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A Disguise of the Worst Sort
Elizabeth believed there was nothing worse than being forced to marry Mr. Darcy. She was wrong.
When Caroline Bingley finds a magical way to switch places with her, Elizabeth loses her name, her body, and even her betrothed in one fell swoop.
Darcy’s life should be perfect. He is to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet on Christmas Eve. But ever since she arrived at Pemberley, it is almost as if she is another person. Wily rather than witty. Cloying rather than compassionate. Greedy rather than generous. How can the perfect woman he met in Hertfordshire suddenly remind him of Caroline Bingley?
Unable to speak of the curse, Elizabeth is growing desperate. As time before the wedding dwindles away, Elizabeth is beginning to realise how much she cares for Mr. Darcy—just as he is about to promise his love to another woman.
A Disguise of the Worst Sort is a short, clean novel of about 56,000 words with just a hint of magic.
When Caroline Bingley finds a magical way to switch places with her, Elizabeth loses her name, her body, and even her betrothed in one fell swoop.
Darcy’s life should be perfect. He is to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet on Christmas Eve. But ever since she arrived at Pemberley, it is almost as if she is another person. Wily rather than witty. Cloying rather than compassionate. Greedy rather than generous. How can the perfect woman he met in Hertfordshire suddenly remind him of Caroline Bingley?
Unable to speak of the curse, Elizabeth is growing desperate. As time before the wedding dwindles away, Elizabeth is beginning to realise how much she cares for Mr. Darcy—just as he is about to promise his love to another woman.
A Disguise of the Worst Sort is a short, clean novel of about 56,000 words with just a hint of magic.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
87 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 25, 2022
This story grabbed my attention and kept me turning pages.
First there is the matter of Mr. Darcy going to Mr. Bennet to ask for Elizabeth's hand in marriage WITHOUT proposing to her or even expressing his feelings to her. Then Mr. Bennet grants Darcy his favorite daughter's hand, also without consulting her. When Mr. Bennet does speak with Elizabeth it is to express the need for one of his daughters to marry well and how he should have forced her to marry Collins. Mr. Bennet is not feeling well, and the specter of death shakes him up as he has not saved nor prepared for that death in any way. Darcy, Elizabeth and the Bingleys travel to Pemberley and the marriage will take place there.
However, the crux of the story is that Caroline Bingley, in realizing she has lost Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth Bennet, finds a way, with the help of the faeries, to change bodies with Elizabeth. And so, it is amusing to read that there are hints, i.e., both wearing the perfume they wore as their true self, Caroline in Elizabeth's body favoring her orange wardrobe, etc. (And, yes, she planned ahead to have clothing in Elizabeth's size made up.) Caroline snobs the Gardiners when they arrive for the wedding. She also immediately sets about redecorating Pemberley and changing meal plans and Christmas plans, etc. She doesn't take the walks Elizabeth is known for nor does she read any books or debate such with Darcy. And you know Elizabeth is not wearing orange! More than one person is aghast at Caroline-in-Elizabeth's-body's behavior but only one picks up on the clues that somehow something has happened to both ladies.
Elizabeth finds her lips are sealed and her hands cannot write anything about the spell/curse she is under. She desperately searches for clues in books and also to find a certain handkerchief which was used during the spell being cast. She does find a significant clue...but you will have to read the story to learn what it is and if it helps set things straight.
The author offers an epilogue if you subscribe to her newsletter.
First there is the matter of Mr. Darcy going to Mr. Bennet to ask for Elizabeth's hand in marriage WITHOUT proposing to her or even expressing his feelings to her. Then Mr. Bennet grants Darcy his favorite daughter's hand, also without consulting her. When Mr. Bennet does speak with Elizabeth it is to express the need for one of his daughters to marry well and how he should have forced her to marry Collins. Mr. Bennet is not feeling well, and the specter of death shakes him up as he has not saved nor prepared for that death in any way. Darcy, Elizabeth and the Bingleys travel to Pemberley and the marriage will take place there.
However, the crux of the story is that Caroline Bingley, in realizing she has lost Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth Bennet, finds a way, with the help of the faeries, to change bodies with Elizabeth. And so, it is amusing to read that there are hints, i.e., both wearing the perfume they wore as their true self, Caroline in Elizabeth's body favoring her orange wardrobe, etc. (And, yes, she planned ahead to have clothing in Elizabeth's size made up.) Caroline snobs the Gardiners when they arrive for the wedding. She also immediately sets about redecorating Pemberley and changing meal plans and Christmas plans, etc. She doesn't take the walks Elizabeth is known for nor does she read any books or debate such with Darcy. And you know Elizabeth is not wearing orange! More than one person is aghast at Caroline-in-Elizabeth's-body's behavior but only one picks up on the clues that somehow something has happened to both ladies.
Elizabeth finds her lips are sealed and her hands cannot write anything about the spell/curse she is under. She desperately searches for clues in books and also to find a certain handkerchief which was used during the spell being cast. She does find a significant clue...but you will have to read the story to learn what it is and if it helps set things straight.
The author offers an epilogue if you subscribe to her newsletter.
December 5, 2021
Crazy Caroline + Faerie Magic = Big Trouble for Lizzy
Miss Bingley wants to be Mistress of Pemberley. She makes a deal with a faerie who gives her a spell that will switch her body with an engaged-to-Darcy Elizabeth. Inevitably, even as Elizabeth crazy Caroline cannot hide her true personality. Elizabeth as Miss Bingley is too nice. Darcy is confused!
