One Last Chance: to begin again

There are plenty of surprises along the way in this entertaining tale. - In this Darcy redo, Darcy and Elizabeth come to an early understanding but face interference from others trying to break them apart. - I liked the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. Get ready for a more affectionate portrayal of Darcy. - I appreciate how Ward adds sensible responses to situations that are sometimes portrayed as questionable. - I'm impressed by the portrayal of madness. Usually, characters are written as over the top and called mad. In this case, I believed she was genuinely deranged. - I wish there was more about Mary's happily ever after. And Lydia's, too.

This was a nice read of low-angst. The reading would be smoother with some additional editing. It didn't take long for the redo to begin and believe the couple could have been brought together sooner. This delay made for an epilogue that had to tie a few loose ends that deserved greater focus. There was also an awkward introduction of a new character near the end of the book. (He should have at least been mentioned previously.) Overall, the last portion seemed out of sync with the test of the book. After Elizabeth and Darcy being the main focus of the book, it changed drastically to other characters being given heavy attention. The changes to the Bingleys were interesting, and I'm glad that Wickham and Lady C did not have a lot of page time. Finally, the cover art is absolutely beautiful! I almost missed one of its best details.

I really liked this version. I've read a few "Groundhogs Day" versions but this was different. I loved the softened characters of the Bennet family, and Mr. Darcy. The Bingley's storyline was, surprising, shocking, entertaining. I wish more was said about the Hursts. I first read this book earlier this year. I did really enjoy it the first time, however, I found even more to like the second time.

I liked many of the plot twists in this story - notably the downfall of Caroline and Charles Bingley and Mr. Collins. I thought the secrets Mr. Bennet kept were very much in keeping with his description in Austen’s original tale. There were several unfortunate anachronisms and errors (for example, it’s “hear, hear” not “here, here”, envelopes were invented in the1840s twenty five years after this story and several similar errors). But the author didn’t make any of the commonly found errors with titles and British law that annoy me, and the overall quality of the story made up for the mistakes. The relationships and dialogue were well written, and it was a very enjoyable read.

I borrowed this from KU and volunteered to leave a review. It was Easter and Mr. Darcy was visiting Rosings and proposed badly to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She soundly rejected him and he skulked back to London with a headache. When he woke from a nap, he discovered that his coach was traveling through Meryton, as he had months before. He realized that he had another opportunity to present himself better to Miss Elizabeth, her family, and the denizens of Meryton. This time, he would get it right. Or would he? Things were certainly different because the blinders were now off and he was seeing the true picture of those around him. Friendships would be forged and some would fail but love would spring forth like a spring bloom. Watching the author twist canon into a completely different storyline was so much fun. WOW!

3.5 stars The first two thirds of the book were delightful. M. Ward cleverly and believably revealed new facets of the major characters to both Darcy and the reader. Mrs Bennet particularly stands out, beginning with the migraine cure, but we see softer sides to all the family members. Darcy gains a new perspective of the townspeople. In all, the story had so much potential. The Bingley characters all take time to develop, but once they do, the story falls apart. Once Darcy refers to Caroline as a [dog] in heat, the realism crashes like the fine marble at Netherfield. Caroline Bingley becomes a caricature. Details also fall victim to facetiousness. Longbourn has a wing with 20 guest suites (plus bachelor rooms above) and a dining table that seats 150. Once the story’s conflicts are resolved, the reader is treated to Filler. So. much. filler. Much of the ensemble, sadly, decamps to London, where we have trips to the modiste, sporting at Angelo’s, ices at Gunther’s, and Shakespeare at the theatre. Absolutely none of it is necessary. I should also mention that aside from one paragraph where Darcy tells Lizzy she can be judgmental (based on her actions in Austen’s storyline, not Darcy’s Groundhog Day), our heroine is perfect. This book was well on its way to four stars, but the last third sunk its chances. Finally, no one would need a carriage between St James’ Street. Even St James’ to New Bond Street isn’t the two miles quoted in the book.

Great Darcy has a chance to start over smarter story... and he takes advantage of the chance to really woo Elizabeth well. Bingley and Carolyn are absolutely horrid - but kind of a pleasant change there. The Bennets are more capable than usual and I liked that too. Lady Catherine and Mr Collins have their say and nice endings for most everyone. Great positive read for me - well written and hopeful. I liked how a positive Darcy made a difference with each of the Bennet family by really caring and putting himself forward. Maybe we should all do that - the first time:)

A good plot. I would have enjoyed the book even more if not for it's lack of adequate editing. Mistakes in pronouns, in the use of possesives, as well as nonsensical phrases such as "in time for the ball with their children," interfered with my reading. If not, I might have given the book five stars.

This is a well written book, I was sceptical at first on the second chance aspect but my concerns were for nothing as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I struggled to finish this one and had to skip through to finish it. Darcy is given a second chance by Providence and has a supernatural opportunity to amend his ways. That was a good idea. This naturally changes the outcome of the book and Darcy even reflects on these changes brought by his new attitude. They reveal an unbalanced Caroline and a totally spineless Bingley. I can buy a spineless Bingley but not a deranged Caroline ( her character was so exaggerated that I lost interest). I can't help feeling that an early understanding between Elizabeth and Darcy kills the interest. That is why I struggled a lot to get to the epilogue. I don't recommend.

I enjoyed this variation. Darcy being all “my love” with Lizzy felt a bit rushed. Caroline helped keep things interesting!

I have not seen a P&P variation that was close to this premise. I loved it. The delightful character growth of most of the characters was handled well and the downfall of the deserving others was quite delicious! I don’t often give 5 stars and I rarely write a review, but this was a very enjoyable read.

*spoilers. I'm at a loss to understand the extreme treatment of the Bingley characters toward the end. As a modern reader, am I really expected to find any kind of pleasure or even satisfaction in the execution of a clearly mentally ill (albeit unlikeable) young woman?