Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley (The Darcys of Pemberley, #3) in Austen Variations

Sep 08, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

I had to look up when I read The Darcys of Pemberley: November 6, 2014 is the date I posted a review. And since it was some 10 months ago I was not exactly sure I remembered all the details as this book is a parallel telling of the same time period but from Georgiana's POV. (I read something like 150 books per year, so forgive me if I don't remember every detail of every plot.)

As I began reading the events fell into place so you would suppose that knowing what was going to happen might lessen my I had to look up when I read The Darcys of Pemberley: November 6, 2014 is the date I posted a review. And since it was some 10 months ago I was not exactly sure I remembered all the details as this book is a parallel telling of the same time period but from Georgiana's POV. (I read something like 150 books per year, so forgive me if I don't remember every detail of every plot.)

As I began reading the events fell into place so you would suppose that knowing what was going to happen might lessen my enjoyment. WRONG. I found great pleasure in reading our young lady's viewpoint. I don't remember any other story told as such so I have nothing to taint my impressions of such.

I was impressed, again, at how this author manages to write in Jane Austen's voice AND how well written the entire story is. For me it was obvious that Ms. Winslow put a lot of effort into writing the progression of Georgiana's thought processes. We know she is shy, we know she has not yet had her "season", her coming-out in London, that she has been reared without the benefit of a mother and of a sister. The two aunts with which she is blessed are only occasionally in her life, visiting one with years between visits. So also knowing that her much older brother is reticent with his words, it is not difficult to imagine that as her enters the world of being a very eligible debutante she might be a little overwhelmed with the attention. AND on the other hand, we all know of Ramsgate and the crushing blow that was to her psyche. So it was very interesting to read of how Georgiana perceives men, young and even slightly older, who enter her circle and pay attention to her. Has she become a better judge of men and their motivations? She does have Elizabeth...and Darcy...............and her other guardian, Col. Fitzwilliam. But they are not always there as other matters gain their attention, plus Georgiana cannot reveal how her heart seems to be turning to all of those nearest and dearest to her.

Mrs. Collins has a role here. If you have read the other book(s) you know how she has had a major trauma in her life and how she now lives closer to Pemberley with her sister-in-law, Ruth. There are other new players: friends and neighbors and our perennial bad guy just won't go away. Shannon did an excellent job of telling all those events from a different person's view. It was at the climax point that I was glad I remembered the details of the first book and, at this point in the story, where you will be left with the knowledge that you need to read both books to have the whole story.

There is some angst and I was touched (with watery eyes) to read up close and personal the dilemma, the torture Georgiana is experiencing as the lives of family members seem to be gaining their happiness in romance around her and she comes to questioning if she is meant to find her happiness in music alone. She does have the example that a marriage for love alone seems best. Can she live without that?

This was a very enjoyable read. Shannon Winslow does not have any MA scenes but the love and tenderness of romance is there...along with a bit of tension and frustration and even weeping into the pillow for our dear girl. ...more

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