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From This Day Forward - The Darcys of Pemberley
On a crisp winter morning in a small country church, Miss Elizabeth Bennet married Mr Darcy – and her quiet, tame existence had abruptly changed.
The second daughter of a country gentleman is now many different things, to different people. Beloved wife. Mistress of a dauntingly great estate. Reluctant socialite. Daughter. Sister. Cousin. Friend. And as the days of her married life go by, bringing both joy and turmoil, the man that stands beside her is her shelter and comfort in the face of family opposition, peril and heartbreak.
Three very different Christmas seasons come to serve as landmarks to their lives and there are blissful days and times of sorrow at the old English country house. And before too long, a time would come when Darcy must decide if he is prepared to risk everything for the sake of a full life together - or succumb to the collection of his fears.
The second daughter of a country gentleman is now many different things, to different people. Beloved wife. Mistress of a dauntingly great estate. Reluctant socialite. Daughter. Sister. Cousin. Friend. And as the days of her married life go by, bringing both joy and turmoil, the man that stands beside her is her shelter and comfort in the face of family opposition, peril and heartbreak.
Three very different Christmas seasons come to serve as landmarks to their lives and there are blissful days and times of sorrow at the old English country house. And before too long, a time would come when Darcy must decide if he is prepared to risk everything for the sake of a full life together - or succumb to the collection of his fears.
374 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2013
133 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Joana Starnes
21 books245 followersJoana Starnes lives in the south of England with her family. She swapped several hats over the years – physician, lecturer, clinical data analyst – but feels most comfortable in a bonnet. She has been living in Georgian England for decades in her imagination, and plans to continue in that vein till she lays hands on a time machine. She loves to look for glimpses of Pemberley and Jane Austen’s world, and to write about Regency England and Mr Darcy falling in love with Elizabeth Bennet over and over and over again.
She is the author of ten Austen-inspired novels and a contributor to the Quill Ink Anthologies. Joana’s novels are all available on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and in paperback, and some have also been released in Audible.
You can connect with Joana on: Goodreads ; Facebook ; Twitter ; Instagram ; Website and at Austen Variations or visit Joana’s Facebook page All Roads Lead to Pemberley for places and details that have inspired her novels.
She is the author of ten Austen-inspired novels and a contributor to the Quill Ink Anthologies. Joana’s novels are all available on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited and in paperback, and some have also been released in Audible.
You can connect with Joana on: Goodreads ; Facebook ; Twitter ; Instagram ; Website and at Austen Variations or visit Joana’s Facebook page All Roads Lead to Pemberley for places and details that have inspired her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 9, 2016
A lovely sequel and a heartwarming tribute to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. From This Day Forward explored the ups and downs of married life for Darcy and Elizabeth and the ongoing stories of courtship, disappointment and love for many others. Moving along gently and thoughtfully, this was a worthy tale of the first few years following the end of P&P.
The story follows Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and their relations through the early days of the Darcy marriage- daily life, adjustments, lessons learned, and family. Conflict comes from without as Elizabeth knows she must learn her new duties and step into a big role, but also that she must put her own stamp on the Darcy family heritage as mistress and wife of the master. Darcy has come a long way and is prepared to trust and support the woman he loves even as he too must learn what it means for there to be a new mistress and a new lady on his arm entering society. Their daily life is about setting a routine and adjusting to change. Meanwhile, Georgiana is coming of age and must learn to trust herself and decide her own path.
Family events and holidays, society happenings, triumphs, sorrows, love and courtship all make up their ongoing lives over the course of a few years. Will tragedy or interference bring down the Darcy's? Will Georgiana be able to make a nearly impossible decision regarding her own future happiness? What does the future hold for them all?
This was a book that does well tying into the original P&P story and continuing on from there. The author had a strong grasp on historical authenticity and the tone of story and characters. Conflict was organic and not contrived. The new characters that were introduced were interesting and welcome.
Though, I will say that I could have used a chart to figure out all of Darcy's extended family of relations that passed through this book. I eventually got them sorted, but there were many times that I had no idea the connection certain characters had to the Darcys though I vaguely understood them as some relation. It was neat to see that Darcy and Georgiana had more relations than just the Fitzwilliams and that there were more Fitzwilliams as well.
While I absolutely loved seeing the inner workings of the marriage and ongoing love affair for Darcy and Lizzy, it was also fun to see Georgiana emerge as the third main character to get her coming of age and romance. And she was not the only one because the fate of Lizzy's younger sisters is told.
From This Day Forward has some slow spots and is a gentle story, but that doesn't mean that it was boring. There were intense moments and many emotional changes from laughter to tears to fear to hope.
All in all, I loved this first encounter I had with the author and it will definitely not be my last as I work through her backlist. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy sweet historical romance and Austenesque sequels.
The story follows Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and their relations through the early days of the Darcy marriage- daily life, adjustments, lessons learned, and family. Conflict comes from without as Elizabeth knows she must learn her new duties and step into a big role, but also that she must put her own stamp on the Darcy family heritage as mistress and wife of the master. Darcy has come a long way and is prepared to trust and support the woman he loves even as he too must learn what it means for there to be a new mistress and a new lady on his arm entering society. Their daily life is about setting a routine and adjusting to change. Meanwhile, Georgiana is coming of age and must learn to trust herself and decide her own path.
Family events and holidays, society happenings, triumphs, sorrows, love and courtship all make up their ongoing lives over the course of a few years. Will tragedy or interference bring down the Darcy's? Will Georgiana be able to make a nearly impossible decision regarding her own future happiness? What does the future hold for them all?
This was a book that does well tying into the original P&P story and continuing on from there. The author had a strong grasp on historical authenticity and the tone of story and characters. Conflict was organic and not contrived. The new characters that were introduced were interesting and welcome.
Though, I will say that I could have used a chart to figure out all of Darcy's extended family of relations that passed through this book. I eventually got them sorted, but there were many times that I had no idea the connection certain characters had to the Darcys though I vaguely understood them as some relation. It was neat to see that Darcy and Georgiana had more relations than just the Fitzwilliams and that there were more Fitzwilliams as well.
While I absolutely loved seeing the inner workings of the marriage and ongoing love affair for Darcy and Lizzy, it was also fun to see Georgiana emerge as the third main character to get her coming of age and romance. And she was not the only one because the fate of Lizzy's younger sisters is told.
From This Day Forward has some slow spots and is a gentle story, but that doesn't mean that it was boring. There were intense moments and many emotional changes from laughter to tears to fear to hope.
All in all, I loved this first encounter I had with the author and it will definitely not be my last as I work through her backlist. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy sweet historical romance and Austenesque sequels.
January 1, 2017
P&P Family Reunion, Joana Starnes style: 4.5 stars
Be prepared for a lot of relatives. They waltz in an out of scenes like a breath of fresh air or the gust of an ill wind. So relax and flow with that breeze and ride the currents into the story of the early days/years of the marriage of Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth.
We have our usual cast of Austen characters and many new family members and friends. Those of us who are married can relate to Elizabeth as she traverses the family mill and her attempts to learn, remember and sort out all the names and connections within Darcy’s family. We walk with her as she is thrust into society, where she has no clue what to expect and feels totally unprepared. Starnes takes us through her struggle as she becomes the Mistress of Darcy House in London, earning the respect of the housekeeper and servants. She then heads to Pemberley and into the care of Mrs. Reynolds.
We watch her interact with the various family members, maneuver that tight-rope of social commitments, visits, balls, gossip and family feuds. Oh, how some of us can relate to that last one. She strategically calms Darcy’s ire against his relations with their crude comments and blatant actions against her, and attempts to bridge the gap as warring factions risk a forever break in connections.
Elizabeth impresses Darcy at every turn as she constantly demonstrates her mettle and wisdom in handling situations. As with any new marriage, the road is not always smooth. They have to learn how to exist or coexist within this new environment for both of them. She, to learn to trust him and his decisions. He, to learn to include her in some of those decisions. It is a marriage and a commitment no different than today.
