Monday, April 21, 2014

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.

29 comments:

  1. I read this on a AHA. would love to win a copy though. kristinacarter2(at)gmail.com

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    1. I am so glad you liked it on AHA! Good luck! You saw it in its raw form. For the most part it is the same story with less hiccups and editing is much better. Glad you are willing to see it in its polished form!

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  2. I love the idea for this story. Thank you for doing a giveaway.
    saganchilds(a)gmail.com

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    1. It was a fun story to write. I hope you like it!

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  3. Sounds like a very interesting story, can't wait to read it. integr67at aol.com.

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    1. Good luck! I think any thing where Darcy is shown as vulnerable and lovable is an interesting read.

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    2. I"m glad you popped it and commented. Your name is in the giveaway. I do hope you get a chance to read it soon.

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  4. Brilliant review, Janet. Jeanna was so supportive to me and my husband last summer when my mother in law was in intensive care with severe life-threatening head injuries. She is a very caring and knowledgable nurse, and her words of wisdom were very comforting.

    The story sounds excellent. I have to have humour in with my romance! I agree too that despite the seriousness of the injuries and the uncertainty of recovery, there is always laughter too.

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    1. I was thrilled when I read the review. Janet has a way with words! I loved being there for you last summer. I hope she is doing better now.

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    2. Thank you so much, Cassandra. I appreciate your comments. I think Jeanna is a very caring and supportive person and yes, knowledgeable too. Glad she was there to help you during such a difficult time in your life.

      I love humor with romance too. It makes it so much more interesting. I hope you get a chance to read this one.

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  5. You captured my attention with your impressions of this book. I do not have read any of this author but now my curiosity is great.
    chiarapiccirilla(at)hotmail.it

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    1. Thanks, Chiara. Her first book is Mr. Darcy's Promise. You should read it too as it is very good as well.

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  6. This sounds like a fascinating read. I'm not a nurse but a pharmacist so I do understand the medical background. I've got my fingers crossed for a win! Thank you for your generosity.

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    1. Oops, forgot to add email. angmardee (AT) hotmail.com

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    2. Glad you stopped by, Angie and thanks for your comments. Your name is in the giveaway! Good luck.

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  7. Great review, Janet! I loved the first book by Jeanna and, given your thoughts about this one, I think they have one thing in common: a wonderful Mr. Darcy! When you said "She makes you fall in love with him all over again" I totally agree with you. That's exactly what I felt while reading the other story :)

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes, Jeanna Ellsworth does have a great way of writing a swoon-worthy Mr. Darcy. I loved him in her first book too!. Thanks, Maria and I'm glad you took the time to comment. Good luck!

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  8. I look forward to this interesting retelling and how it deviates from the original with Darcy's injury. Always neat how one change sends the dominoes crashing down another direction.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

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    1. Isn't it though. I hope you get to read it soon! Thanks for stopping by Sophia Rose.

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  9. I read this one on A Happy Assembly too, and really enjoyed it, such an original idea for a variation. I'd love to read the published version too. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm at frawli1978 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Maybe you will get a chance to read it soon. It is great!

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  10. Janet, you have such a way with words. This was a fun book to read. The good thing about having a stroke is I will be able to read it in about another week and, because of my memory, it will be new again. Talk about an upside to a downside. Jeanna, you write a beautiful character for Mr. Darcy. Congrats on a job well done.

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    1. What a nice compliment, Joy. Thank you. I have to say that is a positive way to look at a stroke! I like your comment about an upside to a downside! :) Isn't her Mr. Darcy wonderful...but then. so was yours!

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  11. I love stories where either Darcy or Lizzy takes care of the other during an illness or injury. The more reviews and excerpts I read of this book, the more I'm dying to read it. I am curious to see the details of how Darcy's injury affects his thinking, and what Mr Collins and Lady C are like, since they had quite an impression on Janet! lol

    monicaperry00 at gmail dot com

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    1. I do too, Monica. That gives them lots of time together and somewhat of an excuse as well. I would love to hear your thoughts on Mr. Collins when you get to read the book. I cringe when I think of him. I think you will find Lady Catherine's present and past quite interesting. Good luck on the giveaway.

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  12. Lovely review, Janet. It sounds very well, and Jeanne seems an expert in the plot of this story. I would be glad to read it, soon.
    Thank you and Jeanne for the opportunity to win a copy.

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    1. Thank you, Natali. I'm glad that you enjoyed the review. Jeanna definitely is an expert in the field of her plot. I do hope you get to read the book soon. It is such a good book. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

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  13. What a great review! I read this on AHA, too, and know Jeanna put a lot into it. She also had some exceptional recipes to share there, too! Ask about the German pancake, Janet!

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    1. I'm glad you liked the review, Suzan. Thanks and I will ask about the German pancake. That sounds interesting! I'm glad you stopped by. Good luck with the giveaway.

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