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A different spin on Pride and Prejudice and fiction's sweethearts, Darcy and Bennett.
A quick entertaining read that and Darcy fans will love.

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Although the writing itself is of Ms. Dixon's usual high quality, the plot leaves some holes and some lack of logic that made it less than satisfying.

Elizabeth agrees to live with her aunt, Lady Vanessa Barrett, with whom her father has been estranged for decades due to his unacceptable marriage to Mrs. Bennet, a mere solicitor's daughter. The siblings have a tentative truce and, based on her brother's description, Lady Vanessa (having no children of her own) is considering making Elizabeth her heir.

As the story begins, Lady Vanessa is clearly cut from the same opinionated, condescending, elitist cloth as Lady Catherine. Elizabeth does the best she can but isn't certain whether the inheritance will be worth the experience of living with the imperious lady. This conflict is never developed. By the book's end, without any interaction shown between the two to justify it, the relationship between Lady V and Elizabeth pops up very differently. In fact, lady V barely factors in the middle section of the book except as mistress of the estate at which Elizabeth resides while our heroine is off socializing with others.

The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is equally frustrating. For one thing, Elizabeth is way too prickly at first. We know that Darcy historically is attracted to her because she doesn't pander to him, but she's beyond "impertinent" with him--she seems downright rude--and without just provocation.

Their major misunderstanding when Darcy heads to Rosings is also ridiculous, this time on his side. Certainly he must know that many gentlemen take advantage of innocent gentlewomen. Considering that he intends to marry Elizabeth, there's no good reason for him to keep significant information from her as he's about to leave and then get indignant when she becomes upset. It's a dumb argument that seems manufactured just to separate the two on bad terms.

There are aspects of the story that I enjoyed. It is kind of interesting to see Darcy as a participant in a horse race and a gentleman actively involved in buying, selling and breeding horses. Initially, Elizabeth is reluctant to give her heart to anyone because she is still reeling from losing someone she dearly loved, which is a different perspective than usual. Darcy definitely gets some competition for her favor, with Lady V. strongly encouraging a match between her niece and Lord Holland, the nephew of her late husband. Lucy Lancaster is a bubbly young lady who is said to become a good friend to Elizabeth, even though their relationship is not developed on page. I would've liked to see more done with that. I do like the face-off between Lady V. and Lady Catherine, too, despite Lady V's attitude being a bit out of the blue.

Darcy and Elizabeth do get ample page time together at various dinner parties, picnics, and balls. Their attraction is palpable, they have some bantering conversations, they have some romantic interaction. The content remains clean throughout.

Overall, it's a book that has some good elements, but there's a lot more that seems undeveloped. Not one of this author's better stories.

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Such as any book of Ms P O Dixon, this is such a lovely mix of the original and its variation. There were new charcaters added, who did not distract away from our couple's love story. Loved the way the story had unfolded, how true to its title the story is. This is a must read for all (esp avid fans of Pride and Prejudice)

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A Lasting Love Affair is a clever reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. In this version, Elizabeth’s beloved sister Jane has died due to the effects of a “trifling cold.” Elizabeth eagerly leaves the sadness of Longbourn behind to live with Mr. Bennet’s estranged, wealthy older sister. In this retelling, Mr. Darcy never visited Netherfield, but instead meets Elizabeth near her aunt’s home. Elizabeth was so hurt by Jane’s death that she tries to close her heart to Darcy, but he breaks through her defenses; however, a series of misunderstandings separate them for a time. Ironically, it is Lydia’s elopement with Wickham that brings them together again.

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