I loved how Starnes brought out the best in Georgiana and her relationship with Elizabeth and Darcy. She grew up right before our eyes. It was amazing to see how Starnes handled it. It was a smooth transition and didn’t jump from her being the shy reclusive girl to an engaged woman within a few pages [as often happens in other JAFF]. No, we watched the natural progression as she moved through the stages of her development, presentation at court, launch into society, balls, courtships, struggles with deciding what she wanted in life and then making a decision she could live with. Well done Starnes.
Elizabeth attempted to reinstate past Christmas Holiday traditions at Pemberley. She tried to mesh her family with friends and relations of Darcy. Caroline Bingley had to be included as she was staying with Charles and Jane Bingley. I swear, that woman should be barred from all Darcy holdings for life. She was awful. In spite of her snide remarks and attitude, the Season activities were a complete success and launched Elizabeth as hostess of Pemberley.
With any marriage there will be trying times and disappointments. We travel through the angst with Darcy and his Elizabeth as they suffer the most difficult of disappointments after an accident on the stairs. Elizabeth’s very life is then put in jeopardy and Darcy suffers the various levels of Hell until she recovers. Any who have suffered a loss can relate to the degree of suffering they traverse. We grieve with them as they struggle to find their footing during this difficult time. Georgiana suffers with her brother and sister and finally finds the strength she needs from a shoulder she feels she can safely lean on for the rest of her life. It is the ray of sunshine behind the dark cloud of despair.
Starnes leads us through the many historical military actions of the times by newspaper accounts, and stores [and personal thoughts] related by our dear Colonel. Darcy and a younger Fitzwilliam brother head out to retrieve our dear Colonel after the family has received word that he has been seriously injured. We are privy to Darcy’s planning prowess as he plans for their departure in step by step preparations from sending for the doctor, relief horses along the way, bandages, medical supplies and a conveyance to transport. His commands and advance planning was amazing. Due to his quick response and degree of planning, they managed to secure the retrieval of our injured Colonel. Starnes pulled in historical references pointing to that timely departure and what happened after they left the area. It was amazing as Starnes revealed battlefield success and failures that is such a part of British history. War truly is hell.
The situation that arises between Darcy and his cousin, as he recovers, was heart breaking. We’ve always had clues in P&P; it was alluded to, and even considered, but due to lack of fortune was not possible. In this story, Starnes moved it front and center and, like the elephant in the room, Darcy and our dear Colonel had to deal with it. Such gentlemen, such strength of character, such love between the cousin/brothers, such an emotional blow, I wanted to cry.
Darcy and his Elizabeth continued together as the hands of time moved on. The epilogue was awesome. As Elizabeth observed her Darcy [with a bit of gray in his hair], she looked around at their children and the children of all those around them. She smiled as she observed the direction Cupid’s arrow was taking with the children. The list of connections with the characters will amaze.
The family gathering Starnes describes is very much like my own family reunion. My generation is no longer the little ones running around. Our children and their children carry on after us. Where did the time go? Minus .5 star for minimal errors, confusion with names, connections, and dialogue [not always clear who was talking]. Other than that, I loved this book.
Be prepared for a lot of relatives. They waltz in an out of scenes like a breath of fresh air or the gust of an ill wind. So relax and flow with that breeze and ride the currents into the story of the early days/years of the marriage of Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth.
We have our usual cast of Austen characters and many new family members and friends. Those of us who are married can relate to Elizabeth as she traverses the family mill and her attempts to learn, remember and sort out all the names and connections within Darcy’s family. We walk with her as she is thrust into society, where she has no clue what to expect and feels totally unprepared. Starnes takes us through her struggle as she becomes the Mistress of Darcy House in London, earning the respect of the housekeeper and servants. She then heads to Pemberley and into the care of Mrs. Reynolds.
We watch her interact with the various family members, maneuver that tight-rope of social commitments, visits, balls, gossip and family feuds. Oh, how some of us can relate to that last one. She strategically calms Darcy’s ire against his relations with their crude comments and blatant actions against her, and attempts to bridge the gap as warring factions risk a forever break in connections.
Elizabeth impresses Darcy at every turn as she constantly demonstrates her mettle and wisdom in handling situations. As with any new marriage, the road is not always smooth. They have to learn how to exist or coexist within this new environment for both of them. She, to learn to trust him and his decisions. He, to learn to include her in some of those decisions. It is a marriage and a commitment no different than today.
I loved how Starnes brought out the best in Georgiana and her relationship with Elizabeth and Darcy. She grew up right before our eyes. It was amazing to see how Starnes handled it. It was a smooth transition and didn’t jump from her being the shy reclusive girl to an engaged woman within a few pages [as often happens in other JAFF]. No, we watched the natural progression as she moved through the stages of her development, presentation at court, launch into society, balls, courtships, struggles with deciding what she wanted in life and then making a decision she could live with. Well done Starnes.
Elizabeth attempted to reinstate past Christmas Holiday traditions at Pemberley. She tried to mesh her family with friends and relations of Darcy. Caroline Bingley had to be included as she was staying with Charles and Jane Bingley. I swear, that woman should be barred from all Darcy holdings for life. She was awful. In spite of her snide remarks and attitude, the Season activities were a complete success and launched Elizabeth as hostess of Pemberley.
With any marriage there will be trying times and disappointments. We travel through the angst with Darcy and his Elizabeth as they suffer the most difficult of disappointments after an accident on the stairs. Elizabeth’s very life is then put in jeopardy and Darcy suffers the various levels of Hell until she recovers. Any who have suffered a loss can relate to the degree of suffering they traverse. We grieve with them as they struggle to find their footing during this difficult time. Georgiana suffers with her brother and sister and finally finds the strength she needs from a shoulder she feels she can safely lean on for the rest of her life. It is the ray of sunshine behind the dark cloud of despair.
Starnes leads us through the many historical military actions of the times by newspaper accounts, and stores [and personal thoughts] related by our dear Colonel. Darcy and a younger Fitzwilliam brother head out to retrieve our dear Colonel after the family has received word that he has been seriously injured. We are privy to Darcy’s planning prowess as he plans for their departure in step by step preparations from sending for the doctor, relief horses along the way, bandages, medical supplies and a conveyance to transport. His commands and advance planning was amazing. Due to his quick response and degree of planning, they managed to secure the retrieval of our injured Colonel. Starnes pulled in historical references pointing to that timely departure and what happened after they left the area. It was amazing as Starnes revealed battlefield success and failures that is such a part of British history. War truly is hell.
The situation that arises between Darcy and his cousin, as he recovers, was heart breaking. We’ve always had clues in P&P; it was alluded to, and even considered, but due to lack of fortune was not possible. In this story, Starnes moved it front and center and, like the elephant in the room, Darcy and our dear Colonel had to deal with it. Such gentlemen, such strength of character, such love between the cousin/brothers, such an emotional blow, I wanted to cry.
Darcy and his Elizabeth continued together as the hands of time moved on. The epilogue was awesome. As Elizabeth observed her Darcy [with a bit of gray in his hair], she looked around at their children and the children of all those around them. She smiled as she observed the direction Cupid’s arrow was taking with the children. The list of connections with the characters will amaze.
The family gathering Starnes describes is very much like my own family reunion. My generation is no longer the little ones running around. Our children and their children carry on after us. Where did the time go? Minus .5 star for minimal errors, confusion with names, connections, and dialogue [not always clear who was talking]. Other than that, I loved this book.
December 19, 2017
The first time I read this book I received it on loan from friend and author, Joy Dawn King.
Now, however, the dear author, gifted me with my own copy. She had made some changes and additions, i.e., a section at the end explaining the various people, their titles and their connections to each other, etc.
I found myself again in the grips of a powerfully told and dear creation of the life after the wedding ceremony for not only ODC but also their sister, Georgiana. Joana writes the thoughts, the feelings, the confusion, the fears and family life in town and at Pemberley.