A fun and entertaining fantasy as Elizabeth tries to figure out a way to break the curse before Darcy marries Miss Bingley. Well written. Recommend
Miss Bingley wants to be Mistress of Pemberley. She makes a deal with a faerie who gives her a spell that will switch her body with an engaged-to-Darcy Elizabeth. Inevitably, even as Elizabeth crazy Caroline cannot hide her true personality. Elizabeth as Miss Bingley is too nice. Darcy is confused!
A fun and entertaining fantasy as Elizabeth tries to figure out a way to break the curse before Darcy marries Miss Bingley. Well written. Recommend
March 13, 2022
This is a clever, imaginative, P&P what if that incorporates magic and the paranormal.
In this variation Mr. Darcy quickly decides that he must have Elizabeth Bennet and unlike in the previous P&P I read he's hies off to Hertfordshire and proposes to Mr. Bennet who is like absolutely Lizzy would love to to marry your money err You right away. And before you can say "WTF" Lizzy and Jane are off to Pemberley accompanied by Mr. & Miss Bingley so Lizzy and can settle in an plan her Christmas Eve wedding
Once at Pemberley Lizzy seems profoundly changed, suddenly wearing orange frocks and droning on about refurnishing and the First Circles while Caroline Bingley is quiet, funny and polite. There's magick a foot but can Lizzy explain how she is trapped in Caro's body before the wedding?
In this variation Mr. Darcy quickly decides that he must have Elizabeth Bennet and unlike in the previous P&P I read he's hies off to Hertfordshire and proposes to Mr. Bennet who is like absolutely Lizzy would love to to marry your money err You right away. And before you can say "WTF" Lizzy and Jane are off to Pemberley accompanied by Mr. & Miss Bingley so Lizzy and can settle in an plan her Christmas Eve wedding
Once at Pemberley Lizzy seems profoundly changed, suddenly wearing orange frocks and droning on about refurnishing and the First Circles while Caroline Bingley is quiet, funny and polite. There's magick a foot but can Lizzy explain how she is trapped in Caro's body before the wedding?
December 20, 2024
What a merry, magical holiday romp! What if Caroline Bingley finds a secret, magical way to achieve her mercenary goal of marrying the rich, well-connected Fitzwilliam Darcy? A body swap tale brings about a most unexpected path to love in this Pride & Prejudice fantasy variation from the engaging pen of Sarah Courtney.
If you’re ever wondering just how much temperament and character played a role in the romance of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, this is answered in the quickly-read, Disguise of the Worst Sort. Set at Pemberley during the Christmas holiday season, Darcy is hosting the small party of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Charles and Caroline Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and his younger sister, Georgiana. He is mystified by the changes in his bride to be, Elizabeth, and doesn’t understand why Caroline Bingley is catching his notice so often.
Disguise of the Worst Sort is a light story with a rapid development. It is entertaining and fun. The body swap aspect and the conundrum of how to reverse it occupies the heart of the story, but at the same time, Elizabeth is given the chance to see Fitzwilliam Darcy with new perspective just as he ponders the same.
Snowball fights, skating, winter walks, and a cozy house party are just the thing for a sweet historical holiday romance that readers will enjoy tucking into as a respite from their holiday hubbub.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink on 12.19.24.
#ThriftyThursday
If you’re ever wondering just how much temperament and character played a role in the romance of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, this is answered in the quickly-read, Disguise of the Worst Sort. Set at Pemberley during the Christmas holiday season, Darcy is hosting the small party of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Charles and Caroline Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and his younger sister, Georgiana. He is mystified by the changes in his bride to be, Elizabeth, and doesn’t understand why Caroline Bingley is catching his notice so often.
Disguise of the Worst Sort is a light story with a rapid development. It is entertaining and fun. The body swap aspect and the conundrum of how to reverse it occupies the heart of the story, but at the same time, Elizabeth is given the chance to see Fitzwilliam Darcy with new perspective just as he ponders the same.
Snowball fights, skating, winter walks, and a cozy house party are just the thing for a sweet historical holiday romance that readers will enjoy tucking into as a respite from their holiday hubbub.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink on 12.19.24.
#ThriftyThursday
Read
December 15, 2021Once I realized the premise, I skipped to the end. Just couldn't get in to it, but I did want to see how it would be resolved.
December 22, 2021
A new book for my "loved it" shelf! Top ten of 2021. I admire this author's ability to take on this juggling act and keep all the balls in the air and communicate it in a way that the reader can follow.
This is not a synopsis and "what I liked of the story line" review. It's a technical review so that readers can have a heads-up on the items that could niggle in the background and dull the reading pleasure.
The plot is an original story using the characterizations and relationships from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" in a (spoiler alert) body-swap trope. While these can become farcical, this book did not. When it utilized humour, it tended to be dark humour in a novel that held strong conflict throughout, allowing for a level of angst that was satisfying to the angst lover and would be challenging to those who tend to avoid that sort of novel. The story arc is fully developed and complete without tangents, holes, or unusually obvious contrivances. The story flowed well, keeping the reader interest at a strong level throughout.
