Friday, May 31, 2013

My Share in the Conversation...Darcy's Dilemma

A Fair Prospect:  Darcy’s Dilemma by Cassandra Grafton

Volume II, another engaging novel by Cassandra Grafton, is the continuation of A Fair Prospect: Disappointed Hopes. It begins immediately where Volume I ended. Charles Bingley, at Darcy’s townhouse in London, has decided to return to Netherfield. He wants to take up residence again and be near Miss Jane Bennet, in the hopes of renewing their relationship.

Nicholas Harington, also an acquaintance of Bingley, is called home by his father. Harington, who had planned several events for the Gardiners and Bennet sisters, pleaded with Bingley to play host in his place. Bingley would only agree if Darcy would go along. This threw Darcy and Elizabeth together on more than one occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed these times of their shared company! Ms. Grafton continued to show their feelings and thoughts to the readers with the same expertise as she did in the first volume.

Colonel Fitzwilliam returns safely home from his mission to Brighton with news of Wickham. Wickham’s typical behavior once again troubles the two cousins. Although this new development brings a bit of seriousness to the Colonel, he is still the agreeable character that I have loved since the original Pride and Prejudice. Cassandra Grafton maintains her superb characterization of his role in this trilogy.

Georgiana, getting a bit feisty after realizing the feelings that Darcy has for Elizabeth, resolves to help the cause. At times, aided by the Colonel, she succeeds quite admirably. Georgiana and Darcy have a relationship built on love and trust, true reliance on each other as siblings. I enjoyed reading the scenes with the two of them.

Serena’s imminent arrival, the return of Nicholas to London and the hint of Wickham’s latest scandal set off an emotional upheaval for several of the characters involved. A letter unknowingly left, a potential disaster averted, silent reprimands over a careless action and Jane’s enlightenment, are just a few of the delights that await the reader in this volume. The witty dialog and Regency language, still present and smooth, make Volume II a sheer delight to read. I was not disappointed and I highly recommend this brilliantly written novel. 

PG rating for no explicit sex

5 out of 5 stars

This is my 10th selection for the P & P Bicentenary Challenge of 2013



Cassandra Grafton is offering an eBook or a paperback of Volume I or Volume II, winners choice, and the giveaway is open internationally. Please leave a comment to this post to be entered in the giveaway. Don't forget to include your email address so that you may be contacted if you are the lucky winner!  Thank you for stopping by and thank you to Cassandra Grafton for the giveaway. Giveaway ends at midnight, June 7. Winner will be selected by Random Comment software.


27 comments:

  1. I love reading your review, Janet. I wonder what Darcy's dilemma is. Please add my name to the giveaway.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the review! Your name has been added to the giveaway. If you win, you will discover Darcy's dilemma! :)

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  2. These books have such good reviews; I'm really looking forward to reading them. I know the third is due out soon and once it is I plan to read them together.

    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

    Frawli1978(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Ms. Grafton's writing style is beautiful as is her use of Regency language. I know you will enjoy reading the books. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. I like the idea of more of the Colonel - always liked his character

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Since you like his character, you will love him in these books. Ms. Grafton keeps him true to character and keeps him in the story. He is wonderful!

      Thanks for visiting and good luck.

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  4. I put this series on my wish list after reading your post on the first book. Looking forward to these. Congrats on reaching the big 10 in your reading challenge.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment on the reading challenge. I am behind on my reviews but getting there. Hope your reading challenge is staying on track for you. They are fun aren't they, the challenges, that is!

      I hope you get a chance to read these books soon. They are excellent!

      I'm glad you came by, Sophia Rose.

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  5. Definitely on my wish list! Jeannaputznutz@MSN.com pick me! I'll even review your book for you!

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    Replies
    1. Maybe the random comment program will choose you as the winner! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. a new-to-me author!!!
    please enter me!!!

    thank you!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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    1. I hope you get the chance to read her books! As you can tell, I think they are marvelous!

      You are entered!

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  7. I've read the first one and loved it - but I HATE cliffhangers! Excited to read the next two!

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    1. I loved both Volume I and II. Now that the Kindle version is out for Volume III, I will be starting it soon. Yes, cliffhangers can be tough, but the wait is worth it for Cassandra's books! Thanks for stopping by, Angie! Loving your app! :)

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  8. Cassandra Grafton's books are on my Wishlist--would love to be the lucky winner. Thanks so much for a very good review, Janet!

    reginasilvia at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Regina. I appreciate your comments on my review. I'm glad you liked it. Maybe you will be the lucky winner. Volume III is now out on Kindle and the paperback is due out soon, too.

      Thanks for coming by.

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  9. Hi - just popped by to say it was a beautiful review, Janet, and I really loved Vols. 1&2, Cassandra [don't worry about including me in the giveaway, I already have them, just wanted to show up and say thanks to you both:)]. Can't wait for paperback Vol.3 to complete my trilogy!

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    1. Thank you, Joana. I'm glad you popped in! Yes, I eagerly await the paperback too! Love this trilogy!

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  10. Looking forward to reading these. Thank you for the review! Definitely high up on my wishlist now :)

    Lumee23 at gmail dot com

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    1. You are welcome. I hope you get to read the trilogy soon. It is exceptional.

      Thanks for visiting.

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  11. "Superb characterization" and "5 out of 5 stars" -- sounds like a fabulous read!

    ~ junewilliams7 {at} yahoo {dot} com

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    1. They are both fabulous reads...now to get started on Volume III! Good luck!

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  12. Your review is lovely, Janet. I have heard such good things about these books. I am looking forward to reading them!
    Thanks for the giveaway!!=)
    kellik115(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Kelli. Glad you enjoyed it. I hope you get a chance to read the books soon!

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  13. I look forward to this author's work. I haven't tried her before. @tessharding on Twitter

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    Replies
    1. I hope you will get to try her books soon. They are exceptional!

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