My first review: I don't usually read sequels: I love variations. However, of the few sequels I have read this has to be the best. I do agree with a few other reviews that I would love to have had a family tree to consult, i.e., Col. Fitzwilliam is spoken about at the end of the book under another name and this is not immediately explained. And Georgiana's married name changes with the death of her husband's grandfather (?) and this was not obvious until a few sentences later. Plus, as someone else pointed out, the story has various POVs and also changes of story line in the middle of a page/with no warning. (Second review: I found I had no problem with the change in POV during this reading.)
Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) said it best in saying that this story is about the two main women in Darcy's life, Elizabeth and Georgiana. The book may seem slow at the beginning to some but I did find that it kept my attention. We are learning about Elizabeth's adjustment to her married life, including her relationship to Georgiana, her role as mistress of two estates with the relationships to the housekeepers, her acceptance (or not) into the ton and into Darcy's extended family. The latter are all new characters in this continuing story.
The tale has two main plots in my opinion: ODC's relationship focusing on pregnancy and Georgiana's coming out. I used a number of tissues in reading this story with not all my tears being for happy, poignant moments. Joana Starnes brought this story into my heart and soul as well as into my mind with the realism of life as a married couple. Her use of both heroines' life experiences to help them deal with new issues show how life shapes us and guides our decision making. As has been said, the author dealt with relationships as more a building process than a light bulb being turned on, i.e., Elizabeth's and Georgiana's evolving sisterly bond and in only learning as needed about past experiences.
One strong note is that after *SPOILER* Elizabeth's miscarriage Georgiana has to speak with Darcy to make him realize that he can't dwell on the tragedy but must move forward for Elizabeth's sake. One gets the feeling here (but it is not explored to my satisfaction) that Darcy is not only all condolences and sad miens but also that he is holding himself apart from Elizabeth in the intimacies of marriage. One only learns that this has been corrected when one learns of a second pregnancy pages later.
Georgina's coming out is all one could imagine. Wickham's past best friend - horrors, but can this man have changed? And then there is the quiet man of whom no one takes notice. Georgiana has a number of suitors - not hard to imagine with her beauty, her connections and her dowry. Very satisfying how this is worked out.
Footnotes are provided which I found helpful and the conversation about historical military practices and styles very interesting but not heavy. The comparisons between the French, Spanish and British commanders and their troops was enlightening.
One last comment, and again, *SPOILER* - Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine - can you imagine? I had to laugh. Delightful. You will enjoy that touch of humor.
Very well done. I highly recommend this as I also recommend all of Joana's other books.
Now, however, the dear author, gifted me with my own copy. She had made some changes and additions, i.e., a section at the end explaining the various people, their titles and their connections to each other, etc.
I found myself again in the grips of a powerfully told and dear creation of the life after the wedding ceremony for not only ODC but also their sister, Georgiana. Joana writes the thoughts, the feelings, the confusion, the fears and family life in town and at Pemberley.
My first review: I don't usually read sequels: I love variations. However, of the few sequels I have read this has to be the best. I do agree with a few other reviews that I would love to have had a family tree to consult, i.e., Col. Fitzwilliam is spoken about at the end of the book under another name and this is not immediately explained. And Georgiana's married name changes with the death of her husband's grandfather (?) and this was not obvious until a few sentences later. Plus, as someone else pointed out, the story has various POVs and also changes of story line in the middle of a page/with no warning. (Second review: I found I had no problem with the change in POV during this reading.)
Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) said it best in saying that this story is about the two main women in Darcy's life, Elizabeth and Georgiana. The book may seem slow at the beginning to some but I did find that it kept my attention. We are learning about Elizabeth's adjustment to her married life, including her relationship to Georgiana, her role as mistress of two estates with the relationships to the housekeepers, her acceptance (or not) into the ton and into Darcy's extended family. The latter are all new characters in this continuing story.
The tale has two main plots in my opinion: ODC's relationship focusing on pregnancy and Georgiana's coming out. I used a number of tissues in reading this story with not all my tears being for happy, poignant moments. Joana Starnes brought this story into my heart and soul as well as into my mind with the realism of life as a married couple. Her use of both heroines' life experiences to help them deal with new issues show how life shapes us and guides our decision making. As has been said, the author dealt with relationships as more a building process than a light bulb being turned on, i.e., Elizabeth's and Georgiana's evolving sisterly bond and in only learning as needed about past experiences.
One strong note is that after *SPOILER* Elizabeth's miscarriage Georgiana has to speak with Darcy to make him realize that he can't dwell on the tragedy but must move forward for Elizabeth's sake. One gets the feeling here (but it is not explored to my satisfaction) that Darcy is not only all condolences and sad miens but also that he is holding himself apart from Elizabeth in the intimacies of marriage. One only learns that this has been corrected when one learns of a second pregnancy pages later.
Georgina's coming out is all one could imagine. Wickham's past best friend - horrors, but can this man have changed? And then there is the quiet man of whom no one takes notice. Georgiana has a number of suitors - not hard to imagine with her beauty, her connections and her dowry. Very satisfying how this is worked out.
Footnotes are provided which I found helpful and the conversation about historical military practices and styles very interesting but not heavy. The comparisons between the French, Spanish and British commanders and their troops was enlightening.
One last comment, and again, *SPOILER* - Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine - can you imagine? I had to laugh. Delightful. You will enjoy that touch of humor.
Very well done. I highly recommend this as I also recommend all of Joana's other books.
September 29, 2013
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and her most beloved and romantic couple, debut author Joana Starnes takes up her pen to tell the story of what happens after Elizabeth and Darcy say “I Do.” Taking us through the first couple years of marriage, Ms. Starnes astutely illustrates all the adjustments, transitions, and challenges a young bride experiences upon marriage, as well as the joys and blessings. In addition, this sequel also displays the trials, ceremony, and excitement of a young lady’s first season as readers witness Georgiana’s coming out. While there is plenty of Darcy in this sequel, the primary focus of this tale is on his womenfolk – Elizabeth and Georgiana.
Will Elizabeth be able to master her new role as mistress of Pemberley despite the fact that half of Darcy’s family disapproves of her? Will Georgiana be able to conquer her timorous nature and accept the attention and addresses of her various suitors? You must read to find out…
What I loved most about this Pride and Prejudice sequel (besides how the author reverently and skillfully handled Jane Austen’s characters) was that it felt exceedingly realistic! Elizabeth faced a lot of struggles and obstacles as Mrs. Darcy, such as: a housekeeper who treats her with “frosty civility,” key members of the Fitzwilliam family still opposing her marriage, and a new sister who is a little reticent and hard to draw out. I loved that Elizabeth’s transition into her new role wasn’t perfect and that everyone wasn’t instantly in love and accepting of her. I appreciated how Elizabeth had to earn people’s respect and work hard to prove herself.
Another aspect of this story I greatly enjoyed was witnessing Georgiana coming-of-age and falling in love. I admired how Joana Starnes portrayed Georgiana in this sequel – she didn’t immediately warm up to Elizabeth or transform into a mini-Elizabeth with a lively wit and penchant for teasing. She stayed very true to self – sensitive, shy, and still slightly scarred by her past. I enjoyed seeing her interactions with her suitors (she has such a caring heart) and her analyzation and comparison between her current suitors and feelings with those she experienced in Ramsgate with Wickham.
While several sections of this story are low-key and slower in pace, other sections are much accelerated with drama, tragedy, and tension. I very much enjoyed both the low-key moments and the high drama, but I kind of felt the sometimes abrupt shifts in pacing were a little disjointed. In addition, there were some leaps in time that occurred in the middle of the chapter which were sometimes a little bit awkward and hard to follow.
And although I loved how Ms. Starnes included more of the Darcy-side of the family tree (Yes! Darcy does have relatives on his father’s side!), I was in desperate need of a family tree or some sort of diagram describing how everyone is related (especially since there are multiple generations, titles, and not much use of the surnames ‘Darcy’ or ‘Fitzwilliam.’)
What a wonderful debut novel from Joana Starnes! I found Ms. Starnes narrative voice to be very similar to that of Jane Austen’s and I greatly appreciated her convincing developments of these beloved characters! Definitely looking forward to more from this author!