Editing was superb, with only a couple of non-Regency applications that slipped through: "taken aback," normal/normally, and "wedding breakfast." This is low for a JAFF book. I couldn't find any errors in any other area typically seen in a JAFF book. Language was well used to give a feel for the Regency without a need to look up big words.
In terms of Regency scene setting, there were numerous examples of technical items that fit the bill to help the reader feel like they were there, such as the composers' name dropping and the Rumford stove. Descriptions of situations, such as the magical elements
This is not a synopsis and "what I liked of the story line" review. It's a technical review so that readers can have a heads-up on the items that could niggle in the background and dull the reading pleasure.
The plot is an original story using the characterizations and relationships from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" in a (spoiler alert) body-swap trope. While these can become farcical, this book did not. When it utilized humour, it tended to be dark humour in a novel that held strong conflict throughout, allowing for a level of angst that was satisfying to the angst lover and would be challenging to those who tend to avoid that sort of novel. The story arc is fully developed and complete without tangents, holes, or unusually obvious contrivances. The story flowed well, keeping the reader interest at a strong level throughout.
Editing was superb, with only a couple of non-Regency applications that slipped through: "taken aback," normal/normally, and "wedding breakfast." This is low for a JAFF book. I couldn't find any errors in any other area typically seen in a JAFF book. Language was well used to give a feel for the Regency without a need to look up big words.
In terms of Regency scene setting, there were numerous examples of technical items that fit the bill to help the reader feel like they were there, such as the composers' name dropping and the Rumford stove. Descriptions of situations, such as the magical elements
September 14, 2022
I'll preface this review by saying that fantasy was never my top priority genre, but I haven't been able to resist JAFF fantasy since reading Maria Grace's Dragon books. Magic being much different than a world with dragons, I don't compare these to each other. I'm just stating that I'm not steeped in or an expert in the fantasy genre. But I like this and once I started this book I could not put it down. Except…Real Life…boo. This is one of the most unique published fantasy JAFF I’ve read.
The premise of Miss Bingley using faerie magic to switch identities with Elizabeth Bennet’s was a real shocker that grabbed my attention from the get-go. The struggles Elizabeth went through were so frustrating and realistically portrayed. This was so well written and I’m not going to spoil the story for the reader here. But this Mr. Darcy was swoon worthy. Highly recommended.
The premise of Miss Bingley using faerie magic to switch identities with Elizabeth Bennet’s was a real shocker that grabbed my attention from the get-go. The struggles Elizabeth went through were so frustrating and realistically portrayed. This was so well written and I’m not going to spoil the story for the reader here. But this Mr. Darcy was swoon worthy. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2022
Faerie magic, mistaken identities, falling in love with Mr. Darcy in Miss Bingley's body... what fun! I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down.
June 22, 2024
before“There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.” –Francois de La Rochefoucauld
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature teen: but clean content
>>Angst Level: medium
>>Source: Own/Purchase: Book 1 in the Enchanting Tales Series [standalone no cliffhanger]
>>Trope: Inspired: Freaky-Friday: Body switch: paranormal [faerie magic]
The idiom or proverb ‘The cart before the horse’ applies to Mr. Darcy. In the canon account, Darcy was confident that Miss Elizabeth was expecting his address/proposal. Bless his pointy little head. Convinced he knew her feelings, Darcy went to Mr. Bennet for permission to marry his daughter. Only one little problem, Darcy had failed to discuss it with Miss Elizabeth. Little did he know… she didn’t like him.
Bennet had a heart-to-heart with his astonished daughter and confirmed that he was not feeling well and it was getting worse. That meant at least one of his daughters needed to make an advantageous marriage to help their mother and sisters after he was gone. He knew he could not depend on Collins for help with his family.
“Illusion is needed to disguise the emptiness within.” –Arthur Erickson
Since the Darcys had all married at Pemberley, Elizabeth, Jane, and the Bingleys traveled to Derbyshire. In route, Caroline Bingley exacted her revenge with a bit of faerie magic. OMG! This was somewhat scary and hilarious at the same time as Caroline could not disguise her true nature. Before the wedding, Darcy suddenly found himself escorting his betrothed dressed in shades of orange while she discussed redecorating everything within sight. He was stunned and astonished that she no longer wanted to discuss books, let alone read them. Nor did she want to get up early and take long walks. Darcy wondered what was wrong with his Elizabeth. Even her perfume choice had altered and she smelled like Miss Bingley. Darcy was so confused.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth found herself trapped in a body that was not hers. She was bound by magic and was unable to discuss the switch. She was free to act and discuss anything except what happened. The reader was then shown the creative ways Elizabeth demonstrated her true self and revealed what had happened. It would take a will of iron [pun: you’ll get it], but true love would blossom out of the ashes of the situation. The HEA was delightful.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature teen: but clean content
>>Angst Level: medium
>>Source: Own/Purchase: Book 1 in the Enchanting Tales Series [standalone no cliffhanger]
>>Trope: Inspired: Freaky-Friday: Body switch: paranormal [faerie magic]
The idiom or proverb ‘The cart before the horse’ applies to Mr. Darcy. In the canon account, Darcy was confident that Miss Elizabeth was expecting his address/proposal. Bless his pointy little head. Convinced he knew her feelings, Darcy went to Mr. Bennet for permission to marry his daughter. Only one little problem, Darcy had failed to discuss it with Miss Elizabeth. Little did he know… she didn’t like him.
