelt delight!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/10/a-man-of-good-fortune-sequel-to-jane.html
When Fitzwilliam Darcy suffers a life-altering riding accident, he awakens with no memory of the previous six years.
His cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a familiar face but Darcy does not know Elizabeth, the woman he is told is his wife.
This is Darcy at his irascible best (worst?). He has several injuries, leading to considerable pain. In addition to amnesia, he really struggles to read or write.
Darcy is understandably paranoid, being so vulnerable to Elizabeth, particularly when she and Colonel Fitzwilliam are meeting privately but not sharing the reason with Darcy.
Elizabeth is loving and endlessly patient with Darcy. He becomes enthralled with Elizabeth and gradually falls in love with her (again!)
Darcy's recovery takes place against the backdrop of an ongoing mystery. What is Elizabeth hiding, who is involved and what does his mother's sapphire brooch have to do with it?
This book is wonderful. Steadfast devotion, angst and mystery. I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/10/pride-before-fall-by-mary-smythe.html
During their stay at Netherfield Park, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet take a turn about the gardens.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, is enamoured of Elizabeth but due to her social status, he has no intention to propose. She is not overly impressed with him!
Darcy is returning from a ride, when he sees the sisters and decides to demonstrate his prowess as a horseman.
Unfortunately, the jump goes badly and Darcy falls.
Jane goes for help, while Elizabeth rushes to assist Mr Darcy. His head injury removes his inhibitions, resulting in a declaration of love, a proposal and a passionate kiss. He then passes out.
Elizabeth wants to hush this up, as she doesn't want to be forced to marry a man she dislikes.
Darcy recovers and is determined that, for the sake of his honour, he must make a formal offer of marriage.
What follows is a gentle courtship and a growing understanding between the couple.
A little angst towards the end adds a little spice.
Thoroughly enchanting!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/09/compromising-mr-darcy-by-abbey-north.html
When her sister is taken ill at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet becomes a reluctant guest, while she nurses Jane back to health.
Insomnia drives her to the library, in the hope of distraction.
What she finds is a book of erotica, left on a table. The book is shocking to an innocent gentlewoman, but also intriguing.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, haughty, disapproving and devastatingly handsome is also in the library. His manner is teasing and most definitely beyond the bounds of propriety.
After a startling conversation, Elizabeth retreats to her room but is confused to find the same book has been pushed under her door. Was it Darcy?
At the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is trying to avoid her cousin Mr Collins. He will inherit her family home when her father dies. He wants to marry her. Her mother wants her to marry Collins. Elizabeth can't imagine anything worse.
Then Mrs Bennet drops a bombshell. Mr Bennet is dying so Elizabeth must marry Collins, or the family will be homeless and penny less.
In desperation, Elizabeth kisses Mr Darcy, thus compromising him.
To uphold his honour, Darcy insists on marrying Elizabeth, even when Mrs Bennet is revealed to have lied about Mr Bennet's death.
Darcy resents being compromised, particularly when he was only a slightly better prospect than Mr Collins.
He views Elizabeth as beneath him, but he is attracted to her.
Darcy has dark tastes in the bedroom and expects Elizabeth to comply.
At Pemberley, Elizabeth feels the brunt of his resentment. She is not allowed to take on the duties as mistress of the house. His sister Georgiana hates her and actively puts Elizabeth in danger. He won't talk to her during the day.
The only use she has is in the bedroom. Darcy is turned on by dominance. However, he crosses the line from dominance/submission to outright abuse, because he can't control his resentment.
Poor Elizabeth, realises marriage to Mr Collins would have been better.
When Darcy bans her from walking outside, her last refuge is lost and it is heartbreaking watching her wither away.
Can there be any kind of positive relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth?
I really didn't like this Darcy and Georgiana is vile.
However, it is a good story and as expected there is a happy ever after!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Book five in the Order of Magic series chronicling the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove,
Lorna, Heather, Vivien and Sue continue to hone their psychic skills in contacting and dispatching spirits. As ever, the spirit of Julia Warwick, Grandma to Heather, is there to direct, chastise and assist.
The arrival of Kari Grove in Freewild Cove sends up paranormal red flags to Heather, Vivien, Lorna and Sue.
When they investigate a complex web is revealed and gradually unravelled.
Kari was raised by her wealthy, chilly grandparents following the death of her parents on her day of birth.
She is called to Freewild Cove to tend to her grandmother as her health declines.
Her death leaves Kari seemingly tied to a ramshackle, haunted house and vulnerable to a malicious spirit.
Her grandmother's history of dark magic, manipulation and sheer selfishness is astounding.
Good story with a great resolution.
Excellent narration.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Book three in the Order of Magic series chronicling the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove,
Lorna, Heather and Vivien continue to hone their psychic skills in contacting and dispatching spirits.
This time we have Heather's story which we already know involves the death of her child.
Heather's paranormal skill (or curse) is seeing ghosts. This in part was responsible for her divorce.
Another great chapter in the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove as they seek closure and the possibility of a future loving relationship.
Excellent narration.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/09/review-never-inconstant-sequel-to-jane.html
Anne Elliott had been persuaded by Lady Russell, to give up her engagement to Frederick Wentworth for reasons that seemed logical at the time.
For eight years she kept him in her heart. Frederick kept her in his heart, as a lost and anguished memory.
Eventually they met again and after several obstacles, married.
Now, years into her very happy marriage she finds a bundle of letters addressed to her, in Frederick's sea-trunk.