Austenesque Reviews
Will Elizabeth be able to master her new role as mistress of Pemberley despite the fact that half of Darcy’s family disapproves of her? Will Georgiana be able to conquer her timorous nature and accept the attention and addresses of her various suitors? You must read to find out…
What I loved most about this Pride and Prejudice sequel (besides how the author reverently and skillfully handled Jane Austen’s characters) was that it felt exceedingly realistic! Elizabeth faced a lot of struggles and obstacles as Mrs. Darcy, such as: a housekeeper who treats her with “frosty civility,” key members of the Fitzwilliam family still opposing her marriage, and a new sister who is a little reticent and hard to draw out. I loved that Elizabeth’s transition into her new role wasn’t perfect and that everyone wasn’t instantly in love and accepting of her. I appreciated how Elizabeth had to earn people’s respect and work hard to prove herself.
Another aspect of this story I greatly enjoyed was witnessing Georgiana coming-of-age and falling in love. I admired how Joana Starnes portrayed Georgiana in this sequel – she didn’t immediately warm up to Elizabeth or transform into a mini-Elizabeth with a lively wit and penchant for teasing. She stayed very true to self – sensitive, shy, and still slightly scarred by her past. I enjoyed seeing her interactions with her suitors (she has such a caring heart) and her analyzation and comparison between her current suitors and feelings with those she experienced in Ramsgate with Wickham.
While several sections of this story are low-key and slower in pace, other sections are much accelerated with drama, tragedy, and tension. I very much enjoyed both the low-key moments and the high drama, but I kind of felt the sometimes abrupt shifts in pacing were a little disjointed. In addition, there were some leaps in time that occurred in the middle of the chapter which were sometimes a little bit awkward and hard to follow.
And although I loved how Ms. Starnes included more of the Darcy-side of the family tree (Yes! Darcy does have relatives on his father’s side!), I was in desperate need of a family tree or some sort of diagram describing how everyone is related (especially since there are multiple generations, titles, and not much use of the surnames ‘Darcy’ or ‘Fitzwilliam.’)
What a wonderful debut novel from Joana Starnes! I found Ms. Starnes narrative voice to be very similar to that of Jane Austen’s and I greatly appreciated her convincing developments of these beloved characters! Definitely looking forward to more from this author!
Austenesque Reviews
June 25, 2013
It takes a very good writer to affect your emotions when you are reading a story, to draw you in to the extent that you are experiencing the ups and downs of the characters’ lives as if you live and breathe alongside them. Ms Starnes took full charge of mine when I started to read From This Day Forward. I have laughed and smiled, shed tears – of both joy and sadness – and swooned as I have followed her story of life for Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy after they are married.
The story takes them from London to Pemberley and back, through highs and lows, chronicling their lives and those of their family and friends in a delightful continuation of one of the nation’s best-loved novels, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
The original characters stay true to form, the new characters are well rounded and believable and the more minor characters from the original story are delightfully expanded upon. In particular, if you love stories about Georgiana Darcy, then this book is for you. In Ms Starnes’ gentle hands she develops beautifully throughout the tale and by the time she finds her own happiness you will be smiling tears of joy for her just as I was.
This is a well-researched book that speaks with a true Regency voice and clearly was written by someone with a deep understanding of her subject matter, the period and her characters.
If you love a good read and you relish becoming emotionally attached to the characters in the story, then this book is for you!
The story takes them from London to Pemberley and back, through highs and lows, chronicling their lives and those of their family and friends in a delightful continuation of one of the nation’s best-loved novels, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
The original characters stay true to form, the new characters are well rounded and believable and the more minor characters from the original story are delightfully expanded upon. In particular, if you love stories about Georgiana Darcy, then this book is for you. In Ms Starnes’ gentle hands she develops beautifully throughout the tale and by the time she finds her own happiness you will be smiling tears of joy for her just as I was.
This is a well-researched book that speaks with a true Regency voice and clearly was written by someone with a deep understanding of her subject matter, the period and her characters.
If you love a good read and you relish becoming emotionally attached to the characters in the story, then this book is for you!
July 6, 2018
This is truly one of the best P&P sequels I have read. I am really not much of a fan of sequels because they are either tedious or insanely angst filled or introduce so many extraneous characters that you begin to forget that it is a P&P sequel.
This story concentrates on the core Darcy family - Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Georgiana. It mainly covers the first two years of their marriage. It has enough reasonable angst - no kidnappings, no ghosts, no hidden secrets about anyone's past - to keep the story interesting.
Unbelievably I purchased this book in Nov. 2013 and 'forgot' to read it until I discovered I had purchased it earlier this week. A regrettable decision but a delightful surprise
This story concentrates on the core Darcy family - Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth and Georgiana. It mainly covers the first two years of their marriage. It has enough reasonable angst - no kidnappings, no ghosts, no hidden secrets about anyone's past - to keep the story interesting.
Unbelievably I purchased this book in Nov. 2013 and 'forgot' to read it until I discovered I had purchased it earlier this week. A regrettable decision but a delightful surprise
January 23, 2014
Although Elizabeth stated in Pride and Prejudice that since Darcy was a gentleman and she was a gentleman’s daughter they were equal it wasn't strictly accurate; they lived in very different worlds. Darcy’s estate was much larger than the Bennets' so even if Elizabeth was well-versed in the duties that she’d need to fulfil as mistress of a home being the mistress of a grand estate may well have been daunting. Also, Elizabeth had very likely never navigated London’s fashionable circles, something she’d need to do successfully to ensure a good marriage for Georgiana as well as for any children that she and Darcy would have. I’ve often wondered whether she’d struggle or if it would be plain sailing.
Joana Starne’s story picks up 9 days after Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding. When the story begins we find a few obstacles that Elizabeth has already encountered; the housekeeper at the London townhouse is unwelcoming towards her and Lady Catherine is not the only one of Darcy’s Fitzwilliam relatives that is opposed to his marriage to Elizabeth. With the exception of Colonel Fitzwilliam, none of the Fitzwilliams are welcoming to Elizabeth. If Elizabeth had come from the same social circle as Darcy she would have been able to rely on the support of her own family but of course, this isn’t the case, as her parents don’t have the connections to be able to launch her into society. Luckily some of Darcy’s more distant relations are more amenable and agree to assist.
The book follows the events of the Darcy household over the next few years. Darcy and Elizabeth are a very loving couple (although don’t worry if you don’t like sex scenes, there are none in this book). We see them settle into their roles as husband and wife, and see how much they come to rely on each other, particularly in the face of his family’s opposition. Elizabeth breathes life into the rather staid Darcy household that has been missing since the death of Lady Anne. The growing relationship between Elizabeth and Georgiana is lovely to see, and Elizabeth really helps Georgiana grow and find confidence in herself, something that is vital for Georgiana’s launch into society. The book is as much about Georgiana and her blossoming into womanhood as it is about Elizabeth and Darcy. The family face a number of hurdles, some harder to overcome than others and we will get the opportunity to see how well Mr and Mrs Darcy have overcome their old faults of hasty judgement and distain for the feelings of others.
Although I enjoyed the book from the outset it took a good while to grip me. It was fairly slow going at the beginning, and although issues were faced initially they were pretty easily overcome and I’d have liked a bit more tension in the first half of the story. The book has its share of angst but it is concentrated, so it hits you even harder when it arrives.
Both Elizabeth and Darcy’s families appear in the book. I felt the depiction of the Bennet side of the family was generally faithful to Pride and Prejudice, aside from the Gardiner’s sons who were older than canon. In the world of Austenesque fiction you often find Mrs Bennet drawn very harshly, but here I felt she was properly represented in all her embarrassing glory and you couldn’t help wincing at some of her comments, but also sympathising with her when she succeeded in her life’s ambition of marrying off all her daughters and then felt bereft. I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of Elizabeth’s sisters. As for Darcy’s family, both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine feature in this story, and we meet the more distant relatives who assist Lizzy’s launch to society. The connection between Darcy and these relatives is described in a bit too much detail for me, I read the paragraph about 5 times before I had it straight in my mind, but distant cousin pretty much covers it!