Bennet had a heart-to-heart with his astonished daughter and confirmed that he was not feeling well and it was getting worse. That meant at least one of his daughters needed to make an advantageous marriage to help their mother and sisters after he was gone. He knew he could not depend on Collins for help with his family.
“Illusion is needed to disguise the emptiness within.” –Arthur Erickson
Since the Darcys had all married at Pemberley, Elizabeth, Jane, and the Bingleys traveled to Derbyshire. In route, Caroline Bingley exacted her revenge with a bit of faerie magic. OMG! This was somewhat scary and hilarious at the same time as Caroline could not disguise her true nature. Before the wedding, Darcy suddenly found himself escorting his betrothed dressed in shades of orange while she discussed redecorating everything within sight. He was stunned and astonished that she no longer wanted to discuss books, let alone read them. Nor did she want to get up early and take long walks. Darcy wondered what was wrong with his Elizabeth. Even her perfume choice had altered and she smelled like Miss Bingley. Darcy was so confused.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth found herself trapped in a body that was not hers. She was bound by magic and was unable to discuss the switch. She was free to act and discuss anything except what happened. The reader was then shown the creative ways Elizabeth demonstrated her true self and revealed what had happened. It would take a will of iron [pun: you’ll get it], but true love would blossom out of the ashes of the situation. The HEA was delightful.
January 18, 2022
Caroline is quite literally away with the faeries in this yarn
Synopsis:
Caroline Bingley using fairy magic to try and finagle her way into becoming the next mistress of Pemberley is such a whimsical crime, and thus hard to be too upset by such fanciful identity theft.
The Brass Tacks:
I couldn't tear my eyes away, I got wrapped up in Lizzy’s struggle; you feel the frustration, the impotence of the curse. My one qualm is the little dialogued interaction we get, not only with Darcy, but Jane, Mrs G, or even her brother Bingley. We get a lot of inner wrestling, which worked to emotionally draw you in, but I think we needed more scripted interactions.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
Synopsis:
Caroline Bingley using fairy magic to try and finagle her way into becoming the next mistress of Pemberley is such a whimsical crime, and thus hard to be too upset by such fanciful identity theft.
The Brass Tacks:
I couldn't tear my eyes away, I got wrapped up in Lizzy’s struggle; you feel the frustration, the impotence of the curse. My one qualm is the little dialogued interaction we get, not only with Darcy, but Jane, Mrs G, or even her brother Bingley. We get a lot of inner wrestling, which worked to emotionally draw you in, but I think we needed more scripted interactions.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
December 29, 2021
a delightful story
If you believe in fairies and magic you will find this story delightful and whimsical. Caroline Bingley only wish was to become Mrs Darcy. When she learns Elizabeth Bennet is to become Mrs Darcy she plans to make the switch with a fairies help. When it works she has achieved her goal. The only problem is her personality hasn’t changed and she behaves so unlike Elizabeth her family and Mr Darcy begin to question her actions. Elizabeth is bound by the magic and cannot speak of it anyone.
This book surprised me and was more entertaining than I though. I mean who really want Caroline to win at anything?
I just wish there could have been more.
If you believe in fairies and magic you will find this story delightful and whimsical. Caroline Bingley only wish was to become Mrs Darcy. When she learns Elizabeth Bennet is to become Mrs Darcy she plans to make the switch with a fairies help. When it works she has achieved her goal. The only problem is her personality hasn’t changed and she behaves so unlike Elizabeth her family and Mr Darcy begin to question her actions. Elizabeth is bound by the magic and cannot speak of it anyone.
This book surprised me and was more entertaining than I though. I mean who really want Caroline to win at anything?
I just wish there could have been more.
May 7, 2023
Loved it
Loved how Darcy had an idea early on but would not let himself believe. Miss Bingley couldn't change even for a few week into a decent human being! Glad Lizzy kept trying into find a way to get her body back!
Loved how Darcy had an idea early on but would not let himself believe. Miss Bingley couldn't change even for a few week into a decent human being! Glad Lizzy kept trying into find a way to get her body back!
March 2, 2022
4.5. I really enjoyed this magical P&P variation! It was interesting and engaging and really well written. Caroline has outdone herself this time!
Caroline Bingley's unique way to deal with Mr. Darcy's engagement to Elizabeth Bennet is to become Elizabeth Bennet. I really enjoyed watching Caroline and Elizabeth as they tried to adjust to their new identities and to accomplish their purposes, which were completely opposite of one another as you would imagine.
It was interesting to see Darcy's confusion as to the personality transplant of his betrothed and how he tried to make heads or tales of things. It was really sweet when he called "Caroline" Miss Elizabeth and started recognizing who she was under the surface even when his rational brain did not allow him to acknowledge it.
This was a great read and my only complaint was my curiosity about what was going on in the heads of the other characters (Jane, Bingley, the Gardiners) as they watched both Caroline and Elizabeth behaving very differently than anyone would expect. We got very little insight into their thoughts and theories about the unmistakable changes in their loved ones and I dearly wanted that insight. I was also felt the ending was a little rushed and didn't really love the PDA that D&E demonstrated in front of a house full of guests at the end as I always see Darcy as a very private man and have a difficult time envisioning him passionately kissing his beloved in the same room as so many others. It was, however, a very brief scene and easy to overlook since the book was so enjoyable.
