Sarah Johnson (1)

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice variation whereby Elizabeth and Mary as the only two survivors of the Bennet family are taken in by their Gardiner relations. In an earlier tragedy Mary has been left deaf.
On a holiday with the Gardiners at Ramsgate they met Miss Darcy, but Wickham is also there. Can she be saved and how will the meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth fare.
This is more the story of Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam, which is why it is a favourite of mine.
An enjoyable well-written show more variation show less

In this third part of the story the book concentrates on the story of Mary Bennet. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, who we met in volume 1 has fallen for Mary, But she is scared, scared of her feeling, and concerned about the scandalous stories that have been hinted about the Viscount. Can there be a happy ending. And what about the schemes of Lady Catherine, will they finally be discovered. Having a soft spot for Mary Bennet I knew I would enjoy this continuation of the series, as show more I have. And of course who could not like the characters of the two Fitzwilliam brothers.
Another well-written book in this series. show less

A re-read of Chosen, the first volume of Leaving Bennet Behind is a Pride and Prejudice variation telling the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy.
What if Mr Bennet was involved in an accident several years prior to the start of the story, which changed his attitude as a father from the indolent man he was to one that protected his daughters and wife.
With the meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth before the Merton Assembly how does this effect their futures. This is the tale of those few months show more after the assembly.
An enjoyable re-read of this well-written variation. show less

I consider myself a "Jane Austen purist", so I have to say that this is not my cup of tea. The author did an okay job with the story line, character development, and the pace of the book. But I just can't see how it's even possible for someone like Lizzy to "get lost" on a one of her walks. Sorry, I just can't get into that.

I also would have liked to see a closer bond between Lizzy and Charlotte. The two are very very VERY good friends, and I just don't think that Ms. Johnson did them justice.