The letters contain an outpouring of grief, yearning, loneliness and heartbreak. Written, but never sent during their eight-year separation.
The result is a gentle story of love, angst and steadfast devotion.
I heartily recommend that you read this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Book four in the Order of Magic series chronicling the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove,
Lorna, Heather and Vivien continue to hone their psychic skills in contacting and dispatching spirits. As ever, the spirit of Julia Warwick, Grandma to Heather, is there to direct, chastise and assist.
This time we have a new potential friend, Sue Jewel.
Sue is fleeing memories of an abusive and ultimately homicidal husband. Only dumb luck, in the shape of a car accident, kills him and frees her from the car boot, where her husband had stuffed her plastic wrapped ‘body'. She was that close to a shallow grave in an isolated spot!
Unfortunately, his spirit is tenacious and malicious.
The paranormally gifted ladies of Freewild Cove befriend her and try to help.
She also catches the eye of the handsome coffee shop owner. Perhaps a new life of happiness is within her reach!
Another great chapter in the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove as they seek closure and the possibility of a future loving relationship.
Excellent narration.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/10/happily-ever-after-with-mr-darcy.html
A great compilation of short stories from some of the best JAFF authors.
I had read most of these before, but they are all worth reading more than once.
Really enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-cleverly-uncontrived-compromise-by.html
At fifteen, heiress Georgiana Darcy was romanced by a fortune hunting scoundrel. Believing it was true love, she consented to an elopement. Her devoted brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy saved her from ruin, but she was left heartbroken.
Darcy invited his close friends, the Bingley family to join them for the summer, to provide distraction.
Georgiana developed an infatuation for Charles Bingley. Darcy viewed the match favourably as he knows his closest friend is a decent, if immature young man.
As master of the great estate of Pemberley, Darcy is used to taking charge. He decides to mold Charles into a responsible landowner and husband for Georgiana.
Thus, Netherfield Park is leased and Charles starts to learn estate management. He also meets the local families and becomes enamoured of the beautiful, Jane Bennet.
Elizabeth Bennet is determined to forward the match by managing her unruly, embarrassing family. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam Darcy is equally determined to thwart the match, to preserve Bingley for Georgiana.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are equally matched in intellect and determination, although Elizabeth has more charm and social skill.
Things come to a head at the Netherfield ball.
Elizabeth's attempts to place Jane in Bingley's presence vex Darcy and others. Her actions to quell her younger sisters' outrageous behaviour have unexpected consequences.
Bingley is vexed with Darcy for obstructing his chances to enjoy Jane's company.
Thus, both Elizabeth and Darcy are given misleading intelligence, to draw them away from the ballroom.
By unfortunate coincidence, they end up in the same room, which is subsequently locked by an innocent servant.
The potential consequences of such a compromise, impress both parties with the need for urgent escape.
The aftermath starts the slightly bumpy road to true love and a happy ever after!
Along the way we meet four glorious kittens.
One perfect lady and three very naughty boys.
The story is delightful, the characters well drawn (both human and feline) and the mixture of romance and mayhem very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
In the second book about the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove,
Lorna, Heather and Vivien continue to hone their psychic skills in contacting and dispatching spirits.
Vivien lost the love of her life to cancer, after only a short time together.
In the following twenty years, nobody has replaced Sam's place in her heart.
A chilly marriage ending in divorce and numerous hookups encompass her personal life.
Vivien decides to contact Sam in a séance, with the help of Lorna and Heather.
Unfortunately, Dutch courage before the séance causes a problem. Rather than just summoning Sam to communicate, her deepest desire of having him return from the dead is in her heart and mind.
The outcome is rather startling.
A great chapter in the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove as they seek closure and the possibility of a future loving relationship.
Good narration.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Lorna Addams had a good life. A husband and almost grown children.
Then her husband dies. At the funeral she discovers her “husband” was a bigamist. Then his wife takes legal action leaving Lorna with no money or home.
With her children settled in college, she makes a new life alone.
In Freewild Cove, she hopes to start again without the baggage of her previous humiliation.
A job managing and living at the local theatre brings new friends. Her boss and landlady, Heather introduces her to Vivien Stone. So starts a friendship of forty something women which rapidly becomes something more.
On the same night, they each find a ring in their homes. Together, those rings combine to strengthen the latent psychic powers that each possesses.
A seance leads Lorna to summon her “husband” to explain his betrayal. The outcome is not what any of them expect!
Excellent story combining midlife rediscovery, friendship and the paranormal.
Compelling first in a fascinating series.
Good narration.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-redemption-of-lydia-wickham-by-mj.html
Lydia Bennet had thought herself rather clever to elope with George Wickham. He was handsome, charming and looked dashing in his regimentals!
Unfortunately, Lydia Wickham finds that her husband is selfish, vicious and cruel.
She can't bring herself to admit the truth to her family, so writes with tales of balls, parties and new gowns.
She is forced by circumstances to grow up quickly, just to survive.
After four years, fate frees her from Wickham.
She is reconciled with most of her family, who are horrified with how she has suffered.
Her sisters and brothers-in-law are deeply impressed with the poised young woman she has become. If only her father did not declare her still one of the silliest girls in England.
What Lydia truly yearns for is a man who will love and respect her. Perhaps, she may be lucky!
I usually shy away from books about Lydia, as she is a truly annoying character.
However, this book is excellent. The account of Lydia's life with Wickham made me weep, she is so lost.
The mature Lydia is lovely and you desperately want a happy ending for her.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.