Overall, I loved this and will definitely read this again in the future.
Caroline Bingley's unique way to deal with Mr. Darcy's engagement to Elizabeth Bennet is to become Elizabeth Bennet. I really enjoyed watching Caroline and Elizabeth as they tried to adjust to their new identities and to accomplish their purposes, which were completely opposite of one another as you would imagine.
It was interesting to see Darcy's confusion as to the personality transplant of his betrothed and how he tried to make heads or tales of things. It was really sweet when he called "Caroline" Miss Elizabeth and started recognizing who she was under the surface even when his rational brain did not allow him to acknowledge it.
This was a great read and my only complaint was my curiosity about what was going on in the heads of the other characters (Jane, Bingley, the Gardiners) as they watched both Caroline and Elizabeth behaving very differently than anyone would expect. We got very little insight into their thoughts and theories about the unmistakable changes in their loved ones and I dearly wanted that insight. I was also felt the ending was a little rushed and didn't really love the PDA that D&E demonstrated in front of a house full of guests at the end as I always see Darcy as a very private man and have a difficult time envisioning him passionately kissing his beloved in the same room as so many others. It was, however, a very brief scene and easy to overlook since the book was so enjoyable.
Overall, I loved this and will definitely read this again in the future.
February 23, 2023
A complete fairy tale
Entertaining and entirely different approach! A very imaginative way to demonstrate that people can be recognized even if they change their appearance. Totally recommended!
Entertaining and entirely different approach! A very imaginative way to demonstrate that people can be recognized even if they change their appearance. Totally recommended!
December 12, 2021
I love body swap trope and this one was done really well. Liked the writing, liked the characterization, liked how ODC came to understand their own faults. I just couldn't put it down.
Lizzy as Caroline was a bit underdeveloped. I felt I didn't see enough how Lizzy's character inside Caroline was weird to the people around her except Darcy. Even Georgiana should have said something about the amazing transformation Caroline has made.
I would have liked more scenes with Bingley and Lizzy as awkward siblings, that would have been very funny.
Lizzy as Caroline was a bit underdeveloped. I felt I didn't see enough how Lizzy's character inside Caroline was weird to the people around her except Darcy. Even Georgiana should have said something about the amazing transformation Caroline has made.
I would have liked more scenes with Bingley and Lizzy as awkward siblings, that would have been very funny.
December 16, 2021
Darcy asks Mr. Bennet to marry Lizzy before he asks Lizzy herself if she even wants it. And of course she doesn't, because it happens right when the whole party left Netherfield for the winter. He completely disregards Lizzy's feelings, visiting Longbourn behind her back and being creepy about it. No matter how era-appropriate, I hate it and don't want their story to start like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
Let me start by saying, I really enjoyed this story and fully recommend it. Sarah Courtney has become one of my favorite P&P authors.
I do think, that Jane and the Gardiners, should had realized that something is terribly wrong much sooner. The redecoration alone should have been a big read flag for them. But then there wouldn’t have been much of story and not so much angst.
I do think, that Jane and the Gardiners, should had realized that something is terribly wrong much sooner. The redecoration alone should have been a big read flag for them. But then there wouldn’t have been much of story and not so much angst.
September 4, 2024
I've always stayed away from any sort of Jane Austen retelling/fanfiction/variation. Basically because I was worried said story would kill the original for me. I didn't want anyone messing with the beloved original that has great sentimental value for me, as that happened with Jane Eyre, and now I have issues with any version of said novel.
That being said, I decided to take a chance on this variation of Pride and Prejudice.
And I have to laugh at myself. It was ridiculous. It was funny. It was entertaining. I was laughing at how accurate a lot of the dialogue felt to the tried and true characters. Especially when Lydia pops up there at the end. My gosh. What a girl. Even as I kept telling myself mentally that this was ridiculous, I was grinning like an idiot and attempting to keep my snorts to my nearby vicinity, and I couldn't stop reading. Seriously. It was 4 a.m. when I finished.
You have to suspend belief when fantastical elements are in play, and also, I'm no expert on Regency england (unless you count the 50+ romances I've read...hahah) but there were some more open moments that I didn't expect from that time period (the skating and snowball fights). Guess I just expect more decorum? They all seemed so preoccupied with image and society standing, so some of what they did seemed off? But what do I know? Maybe gentlemen had snowball fights and dumped buckets of snow on well-to-do ladies? Whatever the case, it was cute and I didn't mind at all! Just my nit-picky brain wondering...."But would that really happen?"
Let's just ignore the body switching for believability altogether brain. *rolls eyes at self*
So okay, I might have been sucked in the world of variations and JAFF. That was just what I needed to sit down to after a hard day. Fluff, Wit, and a Freaky-Friday Jane Austen style.
P.S. Yes miss author, I did catch every quoted line from the BBC 1995 miniseries. And I thank you for the smirks and sentimentality it induced!
content: Clean. The kisses are chaste, and not at all graphic. No violence, no swearing. Just a snort-worthy comedy of errors with a romance most people already know and love.
That being said, I decided to take a chance on this variation of Pride and Prejudice.
