My Share in the Conversation...Pride and Persistence

Pride and Persistence by Jeanna Ellsworth

This book takes place after the Hunsford proposal and begins with Darcy’s determination to get ‘the letter’ of defense into Elizabeth’s hands despite the threat of an impending storm. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam cannot dissuade him from going, and good judgment is overruled as Darcy feels it is imperative that Elizabeth read his letter. The storm comes, the horse is frightened and the injury occurs, but Elizabeth does get that letter!

One of the things that I loved about this book was the author’s ability to write about the very serious subject of head trauma and then to reverently bring some levity into the story. As a neurological ICU nurse (as she informs us), Jeanna Ellsworth has firsthand knowledge and experience that helped enable her to write such a poignant and true-to-life account of Darcy’s injury. It is life-threatening, frightening and yes, even amusing at times as Darcy goes through the healing process. As I read this endearing story, my emotions ran the gamut from shock, fear and worry to relief, laughter and joy. (And I laughed out loud during many scenes) At times, I felt deeply sorry for Darcy and often concerned but I always loved the Fitzwilliam Darcy of Ms. Ellsworth’s Pride and Persistence. She makes you fall in love with him all over again.

Elizabeth helps take care of Darcy after his injury as she seems to be the only one that can get him to calm down and ‘do what needs to be done’. Her feelings begin to soften with each day as she gets to know the real man. Everyone else in the narrative is aware of her growing affections for him, (even the reader) before she herself realizes them, and the journey to her ‘awakening’ is delightful.

The description of Mr. Collins is both hilarious and disgusting. Ms. Ellsworth paints a visual picture with words that left a vivid imprint in my mind. I’m not so sure I thank her for that image! (Laughs here) I didn’t think he could get much worse! It takes a good writer to cleverly depict a character so repulsive in manners and appearance as dear Charlotte’s husband has been represented by Jeanna Ellsworth. Good job!

Lady Catherine out does herself in this narrative. She behaves most badly, even for her. Learning about her past and early behaviors sheds new light on her character. This new knowledge was completely unexpected but acceptable.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is as adorable as he is clever and witty. He uses his battlefield know-how to get Darcy to cooperate. (He even uses it on Lizzy too) We get to see lots of the Colonel and that is always good! His talk of ‘storms’ and ‘weathering the storm’ was a very good life comparison and one that I immensely enjoyed.

Mr. Bennet remained true to character and his drollness was diverting. Poor Mr. Darcy, being on the receiving end of most of it, accepted the teasing with grace and charm. Mr. Bennet’s comment about hands deflecting to Rome and Russia was especially funny!

Georgiana, Jane and Bingley are true to character and are enchanting.

The proposal letter that Darcy dictated to Elizabeth was so romantic and was an extremely nice touch. Later Darcy asks Elizabeth how she would like to be proposed to and her answer was enlightening and good. She made some startling discoveries about herself in that answer.

The doctor from town―Mr. Cummings, the nurse that stayed at Hunsford and cared for Darcy―Madeline, and the Hunsford cook―Mrs. Wilkinson, were all great new characters. They played a significant part in the story and I loved each of them.

This story was very well done. It had the seriousness of a head injury and the warmth and romance of a love story. After all, the romance is what we are wanting for our dear Darcy and Elizabeth and they do get their happily ever after. The epilogue was fulfilling and makes for a very good finish. There is more to the book than just getting Darcy and Lizzy together.

Thank you, Jeanna Ellsworth, for a lovely book. I enjoyed every minute of it and didn’t want to put it down. I highly recommend Pride and Persistence.

5 out of 5 stars

On a personal note, having experienced a loved one with a minor head trauma, I found the descriptions and accounts very realistic. Even through all the tension, concern and fears, there are some things that occur that are truly funny. During those times, if one can allow himself to laugh amidst the tears, it helps get through the dark days of healing.

Jeanna Ellsworth is giving away Pride and Persistence to two lucky people. A domestic winner will have the choice of a paperback or eBook. An international winner will receive an eBook. To be entered leave a comment below as I always love reading your 'share in the conversation'!  Good luck to all. Be sure to include your email address in the comment. To prevent unwanted spam, put your email address with (at) instead of @. Winners will be chosen in a random drawing. Giveaway will end at midnight, April 23, 2014. Anyone that leaves a comment on Jeanna's post and this review will double their chances of winning.