One thing I particularly liked about this book was the humour, such as this gem showing Miss Bingley’s views of the Christmas entertainment at Pemberley:
‘ “What game is that, pray?” Lady Mellor’s youngest piped up, understandably inexperienced in what passed for entertainment in Cheapside and the wilds of Hertfordshire.’
We see three Christmases in this book, the first two Christmases following Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s wedding which form a stark contrast to each other, and the third Christmas celebration in the epilogue, 24 years down the line where we get the chance to catch up with the futures of many of the characters. Personally, I love an epilogue, and the epilogue in this book I particularly enjoyed.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of Leatherbound Reviews in return for this honest review.
Joana Starne’s story picks up 9 days after Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding. When the story begins we find a few obstacles that Elizabeth has already encountered; the housekeeper at the London townhouse is unwelcoming towards her and Lady Catherine is not the only one of Darcy’s Fitzwilliam relatives that is opposed to his marriage to Elizabeth. With the exception of Colonel Fitzwilliam, none of the Fitzwilliams are welcoming to Elizabeth. If Elizabeth had come from the same social circle as Darcy she would have been able to rely on the support of her own family but of course, this isn’t the case, as her parents don’t have the connections to be able to launch her into society. Luckily some of Darcy’s more distant relations are more amenable and agree to assist.
The book follows the events of the Darcy household over the next few years. Darcy and Elizabeth are a very loving couple (although don’t worry if you don’t like sex scenes, there are none in this book). We see them settle into their roles as husband and wife, and see how much they come to rely on each other, particularly in the face of his family’s opposition. Elizabeth breathes life into the rather staid Darcy household that has been missing since the death of Lady Anne. The growing relationship between Elizabeth and Georgiana is lovely to see, and Elizabeth really helps Georgiana grow and find confidence in herself, something that is vital for Georgiana’s launch into society. The book is as much about Georgiana and her blossoming into womanhood as it is about Elizabeth and Darcy. The family face a number of hurdles, some harder to overcome than others and we will get the opportunity to see how well Mr and Mrs Darcy have overcome their old faults of hasty judgement and distain for the feelings of others.
Although I enjoyed the book from the outset it took a good while to grip me. It was fairly slow going at the beginning, and although issues were faced initially they were pretty easily overcome and I’d have liked a bit more tension in the first half of the story. The book has its share of angst but it is concentrated, so it hits you even harder when it arrives.
Both Elizabeth and Darcy’s families appear in the book. I felt the depiction of the Bennet side of the family was generally faithful to Pride and Prejudice, aside from the Gardiner’s sons who were older than canon. In the world of Austenesque fiction you often find Mrs Bennet drawn very harshly, but here I felt she was properly represented in all her embarrassing glory and you couldn’t help wincing at some of her comments, but also sympathising with her when she succeeded in her life’s ambition of marrying off all her daughters and then felt bereft. I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of Elizabeth’s sisters. As for Darcy’s family, both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine feature in this story, and we meet the more distant relatives who assist Lizzy’s launch to society. The connection between Darcy and these relatives is described in a bit too much detail for me, I read the paragraph about 5 times before I had it straight in my mind, but distant cousin pretty much covers it!
One thing I particularly liked about this book was the humour, such as this gem showing Miss Bingley’s views of the Christmas entertainment at Pemberley:
‘ “What game is that, pray?” Lady Mellor’s youngest piped up, understandably inexperienced in what passed for entertainment in Cheapside and the wilds of Hertfordshire.’
We see three Christmases in this book, the first two Christmases following Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s wedding which form a stark contrast to each other, and the third Christmas celebration in the epilogue, 24 years down the line where we get the chance to catch up with the futures of many of the characters. Personally, I love an epilogue, and the epilogue in this book I particularly enjoyed.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of Leatherbound Reviews in return for this honest review.
July 30, 2021
What a wonderful novel.
I went through roller coasters of emotion - the happiness of Elizabeth and Darcy as they begin their married life together; the pride of seeing Georgiana grow up and become a lovely young woman; the unrequited love of Colonel Fitzwilliam for Elizabeth (yes, this was indeed tears worthy); and the utter heartbreak of Elizabeth and Darcy’s loss of their first child. Even the melancholy tenderness of Mrs Bennet as she marries off the last two daughters is experienced.
Weeks, months and years came and went in this novel, so
Much so that I had to stop for small periods and let them sink in before I could return and read on. Exceptionally well written and a very satisfying read where we could follow the trajectory of their lives.
I went through roller coasters of emotion - the happiness of Elizabeth and Darcy as they begin their married life together; the pride of seeing Georgiana grow up and become a lovely young woman; the unrequited love of Colonel Fitzwilliam for Elizabeth (yes, this was indeed tears worthy); and the utter heartbreak of Elizabeth and Darcy’s loss of their first child. Even the melancholy tenderness of Mrs Bennet as she marries off the last two daughters is experienced.
Weeks, months and years came and went in this novel, so
Much so that I had to stop for small periods and let them sink in before I could return and read on. Exceptionally well written and a very satisfying read where we could follow the trajectory of their lives.
May 3, 2024
sequel to Pride and Prejudice
Lizzy and Darcy are married but day to day life is no less interesting and difficult than the days of courtship. Lots of angst, lots of smiles and lots of love.
We see in times of trouble for Lizzy, Darcy’s grief cannot be overcome making Darcy useless at being a tower of strength for Lizzy. His need to control his world when the world cannot be controlled is very similar to his father grief when his wife died and the Darcy children getting no help from their father. And just as Darcy’s father made huge mistakes, Wickham, Darcy makes huge mistakes when Lizzy needs him the most.
I enjoyed all the plot lines and the book as a single experience very much. Well worth reading.
Lizzy and Darcy are married but day to day life is no less interesting and difficult than the days of courtship. Lots of angst, lots of smiles and lots of love.
We see in times of trouble for Lizzy, Darcy’s grief cannot be overcome making Darcy useless at being a tower of strength for Lizzy. His need to control his world when the world cannot be controlled is very similar to his father grief when his wife died and the Darcy children getting no help from their father. And just as Darcy’s father made huge mistakes, Wickham, Darcy makes huge mistakes when Lizzy needs him the most.
I enjoyed all the plot lines and the book as a single experience very much. Well worth reading.
December 26, 2015
Great book, full of lovely detail. True to the period. There were loads of little moments that I loved. The relationships between Jane and Lizzy and Mrs Gardiner and Lizzy were tender and believable. Particularly enjoyed the ending.
May 29, 2019
Easy to recommend Joana Starnes book. I’ll say it again, read one—read them all. She’s master storyteller and knows her Darcy & Elizabeth intimately.
August 23, 2013
From This Day Forward ~ The Darcys of Pemberley is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice. The beginning seems to be about Elizabeth and Darcy, and the second half seems to be more about Georgiana.
The story takes us through the first few years of Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage. It is a time for Georgiana and Elizabeth to get to know each other. Elizabeth also gets to know a host of distant relatives that are not in the original story. We see Elizabeth learning her duties as mistress. Elizabeth has her presentation and her first season in town.
Around the second half of the story, The next season is Georgiana’s coming out, with balls and suitors, it is a busy and overwhelming time for Georgiana. This is where Georgiana begins to grow and mature. She learns Darcy is not as perfect as she thinks he is. She learns to trust her judgement about the gentlemen she meets. I loved listening to her thoughts as she reflects back and compares Wickham’s words to the words of other possible suitors. She sorts through her confusions and fears to become a beautiful, confident and happy woman!
Lady Catherine also comes to town for Georgiana’s coming out. She has still not forgiven Darcy for marrying Elizabeth, but she feels the need to have her say in Georgiana’s preparations - to make sure Mrs. Darcy is handling all aspects of it correctly.