And I have to laugh at myself. It was ridiculous. It was funny. It was entertaining. I was laughing at how accurate a lot of the dialogue felt to the tried and true characters. Especially when Lydia pops up there at the end. My gosh. What a girl. Even as I kept telling myself mentally that this was ridiculous, I was grinning like an idiot and attempting to keep my snorts to my nearby vicinity, and I couldn't stop reading. Seriously. It was 4 a.m. when I finished.
You have to suspend belief when fantastical elements are in play, and also, I'm no expert on Regency england (unless you count the 50+ romances I've read...hahah) but there were some more open moments that I didn't expect from that time period (the skating and snowball fights). Guess I just expect more decorum? They all seemed so preoccupied with image and society standing, so some of what they did seemed off? But what do I know? Maybe gentlemen had snowball fights and dumped buckets of snow on well-to-do ladies? Whatever the case, it was cute and I didn't mind at all! Just my nit-picky brain wondering...."But would that really happen?"
Let's just ignore the body switching for believability altogether brain. *rolls eyes at self*
So okay, I might have been sucked in the world of variations and JAFF. That was just what I needed to sit down to after a hard day. Fluff, Wit, and a Freaky-Friday Jane Austen style.
P.S. Yes miss author, I did catch every quoted line from the BBC 1995 miniseries. And I thank you for the smirks and sentimentality it induced!
content: Clean. The kisses are chaste, and not at all graphic. No violence, no swearing. Just a snort-worthy comedy of errors with a romance most people already know and love.
December 18, 2021
That was such a fun quick read and perfect for the holiday season! I always love me a classic Freaky Friday tale and the characterizations were great!
July 14, 2023
I enjoyed this body swap variation so much. A lot of humor and fast pacing make this fun to read.
Even though I knew there would be a happy ending the author built suspense really well. I had to keep reading.
I saw more mistakes on my second reading but still enjoyed it. I don’t know why Elizabeth didn’t look for the older lady that obviously knew something.
Even though I knew there would be a happy ending the author built suspense really well. I had to keep reading.
I saw more mistakes on my second reading but still enjoyed it. I don’t know why Elizabeth didn’t look for the older lady that obviously knew something.
December 24, 2021
Entertaining
The book summary let's you know from the start that you must suspend belief and go with the flow of a story involving magic and body switching. After the Netherfield ball, Darcy leaves for London, intending to forget about Elizabeth Bennett and his strong attraction to her. However, he discovers that he can't live without her, he returns to Hertfordshire, and meets with Mr Bennett to ask for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, which Mr Bennett agrees to, much to Elizabeth's surprise. Darcy leaves immediately for Pemberly without discussing anything with Elizabeth, who still dislikes him intensely, and expects her to journey shortly to Pemberly herself in order to prepare for her wedding. She travels with Bingley and Caroline, and during the trip Caroline conjures a Faerie spell that results in the body switch.
This is a clever and interesting premise, one where you can easily imagine the million ways that this occurrence would wreak havoc. Due to the spell, Elizabeth, in Caroline's body, is unable to speak about the switch. As more and more of her family arrive at Pemberly, more than just Darcy notice the glaring differences in the new "Elizabeth."
As interesting as the story is, I has a difficult time getting past the way in which Darcy became engaged to Elizabeth. He regrets his actions later, but just having him act in that high handed and thoughtless manner brought him down several notches in my estimation. It's a shame, because eventually, Darcy's character is pleasantly romantic, but I started out with a bad attitude about him.
The story is well constructed, but there's a lot of repetition of thoughts and feelings throughout that becomes tedious. I started skimming over paragraphs, and that's never a good sign.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
The book summary let's you know from the start that you must suspend belief and go with the flow of a story involving magic and body switching. After the Netherfield ball, Darcy leaves for London, intending to forget about Elizabeth Bennett and his strong attraction to her. However, he discovers that he can't live without her, he returns to Hertfordshire, and meets with Mr Bennett to ask for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, which Mr Bennett agrees to, much to Elizabeth's surprise. Darcy leaves immediately for Pemberly without discussing anything with Elizabeth, who still dislikes him intensely, and expects her to journey shortly to Pemberly herself in order to prepare for her wedding. She travels with Bingley and Caroline, and during the trip Caroline conjures a Faerie spell that results in the body switch.
This is a clever and interesting premise, one where you can easily imagine the million ways that this occurrence would wreak havoc. Due to the spell, Elizabeth, in Caroline's body, is unable to speak about the switch. As more and more of her family arrive at Pemberly, more than just Darcy notice the glaring differences in the new "Elizabeth."
As interesting as the story is, I has a difficult time getting past the way in which Darcy became engaged to Elizabeth. He regrets his actions later, but just having him act in that high handed and thoughtless manner brought him down several notches in my estimation. It's a shame, because eventually, Darcy's character is pleasantly romantic, but I started out with a bad attitude about him.
