My Share in the Conversation...Mr. Darcy's Pledge

I will no longer be posting stars for my reviews on this blog. I will do so where I must, as on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads. My preference is to talk about the book, the writing style of the author and the things I like about the story. My personal feelings are that too much emphasis is placed on the rating rather than on the book and its contents. Too many times on public venues for reviews, people use that means to give few stars, make cruel and hurtful statements about the book and/or the author. I have even been made aware of a few times when someone purposely gave few stars to bring down a rating of a book. It is not my purpose nor is it my intention to be overly critical or cause discomfort to any author. I am not an expert in the field but I have read many books. I will simply state what appeals to me as a reader.

Now that I've stated my change in review policy here and on the review page, I share with you, dear readers, my latest review. If you leave a comment here and on the post by Monica Fairview, you will double your chances in the giveaway for this book. Details at the bottom of the review.

Mr. Darcy’s Pledge by Monica Fairview

Volume I begins almost three months after the Hunsford proposal. Darcy is on his way to Pemberley to tell Georgiana of his plans. His decision has been made. It is time for him to find a bride for Pemberley. As he still has no idea who that bride will be, he knows who it will not be―Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Dear Georgiana was concerned about her brother’s decision but knew she must not push. She could tell there was something wrong with William and she was going to find out what it was. I liked Georgiana. She was shy and reserved (true to character) in the beginning, but started to gain her confidence as the story progressed. It was nice to see her speak up for herself on occasion.

As Fitzwilliam goes about the task of considering women to be the mistress of Pemberley, he first makes a list of qualities he wants in a bride. I was amused at how often he would scratch off a quality after being in the company of a lady. Then sometimes he would add one. Try as he might, he still could not forget Elizabeth Bennet and her qualities set a high standard that was impossible for any other lady to attain.

There are some new characters and one is a potential candidate for the coveted role of Mr. Darcy’s wife, along with Caroline Bingley. I am not sure which of these ladies I dislike most.  Enter Lord and Lady Matlock and they take top honors for being bad. Monica Fairview did a great job of making me really detest them and the two ladies previously mentioned.

A certain incident unexpectedly brings Elizabeth and the Gardiners to Pemberley. This allows for my two favorite characters to share some good quality time although it certainly doesn't aid Darcy in his efforts to move on. So much for his well laid plans to forever forget Elizabeth Bennet AND so much for his ever changing list of requirements!

With Lizzy spending time at Pemberley Darcy feels he has been given a second chance. Some attempts to show her his real character are truly funny. They clearly do not go as he plans and it is a delight for the reader to experience along with our hero and heroine.

A sudden development changes the situation at Pemberley but makes Darcy more resolute than ever not to lose Lizzy again. One thing is certain. He will try to win her love. Volume I ends with Mr. Darcy’s special commitment to himself and to the woman he is determined to make his wife…if only she could have heard him.

I enjoyed the narrative told from Darcy’s point of view. It worked. Ms. Fairview is an excellent writer and pulls the reader into the story with her characters. Mr. Darcy’s Pledge is charming and entertaining. I highly recommend it and I look forward, with much anticipation, to Volume II. 

As stated at the bottom of Monica's previous post, she will be giving away one eBook to a lucky winner, worldwide. Thank you, Monica. By leaving a comment here and at that post, your chances of winning will double. 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, May 29, 2014. Because I was later than was my intention for posting the review, I have extended the giveaway date by two days.