I had a really hard time getting into this story. To be fair, it might have been that I was really busy, but the story never engaged me. I felt as if the story were being told to me. I didn’t live it.
From This Day Forward is a wonderful story if you want to spend more time with the Darcys. I really did love seeing Georgiana become a confident woman.
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
The story takes us through the first few years of Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage. It is a time for Georgiana and Elizabeth to get to know each other. Elizabeth also gets to know a host of distant relatives that are not in the original story. We see Elizabeth learning her duties as mistress. Elizabeth has her presentation and her first season in town.
Around the second half of the story, The next season is Georgiana’s coming out, with balls and suitors, it is a busy and overwhelming time for Georgiana. This is where Georgiana begins to grow and mature. She learns Darcy is not as perfect as she thinks he is. She learns to trust her judgement about the gentlemen she meets. I loved listening to her thoughts as she reflects back and compares Wickham’s words to the words of other possible suitors. She sorts through her confusions and fears to become a beautiful, confident and happy woman!
Lady Catherine also comes to town for Georgiana’s coming out. She has still not forgiven Darcy for marrying Elizabeth, but she feels the need to have her say in Georgiana’s preparations - to make sure Mrs. Darcy is handling all aspects of it correctly.
I had a really hard time getting into this story. To be fair, it might have been that I was really busy, but the story never engaged me. I felt as if the story were being told to me. I didn’t live it.
From This Day Forward is a wonderful story if you want to spend more time with the Darcys. I really did love seeing Georgiana become a confident woman.
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
January 20, 2016
As you can probably guess from the full title, 'From this day forward' is a continuation of the story of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. I have to confess that, as a general rule, I do not like Jane Austen spin-offs, but having met Joana at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, I promised that I would give her book a try and I am glad that I did.
This book is a very gentle read - more of a commentary on the ongoing life of the new Mrs Darcy than anything else, but I found it surprisingly engaging. The language is Austenesque and I felt that the characters acted within the boundaries of what I expected of them from the original book - something that every other Jane Austen spin-off I have read has failed to achieve.
The main story of the book is how Georgiana Darcy is nurtured by her new sister-in-law from the timid creature she is in 'Pride and Prejudice' into the self-assured young woman who is able to make the right choice about who she should marry. There is a little drama around Elizabeth's own story which I was eager to see resolved, but I won't say more as I have no wish to give away what happens.
I found the number of characters referred to in the early part of the book bewildering. I know that this was done on purpose so that we could share what Elizabeth felt, but in this instance, personally, I would rather have just been told! My greatest disappointment was the epilogue: all the loose ends were tied up when I would have liked there to have been more scope for a sequel with the characters that Joana had developed so beautifully!
This book is a very gentle read - more of a commentary on the ongoing life of the new Mrs Darcy than anything else, but I found it surprisingly engaging. The language is Austenesque and I felt that the characters acted within the boundaries of what I expected of them from the original book - something that every other Jane Austen spin-off I have read has failed to achieve.
The main story of the book is how Georgiana Darcy is nurtured by her new sister-in-law from the timid creature she is in 'Pride and Prejudice' into the self-assured young woman who is able to make the right choice about who she should marry. There is a little drama around Elizabeth's own story which I was eager to see resolved, but I won't say more as I have no wish to give away what happens.
I found the number of characters referred to in the early part of the book bewildering. I know that this was done on purpose so that we could share what Elizabeth felt, but in this instance, personally, I would rather have just been told! My greatest disappointment was the epilogue: all the loose ends were tied up when I would have liked there to have been more scope for a sequel with the characters that Joana had developed so beautifully!
November 4, 2014
See? It doesn't always have to have loads of sex for me to adore a JAFF. What this book does have by the cart load is excellent attention to the detail of Regency language, thorough editing and excellent manuscript formatting too rarely seen in self-published novels, and realistic of-the-era motivations by the characters. Also, I'm a sucker for a heart-broken Colonel Fitzwilliam. Another facet that fascinates here is the inclusion of historical tidbits—what one might almost call the Regency version of water cooler chat—woven into drawing room, ballroom, and breakfast room conversations. Really loved this author's research.
April 4, 2022
Slow
Reviewed in Canada on December 27, 2018
It took quite a few chapters before this book got mildly interesting. I found the genealogy and discussions of war battles too long. At least there was no Wickam except a mention or two.
Reviewed in Canada on December 27, 2018
It took quite a few chapters before this book got mildly interesting. I found the genealogy and discussions of war battles too long. At least there was no Wickam except a mention or two.
December 16, 2013
Dès le début de la lecture, on est projeté dans le nouveau monde de Lizzy Darcy et j'ai particulièrement apprécié le fait que pour une fois, l'auteure ne se concentre pas sur l'aspect "youhou vive le sexe" mais bien sur le côté "social" de la chose : la rencontre avec la (riche) famille Darcy, la manière dont Lizzy s'adapte à son nouveau statut ... Sa nouvelle relation avec sa propre famille (le fait que son père et même sa mère lui manquent..) ses retrouvailles avec Jane sont aussi bien menées. La relation avec Darcy, affectueuse et basée sur la confiance et également bien gérée même si elle n'est pas au premier plan du roman. En revanche, on est vraiment sur une focalisation Lizzy ( les amateurs de Darcy peuvent être un peu déçus) La suite est bien imaginée, même si on n'échappe pas au traditionnel coup de coeur du Colonel... J'aime beaucoup les destins de Kitty et Mary ainsi que la manière dont l'évolution des relations de Lizzy et Georgie est racontée, la confiance s'installe peu à peu (au lieu du traditionnel côté "youhouuuuuuuuu" dès les premières secondes de leur rencontre !) . J'aime également toute l'intrigue amoureuse de Miss Darcy tout comme le fait que tout ne soit pas toujours tout rose entre Lizzy et Darcy. J'aime aussi la façon progressive dont Lizzy trouve sa place ainsi que le jeu des différentes familles de Darcy (du coté maternel et paternel). La caractérisation de Ann est aussi parfaitement réussie, j'ai beaucoup aimé le parti pris par l'auteur
Ce que j'ai aimé : La façon progressive dont Lizzy trouve sa place. Sa relation avec Georgie, l'intrigue amoureuse de cette dernière.
Ce que j'ai moins aimé : Ne pratiquement jamais entendre parler de Lydia même si c'est plus cohérent. Le rebondissement colonel Fitzwilliam, éculé et vu des dizaines de fois. Le choix de Georgiana même si c'est très réaliste. Les événements sont en général tout de même assez peu surprenant, notamment la perte d'Elizabeth...
En bref : Une bonne sequel, certes au scénario parfois attendu mais qui a le mérite de prendre en compte les difficultés "sociétales" qu'Elizabeth peut rencontrer dans sa nouvelle vie. Sur l'écriture en soi, je ne me prononce pas, comme toujours quand j'ai lu en anglais mais en tous les cas, c'est une des sequels que j'ai le plus aimé jusqu'à présent
Ma note : 8/10
Ce que j'ai aimé : La façon progressive dont Lizzy trouve sa place. Sa relation avec Georgie, l'intrigue amoureuse de cette dernière.
Ce que j'ai moins aimé : Ne pratiquement jamais entendre parler de Lydia même si c'est plus cohérent. Le rebondissement colonel Fitzwilliam, éculé et vu des dizaines de fois. Le choix de Georgiana même si c'est très réaliste. Les événements sont en général tout de même assez peu surprenant, notamment la perte d'Elizabeth...
En bref : Une bonne sequel, certes au scénario parfois attendu mais qui a le mérite de prendre en compte les difficultés "sociétales" qu'Elizabeth peut rencontrer dans sa nouvelle vie. Sur l'écriture en soi, je ne me prononce pas, comme toujours quand j'ai lu en anglais mais en tous les cas, c'est une des sequels que j'ai le plus aimé jusqu'à présent
Ma note : 8/10
March 17, 2018
This is completely different to the other books by this author. I've read all the others so I thought I'd be expecting the same from this as Joana Starnes other books.... anxiety, angst, misunderstanding, misery then humour and romance. It couldn't have been more different. This story follows Darcy and Elizabeth after they marry and the years that follow. It's a gentle story with no significant obstacles or difficulties. There is a lot about Georgiana and her subsequent marriage which was all dealt with rather gently.