The story is well constructed, but there's a lot of repetition of thoughts and feelings throughout that becomes tedious. I started skimming over paragraphs, and that's never a good sign.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
January 14, 2024
A Disguise of the Worst Sort
A cute story about how Caroline Bingley uses a faerie curse to switch identities with Elizabeth Bennet so that she can marry “her” Mr. Darcy. However, even though their looks have reversed, Caroline could never pull off Elizabeth’s sweet behaviors without exposing her greedy, grasping, spendthrift ways. Instead of the attention needed to plan the wedding, spends the time going into
Lambton ordering clothes and material items to revamp the entire décor of Pemberley. Whereas, Elizabeth, disguised in Miss Bingley’s body spends her days walking the estate and researching how to change back the curse. Darcy begins to think something’s not right, but cannot put his figure on it. When the elderly mother of one of his tenants accuses the two of them of trickery, and Darcy finds Elizabeth (as Caroline) in his private office clutching an iron fireplace poker where she’s able to blurt some of truth out, Darcy fully understands that something has taken place to switch the bodies of the two women. Leading everyone into the stable block where he showed them all his new Rumford stove. Made of solid iron, the real Elizabeth grabs her great grandmother’s handkerchief tucked into Miss Bingley’s dress, and proceeds to place herself into the stove. Surrounded by iron, she’s able to tell the audience about the switch. Finding the stove to be filled with iron filings, she fills her handkerchief with them, rubs the cloth and fingers together, and with a flask of bright light, the real Caroline and real Elizabeth switch places - Caroline is in the stove and Elizabeth is standing next to Lady Matlock. Sent away in disgrace, Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding takes place with Elizabeth loving “ her” Darcy. Took Darcy long enough to begin putting clues together to unravel the farcical mystery Caroline’s mischief had caused.
A cute story about how Caroline Bingley uses a faerie curse to switch identities with Elizabeth Bennet so that she can marry “her” Mr. Darcy. However, even though their looks have reversed, Caroline could never pull off Elizabeth’s sweet behaviors without exposing her greedy, grasping, spendthrift ways. Instead of the attention needed to plan the wedding, spends the time going into
Lambton ordering clothes and material items to revamp the entire décor of Pemberley. Whereas, Elizabeth, disguised in Miss Bingley’s body spends her days walking the estate and researching how to change back the curse. Darcy begins to think something’s not right, but cannot put his figure on it. When the elderly mother of one of his tenants accuses the two of them of trickery, and Darcy finds Elizabeth (as Caroline) in his private office clutching an iron fireplace poker where she’s able to blurt some of truth out, Darcy fully understands that something has taken place to switch the bodies of the two women. Leading everyone into the stable block where he showed them all his new Rumford stove. Made of solid iron, the real Elizabeth grabs her great grandmother’s handkerchief tucked into Miss Bingley’s dress, and proceeds to place herself into the stove. Surrounded by iron, she’s able to tell the audience about the switch. Finding the stove to be filled with iron filings, she fills her handkerchief with them, rubs the cloth and fingers together, and with a flask of bright light, the real Caroline and real Elizabeth switch places - Caroline is in the stove and Elizabeth is standing next to Lady Matlock. Sent away in disgrace, Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding takes place with Elizabeth loving “ her” Darcy. Took Darcy long enough to begin putting clues together to unravel the farcical mystery Caroline’s mischief had caused.
August 10, 2022
A Juggling of Names
This variation starts with Mr. Darcy making his first marriage proposal properly to Mr. Bennet instead of Elizabeth, and then Mr. Bennet accepts for Elizabeth instead of asking her first, to her great horror and indignation. Darcy then decrees that Elizabeth, Jane, their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and Mr. and Miss Bingley are to go to Pemberley to prepare the estate for Christmas and a Wedding, with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the younger Bennets, and the young Gardiners to follow later to join the marriage party later. During the trip, Miss Bingley casts a fairy spell and switches bodies and enacts a geas that Elizabeth, now in Miss Bingley’s tall body can reveal that the change has been made.
I then had to learn to juggle names. Whenever the point of view was Elizabeth’s, “Miss Bingley” was Bingley inside Bennet; whenever it was Darcy’s, “Miss Bingley” was ‘Bennet inside Bingley’, and “Elizabeth” was ‘Bingley inside Bennet’, and the viewpoint was switched several times in each chapter.
The story continues with Elizabeth slowly coming to see Darcy’s good points and moving toward respect for him, while studying fairytales and the Welsh Language (the spell was cast in Welsh by Miss Bingley) in Pemberley’s library, to undue it. Miss Bingley has prepared well, having a trunk filled with clothes in her styles with Elizabeth’s smaller body size. People begin to notice that these two are behaving differently, and our hopes are raised, and then dashed as Miss Bingley try’s to act like Elizabeth, but then she fails to convince and they rise again.
There is some soul searching for both Elizabeth and Darcy which I read through quickly, but the duel between Elizabeth and Miss Bennet kept me engrossed. May it do so for you.
This variation starts with Mr. Darcy making his first marriage proposal properly to Mr. Bennet instead of Elizabeth, and then Mr. Bennet accepts for Elizabeth instead of asking her first, to her great horror and indignation. Darcy then decrees that Elizabeth, Jane, their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and Mr. and Miss Bingley are to go to Pemberley to prepare the estate for Christmas and a Wedding, with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the younger Bennets, and the young Gardiners to follow later to join the marriage party later. During the trip, Miss Bingley casts a fairy spell and switches bodies and enacts a geas that Elizabeth, now in Miss Bingley’s tall body can reveal that the change has been made.
I then had to learn to juggle names. Whenever the point of view was Elizabeth’s, “Miss Bingley” was Bingley inside Bennet; whenever it was Darcy’s, “Miss Bingley” was ‘Bennet inside Bingley’, and “Elizabeth” was ‘Bingley inside Bennet’, and the viewpoint was switched several times in each chapter.
