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Friday, January 4, 2019

My share in the conversation...Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept

I read Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept in 2018 and loved every minute of it. Have you read it? If yes, what did you think about it? What other books by Brenda J. Webb have you read? This is the only one that I have read to date, but it will not be my last. Which one do you recommend that I read next? 

A Book Review, Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept by Brenda J. Webb

Darcy and Elizabeth: A Promise Kept is one of the best books I’ve read. It is an awesome story! It grabbed me and kept me turning the pages, eagerly wanting to know what would happen next. Brenda J. Webb is an excellent author and told a story that I will not forget.

Lady Markham, Millicent, is a young widow, whose husband died of influenza two years past. She has been a family friend of Darcy and Fitzwilliam since they were children. Darcy still held a place in Millicent’s heart, having been the object of her obsession since she was eight years old. (Millicent had been the object of Richard’soh, the complicated web you weave, Ms. Webb.)

The story opens at Hudson Hall, the estate of Lady Markham, with both Darcy and Richard in attendance. Darcy and Millicent (Lady Markham) have an agreement of sorts. They have talked of marriage. Although Millicent loves Darcy, she knows he does not love her, and the marriage would only be one of convenience. They decide to give it a year and see how things stand at the end of that year. Millicent is hoping that in that time, Darcy might come to love her, as she knows he is not formed for a marriage of convenience. That alone made me like her from the beginning.

The premise of the story is different in quite a few aspects from any I’ve read. Darcy and Bingley have not seen each other in five years, due to circumstances of the past. Yes, I’m leaving this a bit vague on purpose. At that time, Darcy had made a promise to Charles that should he ever need Darcy, all he had to do was ask. That time has now come, and the promise will be fulfilled. This promise involves more than either man could ever have realized at the time it was made. That is part of what makes it so delicious! Darcy takes on more than what was asked of him, but that is who he is. Oh. My. Goodness. I’m never “out of love” with Darcy, but I fell hard, all over again. You did him proud, Ms. Webb!   

During the last five years, Georgiana has married and lives in Ireland with her husband, Lord Charlton. Jane and Bingley live at Canfield Manor in Richmond. Lizzy is the governess for a little boy of 4, the son of the Count and Countess of Lynden. After the Countess gives birth to a little girl, she and the baby are banished by the Count to Scotland. Elizabeth goes with her mistress and cares for the Countess and her baby daughter, Emily. The situation changes rather unexpectedly, forcing Lizzy and Emily to move in with Jane and Charles at Canfield Manor. As Darcy keeps his promise to Bingley and becomes more entangled in his affairs, Darcy and Lizzy spend much time in each other’s company.  That is always a plus for me.

The pieces of this narrative fit together flawlessly, and the flow never falters. It is a lovely story that has both romance and angst. Nothing is over the topno fillers to take up page time—just good writing and storytelling. Writing the review makes me ready to read the book again. That’s how much I loved it. Beautifully done, Brenda J. Webb.

23 comments:

  1. Oh. My. Goodness. I did not expect this. Had no idea you were doing a review but I am so proud that you liked it. Thank you.

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    1. I loved it! Thanks, Brenda, for such a wonderful story. I'm looking forward to the next one...I just have to decide which one! :)

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  2. Each time I read Brenda's stories I become immersed in the Darcy and Elizabeth love story and like you, Janet I fall in love with Darcy all over again. It is hard to pick one story, but Passages wonderful.

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  3. Fabulous review!
    I loved this book too and heartily agree with you.
    If I was to name my favourite trait of the book, it would be how ODC are portrayed. I do understand why you fell for Darcy all over again...

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    1. Glad to hear it, Elin. Doesn't Brenda portray them well? I loved that trait too.

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  4. I read this book and absolutely loved it. What could be better than an older Darcy and Lizzy rekindling their love after several years. Even though Bingley was off screen for much of the story, I love how his misfortune was the means for reuniting ODC. Thanks for featuring Brenda's book. Jen Red

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    1. I like this Bingley, even if he was absent much of the story. I still felt he was there in the background. When he was in the story, he had a good part.

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  5. I too loved this book. The only one of Brenda’s that I haven’t read is Mr Darcy’s Forbidden Love which I have just bought. But my very favourite is Passages so of course I would recommend that as your next read ( but honestly they are all so good!)

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    1. I just bought that one, too, Glynis. It was one I didn't have. Passages is the only one I don't have, but looks like I'll be getting it. It has the high vote so far!

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  6. Great review! Well done Brenda! Another one to add to the TBR list!

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  7. I do like the different gothic tones I get each time I read her books. This is one I still need to read. Glad you loved it, Janet!

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    1. Good to hear from you Sophia Rose. I'm anxious to start another one.

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  8. Oh I loved this book when I read it! This was before I started writing reviews! I first read 'Fitzwilliam Darcy, An Honorable Man' which I loved as well and would recommend you read that one next. There are only two of Ms. Webb's books I have left to read and both are on my Kindle. Both are her two most recent ones. I plan to read them this year and I will write a review!

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    1. Thanks for the info, Carole. I'll be watching for your reviews, too!

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  9. Oh I loved this book, Janet. I reread it in the past several months and was surprised at how much I had forgotten, but I just had this serious desire to go back and read it again. I loved it for the love story between Elizabeth and Darcy. The premise of Darcy coming to Charles' aid was compelling too. I learned some history too.

    I love what Sophia said because I had the same thought about the Gothic tone when I read Fitzwilliam Darcy, And Honorable Man. And that's the one I highly recommend you read next. I've enjoyed all of Brenda's I've read, but I read Honorable Man several times. I still haven't read her most recent book, but hope to this year. Great review, without spoilers.

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  10. Thank you, Michelle. I also appreciate you telling me about your recommendation. Now it's two and two. Two for Fitzwilliam Darcy, An Honorable Man, and two for Passages. I guess I'll just need to read both. That sounds like a good idea, doesn't it!

    I loved both the things you mentioned, too.

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  11. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and your lovely words. It makes my muse smile to know someone is enjoying what I write. Hugs to all of you and to Janet for taking her time to do a lovely review. I appreciate it so much.

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  12. I love all of Brenda’s books and occasionally pull them out to read again. This is another great book. I love the creativity Brenda uses with each of her stories. Lots of things happening in each of her stories that are very unique. I never miss one of Brenda’s books. This was one of my favorites but I enjoy each of her books for different reasons. Lots of depth to her characters.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Elizabeth! I liked reading them and appreciate them. You are correct, Brenda does give lots of depth to her characters.

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  13. So sweet of you to say Elizabeth Bruce! Certainly made my day! Hugs. Brenda

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  14. Great review Janet. I loved this book, the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth, the loyalty of both to those they love. And the villain was just great, dangerous and powerful.

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    1. Ditto, on everything you said. Your comments about the villain were spot-on!

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