My Share in the Conversation... All the Appearance of Goodness

All the Appearance of Goodness by Maria Grace

This book is the third volume in the trilogy, Given Good Principles, by Maria Grace.  Volume I & II are both prequels to Pride and Prejudice with Volume I focusing on Darcy and his life prior to his trip to Herefordshire with Charles Bingley. Some background of the Bennet family and the reputations of Kitty and Lydia comprise the story for Volume II. I highly recommend reading both before reading Volume III.

In the beginning of All the Appearance of Goodness, Darcy and Lizzy meet for the first time. (And in a most unusual way)  I loved this scene and the repertoire between my two favorite characters. It was very well done and brought many smiles. Another good thing about it was that it made for some nice references later in the book.

George Wickham is mentioned but is not in this story as he was dealt with in Volume I. He does have a replacement of sorts, in the form of Mr. Collins, the handsome and charming clergyman. (Yes, you read right!) Lizzy is true to character here as she is, at first, taken in by his looks and eloquence of speech. Lydia, not true to character, is not, and has an intense dislike for their fetching cousin. She even tries to convince Lizzy of her reasons for mistrusting him but Lizzy will not listen. What could Lydia possibly know…except maybe a bit of jealousy?

Darcy’s good friend and now vicar, Mr. Bradley, plays a big part again in this volume. He still is the mentor that Darcy needs and is pivotal in helping him see things without prejudice. This character that Ms. Grace has created is one I much love and of whom I would like to read again.

Louisa Bingley is unmarried but betrothed. Her personality is much improved and even likable. Mary has a much bigger role and a good one. It was great to see her happy and having good things happen to her for a change. Some of the other characters are matched up much differently than in the original book, but it made for fun reading. I loved the allusions to a relationship that might be developing for Kitty! You will never guess the fellow and I won’t spoil the surprise! 

Darcy and Lizzy have misunderstandings of which their relationship is renowned. That makes the understanding between them all the better when it does happen. Toward the end it gets extremely intense. I couldn't put the book down.  Anyone that loves P & P retellings will want to read this book! It is most excellent! Thank you, Maria Grace, for these three volumes. I am hearing rumors there might be a fourth! I hope that is true!

4.5 out of 5 stars

PG for no explicit sex

I was given an ARC eBook by the author for an honest and fair review.

This is my eighth selection for the P & P Bicentenary Challenge of 2013

Maria Grace is giving an eBook of All the Appearance of Goodness to one lucky person who leaves a comment. Be sure and add your email address to your comment so we will be able to reach you. This giveaway is worldwide and will end at midnight, May 19. Thank you, Maria!

For any of you that are interested (I'm sure that is ALL of you) Maria is posting a chapter a week of a new book, It Only Stands to Reason, on her blog, Random Bits of Fascination. I have been following it since the beginning and it is also a fabulous story. I wait anxiously for each Wednesday to roll around so I can read the next chapter! Be sure and check it out. The link to her blog is on the right side of the page!