The story continues with Elizabeth slowly coming to see Darcy’s good points and moving toward respect for him, while studying fairytales and the Welsh Language (the spell was cast in Welsh by Miss Bingley) in Pemberley’s library, to undue it. Miss Bingley has prepared well, having a trunk filled with clothes in her styles with Elizabeth’s smaller body size. People begin to notice that these two are behaving differently, and our hopes are raised, and then dashed as Miss Bingley try’s to act like Elizabeth, but then she fails to convince and they rise again.
There is some soul searching for both Elizabeth and Darcy which I read through quickly, but the duel between Elizabeth and Miss Bennet kept me engrossed. May it do so for you.
December 1, 2024
I loved this book! It was such a unique twist on Pride and Prejudice and I loved how well-developed the characters were. I was completely engrossed in this book and it is honestly one of my favourite sweet romances ever. Even though Mr. Darcy didn't know that Elizabeth was Miss. Bingley, at least he wasn't like some other stupid men who can't even recognise the woman that they love (like Swan Lake). I loved how Mr. Darcy was able to put the pieces together and I was laughing at how much Miss Bingley made a fool of herself in Elizabeth's body (it was so obvious that she wasn't truly Elizabeth). Even though it was so obvious that the two had switched bodies, I didn't feel frustrated with it as I do some other books as the characters in this book realised that Elizabeth was acting oddly but there was no rational answer for why. The answer was staring at them right in the face and they knew it but made excuses for it, which is why I don't feel as frustrated with the characters not being able to tell their own relations apart. A truly enjoyable read. Great work Sarah Courtney!
October 20, 2023
Hesitated to read this for a long time because I wasn't sure I was going to like Elizabeth being in the wrong body and Mr. Darcy fawning all over Caroline Bingley. But I really enjoyed it...I liked how it slots into the original P&P's timeline so the reader can pick up on what's happened so far with the characters prior to the start of this story. The premise (and this isnt' a spoiler really unless you don't want to know even the opening chapter of a book ahead of time, in which case stop reading this review now) is that Darcy and Elizabeth really barely know each other when they get engaged. So Elizabeth being in the wrong body and Darcy not knowing it actually ends up giving her a way to learn about him and them a way to interact naturally without too much pressure, and I really enjoyed that aspect.
June 6, 2025
I'm not typically a fan of fantasy so I don't often read them but I did enjoy this one very much. I felt as frustrated as Elizabeth was with her predicament and couldn't figure out how it would be resolved. I confess I read well into the night to get the answer. I was amused that it was a relief to one and all when the truth came out. From the servants to family to Darcy himself.
I had already read the second in this series and was most disappointed that there wasn't already a third waiting for me to read. That coming from the person who doesn't read much fantasy. Ha!
Enjoyable read
I had already read the second in this series and was most disappointed that there wasn't already a third waiting for me to read. That coming from the person who doesn't read much fantasy. Ha!
Enjoyable read
February 8, 2022
3.5
Clever and amusing. I liked the resolution a lot.
The only bit I couldn’t quite get on board with was how Mr D proposed & E’s acceptance of that - there is some explanation but it just didn’t quite sit right with me that she forgave and forgot it so easily.
It does have a few mistakes and a bit of confusion over names etc (aside from the obvious intentional confusion) so could benefit from a closer edit.
Clever and amusing. I liked the resolution a lot.
The only bit I couldn’t quite get on board with was how Mr D proposed & E’s acceptance of that - there is some explanation but it just didn’t quite sit right with me that she forgave and forgot it so easily.
It does have a few mistakes and a bit of confusion over names etc (aside from the obvious intentional confusion) so could benefit from a closer edit.
March 26, 2022
I worried that this book would be too similar to a P&P by another author with a similar premise. Only in the other one, Darcy By Any Other Name, it is Darcy and Collins who are switched. However, this book took the premise and resolution in a different direction. I love it.
April 5, 2025
Changelings in Austen! What fun!
When Caroline Bingley learns that her beloved Mr. Darcy is engaged to be married to Elizabeth, she convinces a faerie to help her swap places with Elizabeth. All sorts of hijinks occur as Elizabeth fights to regain her body and her voice. Sarah's story was simultaneously surprising and familiar and utterly delightful. I can't wait to read what she does with Austen's classics next.
When Caroline Bingley learns that her beloved Mr. Darcy is engaged to be married to Elizabeth, she convinces a faerie to help her swap places with Elizabeth. All sorts of hijinks occur as Elizabeth fights to regain her body and her voice. Sarah's story was simultaneously surprising and familiar and utterly delightful. I can't wait to read what she does with Austen's classics next.
December 4, 2021
Magical
I normally loathe body swap tales. But “The Goose Girl” is one of my favorite fairy tales and I love Sarah Courtney’s writing so I dove right in and didn’t stop til the end. I absolutely loved it. Very well done and my only complaint is I want more. I highly recommend this sweet treat of a story,
I normally loathe body swap tales. But “The Goose Girl” is one of my favorite fairy tales and I love Sarah Courtney’s writing so I dove right in and didn’t stop til the end. I absolutely loved it. Very well done and my only complaint is I want more. I highly recommend this sweet treat of a story,
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