I always wonder about Mary when reading or watching Pride and Prejudice, so I was thrilled to get this novel. I really like the authors take on Mary. It brought the Bennett family in focus from a much different view, and while entertaining, it didn't deviate from Austen's novel, only added to it.

I like how Mary, by herself, became a strong character and was very smart. She was book smart and smart with her decisions. I like how you saw a lot of true emotion from her character and how in the end she stood up for herself, while recognizing her own faults.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. These opinions are my own.

The Mary Bennet of Pride and Prejudice is plain and actually somewhat of a terrible person but stil sympathetic since her parents are less than stellar and she's the often overlooked sister. This book gives her depth that P&P does not, and right off the bat, I sympathized more with this version of Mary. This is almost a coming of age story, Mary is trying to find a long term plan for herself, with her own interests. Along the way, she develops relationships of different varieties and grows as the story progresses.

One of the things I really like about this book, other than the storyline itself, is the tone of the book was true to the original. The only thing I didn't love was the ending seemed a bit of a rush, the entire book was about characterization but everything was wrapped up in just a few pages.

Excellent read and I'll certainly be looking for future books by Janice Hadlow!