A Fitzwilliam Legacy:
Seasonal Disorder,
Volume I by Tess Quinn
Volume I of
A
Fitzwilliam Legacy: Seasonal Disorder by Tess Quinn,
is a beautifully written and entertaining sequel to
Pride & Prejudice. The author has
just the right mix of ‘Darcy and Lizzy’ time, scheming and interfering relatives,
romance and angst, all the while keeping the characters true to canon. Ms.
Quinn introduces several new characters that are well developed and likable,
especially Sir James Thornton and Amelia Chaney.
This volume begins on December 24, 1798, (the delightful prologue
in November of that year) with Darcy and Lizzy happily married and hosting
their first Christmas party at Pemberley. With their guests, family and
friends, invited to share this special time, all are looking forward to the
festivities that the season has to offer and even a few secrets to be divulged.
What would any party be without a party crasher or two? When
one of those is Lady Catherine deBourgh, it only stands to reason that some
sort of discord will follow. Indeed it does and with her machinations she
upsets the lives and peace of everyone in residence at Pemberley. Much to her
shock and surprise, an important person from her distant past is one of the ‘invited’
guests. Although everyone else is unaware of the connection between Cat and
this guest, their reunion causes a strong impact that sets up a very interesting
chain of events. This same guest also plays an important role in the lives of
Charles and Jane Bingley.
An additional part of the narrative that I relished was the
growing friendship between Georgiana and Kitty. Their girl talks and times
together read like one would expect of two teenagers. There is love in the air
for both of them and the author develops the men in their lives and the budding
romances with tenderness and much insight. I am eager to read New Year Resolutions (Volume II) to
see how their stories culminate.
Dear Colonel Fitzwilliam plays a very important role in the
novel as it centers on him and a widow he is helping. As his feelings grow in
intensity, there are obstacles that present themselves – and get presented –
that make his desired outcome seem hopeless. I hope that Volume II will bring
the resolutions to his dilemma that give him the life he deserves.
Throughout the book we see a very devoted and happy Mr. and
Mrs. Darcy, who have a few surprises of their own. We get to see that life
after marriage is good but not problem free. Volume I ended with Darcy and
Lizzy just after midnight, New Year’s Eve with a very loving and chaste scene.
Perfect!
A Fitzwilliam Legacy:
Seasonal Disorder is an excellent book and one I found difficult to put
down. The main plot and subplots flow into one seamless tale. Tess Quinn has a
style of writing and story-telling that is superb. It is obvious she knows
about the time period, the language spoken and the word spellings, as well as
the customs and traditions of the Christmastide season. She uses her talent and
skill to write a lovely and believable story, one that honors Jane Austen and
her characters. Volume I would be an excellent read at Christmas or any time of
year. I highly recommend it.
Who is Sir James Thornton and what is he concealing?
Will it be ‘happily ever after’ for Colonel Fitzwilliam?
What will happen to Anne deBourgh?
Will Lady Cat’s ploys come to fruition or will she be
foiled? (and by whom?)
Will Georgiana and Kitty find true love?
Stay tuned my friends. For the answers to these and other
questions, I will be reviewing Volume II, New
Year Resolutions in the coming weeks.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
In conjunction with this review author Tess Quinn is giving away one paperback to a lucky winner, US address only. She is also giving away one digital copy for an eReader to another lucky winner, and this one is international. The winners may choose either Volume I or Volume II. We want to hear your share in the conversation so please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. Good luck to all. Giveaway will end at midnight, January 29, 2014.