I enjoyed this book... but I didn't love it. However, that may well be my fault because I was expecting something completely different to this. As a sequel rather than retelling, it is a good book and perhaps more in keeping with the style and tempo of the original. It's gentle and the happily ever after (almost consistently) that we all enjoy.
I enjoyed this book... but I didn't love it. However, that may well be my fault because I was expecting something completely different to this. As a sequel rather than retelling, it is a good book and perhaps more in keeping with the style and tempo of the original. It's gentle and the happily ever after (almost consistently) that we all enjoy.
June 26, 2021
Overall word for this book: Slow. Yet how could a book that's an epic that took its time about literally everything have such poorly developed characters? Perhaps that's why it seemed so slow. The interest factor just wasn't evident. And that's sad, considering the quality of Joana Starnes's later novels. When your female protagonist is one-dimensional (I actually wrote that down twice while reading, once early in the book and once near the end), boring, and bland, yet her character is supposed to be an older version of the energetic Elizabeth Bennet of Jane Austen fame. Well, something dire happened when she got married. Darcy is a little better, but he can get away with being dour and distant.
I won't summarize the book, I will merely comment upon my observations on technical issues that struck me while reading and made it into my notes.
First off, the incongruities with Austen: I mentioned characterization already. There is also the issue of the Gardiner children. In canon, the girls are 6 and 8 and the boys are younger. Not in "From This Day Forward." Must everyone say Jane has serene beauty? Everyone but Austen, that is.
Of course, there are the usual problems with non-Regency words and phrases. Wedding breakfast, outing, chuckle/chuckled, mesmerized/mesmerizing, taken aback, normality, acerbic. The number is no more than the average JAFF, but the fact is that they are words that should have been noticed by the author or editor easily. Otherwise, there was reasonably good use of Regency style language and British English in the novel. You felt like you were there.
The book has technical issues such as head-hopping, which makes the point of view difficult to follow for the reader. There area extra commas, missing possessives, and sentence fragments.
However, all of these are nothing compared to the lack of conflict. The book has attempts at showing conflict with Davenport, a fall by Elizabeth (no spoiler), and an injury for Colonel Fitzwilliam and following confession (no spoiler). I must say that the confession was handled well and turned out to be quite believable. However, none of these brought much more than mild tension. It was very slow going up to Elizabeth's fall, and even then the scenes that followed were rushed through so quickly that the issues were only moderately compelling. The subject matter should have been horrible, yet it was not. Was the author trying to shield us? The fact that there were three possible places for angst shows the author was all over the place with this book, so lack of focus caused this book to be too long. Yet where was the climax? I couldn't determine anything being built towards or any high point in the novel that was specifically noticeable. Unless you deem the change in Darcy and Elizabeth that point, which was so subtle it was barely there, you could not find a point where the plot points all converged.
The cover is ho-hum. It looks like it might have been made by using a template. It would never stand out among covers and say "Buy me!"
I suspect this is an early book of Starnes's and it's not her typical variation, so that may be the reason it doesn't have her trademark drama and interest. It's too bad. This book was only mildly interesting; it will be easy to forget. It took me forever to read because I had a hard time pushing myself to get to it. Sorry to say, but it's true.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author and because of that, some might suggest that this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for both the author and the reader.
I won't summarize the book, I will merely comment upon my observations on technical issues that struck me while reading and made it into my notes.
First off, the incongruities with Austen: I mentioned characterization already. There is also the issue of the Gardiner children. In canon, the girls are 6 and 8 and the boys are younger. Not in "From This Day Forward." Must everyone say Jane has serene beauty? Everyone but Austen, that is.
Of course, there are the usual problems with non-Regency words and phrases. Wedding breakfast, outing, chuckle/chuckled, mesmerized/mesmerizing, taken aback, normality, acerbic. The number is no more than the average JAFF, but the fact is that they are words that should have been noticed by the author or editor easily. Otherwise, there was reasonably good use of Regency style language and British English in the novel. You felt like you were there.
The book has technical issues such as head-hopping, which makes the point of view difficult to follow for the reader. There area extra commas, missing possessives, and sentence fragments.
However, all of these are nothing compared to the lack of conflict. The book has attempts at showing conflict with Davenport, a fall by Elizabeth (no spoiler), and an injury for Colonel Fitzwilliam and following confession (no spoiler). I must say that the confession was handled well and turned out to be quite believable. However, none of these brought much more than mild tension. It was very slow going up to Elizabeth's fall, and even then the scenes that followed were rushed through so quickly that the issues were only moderately compelling. The subject matter should have been horrible, yet it was not. Was the author trying to shield us? The fact that there were three possible places for angst shows the author was all over the place with this book, so lack of focus caused this book to be too long. Yet where was the climax? I couldn't determine anything being built towards or any high point in the novel that was specifically noticeable. Unless you deem the change in Darcy and Elizabeth that point, which was so subtle it was barely there, you could not find a point where the plot points all converged.
The cover is ho-hum. It looks like it might have been made by using a template. It would never stand out among covers and say "Buy me!"
I suspect this is an early book of Starnes's and it's not her typical variation, so that may be the reason it doesn't have her trademark drama and interest. It's too bad. This book was only mildly interesting; it will be easy to forget. It took me forever to read because I had a hard time pushing myself to get to it. Sorry to say, but it's true.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author and because of that, some might suggest that this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for both the author and the reader.
May 2, 2019
Imagine the life of Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana after Pride and Prejudice ends. I liked the writing and the story but I don’t think it needed to be quite so long.
April 7, 2021
Good book
I liked the story eventhough it was a bit dark at first but the plot was compelling and enjoyable. Loved the ending.
I liked the story eventhough it was a bit dark at first but the plot was compelling and enjoyable. Loved the ending.
January 28, 2020
Lovely Sequel
I really enjoyed this imagining of Darcy and Elizabeth's life after marriage. The joys and sorrows drew me in. I especially enjoyed Georgiana's story. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this imagining of Darcy and Elizabeth's life after marriage. The joys and sorrows drew me in. I especially enjoyed Georgiana's story. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2021
Five stars given to this book for the great and interesting writing but the plot as well! It was completely different with a history of the Darcy family and it's ties. It also showed different sides of the Fitzwilliam family especially Lady Catherine. I was surprised that she became close to Mrs. Bennet and Lizzy in the end. Who would have thought that, especially Mrs. Bennet!
The story begins after the wedding of Lizzy and Darcy. It shows how he is her strength but then again she is a pillar to him. They have their ups and downs as life goes on and then doesn't every married couple. They share happiness and sorrow, death, births, illness and do come together after hardships.
Kitty and Mary do get married which I am glad for Mary rather than the old maid. Jane is happily married to Bingley. Mr. Bennet was there in times of need and really there for Darcy and Lizzy as is Mrs. Gardner.
The Colonel finds happiness with someone after being in love with Lizzy for so long and that is the way it should be.
I will not add any spoilers as what really happens but this novel did hold my interest and I loved the history of the families in it!
I would highly recommend this book to someone who can keep names straight as I went back to the beginning of the book after finishing it to make sure I had the right ones in my mind.
It was good and educational and deep but that is what avid readers like. Thanks for a great novel and I have read her others and I thoroughly enjoyed them all!
The story begins after the wedding of Lizzy and Darcy. It shows how he is her strength but then again she is a pillar to him. They have their ups and downs as life goes on and then doesn't every married couple. They share happiness and sorrow, death, births, illness and do come together after hardships.
Kitty and Mary do get married which I am glad for Mary rather than the old maid. Jane is happily married to Bingley. Mr. Bennet was there in times of need and really there for Darcy and Lizzy as is Mrs. Gardner.
The Colonel finds happiness with someone after being in love with Lizzy for so long and that is the way it should be.
