My share in the conversation...One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories

One Love – Two Hearts – Three Stories   by J Dawn King

The title of the latest release by J Dawn King, One Love – Two Hearts – Three Stories, is perfect for this book and I do love it. All three stories are about Darcy and Elizabeth. One of the things that I fancy best about them is that each story has much time with Darcy and Lizzy in company. Add to their together time, an extremely good plot and you have some fine reading. It does not get much better than that.

The first short story is ‘The Library’. It takes place at Netherfield Park when Elizabeth is there to care for Jane. The author took this instance from Pride and Prejudice and elaborated on it. She gave it her spin with a great ‘what could have happened’. Then there was the footman who stood guard at the library door. He was a likable character and his role added a fun dimension. ‘The Library’ was a charming variation that I much enjoyed.

‘Married!’ is the second story and it is a full length book. I must say that I adored this one. Darcy is wonderful and made me love him all the more. Lizzy is true to character and lovely too. Mr. Gardiner, Lady Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam are three of my favorites as supporting cast, although the Colonel does play a larger role. Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine are two peas in a pod and a despicable pair at that. Georgiana is a spoiled teenager but does have some endearing qualities. She grows under the careful tutelage of Lady Matlock and her new sister.

In one part of the story, Colonel Fitzwilliam is watching a scene between Darcy, Elizabeth and the ever distasteful Mr. Collins. Following are his thoughts…’He watched Darcy and Elizabeth stand as one against the pompous pimple. Yes, it would be a great partnership.’ I laughed at that suitable description of Mr. Collins.  Pompous pimple, indeed!

There are so many brilliant parts to ‘Married!’ and I highly recommend reading it. It is wonderful to read the scenes where Darcy and Lizzy are growing closer and falling in love.  All does not run smoothly but that makes the path to happily ever after all the more deserving. Oh, but one of the most delicious scenes was when Caroline Bingley discovered that Elizabeth was Mrs. Darcy. I had to reread that one several times to savor the moment! Well done, Ms. King!

The last of the three and a short story, is ‘Ramsgate’. The interesting twist to this plot is that the Bennets and the Gardiners are in Ramsgate and meet Georgiana Darcy. As one would assume, George Wickham and Mrs. Younge are also there but that is where the similarities to the happenings at Ramsgate end. It is entertaining to watch Darcy and Elizabeth getting acquainted and to see how different their relationship is in this ‘what-if’.

“Elizabeth Bennet was impertinent and Darcy’s heart was lost. His will was like iron, hardened by adversity and fire. His heart was virginal, untouched by tender thoughts of any woman, until today.”  I love those lines in ‘Ramsgate’! Such an apt description of Fitzwilliam Darcy.

These stories are full of romance and some angst, but mostly overall good feelings. The plots move along and hold interest throughout. They are well told and well written. I didn’t want to put the book down and hated for each story to end. Anyone that enjoys reading Pride and Prejudice retellings and variations will treasure this book. Thank you, J Dawn King, for a very good read.

On a personal note, Joy, I think it fine that Mr. Bingley took a back seat to Mr. Darcy once again. These stories are delightful and I, for one, am glad to see them released in book form. It was a pleasure reading them. Bingley’s time will come when you are ready for it and when Darcy quits milling around in your head with new stories of his own. Until then, keep these new storylines coming! J

If anyone wants to leave a comment on my review, that will double your chances of winning the giveaway at the interview post with J Dawn King on this blog. Again, please remember to leave your contact info to be entered in the giveaway. The last day is June 18, 2015.