I will not add any spoilers as what really happens but this novel did hold my interest and I loved the history of the families in it!
I would highly recommend this book to someone who can keep names straight as I went back to the beginning of the book after finishing it to make sure I had the right ones in my mind.
It was good and educational and deep but that is what avid readers like. Thanks for a great novel and I have read her others and I thoroughly enjoyed them all!
July 7, 2013
I think a better title for this book would have been "Miss Georgiana's Coming Out" as the book focused mainly on Georgiana's first Season and her beaus. I thought the book was fairly well researched as to Regency customs but I also felt this book needed an editor. Ms. Starnes moves from past to present tense throughout the whole book and even within sentences. I liked the story but was disappointed with the rather abrupt and confusing epilogue.
December 2, 2020
Actually 3 1/2
Most of the book was a good read and story. For me too much time spent on Georgiana. I even speed read through some of the parts involving her. This story was to be of what transpired after the wedding. I didn’t mind all the additional characters brought to light but the story for me should have totally focused on Darcy and Elizabeth with asides to others.
Most of the book was a good read and story. For me too much time spent on Georgiana. I even speed read through some of the parts involving her. This story was to be of what transpired after the wedding. I didn’t mind all the additional characters brought to light but the story for me should have totally focused on Darcy and Elizabeth with asides to others.
November 19, 2019
Wonderful
Joana Starnes is a masterful writer, and her creations never disappoint. Her story of newly married life for Elizabeth and Darcy is a wonderful balance of good and bad, joy and heartbreak, new acquaintances and familiar family and friends, excitement and peace. I wasn't sure a story of settled family life would have enough to hold my interest, but this author knows how to spin the tale in such a way that every little thing is fascinating.
The Darcys have plenty in the beginning to challenge their peace: the difference in temperaments between Elizabeth and Darcy; the disapproval of both the Fitzwilliam and the DeBourgh families regarding their marriage; the extreme shyness of Georgiana and Elizabeth's attempts to penetrate her defenses; Elizabeth's struggles to win over the staff at both of her new homes; Elizabeth missing her dearest sister and her father. However, the one constant throughout the story is the deep reliance ODC have on each other, and the strength their mutual trust gives them to overcome any struggle.
Struggles of a more serious nature eventually occur, and their close bond is tested over and over. Elizabeth gets pregnant, Georgiana has her coming out season, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have an issue between them. Many troublesome and messy issues arise, but the bonds of love and family always prove enduring.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Joana Starnes is a masterful writer, and her creations never disappoint. Her story of newly married life for Elizabeth and Darcy is a wonderful balance of good and bad, joy and heartbreak, new acquaintances and familiar family and friends, excitement and peace. I wasn't sure a story of settled family life would have enough to hold my interest, but this author knows how to spin the tale in such a way that every little thing is fascinating.
The Darcys have plenty in the beginning to challenge their peace: the difference in temperaments between Elizabeth and Darcy; the disapproval of both the Fitzwilliam and the DeBourgh families regarding their marriage; the extreme shyness of Georgiana and Elizabeth's attempts to penetrate her defenses; Elizabeth's struggles to win over the staff at both of her new homes; Elizabeth missing her dearest sister and her father. However, the one constant throughout the story is the deep reliance ODC have on each other, and the strength their mutual trust gives them to overcome any struggle.
Struggles of a more serious nature eventually occur, and their close bond is tested over and over. Elizabeth gets pregnant, Georgiana has her coming out season, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have an issue between them. Many troublesome and messy issues arise, but the bonds of love and family always prove enduring.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
May 1, 2024
Overall, a good story. A lot of new characters to keep track of - sometimes confusing because of same or similar names. A lot of action takes place off the page and several leaps forward in time left me dissatisfied with the story. Also the conversations that were never had - that was just frustrating.
Elizabeth's sad story arc was a new one for me, but wasn't explored in enough detail. The resolution was off page and unsatisfying. Darcy & Elizabeth should have been center stage, but took a backseat to Georgiana's love woes and Colonel Fitzwilliam's return from the battlefield.
Georgiana's tangle of suitors was interesting, but her final decision felt forced by her brother's attitude and actions - she took the easy way out. Also the age difference was a major ick for me in this story because he had been pining for her for ages - something about a young man in his 20s yearning for a (10 to 15 year old?) girl is just gross. Not my idea of romance.
The epilogue wrapped up all the loose ends and gave readers a look into the future.
Elizabeth's sad story arc was a new one for me, but wasn't explored in enough detail. The resolution was off page and unsatisfying. Darcy & Elizabeth should have been center stage, but took a backseat to Georgiana's love woes and Colonel Fitzwilliam's return from the battlefield.
Georgiana's tangle of suitors was interesting, but her final decision felt forced by her brother's attitude and actions - she took the easy way out. Also the age difference was a major ick for me in this story because he had been pining for her for ages - something about a young man in his 20s yearning for a (10 to 15 year old?) girl is just gross. Not my idea of romance.
The epilogue wrapped up all the loose ends and gave readers a look into the future.
October 8, 2017
This is an unusual pride and prejudice sequel, at least unusual for me. It doesn't exactly have a plot that drives the story from the beginning to the end, but a lot of sub-plots, some going on through the entire book, others that last a few chapters.
This novel represents the author's personal view on how could have been life for Elizabeth and Darcy in their first years of marriage, Elizabeth's struggles to be accepted by his family, their first steps as a couple, their efforts to guide Georgiana in her First Season.
There are glimpses of many other beloved characters as well as a lot of new ones to fell in love with. In some parts, the pace is quite slow, but I think it suits the kind of novel, it makes it more believable as the representation of real life.
This novel represents the author's personal view on how could have been life for Elizabeth and Darcy in their first years of marriage, Elizabeth's struggles to be accepted by his family, their first steps as a couple, their efforts to guide Georgiana in her First Season.
There are glimpses of many other beloved characters as well as a lot of new ones to fell in love with. In some parts, the pace is quite slow, but I think it suits the kind of novel, it makes it more believable as the representation of real life.
September 15, 2018
Very slow beginning
Compared to her other books, this one is an even slower read. I think I was about 60% through the book before I felt like it was holding my attention. She does introduce some conflict at that point and it becomes much more interesting. However, the choice of protagonists switches a couple of times, which is a little unusual but ends up working so that the conflict can be followed through. I still echo the other reviewer's comment that the use of the word "aye" draws me out of the story every time. I don't remember it being used in any of Jane's books by her main characters and associate it now with Scottish, nautical, or non upper class use. THen again, I'm not a language or history scholar.
Compared to her other books, this one is an even slower read. I think I was about 60% through the book before I felt like it was holding my attention. She does introduce some conflict at that point and it becomes much more interesting. However, the choice of protagonists switches a couple of times, which is a little unusual but ends up working so that the conflict can be followed through. I still echo the other reviewer's comment that the use of the word "aye" draws me out of the story every time. I don't remember it being used in any of Jane's books by her main characters and associate it now with Scottish, nautical, or non upper class use. THen again, I'm not a language or history scholar.
June 28, 2019
This was a calm, drama-free sweet continuation of Pride and Prejudice. It starts out shortly after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage. At first it was a bit hard to get into because it discussed a lot of daily life, and historical news, which can be a bit dry. Additionally it can be hard to remember who is who, and who is related to who at first. I would have probably trimmed that a bit. After the slow warm up into the story, I found that it started to get very interesting. I loved how Georgiana debut and first season was engaging (har-har!). I loved that .
All in all it was a great book!
All in all it was a great book!
February 4, 2021
This was a slow, easy, gentle read. It was nice but too much time spent on Georgiana’s come out and “courtships” and not enough on Darcy/Elizabeth. I got kinda bored at times to be honest and started skipping through some parts. It also dragged on at some points with unnecessary info/details or reaaaaaaallly long boring conversations that don’t add much to the story or build on the characters much :/
If you can skip or get through those parts, it’s a nice low-angst sequel.
If you can skip or get through those parts, it’s a nice low-angst sequel.
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